Nov 7, 2013

gora A

THE

Halloween at MCCC, photos page 3

Aug. 26, 2010 55,Issue Issue November 7, 2013 Vol. Vol. 58, 4 1

www.mcccagora.com

Nursing program clears hurdle

Continued accreditation recommended

By William Miko Agora Staff

Photo by Reggie Allen

Nursing student, Elizebeth Ramos performs a phlebotomy, puncturing a vein with a needle, on a practice dummy in class.

MCCC’s highly successful nursing program appears to be back on track after receiving a warning from its accreditation agency in 2011.

The program, which was put on warning status during its last comprehensive review in 2011, was re-evaluated by a site team this October, according to Kim Lindquist, Dean of Health Sciences.

“The first hurdle is complete,” Lindquist said.

Lindquist added the visit from the site team was a success; the team is recommending continued accreditation for the nursing program. The visit lasted two-and-ahalf days to assure that concerns from 2011 were addressed, and all standards were met.

To continue as an accredited nursing program is a three-step process, Lindquist said.

The first step was the visit by the site team. Next comes the report to an evaluation review panel in January, and the vote in March by the board of the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Health Science Dean Kim Lindquist

A final determination for continued accreditation is not expected to be announced until April, 2014.

Lindquist said the warning status was issued due to concerns the ACEN had with the program meeting certain standards.

ACEN has six different standards, with numerous criteria under each standard. Every two to eight years ACEN holds a comprehensive review to assure that nursing programs are compliant with these standards.

A complete revision of the nursing program has been in the works since their 2011 visit.

“Our entire curriculum has been

revised; we have a new mission and vision, core values, and learning outcomes,” Lindquist said.

“We also have all new program evaluation tools as well.”

Lindquist praised the faculty of the nursing program from the top down.

“They are really the ones that pushed the entire process,” Lindquist said. “This is a very small amount of time for this amount of work.”

Michelle Wyatt, a student in the nursing program, said she was initially nervous about the program being on warning status.

“I was at first, but after seeing what they put into it, I was less nervous,” Wyatt said.

Wyatt’s concern with the program losing its accreditation was that the credits she had would not be able to transfer if she wanted to continue her education and receive a bachelor’s degree.

She also said that an accredited degree is more viable then a nonaccredited degree when it comes to getting a job.

Wyatt went on to say that the nursing program faculty offered Continued on Page 2

New childcare option available for students

By Katie Mullin Agora Staff

MCCC parents can now seek a childcare service down the road.

Meadow Montessori School has designated an area to provide childcare for MCCC students and staff.

Randy Daniels, vice president of Student and Information Services, took a tour of the facility and met with staff members there.

“The room is well-equipped with developmentally appropriate learning material and readily available for more of our students to utilize,” he said in an email about Meadow Montessori.

“It’s an opportunity for our students to have something that’s close, convenient and affordable,” he said.

“They’re serving a few of our students now.”

Catharine Calder, head of Meadow Montessori, said they are offering a drop-in preschool for 3-6 year olds at

the school.

Children are immersed in a Montessori atmosphere and learn a variety of subjects that include math, sciences, geography, and two foreign languages: Chinese and Spanish. The language classes are taught by native speakers.

“Montessori looks at education holistically” Calder said.

One way it accomplishes this task is building community in the classroom.

“It’s like a family. We work so hard to create that sense of community,” she said.

Calder said the school is not currently accepting drop-in childcare for infants and toddlers.

MCCC’s childcare center saw its doors close last spring when it was unable to secure a vendor. The Board of Trustees voted to “privatize” the service.

Marina Harvey, Meadow Montessori director of development, said stu-

dents should not use the school as a site to deposit their child for a couple of hours.

“We need to talk with the parents first. It’s really on a case-by-case basis,” she said.

“I do not want to give people the wrong impression.”

Prospective students and staff are required to fill out paperwork before enrolling their children in a program.

Harvey also said they do put caps on the number of children, and it depends on their age.

“We’re willing to work with students to create something for them,” she said.

“We’re willing to help.”

According to Daniels’ email, The Meadow Montessori childcare program is $5 per hour.

Daniels said the campus charged $3.50 per hour and added a $25 technology fee each semester.

Photo by Katie Mullin

The Meadow Montessori childcare program provides daily learning activities such as crafts.

Costumed students perform poetry to full theater

By Julia Wells

“It’s all in good fun. Everybody seemed to enjoy it, it was a great atmosphere and a good time.”

Agora Staff

Students and faculty got into the spirit of the season at the Poetry and Storytelling night, sponsored by the Writing Fellows.

The event was held in the Little Theatre on Oct. 29, just in time for Halloween.

Participants were encouraged to dress in costume and read their favorite poetry.

Some students even prepared original works of poetry to read.

Jacob Gonyea, a student in professor Carrie Nartker’s English class, started out the night with a short, fun freestyle.

“I’m a freestyle poet, my inspiration is life and people and how they interact,” he said.

Student Bill Borrous was inspired by his son to dress up as the video game character Luigi, and perform an original, Mario-themed poem.

“I talked with my son and he helped me with my poem a little bit. He came up with neat little words and rhymes and I ad-libbed with him and that’s what we came up with. So I’m excited about it and he is too.” he said.

Burrous also said he would be willing to perform again.

-Bill Burrous Student Performer

Photo by Reggie Allen

Writing Fellow Aaron Kipfmiller presented Tiffany Miller, the winner of the costume contest with a book stor gift card.

“It’s all in good fun. Everybody seemed to enjoy it, it was a great atmosphere and a good time.”

The Writing Fellow staff, advised by

Inside:

Professor Timothy Dillon, usually puts on this event in the Fall and Spring.

“It’s mostly the Writing Fellows who do it. They always want to do this,”

Check out The Agora online at

Campus News......................2-5 A&E.......................................6 Editorial...................................7 Sports......................................8

www.mcccagora.com “Like” us on

Follow us on

Dillon said. “They pretty much do all the leg work and I oversee it.”

Dillon said that though the costume contest usually is a hit among the audience, they can never predict how the turnout will be.

“We never know, we’ve had the place full and we’ve had only a few rows of people, so we never know. Last year we had about ten people dress up.”

This year, 31 students recited pieces to a theater of 60 students and members of faculty.

Dillon said that he does not “do costumes,” so he did not dress up. He did, however, participate in a performance with English professor William McCloskey.

McCloskey performed a dramatic piece

by Leroy Jones, while Dillon accompanied him on guitar.

Other faculty members who performed pieces were Vinnie Maltese, who did a bit

Bookstore Hours:

that included a math handout, and Carrie Nartker who was asked by a student to read his work for him.

Ten students participated in the costume contest. Ultimately, student Tiffany Miller won the contest, dressed as the book “Morris Goes to School,” which she also recited part of.

Miller won a $20 gift card to MCCC’s bookstore.

One of the Writing Fellows who judged the competition was Ashley Bates, who also helped host the event.

“I really did get nervous because I did not want to trip over people’s names. But it was okay, I enjoyed it,” Bates said.

