Volume 139 Fall 2023 Roundup Issue 9

A FIRST AMENDMENT PUBLICATION Woodland Hills, California

Volume 139 - Issue 9

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Women’s basketball starts with a bang

Are holidays Photo essay: pushed too soon? Horticulture day

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6

New theater professor

9

One Copy Free

2 Opinions 6201 Winnetka Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91371 Room: Pierce College Village 8211 Phone: (818) 710-4115 Phone: (818) 710-4117 Website: www.theroundupnews.com E-mail: newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com

Editor-in-Chief.....Benjamin Hanson

Managing Editor.........Rachael Rosenberg Design Editor.................Fabiola Carrizosa Photo Editor...................Ashley Shellmire Photo Editor............................Owen Meza Copy Editor......................Olivia Espinoza Opinions Editor........Christian Castellanos News Editor...........................Sophia Cano Campus Life Editor............Clemente Pasillas Sports Editor............Nusaybah Al Mansur Sports Editor......................Reuben Santos Social Media...............Daniela Raymundo

Reporters:

Raquel Frohlich Maxine Chaykovskiy Dialaysia Whittaker Gerardo Escobar John Ormeno Jacob Macofsky Tyler Hale Brian Khoury Alexis Brown Isabella Marino Alexis Martinez

Advisers:

Jill Connelly Jeff Favre Tracie Savage

Photographers:

Hunter Hammerot Myraneli Fabian Linda Zimmerling Felipe Gamino Sonya Miller Luis Quintana Devon Thompson Jr. Kareem Andrades Aidan Nary Madison Cheramie Icy Smith Emil Rizkalla Daniel Decamp Ellie James Dannie Carreon Diego Cardenas

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Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup

A

Pierce should have a prayer room

s our society becomes more diverse, institutions need to cater to the needs of individuals from different backgrounds.

Pierce College is no exception. One way the college can promote inclusivity and diversity is by creating a dedicated prayer room on campus. This room would provide students who practice Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and other religions with a suitable and safe place to worship while on campus.

Currently, students who practice their faith face challenges in finding a suitable location to pray, and this struggle has been ongoing for too long. The lack of a prayer room has been incredibly challenging for students who

pray multiple times daily as part of their religious obligations.

According to Interfaith America, “Muslims pray five times a day. Prior to the prayer, or Salah, Muslims partake in ablution, or Wudu.

The room should be near a bathroom to accommodate this or have a washroom in the room. Muslims often remove their shoes before prayer and require a clean space for prayer, so make sure the room has an empty space with clean carpets.”

Establishing a dedicated prayer room within the school premises will benefit students who wish to observe and practice their religious beliefs more comprehensively. Such a facility will provide them

of worship, meditation, and reflection for students of all faiths and for students who want to spread positive energy.

During times of crisis, it is beneficial for students to have a dedicated space to pray and reflect. The campus prayer room can provide a sanctuary for students seeking a place to offer prayers for those facing difficulties or to find peace during chaos. The prayer room could be a beacon of hope, allowing students to connect with their faith and find a sense of calm in challenging situations.

By creating a prayer room, Pierce would demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and religious freedom.

STREET BEAT What is your favorite holiday tradition?

“We do not have Thanksgiving in Cuba. I mean, it is an American holiday.

We started to celebrate Thanksgiving. The difference is that turkey is not necessarily as traditional for us. So, my family cooked the turkey differently than the way Americans cook turkey. When we first immigrated, we would have turkey but we would have turkey with rice and beans.”

- Aracely Aguiar, President

*For advertising, call: (818) 710-2960

Correction:

“My favorite holiday tradition is for Christmas since the family gets together. As I get older, it becomes a more personal tradition since my mom is starting to bring Filipino traditions to the household.”

- Cass Bigler, mathematics major

Email Newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com

“Dressing up for Halloween is my favorite because I make my costume each year.”

- Eva Remstein, undeclared major

Front:

Derricka Millinghaus drives to the post during the women’s basketball season opener against El Camino College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 3. The Brahmas won 96-37. Photo by Benjamin Hanson.

