L.A. City College Collegian, Issue 4, Fall 2025

Student Discovers the Power of Showing Up

BY KLEN TORRES

It was Mother’s Day 2023, when Andy Valente walked out after spending 14 years behind bars. He had only one plan. “I knew the first thing I wanted to do was to finish what I started,” he said. Two days later, he was standing in the Break It to Make It office at Los Angeles City College, ready to enroll.

Break It To Make It (BITMI) is a program dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted students rebuild their lives through education.

Little did Valente know that this would become a home for him.

“I just showed up,” he said. “And that is what I tell every student who walks through that door now, if you show up, we will help you.”

Valente earned his associate degrees in Communications and Spanish, then transferred to California State Los Angeles University to pursue a bachelor’s in social work and simultaneously work with BITMI, to help others navigate the same system that welcomed him back to school.

Counselor Mickey Hernandez, who serves as a guide for many BITMI students, says the mission is simple: to provide support and stability for those re-entering society through education.

“Our goal is to help students overcome the challenges related to incarceration,” she said. “That means guidance, counseling and a place to belong.”

Students can join by referral, email or through a letter from prison. Once accepted, they meet with a counselor, build an academic plan and receive access to a $150 bookstore voucher, food, resources and a classroom where they study and eat lunch.

Valente’s path to college began before his parole. While inside the system, he got his GED and started college classes. However, his progress slowed down when he got transferred to another prison, which did not offer the same education benefits.

BY KENDRICK GUZMAN

Campus to Host Free-Speech Leader Joel Simon

On-the-Spot Admissions Attract Students to CSULA

BY DAVE MARTIN

More than 400 students waited in lines to speak to admissions representatives from Cal State Los Angeles in the Multipurpose Room of the Student Union on Oct. 23.

day-to-day barriers that our students are facing when it comes to applying and submitting the application fees," said L.A. City College Counselor Charnnel Ellis. "So, it removes the emotional barriers, and it removes the financial barriers ... Having to wait for admissions offers to be released and paying C-holding fees and everything else just to accept their spots.”

Ellis says the on-the-spot event eliminates some of the expenses involved in the transfer process. She says it also creates a rapport between Cal State L.A. representatives and City College students.

"If it is a success, and we have a lot of students admitted, then the goal is to get as many students admitted every single year like this," Ellis said.

Business student Ivan Garcia applied to compare Cal State L.A. to other universities that interest him.

"I want to see if I can get an admission offer from Cal State L.A., which is one of my schools that I applied to from the [LACC] business program I am studying," he said, adding that CSULA is not his first choice. "This is my safety school, and it’s good to know if I can get a free offer over my priority school."

To qualify, students must have completed 60 or more transferable units by Spring 2026. Students with an ADT degree received priority admission.

“It is actually removing a lot of

Prospective transfer students met with representatives from Cal State L.A., for a chance at university acceptance through a streamlined admissions process. The on-the-site admissions event with Cal State was a first for LACC.

Enthusiasm for the event was high among students who attended. Some say they waited 90 minutes to see a representative.

OPINION & EDITORIAL

The High Cost of Hiding

When complaints of sexual abuse or violence are filed against an employee at a large institution, leaders often instinctually want to protect their organization by hiding the misconduct. It’s immoral to deny justice to survivors and leave offending employees to harm more people. But there’s another problem: efforts to hide the miscon-

duct will eventually fail, leaving community members to suffer the consequences. The reflex to “protect the institution” may be intended to preserve trust and spare the community pain. When the accusations finally become public, the opposite happens. And when it’s time to pay the settlements, the bill lands not on the officials who slow-walked or outright ignored complaints but on residents and

Emotional Intelligence: The Missing Link in Critical Thinking

BY CARLA WILLIAMS

I’m excited — truly excited — about the power of emotional intelligence (EI) to transform how we think. But I am also concerned, because here at Los Angeles City College and across the country we’re being taught to think critically without being taught how to feel critically. And that’s a problem.

Critical thinking isn’t just about logic puzzles or debate club. It’s about making decisions with clarity, empathy and purpose. The Foundation for Critical Thinking defines critical thinking as the “mode of thinking — about any subject, content, or problem — in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully analyzing, assessing, and reconstructing it. Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking.”

That means it’s not just about what we think — it’s about how we manage our emotions while we think. Yet emotional intelligence is often left out of the conversation.

We’re being taught to think critically without being taught how to feel critically. What

does that mean? It means we’re trained to analyze a news article, but not to question our emotional response to it. We’re taught to debate, but not to reflect on why certain arguments make us uncomfortable.

