Final Rangeview Spring 2009

A Publication by the Students of the FRCC-Larimer Campus V OLUME 9, I SSUE 2

APRIL — MAY 2009

S LOW A HEAD BY M AGGIE H ULL , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

As several students as well as faculty members at FRCC could recollect, the intersection of Harmony Road and Shields Street is typically congested and has delays on a daily basis. The road project is located on the northwest side of the Front Range campus. Scott McKelvey, the director of Facility Services, has been the “go-to” guy on campus concerning this project. “The real meat of the construction has been pretty good,” stated McKelvey. The widening of Harmony Road will take place from Mason Street all the way to Seneca Street. There are four lanes on the rest of Harmony Road, so this is the final stage of the Harmony Road widening project. There will not be any night construction Rangeview photo editor and photography student Michelle Motherway titled this 2008 shot of wild during this project. The hours of horses in Wyoming, “Ghost Rider Face in the Snow Dust.” It’s part of her wild horse photo operation will be Monday collection she’s working on. See more freelance offerings by the Rangeview Photo Team on page 16. through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. There is a possibility for construction to occur on Saturdays if the construction crews have problems with weather throughout the week. I F I C OULD T URN B ACK T IME ... Although the development may be potentially inconvenient to students, the contractors have estimated that the expansion BY T RAVIS C HATFIELD , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER will be completely finished by the end of August. FRCC has not received any complaints concerning the construction project thus How could this have happened? A mangled, first-generation far, only broad questions about it. Toyota 4Runner rests on a trailer in front of Blanca Peak in early As of March 12, the project had only begun four days prior. March, the remains of a 1980s masterpiece of engineering and McKelvey said that there were “no real setbacks so far.” machinery destroyed by three college students who decided that Both parking lot exits on FRCC‟s campus will not be closed drinking, abusing illegal substances, and driving were a good during any point in the construction, which is beneficial for all mixture. Many of us have heard the stories, but seeing the who commute to the campus. Having both exits open throughout damage first-hand threw into sharp perspective what driving the construction, students should not notice any major traffic under the influence can do. Onlookers gaze in wonder as they try delays. to take in the scale of destruction and horror that soon followed Supervisor of the Department of Public Safety on campus, after the SUV was found. The three boys died from their injuries, Gordon Goldsmith, believes that “[the construction] is not going becoming another statistic in the pages of history. to affect us as much as it will the neighborhoods.” (Continued on page 4)

(Continued on page 4)

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Faculty Advisor & Managing Editor………...… Kate Tarasenko Editorial Team…….…...….Travis Chatfield ……………………………………Katie Groy …………………………………..Maggie Hull …………………………….Chelsea Moreland ……………………………………....Aly Pax ……………………………….Brianna Savino ………………………………...John Seaberry ………………………………...Tamara Smith Photo Editor.………….Michelle Motherway Photo Team……………….…Miranda Baker ………………………….Michelle Motherway ……………………………..James Neuhalfen ……………………………....Whitney Weber Layout…….. ..….……...……Kate Tarasenko

Left to right: Chelsea Moreland, Tamara Smith, John Seaberry, Katie Groy, Travis Chatfield, Aly Pax and Brianna Savino. Not pictured: Maggie Hull Photo by Michelle Motherway

Publications Board….... .…….Karl Dukstein ………………………….David Murphy, SGA ………………………………..….Blair Oliver ………………………………...Rachel Rambo ………………………………...…..Erin Smith ……………………………….Kate Tarasenko

MISSION STATEMENT: The Rangeview provides a voice for FRCC’s Larimer campus. We strive to give our readers accurate and balanced coverage on a variety of news and events in an effort to keep our campus well-informed about its college community. We approach our responsibilities with the goal of maintaining the highest journalistic standards to the best of our abilities.

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FREELANCE SUBMISSIONS POLICY: We welcome feedback, letters to the editor, original articles and op-ed pieces (as well as story ideas and tips) from all members of the FRCC Larimer Campus community. Please do not exceed 600 words. The Rangeview also accepts photos and artwork in jpg format. All submissions must be emailed directly from your FRCC account as a Word.doc or jpg attachment, and must be accompanied by full name and local phone number, to:

[email protected] All submissions are subject to final approval by the Editorial Team and Publications Board, and may be edited for length, clarity, and potentially libelous content.

Left to right: Miranda Baker, James Neuhalfen, Whitney Weber and Michelle Motherway Photo (above right) by Joey Pratt

Please direct your calendar event inquiries to [email protected]. ALL CONTENT © 2009 RANGEVIEW

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H OME ON THE R ANGE Excerpted from an April 10 memo by Dr. Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System:

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Scholars’ Square EMT Program……….…...5 Psych Dept……....……….6

How We Serve Teacher to Teacher..….…..7 Habitat for Humanity…….8

Campus Wellness SAVA Center Play….……9 Ropes Course…....……...10

[T]he Joint Budget Committee of the General Assembly initially cut higher education by $153 million, of which the community colleges would have had a $30 million cut. On April 1, the committee cut an additional $300 million from higher education, which resulted in another $61 million cut to community colleges, [which then totaled] $91 million in cuts for us for next year’s budget. This represents a 63 percent cut to the community colleges’ budgets. [On April 9], the Colorado Senate passed a bill that would allow the state to acquire $500 million from the reserves of Pinnacol Assurance, the entity that is required to provide workers’ compensation insurance to businesses if those businesses so choose and do not want or cannot get insurance from any other provider. The Senate then proposed to use $300 million of the $500 million to restore higher education funding. Thus, community colleges would go back to the $30 million cut initially proposed. Even though the higher education budget was restored for $300 million of the $453 million cut, we remain concerned because this funding is one-time funding and will not help in future years. We will be in the same situation one year from now of trying to find $300 million to support higher education because of the one-time nature of the funding. In addition, there are threats of lawsuits regarding this money. Thus, we are unsure if and when these funds would come to the state to restore higher education funding and we know that the funds will not continue to be available in fiscal year 2010-2011. The budget bill was then preliminarily passed in the Senate with this proposal in it. The bill [faced] its final vote in the Senate on [April 13] and [will] then be sent to the State House of Representatives for consideration. The bill must pass both the Senate and the House and then be signed by Governor Ritter to become law.

G ET TING

Front Range Faces AFO…….…..…...………11

TO

K NOW Y OU

BY D AVID M URPHY S PECIAL TO THE R ANGEVIEW

Club Hub Motorcycle Club.....…….12

F EATURED S TUDENT : T RAVIS N YQUIST

Music Club………...........13 Writing Club…................14

When was the last time you read a comic book? When I was a kid, maybe? Dude, I really don‟t know.

Medium Cool

Are you going to see “Watchmen”? I‟ve already seen it and it was awesome.

Danger! Live Writers!….15

If you were a superhero, would you use your powers for good or evil? I would use them for my well-being only.

Rangeview Photo Team...16

Be Our Guest

What is your favorite TV show? “24.”

Gillis......…………….…..17 Seaberry...........................18

What are you studying? Aerospace technology, and I am going to join the Navy as an officer.

Volckening.......................19

Student Life ……….20 FALL 2009 Register for JOU-106, the Fundamentals of Reporting, and write for

The Rangeview! 3 transfer credit hours!

The Rangeview is funded by Student Life using student fees, and by the Department of Arts & Letters. Reporting for The Rangeview is provided by the journalism students of JOU-106, the Fundamentals of Reporting. Photography is provided by the students of FRCC-LC.

