On page 8, the name of the head coach of the women’s soccer team is Adolfo Perez
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On the cover:
Vocalists Linoyuh Savage-Goldenberg performing “Saving All My Love for You by Michael Masser” at the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 7, 2025. Photo by Jesus Rivas
Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup Playgrounds benefit parents and students
Withstudents desperate to find a way to de-stress and take a mental break from their classes and more parents trying to juggle their family and studies, Pierce College should build a playground at Rocky Young Park to help both groups achieve their academic goals.
One of the biggest challenges most parents face is having child care while they are attending class due to the cost and convenience. According to the Center for American Progress, 43% of
families with young children pay unaffordable rates for child care.
This can be a burden for the parent, as most will put their child before their education and limit themselves on their academic career. The playground can act as an effective, but also fun, alternative to child care, under the supervision of the childhood development center workers, while the parent is attending class.
According to a survey conducted by Voice of Play, 67% of parents say playing outdoors with their kids
improves their bond.
Having a playground will invite more people to come onto the campus and get to know Pierce without attending the school, which might increase enrollment rates. Aside from helping the parents of the community and at Pierce, it can also help students de-stress and take a break from their classes. Breaks are needed. According to Transforming Education, 60% of college students have reported that they feel stress every day.
Constant pushing with no mental breaks can cause the
Column : ADHD: The Silent Teacher
By Bryce Edwards Photographer
WhenI was seven years old, I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or as it’s more commonly
known, ADHD. The known challenges in having ADHD often overshadow one’s true abilities, but with a great support system and the proper tools I have created a balanced life. I’ve learned to accept ADHD as a part of me, rather than letting it define me.
I have realized that ADHD is merely an obstacle to overcome instead of a barrier. I didn’t start to fully understand the extent of my ADHD and how it affected me until I entered middle school.
I became more aware that my information processing style differed from that of my peers. My mind would frequently wander, yet my classmates were able to
concentrate for extended periods of time. It was difficult to stay organized, do homework, and even remember directions. There were times when I thought my brain would simply not cooperate, no matter how hard I tried.
Accepting that my ADHD was a result of a neurological difference rather than a reflection of my ability or IQ was a game-changer. I was then able to refocus and create my own tools for learning, time management, and motivation. I’ve come to realize that my ADHD doesn’t determine my limitations; rather, it embraces my strengths.
I took on tennis from the age of 5 until I was twelve
student to digress in their studies and fall behind. According to Crown Counseling, 55% of college students have experienced burnout to some degree. A playground on campus will help these students take their mind off their studies for a period of time.
This attraction can be a staple for Pierce, as it is not only giving to the students but also the community. Whether you are a parent on campus or a regular student pursuing a college education, a playground on campus can benefit everyone.
years old. Tennis helped me with focus, discipline, and coordination, which in turn helped me in the classroom. But it wasn’t until I discovered football that everything changed.
I knew I had found something I loved the moment I stepped onto the field. I found purpose and stability in the game’s structure, collaboration, and physical challenges. There was no doubt that football, along with academics, would play a significant role in my life by the time I entered high school.
Although having ADHD presents challenges, it has also been a teacher.
A look into the archives: 70+ years of the Roundup
On
Oct. 16, 1964, Pierce published Volume 27, Issue 5 of The Roundup. The Issue covered an assistant electronics professor who built and flew his own airplanes. Electronics professor Delbert Crystal started with a short family flight to Santa Ynez and eventually flew over 200 solo hours.
Crystal purchased a Commonwealth Skyranger and implemented several upgrades, including a new paint job and engine rebuild. After explaining the several modifications he made, Crystal concluded by stating how flying is much safer and more fun than the average person realizes.
A photo of archived Volume 27, Issue 5 of The Roundup News.
October 15, 2025
Should Pierce College still offer eight-week classes?
Eight-week classes saves time.
By Ivy Garry Reporter
Eight-week classes are too stressful.
By Gabriella Carlos Reporter
“The federal government funds so many programs that people rely on, and these aren’t just longterm... food, housing, are very important day-to-day services that people are not going to be able to get because the government is shut down.”
