The Clarion 9-29-21

SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 • THEONLINECLARION.COM • VOLUME 52, ISSUE 3 • MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE OPINION

ARTS

SPORTS

Celebrating ‘The Joy of Painting’ and Bob Ross » 6

‘The Legend of The Ten Rings’

Men’s soccer team rebounds with a dominant win »12

With solid action, character drama and impressive effects, this new Marvel movie has a lot to offer » 9

Inspirational Poet

WRITING ABOUT THINGS THAT MATTER

Donation drive for refugees Madison College community joins in drive for refugees SHERRA OWINO Copy Editor As the headlines have shifted from the war’s end in Afghanistan, the needs are far from over for the refugees displaced from their home, and Madison College is doing its part to assist.

On Friday Sept. 17, the college hosted a donation drive of basic necessities (winter clothes, baby supplies and other everyday essentials) that would

be taken directly to Fort McCoy where over 8,000 refugees have made the military base their temporary, emergency housing.

“It’s about coming together as a community,” said Nicole Soulier, a community engagement coordinator at Madison College. “I think, especially in these times with the pandemic and all of the injustices we see in the world on the news, we really think about how people are affected.” » SEE DONATIONS PAGE 5

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MATTHEW CHARLES

A photo of Matthew Charles inside his home.

The gift of talent: Living with passion EIMY GONZALEZ Assistant Editor Talent is a well-known attribute of the human condition. Every individual has a spark, with the ability to make an impact within themselves as well as around their community, or as far as they will let it.

When the realization comes, sooner or later, of what this gift may be, it will simply change your life and touch others. That is what happened to Matthew Charles, a poet.

For Charles, his gift manifested at a very young age and with the opportunities that presented themselves throughout the years, he became fluent at filling his words with meaning and inspiring others.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MATTHEW CHARLES

A photo of Matthew Charles holding his book “You Cannot Burn the Sun.”

However, to inspire others and, more importantly, to feel inspired yourself, there sometimes needs to be growth and a pursuit of strength to overcome every obstacle that crosses your way.

Charles committed to writing as a 13-year-old, when he was exposed to rap.

From rap, he learned that through music you could communicate distinct ideas about things that matter, such as politics and world problems. This usage of words inspired Charles and made him passionate about following this career for the rest of his life.

However, as an unfortunate turn of events, when Charles turned 17, he lost his voice. For three years, he lived in silence with no clear diagnosis or treatment of what may have happened. Once he regained his voice, it was not the same and he had to give up rapping.

Yet, even if his voice became limited, Charles transitioned his passion into something different. He fought on with bravery, jumped the hurdles and became a spoken word artist. Writing, according to Charles, saved him, but he had to endure much hardship for the sake of pursuing his given talent.

“The word passion doesn’t just mean » SEE LIFE

OF PASSION PAGE 5

EIMY GONZALEZ/ CLARION

Boxes are loaded outside Madison College’s Health Education Building for the donation drive for Afghan refugees.

Interpersonal connections with college’s international students IMAN ALRASHID Staff Writer International students at Madison College face many difficulties like homesickness, making friends, financial crisis, language barriers and, on top of it, COVID-19.

Stephanie Belmas, the new director of the College's Center for International Education in Madison, is so excited to help all the students, not just the international ones.

“I am passionate about building bridges, establishing strong

interpersonal connections, and helping others, all of which are at the forefront of our work in International Education. I Stephanie Belmas am blessed to have a job that harnesses my passions.”

Belmas agrees that COVID-19 has affected international education so badly, as it affected » SEE STUDENTS PAGE 5

2 | NEWS | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

THE CLARION

OFFTHESHELF

NEWSROOM

By Mark Luetkehoelter, Librarian

‘Book it’ at the Madison College libraries

THE STUDENT VOICE OF MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2021-2022 Kaleia Lawrence EDITOR IN CHIEF

clarioned@madisoncollege.edu

Paige Zezulka

MANAGING EDITOR

clarion@madisoncollege.edu

Eimy Gonzalez ASSISTANT EDITOR

clarion@madisoncollege.edu

Morgan Engels NEWS EDITOR

clarionnews@madisoncollege.edu

Josie Rickerson OPINION EDITOR

clarionopinion@madisoncollege.edu

Lauren Taillon ARTS EDITOR

clarionopinion@madisoncollege.edu

Cole Downing SPORTS EDITOR

clarionsports@madisoncollege.edu

The Madison College Libraries and Student Achievement Centers invite you to book it.

The Libraries and Student Achievement Centers offer many opportunities for help in person, but with so much still being done online at this point, we want you to be aware of the multiples ways you can get help online.

From the Libraries home page https://libguides.madisoncollege.edu/library, there are several online ways to book help for your various needs: • Book-a-Librarian • Book-a-TechXpert • Book-a-Tutor • Book-a-Study Room The Book-a-Librarian service https://libreservations.madisoncollege.edu/ reserve/librarian enables a student to get a free customized 30-minute appointment with a librarian to talk about research needs. Book it to get

help finding reliable sources, learn how to use the library databases most effectively, or get help composing and formatting your papers. If you would like to have help from a librarian throughout the semester, consider booking a Personal Academic Librarian (PAL) at https://libguides.madisoncollege.edu/PAL/choose.

Similarly, if you have a question about a student technology issue, you can set up a free 30-minute appointment with one of our tech experts through Book-a-TechXpert https://libreservations.madisoncollege.edu/reserve/tech.

Both Book-a-Librarian and

Book-a-Techxpert are usually done through WebEx or some other video conferencing tool.

If you’re looking for tutoring help, and an in-person tutor isn’t available, you can book a free 45-minute appointment with a tutor through Book-a-Tutor https:// libguides.madisoncollege. edu/bookatutor.

Students may book up to seven 45-minute appointments per week (Sunday through Saturday) with a tutor. If you run into a situation where you can’t book a tutor at a convenient time you need it, consider using the 24/7 subscription tutoring

service Brainfuse https://libguides.madisoncollege.edu/ onlinetutoring/login, where as a student you can get up to eight hours of free service a year.

Brand new to Madison College this year is the tool Navigate https://students. madisoncollege.edu/navigate where among many other Madison College services, you can also book a librarian or academic engagement partner (professional tutor) during available times.

Finally, if you’re looking for a quiet place to study by yourself or with someone, consider using Book-a-Study Room https://libreservations. madisoncollege.edu/. You can book an available study room up to two weeks in advance in any of the Madison College Libraries or Student Achievement Centers.

So, to get online help in a variety of ways, just remember to book it!

Andres Sanchez PHOTO EDITOR

Vacant WEB EDITOR

Sydney Hise

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Sherra Owino COPY EDITOR

Michelle Meyer

BUSINESS DIRECTOR

clarionads@madisoncollege.edu

Ivan Becerril-Gutierrez DESIGN DIRECTOR

Iman Alrashid Sierra Brunner Hailey Griffin Adam Frohmander Taleise Lawrence Melissa Moua Grant Nelson Robert O’Hara Keondre Randle JD Smith Nelson Boh Suh Spencer Wakefield CONTRIBUTORS

Doug Kirchberg ADVISOR

dkirchberg@madisoncollege.edu

PHOTO PROVIDED TO THE CLARION

Public Safety officers remind students to secure their bikes in the bike racks on campus in order to protect them from theft.

CONTACT US

NEWS PHONE: (608) 246-6809 ADVERTISING PHONE:(608) 243-4809 FAX: (608) 246-6488

SUBMISSIONS To submit an item for publication, drop it off at The Clarion office, Room B1260G Truax and Room D237 Downtown, or email it to clarioned@madisoncollege.edu. The Clarion reserves the right to refuse to publish any editorial submission or advertisement, which may be edited for length, taste and grammar. All opinions expressed in editorials and advertisements do not necessarily represent those of the Madison College administration, faculty, the student body or the Clarion staff.

CORRECTIONS The Clarion strives for accuracy in all of its articles. If you have questions or concerns, please call us at (608) 246-6809 or e-mail: clarioned@madisoncollege.edu.

REMEMBERING Adam Lee Suby, 1987-2009 Philip Ejercito, 1981-2013

PUBLICSAFETY

By Sgt. Lucas Adler

Public Safety reminds people to lock up bikes Public Safety Officers respond to many calls for service and we communicate our activities to the college community. Here are some of the notable incidents from the past couple weeks.

On Sept. 23, a man came on campus and began yelling at and harassing employees in the Cafeteria area. A Public Safety Officer was in the vicinity when this occurred and quickly removed the

man from campus.

On Sept. 21, a fight occurred at the Goodman South campus. Public Safety made contact with both parties and took appropriate action. The incident is still being looked into.

On Sept. 20, a man was found trespassing at the Goodman South campus.

Public Safety made contact with the individual and escorted them off property.

On Sept. 22, a Public Safety officer observed an individual attempting to steal a bike parked on campus. The officer began chasing the individual, who eventually jumped off the bike but fled the area. The bike was recovered and returned to its owner.

A friendly reminder that if you do ride your bike to campus, utilize the bike racks and be sure to lock up your bike.

WolfPack Alert

Have you signed up to for WolfPack Alerts from Madison College? These alerts notify you of school cancellations or about emergencies on or near campus. If not, please do so on our webpage.

Registration is free, easy and takes about a minute on your mobile device.