If you could teach any class on any subject, what would it be? Public speaking or humor or magic. Mustard or mayonnaise? Do I have to pick? Do you have any questions for me? Are you made of electromagnetic energy? What is playing in your iPod right now? “Her Voice Resides Inside My Head” by Bullet for My Valentine. ®

4 (ROAD PROJECT continued from page 1)

(DUIs continued from page 1)

Safety is a common concern while the construction is taking place. Goldsmith cautions those commuting to FRCC that, “The main thing is to slow down and follow the speed limit. Don‟t talk on your cell phone or text while driving, and be very cautious of pedestrians.” While McKelvey is glad to answer any questions of those on campus, he urges everyone to visit the City of Fort Collins' Web site at: www.fcgov.com/westharmony/faq.php. This Web site contains useful information for anyone who may be apprehensive about the construction, and wonder how it will affect their daily commute. There is also a place on the Web site where individuals have the opportunity to sign up for current updates concerning the Harmony Road expansion project. Once someone enters their e-mail address into the designated area they will receive these updates via e-mail as they arise. According to this Web site, the main reason the City of Fort Collins has decided to reconstruct this part of the road is because the intersection of Harmony and Shields has one of the highest accident rates throughout the entire city. Although the development may be inconvenient for the time being, when it is finished, there will be additional turn lanes which Harmony did not have. The Harmony Road Project includes McKelvey also underground work to electrical and said, “We didn‟t water lines. Photo by James Neuhalfen have a sidewalk or a bike lane before,” and after the construction, there will be both. The construction will be beneficial for drivers because it will widen Harmony Road in the hopes of alleviating traffic problems. McKelvey says that the official alternate routes while the construction is taking place are Trilby and Horsetooth, “depending on what direction you are coming from,” and Taft Hill Road. Neighborhoods are not to be used as alternate routes. McKelvey cautions, “[The police] are really enforcing people not to go through neighborhoods…They are beefing up the patrol in the neighborhoods.” So, if one is considering using the local neighborhood for a fast getaway, stay away from this because the chances of receiving a ticket have risen drastically since the construction has begun. “Don‟t come over here if you don‟t need to, and allow yourself enough time for the commute,” McKelvey warns. ®

John Mandley, with the help of the Center for Transportation Safety, is responsible for bringing the Toyota to Front Range. Mandley, psychology instructor and department head, perceives a DUI offense as “100 percent preventable,” which is why he decided that Collegiate Health Week was a good platform to promote awareness. “DUIs are a health risk,” says Mandley. “What a great way to expand this idea of health and health promotion to include things like DUIs.” Pat Wenzel, a 27-year-old student at Front Range, received a DUI in July 2008. Wenzel had a blood alcohol level of 0.12. “It was more of a convenience to drive my truck home,” Wenzel explains. “I wasn‟t sure how much I had to drink.” Like many college students, Wenzel is not the only person at Front Range to get a DUI. However, Mandley offers some psychological perspective as to why we drink and drive. “The real, more technical answer is, when we drink alcohol, one of the processes that is impaired is our decision-making process. So, even if someone starts out with good intent, like they have a plan [for getting home], those decision-making abilities become impaired,” he explains. “„Oh, it‟s only four blocks away,‟ or „I‟m OK to drive,‟ and on and on, because those decisionmaking abilities become impacted.” Mandley offers real solutions to this ever-increasing problem by bringing the wrecked cars to Front Range. “We could stand in front of a group of students and talk until we‟re blue in the face, but it‟s much more impactful to let the vehicle tell the story,” Mandley explains. “And I think it worked.” DUImap.org is an independent DUI-monitoring organization that keeps track of DUIs in the United States. Statistics for 2008 are not yet out. However, in the city of Fort Collins alone, there have been four fatal DUI-related accidents between 2006 and 2007. According to the National Traffic Safety Administration, the annual cost of alcohol-related accidents is more than $51 billion. And according to the Centers for Disease Control, across the country, 36 people die each day due to drunk drivers, a statistic that goes relatively unnoticed as many prepare for Spring Break adventures, and St. Patrick‟s Day celebrations, which accurately describes the “catastrophic results” that Mandley refers to. At the Longs Peak Student Center Information Desk, there are business cards listing several alternatives to driving under the influence on your way home. The business cards, provided by Responsible Alcohol Retailers and in partnership with Team Fort Collins, are available in large quantity and list companies from “Ram Ride” to a “Limo Ride Home.” While the Limo Ride Home is free, your car stays where it is, as opposed to “No DUI Ft. Collins,” which will take you and your car home for a fee of $25, with a $5 discount for students. Plenty of alternatives are provided for students, as well as handy tips for drinking responsibly, on the flip side of the card. While Wenzel, and many others like him, cannot turn back time to reverse their mistakes, many other students can benefit from the lessons learned by them and pick up the helpful cards at the LPSC Information Desk. ®

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S CHOLARS ’ S QUARE EMT S : E VEN M ORE T OUGH BY

K ATIE G ROY , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

With our own future ahead of us, sometimes we forget about the changes being made to our Front Range campus. The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program is looking at making some changes to meet new national standards. Mike Daugherty, 57, is the department chair of Allied Health. He has been a full-time faculty member for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) since 1996. He received his bachelor‟s degree in zoology, and after graduation, he worked as a carpenter. It wasn‟t until 1986 when he started working for Larimer County Search and Rescue Team that he realized, “This is it…You could do this.” This pushed him to pursue a career as an EMT. He first got his certificate as an EMT and later received his certificate as a paramedic. With these certifications, he worked as an EMT-paramedic for Ambulance Services at the Estes Park Medical Center and at Poudre Valley Hospital.

FRCC’s Training Ambulance is parked outside the west exit of Blanca Peak and is used for the college’s EMT Program. Photo by Michelle Motherway Daugherty said, “This is the most satisfying, most rewarding job I‟ve ever had, and some students are going to find it the same way.” A graduate of the program is Zack Belcher, 23. He said, “About two-and-a-half years ago, I witnessed a major accident at a major intersection and I realized there was nothing I could do to help. I‟ve always wanted to help out in a situation like that…and so I looked into the fact that Front Range offered just that.” He received his certificate as an EMT Basic in December of 2007. He said, “Absolutely, I would become a paramedic, primarily because of the great inspiration that I got from my instructors at Front Range.” While going to school at FRCC, students also have to do a certain number of clinical

hours on the ambulance, at a firehouse, and at the Poudre Valley Hospital ER. Belcher said, “That‟s where I really discovered I wanted to make a career out of this. Going „code 3‟ to a trauma scene is an adrenaline rush for anyone. All your schooling starts to rush back and you go over your scene size-up.” An EMT Basic can receive their certificate in one semester. Candidates will usually have to work a year in the field before going to school as a paramedic, which usually takes two years by itself. A paramedic‟s job is to provide advanced life support, such as cardiac monitoring and advanced airway procedures, while being able to administer 80 or more medications, whereas an EMT Basic can only administer about seven. This is because paramedics have to take more courses on the side effects of the drugs, how they are going to interact with one‟s medical history and other medications, and they need to know the different routes of intervention for each medication. When EMTs and paramedics arrive on scene, they assess the patient, treat the patient, and transport them to a hospital. At Front Range, students can receive an EMT Basic certificate, a pre-paramedic certificate, or a paramedic certificate. They can receive just a certificate or, in addition, they can receive their Associate of Applied Science degree. There are a lot of reasons people take the classes, anything from law enforcement, outdoor occupations, experience for the nursing program or medical school, a firefighter, to even just obtaining the general knowledge. Daugherty said, “Your clinical experience could change your life.” The first step to becoming an EMT Basic is completing the coursework to get certified at FRCC. Some of the classes required to get your certification as an EMT Basic are first aid and CPR, along with a series of medical lectures. Next, you need to register nationally as an EMT Basic, which means passing a practical and written exam. Finally, you have to apply for Colorado certification, which requires a background check. “This field is very competitive, but especially for the better-paying jobs… the demand is increasing all the time,” said Daugherty. EMTs and paramedics held about 201,000 jobs in 2006 and the field is expected to grow by 19 percent till 2016. The average annual salary for an EMT Basic is $25,000, but if you take more courses to become an EMT-paramedic, the average salary increases to $42,000. While the program has been around for a while, they are looking at making some changes in the near future. In August, the EMT Program will be offering classes in Loveland. The national scope of practice for EMS is changing, too. The EMT “intermediates” are going to be able to do less, but they will receive an advanced EMT rating, and paramedics are going to be able to give more medications. Daugherty said, “The things they will be able to do will be changing in the next couple years…but it‟s hard to tell what‟s going to happen.” “I see nothing but good things for their future…The people who were the lab instructors and the program itself is well-structured at Front Range,” said Belcher. ®