“I like Halloween. I typically dress up and go to a party.”

- Reem Ktri, global studies major.

Back:

Farida Rangwala pets a pony during the 1st Annual Horticulture and Plant Sale Day at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2023. Photo by Emil Rizkalla.

with a peaceful and private space to engage in their spiritual practices and rituals without any distractions or interruptions, thus enabling them to express their faith and spirituality.

Additionally, it will promote a more inclusive and diverse school environment that respects and accommodates the various religious and cultural backgrounds of its student body.

It is essential to note that creating a prayer room does not violate the Establishment Cause of The First Amendment, which prohibits Congress from making any law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The prayer room would serve as a place

Quotes by Tyler Hale Photos by Icy Smith

“My favorite tradition right now is probably in winter because that’s where I mostly see my family so Christmas” - Sean Yarnel, pre-veterinary student

President quote by Rachael Rosenberg President photo by Owen Meza

Opinions 3

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

PRO/CON

File Photo/Roundup News/JASMINE CASANOVA

Are stores pushing holiday season too soon?

NO, THEY ARE NOT: YES THEY ARE: September is the new November There is no need to rush the holidays

By Alexis Brown Reporter

A

s the leaves begin to change and a chill creeps into the air, retailers are gearing up to spread a little extra cheer – and for good reason. While it may seem premature to deck the halls and embrace the holiday spirit in September and October, there are compelling arguments in favor of jumpstarting the season earlier than ever.

Early holiday promotions can set the stage for a magical shopping experience that captivates customers, extends the shopping season, and, most importantly, delivers a festive boost to sales and overall success.

An article from Forbes explains how earlier sales just means more data on consumers f o r companies.

Regardless of how soon they commence their holiday promotions, consumer spending consistently surges as the holidays approach.

According to the Forbes article, “You can build a trove of valuable data based on those initial impressions, and that can help you coordinate promotions and allocate resources and staff later in the season.

Based on the data collected in early fall, you can create more effective sales strategies for November and December and make for a successful year-end.”

An article written by CNBC highlights an important consumer shopping trend that has been increasing after the pandemic.

They emphasize that consumers are dealing with a unique form of pandemic PTSD. Last year’s shortage of supplies on basics like toilet paper and cleaning products that were stockpiled at the start of the pandemic have made consumers more anxious with low inventory, said Vincent Quan, associate professor at FIT and global supply chain expert, and there are obvious benefits to partaking in a retailer’s early holiday promotions.

“The consumer thinks ‘Oh wow, well there is a deal going on and I don’t even know if I can get this again, so I might as well just take the chance now and buy it,’” he said.

Shopping for the holidays can be difficult, especially when you don’t have an idea of what to buy for your loved ones. Having holiday sales and promotions earlier on in the year allows consumers to plan better and actually give them more time to get a great gift.

In addition, starting holiday shopping early allows consumers to pay for gifts as they go rather than all in one month.

According to an article written by the University of Arizona, “Shopping early means you can spread the pain of your holiday shopping bills over several months. This is likely better for your budget and cash flow than it would be to pay for all of your gift purchases within a single month or pay period.”

Starting holiday shopping early allows consumers to pay for gifts as they go.

By Jacob Macofsky Reporter

S

eeing holiday decorations and ads plastered in stores and around buildings reminds people about the joys of the winter season. People have plenty of time to prepare their houses with winter decor, but it’s too egregious to have them on display just as the summer season gives way to autumn.

It isn’t a crime to set up holiday decorations early, but setting them up in September leaves little to no room to set up decorations for national holidays that come earlier, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. Seeing a Christmas tree planted before seeing a jack-o’-lantern or a Thanksgiving cornucopia is quite unusual, as if that home is stating that they don’t have any interest in celebrating the other holidays that come before the month of December.

Christopher Walker of the Wichita Falls Times Record News released an article from two years ago that weighs the pros and cons of preparing h o l i d a y decorations earlier than usual. While setting up h o l i d a y decorations can bring people increased levels of dopamine, per the American Christmas Tree Association, Walker adds that people

shouldn’t set up their decorations until after Thanksgiving.

