8
DAVISORUAS REX/STAFF PHOTO Chabot College Hayward, California Thursday, May 22, 2014 TRUTH, LIBERTY & INTEGRITY www.thechabotspectator.com u See page. 2 FOLLOW US: TheChabotSpectator BY MARIA MANIEGO [email protected] T wo outstanding plays were presented on Friday, May 9, at the Chabot College Little Theater as part of a series of performances for Emerging Work. Both student-written, “The Last Aria” and “Proposition” exemplified the talents of Chabot College students who delve into theater arts. Both plays were well-received by the receptive audience. Chabot students Lauren Allen and Justin Embry wrote and directed “The Last Aria” respectively. The story revolves around Aria (Melissa Edwards), an exceptional violinist whose passion was brought to a halt when a car accident impairs her hearing. The plot was easy to follow. Aria was on her way to a major performance when the accident happened. This puts her at a disadvantage as she struggles to reacquire her skills and loses her faith in herself. The 20-minute play was, indeed, fast-paced. I applaud the lesson that the playwright was trying to convey – that one must not give up no matter how hard life hits you. The play had potential; however, it felt as if it ended abruptly, which might have been due to the time constraint. That said, it also felt like some scenes were rushed. “Proposition” was written by student Pieter Boonzaier and directed by theater arts instructor, Rachel LePell. It revolves around gay couple, Mathew (Roberto Ruiz, Jr.) and Lucas (Michael Morris), whose opposing views put their relationship to the test. The setting was in 2000 when Proposition 22 – a law enacted in California restricting marriage to opposite sex couples - was first introduced. Mathew, an actor by profession, is more vocal in opposing the bill. On the other hand, Lucas is indifferent because he does not believe in marriage. Although the main focus was on gay marriage rights, there were many underlying themes addressed in the play. The couple addressed issues in their relationship like any other couple would – financial woes, marriage talks, and who wears the pants in the relationship. The tension rises when they were joined at dinner by Lucas’ best friend and self- proclaimed conservative, Dylan (Art Por Diaz). What was unique about the play was that each character had their own actors playing their “conscience.” The lines delivered by these actors voiced out the thoughts that the main characters would not say out loud. Upon writing the play, Boonzaier says that he wanted to add historical context to his piece. The play was set during a time when gay marriage was not a hot topic yet as it is now. “I wanted to show a normal gay couple that wasn’t ‘fabulous.’ They’re just people with issues just like we do, that they have the decision to get married or not get married same as straight couples do. It’s not an assumption that everyone in the world wants to get married,” Boonzaier said. Morris, who was superb as Lucas, shares that the actors were given the chance to ad-lib some of their lines. Admittedly, he said that the character was fun to play. “It’s really interesting…I think it’s good; it raises good points for people to think about. It shows how the issue is more complicated – the personal with the political – it’s all intertwined into one,” Morris says about the play. Overall, “Proposition” was a well-written play which displayed a realistic view in any relationship. The banter was organic, witty and relatable, and the characters were given justice by the actors. Upon introducing the plays, LePell emphasized that the lack of elaborate setting is due to the project’s focus on the development of the play, its story and actors. The audience’s reception is also vital for the playwrights to help them better their craft. Diaz, who also starred in “The Last Aria” as the father, started as a writer before finally dipping his toes into acting. He describes himself as a writer first but says, “It’s a different rush when you’re on stage.” Actors Melissa Edwards and Joe Navarette played the lead characters in “e Last Aria” at the Chabot College Little eater on May 9, 2014. Emerging Works, page 2 DAVISORAUS REX/STAFF PHOTO Confused on your finals schedule? We have you covered! The Spectator u See page. 8 On the road to state? See how they did

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Page 1: The Chabot Spectator May 22, 2014

DAVISORUAS REX/STAFF PHOTO

EMERGING WORKSChabot College

Hayward, California Thursday, May 22, 2014

TRUTH, LIBERTY & INTEGRITY

www.thechabotspectator.com

u See page. 2

FOLLOW US: TheChabotSpectator

By Maria [email protected]

Two outstanding plays were presented on Friday, May 9, at

the Chabot College Little Theater as part of a series of performances for Emerging Work.