MaryJaneMaiki-HistoryMajor
Eight-week courses at Pierce give students the flexibility they need to maintain their livelihood and academic success.
Whether full time or part time, Pierce students benefit from the condensed schedule that an eight-week calendar provides. This benefits students who work, are parents, or have busy schedules that don’t work with a 16-week course.
With obligations outside of school, eight-week courses make it much easier for students to earn their required credits quickly. Students who take eight-week courses are less likely to suffer from burnout than students who take the typical 16-week course and can keep more momentum toward earning their degree.
Eight-week classes make it difficult to grasp a deeper understanding of information, and are too tough for students. Work, school and life balance can be a difficult thing to manage, and feel overwhelming to students. Trying to fit in a fast-paced class can only make things more stressful.
Eight-week classes tend to be more intense with the purpose of covering more information in a shorter amount of time, compared to semester-long courses which are around 15 weeks.
According to Best Colleges, “Because semester terms are longer, they create more time for in-depth learning and for connections with classmates and professors.”
Taking more time to absorb
“Students completing 18 to 23 credit hours per year are seven times more likely to graduate than students completing 11 credits or fewer per year,” as reported in University Business.
The ability to earn more credits per semester means that students can graduate or transfer sooner and spend less time and money on their degree.
“Enabling students to accumulate credits more quickly can significantly reduce the time it takes to earn a degree, resulting in lower tuition costs,” Achieving the Dream Organization said.
The Stephen F. Austin State University published a paper discussing the benefits of shortened semesters that reads, “For socioeconomically disadvantaged part-time
and learn the information can be more beneficial in the long run versus classes that seem rushed and short. Most eight-week classes are already preparing students for midterms three weeks into a class.
This causes students to stress-study and cram information that is less likely to be remembered in a short amount of time.
Class times are also shorter and spread out over a long period. According to University of the People, “The class may run more times per week, but the length of classes in the semester system tend to be 50-75 minutes, whereas some classes in the quarter system may be 90-120 minutes or more.”
A shorter class spread out over approximately 3 months
students, the transition to 8-week courses has allowed more students to access federal financial aid. The transition to 8-week terms has done considerable good at minimal cost.”
Students who require fulltime status to receive financial accommodation can maintain good grades and higher retention rates by taking eightweek courses because they can receive their full credits and take less classes at a time.
Studies show that students lose stamina taking four 16week courses at once, rather than two eight-week courses at a time.
“While shortening a class schedule increases its intensity, juggling multiple classes at once for 16 weeks proves more overwhelming for students balancing
allows students to process the information and gather a deeper understanding.
According to Bright Horizons, “Approximately 95% of fouryear colleges and universities in the United States operate on a semester schedule.”
For transferring credits, it is easier for semester credits to transfer to other colleges that follow the same system. Those transferring from a quarterly to a semester schedule may lose out on credits or have to repeat a course to make up for the uneven amount.
Because it is the most common schedule in the US, it is easier for students to transition from community college to universities since the semesters are similar.
According to Scholarships360, “The vast majority of internships operate
external obligations,” Russell Frohardt, dean of academic success at Northwest Vista College, said in University Business.
“Many students report feeling more engaged with their peers and teachers in shorter terms, translating into better learning outcomes and higher satisfaction rates,” Achieving the Dream said.
Shorter semesters allow for more entry dates, students who struggle in these courses can also re-enroll quickly without delays and the loss of momentum.
Pierce should continue offering eight-week courses online and on campus for students who have obligations outside of school and wish to further their education.
on the semester schedule. Thus, those in a quarter system may face difficulties securing internships. They may even have to decide between completing classes or an internship in a given quarter.”
A majority of high schools also follow the semester yearly schedule, making it simple for high school students to adapt to college life as well. Falling behind, missing a day of class or slacking off can be detrimental to missing important information making school the number one priority. Students with work and life issues happening outside of school, needing to stay engaged is especially important for shorter courses making it more stressful.
How do you think the government shutdown will affect you, or the people around you?
“My parents are a little bit concerned because my dad is on disability so we get disability checks. They’re kind of concerned about his money coming in. I think that’s gonna affect them a lot.”
