RamPage, September 26, 2018, Vol. 45, No. 1

VICTOR VALLEY COLLEGE

RAMPAGE

September 26, 2018 | Volume 45| No. 1 “The newspaper is a greater treasure to the people than uncounted millions of gold.”- Henry Ward Beecher

A New Culture of VVC Cares

By Amber Scott Reporter

The fall semester has begun and along with its arrival are changes to come which will benefit many students at Victor Valley College. On Friday, September 7, 2018, VVC hosted an “All College Day” to begin its transition into VVC Cares.

The program aims to focus on what the culture of caring is all about. According to Dr. Karen Engelsen, the Vice President of Student Services, “VVC Cares is following the basic principles of “REACH” which stands for Responsibly

Empowering Achievement Through Care and Hope.” The new concept aims to provide stronger programs coupled with better teaching methods and will demonstrate a clear

sense of commitment to student success.

The new Ready and Motivated (RAM) coaches will be visiting classes to get both faculty and students involved

by using various strategies; motivating faculty rapport with students, clarifying syllabus guidelines to assure a student knows what is needed to pass and monthly surveys conducted by student leaders in order to become aware of what newly registered students’ needs are.

“Four out of every ten students who attend California Community Colleges know exactly what they want out of their future careers. This issue is not unique to only California institutions,” Engelsen mentioned.

Continued on page 3...

Seventeen Years of Remembrance By: Kameron Peterson Reporter

On Monday morning September 3, 2018, a group of volunteers gathered to place 3,023 flags adorned with handwritten names in remembrance of those who perished in the 9/11 attacks. This takes place at Victor Valley College (VVC) every year.

This year’s volunteer group consisted of Associated Student Body (ASB), faculty and students of Victor Valley College. ASB President, Tristan Wilkerson states, “The group of volunteers had come to empathize and honor their memory by being here they had come to grieve alongside those families who experienced loss.” That same senti-

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ment was shared by the many volunteers that showed up Monday morning. The volunteers gathered on the 3rd in order to prepare for the vigil on the 11th.

The September 11th event started proper at 6:30 a.m. and finished at 7:00 a.m. The ceremony included song from the VVC choir, taps, and presentations from the VVC Fire and EMT programs.

Seventeen years after the attacks, memories still linger in the hearts and minds of American people. With the memory of that day still fresh in her mind, 9/11 survivor and EMT Reggie Cervantes placed the first flag in the ground that morning, and hung a wreath to commence the ceremony on 9/11. The name on the flag

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was that of Mitchell Wallace, the selfless hero who was an EMT for the courts department and Cervantes’ trainer and friend.

Wallace relinquished his post to his commander and ran into the World Trade Center to rescue as many as he could. In his efforts, Mitchell lost his life.

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on

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Sports pg. 12

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September 26, 2018 Page 2

News

Campus Frustrated by Financial Aid Delays

By Jordan Lunasco Reporter

The Financial Aid office at Victor Valley College (VVC) is facing delays with the disbursement of students’ financial aid money. Upon completion of the FASFA application, students may be selected for verification. If a student is selected by the Department of Education, the Financial Aid office is required to review the application, and the student must then submit a verification to the Financial Aid office.

This verification may include a student’s income and high school completion. All of this information is posted on the student’s WebAdvisor account and the documents requested are required to be turned into the Financial Aid office in order to be processed.

Many professors on campus are having to change due dates on assignments because of the financial disbursement delays.

“Two of my professors have had to push back tests due to this delay and students not being able to get their books

Image: latutors123.com

on time,” said Desire Rios.

To resolve this issue, the Financial Aid office is working with the Victor Valley Foundation office. Student services created a book loan service that students can apply for until their application has been processed. It is designed to help bridge the gap until the student is awarded financial aid. It is like the book advance at the VVC bookstore, but it is a loan that can either be paid back by the student or it will be deducted from their future grant if eligible. Students who are waiting for their financial

aid can inquire within the Bookstore Accounting office.

Jason Judkins, the director of Financial Aid at VVC, stated, “We encourage students to apply early. October 1st is when the new FASFA comes out.” To help with the application process, take advantage of the online IRS data retrieval tool to transfer out the student’s or student’s parents’ income. Doing so aids in the verification and may help students not be selected for verification.

The Qless queueing system is a helpful way for students to

schedule appointments with the Financial Aid, Bursar's, and Admission and Records offices. With the Qless queueing system, students can download the Qless app, call, text, or enter information on a kiosk to place themselves in a virtual line. This system gives students an estimated time of when they would be seen. The Qless virtual queue allows the signed up student to leave and come back, to study, to go to class, all without having to worry about losing their place in line. Periodic updates will be texted to the student to inform them on when to head back to the Financial Aid office.

The Financial Aid office is working hard at processing all students and getting them their grants. If students are affected by this issue, they can take advantage of the Book Vouchers the Foundation office is offering, and utilize the Qless queueing system until all grants are received to help their process go smoother.

Construction, What’s Its Function?

By Reyes Navarrete Reporter

Most students have noticed the construction going on in front of VVC this semester. If not; there is construction going on in front of the ATC building extending across the street into the parking lot. The school is planning on building a new Student Resource Center in front of the ATC building.

“Construction started this semester on August 27, 2018.”

Steve Garcia VVC’s Director of Faculty Construction and

Contracts said. Garcia explains that Student Services is broken up into different buildings; building 50, 52, and 55. So building a Student Services Center under one building will put them all together, in one convenient location. The construction is set to be finished in about a year. “Our goal is to be done by Fall of 2019.” Garcia said. The plan is to build a new Student Services Center, but in the meantime, traffic needs to be diverted.

Jacaranda Road has been closed off since construction.

If students are trying to enter

the school, there are several ways to get there. As usual, traffic could come from Bear Valley Road and enter parking lot “H”, the parking lot next to the counsel building (building 55). Also, there is an entrance coming down Spring Valley Parkway. Coming from Spring Valley Parkway and turning towards the Excelsior High School will require some awareness since the road becomes a one way street after the Excelsior Parking entrance. Following this one way street will lead to the “G” parking lot, the lot next to the

Art building (building 22), or all the way around the school down toward the Lower campus on Fish Hatchery Road.