Both student-written, “The Last Aria” and “Proposition” exemplified the talents of Chabot College students who delve into theater arts. Both plays were well-received by the receptive audience.

Chabot students Lauren Allen and Justin Embry wrote and directed “The Last Aria” respectively. The story revolves around Aria (Melissa Edwards), an exceptional violinist whose passion was brought to a halt when a car accident impairs her hearing.

The plot was easy to follow. Aria was on her way to a major performance when the accident happened. This puts her at a disadvantage as she struggles to reacquire her skills and loses her faith in herself.

The 20-minute play

was, indeed, fast-paced. I applaud the lesson that the playwright was trying to convey – that one must not give up no matter how hard life hits you. The play had potential; however, it felt as if it ended abruptly, which might have been due to the time constraint. That said, it also felt like some scenes were rushed.

“Proposition” was written by student Pieter Boonzaier and directed by theater arts instructor, Rachel LePell. It revolves around gay couple, Mathew (Roberto Ruiz, Jr.) and Lucas (Michael Morris), whose opposing views put their relationship to the test.

The setting was in 2000 when Proposition 22 – a law enacted in California restricting marriage to opposite sex couples - was first introduced. Mathew, an actor by profession, is more vocal in opposing the bill. On the other hand, Lucas is indifferent because he does not believe in marriage.

Although the main focus was on gay marriage rights, there were many underlying themes addressed in the

play. The couple addressed issues in their relationship like any other couple would – financial woes, marriage talks, and who wears the pants in the relationship. The tension rises when they were joined at dinner by Lucas’ best friend and self-proclaimed conservative, Dylan (Art Por Diaz).

What was unique about the play was that each character had their own actors playing their “conscience.” The lines delivered by these actors voiced out the thoughts that the main characters would not say out loud.

Upon writing the play, Boonzaier says that he wanted to add historical context to his piece. The play was set during a time when gay marriage was not a hot topic yet as it is now.

“I wanted to show a normal gay couple that wasn’t ‘fabulous.’ They’re just people with issues just like we do, that they have the decision to get married or not get married same as straight couples do. It’s not an assumption that everyone in the world wants

to get married,” Boonzaier said.

Morris, who was superb as Lucas, shares that the actors were given the chance to ad-lib some of their lines. Admittedly, he said that the character was fun to play.

“It’s really interesting…I think it’s good; it raises good points for people to think about. It shows how the issue is more complicated – the personal with the political – it’s all intertwined into one,” Morris says about the play.

Overall, “Proposition” was a well-written play which displayed a realistic view in any relationship.

The banter was organic, witty and relatable, and the characters were given justice by the actors.

Upon introducing the plays, LePell emphasized that the lack of elaborate setting is due to the project’s focus on the development of the play, its story and actors. The audience’s reception is also vital for the playwrights to help them better their craft.

Diaz, who also starred in “The Last Aria” as the father, started as a writer before finally dipping his toes into acting. He describes himself as a writer first but says, “It’s a different rush when you’re on stage.”

Actors Melissa Edwards and Joe Navarette played the lead characters in “The Last Aria” at the Chabot College Little Theater on May 9, 2014.

Emerging Works, page 2

DAVISORAUS REX/STAFF PHOTO

Confused on your finals schedule?

We have you covered!

The Spectatoru See page. 8

On the road to state? See how they did

Page 2: The Chabot Spectator May 22, 2014

on stage.”Boonzaier describes his writing process as

both frustrating and slow in its early stages. But the characters start to come to life in the process, and he is left surprised by the outcome.

“There are times when I go, ‘What? That’s really your line?’…Once the muse starts talking, once the characters start talking in my head, that’s the story,” he said.

He is also inspired by the many plays in the Emerging Work. He says that there are a lot of ideas in the program that are manifested through students’ works.

“There are a lot of communal ideas in the Emerging Work. We’re not plagiarizing each other. It just sort of happens that way; there are a lot of plays that deal with relationships at different levels...I think we’re inspired by each other a lot,” Boonzaier adds.

