Agora Zine – April 13, 2023

Y2K Bash

MCCC student accepted into UMich

I had firmly decided my University of Michigan decision letter would be opened secretly, in the privacy of my room, where no one would be around in case I immediately burst into tears. But, as fate would have it, I found myself face to face with the momentous email in the middle of my family’s kitchen, my heart in my throat, and a thumb that could not help but open the notification.

For as long as I can remember, Ann Arbor had been something of a paradise to my family. My papa had spent his adult years displaying his work in the annual art fair, and my mom had spent her adolescence entranced by the magic of the art-filled streets. When my parents were newlyweds, they spent mornings sipping cappuccinos at the Afternoon Delight Cafe and afternoons wandering through shops on State Street. I grew up hearing stories of that town’s magic and fell asleep dreaming of eventually making it my home.

So, when I began to look into colleges, I could not help but gaze at the University of Michigan with deep love. As an Art History major, a student in general, and someone whose bedtime stories took place in Ann Arbor, U of M is much more than a dream school. Not only is the campus part of a city that is rich with life, culture and diversity, the school itself is home to all of these things.

U of M has a deep dedication to serving its students. It works to give them the fullest education possible, by providing them with experiences like internships, hands-on activities and study abroad programs that immerse them in their studies and allow them to explore what career paths they may take outside of school. The faculty is extremely knowledgeable and aims to give students a completely in-depth education

Maya Volpi Contributing Writer

in each of their classes, so students across all programs are richly informed on their subject.

Within the History of Art department, which is one of the three best in the country, there are over 20 educators who are experts in art across all continents, giving art historians the chance to relish in art from a multitude of cultures. Students in this program also attend classes in the U of M Museum of Art, studying next to Picasso, Basquiat and Lautrec. The opportunity to pursue my passion in a school like this would be like no other.

“Project U of M,” as my dad fondly called it, became possible with the help of family, friends and faculty. I spent application season writing draft after draft of essays, touching up pieces late into the night until I could read each sentence with satisfaction. My mom was a great help in this, allowing me to incessantly bounce ideas off of her and using her skills as an English teacher to help me cut back significantly on my extreme overuse of commas. My cousins continuously cheered me on and made sure I knew I would always be welcome in their home, which is just a few miles from U of M’s campus.

MCCC’s Writing Center was also a great help, providing me with an outside opinion of my application and giving me fresh ideas on how to improve my writing. Professor La Clair helped acquaint me with the transfer process, answering any questions I had and walking me through my next steps after admission.

On April 7, I had the opportunity to attend one of U of M’s transfer days, where potential students can familiarize themselves with the campus, meet faculty and get to know other students. Within an hour of being there, I was already aware of how at home I would feel on its grounds. When the faculty began their panel and gave advice to their students, it was like they were speaking to the deepest parts of my soul. They had a preternatural understanding of who I, and the other attendees, were as students and as people. They knew just what to say to ease our nerves and make us feel understood. They answered all questions and gave everyone a chance to air their concerns and make their voices heard. They provided us with all of the resources we needed to succeed in and out of school and even shared some of their own experiences as students so we knew they had been in our shoes before. Arguably, though, the best part was the free fat squirrel postcards they handed out.

After the faculty panel finished, I had the opportunity to meet some of the other prospective students. There was a buzz of excitement in the air, and everyone was so eager to make friends. Every time I met someone new, they spoke with genuine kindness and enthusiasm. Any nervousness I had going in disappeared with each warm smile.

So, when I found myself in the middle of my kitchen, barely able to read my results through the intense shakiness of my phone in my hands, I was

aware of the impossibility of walking up to my bedroom or even moving my feet at all. This decision had been in the making since before my birth and was supported by the help of countless people in my life. If I’m telling the truth, I immediately burst into tears when I opened their letter. But, instead of tears of sadness, they were tears of immeasurable excitement for my future at U of M.

Editors

Staf f Adviser

Editorial Policy

The Agora gora is published by the students students of Mon Monroe County County Community College, 1555 S. Raisi Raisinville ville Road, oad, Mon Monroe, MI, 48161. The editorial orial of fice ice is located in Room 213 of the the Campbell pbell Academic Center, (734) 384-4288, agora@mon 4-4288, agora@monroeccc.edu.