This one way route will lead around the perimeter of the school towards the Lower campus and through Fish Hatchery Road to Bear Valley.

If motorists do not want to take this road down toward the Lower campus, making a left into the Excelsior Parking lot is an available escape route.

Fish Hatchery Road will function as normal, and motorists will be able to take Fish Continued on page 10

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News

Wellness Works Wonders

By Brandon Valdovinos Victor Valley College is offering students the chance to attend wellness workshops where students can learn more about mental illnesses. They also have the opportunity to get help and spread awareness to others who may need help dealing with such issues.

“There used to be certified therapist who would come to campus and hold therapy with students, but now it is about spreading awareness by helping people understand mental illness and identifying when they need help,” said 20 year old, Nisha Kamboh.

Kamboh is part of the cooperative education class that lets students intern at locations that relate to their field of study.

As a senior intern at Victor Community Support Center, specifically for Transition Age Youth (TAY), she helps oversee the workshops that are supported. “These workshops are all about teaching students about mental illnesses and providing a comforting environment where people can

relate or share experiences with people that have either a similar interest or experience,” describes Kamboh.

There is no club on campus for mental awareness, but Kamboh is on her way to creating one. She will become president once the club gets chartered and finds a couple more people to become officers. Club members will be able to become certified in mental health first aid training, just as the interns who participate in the workshops. They are also trying to get ASB certified so that they may participate in workshops as well.

The workshops are open to everyone who wants more information about the topic, but the club is only going to be for Victor Valley College students. The workshops will be held on Mondays and Thursdays and the first session will take place September 17, 2018. Monday will be from 12

Cares from page 1

Lab, the Child Development

Reporter

Engelsen also stated that faculty at VVC had been going by the book, “Restructuring California Colleges,” but the aim was to do things differently and while caring.

The Associated Student Body’s office will also see some changes this semester as they welcome “Hizina Williams,” a Student Services Specialist. She will focus on assisting students with financial aid services.

Resources available to students at Victor Valley College include new no-cost tutoring services. These programs include access to the Biology

lege offers about mental health awareness. She introduced just exactly what the program was about and explained how the workshops were going to work.

“There is no need to be scared because you're not going to be judged.

This program is for you to help yourself and recognize that you need help. One of the first steps that need to be made is to admit you need help and actually search for it. Don't let fear be the reason for not receiving the help that you need,” Kamboh p.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday workshops will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Each week a different type of mental illness will be discussed to teach students and to help them better understand and recognize if they need help. Topics range from a variety of issues including depression or anxiety, for example.

Kamboh was very thorough in her explanation about the program that Victor Valley Col-

said.

Taking the first steps for help may be the hardest thing an individual can do, but in the end, it is key to receive that help. Mental illness is an issue that affects countless people, but many do not really understand it well enough to fully realize the significance of it.

Lab, The Communication Center, STEM area tutoring like chemistry, and The Writing Center.

Tutoring is available to anyone in need of additional academic support.

For more information regarding these services contact the

Director of Tutoring and Academic Support, Amy Azul.

Azul mentioned the formalized training process that all tutors must undergo though the new program.

Students with any mobility issues can visit the new Access Resource Center to borrow shiny new scooters. Access is located in building 52 and has many services available to students who may face challenges. If students have a valid disability or temporary disability, go into Access and fill out an application. VVC is truly reaching high when it comes to student success.

Take advantage of the new opportunities with the new VVC Cares initiative.

Faculty and staff at the VVC Cares conference

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Victor Valley College

Consider a Mentor!

By Courtney LeMay Reporter

Mentors are capable of greatly impacting your educational and career path.

The mentor and mentee bond has unfortunately become increasingly rare across the Victor Valley College (VVC) campus. It is time to shed light on the importance of mentorship and resurrect it amongst VVC students, professors, and staff.

A mentor is an experienced and trusted person that gives the mentee a strong leg to stand on as well as honest advice. According to Tim Isbell, the instructional media services coordinator of VVC, “I think a mentor is a person that can hold you to the line and remind you of what your goals are, someone that you can bounce ideas off of. This is the single most important piece and unfortunately a piece that a lot of people are missing.”

Having a mentor can enable a student to reach their educational goals in so many ways.

A mentor can enable large positive changes in a mentees’ life, such as an internship that could lead to an eventual career. Mentors can also provide small reassurance or helpful

hints, such as knowing which professors’ classes to take and which to avoid.

VVC professors or staff members can be available as a mentors, but are not often sought-out. While a professor in the major of study is the most beneficial mentor in the long-run, student peers can also be a great resource. According to VVC second year student Kim Aguilar, “It’s always better to have someone to help guide you into the things that you want instead of trying to figure them out by yourself and wasting your time.” Some students can be qualified as a mentor, especially when they have completed what the mentee student is striving toward. Having a student mentor can actually be very useful. Students mentors are a part of the student experience at the same time as their mentee, making them highly knowledgeable in the behindthe-scenes of navigating college.

As students contemplate acquiring a professor, staff, or student mentorship the fact remains that students are extremely unfamiliar with how to establish this relationship.

Unfortunately, the task of starting this bond falls on the

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shoulders of the mentee, a frightening thought to some. In reality, there is a high likelihood that the person being asked to be a mentor will feel a sense of pride and enthusiastically take the mentee under their wing.

Dr. Gregory Jones, a professor in the Communications Studies department says, “If only students knew that we want to share what we Gratefully dedicated to my friend and mentor, know. EveDr. Gregory Jones ryone wants to find someone who in a higher education estabwill come and pick their lishment. Every college stubrains. If only they knew that, dent should have a mentor at they wouldn’t hesitate to go up one point of another, not only to people and say who are you for the many educational and career benefits but also the and how did you do this?”

Many students are unaware friendship that can last a lifethat mentors even exist and are time. available for them at VVC. The mentor and mentee relationship is extremely important when trying to succeed

New Apps For College Students Are Here!

By: Jaide Cole Reporter

A study done by Pew research Center states, “77% of all Americans have a smartphone.” Many popular websites used throughout college communities are now turning their desktop page into an app friendly format that’s easy to use on the go straight from the user’s smartphone.