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S CHOLARS ’ S QUARE interest in psychology after she realized the majority of what she was reading in her textbooks had to do with psychology. “[I figured,] why not? It was all in the books,” she stated. Though she got her degree from a major university, Wriedt found herself putting her knowledge to use at BY B RIANNA S AVINO , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER FRCC due to a few inspirational instructors she came across while studying at a community college. “My best education According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the came from professors at Nassau Community College. They employment of psychologists is expected to grow 15 percent weren‟t just involved in teaching; they were involved in the from now until 2016. With such a bright outlook, FRCC community.” Along with being an instructor on campus, student Felicia Compton may have little trouble putting her Wriedt previously served as the advisor to the Psychology degree in psychology to use. The 19-year-old, dark-haired Club here at FRCC. sophomore recently changed her major from music education Though the process of becoming a psychologist isn‟t a to psychology when she enrolled in the 60 and 60 Credit long one, it can be a hard one. Wriedt had some words of Program at FRCC. “I was thinking about psychology at CSU. . advice to any up-and-coming psychology majors looking to .I haven‟t declared it yet, but all my classes are set up and my get into the field. “You may need a higher degree, applicacredits are transferred,” stated Compton, while calmly sipping ble to any field,” said Wriedt. Though the road may be a on a tea at Starbucks. After declaring her major, Compton bumpy one, Wriedt made hopes to join the working it clear that psychology class of psychologists. is a field worth going for, There are many and students should go different career paths in for it no matter what. psychology for Compton Though she knows to choose from, such as the difficulty of the field, counseling, case manageCompton is still pushing ment, or teaching. But for a degree that she will Compton, who suffers hopefully earn at CSU. from epilepsy, saw her “I‟ll graduate a semester illness as a chance to late so, hopefully, the further her knowledge of fall of 2012,” she stated. the sickness. She hopes to After she gets her delook into the cause of the gree, Compton hopes to disease through the eyes further her curiosity in of a psychologist and how the psychology field. “I it affects the brain, but like the social science FRCC student Felicia Compton is enrolled in the 60 and 60 Credit that is not all she hopes to aspect, the theories, how do with her degree. “I still Program while preparing to transfer to CSU as a psychology major. don‟t know . . . maybe Photo by James Neuhalfen you can do more yourself. Helping people is something with children, probably what I‟d stray towards, but the brain part is interor battered women. I wouldn‟t mind doing counseling for that, esting, too,” she said. but it‟s still open at this point,” she said. Wriedt shares some of Compton‟s common interests While enrolled in the 60 and 60 Credit Program, where stating, “[I like] how it‟s open-minded, the fun things about students begin 60 of their credits at a community college and it, like the paranormal. I also like helping people and the finish the last 60 at a university, Compton hopes to obtain her social side.” degree in psychology at CSU, where she previously attended With the need for those who hold psychology degrees and first found a passion for psychology. in the future, Compton should be able to put her degree to While at FRCC, Compton may need to take a class from use by helping others or however she chooses to use her instructor Dawn Wriedt, who teaches Psychology 101 and 102, knowledge. along with running her own private practice, AB Counseling in Fort Collins. The blonde-haired, New York native received her ® master‟s in psychology from A Delphi in Garden City, N.Y., with a specialty in behavioral techniques. Regarding her decision about her major, Wriedt stated, “It left more doors open rather than closed . . . Anything in the psychoanalytic field would have left more doors closed.” Wriedt, who struggled between law and medicine while at school, found an

A NALYZE T HIS : P SYCHOLOGY AT FRCC

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H OW W E S ERVE T EACHERS H ELPING T EACHERS BY C HELSEA M ORELAND , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

Larimer campus administration strongly supports the Teachers Helping Teachers Program and is aware of the benefits that it serves to the instructors and their students. Harry Martin has been an instructor in the C.I.S. Department for 13 years now. He has been involved in the Mentoring Program for three years, “when they need me,” he says. Martin was selected Master Teacher of the Year in 2006. The Program has given him “the opportunity to meet new teachers, and observe them.” Teachers Helping Teachers is a strong networking tool. Getting the part-time faculty more involved within their professional environment “gives the teacher or mentor the opportunity to go outside their own area,” comments Martin. This semester, Martin is working with his partner who is an instructor in the Art Department. “Improving the relationship between teacher and student, how to elicit more student response, and what they are trying to do” is what they are focusing on, Martin says. He and his partner “look at everything, at the whole person, teachers as teachers.” Every aspect of an instructor is evaluated by each partner, and feedback goes back and forth. The Mentoring Program is “a great and valuable program that should go on forever and ever,” Martin exclaims. The future of the Mentoring Program is unknown; there is news of budget cuts that may come into play in the next year or so. “Adjuncts are like the invisible workforce,” Raines explains. “It is like working for a faceless corporation.” She says the adjuncts at Front Range are teaching because they love it. If it were more for money, Raines says, “We would work at Wal-Mart, if that‟s what we were interested in.”

Student achievement and engagement of the students by instructors are highly valued at Front Range. There is a program that encourages the best of the instructors in order to attain the highest success for the students. The Teachers Helping Teachers Program, “referred to as the Mentoring Program,” comments Program Coordinator Carmen Raines, is available to any part-time instructor on every Front Range campus. The program is designed to build on the teaching skills of instructors in order to give a better, more fulfilling educational experience to the students, and to the instructors as well. Raines is a part-time instructor of humanities and theater. The coordinator of each program is responsible for serving at least a two-year term; Raines has been involved in the program for three years now. Her responsibilities include pairing together applicants, presenting the program at the in-service for instructors at the beginning of each semester, distributing flyers, and also collecting teacher registration forms. It‟s open to all part-time instructors. Every semester, the number of participants is capped at 20, and there are always more applicants than there are spots, according to Raines. Her pairing process involves looking at the instructors‟ classes, their discipline, and how long they have been teaching. Oftentimes, there are new instructors getting involved in the program, and Raines tries to assign them to the veteran instructors on campus. If more than 20 applicants are interested in the program, Raines will go by a first-come, first-served basis and, ® frequently, full-time instructors donate their free time to help out, as well. “It is not tutoring new faculty,” says Raines. “[It is] Teachers Helping Teachers Program Coordinator Carmen Raines introduces her humanities class to Greek mythology. Photo by Whitney Weber faculty honing their own skills.” Instructors who participate in the Mentoring Program are interested in enhancing their teaching skills, and exploring new teaching tools that they can incorporate in the classroom. Each set of applicants attends each other‟s classes, giving and receiving advice on how to get more of a response from students and to better motivate them to do well in their course. The participants are “trying to be better for their students‟ success, and engaging their students,” says Raines. It is a paid opportunity at $15 per hour for a maximum of 10 hours. The program serves as a tool to help make part-time faculty “feel like the campus is interested in their professional development,” Raines says. She states that the

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H OW W E S ERVE I F I H AD BY

A

H AMMER ...

