Summer 2013

LEL K E L L O G G C O M M U N I T Y C OK L LE EG

OGG COMM U N I T Y C O LSummer L E2013 GE

www.kellogg.edu/br uin

Student Center opens Ashley Everett

Assistant Editor

The constant flow of construction trucks and workers was an everyday scene at the main campus for the entirety of the 2012-2013 school year. The renovations of the Student Center are completed, and staff members are enjoying their new office space.

Staff members moved from their temporary cubicles in the Ohm building to their new offices May 16 and 17. The student center opened for students May 20.

Holly McKee, Director of Support Services, gave a tour of the newly renovated student service center. Replacing the drab blue that once plastered the student center, renovations have added a brighter, more modern, color palette. A more private area was given to academic advisors and support service employees in the back of the student center.

“We are excited to welcome students into our newly renovated student services,” McKee said the hub of campus will be welcoming to students.

“It was pretty outdated before. I never used to use the seating area or the cafeteria,” says KCC student Melody Warner.

Boasting a completely redone cafeteria and new student HUB, it is the face lift of this campus focal point that will be sure to attract students of all types.

New student center

photo by Lacy Janousek

continued on page 2

KCC Bruin awards Aside from the chance to win recognition for a piece, placing college writers were critiqued by judges within the field. These judges provided constructive comments and praise for each article. “It was nice to

Ashley Everett

receive comments from people who were from places like the Detroit Free Press, both positive and negative feedback with things I can work on and can fix,” remarks continued on page 2 Thatcher.

Assistant Editor

The Michigan Community College Press Association welcomed community colleges from around the state on April 27th at Central Michigan University’s campus.

The event was held to provide an opportunity for collegiate level journalists the chance to meet with professionals in the field. Those who attended were also treated to an awards ceremony.

Advisors from each paper sent in samples for different categories. Among the nine wins for the KCC Bruin were assistant editor Lacy Janousek for News Story that drew attention to the chronic deer wasting disease and staff writer Tiffany Thatcher, who took home a certificate for her column, “The Older Student.” Thatcher also brought home an In-Depth News Story award that covered the lack of suicide support groups in Calhoun County.

“I was really excited for each of the nine awards the Bruin brought home. We were up against several schools and the improvements we made over the year paid off,” says Janousek. Such improvements include a longer issue option and more color spreads with eyecatching photos.

Spring “Lake” cleaning pg. 4

From left to right: Dakota Roberts, Dylan Konway, Elizabeth Kerlikowske, Lacy Janousek, Ashley Everett, Tiffany Thatcher and Ann Michels at the MCCPA awards ceremony

Spring graduates pg. 5 & 6

Poetry corner pg. 8

He says, she says pg. 10

photo courtesy of Ann Michels

After school programs pg. 11

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CAMPUS NEWS

Summer 2013

KCC Awards Banquet outstanding achievement recipients Student Services Division Awards

Anna Bennison, All-Michigan Academic Team 2013 Makenzie Farmer, All-Michigan Academic Team 2013 Mackenzie Kendall, Outstanding Female Scholar Athlete 2013 Chad Mayle, Outstanding Male Scholar Athlete 2013 Catharine Clark, Outstanding Student Employee 2013 Anthony Travis, Outstanding Student Employee 2013

Instructional Division Awards Arts and Sciences Division

Arts and Communication Department Chelsea Staines, Outstanding Achievement in Art 2013 Alayna Miller, Outstanding Achievement in Communication 2013 Tiffany Thatcher, Outstanding Achievement in Creative Writing 2013 Stephen Richmond, Outstanding Achievement in English 2013 Rebekah Daly, Outstanding Achievement in Foreign Language 2013 Jesse Cowles, Outstanding Achievement in Theatre 2013 Elizabeth and Guido Binda Excellence in Visual and Performing Arts Award Craig Noaeill, Excellence in Art Binda Award 2013 Hannah Frentz, Excellence in Communication Binda Award 2013 Christopher Peters, Excellence in Music Binda Award 2013

Chance Loman, Excellence in Theatre Binda Award 2013 Career and Occupational Education Division Sarah Garnaat, Outstanding Associate Degree Nursing Graduate 2013 Walter Whitfield, Outstanding Business Management Graduate 2013 Cindy Pearison, Outstanding Computer Engineering Technology Graduate 2013 Steven Smith, Outstanding Criminal Justice Graduate 2013 Keri Slane, Outstanding Dental Hygiene Graduate 2013 Jermane Pinson, Outstanding EMS Student 2013 Lindsey Christoff, Outstanding Magnetic Resonance Imaging Graduate 2013 Elizabeth Waker, Outstanding Medical Laboratory Technology Graduate 2013 Amy Morales, Outstanding Office Information Technology Graduate 2013 Caitlin Benham, Outstanding Paralegal Graduate 2013 Karley Smith, Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Graduate 2013 Courtney Himes, Outstanding Radiog raphy Graduate 2013 Early Childhood and Teacher Education Department Angela Burd, Outstanding Early Child hood Education Program Graduate 2013 Michelle Weaver, Outstanding Education Major Graduate 2013

Student Center opens continued from page 1

Faculty has mentioned the renovations will present opportunity for coffee shopstyle entertainers to show case their talent in the student center.

“The new space was designed with students in mind,” Director of Academic Advising and Student Life Terah Zaremba said. “We want students to feel welcome and comfortable in the building, a place where they can relax between classes, grab some food from the new Bruin Bistro, or plug-in their laptop to get some homework done.”

The student center has been opened up and will hopefully become the heartbeat of Battle Creek’s campus. McKee says she hopes students will love it and love spending time there.

Holly McKee touring the Student Center.

photo by Lacy Janousek

“We are so excited about this building. We hope our students will share in our excitement,” says Zaremba.

Math and Science Department Patrick Bennett, Outstanding Achievement in Biology 2013 Tara Hanson, Outstanding Achievement in Chemistry 2013 Jeffrey Holtman, Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics 2013 Andrew Messecar, Outstanding Achievement in Physics 2013 Social Science Department Lula Glasgow, Outstanding Human Services Program Graduate 2013 Austin Lehman, Outstanding Social Science Graduate 2013 Albert Hum, Service Learning Commitment 2013

photo by Simon Thalmann

Outstanding Instructional Division Graduates: Arts and Sciences Makenzie Farmer, Outstanding Graduate – Part-Time Student 2013 Albert Hum, Outstanding Graduate – Full-Time Student 2013 Outstanding Instructional Division Graduates: Career and Occupational Education Courtney Himes, Outstanding Graduate – Part-Time Student 2013 Caitlin Benham, Outstanding Graduate – Full-Time Student 2013

KCC Bruin awards continued from page 1

Although the win was a surprise, Thatcher says she was staggered by the In-Depth News award. “I see myself as a column writer.

I enjoy writing columns more, but I enjoyed winning accolades in both just because writing is something I very much enjoy.”

Other awards that were presented to the staff were Overall Page Design, Headline Writing and Humor Column.

English professor Elizabeth Kerlikowske, the Bruin editorial advisor, said that KCC hasn’t participated in the MCCPA awards for several years and that the Bruin staff is delighted to receive such recognition for their work over the past year.

“After several years away from the conference, it was great for the Bruin to

make a comeback with such substantial recognition,” Kerlikowske said.

• Eric Austin, third place, Serious Column • Michael Broadhurst, honorable mention, Overall Page Design • Cade Carver, honorable mention, Headline Writing • Adam Coon, third place, Serious Column • Linda Helton, honorable mention, Overall Page Design • Lacy Janousek, honorable mention, News Story • Travis Swafford, honorable mention, Headline Writing • Tiffany Thatcher, second place, Serious Column; third place, In-Depth News Story

Discounted YMCA membership for students

~ Ashley Everett will miss KCC.

Congratulations Starfish Award Winners Ryan Flathau John Kellogg Susan McCabe Don Montgomery Peg Stapleton Ken Weimer

Glenda Morling, Social Science professor and Austin Lehman showing off his excitement at the awards ceremony

Lacy Janousek Assistant Editor The YMCA of Battle Creek will be offering a discounted membership for college students.

A regular membership to the Battle Creek YMCA is $45 per month and a $75 fee for joining, Brad McCormack, building and membership manager at the Battle Creek Family YMCA, said. All college students will be able to join the YMCA for $20 a month and no joining fee.

The deal was proposed in January and began March 1. Students must present their student identification with the current school year dates or a valid class schedule with the current school year dating in order to receive the discounted rates.

Students will be denied access to full service areas, such as the sauna, hot tub and steam room. Student family memberships will not receive a discounted membership.

The Battle Creek YMCA, located on 182 Capital Avenue, currently has 6,800 active members.

McCormack said there are no plans to increase the student rate at this time.

CAMPUS NEWS

Summer 2013

3

Students visit Hall of Justice The KCC experience Caitlin Benham Guest Writer On Friday, April 26, 2013, ten paralegal students visited the Hall of Justice in Lansing, Michigan. The Hall of Justice houses the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Court of Appeals. These students visited The Learning Center and learned about basic processes of litigation.

Litigation is the bringing or contesting a legal action in a court of law. A legal action can consist of a criminal or a civil matter. There are three levels of courts in the State of Michigan. The first level of court is the trial court. Trial courts establish the facts of a case, and are what many people think of when they say they are, “going to court.”

After the trial court level is the appellate level. In Michigan, the judges on the Court of Appeals listen to every case that goes to appeal. Each case gets one appeal by right, and it is the Court of Appeals that hears these cases. During appeal, the judges determine if there was an error of law, and don’t reestablish the facts of the case. There are twenty six judges that sit on the overall panel, and each case is heard by a smaller panel of three judges.

The original location of the case deter-

mines which three person panel hears the case.

The last level of court is the Michigan Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is made up of seven Justices. The Supreme Court picks the cases it wants to hear. This means that each case does not automatically get the right to be heard by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court determines if there was an error of law, and does not establish the facts of a case.

Each lawyer gets only thirty minutes to present his or her side of the case during oral arguments. After this time, he or she must stop talking.

After visiting The Learning Center, they got to see the room where oral arguments take place. There they learned basic history of Michigan and of the Michigan Supreme Court. The courtroom is beautiful. The floors are Italian marble and the benches and walls are African mahogany. The room is round, which is a testament to our Native American heritage. The security guard even let them take photos up by the bench! A few students even brought loved ones with them to partake in the experience. Overall, all thirteen people that attended had a wonderful experience and can’t wait to go back next year!

