March, 2014

Lions’ Roar

StudentVoice A NORMANDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT MEDIA OUTLET FOR AUDIO, VISUAL AND WRITTEN WORK.

Hello NCC Students! Welcome the first issue of our spring 2014 class. We have a vast range of stories from stand-up comedians to struggles with advanced placement credits. We are also proud to introduce the first audio piece ever featured in our e-magazine. We hope you all enjoy it! If you are interested in getting involved this semester, please feel free to stop by our offices in the Kopp Student Center, K1401, and make your voice heard!

Mark Daniels Editor in Chief

Our 2013-2014 Staff Mark Daniels Editor in Chief Lydia Wiff Assistant Editor Evan Johnson Faculty Advisor Bri Egge Kiley Hoese Dan Petterson Rizwan Bankwala Matt Curry Aleisha Brown Quartney Fore

Max Fuller Amanda Lerom Karlynn O’Neil Luke Powers Amy Warwick Andre Lounin Thida Vongvilay

join Us: Mon & Wed, L1743 2-3 PM Stop by: K1401 Kopp Student Center Lionsroar@normandale.edu The views expressed in this publication are strictly those of the student contributors.

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Issue 4 Features 4

Advanced (Mis)Placement?

4

The Cost of Independence

6

Stand-up Students

7

10

No Laughing Matter

11

Food for Thought

15

Food in the Hood

20

Junior Journalists

21

7

Know your faculty: Dr. William Munoz

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Normandale Animal Rights Club

24

Interview: Student voices on marijuana

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The first week of college is often the most unpleasant. Imaginative minds churn out worries and frets that make high-school insecurities feel silly.

Students’ fears are overpowering at times. Chief among the petty worries is that of getting lost and in a building such as Normandale, it’s not an outlandish one.

Most rely on “Success Mentors” to direct them from room to room. It may be embarrassing, but students who are simply disoriented should feel lucky. Those who are especially unfortunate get lost in a bureaucratic thicket, one in which credits, not self-dignity, are at risk. Advanced Placement scores, and the many benefits that are tied to them, are falling through the crevices of Normandale’s system with startling frequency.

By and large, students don’t seem to know how best to regain their credits. Who is to blame is as mysterious as how scores are overlooked.

“I didn’t know what to do, I didn’t know whom to go talk to.”

AP scores are no small matter; the College Board, an intermediary between high schools and colleges, creates several courses designed to challenge students with college-level material. These courses are fit for an undergraduate school, and demand a hefty time commitment and laborious study schedule. Those who accept the challenge of AP courses often spend nights cramming instead of sleeping and attend study groups instead of parties. Some of them break down and drop the hard courses, while others sacrifice mental well-being for a passing grade. With the breadth of perils that accompany such courses, high schools are quick to dangle these courses in front of students, promising them that if they score well on the AP exam, colleges will give them free credit. In other words, they may skip basic courses in college.

Sadly, theory does not meet reality. A number of these scores slide into obscurity and are never processed. Lofty expectations seem the biggest culprit.

Students often mail their applications to Normandale with the supposition that their hard-won AP scores will jump off the transcript, and that they can sign up for more advanced courses their first year here. Such assumptions are naïve. Though sending scores to

Normandale is relatively easy, the rest of the process is well beneath the surface of visibility. As a consequence, many steps may be overlooked.

work” and concepts already mastered. “It was just a waste of my time and money”. Both were in short supply during college.

Student inactivity is largely to blame, but a tangle of rules and procedures are also culpable. Robb Lowe, Coordinator of Dual Enrollment and Perkins at Normandale, noted that there is more to the AP process than students realize. Official scores must be sent from the College Board. Were a student unwilling to battle the Board’s processes, a tangle of rules prevents Normandale from requesting these coveted numbers.

“To have an official score, we need copies from the College Board itself—and that can only be requested by the student, we can’t ask the College Board to send it to us,” laments Mr. Lowe. As a consequence, the task of sending in AP scores falls on students alone. Burdened with a host of other bureaucratic tasks, it’s not difficult to mess up somewhere in the convoluted AP process.

With all at stake, it’s a wonder students haven’t stormed the counseling office, pitchfork in hand. By and large, this inertia can be attributed to common first-year woes; students, it seems, respect authorities to handle academic matters themselves, much as they did in high school. Because of this, Bri waited—much like her cohorts—for an indefinite time, propelled by the optimism that her well-deserved credit would show up on her college transcript. It didn’t.

Sadly, despondency sets in after a few months.

“After a certain point, I just gave up... I thought ‘I just didn’t want to go down and confront them. I’ll just spend the extra money’.” Bri’s reluctance to contest the matter stemmed from her perception of counselors.

Classmates alleged that counselors were “short-tempered, rude, and not there to help you”. Because of this, Bri simply gave up.

