The Montage Student Newspaper

The

MONTAGE Serving the St. Louis Community College - Meramec community since 1964 • ACP Award Recipient VOLUME 59, ISSUE 1

SEPT. 7, 2023

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American Dining Creations

pices Up The Cafeteria

A look at Meramec’s return to Food Service Jacob Politte MANAGING EDITOR

A

fter a three year absence brought on in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, cafeteria services have returned to various STLCC campuses, including Meramec.

Meramec’s cafeteria services, now operated by American Dining

Creations, actually began operating once more this past June with a limited menu and hours. Now with the fall semester having begun, the cafeteria is open with an expanded menu on Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.7 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

It’s important to note that the grills are shut down between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to transition from breakfast to lunch options.

Meramec, along with the Florissant

Valley and Forest Park campuses, are offering breakfast, international cuisine, pizza, pasta, subs, grilled items and various grab-and-go choices including salads, pudding and cookies through their cafeterias. In the future, students and other consumers will be able to participate in a mobile preordering system.

American Dining Creations took over operations after coming to terms with the college earlier this year. They

Photos by: JACOB POLITTE

replaced Chartwells, whose contract with the college expired during the pandemic and was not renewed, according to Campus President Feleccia Moore-Davis in a 2021 interview.

A formal “ribbon cutting” ceremony is set to take place at the Meramec Cafeteria on Wednesday, Sept. 13th For continuing updates, stay tuned to meramecmontage.com and other associated social media accounts.

Department Spotlight: Student Advocacy and Resource Center What Do They Do for Students at STLCC? morgan daniels staff Meramec’s Student Advocacy and Resource Center (SARC) is lively as the fall semester commences.

Students walk in and out of its base of operations in Clark Hall, chatting with friends between classes, grabbing a quick snack, and engaging with the resource team. Though the space is small and tucked towards the back of the administrative building, the center’s atmosphere is inviting and welcoming to all students.

For the longest time, St. Louis Community College has had the Student Assistance Program (SAP), which recently changed its name to the Student Advocacy and Resource Center (SARC). The center at Meramec is led by Coordinator Mayuko McGuire, Basic Needs Support Specialist Carrie Fink, two student workers, and a part-time employee. Together, they offer various services, including the Archer’s Market, clothing closet, campus and community services, confidential crisis response, emergency funds, education outreach, and family services. Of those services, Archer’s market, case management, and prevention education are SARC’s three most popular services.

Free Food at Archer’s Market After scheduling an appointment on their website, students can access the market monthly for essential pantry items, including groceries, personal care items, household supplies, and

baby care items. The pantry is also accessible to online students. There are markets at Meramec, Forest Park, and Florissant Valley that can all ship food to a campus nearest the student for pick up. SARC also provides free snacks and personal care items for students in their office space to access anytime.

Free Medical and Mental Health Services SARC’s case management service provides individualized support for students with specific needs and connects them to on-campus and community resources. They recently partnered with Unite Us, an online platform that screens individuals for their health and social needs and refers them to specific community resources. The new partnership makes the case management service at SARC much more efficient and quicker.

“If students agree to participate in that program, we can push that student to that service directly instead of calling and waiting for it,” said McGuire.

Prevention Education SARC also emphasizes its prevention education initiatives, inviting Meramec students to learn more about pressing community health concerns to encourage them to utilize their resources. September is Suicide Awareness Month, so SARC is partnering with the Access Office and Counseling departments to host two events on September 12th and

PHOTO BY jacob politte Basic Needs Specialist Carrie Fink works in the SARC office on Sept. 5, 2023. The offices are located in Clark Hall Room 130.

13th. Students will get to make stress balls while learning about suicide prevention efforts. October will then mark the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and SARC will host more informational sessions and activities to spread awareness and advocate for ending domestic violence.

More details and information about these events are on the STLCC event calendar. “The more we get to know them, the more we get to serve,” said McGuire.

Last year, the center recorded close to one thousand visits each month.

Though that number can include visits from the same students, it highlights

SARC’s presence in students’ lives as they advocate for their well-being.