J OHN S EABERRY , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

Photos by Miranda Baker

As power saws whirl and hammers find their mark on a brisk spring morning, housewrap and roofing material begin to envelop the wooden framework of a new home in east Fort Collins. On Saturday, May 2, members of FRCC‟s Phi Theta Kappa and the Interior Design Club will join in this concert of construction, volunteering their time to Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing decent, affordable homes for those in need. “For a 1,200-square-foot home, it takes approximately 800 volunteers to work on that home—nearly 6,000 hours,” explained Cathie Waugh, the local development director for Habitat for Humanity. “Right now, we have three builds and we just finished one.” Over the past 16 years, Habitat has built 43 homes in Fort Collins—which typically takes four months to build in the summer, and up to five-and-a-half in the winter—almost entirely by volunteers. An on-staff construction manager oversees the building of the homes, but nearly everybody else on the job site is a volunteer. “We have key crew leaders who are volunteers—mostly retired builders, contractors, electricians and plumbers—who lend their expertise to our Habitat project. They‟re used to working with large groups of people. They‟re good teachers and they have experience, lots of patience and flexibility,” Waugh said. “The more [often] you come as a volunteer, the stronger your skills are—and eventually, you can be a crew leader.” The local chapter keeps only 16 people on staff full-time— eight in administration and eight at the Habitat Home Supply Store on South Taft Hill Road. The store, stocked with donated home and building supplies, is the largest revenue generator for the local Habitat chapter and covers the vast majority of its administrative costs. “We are one of the few nonprofits who can say, „When you donate $100 to us, $99.50 goes to our build sites. Only 50 cents will go to administration.‟” Waugh described what is required of volunteers. “They need willing hearts and hands. They don‟t need any skills.” For those required to fulfill court-ordered community service, it

may be comforting to know that 65 percent of the local Habitat‟s volunteer force is compulsory. Waugh expressed how the organization views courtordered volunteers. “When you come to our store or a job site to volunteer, you are a volunteer. Yes, we‟ll sign your paperwork, but that doesn‟t matter to us. What matters to us is that you chose Habitat to do your community service work.” “We have a strong reputation for equalizing everyone‟s volunteerism,” said Waugh. “A lot of our community-service volunteers—when they‟re done with their service hours—come back as a regular volunteer, just because it‟s such a great experience, especially when they get to work alongside the Habitat family.” Beneficiary families work off “sweat-equity” on the homes at the job site and at the Habitat Home Supply Store every Saturday. On Saturday, May 2, Phi Theta Kappa and the Interior Design Club will work on the Greene family home at 2833 William Neal Pkwy. in the Rigden Farm subdivision near Drake and Timberline roads. The clubs had planned a similar Habitat volunteer day earlier in the semester, but were turned away the morning of the build due to adverse weather. “It‟s hard to get that many people organized for the same day, but we try,” said Bonnie Lindsay, 24, PTK president and Interior Design Club member. May 2 is a “Blitz Build” for the Greene family home, an event for which Habitat enlists the help of several volunteer groups on a single day to complete the greater part of the home‟s construction. FRCC students interested in joining them should sign up online, and then arrive at 8:00 a.m. for sign-in and safety orientation. Lunch break is from noon to 12:30 p.m., then building resumes until 5:00 p.m. Volunteers are encouraged to bring weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, closedtoe shoes and a digital camera. Habitat provides all the tools. Lunch, water and snacks are provided by PresBuild, a coalition of 10 local Presbyterian churches that is sponsoring the build. “Each club has their own initiatives and agendas,” Lindsay noted, “but if we can all work together on something, it‟s just that much more that you can get done.” Lindsay sees this as an opportunity for all students to join them in learning new skills, representing FRCC, and making a difference in their community. “I think it‟s a good idea to bring positive things to light and get involved in your community whenever you can.” ®

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C AMPUS W ELLNESS their own stories. The cast and crew of the play have all been affected by sexual assault in some way, and they all work towards raising awareness. BY K ATIE G ROY , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER Michael Bowser, 25, is an actor in the play and started working with SAVA eight years ago. He was employed there The unfortunate reality is that it is highly likely that we all for about two-and-a-half years. Bowser also works with the know someone affected by sexual assault. In Colorado, one in Northern Colorado AIDS Project. He has performed in the four women and one in 17 men have experienced a completed theater since he was 8 years old, and he first got involved with or attempted sexual assault, and 97 percent of teens are SAVA after receiving a phone call from the director to audiassaulted by a friend, date or partner. This information comes tion. Bowser said, “I knew nothfrom SAVA, the Sexual ing before I got involved, but Assault Victim Advocate once you work with the people Center, a private nonprofit and hear the statistics, it has an organization dedicated impact on you. Getting the exclusively to survivors in message out there has kept me in Larimer County. One of it for so long. It helps raise the ways SAVA is trying to awareness and gives people the increase awareness and ability to start the conversation communication is through because people don‟t talk about the play “Until Someone it a lot.” Wakes Up,” which was One of the main topics the play performed twice on Tuesdeals with is gender-role socialiday, April 7 at the Longs zation and the importance of Peak Student Center. communication. Gender-role Courtney Ellison, 27, socialization, according to is the director of the play. Wikipedia.org, is “the set of She has been volunteering perceived behavioral norms with SAVA for nine years associated particularly with and has been employed by males or females, in a given them for a year-and-a-half. social group or system.” Bowser Ellison got involved with said, “Sex can be easy to do, but the play in high school. She hard to talk about.” Another said, “The play gave me a The SAVA Center presented “Until Someone Wakes Up” at issue the play deals with is way to use my art for good. FRCC on April 7 to help raise awareness about sexual assault. victim-blaming messages. In a It educates and starts the Photo by Whitney Weber robbery, a victim isn‟t told, discussions that make sur“Well, you have a welcome sign vivors know it‟s okay to and people over. Why wouldn‟t talk about.” The play deals with sexual violence, healthy they feel welcome to come in?… [Sexual assault] is the only communication, gender-role socialization, and healing. crime that does that,” said Bowser. Although these are serious topics, they are approached SAVA is dedicated to survivors of sexual assault and their with “sensitivity, realism and humor.” Ellison‟s main job is to needs. The organization is a member of the Rape, Abuse and “make sure that the play is presentable and make sure the Incest National Network (RAINN), the National Victim Center actors are okay to perform because it is such an emotional in Washington, D.C., the Colorado Organization of Victim topic.” The play is an ensemble piece with 25 scenes that can Assistance (COVA), and several other organizations. They be tailored to fit any audience, whether it‟s for a junior high, or have been assisting victims and survivors, and their families for the college students they performed for at FRCC. and friends, since 1976. SAVA provides services such as The original script was conceived by professor Carolyn specially-trained victim advocates who are on call 24 hours a Lezy in 1992 at Macalester College in Minnesota, and it has day, therapy programs, outreach education and volunteer been updated to deal with newer issues such as drug-facilitated opportunities. sexual assault. Lezy and 21 of her students conducted The play helps break down stereotypes and helps teach interviews and co-wrote the script. They interviewed people people to be aware of themselves. Ellison said she was “excited affected by sexual assault, whether they were family, friends, to go to Front Range. I think it‟s going to be a receptive or a person directly affected. The updated script was written by audience.” people at SAVA through a writing workshop. They conducted SAVA helps survivors by providing someone to talk to new interviews and collected scene material from people they and giving them options. For their 24-hour rape crisis hotline, met through SAVA. Even some cast members contributed call 472-4200 or 1-800-656-HOPE. ®

