The Advocate, Issue 08 - Nov. 11, 2016

the

advocate

Volume 51 Issue 8

November 11, 2016

Independent Student Voice of MHCC

Veteran seeks to create a better path for peers PAGE 3

Freshman playing lead tenor sax in Nov. 30 performance PAGE 6

Volleyball: more than just a game PAGE 8

Portland-raised artist integral member of Don't Shoot Portland PAGES 4-5

Looking ahead: America pulls its Trump card

PAGE 2

2016 FIRST PLACE

General excellence Oregon Newspaper Publisher Association

OPINION

November 11, 2016

Editorial

Clean your car before you’re cleaned out Crime is a part of life, unfortunately. It turns out, the most common site for crime at MHCC area is our vehicles. Cars are just as likely, if not more so, of getting robbed as our home. And it seems that lots of people are not protecting their cars at Mt. Hood like they would protect their homes.

When reading through MHCC’s annual crime logs for the 201516 academic year, we counted two stolen cars and 28 instances of cars either being broken into or vandalized, with locks tampered, or even gravel or full rocks thrown through people’s windows. Now whenever you have a large group of vehicles parked together like they are here on campus, it’s going

to attract criminals like a fat kid to cake. One thing we can do, however, is use some common sense and try some different ways to keep ourselves and our property, and that of other students, safe.

Our Public Safety officers have suggestions to help with keeping our valuables safe. The most important and common sense thing to do when it comes to valuables is plain: Don’t leave them in your car.

Leave them at home if you can, and if you need an item at school, such as a laptop or cell phone, make sure you keep it with you at all times.

The Advocate was told, “Picture your valuables as the cash it would take to buy them. You wouldn’t leave $600 in your front seat, and

that’s how these people (thieves) view this stuff.”

With the upcoming holiday season, Public Safety again warns us to be extra vigilant. Never leave shopping bags visible in your car, and ideally to keep your car “showroom clean” at all times. Which makes sense, because if there is nothing for a potential thief to take, there is no reason to break in. And “potential” is the important word to keep in mind in these situations.

These break-ins are viewed as crimes of convenience, where drug addicts are usually the culprits rather than students, according to reports.

So parking in a well-lit area where there is a good view of your vehicle from multiple angles is important

and could deter potential thieves from breaking your window and taking the valuables from your car.

Make sure to keep an eye on your surroundings, too. Keep an eye out for suspicious behavior. If you see someone looking through car windows, or trying to break in to cars, call Public Safety at 503-491-

7911. Everyone should know exactly where the emergency call boxes are located, too, in case their own cell phones are dead or not available.

We need to make sure that motorists work with Public Safety to keep this campus safe for everyone, and keep their own property safe and undamaged.

Tips • Park in a well-lit, easily viewable area • Never leave your windows open • Never leave valuables visible • Be on the lookout for suspicious behavior • Keep your car “showroom clean” • Keep valuables with you • If you can afford one, get an alarm

One nation, under Trump: an early look

Kyle Venooker the advocate

Contrary to media forecasts and speculation, Donald J. Trump was elected President of the United States on Tuesday. Now that the back-and-forth between the two candidates is over, one question remains: What will a Trump presidency look like?

First, we should address the other branches of government – legislative and judicial. The Republican Party has garnered a majority in both the

Senate and the House, and Trump said he will appoint a conservative justice to the vacant seat on the Supreme Court. This means that conservative legislature will be significantly easier to pass, and there’s been talk of overturning some longstanding Supreme Court cases, notably Roe v. Wade, the landmark ’70s case guaranteeing a woman a right to an abortion.

Trump repeatedly pledged to repeal many of Obama’s executive orders, something we should expect him to follow through on. These include the Affordable Care Act (i.e., Obamacare), DACA (Deferred Action for Children Arrivals), and the Iran nuclear control deal.

As someone who gets health insurance through the ACA, I’m very worried that my coverage is going to be erased. Factoring in

the advocate Editor-in-Chief Gloria Saepharn

Sports Editor Jamie George

Opinion Editor Donovan Sargent

Graphic Design Team Svetlana Meshcheryakova Prisma Flores

News Editor & PR Manager Gloria Saepharn Creative Director, Arts & Entertainment Editor Matana McIntire Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor Megan Phelps

PA G E 2

Photo Editor Isaiah Teeny Photo team Davyn Owen Porcha Hesselgesser Video team Cory Wiese

health insurance on top of tuition and other expenses is probably going to result in my going without health insurance. DACA is a piece of legislation granting a two-year work visa to people whose parents immigrated to America illegally, and Donald Trump made his stance on illegal immigration abundantly clear. This will most likely result in a flurry of deportations, which, make no mistake, will affect members of our Mt. Hood student body.

And then, there’s his cabinet.

While we have yet to see some concrete appointments, there’s been considerable speculation. Trump repeatedly said he wants to appoint individuals from the private sector whenever possible. Again, this is mostly speculative at this point, but among the probable candidates, we’ve got Steven Mnuchin being

Ad Manager Joseph Frantz Copy Editor Position open Advisers Howard Buck Dan Ernst Staff Writers Ryan Moore Monique Mallari Kyle Venooker Greg Leonov Brody Mathews Maddy Sanstrum Glenn Dyer Allen Greene

considered for Treasury Secretary.