“I did not perform something myself because I do not like my own poetry. I’m not a poem writer; I could not write a poem to save my life.”

Another Poetry and Storytelling night is scheduled for the Winter semester.

Library Hours:

Mon - 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Tue - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Mon - Thur: 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Sat: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

LAL/Writing Center:

Fitness Center Hours:

Mon - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Sat: 9 a.m- 1:00 p.m

Serving Monroe County Community College since 1968

Mon - Thurs: 10 a.m. - 7:30 Fri - Sat: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Campus News

November 7 , 2013

mcccagora.com • The Agora

|2

Nursing program boasts high success rates

Continued from Page 1

a meeting to allow students to address their concerns, and to get a better understanding of what was going on.

“I was very confident after the meeting,” she said.

Wyatt said she was aware of the nursing program being on warning status when she was accepted into the program. She said that she decided to join MCCC’s nursing program despite the warning status due to its very high reputation.

The nursing program at MCCC has been very successful in recent years. A high number of students who finish the Registered Nursing program and receive their Associates of Applied Science degree in Nursing have passed qualifying exams.

“Nobody can understand what we go through; it is a very rigorous and rewarding program,” Michelle Wyatt Nursing Student

According to Lindquist, graduates must past the NCLEX exam, which is a national board exam required to practice as a registered nurse (RN).

In 2012, 96 percent of MCCC’s RN students passed the NCLEX exam. The national benchmark is 89 percent.

Cindy Pitney, a third semester RN student, said the program does a great job of preparing the students for the NCLEX exam.

She said the tests in her classes are more focused on critical thinking

rather than knowledge-based information, which is similar to the NCLEX exam.

The practical nursing degree, also available at MCCC, has an NCLEX exam as well; students from MCCC passed this exam at 100 percent in 2012.

MCCC’s nursing program also produces successful job placement rates.

A survey is available for students to fill out six to twelve months after they receive their degree. Lindquist said 75 percent of those who responded were employed.

Wyatt said that the program is a challenge, but worth it.

“Nobody can understand what we go through; it is a very rigorous and rewarding program,” she Photo by Reggie Allen said.

Elizabeth Ramos and Carly Mcintosh work together to perform a procedure on a practice dummy.

Faculty contract still at a standstill

By Katie Mullin Agora Staff

Making peace with the other side has yet to be seen at the negotiating table between MCCC faculty and the college.

“There wasn’t much progress,” Dr. Patrick Nedry said about the last negotiating session.

Nedry, chief negotiator for the faculty, said the college is asking faculty to give up certain benefits in their contract that affect wages and other compensation.

“That’s the crux of what we’re talking about,” he said.

Described as a “paramount decision,” Nedry also said the college is asking some of the faculty to take a cut in their benefits to fund others.

“The longer it goes, the more money they save,” he said.

The college and faculty negotiators last met Oct. 4 to discuss the contract, which expired in August.

“We exchanged proposals a couple times,” he said about the negotiating process.

Other college employee groups were not required to take a benefits cut to fund increases in salaries, according to Nedry.

“None of the other groups had to do that,” he said.

The faculty is certainly not happy, says Nedry. However, he remains optimistic about the situation and thinks their requests are reasonable.

“People want to be professional despite their concerns,” he said.

Kojo Quartey, president of MCCC, said he wants both sides to have a “mutually beneficial resolution.”

“Personally, what I would like to see is a win-win situation.

“I want everyone to win, because I don’t want to work with losers. I believe in working with winners,” he said about coming to an agreement.

He also addressed both sides of the negotiating table. Quartey said he knows what’s it’s like to work as a faculty member and an administrator.

“I know what it means to be in their shoes,” he said about being a faculty member.

“I value the faculty and the board values the faculty.”

Quartey encourages both sides to accelerate the decision-making process. The negotiation talks have been ongoing since February.

“I want to see it happen as soon as possible,” he said.

Quartey said faculty and administration need to be reminded why they are here.

“It’s all about the students,” he said.

Faculty members are expressing their disgruntlement by wearing t-shirts that say: “50 years of teaching excellence deserves a fair contract.”

Photo by Katie Mullin

Mark Bergmooser, speech professor and president of the faculty union, shows unity by wearing his blue shirt at a recent meeting.

Faculty members wore their shirts on Nov. 5, to spread their message.

The Agora Editorial Policy Editor: Julia Wells

Staff Reggie Allen Tim Green Melanie Jacobs William Miko Katie Mullin Matt Mullins Lauren Robinson Darryl White

Adviser: Dan Shaw

The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. The editorial office is located in Room 202 of the Life Sciences Bldg., (734) 384-4186, agora@monroeccc.edu.

Editorial policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of The Agora staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer. All letters to the editor must include a signature, address and phone number for verification purposes. The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length and libel.

The Agora is a student-managed newspaper that supports a free student press and is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, College Media Advisers, Associated Collegiate Press and the Student Press Law Center.

Story suggestions are welcome. Let us know what you’d like to see in The Agora - it’s your newspaper. E-mail submissions: agora@monroeccc.edu .

Photo by Reggie Allen

Whether East and West Tech get remodeled depends on whether the state approves a funding request by the Board of Trustees.

E,W Tech buildings may be remodeled; other issues discussed by Trustees

By Katie Mullin Agora Staff

The East and West technology buildings are in need of major renovations.

That was the message from Suzanne Wetzel, Vice President of Administration, to the Board of Trustees at their meeting on Oct 28.

“We have a whole lot of work to do in West Tech,” she said.

Wetzel presented the college’s annual building plan for 2015. Included in the plan is a request for state funding to renovate the East and West Technology buildings.

The approximately 60,000-square-foot plan has an estimated price tag of $12 million.

“If we complete the renovation at 60,000 square feet, that’s what it would cost,” she said.

The timeline for renovation of the two buildings is currently from July 2014 until December 2015.

“Those are very, very rough estimates,” Wetzel said.

State approval is required if a project exceeds $1 million.

“By submitting this, there’s no guarantee the state will fund it,” Wetzel said.

“The Career Technology Center (CTC) was submitted several times before it was approved.”

Wetzel discussed programs the college would like to expand within the East and West buildings. Included are expanding the Regional Computer Technology Center (RCTC), moving the Learning Assistance Lab from the C building, renovating lab space to accommodate the creation of a Viticulture and Enology lab, and expanding the Middle College.

“The East and West Technology buildings need major renovations, especially in the lab areas to make it possible to convert these spaces into useable classroom and lab spaces for other programs needing to relocate or expand,” the project request said.

Wetzel explained what will happen if the college receives state funding. The state typically provides up to 50 percent funding for community colleges.

“Once you get that authorization, it locks you into that amount,” she said.

The request addressed whether the project would have an impact on tuition.

“There should be no impact on student tuition and fees,” the request said.

The board voted to approve the Capital Outlay plan, which included the East/West Tech

proposal. Wetzel said the vote does not allocate funding, but places the East and West Tech renovation as the next priority.