Feeling critically means examining our emotional reactions with the same rigor we apply to ideas. It’s asking, “Why did that statement trigger me?” or “What bias might be influencing my emotional response?” It’s emotional self-awareness in action.

Let’s be real. How can we analyze a social issue if we can’t empathize with the people affected by it? How can we evaluate arguments if we’re too emotionally reactive to hear opposing views?

Emotional intelligence — our ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions — isn’t a soft skill. It’s a thinking skill. A survival skill.

But the system hasn’t caught up. Since the 1990s, the U.S. Department of Education has emphasized standardized testing, leaving less time for deep thinking. According to Newsweek, the obsession with test scores has “crowded out classroom time for open-ended inquiry, debate, and problem-solving.” And it shows. We’re memorizing facts, not making meaning.

Worse, many teachers haven’t been trained to teach critical thinking, let alone emotional intelligence. A study by the Critical Thinking Institute found that none of 30 educators could de-

Santa Monica Daily News.

In September, the Santa Monica City Council declared the city to be in “fiscal distress,” citing the settlement payouts as a major contributing factor. That $229 million is money that could have paid for improving public infrastructure, making residents safer or helping residents struggling with food insecurity or homelessness. Instead, residents’ tax dollars have to be used to pay for the negligence of prior city leaders who are no longer around to take accountability for their actions.

The University of Southern California offers another local example of this pattern. Colleagues started complaining about the inappropriate behavior of student health center gynecologist George Tyndall in the 1990s, according to the Los Angeles Times. Students and health center nurses continued to accuse him of misconduct, yet he wasn’t suspended until 2016.

The result is $1.1 billion in settlements: a civil settlement to 710 sex abuse survivors and a class-action settlement that was open to anyone who received treatment from Tyndall at the university. And now, USC is facing operating deficits that, in addition to major budget cuts, have led it to lay off 974 employees since July, according to the Morning, Trojan newsletter.

Abuse

taxpayers, or on students, staff and faculty who had no say in the cover-up.

Santa Monica is demonstrating this right now. For years, city staff allegedly ignored warnings about an employee, Eric Uller, who preyed on youths in the Police Activities League between the 1980s and 2000s. The city has now paid over $229 million to settle claims related to Uller’s crimes, according to the

The officials who chose to ignore complaints against Tyndall for years showed a gross lack of concern for the well-being of their female students. But it is believable that they also genuinely thought they were protecting the university by keeping the abuse hidden. In reality, they caused severe cuts to university programs, research and staff.

This is not an argument against compensating survivors; when institutions engage in these behaviors, they have a financial and ethical responsibility to make restitution. It is an argument against

fine critical thinking in a teachable way. That’s not their fault. It’s a systemic failure. And we’re the ones paying the price.

Let’s demand more. Let’s ask our professors to integrate emotional intelligence into their lessons. Let’s create spaces on campus where we can talk about how we feel and how those feelings shape our thoughts. Let’s challenge the idea that thinking and feeling are separate.

Because they are not.

When emotional intelligence and critical thinking work together, they create a fuller, more compassionate form of intelligence.

Intelligence quotient (IQ) measures cognitive ability — how well we solve problems, process information and reason. But EI measures how well we navigate relationships, manage stress and make ethical decisions. High IQ might help you win an argument; high EI helps you know when not to start one.

Teaching both requires a shift in mindset. Critical thinking can be nurtured through inquiry-based learning, case studies and Socratic dialogue. Emotional intelligence grows through reflective journaling, mindfulness, role-playing and open conversations about identity, values and emotional triggers. We need both in our classrooms, our boardrooms and our communities.

If we want to be the leaders, artists, scientists and changemakers of tomorrow, we need both sharp minds and open hearts. Critical thinking without emotional intelligence is incomplete. And we deserve better.

allowing the kind of institutional culture that creates these scandals continue to thrive.

When abuse allegations are viewed as short-term public relations problems to be quieted, rather than as moral obligations to resolve the source of the harm, abusers are allowed to continue causing even more damage. And then when that damage is finally exposed, the harm to the institution is far greater than if the first complaint had been properly handled.

Though each institution has different structures and needs, accountable leadership will require similar changes: independent reporting lines that don’t answer to the officials being scrutinized, centralized databases where complaints can be tracked and clear timelines for all complaints to be investigated by third-party committees.

It will also require consequences for leaders who ignore red flags: clawbacks of bonuses, and performance evaluations that take into account compliance with reporting and investigating requirements as well as reports of retaliation against others who attempt to file complaints or follow policies.