Mnuchin has a 17-year record with Goldman Sachs, one of the investment banks who helped engineer the financial crisis of 2008.

Then we have former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie being considered for Attorney General (this is a man who oversaw the fiasco popularly known as Bridgegate – if you’re unfamiliar with it, I recommend doing a little research).

Sarah Palin’s name has been floated for Interior Secretary, which oversees the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Parks Service. Palin is known for being the former governor of Alaska, and for her famous quote regarding offshoreoil rights, “Drill, baby, drill!”

Long story short: The America we’ve known for the past eight

Cover by Prisma Flores Contact us!

E-mail: advocatt@mhcc.edu Phone: 503-491-7250 Website: advocate-online.net Twitter: @MHCCAdvocate Facebook: facebook.com/TheAdvocateOnline Instagram: @MHCCAdvocate #MHCCAdvocate Mt. Hood Community College 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, Oregon 97030

years is going to be fundamentally altered. It’s very hard to say what it’s going to look like, but one thing’s for sure: We’ve made our bed, and now we’re going to have to lie in it.

Correction: In our last issue, Volume 51, Issue 7, we mistakenly credited staff photographer, Davyn Owen, with taking all the photos on Page 8.

Photos were actually taken by Photo Editor Isaiah Teeny.

The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication. All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested.

Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission. Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board. The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length. Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc. edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print.

Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.

NEWS

advocate-online.net

SOAR team adds new staff and attracts freshmen Maddy Sanstrum the advocate

The student Outreach and Recruitment team (SOAR) at MHCC recently accepted Jamie Alwine, as part-time outreach specialist for Mt. Hood’s new Student Success Grant effort, and Rebecca Rodas, as full-time student recruiter and co-adviser to the SOAR team.

SOAR’s main agenda is to recruit and help students from all types of educational backgrounds, and is also in charge of leading campus tours and giving presentations at local high schools. “We are the ones who are having direct contact with students,” said Rodas, “and we have the power to voice what is working and what isn’t.”

Another part of what SOAR does

is to make sure students know what their options are and direct them to services on campus that are built to help them achieve their goals something that is often especially difficult for first-generation college students. Alwine found her own experience as a first-generation student to be challenging on its own, dropping out several times because of financial hardships and just feeling overwhelmed and unsupported.

“It wasn’t until I reached out and made connections with on-campus resources that I finally began to succeed in school,” she said.

Alwine later graduated from The Evergreen State College (TESC) in Olympia, Washington, with a bachelor’s degree in Education and Multicultural Studies.

One goal that Alwine and

Rodas share is to establish and create connections within the community and helping students access information and resources they need in order to earn their certificate or degree. A goal of Rodas’ is to find ways to increase exposure of MHCC and its resources and programs it offers students. “If we work cohesively as a team, we can better serve our students,” she said.

Alwine also has a particular goal concerning incarcerated youth.

Rather than have youth spiral away from school after imprisonment, Alwine wants to interrupt the trend of recidivism and work on having students attend school and find work. “I previously volunteered and worked with Gateways for Incarcerated Youth, a college access program for youth in Chehalis,

Washington where youth could earn college credits at TESC while incarcerated.”

Even though this year’s group of SOAR members consists of a lot of freshmen, Rodas isn’t concerned.

“The first-year students are picking things up very quickly and they never hesitate to take on a new task or project.… Everything is still very fresh for them—the enrollment

process, deciding on a program to study, test preparation methods — which is something very valuable to share with the high school students we reach out to.”

With the two new leaders, along with everyone else on the SOAR team, there is going to be a lot of progress made in both the near and far future here at MHCC. SOAR applications open in April.

web photo

MHCC’s SOAR team.

MHCC veterans center proves valuable resource for former military Greg Leonov the advocate

Mt. Hood is a “military friendly” college, according to victorymedia. com, an organization that provides resources to veterans and military personnel.

The college’s own Veteran Services center is located in the Main Mall, three doors south of the Bookstore. The center is designed to help veterans and active military members get resources they need to succeed in their education.

The office helps vets find veterans-only classes, resources for tuition assistance, and priority for other needs, said Joshua Ray, Mt. Hood’s veteran services coordinator. “We’re also working on

leading the state in (granting) credit for prior learning for veterans,” he said.

Mt. Hood’s Veteran Services Coordnator Joshua Ray. The Veteran Services office is located in Room 1156, three doors south of the Bookstore.

Credits are offered to reflect involvement in the military. Before, “on this campus – you (would) just

get free P.E. credits,” Ray said. “Now, your military history is all looked over, and they look at what you did while you were in (active duty). You actually get credit for some of these things.

“It used to be, when (a vet would) come on campus, they were a typical student, but now, when they get priority registration, that means they’re up first – they could be one of the first to have opportunities to get into classes that they need,” Ray added.

The campus center has a library where vets and their dependents are able to check out free textbooks for the term, “as long as you guarantee to bring it back,” said Ray. “We’ve expanded that quite a bit over the past term or two.”