Also during the meeting, Steve Mapes, associate professor of Counseling, presented this year’s Student Profile Report.

Mapes said the typical student is female, Caucasian, living in Monroe County, attending part-time and planning to transfer.

“This has remained unchanged for many years,” he said.

The type of programs students are pursuing shifted, he said. The trend during the recession was more toward occupational programs.

“We did see more of a shift in occupational programs,” he said, “seeing it go back to transfer programs.”

Mapes explained the enrollment by gender – females dominated, with 2,160, while there were 1,617 males.

He also said more veterans enrolled at the college.

“It’s not a big group, but 88 percent are male,” he said.

Another growing group is delayed or deferred students – those who postpone their enrollment for a semester or more.

“We’re seeing more and more students delaying that enrollment,” he said.

Mapes said enrollment has declined, overall, in and out of the district, but out-of-state students saw the largest decrease.

“We feel that these are our Pell Runners,” he said, referring to students who move from college to college to fraudulently obtain federal grant money.

Mapes said roadblocks have been enacted to prevent the problem.

In addition, Mapes said the area with the largest increase in students was downriver, which includes Brownstown and Woodhaven.

“That’s really where all of our growth came from,” he said.

Another area of growth on the enrollment report was students attending any college for the first time. Mapes said this segment is experiencing the most gains with dual-enrolled students and military veterans.

“Those are our bright spots,” he said.

Trustee Linda Lauer mentioned that MCCC has raised tuition a lot in recent years.

“We are definitely the superior option,” Mapes said in response.

board meeting:

● The board approved a first-year probationary contract for Jack Burns, director of Campus Planning and Facilities. Burns has been a lifelong resident of Monroe County and was a former MCCC student.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to serve the college,” he said. ● Beth Waldvogel, a part-time Web Services/Computer Lab Technician on the college’s main campus, is transferring to a full-time position at the Whitman Center. Wetzel said the transfer will save the college $30,000 a year.

“It’s a huge win-win for our students,” she said.

“She brought it (the idea) forward and I think it’s really terrific.” ● The college was scheduled to receive a cash boost on Nov 1. A $3 million loan will be credited to the college’s account to pay for uncovered expenses, according to Wetzel.

Wetzel said the college is waiting for property tax revenues to arrive so the college can pay off the loan.

“As soon as we have the money, we’ll pay it back,” she said.

College President Dr. Kojo Quartey’s TV show, “Education Matters,” was addressed in the meeting.

The half-hour interview show is filmed at MPACT studios in Monroe. Joe Verkennes, Director of Marketing, said the second taping was recently completed featuring Quartey interviewing the superintendent of the Monroe County Intermediate School District.

The first episode, featuring a discussion with Peter Coomar, dean of the Applied Science and Engineering Technology Division, will air in November. The next episode will run in January.

Verkennes and other staff and faculty members have taken part in the show’s production.

“We are even trying to get the students involved,” he said. ● Quartey mentioned the first meeting of a Solidworks software support group, which was held at MCCC and drew over 100 people.

“That was great,” he said. ● Wetzel presented a report on the new Career Technology Center.

“Internal signage is now complete,” she said.

Wetzel also said she is working with the faculty to resolve complaints of loud noises while students are in the work bays.

Other highlights of the Oct. 28

2013 Monroe County High School Gradutes at MCCC High School Total 2013 2013 Grads % of class

Graduating class Enrolled at MCCC Enrolled at MCCC Airport 184 58 32% Bedford 396 53 13% Dundee 98 22 22% Ida 117 41 35% Jefferson 139 48 35% Mason 73 15 21% Monroe 396 120 30% S.M.C.C 106 20 19% Summerfield 68 8 12% Whiteford 61 14 23% Total

1638

399

24%

Figures from the Fall 2013 Student Profile Data report show what percentage of the graduating students, from each high school in Monroe County, are enrolling at MCCC right out of high school.

November 7, 2013

Campus News

mcccagora.com • The Agora

Students groove to the cha cha slide on the dance floor.

A zombified version of Logan Fransisco and Cherie Farley.

Photos by Reggie Allen

Kimberly Stone and Blaine Hubbert won the costume contest by replicating Velma and Shaggy.

Students pose to show off their costumes.

DJ Josh Zarza, dressed as a wizard, mixes up some music as part of the entertainment.

The Halloween Bash, hosted by the Math and Science Society, brought together a frighteningly good arrangement of holiday fun. Packed with live music, games and enough candy to fill anyone’s bag, the Cellar came alive. Cans were collected at the door and will be donated to the Manor House Salvation Army.

Student Jacob Gonyea danced dressed as a pirate.

|3

November 7, 2013

Campus News

mcccagora.com • The Agora

|4

College Night attracts record numbers

By Mariah Tevepaugh For the Agora

Students and parents waited anxiously with questions rolling around in their minds - the time had come to enter the gymnasium and begin their search for a future college.

MCCC’s College Night on Oct. 29 featured a record number of more than 60 colleges and universities, according to event organizer Joyce Haver, a college counselor.

The event impressed students, parents, guardians, and MCCC staff with the variety of in-state and out-of-state colleges.

“I’m proud to have all of these institutions on our campus,” MCCC President Kojo Quartey said.

Colleges such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania made an appearance at the event.

The front three booths of the gymnasium were for MCCC and included infor-

“I’m proud to have all of these institutions on our campus.”

Dr. Kojo Quartey MCCC Presidenrt mation on support services, financial aid, and admissions, along with a sign that said, “Our tuition is among the lowest in the region.”

According to Haver, the event gave MCCC an advantage, not only because it’s the first college a student saw, but because MCCC already tries to visit other schools.

“Recruiting is an absolute bonus for us,” she said.

Throughout the entire event, the MCCC booths stayed busy with students and their parents interested in what each

booth had to offer.

“So many people came through that we had to go get more handouts,” MCCC Financial Aid assistant Ryan Rafko said.

Next to the Financial Aid booth was information on support services and admissions.

Support Services included information on the Learning Assistance Lab (LAL) and POPSS (Perkins Occupational Populations Support Services). POPSS is funded through the Carl D. Perkins Grant and students must be enrolled or intending to enroll in certain state-approved occupational programs.

The admissions booth had information on classes offered and about being admitted to MCCC. Many admissions representatives agreed that applying early for any deadline is important and that’s one of the main messages they gave to prospective students.

“It’s important to know about deadlines

“It’s important to know about deadlines, and how to apply.”

Mike Oelke University of Michigan admissions

and how to apply.” University of Michigan admissions representative Mike Oelke said.

Students and parents were impressed by how much information they were given by the admissions representatives and their enthusiasm to talk about their university or college.

“Some of them had some nice swag,” Michelle Glanville, a parent of a current high school student said, referring to the college representatives.

Many students seemed to agree that the event was helpful due to the organization,

variety of colleges, and all the information they received.

“It was a success,” current high school student Taylor Wallin said. “I learned things I didn’t know.”

MCCC Student Government was also involved, passing out information on the event with a list of colleges and universities that had attended.

