RAMS Monthly August 2025

RAMS MONTHLY AUGUST 2025

More Than a Job: How VVC’s Career Center is Shaping Future Leaders

VVC Workforce Delvelopment Feature Story

STORIES OF STUDENT SUCCESS AND LEARNING NEW Health Center

HARMONY’S HITS

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2 | RAMS MONTHLY

VVC Rams to receive ‘special tuition’ for ASU Online Bachelor’s Degrees

Victorville, CA — Victor Valley College students now have a new, more affordable path to earning bachelor’s degrees online, supported by a new partnership with Arizona State University.

Beginning this fall, eligible students and alumni from Victor Valley College can save 22% on tuition when they transfer to ASU Online through the California Community College Achievement Plan.

The opportunity is part of the university’s broader effort to increase access to higher education for students, including Victor Valley College. This seamless and affordable transfer pathway for California residents reduces financial barriers and supports students who need flexibility and options for an education that prepares them for the future. There are no income requirements to receive the tuition reduction.

“At Victor Valley College, we are committed to ensuring our students have every opportunity to continue their education without being held back by financial barriers. This partnership with ASU Online creates a clear and

affordable path for our graduates to reach their goals, enrich their lives, and strengthen our communities.” — Dr. Daniel Walden, Superintendent/ President, Victor Valley College The program is a promising opportunity to expand access to undergraduate degrees from a global research university, especially for place-bound students and those in regions without nearby higher education institutions.

ASU Online reimagines learning by providing students top-tier university resources and support from enrollment to graduation and beyond. Students can choose from 180+ undergraduate degrees — all taught by the same faculty using the same curriculum available on campuses.

ASU Online and Victor Valley College serve thousands of California students and alumni, empowering them to succeed by preparing them to contribute to their local communities and the state’s workforce and economy in fields such as business, psychology, communication, nursing, biological sciences, computer science, medical studies, and

kinesiology.

To learn more about the program and how to enroll, visit californiacc.asu.edu.

3 | NWSLTR

NATIONAL COFFEE MONTH Every August, the United States observes National Coffee Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural and economic tapestry behind one of the world’s most beloved beverages.

While not a federal holiday, the tradition is embraced nationwide by coffee shops, roasters, and enthusiasts who use the month to explore new flavors, support local businesses, and highlight coffee’s role in everyday life.

Coffee is more than just a morning ritual—it is now the most consumed beverage in America. According to the National Coffee Association’s 2025 Coffee Data Trends report, 66% of American adults drink coffee every day, surpassing tea, bottled water, juice, and soda. On average, coffee drinkers enjoy about three cups per day, reflecting not only its popularity but also its place as a daily comfort and energizer.

The growth of specialty coffee has been particularly noteworthy. Nearly 46% of U.S. adults reported drinking a specialty coffee in the past day, compared to 39% just five years ago. This increase is being driven by younger generations— especially Millennials—where 64% of adults aged 25–39 said they had consumed specialty coffee within the last week. From cold brews and gourmet blends to ethically sourced beans and espresso-based drinks, coffee culture is becoming increasingly artisanal and experience-driven (National Coffee Association, 2025).

Celebrating National Coffee Month at Victor Valley College offers the Rams community a chance to connect over a shared love of coffee. Whether it’s spotlighting local coffeehouses, sharing student caffeine routines, or offering fun facts and recipes, this month is about more than just a drink—it’s about creating moments of connection, culture, and community.

4 | RAMS MONTHLY

Mentorship, Confidence, and Connection: The New Face of Career Readiness at VVC By: Andrew Caravella By the time Na’Im Williams sits down to talk about his new role at Victor Valley College, it’s clear he’s not here just to shuffle résumés or run mock interviews.

With more than 14 years of experience in student services, Williams isn’t interested in producing cookie-cutter employees. He’s here to light a fire.