2Hayward, California Thursday, May 22, 2014www.thechabotspectator.com

CampusBy Dylan Kelleher

[email protected]

EMERGING WORKS from page 1

DAVISORAUS REX/STAFF PHOTO

TAMMY LEE/STAFF PHOTO

Actor Roberto Ruiz, Jr. and Michael Morris, a young gay male making decisions on his life with his male counter part in this controversial role of self awareness.

The CRUNCH before FINALS! Students write “thank you” notes to their teachers as part of the “de-stressing” event sponsored by the Student Senate of Chabot College who were also giving away free lemonade, granola bars and scantrons on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, in front of the Chabot cafeteria. This event that the SSCC holds at the end of every semester is meant to help students “de-stress” before finals begin next week.

Student Profile: AJ Hicks

You may have heard AJ Hicks playing his music on campus. I had the opportunity to sit down and ask him a few questions.

When did you start playing music?When I was 9 years old.

Why do you play music?Writing songs is therapeutic. Unlike traditional therapy - talking to someone calmly in a room - I get to express the feelings the way they feel by banging on my guitar and screaming instead.

What do you want people to hear from your music?Me.

What musicians inspire your music?Frank Black, TGE, Modest Mouse, Lead Belly, Neutral Milk Hotel.

Do you have any albums available?I sure do! I just released a six-track album. You can find it on my website: AustinJamesHicks.bandcamp.com

DYLAN KELLEHER/STAFF PHOTO

Page 3: The Chabot Spectator May 22, 2014

CampusHayward, California Thursday, May 22, 2014www.thechabotspectator.com

3

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Page 4: The Chabot Spectator May 22, 2014

Scene4Hayward, California Thursday, May 22, 2014www.thechabotspectator.com

By AriAnne ArciAgA [email protected]

The soundtrack for “The Fault In Our Stars” movie was officially released on Monday, May 19.

Any song from the soundtrack is going to be more focused on lyrics instead of tracks that are upbeat. The lyrics and mood of the music will fit perfectly with the story and sentiments from John Green’s book, “The Fault in Our Stars.”

The album matches the

mood of author Green’s tearjerker novel. Some of the songs are so sappy that they could’ve been produced by a healthy maple tree (badumtss).

As a reader of the young adult book, there is no doubt that every single one of these songs fit the story perfectly.

With a tearjerking start of the album, we are introduced to British singer Ed Sheeran’s soothing, melodic vocals. When you close your eyes, you can

visualize Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters’ journey from the book. This happens to be one of my favorite songs on the track.

Another artist, “Birdy,” contributed two of her songs, “Tee Shirt” and “Not About Angels,” as well as the bonus track “Best Shot” featuring Jaymes Young.

“Tee Shirt” is a new song written specifically for the film, and Birdy is the only artist to have two tunes (three if you count the bonus track) on the film

adaptation’s soundtrack. One of the last tracks of

the album is by M83 called “Wait.” Although the song did not have a clear message from its lyrics, the song is still able to capture and give meaning to the movie that is tfios.

With the soundtrack to the movie officially out, it’s safe to say that “The Fault In Our Stars” will be creating waterfalls in our eyes. “The Fault In Our Stars” comes to theaters on June 6.

Song Review

On May 9, British singer Ed Sheeran most definitely turned Friday into an almighty sob fest.

Turn up the volume and grab a box of tissues: Sheeran’s song from the film adaptation of “The Fault in Our Stars” has arrived. As if the movie trailer doesn’t tear us up enough!

The song, “All of the Stars,” written by Sheeran, himself, will be playing during the end credits for

the movie. Basically, after crying over the movie, author John Green wants us to cry more during the credits because this song is just beautifully put together.

“You’re on the other side as the skyline splits in two. I’m miles away from seeing you. I can see the stars from America. I wonder, do you see them, too?” sings Sheeran, referring to the distance between the two main characters, Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters.

As most of you know, Sheeran is known for releasing new music every Friday. Not only did he release the tear-jerking song, he also released the official music video! The video clip features “tfios” fan art plastered on the walls, which gave references from the book and displayed positive statements like “Everything has beauty,” and “Do More than exist.”