The Agora gora is a student-managed newspaper that suppor ts a free student press. Let us know what you would ould like to see in The Agora gora - it’s your newspaper Email submissions to agora@monroeccc.edu

Matthew Bird-Meyer

Tyler Pennington

Jesse McDaniel

David Topolewski

Chris Morgan

William Johnson Lexi Greenwood Kenna Preadmore

Megan Kane

Y2K Bash held by Student Government

Kenna Preadmore Reporter

How low can you go? MCCC and Monroe County Middle College students showed off their best dance moves to the “Cha Cha Slide” at the Y2K Bash on March 31.

The Cellar in the S Building was full of laughter and music as Student Government hosted the event from 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Despite the lower attendance than expected, the approximately 30 students had an evening of music and dancing.

Attendees paid $5 or donated one canned food item at the door for entry.

The event featured a DJ provided by Manny’s DJ Entertainment, as well as a variety of snacks, pizza and pop.

Alaina Hartford, Student Government president, was involved in running the event and said the group made most of the decisions in terms of theme and decorations, but she was also able to put her input in as well.

Hartford also said the group was able to take turns working the door, taking money or cans when people arrived, and ensuring the refreshments were available to all guests.

As for the canned goods collected, Hartford said they had not yet decided where they would be donated, but they had discussed donating them to the food pantry on campus.

Averie Beaudry, an MCMC student who attended the event, said she enjoyed the evening, especially the music selection.

“I most enjoyed being able to be with friends and classmates and have fun on a Friday night,” she said.

Beaudry said that the event was a great success.

“My friends and I had a great time and made some awesome memories. The decorations were spot on and made it feel like Y2K,” she said. “As a whole, it was a great event and a great time.”

Hartford agreed with these sentiments.

“Overall, I think the event went well. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and I have heard from a few students who attended that they had a lot of fun,” she said. “I wish more people were able to attend, but given the number of people who came, I think the event was a success.”

Students dance during the Y2K Bash on March 31 in the Cellar. (Photo by Kenna Preadmore)

New Student Library Advisory Club on campus

Megan Kane Agora Editor

The Student Library Advisory Club had its first-ever meeting on April 3. Although the club is currently small in size, Elizabeth Hartig, the campus librarian and SLAC advisor, said they have some big plans for the future.

SLAC meets 12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m. every Monday in C-124 in the Library.

Hartig said the purpose of this club is to give students a say in what happens at the Library.

Hartig said SLAC will allow students to plan events, displays in the Library, movie nights and visiting authors.

Hartig said her goal is for students to be able to make the Library their own.

In addition to the leadership aspects of the group, the first thing they have organized is a book club.

Hartig said Kenna Preadmore, the president of SLAC and reporter for the Agora, was instrumental in creating the book club.

“I would like to see a regular meeting book club,” Preadmore said. “I recently in the last few years started reading and I didn’t realize how much I loved books, so to get students to become interested in books and eventually have a hobby and a love for reading, that would be great.”

SLAC’s book choice for this semester is “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig, which Preadmore said was her choice. Their next book club meeting is 12:30 p.m.1:30 p.m April 26, in C-124.

Preadmore said she also introduced the idea of “five-star reads” where students can share their favorite book, which will be made into posters and displayed in the Library.

Hartig said the goal is for students to have a say in what books the Library will offer, allowing more “fun” books to be on the shelves.

Preadmore said students do not have to be members of SLAC to participate in the book club.

To join SLAC or the book club, contact Hartig at ehartig@monroeccc.edu.

(Photos by Megan Kane)

Psychology Interest Group returns to campus

After a nearly three-year hiatus, the Psychology Interest Group is experiencing some of its best turnout and enthusiasm among group members.

Professors Patrick Wise and Melissa Grey started PIG in 2012, with a focus on providing resources and enhancing members’ knowledge in the different areas of psychology, according to the clubs and organizations page on the MCCC website.