“Not just to be someone’s employee,” he says, leaning in with conviction, “but to empower students to learn and then lead in their career field. Mentorship is going to be huge here.”

Williams, VVC’s new Senior Student Services Specialist, is stepping into the Career Center with a vision that goes well beyond polishing cover letters.

He wants the center to be a bridge—a launchpad connecting students to meaningful jobs, mentors, and a network that carries them long after graduation.

Career Readiness in 2025: More Than Just Skills Ask Williams what “career readiness” means, and you won’t get a buzzwordheavy response. Instead, he describes a holistic process. “Sometimes we don’t know what we don’t know,” he admits. Technical chops are vital, sure, but they’re not enough. He talks about punctuality, work etiquette, communication, resilience—traits that can’t be coded into an app or automated

by AI. “There must be a human connection when tackling tough issues and solving problems,” he adds. “That’s something automation can’t replace—at least not yet.”

Programs With Personality Part of Williams’s plan is to make

career prep engaging and memorable.

This semester, he’s rolling out a slate of workshops with names that sound more like mixtape tracks than seminars: “Tune-Up Tuesdays” for résumés, “Thrive and Shine” for interview prep.

His aim is to turn intimidating tasks into approachable, even inspiring, experiences.

And students are already responding.

In his short time at VVC, Williams has seen their confidence spike after résumé critiques and mock interviews. “I want them to leave here knowing they’ve got this,” he says with a grin.

The Closet That Changes Everything One of the Career Center’s most unique features is the Career Closet, a boutique-style room where students can pick out professional outfits for interviews or new jobs. Williams lights

5 | RAMS MONTHLY

For Students, Alumni, and Everyone In Between Williams knows not every student fits the traditional mold. Many Rams are juggling jobs, family, and coursework. That’s why he’s pushing to expand services virtually, with Zoom résumé reviews and flexible one-on-one sessions. Alumni, too, are part of the vision. “It’s about keeping that connection alive even after they’ve moved on,” he says. “I want graduates coming back, sharing stories, mentoring, paying it forward.”

Advice You’ll Remember When asked for his go-to piece of advice, Williams doesn’t hesitate: “If you aim for nothing, you will hit it every time. So, do your best to make your mistakes in the right direction.”

It’s the kind of line you could imagine scribbled on a Post-it above a desk—or shouted across a lecture hall on the last day of class.

More Than Just a Job For Williams, this role is personal. His own college years weren’t about test scores or GPAs as much as they were about growth and friendships that lasted.

“That’s what I treasure the most,” he says. Now at VVC, he’s eager to build new relationships, new programs, and new futures.

up when he talks about it. “Sometimes all it takes is the right suit or dress shirt to change the way you carry yourself.

Confidence follows.”

Thanks to the vision of colleagues Charlotte Allen and Valerie Trujillo, the closet feels less like a charity rack and more like a private styling session. Each enrolled student can pick one outfit per semester—though, as Williams notes, exceptions are made when the need is greater.

Employers, Meet the Rams Of course, the Career Center isn’t just about students. Williams spends plenty of time connecting with local employers, learning what they need and matching them with VVC talent. He sees the center as a pipeline—a feeder system of prepared, confident candidates who can step into jobs and thrive.

“I’m looking forward to the joy of knowing I helped someone achieve their goals,” Williams says, and it’s the kind of line that makes you believe him.

The VVC Career Center is open by appointment in Building 42 – Academic Commons Entrepreneurship and Innovation Space. Services range from workshops and résumé reviews to interview prep and the Career Closet.

Students and alumni can book sessions by emailing career.center@vvc.edu .

Na’Im Williams may be new to VVC, but one thing is clear: he’s not just preparing students for jobs—he’s preparing them for life.

Workforce, Reimagined Community colleges play an essential role in workforce development by creating opportunities that blend academic instruction with hands-on training. Work-based learning models—such as apprenticeships, internships, and on-the-job training—help students build practical skills while also gaining confidence and industry connections that can accelerate their transition into the labor market (Center for American Progress, 2021).