Navigate College Simplified is an app designed for college students and it is new at Victor

Valley College this year.

“College can be tough. Navigate makes it easier by letting you know how and when to get important things done.

Through a personalized app, Navigate helps you make decisions, complete important tasks, and explore campus.”

Stated by EAB Global, Inc., the creator of Navigate- College Simplified The Navigate app allows users to see upcoming to-do’s and events, get connected to help when needed, explore

different majors and career options that are tailored to the interests of the student, as well as discover on campus events and extra-curricular activities.

Most Victor Valley College students are already familiar with Blackboard on a desktop computer, but it’s also available on the app store for Apple and Android phones. It is designed to simplify the Blackboard experience for students.

Grace G., an avid Blackboard app user states, “The app is very user friendly and

easy to navigate...the app completely simplifies my experience with blackboard and I can’t believe I went 3 semesters without it.” With the Blackboard app the user is able view updates to courses, content, and grades. The app allows the user to take assignments and test right from the app, as well participate in collaborate sessions all from the convenience of a handheld Continued on page 5…

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Features

September 26, 2018 Page 5

Navigating College Starting college can be extremely tricky. Students are familiar with being told what to do and where to go for the first eighteen years of their lives. Now with the opportunity of a lifetime, it is time to live life fully. Having too much freedom can be detrimental to the main objective of college: education for the future. It is essential to know the ins and outs of navigating the college experience.

One of the biggest issues students have at the beginning of any semester is getting in to the classes they want. Professor Frederica Gold, a Communications Studies professor at Victor Valley College (VVC) states, “I’m receptive to a legitimate, honest need and I believe that effective communication with the instructor is important. It may be worthwhile to make contact before class even, if possible.”

This has been a proven fact with one student, Victor Rodriguez, who stated, “Last

semester I needed a communication course that was completely full. I told the professor how important for me it was to take the class because it was one of the last courses I needed to finish my time at VVC.” If the desired class is not available on campus, be sure to look for classes via Blackboard.

New college students or those that have had a hard time throughout their higher education journey, will both understand the importance of taking advantage of available resources.

An important resource to become familiar with is the counseling office. Counselors are there for students when they are unaware of a route to success.

Jaide Cole, a VVC student, spoke about how her educational plan at Victor Valley College was changed once she went to the counseling office.

“It is such a great feeling to understand where your education is going and if I am on the right track or not,” Cole said.

Being a transfer, she thought

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New Apps from page 4

lost his life. Wallace and many other service men and women made the greatest sacrifice one can offer. A sacrifice that many take reverence to every year.

“Anytime an event or anniversary of an event happens, it heightens the pain and we become self-aware again about the tragic losses in the world.

It helps some of us continue to push for inclusiveness, acceptance, and for people to make an effort to get to know someone completely different,” said Cervantes.

The display of multiple rows of flags, was located directly to the north side of the VVC library

phone.

Any college student has, at the very least, heard of financial aid. As many students know, the financial aid application be somewhat difficult to fill out. A new phone app for the application will be available sometime next month. According to an article from The New York Times, “...the form can be started on one device — say, a smartphone — and completed on another, perhaps a computer. That means students and their parents can work on

By: Julian Valenzuela Reporter

Photos courtesy of Google

that it would take her a couple of semesters to obtain her Associates Degree. However, once she talked to a counselor, she found that she would be able to graduate after only one semester.

Networking is key when getting through college. Talking to professors and socializing with students via class, clubs or activities can lead to a future full of possibilities and relationships. Students staying in touch with their professors

is essential, especially those that are in the student’s major.

Being a communication major for example and staying in contact with communication studies professors may help a student find an internship or future employer. Networking is also vital for a new college student’s experience as well as creating lasting relationships that can be beneficial in the long run. Just like any college, VVC has many resources to aide in students’ success.

the form separately.” said Kim Cook, executive director of the National College Access Network. The Fafsa application will now be accessible to anyone with a smart phone, making it easier and more conven-

ient for students and parents.

QLess is another useful app for Victor Valley College students. QLess lets students virtually wait in line for school tools such as Admissions and Records as well as Financial Aid. One student, Julian Valenzuela spoke out about the helpfulness of the app.

“The app is really easy to use and navigate. It makes it easy to schedule an appointment and work with my school schedule to get the help I need with Financial Aid,” Valenzuela stated.

College students are always on the go, and now so are these apps for student’s smartphones. College students, take full advantage of the convenience of these helpful apps.

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Victor Valley College Features

September 26, 2018 Page 6

Get to Know Your Fellow Rams By: Amber Scott Reporter

Christina Gonzalez is a 19 year old English major currently enrolled in her second semester at Victor Valley College. Gonzalez is taking her general education classes at VVC and has a desire to transfer to Fullerton College within the next year. Her passion and career goal is to become an English teacher. Gonzalez gives credit to her favorite class taken at VVC, an interpersonal communications class which helped her figure out how to communicate with others effectively. To prepare

herself for this Fall semester Gonzalez mentioned that she read all the reviews regarding her professors online to ensure she selected a class that was right for her. She also purchased most of her supplies in bulk and while they were on sale.

to see the purpose in her schooling beyond that current discouragement. She focuses on what she gains from her Kaylin Alieducation and how it is sa Lopez is going to help her with her an 18 year future dreams. ‘‘It's imold Sociology portant to stay motivated major attendand find purpose in everying Victor thing we do’’ Kaylin says, Valley Col‘‘As humans we always lege.

What need to do something Kaylin does with a purpose if not then to get back we don’t have enough into the reasoning for what we’re mindset of coming back to school is, she doing and that can make a shakfirst and foremost prays for ing foundation for something the strength to continue and that requires commitment.”

By: Jasmine Ramos Reporter

the swing of school she mentioned; “I like to spend time Reporter with friends that I have classes with. It helps everyone involved get classwork completed in a fun and enjoyable way, and you build friendships.” Kim also talked about the fact that she has a lot of school pride and enjoys seeing that in other students.

But above all, speaking to students new to VVC is what really gets Kim excited for a new semester. “I love talking to the new students and finding about Kim Aguilar an 18 year old what they are excited about and History major at Victor Val- what motivates them to want to ley College. When asked what come to VVC.” . she likes to do to get back into By: Robert Ellison

By: Jaide Cole Reporter

Nicolas Thurmond is a 22 years old sophomore at Victor Valley College majoring in Business and Marketing.