He said the main strength at Mt. Hood’s vets’ center is customer service. “Our core competency is always customer service… from the moment you walk in that door, we can help you with pretty much everything you need to be successful as a student, whereas, you’re not going to find that at (larger) institutions,” he said.

Ray is an Army veteran and former Mt. Hood student, himself.

“When I came out of the military, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life,” he said.

He spent five years fighting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for disability benefits. “I got two busted knees and a broken back… throughout that five years, I just kind of got angry at the system.”

It was that anger that encouraged Ray to find ways to help vets stuck in similar situations, he said. “I started to learn more about the VA system, I started learning about education benefits… started learning about the healthcare system – learning about all these things – and really it just drove me (to the veteran’s services office).”

Ray started out helping other vets as a federally backed Work Study student, then moved to parttime employee, then eventually, to full-time worker.

“I just worked my way here just on the sole fact that I didn’t want to see other veterans treated the way I was (initially) treated,” he said.

Ever dream of becoming a hard-hitting watchdog?

Join the Advocate and be a campus journalist seeking truth, justice, and demanding accountability.

The Advocate meets in Room 1369 in the Integrated Media hallway. Join us at our weekly staff meetings on Mondays at noon. Visit us online at www. advocate-online.net, on social media at facebook.com/ theadvocateonline, and @mhccadvocate on twitter and instagram. Email us at advocatt@mhcc.edu.

PA G E 3

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

November 11, 2016

Portland native rapper Glenn W In addition to being an up-and-coming hip-hop artist, Loren Ware (known professionally as Glenn Waco) is a prominent activist in Don’t Shoot Portland.

Gra

phi

cb yP

rism

aF

lore

s

Kyle Venooker the advocate

Who are some of your major influences?

Tupac. Lupe Fiasco. Jay Z. Kanye West. Eminem, Malcolm X, MLK, The Black Panther Party & Assata Shakur.

What role, if any, do you think social commentary should have in contemporary hip-hop?

For the most part I don’t think this current generation of hiphop artists realize the power or influence they have… at least not in the realm of mainstream. Hip-hop will always have a role in affecting society whether it’s for better or for worse because artists are social engineers and hip-hop was born out of the same conditions and systems of oppression being protested now.

At the end of the day what role hip-hop plays is completely up to us as creatives. You have lyrics from Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” being chanted at protests and presidential rallies, these lyrics have empowered people around the country. Vic Mensa is using his platform to speak on social justice issues. Jay Z & Beyonce (are) like the first family of hip-hop and they don’t only put messages in their lyrics or visuals, they’ve been bailing out protesters and silently making donations behind the scenes.

Artists like David Banner have been touring around the country giving amazing insightful lectures on social justice and racism. J. Cole and a few others have been on the frontlines at protests and I’m sure have been contributing in other ways behind the scenes.

With that said, for every Kendrick Lamar or J Cole there’s

40 Futures and Young Thugs… and that’s not a knock on Future or Thug, but we’re in a time where people follow celebrities and don’t really critically think for themselves, not to throw Future or Thug under the bus because really it’s the majority of black men in the entertainment world, period, that for some reason have an issue with being black when it’s time to put away the shiny toys and actually be black. These kids don’t really have leaders who care about much outside of materialism, so everyone just gets swept in this wave of groupthink and conformity to ignorance and decadence. I don’t expect for anyone to be (Louis) Farrakhan, I just hate to see us turn into what we used to claim we hated.

you name it, I love what we’ve built I just hope we take advantage of the coming economic boom and invest in ourselves and in maintaining control of our culture. I think SQD, STRAY, ROBy, Karma Rivera, Fountaine and others are really making strides.

I love how the females are beginning to really shake things up, seeing my brother Mic Capes shine how he deserves to, and it’s jus dope peeping the new energy the city has. It really makes me miss home, but all I can do is support in as many ways as I can and help us get to where we deserve to be from the position I’m in. It’s headed in the right direction.

How do you feel about the direction hiphop is going right now?

I left Portland the same month my mother passed away and for other personal reasons that (are) difficult to really put into words. All in all, I always planned to move for a bit and life circumstances pushed me to LA quicker than I anticipated, split-second decision. Although I miss home, moving away and experiencing a new environment was the best thing that could have happened to me, given the mental space I was in before I left. I’ve made some great relationships, learned much more of the business and now that Alia’s album is out the way, I can really zone in on my own album.

I think Chance is like Neo right now. I think if there were anyone that artists should be studying other than Jay Z it would have to be Chance, The Rapper. I don’t really be tuned into mainstream like that; I like music with a message and no matter how many times J Cole puts out a socially conscious platinum album, features or no features, or no matter how many times Kendrick Lamar proves that lyrics, substance and hit songs can go in the same sentence, the industry ignores it and continues to force feed us hyper-violence and decadence, like it’s normal and the only thing that sells. I’m just over it, they’re corny. I can tolerate the music somewhat and I can even appreciate it, acknowledge its place in hip-hop just like any other branch of hip-hop, but the ones pressing the buttons are corny and I think there’s a very big imbalance that’s slowly being corrected against the will of the industry. I believe the current climate of the country is snapping people out of the spell.

What was your opinion of the Portland hip-hop scene?