One thing that is special and unique about the holiday season is that it is only a brief period of time that comes just once per year. Having holiday decorations already set up months before winter approaches essentially ruins the novelty of the holiday season, making it appear that this time of the year lasts longer than just one month, let alone spanning across two different seasons.

Romano Santos of Vice News shares the same sentiment about celebrating the holiday season for longer than necessary.

“I guess my problem with celebrating Christmas so early comes down to the garish in-your-face-ness of doing it. It’s almost like we’re telling each other we’re so unhappy with our regular lives that we’ll jump at the first opportunity to put up a holly and jolly facade.”

The holiday season is a sacred time for most Americans and people around the world, yet extending the holiday season, m a i n l y setting up holiday decorations just a few weeks after Labor Day, completely erases its unique aesthetic and implies that there isn’t anything too special about the most wonderful time of the year.

Seeing a Christmas tree planted before seeing a jack-o’-lantern or a Thanksgiving cornucopia is quite unusual.

4 News

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Native American History Month honored Academic Senate begins with poem about Indigenous people

By Nusaybah Al-Mansur Reporter

T

he Academic Senate Meeting opened on Monday with Pierce College Librarian Mario Macias reading “American Arithmetic,” an emotional poem written by the Native American author Natalie Diaz in recognition of Native American Heritage Month.

This poem expresses her heartful cries not to become invisible as the percentage of Native Americans dwindle in the United States.

“We are Americans and we are

less than 1 percent of Americans.

We do a better job of dying by police than we do existing,” Diaz said. “In Arithmetic and in America, divisibility has rules — divide without remainder.”

Transfer Center Director Sunday Salter explained that many students are unaware of the student-initiated graduation petitioning process. Salter said this process leads many graduates back to Pierce struggling to officially get their certificates and degrees.

“Students have to initiate the graduation petition process at Pierce College and in our district

and many students are not aware of this,” Salter said. “Many of our transfer students don’t understand this and finish their classes, transfer on, start at their university, and even get to the point of almost graduating when they are told they never submitted the necessary paperwork, which leads them back to Pierce College.”

Salter said that the Transfer Center is working to “clean up” the graduation petition process so that the graduating process can be easier for students.

Guided Pathways Cocoordinator Judy Lam gave

an update on the three Guided Pathways goals, which are primarily Career Development, Retention/Probation, but also Curriculum Review. What they are currently doing to actualize them for the Pierce students.

“The idea behind Career Development is that we want to help our students visualize their goals,” Lam said. “We are also planning events such as the Major Fair, the UCLA trip, and the trip to the LA Auto Shop for auto students. Encourage your students to attend these events!”

Lam also dove into Guided Pathways second goal, Retention/

Probation, expressing that success coaches have been hired to help the students who are “right on the cusp.” She also expressed that communication will be conducted with information counselors.

“We have some communication efforts with our success coaches,” Lam said. “The goal is to make sure that our students who are on the cusp of probation or are on probation are provided with the support that they need and to encourage them. We currently have three success coaches that have already begun work and more that will be starting soon.”

News 5

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

40 colleges and universities visit Pierce

By Gerardo Escobar Reporter

T

he Pierce Transfer Day Event on Wednesday gave students an opportunity to learn about the different resources provided by four-year institutions at the Pierce Mall.

Some of the schools at the event were Grand Canyon University, California Lutheran University, University of California, Irvine and California State University, Northridge.

Transfer Center Director Sunday Salter said that the Transfer Day Event offered an opportunity for students to interact with schools that are not usually accessible, or are unfamiliar to students.

“We had over 40 different universities here,” Salter said.

“We had schools coming from far away. Our students tend to focus on the UCs and CSUs, which are great schools, but we also want to encourage our students to think outside that box and see what else is out there.”

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission of the University of San Francisco Justin Nkemere explained the different approach the school takes when it comes to their curriculum.