When asked, “What things do you do to get back in the mindset of being a student?” Nicolas stated, “I try to start getting By: Jordan Lunasco Reporter

As a Starbucks barista, Evaline Esquibel relies on her grande iced vanilla almond milk latte to get back into the groove of school. She transitions from summer vacation to back to school by taking a trip to the beach and clearing her thoughts by listening to the waves. She also prepares By: Kameron Petersen Reporter

Garrett Gant is a motivated student who takes special care when getting into the back to school mindset. The first thing Gant does is change his sleep schedule so he knows that his body is getting plenty of rest. He believes that a minimum of eight hours is necessary for optimum brain function. Secondly, Gant makes sure that he has everything he needs for the semester, such as books, writing utensils, and planners. To stay

up earlier than usual the week before school starts, as well utilizing my planner as much as I can to stay organized.” He also stated, “I try to visit a counselor at the beginning of each semester. It helps me revisit my goals and plan out my semester.” Meeting with a counselor is an easy way to remind students of the bigger picture and end goals as well as planning for the semester to come. Although it can be difficult to get back into the student mindset these tips can help make it easier although, every student has unique ways of getting back into the right mindset for a successful semester. by checking her emails to see if any of her professors posted their class syllabus before the semester starts. Esquibel likes to get her planner ready by writing in important dates, like exams and quiz dates, and when papers or projects are due. Following the first week of class, she likes to get together with friends and enjoy their time before school starts to drown them. organized one needs the items and the abilities to do so. The last thing Gant does to prepare himself for classes has to do with his health. Drinking plenty of water, running, and yoga are all things that help him do and feel his best in a time that is hectic.

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Features

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Get to Know Your Fellow Rams By: Rene Alvarez Reporter

August 27th has finally come, and students are heading back to school for another semester. How is it that students prepare themselves to go back to school after 3 months of relaxation? Sthephany Castro, a 20-year -old student studying psychology explains that in order to get back into the rhythm of school she does not treat it like high school and understands that preparation

is key when it comes to being in college. She claims, “I was searching my books online and buying school supplies a week before school started so I didn’t have to scramble last minute on the first day of class.” Sthephany’s previous semesters are precursors to her success in getting out of that summer vacation mindset and back into a prepared college student mentality. Castro is a perfect example of what students should do in order to secure a productive and successful this Fall semester at VVC.

By: Sasha Abdo

into school” . Salas also changes up her sleep schedule two weeks Stephanie Salas is a 19-year- before the semester begins so old Nursing major at Victor she can make sure her body is Valley College. When asked well rested. what she does to get back into the groove of school she said, “It’s very difficult to transition from summer to fall and part of that is because of heading back to school. We are so used to doing nothing but having fun for a few months then have to immediately hop back Reporter

By: Brandon Valdovinos Reporter

It is the second week back at school and twenty-two year old Crystal Ortega has begun to get into the groove of going to classes again. As a nursing major, her coursework involves a lot of science classes that can usually be heavy in

the workload given. “Going back to school always sucks but what helps me is setting a specific time where I can study and do my homework without distraction. I have reminders that remind me ahead of time when it gets close to doing homework.

All this is what helps me get use to school again,” said Ortega.

She has her own technique that seems to help her get back into the mindset of being a student and encourages other students to find one that best suits their style of doing school work. Ortega mentioned, “If it is not something that fits you, then chances are you're not going to stick to it.”

By: Ashirae Wardrop Reporter

Jashelle Wardrop is a 20year-old college student who has been attending Victor Valley College for two years.

She wants to double major in Zoology and Psychology and minor in Photography.

Jashelle does many things to get back into the mindset of going back to college. After staying up until two in the morning almost every night, she starts by fixing her sleep schedule. She also goes on ratemyprofessor to do some research on her new professors. Wardrop also checks and rechecks her class schedule to ensure that she is taking the By: Summer Robinson Reporter

Rashad Johnson is a 24-yearold student who is pursuing a major in Fine Arts and plans to become a screen actor.

Johnson is a full time student, By: Julian Valenzuela Reporter

Victor Rodriguez is a business major with an emphasis on Aviation Administration. Rodriguez stated that the way he gets back into the swing of things is very hard. He mentioned that the way he gets back into

right classes for her majors and minor. When asked what advice she would give to incoming students, she expressed, “It feels like it never gets easier, but it does. You just have to keep trying. It can feel like a lot of work, but at some point, you find a balance.”

part-time student worker at the Rams bookstore, and the Fine Arts Senator for the Victor Valley College ASB Council.

Rashad was also the winner of the 2018 Fiat 500 at the desertFIAT Fuel the Future event.

To help get himself ready for the new school year, he starts preparing by knowing where all of his classes are on campus. He also focuses on his school and work schedule to make sure he balances his time and effort “and just getting my mind mentally ready for the new school year” Rashad stated as his final way of preparing for going back to school.

school is by organizing his work, school and personal life accordingly. “I have a calendar filled with everything that is going on in my life. That is how I make sure everything is getting done and I have time for myself, “ he stated.

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Victor Valley College Entertainment

September 26, 2018 Page 8

To All The Shows I’ve Loved Before By: Kyndra Ramussen Reporter The Netflix original series To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before released August 17, 2018, already gained a lot of attention before it was released due to the eye-catching preview for it. When it comes to teen love stories, they tend to be more realistic but this movie was different. What would you do if your younger sister sent out all your letters you ever wrote to all the boys you’ve ever loved? Lara Jean, played by Lana Condor went through exactly that. The series goes to show the outcomes of when these boys receive the letters, and Lara’s attempt to keep it together.

The way this series was set up is more than jaw-dropping.

There are elements of secrecy, hatred, jealousy, love of all kinds, character development, and tears because it feels like nothing is going right. Viewers feel everything when watching it.

Another character that a lot

Photo courtesy of Google

of the viewers have grown fond of is Peter Kavinsky, portrayed by Noah Centineo “the hottest guy in school.”