With a new semester underway, the center has been busy.

“We are busiest at the beginning of the semester,” McGuire shared, and she anticipates another increase in visits as financial aid and withdrawal deadlines approach throughout the fall semester. Outside those times, though, the SARC office encourages students to stop by and get to know the center.

“The more we get to know them, the more we get to serve,” McGuire said.

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2 NEWS

Sept. 7, 2023

SARC

CONTINUED FROM P. 1 The Stigma of Asking for Help Unfortunately, the stigma and hesitancy around asking for assistance or support is common among college students. A national survey of 195,000 college students by the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice at Temple University found that 61% of two-year college students have a basic need insecurity (BNI). BNIs include students who’ve experienced food insecurity, housing insecurity, or homelessness within the last year. Of that 61% of students, only 34% sought out and used their campus resources for support. These data points could be considered to be alarming to community colleges and other twoyear institutions because nearly onehalf of students are seeking campus resources, and the other half aren’t getting their needs fulfilled.

While campuses must bolster their outreach and bring awareness to the support programs they have in place, it is also critical that all enrolled students are aware of and access those resources.

According to the survey, the top three reasons students didn’t use their campus support systems were because they thought they were ineligible, believed other people needed the programs more than them, or didn’t know how to apply.

In response to the reality that students aren’t always sure if they have a legitimate need, Mayuko McGuire believes, “Anything in your life counts.

It can be tiny, like, ‘I’m so frustrated with this class; I need to talk about it.’

That’s fine. It can be life challenges that we need to tend to a bit more deeper, and that’s fine too. We are here to hold your hand through your STLCC journey.”

Virtual and Walk-in Appointments All students are eligible to receive the services SARC provides. It is a resource created solely for students because everyone deserves to have their needs met and questions answered. For students interested in learning more about their services or have a need they’d like to address, the center accepts walk-ins and virtual appointments that can be scheduled through the Navigate app. Students can also fill out an outreach request form, available on SARC’s website; it only takes a few minutes to complete.

Students do not have to have a specific need when filling it out. They can be a part of SARC’s email list, which will send them resources, programs, and events on campus and in the community.

The Student Advocacy and Resource Center works diligently to make its services as accessible as possible.

Therefore, students must also take the time to engage with said services, said McGuire.

“Nothing is too small for us,” McGuire emphasized. “Any question is important, so don’t hesitate. It doesn’t need to be a need; it can be just a question. Come visit us; we will try to solve it with you.”

If you want to take advantage of SARC’s resources, contact them at mcsarc@stlcc.edu or 314-984-7887.

PHOTO BY jacob politte The construction crew begins to rope off the area in front of the Library that is scheduled to be demolished this semester.

Transformed at the Gates Meramec Buildings Fenced Off Before Demolition JACOB POLITTE MANAGING EDITOR “STLCC Transformed” continues to affect Meramec greatly, and a new phase of the project begins Sept. 8 with an official groundbreaking ceremony for a new Financial Services and Enrollment Center and the Center for Emerging Technology in front of the old Library building.

In recent weeks, all buildings along Big Bend Road that are scheduled for demolition in the immediate future

were fenced off. Electricity across the campus was shut down during the weekend of Aug. 25 to help prepare for the demolition process.

The demolition process itself is scheduled to be a slower process than expected, with buildings coming down over the coming months.

In addition to these projects, the Social Science building will also see some changes, despite it not being scheduled for demolition in this phase of the project. The west entrance to the building will be closed off on Monday,

Sept. 11 for upcoming demolition.

Demolition to the canopy between Social Science and the now closed and soon to be demolished Business Administration Building will start on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

For continuing coverage of how STLCC Transformed is affecting Meramec, as well as photos and video of the Groundbreaking ceremony, please stay tuned to meramecmontage. com and our associated social media accounts.

PHOTOs BY jacob politte At left: The walkway to Library and Science West has been officially closed. Center: The entrance to the Library has been roped off prior to demolition. At Right: The Business Administration building has been closed off to prepare for demolition this semester.