“U NTIL S OMEONE W AKES U P ”

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C AMPUS W ELLNESS 2009 ropes course trip, “It will be more fun in that I know what we‟re going to be doing, and more challenging because I will try new things. Doing a ropes course is like rockclimbing. I think the more you go, the further you go… the more you trust your team and yourself.” BY K ATIE G ROY , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER Purdum, 22, is working towards his associate degree in science. He found out about the trip last time through Student Teamwork is something that‟s useful in our lives, whether Life, which he works for during the day at the Information it‟s as part of a sports team or in a professional atmosphere. Desk. When he went in the fall of 2007, it was a trip designed A new and creative way to develop these skills is with the for team-building. Purdum said, “You have to communicate Colorado State University Challenge Course. FRCC‟s Student well and be able to work with other people.” Some of the Life will be hosting skills he learned from the trip were this activity on April effective communication, problem18 from 9:00 a.m. to solving, and encouraging others. 1:00 p.m. Student Although it was challenging, it is a Glen Purdum, who constructive activity that also promotes did the ropes course having a good time. He said, “I would in the fall of 2007, definitely go back. It was fun. The said, “I would highly climbing wall was really great.” recommend going The course is “three or four feet off the and checking it out… ground.” Purdum said, “I‟m scared of It‟s worth three hours heights, but I like the adrenaline boost of your time.” you get.” According to the The ropes course is designed to Wilderdom.com Web test participants both mentally and site, a ropes course physically. Purdum said, “The mental challenge is like part was definitely more difficult.” One “artificial mounof the activities he did was trying to tains.” It provides a find his way around the ground course unique mix of high Fitness Center Coordinator Elaine Milligan is working with blindfolded. He first tried it alone, and and low elements that then he did it as part of a team. CSU so that FRCC students can use their customized Ropes are designed to Purdum said, “It was easier to get Challenge Course, which promotes teamwork and trust. challenge individuals through it as a team.” and groups physiPhoto by James Neuhalfen The people at the CSU Challenge cally, mentally and Course work closely with their particiemotionally. The challenge course program is designed to pants to alter the course based on their group size and goals. encourage collaboration, teamwork, mutual support and There are many different stations at the ropes course and they personal goal-setting. There are six different ways the CSU customize the experience. “It depends how many people and Challenge Course team can customize the experience for a how many groups are going. When we went over, they looked group, targeting leadership, adventure and challenge, commuat the size of our group and said we could do this, this and this nity-building, team development, climbing skills and training. activity,” Milligan said. The CSU Challenge Course has Elaine Milligan, 52, is the Fitness Center coordinator at designed it so they have activities that anyone can do. They Front Range. She set up the event and has participated in the try to work with people on this planning aspect so that it can ropes challenge in the past. She got the idea to do the ropes be adapted for people with physical challenges. Milligan said, course as an FRCC activity from the course she did in the fall “Anyone can do it. Physical fitness isn‟t a deterrent. Anyone of 2007 for the employees at Student Life. Before trying the can do the ground activities.” Even people in moderate shape course, she heard about the team-building aspect and that it was should be able to participate in most of the course activities. a fun activity, so she became curious to try it herself. Some of “You don‟t necessarily get an opportunity to get to know the activities they did included a rock-climbing wall, crossing a each other on campus,” Milligan said. “It‟s a great opporturope bridge as a team, and maneuvering the ground course nity to bond and get a bunch of students together.” Front blindfolded. Range is also picking up part of the cost, so students will be Milligan thought the ropes course was the hardest paying half, which makes it only $11. If you‟ve ever considmentally, saying, “Personally, I hate heights.” One activity that ered doing a ropes course, here is the opportunity. Milligan she didn‟t participate in was “Leap of Faith.” This is an activity said, “I think it would be a fun way for students to get where you jump off a wooden pole to leap for a hanging swing, together…It‟s an opportunity to do something different.” ® something you see in acrobatics. Although she didn‟t participate in every activity last time, Milligan said of the Spring

T YING O NE O N AT CSU: R OPES C HALLENGE C OURSE

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F RONT R ANGE F ACES A LL F OR O NE : T HE AFO BY C HELSEA M ORELAND , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

that their voices really do get heard. A supportive adjunct member, Carmen Raines, is an instructor in humanities and theater on campus. Raines is also the coordinator for the Teachers Helping Teachers Program. Raines attends most of the AFO meetings. “[AFO] makes me feel like I am connected with people with similar concerns,” she comments. “[The] organization is to support the adjuncts, not the adjuncts supporting the organization.” Raines wishes for a few more changes in the treatment and value of the adjunct faculty members. “Years ago,” she says, “20 percent of faculty members were adjunct, primarily retired or looking for extra income. I would like to make a living at my

The Adjunct Faculty Organization (AFO) is a national organization, and also a part of Front Range Community College. Adjunct faculty make up about 65 percent of all instructors and are part-time. Higher education employment of adjuncts started in the 1960s. Although adjuncts outnumber full-time instructors by a wide margin, they are not eligible for benefits and they are not tenured. The 2009 spring semester has 90 full-time faculty on staff compared to 457 part-time instructors. Approximately 350 of the 457 part-time faculty are considered adjunct instructors. Julia Weingardt is the new president of the AFO. “I like taking challenges,” she says. She began her first term last fall. Weingardt is an adjunct instructor and teaches public speaking and interpersonal communications. She teaches four classes and says, “I consider that full-time.” She says, “Not in college, though. It is [considered] part-time.” The regulated number of credit hours that an adjunct member is able to teach, or „caps,‟ are maxed out between nine and 10 credits. The Mod 3 trailer, which is located outside of the west exit of Blanca Peak, has been designated in the last year as the AFO meeting place. AFO President Julia Weingardt poses outside Mod 3, the trailer designated as Adjunct faculty use Mod 3 as a place to study, the official office space for FRCC’s 350 adjunct instructors. grade papers, and converse with other adjuncts. The organization holds meetings on Photo by Michelle Motherway Mondays, once a month, and any adjunct is invited to attend. At the meetings, they discuss profession.” Raines feels that the adjunct members are “losing issues and brainstorm solutions to problems and concerns that ground,” as she puts it. She continues to explain that, “Keeping are brought to the organization„s attention. The mission of the everyone at part-time is the corporate way to keep costs down.” organization is to “serve the interests of the adjunct faculty Raines has no desire to become a full-time instructor here, members,” comments Weingardt. “We branch out to find out saying, “Personally, I would like to see the caps discontinued. what‟s going on.” One issue that is at the top of the AFO‟s They are not a state law.” agenda this year is “an effective means of communication,” “If it is to be, it‟s up to me” is the attitude that Weingardt explains Weingardt, such as “opening up Blackboard brings to the table when advocating for the cohesion of the discussions and addressing issues [without] being at the actual adjunct faculty. She personally sees a disconnection with some of meeting.” the adjuncts. “They go in and out of the day, unnoticed and just The AFO has written out clear goals that they would like floating.” Weingardt goes on to say, “I felt like I wasn‟t really a to work on and achieve. “[During] the second meeting, [it was] part of this [institution] before getting involved.” This has all really important to create a mission statement, goals, and changed for her. “My experience has been altered [by] being objectives,” explains Weingardt. “We have a vision.” involved, because I feel like I am part of something bigger.” Weingardt explains that often adjuncts feel disconnected Weingardt sees big changes coming and many goals such as and disposable to their institutions because they are on and off better communication between adjunct faculty, and more of a campus so frequently. The AFO holds an “Adjuncts connection to the college. She hopes that solutions to those issues Appreciation” event once every fall semester, and currently are will materialize in the next couple of years. “Positive change in working on organizing a spring potluck. The AFO is dedicated the AFO equals positive change in FRCC under one umbrella, to making the adjunct faculty of the campus feel valuable and including the student,” Weingardt says. ®