I think Portland is a gold mine in an untapped market that’s being cultivated by creatives at the grassroot level on many fronts.

I compare it to “The Get Down.” The Portland hip-hop scene has many eclectic layers, street, conscious, lyric driven, energy etc.

Photo by Isaiah Teeny

the advocate

PA G E 4

How would you describe Don’t Shoot PDX to someone who was unfamiliar with the group?

Don’t Shoot PDX may not have a piece of paper saying it’s an official this or that but objectively speaking, Don’t Shoot PDX is the Portland BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement. It was started at Dawson Park at the beginning of everything by the community, it has stayed on the frontlines since Day One and has influenced other BLM movements around the country, silently making history time and time again. I remember Teressa (Raiford) handing me a phone and speaking with community leaders in Ferguson… hearing the chaos in the background really made me feel privileged being in Portland while they were literally on the other line in Ferguson going through hell. It’s one

Mt. Hood faculty featured in campu Kyle Venooker

Steve Mauldin standing between two of his “Poles” pieces.

Why did you leave Portland?

On Oct. 31, the Visual Arts Gallery debuted its newest exhibit: Faculty art. The exhibit features a variety of media, from paint to charcoal, sculpture to encaustic wax – even a piece that features chocolate – all made by Mt. Hood faculty members.

Steve Mauldin teaches basic design, and painting intermittently. He also taught color theory for several years, and it shows in his work. His pieces in the exhibit are titled “Poles” and feature paints recalling the electromagnetic spectrum, contrasted against space. His style is reminiscent of Jackson Pollock, albeit a little more cohesive.

Theresa Redinger’s work centers around the idea of contrast, comparing dancers and boxers

to highlight the similarities in things we typically name “opposites” rather than focus on the differences. She uses a variety of media; though her background is in drawing and painting, she’s branched out into sculpture in the past few years, and ultimately aims to create a seamless synthesis of the two. Her works include bettas (the fish), chocolate mouthguards, silk boxing gloves, and charcoal.

Janet McIntyre uses a technique known as “encaustic painting” in her works. She says of the process, “You’re never really able to know exactly what you’re going to get, so there’s this self-discovery in the process... you turn off your brain and let something else happen.”

Discussing the forces driving them to create art, the artists have varied, but similar answers: Said Mauldin: “Follow your own muse, do what you feel compelled to do. [Artists aren’t]

doing it to make p of an intense nee world.”

Redinger: “Tru work: If it’s an idea get in there with y it. A lot of times yo dumb, no one will this isn’t what I’m s thing’... trust anyth “Also, always e McIntyre: “O creative process w life.” On making t have to change you gets walked.”

Though pursu daunting or financ can offer a way to

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

advocate-online.net

Waco talks with the Advocate thing to watch it on TV, it’s another to be on the line as you’re watching everything unfold on CNN in real time.

For whatever reason people seem to gravitate towards me, but for me it’s never been about me, it’s been about getting people to realize we’re all in this together despite ideological differences.

There would be no Don’t Shoot PDX if it wasn’t for the community. There’s no sign up sheet, for better or for worse, but that’s what an actual democracy is, by the people for the people.

The wisdom and knowledge from its founder, Raiford, changed my life and I live every day trying to fulfill my commitment to my community and our future, Don’t Shoot PDX has been the only vessel other than my music that has inspired me to do just that. You go to a rally or action and the energy is overwhelming, you feel empowered and hungry to learn more about where you can fit in to help.

What are some hands-on approaches to getting students involved in racial justice?

There’s no better hands-on approach than going to a rally or action. We always say that and people respond to us like we’re trying to sell them something, but the sellouts are the ones convincing you to obey the police and not hold them accountable as they’re demanding you to hold your children accountable for conditions that existed long before they were even conceived. It’s hard to explain seeing it for yourself... getting educated on the history of not only the country, but more importantly your own city, while you’re apart of making history at the same time. You’ll hear the names of local victims, some of their mothers may be in attendance… you’ll identify the gatekeepers and policies that institutionally and systemically oppress people. If people don’t know much about some of the issues, I suggest books like “The New Jim Crow” or the autobiography of Assata Shakur, I suggest documentaries like “13th” or “Arresting Power,” which is based in Portland.

What are some objectives of Don’t Shoot PDX that you’d like to see actualized in Portland?

Measure 11 (mandatory criminal sentencing) needs to be amended or abolished altogether.

The PPA (Portland Police Association) contract needs to be repealed due to it being passed in a very fascist manner by Mayor Charlie Hales.

The entire system needs to be audited; for some reason, that’s

Don’t Shoot Portland

a real dirty word in the city.

Prisons need to be defunded and that money needs to be rerouted to investing in black and brown youth as much as the city invests in white youth. According to a study that I believe was released in 2015, if the city would have invested in its black students as much as its white students over a period of time, then the city would have one billion more dollars in rotation. We clearly haven’t been (a) priority or a part of the development plan for quite some time but for some odd reason we’ve been confined to poverty. Priorities need to shift to address the ills that plague black and brown communities, for once. The police are being given $10 million in raises thanks to that contract, while our water is full of lead, our schools are failing and our youth are left to take the blame for gang violence, which is an effect of the same systemic and institutionalized racism that oppresses any impoverished community.