“We are discussion based because we are a more intimate type of education setting,” said Nkemere. “We keep it discussionbased because it is a lot easier

Roundup News/MYRANELI FABIAN Madison Cho (l) Daniella De La Pena (center) and Justin Bautista (r) browse through the social wall during the Dia de las Universidades College Fair at Pierce College Mall in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 1, 2023. for students to bounce ideas off each other. By talking with each other, doing the readings, doing research with each other or for each other, and really putting things into perspective.”

Nkemere said that the school believes discussion-based learning helps students not only obtain the knowledge necessary for the course, but make sense of what they are learning.

Kinesiology major Derick Cano shared what he learned about a school that he thinks may

be a good fit for him.

“One of the schools I spoke with and felt really comfortable with and could offer me great opportunities is Grand Canyon University,” Cano said. “They offer kinesiology and they offer the sport I really want to play.

It is also an out-of-state college and I really like to travel and explore.”

Cano also said he was able to learn about the resources available at Grand Canyon University.

“I really want to go, it is private, but I learned the financial aid is great. They offer great loans, grants, everything you need,” Cano said.

Students also had the opportunity to learn about career options that are in some majors that they may not be familiar with.

Associate Professor of the Family and Consumer Science Department, Food Science Option Rosalia Garcia explained what can be learned in her

department.

“We have different options that cover things that are important under a house’s roof,” Garcia said. “Specifically in food science, our students learn about the changes that happen in food.

When you cook them, when they are preserved and we talk about the nutrient content of food.”

Garcia also listed other options in the Family and Consumer Science Department, such as consumer affairs, family studies, fashion design and merchandising, and interior design. She also listed possible career choices available after students graduate.

“Students, when they graduate, can work as quality assurance or quality control managers in food manufacturing companies,” Garcia said “They can also work in product development in food companies and dietary supplement companies.”

Salter expressed that the Transfer Day Event is her favorite event of the year.

“Finding a college that is the right fit for you is the most important thing,” Salter said.

“If you are happy and you are thriving with your instructors and the students there and the vibe on the campus, you are going to do better in your classes and have more success overall.”

Myraneli Fabian contributed to this story

Day of the Dead altar I

nterim President Ara Aguiar said she was pleased the school honored the holiday.

Roundup News/LINDA ZIMMERLING

MECHa Community Alter allowed students and facility to place photos of loved ones that have passed away in the Multiculture Center at Pierce College, Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 3, 2023.

“I think it’s also another way to acknowledge all of our Latino students that maybe sometimes don’t have the opportunity to openly celebrate it,” Aguiar said. “And it’s safe to celebrate amongst each other. And it’s also a benefit for those students that want to learn more about other cultures. So I think it’s that exposure that makes it a very unique day for Pierce.”

qrw A new Pierce tradition: Horticulture Day Ahs

6 Photo Essay

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P

aging all Dr. Green thumbs it’s Horticulture day!

Middle school students and senior citizens were in attendance at the 1st Annual Horticulture Day & Plant Sale at Pierce College on Nov. 4.

People shared laughs, smiles and gardening tips.

There was a raffle with a free giveaway and plants for purchase, some at a discounted price.

Copy Shellmire

by

Ashley

Photos by Emil Rizkalla & Linda Zimmerling

Mathias Corming feeds a chicken and two goats at the 1st Annual Horticulture Day & Plant Sale event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2023. Photo by Linda Zimmerling.

Humans were not the only attendees of the 1st Annual Horticulture Day & Plant Sale event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2023. Photo by Emil Rizkalla.

Katie Kephart (left) and Carter Gold play with animals at the 1st Annual Horticulture Day & Plant Sale event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2023. Photo by Emil Rizkalla.

Photo Essay 7

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Santiago Rosales and his son Lucas Rosales, who operate C&S Nursery Inc. in Los Angeles, sell plants at the 1st Annual Horticulture Day & Plant Sale event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2023. Photo by Emil Rizkalla.

Andrew Lepore, a high school teacher at North Hollywood High School picks some plants for his students at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2023. Photo by Emil Rizkalla.

