IVCC_IV Leader_092321

IV Leader The award-Winning Student Newspaper of Illinois Valley Community College Volume 56 Issue 2 September 23, 2021

News:

fall enrollment covid-19 update Pages 2-3

opinion:

pipeline protestors defend water supply Page 6

arts:

stereotypes ‘what if...?’ review Pages 8-9

IV Leader photo

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news Fall enrollment increases, credit hours decrease

iv Leader

September 23, 2021

By Drake Weber

IV Leader Staff Writer

e enrollment at IVCC is very important as it is a crucial part of every college.

When there is higher enrollment and student retention, the school can offer beer services and resources and have an overall beer profile.

According to Mark Gryzbowski, Vice President of Student Services, the last report from IVCC showed that there was an increase in the number of students that have enrolled in the college. However, even though there is an increase in the enrollment there is a decrease in the credit hours when compared to years past.

Gryzbowski did state that there are many reasons that the enrollment is increasing at IVCC which is positive. e administration is aware of the decline in classes being taken by students and are currently working on a plan.

A couple things that they are working on are a revision of the master schedule of classes. is revision will evaluate everything about our current offerings: from times and days classes are being of-

fered to where, when and how content is being delivered.

Gryzbowski says that student services will continue to offer a blend of events both in-person and virtually.

Also, he stresses that Academic Affairs will continue to regularly evaluate our menu of academic programs that are offered here at IVCC. He suggests that adding activities that will encourage people of all ages to aend IVCC is being considered.

Anything that can bring them to the campus and show them the state-of-the-art facility that we have, introduce them to our highly-qualified faculty and staff, and begin to make them feel safe when on our campus will add to encouraging students to aend IVCC. Students can also help with enrollment by giving positive feedback to other students and let their own excitement come through by sharing their experiences about the school.

Another way is to share the success stories of students that have aended IVCC. ese are all ways to beer the college and the community.

IV Leader Photo/Hope Beelman

2022-23 FAFSA opens Oct. 1

By Hope Beelman

IV Leader Editor

e 2022-2023 FAFSA, Free Application for Student Aid, will open Oct. 1, 2021 for students to complete. Financial Aid Director, Eric Johnson, explained that due to a process called verification, it would be beneficial for all students to submit their FAFSA sooner as they may need to turn in additional paperwork and documents to the Financial Aid office.

Students may also be selected to receive the Illinois MAP Grant which Johnson explained as a pot of money that could be depleted if students complete the FAFSA later than recommended.

“Students would want to make sure they take advantage of all the socalled ‘free money’ in financial aid, so your grants and scholarships,” stated Johnson. “To receive the [Federal] Pell Grant, they have to do the FAFSA first.”

By completing the FAFSA, the Financial Aid office would be able to see if

students may potentially qualify for other grants and scholarships as some outside agencies require it to be finished. To apply for Foundation office scholarships in the spring, students are required to have their 2022-2023 FAFSA submied for IVCC or an alternate application.

“Taking care of the FAFSA would also help alleviate one of those needed steps in applying for Foundation scholarships,” Johnson added.

Johnson recommended that students have their 2020 taxes available as soon as possible as they will need them in the application process. To send a FAFSA to IVCC, students will need to include the school code, 001705. e upcoming FAFSA can be found at both fafsa.ed.gov and studentaid. gov. Johnson explained that the Financial Aid staff would be more than happy to help assist students in completing the application.

Students can stop by the Financial Aid office located in CTC 101, call (815) 224-0438, or email financialaid@ivcc.edu if they have any questions or concerns.

news Vaccination and COVID-19 testing iv Leader

September 23, 2021

By Drew Farrell

IV Leader Staff Writer

As of Sept. 20, IVCC students may face disciplinary action from the college unless they provided the college with proof of vaccination or weekly proof of a negative COVID vaccine test.

“It is our goal to abide by the spirit and language of the executive order and to maintain as safe of an on-campus experience for everyone,” said Mark Gryzbowski, vice president for student services. e college had to change its policy because of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new executive order on Aug. 26 requiring the vaccine in higher education institutions in the state. e college is providing weekly testing opportunities as well as asking students to voluntarily provide their vaccine status.

For those who refuse to comply with the protocols, Gryzbowski said, “We expect that students who are not vaccinated or have not provided proof of vaccination to comply with the SHIELD testing (or provide the negative result of an external test that they will be able to upload via a portal). Failure to comply could lead to disciplinary including the in inability to aend class.”

Some students have tested positive for the virus and exemptions can be provided by the school.

