Volume 125 Fall 2016 Roundup Issue 5

Iron Man still going strong Pierce volleyball instructor peppers life with passion for sports

He jumps to set a volleyball in the North Gym while wearing a neon pink windbreaker and black running shorts. Only now, he’s a teacher instead of a student. Eldin Onsgard comes back to where he was 44 years ago.

Onsgard works part-time as the volleyball instructor at Pierce College, which he attended from 1970-1972.

As a student, he was involved in swimming, volleyball, springboard diving, water polo, cheerleading, dance, theater and music.

As a teacher, he has coached men’s swimming, diving and water polo. He was also inducted into the Pierce College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014.

Onsgard is a full-time kinesiology teacher at East Los Angeles College, but teaches volleyball Monday nights at Pierce.

“It actually costs me money to teach here, because to come over for one night means I can’t teach two classes at East [L.A. College], which means I’m losing a class to pick up this one,” Onsgard said.

Onsgard has applied for a fulltime position at Pierce multiple times throughout the years, but never received an interview, which he says is “heartbreaking.”

“Pierce is my origin, and I think about that all the time,” Onsgard said. “It would’ve been nice if I ended my career here, but it doesn’t look like I will, but that doesn’t mean I don’t support the place.”

Besides teaching, Onsgard is still an active participator in various sports and activities. This past year, he competed in the USLA National Lifeguard Championships. He entered all nine events and placed first in his age category for each one. Some of the events he competed in were the surf boat race, the American and national ironman, and the run-swim-run event.

“I’ve been doing this a pretty long time and I think I have a leg up over my competition because I love to train,” Onsgard said. “I trained hard this year. Some of the things I do for strength are rowing, surfing, ski, paddle boarding. I thrive on it. I get into a rhythm and into a piece of

mind. I’ve been blessed to be able to do as long as I have.”

Tom Ouimet, assistant coach for the volleyball class, thinks Eldin is a strong role model for students and faculty.

“The fact that he is out here still doing this stuff is just remarkable,”

Old

The marquee in front of the Great Hall has been providing information on events from the fall 2015 semester.

Currently on display are reminders for an October Club Rush and the Student Trustee elections, both from more than a year ago.

This particular electronic sign is operated by the Associated Students Organization to promote on-campus events.

Barbara Lombrano, the president of the ASO, said that she is aware of the problem but neither her or her advisers are able to update the information at this time.

“We are aware,” Lombrano said. “We do not own that marquee. However, in the past our ASO adviser had access to put information on it.”

Curtis Smith is a Student Services Specialist and a former ASO adviser. He has worked with the marquee in the past and is familiar with how the system works.

“This is my understanding of how it works,” Smith said. “There is a

Props, taxes, weed Day of Politics explores social reform

MOHAMMAD DJAUHARI Reporter @17thletter

In the last eight years, less than 30% of young, eligible voters, voted during elections. With 2016 becoming an important election year cycle, the Day of Politics aims to change that by getting more students involved in the political process.

The annual Day of Politics is on Wednesday, Oct. 19 in the Great Hall. It encourages young adults to be more involved in the political process by focusing on issues and local propositions that affect their futures.

“A lot of our students are apathetic because they don't really feel like they're connected to government, they don't feel like it represents them,” said Denise Robb, professor of political science and one of the organizers of Day of Politics. “There's no better proof for how important government is than the propositions because there are seventeen of them.”

One of the propositions on the ballot that affects students is Proposition 55. This would extend the personal income tax on taxpayers with incomes of $250,000 or more for an additional 12 years, to fund education and healthcare, according to an LA Times article.

Ouimet said. “Eldin is amazing. He’s still doing the races, he’s winning. He’s still a lifeguard at Santa Monica. He comes here [to Pierce]. He’s at East [L.A. College] teaching 700 hours a day and then he still goes fishing.” Onsgard said he is grateful to have attended Pierce when he did, because

the school was at its peak in both the athletic department and community involvement.

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“Prop 55 is going to be an interesting one,” said Lynette Quintero, president of the PoliSci Society at Pierce. “Everyone at school is there for education so hearing the opposing side will definitely be interesting.”

Day of Politics is sponsored by the PoliSci Society, the ASO, the Campus Vote Project, Alpha Gamma Sigma and the Vegan Society.

“We partnered up with Denise Robb and our role is to support the students that are going to be involved in the debates and discussions between the senators during the Q&A session,” Quintero said. “We want to incorporate all forms of politics and involve all the ballot initiatives during the November election.”

Another proposition that will affect students is Prop 51, which allows the state to issue $9 billion in bonds to fund K-12 schools and community colleges, according to Yeson51.com, a website that supports the initiative.

computer over in student engagement or ASO area. That computer has Venus Software and that software sets up a remote session with a computer that’s located in north of mall that has stopped working.”

According the Smith, the Computer has a Venus Software that sets up a remote session with a computer located in north of the mall which has stopped working.

“That computer is connected to the controller inside the sign with fiber that runs underneath the pavers of the main mall into the sign. So you would update on the software and then the software would contact that computer and the computer would contact the sign and update the sign.”

The marquee on the mall is not able to be updated due to ineffective computers in the North of Mall. Associate Vice President, Larry Kraus said that it might be a problem accessing it due to construction.

“I know that it is not working,” Kraus said. “It is related to the construction, so until the construction is finished, they can’t get into certain areas.”

The marquee was turned off from

a power breaker for most of last semester but was turned on at the start of this semester.

“They [Plant facilities and Information Technology] were able to find out that the breaker is in the electrical room in the old library [which is] connected up to IT,” Smith said.

“Once we figured that out, we went in and shut it down and it was off for quite a while,” Smith said. “But at some point, someone turned it back on. I don’t know why it was turned back on and it wasn’t

Though these two propositions will be in dispute at the Day of Politics, other issues will be debated on during the event that will benefit students’ interest, such as reducing sentences for nonviolent criminals, ending the death penalty and the legalization of marijuana.

“A lot of times, people tend to vote for the presidency and overlook the rest of it because it's hard to find unbiased information,” Quintero said. “By doing this, we hear both sides and provide unbiased information so students can use it as references to do more research.”

