TCC Collegian December 9, 2020

collegian.tccd.edu

Chill out with Poppy’s new record for the holiday season.

PG. 4

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 – Volume 33 • Issue 14 News

Entertainment

Opinion

Editorial

CLOSING THE CHAPTER Students reflect on the fall semester ending. PG. 3

WONDROUS ALBUM Shawn Mendes’ new album has substance. PG. 4

OLD V. NEW Ideals clash to determine if Smash Bros. is a fighting game. PG. 5

A REAL CONVERSATION ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINE Will the vaccine work? PG. 5

Feature TRADITION IS UGLY The past and present of ugly Christmas sweaters. PG. 6

Why giving back is important

Azul Sordo/The Collegian

Alisha Perez, James Pierce and the Las Vegas Trail Revitalization volunteers organize the take-home bags. All staff and volunteers are masked and gloved at all times for safety guidelines.

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TCC’s food pantries are closed, area food banks double up to help AZUL SORDO photo editor

As TCC closes its food pantries campus-wide, these local volunteers are rising to the occasion.

The Las Vegas Trail Revitalization Project, known as LVT Rise, continues to provide community outreach services despite the pandemic restricting indoor operations. Their food pantry now operates entirely outdoors, offering residents in-person or curbside pickup with the help of staff and volunteers.

Over 2.5 million Texas households reported either sometimes or often not having enough food to eat the week of Nov. 11, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. LVT Rise has nearly tripled the amount of people they service since the initial shutdowns in March, program director Ashley Mortimer said.

“We are also a small team, so we had to manage the increased need for services with little staff and volunteer sup-

port,” executive director Willie Rankin said. “When starting a company, you’ll be expected to fly a plane while still building it.”

For LVT Rise employee Alisha Perez, her service is about taking part in a community that came to her aid during a difficult time.

After moving to Texas from Hawaii with her two children, Perez said she found herself in need of assistance— it was then that she found LVT Rise.

“I came here broke, with nothing,” Perez said. “Now I can volunteer at all the places that blessed me.”

It was the difference between simply receiving food and receiving meaningful help, Perez said, that inspired her to join LVT Rise.

During the first wave of COVID19, Perez said she was shocked to see an 86-year-old woman standing in line at LVT’s mobile pantry. When Perez asked her why she’d left her home, the woman stated she simply needed food.

Perez now personally provides home delivery for 23 seniors.

“I was that person in line, needing help, now I’ll be that person giving help,” Perez said. “And as long as they allow me to deliver, I’m gonna deliver.”

Weatherford college student James Pierce began his volunteer work with LVT Rise in March, following the shutdown of many food pantries across the nation.

“It was really humbling, coming here during the pandemic,” Pierce said.

“I’m just inspired by what community can do during such a hard trial.”

As Weatherford College transitions to a combination of online and socially distanced in-person classes, Pierce finds a sense of community among the other volunteers.

“Socially it's been really challenging, not having that same experience as a college student,” said Pierce. “But at the same time, there's greater things to focus on right now.”

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How students are changing their routines for finals preparations MADDY REMINGTON managing editor

TCC students discuss finals and how the remote learning environment has affected their preparation process.

Some students are making efforts towards taking care of their health to ensure they are at their best when they have to take their finals.

“To prepare for the upcoming finals, being on a healthy sleeping schedule and eating balanced meals are my biggest priorities,” NE student Esme Nava said. “If I am able to take control of that, retaining information comes much easier.”

Focusing on organization has become a top priority during finals.

“I’m preparing for finals by organizing my planner, listing out everything due for my classes and also trying to not overwhelm myself and take time to relax and read a great book,” South student Valerie Vallejo said.

Having a strict study schedule has helped NW student Rebekah Luper to ensure she is prepared for each of her finals.

She said that it’s all about finding a schedule that works for you.

“In a normal in-person semester, I’d have a study day on campus where I’d study for multiple classes all day but designate at least an hour per class, if needed, with a tutor for anything I’m struggling with,” she said.

Some students are finding it difficult to manage their time in a remote environment and are having to go to extra lengths to study for finals.