“For students who were previously positive, they IV Leader Photos/Hope Beelman will continue to test positive for a period of time,” GryStaff and faculty, Alyssa Boaz, Chris- zbowski said. “In those instances, they would work ditian Jauch, and Gracelyn Quesse, rectly with me as I monitor a temporary test exemption volunteer at the vaccination tables list.”

Friday, Sept. 10. e three current options for the Covid-19 vaccine

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include Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson. Under the mandate, an initial dose needed to be received

by Sept. 19, with a second dose administered in 30 days.

Most staff and faculty at IVCC are vaccinated, according to statistics shared in a recent IVCC Board of Trustees meeting. However, IVCC only recently began collecting data from students on who is vaccinated or unvaccinated due to the governor’s order.

Preliminary results show that over 25 percent of the student body has been vaccinated, which means an estimated 70 percent will need the weekly tests to continue with their coursework, Gryzbowski said.

Anyone who cannot take the vaccine for any reason will have to be tested for the virus at least once a week.

Gryzbowski said protocols have been put in place for students to record their vaccine status and/or testing results.

Crystal Credi from IVCC’s Student Services has provided the information to all students regarding Covid-19 vaccinations and testing: Students may show vaccination proof at the tables near the information desk in the CTC building, and anyone who completes this task will receive a $100 gi card to the IVCC Bookstore. Grzybowski said that over 500 gi cards have been given out over the last two weeks.

SHEID testing for the unvaccinated is available in the cafeteria 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, 2 to 7 p.m.

Wednesdays and 1 to 5 p.m. ursdays.

IVCC also will host vaccination clinics on the main campus in partnership with the La Salle County Health Department.

‘Death in Mud Lick’: Discussion on drug use

By Hope Beelman

IV Leader Editor

Delores Robinson, an English Instructor, and Jayna Leipart Guilla, an IVCC Librarian, facilitated the first One Book, One College discussion on Sept. 8 of Eric Eyre’s “Death in Mud Lick.”

Twenty participants joined the Zoom meeting to speak on specific passages and quotes from the book as well as relate certain situations to the Illinois Valley area and our world. e guidelines for the discussion included the following: be kind, participate in active listening, show respect for other perspectives, and hate speech will not be tolerated.

During one of the prompts, Robinson mentioned the impact of the language from specific lines in the book and asked those participating what type of emotions they sensed or felt from the text. Many brought up the feelings of anger, grief, betrayal, and despair.

A participant emphasized the point that society pushes to put blame on people who deal drugs as if they are the only or main cause of overdoses while some responsibility may be from companies giving out those drugs. ey went on to question where certain drugs are specifically coming from while another person in the Zoom meeting elaborated that from a certain perspective, a pharmacy is a drug dealer. e idea that there are incentives to not caring for patients was also communicated due to the fact that once patients begin to feel beer, then people cannot keep selling painkillers to them. “e addiction is good for business because it means they keep buying, right?” questioned one participant.

e discussion progressed throughout the hour with comments being stated that related the book prompts to the Illinois Valley area as well as the complicity of physicians.

A member of the group highlighted the issue that society does not put enough focus on why people are choosing to use drugs and why they are becoming addicted. ey continued by explaining that a drug-free world is an impossible goal as not everyone becomes addicted.

“It’s so much easier to blame an individual than the system that allows it to happen,” detailed Robinson. “We can rain down retribution on this one person who gets caught doing something that’s breaking the law, but we don’t want to think about how the laws are harming people or how this larger profit-driven world is hurting people.”

Robinson asked the participants if they believed the seing of a rural, poverty-stricken area affected their reading of the book to which Gracelyn esse, Student Recruitment Specialist, spoke on.

“Seing it in this area where you can see that there is already a lot of vulnerability involved… it almost felt like they were preying on disadvantaged people,” esse commented. “Reading through the book, you see all the things, all the signs, yet there was no action that was able to be taken.”

Leipart Guilla acknowledged how great of a job the author did when highlighting the intersectionality and multiplicity of people’s lives and experiences. She emphasized this when speaking about the character of Debbie Preece.

“One of the really powerful hooks related to opioids is that it’s not just your physical pain that goes away, it’s also the emotional pain that goes away,” indicated a discussion group member.

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news

September 23, 2021

iv Leader

Morgan joins math faculty

Samantha Whiteaker

IV Leader Photo

Whiteaker rejoins nursing faculty Samantha Whiteaker was hired as a new nursing instructor for the 2021-22 academic year.