Jake Smith Staff Writer Like most high school seniors, when graduation neared, I was applying to all major four year public universities and a few out of state institutions. I was ready to spread my wings and get out of Dodge.

I was ready for the “Animal House” experience or at least I thought I was. My entire educational future changed with one scholarship application that my high school counselor forced me to fill out. I was very fortunate to receive a full tuition Kellogg Company Career Scholarship to Kellogg Community College. I could not turn down two free years of college, so community college bound I was.

To say that I was excited about attending the local community college would be an overstatement. I was not very thrilled to spend two more years with the same scenery and meet new people in an institution with an average student age that almost doubled mine.

My initial disappointment disappeared before I even attended my first class, before classes begun and I applied for an on-campus position.

During my two years working for school, I met and worked with many wonderful people and have created many lifelong relationships. My job allows me to work with almost every department on campus. To say that I can walk into any office at KCC and almost everyone in it knows my name or at the least know my face is a genuine depiction of the

great people at this institution. Through these relationships, I have gained scholarship opportunities, student organization positions, internship opportunities, and an overall enjoyable beneficial college experience.

When I finally did attend my first class, I realized that KCC alumni were not joking when they said that the community college classroom atmosphere is very hands-on and involved. I have received top-notch instruction from all of my professors. My professors have always had high expectations and pushed me, as well as always being there for me when I needed the extra help. Relationships were also not hard to find in the classroom. I have a handful of professors that I could e-mail two years from now to help me with any questions inside or outside of the classroom. From grabbing a cup of coffee together, to staying after to answer a few of my questions, the faculty is tremendous. Not unlike my work relationships, my teacher-student relationships have also created many opportunities that have put me on the fast track to success. Writing for the school newspaper, academic achievement awards, job shadows, and countless advice are just a few of these opportunities.

“You cannot judge a book by its cover.” Although cliché, it fits perfectly with my experience at KCC. I did work very hard for these opportunities, but without the fine people of this institute many of them would not be possible. I am very grateful for every experience and relationship I have gained at this college. I am very proud to say that I am a Bruin.

Thank you, KCC!

With much gratitude, Jake Smith.

Art Show Winners gallery exhibit Thru August 2 Devries Gallery 8 am-4:30 pm Students in front of bench at the Hall of Justice.

photo courtesy of Caitlin Benham

Transferring to your future Julia Tanner Staff Writer Going to a new school is always a little scary, no matter if you are a freshman or a senior. Transferring to a new college comes with a lot of changes. As for me, I am going from Kellogg Community College to Western Michigan University.

It will be a drastic difference of experiences for me.

The main difference is I will be living in a dorm, which really is just an oversized closet. I will be rooming with another girl I know nothing about, not even her name. That is only the beginning.

Even though I have loved my time

at KCC, university life is much more diverse. I will be living on campus so no going out to Big Boys in between classes unless I plan on taking the bus. However, this also makes meeting people much easier. My father went to Western Michigan as well, and when I asked him if he had any tips all he said was, “Find a comfy chair in the library and get used to naps, they are going to be the only way to keep up on sleep.”

I might not be able to go out to eat all the time, but with a food plan which you can purchase I can eat in the cafeteria as much as I pay for. It is buffet style and it isn’t gourmet but it does the job.

Also being on campus for most of your days makes it less of a hassle to stay after class, or make an appointment with your professor. You are also less likely to miss out on sweet events that certain clubs and organizations are putting on; but go-

ing off campus is always fine too.

I picked WMU mostly because it is in Kalamazoo. For me, Kalamazoo represents the mash-up of two worlds. It has city life, with the campus bringing in so many people, and the many activities that are available. It also isn’t that large which still gives you the feeling of being at home. Plus it still has so many trees and wildlife, which having grown up in Battle Creek, makes me feel more at home.

With all of this and more in mind, I still get a little freaked out. Living at home and having one’s parents on speed dial is always nice, but the freedom that a university can give you seems nice too.

I am excited to meet people outside of Battle Creek and being involved in organizations that KCC doesn’t offer. I simply want to be someplace new that can give me a better understanding of the

world around me.

Not everyone is going to go to a huge university; some might opt for a small private one, or an out of state school.

These are all great choices; pick the one that fits your personality and beliefs the best. My biggest hurdle was realizing that I was going to college alone. All of my friends picked different schools for unrelated reasons. The people I spent most of the last five years with would not be embarking on university life with to me.

I am going to have to hold my own hand.

The key I found is to realize if we truly are friends a little distance shouldn’t matter, and frankly, I will find new friends too. I am ready to pack my bags and kiss my family and house goodbye.

University seems to be the first milestone of my future and life.

~Julia Tanner is a happy hobbler.

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CAMPUS NEWS

Summer 2013

Adieu, farewell Ann Michels Editor-in-Chief Ever since my editorial advisor, Elizabeth Kerlikowske, suggested I write a farewell piece for this newspaper, I have been dreading the act of placing words to all the varied emotions I have on the subject. I just couldn’t put my finger on the right sentences to describe my time at KCC. Finally, it occurred to me. I am grieving moving up, over, and out of a collegiate position I had secured for over two years. I am reasonably certain; I hold the record for the longest time span for a student Bruin newspaper editor.

Random walking throughout campus spurred comments to me, “Haven’t you graduated, yet?” Or my favorite, “What are you still doing here?” Can’t I

just enjoy being a part of the KCC vibe as I continue to serve the campus through visual information and the typed word?

I would be more than willing to continue with the Bruin; however, the old saying rambles in my head, “All good things must come to an end.” With the end looming (four days and a few hours, but who is counting?), I wish to reflect on the experience.

For me, the paper became a baby to nurture and grow. The allotted amount of color pages in the layout grew like the Technicolor scenes in the Wizard of Oz. With photography one of my passions, the writers were instructed to submit many photos, the more the better, with their stories. As the color cultivated, the amount of sheets of campus news increased to accommodate more articles, the written words spread throughout campus to students unaware of The Bruin newspaper existence.

I was determined to increase distribution, even if that meant handing out

photo by Ashley Strauss

Ann and her clean desk for the photo shoot.

the papers myself to classmates or unassuming students in the hallways. What good is a paper if nobody reads it? I was hopeful to have The Bruin in the hands of people in the community. That goal didn’t come to pass in my term, although at least the thought has been brought to light.

There is a pride in my heart for the newspaper I accidently became a writer for a couple years ago. If anything, it became

a plateau for a varied amount of voices to have their opinions heard. I would like to think I made a difference before I bid adieu to the college. I learned so much in and out of the classroom. Like the hot days of summer, I may be back, only this time, I'd like to have a full-time position with KCC.

~Ann Michels hopes KCC's Human Resource department is reading this article.

Blessed to be at KCC Spring “Lake” cleaning Kody Carson Staff Writer Two years ago I made the decision to attend KCC. For me the decision was easy.

As a graduate from Harper Creek High School, and a student-athlete competing in Battle Creek, I was very familiar with the great tradition and success that Kellogg’s baseball program had established.

My dream was to play college baseball, and I’m proud to say I’ve turned my dream into a reality here as a Bruin.

At Kellogg I have been blessed with a great experience as a member of the baseball team. I have been able to do many things that I otherwise wouldn’t have. I have traveled across the country to play great competition and have built great camaraderie with a special group of guys.

Those opportunities have helped me while being a contributor to a team that has a chance to win back to back conference championships. They have allowed me to become a better ball player as well as a better person. The hard work required to play for a contending team has taught me a lot about work ethic and determination. I have also learned about not only the importance of a leader, but how to lead others effectively. Becoming a part of the culture that the Bruin baseball family provides is an opportunity any high

school player would be lucky to have.

The main reason why I enrolled at Kellogg may have been to play baseball; however, KCC was also right for me from an academic stand point. Like many 17 year old high schools grads, I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. The one thing I love about this institution is that we are able to try new things and gain new experiences to determine what career path will allow me to go to work every day with a smile on my face. I have been able to take part in a range of different things from taking an acting class, to giving a speech at the scholarship dinner, to even being able to write for the newspaper, all of which has unveiled skills I never even knew I had. It is through these experiences where I really found myself and I now know that I would like to major in Advertising and Public Relations.

I don’t think I would have been able to discover what I enjoy if it wasn’t for the opportunities KCC has provided me.

The most important thing to me coming in was to be in a place that I can get a good education, and not only be a part of a winning team, but to develop relationships with my teammates that will hopefully last a life time. As I see the light at the end of the tunnel for my two years here at Kellogg, I can honestly say this place has met my hopes and then some; moreover, I can only hope the next two years of my education are half as good as the previous.

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Jacob Smith Staff Writer

Spring is a time of rebirth and blossoming of nature and all of its wildlife. As a resident of Battle Creek, MI, I think I can speak for all of us when I say spring is long overdue. Michigan weather is unpredictable, but when the weather finally breaks, the Michigan outdoors is a gorgeous place to be. Our city provides several parks and wildlife preservations for all community members. Kellogg Community College just happens to have one of these locations in their own backyard: Spring Lake.

If you are not aware, Spring Lake is a large pond surrounded by paved trails and wildlife on KCC’s campus.

This area is accessible to students, staff, faculty, and all community members, but you rarely see the paths filled with traffic. I recently took a nature walk around Spring Lake for one of my courses; I have to admit it was my first time on the paths. It was a nice change from sitting in a classroom all day. It was also very educational; the faculty members guiding us were very knowledgeable on plants and wildlife. Professor Elizabeth Kerlikowske corrected me when I mistook a red-winged black bird for an oriole. English professor Tom Webster was also spewing out crazy fun facts, like how you can eat cat tails and how there are three different species of squirrels in our region.

It was pretty chilly out that day, but the blooming colors were still there. Unfortunately, as I came close to the colors, they were not plants. It was garbage, and it was everywhere; Mcdonald’s cups

and Cheetos bags in the lake; Bud Light cans and whiskey bottles all alongside the path. I even saw old clothes in the trees, and the benches (which are broken) have vulgar graffiti all over them. I think all students would love to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Spring Lake provides great accommodations for this, except no one wants to have to look at litter every five seconds during a nature walk.