JulianGomez-BusinessMarketing
Major
“I think it will be pretty bad especially with financial aid. A lot of us need it to have a higher education. The fact that the government is shutting down it seems like no one is doing anything, it’s just arguing back and forth.”
BetsabetLopez-FilmMajor
“I have a family member who works for the government that’s not currently working in court. I don’t know if that’s gonna be part of it too, especially with immigration. I’m dealing with it right now, and I think that’s on a halt.”
Mayra Galvan - Sociology Major
“It’s already affecting people in our community, like air traffic controllers not being at the Burbank airport. I believe people are going to get more brazen, believing a government shutdown allows more leniency in certain things.”
Randy West - Business Marketing
Interviews by Chris Rubinstein
Photos by Cherie Clark
Academic Senate talks Zero Textbook Costs and enrollment
By Brianna Fuerte Reporter
TheAcademic Senate meeting focused on the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program, which helps reduce students’ financial burden, updates on enrollment and faculty retirement on Monday, Oct. 13, in Building 600.
Pierce College President Ara Aguiar gave an updated report about attendance and retiring faculty.
Enrollment in Pierce is up by 8% from last year while having the same amount of sessions as the previous years.
The class average has also increased to 25.6 after staying steady at 24.1 for a couple of years.
In terms of student outcomes, there’s an estimated 3% increase in degrees, certifications, and submissions of FAFSA applications.
According to Aguiar, 32 individuals are retiring, 20 are classified, but 12 are faculty and raised questions about what would come next regarding programs, classes, and students.
Pierce President Aguiar said she is committed to preventing Pierce College from cutting down on its classes and
faculties.
“I just want you to know that I’m very committed to not cutting classes,” Aguiar said. “I know that once we’re in that cutting mode, it’s going to be a dominant spiral, that we will not be able to stop, and will impact us for many few years.”
Distance Education Coordinator Wendy Bass presented a report on how Canvas shells need to be more accessible to students.
According to Bass, in April 2026, a law will be enforced that mandates any content online must be accessible. Examples of this include having closed captions on videos, video recordings and
no longer having every letter capitalized in the shells.
“Every time I come out to remind you, a few accessibility things that will change so much,” Bass said. “It’s not because anyone is doing anything wrong, it’s just that technology is changing so rapidly. It’s hard to keep up with that.”
Pierce College Librarian Clay Gediman presented updates on ZTC/OER initiatives.
The ZTC program helps lower the cost for students’ textbooks in their General Education Development classes.
Currently, classes at Pierce College, such as anthropology,
child development, media/ tv/film, journalism, Chicano studies, psychology, history, and communications, all have ZTC resources available.
“If it could save you from one class where you’re not paying for a textbook, that’s money right?” Gediman said. “For some students, that could be food, that could be rent, that could be gas for the month.”
Pierce hopes to expand these resources to other classes where students might need support.
The next Academic Senate meeting will be on Oct. 27 in Building 600.
Board of Trustees fights for college students futures
By Gabrielle Carlos Reporter
TheLACCD Board of Trustees held their annual meeting Oct. 8 at the Educational Service Center.
A moment of silence was held for Raymond Arriaga and Tad Meyers, who passed away. Arriaga was a custodian at East Los Angeles College. Meyers was a trustee member and Andra Hoffman’s younger brother.
Trustee Hoffman shared Meyers’ impact on both the education system and her life.
“We have to continue to fight so hard against this evil administration who wants to attack public education and funding for important research, biotechnology, minority-serving institutions like we are. Especially in districts like ours,” Hoffman
said. “We are educating the future. My brother benefited because of programs that we have at the Los Angeles Community College District.”
District Academic Senate President Angela Echeverri brought to the board the issue of prioritizing gender equity in the district. In 2020, the Board of Trustees approved a framework for racial equity and social justice, ignoring gender equality.
Echeverri pointed out multiple sexual harassment complaints that were reported and wanted a change. In the last five-year review, 1 out of 132 complaints of sexual harassment were substantiated, 25% of these cases were investigated, and 40% of them were dismissed.
“I think that we can do better. I know that we can do better, and I urge us to collaborate to make meaningful progress in this area,” Echeverri said.