Finally, any large settlement should automatically trigger an independent review of policies and training, with a publicly available report of the results. The report should include data about complaints filed, how exposure will be reduced in the coming year, how the settlement will affect budgets and how accountability will be achieved.

City residents and university faculty and students who aren’t the source of these liabilities shouldn’t be forced to finance them indefinitely. We do have to take responsibility for the negligence of leaders past. But we do not have to keep enabling abusers and paying extra for institutional secrecy going forward.

When Politics Comes First, Veterans Come Last

BY JOHN WILLIAMSON

The U.S. government entered its 22nd shutdown on Oct. 1. While many groups are affected by the current government shutdown, from federal workers to contractors, some are disproportionately affected — including our nation’s veterans.

Veterans depend on government funding not only for income but also for many other resources. Training, education and career counseling are just a few of the benefits that veterans rely on. These benefits are now in jeopardy.

As a veteran myself, I am receiving benefits through enrollment in the Veteran Readiness and Employment program (VR&E). The VR&E is essential to my scholastic endeavors. It provides veterans with counseling and funds to benefit from standard educational institutions and other forms of training.

Due to the shutdown, counselors are not available. If there are any issues that arise, veterans will be out of luck.

The Department of Veterans Affairs published a list of the items affected by the shutdown. The silver lining is that veterans’ disability and education benefits will generally continue. But there are exceptions.

The inability to contact a counselor can mean the loss of education funding until after the shutdown ends. In my case, I need what is called a purchase

order authorization to continue my funding through December. Right now, I have no way of getting or requesting that authorization.

This is one of many examples of how veterans can fall through the cracks during government shutdowns. Yet the president, Congress and many others will get their paychecks on time. Americans, not just veterans, should have a big problem with that.

As both parties jockey for position and attempt to manipulate each other, veterans are left to wonder: when will we matter?

When will we not be treated as cannon fodder for political gain?

The harm is made worse when congressional leaders refuse to take votes on separate funding. There is a clear lack of concern for the American people, federal employees and veterans. There is news that the nuclear programs will furlough workers. Our literal safety as a nation is being compromised so that one party or the other can get what they want.

While we hold our breath and veterans live in limbo, they pontificate, never demonstrating that they sincerely care.

I hope for a quick end to the shutdown. I hope that this event helps Americans realize that politicians don’t have our interests at heart. They are preoccupied with their own interests. We are a pebble in the shoe of our politicians as they work toward their own goals.

If there is a net positive, may it be that we as a country see that we need to take power back and stop letting these charlatans play with our lives. Our government is suppwwosed to be for the people by the people, not for the politicians by any means necessary.

OPINION & EDITORIAL

CITY VIEWS

Of all the things going on in the world right now, what concerns you the most?

PHOTOS BY CARLA WILLIAMS

Talking personally, kind of more like finding a job. I think it's sometimes very hard to find something stable and afford something, especially when you're going to school.

You can't really find a schedule that's good for your mental wellbeing, and some things might be too much on your physical body.

I know people who work really hard and don’t get paid enough. It's just really hard to make ends meet with what little you have.

I just depend on financial aid right now, because I don't have a car, I live 20 miles away from here, so I have to do public transportation. I wish I could work from home, but I don't have a reliable laptop for that. I think I'm not the only one who struggles with this position.

INK STYLE

A

I think we've reached a level of unsustainability, not just in financial terms, but also just the way the world's going. We have f---ed up the world.

I don't want to say permanently, but some of it is permanent.

It seems like there's a lack of care where we know we can still reverse some of it, but everyone's just like, ‘oh, we don’t need to,’ you know? But also, financially speaking, none of us can afford s---, you know? It's only going to keep getting worse.

Our generation can't buy any houses, you know? It's little things like that. Small things, you know? We don't need houses!

Visual Representation of The World As We Know It

I'm concerned with everything, all the time. I'm concerned with the current government shutdown.

It's not immediately affecting me, but it's affecting people I know.

People aren't getting paid, and I am worried because I know that the opposite sides on the issue — I think the side that is not voting yes on the budget is very reasonable, and I think that they are trying to keep healthcare, which I think is a good thing.

AI, and arts, I guess.

We were talking about it in class, how it could replace other jobs, pretty much all of the jobs.

We're all trying to break into the industry and if a software can take our jobs, you know, especially for the creative arts … I'm interested in screenwriting and directing, but they can use prompts and can spew out a script.

I don't think it can replace the human texture or feeling you get from watching a film or a show, but some people in industry do, so that's concerning to think about.