I see that we have three issues when it comes to the Spring Lake, and I have one big stone that is going to kill all three of the pesky birds. Issue one: many students are unaware of Spring Lake and not enough people utilize it. Issue two: faculty members have so much knowledge about the wilderness, and no way to share it.

Issue three: THERE IS GARBAGE EVERYWHERE! Now, here’s the good part.

Solution: KCC offers several courses such as, Hiking, Nature/ Wildlife, Zoology, Ethology, etc. These courses would allow a beneficial and educational opportunity to experience Spring Lake. Awareness and utility increases with student attendance, and the courses allow our qualified instructors to share the wealth. As for issue three, our college has recently implemented a mandatory service learning program for all incoming seniors. The courses that utilize Spring Lake could offer a service learning initiative, and the hours would be earned by cleaning up around the lake and on the pathways. As I said before, this idea is one hell of a rock.

Especially in Michigan, we spend so much time indoors with such long winters, and as a student I think we spend way too much time indoors for lectures and labs. The college has a great place to get away from all of that. It just needs to take the necessary actions to put Spring Lake in good shape for good use.

Awareness and utility increases with student attendance, and the courses allow our qualified instructors to share the wealth.

Feature

Summer 2013

5

Go west, young techies!

Tiffany Brown Guest Writer During the last weekend of April this spring, the Kellogg Community College Tech Club, or “Kel-Techs”, ventured on their annual trip. This trip is a highlight of the school year for many members, always to an exciting or interesting place.

This year the Kel-Techs chose a new direction, west, and new locations for their adventure, starting their trip with a visit to the acclaimed John Deere World Headquarters located in Moline, Illinois.

The John Deere Company holds a special place in the hearts of the Tech Club, as one of our own graduates works as an engineer for John Deere, reminding the members exactly what they can do with their degrees after leaving K.C.C. The John Deere World Headquarters and campus were designed by architect Eero Saarinen and built in the early 1960s. The grounds cover a vast 1,400 acres, much of which is beautifully manicured lawn. The building complex is actually comprised of four separate buildings, inter-connected with bridges and covered hallways. Saarinen wanted to make the building feel earthy and organic. He achieved this by building into a ravine, and using COR-TEN steel, a material that is meant to have a rusted finish rather than be painted. This was the first time COR-TEN steel was used as an architectural feature and provides the buildings with the appearance of weathered farm equipment.

From here, the group ventured to St. Louis, Missouri, for another club first The Gateway Memorial Arch. Also designed by Saarinen, the monument embodies the spirit of westward expansion. The arch stands 630 ft. tall and 630 ft. wide, making it the tallest monument in the United States and offers a breathtaking view of the city and the Mississippi River from the observation area at the top. While in St. Louis, the club was fortunate enough to watch the Cardinals play at the new Busch stadium. The game was the first major league baseball experience for some club members and, thankfully, the weather co-operated.

Leaving St. Louis, the Kel-Techs traveled to Springfield, Illinois, where they toured the Dana-Thomas house.

The Dana-Thomas house was designed by the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902-1904. It stands as one of the best examples of his Prairie Style. The home is a huge 12,000 square feet, has 35 rooms, and 16 varying levels.

The house also holds an original sculpture that Wright helped design, as well as many other pieces of art, both original and reproductions.

The next day brought two more Wright designed houses, the first being his home and studio in Oak Park, Illinois. The home was originally built in 1889 but had undergone a major remodeling in 1895, which is the time period to which the house has been preserved.

Wright’s home and studio was significantly different from the Dana-Thomas

The “Kel-Techs” on their annual trip.

house, which is incredible considering the time difference between the two was only ten years. In only ten years Wright was able to develop his own personal style in addition to an entirely new way of building houses that would, and still does, inspire architects throughout the world.

The final destination of this year’s trip was the Robie House in Chicago, Illinois. The Frederick C. Robie House is a National Landmark, designed by Wright in 1908-1910. The house is unique to Wright as it is the only house he ever defended from being torn down.

Wright felt that this house truly embodies the ideals of the Prairie Style he had perfected over the years. Wright didn’t defend this house just once, but twice, because he truly felt that strongly about preserving it.

Seeing it in person, one can un-

wmich.edu/GoWest

GO WEST. A new life is out there.

PEOPLE COME HERE BECAUSE THEY’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING. It’s all about discovery. What they find is a challenge—something unexpected—that opens up new frontiers. Those discoveries will be explored with new friends and by looking at things in new ways. Go West. Discover. Explore. This is one of America’s great universities. A lot of people who have become successful—skilled, happy, wealthy and powerful—started by heading West. Western Michigan University. It’s your turn to GRAB THE REINS.

photo by Doug Mann

derstand why. With its multi-levels of straight long lines, cantilevered roofs, and gorgeous art glass windows, the surrounding Chicago landscape disappears and Wright’s image of soft prairie lands appears.

After leaving Chicago, the welltraveled and weary Techies were glad to be on their way back to Battle Creek after rolling nearly 1,100 miles in a single weekend.

What does next year hold for the oldest club at KCC? Only time will tell!

Are you interested in learning more about the buildings mentioned in this article? Take the Architectural History courses, HIST 221 and HIST 222, with architect, professor, and Tech Club Faculty Advisor Douglas Mann, and learn about these buildings and much, much more! ~Tiffany J. Brown, President, Societus Technica

6

FEATURE

Summer 2013

Spring/Summer 2013 Associate in Applied Science

ACCOUNTING Nicole S. Andritsis Tyler E. Berg Brenda L. Blauvelt Aundria M. Bradley Cynthia A. Brearley Andrew L. Carlson Connie S. Clines Kristin L. Douglas Brandon S. Eldridge Jordan L. Green Courtney L. Harrison Danielle A. Hobbs Denise M. Laskey Linda S. Linton Monica S. Livingston Sheryl E. Lyons Karie M. Miller Sherry L. Mills Donnie D. Newton Kari S. Obrinske Jason A. Pancost Kyle L. Rombaugh Valorie J. Shepherd Iesha M. N. Smith Jennifer N. Sobleskey Katrish A. Stetler Sara L. Stratton ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT April L. Belote Stephanie M. Conners Tanya A. Davis Jodi L. Denney Bettie A. Gray Tina S. Harper Kelley M. Lambert Nichole J. Louden Amy A. Morales Susanne M. Parker Kaisha R. Simpson Nora L. Villarreal BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Lynette M. Adgate Nicole S. Andritsis Tiffany M. Blackman Brenda L. Blauvelt Cynthia A. Brearley Samantha M. Brock Courtney L. Campbell Marcia L. Campbell John W. Clayton Connie S. Clines Natasha A. Crow Bailey A. Davis Calvin R. Ernsberger Kascee L. Fenters Abigail M. Fobear Sarah R. Fulsome Justin K. Gerard-Dart Shawn J. Green Russell A. Gregory Joshua J. Gutowski Neecie M. Hart Amber J. Hobbs Mia L. Hodges Krystal L. Krider Crystal K. Laskey Amy C. Lenz Linda S. Linton Douglas P. Lynch Michael T. Maddux Aleesha A. Myers Bianca M. Neal Sarah E. Nugent Matthew J. Osborn Johnna L. Pacillo Mitchell J. Pease Rebecca D. Prince Delores T. Pruitt Ervin E. Rea, III Donald A. Rittenhouse Kyle L. Rombaugh Karen L. Rugg Angela S. Smith Brandon M. Sweet Courtney M. Tatum Abby L. Taylor Kyle L. Tyckoski

Brooke L. Varney Steven C. Vaughn Christen N. Walters Nicole R. Waterbury Thomas B. Weaver Dana M. Webb Jamie L. Wells Amber N. White Bethany A. Wonnacott COMPUTER AIDED DRAFTING AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Matthew T. Courtright Richard S. Diederich Clayton J. Ford Eric A. Hemker Dennis Holmes Carrie L. Neubaum COMPUTER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Christopher J. Loveall Jose Ramirez, III

COMPUTER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY-COMPUTER PROGRAMMING

Christopher J. Loveall

COMPUTER NETWORKING

Glenn R. Collins Cindy A. Pearison Della J. Simmons CORRECTIONS

Melinda J. Eberhart Don L. Stratton DEFENSE LOGISTICS

Jackson D. Bredehoft DENTAL HYGIENE

Jocelyn M. Berube Ashley J. Brainerd Allison H. Bulifant LeeAnn K. Humphrey Kasey A. Keegan Amanda M. Marriott Stacy L. McBarnes Sarah H. Miskowski Emily T. Ollero Meghan L. Page Adrienne M. Palmer Heather M. Pikulski Melissa R. Rudd Jenna C. Sheets Keri L. Slane Emily E. Smajda Christine J. Stanton Mykala K. Strzelecki Krista L. Wilkey EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Cindy Angeldove Andrea D. Armstrong Amanda M. Beam Chanelle E. Bercaw Pamela J. Blackman Rachelle L. Bouchard Rholda R. Bozell Angela T. Burd Ashley R. Burritt Ashley A. Childs Sara S. Cowgill Chasity M. Derrick Sharon K. Elzinga Heather M. Faircloth Loni M. Fleming Whitney L. Flum Gloria A. Green Kristine N. Hahn Kimberly V. Harris Shay L. Kidder McKenzie L. Lester Melissa Maldonado Rachelle L. Miller Jodi M. Nowicki-Brandt Marie A. Osler Stephanie J. Pacillo