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C LUB H UB G ET Y OUR M OTOR R UNNING W ITH THE W OLF R IDERS BY

T AMARA S MITH , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

by the State of Colorado to wear helmets, but O‟Donnell says that when he is on the freeway, he wears his because of the high speed. Newlin even recommends the bike courses offered at Front Range because “everyone should learn better. Experience is good.” FRCC offers motorcycle classes for beginners and riders with experience alike. Exact times, course information, and instructor listings can be found in the Summer 2009 Course Catalogue. The Wolf Riders have had one riding session thus far where they opted to ride to Masonville and around Carter Lake because of the colorful scenery. Rides take about an hour or two, depending on where the group decides to go. O‟Donnell‟s 2003, 100th Anniversary Springer Softail Harley is one of the many unique bikes members of the club ride. “You learn from each other, real-life situations, motorcycles, having a problem in a class—we can help each other out. There are all kinds of learning opportunities,” says O‟Donnell. The club is just getting started, so if you would like to join, voice an opinion, or come to a meeting to see what it‟s all about, contact O‟Donnell via e-mail at [email protected]. Ideas are just starting to be thrown around for what the future of the club holds concerning activities and club funding. Newlin adds that she would love to do some raffles or a bike wash to raise money for the club so they can do more activities. “Poker runs” are on both team members‟ minds for the future. “To have a whole pack leaving Front Range—that would be cool,” laughs O‟Donnell about his aspirations for a big club. “If you like the freedom of riding, join our club,” says O‟Donnell. News concerning the club will be posted in the Stall Street Journal. ®

One might not expect a 50-year-old, clean-cut woman from the South to be a biker, but Vikki Newlin, a full-time IT student at Front Range, defies the stereotypical biker look. Newlin, who started school to pursue her paralegal ambitions, changed her major when the future job outlook for paralegals started looking bleak. To open more doors for herself in today‟s ever advancing technical world, she changed her major to IT, and has since been working part-time in the IT center at Front Range. Newlin rides her new blue and black metallic Honda Shadow motorcycle to school when the weather is cooperative. She enjoys the perks of riding, which include “saving [money] on gas—it‟s economically the best thing—and the convenience of parking.” Newlin expresses her excitement about being a member of the “Wolf Riders,” the new motorcycling club at Front Range, by telling others who are parking their bikes at the school about the club and asking them to come ride. “Anyone that owns a bike [should] join our club, come ride and have fun with the Wolves.” Club President Brian O‟Donnell started the motorcycle club by posting on the ‟net discussion board on Blackboard and getting interest from fellow students who wanted to join. The club currently has eight members, made up of two women and six men, who get together to discuss future plans, and then go ride. When asked if the club helped Newlin make new friends at Front Range, she replies, “I didn‟t know Brian [before]. I discovered a lot of people in the club I knew and I didn‟t know they were riders.” “During summer and last fall, it was so nice,” says O‟Donnell, who admits that the fact that he “wouldn‟t be the only motorcyclist that goes to Front Range” prompted him to “push it and see what happens” with his club idea. O‟Donnell, wearing his black leather vest covered in motorcycling patches, and a skullcap with orange flames, says that he has been riding since 1972 and enjoys it because it‟s a great way to relieve stress and experience a sense of freedom; he is even planning his first road trip in 2010 to a family reunion in Idaho. What‟s a good piece of advice from a long-time rider for rules of the road? “Look out for drivers…nine out of 10 times, they don‟t see you,” advises Newlin. A few safety stipulations apply to those who wish to ride with the club. First, all motorcyclists must have their Faculty advisor to the Wolf Riders, motorcycle license, which can be Vicki Peek, poses next to Club obtained through a program at FRCC. President Brian O’Donnell and his Secondly, they must provide proof of 100th Anniversary Edition Springer current insurance for their vehicle. Softail Harley. Riders who are 18+ are not required

Photo by Michelle Motherway

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C LUB H UB T UNE BY

IN FOR THE

N EW M USIC C LUB

J OHN S EABERRY , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

Music-minded students and faculty are uniting to form a new club on campus this semester. Spearheaded by students Chris Rocha and Zenaida Herrera, and advised by adjunct instructor Ryan Campbell, the Music Club promises music appreciation, dialogue, edification and indoctrination into music culture. That being said, the primary goal of this club is best summed up in Rocha‟s one-word personal mission statement: “Jam.” Rocha, 22, envisions the Music Club as a place where students can commune and share their mutual interest. “I like music and I‟m sure there are a lot of other people who like music, too, so I thought I‟d see if anyone else wants to get in on the action and make some music with me.” Rocha continued, “Some people come to school and they‟re shy. They don‟t want to talk to anyone. Well, everyone loves music, so they can come and meet new people.” Rocha is Music Club Co-founder Chris Rocha has plans to working on an pursue a sound engineering degree. A.A. from Photo by James Neuhalfen FRCC and plans to transfer out of state to pursue a sound engineering degree and work as a music producer. He has played drums for nine years and has recently started playing guitar.

Also on guitar is faculty advisor Ryan Campbell, 31, who teaches a variety of writing classes at FRCC and has a lifelong musical background. Campbell views the Music Club as “a great way to balance the difficulties of college with the gratification, the release, the catharsis we can have by playing music.” “There can be a therapeutic aspect—a way to take the stress out of the academic part of being here at college—a way to kind of loosen up. A lot of people are really nervous about breaking that ice and putting themselves out there.” However, Campbell sees the club as being able to do more than let students blow off steam. “From the academic side and from the college side, we‟re going to try to be progressive in utilizing the organization for on-campus functions and creating networks in the community,” he said. “We‟re a community college and we really try to connect what‟s going on in Fort Collins to what we‟re doing at the school.” The club plans to meet as often as two to three times a month in the East Conference Room at the Longs Peak Student Center. “If the students have some time, I want them to really be able to get into it. I really want to get it established so that once I get out of here, the foundation is laid for anyone else that wants to join the club.” Rocha continued, “I‟m surprised there hasn‟t been a club like this already, but I‟m glad it‟s a new thing for people.” The Music Club will work closely with Student Life to either perform as a group or arrange performances at various school functions, but the club will undoubtedly change a little every term. Campbell predicts that, as members are added and leadership changes, the organization is one “that people will keep reinventing each semester.” Student Life Club Coordinator Brandon Devlin, 26, who has guided Rocha through the club recognition process, described what is required of the new Music Club. “They can get together and just play—just jam, and that‟s cool, as long as they‟re meeting. The whole point of it is to fulfill that mission statement of enriching lives through learning, and this is giving another avenue to do so.” Devlin said of the clubs on campus, “There‟s so much opportunity for students to have fun and be social, and also get academic with it.” The Music Club will hold an introductory meet-and-greet open to everyone from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27 in the Small Conference Room of the Longs Peak Student Center, where club founders will discuss, among other topics, the fulfillment of the final requirements for official club status. Rocha expects a diverse group of musicians and music enthusiasts to be on hand, as his philosophy on music is one that seems to be shared by everyone involved in the Music Club. “I believe that music brings all kinds of people together and it sets a good vibe, and it‟s always there for anyone who wants it.” ®