Between 2008 and 2012, 38 percent of voters ages between 18 and 24, while almost 70 percent of voters are between the ages 65 and older, according to a study by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Though the study does not indicate the reason why voter turnout for young adults is low compared to older adults, disenchantment with the voting process could be a cause, a sentiment shared by 20-year-old Pierce College student, Jake Anthony.

MONICA VIGIL Reporter @Monica_a_vigil

Taylor Arthur / Roundup

Eldin Onsgard, professor of kinesiology, serves a volleyball near the Victory Trail Head in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Oct. 8, 2016. Onsgard has been teaching here for more than 30 years after att ending Pierce in the early 1970s.

STREET BEAT

What influenced you to pick your major?

“I pick this major because my Mom is deaf I know how interpreting impacted her life and made it better. Specifically, I would like to be an interpreter for the courts.”

-Anjali Dalal, Deaf Studies Major

“You get to be your own boss. I hope continue with it and create my own shoe line.”

-Stephanie Lopez, Business Major

“I love communicating with people. Everyone likes to communicate with each other so why not? I would like to go to a four year, then the NFL, then become an air traffic controller with a masters degree.” -Ferere Adams, Communications Major

“My aunt is a psychologist so I saw how she helped people and your around a lot of people, you know, and they help them if they have any problems. I would like to work at a school and become a school psychologist.”

-Jazmine Onolanga, Psychology Major

“To be honest, Iʼm not really sure right now. Iʼm basically thinking between computer science and mechanical engineering. Computer science will give me better opportunities on the market but mechanical engineering would give me a world perspective on the whole thing.”

-Corrections-

Volume 125, Issue 4:

Page 3: Vice President Larry Kraus was only referred to as Kraus in the article “School looks for new web designer.”

Page 6 : Professor Brian Pierson was reported as being an adjunct professor. He is a full-time faculty member.

Page 6: In the article, “Head, shoulders, knees and bones,” student Youhana’s name was mispelled. The correct spelling is Youhanna. Page 6: Reporter Richard Espinosa’s name was mispelled. The proper spelling of his last name is Espinoza.

Page 7: Hancock College was mispelled in the sports schedule.

Help is always available

Suicide is the secondleading cause of death in college-age students, after car accidents, according to the Jason Foundation, a program which specializes in preventing youth suicide. Not only that, but they report that more young adults die from suicide than from cancer, stroke, heart disease, AIDS, and birth defects combined.

With so many victims suffering, we cannot afford to ignore the subject any longer.

“I feel like suicide is the only option I have left, the only chance at peace I’ll ever have. It’s as if something will always be missing and life will never be quite right,” said a woman named Jennifer, whose last name was withheld, sharing her story on thehopeline. com.

Severe effects of depression like that are not uncommon. With impacts this extreme, it’s a mystery why society doesn’t take bigger steps to lend a hand.

According to psychologytoday. com, depression is without a doubt the number one cause of suicide. It is the feeling of hopelessness that the victim experiences that makes the thought of living unbearable.

The worst part of those living with severe depression is that they lose faith and never learn that depression doesn’t last forever. Although it is a process, treatments are available and depression can be cured.

With methods such as exercise, sleep and stress reduction, depression can begin to ease. However, one of the best and most effective ways to help depression, according to helpguide.org, is to seek social support. Reaching out for help from friends and family is a good way to keep victims from isolation, which is a key risk factor for depression.

Some warning signs of

depression may include loss of interest in daily activities, change in appetite, anger and irritability, loss of energy, and reckless behavior, according to helpguide. org. Sometimes, those experiencing suicidal thoughts will even express that they feel so, but it can often go ignored and the victim might not receive support.

However, there are hotlines, such as the National Suicide Prevention

Lifeline, which provides support from volunteers 24 hours a day to those who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

In addition, Pierce’s Health Center provides counselors on campus for those who may be battling depression and provides immediate support to those experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Oftentimes, those fighting an internal battle are crying out for

help, but may not know where to go to receive the support they need, which is why it is important for society to be both aware and considerate of the feelings of those around them. Sometimes, all those who are struggling may just need a friend.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-8255 Pierce College Health Office: 1-818-710-4270

Pro/Con: Online classes

Getting to class may not always be easy. Are online classes a better option than on-campus for busy students?

ALMA

LOPEZ Reporter

@alopezz2

I believe online classes are better than in-class teaching.

As someone who has taken quite a few courses online, I would say they definitely have their advantages. When it comes to online learning, you’re at your own pace and you get to work on your homework whenever you want. Of course, everything has a due date, but you know where and when you’re going to have the time to get to it.

Adult life can already be tough enough as it is because some of us have full-time or part-time jobs and others have kids. Balancing having to attend a class and dealing with real life can become a handful. However, being part of an online class, you won’t have to stress about finding a sitter or being late to work. The flexibility you have managing your own schedule is a great benefit in this case.

Taking a class online is also way more comfortable. Imagine sitting in an uncomfortable chair for hours in a traditional classroom and suffering from a back strain. With online courses, you can do your homework from your own bed or couch. Not only are you in

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comfort, but the stress of looking for parking will be eliminated as well, and we all know how tough it can be trying to get a parking spot in the lots. In addition, you don’t have to worry about what you’re going to wear the next day. If you feel like lounging in your PJ’s all day, go for it! While taking an online class, students also receive the same amount of credits as if it were on campus. You also relieve the stress of attempting to crash a course. Campus classes are hard to find a seat in, but for online classes, you’re almost guaranteed a spot because the limit for students is much higher than those on campus.

Lastly, sometimes getting questions answered in class can be tough with a lot of other students present. Online you can have a direct conversation with your professor, where you’re able to email them a more personalized question that you probably wouldn’t have the courage to ask in a normal classroom. Professors are also more likely to respond faster since they’re online most of the time.

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MARIA TRINIDAD Reporter

@mariat_roundup

There are many questions regarding whether students should take traditional classes or online classes. I personally believe that attending classes on-campus is more rewarding than taking them online as it gives students the opportunity to fully experience college.