Watching him in other shows, he had not received much attention until this series because he played a man and not a boy. Peter wasn’t a boy Lara ever loved. He was a crush at one point and after pretending to be in a relationship with Lara to make his ex-girlfriend jealous, and Lara to get out of her comfort zone, they fell in love unexpectedly.

It is a different type of love story and that is what people look for. We do not want the typical meeting on a business trip, running into each other at a café or airport, we want a love that is different but shows it is okay to be different. We like to see what love and people are capable of. Teenagers, in love? It is the purest thing at one point, and this series shows it. Lara did not need to be conniving towards Peter’s ex-girlfriend, she did not need to dress sexy, her role didn’t

need to portray what everyone is expecting to see. Lara and Peter remained the same.

The ratings and reviews people gave this Netflix series were through the roof, for example if you Google the movie there are updates every second. The positive reviews had a lot of repetitiveness, saying how the terminology used, hand movements, facial expressions, when watching it you have to pay attention to everything.

In the café scene, Lara got vulnerable with Peter and Lara says “the reason why I stay away from boyfriends is because the more people you let into your life, the more that can just walk right out.” Many people felt that, it was deep and all our hearts broke because it is true. To end on that note, it was an enjoyable movie that most of us would watch a thousand times plus one.

Grab some popcorn and watch To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before it if you have not already.

Mega Movie By: Rene Alvarez Reporter

A shark tale that bites down on the very core of human vs nature The Meg directed by Jon Turteltaub, is a thrilling movie that grips viewers from beginning to end. It has a starstudded cast featuring Jason Statham, Ruby Rose, Li Bingbing, and Rainn Wilson. The Meg takes shark movie fanatics and makes them fear for the wonders of how powerful a prehistoric beast can be to our modern-day.

A group of oceanographers study the Mariana Trench, in

the Pacific Ocean being funded by billionaire Jack Morris (Rainn Wilson). Within the crew there are the likes of Suyin, ( Li Bingbing ) an oceanographer, and Jaxx Herd ( Ruby Rose) who is the brains behind the creation of the base.

A submarine crew is sent to explore the Mariana Trench and discover something chilling which eventually, holds them hostage.

Luckily, there is a courageous hero willing to take on

the beast. Jonas Taylor, (Jason Statham) a disgraced rescue diver who had a previous encounter with the Meg, had lost his crew trying to save them from the beast. Taylor is needed once again for his services to save an endangered crew which also holds Tay-

Photo courtesy of eurweb.com

lor’s ex-wife.

From beginning to end Taylor is a force to be reckoned with. His fearless mentality is something that can be Continued page 9…

Victor Valley College Entertainment

Meg, from page 8 compared to the likes of Captain Ahab in Moby Dick. Although Ahab is doing it for game, Taylor is doing it to kill the prehistoric beast that has an insatiable appetite that is putting the lives of the crew and many people in danger.

The Meg has many actionpacked, heart exhilarating moments which amount to an overall decent shark movie.

The Meg is a movie which alludes to the typical man versus beast plot. Statham and the supporting role of Bingbing, create a lovable on-screen likability within the audience.

The Meg has some suspenseful scenes, but overall it is more action-packed. It consisted more of an upbeat adrenaline seeking film than your typical suspenseful shark movie. This has viewers guessing what will happen or how Taylor will devise a plan to stop the beast.

It is a movie that influences the audience to feel a curiosity

to the unknown and creates an idea of what a Megalodon would look like if it were to ravage humanity today.

Overall, The Meg is a good movie that portrays itself as a suspenseful giant killer shark movie, but truthfully it is more of a fight between Statham and a prehistoric 75 foot-long shark, trying to kill a population of humans.

It is a worthwhile watch for viewers who are interested in more of the action than a suspenseful plot. Wilson institutes himself as a comic relief precursor and the female roles portrayed by Bingbing and Rose add to the action by playing strong female characters that help Statham take down the beast. Statham is the hero to the whole plot, and truly is up to par to be a challenging opponent to the beast that The Meg is. This is an excellent film to watch if you enjoy action films. I would rate this a 2.5/5 stars.

Crazy Rich Box Office Results By: Jasmine Ramos Reporter

Hollywood just released one of the most successful romantic comedies in nearly a decade. Crazy Rich Asians was released in the United States on August 15, 2018, by Warner Bros. Pictures and is the first studio movie to feature an all Asian cast since The Joy Luck Club.

Stakes are high for Crazy Rich Asians. According to Variety, the blockbuster made $28.3 million over the Labor Day weekend. The film adaptation was directed by Jon M. Chu’ and written by Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim, directly influenced from the fiction novel by Kevin Kwan.

September 26, 2018 Page 9

It's no secret the movie featured an incredibly talented cast which included Michelle Yeoh who is considered a legend in the Asian community.

Yeoh plays the role of Eleanor Young, the ‘‘crazy rich’’ boyfriend’s mother. She is intimidating because she is the type of person most people feel they have to impress.

Other cast members include Constance Wu,Henry Golding, Awkwafina. Constance Wu plays Rachel Chu as Nick Young’s girlfriend. This character’s role is important to the movie due to the fact that she represents change to the traditional ways of the Chinese culture. Henry Golding plays an incredible role as Rachel Chu’s rich boyfriend. He rep-

Photo courtesy of Google

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resents the acceptance of change. Awkwafina portrayed

by Nora Lum also known as Awkwafina has a quirky sense of humor in the movie she was hilarious and a great comedic relief element.

The film is one of the most influential upper-class Chinese families based in Singapore, and how they undermine Rachel Chu who is not as rich and powerful as they.

Chu is a Chinese-American woman who teaches economics as a professor at New York University. She and her beloved boyfriend, Nick Young are going to Singapore for his best friend's wedding.

During their trip, Rachel must meet Nick's family for the first time and win them over. The dilemma is that Rachel has no idea that Nick’s family is the richest family in Singapore and she must endure the pressure given to her from the guests and

close family relatives.

Rachel discovers that many people do not want to let him go to her because they believe she is just an American outsider. Unfortunately, that group includes Nick’s mother, Eleanor. The movie has a twist toward the end when Eleanor finally approves Rachel to marry him. The film is all about cultural and social acceptance.