At the end of the video, we see Sheeran sitting on

a couch while singing the song’s final lyric, “I can see the stars from America.” If this doesn’t make you cry, then something’s wrong with you.

“The Fault in Our Stars” comes out on June 6! Be prepared to cry your eyes out when you see this movie especially after hearing Sheeran’s beautiful harmonies and lyrics. Will you be bringing some tissues to the theater?

Also, watch out for Sheeran’s new sophomore album, “x,” which comes out on June 23.

By AriAnne [email protected]

Song Review

As part of the soundtrack for the upcoming film adaptation of best-selling novel, “The Fault in Our Stars,” Swedish singer-songwriter Lykke Li released yet another melancholic track on Monday, May 12.

After releasing back-to-back tracks from her new album, “I Never Learn,” the song “No One Ever Loved” follows suit, which is slowly putting Li’s name on the mainstream map.

Li is known to be an eccentric artist, whose high-pitched voice resonates in her melodramatic yet profound lyrics. Her songs vary from pop to ballad, and as her avid listener, I must say that her music is probably an “acquired taste.”

That said, “No One Ever Loved” failed to win me over after the first listen. It took me a while to capture the song’s essence. As I’ve said, it must be an acquired taste.

On a lighter note, the lyric to this ballad is beautiful. Li sings, “Heaven

must’ve known. Heaven must’ve laid stardust in your eyes to shine the light. Close the hurt in my eyes.”

Li’s voice blends well with the piano accompaniment. For pianists, both professionals and amateurs, this song is definitely a good piece to learn.

“The Fault in Our Stars” comes out on June 6. Her third studio album, “I Never Learn,” is now available for purchase.

By MAriA [email protected]

Page 5: The Chabot Spectator May 22, 2014

5SceneHayward, California Thursday, May 22, 2014www.thechabotspectator.comMovie Review

By SuliMAn BABAkArkhAilsbabakarkhail@thechabotspectator.

com

“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” is more of a thrill ride than a movie. The amazing effects and graphics make this movie intriguing and entertaining.

Watch this movie in 3-D to see Spidey leaping off of tall buildings and free falling while his suit flaps against the air resistance. The costumes and sets are very intricate and appealing. They work cohesively with the digital effects that are edited into the movie.

The effort of the cast is apparent and appreciated as

they redefine classic roles with a well-built history. Each character’s motivation is clear and concise.

Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is once again portrayed as a highly relatable character. This high school nerd has been updated to mirror the trends of common teenagers while keeping a humble and charismatic appeal. Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) is played as an adorable high school valedictorian, whose achievements and attitude reflect those of Spidey’s. The main villain, Electro (Jaime Foxx), is played hilariously. A classic lab

accident turns him into a menace that Spiderman has to deal with. Although he is not the focus of the film, Electro’s motivations are to

attract Spidey’s attention and to inevitably crush him.

If you are a die-hard comic book fan, it will be cool seeing certain scenes and panels come to life. If you are an action movie junkie, you will also love this film. If you are looking for hard-hitting drama or a deep love story, you may or may not get what you are looking for.

The trend with Marvel movies has been to tie their films together within their movie universes. I have to tell you that this is a standalone franchise. Don’t be fooled by the post credit scene. This movie will

not tie into the Avengers or the X-men series. It is just a clever cross-promotional tactic by Sony Entertainment.

Overall I give this movie 3.5 out of 5.

“The Amazing Spiderman 2”

★ ★ ★ ★★

Rating: Rated PG, PG-13 Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx

Directors: Harold CronkRunning time: 1hr 13mins

Movie Review

By SuliMAn BABAkArkhAilsbabakarkhail@thechabotspectator.

com

“Godzilla (2014)” is a movie you can truly enjoy no matter what your expectations of it are.

It captivates you from the get-go with its flashback introduction. The monster’s history is routed and tied into real human history. The overall theme of this movie has to be nature versus science.

An unstoppable force is unleashed on mankind, and we have to find a way to stop it before the damage becomes cataclysmic. Some of the great things about this movie are the constant give-and-take between massive monster collisions and tactical army strategies.