“We cannot afford to operate
in a matter in which sexual harassment is not taken seriously in this district.”
Oct. 2 was National Custodian Appreciation Day to highlight those in the district who keep the campuses clean. Christzann Ozan, a custodian at Los Angeles Southwest College, brought up a lack of supportfor custodians and staff.
“I believe this is an important day to honor our custodians, not just for the work that they do, but for the challenges they must face behind the scenes to make it a safe and healthy environment. The real issue is that a lot of the campuses are short staffed, yet new buildings are coming up,” Ozan said.
Ozan mentioned ASO President Brittani Wilson honored the staff with a luncheon and awards on National Custodian Day.
“The members, including myself, were so delighted.
This is something that has never been done before,” Ozan said. “This is what the district needs to do all the time to build morale.”
Chancellor Roman gave an overview of the district, highlighting LACCD’s accomplishments and next goals for 2026.
LACCD is noted as a national player in all districts of the U.S., with the majority of courses providing “Zero Textbook Costs,” inlanguage instruction, and new developments with AI.
“We did in fact hit a milestone with our conferred degrees and certificates at 38,000 across our districts. We had 6,600 students that transferred, and $14.4 million raised.” Roman said. “We are not going to sacrifice any of our services and any of our people that are providing services.”
Media Arts students takes home fifteen journalism awards
By Violet Garcia Managing Editors
Pierce College journalism students brought home multiple awards from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) conference held Saturday, Oct. 11, at California State University, Northridge. This conference was a chance for students to compete against their peers, network with other student journalists and professionals in prominent
publications and learn from experts in the field.
Every student representing Pierce at the event earned recognition, and the group collectively won several awards. Among the wins was an Honorable Mention for magazine design and a 1st place title for news story.
The conference, which gathers student journalists from across Southern California, featured on-thespot competitions, workshops and networking opportunities. Attendees competed against
peers from other community colleges in categories such as news writing, photojournalism and design.
The conference also introduced On-The-Spot awards where every attendee at the event can participate and go against other journalists from community colleges across California. In every contest in which Pierce students have participated, they have placed in every category.
Reporting by Abraham Elizalde
Photo courtsey of Abraham Elizalde
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Pierce students take the stage at ASO showcase
By Elizabeth Holodnak Reporter
The Associated Student Organization (ASO) hosted a Performance Workshop Showcase, where music students performed pieces on stage filling the Performing Arts Building with rhythm. The event provided students the opportunity to perform outside of the classroom and in the spotlight by sharing their talents.
The Performance Workshop, taught by ASO Concert Series Director Kevin Good and codirected by music instructors Cameron Wilkins and Garineh Avakin, is designed to help students strengthen their performance skills through a real world experience.
“They have the opportunity to perform in class, but in a more casual setting,” Good said. “This concert allows them to perform on stage in front of an audience of their peers and fans of music who might not even know them.”
The performance opened with “Avinu Malkeinu,” performed by Celine Reitzin-Bass, followed by David Mudd’s rendition of Shostakovich’s “Prelude #2.” Then came Ian Ellis and pianist Michelle Do, who used a classical tone with “Romance for Trombone and Piano” by
“This workshop improves our education as musicians because we get exposure to performing for audiences”
Dylan Cronin Music Major
Axel Jorgensen. Lastly, the ensemble of Lance Merrill, Dylan Cronin, Jake Waitley, Harmony Arevalo, and Linoyuh Savage-Goldenberg engaged the audience with “Let it Happen Today.”
Music major Dylan Cronin said the event was both a learning experience and a celebration of progress.
“This workshop improves our education as musicians because we get exposure to performing for audiences,” Cronin said. “It’s about feeding off the audience and giving them something meaningful.”
Other highlights included clarinetist Tristian-ArreolaNeil and pianist Michelle Do’s performance of Malcolm Arnold’s”Sonatina.”
Followed by a duet from
Lance Merrill on piano and vocalists Harmony Arevalo performing “My
Woodland Hills, Calif., Oct. 7, 2025.
Jessica Iovino and Herschel Aberson with “In a Crowd of Thousands” from Anastasia. Pianist Daniel Molina showcased his skill in “Scarlett Forest” by Toby Fox, followed by Harmony Arevalo’s soulful voice on “My Mind” by Yebba, accompanied by Merrill on piano.
