Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Graduation speaker follows in her mother’s footsteps
By Abraham Elizalde Managing Editor
While dealing with cultural changes, crossing continents and suffering through the death of her mom, Early Childhood Education and Social and Behavioral
Sciences major Essbell Eliana Pereira Almanza found her footing by attending Pierce College.
Now, her path has led to the stage where on June 9 she will serve as the student speaker at the Pierce College Commencement.
The 4.0 scholar has served as the president of the Child
Development Club and is a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS), where she has received the state-wide Virginia Coffey Scholarship for highest academic honors. Almanza grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she spent most of her time with her father. Almanza’s mother was also in the childhood
development business, where she had a preschool. She died when Almanza was 2.
Due to her father remarrying and the economy not being helpful to the family, Almanza went to Bolivia, where she attended school and came to realize a cultural shock.
“All of a sudden, the professors were hitting
children,” Almanza said. “Nobody explained what was going on, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, and that was, of course, a difficult experience for me.”
Article continues on page 7.
Early Childhood Education and Social and Behavioral Sciences major Essbell Eliana Pereira Almanza poses infront of the
College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 29, 2026. Almanza will be the commencement speaker on June 9, 2026.
Abraham Elizalde / Roundup News
Child Development Academic Building at Pierce
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Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup
Mandatory community service classes can build skills
Publiccolleges play an important role in preparing students for their future academic and professional goals.
The best way for students to acquire work skills and build professional and personal connections is to participate in community services, and having a class that focuses on getting volunteering experience at school is an ideal way to do that
According to the 2016 Deloitte Impact Survey, 82% of respondents were more likely to hire a candidate with volunteer experience.
A mandatory class could also help students feel more connected to their community and gain a better perspective on themselves and the people around them, which might help them identify their future goals in the field where they are volunteering.
One of the important reasons why Pierce College
should make the community service classes mandatory is because it can benefit students to understand about the civic literacy role, which is essential in education.
Engaging in school elections and working for the community helps students understand their duties as citizens and the democratic process broadens their perspective of community issues and develops critical thinking skills.
A report published by Public Policy Institute by California (PPIC) on California and Civic Education states the important elements of having a curriculum of civics and its merits in schools.
“Coursework in civics teaches collaboration— an indispensable skill in a democracy—as well as critical thinking. And it provides fundamental knowledge about the world around us, helping students understand how to engage
constructively with key systems that shape our experience: the law, the policymaking process, elections, and how to improve the lives of all.”
Another benefit of public service classes is that it can support student’s mental health.
An article published by Missouri University of Science and Technology, highlighted the advantages that student volunteering experiences has many mental health benefits.
“While college is an immensely rewarding (and fun) experience, it comes with its share of stress. It’s a time when young adults learn to become independent, manage their time, and find their way in the “real world.” Extra-curricular activities like volunteering can actually help volunteers with time management and improve emotional wellbeing.”
Volunteering helps students gain many soft skills such as collaboration, team work, leadership and communication. According to Grand Canyon University, “Soft skills, or people skills, are something you can learn while volunteering. Employers may also appreciate your ability to better communicate, take accountability, take initiative and engage in teamwork.”
Mandating community service classes can be an amazing experience for students who want to explore career options. There are many opportunities for students to excel in their careers, and engaging with a curriculum that deepens understanding of volunteering can open many doors for students, whether they are applying for an internship or seeking transfer to a reputable university.
Column: Ending the semester with the Editor-in-Chief
By Daisy Aguinada Editor-in-Chief
Servingas editor-in-chief of the Roundup has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my time at Pierce College. What began as an opportunity to contribute to student journalism became a role that challenged me to grow as a leader, writer and communicator.
Throughout my time in this position, I learned that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about listening, collaborating and helping others succeed.
Working alongside reporters, editors and photographers taught me the value of teamwork and the importance of creating a space where different voices can be heard.
The role also strengthened my confidence. Taking on responsibilities such as managing deadlines, overseeing coverage and designing page layouts pushed me outside my comfort zone.