The one thing that really made this movie is

the location. Most monster attacks and apocalyptic events in recent movies have been centered near the Atlantic. The eastern seaboard is ravaged, yet we here on the West Coast seem to be safe. This movie is not the case.

The destruction is centered in our neighborhood. Bay Area becomes ground zero as the clash of giants eliminates skyscrapers, roads and bridges, and leaves a wasteland in its wake.

The cast of the movie played their parts with as much shock and awe as you can expect. The main character is not Bryan Cranston. Although he did give the best performance, the lead is rising star Aaron

Taylor Johnson. He plays the family man, military officer who is caught between trying to help stop the monster and being reunited with his family.

It is strange seeing Johnson play husband to Elizabeth Olsen due to them being siblings in the Avengers sequel, but their dynamic worked well here. The other half of this movie comprised of the U.S. Armed Forces having to deal with an unimaginable threat.

How do you stop giant monsters from tearing civilization apart? You guessed it: you nuke them!

In every movie, this has always been the end game, but here it becomes both their greatest weapon and at

the same time their greatest weakness.

The true beauty of this movie is in the rampant wonton destruction. There is a fine attention to detail here where the collapsing

city structure is depicted. You can really appreciate

every iota of carnage as you watch cars and buildings get flung around like toys.

If you are a fan of the original Godzilla series, you will not be disappointed in the direction this movie moves.

It stays respectful of the source material while adding different angles and innovates the way graphics are incorporated into the annihilation of human beings.

“Godzilla”★★★★ ★

Rating: Rated PG, PG-13 Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson Bryan Cranston

Directors: Harold CronkRunning time: 1hr 13mins

Song Review

By AriAnne [email protected]

If you’re looking for a song that will get you up on your feet and will make your head bang in the car, “Don’t Stop” by 5 Seconds of Summer is the perfect song for you! You “won’t stop” listening to it (badumtss)! After the release of their first single, “She Looks So Perfect,” fans of the Aussie pop-punkers waited for what

almost felt like years for the next one. On Monday, May 5, 5SOS officially released their second single, “Don’t Stop,” from their untitled debut album. We haven’t stopped listening to it since (pun intended)! Weeks of various twitter posts and Instagram pictures of the band members in modern-day superhero costumes ensued. The boys tweeted the official release

date of the music video which was on Monday, May 19.In the video, we are introduced to the boys’ superhero alter egos: Dr. Fluke, Mike-Ro-Wave, Cal Pal and Smash! They are out to save the world by rescuing cats, helping old ladies cross the street, and picking up litter. But wait! We also see some badass ninja-ry from Calum

Hood’s roundhouse kick and Luke Hemmings’ ability to simply point his fingers to put a bad guy down. If there was a superhero movie I would like to see in the works, it would definitely be one featuring the boys of 5SOS. After watching that music video, who wouldn’t want to be their damsels in distress?5SOS’ debut album comes out on July 22.

Page 6: The Chabot Spectator May 22, 2014

6Hayward, California Thursday, May 22, 2014www.thechabotspectator.com

Local

By Leah [email protected]

TAMMY LEE/STAFF PHOTOS

Hayward Elections:A Special Report

Hayward Mayoral RaceOn June 3, residents of the city of Hayward will be voting at the polls for a host of local positions, including the election for a new mayor.

In light of the upcoming election, the mayoral candidates sat down with the Chabot Spectator to elaborate on their plans to improve the city and to encourage students at Chabot that their vote counts.

City Councilwoman Barbara Halliday has served on the Hayward City Council for the last 10 years. She has a long track record of leadership, particularly when it comes to community involvement.

Among various other activities, Halliday has adopted a street to keep it litter free, and she volunteers her time as a tutor at the Hayward Public Library.

Improving education for the city’s youth has been one of Halliday’s long term goals. From the very beginning she has advocated for the Homework Support Center program that secures volunteers and paid interns as after-school tutors for the city’s children.

Beyond this, Halliday fought hard to secure funding for two new schools in Hayward, Burbank and Stonebrae, which are the first news schools Hayward has seen in over 40 years.