Current Student Government member Sara Bijarro (Fox), thinks the event is a great way to show students they can get information and receive opportunities from attending College Night.

“It’s important to keep kids involved in their education,” she said.

Haver and other faculty members agree that College Night is important because it helps bring together the students and parents with a college or university admissions representative.

“There’s an opportunity to engage oneon-one,” Haver said.

‘I saw the white wolf come to you...’

Speaker brings native spirituality to MCCC

By Logan Jacobs For the Agora

The earth has received the embrace of the sun and we shall see the results of that love.

We love earth mother and everything that she gives to us, including everything above us, and we will feel that love.

“We believe as Native American people that this phrase sums up everything,” says John Bailey, 38, founder of Turtle Island Dream Keepers.

Bailey’s group focuses on Native American education in Monroe County. He spoke Oct. 7 at a seminar on the MCCC campus about the fundamentals of Native American spiritualism.

Bailey embraces the spirituality of his ancestors. He follows the Native American belief system, and walks the red road – though he was not born into it.

The practice of Native American spirituality can take years to fully comprehend, Bailey said, although three practices stand out as pillars of the ideology: pow wows, the Sacred Hoops teachings, and visions.

A pow wow is a get-together where all are invited to take part in practicing and celebrating Native American culture.

“A pow wow is a gathering of nations,” Bailey said.

Pow wows are a common place for one of the most sacred practices of the spirituality – dancing.

“To dance is to pray, to pray is to dance,” Bailey said. “Every dance is a prayer.”

Prayer is a large part of the spirituality, just as in all religions. Native Americans use tobacco often to help communicate and feel closer to Creator.

“We offer up tobacco; that is a connection we have to Creator. He gave us that to be able to connect with him. So we lay that down every morning and every night to say thank you for everything you have given us,” Bailey said.

A large part of Native American ideology stems from the Sacred Hoops belief system. This system operates under the guidelines that all things are related, and all things are equal.

“We are constantly in contact with Creator,” Bailey said.

The Sacred Hoops is an image that displays seven directions, each one associ-

Photo courtesy of John Bailey

John Bailey, right, carries a flag during the Native American Pow-wow on the MCCC campus last summer.

“No man is above or below another man, we are all equal in the circle. Your word is no different than any other man’s words, you are not judged in the circle.”

John Bailey Founder, Turtle Island Dream Keepers ated with a color and plane.

East is yellow, red is south, black is west, white is north, blue is sky, green is earth, and purple is the center, which symbolizes Creator.

Sacred Hoops has strong metaphors to the cycle of life in its entirety, and makes strong claims of total equality among man; it takes years to truly learn and mas-

ter, Bailey said.

“No man is above or below another man, we are all equal in the circle. Your word is no different than any other man’s words, you are not judged in the circle,” he said.

Bailey chooses to practice his Native American beliefs; he was born a Lutheran and later converted to Catholicism when

he married. When asked how he came to his decision, he smiled and muttered: “A vision.”

It was a regular night for Bailey, listening to a friend’s grandfather tell a story on a reservation when he dozed off.

“I saw myself back in the same field we were in. I was there by myself; I was confused. Storm clouds were coming in, then out of the sky came a white wolf. He said, ‘don’t worry, I’ve got you covered and have since the day you were born.

You are going to learn to walk the way of the red man,’” Bailey said.

Cautiously, Bailey asked how, and the wolf replied the first thing Bailey would learn is showing a white dream catcher.

It was then that Bailey awoke in front of the fire, back with his friend and the

grandfather.

The grandfather then laid a white dream catcher in front of him.

“I saw the white wolf come to you; you are on a road, a long road that will shape your life,” the grandfather said.

Since that day, Bailey has been walking the red road, though it is not easy.

Many of the details of Native American spirituality were lost due to the longtime persecution by the U.S. government, which only recently ended.

“It wasn’t until 1979, when Congress passed the Native American Freedom Act, that we were even allowed to speak our own language, to be able to pray in public, to be able to dance in the pow wows. Up until that point we were not allowed to do any of those,” Bailey said.

The MCCC Writing Center ... ... is looking for qualified students to join the Writing Fellow Program

Top ten reasons to become a writing fellow at MCCC Earn tuition and bookstore money by tutoring other students Meet interesting students, faculty, and staff Acquire another nifty t-shirt (MCCC Writing Center) Earn respect from faculty and staff on campus Scholarships can be listed on your resume Great preparation to go into teaching and education Opportunities to attend conferences at other colleges Become a better writer and help others becomes better writers Learn to cope with chaos and deadlines Be part of a great MCCC organization

If you are interested in becoming an MCCC writing tutor, please stop by the Writing Center in C-218 to pick up an application. If you would like to know more about the Writing Center go to http://www.monroeccc.edu/writing.

Campus News

November 7, 2013

mcccagora.com • The Agora

|5

Pink-Out day draws few students Emily Cheplicki For the Agora

Photo by Reggie Allen

Student Government members Shelby Angilley and Heaven Wuest hand out breast cancer awareness material at the Pink-Out day booth.

MCCC’s Pink Out Day was not as pink as the Student Government hoped it would be.

On Thursday, Oct. 24, MCCC’s Student Government attempted to get the students of MCCC to wear pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness.

“Not as many people participated as we expected they would,” Student Government member Heaven Wuest said.

Students could wear pink shirts, ribbons, and anything else they could find in their closet. However, most students chose not to.

Some students said that the low turnout may have been related to a lack of advertising.

“I didn’t even know Pink Out Day was a thing,” MCCC student Matt Trombley said.

“I would have never guessed it was Pink Out Day here at MCCC;

there is hardly anyone wearing pink,” student Ashley Ingram said.

The special occasion was advertised through email and also on MCCC’s Facebook page.

However, Student Government members said the event should have been more publicized.

“Flyers could have been put up, or even big signs,” Wuest said.

Student government also had a table set up in the A -Building from 11a.m. to 2 p.m..

The table displayed items such as pencils, stickers, ribbons, quotes, stress balls, cupcakes and brochures. The brochures included information about breast cancer and how to cope with the illness.

Student Government said they had to get people’s attention as they walked past the table and ask them to take some of the items.

“The only time most students

would stop voluntarily was before we ran out of cupcakes. We got the impression that students only wanted the free cupcakes,” Wuest said.

While most students tossed thier Pink Out Day email in the trash, some participated.

MCCC student Sam Hopper wore a pink shirt, a pink flower in her hair, a pink ribbon, and a pink Northface jacket.

“I wore pink today because my mom’s best friend is currently fighting breast cancer,” Hopper said. “I sent her a picture of my pink outfit this morning, and she replied, ‘That’s awesome! I appreciate it!’

“It made me feel good, and it just goes to show you that it’s not that hard to just throw on a pink shirt,” Hopper said.

Alex Winningham, a freshman at MCCC, wore a streak of pink in her hair, pink bracelets, and a pink shirt.

“I received the email and figured that it was something everyone was going to participate in.