“I never heard about that... when motivated to work with the school, it would have been helpful.” Bri foundEvenherself stranded. “At the time, I didn’t even Still, many students followed protocol, handed over their information to the school, and still found themselves without credit. Bri Egge, a recent graduate from Normandale, explained that she provided the school with all the information they needed to process her scores (a 5 out of 5 in Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition). The course is supposed to provide credit in place of ENGC 1101 at Normandale, so says Uselect, the database for awarding AP credit. Three years after, nothing came of it. “I sent in my scores through the College Board” she says, stressing the she had followed the official procedures.

“Nothing happened. I still had to take Freshmen Composition”. Such was a miserable sentence for Bri. She described the course as “a cakewalk”, and complains of being “just a little bored by the class”, having studied the material before. “It was very, very basic information”.

The impacts of repeating a course were severe.

Bri had taken the AP course in high school under the pretense that she would save money in college; she wound up taking paying for her Freshman Composition class. She also devoted time and effort to her redundant course, saddled by tasks she called “busy-

know where the counseling office was or how to find it”. Bri noted that throughout her time at Normandale, the interview was the only time AP courses were ever mentioned. They were not brought up in course registration handbooks, in class, and certainly not in freshmen orientation. She says that were these issues raised early in her career here, she would have been more willing to take up negotiate for her credits. But she was never told where to go for academic assistance, or where she could take issue with the school. “I didn’t know what to do, I didn’t know whom to go talk to or if there were people I could go talk to here at Normandale”.

“We do not assist in that matter at all, because it is not under our purview to help them...”

In retrospect, Bri regrets her hesitance, stating that were she to redo her college career, she would fight harder for her credits. In the same breath, she notes that were she in charge of the system, she would

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at least mention to students that their AP credits are at stake, and that they should take action immediately. “Orientation would be where I would have it mentioned”. Because students often attend freshman orientation, that point seems the best to tell students to beat the inertia of high school.

Orientation, however, is one of the last places one will hear about AP protocol. Part of the problem is that comparatively few students have taken AP courses, though the trend suggests more will soon. Moreover, AP woes are not a concern to counselors who facilitate orientation. “We do not assist in that matter at all, because it is not under our purview to help them get their credits for AP courses during Orientation or during the school year,” writes Mr. Amie, director of counseling. In e-mail, Mr. Amie compared students’ plight to financial aid. The college does not assist students with financial aid and feels no compulsion to assist with AP’s.

There are options, however. That’s where Uselect, an online database for AP credits saunters into the scene. “The best place to go is Uselect. You can go on it for Normandale, and you can look up specific exams and what classes correspond to what tests scores” says Mr. Lowe. The website was designed to help children understand which courses their school will accept.

Sadly, it’s difficult to use. Mr. Lowe points out that indeed, it can be “confusing to navigate when you’re in it for the first time”. But the only people who utilize the website are between their high school and college years; the first time for them is the most important time they use Uselect. The site is virtually the sole place to find out how to register AP’s. As agonizing as it is to tread, Bri wishes someone had mentioned it to her. “I never heard about that...it would have been helpful.”

All this sounds a dour prognosis for AP students, yet it remains possible Several students have done it. Brandon Gerlach, a first-year student at Normandale, has nothing but applause for the counseling office. “Getting my AP scores processed was easy and simple. The counselors were actually helpful.” Pressed, he spits out that he may have been there more than once, and that his success can be attributed to not only on his social skills but his tenacity. He made “a bunch of stops” at the counseling office before “easy and simple” shed so quickly from his tongue.

Still, when the time comes for new students to send in their scores, they should act quickly. The effects of this dilemma are relatively straightforward, transparent, and few in numbers. The blame, however, falls on many shoulders. Each is quick to shrug it off.

Story by Rizwan Bankwala

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The Cost of Independence

Many college students think about finances for the future not while they are going to college, but when they graduate. How do you navigate debt, credit, 401Ks, and planning for your financial future? How will you budget your money for housing, food, and tuition? How will you pay for your student loans?

What type of student loans should you take out? Many students have these questions, but are often unaware of the impact these decisions have on them not only while in college, but after graduating.

The Economics Department, along with the Lions’ Roar Student Voice, Phi Theta Kappa, and Normandale Community College (NCC), is proud to present its annual Financial Literacy Event on Tax Day, April 15th, 2014. The theme of this year’s event is “The Cost of Independence,” and our speaker will address the question of “How do you launch well?” The event will focus on educating students on how to prepare for the costs of living and going to school on their own – without breaking the bank. Utilizing their finances wisely during college, is essential to students’ success after graduating and launching into their professional careers.

managing money while going to school.