Amy M. Fowler Erin G. French Sarah E. Garnaat Patricia J. Garrison Amanda M. George Heather K. Goldman Dana R. Gonzalez Samantha A. Hamming Faith C. Hancock Timothy S. Hardin EMERGENCY MEDICAL Catherine A. Hawthorne SERVICES LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE Stevi L. Hegner Anthony G. Aber ASSISTANT Deborah S. Heiser Ryan A. Beaudre Tina S. Harper Jonah R. Herr Jeremy M. Clark Rachel A. Springstead Niki H. Hoang Derick E. Eichorn Henry Honaker, Jr. Efrim B. English MAGNETIC RESONANCE Amy M. Honeysett-Perez Kevin M. Fiala IMAGING Katherine L. Hood Tracy A. Johnson Sara J. Agnello Brooke Jackson Staci M. Krupp Christopher D. Carr Jason R. Johnson Todd J. Losure Lindsey M. Christoff Jennifer A. Johnson Audree J. Morrison Jennifer R. Craven Sarah Jones Jamie M. Myers Jodi L. Estelle Patricia E. Katje Peter T. Nave Seth P. Hart Monique A. Kean Robin M. Nichols Chastity J. Keeler Noah D. Olweean MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE Christina M. Kemple Ashlei A. Packer ASSISTANT Chelsea M. Kilbourn Shea E. Peters Renee L. Brooks Rachael A. Kirby Steven C. Reibeling Jodi L. Denney Joanie E. Kolar Zachary S. Robertson Sarah A. Dieterich Lindsay H. Kratz Shelley R. Rockey Cynthia L. Foote Bethanie G. Krawetzke Joshua D. Rodrigues Lolita J. Hammond Cassandra S. Krenzalek David P. Thalmann Tina S. Harper Paige E. Krzeminski Taylor A. Vanschoick Sandra K. Harrison Yer V. Kue Angela A. Hilbert Kristi S. Kunkel GRAPHIC DESIGN Theresa M. Kincaid-Fulkerson Alicia A. Lang Brandon J. Benfield Alicia L. Kornmeyer Lauren A. Lashley Michael K. Broadhurst Kacey J. Lohrke Jason D. Ledbetter Jamie J. Davis Amy A. Morales Jennifer L. Lemoine Katie J. Horkey Susanne M. Parker Kara A. Lowder Nicole A. Latimer Taylor L. Peavey Jessica N. Mante Jessica A. Slusarski Echo L. Secor Tsana N. Mattice Joshua E. Thurman Kaisha R. Simpson Deborah J. McFarland Araceli Bustamante Worth Shawanda M. Minor HUMAN SERVICES April D. Mix Steven A. Barnes, Jr. MEDICAL LABORATORY Melinda P. Moore Rosetta Brewer TECHNOLOGY Andrew A. Newton Amanda J. Cole Shandré A. Delle Linee M. Nulf Sarah L. Cutler Amber C. DeLoof Sasha J. Olinger Erin M. Elliston Steve A. Elsey Michelle L. Oppenhuisen Lula M. Glasgow Hope M. Hulsebos Curtis D. Osborn Lisa R. Grinston Brooke M. Lambert Heather R. Otto Latisha M. Grisham Alicia D. Street Jennifer M. Palmiter Duane S. Hammons Jeanette E. Towers Matthew D. Paris Tannah M. Harvey Elizabeth G. Waker Jennifer L. Pearson Tina L. Hoffman Tina M. Pestun Callie E. Hull MICROCOMPUTER Tonya J. Plettner Melody Z. Iden APPLICATION SPECIALIST Jeanna M. Powell Alisha C. R. Jackson Jayne M. Atchison Derek R. Quinn Misty D. Jerry Quentin D. Johnson Katie L. Rice Jacquelyn R. Johnson Kathryn C. Wheeler Krista M. Roberts Janeen D. Johnson Nicole A. Royston Brianna L. Kavanagh NURSING Heather M. Ruff Alison R. Mead Jennifer L. Aldridge Jennifer L. Ryan Robert D. Miller Lindsay A. Alexander Shelby K. Schafer Tammy L. Phillips Heather A. Anderson Kisha M. Schrad Sue K. Purdey Josh L. Angoli Denise J. Shepard George D. Reed Christel A. Arnold Kelcy E. Sherwood Aisha T. Ridley-Melton Sarah E. Barry Danielle M. Shubert Cynthia Smith Scott E. Batey Rachel A. Smith Veronica Steinecke Christa S. Bouse Jennifer L. Smith Michelle C. Tanner Kimberly A. Brown Nancy M. Smith Ciria Taylor Saddi M. Burns Kristin M. Snyder Cheryl L. Townsend Angela M. Bushouse Desiree E. Spencer Anthony K. Travis Brenda L. Buurstra Justin W. Street Patricia A. Velez Charles J. Celli Melissa R. Sundberg Shawn M. Walsh Katherine S. Coe Julia C. Terpening Jacqueline K. Whitt Chelsey Collins Stephanie J. Thomas Cassie L. Tong INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICITY/ Tiffany L. Compau Mahalia D. Conant Eric T. Tornga ELECTRONICS Britni L. Conley Kimberly R. Turner Larry F. Campbell Jasmine R. Conley Rebecca R. Varney Aaron M. Tuhacek Jessica B. Cook Linda E. Vasquez Michelle M. Vick INDUSTRIAL MILLWRIGHT Casie Y. Corser Mandy L. Dahms Rosemary Villasan Santiago Poljansek Haley J. Dalzell Brittany A. Walter Mandy L. Davison Janice E. Watson LAW ENFORCEMENT Timothy J. Dimock Jennifer P. Wawzysko Christopher M. Bailey Chelsea D. Dow Amy L. Weever Trent M. Bowens Terri A. Ebbs Jamie K. Whelan Nicholas R. Converse Kailie A. Feldbauer Brittany R. White Chase A. Coughlin

Rachel L. Reed Trisha L. Reinitz Michelle R. Slaughter Brittany J. Stamm Anna M. Tietz Paula M. Tigchelaar Karleen S. Valentine Dawna D. Weaver

Thomas E. Engelhardt, Jr. Thomas R. Goggins Ryan D. MacBeth Lacey E. McMillan John A. Merlihan Zachary L. Nixon Darrell E. Slaughter Steven R. Smith Zackery S. Smith Jason A. Walker

Christine A. White Jamie L. Whitmoor-Pryer Jennifer A. Wilkerson Amy L. Wilkins Amy M. Wirth Amanda J. Wright Nigel R. Wyckoff Chad M. Youngs PARALEGAL

Caitlin M. Benham Angela M. Compton James R. Hazel, III Kimberly S. Howard Tina M. Mahoney Jennifer M. Smith Dana M. Sobleskey Kymi R. Toliver Willie C. White, Jr. PHOTOGRAPHY AND MULTIMEDIA

Brittany C. Kellogg Regina D. Lane Dia M. Massey Jacqueline M. Michael Quinton C. Moorehead Morgan M. Paul Jerry L. Towery, II Kristy L. Towery PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

Evan A. Anderson Angela R. Bandy Cristan N. Beers Charles S. Bell Jack D. Bower Jane E. Brooks Cassandra L. Christensen Kelli D. Collier Ashley R. Conley Paige Drysdale Kaeley A. Gould Lurinda L. Hoogstraten Nicole R. Izenbaard Nathaniel R. Jost Richard J. Knoop Diane K. Lehnen Amber C. Marchand Melissa R. Newman Douglas W. Reese Magan J. Rivera Karley B. Smith Holly J. Stanfield Christina M. Stockburger Beverly L. Teague Neil T. Wakley PUBLIC SAFETY

Travis S. Ferry Kenneth R. Kiley RADIOGRAPHY

Sarah J. Bailey Chasity L. Clayman Matthew D. Dickens Bridget A. Dove Gary D. Fales Courtney A. Himes Justin R. Krick Amy L. LeClear Tawni A. Lenz Lindsey R. McSherry Ashley K. O’Brien Maria L. Ogg Josalynn K. Parker Rachelle C. Pifer Megan M. Purk Jeramy W. Robertson Amber N. Suedmeyer Kyle L. Tyckoski WORD/INFORMATION PROCESSING

Stephanie M. Conners Jodi L. Denney Kelley M. Lambert

Associate in Arts Clay W. Adamson Julian Aung Destiny L. Banks Kaley L. Barnes Kenneth R. Bass Tiera L. Bernheisel Benjamin M. Bishop Ashley J. Brainerd Brandon W. Bridges Drew M. Carlile Jami J. Carpenter Kody M. Carson Raquel K. Cartwright Christopher T. Cassleman Catharine A. Clark

Micah S. Coplin Thomas H. Crafts Nathaniel B. Crandell Sarah L. Cutler Andrea L. Davis Tiara C. Davison Shayna J. Deal Katie J. Deckard Meagan C. DePew Mikka D. Dryer Rachel M. Eberhard Brandon S. Eldridge Deon T. Evans Makenzie D. Farmer Maria A. Fenimore

Erin C. Fischer Dianna L. Fitzpatrick Ahmatullah M. Flenorl Jordan T. Flynn Quinn K. Fortney Sarah E. Frame Elizabeth A. Frederick Keri J. French Melissa A. Gaston Christina R. Geairn Becky S. Gilroy Pansy J. Goheen Kenneth P. Grant Kelsey M. Green Sherri L. Gregory

Emilee A. Guzak Paige M. Gwathney Dominique D. Hall-Taylor Bejeha P. Hamilton Darold J. Hammond Erika L. Heath Laura A. Herman Alexander C. Hill Danielle A. Hobbs Hayley A. Holbrook DeAnna R. Hopkins Tashawna M. House Shawna M. Hulbert Alan D. Jackson Alexandra L. Keathley

Hannah E. Kohn Dylan S. Konway Alicia L. Kornmeyer Kimberly L. Kuhlman Cheryl L. Lambert Regina D. Lane Jordan R. LaPrairie Brandon R. Larned Amy L. LeClear Austin M. Lehman Kathy M. Lichtenberger Tara L. Loop Nicole J. Lyddy Nancy C. Flores Macias Andrew L. Martin

Kayla M. McCarthy Jacqueline M. Michael Kelsea R. Miller Randy C. Mitchell Travis R. Moore Yasin A. Muqit Taylor A. Naas Jason D. Noble Brendan F. O’Boyle Dylan J. Ostrander Jason A. Pancost Tony S. Pellin Sallie A. Pennock Kristine M. Peterson Shannon N. Poljansek

feature

Summer 2013

7

Candidates for Graduation Associate in Arts (continued) Lindsey E. Reed-Lipscomb Chelsea F. Roberts Joseph E. Rothwell Denim M. Schooley