Attending classes is more convenient because it shows that, even with a busy schedule, you are making time to show up to class. It proves that you are willing to learn and succeed no matter how hard it may be. I believe traditional education looks better on a transcript than online classes because it proves hard work and dedication.

Taking online classes doesn’t give you the opportunity to have a face-to-face conversation with your instructor. According to Forbes, communication is the most important skill that one needs to have. It will always be part of life and will definitely help improve the quality of life.

Communicating in person with both your instructor and classmates is definitely the most important thing. It helps improve your communication skills. Interacting in person gives you the chance to express your ideas and ask questions by using gestures and eye contact, which I believe

are the most important elements in communication. By communicating online, there is a higher chance that instructors may not understand what you are trying to say, which may cause you to do poorly in class.

Besides the fact that you can better communicate with instructors and classmates, you have the chance to speak to faculty members and be recognized. If you have doubts or need help, schools have different departments to get your questions answered.

Traditional education is more expensive than online classes but is worth the money. With traditional education, you are experiencing your community. You are interacting with other people and getting to network with professionals within your major. Having contacts can lead you to a successful life. Most jobs you get are through people you know.

Joining clubs is also beneficial to many students as it looks good on a transcript. It shows that you engage with diverse groups of people and work well with others. It helps you gain leadership skills, which you will be using everyday in life.

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Cartoons and photos, unless run under the editorial masthead, and columns are the opinions of the creators and not necessarily that of the Roundup. The college newspaper is

published as a learning experience under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by the virtue of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the L.A. Community College District, the college or any officer or employee thereof.

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-Kirill Dubovitskiy, Undecided

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Open-campus policy called into question

After recent events, Pierce College may revise computer use

JOSHUA MANES Reporter @tweeporting

An incident on Friday, Sept. 16, involving a non-student viewing inappropriate materials on a library computer has brought up questions regarding campus policies toward computer access and the campus being open to the public.

The incident was reported around 2 p.m. on Sept. 16 and the man was asked to leave the library.

According to Deputy Guerrero, a deputy and officer responded to a call about a male non-student looking at a known porn site.

The Pierce College Library / Learning Crossroads and its equipment are open to the public.

“It’s a challenge at times, but it’s an open campus and the public loves coming here to use it,” Guerrero said. “There’s a little more control in there [the library]. This is a very safe school when you look at the crime stats.”

Incidents regarding non-students are minimal, according to Guerrero. However, according to librarian Clay Gediman, this is not the first time a non-student has been asked to leave the library.

“We have had a problem with

Chanaelle's shorts: Non-students camp in the library

Rundown Rundown

These incidents were reported between Sept. 28- Oct. 10

Reported by: Samantha Bravo

9-28

Collapsed high school student

a couple homeless people who do come in, and they’re normally quiet,” Gediman said. “But if their smell gets too strong it could be an issue and we have to remind them that people have to work around here.”

The idea of anyone being able to come in and use equipment may be jarring for some students.

“It’s a little scary,” said first-year Pierce College student Jennifer Lee.

“I just assume everyone here goes

here.”

According to Gediman, Pierce College hasn't had a problem with the public visiting the campus and utilizing its resources.

“At the same time, we are the only campus in the district that doesn’t have locked down computers where all the other ones require you to log in to use them,” Gediman said. “Even if we had the public coming in, we would have a guest account that they could use. We could actually track it

Day of politics cont.

“Look at what happened to Bernie Sanders,” Anthony said. “He had the support of so many people, but it got him nowhere.” November may come to be a pivotal day in history, with the future of young generation in stake, the Day of Politics seeks to engage students who share the same view as Anthony.

“As students, we’re learning about everything,” Quintero said.

“We’re the ones that are going to be living longer so we have the power right now to vote and make a difference.”

Robb shared a similar sentiment with Quintero regarding voter apathy.

“If they don't get engaged with

[From politics, pg. 1]

politics and they don't vote, then they are essentially invisible,” Robb said. “If you're wondering why college tuition is high, you don't have to look any further than the fact that voter turnout is abysmal for young people.”

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Academic senate criticizes sheriff's response times

LONDY SAGASTUME

Reporter

@lsagastume93

Pierce College may need to reconsider their first response procedures during medical emergencies after an incident that occurred last Tuesday where a student collapsed in the performing arts building and was not properly attended to.

Garineh Avakian-Akkus, music professor, was present at the time of the incident and did not receive assistance by sheriff officers on campus after she made the call for help.

Avakian-Akkus explained how the schools sheriff department was only able to transfer her to the Student Health Center, which then told her she had to physically pick up the ice or wheelchair if needed for the student.

“I’m up on the hill with no internet or phone line in those rooms and I was told to come down to get a bag of ice or to send a student. Or if I wanted a wheelchair I had to come down and check it out,” AvakianAkkus said. “I ended up getting in touch with her parents and we literally had to carry her to the car.”

It took the student’s parents approximately 20 minutes to arrive according to Avakian-Akkus. By this time, the student was cautious and was given water by the professor.

In addition, the school’s sheriffs asked the music professor if she would like paramedics to be contacted but the student said no. The student's name was withheld by Avakian-Akkus due to privacy concerns.

Wayne Skip Perkins, music instructor, who was also a part of the scene, explained his concerns about the protocols and measures that needed to be taken in these scenarios.

“We had no provisions to make phone calls, we had no provisions for any kind of resuscitation,” Perkins said. “Fortunately, she did not need resuscitation. I would like to put in some sort of motion that

every room needs to have some sort of first aid kit for immediate response to situations like these.”

Beth Benne, director of the student health center, had immediate information on Perkin’s concern regarding a first-aid kit. She also explained how the health center is not first responders to any incidents.

According to Benne, it is the sheriff department who are the first responders. Benne also explained how she needed to physically see a patient in order to give an assessment and treatment.

“We do have a first aid kit, first responder response, and emergency protocol procedure booklet that Larry Kraus created that had been distributed to every department,” Benne said. “The health center is not first responders because we are usually a one person shop. So we can’t leave the health center or the people there to be a first responder. If ice needed to be applied that is a treatment and so it’s something that should happen at the health center and our transport is our sheriff.”