This is the same oppression that’s being protested in streets around the country right now. The reason why poverty is so key is because scientifically, poverty = crime, so instead of focusing on filling the prisons with kids, let’s focus on fighting recidivism. Throwing a gang member in prison doesn’t stop gang violence; there’s gangs in prison, (and) there needs to be a shift in focus. Teaching young men and women about Post Traumatic Slave Disorder, financial literacy and where gangs originally came from could change mindsets which thus could change lives and therefore has the possibility to change entire communities around.

Hopefully we can get people in positions of power and influence who truly represent the people and no special interests but that responsibility isn’t on Don’t Shoot PDX, that’s on all of us as a community.

The community organization “Don’t Shoot Portland” (also known as “Don’t Shoot PDX”) formed in August 2014 in north Portland’s Dawson park.The group was formed out of a need for an organized front to the ongoing protests held in Portland and elsewhere in response to Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri; their moniker, taken from a nationwide protest chant, “hands up, don’t shoot.”

Since then, Don’t Shoot Portland has led the Portland metro area into numerous protests against social and racial injustice. The group has participated in and hosted community forums, spoken on local college campuses, and most recently, Teressa Raiford, a prominent leader of the organization, led a write-in campaign for Multnomah County Sheriff on the Nov. 8 election.

If you would like to learn more about Don’t Shoot Portland or attend one of its rallies, you can look it up at facebook.com/ DontShootPDX.

Graphic by Megan Phelps

Web photo

pus Visual Arts Gallery

pictures, they’re doing because ed to say something about the

ust the thing that makes you a or material, if it’s making you your hands just do it and trust ou might say to yourself, ‘this is l be interested in this material, supposed to be doing that kinda hing that gets you working. eat the free cookies,” she said.

Opening yourself up to the will inform everything you do in time for art, she said, “You just ur priorities. Make sure the dog

uing a career in art can seem cially challenging, teaching art o integrate a love of art and of

creating with security, passion, and the lifelong pursuit of personal expression.

That passion is on display in the faculty exhibit, which continues through Dec. 1. The Gallery is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with free admission to anyone.

Photo by Isaiah Teeny

“Silver, silver” by Nathan Orosco PA G E 5

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

November 11, 2016

Michael Tran–‘Jazzy’ student musician ‘Strangely’ realistic Monique Mallari the advocate

Mt. Hood’s lead tenor saxophonist, Michael Tran, entered his first year at MHCC and joined the Jazz Band with the ambition to grow as a musician. He also plays the baritone saxophone in the Wind Ensemble, and to top it off, he also participates in the Jazz Combo.

Tran first got involved with music in the sixth grade at Reynolds Middle School, playing baritone sax, transitioning to tenor saxophone the following year. He entered jazz band in the eighth grade when his school got funding to offer it. Tran would be a member of the top wind ensemble as lead baritone sax player for three years, and a member in Reynolds High School’s top jazz band, the Band in Black, for two years.

“To be honest, I thought the instrument was kind of lame when I first started. It was my parents’ idea that I play an instrument,” Tran said.

Tran first started playing the piano when he was in the fifth grade, but it wasn’t for him. In sixth grade the prospect of joining a band came up and “my parents signed me up the Photo by Porcha Hesselgesser moment they got the chance, and told me I was playing saxophone. And ABOVE: Michael Tran, lead tenor saxaphone player, and bandmates practicing for their performance on Nov. 30 in the Visual that was final.”

Arts Gallery at MHCC. It turned out for the best. Often, people are unsure about what their

calling is. Tran explained that at first he had little-to-no interest in being in an ensemble, but over time, he became invested. Now a plan is taking shape. “Playing an instrument does help shape my character, but I believe it is only noticeable by myself,” he said.

“Music is just another form of art, which means that there are different interpretations that can be taken from one little excerpt. No one can truly know what goes on in the mind of a musician when they perform,” said Tran.

“People can only guess from how they perform their music. Just like how we do not know the specifics about (an artist’s life), but we can only try to understand by their paintings,” he explained.

His goal for the year is to grow not only as a musician, but as a person in general, he said. Tran is confident he can connect with peers still new to him. “I also wish to keep building relationships with my peers in the ensemble as they pursue their goals in music, as well,” he said.

Tran plans to transfer to a fouryear university and hopes to pursue a career in music education, as a director. He is currently working towards computer science and music majors.

At 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, MHCC’s Jazz Ensemble will host its first performance, in the Visual Arts Gallery.

Indie band performs in Portland

Head in the Heart plays fan favorites, connects with crowd Maddy Sanstrum the advocate

On Nov. 4 at the Arleen Schnitzer Concert Hall in downtown Portland, The Head and the Heart, an Indie band, performed for the release of their newest album, “Signs of Light.” And with the atmosphere, music, and bits of banter from the band members, the show was a success overall.

The concert started with an opening performance by Declan Mckenna, an Indie English singer best known for winning the Gladstonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent Competition last year.

Even though his live music was a little loud and hard to hear, for some of the lyrics, there is plenty of depth in his songs, such as in “Paracetamol” and “Brazil.”