If elected, Halliday plans to dedicate her efforts to improving the city aesthetically in order to attract new businesses, supporting youth education, promoting safety in Hayward, and establishing long term financial stability in the city.

“I am running for mayor because I love Hayward and I have the necessary skills to make a difference here,” said Halliday.

City Councilman Francisco Zermeño has been active in Hayward for many years. As both a businessman, a teacher, a father and a friend, Zermeño has long established himself

as a beloved figure in Hayward.

After serving as a city councilman for eight years, a planning commissioner for eight years, and completing two years on the Board of Supervisors, Zermeño has developed an easy knowledge of the city’s structure and, through his job as a Spanish professor at Chabot College, he has come to understand the people who reside here.

If voted mayor, Zermeño would first tackle the city’s difficult financial situation.

“We need to deal with the economy immediately. No one spends their money here because there aren’t enough businesses. To counteract this, I will do everything I can to attract new firms,” promised Zermeño.

Besides the economy, Zermeño has plans to update some of our outdated ordinances and revisit our planning and fee structure. He too has made fiscal responsibility a major focus of his campaign, and he has continuously emphasized the importance of having youth leadership in the community.

City Councilman Mark Salinas has a long record of civic involvement in Hayward. As someone who has been born and raised in Hayward, Salinas understands the city on a

deeply personal level.Unlike the previous two

candidates, Salinas will not be able to return to his seat on the council if he loses

the mayorship. As such, his decision to run is evidence of his strong commitment to the city.

Besides his community service work with programs like our school’s

Puente program and Hayward’s Latino Business Roundtable, Salinas has contributed to the city by teaching ethnic studies,

history and sociology at Chabot.

For many years, he has been a passionate advocate for education. If elected, Salinas plans to foster partnerships between educational institutions like Chabot and CSU East Bay, and local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

“We have to invest in our schools because when we look at our city through that life cycle, it translates into a prosperous economic and social future. We cannot separate what we do as a city from what the schools do. Because of this, I will make education a mantelpiece in my administration,” remarked Salinas.

Political newcomer Rakesh Kumar Christian, the fourth candidate, could not be reached for comment.

Happy voting!

M A K I N G T H E W O R L D M O R E . . .

Oakland, CA [email protected]

www.mills.edu/transfer

RESERVE YOUR SPACE ATWWW.MILLS.EDU/VISITPROGRAMS.

REALIZE YOUR DREAM AT MILLS COLLEGE.

Mills offers talented women who want an exceptional

and personal education the ability to:

• Get the classes you need to graduate on time.

• Earn merit scholarships totaling up to $20,000.

• Transfer with no minimum number of credits.

• Transfer without completing your GE requirements.

VISIT PROGRAM: June 3 • 5:30–7:30 pmLearn about our programs, meet our students, and tour

our campus. There’s still time to apply for fall 2014.

COUNCILWOMAN BARBARA HALLIDAY COUNCILMAN FRANCISCO ZERMENO COUNCILMAN MARK SALINAS

Page 7: The Chabot Spectator May 22, 2014

OpinionHayward, California Thursday, May 22, 2014www.thechabotspectator.com

7

Negativity toward Chabot seems to be common among a lot of students who start their college life here. For many of us, Chabot was seen as a last resort if we couldn’t get into the universities that we wanted, so the fact we had to use our fallbacks already puts us off to the school regardless of which one it was.

Many people, including myself, proceed to treat Chabot like a lesser school or a means to move on, and do not take the time to enjoy their time here.

I will no longer be a Chabot student in just a few more days and looking back, the best advice for anyone continuing or about to start school here should enjoy it while it lasts.

With graduation day approaching, I received my letter in the mail asking if I wanted to participate in the ceremony, order my cap and gown and all other graduate necessities. I took one look

at the letter, laughed it off and proceeded to throw it in the trash. I have absolutely no intent on walking the stage here at Chabot even though I will be receiving an AA degree and moving on to a university.

I did not regret my decision to throw the letter, but I asked myself why I did not want to walk the stage when it signified me finally moving on after a few years too many at Chabot. I realized that I would be leaving Chabot with no connection to this school other than the small cliques of friends I have made over my time here.