Q. Where are you from originally?

A. Peoria, IL Q. Where did you aend college and what degree do you hold?

A. I took my nursing pre-req’s at Illinois Central College in East Peoria, IL. I got my BSN in Nursing from OSF Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in Peoria, IL. My graduate degree in Nursing Education is from Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. Q. What classes or positions are you currently assigned?

A. I am teaching Fundamentals, Med/Surg Nursing and Maternal Child Nursing!

So exciting!

Q. Are you new to teaching? If not, where did you teach before IVCC? A. I am not new to teaching, or to IVCC! I was employed here from 2013-2017

in the Nursing Program. I taught at the University of St. Francis in Joliet for 4.5 years and now I’m back! We moved to Bureau County and I am so happy to be back at IVCC, teaching nursing in the community I love and live in!

Q. What are your initial impressions, not only of the students, but also the atmosphere at IVCC, and your fellow faculty and sta?

A. Everyone here has been so warm and welcoming! I’m so proud to be back at IVCC! Q. So far, what is your favorite aspect of IVCC? A. e commute ;-) and the people!

Q. What is your favorite thing about the Illinois Valley area?

A. I love how down-toearth and friendly people are!

Q. What should a student know about you?

A. I am an open book, and I’m always here to help.

Emily Morgan was hired as a mathetmatics instructor for the 2021-22 academic year.

Q. Where are you from originally?

A. I grew up in Plano, IL and went to high school in Paw Paw, IL Q. Where did you aend college and what degree do you hold?

A. I have my Associates of Science from Kishwaukee College, Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University with a 6-12 Illinois Teaching Certificate, and Master of Science from Aurora University.

Q. What classes or positions are you currently assigned?

A. I am teaching Intermediate Algebra - Foundations of Stem Math, College Algebra, and Structure of Number Systems II this semester.

Q. Are you new to teaching? If not, where did you teach before IVCC? A. I have been teaching at a community college for over 10 years. I have taught at Kishwaukee College, Rock Valley College, and Waubonsee College.

Emily Morgan Q. What are your initial impressions, not only of the students, but also the atmosphere at IVCC, and your fellow faculty and sta? So far, what is your favorite aspect of IVCC? A. IVCC community has been very welcoming and helpful to have my first semester start off great. I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at IVCC.

IV Leader Photo

Q. What is your favorite thing about the Illinois Valley area?

A. e small-town atmosphere with numerous options for food, shopping, and recreation.

Q. What should a student know about you?

A. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with family and traveling.

‘Books unite us, censorship divides us’

By Hope Beelman IV Leader Editor

Jacobs Library will host Banned Books Week, an annual event by the American Library Association, from Sunday, Sept. 26 to Saturday, Oct. 2 to recognize current and past aempts to censor books in schools and public libraries.

Library Technicians Elizabeth Small and illie Gaskill explained how important it is to have access to a multitude of different viewpoints and to celebrate the opportunity people have here to purchase specific books when there is sever censorship in other parts of the world By reading and learning more about these books, students are able to understand what others on a different side may be thinking and allows them to live in someone else’s

shoes.

While some books may be banned for their content, Grace Norris, Electronic Resources Librarian, elaborated that many books may be challenged due to the author or what they have said. e 2021 spokesperson for the annual event is Jason Reynolds, author of two books listed under the “Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2020,” Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You with Ibram X. Kendi and All American Boys with Brendan Kiely.

Small and Gaskill mentioned there will be a window display available to students with book covers and QR codes that link to SOAR, the Jacobs Library catalog, as many of them are eBooks this year.

For more information and to view the rest of the books on the top ten list, visit ala.org and libguides.ivcc.edu for updates.

iv Leader

opinion

September 23, 2021

E Effects of recent Texas abortion ban D I T O R I A L On Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, one of the most extreme, controversial, and strict laws was put into effect in Texas bannning abortion providers from carrying out terminations aer six weeks of pregnancy when fetal cardiac activity can be detected.

Although there may be an exemption for “medical emergencies,” there are no exceptions for rape or incest which essentially forces women to carry these traumatic experiences with them as they carry their pregnancy to term.

Not only is this law, now known as Senate Bill 8, taking away and limiting women’s rights over their bodies, it is only going to increase the number of unsafe abortions among low-income communities and people of color as many already have poor access to health care.

Many women are not even aware that they are pregnant at the six week mark. It could easily be mistaken for a missed period; therefore, this law only makes women’s options more limited when it comes to finding resources and decent health care.