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C LUB H UB W RITERS

S TORM

around ideas of getting their works published locally and putting together a pamphlet of their ideas for the campus to view. They also talked about the possibility of recruiting BY B RIANNA S AVINO , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER seniors at local high schools who are interested in writing and plan on attending Front Range. “Students come first. Come be a part of a club where we Though the group is labeled a creative writing group, that won‟t restrict you in any way.” This statement echoed off the does not put a limit on the ideas that its members produce. walls during the first meeting for the Writers on the Storm “[I am] atrocious at poetry. I like to write traditional short Creative Writing Club. Though April 1 was the group‟s first stories,” said Martin. meeting, members clearly stated what they expected from the Though the options are open for writing ideas, Dembicki group and what they hoped to accomplish. made it clear that they are not there to grade the members‟ For freshman Junior Martin, his main goal was to finish work. “We‟re not directed towards academics, not like the something he never had the time to do. “I‟ve always done writing, but I can never get to finish it. So my goal for this group Writing Center. Publishing is our goal. We‟re not editors.” With many ideas being thrown around, Dembicki tried to is to actually finish something.” think of ways to get the group inspired, and drew from his Group president, red-haired, 25-year-old Lucas Dembicki, own experiences. “Me and my friends used to pick out six listened intently as members of the group put in their ideas for words, take those words and write our own stories. It was fun what they expect to achieve while in attendance. Dembicki has seeing where the stories went and ended up,” he stated. been interested in creative writing since he was a child, and With the group just beginning, the main focus for it is hopes to share his passion with the rest of the group. “My childhood was spent in books. [It was] an escape for me which turned getting the word out and gaining more members. With that in mind, the group decided on creating a pamphlet full of their into a passion. I want to give something to students who share that passion and who want to share their work and get feedback, stories and writings, along with information about the group, sort of like a fellowship,” he said, while spinning back and forth to be distributed to students around campus. “We need to put an emphasis on writing and publishing to in a chair. Dembicki, who is currently a freshman at FRCC, get more members. My goal is to see the group with about 50 heard about the group members before from Clubs Coordinator school ends,” said Brandon Devlin and Dembicki. immediately became The majority of the interested. “I eventually club‟s members want to transfer to have writing someColumbia University where in their and teach writing, and major, but not possibly get published. necessarily. This group will help me “I am majoring in get there.” computer informaAlthough it is late in tion systems; I‟m a the semester, Dembicki tech guy! I‟ll still found time to gather probably end up members for a group who writing about robots share the same interests. or something,” said “The group hadn‟t been Martin, with a smile Writers on the Storm, FRCC’s new creative writing club, share the common an idea until a quarter of on his face. goal of becoming published writers. Full-time English instructor Will Foster the way through the Dembicki hopes semester,” he said. (second from right) is the club’s faculty advisor. to get the word out The dark-haired Photo by Whitney Weber to the students Martin already had a around campus. The plethora of ideas waiting last meeting for the group was Wednesday, April 8 at the for the club. “We should have something to show, like this is Longs Peak Student Center and was open to all students. what we do, a focused, concentrated thing of writing.” Dembicki made it clear that everyone‟s voice is Along with Martin‟s ideas, the group also mentioned the important. “All students and ideas in this club are welcome. possibility of publishing their work, something Dembicki has The club is here for students to have a voice and get feedback. never experienced. It is run by students, for students—no limitations.” ® “I never really tried getting published; I was too busy discovering who I was. But I do hope to get published through this group or outside of it,” said Dembicki. The group tossed

ON THE

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M EDIUM C OOL It wasn't [until] high school that I really got into writing and put real effort into it, so it's been about five or six years since… I've considered myself a writer,” Weingardt explains. BY A LY P AX , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER This is her first time sharing with a large group of people. “I've never really read anything in front of a group like this, Danger! There are live writers on the Front Range campus! but I‟m excited for the new experience.” she explains. Writing may be looked at as a form of expression. It‟s a way for Weingardt just finished work-shopping her nonfiction writers to get their stories down on paper. The instructor of the personal essay for the class called “Life on the Dirt.” Creative Nonfiction Writing class, Sue RingdeRosset, 43, says, This is RingdeRosset‟s first time putting together the “It‟s a form of art.” At FRCC, there are many writing classes event, although she has attended them in the past. They were ranging from composition to creative nonfiction. put together by Dr. Blair Oliver, the chair of the Arts and The creative nonfiction class is a small class, with only five Letters Department. The pieces presented were fiction. students. The class is a workshop class. Students present two Oliver started the event about 10 years ago “to celebrate long pieces to the class, then the class looks them over, and student achievement.” helps the author rework their pieces. They are required to write “They are really fun to go to,” RingdeRosset says. She a personal essay and a literary journalism essay. The class has says that reading out loud is “a way to build community.” an emphasis on science and nature. RingdeRosset has asked the She believes this to be good practice for the students in the students to follow the genre, and write about a topic in science Creative Nonfiction Writing class. “It is important that our and nature that interests them. Nonfiction writing means the private art is shared,” subject is true and has she explains. really happened. It is a “The class is diverse way for writers to tell and full of different their own stories. styles of writing,” At the end of the RingdeRosset says. semester, these five The event will let the students get the chance students express themto read a piece they selves as they do in worked on in class their writing. Like aloud. RingdeRosset is RingdeRosset says, heading an event called “it‟s a form of art for “Danger! Live Writers!” these students.” It‟s She hopes all the not something that is students will participate displayed but instead in the event, which will something that needs to be held on April 30 in be shared or read. the Harmony Library RingdeRosset explains, Community Room from “Everyone in class is 5 to 7 p.m. It will reading their best works “feature the best science from the class.” The and nature writing,” other students will give RingdeRosset says. The the writer “suggestions students will have 20 [on] what piece [they] minutes each to share a would like to hear out part of their writing. loud.” The event is free and As the students end open to all of Front their semester, they get Range and the general to share their “private public. art.” Writing can be Kaylene Weingardt, “such a solitary act, but 20, one of the students in when we speak our Courtesy of www.writenowisgood.typepad.com the class, says she is words out loud, we excited about the event. engage our “I am excited to get criticism and feedback, but I wish I had community,” RingdeRosset explains. ® more freedom as to what pieces of my writing I [get] to share.”

D ANGER ! L IVE W RITERS !

Weingardt has “been writing for as long as I can remember….

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M EDIUM C OOL

Another in Rangeview Photo Editor Michelle Motherway’s wild horse photo series (at left) is titled “Wyo Wild #1.” She captured this image in Wyoming earlier this year.

Two of the four Rangeview Photo Teamers James Neuhalfen and Whitney Weber Photo by Michelle Motherway

One of Whitney Weber’s photos (at right) is from her series titled “On the Road.”

Full-time student James Neuhalfen owns Sapwood Productions ([email protected]), specializing in commercial, outdoor and adventure sports, and group photography. This summer, he’ll focus on mountain biking and downhill racing. (See his photo at left).