In addition to our Facebook page, we have a Twitter account! Be sure to follow @PublicSafetyMC to stay informed.

Public Safety is available 24/7 by calling 245-2222.

FOLLOWUS! Follow us on one or all of our social media platforms for exclusives & daily updates! Visit our website for more at theonlineclarion.com.

Clarion Broadcasting

TheClarionMC

TheClarionMC

THE CLARION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 | NEWS | 3

New name, same mission for WolfPack Volunteers MORGAN ENGELS News Editor The Service Learning Academy has been rebranded as WolfPack Volunteers.

The new name has not brought about any changes to program expectations. The change has been made in the hopes that new students coming into the program will not have any confusion about expecting to earn course credit for participating.

“I’m excited about the new name,” says Brianna Stapleton Welch, a student program advisor in the volunteer center. “I think it aligns nicely with the WolfPack brand throughout other areas of Madison College.”

WolfPack Volunteers is a semester-long program in which students

enrolled in degree-credit classes commit to volunteering for two hours every week at the same volunteer site for 10 weeks. Any student enrolled at Madison College is eligible to participate.

“The purpose of the program is to connect and expose students to the variety of long-term volunteering opportunities in the area and to promote community involvement around campus,” says Deborah Moreno Gonzalez, a student lead.

At most other colleges and universities, the term “service learning” refers to volunteering or service that is built into a for-credit course.

That wasn’t the case for Service Learning Academy. It was not related to a class and students do not earn course credit for the program so the program

name was leading to some confusion.

Due to the amount of confusion the name was generating, The student WolfPack Volunteers coordinator suggested a rebranding of the program in fall of 2019. The idea was based on feedback that had been received from students.

In spring of 2020, the rebranding process was included in the 3 year plan the Volunteer Center presented to the Student Activities Board.

The process of rebranding the Service Learning Academy was student-led. It consisted of focus groups, which the service learning academy coordinator facilitated, to get feedback from students who had volunteered as part of the program.

These focus groups generated different program name ideas, and even-

tually settled on the name WolfPack Volunteers, with Volunteer Center board input.

The sign-up deadline for students to get involved this semester has passed.

Students who are interested in getting involved should look for the program’s promotion during the first weeks of the spring semester.

“There are still ways in which students can get involved in community service through one-time events hosted by the Volunteer Center throughout the semester,” says Gonzalez.

More information about WolfPack Volunteers can be found in the Volunteer Center. Information can also be found online, on the Volunteer Center page of Madison College website. Promotions will also be posted on WolfPack Connect.

Eduroam helps make WiFi more easily accessible KALEIA LAWRENCE Editor in Chief Wi-Fi has become more accessible than ever for Madison College students, faculty and staff thanks to a new WI-FI network, called Eduroam.

Eduroam is a global network that gives Madison College the ability to offer secure Wi-Fi access to students, faculty and staff both on and off campus. Along with rolling the network out on Campus, plans are currently underway to expand it in the Madison area.

“It is a wonderful organization that helps to expand the reach of free and secure Wi-Fi to students to further their education and reduce the digital divide,” said Shawn Billing, Chief Information Officer of Madison College’s technology services.

The initiative to get Eduroam was started in March 2020 as lockdowns started. The main focus was regional campuses and eventually included Truax as well.

To access it, students and staff have to use their Madison College credentials to login. Once logged in, it won’t have to be done again. The Eduroam network will show up as a possible network to join.

The network is found on many different college campuses, not only Madison College. If a Madison College student was visiting UW’s campus, the Eduroam network would be available to them.

“Our overall goal is to encourage other schools in the area to join Eduroam to help further build out a seamless network of Wi-Fi availability to students throughout our region,” Billing said.

But Eduroam isn’t only available in Wisconsin, it’s available worldwide.

There are access points on every continent in a total of 106 territories.

Typically, about 150 people access Madison College’s Eduroam network, according to David Digiovanni, Director of Chief Technology Officer. Some of the people hail from universities like Stanford, Texas University and Ohio University.

However, Madison College is currently working with community partners to provide a wider range of accessibility to students. Some of the organizations that the college is discussing this possibility with are public libraries, coffee shops, and clubs like the Boys and Girls Club of Madison.

“These new access points in combination with Eduroam membership helps to further close the digital divide and make it ever easier for students and faculty to connect to provide or access Madison College educational resources and experiences,” Billing said.

Scenes from Summerfest

Above, recording artist and producer G-Eazy performs on Sept. 10 on the Generac Power Stage at Summerfest in Milwaukee. At left, Lindsey Stirling performs on Sept. 10 on the Uline Warehouse Stage.

After a cancelled year due to COVID-19, the show went on this year, but across three weekends during the month of September. The festival drew 409,386 people during its nine-day run, which was a 43% drop from 2019. Organizers are optimistic about a rebound in 2022, and have already announced it will take place during its more traditional June to July timeframe.

SIERRA BRUNNER / CLARION

Many Hispanic Heritage month activities scheduled HAILEY GRIFFIN Staff Writer In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Intercultural Exchange at Madison College will be hosting several events in the upcoming weeks.

Senior Student Program Advisor Ro Encizo said that he’s excited about this year’s event lineup. He, along with students from United Common Ground along with a group of Intercultural Exchange student, made a collective effort to come up with the ideas for this year’s events.

“We haven’t had a lineup like this for Hispanic Heritage Month in, I feel like, several years,” Encizo said.

On Sept. 15, the Intercultural

Exchange hosted a round of Lotería or Mexican bingo. The second round of Lotería will be held both virtually and at the Goodman South Campus on Oct. 4.

“I’d say it’s really to try to get students to have fun and start being exposed to some of the things that I know a lot of students maybe grew up playing,” Encizo said.

On Sept. 30 an event will be held featuring Ballet Folklorico, a dance company based out of Los Angeles.

Students will have the opportunity to view a streamed video of Ballet Folklorico in the Intercultural Exchange, Room C1430 at the Truax campus. Otherwise, students can stream the event with a link to

Microsoft Teams.

On Oct. 11 there will be a Frida Kahlo paint party. Students will be able to order painting kits on WolfPack Connect, but they’re welcome to bring their own supplies, too. This event, in particular, will be hybrid — both with virtual and physical access. During the event, a local artist will come in to talk about Frida Kahlo while students work on their paintings.

Students will also be offered an opportunity to watch the film “In The Heights,” a musical that focuses on a young bodega owner in New York. “A lot of students haven’t seen this movie, so we’re really excited to kind of show it,” Encizo said.

4 | NEWS | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

THE CLARION

College puts safety first as it balances in-person, virtual learning MORGAN ENGELS News Editor Ahead of the fall semester, school officials decided to move Madison College from phase two to phase three of the college’s four phase reopening plan.

The decision to move forward in the reopening plan has brought and renewed energy to campus, with a noticeable increase in the amount of students, faculty and staff on grounds. It has been successfully carried out despite an ongoing surge in new COVID19 cases nationally brought on by the Delta variant.

“I, like most, are tired of this pandemic and looking forward to bright days ahead when our entire campus community can be back together,” says Madison College Provost, Turina Bakken. “I am very proud of and grateful for our teams here at the college who continue to lead these health and safety efforts.”

Under phase three students are experiencing: Expanded face to face instruction, expanded on campus services (cafeteria, bookstore, advising, career services, veterans services, etc.), no door screeners, no health screening surveys to enter buildings, full access to campus buildings, no foreign travel, very limited domestic travel and limited third party

“The optimal delivery mode mix of the future is yet unknown — it will continue to present itself as student behavior and success metrics coming out of this pandemic begin to settle.

For now, we are seeing the transition toward that optimal mix.”

– Provost Turina Bakken events.

Under phase two students saw: Limited face to face instruction, limited on campus services (virtual equivalencies were still available in most areas), door screeners, health screening surveys to enter buildings, limited access to campus buildings, no travel (foreign or domestic) and no third party events.

With regards to what classes are now being offered in person Bakken notes that depending on the program area, “we have seen variability in preferences and student behavior depending on the student profile of that program and thus variations in delivery mode ratios at the program level.”

The school of technology and trades now has almost 80% of all courses in-person or hybrid. All health-related programs, including nursing, are

in the 75% range of in-person options. 36 academic credentials are now offered with the ability to have 80-100% of the required course work all on campus including: several liberal arts transfer pre-majors, auto tech, criminal justice and law enforcement academy, cabinet and millwork, metal fabrication, welding, several information technology, photography, biotech related and more.

“The significant increase in in-person learning options will bring more students, and thus employees, to our campuses,” Baken says. “Walking around on the first day of the semester was evidence to that, as the coffee line grew longer and more and more students were taking advantage of the new, collaborative study spaces across the campus.”

At the start of the semester the United States was seeing

Involvment Fair scenes and signs Above, the Asian American Student Association invites students to join during the Involvement Fair held at the Truax Campus in September. At left, Clarion Radio’s Alyse Miller answers questions about the college’s online radio station.

Below, a display from the Black Student Union encourages students to partcipate.

KEONDRE RANDLE / CLARION

a surge of new COVID-19 cases. The average number of daily reported cases was at its highest point since January, with over 150,000 new cases being reported on average. In response to this the college reinstituted its mask mandate.

Around the same time vaccine clinics were held on campus.

As of Sept. 23 the average number of new cases nationally has dropped to over 126,700.

In Wisconsin the 14 day average of new infections has risen by over 80 percent from its summer low to just over 3,100 new cases a day.