Sunday Salter, transfer center director, provided new information about Cal. State Northridge’s new major addition in criminology, which might be available for students in fall 2017 or spring 2018.

“It is up to the CSU chancellor office,” Salter said. “They are hoping for the fall 2017 for transfer applicants, but if it does not get approved it will be spring 2018,” Salter said.

CSUN has not accepted Pierce College’s Associate Degree of Transfer (AD-T) in criminology because it is not offered on their campus, according to Salter. CSUN has only offered the degree in sociology, which is why Salters encourages students to take courses in administration of justice now that changes are being made.

“They will be accepting our AD-T in administration of justice, so students who want to transfer to CSUN in that major should be following that degree.

According to Salter, there are many students who want to major in

criminology but end up transferring to Cal State LA because CSUN does not have the major.

“I think the students will be happy about it because there are so many students that would rather go to CSUN since it’s closer,” Salter said.

According to Salter, Pierce has partnered with UCLA for the Center for Community College Partnerships Program, where mentors come to campus to speak to students.

“They also have a program they’re running on for at least 60 of our students and it starts off on Oct. 15 with a bus going to UCLA from Pierce,” Salter said. “Students do have to qualify for the program and they need to have a 3.2 grade point average.”

According to Academic Senate President Anna Bruzzese, the ITT Tech 12-unit residency waiver recommendation was approved by the senate. This recommendation was made to help ITT students receive credit for the courses they have taken. Since the motion was passed, ITT Tech students will now have to participate in “credit by examination” to receive the full credit of their courses, according to Bruzzese.

On Wednesday Oct. 12 the Associated Students Organization is hosting a tailgating event at 5 p.m. for the volleyball game and a football game on Saturday Oct. 15. at 6 p.m. These two tailgating events will include food, games, and prizes for all students, faculty, and staff.

Barbara Lombrano, ASO president, also mentioned that ASO will also be hosting a Student Health Advisory Committee [S.H.A.C.] event on Thursday Oct. 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Great Hall. S.H.A.C. will be featuring the film, “The Honeygram” to bring awareness to sexual assaults that occur on campus.

if we wanted to, but we don’t have that process set up yet.”

According to Gediman, there have been discussions about setting up some sort of process for a little while now. However, it is an IT issue and he does not know what their time schedule is for instituting security features. There is currently a login system for students that is used online for registration and Canvas as well as to use the printers inside the library.

Comic by: Chanaelle Chahayed Instagram:@Chanaellec

Implementing this same system in the library would not require students to remember any additional information, or require the creation of completely new login IDs.

“It would be a hassle to login, but it makes sense,” said secondyear Pierce College student Ben Sarkissian.

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Marquee madness

[From marquee, pg. 1]

The current ASO adviser Juan Carlos Astorga, dean of student engagement, would like to gain access to the marquee again to promote on-campus events for the fall.

“It’s our goal that that becomes a real opportunity to engage students to invite them to activities, events, meetings, concerts and seminars,” Astorga said. “I think we are really losing a wonderful opportunity to benefit from that marquee in the same way we are able to use the one that is [on Winnetka and Victory]. Unless you’re driving by, you won’t notice it. But this one, whether you want to or not, you look up and you see it.”

Unlike the marquee on the Mall, the large one on the corner of Victory and Winnetka is displaying accurate information.

A high school student participating in a track meet collapsed on Chalk Hill cross country course due to heat exhaustion. The incident happened at 2:55 p.m.

10-5

Collapsed high school student

A high school student participating in a track meet collapsed on Chalk Hill cross country course due to heat exhaustion. The incident happened at 3:30 p.m.

10-10

The information is updated by Pierce College Public Relations Manager, Doreen Clay.

Clay said that if the marquee she controls were to stop working, she would have it worked on the same day.

“Absolutely, I’d have it down within that day,” Clay said.

The sooner the ASO obtains access to the marquee, the better it is to end false information, according to Astorga.

“I am hopeful that we can get that fixed sooner rather than later because at some point, people are going to tune it out and they are not going to pay attention because it is outdated information,” Astorga said.

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Road rage

Two drivers were reported being involved in road rage exiting the campus. The incident was reported at 5:50 p.m. in Lot 7.

Pierce College Sheriff’s Station

General Information:

Emergency: (818) 710 - 4311

Literature takeover: memoir echoes lesson

One Book One Campus highlights woman's struggle for life and fight for gender equality

MONICA VIGIL Reporter @monica_a_vigil

Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education resulted in her getting shot in the head when she was 15. Four years later, she continues to speak up for human rights and her impact has made its way across the world to Pierce in the form of her memoir.

“I Am Malala” by Yousafzai is this year’s reading choice for One Book One Campus (OBOC).

OBOC is a Pierce program that aims to get the entire campus reading and discussing the same book. The program encourages all departments to lead or participate in events surrounding the theme of the selected material.

English Professor Maria Bates thinks the program will inspire students to discuss their reactions to the book with teachers and other students.

The theme of this year’s book and campus event is gender, according to Bates.

“The objective is to encourage interaction between all participants,” Bates, whose English classes are reading “I Am Malala”, said. “To create a deeper sense of college community by providing opportunities for people to share their insights, stories, and

talents with each other.”

According to Outreach

Librarian Lisa Valdez, several copies of the book are being given away to students who are enrolled in a class that requires the text.

Students can go to the library and present their student I.D. and their class syllabus stating the book as a required text. The library will continue to give away copies of the book until supplies last.

Valdez said there is a lot of participation in the program this year compared to last.

“Last year it was mostly the English department, but this year we have English, sociology, history, E.S.L., the international students too, I think,” Valdez said.

“We just really want to promote the program and get as many students to participate as possible. It’s a very important topic we’re exploring with this book.”

According to Bates, the library selects potential books and consults with the Pierce Diversity Committee and the Theater Arts Department to decide which book will be chosen as the year’s OBOC feature.