NEWS BRIEFS Retired Professor featured in Gallery Exhibit During his three decades as a professor in the graphic design program at Meramec, Chuck Groth has gained acclaim as a teacher, artist, author and mentor to many. This exhibit – “Taking the Long View: Plein Air & Other Work” – highlights a wide selection of his paintings, as well as three-dimensional works, undertaken during his time at STLCC. The exhibit is on display in the Meramec Art Gallery until Sept. 21.

Myers Receives MCDA Award Jerry Myers, professor of music at Meramec, recently received one of the highest honors given to choral directors in Missouri. He received the Jeff Sandquist Presidential Award of Excellence from the Missouri Choral

Directors Association.

The award is given for contributing extraordinary service and dedication to the MCDA, as well as intellectual integrity, commitment to excellence and high m u s i c a l achievement both in teaching and for performance on stage. This award, formerly known as the Presidential Award of Excellence, is not necessarily presented annually.

Champene Earns Meramec Faculty Lecture Award Aaron Champene, professor of philosophy at Meramec. Aaron

has been selected to receive the 2024 Meramec F a c u l t y Lecture Award.

T h i s award is given to a full-time faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in instruction, enthusiasm for teaching in the community college and evidence of concern for community college students.

Champene will deliver a lecture that conveys the mission and role of the community college to an aspect of American society, national or local at the general opening session for the spring semester in January 2024.

NEWS 3

Sept. 7, 2023

STAFF JACOB POLITTE MANAGING EDITOR DAKOTA PULCHER PHOTO EDITOR KAYLA COACHMAN STAFF MORGAN DANIELS STAFF TY DEFRATES STAFF MACY GILLICK STAFF DAN GUNTLI STAFF AMELIA KIRSCH STAFF CARRAH MCDANIEL STAFF LILLIAN THUM STAFF EMILY WEBER STAFF

Shannon Philpott-Sanders Faculty Adviser

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Editorial views expressed or content contained in this publication are not necessarily the views of St. Louis Community College, the Board of Trustees or the administration.

The Montage is a student publication produced seven times per semester at St. Louis Community College - Meramec, 11333 Big Bend Blvd., Kirkwood, Mo., 63122.

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Up to 10 additional copies available, $1 each, at the office of The Montage, SC 220. Bulk purchases may be arranged with circulation manager.

Editorial policy: All letters should be no longer than 500 words and must include identification as a student or faculty member, phone number and address for verification purposes. Phone numbers and addresses will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for content and length. All letters submitted will be published in print and online.

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Are Administration Listening to Staff and Faculty?

‘Engage and Listen’ session results showcase overarching concerns Jacob Politte MANAGING EDITOR “Throughout April and May of 2023, the STLCC HR and marketing and communications teams hosted 18 Engage and Listen Initiative sessions – with over 150 employees participating – to collect key employee engagement and workplace experience feedback that will inform STLCC’s go-forward communications approach and, as a result, fuel its ability to accomplish the following objectives.”

This is the opening paragraph to a document released by STLCC that shares the results of the Engage and Listen sessions during the Spring 2023 semester. The document reveals exactly what was said by those surveyed during the sessions held this past spring. The report highlights both the good and bad amongst the various STLCC campuses on every level. The only campuses not surveyed were satellite campuses, the South County Education Center and the Harrison Education Center.

Positive Anecdotes The report highlighted some positive aspects of STLCC, including positive relationships with students and positive relationships with other colleagues.

One anecdote said, “What makes me happy to work here is who we work with. And we have a place in the community. The people I work with is something that is working well.

Another said, “[I have] wonderful colleagues in my department. They care about students. We have some great people to work with.

An anonymous administrator or manager said, “I think if you ask people if they love what they do, I think you will get 90% say they love what they do. I think people here are fabulous and we have good student-level boots on the ground. Staff members go above and beyond to help students.”

trust in leadership, in various college processes, and in some cases, working with other colleagues. Many participants attributed their lack of trust to the lack of respect they receive.