Each challenge became an opportunity to develop new skills and trust my abilities. Balancing this role while completing my second semester as a junior at California State University Northridge required discipline, time management and commitment. Juggling coursework with newsroom responsibilities was not always easy, but it taught me how to prioritize, stay organized and push through moments of stress.
It also showed me that I am capable of handling multiple responsibilities at once while still producing work I am proud of.
Through hands-on experience with layout and production, I gained a deeper understanding of the work that goes into creating a publication.
One of the greatest parts of this experience has been learning from the advisers who have supported and guided me as a student journalist. Their knowledge, encouragement and
dedication helped shape my understanding of journalism and the responsibilities that come with telling stories. Their mentorship reminded me that growth comes from being willing to learn, accept feedback and continue improving.
Pierce deserves recognition for the opportunities it provides students through the Media Arts department. Whether through journalism, broadcasting, photography or other forms of media, students have opportunities to discover their passions and prepare for future careers.
My experience as editorin-chief has reinforced my dedication to writing and communications. It has shown me that I am capable of leading others, meeting challenges and contributing meaningful work. More importantly, it has confirmed that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to when I stay focused and committed to my goals. This experience has strengthened my long-term ambition to become a publicist, where I can apply the communication, organization and storytelling skills I have developed. As I leave this role, I am grateful for the people, experiences and lessons that shaped my journey. The
Roundup gave me more than leadership experience, it gave me direction and a deeper appreciation for journalism.
Should Pierce bring back its annual rodeo?
PRO: Rodeo revival could help unite Pierce community
By James Mondares Reporter
Asthe Pierce College Brahmas, we should bring back the rodeo. Records from The Roundup show that this former tradition started as early as 1948, nearly eight decades ago.
Pierce should bring back the rodeo as it would: vastly differentiate Pierce from other colleges in the district, be an act of cultural appreciation, and would greatly help boost student engagement.
Out of all the colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), Pierce stands out for a lot of reasons.
culture with another deeply culturally rich event wouldn’t hurt anyone and would also be a unique addition to our school’s schedule.
Additionally, implementing a rodeo back to Pierce would also revive a culture and be an act of cultural appreciation.
Barnes PRCA Rodeo says, “Rodeo’s roots run deep in American history, tracing back to the working practices of cattle herding in Spain, Mexico, and later, the United States. It evolved from the skills required by vaqueros and cowboys in the 19th century, turning everyday tasks into a competitive spectacle.”
Whether it be the high transfer rates to universities like the University of California, Los Angeles or California State University, Northridge, or the large farm our college has. Adding the rodeo as a regular event that occurs every semester, or even annually, would greatly boost the college’s overall image –it would show that we both work hard and play hard.
There are no other colleges in the LACCD district that have a rodeo (or even a dedicated farm area as large as ours). Swan Land Company writes that, “Western rodeos serve as vibrant cultural institutions that weave together entertainment, tradition, and community engagement across America.”
A rodeo would also be very fitting considering the college’s mascot is a Brahma bull. Marrying our college’s
CON: Pierce should hang up its saddle, keep rodeos in the past
By Mia Greer Reporter
PierceCollege’s annual rodeo was put down for good reasons and should not return, the most important being the abuse the animals faced.
Despite the seemingly fun and family friendly atmosphere, the games are cruel to the animals that have no choice but to participate. If they don’t, it may heighten the risk of broken ribs, snapped necks and even death for the bulls is the result.
Bringing the rodeo back to Pierce would add another event to our school that acts a way to celebrate culture and bring together the community. Adding back the rodeo would also boost student
Advocates for rodeos argue that the animals enjoy the event and are bred to do it. But, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals questions that if this is the case, why do riders use harmful provokers such as spurs, flank straps and electric jiggers on the animals? It shows that the animals actions are not natural or innate, but are forced upon them in painful ways.
which is the governing body that makes the rules and regulations within its rodeos. PRCA reports an injury rate between 0.04% and 0.05% per run, which is less than 1 injury per 2,000 shows.