To protect students during the semester, Bakken says that the college is continuing to follow recommendations from state and local health experts as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She also says that, from a course planning perspective, monitoring and adjustments were happening on a daily basis.

“The Cabinet routinely looks at data and health conditions, and consults with our COVID-19 Rapid Response team, under Joshua Cotillier’s leadership, to determine campus reopening procedures and other decisions such as travel, study abroad, community meetings, and more,” Bakken says. “The decisions are based on health and safety first, and serving the needs of our stu-

dents, employees and community in the best way possible given these disruptive days.”

This Fall Madison College is offering nearly 2,700 credit sections. According to Bakken, since the original March plans for fall term were rolled out, 45% of those 2,700 credit courses have been changed in some meaningful way. These changes were made in response to emerging enrollment trends, student behavior and changing health conditions.

While the cabinet, under the leadership of Madison College President Dr. Jack Daniels, remains focused on the current situation; they are also looking ahead to how to position the college in a postCOVID world.

Bakken says that she and the cabinet are working to capture the many innovations of the past 18 months and carry them forward to serve students of the future.

“The optimal delivery mode mix of the future is yet unknown — it will continue to present itself as student behavior and success metrics coming out of this pandemic begin to settle,” Bakken says. “For now, we are seeing the transition toward that optimal mix and plan to continue the tilt toward in person options, in addition to the advancement of engaging remote options using virtual reality and simulation.”

THE CLARION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 | NEWS | 5

DONATIONS

LIFE OF PASSION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Soulier orchestrated the donation drive. For her it’s an important mission that goes beyond the physical.

“My hope is that we can have some empathy around some of that stuff and that this can help build some empathy around some of those things as well and give us some good to work towards.”

For those who were not able to participate in the donation drive, there are other opportunities with various organizations. There has not yet been a confirmation on whether Madison College will host another donation drive.

“I would really encourage folks to learn more about what’s happening and thinking about ways that people are affected,” Soulier concluded.

After all, community is Madison College’s middle name.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

EIMY GONZALEZ/ CLARION

Boxes full of donation for Afghan refugees are organized by volunteers to be loaded onto trucks at Madison College Traux campus.

Financial Contributions:

The Ho-Chunk Nation promoted the Kindle Project Afghanistan Fund for those who would like to give monetary donations.

The Kindle Project Afghanistan Fund provides support to organizations working with artists, women and girls who are at risk inside Afghanistan or have managed to relocate outside of the country.

Their goal is to raise a minimum of $250,000 as soon as possible.

• Link to more information on the Kindle Project: https:// kindleproject.org/ • Donations can be made online at: https://kindleproject. org/give-now/ or send a check: Make Check out to Common Counsel Foundation with “Afghanistan” in the memo line.

STUDENTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the whole world. She sees those challenges as opportunities for growth. Belmas is working hard with her phenomenal team to remain accessible to students during COVID-19. Belmas and

EIMY GONZALEZ/ CLARION

Officer and volunteers help unload a vehicle with donations for Afghan regugees at Madison College Traux Campus.

EIMY GONZALEZ/ CLARION

Volunteers filling up boxes with donations for Afghan refugees outside Madison College Traux Campus. her team can quickly connect with students without them having to come to campus or even if they are still living outside of the U.S. “We have expanded online resources by hosting events like International Orientation and other workshops in a virtual platform. We have made them

more accessible to students who can participate wherever they are in the world or also view the recording later,” Belmas added.

Belmas indicated that the international student center at Madison College has a lot to offer the students, not only at the academic level but also at the health level and more.

loving something, it means loving something so much you are willing to suffer for it,” said Charles.

“Without this expression, this tool, I don’t even know who I would be at this point. I can’t imagine a Matthew that is not also a writer.”

This became a turning point in Charles’ life.

With more years at hand, he began turning more to politics and gained a feeling of responsibility to do something with what he was doing. However, being conscious that speaking up presented certain threats. This became crucial as writing soon became an opportunity to turn inward to learn more about himself, his feelings, and social-political realities.

During the summer of 2020, with the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted from the loss of George Floyd’s life, among others, Charles took his place among the community of Black leaders, artists, and spokespersons that now, as always, have called on racial justice. He began an Instagram series called BLACK, with the purpose of being a new and different source of information of the racial injustice that was seen in the summer as well as throughout the years. He saw what was happening and though, “what is my social responsibility in this movement, right now.” Charles did not see himself as an organizer, but he knew that he could tell a story.

His Instagram series grew well beyond what he expected. After writing about 24 poems in one sitting, Charles realized that this endeavor had to take another route. It was a this point that he decided to gather these poems and create an enlightening book called, “You Cannot Burn the Sun.” As with any endeavor, Charles began by beginning, he made a crowdfunding campaign on Facebook. He was looking forward to a couple of hundred dollars that would suffice the printing of his book, but was astonished by the support he received, which exceeded his expectations. He received thousands of dollars to fund his project and soon became a first-time author and sold about 500 copies just from the pre-orders. This was an important point for his career, he came to the full realization that he is an artist.

Charles writes his poems with intent and excellence; he makes them perdure and make an impact in his community. This is what solidified his decision to continue creating and exploring different ways for people to interact with what he does.

Charles no longer resides in Madison, to grow as a poet and author he had to leave his life here behind to find what is right for his career. Nevertheless, when Charles is in town, he is well remembered for the work he has done. He has inspired people with his writing, letting them see for themselves things that they did not know were there.

There is a bright future for this poet and author.

As he navigates though the industry and continues to grow, his audience can sit at the edge of their seats and witness greatness in the making. People can expect another book to come soon. There is some degree of mystery to Charles’ persona. Follow his every move for spoilers, great poems, and inspiration.

You can find him through Instagram as @matthewcharlespoet as well as in YouTube as Matthew Charles.

6 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

opinion EDITOR: JOSIE RICKERSON

THE CLARION

THEBUZZ

Questions asked to you, our readers.

CLARIONOPINION@ MADISONCOLLEGE.EDU

What's your favorite fall activity?

Pumpkin cream cold brew -Nevah Richardson

Preparing for Halloween and scaring children.

- Christopher Flores, Anna Reekie and Mary Williams

Halloween and horror movies -Arianna Felland

International sensibilities in stores SPENCER WAKEFIELD Staff Writer If Germans are one thing, they are efficient. Whether that manifests in becoming an industrial powerhouse or a sleek grocery shopping experience, Deutschland strives to make everything a science. Aldi, the aforementioned sleek grocery shopping experience, is a moderately successful supermarket chain that has spread throughout Europe and, in the past few decades, to the United States. Compared to American chains, it offers a refreshing and arguably more straightforward shopping experience.

Aldi’s most famous gimmick is probably the carts, requiring a quarter to unchain one from all the other carts.

This serves as an incentive to return them to the stack when you are done shopping- after all, it is your money, why would you not want it back? Once you rent out your cart, you are immediately faced with a selection of goods.

Aldi workers do not waste time unpacking food items from their boxes, which are stacked neatly and tightly on shelves about six feet high. No, they simply open the box, leaving the shop-

pers to do the dirty work of emptying superior. This price to quality ratio mum of $15 an hour, have generally less boxes. This is arguably one of the most is arguably the best part of shopping responsibilities than the average groat Aldi, however, the last and most cery worker, and most shocking of all, efficient parts of the store, saving both important component is game changcashiers are allowed to sit. This is truly labor on the part of the workers as ing- they treat their employees like revolutionary, and by itself is enough well as the planning of where every people! While not an extravagant wage, reason to shop there. Woodman’s might item goes. One box empties, another Aldi’s employees are paid a minialso pay their employees well, but they is pulled forward. It is truly a grocery can’t sit down on the clock. machine.

Last, but not least, Aldi The store itself is designed to be an experience where you employees do not rarely move backwards, a generate the waste one way labyrinth of food, of plastic bags, drinks, and the odd kitchnor do they bag en essential. Even before your food. That is all up to you, the coronavirus seemingon the counters ly permanently changed just behind the how we shop, the store checkout. Once was ahead of the curve you are done, by asking its customers you return to get in, grab their food, and get out without your cart, take causing too much your quarter, and drive home trouble. with your cheap, While not delicious food. A offering as much smile is on your face, of a selection of brands as, say, your stomach is about to Walmart, Aldi be full, and somewhere in goods are not only Berlin, another fan of beer, CLARION ILLUSTRATION BY IVAN BECERRIL GUTIERREZ cheaper than big brands brats and grocery shopper is Illustration of a bag with groceries. like Cheez-Its, but sometimes smiling too.

Was it a happy little accident?

PAIGE ZEZULKA Managing Editor When I was a kid, I remember getting so excited when Bob Ross came on the television.

Looking back at it now, I think about all the cartoons I could’ve been watching at the time, so why Bob Ross? Why this man with a big afro and a goofy grin?

There was something about the PBS program, “The Joy of Painting,” that really drew me in. It might have been the incredible pieces of art that the man behind the paintbrush was creating in just 30 minutes of sun kissed forests, misty mountain landscapes, or sunsets that lit up an ocean view. But I think it was more than that.

The artist’s ability to transmit creativity, passion, knowledge, and love through a screen is what got me. And I think millions of others would agree.

Recently, Netflix produced a documentary called, “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal and Greed.” I remember looking at the title and seeing his name and was like “I have to watch this.”