The fact that I don’t have any real connections to this school is not the school’s fault, and I don’t hate Chabot by any means. Coming here, however, put me off because I felt like I was settling by going to Chabot instead of attending a university. I did not treat Chabot as my school; instead, I treated Chabot as a means to go elsewhere.

This attitude that I carried through my entire time at Chabot made my experience here much less memorable and killed the potential fun I could have had being part of the Chabot community.

For all students who will continue their time at Chabot next fall, I encourage you to get involved with the Chabot community. Attend events, check out the clubs, support the sports teams, and just get involved.

While many students feel the same way as I do - just passing through Chabot on your way to a university - it is still your first two or more years of college.

Many of us have heard the jokes about Chabot being 13th grade or mockingly called UC Hesperian, but there is potential here for every student to have a great first two years of college.

Make the most of the time you have here. Don’t damn the school before you give it a fair shot. Most of all, just have fun.

By Nick [email protected]

Letter to the Students: Make the Most of Chabot

For young adults out of high school, not being enrolled in school is something that is frowned upon by parents and peers. While it is always encouraged to put school first, priorities sometimes have to be reconsidered because life sometimes throws unexpected curveballs that deviate from the path.

Contrary to the associated stigmas with young adults not being in school, it is actually a good idea to take a couple semesters off to figure things out as long as the time off is used for something productive, and the individual eventually returns to school and finishes with a degree in a field of their choice.

Taking time off school allows people to figure out who they are and what they want to do without the constant pressure of deadlines and studying that comes with classes.

Certain important life lessons cannot be learned when people remain focused on something like doing homework instead of branching out and experiencing more of the world.

For those who struggle financially, schedules free up to allow time to take on full-time jobs or multiple jobs that contribute to paying off tuition, textbooks, student fees, and room and board. With all the red tape that prevents students from receiving adequate financial aid, sometimes school has to be put on the back burner in order to meet the costs of living.

Many young adults seem to perceive taking time off school as a failure; however, they fail to realize that doing so can actually be beneficial in the long run. Everyone takes a different path in life and success is not a one-way street. If taking a few semesters off seems like a good decision, go for it.

By karissa [email protected]

Taking the Semester Off from School

EACH MIND MATTERS

Funded by counties through the voter-approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63).

EVERYBODY’S GOT PROBLEMS.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

TALK IT OUT AT

or text ‘reachout’ to 877-877Monday and Tuesday 4-8 p.m.

REACHOUT HERE.COM

15818-01 CalMHSA14 Mobilization Print 5x8 BW.indd 1 5/8/14 12:36 PM

It’s the Hollywood block buster formula that never fails: adapt a best-selling book to the big screens and make millions on movies and franchises. Titles such as Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Twilight, Hunger Games, and now Divergent h a v e p r o v e d to be successful m o v i e p o r t r a y a l s of original books. As a huge fan of such popular e n t e r t a i n m e n t media, I am one of the first in line when the movie adaption of a book comes out. It seems however, that many media consumers now see movies as the “short-cut way” to enjoy a book.

So, should people just disregard books and opt for a seat in a movie theater? NO!

While it is u n q u e s t i o n a b l y awesome to see a full-length movie adaptation packed with special effects, a musical score, and other cinematic elements, storylines still

don’t compare to what is written in a book. Hollywood is notorious for altering plots or changing and omitting different scenes. Sometimes characters or events are overlooked and those who never read the book miss out on these big moments. Other times

movie producers will add references from

the books that are lost on audiences

who just watch the

m o v i e s . Read ing the books

adds a deeper element of excitement when it comes

to finally watching the movies because the characters and worlds created finally come to life. Movie fans should invest their time in reading the literature that inspires what they are watching.

Don’t Forget the Book!By karissa LacTaweN

[email protected]

Page 8: The Chabot Spectator May 22, 2014

The Chabot College golf team completed their season on Monday, May 12, in the California Community College Athletic Association men’s golf State Championship held at Victoria Country Club in Riverside, Calif.