That's my main concern. I mean, there's a lot of concerns happening right now, but I think, especially after the class we had, that's where I'm concerned about right now.

My family and my family's future is probably what concerns me the most.

There's a lot of stuff that I do pay attention to that's going on in the world, but I know I can only change what's in front of me right now, what I can handle. Focusing on a lot of stuff that I can’t change or don't have any effect toward just isn't gonna help. So I got to work with what I can work on, which is my family and my family's future.

Cringe Culture is Cringe

BY KELIYAH WILLIAMS

Cringe culture is the cultural equivalent of crossing your arms in the corner of the party and saying “yikes” while everyone else is dancing and having fun. We’ve somehow all convinced ourselves that making fun of people for being earnest or trying their hardest is cool. It is not. It just proves how scared we are to be ourselves.

Let’s be real: “cringe” is just short for “you care too much” or “we hate how much of yourself you are.” Today, you can’t express any vulnerability without someone judging you for it.

Try a new hobby and suck at it? Cringe. Make a Substack account? Cringe.

Wear something you actually like instead of what’s algorithm-approved? Cringe.

The word “cringe” has become a weapon that people wield whenever they feel uncomfortable with the idea of someone living out loud. It’s become a

Life Lessons from Music School

BY RALUCA TOPOR

When I enrolled in music school, I thought I was there to learn notes, chords and theory. I did not realize I was stepping into a kind of monastery of sound — a place where the metronome teaches patience and the piano mirrors the mind. Every day, I sit before 88 keys

that do not lie. They reveal whether I practiced, listened or rushed. There is no shortcut to mastery — only repetition, reflection and surrender. I used to think discipline meant rigidity. Now I understand it as devotion. Progress in music doesn’t come from inspiration alone, but from showing up when no one is watching. It is in the quiet hours when scales sound mechanical, when hands ache and when the superego whispers that you are not talented enough. That’s where transformation begins. Discipline is not a cage, but a path. It’s the bridge between cha-

os and clarity, between sound and silence. Each scale I practice is a form of meditation. The notes are mantras that train not only my fingers, but also my attention. In an era obsessed with instant gratification, music school feels like rebellion. You cannot hack muscle memory. You cannot outsource rhythm. Technology can simulate almost everything — except presence. And presence, I’ve discovered, is the true curriculum here.

Some days, I fail. My fingers slip, my mind wanders, my rhythm falls apart. But even in those moments, there is a lesson:

mastery is not about perfection. It’s about returning again and again to the instrument, to the breath, to yourself. The more I learn about music, the more I learn about myself. Every scale is a map of patience. Every chord progression reminds me that tension and release are essential to harmony — in music and in life.

I used to crave freedom. Now I see that freedom grows from discipline. When the body remembers what the mind forgets, when technique dissolves into intuition — that’s when the real music begins.

staple of shaming others for not abiding by social standards. People can’t even enjoy concerts anymore without feeling like their joy or dance moves might end up as a viral meme.

And what makes cringe culture so hilarious is that it pretends to protect us from embarrassment, but all it really does is kill originality before it has a chance to breathe. Everyone wants to be an it girl, but no one wants to be different.

You can’t discover your voice, your style or your art without being bad at it first, but cringe culture doesn’t let anyone get past the bad and ugly phase. It demands perfection before presence, irony before sincerity. Everyone online sounds like they’re auditioning for the same sarcastic, boring and self-aware role.

What we don’t admit is that half the things we call cringe are just things we secretly wish we had the guts to do. You think someone posting their SoundCloud music on Instagram is embarrassing? No, you just wish that fear and perfectionism didn’t hold you back from releasing your own authentic voice. You think dancing on TikTok is corny? No, you just wish you weren’t filtering every

single thought through the lens of potential humiliation and rejection.

Imagine if cringe culture had been around in earlier decades. Kate Bush’s quirkiness would’ve been memed into oblivion. Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust alter ego would’ve been mocked ruthlessly. Mick Jagger's moves would’ve been the butt of some TikTok challenge. The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper” might’ve been written off as theater kids goofing off.

Innovators don’t get to brilliance without passing through the awkward stage, and we are denying and starving ourselves of that stage because someone on X might laugh. Who cares? The truth is: life is cringe. Loving people is cringe. Caring about anything is cringe. Putting yourself out there will always risk ridicule. But the alternative is to live such a sanitized life that you never risk anything at all.