But I was a little confused about seeing the rest of the words, “betrayal and greed,” in the title. What negativity could possibly come out of Bob Ross’s story?

What seemed to viewers around the world as a CLARION ILLUSTRATION BY PAIGE ZEZULKA

Bob Ross with a palette board “brain”.

show that displayed beauty and shared artistic intelligence, was behind the scenes something much more eerie.

The show “The Joy of Painting” was indeed created and hosted by Bob Ross, but he had partnered with a family named the Kowalskis, who invested in him prior to the show’s production that ran from 1983-1994.

The ties between the Ross family and the Kowalskis were noticeably close, though may have been a bit too close. Per the documentary there were some sketchy things that happened throughout Bob’s career that intertwined with this family including Bob Ross’ name being wrongfully generated for profit.

While watching the film I was shocked that it was taking a route of unraveling multiple scandals within the life of Bob Ross, rather than discussing more about himself as an artist.

The film focused more on the theme of the Kowalskis and how they took advantage of the commercialization of Bob Ross and created a brand in his name.

I don’t want to share too many details and spoil the film, because I truly think it is a documentary that people should watch, especially those who are interested in art.

But I do want to state that Bob Ross’s existence is not one that I would connect to with any toxic thought or feeling, even after hearing the dark side of the story. His passion for teaching people the joy of painting is what I’ll remember the most.

Overall, this Netflix documentary left me a bit confused. At first, I felt super upset that this happy-go-lucky artist and his family were, or could have been, treated unfairly due to the artist’s rise of fame. But another part of me tries to see past the gloom and centers my vision back to the tiny television I once watched Bob Ross on.

As I’ve gotten older, I have become more artistic than I have ever been. I even pick up a paint brush every now and then. Could it be the magic of Bob Ross’ influence on me those many years ago? I’d like to think so.

Ongoing mask debate ADELINE HOLTE Staff Writer It has become a new norm for most of us, walking out of our houses, into stores, onto trains and buses, to throw a mask on. During the beginning of the pandemic, this seemed like a practical precaution to take to ensure everyone’s safety from COVID-19. But now, in 2021, many people are starting to doubt the effectiveness of the masks. Are they effective or not? Now that there is a vaccine, why wear masks?

There are plenty of opinions out there to say if masks provide any protection from the virus or not. Especially

now that a vaccine is out, there is an argument to be said about masks being obsolete. Yet, in most places, we still must wear them. The Center for Disease Control recommends wearing a mask in addition to getting vaccinated, social distancing, and frequently washing hands. The World Health Organization also declares that masks are an effective protection against the virus, especially to those who have not been fully vaccinated.

I think there is a valid argument, though, in being curious about the overall protection masks give to us. If the » SEE MASKS PAGE 7

CLARION EDITORIAL BOARD 2021-2022 Kaleia Lawrence

Lauren Taillon

EDITOR IN CHIEF

ARTS EDITOR

Paige Zezulka

Josie Rickerson

MANAGING EDITOR

OPINIONS EDITOR

Eimy Gonzalez

Sherra Owino

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Morgan Engles NEWS EDITOR

COPY EDITOR

Ivan Becerril

DESIGN DIRECTOR

LETTERS POLICY

Letters to the editor should be typed or written legibly, be 250 words or less, and include the writer’s name, phone number and email address. The Clarion reserves the right to refuse to publish any editorial submission or advertisement, which may be edited for length, taste and grammar. All submissions become the property of The Clarion and may be used for publication. Bring letters to The Clarion office, Room B1260G Truax, or email clarioned@ madisoncollege.edu.

THE CLARION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 | OPINION | 7

Failing can help with self-development ROBERT O’HARA Staff Writer We struggle to find happiness in our lives. This haunts us, destroys us, and makes our judgements imbalanced.

This offset leads to bad judgments and denial in our lives.

Unfortunately, life isn’t balanced and develops a tilted affect that moves in one direction, then in another, then in another.

It falls in different directions, taking turns too fast and creating forward momentum that comes to a halt. It distracts us from our ambitions in life and what is truly important. Sometimes the

MASKS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 vaccine protects, why should we wear a mask? If the masks protect, why get the vaccine?

I am sure to many it seems the only way we are told to protect ourselves from COVID-19 is to do both. Yet, even then, the CDC says that getting the vaccine, masking up, and frequently washing hands and social distancing still may not even fully protect you from the virus. So, if we protect ourselves to the best of our ability, will it really work? Can we not really protect ourselves from this virus with masks?

The answer, I believe, is this: you can never fully protect yourself from any virus. There are plenty of precautions you can take, there are ways to be incredibly safe and follow every rule and guideline down to the last detail, but still, there is always a chance you can get it. Masks might help, but never fully. The vaccine helps, but not fully. Social distancing, washing hands, and natural immunity help, but not fully. All of these things combined should help, and they do! But you are still not fully protected, and to be honest, probably never will be. Should you still take the precautions then? Absolutely.

challenges ahead prevent our ambitions from becoming a reality. This leaves us with thoughts of doubt and unknowing regret.

We don’t want to fail, even though failing is a part of growing oneself. A part of succeeding in life is gaining a sense of purpose, establishing a good support system, and creating an environment with positive influences where dreams become reality. We complete these actions by eating a cheeseburger or running a marathon, which ultimately gives us happiness even if it’s just for a moment.

We set ourselves up for failure most of the time because we care too much about what people think even though

So, do masks work? I think that question is too tricky to give an absolute answer. Do masks work to fully protect you from the virus with no other precautions? No. Do they provide protection if someone near you with the virus, say, sneezes? Yes. Do they provide complete protection if you include all the other safety guidelines? Again, according to the CDC, no.

Does that mean masks are obsolete? No. They may protect you partly on their own, but just like every other precaution, they are not 100% effective. But they are a safe way to feel and be at least slightly protected when going into public.

Some people may not feel protected by them, and others might. Really, it is down to personal choice and how safe someone personally may feel by wearing a mask, and what other precautions you may be taking as well to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Masks may not be fully effective to protect anyone completely from COVID-19, but in the end, it is still one more precaution to take if you are worried about the virus, and no matter what, we should all strive to be safe!

that person is going through a similar situation in their life. We get blinded by the material things that are supposed to help us but in reality, they tear us down and create hurdles that are almost impossible to overcome.

School is challenging in many ways, for many people and discourages us from ever pursuing a college education or even attempting one. This doesn’t mean college is not for everyone or that not going is bad, it means that to create a safe mental and physical place we must change the way we think.

There are many very successful people that have lived a full and meaningful life without having a lot of education. Being scared to do something

doesn’t make it wrong and failing to complete something doesn’t make you a failure. It’s what we do after the fact that makes us who we are.

Unfortunately, life isn’t fair most of the time, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Each day of failure means another shot at success. Many very successful people have started from nothing and rose to something.

Never stop trying or let someone tell you you’re a failure. You fail because you are learning and growing to become a better person.

You’re not perfect, and you’re never going to be. Failing is part of life but turning it around for something positive is what life should be about.

8 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

THE CLARION

THE CLARION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 | 9

arts

Marvel adds ‘Legend of the Ten Rings’

EDITOR: LAUREN TAILLON CLARIONARTS@ MADISONCOLLEGE.EDU

JD SMITH NELSON Staff Writer Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is a contender for top spot regarding their solo hero flicks.

With solid action, character drama, and impressive effects/costuming, the film has a lot going for it. The story follows Shang-Chi, played by Simu Liu, and his family and friends facing against his father Wenwu, played by Tony Leung Chiu-Wai AKA the Mandarin as he attempts to bring back his deceased wife. ShangChi, after leaving behind his life with his father’s organization, now works in San Francisco as a valet.

While attempting to lay low, he is tracked down by the ten rings and thrust back into the world of combat he was raised into.

Shang-Chi has a plot that sounds quite simple on paper; however, the character relationships add depth that keeps the audience invested in the story as it moves along at a rather comfortable pace.

Throughout the story there are flashbacks dotting the runtime. They show us the motivations behind ShangChi, Wenwu, and Shang-Chi’s sister Xialing, played by Meng’er Zhang, and help us become more invested in them not just as warriors, but as human beings. This particular outing may have the strongest antagonist because of this character depth. Wenwu’s motivations are understandable and surprisingly justified. You believe why this man goes to the violent extremes that he does in service of his goals.

On the note of violence, this film has plenty of it, and it is shot wonderfully. Doing away with the shake-cam of previous entries such as The Winter Soldier and Civil War, this film uses dynamic angles and steady mid-range shots to give us a clear yet fascinating view of the wonderfully choreographed fight scenes. Between all out brawls on moving buses, to rumbles in underground fight clubs, the story is driven just as much by action as its emotional beats.

Each character’s fighting styles and weapon choices are clearly defined. Most interesting of these weapons are the titular ten rings. These rings have an array of powerful abilities that seem to be limited only by the imagination. While other weapons such as Thor’s hammer Mjölnir tend to break up fights CLARION ILLUSTRATION BY JD SMITH NELSON

» SEE SHANG-CHI PAGE 10

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" is Marvel's latest super hero flick.

Amazon’s new version of ‘Cinderella’ MELISSA MOUA Staff Writer Amazon Prime released the newest version of Cinderella, featuring Camila Cabello, Idina Menzel, Minnie Driver, Pierce Brosnan and many more. It’s a musical film set with a mixture of period and modern times. Like other versions of Cinderella, she lives with her evil stepmother and two stepsisters, but there are new characters and twists added.

