EagleEye- Oct/Nov 2020

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The Student-Driven Newspaper of West Hills College Lemoore Volume 9 / Issue 1 Oct./Nov. 2020

EagleEye

The Asynchronous Edition

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Hello Golden Eagles!

The past seven months have been exhausting and challenging, but not disheartening because we are reimagining ways to live, learn, and interact in a socially distanced reality. The positive assessment is that people are resilient and that the human spirit can overcome significant challenges through positive affirmation, hopefulness, and unity.

If you are struggling to find your strength and optimism, there are many ways to rejuvenate your soul. For me, I find listening to music, mediating, gardening, practicing yoga, and hiking in nature as ways to replenish my energy and maintain a positive outlook. For you it might be exercise, dancing, singing outload or spending time with friends and family. The good news is that these coping techniques do not cost a thing and they can be done despite the necessity to social distance.

If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed this moment, maybe you could: » go for a walk » write in a journal » set up a virtual study session » talk to a mental health professional (available free of charge) » turn off the endless updates on television and social media » call someone you miss seeing » listen to your favorite song Whatever you do to manage your stress this semester, know that you are not alone. Your West Hills family is here to support you and cheer you to the finish line. Besides the encouragement from faculty and staff, we have numerous resources to assist you such as mental health counseling, food distributions, laptop check out, Internet access on campus, tutoring, and much more. For information about these or other support services, please reach out to a faculty or staff member.

You have a few weeks left in the semester, and I hope that you find the energy to push through. Remember that you are STRONG and that you can accomplish great things when you stay optimistic, when you ask for help, and when you dedicate your time and energy to your studies.

Wishing you all the best, @drkristinclark #WHCLStrong KRISTIN CLARK, ED.D. PRESIDENT

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EagleEye - Oct./Nov. 2020

Online Learning: A Snapshot

By Arasele Hernandez

Back in March, the world as we knew it changed. Covid struck our country and challenged the way we did everyday tasks.

Some of us at Eagle Eye recall instructors telling us we would possibly be back in class in two weeks. That was far from true.

For many of us it has been challenging, coping with the stress of online classes. For others, the new normal works perfectly fine.

Although some might agree that the face-to-face interaction is lacking, and making the education experience difficult to enjoy. To see how the students at West Hills College Lemoore feel about the subject--we created a survey that covers how the communication with instructors has been since COVID-19 hit. The survey also covers what method of instruction students prefer. The survey consists of six questions. The responses may shock you. Ultimately, there are diverse opinions on the matter.

According to the numbers (57 students surveyed)

Communication with instructors since online learning began has been ● 57.50% Easy ● 32.50% Challenging ● 2.50% Non-Existent ● 2.50% Neither Do you get the answers you need in an appropriate timely manner? ● 80.00% Yes ● 20.00% No Do you feel your concerns are taken into consideration? ● 77.50 % Yes ● 22.50% No If Covid was not around, would you prefer online or in person learning? ● 27.50% Online ● 72.50% In person Has online learning affected your grade, compared to in person? ● 52.50% Yes ● 47.50% No What if anything can instructors do to have better communication with students? ● Do not use Zoom sessions for reminders, but to really teach students. ● I think they do pretty well. ● I would like more feedback. ● Maybe have more zoom meetings? I find that the class seems easier if there is some sort of “class” to go to, rather than none at all.

EagleEye-Oct./Nov. 2020-

ASG

Hello,

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My name is Yaritza Bejarano and I’m your Associated Student Government President.

I am a Computer Information Systems major here at West Hills College Lemoore. I sit on Executive Board as chair and serve as a student advocate who represents the student body at large while providing leadership to West Hills College Lemoore’s ASG. I’m also a member or the Board of Trustees as your Student Representative for WHCCD this year.

I can carry your voice and concerns up to the district and the chancellor. To add to this, I’m also the Campus Engagement Student Assistant. That being said I’m all about organizing events and supporting students in their day to day activities as is the Executive Board.

