Jan 30, 2014

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Aug. 26,30,2010 Vol.59, 55, Issue January 2014 Vol. Issue 1 1

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MCCC offers classes at Monroe High

King Lear comes to MCCC

Faculty weighs in on controversial decision

By Stevie Pipis Agora Staff

Photo by Reggie Allen

MCCC English professor William McCloskey played the lead in King Lear, a Monroe Community Players Production presented at Meyer Theater Jan. 24-26. McCloskey also was assistant director of the play.

Enrollment drop causes concerns

By Melanie Jacobs-Davis Agora staff

With enrollment down for the sixth straight semester, MCCC is facing tough times.

Along with enrollment dropping, so is the college’s retention of students, Mark Hall, director of Admissions at MCCC, told the Board of Trustees Monday night.

Fewer students means less money, and the college can’t keep

operating in the red, Hall said.

“We’re down 350 students from where we were at this time last year,” Hall told the board. “That’s quite a substantial number.”

Winter enrollment is 3,593, compared to 3,943 last winter.

Enrollment has dropped each semester since the winter of 2011.

MCCC President Dr. Kojo Quartey told the board he has plans to turn the college enroll-

ment around. He has created an enrollment management plan.

“In terms of our plans,” he said, “a major push is for us to get into the high schools.”

Not only does Quartey want to address auditoriums full of 11th and 12th grade students, but he also wants to offer college classes in the high schools.

Continued on page 3

MCCC’s recent decision to offer college classes at Monroe High School has sparked controversy among college faculty.

Starting in September 2014, Monroe High School students will be able to take MCCC classes at the high school.

The classes will only be available to Monroe High students who meet college entrance standards, such as the Compass test.

The decision was made by MCCC President Kojo Quartey, without involving the faculty.

According to Quartey, faculty members were limiting their involvement in college affairs because they didn’t have a contract.

Faculty members learned of the decision through a flier that was issued by the high school and circulated among the MCCC faculty through e-mail.

Monroe High School Principal Valerie Orr approached Quartey with the idea shortly after they were both hired in their respective positions last summer.

“He and I were both hired right around the same time, and we got together. I spoke to him about this idea because I had done this in my previous district, and he was very open and excited about it,” Orr said.

“I also spoke to the officials at Monroe Public Schools; they were excited about it, and then we just got rolling on it.”

The program would allow Monroe High students an opportunity to take college level classes without leaving the high school. The district will pay the student’s tuition for the class, Orr said.

In order for the students to

Monroe High School Principal Valerie Orr

take a college-level class, they will need to pass the Compass test and meet the same requirements as any first-year student at MCCC, both Quartey and Orr emphasized.

The classes will be available for anyone who meets these requirements, from freshmen to senior, they said.

According to Quartey, the classes at the high school will be taught by professors who are qualified to teach at MCCC. This could include current full-time or adjunct faculty members, or the possible hiring of new adjunct faculty.

Orr said some current high school teachers are thinking about applying for the adjunct teaching positions.

Professors at the college are upset over certain details in the program and not being involved in the decision making process.

“There are opportunities for high school students to be here at Monroe County Community College,” said Mark Bergmooser, president of the faculty union and a speech professor.

“We have dual enrollment, and we’ve had that for years, so they already have that option to come

here and take those classes.”

He added that one reason high school students succeed in college classes may be the advantages of being on a college campus.

“It’s been a few years now since the Middle College began out here. One of the main reasons we were told that the Middle Colleges are successful is the power of the site, or the power of the place,” Bergmooser said.

Lisa Scarpelli, a geology professor, also raised concerns about the classes being taught in a different environment.

“If you have a group of students who are between 15 and 17 years old in a classroom, then that environment is not a college environment,” she said.

English professor William McCloskey raised a similar concern about the adult material sometimes covered in college classes.

“Sometimes, when you know you have a young person in there who doesn’t have a world view, or an experience, sometimes it’s hard, and I have to catch myself — ‘Should I talk about this?’

“I always end up saying, ‘Yes I am, because this is college,’ ” McCloskey said.

One of Scarpelli’s biggest concerns is how the decision was made, without being brought through the college’s internal governance system.

Scarpelli serves as a chairwoman of the Faculty Council, one of three councils in the system.

Bergmooser also raised concerns about the Faculty Association – the union – not being involved with the decision making process because of possible contractual conflicts.

Continued on page 3

Campus vineyard to offer wine-making classes MCCC’s own vineyard is now producing grapes, and courses in viticulture will follow soon.

Vineyard 1300, located on the east edge of campus, will be used by students in the Viticulture and Enology program and will be available to community members as well.

Classes on viticulture, the study of grapes, and enology, the study of wine making, will soon be offered to students.

“We’re hoping by the winter of 2015 to have our first course or courses in place,” said Kevin Thomas, Instructor of Culinary Skills and Management.

“That’s if everything goes according to plan.”

Thomas said.

It all started with the Bacchus Society at MCCC, Thomas said. The group came together to restore the wine industry in Monroe, which was once booming in the 1800s.

“It was a bunch of people that all had a similar interest, a wine enthusiasm, towards wine and the wine industry,” Thomas said.

“And it’s how we all got together and decided to do this.”

The courses being offered could include topics like wines for beginners or soil management. Al-

though specific courses have not yet been decided, if it were up to Thomas the courses would focus on both food and wine.

“It would be great to have classes, for me as a chef, that involve food and wine, whether that means food and wine tastings or samplings of some sort,” Thomas said.

“But the more I can teach the food and wine combined, the better it would be for the culinary students.”

Even though the harvesting process beings in early fall, classes would be offered in both fall and winter semesters.

There are 90 plants and five varieties of grapes in the vineyard. The students in the program will be producing red and white wine from the vineyard, but they will be experimenting with cooler climate grapes as well.

The culinary students have already been able to visit Vineyard 1300.

“Our class has been back to Vineyard 1300,” Kim Cousino, first year culinary student said. “We manicured the vineyard.”

Renovations are currently being made to the former welding labs in the West Tech building for wine labs for the new courses.

“There has actually been very little progress in

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renovation of the rooms, simply some removal of fixtures and a little cleaning,” said Paul Knollman, Dean of the Business Division.

Once the renovations are completed and the courses are constructed, there are many benefits of the new program to students and the community, Knollman said.

“We will have courses and transfer affiliations with other institutions from around the country, which other community colleges in the state do not,” Knollman said.

“Our on-campus lab facilities and the fact that we have an instructional vineyard will also be unique.”

Some community benefits are the possibility of having wedding receptions or other types of events at the vineyard.

Although the wine would not be for sale, it could be used for special events at the college. Thomas said.

There is also an idea called “Community Crush,” for local community members.

They would able to turn their own grapes into wine by bringing their grapes into the wine lab for crushing and de-stemming.

“It would be a service we would offer as part of our wine lab,” Thomas said.

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Chef Kevin Thomas displays wine from the first harvest of vineyard 1300

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Campus News

January 30 , 2014

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MCCC celebrates diversity with fair

Photo By Lauren Robinson

Professor Terry Telfer, adviser of the International Students for Social Equality, speaks to a student during the Diversity Fair.

By Shelby Spencer

M Agora Staff

CCC went beyond just MLK Day and celebrated all diversity on campus.

MCCC hosted a diversity fair on Monday, Jan. 20, that was kicked off by volunteers marching from the CTC to the A building while singing “We Shall Overcome.”