While this reported number is low, in 2014 onsite veterinarians for California Rodeo Salinas had violated the California Penal Code by failing to report animal injuries to the California Veterinary Medical Board. Animal Legal Defense Fund sued CRS on behalf of Showing Animals Respect and Kindness. They found at least 49 animal injuries over two years, but during that time
What are your summer plans?
“I’m going to take two classes and then travel to Italy. We’re going to be celebrating some family members’ birthdays there.”
ShinNiloban-BusinessMajor
engagement. Personally speaking, I would love to go with my friends to a rodeo at Pierce, and I’m sure that with enough marketing and emphasis, that an event such as a rodeo at Pierce would prosper.
Another college that does rodeos would be California State University, San Luis Obispo. Kaylie Wang writes for Mustang News, “I would go again if my friends or family wanted to go … Overall, being thrown into the world of the rodeo sport for the first time was interesting, and I am grateful I could experience it at least once during college.”
Reviving the rodeo at Pierce would act as a great way to boost overall student engagement with the college, add a unique LACCD event and bring forth cultural appreciation.
According to Rodeo Facts, the suffering doesn’t stop outside of the ring. In practice sessions, young calves are chased and roped repeatedly around the neck. When they are caught, they are jerked back and choked. The injuries from this are usually severe or deathly, leading to the replacement of the calf, continuing the cycle of pain.
The suffering of these animals for the “family friendly” event people were attending makes you consider what impression it would leave on younger viewers, and continues to at other current shows. Rodeos can teach children that it is ok to choke, chase, and kick animals, when at this age they should be taught nothing but compassion towards them.
It can be argued that both sides care for the animals, because there are things like the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association,
four injuries were officially reported.
If animals are injured in or out of the rodeo, they are no longer competent to play.
According to Responsible Travel, the popular annual rodeo at the Calgary Stampede, more than 40 animals have been killed or had to be euthanised due to injury since 1986. It is not only the bulls, as six horses died just at the 2019 event alone.
Pierce is known for its well rounded and accessible Agriculture program, so the return of the Rodeo would leave a depressing stain on it. While the culture and excitement around the Pierce Rodeo may make you want it to come back, there is just too much harm caused to the participating animals to allow it.
“I’m going to hang out with my friends and go on trips like camping. I am also preparing to transfer to CSUN.”
SandyMacario-Studio ArtsMajor
“I’m going to travel hopefully to Egypt. To see family and all the tourist spots.”
MayaMohamed-Psychology Major
Interviews by Elizabeth Santana-Zavala
Photos by Javier Ramirez
Final Senate meeting of the semester looks at strategic planning
By Anthony Adams Reporter
AcademicSenate
President Margarita Pillado discussed the decision for Pierce College to merge the Strategic Master Plan (SMP) and Educational Master Plan (EMP) during the Academic Senate Meeting on Monday, June 1, in the Great Hall.
Merging the two will now be known as Strategic Educational Plan (SEP).
Pillado expressed the evaluation of both plans.
“Whether we reach our goals, to what extent and what challenges are associated in that process of doing that evaluation? We noticed
redundancies overlapping similar goals, but different metrics,” Pillado said. “In order to continue to improve our institutional effectiveness, we recommend merging them so that we can align and better make use of our strengths and also identify areas of challenges so we can make progress towards that.”
Pierce President Ara Aguiar shared during the College President Report that the college is limited in hiring back positions from Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP).
Aguiar revealed that SPR rehiring was limited to 10-12 classified positions.
“I have a meeting with the chancellor tomorrow
afternoon and we’ll be touching base with him on positions that we can approve in terms of SPR,” Aguiar said. “We can hire back 40% through the next year to two years. And then next year 2026-2027, it will be another 20%. So, it will be a phase in terms of hiring back.”
Aguiar also shared that summer enrollment at Pierce is at 96% compared to last year. We will reach 100% with the enrollment of Summer Bridge students, she said.
