HutchCC President staying busy
False dawn Page 8
Page 5
New football coach has to wait to start era.
Dr. File is still working diligently. The student voice of Hutchinson Community College
May 1, 2020
www.hutchcollegian.com
Vol. 61 Issue 19
The new normal in education
By Tabitha Barr Editor-In-Cheif
Students are no longer working long hours in the classroom or the library, but are now having to make their own spaces to get through the rest of the semester. The COVID-19 pandemic swept the world and turned face-to-face classes into a whole other world. Online classes have become the new format, and both students and staff are learning their way around the new environment. Students are having a hard time going from having face-to-face connections with instructors, to waiting for an email response chain. Although online classes are nothing new, having every class online is. It makes for new creative ways to come about. Sophomore Alyssa Ibarra, who’s majoring in Media Communications and Production, said that her space is different compared to the normal school desk. “I don’t have a desk in my room so I use a small ‘computer desk’, almost like a food tray but not,” Ibarra said. It may be smaller than normal desks, but it gets the job done. Although, working on classes at home does
have perks. No more uncomfortable chairs, pillows and fluffy accessories is now acceptable seating. “I have my space next to my bed with my back against the wall with a stack of pillows,” Ibarra said. Luis Ramirez, also a Media Communications and Production major, sees the change as a challenging one. “I miss the engagement and interactions in the classroom,” he said. Media Production is a hands-on major that benefits students if they can learn by using equipment
first hand. Ramirez’s classes have situated themselves to being online and it’s made his work area different. Going from working in a huge studio to having his workspace be his “bed or in the dining room,” makes things a little more difficult. The additions to his new workspace is some “snacks nearby and (his) music on.” Learning took a new direction, and it’s definitely thrown a curveball at HutchCC students. However, change is inevitable and HutchCC students are taking it in stride.
Courtesy Photos (Top) Alyssa Ibarra’s work-from-home setup includes a food tray and lots of fluffy pillows. (Bottom) HutchCC journalism instructor Brad Hallier turned his basement into a home office and proudly teaches by his Liverpool flag.
He’s always been a big Diehl By Sam Bailey Staff Writer
One of the primary jobs of a teacher is to shape the minds of every student who walks
through their doors. However, coming across a teacher who truly shapes the lives of all the students who cross their path is rare. Ryan Diehl, Curricu-
Courtesy Photo Ryan Diehl proudly holds his certificate after completing his dissertation.
Upcoming events May. 4-6 — HutchCC Finals May. 8 — Virtual Graduation at 7 p.m. Good luck on finals Blue Dragons!
lum and Program Improvement Coordinator at Hutchinson Community College, is one of those teachers. Curriculum and Program Improvement Coordinator may be the title Diehl was given, but his students know him better as the Head of the Honors Program. He goes out of his way to help and encourage his students, whether it be with classes, mental health, life advice, or anything else they come to him for. Diehl’s job at HutchCC keeps him busy. However, he has found a way to complete a doctorate in Educational Studies with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Higher Education through the University of Nebraska.
“Ever since my undergraduate years, I had considered getting a Ph.D. The original plan was to go directly into a program after my (masters), however, my graduate work in Australia threw off the timing for that plan,” Diehl said. “I graduated with my (masters) in May and started working at HutchCC in August. The plan was to start a Ph.D. program after my first year at HutchCC, but I fell in love with the place and wanted to stay here instead of returning to the life of a full-time graduate student. I then learned about the (Nebraska) program, which would allow me to stay at HutchCC and work full-time while taking classes online. After moving into my position
The happenings around campus
Blue Dragons finals meme
When you’re expected to still do well on your finals, but there’s a pandemic that’s made college even more difficult:
as the Curriculum and Program Improvement Coordinator, it seemed like a good time to apply to the program.” Diehl’s mother attended HutchCC in the 1960s, and he grew up hearing about her love for the college. Her stories drove Diehl to apply for a job at HutchCC, as well as experience in job interviews. “To be honest, I had no plans on actually taking the job, but the job interview concluded with a job offer,” Diehl said, “and fueled by the excitement and nervousness that comes with the job interview process, I said, ‘Sure, that sounds like fun.’ Just like that, something I never planned on ever doing became one of the best decisions.” HutchCC students
who know Diehl are grateful Diehl decided to take the job and are proud to stand behind him on his journey to a Ph.D. “Ryan Diehl has helped me tremendously through my college experience so far,” said Tori Powell, Montezuma freshman. “I know he is very busy between his multiple jobs on campus and caring for students in the way that he does. The fact that he still has time to earn another degree of his own amazes me. As his student, I find it inspiring that he can handle so much at once and still retain the composure that he does.” Diehl said he has also found support in staff members at the college. See Diehl, Page 6
Inside Scoop
Opinion: Page 2 - Tabitha Barr writes about the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month Campus: Page 3 - A full timeline of COVID-19 updates Campus: Page 7 - Sophomore softball player Alexis Way talks about her future in college sports