This symbolized Martin Luther King Jr’s march in 1963, when he gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

The idea for the march was proposed by President Kojo Quartey.

“As a people, our greatest strength is in our diversity,” Quartey said.

Twelve booths were set up in the A building to showcase the many diversified clubs and organizations that are on campus.

There was everything from the Student Ambassador group to an Islamic Religion booth.

“I didn’t realize how much diversity we have here at the college, I’m glad I came today or else I wouldn’t have known,” said Nicole Denman, a freshman at MCCC. Students and staff spent time visiting booths, asking questions, and enjoying the international dessert table.

There was a lot of discussion about bridging the gap of equality.

“It’s great to share culture. I love to see diversity and people coming together to close the gap in culture,” said R.J. Fiest, who was helping to run the Native American booth.

He said the Diversity Fair gave him a great opportunity to explain myths and facts in Native American culture.

The International Students for Social Equality explained to people that bridging the gap is a battle of classes.

“Equality has to start in our economic system,” said Terry Telfer, club adviser.

“We have to act internationally and stop being used against each other.”

Christopher Holmes, a member of Student Government, thinks that diversity and equality all boil down to acceptance.

“We should all strive to reach an understanding. We are all human and we can’t keep society stable without acceptance,” he said.

Quartey says that while MCCC may not be the most diverse college, there is an excellent display of diversity celebrated here.

He takes pride in the college’s Diversity Committee, which acts as the committee for the entire county.

As part of the MLK celebration, there was also a seminar on Monday night in the LaZ-Boy center called “A Quest for Justice,” which featured Dr. Marci Ybarra, a professor at the University of Chicago who discussed welfare reform.

Dr Joanna Sabo discussed Immigration and International Migration Issues, and Dr, Melissa Grey discussed LGBT Social Justice Issues.

Director of Human Resources Molly McCutchan said she was happy with the amount of participation in all of the events.

“The goal is to increase awareness and promote unification,” she said McCutchan encourages everyone to look out for the “We Shall Overcome” march next year, because the more people participate, the more powerful the march will be.

Photo by Lauren Robinson

The African American Culture booth honored Martin Luther King Jr. Day by including his photo among the art pieces.

One Book One Community gearing up for Spring event

By Julia Wells Agora Staff

Reyna Grande will be visiting on March 26.

Staff Editor: Julia Wells Jacob Adams Reggie Allen Jeffrey Brown Melanie Jacobs-Davis Katie Mullins Stephen Pipis Lauren Robinson Shelby Spencer Mariah Tevepaugh Darryl White

Adviser: Dan Shaw

Planning for Monroe County’s annual reading event, One Book One Community, is well under way.

“The Distance Between Us,” by Reyna Grande ,has been chosen for the community to read.

“The idea is the book should have some themes that are going to provoke some conversation,” said Cheryl Johnston, co-chair of the committee that plans the event.

“About eight books were under consideration,” she said.

In this book, Grande writes about her own experiences immigrating to the U.S from Mexico and the struggles she faced along the way.

“It is rare when an immigrant gets to tell his/her story with his/her own voice. Also, I think readers appreciate the honesty in my book. I don’t romanticize the immigrant experience. I don’t shy away from telling the hard truths,” Grande said in an email.

While group reads, film showings, and panel discussions are already planned among the community,

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“It is rare when an immigrant gets to tell his/her story with his/her own voice. Also, I think readers appreciate the honesty in my book” Reyna Grande Author of The Distance Between Us new events inspired by the culture in the book, are in the works as well.

“We’re going to do some things with the Mexican culture and Spanish-speaking culture,” Johnston said.

One event this year will take place at La Fiesta, a local Mexican restaurant, which will serve as a fundraiser for the event.

The Friends of One Book is a new program which accepts donations that provide access to the book for schools, including MCCC, around the community.

Grande also spoke about the universal appeal of her books. “The Distance Between Us” has been read all over the country and has received positive acknowledgment, she said.

“I believe that my readers appreciate not being hit over the head with my own views on immigration, but rather, I give them the negative and the positive, and I let the readers come to their own conclusions” she said.

On March 26, Grande will be speaking on the MCCC campus, followed by a book signing. The author will answer student questions about her book, life, and career.

She also hopes to answer questions that offer insight to aspiring writers in the audience.

“My advice is to learn as much as you can about the writing world and have a plan of action by the time you graduate from school. Learning the craft is very important, but learning the business side of writing is just as important.”

OBOC will kick off on March 19 and will conclude on April 11. The Agora is sponsoring a panel discussion on immigration reform on April 1.

Ambassador Club strives to help new students

By Mariah Tevepaugh Agora Staff

Members of MCCC’s new Ambassador Club are looking forward to meeting prospective students and helping them feel comfortable on campus.

“As college students, we’re already the youth of yesterday so it’s up to us to prepare our youth to run the community’s future,” said Chris Holmes, president of the Ambassador Club.

The club is trying to focus on being a part of most events to let other students and faculty know who they are and what their mission is.

The members set up a hot-chocolate booth as their first appearance at the college to help students get to know who the ambassadors are.

They also attended the Diversity Fair on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “We’re in the infancy stages,” said Tom Ryder, club advisor.

“We’re just getting our feet wet.” Ryder said.

The club members will be going along with MCCC counselors when they visit local high schools like Monroe High School, Dundee High School, Saint Mary Catholic Central and Airport High School.

The members are able to answer most questions because of their

training, which focused on MCCC’s mission, financial aid and registration. They will also be able to give in-depth tours of the campus to parents and students.

“My first couple of years I’d see students walking around lost,” Mandi Davis, club secretary, said.

“So I wanted to create a committee to give tours so lost students wouldn’t be like, “Where’s my class?”

Club members will attend events with MCCC President Kojo Quartey, to inform others about the college.

“This is a dedicated group of students that will be able to go out with Kojo, and be able to talk to those groups and answer questions about the college,” Ryder said.

The Ambassador Club members also get to meet with business leaders around town, which could potentially help them land a job later in life.

“You never know when you go out into the real world or you apply for a job,” Ryder said.

“Those people are going to remember you and say, ‘oh yeah you’re that ambassador from the college, I remember you.’ ”

Campus News

January 30, 2014

mcccagora.com • The Agora

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Erin Menard, Madonna University basketball player, trys to stay warm after her and fellow teamates plunged.

Residents take icy swim for charity The cold could not keep away members of the community from taking a plunge for a cause. People stripped down and dressed up to dive for Special Olympic awareness. Donations were also made to support the Special Olympics.

Event coordinater, Stacie Ourlian (right) and Taylor Krumski excite the crowd by jumping into the frigid waters.

Cliff Denoewer shows off his “bone collecter” costume.

Christian Carlton shows no fear as he gets ready to take the plunge.

Faculty question high school classes Continued from page 1

Bergmooser, McCloskey and Scarpelli are all concerned about the integrity of the college.

“I am worried that that will water down those courses being offered at the high school,” Scarpelli said.

Quartey is not concerned with the program harming the integrity of the college or the course material.

“The professor in the classroom remains the integrity of the college,” Quartey said. “How does one measure integrity; it’s based on admission standards. This is not going to have any negative effects on the integrity of the college. Every single student who takes any of these courses will have qualified to be admitted to this institution.”

Vice President Grace Yackee is forming a taskforce to help college faculty understand the program.

“Faculty expressed concern regarding offering MCCC classes for dual enrollment at high school locations,” Yackee said in an email. “The task force was established to address faculty concerns and to establish a protocol for offering MCCC classes for dual enrollment at high schools.”