Brett K. Schultz Renee M. Shaver Jacob A. Smith

Lindsey M. Speaker Neal E. Stampfler Mallory N. Tackett Victoria M. Taylor

Tiffany S. Thatcher Christen N. Walters Kenneth R. Watson Colleen S. Wetherill

Ashley S. White Angelica U. Wilson Kelsie K. Wood

Cameron T. Woodard Ben I. Zaccanelli

Brittany A. Sabo Ginger A. Segar Sara J. Skutt

Don L. Stratton Jean N. Zimmerman

Morgan M. Paul Aileen C. Payne Trent W. Pell Sheena M. Perkins Kristine M. Peterson Michelle M. Pixley Megan M. Purk Marijke A. Rathke Aisha T. Ridley-Melton Donald A. Rittenhouse Chelsea F. Roberts Anthony J. Rolli Denise D. Ruffin Amanda M. Sanders Melissa L. Saugie Renee M. Shaver Kayla M. Shaw Kelcy E. Sherwood Kaisha R. Simpson Brooks M. Smith Colin G. Smith Jacob A. Smith Stacia A. Spencer Julie A. Stade Sophia C. Steele Matthew K. Stevenson Jessica J. Sutton Alexis S. Tabaka Ryan M. Tappenden Kristopher D. Terrini James P. Terry Linzi B. Teusink Joshua E. Thurman

Paula M. Tigchelaar Jon E. Timmerman Jerry L. Towery, II Kristy L. Towery Cheryl L. Townsend Brian G. Turner Kathryn K. Ulrich Francis P. Umeana Nicholas L. Vaden Karleen S. Valentine Joshua M. VanderWeide Kimberly A. VanHorn Rebecca R. Varney Hally J. Villanueva Tachelle L. Wade-Adams Christen N. Walters Tyler R. Ward Carolyn A. Washington Tammy S. Washington Kenneth R. Watson Latoya D. Watson Kathryn C. Wheeler Angel M. Williams Breehanna A. Williams Robby L. Williamson Angelica U. Wilson Brent M. Winright Cameron T. Woodard Kristi K. Wygant Ben I. Zaccanelli

Chad S. Mayle Joseph A. McIntosh Megan S. Parker Allison E. Rieger Anthony J. Rolli Jackilyn R. Schneider David H. Scott

Kayla M. Shaw Jennifer R. Stockwell Nu N. Thang Taylor M. Williams

Monica J. Fuentes Ashlie N. Fullerton Waititu Githagui Debra S. Graves Kara M. Greene Brian R. Greenlee Megan R. Hall Robin Hampton Brittany K. Hartman Marcia J. Hause Kathryn J. Haviland Melissa K. Hecht Barbara A. Hemker Emily B. Hill Challyn N. Hodge Melissa B. Johnson Sarah A. Jones Samantha S. Kevwitch Martin E. King Danyell R. Knight Robert A. Konkright Paige E. Krzeminski Amie J. Laudenslager Erica J. Laudenslager Bridget E. Lawrence Ashley L. Laymance Erika S. Leiter Rebecca A. Lomonaco Andrea M. Mantlo Jamie L. Masternak Candyce M. Mawby Kimdale Mayo Kaitlyn L. McNee Leslie A. McCracken Gelyn D. McIntosh Brook E. Miller Erica R. Miller Stephanie M. Mingle Abby M. Mulvaney Kayla L. Munn Brandon L. Newington Ashley K. Newman Stanley S. Nyirenda April A. Ogrodzinski Barbara J. Osborn

Anna L. Ott Vaishaliben M. Patel Tonya R. Patterson Brian E. Peck Constance A. Ramsey Andrew R. Reule Brittney D. Richie Karen E. Rodriguez Melissa S. Ryan Shawn M. Sackitt Angela M. Sanborn Christina M. Schlack Brittany L. Schultz Hannah B. Scofield Sara A. Scofield Debra R. Smith Karrie A. Smith Stephanie K. Sparks Mallori N. Spoelstra Jennifer S. Starr-Reivitt Penny S. Thomas Tina J. Tollefson Victoria M. Triemstra Carissa E. Valerio Shamerel R. Valerio Oludolapo O. Vaught Hally J. Villanueva Casey L. Waltz Ashlee N. Watson Heather C. Watson Johnny Williams Lisa A. Williams Megan B. Williams Richard C. Wilson Alaine N. Young Heather L. Zemitans Chelsea M. Zook

Associate in Criminal Justice Lorraine K. Baker Jason E. Bushong Chase A. Coughlin

Lorrie A. Dayton-Young Leah M. Elliston Dawn M. Geairn

Lorraine D. Ives Katlin S. Kellogg Francesca L. Kline

Jaymes W. Kyle Darcie A. Melching Patrick T. Murphy

Associate in Elementary Education Amelia M. Barber

Kelsi N. Slann

Michelle L. Weaver

Associate in General Studies Casey L. AcMoody Marlon M. Allen Tiffani C. Allwardt Katelynn A. Amos Nicole S. Andritsis Cindy Angeldove Laura L. Armstrong Destiny L. Banks Steven A. Barnes, Jr. Caitlin M. Benham Anna M. Bennison Tyler E. Berg Ricky J. Blackman Peggy S. Bloom Robert L. Blount, III Quincy M. Bozell Samantha M. Brock Sheria M. Brooks Aubree R. Cable Catharine A. Clark Susan M. Clark Chasity L. Clayman John W. Clayton Elsa K. Clemence Jasmine R. Conley Stephanie M. Conners Cynthia L. Cook Micah S. Coplin Amanda E. Cory Nathaniel B. Crandell Natasha A. Crow Sean A. Davis Tanya A. Davis

Lorrie A. Dayton-Young William P. DeBruine Jodi L. Denney Amber M. Dingee Jessica L. Dirschell Mikka D. Dryer Kelsey R. Eason Christina L. Edsall Amy S. Eichler Brandon S. Eldridge Dylan J. Ellis Leah M. Elliston Arion V. Eppinger Deon T. Evans Kascee L. Fenters Anthony D. Fields, Jr. Erin C. Fischer Chantilly I. Fleury Jordan T. Flynn Cynthia L. Foote Clayton J. Ford Danielle D. Fraley Sarah E. Frame Marlene K. Fry Christina R. Geairn Dawn M. Geairn Stephanie L. Gieske Thomas D. Graham Cory M. Green Gloria A. Green Kelsey M. Green Paige M. Gwathney Alyse C. Hagenbarth

Sarah N. Halbert Robin Hampton Tina M. Harouna-Maiga Neecie M. Hart Alison R. Hawk Laura A. Herman Courtney A. Himes Katherine G. Hislop Danielle A. Hobbs Jeffrey S. Holley Shekinah T. L. Holliday Darius D. Holman Kelly F. Holstege Jeffrey P. Holtman Sarah B. Homan Kylie M. Hookway Nichole A. Humphries Madalyne A. Jenkins Jennifer A. Johnson Quentin D. Johnson Breeanna L. Jones Debra K. Jung Katlin S. Kellogg Mackenzie L. Kendall Dylan S. Konway Alicia L. Kornmeyer Shannon L. Kotrba Paige E. Krzeminski Kelley M. Lambert Cassandra J. Lapland Nicole A. Latimer Amy L. LeClear Morgan L. LeClear

Austin M. Lehman Monica S. Livingston Andrew S. Logan Ashleigh N. Logsdon Kacey J. Lohrke Rebekah D. Love Christopher J. Loveall Nancy C. Flores Macias Tina M. Mahoney Annette D. Mann Joe D. Marcotte Dia M. Massey Steven T. Maurer Nicole M. Maxwell Samantha M. Mayer Samantha L. McKenzie Shasta L. McLeod Merrilyn McMiller Laurel E. McNeeley Michael D. Miller Ashley M. Mills Randy C. Mitchell Necole M. Modert Travis R. Moore Quinton C. Moorehead Teresa R. Morales Fitzgerald K. Morrison Aleesha A. Myers Courtney C. Nava Chelsea M. Norris Kari S. Obrinske Brianna N. Owens Jason A. Pancost

Associate in Science Taylor A. Baranski Patrick S. Bennett Anna M. Bennison Patrick C. Bobolts Jonathan Siano Bowen Erica M. Brainerd Brian J. Carroll

Catharine A. Clark Chad A. Cook Micah S. Coplin Nathaniel B. Crandell Kimberlee J. Dix Kara A. Echtinaw Dylan J. Ellis

Erin C. Fischer Kayla S. Frye Melissa A. Gaston Christina R. Geairn Michael N. Gehr Marisa D. Hamilton Bryan R. Heisler

Kylie M. Hookway Holly M. Hopkins Elizabeth M. Kaiser Jordan R. LaPrairie Brandon R. Larned Nancy C. Flores Macias Samantha M. Mayer

Certificate Programs ACCOUNTING

Patricia L. Furney Lisa M. Jensen Theresa M. Kincaid-Fulkerson Lisa B. Spiteri Momo H. Vincent ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Monique C. Foley Taylor L. Peavey Kaisha R. Simpson BASIC EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

Anne L. Beach Jessica F. Begly Elicia E. Burbank Sean F. Burke Brittney D. Castelli Andrew S. Cummins Erick J. Delgado Michael L. Elliott Nathan L. Elsholz Alexander J. Ferguson Matthew R. Hartung Donald F. Johnson, Jr. Lianne D. Judkins Evan R. McGlothen Alicia C. Morehouse Jacob J. Nickoloff Ashley A. Russell Loren J. Shearer Kristy M. Story Jaime L. Sullivan Patricia M. Thompsett Kalsie L. Van Linder Margaret Y. Whaley Alexis C. Woodson

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Patricia A. Crowder Angela S. Smith

CORRECTIONS

Kristina M. Alwine Lorraine K. Baker Jacob R. Cook DeAnna L. Gottschalk Jaquita L. Mohead Corey G. Peet Stacey A. Spencer EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Cindy Angeldove Angela T. Burd Ashley A. Childs McKenzie L. Lester Marie A. Osler Kathryn K. Scherer Brittany J. Stamm

REFRIGERATION

Ray W. Cole

INDUSTRIAL MACHINING TECHNOLOGY

Linzy M. Buchanan

INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS

Daniel E. Bell James Ryan Bradtke Tammy R. Hayes Aaron M. Tuhacek

INDUSTRIAL TRADES

James Ryan Bradtke Howard D. Lampert Daniel D. McIntyre

PARALEGAL POST-BACCALAUREATE

Emily R. Lindsay PARAMEDIC

Anthony G. Aber Efrim B. English Kevin M. Fiala Tracy A. Johnson Todd J. Losure Shelley R. Rockey Taylor A. Vanschoick PRACTICAL NURSING