According to an NBC News article, Marva Sadler, Whole Woman’s Health senior director of clinical services, explained her first patient on that Wednesday morning was ineligibile for a legal abortion. “‘e women who not only live in this state – but who work, pay taxes, vote, pray and are raising the future leaders of this community – are being denied their very basic right to health care,” emphasized Sadler.

By taking away and limiting a woman’s right to

IV LEADER STAFF

choose, more people will face economic hardship as half of all individuals who obtain an abortion live below the federal poverty level according to NBC News. ose most denied one had four times greater odds of being below that level.

Many struggle with affording basic living expenses, so making these rights harder to access only puts people in a more difficult position. NBC News also reported that the denial of an abortion can lead to a significant increase in mental health issues as well as physical ones. “‘When we’re thinking about people’s health care, their pregnancies, and their lives, every person is different, and no law like [S.B. 8] can take each unique situation into account,’” stated Dr. Nisha Verma, an OB-GYN providing abortion care in the Washington, D.C., area and a fellow with the Physicians for Reproductive Health.

Essentially, carrying an unwanted pregnancy to term ends up being much riskier to a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health than having an abortion. e fact that this law is being monitored or policed by citizens rather than the state government shows that this law was never about protecting the rights of a baby, but instead controlling women and their access to health care.

“As such, the ban is just about as close as anti-abortion activists can get to a total prohibition of abortion,” stating an article from CNN on the ban and why it maers.

Welcoming a new trustee and Spirit Day updates Hello fellow Eagles! Student Trustee Madison here.

I hope you all have been having a good semester so far.

Can you believe it’s been a month already?

Currently in the works, we are still discussing Spirit Day for this year. Hopefully, we can put some events and activities together that comply with COVID-19 precautions the college is taking.

Cory Tommason and my fellow SGA representatives are working hard to give students a fun kick off to the school year.

Keep a lookout for more information about Spirit Day! I also have an exciting up-

date to share regarding the Board of Trustees. Sadly, Trustee David Mallery has resigned, leaving his spot vacant for the remainder of his term.

Recently, we held interviews with some truly amazing candidates and were able to narrow it down to appoint a new member to the board of trustees!

Although it was a hard decision, we all believe that we chose the best person that brings both a new perspective and unique background to the board.

Our new Trustee is William “Bill” F. Hunt who was appointed at a special board meeting held on Sept. 2. We are very ex-

cited to work with him!

As a reminder, we hold meetings once on the second Tuesday of every month. ere, we discuss a variety of topics and always leave room for others to speak when they aend these meetings.

If any of you have questions or concerns, you can contact me anytime at K0035101@office365.ivcc.edu.

Trustee’s Corner

BY MADISON MIRANDA STUDENT TRUSTEE

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Editor: Hope Beelman Staff: Ryan Grieves, Hope Stunkel, Madison Miranda, Macy Anderson, Ari O’Kirby, Drew Farrell, Itzia Casas, Drake Weber IV Leader, a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, is published monthly by students of Illinois Valley Community College. Editorials and columns express opinions of student and staff members and do not necessarily express the views of IVCC, the administration or the Board.

Editorial opinions are those a student editorial board.

Letters to the editor must be signed and should be addressed to the IV Leader Office B-316, IVCC, 815 N. Orlando Smith Rd., Oglesby, IL 61348-9691.

IV LEADER ONLINE www.ivleader.com

FOLLOW @IVLEADER

Read the IV Leader online, meet the staff, apply for a staff position, and explore the newspaper’s long, distinguished history online.

INTERESTED IN THE IV LEADER? Contact Hope Beelman at K0036453@office365. ivcc.edu or Lori Cinotte at lori_cinotte@ivcc.edu.

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September 23, 2021

opinion

iv Leader

In September of 2019, protestors assembled on Lake Superior’s shore to challenge the Enbridge Line 3 tar sands pipeline.

Photo by Fibonacci Blue

Police brutality escalates along Line 3 Pipeline as protestors face felony charges

By Ari O’Kirby

IV Leader Columnist

Protestors on the Minnesotan frontlines of the Line 3 pipeline probably never expected to face felonies and facial paralysis when they decided to join the movement, yet… they are.

Why? Corporate greed…? Corrupt law enforcement…? Racist and anti-indigenous undertones? A desperate working class pied against each other while Bigwigs pull puppet strings across national borders? It’s a potent and volatile mix of all of the above that’s coming to a violent head as we speak.

What could be so threatening about this proposed pipeline project that sovereign citizens are willing to risk their lives to stop it? Well, it’s going through nearly half of North America’s freshwater and is being built by the Canadian multinational responsible for the largest inland oil spill in US history: Enbridge.