I’m a little surprised that I’m the only one in all my classes who went all out wearing pink. I did it to show my support for all of the women in my family that have fought breast cancer,” Winningham said.

MCCC student Darcy Ferrara wore a small pink ribbon and pink socks.

“To be honest, my socks are a coincidence. I was not aware that it was Pink Out Day, but when I saw the informational table I stopped to get a ribbon,” she said.

“I would have put more pink on if I would have known, but I will for sure be participating next year.”

MCCC’s Student Government has put on the event for several years. Although this year was not as successful as members previously thought, they will continue to do it in the years to come.

Blood drive gives chance to contribute Katherine Gerweck For the Agora

Blood drives at MCCC are an opportunity to encourage students to give back.

“You’re letting a more diverse group of people know about the need, access, and ability to help others,” said Kevin Stewart, a donor and MCCC student.

Sponsored by The American Red Cross and MCCC Student Government, the first blood drive of the year, was held on Oct. 22.

Heidi Gardner, an American Red Cross collection specialist, said all blood drives are important. But MCCC’s gives the Red Cross the opportunity to get new people involved.

“We like reaching out to the younger generation,” she said.

The blood drives are held in the Administration Building’s dining room, which is partitioned off for the event.

They are easily reachable and convenient for students and faculty.

Shelby Angilley, a Student Government member who chaired the event, said the blood drives’ accessibility is a factor of its success.

“It’s a good location because there are a bunch of students and faculty. It’s not out of anyone’s way,” she said.

They also give students with time constraints the opportunity to donate. The on-campus location makes it easy for students to come before or after class. For some, it is the only time that they are able to give blood.

“I never really have time to do it anywhere but the college,” said middle college student Samantha Brooks. “I think there are many middle college students who just do it here.”

Community members are also welcome to donate; Ap-

pointments and walk-ins are accepted. At the start of the blood drive, a line of five walk-ins five wait to be registered.

Shawn Crockett, a community member and former student, said he has been turned away from other blood drives because he did not have an appointment.

MCCC’s blood drives are important to him, because he thinks students seeing community members come in encourages them.

“It instills in the students to donate,” he said.

MCCC’s blood drives average 65 units, which is a good amount, according to Gardner. The donations are primarily used for traumas, like car accident victims, she said.

Many donors give blood because they know someone who has benefited from it.

“Multiple family members have needed it in the past,” said Nicole Mitchell, a former MCCC student.

According to the American Red Cross website, there are four steps in the donation process: registration, a miniphysical and health history, the donation, and refreshments. Those wishing to donate should have a form of ID for the registration process.

The mini-physical and questions about health history are done in a private booth, and the results are kept confidential. The donation itself will take eight to ten minutes,; although certain methods, like donating plasma, can take longer. Finally, donors are offered refreshments like water, crackers, and cookies.

One donation can help up to three people.

MCCC students who attended the blood drive understand the rewarding feeling of donating.

“It’s a small act but it has large benefits,” said Stewart.

Briefly: Chili, soup cook-off comes to MCCC

MCCC is hosting its fourth annual Chili and Soup Cook-Off to help raise money for the Kimberly Reaume Memorial Scholarship.

The Cook-Off is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 14, from noon to 1 p.m. and will be held in the MCCC Dining Room.

Anyone interested in participating should contact Tom Ryder by Friday, November 8.

Donations will go to the Kimberly Reaume Memorial Scholarship; bowls, spoons, napkins, and crackers will be provided.

This is a great chance to warm up for the winter and donate to a great cause!

Students get chance to meet president Anyone can meet Monroe County Community College’s new President, Dr. Kojo Quartey during one of his scheduled appearances on his MCCC Presidential Listening Tour of Monroe County.

Agora photo by Darryl White

Psychology professor Melissa Grey presents “Queer It Up: A Discussion and Exercise in How to be an LGBT Ally at MCCC.”

‘Queer it up’ Alexandra Kobielski For The Agora

MCCC Psychology professor Melissa Grey discussed the importance of becoming an ally and supporting different sexual orientations in an Oct. 24 presentation.

“An ally is someone heterosexual who supports different sexual orientations,” Grey said.

“An ally is someone who recognizes they have privilege where others experience prejudice by society.”

Grey named her speech, “Queer It Up: A Discussion and Exercise in How to be an LGBT Ally at MCCC.” She talked about the differences between various sexual orientations and gender identities such as gay, bisexual, lesbian, and heterosexual.

She led the audience through a symbolic activity, asking each person to close their eyes as she placed a sticker on their foreheads.

The group was also told to open their eyes and to find other people in the room whose sticker matched theirs. The challenge — they were unable to communicate through speaking.

Dr. Quartey will be having direct conversations with residents of Monroe County to get a first hand feel of what different areas of the county need, in terms of services from the college.

Each listening session will run from 6-7:30 pm at the following dates and locations: Wednesday Nov. 13, at Ellis Library and Reference Center; Thursday, Nov. 14, at Frenchtown-Dixie Branch Library; Monday, Nov. 18, at Bedford Branch Library; Thursday, Nov. 21, at Dundee Branch Library; Monday, Dec. 2, at Dorsch Memorial Branch Library; and Wednesday, Dec. 4, at L.S. Navarre Branch Library.

Native American presentation held To honor Native American Heritage Month, MCCC held a panel discussion open to the public on November 6. The meeting included MCCC President Dr. Kojo Quartey and local Native American leaders.

On the agenda was a panel discussion about the use of Native American team names and mascot names in sports. It has been a highly talked about topic in the media, mainly Washington D.C.’s football team, the Washington Redskins.

Professor helps students learn to be allies of LGBT

As each person looked around the room, they began to realize that every sticker was in the shape of a star; each a different color.

The participants separated into groups without talking; they helped each other by looking at a forehead and pointing that person in the direction of their group.

By the time everyone was split into groups, there was one person with a yellow sticker who stood alone The purpose of the activity was to represent belonging to a group and how society divides us based on looks and differences.

Each person trusted someone else to tell them the color of their sticker and direct them to the correct group. This symbolized how society separate us into a group, when in reality, we feel as though we do not belong.

“Why divide by gender identities?,” Grey asked. “Why is that better?”

People are treated differently based on groups that society pushes them into, Grey explained.

Grey showed statistics to college students about sexual orientation.

There is also a presentation of Native American artifacts in the glass display case in building A.

Host families needed for exchange students Two new exchange students will be coming to MCCC next semester. You can become a part of the cultural experience by hosting. Host familes are needed for the students who will be arriving in early January.

Simon is 18 years old and is from the French speaking region of Belgium. He aspires to be a film director, and wants to study film and music. He is interested in art, music, computers, journalism, and political science. Simon’s travels have extended throuhghout Europe and the US. “Now Simon would like to experience the American life by living with a host family,” a college email said.

Simon has studied languages such as German and Spanish. His hobbies include working out, basketball, golf, and squash.

“His best friend would describe him as someone who is open to new ideas and discovering the world, but also likes to discuss his opinion with others and learn about their views. Simon looks forward

Research indicates that 44 percent of college students have experienced sexual harassment in the past year based on their sexual identity, and 72 percent of students have experienced nonsexual contact harassment such as homophobic name calling.