Plants were brought by different growers that attended the Horticulture Day and plant sale event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2023. Photo by Emil Rizkalla.

Eighth grade student Olivia, daughter of Pierce College biology professor Brandon Jones, dug worms out of the compost soil at the 1st Annual Horticulture Day & Plant Sale event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2023. Photo by Emil Rizkalla.

From left, Brenda Rosales Gutierrez, Mary Elizabeth and Gerardo Rsoales look over landscaping designs for Elizabeth’s busiuness at the 1st Annual Horticulture Day & Plant Sale event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2023. Photo by Emil Rizkalla.

8 Campus Life

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Following their footsteps

Professor pursues art the way her family taught her

Roundup News/ASHLEY SHELLMIRE

Professor Nora Sweeney, a new addition to Media Arts faculty, stands in front of a projection screen with one of her favorite films “Out of The Past,” on screen in the media room located at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on November 2, 2023.

By Sophia Gonzalez The Bull Staff Reporter

W

hen Nora Sweeney was around 5 years old, she would come home with different artwork she made at preschool to show her family. Her mother, Ruthie Deutscher, remembers the daily show-and-tell of Mickey Mouse paintings.

This was no surprise to her mom because creativity runs in her family.

“One of my grandfathers loved to paint, draw and make wood carvings,” Sweeney said. “Also my mom was really encouraging of any creative activities in our house. Mostly the things that I like to do now inspired me growing up.”

That upbringing is what led Sweeney, 38, to become a digital editing teacher at Pierce College, first part-time and now starting as an assistant professor.

She grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended Oberlin

College, where she majored in studio art. It taught her the foundation of some of her interests. And she took a documentary production class that taught her an important value.

“I really loved that experience, because when you’re in school you feel like you’re in a bubble,” Sweeney said. “You sometimes forget what’s in the outside world because you need to focus on what’s going on. But this class was really good because

it required you to go into the outside world in order to create a film.”

After she graduated from Oberlin in 2007, Sweeny applied for a fellowship and was able to teach in India for two years.

While most people in the program taught English, Sweeney wanted to do something different.

“I asked if I could teach documentary filmmaking,” Sweeny said. “I did this workshop in documentary filmmaking at this women’s college in South India. That experience is what got me into teaching in a more intensive way.”

After two years in India, Sweeney returned to Ohio where she continued to teach kids photography in an after-school program while continuing her filmmaking.

Over the years, Sweeney has produced many documentary films. She says she loves every documentary she makes.

“I like all of them in different ways,” Sweeney said. “They all reflect what I am interested in, in that particular moment. They all have a substantial place in my life.”

She said that teaching has given her the opportunity to share her creativity and continue her creative hobbies, while also being able to make a living.

“My main thing is that I want to be able to do creative practice and be able to make a living,” Sweeney said. “Teaching for

me is a vocation that I really enjoy because I like to be around people. It wasn’t so much, ‘Oh, I know I wanted to be a teacher from a really young age,’ it was more that I knew I wanted to be a creative person.”

Aside from teaching, Sweeney enjoys drawing. In her free time, she likes to go to concerts and draw musicians or people in the crowd.

Her friend, Mady Schutzman, said Nora’s observations at the concerts are inspiring.

“I learned from Nora because she is an explorer–she is a learner,” Schutzman said.

“When we go to places, she is always drawing the musicians or someone in the crowd. I find myself learning new ways to see through her eyes.”

Ultimately, Sweeney hopes to help students explore their dreams, accomplish their goals and teach them what it means to make engaging films.

“I hope to help students realize some of the things that they are dreaming about, and that their own stories can be really good sources for creating film,” Sweeney said. “You don’t have to make some fantastical thing with a lot of special effects for them to be engaging. Sometimes, something that you have experienced in your own life can be just as compelling.”

dystopia as well as this one does.”

The main message of the movie is how the world in which the characters live almost feels too close to home in what is going on in the world today.

The screening concluded with a panel discussion about what people thought of the film and diving deeper into its external meaning.