Learn to use your money wisely before transferring and participate in the 2nd Annual Financial Literacy Event at NCC this coming Tax Day. The event is free and open to the public; Invite your friends from other schools, High School students, fellow classmates, and others in the community. Be sure to look out for additional flyers detailing the time and location of the event will be distributed across the campus and in the community at a later date.

Story by Lydia I. Wiff Assistant Editor

Geoff Bullock, guest speaker for the 2014 Financial Literacy Event

The speaker for this year’s event, Geoff Bullock, is a financial educator and counselor with Lutheran Social Services (LSS) based in the Twin Cities. He has a Bachelor Degree in Political Science from North Park University, Chicago as well as a Master Degree in Business Administration from Concordia University, St. Paul. Before joining the staff at LSS, he served as the executive director for a North Minneapolis non-profit project focusing on leadership in addition to wise money management. Since joining LSS, he has worked with teens, adults, recovering substance abusers, and many others to educate them in using money wisely.

LSS offers 300 to 500 educational classes per year all over the state of Minnesota – Mr. Bullock was the first on the financial educator staff which is now comprised of 12 total educators. He brings a unique perspective with his desire to help others use their money efficiently; his background in Political Science, his knowledge of the effect economy has on politics, along with his past work with other non-profit groups. In addition to his professional experience, he can identify with college students and share his experience on

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Stand-up Students

If you think you’re funny, you may find that you have some competition on campus. Amateur stand-up comedy has become a growing trend among twenty-something’s in the metro area. There are twenty-six venues for open mikes listed in Minnesota and some of your classmates have been taking advantage.

Drew Heihir, a twenty-one year old communications major will be getting on stage for his ninth set at The House of Comedy on March Fourth. Drew realized he liked to make people laugh in elementary school as the class clown. But it wasn’t until some friends suggested he try stand-up comedy, that he decided to get serious about being funny. He started carrying around a little notebook and jotting down jokes. After sending an Email, he had a date lined up at The House of Comedy.

Preparing for his first set by having notes didn’t keep him from feeling butterflies in his stomach as he walked on stage. He was the first person up that night which can add a little pressure. The M.C. mispronounced his name and he was able to make light of it and got a few laughs. Each comic is allowed five minutes, but he recalls running out of material by four.

At the end of the set, in awkward rebellion, he decided to insult the audience in German. He didn’t know the M.C. Spoke German and as he walked off stage, she felt free to let him know how she felt (in German). The altercation didn’t keep him from forging further into funny. By his second set, he was receiving praise for his effort.

His next two sets were not as easy. He wasn’t feeling as confident as he usually did and didn’t get very much of a reaction from the audience. Afterwards, feeling a little down about his comedic stumbling, he reminded himself of ways to improve. He credits a large part of recovering from this to the experience he gained last semester while taking Public Speaking with Jenny Erickson. He said the class was helpful in getting more experience talking in front of people. When trying to overcome stage fright, prep-

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Drew Heihir doing stand-up

aration and experience make it a lot easier to standup. In addition, he learned to slow down his speaking pace. This gave him the foresight he needed to give the audience time to laugh. He also liked to display his wits while he was giving a monotonous informative speech.

At the next gig, he was more prepared and feeling even more confident. In this set, he made more of the audience laugh than ever before. He even made a throw back to a previous comedian’s joke. When the flashlight indicated his time was through from off stage, he was filled with pride.

Another student at Normandale, Ahmed Khalaf, decided to give stand-up a try at The House of Comedy because of Drew’s suggestion. “I didn’t bomb it,” he said, recalling his first set. He got on stage, saw the lights and before he knew it, the audience was clapping as he was walking off. “I think I remember people laughing, but when the lights were on me, I didn’t realize what I was doing.” Although his memory

was blank from stage fright, he was assured that he was pretty good and is excited to get better.

A twenty-one year old working through his generals, Ahmed finds inspiration for his jokes everywhere and tests them out on his classmates between classes. “If it makes me cringe, I put it in my notes.” He said, referring to his phone where he records the ideas for his jokes. Then later, in the middle of the night, or in the shower, he’ll think of something to expand on.

It didn’t take him long before he realized he had over forty minutes of stand-up material, stringing one joke to the other. Calling back to punch-lines that came before.

For a professional look on the stand up trend, I turned to Ken Reed, owner of The Joke Joint. The Joke Joint, off 35E and highway 13 in Lydia, hosts an amateur show every Wednesday night they call “Hit or Miss”. The unique and practice part about this comedy venue is that they have a workshop prior to it at

five-thirty. The workshop is a place where budding comedians can share their work and critique each other. The atmosphere is warm, comedians helping each other out, sharing tips and laughs. Each comedian gets five minutes on stage, three to tell jokes, two for comments from the group. Attending as a spectator, I couldn’t help but notice a common theme. The comedians were finding a sense of catharsis from making fun of their lives. Comics even expressed mild jealousy at each other’s tragedy. As one comic stood listening to critique after telling some truthful jokes about his disability, another announced, “Man, I wish I had Tourette’s, there is so much material in that!” Supporting this light hearted encouragement, Ken Reed said, “It sucks and you got it. So you’re the only one who gets to make fun of it.” These people were gaining a sense of community and wellbeing from laughing through their pain.