Many also expressed that they want to be better engaged in the decisionmaking process. This would be through methods such as providing feedback to help inform decisions, something many participants don’t think is being taken seriously.

One anecdote said “It feels like decisions are often made without consulting with the staff who are responsible for executing the work.

Senior leaders push directives without a strong understanding of how they’ll be implemented.” Another said, “Why doesn't [the] administration meet with us? They don’t get our input. Changes happen without our say.”

Multiple anecdotes repeat this recurring theme, such as one that said, “The survey comes off as a waste of time and nothing will come with it – how will we know our suggestions are considered and any action taken?

People need to feel like they are being listened to.”

Among other overarching concerns highlighted in the report, session participants expressed concerns about the potential for career development, employee turnover and a perceived lack of appreciation from those in the college administration.

In addition to overarching concerns that were highlighted, campus specific concerns were highlighted in great detail as well.

Meramec Compared to specific concerns at other campuses, Meramec seems

Overarching Concerns Throughout the various sessions, many participants say they lacked

to be the calmest of the bunch, with a major theme among participants being the desire for a greater sense of community at the Meramec campus.

Some session participants expressed that they felt as if the campus didn’t foster as many personal connections as the other campuses did, but countered that a way to increase that is by hosting more community events.

With that said, space at Meramec is about to become limited as the demolition phase of “STLCC Transformed” begins shortly. Meramec is slated to have the most demolition projects among any of the campuses, with all but one of the buildings (Social Sciences) along Big Bend scheduled to come down first.

Forest Park The report reveals that many participants from this campus said they felt overworked and that they lack the resources to do an effective job in their roles.

“Faculty (and probably staff too) feel squeezed to do the things that need to get done. We don’t have enough time in our schedule,” one anecdote said.

“Students are less prepared. We have more demands, and our resources are decreasing. And we’re not given any time to make up the difference. We have more work to do other than work with students.”

Another anecdote said “There’s less time for creativity in our jobs. We don’t have time to think because we’re

CONTINUED ON P. 6

Board of Trustees Highlights The Board of Trustees hosted a workshop and public session meeting on Aug. 17, 2023. All agenda items were approved as presented: *During the August workshop, the Board was provided an update on implementing Pathways to Success at STLCC. * Mark Swadener, vice chancellor for finance, presented the quarterly financial report. *Recognition of Staff and Student Accomplishments included the Respiratory Care Program. The Respiratory Care program at Forest Park is among a select group that received the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

The Board recognized faculty and staff members for inspiring their students' success, including: Lindsay Fox; Blake Anyan; Dr. Kurtis Sobush and Danielle Gutierrez. * 2023 Great Race: The Board also recognized the participants in the 2023 Great Race, a multi-state automobile race in which the winning team is the team that completes the race in the time closest to what it takes to drive the route at the legal speed limit. The STLCC team finished in the top third of over 140 units. STLCC team members included students: Evan Welch, Spencer Clark, Kyle Kannawurf, Christian Maczura, Nathan Depelheuer. They were led

by Josh Walker, associate professor of diesel technology at STLCC-Forest Park.

* Chancellor Jeff L. Pittman, Ph.D. gave the board an update on the Florissant Valley campus's Center for Nursing and Health Science plans.

The Board will hold a regular public session meeting and public hearing to set the 2023 tax rate on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 4:30 p.m. To view all Board Meetings, visit the STLCC Board Of Trustees YouTube channel (@stlccbot).

To view all board documents, contracts, proposals and archived m e e t i n g agendas, scan the QR code to the right with your phone:

4 ART & LIFE MeramecMontage.com HAS A NEW

Sept. 7, 2023

FROM THE ARCHIVES

How Meramec Reacted to 9/11: A look back at the aftermath jacob politte MANAGING EDITOR As The Montage approaches 60 years in print, it’s notable that archived digital copies that can be viewed by readers on The Montage’s “Issuu” page only date back to 2010. The rest are not lost to time, however. Print copies, both loose and binded, still exist. They date all the way back to the very first issue in 1964 and can be accessed in the Library.