Photos by Reggie Allen

She said faculty concerns included: Will faculty teaching the classes be qualified?

Can a college class really be a college class if all students are of high school age?

Will faculty teaching the college class at the high school be pressured to award passing grades?

Will the College be able to meet demand if additional high schools request dual enrollment on site?

How will offering dual enrollment at high schools impact dual enrollment classes offered at MCCC, including the Whitman Center?

Yackee’s e-mail also addressed the concern some professors have had over the college’s integrity.

“It should be noted that the College’s institutional accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools established guidelines for peer evaluators to consider when evaluating member institutions offering dual enrollment,” Yackee said.

Both Quartey and Orr have operated this program in districts where they have worked – Chicago City Colleges and Wayne Memorial High School, respectively. Both said it was successful.

According to Quartey, there are multiple reasons why the college will offer classes at Monroe High.

One is convenience; another is transportation.

“I think the most important variable here is that there is a need. I think it’s convenience, for the high school students whose parents are taxpayers in this community who support us,” he said. “Yes, transportation is part of that equation.”

Quartey also mentioned safety and weather issues.

According to Quartey, the program will raise enrollment numbers and generate more money for the college.

The tuition for the classes will be paid by the Monroe School district, which will get the money from state funding, Orr said.

Monroe High students have responded well and 500 students have signed up to take the Compass test, Orr said.

“I’m excited to get credit hours before college,” Monroe High School student Tyler Hammack said.

Hammack plans on attending Michigan State University after high school.

For more information on the classes being offered at Monroe High, the Monroe High School website has the classes listed in its curriculum guide at http://www.monroe.k12.mi.us/MonroeHS.cfm.

President has plans to grow enrollment Continued from page 1

“Between now and April, we’re going to hit all the high schools here in this county, downriver, and close to the border in Ohio,” he said, “telling them about this great institution.”

Hall said the Admission’s office pays attention to the numbers every day, especially in the weeks leading up the start of a semester.

“We decided to make a campus wide initiative; everybody from administrators to faculty, to administrative assistants,” Hall said. “We made over 1,300 phone calls.”

He said it’s an effort to encourage students from the previous semester to come back and register for classes.

Along with the Enrollment Management Plan, Quartey has created the Student Ambassador Program. This program utilizes MCCC students to help in recruitment and welcoming of students. He also plans to launch an Alumni Ambassador Program as well.

“This story needs to be told; I’m going to stand on the highest mountain and yell it, I’m going to yell it to my friends, I’m going to yell it to my enemies,” Quartey said last semester.

January 30 2014

Features

mcccagora.com • The Agora

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Ryder an important part of MCCC

By Katie Gerweck For the Agora

Most students know Tom Ryder as the Student Government advisor, but not everyone knows his other responsibilities.

“Many people may not know that Tom Ryder wears several hats at MCCC,” said John Joy, Dean of Corporate and Community Services.

Ryder, 47, is the coordinator of Events and Student Activities at MCCC, and has worked for the college for 27 years.

He initially worked as a student assistant in the Graphics Department while getting his associates degree from MCCC. From there he worked in the Copy Center for 14 years before becoming the Events and Fitness Activities coordinator.

Then, about five years ago, Ryder gave up the Fitness Center part of his job to take on the role of Student Government adviser.

“I love working with students,” Ryder said.

According to MCCC’s website, Student Government is a club that plans activities for the campus. It also gives students the chance to have their opinion heard.

“First and foremost, it’s the voice of the students. I think it provides leadership opportunities for students,” Ryder said.

Photo by Julia Wells Ryder said former students have said On any given day, Tom Ryder can be seen around campus, checking up on the many projects he is involved in.

Ryder often chats their experience in Student Government with student government members and also coordinates the entertainment acts at the La-Z-Boy center. has helped them take on leadership roles in their professional lives. Other former many events throughout the year, Ryder “I welcome input from anybody on esting. students have credited Student Govern- said that some of his favorites are Family who they want to see or hear,” he said.

“I am not big on repeating shows on a ment with personal development.

Fun Night and the Sweetheart Ball.

Although Ryder listens to everyone’s regular basis,” he said.

“I gained the strength to stand up for “Part of the reason those are really feedback, sometimes not everyone’s Planning the events takes some time; myself and how to actually take control good events is that they’re challenging wishes can be accommodated.

Ryder said he is already starting to work of my life,” said former Student Govern- for the students to put on, and gives them on the budget for next season. Once the “The problem I see is that the performment member Samantha Brooks. a chance to be leaders,” Ryder said. ers the typical 18-,19-,20-year-old wants performers are booked, Ryder said he Current members of Student GovernRyder is also responsible for booking to see are too expensive for a 550-seat does the initial writing for the marketing ment recognize Ryder’s role in the club’s performers for the Meyer Theater and ad- theater. I think if students came to the brochure. He then works with the Marsuccess. dressing the terms in their contracts, like shows we do have they would thoroughly keting Department to get it developed.

“Tom cares a lot about the students. hotel rooms and set design. enjoy it.”

Ryder’s Student Assistant, Blaine HubHe’s willing to help us in any way he When planning the events, Ryder said bert, said this is one of the many things While looking for potential performers, can,” said Student Government Vice Ryder gathers information from twelve that he tries to keep performances afford- he has learned while working with Ryder.

President Michelle McDevitt. “Tom is the different agents and reviews videos. He able; most tickets are in the $20-$25 price “My favorite thing about working for best at everything, except having hair.” range. He also tries to keep things inter- Tom is the plethora of things I’ve learned also takes suggestions.

Although Student Government puts on

Photo by Julia Wells

Photo by Julia Wells

Ryder lended a hand to decorate the Student Government booth at this month’s Diversity Fair.

working under his wing. The biggest thing I have learned is that advertising makes the show happen,” said Hubbert in an e-mail.

Ryder said the most popular events are comedy shows and tribute bands.

Acts paying tribute to the Beatles, Shania Twain, the Eagles, and Neil Diamond have all performed in the Meyer Theater.

However, Ryder said the most popular event happened before the Meyer Theater was constructed, when performances were held in the dining room.

Barry Williams, who played Greg Brady in the Brady Bunch, came to tell stories about himself and the Brady Bunch. Channels 13 and 11 came, and the event made the front page of the Monroe Evening News.

“It was standing room only,” Ryder said.

Ryder will soon be taking on another role as the advisor for the Student Ambassador Club, a group he developed with the help of MCCC President Kojo Quartey. According to Ryder, only twelve students will be selected for the club, which will act as a welcoming committee on campus, as well as giving tours, talking to the community about MCCC’s student groups, and visiting high schools to talk about MCCC. Ryder said the members of the Student Ambassador Club will be trained by various administrators so they have knowledge of the programs on campus.

“I hope that we get a group of students that can go out into the community and show the community what MCCC is all about,” Ryder said.

Clearly, Tom Ryder is an important part of MCCC. “Without Tom’s creativity, energy, and dedication, the campus and student events at MCCC, and the cultural and entertainment opportunities available in Monroe County overall, would be sorely lacking,” Joy said. “Tom is a terrific ambassador for MCCC, and more importantly he is just a good person!”

Along with students and staff, Ryder marched on MLK day singing “We Shall Overcome.”

Study abroad expands student horizons

By Jeffrey Brown Agora staff

MCCC Study Abroad 2015 will give students valuable experiences for their future.