There is a fine line between funny and complaining - taking the risk of venting your frustrations on stage doesn’t always earn you a chuckle. Sometimes

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the only way to learn is by stepping on stage in front of other comedians and seeing if you can make them laugh. “You either hit hard or miss terribly,” said Drew Heihir, “some people think some jokes are funny and others don’t.” To avoid this problem, Ken Reed suggested writing jokes that are broad and most people can relate to. Ahmed Kaleen prepares for the possibility of losing his audience by having a segway from one bit to another. That way, if he pauses and doesn’t hear a laugh, he can cover up the awkward silence.

Although there are moments when a comic is a miss, most venues have a policy that, as Drew said, “Avoid Hecklers. Ask that no hecklers heckle, Dr.Jeckle.” Ken Reed assures me that The Joke Joint discourages patrons from putting down a struggling comic. They have a three-strikes-you’re-out policy for a commenting peanut gallery. A comic can bounce back from being heckled by being ready with their wit. “Respond quickly and clearly,” said Ken, “You have to give the illusion that you’re in control.” Even he has been heckled. He told me about a time he mistook one audience

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member for another’s mother. “In the moment it took me to realize that I had just stepped in a pile she said, ‘you’re not funny.’ It was slow and loud and everyone in the bar heard it.” He’s never had a heckle worse since, and he was also never afraid of being heckled again.

Making people laugh can be hard, but there are many rewards. Some enjoy the small claim to fame when they find that people think they are more interesting. Many comics find it cathartic to laugh at their own life, and find meaning in encouraging others to find humor in theirs. Both Drew and Ahmed expressed increased self-confidence since they’ve started doing stand up. Comedy is about more than making people laugh. It’s a lifestyle that promotes a better sense of well-being.

Story by Karlynn O’Neil Photographs by Karlynn O’Neil and Mark Daniels

No Laughing Matter Think you’re funny? If you’d like to display your wits on stage, here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Start looking for things that are funny. Humor is about finding a unique perspective on a common topic. Ken Reed encourages comics to think broadly so their audiences will be able to relate.

2. Keep your jokes in one place. Drew Heihir carries around a little notebook, while Ahmed Kaleem records sound bites of his jokes in his cell phone.

3. Polish your notes into a set. Writing jokes has a very basic formula: set up, then punch line. Ken Reed pointed out that the set up creates tension and the punch line revives it. Some comics add on to a punch line by adding a few more funny points. They call this a “tag”. Once you’ve written a few jokes about a similar theme you can start to polish them into a set.

4. Research venues in your area. Yelp.com lists eleven comedy clubs in the Twin Cities. Facebook.com/comedy-open-mikes-minnesota lists twenty-six venues for open mikes.

5. Go see other comedians. Although it may be fun to see professional comedians, there is quite a bit that you can learn by watching other amateurs. Search online for venues that have amateur nights and attend a few as a spectator. Take note of their mistakes and take note of what the audience thinks it’s funny. This will give you an idea of joke trends and soon you’ll start to read an audience.

6. Set a date and do it. Once you’ve chosen a venue that you feel comfortable with, put yourself on the list. You can find information online about how to sign up. It can be hard to get your name on the list, so be patient. Be sure to inform them that it is your first time at that venue, some places have a policy that allows new comics to take priority.

7. Practice. Once you’ve become comfortable practicing aloud by yourself. Try your jokes out with your friends and family. Learn from the criticism you receive, but keep in mind that some jokes work on some people and not with others. (The Joke Joint hosts a workshop at 5:30 every Wednesday prior to their “Hit or Miss” amateur night. This is a safe place to try out your set on other comedians and get feedback for improvement. Comics have also expressed that these nights are especially good for networking, which could help you make connections for the future.)

8. Step up to stand up. There’s no other way to say it, “just do it!” You’ll never know how good you are until you’ve given it a try and started working at it.

To get in on the fun at the workshop & “Hit or Miss” armature night at The Joke Joint, check out: http://www. jokejointcomedyclub.com Story by Karlynn O’Neil

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munity partner. From providing food for hungry college students; to clothing and supporting those in need, this nonprofit organization has gone above and beyond. Shawn Morrison, the executive director, has dedicated his life to changing others in the urban community. Outside of serving a large majority of students at Normandale, Good in the ‘Hood provides groceries and meals for over 2,500 college students and other individuals. Despite his tight schedule, Morrison was generous enough set aside some time while away on a retreat and answer a few questions.