As the showcase continued, AJ on vocals, Jake Waitley on guitar, James Elle on drums and Dylan Cronin on bass performed “Got Dynamite,” blending pop energy with rock undertones. James Elle then took the spotlight on drums for his original piece, “Fragile Vessel of Serenity.” Emily Crocker and Alyssa Crocker performed “Leader of a Landslide” by The Lumineers. Later Joshua Yancor and Michelle Do performed “The Raven” by Herman Beeftink, filling the hall with flute and piano melodies.
Music major Emily Crocker shared how the experience helped them overcome nerves.
“It helps us learn how to be in front of a crowd and move through stage fright,”
Crocker said. “You just have to keep going, even through mistakes.”
Closing out the showcase, “Mama Knows Best” brought nearly the entire class together in its finale. The performance featured voices from Jessica Iovino, Linoyuh SavageGoldenburg, Naiya Donovan, Harmony Arevalo. Lance Merrill played the piano as Emily Crocker was on drums.
Alyssa Crocker played bass with James Elle on the tenor saxophone. Angelo Waterhouse performed on the trumpet along with Mint Moreno who played trombone, the performance combined voice, brass and rhythm that had the audience cheering.
Good said the concert inspired both performers and attendees.
“I hope the audience came away with a better understanding of what our performance workshop classes are like,” Good said. “Maybe they discovered a new interest in a genre or instrument they hadn’t experienced before.”
Jesus Rivas / Roundup News
Mind by Yebba” at the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in
Jesus Rivas / Roundup News
Vocalists Herschel Aberson performing “In a Crowd of Thousand from Anastasia” at the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 7, 2025.
Fresh Bodega serves up biweekly aid
By Calvin Henry Photographer
Ina time of economic inflation, policy changes and funding cuts, Pierce College students use the assistance of programs such as the Fresh Bodega to ease the cost of basic needs.
Brahma Bodega and Student Lunchbox, a food distribution program partner, hosted an event where they provided fresh produce and non-perishables in front of the Pierce Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
Basic Needs Coordinator
Geremy Mason said more students are taking advantage of the Fresh Bodega this year.
“Students are more inclined to get the groceries through the grocery shopping that we normally have,” Mason said. “A lot of students didn’t really take advantage of it in the past, but we’re seeing more and more students.”
According to Mason, Fresh Bodega sees over 200 students per event. In order to balance the demand, Brahma Bodega implemented a point system where students have to use a certain amount of points weekly to purchase items.
Communications major Tera Welch said the program’s services benefit her family.
“It comes in handy because I have two sons,” Welch said. “ The stuff that I do receive is always a blessing because it adds on to what I have or even when I don’t have.”
The services provided at Pierce and through her church are enough to keep her secure and that these services are necessary. Welch said that food inflation affected her budget on the amount of food she’s able to buy.
“I can say by food going up, the money that I do have allotted for the food that I buy, sometimes my food runs out,” Welch said. “That is one of the ways that I’m affected because I see that the money that I used to have allotted for food is no longer enough for the household.”
General Education major Andres Orlando Maldonado said the groceries provided by the Bodega support him.
“It definitely gives an extra boost to what you need,” Maldonado said. “I’m not going to say it’s going to
cover everything throughout the week for you, but I will say the extra boost is always noticeable, especially with how expensive groceries can be.”
Criminology major and Volunteer Anthony Jimenez said the Bodega is important because it supports students.
“There’s many outlets where you can get free food. We’ll have food in the fridge that’s free. We’ll have grab-and-go’s that’s free,” Jimenez said. “ I think that’s very important in today’s economy as inflation is boosting up all the prices of goods or simple meals.”
Jimenez said that due to budget cuts, lunches that were offered in the cafeteria are no longer a service that Bodega provides. This semester, there have been concerns of a budget deficit and federal cuts from the Department of Education that primarily impact Hispanic, LGBT, and other minority communities.
Mason said that Bodega is trying to be the “friendly face” that students can rely on, if needed, amidst the budget cuts and food inflation.