Political Science professor Denise Munro Robb was a speaker at the Q&A discussion.

Robb said this movie translates into how the world we live in is continuing to deal with problems, and younger generations are the ones who will grow up with this.

“The most significant issue I’ve worked on is climate, and

I thought maybe young people are feeling like this,” Robb said.

“Like my 12-year-old son, he’s already had 25 shooter drills at school. These are just things we often don’t think about. This is just the world they grow up in.”

The Film Club’s screening of “The Hunger Games” was both informative and entertaining and gave the audience a chance to voice their opinions on the film itself.

This was the last movie screening of the semester.

The film club meets every Tuesday in ELM 1728 at 2:30 p.m.

Apocalypse Yesterday event ended with Hunger Games

By Isabella Marino Reporter

T

he Film Club at Pierce College screened “The Hunger Games” on Wednesday and welcomed students to enjoy a movie and Q&A discussion at the end.

The event theme was “Apocalypse Yesterday,” which everyone in the club decided on earlier in the semester.

“The Hunger Games” is a 2012 drama film centered around a dystopian world where a man and a woman are chosen as tributes to sacrifice their lives by playing a ruthless game.

Film professor Ken Windrum attended the event and shared

that he hoped that the film screenings would help students socialize with one another who are interested in cinema.

“I also think that these events are fun and students enjoy them.

I believe that students need these opportunities where they can socialize and interact and discuss,” said Windrum, who is also the advisor for the Film Club. “I think that the Film Club is doing a great job. They put stuff up on Instagram and social media, and we also put it up in the department.”

Film Club president Alexis Porter told people about what the film was covering and also talked with other club members about what they liked about the film.

Porter attended the event to represent herself as the club’s president and her love for cinema.

“I think people will be able to have an educational conversation and to understand different perspectives of what is shown and the messages portrayed within the film,” Porter said.

Film Club panel speaker Skylar Neuschotz said she thought the movie did an excellent job showing a dramatized futuristic world politically.

“I like its depiction of the world exaggeratedly. It gives more context to how life is today in general,” Neuschotz said. “I believe this movie fits the theme almost perfectly. I can’t think of too many movies that depict

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

In pursuit of theater

Feature 9

Adjunct professor recalls decisions that led him to entertainment industry

By Brian Khoury Reporter

I

n his younger years, Esdras Toussaint imagined watching himself on television.

Toussaint followed his vision and found his ultimate career as a director, producer and adjunct professor of Performing Arts at Pierce College.

Toussaint’s latest achievement was directing Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” which premiered at the end of October.

Toussaint left a comfortable life in Haiti and immersed himself in theater in New York City.

“I fell in love with it, and there was no way I was going to go back and do anything else,” Toussaint said.

Toussaint’s story does not begin here.

He was born in Haiti to loving parents who valued a good education for Esdras and his siblings.

Toussaints’ mother and father gave up their well-established lives in search of better opportunities for their family.

“By all accounts, we were well off,” Toussaint said. “My father had work and that placed us in a pretty good place to be growing up in Haiti.”

At the age of 11, Toussaint and his family moved to the United States.

Toussaint credits his parents’ decision at his young age for his current success.

“Had it not been for that move that my parents made several years back I would not be where I am today,” Toussaint said.

Toussaint added that it was that little bit of sacrifice by great parents.

Toussaint’s parents had great aspirations for him and hoped he would pursue a career as a

Roundup News/LUIS QUINTANA

Theater professor Esdras Toussaint at the Performing Arts Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 31, 2023. lawyer, engineer or doctor.

Toussaint accommodated his parents’ wishes and pursued an education in International Affairs.

“I was planning on going to law school and working for the United Nations,” Toussaint said.

Toussaint was happy enough with this direction, however he realized how much he loved watching TV as a child.

A twist of fate in Toussaint’s personal life caused him to reevaluate his path going forward.

Toussaint’s father encouraged him to consider other options.

“You know, I found my calling by following my passion and my

“The minute I got here, I got right back into theater because that is what my passion is.”