In the past year, 28 percent of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) youth have thought about or attempted suicide, she said. On college campuses, 89 percent of students have heard the phrase “that’s so gay” being used in a derogatory fashion.

Grey listed ways on how allies can take action against discrimination.

“Step in to say it is wrong. Stop physical harassment by letting the LGBT community know there is support. And raise awareness to prevent harassment based on gender identities,” she said.

Grey asked what the students learned in the event.

“Stop being judgmental and accept everyone for who they are,” one audience memeber said.

“You do not always get to pick the group you are in,” another girl said.

to getting know his new host family,” the email said.

Sun Ah is 20 years old and from South Korea. Sun Ah is attending a university in Korea. She is majoring in communication design wants to become an editorial designer or packaging designer.

Her free time is spent by going to art and design exhibitions, watching movies, drawing, and taking walks. She and her friends sell handmade postcards at a local flea market. Sun Ah plays hobbies include playing the piano and badminton.

“She describes herself as shy at first, but is a naturally positive and friendly person. Her family has hosted three exchange students who she now considers ‘sisters,’ ” the email said.

Sun Ah ‘s inspriration for studying abroad comes from her younger sister, who studied in the US. If you are interested in hosting a student next semester, please contact Megan McCaffery-Bezeau 734-384-4258 or mmccaffery-bezeau@monroeccc. edu.

Cuisine 1300 opens for fall semester The culinary arts restaurant is ready for customers. The second-year culinary

arts students will be serving Modern American Bisto-themed cusine for its autumn season.

Cuisine 1300, located in the A Building, is under the direction of Chefs Kevin Thomas and Vicki LaValle. Those who want to participate in the experience must book a reservation.

Restaurant hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 11:30 and 11:45 a.m.

Reservations can be made by calling (734) 384-4231 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cuisine 1300 accepts cash and personal checks only.

The restaurant will be closed Nov. 14, 15 and 27-29. The final date for fall will be Dec.11.

Art show scheduled at Whitman Center An art show featuring art from the Bedford Artist Club is under way at the Whitman Center.

It is free and open to the public.

The show runs from Nov. 4 through Nov. 18 with a reception on November 6 at 6 p.m.

A&E

November 7, 2013

mcccagora.com • The Agora

New punk albums excite fans

By Tim Green Agora staff

“Well, hello there, please excuse the ax, my name is Sherri, my name is Max” are the opening lyrics to the new Perma LP, Two of a Crime.

Two of a Crime was released Oct. 29 of this year.

Perma is the Texas based band formed

by alt-rock’s power couple, Max Bemis of Say Anything and Sherri Dupree-Bemis of Eisley.

The name Perma comes from an inside joke that Bemis used when he was attempting to court Dupree-Bemis. Instead of asking Dupree at the time to be his girlfriend he asked her to be his “perma” or his permanent.

Bemis is no stranger to side projects, as he has done multiple projects while touring with Say Anything such as Max Bemis and the Painful Splits and Two Tongues, featuring Chris Conley of Saves the Day.

Two of a Crime is a comdownload though iTunes, alpilation of heartfelt love though if purchased though songs written about Bemis Equal Vision customers and Dupree-Bemis’ life will get three bonus tracks. together. This LP is such Signed CDs will be available sweet ear candy that it just when Bemis kicks off his might rot your teeth. solo tour Dec. 4 in Chicago at Lincoln Hall.

Bemis departs from his dark and angst-filled lyrFlint, Michigan’s homeics of Say Anything and town heroes, The Swellers Painful Splits and replaces have released their fifth stuthem with sweet, harmodio album, “The Light under nizing melodies composed Closed Doors.” of happier times.

The Light Under closed The album is comprised doors was released on Oct. of an acoustic guitar, small 29 by No Sleep Records. rhythmic tracks, and what The Swellers are a relaBemis and Dupree-Bemis tively unknown band, unless are known for most, their you’re a Michigan native voices. who is into the indie-punk The songs easily display music scene. the influence of Bemis and That being said, The Durpree-Bemis’s bands.

Swellers have opened for Tracks like “Little Light” well-known bands such as and “Let’s start a band” Less than Jake, Paramore, are Say Anything influand Motion City Soundtrack. enced. Others like “WishThe Light Under Closed bone” and “The Bat and Door is a follow up from the the Cave” sound more like self-produced five track EP, Eisley.

Running out of Places to go.

There is a confluence The Swellers sound hasn’t of both bands that makes changed over the years. You the overall record rather could play their 2011, Ups balanced; it’s almost as if Photo courtesy of Flickr and Downsizing with the Bemis and Dupree-Bemis Nick Diener, the lead singer for The Swellers, formed the band in 2002 with his new album and be unable to planed for it to be that way, brother and another friend. Starting in Flint, MI, the band now tours all over the distinguish a difference. Alwhich makes sense, as they though, many might disagree are writing love songs in and say they have been living people who are deeply in love. tandem. in the shadow of their previous work.

The album is currently available for Two of a Crime is the testament of two

|6

While you could say that it’s a missed opportunity for the band to reinvent their sound, it’s impressive that the band has not followed music’s current trend, a “flavor of the month” sound.

The Light Under Closed Doors is an album that you listen to more than once before judging the sound.

The first time you listen, you might feel like most of the songs sound the same, but you will be delighted to discover songs that stand out like “Great Lake State” and “Should.”

The Swellers kicked off a six week tour on Oct. 17 to promote the new album at

“The Light Under Closed Doors is an album that you listen to more than once before judging the sound.”

With Abrams at the helm, Star Wars is safe

By Matt Mullins Agora staff

First we heard that Disney bought Lucasfilm, then we heard that they were reboting the beloved Star Wars franchise.

The image alone is too scary to completely comprehend… picture Goofy in a Darth Vader costume, chuckling his way around the Death Star.

Finally, we have an almost cemented idea of what is going on. J.J. Abrams is directing and co-writing the sci-fi franchise and we aren’t looking at a reboot,

we are going to see a continuation of the epic series set a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.

J.J. Abrams is famous for the famed television show Lost and the recent reboot of Star Trek. There are plenty of other great titles under Abrams belt — these are just a few that really relate to the upcoming Star Wars movies.

In an interview with UK’s The Times Magazine, Abrams gave some insight into his hopes for the film.

“The beauty of [the original film] was

that it was an unfamiliar world,” Abrams told The Times, “and yet you wanted to see it expand and to see where it went.”

With this being said, and other parts of the interview, it leads me to believe that he is going to bring us back to the “spacewestern” style of film that the original movies went for.

Nothing lights up my world like a gritty space-western packed with light sabers and wookies.

At first I was scared (like many other star wars fans) about Disney making the

Star Wars franchise more family-friendly by removing Yoda and adding Mickey Mouse.

But now, with Abrams at the helm, we can finally rest assured that the movie will have a serious tone with some great action.

Probably a few lens glares, too.

My final thought?