Cabello’s Cinderella dreams of creating dresses and opening her own shop, “Dresses by Ella”. As for her prince, he’s more outspoken and shows a lack of interest in the throne.

The royal family is further presented, with the addition of a new character, the princess. She displays her interest in politics and eagerness to be acknowledged. The evil-stepmother also shows a bit of empathy towards Cinderella and reveals her dream of being a pianist.

From these instances, the film clearly presents empowerment of feminism.

The feminist view is particularly enjoyable, as the main focus isn’t on romance and how a girl needs to marry a prince to live happily ever after, but that Cinderella can have her own passions and dreams. This message gives inspiration to not only females, but to everyone to be courageous and

‘Les Miserables’ continues to be a fan favorite TALEISE LAWRENCE Staff Writer

CHRISTOPHER RAPHAEL / AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Camila Cabello stars in "Cinderella." speak their minds. Later in the film, Cinderella has to choose between her career and love life, which is relatable to many viewers as well.

Furthermore, the amazing costume wardrobe makes the film visually appealing to watch, as it focuses on Cinderella’s dress creations. From Cinderella’s commoner dress to the fabulous Godmother’s gown, there are various colors and fun outfits, specifically during the ballroom scene. Even the extras are given a beautiful sense of style.

As a musical, the rendition of songs is interesting and familiar to viewers.

The music numbers are great to lookout for, however they also hurt the storyline.

Certain songs drag, while others aren’t necessary or essential to the storyline. This makes the course of the movie unnatural and the ending feeling rushed.

From the feminist views to the fashion and music, this version is visually entertaining to watch. Comparing to other Cinderellas, many new additions, twists, and messages are exemplified.

Overall, it is an enjoyable take on the classic fairy tale with its own strengths and weaknesses.

There is so much that I love about “Les Miserables.” It’s two and a half hours long, so there’s a lot to love. I make all my friends watch it, and you can catch me listening to the soundtrack all the time. My siblings and I act out the songs together and fight over who gets which part.

In 1862, Victor Hugo wrote the novel “Les Miserables.” One hundred-eighteen years later it was adapted into a musical theatre production. Later in 1998, it was adapted into a movie, starring Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush. In 2012, there was an opera film released that is titled “Les Miserable.” Nine years later, I still love watching it over and over again.

The music is amazing. The entirety of the script is sung. In most musical movies, the songs are recorded in the studio and the actors simply lip sync. “Les » SEE FAVORITE PAGE 11

10 | ARTS | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

THE CLARION

SHANG-CHI

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

JASIN BOLAND / MARVEL STUDIOS / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Simu Liu in the Marvel Studios film "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."

a bit and distract from the basic kicks and punches in a fight, the ten rings do the exact opposite. They flow beautifully with the fighters’ movements and enhance the attacks already present. The effects bringing them to life truly are convincing as well.

Shang-Chi’s effects are not only convincing, but visually mesmerizing. There is a setting in a bit of the second act and the entire third act that is primarily CGI, and it is magical. Incredibly colorful and imaginative, it feels tangible as well and immerses the audience. If not for the modern gifts of CGI this world may not look half as fantastic. Comparable to the appearance of Josh Brolin’s Thanos in Avengers Infinity War and Avengers Endgame in its believability, it should be praised, if not awarded. This texturing mentality reaches out even to the costuming.

From the sleek yet bright appearance

of Death Dealer, to the dragon scale robes Shang-Chi dawns in the second act, the costumes are all bold, distinguishable, and highly textured. Kym Barret, also known for her creation of the costume in 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man, knocks it out of the park here as well. She manages to bring together traditional Chinese garb and tactical superhero outfits of modern day. The result is truly breathtaking and makes the character designs even more memorable.

Overall, Shang-Chi is a film that revels in its kung fu flick origins unabashedly, and it is all the better for it. The action, emotional beats, and visual flair of the flick keeps the audience engaged, pulls at the heartstrings and, despite a touch of awkward marvel humor, is a great romp for all. If a sequel is in the cards for this film, it will certainly be worth seeing. If you are vaccinated and can find a showing with plenty of available space for social distancing, this movie is absolutely worth your time. Otherwise, it will be available on Disney+ for no additional cost on Nov. 17 later this year, so give it a watch.

THE CLARION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 | ARTS | 11

An in-depth look at the debut album of superstar Lil Nas X SPENCER WAKEFIELD Staff Writer At this point, there cannot be a single person in the country who has not at least heard the name Lil Nas X. Skyrocketing into superstardom off the back of his 2018 hit Old Town Road, 22 year old Montero Lamar Hill has become one of the biggest names in music. His debut album “MONTERO” released on Sept. 17 after months of hype, three singles that amassed a collective one billion streams, and multiple news cycles surrounding the controversy of a gay man being as raunchy in his music as his straight contemporaries. Does “MONTERO” live up to this hype? Or did another artist shoot for the moon only to miss?

The album opens with Lil Nas’ most controversial single to date, “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).”

The title track references both the artist’s given name as well as the popular gay romance book-turned-movie “Call Me By Your Name.” The song itself is aggressive, emotional, and sexually charged, addressed towards one of Hill’s former lovers. He has been purposely vague about the timeline of the real life events that inspired the song, but it is clear that the fictionalized man is a less than stellar character.

Overall, a strong opening.

The next track, “DEAD RIGHT NOW,” is a slower tune addressed to Lil Nas’ parents. Being openly gay strained things with his father, and his mother’s drug addiction made him distance himself from her both physically and emotionally. His newfound stardom seems to strain things more with the both of them, with the chorus implying they have tried to get closer to him now that he has money. It’s an extremely somber track, to say the least.

Fortunately, track number 3 is one many readers are likely familiar with: “INDUSTRY BABY.” Produced by longtime Lil Nas collaborator Take a Daytrip and musical juggernaut Kanye West, the track is triumphant, indignant even, and has a strong verse from Jack Harlow, another newcomer to the rap game. The reprise of “I ain’t fall off, I just ain’t release my new sh*t” seems to be true, as the next track, “THAT’S WHAT I WANT,” delivers. A high tempo treatise on longing, Lil Nas sings about the man of his dreams. It is touching, relatable even.

After the short intermission track of “ART OF REALIZATION,” the album has another feature by pop star Doja Cat in the song “SCOOP.” The song,

FAVORITE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Miserables” is unique because the actors were actually singing in real time. This was a very ambitious idea, and it was one of the first movies to do this. The only exception is the very first song in the film.

There was too much water rushing on set, so the actor’s voices were drowned out.

My first time watching this movie, I was constantly surprised by the actors.

Wolverine? Princess Mia Thermopolis?? Newt Scamander?! They all played their roles excellently, with Anne Hathaway winning both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe despite only 15 minutes of screentime.

The plot has so much going on, and yet it’s easy to follow.

‘Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire’ GRANT NELSON

KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES/TNS

Lil Nas X accepts the Top Hot 100 Song Award onstage. while fun and catchy, is essentially what would come out if Doja was a gay man instead of a bisexual woman.

It lacks the artistic identity of some of the other tracks on the album.

The next song has a feature that is surprising for a rapper- Elton John.

While not providing vocals, he lent his piano talent to “ONE OF ME” to support another gay artist struggling to break into show business. Indeed, Hill sings about the resistance and ridicule he received from the music industry and public at large for being young, black, gay, and propelled to fame by the internet.

The next track, “LOST IN THE CITADEL,” takes a more sobering turn. The song is slow, heavy. It is about the emotional fallout of a failed relationship, and all the pain and confusion and feelings of “what if?” that comes from one. The following track is another Daytrip production, “DOLLA SIGN SLIME,” featuring rap superstar Megan Thee Stallion. The song appears to use the same sound font as “INDUSTRY BABY,” as horns feature prominently in the beat. The song is a standard flexing song, about money, fame, and the like. Meg’s verse is as good as most of her other features, and the fact an artist as new to the scene as Lil Nas X was able to get Megan on a track is a shock. Overall, a strong first half.

As fans have noted, the album does take a decidedly more depressing turn in its second half. The next tracks are notably slower, darker, and have heavier lyrics. “TALES OF DOMINICA” is a haunting song about what Lil Nas has described as “the darkest time in [his] life,” just prior to the success of “Old Town Road.” He had dropped out of college, straining his relationship with his parents even more, he was still closeted, and bet all of his future on his musical talents. It

Firstly, it follows Jean Valjean and Javert, and later Cosette and Marius. It’s a story of poverty, revolution, and love: familial, platonic and romantic. The writers keep the story engaging even though it’s long.

Though I love all of the songs, there are some standouts for me. “A Little Fall of Rain” is absolutely heart wrenching; I cry every time.

This duet is sung by Eponine and Marius, while she dies in his arms. She was in love with him since they were children, though he never reciprocated her feelings. Her final moments are spent with Marius while he comforts her.

Earlier in the movie, Eponine sings a song where she is standing in the rain. It’s a sad factor in this song, emphasizing how nothing's going right in Eponine's life. In “A Little Fall of Rain,” the rain is pic-

is a song written about uncertainty, and its plodding pace reflects that. If the album has an artistic standout, this song is a contender.