-Theater Professor Edras Toussaint-

love, and you should do exactly the same,” Toussaint’s father said to him.

With his father’s blessing, Toussaint embarked on his journey to his true passion.

Toussaint left his family in Florida and moved to New York City where he joined several acting studios.

He received professional training, attended grad school and earned his master’s degree from Columbia University.

Toussaint ultimately moved to Los Angeles to get into the film and television industry. However he quickly changed his focus.

“The minute I got here, I got right back into theater because that is what my passion is,” Toussaint said.

Toussaint sought to combine his love for teaching and his love for theater by applying for a position with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD).

Toussaint did not hear back from LACCD until several years later when he was offered a teaching position at Pierce.

Performing Arts Department

Chair Michael Gend is partially responsible for bringing Toussaint to Pierce.

“I was part of a committee that was interviewing candidates and Esdras was the best,” Gend said.

In Toussaint’s six years at Pierce, he has developed a great reputation to compliment his other attributes.

“I have nothing but positive things to say,” Gend said. “He’s a remarkable teacher and a really great and accomplished director.

I really love working with him.”

Toussaint has directed many plays and faced many challenges along the way.

Toussaint recalls a play he was involved in called “Eight Nights” written by Jennifer Maisel.

The play revolves around a H olocaust survivor and requires knowledge about the Jewish faith.

He did not know enough about it to do the play justice, so he sought help from outside sources.

“I was able to call out to the Jewish community and ask for assistance,” Toussaint said. “I had a great many people come through like the Museum of

Tolerance.”

Toussaint also had to deal with actors who were experiencing generational trauma and saw that as an opportunity to reach out to the community.

“We had a wonderful woman who is a psychologist who gave her time so that she could ground them and keep them in the real world even while we took on this heavy topic,” Toussaint said.

One of Toussaint’s actors, Deniz Boysan also praised him for his directorial talents.

“I would say he is a brave director,” Boysan said. “He understands the relationship between the stage and the audience.”

Boysan added that Toussaint is a warm spirit and wants the best of his students and he will work with them to get them to the next place.

Toussaint is always looking forward to his next challenge.

“I think I want to do something that scares me,” Toussaint said.

“I’m constantly pushing my students to break barriers and find a new place to explore something they’ve never done.”

10 Sports

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Brahmas make a statement in opener

By Benjamin Hanson Editor-in-Chief

T

he women’s basketball team dominated in their season opener against El Camino City College on Nov 3, winning 96-37.

The Brahmas played an aggressive press defense from the opening buzzer.

Head Coach Thara Innocent said the players followed her gameplan.

“We played hard, we were aggressive, we picked up the intensity, we did everything I’m asking them to do,” Innocent said.

Innocent rotated the starters often to keep their stamina fresh.

“There’s still some things that we do need to work on as far as defense and offense as well,” Innocent said. “But I feel as a whole we did good.”

Innocent said the team philosophy going into the game was to play intensely from tip-off and keep the momentum.

“Play hard and do what you’re supposed to do,” Innocent said.

Forward Tijera Henry scored 15 points on seven of eight field goals and a three-pointer to go along with 12 rebounds and two assists.

Henry said she was proud of the team.

“I think we played hard today,” Henry said. “It’s a big improvement from last year. We never put up 96 points.”

Henry said she focused on improving her skills as a leader over the offseason.

“I did the individual stats, and this year I’m all about my team and winning,” Henry said.

By the end of the first half, the Brahmas were up 53-16.

Guard Derricka Millinghaus, who also scored 15 points, said she had a tough game mentally but was glad the team pulled out a win. She was able to keep from getting too complacent.

“We’re winning so there’s no point in getting down,” Millinghaus said.

The Brahma’s will take part in the West La Wild West Shootout on Friday, Nov. 10.

Roundup News/BENJAMIN HANSON Tijera Henry (left) jumps for the tip-off at the start of the women’s basketball season opener against El Camino College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 3. The Brahmas won 96-37.