Proponents of the pipeline claim it is just a “replacement,” but “expansion” would be more accurrate; the proposed pipeline veers off dramatically from the original built in the 1960s, and would cross beneath the Mississippi River twice.

An oil spill that could drain into the Mississippi puts the rights to clean water of millions of Americans at risk, including us. e proposed expansion also crosses through farmland, personal property, and the 1855 treaty territories of the Anishinaabeg people. Historically, the US Supreme Court has upheld the rights of

native peoples to live off the land, and construction of this pipeline would be a direct violation of the treaty rights of the Anishinaabeg by endangering primary areas of hunting, fishing, wild rice, and cultural resources.

Given that this project carries long term environmental and social risks while benefiting only a select few (Enbridge and construction crews) on a short-sighted, economic basis, it has become a representative microcosm for our climate crisis as a whole. e decision to stop this pipeline would send a firm message that America is serious about addressing climate change and taking active steps towards a more sustainable future. Yet, despite all their talk of a greener future, the Biden administration has remained silent amidst the multi-year effort of “water protectors.”

Tensions are escalating as Enbridge rushes to finish the project, even going so far as to buy a formidable ally: the police. According to Intercept, Enbridge has funneled over $1 million to local sheri’s departments in Minnesota “to help with the costs of policing Enbridge’s political opponents” by way of a public escrow account run by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

In a shocking post from August 29, the Giniw Collective (frontline organizers) revealed that what began with the usual aacks of pepper spray and rubber bullets has snowballed into “pain compliance” tactics and life-destroying felony charges.

On June 23, three water protectors who

chained themselves to machinery were charged with felony the. Since then nearly 100 water protectors have been charged with felonies and assigned bail amounts ranging from $10,000 $50,000 without conditions, and up to $25,000 with conditions.

One commented, “ere is a deep irony in being charged for the on stolen land, by the state apparatus that stole it, in being charged with felony the for a company that is actively stealing our clean water, our clean air, and our livable future.”

On Aug. 11, water protectors shut down multiple worksites by locking themselves to equipment. Upon arrival, the Hubbard County sherriffs began torturing protestors by immobilizing them from the neck up and violently squeezing pressure points on the head, face, and jaw to the point of eliciting screams. According to Giniw, two water protectors have lasting facial paralysis as a result.

In a post from Sept. 9, Giniw Collective remarked, “We are brutalized for love of water, for defending the drinking water of millions. Hold each other dearly, please think of land defenders and the risks we take for the protection of all.”

If you would like to support these individuals in their efforts to defend our water supply, please consider signing the petition, donating to bail funds, or visiting them on the frontlines. Visit stopline3.org for more information.

7 opinion Prioritizing your mental health with IVCC resources iv Leader

September 23, 2021

By Hope Stunkel

IV Leader Columnist

IV Leader Photo/Hope Beelman

We have all been through this pandemic with struggles, such as the Black Lives Maer movement, having to wear masks and not wanting to wear them, people arguing with one another about whether to get the vaccine or not, who our new president was going to be, people dying of the Coronavirus, Zoom university and how to manage online classes with life, and the mental well-being for everyone during these changing times.

We all focus on the negativity so much that we forget to think positive and being optimistic, no maer how troubled we are with so much hatred.

I know that this may seem easier said than done but look for something positive everyday even if it is the smallest thing as being thankful for the sunshine or the fresh air that day.

Tina Hardy, who is the coordinator for the Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity has some great resources for those who feel overwhelmed like the digital well-being portal in YOU@IVCC, Muse headband, and counseling services as needed during these difficult times.

Doing the YOU@IVCC portal will help students get a beer perspective on the pressures of college life that all students go through, normalize their experience whether students do classes online or in-person, and learn useful coping mechanisms to deal with external and internal stress surrounding them. e Muse headband that is offered at the Center for Accesibility and Neurodiversity is a great tool for students that feel stressed or anxious before, during, or aer a class, when studying or preparing for quizzes/exams, or just stress with the overload of school work. is is a piece of wearable technology that can help students practice meditations and get their mind back to focusing and being successful.

Going to counseling helps students not to just be successful in school, but it also helps them emotionally over any anxieties that college brings along with work and family things going on outside of school.

If students ever feel like they are in a crisis, the Counseling services here can do P-CAP (personal counseling appointments) on a limited basis.

One of the counselors here at IVCC, Missy Killian says that the pandemic has forced everybody to transition to online learning which some succeeded and others did not. She also says that COVID-19 has stressed out students academically and has affected their school per-

formance with so much going on in the world.