“To prepare for the upcoming finals, being on a healthy sleeping schedule and eating balanced meals are my biggest priorities.”

Esme Nava NE student

“I always felt a lot better at time management and productivity [when attending in-person classes] because I had to use the hours given to me instead of having to chart my own schedule at home and risk the chance of getting sidetracked,” TR student Mary Ma-

turo said. “It’s been an uphill battle keeping my focus.”

Student Bethany Harper said that she feels she has access to more resources to assist her in finals preparation in the online setting compared to an in-person semester.

The in-person setting allowed students to go straight to the source to receive extra help, and now they have to rely on emails and video chat study sessions to answer all their questions.

“I’d usually plan to meet with my professors or classmates for study sessions, however, now I am relying on my time management and communication with others to make it happen,” Nava said. “I’m frequently communicating with classmates to help one another in places we feel uneasy about.”

News

Page 2 • December 9, 2020

NORTHEAST

Isolated readers use stories for escapism

File Photo by The Collegian

NE Library Book Club & More host book club dicussions, games and trivia that is open to all faculty and students. The club can be found on BlackBoard.

JOSE ROMERO campus editor

Reading’s popularity has increased over the past few months as readers look for an escape.

January to September, sales of print books increased 6.4% from 2019, according to Publishers Weekly. Libraries have also seen an increase of up to 60% in e-book downloads, TCC library specialist Ashly Ferguson said.

“It seems that in addition to reading for fun there’s also been a trend towards nonfiction books like cookbooks, gardening and crafting skills which correlate with activities that are done from home,” she said.

The escapism and information that

books provide are important to Ferguson and others at this time. Books offer a distraction and relief from unpleasant realities by offering entertainment or fantasy. There’s a multitude of topics books cover, which means a person who wants to begin reading can find something they’re interested in, she said.

“No matter what genre you choose to read, the characters, plots and settings from reading literature can stimulate the imagination while also giving the reader insight into society, enhancing their empathy and providing a better understanding of themselves or the world as a whole,” Ferguson said. “Books are filled with places to visit and people to meet in every chapter and you can immerse yourself into it.”

Members of the NE Library Book Club & More bolstered Ferguson’s statements. Books

provide readers an experience that allows them to be mentally outdoors for individuals who like to travel outside, student Jose Acostavalle said.

“Literature offers the visual experience of what you are reading,” he said. “It makes you feel like you are the character of the book and you can [mentally] see other character’s faces, the scenery and the overall subject of the book.”

Books are the hobby of choice for student Stephanie McDonald. Reading has allowed her to mentally travel and explore new locations all from the comfort of her home.

“I have been able to meet characters that run the gamut from royalty, ‘The Duchess’, to geniuses, ‘The Other Einstein’, to firemen, ‘Fahrenheit 451’,” McDonald said. “I have traveled to places, like England, ‘Gal-

lows View’, Sweden, ’The Girl Who Lived Twice’, and even Mount Everest, ’Into Thin Air.’ Reading is one of the few things that has helped, and inspired, me to get through this challenging time.”

For those who aren’t interested in reading, associate accounting professor Anita Hope provided alternatives.

“What I do instead is listen to podcasts from the Wall Street Journal, from NPR, from Ted Talks, and some about science,” Hope said. “Also, I watch PBS (usually with my eyes closed) for relaxation. As for books, I use Libby for audiobooks. My focus during the pandemic is keeping my brain sharp, not escaping.”

NE Library Book Club & More can be accessed on BlackBoard for books, movies, music and games.

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COVID-19 impacts both For some students, online students and instructors classes is a way to thrive TOMMY KIMBROUGH reporter

The difficulties of doing classwork online are impacting students and professors.

Teaching in a virtual classroom to 150 students does not bring on warm fuzzy feelings compared to a live audience of actively engaged students participating in lecture discussions, TR government instructor James Goss said.

There are difficulties that students face now that a singular spot must be designated as a workplace. Typically, students could come to campus and use resources such as the library and computer lab, but because of the pandemic, students can’t seek out the same materials as before.

“I currently have no computer or laptop at home and easily get distracted by my younger siblings to get things done,” NE student Spencer James said.