Anyone who can make Star Trek appeal to the young audience like he did, can certainly take an epic franchise like Star Wars and make it fresh again.

Photo courtesy Jeff Christiansen

The time is

.

Transfer and complete your bachelor’s degree at The University of Toledo, with our built-in suite of support services centered around you: Now, get your very own success coach —your personal guide from the first day of classes until graduation.

Now, make the most of your transfer credits and life and work experiences.

Now, visit our adult and transfer student services in one convenient location in Rocket Hall.

Now, earn scholarships to help cover your cost of books, along with our affordable tuition rates.

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

Editorial

November 7 2013

mcccagora.com • The Agora

|7

Flesh-eating drug making its way to U.S.?

William Miko Agora Staff

Reports of a new, deadly flesheating drug named “Krokodil” have surfaced close to home.

Krokodil is the Russian word for crocodile. The drug has been given this name for two reasons: it originated in Russia, and green, scale-like spots can develop on the skin when abusers inject this deadly drug.

It is reported that the drug Krokodil is made of codeine, gasoline, paint thinner, and a few other ingredients. Krokodil is an opiatebased drug, and is being reported as a cheaper alternative to heroin.

Dr. Richard Friedman, director of the psychopharmacology clinic in New York, spoke of the dangers of this new drug.

“You’re poisoning yourself, it is very corrosive and toxic,” said Friedman in an article from cbsnews.com The first two cases of these symptoms to be reported in America occurred this September in Arizona, which is a known drug trafficking hub for the Mexican cartels.

In October, the Chicago Tribune reported that there were at least six people who have visited local hospitals and had unusual scalelike lesions on their bodies.

Five of the six incidents were

...He / she visited a different dealer than usual, and was told that the drug was indeed heroin. reported in Joliet, Ill. A suburb of Chicago; the last report was in McHenry County, about an hour northwest of Chicago.

According to a Chicago Tribune article, the person from McHenry County, whose name was kept private, said that he/she visited a different dealer than usual, and was told that the drug was indeed heroin. The user said that the price was cheaper than normal, and the high was different.

According to their doctor, in the article from the Chicago Tribune, the lesions showed up a few days following the injection of the drug.

Dawn Dearden, spokeswoman for the Drug Enforcement Agency, said that there hasn’t been any confirmed cases, but also expressed her concern, during a recent article from newsweek.com “We’re absolutely, positively concerned about it making its way to the United States,” said Dearden.

Illustration by Darryl White

It’s never a bad time to re-evaluate insurance Stephanie Horney

Re-evaluate your insurance every few years. Companies are constantly going through rate increases and decreases, and it will never hurt you to shop around.

You are not limited to shopping only when your policy is going to renew.

For the Agora

Insurance is a bill that no one enjoys paying.

Most people see it as a money pit that won’t have any return. However, insurance should be considered a financial safety net. You have to have insurance on your vehicles, if you are driving. And you must have insurance on your home, if you have a mortgage.

By having insurance on your vehicle, you ensure that you have coverage if your vehicle is in a wreck, or if you hurt someone. Having insurance on your home ensures that if your home were to burn down, or be destroyed in other ways, you have coverage to replace it, and any belongings that are in the home.

Another part of insurance that most people think is not worth paying is personal liability coverage. Personal liability coverage makes sure that if you are in a car accident and you injure someone that you will have the money to pay for any lawsuit against you.

The same goes for home insurance. If someone comes to your home, and falls down your stairs and severely injures themselves, your home owner’s liability would cover the lawsuit, depending on how much liability insurance you have.

With auto insurance, liability coverage is mandatory. In auto insurance, many people keep their liability limits at the state minimum, which is $20,000/$40,000.

These numbers mean that if you were in an automobile accident, and injured two people, and they each sue you for $20,000 you would be covered, because you have $20,000 each person/$40,000 each ac-

cident. If you were in the same accident, and were sued for $30,000 by each of the two hurt individuals, you would not have enough money in liability insurance.

In most cases, this would mean that your assets (house, car, savings,) would be taken to pay the remainder of the lawsuit.

In cases where there are larger amounts that need to be paid, all of your assets being taken would be followed by wage garnishments. Usually 25 percent of your

check will be taken from each paycheck, until your debt has been paid. Looking at the amount of money and assets that can be taken in the event of an accident, a lot of people realize that paying $5 extra a month can make a huge difference.

Insurance companies are everywhere, and there are companies that cover just about anything you can think of. Each company has its own rates, and therefore has different prices. Some companies are nationwide, and can cover anyone in any state. These companies have advantages

Eye catching resume tips Barry Kinsey For the Agora

We all know what a resume is, right? Well here is what I think it is: “A RESUME is a marketing document that communicates your ability to produce significant results better than other qualified candidates.”

It sums up your working life and educational history. It highlights your credentials for a job and helps an employer determine your ability and potential fit. It gets your foot in the door for the all-important interview.

One of the most difficult things to do in a resume is to describe to the reader what you did/do at your last/current job. So often resumes just re-state the job seeker’s current job description; they do not describe what they did. Here is an example of what I am describing.

Typical Resume Work Experience Description: Position: Assistant Manager at McDonalds Description: Assisted in the operation of a busy fast food establishment. Responsible for the cook line crew, for assuring good customer service and efficiency of the restaurant. Responsible for budgeting and managing personnel files. Received two good service awards.

Not bad but how does this com-

pare?

Position: Assistant Manager at McDonalds Description: Supervised a crew of 12 in the continuous operation of a cook line and point of sale.

Created weekly schedule for 24 hour, seven day a week operation.

Consistently worked within a quarterly budget of $57,000.

Ensured excellent customer service for all patrons.

Maintained human resource records, including hiring information, performance reviews and disciplinary actions.

Twice earned “Employee of the Month” honors.

Made improvement suggestions that reduced annual operating costs by 1.79% annually.

This second example of recording your job description is known as the “Seven Keys of Experience.” With the “Seven Keys of

Experience,” you use the following when possible in your descriptions: Total $, Total #s, Value Added, One Time Accomplishments, Waste/Scrap Reductions, + or -, and % Points. It is also helpful to begin each statement with an adverb. In this second example, you know that the job applicant can supervise up to 12, manage a $200,000 budget ($57,000 x 4), perform human resource duties, was an exemplary employee, and has the ability to cut costs.

If you would like to learn more about creating an eye catching resume, please plan on attending one of our Free Resume Workshops at 1:30 pm Thursday. Nov 21 at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec 9.

To attend one (both are the same) of these workshops or to register for our services, you can visit our website at http://www. collegecentral.com/monroeccc/ or stop by the Office of Workforce Development in Room 286 of the La-Z-Boy Center or contact Tammy Suzor 734-384-4270 or Barry Kinsey 734-384-4124 in the Office of Workforce Development or email us at workforce@monroeccc.edu.

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

like online accessibility, and funny television commercials.