We’re the Executive Board:

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President ~ Yaritza Bejarano ~ yaritzabejarano@my.whccd.edu Vice President ~ Austin Hoffman ~ austinhoffman@my.whccd.edu Ambassador ~ Tatiana Liwag ~ tatianaliwag@my.whccd.edu Commissioner of Records ~ Ariana Luna ~ arianaluna2@my.whccd.edu Commissioner of Clubs ~ Vivian Navarro ~ viviannavarro@my.whccd.edu Commissioner of Publicity ~ Sebastien Encinia ~ sebastienencinia@my.whccd.edu

Hi everyone,

My name is Austin Hoffman and I am your ASG Vice President. I am a Psychology major here at West Hills College Lemoore, a student worker for Military Services, and a United States Navy veteran. I understand how important it is to serve our community as well as our student body. I am here to serve every one of you within the student body to make sure that your voice is heard within the local, district, regional, and state level. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I am not alone in terms of serving you all. Here is a list of the Student Senators that are currently serving you:

Senators for Health & Wellness » Victoria Kennedy (victoriakennedy@my.whccd.edu) » Angel Impat (angelcamilleimpat@my.whccd.edu) » Senators for Social Sciences » Antonio Purser (antoniopurser@my.whccd.edu) » Nelly Lopez (nellylopez@my.whccd.edu) » Keilani Villalba (keilanivillalbe@my.whccd.edu) Although they are listed under specific majors, they are here to serve ALL of you. Please reach out to them if you have any questions or concerns. We hope you Stay Strong throughout this semester so that you can Finish Strong!

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EagleEye- Oct./Nov. 2020

GrubHub or GrubHome

By Macy Martinez

Since the beginning of quarantine, many places have shut down. All but the majority of fast-food restaurants seemed to have

stayed open. Eating during Covid has changed lives for many, and that includes our eating habits. 15 Students were surveyed and out of the 15, 73% found themselves ordering takeout, while the remaining 27% were cooking at home meals. Majority of those who ordered takeout said it was easier to have food already prepared for them. For those who cook at home, majority said they had more time on their hands to cook.

Many students mentioned the app GrubHub, an app that lets you order food to your house, as a quick way to send their favorite foods home to them. Home cookers on the other hand, mentioned too much ordering out was bad for them. Health concerns, food allergies, and balance were what most students thought of during quarantine.

Quarantine has caused a lot of us to snack more than ever, whether it be at home or a daily food run. For me, it allowed myself to start eating more at home. Thanks to another app, Pinterest, vegetarian options were more accommodating than having to seek out a restaurant that catered towards me. Some of my favorite recipes include, vegan pupusas, black bean burgers, and cauliflower “wings.”

Craving tacos without the beef? Try grilling up some sliced portabella mushrooms with sliced bell peppers and onions. Grab a fresh corn tortilla, and top with guac and salsa. The mushrooms look just like meat, but the burst of flavor is amazing!

What are You Doing?

By Kenneth Balderas

The pandemic has created massive issues in our

lives, from losing jobs to some battling depression from isolation. We wanted to share some highlights from what students and faculty members are undergoing during their… non forced free time. We felt it was important for you (students) to know what others are doing in their free time, to perhaps motivate you to find a new passion, be creative, or finish those long projects that are buried deep in your garage. > One student picked up the newfound hobby of welding, a passion that their father picked up around the same age as themselves!

We felt this was important because it’s a hobby where you can bond with a loved one, and it’s a necessary skill in the workforce! > Missing your significant other? Can’t Netflix and chill due to quarantine? Well, this one student decided to take up painting along with the help of Zoom to connect with their loved one. > We have the gingerbread man (or women) in the house! This student decided to expand their bread-making skills to different types of bread, such as white, whole wheat, and my personal favorite, sourdough. > I typically eat EVERYTHING when I get depressed; I gained what we have all called it “the Covid bod,” Well, this one student decided to be smart and purchase a new home gym to stay in shape. That’s impressive! What’s your excuse? > We had one faculty member create what she likes to call it “My COVID Garden.” This was a testament to see if she indeed have a green thumb! She and her husband had decided to plant a garden with healthy vegetables and tomatoes (if you didn’t know, a tomato is a fruit and not a vegetable). She attempted to make this because she was bored and wanted to have food if she didn’t want to run to the Covid infested grocery store! > Have you heard of the famous YouTuber Peter Mckinnon? He’s a photography/videography and coffee connoisseur. Well, two of your fellow Eagles have partaken in taking filmmaking skills, and the other attempted to dabble in a bit of coffee making!