The ability to continue learning for student’s online due to COVID-19 has surged into a great success, TR student Jefferey Orte-

ga said.

“With these specialized technologies such as Apple or Microsoft, with Zoom to see face to face on a computer or laptop helps the online learning process in this time,” Ortega said.

The daily schedule from driving to campus to working from home is a big difference for the daily goals I have set to get done, he said.

Ortega said online courses allow him to work at his own pace.

“Distractions from home have become the biggest task,” he said. “There are some days where the video game console is right there, but being disciplined in the work that needs to be done is easier said than being able to.”

The toughest part of learning an assignment is trying to get help because it’s harder to contact your professor online as opposed to in class, TR student Anthony Garcia said.

“Sometimes discussing issues or problems with your instructor in person is a lot easier than typing it out or trying to explain it in face-time online,” he said.

MARIAH CAIN reporter

TCC notified students that the upcoming semester would continue to be online, except certain classes that require hands-on instruction.

SE student Nia Wilson said she prefers in-person classes, but she understands the importance of having another semester online.

“All of my family members are high-risk, so I would rather be safe than sorry, and if that means another semester online, I’m OK with it,” Wilson said.

SE student Macie Rakaba said she also prefers in-person classes because she’s a biology major and learns better hands-on.

“I feel like I haven’t been learning to the best of my abilities compared to my freshman year when my classes were in-person,” Rakaba said. “I do hope that we get to resume in-person classes soon so that I can get the full college experience.”

NE government assistant professor

Leigh-Anne Regenold said it makes sense for the college to continue teaching remotely next semester.

“I think Spring 2021 should be online since we are seeing such a spike in COVID cases right now, and we don’t yet have a viable plan for social distancing on campus and in our classrooms,” Regenold said.

When asked if she preferred online or in-person classes, Regenold said she likes them both.

“I taught online before COVID, so transitioning wasn’t that hard for me,” she said.

“I do miss interacting with my students in person, though.”

Regenold also said she was impressed with how her students have adapted to online learning.

“Professors have made some accommodations to help our native on-campus students move to remote learning, but our students are really working hard to be successful,” she said. “They have been resilient and adaptable. I know they will be successful, no matter which delivery method is being utilized.”

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News

Page 3 • December 9 , 2020

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Pandemic safety causes holiday madness

Photo courtesy of Rexandpan/Adobe Stock

Rising concerns about the spread of COVID-19 has caused a shift in holiday planning meanung many have resorted to staying at home instead of travling this December.

DEIRDRE BENAVIDES reporter

As the holiday season approaches, TCC students are navigating their plans amid COVID-19.

“It is terrifying to think that even if I’m asymptomatic, I could get someone else sick,” said TR student Brittany Marsden. “My fiancé will be joining me in whatever we do, and he has asthma so that’s another huge concern of mine.”

Marsden said her grandmother usually hosts the holidays, but because of her age, she’s considered high-risk despite being in good health.

“We don’t want to take the risk of getting her sick, and she is understandably weary

about being around the family,” Marsden said.

“It’s unfortunately too much of a risk for a day of tradition.”

For others, celebrating will also be limited to only the household.

“Each individual family has decided to celebrate only as immediate families, no mixing, so, just husband, wife and children, for example,” said NE student Brian Wallis.

Wallis said the holidays this year aren’t too different from usual.

“It is strange, but honestly, now that my oldest daughter is married and every one of my brothers have moved away, it’s not much different because family gatherings were getting smaller and less frequent anyway,” he said.

For some, the who hasn’t changed, but the where has.

“Thankfully, the holidays will be the

same for me in terms of who I’m celebrating with,” said SE student Jessica Rogers. “I would say the only thing that’s changed for me would be no longer going out to public places in order to celebrate. Everything will be celebrated in the house this year.”

Rogers said she does not participate in any ceremonious events, but her parents do.

“This year, they will not be participating,” she said.

Shifts in holiday ceremonies are also happening for other students and their family members.

“We are staying away from public events but have been watching church services virtually,” Wallis said. “With six children, one of which is asthmatic, we avoid public places.”