PA G E 6

He is on SoundCloud, YouTube, iTunes, and also has a small, four-song album titled “Liar.”

After intermission, and a chance to reset the mics and equipment, the magic happened. The Head and the Heart started off the night with “All We Ever Knew,” the first song on their new album, followed by “City of Angels,” also on the new album. They also covered music from their other two albums, such as “Ghosts” and “Sounds Like Hallelujah,” from “The Head and the Heart” along with “Let’s be Still” and “Shake,” from “Let’s Be Still.”

A few highlights of the night included lead singer Jonathan Russell preforming an off-album song on piano, which was dedicated to his best friend and

his friend’s brother. Though untitled, it touched on both the struggles and memories of youth and looking back on it all, later on in life. Another high point was just some of the banter between the band members, specifically between Russell and Josiah Johnson, second singer and guitarist still recovering from drug addiction (it was rather impressive that he came, at all).

During a small break between songs when Russell was getting a drink, Johnso asked what was in the “sippy cup.”

“Water,” replied Russell.

“That’s some strong water,” responded Johnson. It got a good laugh out of the audience, along with the band as well.

I would rate the concert a 4.5 out of 5 bowler hats (which

appear in some of the band’s music videos). The music was great, and at the end Russell thanked the sound and tech crew for getting everything set up and sounding great. Even though Russell covered for most of Johnson’s lines due to the latter’s condition, and the fact violinist and singer Charity Rose Thielen was a little stronger on vocals than in their recorded albums, their energy and enthusiasm made the night unforgettable.

For those curious to see them perform, or head back for more, The Head and the Heart return to Portland on Dec. 13 at the McMenamin’s Crystal Ballroom.

Ticket information can be found on the band’s website: www.theheadandtheheart.com.

Review of Marvel’s latest, “Doctor Strange” Cory Wiese

the advocate “Doctor Strange,” directed by Scott Derrickson, is a great re-imagining of the original Doctor Strange comic books. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the role of the doctor, and does a fantastic job. However, the movie falls flat in some parts, which definitely can be overlooked due to outstanding visual effects.

The start fails to really grab the viewer’s attention, unlike most of the other Marvel movies. The film also does not feel as though it is currently in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but the references are there to set up for future films. At times the motivations seem unclear to the viewer of someone who has not read the comics.

As the film moves on, you see the first time when buildings start rearranging themselves and it puts you on the edge of your seat and you can’t help but stare. The visual effects clearly are the strongest point in this film, and you can tell the animators are having an absolute blast with this. That fun is quickly shared, because as you watch your hair stands on your neck. Everything manages to feel real and actually happening. Derrickson did a great job directing the movie, in that sense.

If you are looking for a great, dramatic “after credits” scene, don’t look too hard. There is one and it is awesome to help tie the movies together.

However, unlike other such scenes, nothing really happens except it sort of lazily sets up the next movie.

But do not let that deter you from seeing the movie. Everything else makes this worth watching. Also, the Stan Lee cameo is fantastic.

Overall, I am giving “Doctor Strange” a 4.8 out of 5. It is very enjoyable to watch and is a great setup for future movies. If you take the effects out of the movie, it is not as great as past Marvel films; however, the effects of the movie make it highly recommended to see it in a theater.

This is a fantastic addition to the MCU and even if you see it in theater, definitely buy the DVD to add to your Marvel collection.

advocate-online.net

Saints’ push for NWACs falls short

SPORTS

Chase for fourth place denied by Clark Jamie George the advocate

The Saints’ volleyball season came to an end Wednesday night, after a late-season push to squeak into the NWAC championship tournament. The Saints lost to Clark College in a must-win match in Vancouver, Washington, three sets to zero.

Mt. Hood had the opportunity had they won, and Umpqua lost its own match, to grab the fourth and final spot in the NWAC South to make the playoffs. Unfortunately the Saints fell behind early in each of the first two sets and lost, 25-21 and 25-14. The hole was too large for them to climb out of. They looked outmatched, and lost the final set, 25-17.

It was definitely a discouraging way to go out, especially for the sophomores. But the Saints really saw their season turn around. They started off 1-5 in division play with many matches not as close as they would have liked. Then it was like a spark was lit under them. They won two in a row, one from Southwestern Oregon and one from Umpqua. Then they faced undefeated Linn-Benton, and lost. Except in their loss they battled, even winning the first set. It was a big deal, considering Linn-Benton had only lost seven sets total all season heading into that night.

Then the Saints won two of their next three matches. Which brought them to this game against

Photo by Davyn Owen

Saints players Mikayln Almberg, Erin Perry, Elisha Levasa, and Hannah Snyder (from left to right) gather after loss to Linn-Benton, Oct. 26.

Clark, 5-8 in division play and having won four of their last six matches.

But the dominos didn’t fall into place, with Mt. Hood’s loss and Umpqua’s victory Wednesday.

Despite the loss the Saints held their heads high after the match.

They high-fived Clark and wished the Penguins good luck in the NWACs. Afterward, freshman outside hitter Hannah Spears was proud of the season they played.