“‘I am Malala’ was selected because it highlights a young girl whose commitment and vision made a difference and is internationally recognized as a hero,” Bates said.

Pierce student Jennifer Martinez finished reading “I am

Vincent Tuffree, 18, undecided, on the meaning behind his tattoo:

Malala” a few weeks ago after seeing a display at the library promoting the book.

“I’m not in an English class right now, so I’m not reading it as a requirement or anything,” Martinez said. “I saw the poster at the library and I’d always heard about the movie and the book, so I thought I should check it out and read it since other people would be, too.”

According to Valdez, there are many thematically related events on campus this fall.

The next big event related to OBOC is coming to the Art Gallery.

An art exhibit titled “Women Hold Up Half the Sky”, organized by The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, will be featured at the Pierce Art Gallery from Nov. 1 - Dec. 18 as a companion to the themes discussed in “I Am Malala”.

Bates said OBOC started last year as an equity grant written by the Pierce Diversity Committee, English department, and library.

A new book is chosen each fall semester.

Last year’s book was “Operation Homecoming” edited by Andrew Carroll, a collection of memoirs from veterans in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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I have a mental impression tattoo. I love perception. I just love how everybody can see one thing differently and get their own perception out of it. “

Population Pierce is a Roundup social project that started in February 2016 focusing on the students, faculty and staff that inhabit the Pierce College campus. Share your story with us @RoundupNews. See more of our local features by searching #PopPierce in Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Quotes gathered by Maria Trinidad | Photos by Jordan Nathan

Spirit fingers and twinkle toes

Teenage Pierce student expresses her kinesthetic teachings through ballet and sign language

choice for most parents. It entails more time given from the parent of the child.

Lebowitz’s parents chose to homeschool their older son who is now 18 after meeting other parents involved with a homeschool program and seeing their impressive interaction with the kids.

“I do a lot of the teaching but not everything, in the early days both my kids were in co-ops,” said Jennifer Lebowitz, mother of Talia Lebowitz.

A co-op is a situation in which several homeschooling families form a group together and meet to support each other in educating their children. The families work together to teach and pay for activities or outside teachers if necessary.

“We are also part of the Conejo Valley Homeschoolers and they’re a support group basically they’re there for park days, field trips and forming friendships so the kids in our homeschool probably have more social opportunities,” said Jennifer Lebowitz.

In school students have a set curriculum and hours of operation, but in homeschool the hours are more flexible and the students are done when the teaching is done, there’s no homework. This means more time for the kids to socialize and pursue other things.

“This is my 10th year doing ballet,” said Talia Lebowitz who hopes to be a professional dancer.

campus, Talia Lebowitz is younger than most students and the youngest in her classroom.

mother Jennifer Lebowitz.

Talia’s mother audited the first class she took at Pierce making her transition to school a lot easier.

ASL is not only an identity and culture, but for some, a necessity. People who have given their life to the art of dance can attest to much of the same. Talia Lebowitz, 14, implements her kinesthetics from head to toe, rhythmically, formally, and sensationally.

Lebowitz came to Pierce last year after a homeschool education to partake in the ASL course. On

“I had taken an ASL class before and I really liked it and I just wanted the next level and then we saw the ASL classes that Pierce offered,” Talia Lebowitz said. “It’s just fun signing and some of the signs, it sort of describes the object.”

Lebowitz was exposed to ASL in her group meets where parents hired an ASL instructor for the kids who wanted to participate.

“It was a great introduction and great way to have a fun start to ASL, but Talia wanted more,” said Talia’s

Build-a-board Surfshop

Student carves and sells custom made surfboards from scratch

by working at Surf Boards By Kennedy, a surf shop that has served the community of Woodland Hills for 40 years.

“If I missed something in class I could go talk to my mom and so I had help transitioning into this kind of class,” Talia Lebowitz said. “Homeschool is a lot more easy going, I do a lot more things with my mom, we take our time and go through it slowly, it’s a lot more chill.”

Talia Lebowitz has adjusted well to the class, according to her ASL teacher Kristine Hall.

“She’s so sweet, very mature

for her age, I know that connects to her language,” said Hall. “She’s really involved and takes in all the feedback, very visual and artistic as well,” Hall said. The class took well to the young dancer who says it’s like choreography to her.

“She’s very kinesthetic,” said Jennifer Lebowitz about her daughter. “When Talia was in a competition for Joffrey Ballet, we met someone who was a dancer and a signer and she said, ‘Talia that’s a great thing to have in your pocket, to be fluent in ASL’.”

Homeschool isn’t the traditional

The young ballerina dances in the “on pointe” style and has reached level 5b in her studio, California Dance Theatre. She will be performing the lead role of Clara in the Pacific Festival Ballet’s rendition of “The Nutcracker.”

“This is my first year as Clara,” said Talia Lebowitz who has acted in “The Nutcracker” eight times, playing different roles in each performance.

She has done all that she considers dream roles, such as playing the Toddler her first time around and going on to play the Porcelain Doll

and Kitten all leading up to her lead role now as Clara.

“This is a huge opportunity to get to be Clara, it’s something that most dancers as little girls dream of,” said Jennifer Lebowitz. “The Artistic Director Kim Maselli has been working with Talia for years and fostering her love of dance and guiding her from the role of Toddler to Clara.”

“She’s really involved and takes in all the feedback, very visual and artistic as well.”

Talia’s mother is very supportive of her dance career and expects her daughter will have a dance career prior to going to college like her aunt who is now a neuropsychologist. For now, Talia is learning and getting the best of both worlds in her education with homeschool and her ASL class here on campus, but ultimately she hopes to attend the American Ballet Theatre.

For the past two summers, Talia Lebowitz has attended summer intensives of four-week dance training. Her first experience at Joffrey in New York was funded by a scholarship and most recently she attended Ellison Ballet, also in New York.

“Dance is her life,” explains Jennifer Lebowitz. “I had no choice, she was born wanting to dance.”

Talia Lebowitz will be on stage as Clara in “The Nutcracker” December 17 at both the 2 p.m. show and 7 p.m. show at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Tickets are available to the public online and at the box office.