Madsen said her family has a tradition of attending ICE! at Gaylord Texan but won’t be this year even if Gaylord Texan doesn’t

cancel it. She says her family will instead stay at home to make cocoa and cookies, watch Christmas movies and wrap presents to drop off at people’s houses.

“We will make something fun out of what we have available without having to put anyone at risk,” Marsden said. “I miss my grandma, though, so much.”

Rogers described the holiday season as her favorite.

“It’s kind of corny, but my soul always feels happier because everyone is nicer and in better moods as well as more giving,” she said. “Even strangers come together and families from all over get to see each other so my heart’s a little sad that a lot of people won’t get to experience that this year. I’ll definitely hold my loved ones a bit closer this holiday season because a lot of people didn’t make it to the end of the year.”

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Teachers adjust to change in students’ time of need CYDNEY WILLIAMS reporter

TCC instructors and students have adjusted to the new normal and plan on making minor changes to enhance their learning and teaching experience.

“I have spent a lot of time learning about Blackboard Collaborate, Teams and PowerPoint to see which works best,” NE speech professor Jamie Melton said.

She plans to incorporate even more activities and group projects to help students make connections with one another in the virtual course.

“This semester I have learned that the social distancing and online work is fatiguing

students,” NW math instructor Clifton Parrish said.

This is something he calls digital fatigue, which he said is indicated by reactions such as quickly giving up after one technical problem or glitch.

“Or avoiding new technology especially if the technology involves making and remembering another password,” he said.

SE student Julia Antu said since the semester has been more challenging than others, she has made some adjustments to boost her learning ability.

“I am more of a hands-on learner so I prefer to be in person and have more interaction, so having to learn everything virtually was definitely an adjustment,” Antu said.

She started setting more reminders in her phone to keep up with her online assign-

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“I will continue to hold myself accountable and make sure that I stay on top of my assignments,” she said. “l’ll most likely take more classes and try to be more involved in my virtual classes.”

Parrish said he doesn’t plan on making any adjustments to his course for the upcoming semester.

“Student feedback from my online materials has been positive and I have a very good pass rate from last spring and summer courses,” he said. “I expect a similar rate this fall and in the spring.

He looks forward to returning to an in person lecture format fall 2021 if available, but will take some of what he’s learned this fall with him.

Melton said since the learning environ-

ment is different for students and instructors, next semester she would like to improve the line of communication by encouraging her students to come to her virtual office hours.

“I am thinking about the best incentives to try and arrange more face-to-face meetings with them to help again with that sense of connection,” Melton said.

She understands her semester has been more challenging than others, but she thinks next semester should be easier as everyone should be used to virtual learning, she said.

“I prefer to teach in person but I am glad we have the opportunity to learn and teach from home right now,” she said. “It is the safest option and that is so important right now.”

Page 4 • December 9, 2020

Entertainment

MUSIC REVIEW

Pop genre redefined with Mendes’ music

Photo courtesy of Island Records

Shawn Mendes releases fourth studio album titled “Wonder” that takes listeners through the course of a relationship. The album is a smash hit.

MADDY REMINGTON managing editor

Shawn Mendes proves to be a lyrical genius with his fourth album titled “Wonder.”

At surface level, the album seems to be yet another pop album with catchy tunes and beats to dance to. However, Mendes proves that pop music can be so much more with his new concept album that depicts all phases of a relationship.

Each track on the album takes you through a separate point in a relationship.

By the end of the album, the listener feels like they have just witnessed an entire relationship from start to finish.

The first track, “Intro,” provides an “outside-looking-in” perspective. The track introduces the album with beautiful slow piano chords. They build into an electronic explosion that enters the listener into an almost dream state. This minute-long opener provides a beautiful introduction to the musical masterpiece the listener is about to experience.

The album is full of lovey-dovey tracks that exemplify Mendes’ feelings for his sig-

Shawn Mendes’ showcases songwriting ability through new concept album. The tracks include jazz elements, smooth riffs and emotional lyrics.

nificant other. “Higher” describes the honeymoon phase of his relationship with lyrics like, “As long as we’re together, no, I can’t get much higher,” and, “Let’s stay like this forever.”