“The best part about study abroad is what it does for the students after, rather than during,” said Joanna Sabo, the professor who introduced the Study Abroad program to the college.

The Study Abroad 2015 trip will tentatively take place May 11through May 27, traveling through seven countries in Western Europe during the 18day trip.

The trip will include stops the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, Great Britain and Ireland.

Classes that can be taken are Comparative Politics, taught by Joanna Sabo, Art Appreciation, taught

by Gary Wilson, and Business Management, taught

by Wendy Wysocki.

Students can take three to nine credits, but have to take at least one class while on the trip.

The trip will cost approximately $4,100,which might sound steep, but with fund raising, low interest student loans and federal aid the cost can go way down, Sabo said.

Briefly

Campus Calendar 2014 Board of Trustees decided Monday on the beginning and ending dates for the upcoming semesters.

Spring classes will begin on Monday, May 12, 2014.

Summer classes will start on Monday, June 23, 2014. Both Spring and Summer classes will end on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014.

Fall 2014 classes will start on Thursday, Aug. 28, and end on Monday, Dec. 15.

College Goal Sunday Feb. 9 MCCC is participating in College Goal Sunday,

Study Abroad 2015 meetings • Monday, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. L-Z Rm. 257 • Tuesday, Feb. 4, 12:30 p.m. L-Z Rm. 257 • Thursday, Feb. 6, 8:30 p.m. L-Z, Rm. 257 • Monday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. L-Z, Rm. 258 • Thursday, March 20, 8:30 p.m. L-Z Rm. 258

“I’ve never had a student say they regret paying for it,” Sabo said.

Eastern Michigan University and other area universities accept the study abroad courses, Sabo said.

Professor Dan Shaw joined the program in 2011 on the trip to Central Europe and then led the 2013 trip to Spain and Portugal.

“As our world becomes smaller, more of a global village, it becomes more important for students to have traveled abroad. It looks good on your resume, and it really does open your eyes to the world around you.” Shaw said.

He said the Spain trip was a huge success with students.

“Spain was an awesome place to visit. The combination of history, culture and cool cities was perfect.

We had a great group, and it seemed like there was a statewide event to help students and their parents complete the 2014-2015 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

The event will be from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9.

Valerie Culler, MCCC director of financial aid, said she is looking for volunteers to help with registration and to assist students and parents in completing the FAFSA on the web.

Weight challenge MCCC employees are participating in an 8-week weight loss challenge.

Participants weighed in on Jan. 10, and the final weigh-in will be March 7.

The challenge is to lose 10 pounds during the 8-week period.

an experience of a lifetime around every corner,” Shaw said.

Logan Jacobs, a MCCC student and President of the International Studies Club, is one of the students who studied abroad last year.

“The study abroad trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has a unique way of expanding a student’s horizons and opening their eyes to a much larger world than the one they have grown comfortable with,” Jacobs said.

The MCCC Study Abroad trip takes place every other year, but in addition to that, culinary students are traveling to Italy in 2014.

“Chef Kevin Thomas and I are taking a group of culinary students to Italy for a study abroad that is specifically on cuisine,” Shaw said.

This trip is shorter than the normal study abroad trips, which are usually longer to help soak up the culture, Shaw said.

“This is a new kind of trip for us. Instead of students taking courses on the trip, the entire trip is built around culinary experiences.

“We’ll visit a vineyard, a slow food restaurant, an olive press, a chocolate factory and a ham factory, as well as two universities that offer world-class food programs,” Shaw said.

DTE honored for MCCC DTE Energy won a national award for the assistance it has given MCCC over the last few years.

DTE Energy was named a 2013 national Benefactor of the Year by the Council for Resource Development at the organization’s annual conference.

MCCC nominated DTE Energy for the reward in recognition of the company’s support for the college. Some of the partnerships cited in the college’s nomination were: The creation of a renewable energy program at the college.

Support for the establishment of the area’s first construction management technology certificate program.

Joint development of the nuclear engineering technology program, resulting in a $200,000 federal grant.

Photo by Dan Shaw

Study abroad was a cultural journey for students in the 2013 trip to Spain

The installation of a 500-kilowatt solar installation on MCCC’s campus Most notably, in March of this year, the DTE Energy Foundation made a $1 million commitment to the capital campaign for the college’s Career Technology Center, representing the largest gift of the campaign to date and the second-largest in the DTE Energy Foundation’s history.

Entrepreneur event held MCCC hosted a roundtable discussion Jan. 22 with bankers, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, economic development professionals and college faculty and administrators to strategize how the community can work together to nurture a more entrepreneurial and creative culture.

MCCC President Dr. Kojo Quartey convened the panel and led the discussion.

A&E

January 30, 2014

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Meyer Theater offers events for all ages

By Jacob Adams Agora staff

A Meyer Theater promotion is giving students tickets at half price.

Any student who shows up at least 30 minutes before a performance can buy up to two tickets at half price.

On February 8 at 7 p.m. is the Monroe Big Band, a local group consisting of about 30 members.

Tom Ryder, Student Events Coodinator, said the band has been popular with audiences.

“They do a great show, I think the last time they were here they sold out,” he said.

Monroe County Community College has partnered with the Monroe County Library for over twenty years for the next event, Black History Blues.

The event is free and open to the public and starts at 7 p.m. on February 22.

Ryder says the event usually fills the theater.

“If you want to get a seat, you better get here early,” he said.

“I’ve always said one of the best kept secrets in Monroe is our own college band; for those who do know about it, they always enjoy it.”

Tom Ryder Student Events Coordinator With over one hundred members, the Monroe College band fills up the stage. They will be playing on February 24.

Ryder said for those who know about the band, it is always enjoyable.

“I’ve always said one of the best kept secrets in Monroe is our own college band; for those who do know about it, they always enjoy it,” he said.

For students with children, The Teacher From The Black Lagoon and Other Story-

books will be here March 14.

Designed for children 10 and under, it starts at 7 p.m and will be done within an hour.

Ryder encourages students with children to come out and enjoy themselves.

“If you’re a student with a child, it’s a great show,” he said.

An intriguiging event on March 8th at 7:30 p.m. is Elvis Aaron Presley, Jr. The real son of Elvis Presley, Ryder thinks audiences will be interested.

“I think a lot of people will come just for curiosity’s sake,” he said.

Livingston Taylor, the brother of musical artist James Taylor, will be on stage March 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Ryder, a fan of Livingston, said Livingston does not disappoint.

“Why James Taylor made it and Livingston didn’t is beyond me because Livingston and James sound identical,” he said.

Photo Courtesy of MCCC Department of Marketing Last up, the Monroe County Community College’s Prelude Children’s Chorus will be Elvis Presley’s son, Elvis Aaron Presley Jr., will be entertaining at the Meyer Theater this March. performing on May 5 at 7 p.m.

Daniels thrills MCCC audience

Eagles cover band gets standing ovation

By Jacob Wood Agora staff

Photo by Reggie Allen

Jeff Daniels performed music and comedy to a packed Meyer Theater on Jan. 29. Daniels is known for his roles in the HBO series, Newsroom, as well as the movie Dumb and Dumber. He is a Chelsea, MI native and has performed at MCCC several times before. This stop was a part of Michiganwide tour, before moving on to other cities such as New York and Chicago.

On Saturday, Jan. 18, the Eagles cover band Hotel California came to MCCC and played to a sold out Meyer Theater.