As we approach our sixtieth year in publication, The Montage would like to take you back in time to some of those issues throughout the coming school year. The first look back, however, is inarguably a somber one.

Below is the back page of the Sept 17, 2001 issue of The Montage, an issue that centered heavily around reporting and reactions related to the 9/11 attacks in New York City, Washington D.C. and Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania.

Join the Team Meetings every Tuesday at 2 PM via Zoom or in Student Center, Room 220A

Contact Shannon Philpott-Sanders at ssanders147@ stlcc.edu for more information.

Sept. 7, 2023

ART & LIFE 5

What’s Happening Around Campus?

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Campus Expo takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023; Cindy Clausen talks with Wes Burchet and Carrie Fink at Campus Expo on Tuesday, Aug. 29; Cheyanna Scott and Carrie Coyne speak with a student at the Horiculture Club booth on Tuesday, Aug. 29; A row of booths at the Campus Expo event on Aug. 29; Campus Life Staff Members Kiana Turner, Katie Manders, Kelly Mokoney and Mia Harsley assist in handing out shirts to students during Welcome Back Week.

Top 10 Ways to Survive Returning From Summer Break Get Back into the Swing of Things on Campus macy gillick staff It may still be hot outside, but soon the sun’s rays will dim and the leaves will begin to fall off the trees.

The fall semester has begun, and after such a scorching hot summer full of fun and adventure, it can be a bit of an adjustment getting back into the swing of things regarding your studies. Here are the top 10 ways, in no particular order, to ensure a successful fall semester.

Manage your time- If you have a break in between classes or if you’re done with classes for the day then you could work on an assignment so you have a lighter work load and you can spend more time relaxing.

Track your homework - Writing your homework down on paper or a computer is a great reference to go back to later when you start your assignments and gives your brain one less thing to remember, so you

don’t forget to do anything.

they may seem intimidating.

Create a schedule for yourself - Writing down everything you need to do along with the time you’re going to start the task and how long you need to spend on it helps with how to organize yourself and can help you be productive to get done what needs to be done for that day.

Ask for tutoring help - If you’re having trouble understanding the material for any class then there are two ways to help. One you can go to your professor’s office hours or email them your question. Or you can find academic support in the student center and the tutors are happy to help.

Make some new friends - This could be especially helpful in class so you have someone to chat with and to have someone make your semester better. STLCC isn’t as small of a school as some people think; there is always someone new around the corner.

Take breaks when needed - This can be done in different ways. For example, while doing homework, set a 30 minute timer. After those 30 minutes are up, walk away from your work for a few minutes, then reset the timer. Repeat this cycle until you’ve completed what you need to. Another alternative is finish a whole assignment then give yourself a break before starting another. Trying to do a marathon of homework assignments isn’t healthy and will only burn your brain out.

Review after class - After your class session, if confusion or questions pop up, there’s always the option to go up to your professor and ask the questions that you need to. Almost every instructor on campus is approachable, even if

Motivate yourselfIf procrastination is hitting you hard and making you not want to do assignments then reward yourself with a prize for the work you do complete. For example: watching your favorite show, taking a walk, or just some free time.

Create a study area - Whether it’s on campus or at home, having a dedicated quiet space with no distractions and no one around helps to get into the flow of working.

And depending on your courseload, you may have a lot of work to do.

Get involved - Aside from your academics, joining a club is a great way to make new friends and be a part of something you enjoy.

It can help relieve some stress and take your mind off things.

Not to mention, some clubs and organizations are very appealing to include on a resume.

6 COMMUNITY

Sept. 7, 2023

Engage & Listen: Concerns Vary by Campus

CONTINUED FROM P. 3

always trying to just get done what needs to get done. This is a change from 15 years ago. I don’t have time to think of new ideas.”

Florissant Valley Most participants from Florissant Valley felt that the campus is consistently undervalued by the college, with one anecdote saying that “the lack of support is obvious” and that they feel that students attending that campus aren’t viewed as important compared to students on other campuses.