The group continued until the COVID-19 pandemic moved meetings to online platforms, hurting turnout and ultimately putting the group on hold until in-person meetings resumed in the fall of 2022.

A little over a decade after the group was founded, Wise said he sees a lot of comparisons between then and now.

“This group reminds me a lot of our first group, just as much desire, excitement, and enthusiasm as that initial group,” Wise said.

Grey said she shared similar feelings as Wise about the club’s first group back following its hiatus.

“I think I felt a little nervous, and once we had students interested, it was exciting and satisfying. We have a fantastic group of students,” Grey said.

Marie Seaver, PIG co-chair, said law, criminal justice, and psychology have always been interesting to her and she plans to further her education in the field by attending Tiffin University’s forensic psychology undergraduate program when she leaves MCCC. She said PIG has helped her get closer to her goals by giving her leadership opportunities and knowledge in psychology.

“All three had been an interest of mine for a long time so I’m glad I found a way to do both,” Seaver said.

Seaver said she is grateful for the people who help put the group together.

“We’re lucky to have interested and active people, that helps move things faster, and the administrators really push for this to be a student-led group and that offers good leadership opportunities,” Seaver said.

This year PIG has been able to host events on campus and recently had a bake sale in the S Building on Feb. 9.

Members said the sale served as a way to study if people were willing to spend more money on products advertised in eco-friendly packaging.

Macy Nocella, the group treasurer, said she was tasked with decorating and working the bake sale table.

Marie Seaver PIG co-chair

David Topolewski Reporter

“We raised a great amount of money for our group, but we were also able to talk to students and staff about our group and maybe bring in more members,” Nocella said. “It was a great opportunity to become more involved with campus life, and I hope that the group continues to be involved.”

In December, PIG sponsored an event by Recovery Advocacy Warriors also known as RAW. At the event, RAW spoke about the proper use of Narcan, a drug used for those suspected of opioid overdose.

“The benefit was there was no registration or fee for anyone that took one,” Seaver said. “When buying Narcan from the pharmacy which is legal, there is the possibility of being added to a database or it being on record. This event allowed people to take the supplies judgment and fee-free.”

Nocella also attended this event and said she found it helpful and informative.

“I was glad to have gone because even though I never thought I would be in a situation where I needed Narcan, It

makes me feel safer to have the knowledge and access to it just in case,” Nocella said.

PIG has a history of participating in these community-based efforts. Prior to the pandemic, Grey and three students worked with the Monroe County Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition.

They distributed materials to hotels the coalition assigned them too; this included putting notes in soap packages to help possible victims.

The group meets every other Thursday in Room L-142. One regular topic they discuss is the monthly encouragement initiative, which is an effort to boost morale amongst students around campus according to group members.

“They’re positive messages to give people encouragement, maybe someone’s down, sometimes people don’t get positive messages in their life,” PIG member Jamie Hubert said.

For more information, contact Grey at mgrey@monroeccc.edu or Wise at pwise@monroeccc.edu.

PIG at their bake sale in the S Building on Feb. 9. (Courtesy photo.)

Agora staff travels to NYC N Y C

Agora staff travels to NYC

My first time in the Big Apple was a total whirlwind. I never thought I would make the trip to NYC, let alone be right in the middle of the city for a journalism conference. I have never considered myself a city-girl or thought I would enjoy the hustle and bustle of a place like New York but I loved it. From the magic I felt when I saw the skyline twinkling like fairy dust as I crossed the Brooklyn Bridge to touring the Associated Press and taking in all the Pulitzer winning stories and photos displayed along the walls of the office space, I was enthralled and mesmerized by just about everything I saw. I thought I would feel lost and overwhelmed in the city but I navigated the streets and subways like it was my home. I was able to do and see just about everything and more than what I imagined I could in my four days there. I sipped my coffee and ate my pizza and bagels as I soaked in every moment. However, nothing could beat the joy and surprise I felt when I heard my name called for an Apple Award at the College Media Association conference. I never dreamt of being a writer or thought I would go to NYC but joining Agora has opened me up to new dreams and exciting opportunities I never anticipated.