In the middle of the mess and clutter of tools dusted with a light layer of polyurethane shavings in a back shed of his Woodland Hills home, a nearly flat board sits on a table. Some would consider it a blank canvas, but this artist’s keen eye can see a finished design.

Kieran Giffen, 20, was introduced to the surfing culture at a young age by his father, who travelled the world as a bodyboarder

“My dad grew up in Woodland Hills and he would go to the beach and he travelled the world as a body boarder,” Giffen said. “When I was six, he decided to get into surfing so I just learned there with him and I’ve been surfing since.”

The first documented case of riding waves on a wooden board originated in Polynesia during the 18th century, according to The Endeavor Journal of Joseph Banks. Since its Polynesian origins, surfboards have evolved into varying degrees of designs and shapes, with each board serving a specific style of surfing.

From longboards to hybrids, the surfboard has come a long way from its humble wood origins.

“There’s a lot that goes into shaping a board,” Giffen said. “You have to take in the client’s height and weight, different lengths, widths and levels of thickness to the board and their ability based on the kind of surfing they’re trying to do.”

Giffen sought to expand his ability to shape surfboards

“Kieran was a very knowledgeable and mellow employee,” Glen Kennedy, owner of Surf Boards By Kennedy, said. “He was well educated on surfing and board building so he was a good employee.”

Kennedy, who also shapes custom boards, was able to impart some of his shaping knowledge to Giffen.

“He wasn’t a full-on apprentice, but he did learn a bit of shaping from me,” Kennedy said. “He’s been shaping for quite a while so he has a lot of experience for a person his age.”

As with all craftsman, Kennedy says at some point, you have to go out on your own.

“When it comes to being a board builder, it’s almost like any craft. At some point you have to stop and go out and make your own stuff.”

Giffen did just that. Initially making boards for himself, he soon made custom boards for his friends, and interest in his work began to expand through other means.

“I started off making boards just for me and they were pretty good so my friends started to want my boards,” Giffen said. “Then they started to refer me to others and I’ve gotten a lot of orders off of Facebook and Instagram. Just random people who really like the look and style of my boards.”

Giffen’s design aesthetic focuses mainly on the old school style of the 60s and 70s with vivid colors that pop, along with the curves

and lines of boards from that era, but Giffen adds a bit of modern elements into his boards.

“I’m really into retro twinfin fishes and high performance fishes. They’re shorter boards but really different from normal short boards,” Giffen said. “I kind of do a lot of really old school shapes and use modern techniques and modern aspects of boards now.”

Giffen’s unique take on his boards have garnered attention through the years.

“I haven’t had the chance to ride any of his boards,” Max Iscakis, an employee at Kennedy’s, said. “But

from what I’ve seen, he’s definitely got some interesting shapes and retro colors.”

Zack Silverman, who has been friends with Giffen for a number of years, owns one of his custom made surfboards. “I asked Kieran to make me a kind of board called a fish with specific dimensions for small wave surfing,” Silverman said. “What you want in that kind of board is something thick with volume and relatively flat so you can maneuver it quicker and that’s exactly how it performed. I love it and it’s one of my main boards that I surf.”

Though surfboards can be readily purchased at surf shops, a custom board can cost as low as $450 to $1000 and even more for a well-known shaper.

Looking toward the future in shaping boards and the possibilities of becoming more known for his work and the kind of money that could be brought in, Giffen is little humble about his prospects.

“I’m pretty confident in what I have going on. I kind of have enough time to get my schoolwork done and ensure that I’m getting good grades and I shape whenever I’m free,” Giffen said. “I’m not

really focused on becoming popular for my boards, but if it happens, it would be nice.”

-Kristine Hall Instructor of ASL

Mohammad Djauhari/ Roundup

Kieran Giffen, 20, who has been making custom surfboards since the age of 13 inside his workshop at his home in Woodland Hills, Calif., prepares to work on his next board on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016

Sonia Gurrola/ Roundup

Talia Lebowitz, displays her flexibility gained from training in the ‘en pointe‘ stle of ballet, On Oct. 11, in Woodland Hills, Calif MONICA VILLACORTA Reporter @mvillacorta48

MOHAMMAD DJAUHARI Reporter @17thletter

Sand the surface, Surf the waves

Alot has changed since the surfboard’s beginnings when Polynesians were documented riding waves on wood boards during the 18th century. Now, surfboards come in all shapes, sizes and styles, and can be made with wood or polyurethane.

Kieran Giffen, 20, builds custom surfboards in a back shed of his home in Woodland Hills, Calif. Inspired by the styles and vibrant colors of the retro surfboards of the ‘60s and ‘70s, Giffen implements these design elements while adding a little bit of the modern into his creations.

Custom surfboards can cost $450 to $900 and it can take Giffen about a week to finish a surfboard that is unique and tailored to each of his clients.

[ For the full story refer to page 5]

Photos and Copy by Mohammad Djauhari

Above: A saw and calipers are some of the tools Giffen uses to shape his custom surfboards. Calipers are used to measure the thickness of a board.

Bottom Right: Giffen, who has been shaping surfboards since he was 13, inspects the curvature of a board he is working on inside his workshop at his Woodland Hills home.

Brahma of the Week

Who inspired you to play soccer?

How did it feel to score the winning goal?

“It felt great because I am not used to scoring that much, but I was really excited that I had the opportunity to score.”

How do you prepare for games?

“I listen to a lot of music that pumps me up and I just start getting ready with all the girls. Before we usually have inspiration. I hear everything and take it into consideration.”

“My dad inspired me. He was the first one to show me my first soccer team, and he was the one who pushed me and coached me all my years I have been playing.”

What do you need to improve on?

“Definitely I want to improve on my skills, try to get more fit. I am considered kind of fit, but I want to get more buff by going to the gym once in awhile.”

What are your individual goals for the season?

“I want to keep getting minutes ,because I know as a Freshman it’s very hard because there is a lot of talent. So my goal is to play as much as I can to shine and be prepared for next year.”

At the end of the season how do you want your coaches and teammates to remember you?