It was snowy Saturday night as I pulled into the front entrance of MCCC and started to circle the parking lot looking for a spot, something very unusual to be doing on a weekend night at the college.

As the crowd quickly rushed into the La-Z boy center, signs were being placed on the front doors of the building that read “Tickets for tonight’s Hotel California sold out.”

As soon as you entered the building, you had to work your way through the crowd of people all standing around and chatting before finding their seats or walk around the long line in front of the merchandise table.

As people slowly filed in and began to try and find their seats, instrumental music played throughout the theater as the instruments sat in the spotlight at the center of the stage.

Countless guitars on both the left and right sides of the drum set that was sitting in between a raised keyboard stand and many other instruments.

The crowd of people in the hallways started to thin out as the clock was getting closer to 7:30 and there seemed to be not a whole lot of vacant seats in the anticipating crowd.

The atmosphere of the room was of good spirits as the lights over the people slowly dimmed down and the voices in the room silenced as the opening guitar rift of the song that the band is named after began

“In the early 70’s a sound was being formed in California that had never been heard before...” to play through the speakers.

The members slowly walked across the stage till they reached their respective spots and the show began.

A voice ran through the speakers reminding the crowd this was an Eagles experience and Hotel California is a salute to the band.

“In the early 70’s a sound was being formed in California that had never been heard before” said the narrator-like voice as the guitar of Hotel California continued to play.

The dark lights suddenly brightened to the reveal the five members of the band.

Dicky who plays lead on every guitar besides bass, contributes vocals and plays the harmonica.

The two main vocalists, Wade and Steve, also contribute more than their voices as Wade plays the keyboard and acoustic and Steve plays a number of guitars including even a double neck guitar and the banjo.

The fourth and fifth members of Hotel California are Scott, who plays main bass and also adds vocals and the drummer of the band, Phil.

The band opened with the Eagles classic “Take it Easy” and went on to play hit after hit as each band member would say whose favorite song was what before they began

playing it.

The crowd was right into it from the start applauding and roaring after every solo and cheering continuously in between songs as the band had the Meyer Theater rocking.

They played about eight or nine songs and then took a brief fifteen minute intermission as the crowd walked into the lobby or stood up to stretch and talk about the great music that was being showcased to them.

The band came back on rocking with fast up beat tunes and then decided to slow it down playing some of the Eagles most famous ballads like “Desperado.”

California then brought pace back to a faster one, closing with the obvious choice of none other than “Hotel California.”

After finishing probably the Eagles most famous song, the crowd stood up and roared for an encore and got what they asked for.

As the band walked back to their places someone from the middle of the crowd asked “Now how are you going to top that?!”

The band responded with three more classic Eagle songs, one of which was the upbeat “All She Wants to do is Dance.”

After the last song, the band walked to the front of the stage, said their thanks along with their goodbyes and the lights turned on in the Meyer Theater again.

Hotel California brought a great show and Eagles experience to the Meyer Theater and hopefully the crowd representing MCCC will give the band and others a reason to stop by our school more often.

Mixed feelings on New Year’s resolutions

By Jacob Adams

“I think they are a nice tradition that we don’t usually follow. I’ve never had any success with them.”

Agora staff

Many around campus are observing the start of 2014 with the tradition of New Year’s resolutions.

The custom of making a New Year’s resolution originated in ancient Babylon, whose citizens made promises at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts.

Later, the Romans undertook this tradition by making promises to a god named Janus, who January is named after, and is the patron of beginnings and endings.

Opinions now are mixed, but many still observe the tradition as we see it today.

Student’s opinions seem to vary greatly. Some support the tradition, like student John Parker who recently became a father.

“I usually don’t do one, but this year is a fresh start. I want to be the best dad possible,” he said.

Others share his sentiment like Shaylynn Duvall, who hopes this year is different due to a habit of breaking her resolutions.

“I want to take chances and get out of my comfort zone,” she said.

Student Jake Moskal said he always tries to do one.

“This year mine is to study a lot more because college can be really hard,” he said.

Zach Dickerson said he tries to observe the tradition.

“I usually have a new year’s resolution, but this year I don’t,” he said.

Jesiqua Hutchison, Co-Chair of the Gay Straight Alliance, felt that they are

Joel Fiedler Sociology Professor

Illustration by Darryl White

important for improving one’s self. She promoted the idea within the club.

“The GSA is doing a group resolution to stop saying, doing, or thinking hateful things towards any group of people.

It helps to bring awareness to things you might not realize you thought or did before,” she said.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are those who oppose the tradition. While

the ages vary, when asked, most said they don’t buy in to the concept.

David Ferguson, a Writing Fellow for the college, feels that it’s a waste.

“I’ve never done one. Honestly, people don’t usually follow through,” he said.

Kevin Stewart, also a Writing Fellow, asked why a new year should make a difference.

“I choose to live my life with a consistent set of goals,” he said.

David Daniels, a father of a student at the college, said that it is too much of a hassle.

“This year I’m going to eat more and gain weight so I’m not disappointed,” he joked.

Allee Hill, a student, never observes the

tradition.

“I’ve never had a new year’s resolution,” she said.

Faculty members also had opinions.

Joel Fiedler, who teaches Sociology classes at the college, said he enjoys the idea but doubts its success rate.

“I think they are a nice tradition that we don’t usually follow. I’ve never had any success with them,” he said.

Terri Garner, an adjunct, doesn’t feel the need to make one.

“When you know life is short, you try to live each day to the fullest,” she said.

While those who made resolutions will strive to attain their goals in 2014, those who didn’t still seem to have a positive outlook on the New Year.

Dustin, a student who did not give his last name, sums up the sentiment.

“I just feel like I can deal a problem when it comes. I don’t always have to make a resolution to solve it,” he said.

Whether or not you observe the tradition now, most of us can agree that bettering yourself is worth attempting.

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January 30, 2014

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Actor and rapper releases new album Jacob Woods Agora Staff

Actor Donald Glover fully converts to his rapper alias in his sophomore effort, “because the internet.”

Appearing to be slightly depressed on Instagram and even going as far as calling himself a recluse, Donald’s mental state and music were starting to become a subject of question. What was this album going to sound like? Was Donald okay?

He did not seem very happy with his current endeavor of quitng his role on the television comedy, Community, to become a full time rapper under the moniker, Childish Gambino. Actually it kind of sounded like he resented that decision and making fans weary about anticipating this release for two years since his debut album, Camp.

What the fans received in because the internet, was so much more than expected and a sound that Gambino had been slowly mastering since the release of Camp. Hardnosed raps, soft singing, and production by himself that was unique to everything else being released currently.

Because the internet begins so abruptly and intense, you would think that this was not Childish Gambino you were listening to but Gucci Mane or T.I. “Crawl” starts off with a menacing beat and Gambino’s wordsmith ways drag you in quickly to this modern classic. “Rec league I aint payin to ball” brags Gambino “ya’ll b-string like a broke guitar and I still put it down like the family dog” he continues.

The album continues on strong and has its first internet themed song in “Worldstar.” Another aggressive track where

Photo by: Shawn Anderson Flickr.com

Childish Gambino puts his own personality in his performances.

Gambino raps “my girl ain’t bad she more like evil.” Following “Worldstar” the album switches gears with an instrumental track, “Dial Up,” which leads into “The Worst Guys” with the hook having assistance from Gambino’s frequent collaborator, Chance the Rapper.