“I do want to mention that we have about 500 or so enrollments, about 250 or so students, or possibly even 300 students that are still not yet enrolled for summer that are in Summer Bridge,” Aguiar
said. “They’re transitioning right from high school. So, the Summer Bridge students will get enrolled in the next few days.”
Librarian and Academic Senate member Clay Gediman gave a presentation on Open Educational Resources (OER) integrating Canvas with AI. Gediman showed how to use AI on Canvas by looking up subjects and class information for faculty and students.
Articulation Officer Cristina Rodriguez shared some accomplishments during the meeting.
“We had 360 new UC, CSU and private institution course to course major articulation approvals; more than 11,000 course review decisions are
maintained in our test database. And we had over 375 students assist through collaboration with counseling and discipline experts to review for course substitutions and pass along for Cal-GETC,” Rodriguez said.
Transfer Center Director Sunday Salter shared during the meeting students are being denied transfer admission.
“If you come across students who’ve been denied transfer admission, they can appeal,” Salter said. “We have a website dedicated to supporting them on the transfer page. They can come in our Zoom lounge or in person and get help with appeals and backup plans.”
The Senate will resume meetings in September.
Former political science professor, college administrator dies
By Natalie Baharian News Editor
RichardAlan Moyer, a longtime educator, died May 6, at the age of 83, following a long-term illness. Moyer, a passionate educator in political science and college administrator, was known for his commitment to students and their educational paths across the Los Angeles Community College District.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on Feb. 5, 1943, to Monroe Middleton Moyer and Evelyn Tischgarten Moyer, the Moyer family decided to leave for Los Angeles when Moyer was 3 and was raised in Van Nuys for the rest of his childhood.
Graduating from Birmingham High School in 1960, he enrolled in UCLA, where he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees. In 1976, he attended the University of London, where he obtained a Ph.D in African History, with a dissertation on the Mfengu people.
In his early career, Moyer began in the Los Angeles Community College District, starting with Pierce College in 1977. He initially served as the ASO student government adviser before serving as the Dean of Academic Affairs. He was widely known, by both professors and students, for his more student-focused approach.
“He was always there for us,” said Kathy Oborn, a criminal justice professor at Pierce. “He challenged us in
student government to do our best for the students at Pierce, to create good programs and build a strong reputation for the ASO.”
With a career that lasted nearly 40 years, Moyer held various leadership positions at Pierce, and later moved to East Los Angeles College as the vice president of Academic Affairs, where he oversaw the majority of the liberal arts and sciences programs and where he led the Jaime Escalante math and science program, an initiative to help STEM transfer students.
He helped run the Dean’s Leadership Academy, in which he served as a mentor.
“He was a wonderful mentor to me,” stated Dean of Math and Sciences DonnaMae Villanueva, who had Moyer as her mentor. “He was down-to-earth, always willing to share his knowledge with me, and I appreciated him very much.”
Along with his administrative work, he built close relationships with students through his teaching.
“It wasn’t just a job for him, it was a passion,” Oborn said. “He would say often that he’d retire when it stopped being fun or when he felt he was no longer making a difference.”
Sheila Williams, a retired Pierce professor in sociology, recalled a field trip where she thought that the students wouldn’t return to the bus.
“Richard put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘Don’t worry. The food will call them, and they’ll all show
up,’” she said. “I laughed and believed him. And he was right. By 1:30, everyone was fed and back on the bus.”
Williams said Moyer was filled with integrity.
“Richard Moyer was kind. He was capable. He was competent. He was incredibly intelligent. You could trust him,” Williams said. “You never had to say, ‘Don’t tell anyone.’ He just knew and he never judged you.”
Outside of his professional life, Moyer raised two daughters.
“He raised his daughters well,” said Williams. “He made sacrifices for them and supported them without controlling them. He let them be themselves while helping them become their best selves. He genuinely saw women as his equals, something that was a rarity at the time.”
Following his retirement in 2016, Moyer remained dedicated to education and his academic circle, maintaining long-term relationships with his colleagues and former students.