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B E O UR G UEST pressure readings caught my eye. I stopped to see if they could get my blood pressure correct because I know my normal blood pressure. The young girl BY E MILY G ILLIS , G UEST C OLUMNIST seemed nervous after I told her that if she didn‟t get it right, I would let her know. She did an excellent job and determined I visited the Health Fair that was sponsored by the Fitness that my blood pressure was 100/72. My normal blood pressure is Center and held on campus on March 25. I went for extra around 110/60. After she removed the cuff from my arm, I wrote credit for a P.E. class, and I left with a vast amount of new down the measurement and saw that I needed another requireknowledge. I was a little overwhelmed with the number of ment. I decided to try something I have never experienced people in the small area where the Health Fair was held. I made before and went for the Healing Touch. I was not sure what it my way over to a few familiar faces. The SGA officers were was so I signed up for a slot and returned to work, anticipating handing out free smoothies. my appointment with the unknown. The smoothies, I learned, were a healthy treat with vital I was very excited as I walked back over to the Health Fair nutrients. As I sipped my smoothie, I managed to meander and was relieved to see the room had cleared out a bit. As I lay toward another familiar face, Vicki McLane, the yoga instrucdown on the nice woman‟s massage table, I was a bundle of tor on campus. She was informing people of the “10 Seconds nerves. She then asked if she could touch me while she worked. of Zen” which is a self-calming and centering technique. I In my head, I joked, „Don‟t you have to touch in a healing touch often use the technique of counting to 10 and reassessing the session?‟ I lay there and became more relaxed by the second, task when frustrated or stuck. This idea of “10 Seconds of Zen” almost falling asleep at one point. After about 15 minutes, she takes that technique a bit further and makes you ask a question touched my shoulder and said it was time for me to get up, but that helps you assess your situation. After having Vicki sign to take my time. I stood up quickly and almost fell over. This my sheet given to us to prove we went to the fair, I saw a table wonderful woman then told me to hydrate and to take as long as that is near and dear to my heart, the American Cancer Society. I needed in the chair to gather myself. I had a smile the size of Having lost my father the Grand Canyon for and both paternal grandthe next five hours. I parents to cancer, I thought I was overwhelmingly should see what the girl happy and relaxed. I sitting and gazing at the really enjoyed my people stuffed into the room session and I will had to say. The blondenever hesitate to haired girl asked if I was a experience this again. smoker and I reluctantly I was sad my requirereplied, “Yes.” She gave me ments were met and I brochures and a “Quit It Kit” had to go back to and told me I should really work. quit smoking. She got me My experience at the thinking. I am planning on Health Fair has opened quitting soon. I just have to me to new thoughts get to that spot. I put the and experiences. The information and the kit in my drawer at home so that fair has affected my when I‟m ready, I can use life greatly. I have the tools given to me. As the Student and Health Fair attendee Emily Gillis takes a moment from her been eating smoothies room was packed even fuller work-study job is as receptionist and First-Step Advising Coordinator in when I get the urge to with people, I started to the Advising and Career Counseling Center. snack, getting myself withdraw from the crowd Photo by James Neuhalfen ready to quit smoking, when I saw another familiar and would love to face. The face I saw was that of Teresina Davie, a counselor I have a healing touch session in the future. So, next time there is work with at the Advising and Career Counseling Center on a Health Fair in the Longs Peak Student Center, please take the campus. To my surprise, she made me ask her a career question time to stop in. It may have an impact on your daily living. ® before she would sign my sheet. I asked her the current wages for nurses in the area. She handed me a sheet of paper that was full of Web addresses. She told me which site to look that info Sophomore Emily Gillis, 22, has attended FRCC since 2004. up on. I did this and found that, with no experience, nurses are She’s preparing to transfer to Laramie County Community making about $27 an hour. I said goodbye and was walking College’s Nursing School in Cheyenne. toward the exit when the high school kids taking blood

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H OW I S TOPPED W ORRYING AND L EARNED TO P ICK A C AREER BY

J OHN S EABERRY , S PECIAL TO THE R ANGEVIEW

I‟ve had a lot of jobs—carpenter, summer camp counselor, fast-food grill cook and snowboard instructor—just to name a few. Not impressed? Let‟s add bartender, graphic designer, telemarketer and stage actor. Still nothing? Toss in restaurant manager, ski resort marketing director, Web entrepreneur and touring musician, and you‟re starting to get the picture. I‟ve even been a jet-setting dealer of offshore financial assets, bankhopping through the Caribbean and speaking at conferences full of millionaires. It wasn‟t until my late 20s when I moved out to the mountains that I was able to find perspective on a world bigger than my own. I began to formulate a clear, new objective— and what I believe to be a new archetype for our times. In short, I envision a solution to the world‟s social, economic and energy crises using innovations in renewable energy and sustainable living on highly localized levels. By using newly refined technologies to harness the resources all around us, and keeping those resources in the hands of the people, we can change the dynamics of how we spend our time and money. I believe we can build an energetic, responsible, forward-moving society—a neo-agrarian sustainable culture that

toward my vision of Utopia. Or maybe I could become a mechanical engineer, developing the energy, living and transport systems for a new tomorrow. Having over 100 college credit hours going in, I knew I had to figure it out quick. An observation I had during my first semester helped lead me to a conclusion. I found that while I was

Rangeview reporter John Seaberry Photo by Michelle Motherway

toiling to keep a decent grade in my math and science classes, I was easily excelling in classes that I’ve had a lot of jobs...It wasn’t until my late 20s required more writing. Struggling through algebra and chemistry, I realized that I might not have the when I moved out to the mountains that I was able to find perspective on a world bigger than my gifts it takes to be a great engineer, whereas I have always considered myself a capable and clever own...But to have a career in line with my goals, I writer. I‟ve done some successful sales writing and published songwriting, and feedback from my knew I’d need to prepare. So, last fall, I enrolled instructors at Front Range began to validate my at Front Range and set out to raise my GPA to a conviction. I realized that I should play to my respectable level, and complete my core curricustrengths; a curriculum and career based on writing and rhetoric would challenge me in a way that would lum credits so I could transfer to the four-year allow me to naturally rise to the top. To that end, college of my choice. I‟ve enrolled at CSU this summer for a double-major in journalism with an emphasis on news and editorial, as well as English with an emphasis on writing. is in balance with nature, free from an outmoded economic and I wouldn‟t say any of my previous job choices were social order—and embark on the next phase of our cultural necessarily wrong. In fact, they were almost all great, and I evolution. leaned a lot at each of them, but I couldn‟t describe them as Wow, you might say, that‟s a lofty goal. Well, you‟d be true callings. On my journey through different places, jobs and right, but it is my calling—I mean, a true conviction that drives my actions everyday. But to have a career in line with my goals, lifestyles, I‟ve found a way to pick a career that I‟m deeply passionate about. After careful self-reflection, I‟ve discovered I knew I‟d need to prepare. So, last fall, I enrolled at Front what is important to me and what I am good at. I‟ve been able Range and set out to raise my GPA to a respectable level, and to put my skills to the test, match them to my goals, and complete my core curriculum credits so I could transfer to the combine it all in a focused career path. At the end of this four-year college of my choice. „But what to do?‟ I thought. I semester, I‟ll take with me an Associate of Arts degree and, could be a journalist, exposing wrongs and revealing new innovations that will lead us into the future. I could be a legal and hopefully, the seeds of a prolific, noteworthy career. ® political activist, heading up legislation and leading people

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FRCC student Nathanael Volckening (at left) has taken two figure drawing classes, Figure Drawing 1 and 2, under the instruction of Jason Levasseur. The 20-year-old sophomore is busy, “for the time being, getting the pre-reqs out of the way, and dabbling in whatever seems interesting.” He plans to pursue an MFA, and drew his untitled life study (above) last summer. Photo by Michelle Motherway L OOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE IN THE F ALL , AND WATCH FOR FLYERS ANNOUNCING FREELANCE DEADLINES .

R ANGEVIEW @F RONT R ANGE . EDU

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F ORT C OLLINS , C OLO .

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