Another strength of community colleges is their ability to adapt quickly to the needs of local economies. By offering shortterm credentials, noncredit training, and associate degrees, these institutions provide flexible pathways that align with employer demand while remaining affordable and accessible. This responsiveness ensures that students are not only prepared for immediate employment but are also positioned to advance into higher levels of education and career growth (Center for American Progress, 2021).

Importantly, community colleges also expand opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, older learners, and working adults who may not have access to traditional fouryear institutions. By prioritizing affordability, diversity, and workforce alignment, they act as engines of economic mobility, equipping students with the skills and support needed to thrive in today’s ever-changing job market (Center for American Progress, 2021).

6 | RAMS MONTHLY

CHECK IT OUT: Our Student Health Center— Your Well-Being Hub on Campus Right here on campus: no long commutes for basic care.

Affordable and accessible: services are supported by student health fees.

Holistic approach: from immunizations and urgent care to sexual health education and mental health support.

Confidential and supportive: a safe space to ask questions and seek help without judgment.

The new Student Health Center reflects VVC’s commitment to student success both inside and outside the classroom.

Whether you’re tackling finals stress, need a quick flu shot, or want guidance on nutrition and wellness, this center is here to keep you healthy, resilient, and ready to thrive as a Ram.

At the August 12, 2025 VVC Board of Trustees meeting, following a presentation by Interim Vice President of Student Services Mary Gallagher, Victor Valley College officially approved the rollout of a brand-new Student Health Center. This space is designed to support Rams’ health and wellbeing right on campus—because being healthy is a huge part of succeeding in school.

Mental health support is critical: Recent data reveal that rates of depression among college students climbed from 36% in 2013 to 41% in 2021, while anxiety rose from 31% to 34% in the same period (California Legislative Analyst’s Office, 2022). Nearly half of prospective students now say that the availability of campus mental health services affects where they choose to enroll (TimelyCare, 2023).

Why it matters: College can be overwhelming, and it’s not always easy to find affordable care off campus.

Having fast, convenient access to health services at school makes a world of difference in staying healthy and focused on academics. Studies show that college students nationwide make more than 4 million visits to health centers each year, with about 60% for primary care, 13% for mental health, and 9% for vaccinations (Turner & Keller, Journal of American College Health, 2015).

Health = academic success: According to a national survey, nearly 3 in 4 students with physical disabilities or chronic illness report that poor health significantly impacts their ability to focus and perform in class (Inside Higher Ed, 2023). In other words, access to campus health services isn’t just about staying well—it’s about staying in school.

What This Means for Rams Your Student Health Center isn’t just a clinic—it’s your partner in success:

8 | RAMS MONTHLY

DID YOU KNOW?

MC3 Summer Grad Recap 2025

The U.S. construction industry remains a cornerstone of the national economy in 2025, with spending estimated at $2.2 trillion in 2024, representing about 4.5% of GDP and employing more than 8 million workers (Construction Coverage, 2024).

Market analysts project steady expansion, with the industry’s value expected to reach $1.27 trillion in 2025, reflecting a growth rate of 5.6% year-over-year and a compound annual growth rate of 4.4% through 2029 (Research and Markets, 2025). These figures highlight the industry’s resilience as it navigates both economic opportunity and ongoing challenges.

Growth prospects vary across sectors.

Forecasts suggest that total U.S. construction starts may rise by 8.5% in 2025, led by a 12% jump in residential starts and nearly 7% growth in non-residential projects (ConstructConnect, 2025). This growth is supported by favorable market sentiment, continued housing demand, and infrastructure investment. However, other forecasts urge caution, predicting a potential 1.8% decline in starts as a result of inflation, tariff uncertainty, and broader economic pressures (ConstructConnect Q2 Report, 2025). Civil infrastructure projects, fueled by government spending, are expected to provide a stabilizing effect against market volatility.