He is survived by his partner, Joyce Palacios, and his two daughters, Emily Claire Moyer Duncan and Cara Lynn Moyer Duncan.
Courtesy photo by Kathy Oborn / Roundup News
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Pierce students engage in medieval times and cat memes discussion
By Gisele Donan Reporter
Students learned about the significance of the Middle Ages through art at the “Oh No, What Now?
An Exploration of Medieval Times” on Thursday, May 27, in Art 3300 and the Art Courtyard.
Hosted by professor Lyndsey Phillips, the third talk in Conversations in Art series invited students to learn medieval iconography through a slideshow series of pictures that mixed historical context, art and memes to give students a relevant overview of the time period. From unicorn horns curing leprosy, to snails being depicted with human heads, Philips explored the absurdity of the 5th to 15th century.
Art professor and Conversations in Art coordinator Ramela Abbamontia said the event was meant to engage and show students how general education courses, such as art
idea for the program was a longtime dream of having students and staff gather to talk about art and enjoy it through open conversations.
Abbamontia added that while the event has its challenges, it comes from a place of passion for the community to continue learning and connecting.
“We want to linger longer together and with art, because I do believe art fosters connection, collaboration and an exchange of ideas,” Abbamontia said. “
This is our third one in the series. It’s a lot of work, but it’s really a labor of love and we’re finessing the process of advertising and reception preparation and all kinds of things throughout the way.”
times and wondered what history would look like for future generations.
“We came from dark times like thinking that putting a snake stone under the tongue will heal you, and now having such modern technology and medicine, it’s important to know where those things came from,” Rodriguez said. “In the future we’re probably gonna look back at this current time and ask what we were thinking too. So it shows how history is always relevant to learn, and it’s important to know.”
Studio arts major Rui Dutallas said the lecture inspired thought into the importance of art and the relevance of history.
history, can open a world of interest and newfound career options.
“The best part that keeps all of us going is knowing that this is for the students in the community. We have a really talented set of faculty here,” Abbamontia
said. “The department and my vision was to showcase our work and research to our students so they could see the multifaceted paths that art can take you to. We wanted to just give that to our students and the community.”
Abbamontia said that her
At the end of the lecture, attendees were led to the reception in the courtyard. Guitarists strummed folk songs, and an assortment of fruits, cheese and drinks were set on banquet tables.
Ultrasound technician major Angel Rodriguez said that she found a deeper appreciation for the medieval
“I really appreciate professor Phillips as a lecturer and a member of the Art department. She’s just very knowledgeable and she just makes learning art fun,” Dutallas said. “With the topic of the plague and censorship of knowledge, it’s important now to remember the mistakes that humanity has made, and not let them happen again.”
Exploring
research and community during Social and Behavioral conference
By Nick Crabtree Photographer
Professor Lyndsay Phillips presents different slides on Renaissance art for various topics during the Art Talk at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 28, 2026.
Jake Gregory / Roundup News
(R to L):Cognitive Science major Dana Binkowski Demonstrates her project on the “correlation between AI Dependency and Critical Thinking” onDisplay to another student Psychology Major, Akshat Bansal during the Social and Behavioral Science CAP Conference residing in the Pierce College Great Hall on campus in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Thursday, May 28, 2026
Psychology Major Kaiden KaulbachDemonstrates his project on display to other students and faculty during the Social and Behavioral Science CAP Conference residing in the Pierce College Great Hall on campus in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Thursday, May 28, 2026
Early childhood education and social and behavioral sciences Major Essbell Almanz ademonstrates “math through play” exhibit during the Social and Behavioral Science CAP Conference residing in the Pierce College Great Hall on campus in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Thursday, May 28, 2026
Review: Get lost in the world of “Backrooms” and psychological chaos
By Olivia Munoz Campus Editor
Yellow wallpaper, the hum of fluorescent lights and the eerie sensation of the uncanny valley transport viewers to the “Backrooms,” directed by the startlingly young 20-year-old Kane Parsons and released in theaters Friday, May 29.