Here’s my suggestion: embrace cringe. Make it a lifestyle. If people aren’t calling you cringe, you’re probably forgettable. I’d rather embarrass myself trying than disappear into a sea of detached living and recycled irony. At least cringe is alive. At least cringe is free.

HALLOWEEN DAY

South Korean Poet Oh Eun Celebrates English Release

"From Being to Being" marks the English translation of the poet's book.

BY ERIKA RAMIREZ

The Race, Equity and Social Justice Center

(RESJ) at L.A. City College and the Korean Cultural Center partnered to invite South Korean author Oh Eun to conduct a class to celebrate his book of poetry “From Being to Being,” or Yu Eseo Yu in Korean on Oct. 22 on the third floor of the Student Union.

Organizers passed out goodie bags filled with Korean snacks and K-Pop group albums prior to the class.

Oh Eun is South Korea’s beloved emerging poet who is the first South Korean author to be awarded a Nobel Prize. And while his poetry book was first published in 2016, literary translator, Shyun Ahn took it upon himself to translate Eun’s work, so that English readers could enjoy his

"It's hard to say goodbye, because there are so many fans. It's like a farewell to their childhood which is sad and bittersweet because with the end of one thing comes the start of something else which can be more beautiful.”

--Noah Schnapp, "Stranger Things" actor Film Festival Welcomes 'Stranger Things' Star

BY EMILY GONZALEZ

There was a full house and a “standing room only” section during an interview with "Stranger Things" star Noah Schnapp as he discussed his educational journey and his role on the series at the Newport Beach Film Festival in late October.

It looked as though the crowd soaked up every word he said along with a round of applause. Schnapp plays Will Byers in the Netflix series. Gold Derby Editor-in-Chief Debra Birnbaum moderated the interview, and Schnapp answered a series of questions about growing up in the industry, to his show on "Stranger Things."

The actor reflected on his journey in the series, and how he had become an internet sensation.

“I realized "Stranger Things"

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

poetry.

“I accepted an editor’s recommendation right away to translate Oh Eun’s work, as I didn’t believe anyone was working on his books,” Ahn wrote in the translator’s note in the poetry book.

“Right away, I started to work on Oh Eun’s Yu Eseo Yu, turning it into the English translation, From Being to Being.”

During the class, UCLA Korean Studies professor, Namhee Lee presented a brief history on South Korea, bringing awareness on the economy, education,

culture, and immigration. This presentation and poetry class altogether showcases how much Korean culture has thrived in decades and the meaningful impact it has brought to the U.S., mainly in Los Angeles.

Oh Eun went on to describe his writing process and what his writing meant to him.

“These poems were written by observing those beings who are not famous, not huge entities who are already on the forefront,” Eun said, “but who are sometimes hidden, who are ignored all

was a hit when we’d go to awards shows and get nominated for best show,” Schnapp said. “I’d be running around meeting people, and they’d say, ‘We’re such great fans of you!’ I thought, ‘Oh wow, people watch our show too, we’re not just watching all of theirs.’”

The actor did not let fans in on what they could expect from the final season. He called it the million-dollar question. The Netflix show has been nominated for 57 Primetime Emmy Awards and has won 12 times.

The native New Yorker says it will be a tough goodbye after this final season. All their last days on set were also their last scenes. The finale was kept hidden from them and it felt like a real end to their real lives as soon as they all read the final scenes for the first time.

“Finally, nine out of 12 of filming, we got to sit down for the last episode," he said. "No one read it together before that day. We were all so nervous. We all sat page by page slowly and slowly, it felt like real ends to our real lives.”

Schnapp says he loves when people say they met a best friend through "Stranger Things" or through his fandom.

He has always loved theater, Broadway and exploring mov-

ies. There were projects he had to turn down because of filming commitments, but now, he says he’s ready to see what comes next.

Education has always been important to him. He is finishing his studies at the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He says that both the show and his educational journey are ending at the same time.

He had to put everything in life aside for "Stranger Things," and now it’s over, and it’s time for him to explore the world. He reveals that he’s in a screenwriting class now.

Schnapp understands that "Stranger Things" may be his best-known work. However, in his next quest, it will be important not to compete with that or strive for something “bigger.” Rather, he prefers to be involved in real projects that matter to him. Schnapp offered his final thoughts on "Stranger Things."

“It represents for so many of you guys," he said. "You grew up with me on this show and it represents your childhood as well, so I think our show is going to be remembered. I will be a very nostalgic representation of our childhood."