Despite optimism, the industry faces significant headwinds. Labor shortages, fluctuating material costs, and regulatory hurdles continue to slow project delivery (Cushman & Wakefield, 2025). At the same time, firms are embracing innovation to adapt: AI-powered tools, collaborative robotics, digital twin modeling, and sustainable construction practices are becoming more mainstream, especially in commercial and industrial projects (JLL, 2025). Public-private partnerships and federal funding for affordable housing and infrastructure modernization are also shaping the industry’s future (Finance Yahoo, 2025). As the sector evolves, balancing growth with sustainability and workforce development will remain at the forefront of the construction landscape.

By: David Nunez On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Victor Valley College’s Workforce Development and Construction Technology Departments proudly hosted the MC3 Summer Construction Apprenticeship Readiness Graduation Ceremony at the VVC Event Center. We celebrated 24 outstanding students who completed the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) and are now on their way to careers in the skilled construction trades!

Over the six-week Summer semester, these students gained hands-on experience in framing, carpentry, roofing, electrical work, painting, and more, culminating in an impressive final project which entailed building a fully functional shed. Additionally, students had the opportunity to earn their American Heart Association CPR and OSHA-10 certifications.

Throughout the program, students explored various career pathways in

construction by visiting union training centers and engaging with union trade representatives through various Trade Talks.

The ceremony featured inspiring remarks from Victor Valley College Superintendent/President Daniel Walden and Building and Construction Trade Council Executive Secretary Albert Duarte, recognizing the hard work, dedication, and bright futures of these graduates!

Congratulations to all our graduates! We are excited to see you build a successful future in the skilled trades!

Victor Valley College will be offering MC3 again in the Winter, if you or someone you know maybe interested, please reach out to Dave Nunez at David.Nunez@vvc.edu or Tony Bonato at Antony.Bonato@vvc.edu.

9 | RAMS MONTHLY

MEYERS ON MOVIES: The 5th Highest Grossing Movie of All-Time is a 2025 Chinese Anime You’ve Never Even Heard Of

By: Richard John Paul Meyers What do each of the Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Spider-Man movies all have in common? None of them has grossed as much money at the box office as this 2025 Chinese animated fantasy film that you’ve never heard of: “Ne Zha 2”.

According to Forbes, “Ne Zha 2” has grossed over 2.2 Billion USD at the worldwide box office since its official domestic debut on Valentine’s Day of this year.

span of audience members in its fight against social media content; yet, somehow, some way, Ne Zha 2 has managed to captivate moviegoers globally with a lengthy runtime of two and a half hours.

Here’s the kicker: it is extremely unlikely you’ll ever get to stream it on Netflix, Hulu or Disney+.

But why? The big players in the streaming scene don’t pay as much as Tubi or VOD services available on platforms like AppleTV and Amazon Prime Video.

In six months, it’s made more money than Transformers, The Hunger Games and Deadpool combined. What’s even crazier is that the English-dubbed version of the animated movie won’t be released to U.S. audiences until Friday, August 22, 2025.

So how do you watch one of the top 5 greatest films of all time? You drive to the local Cinemark, Hesperia Civic Plaza or head down the hill to the AMC, Regal or Edwards on Friday August 22, 2025 or sometime thereafter.

Let that sink in: 6 months, $2.2B, no English voiceover.

It’s a lot to ask, I get it. I prefer staying home, too. But, there are times to make exceptions to the rule…and Ne Zha 2 is one of them.

Even odder is the fact that it’s loosely based on a 16th century Chinese novel (“Investiture of the Gods”) and is a sequel to another film you’ve never seen: “Ne Zha”.

Rotten Tomatoes critics gave it a 94% while audiences scored it a 99%.