“I think we had a really slow start to the season but so many people have improved since the beginning, and became more confident and that helped us a lot,” Spears said. “I think we really stepped up these last few games and showed

we really wanted to get to the tournament. Everyone has been working so hard in practice; we just decided to start playing too late and if we had just won a couple games, like (against) Lane, we would’ve been to the NWACs, no doubt.”

Sophomore outside hitter Jazmayne Williams said, “I’m really bummed about us not making it to the tournament, but I’m really happy with the progress that we’ve made throughout the season.

“Although we had some bumps along the way, we never failed to step up for our sister alongside of us, if one is struggling. Despite the many injuries we’ve had, we never let that dawn on us, we just kept pushing harder and harder. But,

Blazers off to a rocky start Allen Greene the advocate

The Portland Trail Blazers are 5-4 so far this season with some exciting victories and some very humbling losses against the NBA’s elite teams. A wee few games into an 82-game marathon, the Blazers should have a bright season ahead of them. With a dynamic duo in the backcourt and an experienced bench, the Blazers should make some noise come playoff time next spring.

The good news for Blazers fans is that the guard duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum have been right on point so far. Lillard is averaging 30 points per game, and shooting 48 percent. McCollum is

averaging 21 points per game on 47 percent from the field. Pleasant surprises for the Blazers have been small forward Maurice Harkless, who is averaging 11 points per game while shooting over 50 percent, and center Mason Plumlee who is averaging over 9 points and just over 5 rebounds a game.

Scoring points has not been a problem for Portland, to start; they’re averaging 107 points per game.

But defense has been an issue for head coach Terry Stotts so far, as the Blazers are allowing 111 points per game. They have only held their opponents under 100 points twice, which is a concerning sign. Against the NBA’s elite, such as the Golden State Warriors and

the Los Angeles Clippers, the Blazers have really struggled to contain those high-power offenses. They surrendered 127 points to the Warriors, and 114 and 111 points to the Clippers. Not the way the Blazers hoped to start the season defensively, as all of their five wins have been narrow, high scoring games.

So, there are clearly things the Blazers can improve on. First, their defense which ranks 27th in the NBA. Second is their rebounding; the team averages only 40 rebounds per game, 25th in the league.

If Portland can get better on the defensive end, and keep up its highpace scoring offense, the Blazers should be a contender in the Western Conference. But the improvements must be made.

despite us not making the tournament I would never trade my girls for anyone else,” she said.

Spears talked about Williams’ impact on the team, and how it will affect them not having her next season.

“It’s going to be really tough.

She’s such a great player and it’s going to be tough not having her out there with us next year,” Spears said. “She kills it every game and gives the team so much energy.”

Besides Williams, sophomores Courtney Smith, Hunter Sterkel, Erin Perry, Hannah Snyder will all clearly be missed.

Williams reflected on playing her final game. “Honestly, it hasn’t kicked in yet, I don’t know why… this team was very special to me,” she said. “I really felt like I’ve played with these girls all my life; they inspired me to push through when times get tough. I have never been on a volleyball team where the girls treated me like their sister and made me feel like I was meant to be on this team for a reason.”

As for next season, Spears said, “We have really strong returning girls and we’re all willing to work as hard as we can to make it there.

I think we all have a strong drive to make our season better next year.”

Freshman Ashlyn Huntington with a kill shot in the Saints’ loss to undefeated Linn-Benton.

Photo by Davyn Owen

If you missed it...

Injured Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is nearing his return, possibly as early as next week. But his replacement, rookie Dak Prescott, is killing it. He’s led Dallas to 7-1 and in his latest start he threw at an 78 percent completion rate for 247-yards and three touchdowns, beating the Cleveland Browns. Team owner Jerry Jones recently has expressed keeping the winning QB in the lineup. Which could leave the Cowboys with the most expensive backup quarterback in the league, averaging $18 million per year in salary, unless they trade him.

The Rams lost to the struggling Carolina Panthers last week, 13-10 in Los Angeles. Case Keenum is the Rams’s starting quaterback, at least for now. He has struggled, and the Rams sit at 3-5 on the season. Rams fans began chanting midway through the first half for backup QB and No. 1 draft pick Jared Goff to enter the game. The sentiment of the chant is nothing new but the chant itself is a telltale sign that fans are tired of losing.

The chants then turned the now-baseball-playing Tim Tebow.

Head coach Jeff Fisher announced after the game Keenum remains the starter; what will it take for him to play Goff?

Jamie George PA G E 7

SPORTS

November 11, 2016

Volleyball: a constant in the storm Jamie George the advocate

Five-foot 10-inch Becca Perry has played volleyball since seventh grade, and without it she wouldn’t be who she is today.

An outside hitter on the Saints, she was born in San Diego. In grade school her parents divorced, but she doesn’t remember much of it. Some years later, she moved to Illinois with her dad.

In seventh grade she found her passion: volleyball. The game took over her life, as she played yearround. Spring became time to practice, fall became her high school season, and then came club season. In that, volleyball has become so much more than just a game for her; it be-

came a lifestyle. And it’s been one of her only consistents in life.