A key anecdote states, “It shouldn’t feel like our campus is being treated like a stepchild. While other campuses have a plethora of things, we can’t get a

roof fixed. You say we are one, but are we?”

Some session participants expressed concerns about racism on the campus, although the report largely didn’t comment on that faucet. An anecdote in this section says “It’s appalling that the administration hasn’t addressed the racist comment in the [Best Place To Work] survey,” which referred to provocative comments made by an anonymous Meramec faculty member on page three of that survey.

Wildwood Wildwood is the smallest major campus at STLCC, but even so, it appears some trust issues are prevalent there.

Many session participants desire “breaking down silos” and more connectivity and trust amongst

To get you where you need to go, PTK offers opportunities to help you develop and discover your personal, academic, and professional potential.

themselves and the campus and college leadership. The report alleges that there is a strong disconnect between campus faculty and senior leaders.

“Senior leaders don’t try to get to know who is on the ground, doing the work,” one comment said. “Their indifference towards us is reciprocated because of their inaction.”

Another comment alleges a lack of trust between those two groups.

“Senior leaders don’t seem to embrace new ideas or encourage interdepartmental communication,” one anecdote says. “This seems to be due to factions in the upper levels of the leadership team.

It was noted that there is a consistent effort to strengthen connections on the campus like the Wildwood Campus picnic, but it’s alleged that funding is not allocated for that event and is thus a burden for employees to host and organize.

campuses.

Regarding the former issue, one bolded comment in the antcodes section stands out: “We call each other on Teams rather than walking down the hall to talk to each other.”

They feel that trust and engagement is missing. And regarding the latter issue, one comment expresses that moving to online learning makes campuses feel empty, leading to the feeling of dissociation from the other campuses.

Corporate College According to the report, many of the participants from the campus expressed concerns with the lack of personal connections within the Corporate College campus and the lack of connection that the Corporate College itself has with the other

As of press time, all parties that were approached to be interviewed for this piece declined to comment. To view the full report, scan the QR code.

We Have an Honors Program at STLCC-Meramec!

Honors offers qualified students a variety of opportunities in and outside the classroom, including honors classes, special projects, workshops, and mentoring. New students can qualify through high school GPA, ACT score, or Accuplacer. Returning students qualify through their college GPA. Once admitted, honors students are never obligated to pursue a minimum amount of honors work each term.

PHI THETA KAPPA - XI LAMBDA CHAPTER INTERNATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY FOR TWO-YEAR COLLEGES Phi Theta Kappa is an international honors society for two-year colleges. It’s mission is to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students, as well as to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service, and fellowship programs.

To be eligible to join Phi Theta Kappa - Xi Lambda, Meramec’s local chapter, students must have a GPA of at least 3.5, have taken 12 or more credit hours, and must be enrolled in at least one course currently at Meramec.

IfIfIfyou are interested, contact Chapter Advisor JerryAdvisor Meyers atJerry you are interested, contact Chapter you are interested, contact Chapter Advisor Professor Rich gmyers34@stlcc.edu or 314-984-7638.

Peraud 217 or go to PTK.org for information.

MyersinatCNgmyers34@stlcc.edu ormore 314-984-7638

Curious about the Honors Program and what it might mean for you?

Learn more about the Meramec Honors Program and apply online at http://www.stlcc.edu/mchonors mchonors@stlcc.edu 314-984-7147 Humanities East 101

OPINIONS 7

Sept. 7, 2023

The Not So Playful Ballet of Stress Management ‘All work, no play’ is not the way to live LILLIAN THUM STAFF WRITER “A cool autumn breeze kisses her cheeks, as the apricot, crimson, and golden leaves dance to the gentle song. A soft melody of animals scurrying around preparing for winter playing in a background accompaniment, complemented by the laughter of children as they jump in big piles of crackly color. The gentle scent of warm apple cider wraps around her as a blanket, comforting her as the world is acting out its serene production. The world freezes and warps, ripping her from the softness of her dreams. She’s back at her cold yet busy desk, an imitation of paper sits on the screen with nothing on it. The moon, high in the sky, reflects through the window casting a taunting light, ticking down the time until the essay is due. She reads article after article, trying to find a suitable piece to write her essay on. Wildfires burn uncontrollably, the former president makes racist remarks, students’ education being ripped apart by fascist politicians. Each headline is another stone on her shoulders, every story crushing her. Water drops splash against the table, a sheen of tears rolls down her face. She hears a snap and sobs fill the air…”

Stress is a terrible necessary evil. However, managing stress in our modern day is difficult.