Chabot placed third in the event, finishing behind College of the Canyons and the newly crowned state champion, Riverside City College. With a score of 744, Chabot finished in front of the only other Northern California team from San Jose City College.

For individual performances, Chabot’s Aaron Bronis finished with the best score out of all his teammates with 146, and his performance put him in eighth place out of 43 other competitors.

Although the Gladiators didn’t take home the state title, they did have yet another successful season. This year Chabot won the Central Valley Conference, and they were the Northern California champions for the third year in a row. Their appearance in the State Championship was not an unfamiliar one as this marked the 12th season in a

row where Chabot made it to this level.

The Gladiators had some individual standouts as well. Andrew Sirowy won the Central Valley Conference MVP award as he averaged a conference-best 71.75 scoring average per round. Bronis had fourth best scoring average in the conference at 73.38, and he gained all-conference honors.

Leading the Chabot team, coach Zack Papachristos felt that team chemistry played a huge role in their success for this season.

“The best part of our season was the team, which we had, had tremendous cohesiveness. They all got along so well and supported each other so well; that’s what made this team so unique,” said Papachristos.

Under Papachristos, the Gladiators have won 18 Conference Championships in 22 years, 10 Northern California Championships, and one State Championship in 2011. He hopes to get his team back in the State Championships for next year.

“We got to do a better job

recruiting,” Papachristos said in regards to how he will get his team back into the state for next season.

“You have to have great players, and definitely one

of the things in which we want to do is have a stronger fifth and sixth man for next year,” he adds.

On Sunday, May 18, Chabot’s baseball team lost to College of the Sequoias Giants 6-3, ending the best- of-three series that sends the winner to the State Championship Tournament.

The loss finished the Gladiators’ season at a 32-10 record, which was just short of heading to Fresno.

As the game began, pitcher Julian Kelly took the mound trying to propel his team with a win to the State Championship. In the top of the first, after walking the leadoff hitter, Chabot catcher Travis Hull made an amazing play throwing out a runner trying to take second on a ball in the dirt. After recording the out in the rundown, first baseman Ryan Howell turned the double play as he threw out the runner trying to take home from third on the play. This play kept the Giants scoreless early and swung the momentum of the game

the Gladiators’ way.After both teams

remained scoreless through the first couple innings, Chabot finally got on the board in the third. Tyler Davis and Blake Guardino both scored on a double

play ball that was turned into a fielder’s choice by the hustle of Robert Smith, beating out the throw to first after the out was recorded at second.

Julian Kelly was lights out through the first four

innings of the game, keeping the Sequoia hitters off balance and keeping the Giants off the scoreboard. However, the game changed in

the top of the fifth as Kelly got in a little trouble after giving up a walk and two hits. With the bases loaded, a fly ball to center field resulted in a sacrifice fly and the Giant’s first run of the ball game. After another bloop single re-loaded the bases, Kelly was taken out of the game and replaced by Cameron Rowland. With two down in the inning, the Giants’ Rudy Navarro singled off of Rowland bringing home two more in the inning, giving the Giants their first lead of the game.

As the Gladiators came up in the bottom of the fifth down a run, the bottom two in the order, Davis and Guardino got another rally started by getting on base and giving the top of the order a chance to put some more runs on the

SportsHayward, California Thursday, May 22, 2014

8www.thechabotspectator.com

By Chris [email protected]

By Tyler [email protected]

GLADIATORS’ BASEBALL SEASON ENDS SHORT OF STATE

Chabot baseball coach Steve Friend has a talk to the defense during a home playoff game versus the College of the Sequoias on Sunday, May 18, 2014, at Hayward Calif. The Gladiators would fall to the Sequoias Giants 6-3 in a do-or-die game that would have sent the team to the State Championships.

Chabot golf completes the 2014 campaign as third best team in California, continues legacy of success

ONLINE EXTRAS >> EXPANDED FEATURES ON THE WEB

Chabot Baseball’s Season EndsScan the QR code to read the rest of the article.

Team photo of the 2014 Chabot College golf team at Pebble Beach in Monterey, Calif., on April 13, 2014.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACH PAPACHRISTOS