Amy A. Abbott Heather A. Aker Kayla N. Arnold Nicole M. Ashley INDUSTRIAL WELDING Jennifer L. Bailey Earl D. Bishop GRAPHIC DESIGN Lindsey M. Baker Thomas L. Bombard Brandon J. Benfield Lacy L. Batterson Cody A. Cowell Brigitta C. Staley Kyle M. Berube Caleb A. Michael Patrice L. Beuschel Christopher J. Quimby HUMAN SERVICES Morgan N. Bey Ronald H. Uldriks TECHNICIAN Kimberly M. Bird Ethan J. M. Williams Rosie J. Davis Tonya N. Block Lula M. Glasgow MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE Dorthie Bolden Tannah M. Harvey Megan S. Bowerman ASSISTANT Alison R. Mead Tammy S. Boyd Araceli Bustamante Worth Amanda M. Nichols Tiffany N. Bramer Brigette D. Mautin Cynthia Smith Paula E. Brewer Michelle J. Miller Amanda L. Brininstool INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICITY Dianah F. Wells-Wilson Courtney N. Brown /ELECTRONICS Delorean A. Brunt MICROCOMPUTER Kevin S. Boulter Thomas J. Carter APPLICATIONS Timothy S. Bronson Maria G. Cebrero Lori L. Bailey Joshua N. Byrd Jacson Celestin Edward A. VanDorsten Austin A. Gagnon Jason R. Cole Kathryn C. Wheeler James C. Halliwill, Jr. Jennifer J. Cook Brian S. Littell MOS MASTER PREPARATION Ashley K. Deline Aaron M. Tuhacek Lori L. Bailey Amy E. Diamond Nichole J. Louden Manle Do INDUSTRIAL HEATING, Edward A. VanDorsten Christina K. Dzingle VENTILATION, AIR Marlene K. Fry CONDITIONING AND

SACRED MUSIC Carol R. Bennett Joyce J. Lyon WORD PROCESSING

Nichole J. Louden Maria A. Yeem

8

CULTURE

Summer 2013

U2R library@KCC

Library Hours Summer Session May 20 – August 2

Page turners Book suggestions

Kelly Frost Librarian Now that summer is here please indulge in some summer reading. The KCC library staff shares some of our current favorites, and we have shelves more books just waiting for YOU!

Monday-Thursday 7:45 am-8 pm Friday 7:45 am-noon August 5 –August 16 Monday—Thursday 7:45am –5:00pm Friday 7:45 am-noon CLOSED May 27, July 4 and all Saturdays

Quiet

by Susan Cain All introverts should read this to understand that we are not different. This book gives both introverts and extroverts a better understanding of each other. Kassie Dunham, Librarian Tell the Wolves I'm Home

by Carol Rifka Brunt left me longing for an artist uncle and a sister I don’t have. A beautiful coming-ofage book hitting all the right notes.

Kelly Frost, Librarian

Gone Girl

by Gillian Flynn This book was truly a guilty pleasure because the main characters—Amy and Nick Dunne— are evil, conniving, self-centered, and willing to do whatever it takes to get revenge on each other.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it!

–Diane Kellogg, Library Services Manager The Graveyard Book

by Neil Gaiman takes you into a fantasy world. Patty Ralph, Circulation

Insane City

by Dave Barry Imagine Bridezillas crossed with Miami Vice. I dare you not to laugh right out loud!

Cell phone Heather Tramel Veteran’s Writing Project Who calls when we can text?

Calendar in the kitchen: no.

Camera in the phone: yes.

Check in on social media: tacos for dinner!

Contact list with emails, phone numbers and photo: who is Gunnar Norg?

Telemarketers, how’d you get this number?

Google it—we have 4G on our network.

Music is loaded.

Movies are streaming.

Alarms, reminders, and timers go off at all hours if you set them right.

Flashlight apps when I’ve lost my earring.

Fitness pals, calorie burners, self-exams and my days try to keep me healthy.

Calculator to figure tips.

Dictionary and language translators.

Daily devotional reminders.

Check my funds.

Check my status.

I think I’m lost. Turn on navigation.

Lost without it: turn the car around!

I left my phone!

Lost with it: what is this airplane mode?

CULTURE

Summer 2013

9

The battle continues T.J. Taylor Staff Writer Avengers Arena is a new series from Marvel comics about a group of teenagers thrown into a mysterious location and forced to fight to the death for entertainment purposes. Sound familiar?

Ever since the release of Avengers Arena a few months ago, both the series and its creator Dennis Hopeless have received many hate letters from fans of a few different groups (or “fandoms”) for quite a few different reasons. Whether it be fans of movies/novels like Battle Royale or the Hunger Games, claiming that the writer is stealing their story or fans of the precursor comics to Arena ranting about Hopeless killing off their favorite characters simply for “shock value.”

As a fan of Arena, I feel the need to speak on behalf of the ones that aren’t outraged, since all I read about it is hate.

(Please note that I am generalizing a lot here, I do not mean every fan in these respective fandoms).

I would like to address the Battle Royale and Hunger Games fans who claim that Avengers Arena is stealing their beloved plot lines. Well… I guess? If you have not seen or read the Hunger Games or Battle Royale, they are very similar to each other - and to Avengers Arena - in that they are about a group of teenagers forced to murder each other in a timely fashion for the amusement of rich buffoons.

This fight to the death thing is now

hardly even able to be claimed as a story Usually the creator uses the homage to to be stolen because it has basically beshow honor or appreciation as an artist came its own genre. It’s been done and reTo be fair, Hopeless has said he is a big fan done so much that now you will be hard of those books, but a lot of what I found pressed to find one of these types that is was people claiming they were plagiariznot a spin on a similar past story. That’s ing the covers. how stories are when you get down to the Speaking as a major Lord of the Flies root of them, they’re not all that different. and Battle Royale fan, I was really excited Before Hunger Games there was Battle when I saw the covers, because maybe it Royale, before that was the Running Man, would get the word out about them and before that was Death Race 2000, (before get some people to read some, (in my that) was the Most Dangerous Game, and opinion), great classic books. we all know they’re just blatant rip-offs of Onto the comic fans angry over the Midway arcade treawhat this series means for sure, Smash TV; which is Comic readers get their favorite characters. essentially a video game mad any time actual I’m more of an outsidversion of the Running er on this topic having not drama happens.

Man movie. read Avengers Academy or Now the Hunger the Runaways, but knowGames is a lot closer to Battle Royale. You ing me (and I think I know me pretty may be thinking that grouping “The Most well) I would still think the same had I Dangerous Game” in with the other movread them. If you have not read either seies is a bit of a stretch, but think about it ries, all the characters in Avengers Arena (and not just the fact that its title is exwere taken from these two series. This actly what all of these types of stories are would explain why so many fans are anabout). gry at the thought of losing characters It’s an older story, and over time stothey have been following for years. ries and the story telling world have de I am more a fan of comics that have veloped greatly, so even though it’s just a constantly developing story leading to about a man hunting another man for ena real eventual ending, not like most setertainment while the stories of today are ries that just continue on doing the same about dozens of people (and now superthing over and over just to continue the people) out to kill each other for enterseries. Comic fans make me ashamed tainment, it’s essentially the same thing to be a comic fan sometimes because of just on a grander scale. their extreme reactions to actual story Another thing that has been upsetdevelopment. Any time a character dies, ting the Battle Royale and Hunger Games people get angry no matter what. Doesn’t fans are the covers to the first few issues, matter if it’s done well, they’re going to which are spoofs/homages to Battle be mad. Don’t get me wrong, I read plenRoyale (issue #1), Lord of the Flies (issue ty of ongoing/repetitive series and I’m #2), and Hunger Games (issue #3). okay with that as long as they’re done It’s a simple reference. It happens well, but even if they aren’t, I don’t throw everywhere in TV/movies/books/etc. a fit.

People are irate about this series without even giving it a chance which seems childish to me. I’m not saying I enjoy when a character I like dies, but if it’s done well it services the character and makes them so much greater than they were.

From what I’ve read so far in Avengers Arena, it seems that Hopeless is doing that. Like Battle Royale, you see the game from every player’s point of view and you really get a feeling for who they were before the game and who they are now.

So even when characters die, you feel for them.

Comic readers always say how much a good story matters, yet they get mad any time actual drama happens. My one hope is that they don’t do something lame that would alter an event changing previous facts/events to quell the bellyaching of all the fans.

I’m talking about the people who were writing in hate letters before the series even started. What I’m getting at are the people who hadn’t even read the book yet and bashed it, just because there’s character death.

That’s nonsense, completely unwarranted nonsense. Simply because something happens, a comic fan gets their feathers all ruffled. This is why we’re called spazzes or nerds, people! Because comic readers get violently angry whenever something happens that isn’t to their very particular liking.

I have hopes that one day everyone will read comics like people read novels, a more mainstream medium of entertainment, but advancement towards that will never happen if everyone just acts like a bunch of babies.

~T.J. Taylor enjoys drawing comic strips.

Hannibal-the doctor is in Dylan Konway Staff Writer Did Silence of the Lambs give you goose bumps? Did Hannibal and Hannibal Rising send shivers down your spine?

Did Red Dragon scar you for life? If Anthony Hopkins’s performances gave you

nightmares, you can only dream of what NBCs’ new series Hannibal has in store for you.

The show premiered Thursday April 4 at 10 pm on NBC and has been running weekly. The show is only five episodes into its’ first thirteen episode season and is already a sensational crime drama epic in the making.

The main focus is around a criminal profiler and FBI resource, Will Graham (Hugh Dancy). Jack Crawford (Laurence

Dear graduates, Take a breath.

Take a bow.

You’ve earned it.

Your time is now.

All of us at Kellogg Community College celebrate your dedication, your courage and your promise. Wherever life leads you, remember that your Bruin family is always in your corner.

Congratulations!

KELLOGG COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Fishburne) is the head of behavioral science at the FBI and enlists Graham’s help to seek out serial killers and psychopaths.