Notifications blaring all hours of the day as we are expected to always be on call, the world we are inheriting is up in flames as the governments of the world hardly do anything to stop it. Always told we must be the best, as second place is the first loser.

Every test is a life altering event, every essay is a fearful reply. Every moment is another stone on our backs as we struggle to hold it up, to take another step. To move our feet one more time. Then another, and another. The Sword of Damocles hangs over our heads. Never allowed rest, because how will we succeed? Never allowed to let loose and be childish, as we should be hustling. Black and white is all we can see, hustle or be worthless. Be a straight A student or be worthless. Be a leader or be worthless.

We are told to meditate, to exercise, or to manage our time better. To do better. Yet we are never told to play, despite it being just as important as meditation or exercise. Hara Marano wrote in her 1999 article, “The Power of Play,” that playing is vital to our health. Mentally, emotionally, and socially. Play can be anything, singing around a firepit or playing catch. It just needs to be fun, and sometimes, social.

Marano continues, describing how play opens up new pathways of thought. Studies show that adults who play video games grow stronger problem solving skills, or how people can work through traumatic events by changing the outcome in play. In “The Power of Play,” Marano interviewed Brian Sutton-Smith, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. He speaks about how play is another facet of culture, just like art or music.

Henry Lodge, in his book “Younger Next Year,” discusses how play is instrumental to our development not only as a species or as a culture, but as individuals. He cites various studies about how those who play live longer lives and have better relationships. It engages the part of our brain that laughs and loves and makes us the pack animals we are. It teaches our children how to live and survive.

Playing makes us mentally younger, and significantly happier. Stress goes out the door when we let loose and go play.

Stress is a chronic issue for many and it’s more important than ever before to manage stress as best as we can. So while everyone should definitely go exercise, and go to bed at a good time, make sure to take some time to play with your cousins or go jump in piles of leaves. Go have fun, and let the stress roll off your shoulders. The memories will last the extended lifetime you’ve given yourself.

Graphic Courtesy of narayanha health

Jake’s Take: Trump the Jailbird

Indictments are only recourse to ensure accountability JACOB POLITTE MANAGING EDITOR I’ve never wanted The Montage to lean toward one political spectrum or the other, and doing so I think harms the reputation and the objectivity of the paper. Whether you, the reader, are a Republican, a Democrat or have any sort of political affiliation, you should be able to open this paper, read it and enjoy it.

But my own views themselves lean liberal (whether I wish to be labeled as such or not), and the truth of the matter is this: this is my opinions column and I’m thrilled to see Donald Trump be criminally indicted as often as he is. He truly deserves it, and every charge brought against him is quite frankly an open and shut case.

There’s a saying that the wheels of justice often move slowly, and that’s true. It will be years before Trump sees the inside of a cell for longer than a few hours. And make no mistake about it: a prison cell is exactly where he belongs.

Trump is many things. He’s somehow a semisuccessful business man. He’s a narcissist. He’s a pathological liar. He’s a bully. He’s a proven criminal.

And in what should be the most important thing to the Republicans that idolize him: he’s an insurrectionist traitor, primarily responsible for unleashing a mob on the United States Capitol Building because he’s also a sore loser.

Donald John Trump has a rap sheet that makes Richard Nixon look like a saint by comparison.

Whether or not you like him or hate him, the objective facts of the circumstances he finds himself dealing with all show his undeniable involvement. He’s guilty of so much.