Hollywood struggles to hold the attention

For those interested in watching the first film, “Ne Zha” is available on Tubi, Peacock and for purchase/rental on AppleTV and Amazon Prime Video.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Richard John Paul Myers is a Victor Valley College alumnus, commercial and film producer, and co-founder of Myers Marketing. A former film critic whose work has appeared in respected outlets such as The Film Stage and Film Courage, Richard brings industry insight from years of storytelling and media analysis.

He has worked on major productions including the Academy Awards Viewing Party and national campaigns for Chevrolet. Alongside his wife, Stephanie, he leads creative projects through their production company, collaborating with Emmy and Grammy-winning professionals. Passionate about storytelling and community, Richard continues to support local causes and arts initiatives while contributing film reviews and commentary to RAMS Monthly.

More info on Richard @richardjohnpaulmyers info@myersmarketing.net

10 | RAMS MONTHLY

Victor Valley College Athletics Welcomes New Head Coach for Rams Wrestling

more time with his family and support his sons in their promising high school wrestling careers. We are deeply grateful to Coach Humphrey for his years of excellence and unwavering commitment to VVC Wrestling—and we’re thrilled that he will remain with the program in a new role as second assistant coach.

A Proven Leader and Champion Builder Coach Valdez is no stranger to success on and off the mat. Over the past four seasons, he has served as Coach Humphrey’s lead assistant, playing a critical role in guiding the Rams to back-to-back SECWA championships and a stellar eighth-place team finish at the 2024 CCCAA State Championships. His leadership, strategic mind, and ability to develop talent have helped lay the foundation for VVC’s wrestling resurgence.

Victor Valley College Athletics is proud to announce a new era for Rams Wrestling, as longtime assistant and standout coach Adam Valdez has officially been named Head Coach of the Men’s Wrestling Program.

In 2023, Valdez earned well-deserved recognition as the SECWA Assistant Coach of the Year, an honor voted on by his coaching peers across the conference—a testament to his respected presence in the California wrestling community.

Coach Valdez assumes leadership of the program following the transition of our respected former Head Coach, Rocky Humphrey, who is stepping back from his head coaching duties to spend

A Track Record of Local Impact Coach Valdez’s coaching résumé extends beyond VVC. He has also made a strong impact at the high school level, particularly at Hesperia

High School, where he helped the program to three consecutive Mojave River League (MRL) titles and appearances in the CIF Division 1 semifinals. As both a coach and part-time athletics faculty member at VVC for the past three years, he’s demonstrated a unique commitment to mentorship, student-athlete development, and academic support.

Looking Ahead “Entering my first season as head coach, having the chance to coach my brother, Paulo Valdez, makes it even more meaningful,” said Coach Adam Valdez. “Our priority is to continue building momentum and push this program forward.”

The future is bright for Rams Wrestling. With Coach Valdez at the helm, the program is poised to continue its rise as a powerhouse in California community college wrestling. His recruiting acumen, passion for the sport, and connection to the High Desert community make him an ideal leader for the next chapter of VVC Wrestling.

We invite all of Ram Nation to join us in congratulating Coach Adam Valdez on his wellearned promotion and in thanking Coach Rocky Humphrey for his ongoing mentorship and service to our student-athletes.

Here’s to continued excellence on the mat.

11 | RAMS MONTHLY

HARMONY’S HITS: The Most Dangerous,

Unique, and Experimental EP of the Summer

By: Harmony Thompson, ASB Fine Arts Senator Dangerous Summer is the new enthralling EP by West Coast rapper Yeat. This marks his seventh release since his debut album in 2019, and he continues to grow and shine with each project. Many of the songs on this EP were written during the making of Yeat’s last album, Lyfestyle, during which he brought his unique and aggressive style to the rage rap genre. The songs on this EP maintain a similar vibe, but they are even more eccentric and versatile. Yeat has cited inspirations like Soundgarden for the EP’s cover art, which features a live alligator and was shot by filmmaker Harmony Korine. He drew inspiration from the ’90s grunge era and the Florida environment.