Crazy Rich Asians is important to the Asian community because of the lack of representation Asians get in Hollywood. Wu, who plays the protagonist in Crazy Rich A sians tweeted out, "I hope that Asian American kids watch CRA and realize that they can be the heroes of their own stories."

Her basic message is such a delightful demonstration of self-approval and how Asian Continued on page 10...

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Victor Valley College Entertainment

SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 Page 10

Presenting, The Laramie Project This fall, the Victor Valley College Theatre Arts Department will present The Laramie Project. This critically acclaimed play was written by Moises Kaufman along with members of the Tectonic Theatre Project and centers around the true story of Matthew Shepard, a young college student who attended the University of Wyoming and was killed in 1998.

Shepard was killed because he was gay, and the manner in which he died shed light on the prevalence of hate crimes, and the lack of laws on the books in places like Wyoming where the murder took place.

Members of the Tectonic Theatre Project interviewed over 200 people from the town of Laramie about what happened to Matthew over the course of six visits. The play is structured around those interviews and their discoveries. The cast will be playing multiple roles.

Matthew Shepard was the victim of a hate crime in a heinous manner and portraying the roles of real life people dealing with something of this

significance can be challenging. Jonathan Banuelos, who plays the part of Greg Pierotti, spoke about what it’s like.

“When I think about taking on a role this heavy. I remember the positive psychology that was taught to me by my former acting teacher. I try to find a happy place that I can always go back to so that I don’t get overwhelmed and keeps me grounded in reality.” Banuelos said.

Abraham Maldonado who plays the parts of Steven Butler and Matt Galloway had this to say, “This play shows that it’s okay to talk about abuse, to open up about how hard that can be.” Maldonado said. For some of the actors this is their first time doing a serious drama. This is the case for Allie Hunter who plays the parts of Aaron Kreifels and Leigh Fondakowski. “This is my first time with material this serious and sensitive. It helps that the cast is small and intimate. It gives us a fluidity that helps us tell the story,” Hunter said.

Ty Rogoff who plays Jedadiah Schultz and Matt Mickelson had this to add, “I had never heard of the play before. My friend told me about it and

Crazy Rich from page 9

Construction from page 2

By: Robert Ellison Reporter

Cast members of The Laramie Project. Photographer Robert Ellison

once I did my research I saw how great it was. I always wanted to do a dramatic show.”

The Laramie Project is definitely a change of pace from the plays that have been produced at Victor Valley College in recent memory. It brings to the forefront, issues that are not only difficult to solve but difficult to portray. From homosexuality, and torture, all the way to civil rights and loss.

This is not just a play. It is more than that. The Laramie Project touches on a lot of

movies shouldn't only be stereotypical, but instead should show a range of Asian characters as all types of human beings.

Overall, this is a great movie with a mix of emotions, and a love story all rolled into one.

For anyone who has not seen Crazy Rich Asians, hurry up and go see it. I’ll rate this movie a four star.

Photo courtesy of Victor Valley College

serious subject matter, whether it be hate, forgiveness, or acceptance. All of these themes are explored and make for an interesting story which is why the play and film have garnered such praise and attention.

The Victor Valley College Theatre Arts Department will present shows of The Laramie Project from October 5-7 and October 12-14th.

Visit www.vvc.edu/tix or call (760) 245-4271 ext. 849 for information about ticket prices and show times.

Hatchery Road up towards the Upper Campus and leave through the Excelsior Parking lot as well.

There are plenty of alternate routes to take, so students won’t have to waste time.

Think of the schools route as being similar as to how it used to be, circular, but now it has one part of its perimeter taken out. The flow of traffic might seem odd at first, but in about a year the school will have a new building for its Student Services Center.

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Victor Valley College

Entertainment

SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 Page 11

An Album from a Rap Bully

By Adam Capps Editor Slim Shady is back again, but this time he’s turned his focus on up and comers in the industry.

Released unannounced on August 31, Kamikaze has been making waves for featuring disses toward several prominent artists.

Kamikaze marks Eminem’s tenth studio album, coming just a year after his previous effort, Revival. The album carries Eminem’s trademark flow and renewed narcissism that has been prevalent in his work since he dubbed himself a “Rap God” on The Marshall Mathers LP 2.

Narcissism is nothing new in Hip Hop, but Kamikaze brings it to the forefront as Eminem attempts to diss several major contemporary artists, most notably Drake, Lil Pump, and MGK. Fans of old school Hip Hop will, no doubt, revel in his attacks, but the move comes across as an attempt to stay relevant in a space now dominated by younger artists.

Marshall takes aim at everyone on this record, but it’s a bit concerning to hear him coming after young artists like Lil Pump and Lil Xan who are 18 and 22 respectively. “Lil Pump, Lil Xan imitate Lil Wayne,” Eminem raps on “The Ringer”. An interesting statement given the album cover for Kamikaze is a blatant homage to License to Ill by the Beastie Boys. This approach to the album makes Mathers who will be turning 46 in October seem more like a “Rap Bully” than his selfproclaimed title of “Rap God.” Em seems to agree as Paul Rosenberg returns in a new “Paul” skit, which were common on some of his earlier albums. This time, Paul is cautioning the rapper against at-

Photo Courtesy of Def Jam Recordings

Photo courtesy of Google

tacking the people who didn’t like his previous album Revival which had plentyof critics.

Likewise, there’s another skit in which Eminem responds to Paul’s phone call directly referencing the backlash he received for the previous album.

Musically, the album is comparable to his output on The Marshall Mathers LP 2 and Revival. Unfortunately, good production can’t make up for a

lack of tact. Trap beats are common and well executed with “Lucky You” being a highlight, but it seems that it’s the album’s message that’s making headlines rather than the album itself.

Kamikaze isn’t entirely for nothing. “Stepping Stone” is a standout track which discusses Eminem’s history with his old band D12. Even years later, Mathers is still reminiscing on

his early days. In fact, Kamikaze might just be a desperate attempt for the artist to reconnect with his battle rap heritage.

Eminem’s Kamikaze receives a 1 out of 10.

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Victor Valley College

Sports

September 26, 2018 Page 12

Devastating Loss For Women’s Soccer Team

By Mike Castillo Reporter

Victor Valley College (VVC) women’s soccer suffers a devastating loss to College of Southern Nevada. Despite a litany of injuries, VVC women’s soccer team showed promise with improved play and goal at the end of the game.