Amanda Lerom: Has Campus Cupboard undergone any major changes in the last 2 years?

Shawn Morrison: We made a change in our food allocation from year 1 to year 2. In year 1 we provided students with up to 21 foods items per month. We made a change and now provide 3 items per day. This enabled the students to get more of the necessary items and to have the opportunity to eat every day.

AL: Has Campus Cupboard come across any major setbacks?

Volunteer working at Campus Cupboard

Food for Thought Campus Cupboard Thriving In fall 2012, the Campus Cupboard was established. Located in the Activities Building of Normandale Community College, this food pantry has become quite a success over the last two years. Students facing financial hardships now have access to a free, healthy breakfast or lunch on campus. This means less grumbling stomachs during an early morning lecture; 300 less, to be exact. This nonprofit program has exceeded the initial goal of serving over 300 students in need.

Many people, students and teachers alike, have stepped up to create awareness and eliminate the issue of student hunger one granola bar at a time.

SM: No major setbacks, however we’re always challenged to find enough student leaders and volunteers to staff the Campus Cupboard for the entire day, 5 days a week. In addition, finding the non-perishable, single-serving food items at a cost-effective price is very difficult. Most items are very expensive and they are difficult to find unless we want to purchase them by the pallet. This is too much inventory for us to store, therefore we end up buying by the case and the cost reflects this.

AL: Does Normandale contribute to the program, other than supplying space on campus?

SM: Normandale made a generous one time financial contribution at the beginning of last year. Since then, they provide use of the room for free and help procure and receive food donations. Good in the ‘Hood pays for all food purchases, liability insurance, licensing, etc.

Behind the Scenes

AL: How many students does Campus Cupboard serve on a daily basis?

Campus Cupboard would not exist if it wasn’t for the aspirations of Good in the ‘Hood, their com-

SM: Monica Saralampi (Service Learning Coordinator) has the precise stats. Approximately 150-200 students

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use the program per week during the school year or 30-40 per day. Last year, 2012-2013, we had over 4,300 visits and more than 12,000 food items given out. For 2013-2014, we’re on pace for over 6,000 visits and well over 18,000 food items distributed.

AL: In your own opinion, what are some reasons Campus Cupboard has become such a thriving success?

SM: I believe the program is a success because there was a legitimate need for this hunger relief initiative.

The willingness by Normandale leadership and Good in the ‘Hood, to come together in partnership, allocating space and to prioritize the need to provide food subsidy for students is a key factor to our success. The buy-in and support from the student body and staff/ faculty, particularly Wanda and Monica, has been key. The type of food we provide is also a key factor in our success. Rather than providing groceries that the students take home as most campus food programs do, we provide food products that will help students concentrate during classes. Combining the program with a service learning initiative has also been a key factor. This enables students to receive experiential learning credits from certain classes for time served at the Campus Cupboard.

AL: Is there anything else you believe Normandale students should be informed about Campus Cupboard?

Volunteer working at Campus Cupboard

“For the students,by the students”

SM: It’s a program run “for the students and by the students”. This makes it a unique initiative and it’s one that students can help fellow students with a spirit of dignity. Data collected remains private so I never see the names of the participants.

Swartzer and Sydney Quakenbush, to talk about their experiences volunteering at Campus Cupboard.

Who is Involved

Matt Swartzer: About a year. We’re actually the two student leaders who help run the Campus Cupboard.

It’s for the Leadership Through Service organization.

“For the students and by the students” is exactly what Campus Cupboard is all about. Normandale students put in their time to keep the food shelf running smoothly and efficiently. The operation is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am - 6:00 pm, and Friday from 7:30 am to 2 pm. To qualify for 3 food items per day, registered students merely have to fill out a yellow food order form to identify their current financial situation. This can be done at the Campus Cupboard location, A2503. All information is kept confidential.

I sat down with two fellow Normandale students, Matt

Amanda Lerom: How long have you been working at Campus Cupboard?

Sydney Quakenbush: I started in January.

AL: What do you appreciate about Campus Cupboard?

MS: It’s really nice knowing that people who are in need get the help that they need!

SQ: Also Campus Cupboard creates awareness. There’s the need for food among Normandale students. Staff and students alike have reacted to that.

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AL: What’s the most popular food item?

How Can YOU Get Involved?

MS: Granola bars and drinks. Mac & cheese goes pretty fast too!

Volunteering is a great learning experience.

There are countless ways to get involved with community organizations such as Campus Cupboard. Hunger is a very real need that should be recognized and dealt with. The Center for Experiential Education staffs the Cupboard with service-learning students from various classes held at Normandale. If you aren’t a part of these classes, just visit the website listed below for volunteering opportunities available in your community. Good in the ‘Hood operates with the help of local churches and organizations such as Cedarcrest Church, Eagle Brook Church and Bloomington Public Health. Simply log onto the website and apply. Experiential Education will also host food drives for the Cupboard throughout the year. Help create a solution for hunger inside your community!