“The short girl who overcame everything and was able to go and win the season with a big bang.”

Interview by: Felipe Gamino

ʻAinʼt that a kick in the head?ʼ Football player returns home to get a scholarship

BRIAN CALDERA Reporter @BTVCaldera

The stadium lights shine down on the field as the kicker readies the ball for a field goal. An almost silent moment falls over the crowd as he kicks the ball and aims for the center of the goal post. Kevin Robledo continues his football goals from high school into college.

After graduating from Westlake High School, Robledo traveled to Tallahassee, Florida as a walkon player for the Florida State University football team.

After attending a semester with no scholarship, and the possibility of receiving one slim, Robledo decided to travel back home to California and go through a two-year college transfer program.

“I wasn’t going to play because they favored someone else over me, so I left,” Robledo said. He is now a kicker for the Pierce football team. He hopes to play a few semesters until he gets an offer to play for another Division I college.

According to the NCAA official website, “Among the three NCAA [The National Collegiate Athletic Association] divisions, Division I schools generally have the biggest student bodies, manage the largest athletics budgets and offer the most generous number of scholarships.”

The cost of schooling can be daunting for athletes, especially if

they are playing out of state.Coach Jason Sabolic said the weight of paying for school can wear any student down.

“It’s expensive for an out-of-state student. When you move out-of-state to go to college, you have to pay out of state expenses, and if you’re not on scholarship it’s tough and it can start to wear on you,” Sabolic said.

Many athletes dream of playing at a Division I school regardless of what state it is in.

“I came to Pierce so I could transfer to another D-1. So far everything is going really well. I just hope at the end of the season I’ll get offered by another D-1,” Robledo said. Robledo is the leading scorer for the team thus far, according to Sabolic. He is 10 for 12 in terms of field goals.

“Kevin is a great kid. We are lucky to land him here at Pierce after a tough situation at Florida State. He wasn’t happy with the situation, came here as kind of a chance to start over and get back on track,” Sabolic said. “Since he’s been here, he’s had a tremendous attitude, great kid, great intensity, who brings a professionalism to his craft. Very well taught, very well executed as far as his job, and his effort at doing his job. He’s done everything we’ve asked of him and he’s actually, going into our next game, our leading scorer.”

Similar comments can be heard from Robledo’s other coaches.

“Our program is blessed to be able to have him as our kicker, the

ʻMy keeperʼsisterʼs Goalkeeper prepares for a successful future

VANESSA GONZALEZ

Features Editor @itsvane1

Moving swiftly from one position to the next, while guarding the goal from all those that oppose seems easier said than done. Brianna Jacobo dreams of her name being on the tips of everyone’s tongue.

Jacobo’s role model is her older sister, who played at Cal. State Northridge for four years. Her sister was successful as a soccer player and is currently an assistant coach for the Matadors’ soccer team.

“I look up to my sister because she played at CSUN and she was almost going to go pro,” Jacobo said. “So just watching her play and how everybody loves her, I want that, I want people to know me as a great keeper.”

She knows that education is also important, leading her to pursue a degree in nursing while also searching for a university that has a Division I women’s soccer team.

SCHEDULE

Oct. 12 to Oct. 19

Water Polo

Wednesday, Oct. 12 @ LA Valley 3:30 p.m.

Soccer

Friday, Oct. 14 @ Glendale 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 18 @ LA Valley 4 p.m.

Football

football gods have shined their lights on us by having that young fella here, because he has helped us a tremendous amount, even though our record doesn’t reflect so, but he’s contributed a great deal,” Defensive Coordinator Torry Hughes said.

Although the team has been struggling this season, Robledo is undeterred. He says that although the team isn’t where it could be, they have what it takes to win.

“I’m glad I chose Pierce, because the season is going great and it’s only week five. It’s different. We’re pretty small right now, we don’t have too many numbers, but we’re a team and we want to win,” Robledo said. “We try our best even though we haven’t too many players. We try our best.”

Ultimately, Robledo’s goal is to play in the NFL, but he is majoring in economics to have a solid plan if things don’t pan out. For the moment, Robledo is focused on his performance, getting a scholarship and transferring to a university team.

“Wherever I get the full scholarship offer is were I’m going to kick. It can be anywhere, honestly, whoever needs a kicker. Everyday I do my best and every game I perform my best. I just keep making my kicks and the rest will take care of itself. If I just focus on each kick single-handedly, then at the end of the day, at the end of the season it will add up, in a good way,” Robledo said.

bcaldera.roundupnews@gmail.com

Saturday, Oct. 15 vs. LA Valley 6 p.m.

Womenʼs Volleyball

Wednesday, Oct. 12 vs. Hancock 6 p.m.

Friday, Oct.14 BYE

Wednesday, Oct 19 @ Santa Monica 6 p.m.

Mitch’s Pitches

Let me pitch you something: there is a driving force stronger than physical capabilities that has a profound effect on an athlete’s performance. I’m talking about pure, authentic, emotions — love, baby.

And by love, I am not just talking about the intense intimacy of two souls in a romantic relationship.

No, I am talking about the type of love where the first thing you buy with that first professional level paycheck is a new home for mom. Or the type of love where your health is in critical condition and you jeopardize your own well being for the sake of you and your teammates to win.

Forget money, love is the ultimate motivation. That’s why you cannot hope to be successful in sports without any type of love.

For those who’ve played, coached or are even a fan of sports, we all have experienced the utter despair of a loss. It’s either we’re flirting with tears of sorrow, or completely losing our minds with unruly anger; there is no in between. However, the anguish of a heartbreaking loss significantly ceases when a loved one comes to our aid with a warm embrace of unconditional acceptance.

Jacobo has played soccer since she was young and the sport has become a way to escape from tense situations.

“Since I was five that’s all I ever played, it’s all I ever loved,” Jacobo said. “It’s a good stress reliever. It’s like a safe place for me.”

Goalkeeper is not the only position this soccer player has knowledge of. When she was 10, she played two other positions on the field, forward and defense.

During a game when she was 12, the team was short a goalie and Jacobo volunteered. From that day, she fell in love with the position.