VVC women’s soccer team lost to College of Southern Nevada 9-1 in the second game of the season on September 2nd. This home game was the first of four home games for the Lady Rams.

A list of injuries has hampered VVC’s women’s soccer team in the early going of this season. Players have been forced to play out of position due to injuries. This includes an injury to the #1 goalie on the depth chart. To make matters worse, the back-up goalie

sustained an elbow injury while stretching out to make a save in the opening minutes of the game. According to Coach Jomaa, keys to getting this season back on track and emphasis for improvement consists of, “Consistency is number one, technical ability number two, and tactical ability number three, to be honest with you. We have some injuries, but that isn’t an excuse.”

While ill-timed injuries have been a tremendous setback for this young team, adaptation to new roles and positions are a must to place well during league play. That adaptation started to show towards the end of the game when the women’s team drilled their first goal of the season into the back of the net. The goal was an important first step in getting the season back on track, but more importantly, it was the play of the women that

Photo courtesy of VVC Women’s Soccer Facebook

surrounded the goal that was the most impressive.

The ineffective dump and chase offense was replaced by precise and fluid ball movement and the defense started marking their opponents more effectively and did not allow for easy runs that plagued the women’s team for the entire first half and the start of the second half. If that level of play can be achieved with the consistency that Coach Jomaa desires, there is no doubt that the women’s team can make some noise during league play with what was shown late on Sunday afternoon’s game.

Coach Jomaa did not lay all the blame on his players. He also stated that consistency is expected from all levels of the team from players to coaches.

Coach Jomaa added, “To be

Photo Courtesy vvc.edu

honest with you, it is going to be a tough year if we can’t put these things together. Our conference is very tough and these are things that we need to improve on to be competitive in our league.”

Coach Jomaa is expecting more from VVC’s women’s team and surely his players are expecting the same consistency that the coaching staff would like to see. Practicing and playing around injuries seems to be the main concern when implementing Coach Jomaa’s plans of more consistent play and improving technical and tactical ability.

Come out and support the VVC women’s soccer team. A game schedule can be found on the VVC Rams Athletics website.

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Victor Valley College

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Sports

No Backing Down

By Ashirae Wardrop Reporter On September 1st, 2018, the Victor Valley College (VVC) Rams played their first game of the season against the L.A. Valley Monarchs at Silverado High School. The Rams opened the season with a loss.

The final score was 22-14.

The Rams struggled in the first quarter. They had four fumbles and missed attempts to block, causing the Monarchs to gain yards. Later in the first quarter, the Rams’ defensive line readjusted. The Rams held the Monarchs with blocked field goal attempts and passes.

The Rams’ offensive line got off to a rough start, then readjusted after sophomore quarterback, Evan Nelson, was sacked multiple times in the first quarter. “It was alright.

We knew we were going to struggle a little bit on offense.

A bunch of our offensive lineman have been hurt, and then, we’re just not quite as crisp as we need to be. Our connection with our receivers is not quite there yet. So, we’re going to get to work, get good, and I think we can be a really good football team in the future,”

Brewer for the Touchdown (3)

Nelson said.

In the first half, the Rams gained possession after an interception by sophomore defensive back, Dana Jenkins, who ran the ball to the 39-yard -line. At the 39-yard-line, sophomore wide receiver, Andrew Glass, ran the ball to roughly the 19-yard-line. The next play was a complete pass to freshman tailback, Khadeem Richards, resulting in the Rams’ first touchdown of the night!

The second touchdown was scored in the last few minutes of the second quarter. After sophomore linebacker, Cameron Spratley, blocked a field goal attempt, the Rams were back in Monarch territory. This

Photographer: Ashirae Wardrop

allowed Nelson to throw a 15yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver, Somaj Brewer. The Rams were in a 14-7 lead at the end of the first half.

In the second half of the game, the O-line was completely switched out, allowing freshman quarterback, Landen Rowland, to take the field. “I

Rowland said.

In the fourth quarter, freshman linebacker, Jabari Lewis, sacked the Monarch quarterback twice. Head coach, Dave Hoover, who has been coaching the VVC Rams since 2000, expressed, “I think the kids played their hearts out. You know, we’re a young team.

We made young team mis-

Snap to Sophomore QB Evan Nelson (1).

thought we were right with them. They weren’t any better than us. I guess we shot ourselves in the foot, you know,”

takes. We’re going to get better. I’m encouraged by this game.”

The Rams’ current standings in the 2018 Mountain American League are 0-2. There is no doubt that the Rams football team played hard, and they will not back down! Their next game is September 22, 2018 at Santa Ana College at 6 p.m. and they play again at home on September 29, 2018 against Santa Monica College at 6 p.m. Come out and support the Rams!

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Victor Valley College

Sports

September 26, 2018 Page 14

High Expectations

By Sasha Abdo Reporter

Dave Hoover has been the head football coach at Victor Valley College for 18 years.

This year’s team is full of potential. The players are learning the game and are growing as a team. Hoover mentioned, “We come here to win championships we are a very young team, we are a very inexperienced team, we have to learn the game very fast and we’re in the process of doing that.

This is going to be a very good football team.”

To become a good football team, a lot of training and conditioning is required. Training one’s body is critical and Hoover emphasizes to his players

the importance of eating right to excel their athletic performance. “Take care of your bodies. It’s funny you know because you know pro players like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant pay people to do nothing but cook for them because they understand how important nutrition is but my guys eat like crap because it’s cheap and it’s easy but it affects their athletic performance so they have to take care of their bodies.”

Hoover holds his players to high expectations both on and off the field. After the loss against Los Angeles Valley and Chaffey, his expectations have risen. When the expectation of the first season game against Los Angeles Valley

were not met, Hoover expressed himself by saying, “Well I wasn’t pleased, but we played a very good football team. We played a very competitive game. We got the ball in our hands and if we score we win. We made a million mistakes. If we could fix the mistakes we would be a formidable football team. I was encouraged by it, despite the

Dodgers First in NL West

By Cierra Malone Reporter

Matt Kemp hits his infamous walk-off home run, against Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher, Archie Bradley, for the second night in a row. This granted the Los Angeles Dodgers’ their third consecutive win with a final score of 3 -2. Dodgers have won eight out of nine games, including revious games against the Texas Rangers and the San Diego Padres.