The Agora earned 15 journalism awards this past school year, including its first Apple Award during the College Media Association conference in New York City.

The student newspaper took first place March 11 in the Apple Awards for best website in the two-year school category. Lexi Greenwood, Agora features editor, earned an honorable mention for her column on battling mental health issues.

The Agora also earned six awards in the Michigan Press Association’s 2022 College Better Newspaper Contest.

Lauren Werlinger earned an honorable mention as best writer. Werlinger also took second for feature writing. Michael Moser took honorable mention for a game review, and the staff earned third place for best front page for the April 4, 2022, issue. Lexi Greenwood took second in the news story category and Werlinger took third in news.

Finally, the Agora earned seven awards April 1 in the Michigan Community College Press Association contest, which was hosted at Central Michigan University.

Emma Marion took first place in the photo slideshow category.

Marie Underwood took first place for feature photography.

Will Johnson took third place for indepth enterprise reporting.

Michael Moser earned honorable mention in the in-depth category and an honorable mention in the news photography category.

Marion took third place for feature photography and Johnson earned honorable mention.

Lexi Greenwood

New hires at MCCC

Started this position on Feb. 20.

In this position, Navock said she will be working on bringing students into the college environment and getting them support for their success. Navock has over 20 years of experience in admissions services, going back to her own college days while she was a student and worked at the admissions office for Adrian college.

“I am looking forward to working with students, helping them to achieve their academic goals,”she said.

Started this position in January. Althouse said she will oversee the daily operation of the SSC, supervising the tutoring staff. “Any area in which I can be of support to our students is where you will find me,” she said. “I have a focus on retention and the implementation of the Title III Grant.” She completed her associate degree at MCCC and her bachelor’s degree in professional communications at Siena Heights University. Althouse said helping students navigate and become successful is important to her.

Started this position on Feb. 27. Mason said as registrar some of her responsibilities include overseeing student records and schedules, course adjustments, graduation, transfer credits and everything related to registration. Mason attended EMU for her bachelor’s degree, received her masters at Tiffin University, and is currently getting her PhD from UToledo. She said her division was given a great opportunity to bring in fresh eyes, fresh experience, and to improve the student experience here at MCCC.

Started this position on Jan. 4. Hampsher said “My responsibilities include administering all federal, state, and institutional programs, and provide financial aid counseling to students and families.” She attended Madonna University and received a bachelor’s degree and then received her M.B.A. Hampsher said she loves making a difference in students’ lives by helping them navigate financing their education. “I love going home at the end of every day hoping I eased the burden for even one person,” she said.

Amanda Althouse Coordinator of Student Success

Sarah Mason Registrar

Nickie Hampsher Director of Financial Aid

Katie Navock Director of Enrollment Mgmt

Agora staff graduating

When I first started taking classes at MCCC, I had no idea I wanted to go into journalism. One semester, I was presented with the idea of joining the Agora and I took the chance. Quickly, I found my passion and have been in love with everything I’ve learned about since. In my second semester, I became the Agora’s news editor where I took on more responsibility with more rewards. Since taking the chance to join, I have attended several conferences and even went to NYC something I would’ve never envisioned a year ago. I plan to finish my education at Wayne State and am grateful for all I learned during my time on the Agora.

As a member of the Agora, I’ve had the opportunity to work with such a talented team of writers and editors. The experience has been incredibly rewarding and I’ve learned oodles about journalism and publishing. I will be transferring from MCCC to Michigan State University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. It will be a big transition, but I am so glad I have the opportunity to make the move. My time at MCCC has been a positive experience but I cannot wait to face what MSU has in store for me.

My time at MCCC has been amazing. It was not my initial plan to go here but thanks to COVID-19 my plans had to change and I am glad that I came here. While I have only been with the Agora for a semester, I am sad to be leaving. I am graduating and then going to Siena Heights for a bachelor’s degree in either education or English with a minor in theater in hopes that one day I can be a professor of theater and to teach the younger generation and help them grow as performers.

William Johnson News Editor

Kenna Preadmore Reporter

Jesse McDaniel Reporter