AL: When do most students stop by?

SQ: Usually around lunch time.

AL: Has Campus Cupboard inspired or encouraged you in any way?

MS: This was a great starting point for me to get involved. Now I’m actively involved in different volunteer organizations. It’s amazing that Normandale is the only college around that does this.

AL: In your opinion, what has made Campus Cupboard so successful?

MS: Basically Good in the ‘Hood opened their arms to us. All of our food is picked up from Cedarcrest Church. We also have some really awesome student workers. Shawn Morrison is amazing. Everything he says and does creates a ripple affect with people. Hearing him speak is inspirational.

Matt Swartzer volunteering at Campus Cupbord.

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Volunteer link: http://www.goodinthehood.org/volunteer.html Story and Photographs by Amanda Lerom

Food in the Hood

“He’s my honey cakes. My son and I miss him so much,” a woman showed me a photo of her late husband. His wedding ring dangled off a chain around her neck. She’s a regular at the food shelf inside Cedarcrest Church, located off East 90th Street in Bloomington, Minnesota. People from all walks of life, experiencing different hardships, arrive the 1st and 3rd Tuesday every month for food and other necessities supplied

by Food in the ‘Hood. All that’s required is an I.D. and simple registration form with proof of dependent information; no appointment necessary.

I was greeted with welcoming smiles as I walked into the church on a sunny Tuesday afternoon.

With a simple signature and a few instructions, I was unloading boxes of food and preparing for the expected 100 community members to arrive. Giving help and receiving help has never been so slick.

“By the time they get to the end, they have a full cart of food. It’s like they visited the grocery store. It’s a pretty sweet deal.”

Denise Folstad, a fellow volunteer, gave me the inside scoop. “We plan for 160 people. It varies. Some bring their kids and it’s a family affair. The elderly come in, some military vets come in. It’s a variety of people. We’re here to bless them and encourage them.

There’s a lot of people who need help. For a church this size, it’s amazing what they can do. The church itself is fairly small, but they have a huge vision.”

Tables are set up all along the walls. Community members start off with the choice of basic canned goods such as corn, soup, green beans, and peas.

Chips, crackers, and other miscellaneous snacks come after. The dry goods table offers breakfast food such as

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Volunteers working at Good in the Hood

bags of oatmeal, cereal, and even milk to accompany it. Then come the baked goods; cakes, brownies, and cookies. There were even Angry Bird cupcakes topped off with green frosting to amuse the younger crowd.

All the while volunteers offer candy and blankets to children who tagged along with their parents. Personal shoppers assist people through the lines, offering advice on food options and providing pleasant conversation.

“By the time they get to the end, they have a full cart of food. It’s like they visited the grocery store. It’s a pretty sweet deal,” said Denise.

Upstairs, a hot meal is provided for those wanting to “shop”. Community member’s sit at round tables; some as families, some as friends.

When discussing volunteers, everyone is welcome. As Denise said, “Some are here to help, some are here just because. My son and his friends help out monthly. This is a great way to give back to the community.

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19-year-old Julia Tornio, a Normandale student, also volunteered that afternoon. “My Health Class and Human Communications class requires volunteer work for Service Learning program. It’s awesome meeting so many new people in such a short amount of time.”

By the end of the night, 130 people left with a few weeks worth of food.

Aside from the end result being such a success, the process is an experience in itself. Volunteering builds relationships, strengthens connections, and warms the heart. Spots are always open for food prep, serving, greeting guests, and clean up. Are you ready to make a difference?

Story by Amanda Lerom Denise Folstad working at food in the hood.

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BUSINESS IN RUSSIA

Join fellow students as we explore the marvels of Russian businesses.

Any Normandale student may enroll for this unique trip. **Date Extended** July 14 – 22, 2014

Enroll now to lock in your price!!!

Approximately $3900.00 plus tuition (3 credits) This trip is open to all students and financial aid may be used for this trip / scholarships are available.

BUSINESS IN HONG KONG

(BUSN 2900 – 20) Study Abroad in one of the financial capitals of the world (Hong Kong) and visit one of the entertainment cities of the world (Macau).

March 6, 2015 – 7 days

Cost: $3,700 plus tuition (3 credits) This trip is open to any student and financial aid may be used.

Enroll online at www.passports.com (tour number DCREED2015-2) For trip information, go to www.normandale.edu/studyabroad. Contact Dan Creed at dan.creed@normandal.edu, 952-358-8689 or stop by L 1766.

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JUNIOR JOURNALISTS Normandale Community College (NCC) was recently visited by the Cub Scouts of Pack 192 to learn about journalism and the journey news stories take to go from real life onto the news page and beyond. The scouts met the staff of the NCC’s Lions’ Roar Student Voice and were able to learn first hand what it takes to create and publish the schools student e-magazine.