“SUN GOES DOWN” is another piece written about that time, the chorus emphasizing how suicidal he was at the time. There are references to self-medicating to get through each day and how he turned to Twitter for a sense of belonging. Hill was also still closeted at this point in his life, referencing another piece of gay media by addressing his past self as Blue, after the closeted love interest in “Love, Simon.” The following track, “VOID,” is a meditation on the isolation that comes from being young, black, and gay, especially in the music industry. It is slow, emotionally heavy, and reinforces the album’s identity as a piece of unabashedly gay art.

“DON’T WANT IT,” the next track, is more upbeat sounding, a welcome break from the weight of the last two songs. It is catchy, but the same could be said for most of the songs on the album. The final track, after the second intermission of “LIFE AFTER SALEM,” is “AM I DREAMING.” Featuring a verse by Miley Cyrus, the song is emotionally raw. Both artists faced massive public backlash after coming out of the closet, and this track harnesses the pain that came from that.

The 15 track album proves Lil Nas X’s artistic strength as a pop songwriter as well as a performer. Living up to much of, if not all of, the hype surrounding its release, “MONTERO” will likely be a contender for album of the year this award season.

Triumphant, emotionally complex, and long awaited, this release is likely one of many from the young superstar that will go down in the annals of pop history.

tured as a good thing. “A little fall of rain could hardly hurt [her] now” and “the rain will help the flowers grow.” It’s a beautiful parallel.

Another song that has great parallels is “Javert’s Suicide.”

Javert is a real stickler for the rules. He follows them to the letter, regardless of whether they are fair or reasonable.

In the earlier song “Stars,” he sings about how stars are like “sentinels...keeping watch in the night.” They have order; they follow set patterns. He relates to the night sky, and it watches over him.

In “Javert’s Suicide,” he has just gained a new perspective on life. He has an existential crisis after being set free from the man he’s been hunting for years. Is the world not black and white? Is there room for gray areas and exceptions for rules? He couldn't understand

Staff Writer Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire is recommended to all fans of the series. It comes in the form of a book, video game and comic.

Long before the times of Disney, back in one of the most beloved settings of Star Wars is between “Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” Beginning with the Battle of Hoth, the game follows the adventures of the crew of the Falcon and a lone Merk that are trying to save Han Solo from Jabba. However, they soon find themselves hunted by the criminal empire, the Black Sun. Some important plot arcs include Luke Skywalker’s training to be a Jedi while dealing with the truth that Darth Vader is his father. Another arc is the power struggle between Darth Vader and the leader of the Black Sun, Prince Xizor.

The book really delves in to the politics and power plays of the of the Empire. It also gives real depth to the Black Sun and their plot to take over the Empire.

The series is filled with solid science fiction action and nerdy world building.

Having the Rebels infiltrate the Imperial City feels like a nerdy Star Wars DND game. The story draws out the lore of the universe during the first Star Wars films and feels like it could be its own film.

20 years of Halo GRANT NELSON Staff Writer It’s the 20th anniversary of Halo, the game that shaped millions of people’s lives.

The game and universe have gone through so many narratives and genres but has always held onto its core.

The Halo franchise started off as a sandbox space warfare open world game filled with space dinosaurs and hordes of aliens and space marines fighting over a ring world with no lore or back story. Now it is known as the Halo universe with its spartan heroes and deep lore that we know today. We have had countless books, games and comics set over 100,000 years to fall in love with. There’s also fan projects like Red vs. Blue and Arby and the Chief.

Halo is set in our hearts as the land of parties of friends playing capture the flag or fighting off hordes of aliens in fire fight.

The new Halo intends to bring fans back to the heart and spirit of what the first halo was with its space dinos and open world elements. I’m stoked about it. In the meantime, try out the master chief collection of the halo games in one filled with modding new functions and a thriving community.

this, and contemplated his life up to that point. “The world I have known is lost in shadow...

The stars are black and cold.”

The call to the stars earlier symbolizes Javert’s internal struggle in a simple and clear way.

“Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” is the final song before the epilogue. This song is sung

by Marius, after the barricades were unsuccessful. He sings about how all his friends are now dead, and the guilt he feels being still alive. He visits the place they used to have political meetings, but also spent time together drinking and conversing. Eddie Redmayne delivers an incredible emotional performance.

The final song I’ll talk about is “Turning.” This song is less than a minute long, but it's still one of my favorites. “Did you see them going off to fight?

Children of the barricade who didn't last the night. Did you see them lying where they died? Someone used to cradle them and kiss them when they cried. Did you see them lying side by side?” That’s the whole song. It’s so impactful, though.

It shows the personal side of war and revolution. These people had lives outside of the barricade. They had families who loved them. The last line, “lying side by side,” gives a small bit of comfort. They weren’t alone in death. They died alongside their friends, passionate about their cause to the last breath.

Yeah, this movie is super long. You have to start watching it early in the night to not fall asleep. The singing can sound funny sometimes.

It’s really sad and dark. But despite all this, it’s one of my favorite movies ever.

12 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

sports EDITOR: COLE DOWNING CLARIONSPORTS@ MADISONCOLLEGE.EDU

THE CLARION

MEETTHEPACK

MEN’S SOCCER

JONAS LUSKEY SANDERS

Profiles of WolfPack athletes

WOMEN’S SOCCER KARMEN SMYTH

A freshman midfielder on the Madison College women’s soccer team, Karmen Smyth has played in all six matches this season and has started four of them. She is the team’s No. 2 scorer with five goals on the season and two assists. She has taken 17 shots, including 11 shots on goal.

Her best match of the season was against Illinois Valley Community College on Sept. 8, when she scored two goals and had

SMYTH

LUSKEY SANDERS

an assist. In addition, she had goals against Triton College, Elgin Community College and Harper College. A graduate of Stoughton High School, Smyth earned second team all conference honors.

Madison College sophomore Jonas Luskey Sanders currently leads the WolfPack men’s soccer team in scoring with nine goals and five assists through eight matches. He has scored a hat-trick twice this season, with three goals against Milwaukee Area Technical College on Sept.

18 and three goals against Joliet Junior College on Sept. 25.

At Madison East High School, Luskey Sanders scored 10 goals and had five assists as a senior to help lift his team to the Big Eight title. The son of Kelly Luskey and Scott Sanders, he is a liberal arts major.

Making the team just part of the battle Experience of LGBTQ+ athletes different than CIS gender teammates KALEIA LAWRENCE Editor in Chief As exciting as sports are, there are also times where it’s hard. Outside of just the athletic aspect, LGBTQ+ athletes have an entirely different experience. They have to go through the same things as everyone else: tough practices and disappointing games, but also have to experience extra hardships.

Things like concerns about being accepted by their teammates, digs from opponents or fans and fear of being harmed are common.

When it comes to queer acceptance, Wisconsin is lacking. The House of Representatives has proposed the Protecting Women in Sports Act. The bill would only allow those who were assigned female at birth to compete in women’s sports. It would limit those in public sports from kindergarten all the way up to public colleges. There’s been a lot of support throughout the state and 28 co-sponsors on the bill.

Gov. Evers, who hasn’t

Checking in on WolfPack volleyball ADAM FROHMANDER Staff Writer With less than a month from the end of the volleyball season, things are beginning to heat up in conference play for the WolfPack. The team is off to an 8-9 start on the season and will have its next home match on Sept. 30 against College of DuPage.

I had a chance to check in with Coach Quinn Lukens on how things have been so far this season. The questions and answers are as follows:

shown support for the bill, tweeted “My message to Wisconsin’s transgender kids and students today is simple: I see you. You are welcome, you are wanted, and you belong.”

Even though there has been pushback against the bill in Wisconsin and the other states where it’s been introduced, bills like this being written and met with support demonstrates the lack of support for gay athletes.

While much of the public discourse regarding queer athletes is negative, that doesn’t dictate everyone’s experience.

Q: How do you feel about your season since it has started?

A: I am happy with the momentum we are starting to gain. We have been working hard in the practice gym and the overall environment continues to build as one that is both competitive and positive.

I am happy with our progression. Lots of things to improve on, as there always is, but we are moving in the right direction.

Athletes are athletes

Take Paisley Bennett, a current member of Madison College’s esports team. During her time with the team, Bennett hasn’t experienced any homophobia from her teams or opponents.

Bennet uses the label of gay because “I just, I like girls. I don’t know...the word lesbian; it’s just weird to me. I’m like, I’ll say gay versus lesbian.”

While this is Bennett’s second year as an athlete at Madison College, her athletic history goes back several years.

Upon graduating, she

Q: Who have been your shining stars so far this year?

A: Volleyball is the ultimate team sport. It takes more than one or two players to drive team success. Everyone on our roster plays an important role in the growth of our group as a whole, and it will take everyone on the roster for us to get

» SEE LGBTQ+ PAGE 13

CLARION ILLUSTRATION BY KALEIA LAWRENCE

» SEE WOLFPACK PAGE 14

WolfPack men’s soccer team rebounds in dominant fashion CLARION STAFF REPORT

CLARION STAFF PHOTO

Madison College’s Jonas Luskey Sanders, right, scored three goals against Joliet Junior College in his team’s 6-0 victory on Sept. 25.

How do you get past your first loss in weeks? By dominating an opponent, 6-0. At least, that’s the way the Madison College men’s soccer team responded in its match against Joliet Junior College on Sept. 25.