Eventually stress and nightmares destroy Graham’s psyche, and Crawford turns to Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), to help Graham in coping with the emotions that come with empathizing and relating to serial killers during his investigations. Graham and Crawford know that Dr. Lecter is hiding terrible secrets of his own.

The show is extremely different from any normal broadcast in the sense that everything is not as it seems. The situation is liable to turn upon a dime and bring fresh and gritty scenarios for Graham to solve. Everything about this new series screams instant cult classic, so be sure not to miss it. In essence, Hannibal brings to viewers what television has been missing, entertainment.

~Dylan Scott Konway puts the article in the paper.

BRUIN Staff Editor-in-Chief Ann Michels

Editorial Advisor Elizabeth Kerlikowske

Assistant Editor Ashley Everett Lacy Janousek Tiffany Thatcher

Graphics Advisor Kathryn Jarvie

Managing Advisor TaNisha Parker

Layout Design Michael Broadhurst Linda Helton Brandon Smith

Staff Writers Kari Gremore Dylan Konway Thomas Losey Rebecca Nicholls DeQuan Perry Dakota Roberts Julia Tanner Cassandra Wood

Jake Smith Thomas Graham Sports Writer Kody Carson

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 302 of the Roll Building. The staff can be reached at (269) 965-3931, Ext. 2630 or e-mail the Bruin editor at bruin@kellogg.edu

10

Summer 2013

The older student This house is not a home Tiffany Thatcher Staff Writer The house was not what I had imagined.

A farmhouse that was at least a hundredyears-old with a ramshackle porch, it had a lot to be desired. Inside, moldy carpeting slathered in a foot of ancient dog hair was ripped up and lying in a crumpled heap. The kitchen was wall-papered in a dark green and the trim was bright red. It looked like a Christmas tree had thrown up. The appliances were not salvageable as they were covered in rust and layers of grease. The house was still sporting its original wooden exterior, and there were places that you could look through the house from the outside. My family

opinion convinced me that it could be salvaged, and it would be a good investment. All I could see was what it wasn’t. It wasn’t my dream house. I reluctantly made a ridiculously low offer telling myself that it would probably be rejected. Unfortunately, the bank accepted my offer, and I was now the proud owner of a 3500 sq. ft. piece of crap.

My brother in law (jack of all trades, master of none) went to work every night after getting home from his full-time job.

With the help of my nephew and my dad, we ripped the interior of the house down to the studs. There were no floors, walls, or ceilings for a few weeks as we slowly replaced the drywall. That was followed by weeks of painting, laying wood and laminate floors, staining and installing kitchen cabinets, and replacing the entire bathroom. After six months of hard work, I could finally move in. True, there was missing trim in every room, and the siding was still in desperate need of help, but now it was our home.

I was thrilled when I was finally able to put up vinyl siding this past summer.

The house looked nothing like its former self. It was beginning to resemble the house of my dreams. My boys loved

having bedrooms to themselves after years of having to share. I loved my huge yard, although I dreaded push mowing it a couple times a week. I threw myself into interior decorating. I scoured garage sales and thrift shops for furniture that I could refinish to fill the cavernous rooms.

Lilac bushes (my favorite) bloomed in the backyard and I could watch the boys ride bikes from my porch swing. Finally, after all the hard work we were beginning to settle in and I could relax and enjoy our house.

A few months ago I received a call from my home owner’s insurance. They said that I needed to replace my roof or they would no longer insure me. I couldn’t believe it. I had spent my entire savings on the siding and didn’t have the funds for another project. I started scrambling to figure out financing for another huge project. Less than a month later, my furnace died. I called in a repair man. He informed me that the company that made my furnace had gone out of business twenty five years ago. In other words, my furnace was a dinosaur, inefficient, and had a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. He managed to put a Band-Aid fix on the furnace for the mo-

He says, she says Keep him interested

Kody Carson Staff Writer Summer time is the best time of the year. The school year is done and you feel like the weight of the world is off of your shoulders. There are fewer responsibilities and life becomes simple, you work during the week days and party on the weekends. With the relief of much of your responsibility it can sometimes cause a chain effect; guys out there know exactly what I’m talking about. There is something about the warm weather and short shorts that make a guy want to be single. His buddies from school are coming back into town and it’s going to be just like old times. The weekend vacations, casual flirting, and rounds of golf are all against your favor when it comes to keeping your man. Don’t worry though, there is hope for you and it is possible to keep him interested throughout the hot summer.

One of the appeals of summer is the spontaneity of those unplanned adventures, so be spontaneous. Planning a date in its entirety is a great change of pace. Don’t get me wrong, for the most part I would say a man should plan the dates and take care of his lady, but with the freedoms the summer provides, taking the initiative is a good way to grab his attention.

Another way to remind him how in-

terested he is in you is to show interest in his hobbies. Nothing is better than a woman you can watch the game with. It lets him know that you can connect with him. Even if you truly aren’t that interested, it’s a nice gesture. For guys, summer is a time to exhale and a time that they want to spend doing what they want to do. If you can make yourself a part of that, then he's going to see no need to be single.

Now that you know of some summertime the do's and the don’ts are just as important so you’re not finding yourself single, quick! Do not be a drama queen!

Blowing things out of proportion and exaggerating the truth to make a point is not the way to go. As dumb as you may think we are, we know when someone isn’t being straight with us. If your causing stress by trying to get attention you’re not going to last very long.

That brings me to my final point, which is not being dependent on him.

Nothing is a bigger turnoff then a girl whose life revolves around her man. If you’re constantly interrupting his time with his buddies and asking him dumb questions like, “What should I have for dinner?” He’s probably going to have a short fuse when it comes to actual problems. If you don’t have your own life then chances are he’s not going to have a lot of respect for you and that’s not good for either party involved.

Hopefully, as summer approaches you are in a good place in your relationship and you could use my advice to stay there. If not, try my advice to correct your problems and enjoy the summer break that we all have earned.

ment while I figured out my next move. I couldn’t believe my luck. I almost cried; in fact, I think I did.

Now here I sit, broke, in my house that was supposedly such a great investment. My new roof is being put on next week. My new furnace will follow soon after. As for me, I’m tapped out. My dream house has become a money pit.

I’ve decided to cut my losses and sell.

As I prepare to pack up our lives and move on to the next step, I can’t help but remember my first impression of this house. I thought it would never be home to me, and I was right. This house was so much more than a home to me. It was a place to land, a place to heal after my husband’s death. Remodeling projects kept me busy when depression threatened to drag me under. Decorating lightened my mood and my wallet, but the scavenger hunt of antique stores and garage sales filled my summers with joy. Every detail of this house is my own; it is a physical representation of the mental transformation that I went through. This may not be the house my children learned to walk in, but it is the house where we learned to live again. ~Tiffany is taking volunteers to help her move

his staff have worked wonders with every renovation they have done!

Dr. D.

Dr. Destiny

Dear Dr. Destiny, Have you ever seen the screaming goats video? If not you should watch it. After watching it, what did you think of it?!

Screaming Goat

Dear Dr. Destiny, Why is the School Cafe so darn expensive?!

Cheap Luncher, broke college student

Dear Screaming Mammal, I think some people have WAAAYYY too much time on their hands, makers and viewers alike. Slightly amusing for 10 seconds, max, then stupid!

Dr. D.

Dear Cheap, No idea, but since I always brown bag it, this doesn't affect me. If the students think the prices are out of line for comparable food in the marketplace, do your research and ask for a meeting with the food provider at the school and see if there could be less expensive alternatives. Do remember that it is NOT a non-profit operation.

Dr. D. Dear Dr. Destiny, Why is it taking so long for the New Student Center to open?

Really Anxious Dear Really Anxious I think everyone is ready for the new center to open, especially those of us who have to make our way through the crowds at the intersection of Severin and Classroom!

But anyone who has built or who has had things built or remodeled knows dates can never be totally depended on.

Materials don't come when promised or timing is underestimated etc. What you can be sure of is the final renovation will be beautiful. V.P. Mark O'Connell and

BRUIN BOOKSTORE books...apparel...school supplies...and we’ve got snacks!

KELLOGG COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Dear Dr. Destiny, There are a lot of Summer Festivals going on. Some new some old, I don't really go to many of them but this year I would like to. Do you have one you might prefer?!

Fun-addict Dear Fun, Too many to recommend! Try to visit a couple of new areas of Michigan and google festivals in Michigan to see what is where. Branch out geographically and in your interests. You never know what might appeal to you where! Lots of fun in our state on a tank of gas.

Dr. D. Dear Dr. Destiny, Can you tell the difference between a grocery bag and a duffle bag?!

The Bag Man Dear Bag Man, The duffle bag is the smelly one with last week's nasty workout clothes. Hopefully, the grocery bag is not.

Dr. Sensible

opinion

Summer 2013

11

Anyone can make a difference Last year's drought, the library; however, due to the annual this year's flood book sale, we would be confined to the

back half of the library. After sincerely apologizing for this inconvenience, Kate went to get the kids. While setting up Thomas Graham supplies for the kids, Ms. Feeney faceStaff Writer tiously asked, “Are you ready for this?”

Before I had a chance to answer, the pitThe purpose for my project at Valley View ter patter of the kids feet entering the Elementary was to teach the students the room abruptly interrupted my response. importance of imagination and creativ Within the first half hour, most of ity. I first got the idea while speaking with the kids were hard at work; however, my project manager, T.J. Mohl. She sugthe comments of one of the students left gested that I do a project on something me in dismay. With his head in his arm, I was good at. After discussing a few of he said, “I can't draw.” I tried to reassure my options, I came up with the idea of him that any one can be creative. After a teaching kids art. Later, she was able to few minutes of showing him some of my get in touch with Kate Monaweck, the sketches and encouraging him that he School Interventionist at Valley View Elcould do the same, he ementary. With my project began to sketch. Over swiftly taking shape, I knew I had accomplished next hour, I worked that I needed to involve my goal and helped the side by side with him someone else who might as he enthusiastically be interested in working on make this child's came up with a characa project with me. I quickly day a little brighter. ter that was part-shark thought of English profesand part-car: and Road Rager was born. sor Pam Feeney. Last year, Ms. Feeney For the first time in my life, I realized that and I worked on a children's book tosomething I had done made a difference. gether, which was published last month.