That’s not even including his general demeanor and behavior. There were plenty of crass and crude Presidents before Trump. Presidents are leaders, and leaders aren’t always saints. Lyndon B. Johnson, for all he managed to accomplish, could be crude and inappropriate on a regular basis. Don’t get me started on John F. Kennedy and Warren G. Harding, who

have more in common than you might think (Google good he managed to accomplish, he needs to be held it at your own risk). accountable for the bad things he did. Not even the Trump suffered from his behavior being more President should be above the law. He will likely go exposed in the media than anyone before him, but down as the most disgraced, least respected person that is not and should not be considered an excuse. to ever hold that office, unless someone even worse His behavior, and the effects that it had on society at and even more incompetent ever wins election. He large, are their own separate issue. deserves that honor in the history books forever.And The wheels of justice may move slowly, but they this mugshot will be there forever, too. He will never should be moving regardless. Too often, people in live it down, regardless of if he goes on to win in 2024. power should be held more accountable than they ever truly are. The outrage always fades.

It’s why people like Mitch McConnell and Nancy Pelosi have been around since dinosaurs roamed the land. It’s why people like Marjorie Taylor Green (my personal least-favorite live action Scooby-Doo villain) and other crazy people (on both sides of the aisle) will be around for a long time to come.

Politics, despite being vital to American life, is so exhausting that it’s easy to ignore. That’s dangerous, especially when people who have no business being in office are keenly aware of it and use it to their advantage.

When Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon in 1974, it set a bad precedent that a President may not be held accountable for any crimes they commit on the job.

And to be fair, not all of Trump’s crimes occurred while he was in office. But plenty of them did.

And this year, in various courts of law in various states, he was held accountable at last. The ongoing narrative is and will continue to be that his endless prosecution is a political witch hunt spear-headed by Joe Biden and the Democratic cabal or whatever.

It’s not. He’s a bad man who did so PHOTO COURTESY OF FULTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE many bad things. Regardless of anything

8 SPORTS

Sept. 7, 2023

Archers Baseball To Compete at Busch Stadium Annual game to be played this year against East Central College Jacob Politte MANAGING EDITOR In what is unofficially an STLCC tradition, STLCC Archers Baseball will return to play a fall season game at Busch Stadium later this month.

The game this year takes place on Sunday, Sept.

23, and the Archers will be taking on East Central College starting at 10:30.

Entry to this game is free, and no ticket is required to enter the stadium.

Last year’s game at Busch Stadium was played against Lincoln Trial College. As it was considered a scrimmage game, an official score was not recorded by the NJCAA. In addition to their game against East Central College, the Archers are also still selling tickets in three ajoining sections to a Cardinals Game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 1:15pm.

Tickets purchased from now until Sep. 10 at 11:00 PM will be available for pick up at Busch Stadium will call at the 8th Street ticket windows

on west side of Busch Stadium between 10:00am and 5:00pm starting on Sept.

15.

To successfully pick up your ticket, you must present a valid photo ID matching the original will-call name provided.

For any questions regarding these events, contact STLCC Athletic Director Sharon Marquardt via email at smarquardt@stlcc.edu.

CHECK OUT ARCHERS BASEBALL THIS FALL HOME GAMES:

Tue. 9/12: Southwestern Illinois College (3:00pm) Thu. 9/14: Missouri Baptist University (3:00pm) Sat. 10/14: University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy (12:00pm) Fri. 10/20: Lewis And Clark Community College (1:00pm) Sat. 10/21: Harris Stowe University (12:00pm)

SPECIAL EXHIBITION GAME:

AWAY GAMES:

Thu. 9/7: Missouri Baptist University (3:00pm) Tue. 9/19: East Central College (3:00pm) Sat. 9/29: Missouri Baptist University (3:00pm) Tue. 10/3: Southwestern Illinois College (3:00pm) Sat. 10/7: Missouri S&T (12:00pm) Thu. 10/12: Lewis And Clark Community College (1:00pm) Sat. 9/23 @ Busch Stadium: Archers v. East Central College (10:30am)

LAST YEAR’S STATS:

*as of press time

Stay on top of what’s happening with STLCC Athletics at

https://www.archersathletics.com