“Backrooms,” based on a well-known internet horror story originating from a post on the image board called 4chan, follows Clark, an alcoholic furniture salesman played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who finds a literal doorway to a strange, liminal dimension that seems to copy places— and people—from our world. Clark’s therapist, Mary (Renate Reinsve), also seems to have her own demons to battle, and is pulled into the strange world of the Backrooms.
The movie itself is an enigma; helmed by a creator who got his start making videos on YouTube and built entirely upon lore created by himself and legions of dedicated fans. Since Parsons uploaded his
first video on the Backrooms in 2022, he has gained millions of views and subscribers, and ultimately, this movie deal with A24 that grossed $81 million dollars domestically—eight times its budget. It marks a significant achievement for Parsons and young filmmakers who aspire to direct their own featurelength projects one day. On the surface, “Backrooms” is a visually unsettling movie that draws you in with its atmosphere of suspense, created by the film’s stretches of silence and eerie electronic music. The labyrinth-like structure of the Backrooms puzzles both the audience and the characters, the sickly yellow hue of the dimension creating the impression of a nightmare you vaguely remember. However, at its core, the film is more than just the allure of the world. The lives of Clark and Mary drive the main themes and motifs repeated throughout the runtime. Clark is a man haunted by his past actions and current
consequences, living a life that makes him deeply unhappy. Mary has created a career built on helping others find peace and reconciliation, things she does not possess herself, as indicated by the constant flashbacks to her disturbing childhood. When the two enter the Backrooms, it’s almost as if they’re walking into a mimicry of their minds. Relics of their world scatter the place, alongside chairs sunken into the floor and misplaced objects. You get the sense that the “Backrooms” is not just a separate dimension, it’s a distorted memory of places and things you once knew, now long forgotten and abandoned. The main antagonist is, in fact, a twisted version of something we see in the real world. The film weaves the intrigue of its liminal, otherworldly setting with the gutwrenching truth of the realities the characters live, giving the audience more than just cheap thrills to consume. Each scene is intentional and progresses the plot forward, never slowing down to
linger or explain. Some details are left obscured, even to the film’s detriment, as we never truly understand how vast the history of Parsons’ universe is in one hour and 50 minutes. Both Ejiofor and Reinsve deliver flawless performances that blend seamlessly into the rich world of “Backrooms.”
Overall, “Backrooms” is not a film to be missed, even by casual moviegoers. It breaks ground for the next generation of filmmakers who grew up with internet-based tall tales and urban legends, and presents a wholly unique take on a concept popularised by social media. Perhaps the best part of “Backrooms” is that its horror is not grounded in grotesque monsters or even unsettling locations; instead, it’s based
solely on the terrors created by forgotten memories, and what happens when they no longer remain in only your mind.
Crank up the volume on these songs for your summer soundtrack
By Joy Mellk Assisting Entertainment Editor
If
you’re looking for songs for the summer season, check out these tunes to add to your playlist.
“No More Lies”Thundercat, Tame Impala
The jazz fusion world of Thundercat and the neopsychedelia world of Tame Impala converged to create a funky song that calls for windows to be rolled down. Thundercat’s groovy bass and Tame Impala’s airy synths intertwine throughout the song, with various points of progression that highlight each artist’s specialty. There is a carefree, breezy feel to the song that makes it such a perfect summer tune. For more groovy tracks like this one, Thundercat keeps them coming with collaborations from Mac Miller, A$AP Rocky and Lil Yachty on his new album “Distracted.”
“CRANK” - Slayyyter
Before electropop artist Slayyyter’s 2026 breakout moment with her new
album “WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA” and her recent Coachella performances, “CRANK” had been the lead single that initially put her in the spotlight. The relentless ferocity that this song embodies with the help of the heavy basslines and her piercing vocals is a contagious moment of frenzy packed into a 3-minute song. This song has gained even more traction through a recent trend of college graduates exclaiming “crank it” as they walk across the stage and accept their diplomas, which shows just how infectious the pure chaos in this song really is.