It is really important to pay aention to your emotional and mental state with self-care and trying to follow a routine which is easier said than done.

Some coping skills that students can use that I personally use are calling a friend or parent, doing or reading affirmations, hang out with my friends, geing involved in the community, going outside for fresh air, listening to music, journaling, doing gratitude logs, eating healthy and consuming natural foods with lile or no processed food, and playing with my kien.

Doing all of these is easier said than done.

When you start to practice at least one of these a day and eventually making all of these a part of your daily routine, you will start to feel beer emotionally and feel less overwhelmed even though this is a lot. Put 30 to 45 minutes of self-care in a day, it doesn’t seem like a chore but more of coping skill.

Here are a few numbers and resources for student who feel overwhelmed or are in a crisis: beerhelp.com, (800) 950-6264 (NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness), and (815) 224-1610 (North Central Crisis Hotline).

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arts

September 23, 2021

iv Leader

Positive stereotypes: An overlooked oxymoron

By Itzia Casas

IV Leader Columnist

Stereotypes. According to Merriam-Webster, a stereotype is: “Something conforming to a fixed or general paern. Especially: a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced aitude, or uncritical judgment.”

Stereotypes tend to be held by people or groups of people outside of the group of people they have the beliefs about. Most of the time, stereotypes are seen as negative as they generalize an entire population to simple behaviors or acts that paint a negative picture for everyone else.

However, more and more we see “positive stereotypes” playing a role in media, falling onto society’s beliefs.

Examples of these “positive stereotypes” are e kind, nurturing women, the hardworking Mexican, the strong Black women, and so many more.

Although at first glance these may seem to have a positive notion, in reality, it is a lot deeper than that. ese worldwide beliefs cause people to undermine the struggles and challenges that

Wind ensemble to perform Oct. 7 Illinois Valley Community College’s Wind Ensemble will offer a free concert at 7:30 p.m. ursday, Oct. 7 in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. e performance includes the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, Sir Edward Elgar, Karl King, Lucien Cailliet, Irving Berlin, and G.F. Huffine.

Selections include Second Suite in F Major, Nimrod from Enigma Variations, e Trombone King, Homage to U.S. Navy, and Irving Berlin – A Symphonic Portrait, amongst others.

Under the direction of conductor Phil Whaley, the ensemble includes IVCC students, local and regional music educators and community members dedicated to the promotion of quality wind and percussion music.

Audience members are required to wear a mask and maintain 6 feet of distance from other audience members who do not live in their household.

people within these stereotypes go through and lead to less empathy and change.

Time and time again, we see all women being used, underpaid, and expected to keep quiet because of the mentality that they are “understanding” and very “patient.”

Ideals like these lead to an overwhelming underappreciating of women who do everything that a man does, yet are held to high standards, and receive lower rewards.

For decades, Mexicans, or people of Mexican decent have been grouped together and called hardworkingly, tough, and reliant, which are great things to be called as an individual, but when these beliefs are placed on an entire population, the expectation for everyone increases and unconsciously allows for people to believe that hard work is the only thing Mexicans are expected to do.

One example of this happening is when Kelly Osborne stated on e View, “If you kick every Latino out of this country, then who is going to be cleaning your toilet, Donald Trump?” is, fortunately, was received with lots of people speaking out on how unaware, and tone-deaf the statement was, and shortly aer, Osborne apologized stating she meant it in a different way.

Historically in America, Black people have faced enormous struggles and yet, many people do not see the magnitude of the issues and challenges they are facing because of “positive stereotypes.” e stereotype of “Strong Black women” is used to empower the women in that community; however, it also lets other people turn their back to the rampant problems because they think they are strong and can handle so well.

National beliefs like these lead to a lack of urgency in other people. ey see how many black women go through every day and how they handle it instead of focusing on how to stop the problems that they are facing.

It invalidates everything they are going through because people believe that it cannot be that bad, and think they are empowering when in reality they can be causing more harm by not acting upon these issues.

Stereotypes will always have a hold on society, but it is important to think about the origin, and their true meaning, and see how much damage versus good are they really portraying, despite being “good” or “bad” stereotypes.

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated with three events Illinois Valley Community College is hosting several events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. e kickoff event features the Hispanic Leadership Team Focus Group topic “Latinos in the Illinois Valley – Culture and Customs” at 12:30 p.m. ursday, Sept. 23 in Room C316.

Immigration aorney Sara Dady presents “Immigration Update” at noon Wednesday, Sept. 29 in Room C316.