After going over the process of story creation, the scouts were given a chance to become junior reporters for the magazine and set out with instructions for a story to track down.

Armed with pen, paper, imagination and a photographer in tow, they set out onto the campus to interview students, staff and faculty at NCC. The scouts had the opportunity to meet a variety of students, staff and faculty and, after spending time talking to several of them, were given a great picture not only of life on a college campus but also what it takes to be a reporter out in the field.

The Lions’ Roar staff had a great time with the scouts and look forward to one day seeing them back at NCC as fellow classmates!

Story and Photographs by Lions’ Roar Student Voice Staff

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Know Your Faculty: Interview with Dr. William Munoz

Normandale has become a place rich in both size and diversity. With around 15,000 students, one is bound to cross paths with someone from clear across the Minneapolis /St. Paul metropolitan or even other parts of the state or region as a whole. For most students, Normandale is a transitional stage to a variety of destinations, however the growing size and assortment of cultures has been resembled in a more permanent fashion through the staff who make this school what it is. Nowhere is this more apparent than within the music faculty, where Dr. William Munoz has made Normandale his home for the last number of years. I sat down with Dr. Munoz to see just what a journey has brought him to this suburban-setting community college with arctic, tundra-like conditions.

Luke Powers: You are from Puerto Rico, correct?

Where exactly did you grow up and what kind of place was that like?

Dr. Munoz: I am from the east of the island, from a town called Humacao. Born, raised there, studied music in the local town school. After that I went to the conservatory in San Juan (Puerto Rico’s capital).

LP: When did you begin to get into music; how did that go for you?

DM: That started when I was 12, when I was in 7th grade. I wanted to play saxophone but the saxophone teacher was full. They tell me we have an opening for trumpet if you want to. I wasn’t that much interested until I hear my teacher play and I’m like, “that’s cool, I would like to do that.” So that’s how I ended up with the trumpet, but I did plan on another instrument first which, you know…I’m glad I didn’t…(laughter).

LP: Growing up, any specific genre you were drawn to either listening or performing?

DM: Well, when you’re born in Puerto Rico, since you

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are in the Caribbean, you are probably more exposed to Latin music; salsa, meringue, rock…like Latin rock, reggae. I did a lot of salsa until I had a teacher, he studied at the conservatory as well, and he played in the symphony orchestra, he played chamber music, he played in brass quintets; but he also played Latin music, so he was always an advocate for learning to play the trumpet versus learning styles…so you learn how to use the instrument first and then you can really play any style. […] Then I decided to go to the conservatory and the training there was more classical oriented.

That led to me playing for the symphony orchestra, and philharmonic orchestra as well.

LP: What first got you interested coming to the states?

DM: I finished my Bachelor’s Degree and I wanted to do a Master’s Degree, but in Puerto Rico there is no masters in trumpet, in music performance …they had a Master’s in education, but I didn’t study education, I

studied music performance. I decided the only way to do it was come to U.S. I auditioned in a few places, San Francisco, Cleveland, and Kansas where a friend of mine was studying trumpet and I really liked the teacher a lot so I decided to go there.

LP: What was the process like in actually coming here?

Do you remember how old you were?

DM: I was 24…it was quite hard you know? I had traveled many, many times before in groups. Many places in Central America, Mexico, U.S. but the thought of leaving…since in Puerto Rico English and Spanish are the languages spoken, but you pretty much speak Spanish most of the time, so it was quite hard.

First time moving away by myself…to a foreign place you know? My English was okay, but it was still quite scary, but it was fun, it was an adventure.

LP: Any pre-conceived notions about the U.S. or Kansas specifically that turned out to be particularly true or false?

DM: Everyone said you know its flat, and well it was defiantly flat. But Lawrence, where the university is, is quite a diverse place you know. It’s a really, really nice college town, like you don’t feel like you’re in Kansas, it doesn’t fit the stereotype. It has people from all over; huge university…it’s quite close to Kansas City, which is a really nice place too so as far as expectations I really didn’t know what to expect, but it was awesome to meet so many people from so many parts of the world.

LP: After finishing your Master’s at Kansas what kind of route did you go? How did you end up in Minnesota of all places?

DM: Well the thing is I came to do my Master’s degree and after I do that I am going to go back to Puerto Rico. Then when I was finishing, an apprenticeship opened up to start a Doctorate so I decided to take advantage of that. At the beginning I decided I would just start that and see where it would lead but it turned out that I was within 2 years, so I was quite far into it and figured I should finish. Then after I graduated I moved to Pennsylvania, where my girlfriend at the time which later became my wife, was working and then she got a job in Minnesota so I started looking for a job as well and that’s how I ended up here.