“Illegal + Nia Archives” - PinkPantheress, Nia Archives
Pop artist PinkPantheress has catapulted herself into the spotlight with her rollout for “Fancy That,” and she has kept that flame alive with a remix album, “Fancy Some More?” This remix from drum and bass artist Nia Archives takes the foundation of the viral song and reinvents it by giving it a breakbeat hardcore twist. There are plenty of fun elements that make the song up, such as the keys, the synths and the combination of basslines that all blend into a high-tempo party.
“Red Light” - The Strokes
Though an older tune, this song has just enough charm that should be nestled into every summertime experience. The whiny guitars paired with the shuffling drum work make it a song worthy of playing while walking through the city on a warm summer night. Frontman Julian Casablancas’ effortless yet melodic vocals are also enjoyable to follow accompanied by the fluctuating bassline. Altogether, these elements set the scene for an urban summer.
“BAILE INoLVIDABLE” - Bad Bunny
Música urbana trailblazer
Bad Bunny has reveled in global success following his Grammy-winning album, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” which provides an emotional roller-coaster of an experience. In “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” its breakout into Puerto Rican salsa is the antithesis of its subject matter, which is reminiscing on a past lover through an unforgettable dance. The dichotomy between the two represents an ability to delve into deep emotion in the thick
of a lively sonic environment, which makes it all the more accessible and relatable for listeners. It is a song capable of holding the value of each listener’s personal experience while also providing a contagious dance break.
“DREAMING”Turnstile
Hardcore fusion band Turnstile have mastered the sound of the summer in their 2025 album, “NEVER ENOUGH,” but this song just has such a fun flow that everyone can enjoy. The stars of the show in this song are the syncopated drumbeat and the bubbly saxophone that blend together to create a heavy groove. The stopand-start format of the song adds to the hopeful intensity it follows through with, which is absolutely perfect for a summer night drive with friends.
“BRASILIAN
SKIES”Masayoshi Takanaka
Though Japanese City Pop legend Masayoshi Takanaka’s discography embodied the sonification of the summer, “BRASILIAN SKIES” is a classic song of his that brings a tropical beach to the listener. From the elements of Brazilian samba to the bubbly backup
vocals, this song paints a picture vibrant enough to send listeners into a sand chair. It flows into a free-spirited rhythm that injects nothing but joy into the veins of listeners.
“Feel
So Close”Calvin Harris
You’ve likely heard this song at the mall or the grocery store, and though you may have once found it annoying when it was at its commercial prime, it remains a summer staple years later. It’s got lyrics that are simple enough to be catchy to a wide range of audiences, and the combination between the electronic production and the whiny guitar provides a sense of warmth and caters to the laid-back spirit of the summer. But most of all, it holds the nostalgia of a light and carefree summer that once was. It is that type of song that can bring a diverse group of people together in seconds once they hear it at a party or in the club, which is why it is an absolute must for the summertime.
Josue Aguilar / Roundup News Movie poster of “Backrooms” at AMC 9 in Porter Ranch,Calif., on June 2, 2026.
Commencement student speaker (continued from page one)
She then moved back to Argentina to live with her grandmother and other members of her family where their bond grew stronger. Almanza moved to the United States about six years ago, living with a host family in Indiana. She then spent time in Washington, Alaska and Colorado before settling in California where she lived with a friend. It took the support of her friend to help her hone in on her English and help with her confidence on the language.
“We went to have dinner, I was like telling her what I want, and she said ‘I’m not gonna tell them,’ and I’m like, I don’t know how to order this, and she said, ‘Well, you better learn,’” Almanza said.
“She made me speak up, so I didn’t have the option to speak Spanish, so that’s how I learned to speak English.”
Almanza did not plan to go to Pierce, because she lives in Ventura County. She came for a semester and decided to stay because of the professors she met.
Although she had found her footing at Pierce and the childhood development field, Almanza faced struggles throughout her time in school.