Gambino sways the subject matter towards women and his love life with his first more r’nb song “Shadows” and fol-

lows up with the Lloyd sampled love song “Telegraph Ave.,” which may be the best track off of the album.

The album picks up the pace like it never slowed down with “Sweatpants” and California MC Problem contributing background vocals. The more known track “3005” follows and Gambino begins discussing the idea of his friend’s only being around him for his money.

“I use to care what people thought but now I care more, man nobody out here got it figured out so therefore, I’ve lost all hope in a happy ending depending on whether or not it’s worth it, so insecure no one’s perfect, we spend it with no shame, we blow it like Coltrane, we in here like Rogain or leave it like Cobain,” said Gambino.

Emotionally unstable lyrics and passion are what drive this album and this song in particular. Just when you think you have the feel of this album, there is a 360 on antoher instrumental, this time a piano, “Playing Around Before the Party Starts.”

“The Party” a shorter track that has Gambino singing in the style of the great Prince and then sets the pace for the latter half of this album.

“Thought I was done but that wasn’t the case,” said Gambino.

Gambino comes back so aggressive and leads into the most emotionally structured song in “No Exit,” with help from Miguel.

“Can’t sleep,” he murmurs.

The grimy bass line propels you into his mind, as he begins to tell you how alone he really feels as he stares empty at the walls at night.

After another instrumental track and making sure his emotions are still the matter of discussion, Gambino offers his own type of ballad with “Flight of the Navigator.”

The next track “Zealots from Stockholm” begins with the same pace and then quickly changes to a heavy 808 drum only and Gambinos voiced muffled as he flows with braggadocios punch

lines and has an eerie hook following his verse sung by his friend, Kilo Kish.

The album reaches its last transition Gambino sings another love song entitled “Urn.” Following next, is the song “Pink Toes” with additional vocals from the angelic voice of Jhene Aiko. The song has Gambino and Aiko in love and trying to smooth their relationship problems out.

“She on my back about it, C3PO, C3PO, C3PO” Gambino complains on the song where everything is “Rainbows and Sunshine.”

The last two songs bring back the ongoing theme of the internet throughout this album with “Earth: The Oldest Computer (The Last Night) and “Life: The Biggest Troll (Andrew Auernheimer).” The first featuring the New York female MC Azealia Banks on the hook where she states “I don’t want to see an era, see now I just want to live forever.”

Up until the last song everything has been put together so nicely, that the last song had to conclude this story on a strong note.

“Still on the beat though, still in the game but he moves with a cheat code” says Gambino.

Gambino showed that he is much more than just an actor who can rap. He showed he can be just as versatile, or even more than the likes of Drake and Kendrick Lamar, the two undisputed kings of hip-hop.

The internet should be a stepping stone for Childish Gambino, who will only continue to get better and for us listeners, it is a timeless album that will never get old.

New Nintendo game brings the adventure Jeffery Brown

Agora Staff

The Bravely Default demo is a beautiful and complicated view of what’s to come in the full game.

If you have a Nintendo 3DS and you haven’t played the Bravely Default demo yet, you’re missing out.

The demo took about six hours for me to beat and instead of making me play a segment from the full game, you play in a side story that takes place outside the games official story line.

The best part is, I’m absolutely excited for this game to launch on Feb. 7.

You start out in the castle of the ruler of a city, and to sum it all up, he sends you through town to solve the townsfolk’s problems.

That’s far from the best part.

The first thing that you’ll notice is the beautiful and unique art style of the game.

Beautifully hand drawn and painted backgrounds that are splashed with colors and detail will be the first thing that you notice.

Next you’ll notice that the demo doesn’t hold your hand, unlike many of the Nintendo titles in the past few years. If you are a fan of old Final Fantasy games, then you’ll understand the basics on how to play.

The game has a unique twist on the turn-based battle system, giving the characters Brave points.

Each action consumes a “brave point” or you can “Default” which makes the character guard and gain one extra brave point.

You can have up to three brave points and as little as negative five. For each point you have, the more attacks and skills the character can use in a row.

It took me a good hour and a half to figure this out, during a fight where enemies continuously called for backup every time one was defeated.

It’s a risk versus reward system. Defaulting too

many turns leaves your characters vulnerable to enemy attacks. Also, not gaining the advantage of the extra Brave Points can cause a fight to be prolonged.

On top of that, the game has a complex “job system”. Every character can take any job and each can level up and give different abilities, stats and bonuses.

The demo only had a small handful of the jobs available in the full game, and they only went up to level four which may or may not be the case in the full game.

Also included in the demo is a Meta game in which you recruit villagers via street pass and build a town.

In the town you build a weapon shop, armor shop, item shop and accessory shop.

Each shop can be upgraded by assigning villagers to the building and for each villager assigned, the time it takes to upgrade goes down. The time for upgrading in the demo takes one minute to twenty hours, depending on amount of villagers.

For each upgrade, the shops will supply better equipment and items needed to beat some of the bosses.

There are ten quests in the demo that consist of fighting monsters, obtaining certain items, and conquering the 5 bosses.

Lastly, just for playing the demo, you unlock items that you’ll be able to use in the full game. The more of the demo you complete, the more stuff you get to carry over for the full game.

The Bravely Default demo was a breath of fresh air it included just the right amount of challenge and the environments look outstanding.

Other developers should look at the formula used in this demo and utilize it. It gives you just the right amount of game, not ruining any of the story and leaves you craving more.

Keep an eye out for Bravely Default on the 3DS February 7.

The time is

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Apply now for spring semester at utoledo.edu/admission/transfer

Editorial

January 30, 2014

mcccagora.com • The Agora

|7

Heartbroken “Beliebers” had it coming Justin Bieber is being judged too harshly

By Josh Rains For The Agora

In October of 2012, Justin Bieber sang, “All I need is a beauty and a beat, who can make my life complete.”

It’s now January 2014, and apparently the popular Canadian singer needs a little bit more.

Bieber was arrested on charges that include drunk driving and resisting arrest.

The pop star “made some statements that he had consumed some alcohol, and that he had been smoking marijuana and consumed some prescription medication,” Miami Beach Police Chief Raymond Martinez told reporters last Thursday.

There are millions of “Beliebers” out there who are heartbroken over this.

There’s sure to be an equal amount of upset parents who forbade their children from listening to Bieber.

There will be a loud portion of the public calling for strict punishment and demanding that the state of Florida makes an example out of the young Canadian.

There will be a smaller number of people on the internet who debate whether or not he should be deported.

There will be a larger portion of people who simply do not care.

And why should they?

Can society really be surprised when a 19-year-old, Grammy nominated, pop superstar, with a net worth approaching $160 million, gets caught drunkenly racing friends in his sports cars?

I say no.

Not when, according to the United States Attorney General, 70 percent of teens drink underage.

Can parents be shocked when their child’s favorite singer tells police officers he’s been smoking weed and taking prescription medication?

Not in today’s world. Not when the most popular music in bars and clubs promotes the use of drugs and a reckless lifestyle.

Not when abuse of prescription medication is at an all time high. Not when marijuana is legal for sale in two states.

Did Justin Bieber make quality and safe decisions last Thursday?

No, he did not.

Did his actions vary from what most 19-year-olds would have done in that situation?

Hardly.

Bieber’s arrest is less of a story about a childhood star gone bad, and more of an

People all over the world are commenting on Justin Biebers smiling mug shot released by Miami police.

example of where society is at today.

Most 19-year-olds drink or have drank before. Most know someone who abuses

prescription medication.