In the culminating event, the Mexican Folkloric Dance group “De Colores” returns to IVCC to present traditional folkloric dances at 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 13 in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre.

Sponsored by the Hispanic Leadership Team, Diversity Team and the Hispanic Partnership Council, the events are free and food and refreshments are provided.

Contact Sara Escatel at (815) 224-0355.

A Mexican Folkloric group performs in the Cultural Centre.

IV Leader File Photo

9 arts Changing the narrative in Marvel Studios’ newest series iv Leader

September 23, 2021

Official Photo from “What If?” Facebook Page

Marvel Studios’ new series “What If…?” recently released on the streaming platform Disney+. Initially airing on August 11, 2021, each episode of the show typically runs a bit over half an hour.

Fans of either Marvel or DC’s comic universes or cinematic franchises may be familiar with the concept of alternate stories in which things happen a lile differently, making for many interesting scenarios. is show is an animated take on that concept. e greater concept of Marvel’s “What If…?” is to take the viewer through a tour of just some of the infinite possible scenarios throughout the Marvel universe. e series doesn’t generally follow one continuous story, each episode rather tells a spin-off story of what may have happened if just one detail were changed from the Marvel Cinematic Universe many know and love.

Viewers are led through this experience by a narrative voice known as “e Watcher” who makes occasional subtle appearances, rarely intervening. e Watcher follows a personal code, preventing him from ever interfering with these alternate realities for fear of doing unnecessary and irreparable damage.

Each episode offers a new and interesting question. First, in episode one we are shown a universe in which Steve Rogers never became Captain America, instead replaced by Peggy Carter aer a disaster renders Steve unavailable. Interestingly, this same universe sees Steve Rogers become the first Iron Man rather than Tony Stark.

What if T’challa was abducted by e Ravagers instead of Peter ill, or there was a zombie apocalypse with the avengers being the first to fall? ese are just a few of the scenarios touched

on so far.

While not very common for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “What If…?” is an animated show. While the change of pace may be strange for some, it seems to lend a certain charm to the characters, as well as allowing for over-the-top action and seings without huge production cost. e scenes are beautifully animated, while feeling very true to the style that Marvel’s Cinematic Universe has cultivated over the years.

Being animated but retaining many of the MCU’s top actors, the show displays great voice work. Just a few of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s stars who reprise their roles in this show are Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Tom Hiddleston returning as Loki. at said, the voice acting leaves nothing to be desired in this show, as well as the sound design knocking it out of the park.

I believe anyone, regardless of their understanding of Marvel’s greater backstory or cinematic universe, could enjoy this show greatly. e show displays a great deal of the lighthearted humor Marvel has become known for, as well as interesting concepts that leave you thinking hard about the greater mysteries of life.

Directed by Bryan Andrews, this is a show you’ll certainly want to give a shot if you’re interested in the concept of multiverse theory, or really enjoy Marvel’s heroes and simply want to see more of their exploits.

reel reviews

BY RYAN GRIEVES IV LEADER COLUMNIST

Return of ‘Grunella, The Story Stealer’

By Macy Anderson IV Leader Columnist

Aer a long break from theatre, due to COVID-19, the IVCC theatre department has some things planned to bring back the joy of live performance. e play “Grunella, e Story Stealer” will make its return to the stage aer its first debut in 2014. is play is a story about a witch who wants her own story. She casts a spell on all the princesses including Snow White and

Cinderella to forget their stories and who they are so Grunella can replace herself as the star of the stories. is play was wrien, and will be directed by IVCC’s very own Dr. David A. Kuester.

To go along with this play IVCC will be holding improv classes to learn or brush up on the skill of improv.

IVCC is also planning on puing on a holiday show later in the year filled with all the classic holiday carols.

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Sports

September 23, 2021

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Golfers finish near top By the IV Leader Staff e men’s golf team has finished near the top at several contests so far this fall as the team continues to prepare for regionals in mid-October.

On Sept. 13, the team finished third overall at the IVCC Fall Classic at Edgewood Golf Course in McNabb, scoring a 602. Heartland finished first with a 577 score.

Leading the way for the Eagles was sophomore Ian Roach, who shot a two-round score of 145. Roach, a Putnam County High School graduate, finished third individually in the tourney.

Ryan Dulin, a freshman from Grant Park, tied for fih with a 146 while Roach’s fellow PC graduate Ben Cyr had a 151. Freshman Aydin Folker carded a 160.