LP: So how long have you been teaching at Normandale now?

DM: 2012…Fall 2012.

LP: What classes are you currently teaching?

DM: This semester I am teaching jazz history and rock and roll online, and applied trumpet of course. In the past I have also taught Music Fundamentals as well.

LP: To a student interested in taking your jazz history course what would you want them to know? Maybe someone who isn’t involved with music at all or doesn’t really have much background knowledge.

DM: You will learn the historical context of jazz, the important musicians, like how this music developed, how this style emerged in the U.S. because it’s a fairly young style of music…started developing in the early 1900’s. […] Specifically I think to learn this music, and understand it is a great thing. You learn where it came from and how it developed.

LP: What are your thoughts on the music department as a whole here at Normandale?

DM: Oh it is great. Great colleagues, great teachers, really, really good department.

LP: Any advice to a young musician coming here who’s maybe not involved with the music department, but thinking about it?

DM: Defiantly they should look in to it. Come to meet with the teachers and see if what they are looking for we have to offer…We have a choir, we have a band, we have a jazz band, and we have combos. There is all kind of opportunities in terms of performing, and there are teachers that you can learn from no matter what instrument you play: violin, cello, trumpet, trombone, tuba, so all parts are covered. Also there is theory and history courses.

LP: Are you currently apart of any ensembles?

DM; Well right now I am playing with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, it’s a community orchestra since… actually since I came here. We play 4 concerts

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a year. 2 each semester. It’s a great orchestra and I’m also playing with a brass ensemble called Metro Brass.

Frequently I will go back to Puerto Rico and play with the symphony orchestra, the philharmonic orchestra.

Try to keep myself busy.

LP: Off hand, could you give the readers a musician you have been listening to lately, not mainstream, maybe a trumpeter you personally enjoy?

DM: I like to listen to the Principal Trumpet for the New York philharmonic, Phillip Smith. Particularly I have been listening to him when I was back home doing some orchestra work and listening to a lot of him and the Cleveland Principal Trumpet, Micheal Sachs. When it comes to jazz I love to listen to Clifford Brown, Wynton Marsalis….Louie Armstrong of course, which is what we talked about in class today.

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LP: Finally, if you could try to sum up your entire experience looking back; going from Puerto Rico, to Kansas, to Pennsylvania and now here, any thoughts on the whole thing?

DM: It’s been a fun journey you know. Some things you don’t expect to happen, where you go, you know, like I never thought I would end up in Pennsylvania, like what? 7, 8 years after I came. I thought I was going back home and now I end up with a job here. Fun journey, I enjoyed the whole time. I met great musicians, great people, got to make great music. It’s been fun…no regrets!

Story and Photographs by Luke Powers

Normandale Animal Rights Club The Animal Rights Club is a non-profit organization of Normandale students who meet regularly to discuss and actively participate in the promotion of animal civil rights. We work closely with The Animal Rights Coalition; a Minneapolis based, grassroots, organization. The Animal Rights Club shares the same core values as the Animal Rights Coalition.

“We work to end the suffering, abuse, and exploitation of non-human animals through information, education, and advocacy. We believe that animals matter for their own reasons and that they should not be used by human beings for profit, pleasure, amusement, or simply because it is our habit to do so”(Animal Rights Coalition’s Mission and Core Values <http://animalrightscoalition.com/about/>).

One of the major ways we look at Animal Rights is through the lens of Veganism, described by Donald Watson, founder of The Vegan Society in 1944, as “…a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practical, the use of animals for food, clothing and any other purpose.” Using the tenets of speciesism and sentience, we look at not only effects concerning non-human animal health but also human health and environmental impacts around the world. We work to increase awareness on campus of animal injustice and ways to foster compassionate living.

We are looking for new members to get involved on and around campus. You do not have to be a vegan or vegetarian; you just have to have an interest in making a difference and a wish to get involved! If you would like to join us at one of our meetings, please contact Natalie Lutz at lutzn@my.normandale.edu or Professor Kimberly Socha at Kimberly.Socha@normandale.edu for more information and meeting times.

You can also join us Wednesday March 26th in the Kopp Student Center from 10:30 to 3:30 for The Animal Rights Club Bake Sale (V)! Come and try some tasty treats and talk to some of our members. All proceeds are going to support a charity for local animal rescue. We hope to see you there!

Provided by the Normandale Animal Rights Club

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interVIEW Student Voices on Marijuana Lions’ Roar Student Voice reporter Max Fuller took to the halls of Normandale Community College to talk to students about the legalization of marijuana in the United States; a topic that is becoming more prevalent in the news as of late. The students responses were as varied as the opinions being discussed around the U.S., showing that this is a topic that continues to have an uncertain future.

Please click the link below and follow the new tab in order to listen to what the students he interviewed had to say on the subject.

Click here for Podcast

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