Chance the Rapper’s ‘Star Line’ Receives Grammy Consideration

BY LOU PRIMAVERA

Grammy history was made in 2017 when music artist, Chance the Rapper became the first artist to win by never selling any physical copies of his album and being signed by a major record label. His mixtape “Coloring Book” earned him three awards, including Best Rap Album, marking a breakthrough moment for independent and streaming-only hip-hop artists.

His latest album, “Star Line”, released in August, is gaining attention and is once again up for Grammy consideration in multiple categories.

endary comedian Dave Chappelle and Cultural Icon Sway Calloway elevated the atmosphere with their stage presence. Chances ‘Star Line’ stays true to that vision and carries much of that same rich and creative energy into his latest work.

while observing them and bringing them into existence.”

Although his poetry can come off as melancholic, it shows the realities of adulthood, the education system in South Korea, and his personal feelings as he wrote. When the class concluded, Eun met with attendees and signed the book, taking into consideration of writing their names correctly and greeting them as them came and left. This poetry book is available to purchase online through the Black Ocean website, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon

Chance’s “Star Line” particularly contributes to his reinvention over the last couple of years of his career and brand, reflecting a renewed purpose rooted in community and cultural pride. Both the album and the epic Black Star Line Festival draw on Marcus Garvey’s vision of global Black unity and economic empowerment.

The epic festival that took place in Ghana in early 2023 drew over 52,00 people. The free concert featured top-notch performances by T-Pain, Erykah Badu, Jeremih, Talib Kweli and Vic Mensa to name a few. Leg-

“No More Old Men,” featuring Jamila Woods, is one track that stands out and a bit of a tearjerker many can relate too. Chance’s ode to growing up in Chicago hits close to home as Chance reflects on how communities change over time. With Darkchild’s soulful, layered production, the song captures both nostalgia and the weight of seeing familiar faces and places fade away. His album that consisted of 17 tracks proves his versatility while staying true to his signature sound, blending big names such as Lil Wayne, Young Thug, and Jay Electronica with Chicago talents BJ the Chicago Kid, Vic Mensa, and Jamila Woods. Jazmine Sullivan, Joey Bada$$, and Do or Die add depth, help keeping his “Star Line” brand making his album become Grammy worthy. “Star Line” is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms.

CAMPUS LIFE

Spirits Rise at ASG Halloween Bash

BY DEANTHONY ESCALANTE

Characters from video games, movies and books came to life when the Associated Student Government hosted a Halloween party and costume contest in the Student Union on Oct. 29, 2025.

Students had company as staff members joined the fun in costumes dressed as their favorite characters. Attendees seemed excited and happy to express themselves in the costume of their choice from 5-7 p.m. Individuality was on display. Many of the students used their imagination to create original costumes. "Overwatch," a first-person shooter game inspired some costumes. But animals stole part of the spotlight at the party. A costume from the animated film "Rio," featured a displaced blue macaw. Students also gravitated toward an alcoholic teddy bear who behaves badly, from the movie "Ted."

There was an awkward feel at the beginning in the space on the third floor of the Student Union. Students were just getting out of class and into their comfort zones. Some stayed glued to their phones for the first couple of minutes, but as time passed, they relaxed and separated from their phones and interacted within their own community.

Many students appeared to have a good time and even had a laugh or two, as their friends took to the stage to show off their amazing costumes.

(Left) A student dressed as “Ghost Face” nearly disappears into the décor at the “Stranger Things” Halloween party at L.A. City College on Oct. 29. (Right Top) Attendees got into the spirit with standout looks for the costume contest at the “Stranger Things” Halloween party inside the Student Union on Oct. 29.

(Right Bottom) Students

Memories That Never Die: A Tribute to Migrants

BY JUAN MENDOZA

ía de los Muertos

D(Day of the Dead) is a cherished tradition in the Latino community — a time to remember and celebrate those who have passed. We believe that during these days, the spirits of our loved ones return to visit us. Families build altars adorned with marigolds, photos, candles, skulls, and favorite foods of the departed. Every object — from pan de muerto to a framed photograph — represents the bridge between life and death, love and memory. This year, we honor that tradition with a virtual ofrenda — a space to remember immigrants who lost their lives not to illness or age, but to raids, fear, and the crushing weight of anti-immigrant hate.

FROM “JOEL SIMON” PAGE 1

Campus to Host Free-Speech Leader Joel Simon

“In fact, [journalists] matter enormously— perhaps more than ever. We matter to our audiences. We matter to the culture. We matter to history. But we need to think differently about our role. We are not on offense—fighting to change the narrative. We are playing defense, fighting to protect our rights.”