His feelings progress immensely in the next two songs where Mendes’ smooth tone describes the relationship advancing at warp speed. The slow “24 Hours” describes the moving too fast element and then the sexually-charged “Teach Me How To Love” balances the act out with some incredible harmonies and jazz tunes.

The next two tracks describe the separation of Mendes and his significant other. Several of the songs on the album begin relatively slowly and then pick up into a danceable beat.

“Calling My Friends” is a perfect example of this. “Dream” is one of the best songs on the album with its piano chords and acoustic elements making a truly poetic song about missing his lover. This song makes listeners feel as if they are entering a dreamscape.

“Song For No One” is one of those songs that makes you overthink, as it is about Mendes’ sorting through his feelings. The tambourines included in this track make for a more interesting musical experience. Additionally, the riffs in this song truly showcase how incredible Mendes is at singing.

“Monster” brings out an interesting side of the album because of the collaboration with Justin Bieber. The hip-hop lyrics Bieber con-

tributes balances the album overall but also exemplifies perfectly the metaphor behind the song which is the fighting aspect of a relationship. It is all about forgiveness and the beat is perfect for dancing.

“305” and “Always Been You” are the more loving songs on the album that are chock full of Mendes describing his feelings and affection for his lover. They are both charming songs similar to the style of past Mendes albums like his self-titled album.

“Can’t Imagine” and “Look Up At The Stars” are the slower songs on the album. They still have a groovy beat behind them that makes them enjoyable to listen to.

Jazz is a huge element of this album that brings out the meanings of the songs in a significant way but also makes the songs rhythmical. And the drum solos make “Wonder” substantially different from other pop albums.

Mendes’ tone and vocal control bring out the emotional meanings behind the songs that make the musical experience all the more effective.

The album is melancholic and beautiful, providing some incredible tunes to add to your winter playlist. Mendes’ songwriting abilities are showcased in his ability to nicely pull the metaphor of “Wonder” together.

MUSIC REVIEW

A minimalistic spin on music for the holiday season

ALYSON OLIVER campus editor

Singer-songwriter Poppy’s much awaited Christmas EP, “A Very Poppy Christmas,” puts a minimalistic spin on music for the holiday season.

The EP – which has fewer tracks than a full-length album but more tracks than a single – is made up of simple instrumentals, ethereal vocals and melancholy lyrics. These elements bring it down a notch energy-wise from the overtly cheerful Christmas records one usually hears in shopping malls, at family gatherings or through their speakers at home.

It’s a change of pace that some holiday music listeners may be looking for.

The opening track, “I Like Presents,” sets the chilled-out tone for the rest of the EP. It consists mostly of a lilting electric guitar and delicate, layered vocals. The simple composition gives it a mellow feel, especially paired with lyrics about the joy and solace spending the holidays with someone special can bring.

However, the simplicity doesn’t totally work to the song’s advantage, leaving it feeling a bit flat as far as dynamics go.

“I Won’t Be Home For Christmas” is built on electric keyboards and synths. This track is a darker take on a holiday favorite, with lyrics such as, “My heart is broken down / On the shoulder of the 110” and, “I don’t know where I’ll be / But I won’t be home for Christmas.”

It’s another area where the EP could use a bit more variation between song sections to really make the track stand out.

“Kiss In The Snow” is the album’s liveliest track. A diversion from the melancholy feel of the last track, it describes a sweet holiday

romance with lines like, “But when it gets cold / We get so close / You know we kiss in the snow.” The chorus combines palm-muted electric guitar with piano and a beat with a fun hook that makes for an upbeat listening experience.

The final track, “Silver Bells,” is the only cover of a traditional Christmas tune on the EP. The instrumental consists of an acoustic and an electric guitar layered with reverb. It wraps up the EP, which clocks in at about 10 minutes long, on an ethereal note.

“A Very Poppy Christmas” differs from most of Poppy’s discography as more simple and less upbeat and punchy.

Even though the listening experience wasn’t negative, it left more to be desired.

All of the songs felt as if they could have been more dynamic while still keeping their minimalistic feel, most notably the first two.

Though one or two new sounds were usually introduced as the songs progressed, they still felt a bit flat. “Kiss In The Snow” stood out from the rest of the EP for having the most variation between different sections of the song.