Although I had not solved a global probI asked her, “How do you feel about lem such as world hunger, I had accomworking with me on a project for my plished my goal and helped make this service learning class?” Her eyes lit up, child's day a little brighter. and I knew I had found my co-instructor.

By the last week of this project, Within a few minutes, we came up with all the students had written and crethe idea to make another book. ated characters that were as cute as they Over the next couple of weeks, Ms. were unique. Through this project I have Feeney and I outlined our ideas of the learned that it doesn't take someone with book that the children would make. She a Ph.D. to make a difference, only somewould help them with writing about their one who cares. With the kid's book in characters, and I would help them design progress of being printed, I know that I their characters. With our plans finalized, will never forget the smiles of the Valley we set a date to meet with the kids.

View Elementary School children and Upon arriving at Valley View Elthe effect they had on me. ementary, we were greeted by Kate. She ~Thomas Graham loves to draw. informed us that we would be working in

An easy job Marty Bobineau Guest Writer Being a college professor is easy! You get to drive upwards of 100 miles a day to and from work. You get to teach an 8 a.m. class and finish your day with a 6 or 9 p.m. class. While the rest of the world is watching Monday Night Football or Dancing with the Stars, you’re grading

WE REACH

YOUTH HONOR

AGE IMPACT FAMILIES meets at

LAKEVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL 300 28th Street South | Battle Creek

on sundays at

10:30am

hundreds of tests, papers and reading a stack of infantile poetry, unintelligible prose and “see spot run” short stories, a pile of papers as thick as a Chicago phone book and for what?

After 30 years, 6,000 angst filled students later, you can count the ones who said, “Thank you for feeding my brain, changing my mental diapers, and stimulating my tiny mind to actually think on one hand. ” Yeah, teaching is easy. And by the way, thank you. ~Marty is a rabble-rouser!

Cassandra Wood Staff Writer Downtown was ugly last June. Even with frequent watering, the grass still browned from heat and decreased rainfall.

We all recall last year with the lack of rain and the dry, hot summer. The unseasonably warm early months of winter.

A drought everyone suffered from, the farmers took the largest hit as their crops yielded less than expected.

Record high temperatures mixed with inadequate rainfall is a recipe for disaster in some areas. Here in Michigan, however, the damage was less pronounced. We are lucky, as Michigan is surrounded by water with large aquifers and underground reservoirs. Even so, we still felt the effects of the drought. Corn didn’t stand above one’s head, and feed

crops had to be supplemented with corn stalks to ease the shortage.

However, this year there has been flooding since the start of spring. Rivers and lakes rose faster than expected with increased rainfall fueling the rising waters. A bit of a relief after last year to be sure! This mix of flood and drought conditions is actually a repeating cycle.

It is attributed to climate change. Every few years, these effects are experienced.

The question then is, is it truly climate change or is it just the natural cycle of nature?

Whatever the case, we can be grateful the rains have come back this year.

The water levels are nearing normal now that the danger of flooding has eased.

The prospect of a good harvest is high.

However, we must see what the future may hold, and for the moment, we can enjoy the fair weather provided, and the relief from the drought of last year. ~Cassandra Wood believes time will cure all damages, natural or otherwise.

After school programs After school activities can affect your child

ly cutting sports teams, many schools have turned to “pay to play” where students have to pay money in order to audition and/or play on sports teams Laura Keiper like Marshall High School. As School-ABrittany Talamantez To-Z explains, team sports provide chilGuest Writers dren with a few very important lessons and qualities: learning how to deal with After-school activities have been a haven shyness, working together, overcoming for creative kids across the country. Even losing and celebrating wins, and they though students find these groups and can get parents more involved with the clubs to be a creative outlet or something child’s interest. to look forward to at the end of the day, According to Early Advantage, there many schools have decided to cut “nonare 10 benefits to learning a second lanpopular” groups like band and theatre guage. These benefits include greater to save money. The reason schools are opportunities for college and careers, cutting the activities is the No Child Left it provides better and more advanced Behind law that was created by President reading skills, and it improves the child’s Bush. Now, schools are financially fotest scores. Early Advantage states that, cused more on aca“A study undertaken demics and grades There are 10 benefits by York University in than on after school suggests that to learning a second Canada activities. bilingual children’s language.

Music is imporknowledge of a second tant in any child’s delanguage gives them an velopment. According to Effective Music advantage in learning to read.”. As stated Teaching, there are a whopping eighteen in the article, “The report shows that stuadvantages to studying and even playing dents with 4 or more years of foreign lanmusic for entertainment. This means that guage study score on average 140 points going to a band class for about forty-five higher on a test scored out of 800 points minutes during school hours can benthan students with half a year or less exefit your child in eighteen different ways! perience on the Critical Reading section, Some of these benefits include better and almost another 140 in the Math secarithmetic skills, better concentration, tion and over 150 points higher on Writand it also can physically better a stuing. dent’s respiratory system.

Aside from the benefits of a general After school theatre groups also proafter school program, there are cons as vide benefits to students. According to well. While a child is spending most of The Drama Game File, there are sixteen his/her free time in an after school prodifferent benefits of interacting in a thegram, homework and chores/responatre class, including gaining self-confisibilities are not getting done. This can dence, cooperation, and imagination. A make the child feel stressed, overbooked, theatre club is a great place for a student or fatigued. Also, having the same routine to let out any emotions and really get in day by day can bore a child and the child to his or her character. “…I think it’s a can become uninterested in the progreat way to express yourself and also be gram. Lastly, certain after school activicreative…” says Jesse Talamantez, a curties come with a pre-measured amount rent student in the Arts department here of pressure. A child can be forced to join at KCC. by a parent, have peer pressure to per Team sports are overlooked too form well, or make goals that are unrealmany times when it comes to cutting afistic for the program. ter school activities. Instead of complete-

12

sports

Summer 2013

The playoff atmosphere Kody Carson Staff Writer When a team is playoff bound, they have obviously won their fare share of games.

However, in the playoffs it’s a whole different atmosphere. Each play can change the momentum of a game. The number of momentum changes can determine the outcome of a ball game, and the outcome of a ball game can determine whether your season ends, or you live to fight another day. That intense pressure placed on each play and the ability to execute under that pressure is what separates the men from the boys.

The Bruins baseball team will try and perform under this pressure as they try and earn their invitation to the 75th NJCAA World Series in Enid, Oklahoma. Winning the conference this year makes the Bruins the top dog in the Region 12 tournament. Being the top dog in a regional has its own challenges de-

Kody Carson smiles during the Home Run Derby on May 1

spite what the record and seeding may say. As the best team, the pressure is even greater. Everyone knows winning is a real possibility which makes the season a huge disappointment with any other result. The pressure can make the team feel like they have to be perfect in every aspect of the game. This unrealistic expectation can make overcoming unavoidable adversity extremely hard.

Having the most talent in the tournament can also cause another mental hurdle. Overconfidence can be a killer for top teams in the early round of a tournament. Because a team is ranked so high, they have earned the right to play the worst ranked team. It’s very easy for team to fall into the “trap” that because they are more talented, they just have to show up. They can forget the process and focus that lead them to a top seeding and end up being upset by an inferior opponent.

The Bruins will avoid being sniped early by focus on the actions rather than the results. In a regional tournament, unlike the majority of the games played through the year, the games are 9 in-

photo by Simon Thalmann

nings long. The extra two innings in the tournament usually allow the cream to rise to the top and the best team to advance. Head Coach Eric Laskovy has been preaching to the team all year about playing against the game rather than the opponent. His philosophy is that the opponent is only there to make the game happen. It’s this mind-set that will help the Bruins take the game one pitch at a time and hopefully limit the adversity that they will face.

Coach Laskovy also wants the team to play the game with a steady heart beat.

The playoff atmosphere can amplify the ups and downs a team is bound to face, but its devaluing each play that will help the Bruins handle the emotional roller coaster that the inexperienced teams may ride. With an opportunity like the one the team has at hand, you have to let the chips fall where they may. The identity of your team is made up and the preparations have been made. Its either enough or it isn’t, and it’s the team who realizes that they have the best chance in representing their region on a national level. ~Kody has played his last game for KCC.

Coach Eric Laskovy is drenched by his team at the Home Run Derby

photo by Simon Thalmann

Tai Chi: The art of staying healthy

Thomas Losey Staff Writer

Tai Chi originated in China as T’ai Chi Ch’uan, as long ago as the mid-900s, though a more logical origin is the 1200s.

Although the martial and military aspects of Tai Chi have long been outmoded, the fact remains that it is a martial art.

All martial arts, Tai Chi included, prize a healthy body and a focused mind above nearly everything else. Modern Tai Chi is seen in numerous locales, such as hospitals, as a form of physical rehabilitation.

Tai Chi may seem like it is a long way removed from its ancestral home, but Michigan has been the home of a smattering of Tai Chi schools for at least 25 years.

There is some skepticism of Tai Chi’s health benefits on a holistic scale, but no one can deny the benefits of stretching, bending, deep breathing and moving in general which makes up the heart of most modern Tai Chi classes.

The art itself is very low impact, as most classes focus on the form, not the combat aspect of Tai Chi, although an unsuspecting student may be in for a rough time in a class labeled “Baguazhang – Tai Chi,” which is probably going to be focused on weapon-oriented combat, such as twohanded-sword fighting or knife fighting.

Tai Chi may look very gentle, and it is when compared to contact martial arts, but when done properly it is a very good way to tone muscle and burn fat. Holding the stances of Tai Chi is a fair workout, and will probably leave a less athletic person feeling the burn in their abs.

Numerous fitness websites average about 250-350 calories burned per hour, depending on the weight of the practitioner. This isn’t an overly incredible number, but it certainly beats sitting on the couch. Tai Chi also offers another couple of benefits; it is often done in groups, and is gentle enough to allow socialization, and you can do Tai Chi in your local park without raising the suspicion of police officers, which has happened to me when practicing both kickboxing and sword fighting.

If you’ve ever wanted a gentle, simple, relaxing way to get up off the couch and get outside doing something active, Tai Chi is a great way to get started.

Stretch, focus, breathe and your longevity may thank you. ~Thomas Losey is a Nidan (Second Degree Black Belt) in Ninjutsu, as well as an instructor in both Savate and Muay Thai.

THE KCC DAILY Kellogg Community College's news blog www.kellogg.edu/daily