After her freshman year in high school she moved to Idaho, near Boise, where her mom lived. It wasn’t easy to make the move, but she felt it was for the best. She said, “My dad and I didn’t get along, because I still felt like he kinda took me away.”

It was a rough switch at first, but help came quickly. “As soon as I got there I went to open gyms, like right off of the bat… That’s really how I met everyone. And once you’re a part of a group, they really become your family and that has been super helpful,” Perry said.

In her senior year she decided to move back to Illinois with her dad and step-mom, however. She had decided the two years with her mother

“probably wasn’t the best thing for me, so I went back to my dad’s. And it was the best thing; I had the best senior year ever,” she said.

Sidelined by injury

That was, until a screeching stop in her team’s regional playoff game.

She landed on her right knee hard, which caused a bone contusion. It didn’t just end that run, but also caused her to miss the club team season. She didn’t play for eight months.

Things got even worse, when Perry’s mom got really sick. She had plans to attend Illinois State but chose not to, for a multitude of reasons. Suddenly her mom began losing control of all her muscles. Something was wrong with her brain; the doctors still don’t know what happened.

Perry moved back to Idaho to

Are you looking for a new Birth Control method?

IRB Approved: 3/4/2016

Research Opportunity

The OHSU Women’s Health Research Unit is conducting a study at Mount Hood Community College. We want to learn how having a Birth Control Resource Center on campus can help women access their preferred method of birth control.

You can help us learn more by participating in our research.

You may be eligible for this study if you are:  A woman between 17-30 years of age,  Enrolled in a 2-year certificate program at MHCC with at least one semester left,  Looking to start birth control or switch from your current method,  At risk for pregnancy,  Seeking to avoid pregnancy for the next year.

Qualified participants will be compensated up to $120 for time and travel for this study.

During the study you will meet with study staff on campus and learn about your birth control options. You will either receive your preferred method of birth control on campus, or be given information about where to get this birth control.

Study participation is completely voluntary and your decision to participate will not affect your care. If you are interested in participating, please call the Women’s Health Research Unit Confidential Recruitment Line at (503) 494-3666 or email whru@ohsu.edu for more information.

Birth Control Resource Center Study Principal Investigator: Jacqueline Lamme, MD IRB# 15715 PA G E 8

Photo by Davyn Owen

Becca Perry, Saints outside hitter, is a key reserve in her freshman year.

support her. “It was really weird.

It was tough. And she was going through a divorce at the time so life was kinda kicking her while she was down,” she said.

Thankfully, her mom is much improved now and due to leave the hospital, she said.

Perry was back in Idaho only for a couple weeks, before landing at Mt. Hood, of all places. She had nearly been set to attend Illinois State, but didn’t feel ready for college. Further, she had no intent to play volleyball.

“It was time to grow up,” she said.

The injury also weighed on her. “I kinda used it as an excuse; I was run down from it, because it’s a lot, it really is (playing volleyball). You don’t get to experience what most high school kids do, because you’re always busy doing the same thing every night.”

But then she saw team pictures and her friends still playing, and the passion burned again.

One more move

Perry had previously been recruited by Mt. Hood in Idaho her sophomore year while playing on a club team with Lexie Walthall, who played libero for MHCC in 2015. The Saints had their eyes on Walthall but liked what they saw from Perry. They reached out and she contacted Kim Hyatt, Mt. Hood’s athletic director.

So, when Perry’s excitement to play rekindled, she contacted Hyatt again.

Mt. Hood had already begun practice and preseason was near, so Perry had no hopes of playing in 2016. To her surprise, though, the Saints needed an outside hitter due to a player leaving, and Hyatt told her to come join the team immediately.

Next thing she knew, she was packing her bags for Oregon.

Perry said her mom wanted her to seize the opportunity.

“She would have been mad at me, she knows this is what I’ve worked for my entire life… Because this is what every little girl volleyball player

wants: to play at a college level,” she said.

Perry is thrilled she made the move. Once again, she was embraced by new teammates. “(I) didn’t know anyone except one person (Walthall). Now I would do anything for these girls… they mean a lot to me,” she said.

“Moving here… has allowed me to become someone that I really like.

I have truly found myself,” she continued. “The people I’ve surrounded myself with have opened my eyes to who I want to be. (They) are so loving and genuine that it’s rubbed off onto me.

“I would not be who I am without them.”

Sophomore outside hitter Jazmayne Williams, Saints team leader in kills, called Perry a “wonderful addition. Although she came late during volleyball season, she has been a wonderful sister to us on and off the team. She cheers for us when she’s not on the court and when she does get a chance to get on there, she gives her best every time.”

Perry said she plans to stay at Mt. Hood another year. Beyond that, her career plans are uncertain (if she could afford it, she’d love to save sea turtles). “Whether or not I’m going to play, I don’t know. It’ll take a lot for me to actually quit. I say I’ll quit, but I probably won’t.”

And yet, she has learned so much from the sport.

“I wouldn’t be as successful and driven as I am today without volleyball. When I started volleyball it was the only consistent thing in my life and that’s what drove me to play for this long and that’s given me characteristics that a lot of people don’t have... It’s given me drive and motivation to be the best,” she said.

“If you think you are leveled out and can’t do any better, there’s always something you can do better, or learn.”