The EP isn’t a standout listening experience, but it definitely isn’t an unpleasant one with its serene feel and its combination of sweet and somber lyrics. Laid-back, simplistic Christmas arrangements can be a nice change in pace from the traditional holiday songs many people are familiar with.

Fans and first-time listeners should give Poppy’s “A Very Poppy Christmas” a listen if they’re looking to chill out this holiday season in a festive fashion.

Photo courtesy of Sumerian

Singer-songwriter and Youtuber Poppy gives listeners a laid-back EP to enjoy over the holidays. Poppy transcended Youtube stardom into a successful music career.

Opinion

The Collegian

Viewpoints

Editorial

Two gamers debate about Smash Bros.

JOSE ROMERO MICHAEL FOSTER-SANDERS J.R.: Without a doubt, Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. franchise is a fighting game.

There’s a longstanding argument in the fighting game community (FGC) that Smash Bros. should be classified as a party game instead of a fighting game.

The game earns its label as a fighting game because the effort and skills required to win are equal to the effort needed for other fighting games like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter and Dragon Ball Fighterz.

There’s a vast amount of complexity in the fighting mechanics from character matchups to stage choices.

The game’s mechanics are so deep that Super Smash Bros. Melee, a game from 2001, is still played professionally to this day.

Smash Bros. is a gigantic chunk

of the FGC. During EVO 2019—the largest fighting game tournament— it beat records with over 200,000 concurrent viewers according to VG247.

Smash Bros. earned its top FGC spot, no matter what Michael says.

M.F.S.: The Super Smash Bros.

Franchise is NOT a fighting game like my misguided friend above would like to believe. The niche community has made the game deeper than what it is, and it harkens to people thinking they can play fighting games just because they button mash with Eddy Gordo in Tekken.

Smash Bros. can be played in a two-player mode which gives it a fighting game feel. If the fighting game community allows Smash Bros. to be considered a fighting game then we have to consider a game like the awful Wu-Tang game on Playstation 1 to be fighting games also which brings up my third argument.

The creator of Smash Bros. Masahiro Sakurai says it is not a fighting game in his mind, but it boils down to the perspective of the players. A fighting game to me is a game that can be played side by side with other players at an arcade machine. Speaking from experience and age, Smash Bros. would not have made the cut then or now in an Arcade style environment.

Sorry to burst your Gamecube clutched controller bubble, Jose.

Teachers need to do better for students

STAYCE PETTIES campus editor

Right now, all over the world, students are suffering from the switch of campus life to online.

For students adjusting, it’s difficult because they’re not used to taking primarily online courses. One thing that teachers are forgetting is that we’re struggling and trying to adapt to not being face-to-face.

Teachers can’t stay after class to sit down and explain a subject over again to students, meaning college courses have become more difficult. Of course, it’s understandable that teachers also have some adjusting to do as well, but they have to remember that we are the students and they are the teachers. Neglecting to give us extra special attention could be the downfall for many.

My sister has experienced growing pains because of the transition.

December 9, 2020 • Page 5

She’s had multiple issues communicating with professors digitally. Usually, in a physical course, you can get an answer almost immediately since the instructor is only a couple of steps away from you, but now, it can take upwards of a week for a response.

The unreliable nature of online courses has added a mountain of stress to students. My sister is not only a TCC student but she’s also a single mother of three. She said even reaching out for help and asking for another option to reach her teacher is tedious because the teacher informed her the only way to chat was by email. On the days of the actual virtual class, she would not help either.

There was a lack of communication. My sister also shared with me that there were times where she felt like she wanted to give up or quit due to the treatment she was getting and felt like her teacher did not care.

I know for sure that Johnson isn’t the only student who has experienced this because I have gone through the same neglect from a teacher. This type of behavior needs to be corrected.

Students are suffering and just because teachers are adjusting doesn’t mean they can neglect their students.

We’re trying just like them.

There has to be a better understanding of what students need from teachers.

COVID-19 vaccine brings up concerns

Amber Davis/The Collegian

Will this vaccine be enough and if it is, will people take it?