Coach Adolfo Perez sees how much progress she has made and what she is now accomplishing.

“She’s come a long way since she started to where she is now. She has control of whatever she does and if she works hard she can really go far,” Perez said.

Jacobo worked hard, during the hot summer days, practicing to become a better goalkeeper. Her

progression to where she is today took more than just that time.

and experience others do not have. She also has fond memories from previous teams she played on.

When she was young, she played a long game that had gone into overtime. She said the team was about to go into a penalty shootout, and they kept making goal after goal.

In another instance, Jacobo was unable to play a game for her high school soccer team. The team won the game by penalties, and in that moment, she was very proud to be a part of it.

“It felt good knowing that I’m part of this,” Jacobo said.

said it takes a lot of focus to balance work and sports, but it just takes time to learn to work with the schedule.

Her teammate, Sara Hernandez, describes her as very dedicated to the sport.

“She’s a good goalie coming in out of high school. It’s very difficult; there’s a bigger speed of play and I think that’s what a lot of freshman come in struggling with,” Hernandez said. “I think that as a goalie it’s even harder because these girls take shots like no other, so I think she does pretty good. She can prove she’s getting there and we’re all supporting her.”

It’s the love for the game that provokes such strong emotions after the loss. And it’s the love for another human being that helps us move forward.

Love does not just affect us on an intimate level, but also a physical level.

According to a study by livescience. com, brain scans of people in love showed that there was increased blood flow to regions of the brain associated with motivation. Also, 400 athletes were surveyed and asked whether love enhanced their performance, 55 percent said yes.

Now, as far as romantic love, many have stated that it is a distraction to main priorities, and they’re right, it is a distraction — but only because of the person THEY’RE dating.

That’s why if you’re an athlete trying to find a legitimate partner, it is imperative that he or she is a supportive figure in your life, and not just a constant attention-seeking gold-digger.

The biggest factor in why people play sports is “who or what are you doing it for?”

All you need is love to find out.

Since she started playing at a young age, she has gained knowledge

She looks forward to graduating with a degree in nursing and hopes to get into a Division I school. She

Ashley OviedoFreshman

Photo by: Randi Love

Ezzat Wanas / Roundup

Goalie Brianna Jacobo poses with soccer balls at The Pit on Oct. 4, 2016 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

“Since I was five that’s all I ever played, it’s all I ever loved. It’s a good stress reliever. It’s like a sade place for me, ”

-Brianna Jacobo Goalkeeper

Calvin Alagot / Roundup

Kevin Robledo kicks a football at Shepard Stadium on Oct. 10, 2016 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Brains and brawn keeps her head above water

Jack-of-all-trades water polo captain shows o her skills in both athleticism and academia

SERGEI CUBA Reporter @scuba_digger and RANDI LOVE Sports Editor @randi_love29

Captains are a model for teammates, coaches and fans when competing and when they’re not. They display exceptional leadership skills that cause the people around them to rally around.

Women’s water polo captain, Tamar Kazanjian proves that she is the epitome of leadership when she dives into the waters of the Steven Schofield Aquatics Center and when she walks the halls of Pierce.

Returning to Pierce this semester, Kazanjian has a cocaptain that supports her in all aspects of the game. Kaylee Bennett names Kazanjian as one of the people that has helped her get her game to where it is today.

“She’s a really good leader and captain. She can break down any complex drill into simpler form for anyone who has never played before,” Bennett said. “Tamar pretty much coached me all the way through my very first season and helped me progress so much as a player.”

Kazanjian is dedicated to the sport, her team as well as her coaches. She serves as a relay between her teammates and her coaches. Samantha Buliavac, the assistant coach for women’s water polo, praises her adaptable nature in the sport.

“This girl has played every position in the pool and she goes where she's needed,” Buliavac said.

Kazanjian is comfortable in the water and does what's necessary

to improve the team's odds of making a goal.

“If someone needs to be at the two-meter, she posts at the two-meter. If someone needs to be outside on the perimeter, then she’s out on the perimeter taking shots,” Buliavac said. “If someone needs to be running offense she’s at point on top of the pool. She’s a really versatile player that can go

anywhere you need her to be.”

Her older brother introduced her to the pool when she was a young child and, once in high school, influenced her to try water polo.

“My brother swam and played water polo at Pepperdine. My sister was a swimmer her whole life, too. It’s a swimming family except for my mom and dad who don’t swim. So just all the kids,”

said Kazanjian.

Kazanjian’s family is involved in the Armenian community here in the San Fernando Valley and it has provided her with opportunities to travel and learn more about her cultural background.

“Just because of my Armenian background, I have a whole different culture in my

-Tamar

Her ultimate end goal is to become a physician’s assistant. In order to transfer and get into a program that will help her reach that goal, she is majoring in biology. Kazanjian takes pride in her 3.9 GPA but notes it did not come easy.

“Being in sports since a very young age, that really helped me out. I learned to split up when I'm doing my school work, to get my stuff done before practice and just to balance my time,” Kazanjian said.

Although, she wants to continue her life in the pool, if it does not happen she will always have the memories from it.

background and that played a huge part in my life,” said Kazanjian. “I went to a private Armenian school in the Valley until I was five and swimming in Armenia when I was twelve years old. Being a member of an Armenian organization, we had a summer trip to Armenia to play sports.” She is fluent in three languages: English, Spanish and Armenian.

“It’s important to have academics always come first, even though I'm a student athlete, but athletics is definitely a huge part of my life too. I just learned responsibility and to manage my time through all these different phases in my life.” Kazanjian said.

scuba.roundupnews@gmail.com rlove.roundupnews@gmail.com

Amy Au / Roundup

Tamar Kazanjian poses for a portrait in the Steven Schofield Aquatics Center pool with water polo balls beside her on Oct. 5, 2016 in Woodland Hills, Calif.

“My brother swam and played water polo at Pepperdine. My sister was a swimmer her whole life too. It's a swimming family except for my mom and dad who don't swim. So it's just all the kids.”

Kazanjian Water polo captain