Most 19-year-olds listen to music that promotes drugs and or alcohol.

Before people prepare the guillotine for Justin Bieber, they should take a look at the world around them.

Job fairs could open doors for the future

Think Spring, Think Job Fairs

There are several excellent opportunities this spring to attend “job fairs,” both on campus and regionally.

The premier event on campus is the Career & Opportunity Expo that will be held on Friday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Welch Health & Education Building.

This is the fourth year for the event Barry Kinsey, and it is expected to Director Workforce Development draw 70 plus employers to campus.

For up-to-date information on the Expo and its employers, visit the website two weeks prior to the event at http://www. monroeccc.edu/careerexpo/. This is a free event for all job seekers.

In addition to the Career & Opportunity Expo, Monroe County Community Col-

lege students are invited to the Collegiate Employ-Net Job Fair on Friday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Franciscan Center on the campus of Lourdes University, Sylvania, Ohio.

This fair is hosted by the 19 colleges and universities that are members of Collegiate Employ-Net. Typically 50 to 80 employers are in attendance. Several weeks prior to the event those employers and the positions that they will be hiring for will be listed at http://www.collegecentral.com/employ-net/. This is a free event for all job seekers.

The third job fair that you should be aware of is the Michigan Collegiate Job Fair (MCJF) on Friday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a state-wide job fair.

Companies primarily recruit qualified graduates for degreed and entry-level positions. This is a great opportunity for job seekers to identify employers who are actively seeking candidates or to begin networking with companies for future employment.

MCJF is open to ANY graduating college senior or recent alumni across the State of Michigan seeking entry level employment opportunities. On average this

fair brings together approximately 700 candidates and 120 employers.

The Michigan Collegiate Job Fair is held at the Burton Manor Banquet and Conference Center, 27777 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia, Michigan. There is a fee to attend: $10 pre-registration or $15 at the door.

For additional details please visit their website at www.mcjf.org. MCJF is sponsored by Eastern Michigan University and supported by the Michigan Career Educator and Employer Alliance (MCEEA).

If you plan to attend one or more of these great events, please prepare to succeed. Treat a job fair as you would a job interview, because that is what it is.

First and foremost dress for success.

Do not show up in jeans and a t-shirt/ sweatshirt. You cannot overdress unless you wear a tuxedo or evening gown. Put your best foot forward. Make sure your hair, nails, facial hair etc. are presentable.

Look in a mirror and be honest with yourself “Would you hire this person?”

If there is any doubt, change that outfit, shave that beard, cut that hair, etc.

Bring plenty of resumes. Each attend-

ing company will be listed on the respective websites with the positions that they will be interviewing for. Use this to your advantage and tailor your resume to the company(ies) and positions that you are interested in. Bring several generic resumes in case you come across a position that you were unaware of.

Practice interviewing with a friend or family member. We have sample interview questions available in our office to assist you with this. Get plenty of rest the night before.

Most importantly, the day of the event try visiting several employers that you have little or no interest in working for before you approach your top choices.

This will help you settle your nerves and let you get a feel for how the process works. I compare this to stretching before you exercise. You wouldn’t go out and run 5 miles without warming up first, then why would you interview for a life changing job without doing the same?

If you have questions or would like to learn more about resume preparation, interviewing skills or how to approach a job fair, plan on attending one of the FREE Resume Workshops that are coming up

on campus. There is no charge, but registration is required. To register, please call (734) 384-4127. The dates and times are as follows: Wednesday, Jan. 29, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Room Z-257 of the La-Z-Boy Center.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Room Z-257 of the La-Z-Boy Center.

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Room Z-257 of the La-Z-Boy Center.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Room Z-257 of the La-Z-Boy Center.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Room Z-257 of the La-Z-Boy Center.

Tuesday, March 25, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Room Z-257 of the La-Z-Boy Center.

Wednesday, March 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Room Z-257 of the La-Z-Boy Center.

To learn more about the Office of Workforce Development, please visit our website at http://www.collegecentral. com/monroeccc/.

You can also like us on Facebook at Monroe County Community College Employment Assistance/Workforce Development or follow us on Twitter @ MCCC Employment.

Math, it’s not about being good or bad

Math seems to be one of the favorite topics around the MCCC campus.

Students complain about their math class, their math teacher, why they had to buy a computer, why there are so many tests…

“I’m bad at math” is one of the most common phrases heard in MCCC’s hallways.

Really?

Maybe you just told yourself you were bad at math that day in grade school, when you didn’t understand something Dan Shaw the teacher said and Agora Advisor the students around you seemed to get it.

Maybe you began using that as an excuse – so you didn’t have to study as hard, or do that troublesome homework.

After all, “I’m bad at math, anyway.”

I was inspired recently by a column written by a top journalist/web programmer,

who admitted that he used the “I’m bad at math” excuse all the way through high school and college.

Matt Waite is now a professor of journalism at the University of Nebraska, but recently he was the principal developer of the Pulitzer Prize-winning website, “PolitiFact.” He’s a famous web programmer, so naturally he must be good at math.

Well, maybe now. But he barely passed high school algebra, then chose a college journalism program that didn’t require him to take a math class.

It wasn’t until he was out in the real world that he realized he needed the equivalent of college calculus.

At 37, he found himself back in college, taking remedial algebra (the equivalent of our Math 090), in a classroom full of 18-year-olds.

A funny thing happened. He studied, did the homework, and got an A+. He wasn’t “bath at math.” He had just convinced himself of that, which gave him an excuse to

skip the homework.

He enrolled in college algebra – another A+. What was he doing differently than in high school? He studied and did the homework.

Math, he learned, isn’t something you’re good at. It’s something you work at to learn.

Do the homework, ask questions when you don’t understand. Study some more.

Matt Waite discovered he was actually “good at math” – after a lot of hard work.

This story touched a chord with me personally. I was “bad at math,” too. Okay, not really bad, but not nearly as good as my older brother and sister. So I stayed as far away from math as I could.

I hated teachers in my high school comparing me to my siblings. They looked at me with that puzzled expression, wondering how the math gene skipped me.

It wasn’t until I was working as a journalist that I began to regret taking only the bare minimum of math courses necessary to graduate.

Guess what – math is all around you in the real world. You can’t cover sports or business or politics without running into algebra, geometry and sometimes calculus.

In his column, Waite pointed out that the best jobs in journalism are going to people who know math – that is, they understand things like data analysis and programming.

“Truth is, ‘bad at math’ was never a good thing in journalism, even when things like data and analytics weren’t a part of the job,” Waite said. “Covering a city budget? It’s shameful how many newsroom creatures can’t calculate percent change. Covering sports? It’s embarrassing how many sports writers dismiss the gigantic leaps forward in data analysis in all sports as ‘nerd stuff.’ ” Now, when I hear journalism students – or any students, for that matter – complain about math, I nod with understanding. I feel their pain. I was there, too.

Then I tell them to forget the “bad at math” excuse and get busy studying.

Valentines don’t have to break the bank Welcome back for the 2014 Winter semester. I hope everyone is doing alright in their classes .

With the mass confusion of classes starting and New Year’s resolutions being broken or maintained, it is hard to forget that Valentine’s Day is coming closer. And soon, it will be time to begin the frenzy of finding your loved one the perfect gift.

Gifts like roses, candies, and precious jewelry will be tossed in your direction, giving you a slight panic attack.

Ray Bell Agora Staff Don’t worry. There are things you can do for your loved one that don’t have to break the bank this year.