As the country gets closer to the potential nationwide release of the COVID-19 vaccine, the question at hand is whether or not it will be enough to mend all of the caused damage and propel us forward.

Many medical advances have developed rapidly to ensure that the most vulnerable population of immunocompromised people will have access to a vaccination. Social media outlets have had people voicing their concerns about the potential negative effects the vaccination could have.

In a recent press event, president-elect Joe Biden was asked about whether or not there would be a mask/vaccine mandate in the near future.

Biden replied saying that he won’t force either of them into practice. The quick nature of developments is the stem of the public’s skepticism.

A distribution of the vaccine will pose problems right off the bat with those who will refuse to take it, even after successful trials of the vaccine.

It is when people don’t cooperate and conform to science that the vaccine will be unsuccessful.

In a New York Times article over the distinction between those with natural immunity and the vaccine, immunologist Jennifer Gommerman said it’s hard to predict the immune responses to the vaccine, but it has been modified for a predictable outcome.

Gommerman mentioned how much immunity responses vary within each person, but location and where the highest influx of cases are currently occurring greatly impacts the resources available to effectively combat the virus.

Though the amount of exposure you receive can greatly vary, all vaccines administered contain the same dosage.

For those who previously had COVID-19, getting vaccinated can still boost your immune system and won’t cause harm.

People that consider themselves low risk because they’re young and healthy may be wondering what’s the point of getting vaccinated?

Immunologist Marion Pepper says that natural infection poses a greater risk overall and takes more of a toll on your body.

People with preexisting conditions are susceptible to having severe symptoms while sick. Older people have been more at risk for getting the virus but also for dying from it. Some who are sick get little to no symptoms while others get every single one. t’s an unpredictable virus which is what makes it so dangerous. It’s difficult to determine how fatal it can be.

Pediatric professor at Stanford Yvonne Maldonado said that most people that get coronavirus won’t be in the hospital or in an intensive care unit while they are sick.

Although you may not die from contracting this infection, a family member you love could.

Not being high risk isn’t an excuse to jeopardize the well being of others. As for now, since the vaccination isn’t released to the public, when leaving home make sure to wear a mask and disinfect objects that have come into contact with other individuals.

Without the public taking proper precautions, the vaccination will not make the impact needed for a substantial change.

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Page 6 • December 9, 2020

Feature

Ugly Sweaters A brief history of the ugly sweater Christmas tradition LINDA PUGA

campus editor

The history of the ugly Christmas sweater started in the 1980s.

The sweater is generally decorated in a tacky way with added embellishments and fun colors to make it the ugliest of all sweaters.

It is believed that ugly sweaters were created to be fashionable, but are now the opposite due to fluctuating fashion trends from decades ago, said inventions director Mary Bellis in a ThoughtCo article.

The first of its kind was called jingle bell sweaters. They were made in the 1980s when the idea first came about.

One of the first ugly sweater parties was hosted in Vancouver in 2002. The co-founders of the party, Chris Boyd and Jordan Birch continued this tradition with an annual party after that year.

They even trademarked the phrases “ugly Christmas sweater” and “ugly Christmas sweater party.”

What started as a fashion trend eventually grew into its holiday—December 18th is now known as National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. This festive addition to the holidays has become widely known since then and continues to be a fun way to bring spirit to the season.

TR Campus is bringing this tradition to life at this semester’s

Holiday Party for De-Stress Week on Dec. 9.

“The purpose of de-stress week is to take a moment away from the stress of finals and come celebrate all of the hard work the students have done over the semester,” said TR student Kaitlyn Moore, Student Government Association historian.

Students will get to participate in two sessions throughout the day to play games, listen to holiday music and engage in fellowship one last time, Moore said.

Moore gets to manage the entries for the Holiday Sweater contest that student organizations get to take part in.

After brainstorming at a meeting, Moore said the SGA officer team came up with the idea. Fellow campus organization Phi Theta Kappa will co-host the event and Bellevue University will sponsor one of the winning prizes.

The winners of the contest will be announced at 5 p.m. this evening.

Join in on the fun this year and create your own ugly mask to go with your ugly sweater.

Illustration by Amber Davis /The Collegian