Sophomore Jonas Luskey Sanders led the way in the big win with three of goals. He leads the team in both goals and assists this season, scoring nine goals and five assists through eight matches.

Madison College now stands and 6-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play.

Its only conference loss was 3-2 in overtime at Harper College on Sept. 22.

The loss snapped a five-match winning streak.

Harper College is the defending conference champ and now has won nine straight matches against Madison College.

Although Madison College currently leads the conference standings with a 5-1 record, both Harper College and Rock Valley College have only one loss.

The WolfPack will play both teams again before the season ends on Oct. 16.

Women’s soccer

When the Madison College women’s soccer team scores, there’s a 50/50 chance that Angelina Perez had a part of it. The team has scored 26 goals this season, and Perez has scored 10 of them and had assists on three of them.

Madison College beat Rock Valley College, 4-1 , on Sept. 15 and beat Harper College, 5-1, on Sept. 22. Perez scored the go-ahead goal against Rock Valley and netted two goals against Harper College.

Other scoring leaders for the WolfPack this season include Karmen » SEE SOCCER PAGE 14

THE CLARION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 | SPORTS | 13

Picking 3 big upsets in college football BOH SUH Staff Writer I predict that there will be three upset games for week five of college football. I was on the fence whether I should pick Kansas State over Oklahoma because Oklahoma has struggled in the past two games against unranked teams, such as Nebraska (2-3) and West Virginia (2-2). Oklahoma is considered as a playoff contender this year, so it was disappointing when Oklahoma beat them by seven points and three points respectively at home. Away games in college football can be tricky, so we will see how it turns out.

The only reason I picked Oklahoma over Kansas State is that Kansas State beat Oklahoma last year at Oklahoma, so I believe that Oklahoma will be more motivated this time to take revenge.

The real possible upset this week is Kentucky against Florida. Kentucky has been surprisingly good in football in the past few years here and there. With a home field advantage, Kentucky definitely has a shot.

The next upset matchup is Wisconsin against Michigan.

The only reason I think this is going to happen is because how Wisconsin has performed at home in the past decade. I just do not see them losing twice at home out of first three home games. To be honest, I was shocked with the lost to Penn State in week one because I have not seen Wisconsin lose at home for a while. However, after losing against Penn State and Notre Dame, Wisconsin needs a new game plan. Believe it or not, Wisconsin still can take the Big Ten title this year if they win all their remaining games.

The last upset would be LSU over Auburn. Auburn is actually a good team. They pushed Penn State to eight points at Penn State a couple weeks ago, but they barely survived against Georgia State last week. I think it was due to the close loss in the important

matchup, so they were a little bit down. Then, why would I pick LSU over Auburn? Again, a home game advantage logic like the two other upsets.

LSU is traditionally a good team and is hard to beat at home (alright except against Alabama, but who really can beat Alabama??). The loss against UCLA in week one was disappointment, but LSU has bounced back and even beat Mississippi State at away game. LSU should be ready to host Auburn.

No. 1 Alabama (4-0) vs. No. 12 Ole Miss (3-0) – Alabama No. 2 Georgia (4-0) vs. No. 8 Arkansas (4-0) – Georgia No. 3 Oregon (4-0) vs.

Stanford (2-2) – Oregon No. 4 Penn State (4-0) vs.

Indiana (2-2) – Penn State No. 5 Iowa (4-0) vs.

Maryland (4-0) – Iowa No. 6 Oklahoma (4-0) vs.

Kansas State (3-1) - Oklahoma No. 7 Cincinnati (3-0) vs.

No. 9 Notre Dame (4-0) – Notre Dame No. 10 Florida (3-1) vs.

Kentucky (4-0) – Kentucky (Upset Alert) No. 11 Ohio State (3-1) vs.

Rutgers (3-1) – Ohio State No. 13 BYU (4-0) vs. Utah State (3-1) – BYU No. 14 Michigan (4-0) vs.

Wisconsin (1-2) – Wisconsin (Upset Alert) No. 15 Texas A&M (3-1) vs.

Mississippi State (2-2) – Texas A&M No. 16 Coastal Carolina (4-0) vs. UL Monroe (2-1) – Coastal Carolina No. 17 Michigan State (4-0) vs. Western Kentucky (1-2) – Michigan State No. 18 Freson State (4-1) vs.

Hawaii (2-3) – Fresno State No. 19 Oklahoma State (4-0) vs. No. 21 Baylor (4-0) – Oklahoma State No. 20 UCLA (3-1) vs.

Arizona State (3-1) - UCLA No. 22 Auburn (3-1) vs. LSU (3-1) – LSU (Upset Alert) No. 23 NC State (3-1) vs.

Louisiana Tech (2-2) – NC State No. 24 Wake Forest (4-0) vs.

Louisville (3-1) – Wake Forest No. 25 Clemson (2-2) vs.

Boston College (4-0) - Clemson

The fall of Clemson and Wisconsin BOH SUH Staff Writer Week four was a disappointment for Wisconsin fans.

Coming into the fourth quarter, Wisconsin was up 13 to 10 against No. 12 Notre Dame, but then I do not know what happened.

If someone tells me that a team can score 31 points in 13 minutes against Wisconsin, I would have laughed because it is unrealistic. Even Alabama probably cannot score 31 points against us in 13 minutes.

However, that is exactly what Notre Dame did. A couple turnovers definitely made it possible as Wisconsin had five turnovers in that game. The momentum shifted quickly after Notre Dame had a 96 yard kickoff return.

Anyway, the game knocked Wisconsin out of the Top 25.

Wisconsin in on thin ice this season already, so we will see how Wisconsin turns around

this year.

Clemson is another team having disappointing season.

Even after their star quarterback Trevor Lawrence went to the National Football League, Clemson still has been getting top recruits, so they started the season ranked No. 3.

However, after losing against Georgia by seven points and barely winning against Georgia Tech at home, Clemson lost again against NC State. And there are no good matchups left for Clemson to climb up the ranking.

They can still become the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) champion, but the two loss ACC champion is likely out this year, especially after losing against Georgia. Basically, Alabama and Georgia are likely to see each other at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship game. It is likely that will Alabama beat Georgia, and both will make the playoffs.

LGBTQ+

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 played softball at North Central University, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a private, Division 3, Christian college. During her years there, she played mostly as an infielder.

At the time, she wasn’t out to her teammates.

Instead, she was taking time to figure herself out and wasn’t dating anyone so she could focus on herself more.

However, when Bennett moved on to her next athletic endeavors, women’s semi-professional football, she was out to everyone.

“It was easier to be out ‘cause like 90% of the team was gay... like some of them are like my lesbian moms, so it’s pretty cool,” said Paisley Benett Benett.

During her time with Madison Blaze, Bennett played against transgender and cisgender athletes. “...they both hit the same. Still got a concussion from both of them, like, doesn’t matter if they’re on T or estrogen. Like if you get hurt, you get hurt.”

In regards to the Protecting Women in Sports Act, Bennett thinks it’s wrong and a double standard.

“I find it ridiculous too because already we have it in place: if there is not a sport for women to play like an equivalent sport, they can play on the guy’s team. So in high school, if you are a female you can play on the guy’s football team or if they didn’t have softball, you could try out for baseball, vice versa. So I don’t understand why it’s such an issue. Like if you’re gonna put a born at birth female out there on the field with born at birth males, it shouldn’t matter,” Bennett said.

Being yourself takes bravery

Queer people are not a monolith, so each story is shaped by different life experiences.

Alanis Harris plays volleyball at Ripon, a private liberal arts college in Wisconsin. They’re a junior defensive specialist.

Harris uses the labels nonbinary and pansexual or demisexual. While they’re out as pansexual to their team, only a few of them know that Harris is nonbinary.

The main thing holding Harris back from being fully out is the challenges that come along with it.

“To make myself even more different from them in yet another way… I don’t know whether it’s more exhausting to put on my girl persona every time I go to practice or dealing with that,” said Harris.

Even though they Alanis Harris haven’t experienced homophobic behavior from teammates or opponents, that doesn’t stop struggles that Harris faces.

“For someone who is not straight or not cis[gender] like it’s really scary because it’s just like, I don’t know...I just sometimes I wonder if I really belong on this team,” Harris said.

While Harris struggles with the feeling of belonging, they have words of encouragement for younger athletes who might be scared to pursue sports because of who they are.

“The only way it’s ever gonna change is if we have more young people willing to be themselves and willing to put themselves out there and make themselves visible. So it’s just going to be a long, lot of steps. A lot of kids having to be brave over and over again, basically, until something changes,” said Harris.

Sharing your identity

Olivia Marron is a dual sport athlete at Madison College, playing both basketball and volleyball. This is her second year as captain of the volleyball team and will be filling that role for basketball in the spring.

Marron, like others, struggles with what labels to use.

“Queer, gay, bisexual, I don’t know. It’s hard.

I haven’t, like, officially labeled myself...so yeah,

any of those,” said Marron.

Marron came out to her basketball coach over Facetime. The rest of her team found out over time. While Marron was talking about her partner to a teammate, others joined in on the conversation.

“I’m not shy about it anymore,” Marron said.

While Marron doesn’t shy away from talking about her identity, the same doesn’t apply for queer youth participating in sports.

Four out of five queer youth are not out to their coaches about their sexual orientation and 82% are not out to their coaches about their gender identity, based on a study done by the Humans Right Campaign in 2017.