Dodgers have successfully landed first place in the National League West. The Diamondbacks, into third place.

The Dodgers were down 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth with players on second and third base, having one out. On Bradley’s first pitch to Kemp, he hit another home run to walk away with the title. The crowd was in an uproar that Kemp successfully hit a walk-off double, pulling Dodgers total score up to 3-2.

Bradley remains positive and said, “We have the Padres in

town, who always plays us really well, but we’ve got the rest of the season ahead of us.”

Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, stated it was “two of the biggest hits of the year for us,” The Dodgers won eight of the previous nine games

Photo courtesy of usatoday.com

played from the 24th of August to Sunday the 2nd of September. The only game the Dodgers lost was their first out of four games against Arizona Diamondbacks.

Arizona’s manager Torey Lovullo decided to keep Zack Greinke in the eighth inning after pitching a home run to Enrique Hernandez in the seventh inning.

This decision may have cost him the game Friday night, starting off the Dodgers streak.

Lovullo’s plan to

loss.”

The players are not the only ones with expectations. Spectators and fellow football enthusiasts expect the coaches to improve from year to year.

“We are going to work very hard and try to fix mistakes that we’ve made. We have film, we have walk-throughs, we have your chalkboard, we have practice, we have a lot of ways we attack, to fix the mistakes that we’ve made to make them better. A lot of it is them wanting to get better and I think sometimes even though losing the first game kind of sucks, it also gives them a sort of perspective that hey, you know, maybe we need to do a little more than what we are doing. I am hoping we learn from the experience and have a great season,” Hoover said. keep Greinke in the game backfired completely after he pitched Justin Turner a goahead home run, in the beginning of the eighth inning. This hit allowed Los Angeles to win and gain one step closer to the first place spot. Lovullo knew keeping Greinke in the last innings of the game would be a gamble, considering his struggles from the previous four games. The end results were not in favor of Greinke and the Arizona Diamondbacks The Dodgers were down a half game after losing to the Colorado Rockies, who lost against San Diego Padres.

The Diamondbacks seemed to have left their frustration in Los Angeles as Lovullo states, “I think we were all frustrated over what happened in the past couple of days... We digested that and I think we all did that in our own special way,” Dodgers may have seen a few losses, but pulled together and landed first place in the NL West.

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Victor Valley College

DON’T FORGET!!

Important Dates and Deadlines Campus Tours: September 28 - CSU Fullerton October 5 - Cal Baptist University October 12 USC October 19 - University of Redlands October 26 UC Santa Barbara November 2 - University of La Verne November 9 - Cal Poly Pomona For campus tours contact the Transfer/ Career Center bldg. 55

October 17 - CSUSB’s BASW Workshop October 18 - California Great Shakeout

Photo by RamPage Staff Reporter

Find us · Follow us · Contact us @VVCRamPage Follow us on Twitter and tweet us an interesting account you think we should feature in an upcoming edition of the RamPage! #VVCRams Contact us: vvcrampage@gmail.com View online at: Website: http://www.issuu.com/vvcrampage

September 26, 2018 Page 15 RAMPAGE STAFF Co Editors-in-Chiefs: Tracy Ochoa and Celena De Leon News Editor: Adam Capps Features Editor: Courtney LeMay Entertainment Editor: Celena De Leon Sports Editor: Deanna Hays Student Interview Editor: Tracy Ochoa Reporters: Sasha Abdo, Rene Alvar ez, Michael Castillo, J aide Cole, Robert Ellison, Jasmine Foreman, Cierra Malone, Reyes Navarrete, Kameron Petersen, Jasmine Ramos, Kyndra Rasmus sen, Summer Robinson, Amber Scott, Brandon Valdovinos, Julian Valenzuela, Ashirae Wardrop Cartoonist: Guest Wor k Welcome Advisor/Instructor: Deanna Hays Administration/Faculty: Robert Sewell, Printing: Victor Valley College Campus Print Shop Mission Statement: The Victor Valley College RamPage is a student-run newspaper that aims to inform and entertain the Victor Valley Community.

We strive to teach and preserve core journalistic values while supporting the unity of faculty and students on campus.

CONTACT INFORMATION VVC RamPage, 18422 Bear Valley Road, Victorville, CA 92395 Email: vvcrampage@gmail.com or http://www.vvc.edu/offices/ rampage Website: http://www.issuu.com/vvcrampage GENERAL INFORMATION The RamPage is a newspaper published as an educational exercise and First Amendment Public Forum by students at Victor Valley College in Victorville, Calif. Issues come out approximately twice a month in the two full-length semesters, generally each March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December, for a total of 8 issues each calendar year.

The views expressed by the RamPage are not necessarily those of VVC, its board of trustees, its administration, its faculty, its staff, its Associated Student Body Council or its students.

The RamPage welcomes press releases, story ideas, letters to the editor, guest articles and guest editorials. Submit proposed items to the on-campus mailbox of RamPage Adviser Deanna Hays clearly marked as being submitted for publication. Or, email them to vvcrampage@gmail.com or mail information to RamPage, Victor Valley College, 18422 Bear Valley Road, Victorville, CA 92395.

VVC’s journalism program belongs to the Associated Collegiate Press, the California Newspaper Publishers Association and the Journalism Association of Community Colleges.

ADVERTISING The RamPage generally accepts as advertising only 8 1/2 - by -11 -inch flyers as inserts or various sizes printed in the paper. The cost of inserts is $100, which covers insertion/distribution of 1,500 copies. The cost and responsibility of designing, reproducing and delivering the 1,500 flyers to the RamPage is borne by the advertiser.

To discuss display advertising options or to purchase any form of advertisement, call Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services Deanna Murphy at 760-245-4271 extension 2707. Acceptance of any advertisement in the RamPage does not constitute endorsement by the paper, college, district, board, council or student body.

The RamPage reserves the right to reject any material — advertising or editorial — that it deems to be not in keeping with the standards of the paper.

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