In September 2025, Almanza suffered the loss of a cousin she considered her sister. Due to her limitations as an international student, she was not able to travel outside of the country to visit her family in Argentina, and dealt with her grief of her death in the U.S.
She then went to seek advice with Meagan Truxal from the Pierce International Office.
“I remember coming here crying. She opened the door, she gave me the best advice, the hug that I needed, and checked on me every step,” Almanza said. “Because I’ve been here for a long time, she said, ‘I know you, you always advocate for yourself, for your learning experience. Contact your professors and see what they can do for you.’” Almanza then took the advice of Truxal and sought
“The International department took care of me so that I didn’t feel alone anymore,” Almanza said. “Then my professors cared so much about my education, and they helped me, and they understood me.”
assistance from professor Wyndee Guzman, who also gave her support.
“She wasn’t over-checking on me or anything. She might have a comment here or there. She didn’t have a special treatment for me,” Almanza said. “She didn’t make me feel weird because I told her what was going on in my life. I appreciated that so much.”
Almanza got accepted into California Lutheran University, where she will be attending after graduation. She hopes to continue in childhood education, following in her mother’s footsteps.
“I want to have my own preschool one day in honor of my mother. I have many dreams, but if you ask me for the end goal, it’s that,” Almanza said. “I want to be the person who makes the change.”
Essbell Eliana Pereira Almanza poses with an Argentina flag at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 29, 2026.
Photo by Abraham Elizalde.
From diapers to diplomas: Mother and son graduate college together
By Elizabeth SantanaZavala Reporter
Asthe school year came to a close, the Di’Amore family dropped off their son Lex Di’Amore for his last day of high school.
His mother Christine Di’Amore watched him stand before her and vividly recalled his first day of kindergarten and the moments that led up to this one.
She was sad at the thought that this was the end of their journey together. But not long after, Lex started at Pierce College and Christine became inspired to follow suit.
Now, they both will graduate on June 9, 2026. They will transfer to California State University of Northridge where they will pursue their individual goals.
Christine had Lex when she was 16. Instead of going to college she worked odd jobs and eventually made her way into marketing. She had loved learning and wanted to study psychology, but she didn’t think it was realistic.
“I noticed other people who were my age around Pierce campus, and that made me think that maybe this is
something that I can consider pursuing now that he’s older,”
Christine said. “I didn’t have that responsibility of being a mom since he’s grown up and I’ve done my job of raising him. So I felt that I could play with the idea of going back to school.”
Her husband Kris Di’Amore was one of the first people she told about her idea.
“And I said, ‘You know what? You only live once, go right ahead,’” said Kris. “Like if it’s going to make you happy then by all means do it.”
At first Lex was hesitant about going to school with his mom and taking classes together.
“Eventually, I was like that might be kind of cool, because it’s not something that a lot of students get to experience,” Lex said. “So then I suggested that we take choir together and that ended up being really fun.”
They took several classes together including statistics. In class they would give each other looks when something funny happened and debrief afterward. At home they often studied together on the couch with a silent TV playing in the background.
Kris said he has seen them both grow in individual ways.
“Lex isn’t just a good
student, but he’s a good kid who will do anything for his friends,” Kris said. “And Christine put her life on the back burner to make sure someone else had the experiences she should have had, and now she gets to do that with him. I’m just so proud of them.”
Lex is passionate about music and has a band. He hopes to work in marketing for record labels.
Christine will study psychology and plans to apply to a doctoral program in clinical psychology.
Christine said that while the journey might have been easier when she was younger, she believes this was the right time.
“Oddly enough I never felt this way when I was younger,” she said. “The most amazing part of doing this at a later age is having so much life experience and wisdom, and you know what you want to learn. I’m more focused now and really enjoying the journey, and I don’t think I would have had this perspective if I’d done it when I was younger.”
Photo courtesy by Christine Di’Amore
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Photos gathered by Abraham Elizalde, Lesa Greenfield and Jake Gregory.