For starters, a simple box of chocolates will be a good opening to your night of romance.

You don’t want to spend more than $10-15 for a box of chocolates, but at the same time, you don’t want to be really cheap and get them a candy bar from the check-out lane of Wal-Mart.

A simple dinner would be a lovely way to continue the night of romance.

Many of you would want to take your loved one to a

restaurant, fancy or casual. And that would be al-

right.

The main thing you want to remember is to keep things in your price range.

Do not go over the top with the spending as you might regret it when

the statements come around. And you don’t want to be too cheap and take your loved one to a fast food place like McDonalds or Wendy’s. This will pretty much make your night a living Hell.

And lastly, when the dinner and chocolate euphoria has died down, many people will retire back to their home for a quiet, relaxing end.

Some will retire to a hotel room for a romantic getaway from their home life.

If you take the hotel route, make sure you do your research ahead of time.

You can use the Internet to find great deals for your night away from the world.

Sites like Hotels.com or Expedia offer a great selection of deals that will not tighten your wallet.

Whatever you do with your loved one on this Valentine’s Day, I hope you will takes these tips into consideration when finalizing your plans.

If all else fails, a simple bouquet of roses does the trick, and will show them how much you care.

-Stay Lovely, Y’all!

Trust in common sense

By Shelby Spencer Agora Staff

TheMonroe County Road Commission recently devised a plan to start using an emergency snow labeling system similar to Ohio’s.

Roadways will be put into categories based on whether or not the county board believes the roads are safe enough to drive on.

Come on!

Do we really need yet another government involvement in our lives telling us if we are ALLOWED to drive or not?

Is it all that terrible to trust people’s common sense?

Most people in Monroe County have dealt with our crazy winter weather their whole lives. Why start mandating drivers to stay off the roads now?

If someone wants to take their car that is one foot off the ground and try to plow through a 3-foot snow drift and get stuck, so be it. That’s their fault.

On the same note, if someone wants to drive 75 mph on ice and put themselves in a ditch, I’m sure the cost of the tow truck will teach them a lesson.

Advising people of dangerous road conditions is one thing, but ordering people off the roads because someone else decided it was too dangerous is ridiculous.

I do understand that people do get seriously injured driving with bad road conditions, and I’m not saying that it’s ok to drive when it’s hazardous.

I just disagree with not being able to make that judgment call for myself.

Sports The Lions’ have a new leader January 30, 2013

Jim Caldwell takes over as Detroit’s head coach

Ray Bell

Agora Staff

The Detroit Lions finalized their head coaching search, and they believe it ends with Jim Caldwell.

The Detroit Lions’ search for a new head coach is over. It was announced that Caldwell, former offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. was hired on Jan. 14.

“The time is now,” Caldwell said in his introductory press conference on Jan. 15.

The Lions were hoping to have Ken Whisenhunt, who was hired by the Tennessee Titans earlier this month. But Lions General Manager Martin Mayhew and team president Tom Lewand, said they are happy with Caldwell and hope for the best with him.

“As I said up there, anybody who thinks that we’re settling for Jim Caldwell doesn’t know Jim Caldwell,” Lewand said to the me-

dia at the press conference.

The Lions are hoping that Caldwell will turn around the club as well as refine quarterback Matthew Stafford and shape him to become an elite QB. Stafford, according to press statements earlier this year, said he was open to someone coming in to teach him to be better.

“We just kind of talked about some of the things that I had seen on film and things of that nature throughout the years; we just kind of talked back and forth,” Caldwell said.

Although there hasn’t been much to celebrate with this hiring, MCCC students are showing their support for Caldwell and what he will do for the Lions.

“I think he will be good for the Lions,” Mark Mental, an MCCC student, said.

“He seems to be a disciplined coach, and that’s what they need. They have the talent, but lack the discipline.”

Caldwell, who coached for the Indianapolis Colts for three years, has a 26-22 record as an NFL head coach, with a Super Bowl appear-

mcccagora.com • The Agora

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“I think there is a reason why I’m here. I think without question, that is to win a championship,” Jim Caldwell ance under his belt. The Lions are hoping that Caldwell will bring the Motor City an NFL championship.

“I think there is a reason why I’m here. I think without question, that is to win a championship,” said Caldwell.

Caldwell will replace Jim Schwartz, who was fired after a disappointing season without another playoff appearance.

Schwartz finished his career with a 29-51 record, which includes a playoff loss, and is a candidate for a head coach position with the Cleveland Browns.

Photo courtesty of baltimoregridironreport.com

The Detroit Lions made a final decision to have Jim Caldwell as their new head coach.

Michigan Wolverines snatch the spotlight from MSU Jake Woods Agora Staff

Michigan forward Glenn Robinson III has been one of the leaders of the Wolverines this year.

On Saturday, January 25th, the Michigan State Spartans hosted their instate rival, the Michigan Wolverines, for the first of two meetings this year.

Coming in to Saturday’s game, the No. 3 ranked Spartans had only lost one game and the No. 21 ranked Wolverines had just beaten two top ten teams in Wisconsin and Iowa in the past week.

Michigan was looking to make that three wins against three top ten teams, which had not been done since the late 80s.

Both teams played without key pieces, due to injuries. Michigan State went without its two big men, Adreian Payne and Branden Dawson, and Michigan was without its sophomore center, Mitch McGary, who opted for season-ending back surgery late last year.

The Wolverines started the game just like they had finished their previous two, with confidence and swagger, hitting their three-point and mid-range shots, which carry the team most of the time. Michigan ran out to a 10-2 start, quickly quieting the crowd right out of the gate.

The Spartans responded with Gary Harris taking command of the game, in which he scored a career high 27 points.

The first half consisted of fast-paced Big Ten basketball, as both teams were fighting to be the lone undefeated team remaining in the conference.

Harris and the Spartans got the crowd back into the game — which can be a big factor when playing in the Breslin Center, which may be one of the hardest places to play in the country— by hitting big 3 point shots.

At halftime, the Spartans led the Wolverines by a score of 36 to 30 and seemed to have full control of the game.

The Wolverines started the game just like they had finished their previous two with confidence and swagger, hitting their three-point and midrange shots, which carry the team most of the time. Michigan ran out to a 10-2 start, quickly quieting the crowd right out of the gate.

Big performances by sophomore guard Nik Stauskus and freshman point guard Derrick Walton, who both scored 19 points, led the rest of the way for Michigan.

With under ten minutes to play, Michigan guard Caris Levert inbounded the ball, stepped behind the three-line to catch a pass and drain an open look to tie the game at 53.

With under four minutes to play and the game tied at 60 all, Stauskus buried an open three that started an 8-0 run for the Wolverines that eventually led to their victory.

Freshman Spartan guard Alvin Ellis III scored 12 points in an opportunity to play due to the injuries.

The final score was 80-75 and Michigan had beaten its third top ten ranked team in a week and won in a hostile environment to take sole lead of the Big Ten. The Spartans and Wolverines are set to play each other one more time this season on Feb. 23, this time at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor.

Did you know…

You can finish your bachelor’s degree on the MCCC Campus!

Siena Heights University has a degree completion center right here on campus! Undergraduate classes available in:

• Accounting

• Bachelor of Applied Science

• Business Administration

• Multidisciplinary Studies

• Professional Communications

• Psychology

a n e i S Graduate classes available in Leadership. Contact Siena today at (734) 384-4133 or stop by our office in L-221.