When it comes Olivia Marron to her journey and advice she’d give to others, Marron feels that one of the hardest battles to overcome is the battle with yourself.

“I think that the biggest thing is the battle within. But if you validate your own feelings and talk to people who love you and people who you feel safe with, then you will be able to get through it. And keep pushing, you know, push for your own identities and keep working hard and doing what you gotta do and you’ll feel comfortable one day,” said Marron.

Existing regulations

Across all colleges, there are different rules that each has to abide by. For example, private colleges can make and enforce different rules that public colleges can’t. This can be things like dress codes and curfews.

Madison College is a public, two year college.

While some of the sports are Division 3 and some of them are Division 2, they all fall under the realm of the National Junior College Athletic Association, or the NJCAA. Although Madison College must abide by NJCAA rules no mater what, Athletic Director Steve Hauser said, “My interest and our interest is that we offer involvement opportunities for as many people to be involved as possible that want to be involved.”

When it comes to transgender athletes, most of the NJCAA rules are about how much surgery or hormone treatment is required to participate in sports.

Transgender athletes who aren’t getting surgery or taking any hormone treatment are allowed to participate in sports that correspond with their identity that was assigned at birth.

Female to male athletes are allowed to participate in men’s teams, the same way that cisgender females are. Male to female athletes are not allowed to participate on women’s teams, same as cisgender males, unless the status of the team is switched from “sex segregated” to “mixed” status.

Even though these rules would be subject to change if the Protect Women in Sports Act were to pass at a large scale, Hauser said that Madison College creates an accessible atmosphere.

“I do feel that we could effectively accommodate any interest of any gender or gender identity with our student body,” said Hauser.

Feelings uncertain for athletes

A study conducted across NCAA Division 3 schools in 2018 found that most people think that the schools are welcoming and free from discrimination for LGBTQ+ athletes, while LGBTQ+ athletes did not agree or felt “neutral” about it. The uncertainty of it indicates that the environment might not be the most welcoming.

Since the introduction of the Protect Women in Sports Act, another similar bill has been proposed in Wisconsin. It would force the University of Wisconsin and technical colleges to only allow cisgender athletes to participate.

The bill was introduced on April 22, 2021, almost one month after Transgender Visibility Day. Every student athlete is going to have a different experience. But queer athletes already face uncertainty and regulations from collegiate organizations, and they feel matters will only be made worse if the government passes bills.

14 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

THE CLARION

THELIGHTERSIDE Puzzles and Cartoons

BREWSTER ROCKIT

TIM RICKARD / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

BREWSTER ROCKIT

TIM RICKARD / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

CROSSWORDPUZZLE

SOCCER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis / MCT Campus

Smyth (five goals and two assists), Alexis Kulow (three goals and one assist), and Taylor Peterson (three goals and one assist).

The WolfPack now stands at 4-1-1.

The squad’s next home match will be on Oct. 13 against Bryant and Stratton College.

Volleyball

The Madison College volleyball team posted its biggest victory of the season on Sept. 24, with a five-set upset of No. 3 ranked Harper College.

It was the first time the WolfPack have beaten the Hawks in the last five matches, and only the third time they’ve won in the last 15.

Callie Borchert led a strong defense, with 11 blocks. She became the third Madison College player to post 10 or more blocks in a single match. Borchert also had 11 kills in the match. Setters Mariah Best and Kaleia Lawrence both had 21 assists.

Madison College also defeated conference opponent Milwaukee Area Technical College, 3-0, on Sept. 21 and

Bryant and Stratton College, 3-2, on Sept. 16.

The WolfPack now stands at 7-10 overall and 2-2 in conference play.

After traveling to Joliet Junior College on Sept. 28, Madison College will host College of DuPage on Sept. 30.

Golf

Competing against a pool of fouryear schools, Madison College golfers finished tied for eighth in the Frank Wrigglesworth Bluegold Invitational hosted by UW-Eau Claire on Sept.

19-20.

AJ Gray led the WolfPack with a score of 163, good for 18th place individually in the tournament, finishing 10 strokes behind the individual winner.

In addition, the WolfPack won a head-to-head match play competition against Southwest Tech in the inaugural Match Play at the Chalet event held on Sept. 23.

The fall golf season wraps up with the Region 4 Classic on Oct. 1 and the DuPage match play event on Oct. 3.

WOLFPACK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 where we want to go.

Q: Who has improved the most?

A: I can’t point to one individual as being the “most improved” at this time.

I have been happy with the improvement of our team defense over the last couple weeks.

Our block and our back row have been doing a great job extending rallies and giving us opportunities in offensive transition. If we keep doing that, we will become harder and harder to play against.

Q: Overall, what does the team need to work on the most?

A: As our defense continues to improve, our setter – hitter connection will become the next point of emphasis. As we keep the ball off the ground, we will create more opportu-

nities offensively. Taking advantage of those opportunities and finding ways to score will be extremely important to our success.

Q: What are the greatest challenges in your schedule this season?

A: Our conference as a whole is strong this year. We won’t have any easy matches, so the greatest challenge in our schedule is the consistently high level of competition. We will have to show up ready to battle and compete every night.

Q: What are your expectations for the remainder of the season?

A: As we move forward with the season, the expectation is that we continue to look for ways to improve as players, as teammates and as people.

We do that, we will find success.

ACROSS 1 Fried __, popular Chinese food order 5 Coffee that probably won’t keep you up 10 Engrossed 14 Tehran’s land 15 Norwegian king, 995-1000 16 Other, in Oaxaca 17 One of two rectangles next to home plate 19 New Mexico art community 20 Move like Miley 21 Butcher’s cut 23 CD predecessors 24 Absorb the lesson 25 Cartoon flapper 27 Sick 28 Corn serving 30 Dogie catcher 31 Youngster 33 Boxing match venue 36 First stage, as of an illness 37 Last step, however difficult 40 Tut-tutted 43 ER doc’s “Now!” 44 Glasses, in adspeak 48 Arcade pioneer 49 “Casablanca” pianist 51 NYC’s Madison or Fifth 52 “Cheers!”

56 Fall flower 58 Divided Asian country: Abbr.

59 Not worth debating 60 Prefix with face or faith 61 Falco of “The Sopranos” 63 Called from the rear?

66 Egg foo __

67 River to the Rhone 68 “Casablanca” heroine 69 Fix, vet-style 70 Calif. NFLer 71 “Phooey!”

DOWN

1 Tease 2 With extreme anger 3 Fashion runway 4 “Come in!”

5 Nerdy type 6 Raised city trains 7 Computer cord 8 In progress, as Sherlock’s “game” 9 Handy “Mr.” 10 “Hogwash!”

11 With “for,” unable to think of, as words 12 Say, “Will you marry me?”

13 Drunkard 18 Sea eagle 22 Hosiery material 24 Illuminated 25 Telly watchers 26 Styx and Stones 29 Paintings on a

wall, for instance 32 Film critic Roger 34 Ping-Pong table divider 35 Comprehend 38 “Eat crow” or “talk turkey” 39 Expected-in hr.

40 Indent producers, on a PC 41 Got to one’s feet 42 Catastrophic New Orleans hurricane 45 Kneecap 46 World’s highest mountain 47 Child of a

boomer 50 Pedi partner 53 Shell competitor 54 “Stars and Stripes Forever” composer 55 Give voice to 57 Word with case or way 60 Footnote word 62 IOC country code between ECU and ERI 64 __-la-la 65 Prosecutors, for short

THE CLARION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 | 15

Keepin’ it Classy Help Finding Housing

Madison College is partnering with Rent College Pads to provide a curated list of houses and apartments available near all campuses in the district.

The site is exclusive to the Madison College community. Visit madisoncollege.edu/housing to learn more.

Personal Research Help

Madison College libraries are now offering a Personal Academic LIbrarian program to help support students with research help. For more information about the new program, visit the https://libguides.madisoncollege.edu/pal.

The Clarion offers free classified advertising to students. Send your ads of 70 words or less to clarionads@madisoncollege.edu. Space is limited.

Submission does not guarantee publication.

60 Clubs to Choose From

There are more than 60 clubs available at Madison College. Participating in a student-led club is a great way to meet new friends or develop a new skill. Visit madisoncollege.edu/ clubs-organizations to learn more about how you can join.

Join the Clarion

Writers, photographers and graphic artists are invited to join The Clarion staff at any time during the school year. If interested in helping out, email clarioned@madisoncollege.edu to connect with our editor and learn more about the newspaper.

Pick Up a Bus Pass

WolfPack Alerts

Madison College offers Madison Metro bus passes for its students to help them commute to campus. New bus passes are availabe in Student Life.

Bus passes can be mailed to your home. Visit madisoncollege.edu/buspass for more information.

Remember to sign up for the college’s WolfPack Alert emergency messaging system. You will get need-to-know info about school closings and urgent updates. Go to madisoncollege.edu and search “WolfPack Alert” to find instructions.

Lockers Available

Listen to Clarion Radio

Students can reserve lockers at the Truax Campus by visiting the Student Life Office, Truax Room B1260 or register them using the form at madisoncollege.edu/locker. Students must provide their own lock. There is no charge for locker use.

Madison College has it’s own online student radio station. Listen in at ClarionRadio.com. The station is always looking for students who are interested in producing their own show. Email clarionmedia@madisoncollege.edu for more information.

16 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

THE CLARION