The opening track, “PUT IT ONG,” begins with children singing before jumping into an exciting, intriguing beat produced by several artists who appear throughout the EP, including frequent Yeat collaborators BNYX and Sapjer, along with newcomers like Elkan and Lucid Producer. “IM YEAT,” the single that preceded this EP, allows Yeat, BNYX, and Sapjer to showcase their

talents, as Yeat’s name is repeated throughout the song over an entrancing beat that draws the listener in.

“LOOSE LEAF” is a track I don’t enjoy as much as the others. While Yeat’s vocals and flow remain strong, the beat and production don’t keep me on my toes in the same way the rest of the EP does. It lacks the sense of wonder, fascination, and intrigue found in other tracks. “[ADL IS COMING]” is probably my favorite and most-played track from the EP. It starts slow and gradually builds like a rocket preparing to launch.

Once it takes off, it does so in the most thrilling way, making it impossible to stop listening. The track features a guitar that builds alongside absorbing synths and then slows toward a calm, satisfying landing. Placed in the middle of the EP, it perfectly sets up excitement for Yeat’s next album, A Dangerous Lyfestyle, while energizing the second half of the project.

Several other artists are featured throughout the EP, each bringing their own distinctive sound. My favorite feature is FKA Twigs on “FLY NITE.”

This marks their first collaboration, and Twigs’ vocals add a mesmerizing, elegant layer not typically heard on a Yeat track. Her verse also introduces a beat switch that transitions from R&B to breakbeat, showcasing Yeat’s ability to seamlessly shift styles and genres like a chameleon changing colors.

This EP demonstrates Yeat’s evergrowing, experimental, and exceptional talent. By taking risks with new genres and collaborators, both Yeat and the EP shine. Dangerous Summer is one of my favorite projects he’s released so far, and I’d give it a 9/10.

Favorite tracks: “PUT IT ONG,” “LOCO,” “COME N GO,” “[ADL IS COMING],” “IM YEAT,” “2TONE,” “FLY NITE,” and “GROWING PAINS.”

BLAR Student Engagement Center PRESENTS

Intentions Workshop WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 3rd 12PM TO 1PM

START THE SEMESTER WITH PURPOSE! JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL EVENT WHERE YOU’LL WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR FUTURE SELF AND SET MEANINGFUL INTENTIONS FOR YOUR JOURNEY AT VVC. REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.

BUILDING 21 ROOM 171

PSIT STUDENT ENGAGEMENT CENTER

SEPTEMBER EVENTS ALL STUDENTS WELCOME

YOUR PEER MENTORS- LEARN ABOUT THE ACADEMIC SEPT 2 MEET CALENDAR, IMPORTANT DATES & ENJOY PAINTING. @10:30 AM

SEPT 9

“TRANSITIONING TO COLLEGE” COUNSELOR TIOMBE CUNNINGHAM WILL PRESENT ON HOW TO BEST TRANSITION TO VVC. @10AM

LEARN FROM YOUR PEER MENTORS TIPS ABOUT USING SEPT 10 COME CANVAS. NETWORKING, SNACKS & MUCH MORE! @2PM MOVIE DAY- MEET OTHERS, ENJOY POPCORN, BRING YOUR

SEPT 12 FRIENDS. @1PM

CAREER SPEAKER: SGT. VENEGAS WILL SHARE ABOUT HIS AND OPPORTUNITIES ONCE YOU COMPLETE YOUR DEGREE SEPT 18 JOURNEY AT VVC. @11AM

WEEKLY: SEPT 4, 8, 17,

@10:00AM WEEKLY COFFEE & COLLEGE CHATS- LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE FIRST WEEKS OF COLLEGE & ENJOY THE DONUTS AND COFFEE!

SEPT 24 TH @ 1 PM BUILDING 21 ROOM 170 (760)245-4271 EXT. 2516 PSITSTUDENTENGAGEMENT@VVC.EDU

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