There are also statewide companies that can cover only a single state. These companies also have advantages to them, such as having offices near you that you can speak to your actual agent, and having adjusters that come out and survey and discuss coverage with you after a loss. Nationwide companies have to account for natural disasters across the country, and will reflect their rates to what happens across the country. Statewide companies

will adjust their rates based on their state alone.

Re-evaluate your insurance every few years. Companies are constantly going through rate increases and decreases, and it will never hurt you to shop around. You are not limited to shopping only when your policy is going to renew. Companies will refund any un-used premium back to you if you switch at any point during your current term.

Another helpful hint to drivers is to shop around two years after a ticket or accident. Two years is the chargeable time for violations such as speeding tickets.

If the date falls during the middle of a policy term, the ticket will not come off the policy until it renews. When getting a new quote, those tickets are not chargeable after two years.

Insurance may not help your bank account, but is necessary to keep you, your family, and your assets protected. Do your homework, and don’t be afraid to shop around.

Give yourself a break Ray Bell

For The Agora

Break Time?

Before I begin this, I want to thank all of you who read my column. Its a bit weird for me to get recognition for something so miniscule as an advice column.

So, I thank you very much.

With that aside, there are times where everyone, anywhere, just needs a break from everything.

Family, school, work, a significant other (not that I am endorsing cheating on anyone.) We all need a break from something to relieve the stress put on each of us everyday.

Some people use the breaks between classes to unwind and relax before getting back into the rhythm of things. Others use the quiet time when they are at home in front of the TV to soothe their minds to a lull. However you take a break is up to you.

Where am I going with this? I feel that there are right and wrong ways to take breaks, because their are some people who just cannot unplug themselves from the stress that surrounds them. And if anyone deserves a break, its those people.

So here are my tips to taking a break.

First, find your “Fortress of Solitude.” Everyone needs one place where no one can bother

First, find your “Fortress of Solitude.”

Everyone needs one place where no one can bother you and you you and you can quietly relax.

This place can be in your car, your bedroom, even a library or coffee shop. This place is yours to unwind.

Second, remove anything that will disrupt the relaxing energy.

Having something in your space that will be disruptive to your relaxing flow would easily cause you to be even more stressed.

Things like phones, TV, video games — anything like this that will not help you relax.

Third, music is good. I know this is a basic tip, but through my experiences, I have noticed how my mood changes from stressed to calm in a matter of three songs (roughly ten to fifteen minutes).

Its relaxing enough that you can begin the soothing process.

Lastly, set a time limit on your relaxing time. When people relax too much, they begin to procrastinate and lose their focus on what they need to do. Having a set amount of time to relax not only

gives you a moment to relax, but its never allows your mind to forget the tasks you have to achieve, like a last-minute paper, or assignment.

So with these tips, I hope you find your relaxing methods and that you will be a little less stressed when it comes to life in general.

Stay Classy.

Sports Detroit Pistons boast talented new line-up November 7, 2013

By Josh Rains For the Agora

Entering the 2013-14 NBA season, fans of the Detroit Pistons have a lot to be excited about.

Off-season acquisitions Brandon Jennings, Josh Smith and Chauncey Billups, along with new head coach Maurice Cheeks, give this Pistons outfit a level of talent they haven’t had in several seasons.

With a new front line featuring the athletic Smith, low-post stalwart Greg Monroe, and the dynamic young center Andre Drummond, the Pistons should be able to win the rebounding battle and protect the paint on a nightly basis.

Jennings replaces former first-round draft pick Brandon Knight at point guard, and projects as an upgrade in the pick and roll game, and as a drive and kick playmaker.

In a move that will help as much off the court as it will on the court, Joe Dumars signed the 2004 finals MVP winner Chauncey Billups. Billups has the versatility to play the point or shooting guard positions, and has the track record as a leader and big shot maker that this team needs.

Maurice Cheeks replaces Lawrence Frank as head coach and should be able to command respect immediately. He’s a former all-star point guard in the league, and will bring credentials that Frank lacked.

Accompanying Cheeks on the sidelines is first year assistant coach, and former Piston, Rasheed Wallace. Wallace has long been revered for his knowledge on both ends of the court, and spent the off-season helping Drummond develop his lowpost game.

The Pistons also look to have a solid bench.

Point guard Will Bynum thrives in the pick and roll with Drummond, first-round draft pick Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is an athletic defender and solid long range shooter, forwards Kyle Singler and Luigi Datome offer three point shooting ability, as do stretch power forwards Jonas Jerebko and Charlie Villanueva, while Rodney Stuckey offers versatility as an option at point or on the wing.

The Pistons main concern this season will be spacing. While the new frontcourt should thrive on the defensive end and be able to own the glass, there is question as to whether all of the players can coexist on the offensive side of the court.

If the Pistons struggle with spacing early on, don’t be surprised if Dumars looks to trade Monroe and some of his players with expiring contracts, like Stuckey and Villanueva, for a small forward with shooting ability.

All in all, this Pistons team is too talented to not make the playoffs. Look for them to be in the top half of their conference and start filling the Palace of Auburn Hills once again.

mcccagora.com • The Agora

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Jim Leyland has become a fan-favorite over the span of eight years with the Detroit Tigers. In recent years, as the Tigers have lost their playoff games, some fans took their anger out on Leyland, claiming it was time for him to go.

Beloved Detroit manager announces retirment

By William Miko Agora Staff

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Rasheed Wallace, a former starting Piston, has been hired as an assistant coach for Detroit. His former teammate, Chauncy Billups, has been resigned to Detroit after a six-year span of playing with other teams.

|8

After his team was eliminated from the playoffs, Jim Leyland announced his retirement as manager of the Detroit Tigers.

In their third consecutive year of playing in the ALCS, the Tigers were not able to advance to the World Series During a Monday press conference following the ALCS loss, Leyland approached the podium tearyeyed, and expressed his gratitude toward the Detroit Tigers’ organization.

“I came here to change talent to team, and I think with the help of the entire organization, we’ve done that; we’ve won quite a bit,” Leyland said.

“And I am very grateful to have been a small part of that.”

Now, he wants to retire as a Tiger.

For eight years, Leyland coached the Detroit Tigers and contributed to 700 wins.

Despite his six-year hiatus from managing, he is retiring with a potential Hall of Fame resume.

Leyland is ranked 14 of all-time in baseball with

3,499 games managed, and 15 in wins with 1,769.

In 22 seasons as a major league manager, half of his time resulted in first or second place team finishes.

Leyland is not only known for his success as a baseball manager, but also for letting the umpires have it when they made a bad call.

Leyland, known to sneak in a quick cigarette between innings, provided fans with entertaining and colorful lectures toward umpires who he felt were in the wrong.

Leyland is one of the last of a dying breed of baseball managers; his old-school approach to the game will be missed, and difficult to replace.

The Tiger’s organization has since hired Brad Ausmus, a former Tiger, to replace Leyland.

Ausmus, 44, played in the Major Leagues for 18 years, twice as a Tiger.

He has no previous manager expirience; he retired from playing only three years ago.

“I have a pretty good feel for the modern-day player,” Ausmus said. “What the makeup is, what the mindset is.”

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.