– Joel Simon, from his essay, “Preparing for the Onslaught,” published in the Columbia Journalism Review.

COMPILED BY AMY SHANK

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, Dec. 9, when Los Angeles City College will host awardwinning journalist and the Director of the Journalism Protection Initiative at CUNY's Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, Joel Simon, as the featured speaker of the fall 2025, Nick Beck Investigative Journalism Lecture Series.

The free event offers students, faculty and staff a rare opportunity to hear from the former executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Simon began his journalism career covering the Guatemalan conflict and later spent a decade reporting in Mexico and California, where he covered

the Zapatista uprising and the assassination of Mexican presidential candidate Luis Donaldo Colosio. His longtime focus has been defending journalists and free speech worldwide. The first 40 students to arrive at the Dec. 9 lecture will receive a free copy of Simon’s most recent book. He is the author of four books, including “Endangered Mexico: An Environment on the Edge” (named one of the L.A. Times’ “100 Best Books of the Year”) and “The Infodemic: How Censorship and Lies Made the World Sicker and Less Free.” Simon's analysis has appeared in The New Yorker and his work was featured in the Emmynominated HBO documentary, “Endangered.” RSVP for the Dec. 9 program, which is free to students and faculty while space lasts. RSVP now to secure your spot! https://tinyurl.com/ JSimon2025

COMPILED BY KELIYAH WILLIAMS

POLICE WIRE

Student Injury in Jefferson Hall

A student was injured in Jefferson Hall on Oct. 6, according to a campus police report. Medical assistance was provided. No transport was needed.

Student Misconduct in Franklin Hall

A case of student misconduct was reported in Franklin Hall on Oct. 10. Officers filed a report. The nature of the misconduct was not disclosed.

Student Misconduct Involving Staff

Campus police responded to a student misconduct case involving a staff member on Oct. 21. The incident occurred on the third floor of the Student Services Building. A report was taken.

Injury Reported at Kin South

Food Support - City Cares Network

The LACC Basic Needs Center (City Cares) is working to support students whose CalFresh benefits have been impacted.

Students: If your CalFresh benefits were delayed or reduced for the month of November, and you need food support, please complete this form:

CalFresh Recipients Impacted by Government Shutdown –Fill out form

Faculty and staff: Consider making a donation to support student food programs. Use the donation link below and specify Cuby Cares Fund (Basic Needs) under the "comments/details" section.

Visit the Basic Need City Care Network web page to identify additional community resources.

Thank you for your care and support for our LACC community,

City Cares Network

Los Angeles City College

It To Make It, From Inmate to Graduate

Growing up in Boyle Heights, he was drawn into the gang lifestyle from a very young age. The loss of his father broke him and pushed him into lawless activities that led to his imprisonment.

“When I went in, my daughter was six-months old, and my son was two. When I came home, they were teenagers. Losing that time with them is what I regret the most. Education was a redemption, because if I had just looked for any job, maybe I’d have fallen into old patterns and gotten into trouble. School saved my life.”

While the program has seen dozens of students graduate, Hernandez says the challenges

remain when it comes to basic needs.

“Housing insecurity is our biggest issue,” Hernandez said. “A student can’t focus on homework if they don’t have a place to sleep, funding shortages have cut access to food vouchers, and transportation is another hurdle that we face.”

Hernandez says many students lack a driver's license or a steady income. Government support would make a huge difference, she added.

“In an ideal world, we would have guaranteed housing, transportation, and food for our students,” the counselor said.

“These are the foundations of success.”

Meanwhile, for Valente, helping others has become his calling. He now coordinates outreach for Ready to Rise, a justice-impacted youth-focused program across Los Angeles.

“We have been in those kids' shoes, " he said, ‘I’ve been there, and you can turn it all around.”

He credits his counselor, Mario Escalante, for the inspiration.

Valente thinks about pursuing a Master's degree in the future.

When asked which advice he would give new students, Valente responded with: “Show up for yourself, it won’t be easy, but the moment you show up, it’s when everything starts to change.”

Fans Show up as Team Cements 'Dynasty' Status

They came from San Diego and as far away as Japan to celebrate the Dodgers World Series back-to-back win. They came from Palm Springs, Las Vegas, and Perris in the Inland Empire. “I was born in L.A., I love L.A., and why not come out and celebrate with all the L.A. Dodger fans?” said parade-goer Eveline Flack. The seven-game series took fans from both teams on a roller coaster of emotions.