A line of
He said he feels for the students that relied on the resources of the Bodega.
“It’s really disheartening for students that need the
resources. We’re seeing them, our vulnerable populations, losing out on resources and services and programs that really help.” Mason said.
Left to Right) Psychology major and volunteer Miguel Guzman, gives packaged food to Asia Martynenko while her mother Tetiana Klapatiuk (center) observes during the Fresh Bodega on The Mall at Pierce College, in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 8, 2025. Photo by Calvin Henry.
attendees during the Fresh Bodega in front of the library at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 8, 2025. Photo by Calvin Henry.
TOP: Volunteer, Helen Secia, peels onions during the Fresh Bodega on The Mall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 8, 2025. Photo by Calvin Henry. Sacia is currently taking a quilting class on campus.
LEFT: Crates of produce on display during the Fresh Bodega event on The Mall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 8, 2025. Photo by Calvin Henry.
RIGHT: Criminology major Anthony Jimenez volunteers and assists an attendee during the Fresh Bodega event on The Mall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 8, 2025. Photo by Calvin Henry.
BOTTOM: Basic Needs Coordinator Geremy Mason assists an attendee at the front of the queue before they start selecting their produce during the Fresh Bodega on The Mall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 8, 2025. Photo by Calvin Henry.
Eagles persevere despite Brahma defense
By Natalie Baharian Reporter
The Pierce College men’s soccer team faced off against one of their primary rivals, LA Mission on Friday, Oct. 10. The Eagles won 2-0.
The game started off on the side of the Brahmas for most of the duration of the first half.
Defensive efforts from Pierce goalkeeper Tony Ramirez kept the Brahmas in the game and denied scores from the Eagles.
“We got unlucky on some [plays]; mistakes cost us sometimes, but we all rally together to come back every single time,” Ramirez said. “So, I expected it today too, no matter what happens here.”
Having been established roughly three years ago, the men’s soccer team is still in its infancy and developing after each game. As the season progresses, it provides them the opportunity to reflect and see areas of improvement.
Brahma head coach Julio Castillo is not worried about the failures and notices the team is still relatively green.
“Before you can succeed, you’ve got to learn how to fail. About 80% of our team is freshmen, so we’re struggling because we’re still young,” Castillo said. “Sometimes we struggle to control games because of our youth. But I know these guys will get it together.”
As the time for the first half was dwindling, Eagle midfield Diego Ceja scored for LA Mission, following a penalty shot. This shot gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead as they move forward to half time.
Despite the lead by LA Mission, the second half involved more back and forth between the two teams, with Pierce’s offense pushing back against the Eagles
and communicating with one another in the moment as a means to establish dominance.
Sports Coordinator Debra Hefter believes that the Brahmas just need time to build a connection to elevate them to the next level.
“I just think the more time they get to spend together to build that cohesion and really understand themselves as players—and each of their teammates really help to learn to trust each other, I think that’s a huge part,” Hefter said.
“Some of these teams have been playing together for a long time or have years over our team and our culture.”
Due to the resistance from Ramirez, several instances during the second half that could have resulted in LA Mission scoring additional points was avoided, allowing offense to prioritize direct confrontation as opposed to following the defenses actions.
LA Mission continued to push forward and the several yellow cards given to Pierce players made it challenging to find footing when on the side of the Eagles. Towards the halfway mark of the second, the likeness of the Brahmas to gain the upperhand lessened as Eagles midfielder Even Reyes increased the lead to 2-0.
“They are still new but over time they will mature. You can improve skills and connections, but you’ve got to be mature. Reading the game is part of maturity,” said Castillo.
“Hopefully, by the end of the season they’ll have an identity they can bring to the table and understand the speed of play, the toughness, how to read the game so they can perform and get to the next level.”
The Brahmas will go against Santa Barbara City College at Shepard Stadium on Friday, Oct. 17.
Hills, Calif., on Oct. 10, 2025.
Abraham Elizalde / Roundup News
Pierce College forward Alan Gonzalez (#9) jumps up and battles for the ball midair against Los Angeles Mission College midfield Evan Reyes (#8) during a game in Sheperd Stadium at Pierce College in Woodland