These are just SOME fascinating hobbies and activities that your fellow Eagles have implemented during their time! We hope you took something from this and motivate you to learn new hobbies.

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EagleEye-Oct./Nov. 2020

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Mental Health: A Guide for the Mind During Troubled Times

By Alexander Mejia & Sophia Ramirez

COVID 19 has impacted everybody around the world. Not only do the symptoms affect someone’s physical health, but it has taken a major toll on people’s mental health as well. Since the lockdown, symptoms of depression in the U.S. have gone up from 32% in March to 53% today. If you find yourself feeling stressed, depressed, or bored, here is a list of activities scientifically proven to reduce stress, relax your body, and mind.

There are many routes one could take to relieve stress such as, yoga, taking a short walk, massages, a walk in nature, a great work out, and helping others. The world can use a bit of help now and by helping others is great way to help society.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has acknowledged that pandemics can be stress full and offer many solutions. However, the CDC knows all the problems that can be caused by a pandemic such as: * Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones * Deteriorating financial situation or job * Loss of support services you rely on. * Changes in sleep or eating patterns. * Difficulty sleeping or concentrating. * Worsening of chronic health problems. * Worsening of mental health conditions. * Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

It is important to know the stresses we can be put through during a pandemic, but thankfully there is a way to help ourselves.

C O V I D Entrepreneurship

By Kenneth Balderas

We have one fellow Alumni (Brenda) who recently graduated and has now moved to Fresno State. Her story moved me and motivated me to plan out my own side hustle. This student has gone through terrible times. Her mom had a stroke during COVID and went on unemployment. She needed a quick way to make money for school and for medical bills for her mom. She came up with the idea of selling holiday wreaths on Facebook. Here is my interview with Brenda.

1.) Why did you create this small business?

> Well, I’m a first-generation college student. My mom, unfortunately, can’t work because of her stroke.

I didn’t want to give up on college or stop being a full-time student. So I needed a way to make money to pay for bills and medical expenses for my mom. I decided to sell the wreaths.

2.) How much have you made so far? It’s okay if you don’t want to open up. I know it’s a personal question. But maybe it will motivate other students to become creative.

>So far, I’ve made enough to cover my books and some of the smaller bills around the house, which isn’t terrible after my first month of doing this.

Brenda

3.) What made you come up with selling wreaths?

>I looked up memorial DIY projects at my local dollar tree to make a wreath for my late grandparents to lay at their hedge stone. I’ve always been into arts and crafts. It wasn’t until I saw the dollar tree frames that allowed me to make my arts and crafts hobby into a profitable gig.

4.) What advice would you give someone who is thinking about starting a small little business? What about the mistakes you’ve made?

> I think that it’s important not to double think things. Just because it sounds scary at first, and you might fail. Push those thoughts aside and follow your heart. As for the mistakes, I would say I was selling by word of mouth and selling to family and friends. I didn’t think about marketing on Facebook or social media. If I were you, I would start on something like that right away.

Also, I ended up having many orders come in, and I was short on supply. Try to be smart with your materials and buy enough!

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EagleEye- Oct./Nov. 2020

WHCL CALWORKS & CARE PROGRAMS

HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE Your donation will help purchase gifts for the children of our WHCL CalWORKs & CARE students To Make a Donation Visit https://tinyurl.com/West-Hills-Foundation Click "Make a Donation" Enter donation amount and select Donate with PayPal or Debit/Credit Card Next to "Special Instructions to WHC Foundation" type "Holiday Gift Drive" LAST DAY TO DONATE: DECEMBER 4, 2020 FOR ANY QUESTIONS, CALL MARIA GONZALEZ AT (559) 925-3244 OR MARIADELALUZGONZALEZ@WHCCD.EDU