Roundup News/BENJAMIN HANSON Chassen Gutierrez (right) shoots a layup during the women’s basketball season opener against El Camino College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 3. The Brahmas won 96-37.

Sports 11

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Men’s soccer takes down Glendale

By Brian Khoury Reporter

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he Pierce College Men’s soccer team beat Glendale 3-1 on Friday after a slow start.

The team has a three game unbeaten streak and has earned points in five of the last six games.

After facing several tough opponents, the Brahmas went against Glendale, who are currently at the bottom of the table.

Head Coach Julio Castillo made the observation that his team may have suffered a letdown.

“We got complacent. We got cocky and we played down to their level,” Castillo said.

Pierce came out sluggish and allowed Glendale to dominate the first part of the game.

In the 10th minute, Pierce

was able to score and take a 1-0 lead on a shot by midfielder Gilberto Chavez.

Glendale continued to put pressure on the Pierce defense and created several scoring opportunities.

In the 18th minute, Glendale tied the score which seemed to motivate the Brahmas.

Pierce took the lead in the 38th minute on a goal by Alexander Mazariegos off a free kick deflection.

Goalkeeper Daniel Lopez made several saves to keep Pierce’s advantage.

“I think I played well,” Lopez said. “For sure I could have fixed a couple things.”

In the 41st minute, a miscommunication between Lopez and a central defender resulted in an indirect free kick inside the box.

Glendale executed a set

piece which created a point blank shot.

Lopez made a sprawling save to deny Glendale.

The second half began quite differently and seemed to please Castillo.

“We were able to step it up in the second half,” Castillo said. “We were a little more secure, simple and effective.”

Pierce controlled the game and played most of the game in the Glendale half of the field.

Chavez was able to take over the midfield and made several passes to create opportunities for his forwards.

In the 49th minute, Forward Mario Farias Jr. was tripped in the Glendale box and was awarded a penalty kick.

Forward Pedro Perez Jr. converted the penalty kick with a shot just inside the

left goal post for a 3-1 lead.

Perez Jr. was very proud of his team’s performance in the second half.

“We were really bad in the first half,” Perez Jr said.

“We were more confident in the second half and just played our game.”

Castillo emptied his bench and gave most of his starters a well deserved break.

“They earned it,” Castillo said.

“They’ve been working hard all year.”

The substitute players did not disappoint and continued to move the ball at will against Glendale maintaining possession and control of the game.

Lopez also noticed the team’s improved play in the second half.

“The second half was a lot better,” Lopez said. “We got a lot more shots in and we touched the ball a lot

more. There was a lot more flow to the game.”

The team has steadily improved as the season has progressed.

In the last six games, they have beaten Glendale, Canyons, Antelope Valley and tied the top team Bakersfield on their home field.

With two games left in the season, Pierce’s first year back so far has been productive.

The Brahmas’ next game is on Thursday at Citrus College at 5:30 p.m.

Women’s volleyball drops penultimate game

By John Ormeno Reporter

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Roundup NewsFELIPE GAMINO Alexander Mazariegos (16) with ball possession in the game against Glendale at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 3, 2023. Brahmas won 3-1.

he season continues to be rocky for women’s volleyball, which lost a home match on Nov. 1 in three sets to Santa Barbara City College, taking their season record to 4-17 overall this season.

Captain Brooke Romano explained how difficult it’s been this season for the Brahmas.

“We lack drive,” Romano said. “We need to improve in teamwork, communication, being positive and learning how to talk to our teammates in a respectful manner.”

Pierce kept it somewhat close, losing 25-15. The second and third sets went to Santa Barbara, 25-6 and 25-13.

With the season almost over, assistant coach Carrie Wright explained what the team needs to improve next season.

“We need to be moving our feet more, we’re too jumpy, and serving, which is a huge thing, we need to work on,” Wright said.

Pierce Athletic Director Deborah Hefter explained what the team needs to do to improve for future games.

“When things get tough, instead of just putting your head down, keep pushing through. We just need to keep pushing when times get hard,” Hefter said.

The season ends against Moorpark College on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m.