On Sept. 7, the golf team fired a 15 over par 303 to finish second to the host Spartans in the 16-team Aurora “Double Gun” contest at the Aurora Country Club. e Eagles were led by Folker, the Jacksonsville freshman, who fired an even par 72 to finish second overall in the 90-player field.

Coach Sean Kennedy said, “A very good day for the Eagles. Aurora CC is a very wonderful but difficult venue, the hole locations were collegiate worthy, and the wind blew 15 mph sustained all day with gusts. To finish second of 16 teams in this strong NCAA Division 3 field was a credit to how hard the Eagles have been practicing.”

Earlier this season, the golfers finished seventh on Aug. 30 at the Heartland Hawk 36 in Springfield, second on Aug. 25 at the Red Tail 36 in Decatur, and fourth on Aug. 20 at the Highland 36 in Freeport.

Roach shot 7 under par at the Red Tail 36 in Decatur to win the tourney. e Eagles host another tournament on Oct. 4 at Deer Park Country Club.

ROACH

ATTACK

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The Eagles’ Andre Mendes, a freshman defender, controls the ball and prepares to pass it ahead during a recent contest. Mendes has scored two goals for the Eagles this year and has six assists.

Soccer continues strong season By the IV Leader Staff e men’s soccer team has steadily built a strong record this year, boasting a .727 winning percentage.

As of press time, the team holds an 8-3 record, the best since IVCC began offering the sport in 2017-18.

Sophomore midfielders Pumi Maphumulo and Bayron Cruz lead the team in goals with 19 and 13 respectively.

Freshman midfielder Bryan Fuentes from Spring Valley has contributed five goals while freshman forward Marc Philavanh has added four.

For Maphumulo, who is from South Africa, this season is especially sweet since he was in South Africa for all of the 2020-21 academic year, aer IVCC canceled in person classes in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

“It feels really good to be back especially for me since I had to go home back in 2020 and had a long time away due to covid 19, making it hard

for me to come back and play,” Maphumulo said.

“I was not able to play last year but I’m definitely excited to be back this year.”

Maphumulo said the team’s aitude and coaching have contributed to IVCC soccer’s turnaround.

“We have been really good in sharing a winning mentality as a well as that belief that we are the best,” he said.

“Our schedule has been prey tough so far with so many games being played in a short space of time, but, once again, the boys have taken that challenge with no complaints and just worked hard to produce the results we need and believe we deserved.

“Having a good coach has also been vital for us.” he added. e Eagles return to action at home at 1 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 25 vs. Rock Valley College. e Eagles play their home contests at La Salle’s Rotary Park.

Aer that game, spectators have one more chance to catch the Eagles at home on Oct. 2.

iv Leader

Sports

Women’s soccer begins competition By the IV Leader Staff

IVCC’s women’s soccer team has started its 2021 season. us far, the team has dropped its first three contests. e Eagles fell to Harper College 4-2 on

Sept. 11 at home.

In that contest, Alondra Martinez and Tanya Rosas scored for the Eagles. e soccer team returns to action at home at noon Saturday, Sept. 25 at La Salle’s Rotary Park.

September 23, 2021

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Tennis hosts upcoming contests e Eagles women’s tennis team hosts Moraine Valley at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29. e team also has a home match scheduled at 11 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 3 vs. Bryant and Straon College. e team plays its home contests at the La Salle-Peru High School Athletic Complex.

Volleyball continues to battle

By the IV Leader Staff

Aer picking up a win in its first match of the season, the Eagles volleyball team has dropped 10 straight contests to move the team to 1-10 on the year.

Only two of the Eagles contests have been at home, and the team does not return to IVCC’s gym until Sept. 30 vs. Highland. e Eagles dropped their two home contests to Sauk Valley and Blackhawk, both Arrowhead Conference opponents.

In the Sept. 8 game vs. Sauk Valley, Morgan Hundley led the team with seven kills. Kaitlyn Walter had 15 digs and Paige Champlin recorded 15 assists.

In the Sept. 14 game vs. Blackhawk, Anna esse had five kills and three blocks for the Eagles. Champlin again AT THE NET Morgan Hundley (left) and Sophie Harris rise up for a block against Sauk Valley’s hitters. had 15 assists.

COURTSIDE

Paige Champlin (photo at left) serves the ball for a point in a contest vs. Sauk Valley. Kaitlyn Walter (photo at right) dives for a spiked ball from a Sauk opponent. Sauk Valley went on to win the Arrowhead Conference match.

IV Leader Photos

IV Leader Photo

IV Leader sports Volume 56 Issue 2 September 23, 2021

men’s soccer coNTINues making statements GoLfers hot on links Page 10

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