Many analysts say the outcome could have favored either team during the series. But it was the Dodgers who came out on top for a historic win. This season marked Clayton Kershaw's, player #22’s retirement spanning an 18-year career for the L.A. Dodgers. He is ranked 16 in the league overall as of 2025. Many Dodgers spoke on the season’s highlights, accomplishments, and future forecasts. Kershaw gave his final remarks

as a Dodger signing off to the crowd later, on Monday afternoon at Dodger Stadium.

A sentimental farewell to a first back-to-back world series win to his fans and fellow players. “Last year I said I was a Dodger for life,” he said to the crowd at Chavez Ravine. “Today that's true. Today, I get to say I’m a champion for life, and that's never going away.” This season has a record-breaking 18th inning play, which lasted six hours and 39 minutes. It started at 5 p.m. and ended at 11:58 p.m. only minutes before midnight. Freddie Freemen #5 scored a walk off home run which ended in a Dodgers win (6-5). This win spilled into games four to five, where the team suffered fatigue. Shohei Ohtani #17 faced this firsthand. He opened game four as first pitch, the night before he reached base nine times. The team lat-

er pulled him in the 7th inning with runners on base. At street level on parade day, many Dodger fans sported jersey #42, a retired number for Jackie Robinson, the first African American player to play Major League Baseball in the modern era. His History with the Dodgers spans back to when the franchise called Brooklyn home. He would go on to beat the Yankees, giving the Dodgers their first World Series win in 1955, according to Jackierobinsonmuseum.org. “I’m so happy to be here representing the Dodgers and capturing these special moments,” said fan Lorena Hernandez. “To all the L.A. Dodgers fans out there, we love you and truly appreciate you—thank you.”

Brett Burchartz, Jorge Ponce and Juan Mendoza contributed to this story.

Students gave thumbs up to the boxed lunches that included a ham or veggie sandwich on artisan bread, served with gray Poupon or regular mustard and mayonnaise. A large chocolate chip cookie and a thin chocolate mint complemented the lunch.

Cal State Los Angeles Recruitment Specialist Jacob Quintana told the Collegian the university wants to strike up a partnership with LACC.

"We have tons of students here, and we are being supported by LACC as a community, as well as being supported by our admissions evaluators," Quintana said. "It’s been a great success, and we are here to help students forge a path to a fouryear university."

Yessica Del Campo works in the LACC Transfer Center. She says the turnout surprised her.

"I think originally, we were hoping to get 200 students, and so far, 400 students have signed up," Del Campo said. "I think our students need someone to confirm and validate that they are university-level students."

The three-hour transfer opportunity validated some students and provided others with an opportunity to widen their search for the best university.

Cinema major Lynette Stroud says her UMOJA counselor told her to visit the event for an ego boost to increase her confidence.

Stroud called the event the kickoff of her transfer process. She says Cal State Long Beach, Northridge and the UCs are all possibilities.

"It comes down to proximity and who is going to give me the best financial aid package," Stroud said, "and who has the best program for my major."

losangeles.collegian@gmail.com collegianwired facebook.com/collegianwired

RESOURCES

SCHOLARSHIPS

Looking for ways to fund your education? Below is a collection of scholarships and grants that are currently available to students. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements and deadlines carefully. Take the time to apply! Free money is always good. Best of luck!

A.W. BODINE-SUNKIST

SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: $2,000

Due Date: Nov. 15, 2025

For students with ties to the agricultural industry. Financial need, academics and extracurriculars considered. https://bodinefoundation. com/

ACES EDUCATION FUND SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: $1,500

Due Date: Nov. 15, 2025

For students who excel in critical thinking about written materials in any field and aspire to a career involving editing. Applicants must have completed at least one year of higher education and be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. https://aceseditors.org/ awards/scholarships

DARREL HESS COMMUNITY COLLEGE GEOGRAPHY SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: $1,500

Due Date: Nov. 15, 2025

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a community, junior or city college and must have taken at least two geography courses. This scholarship is for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college as a geography major. https://www.aag.org/awardgrant/hess/

BAILEY-SHIPP SAFETY SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: $8,000

Due Date: Nov. 15, 2025

This scholarship recognizes outstanding students who are pursuing careers that advance innovation, protection and safety for workers. Applicants must be full-time students pursuing a degree in the safety industry (including occupational safety and health, construction or

industrial management and many more, see website). https://safetyequipment.org/ scholarships/

HOSPITALITY EDUCATION

SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: up to $2,000 for tuition

Due Date: Nov. 15, 2025

This scholarship is for students enrolled in hospitality-related courses, including hotel and destination operations and management, event planning, foodservice management and more.

https://www.timothysylam. org/education-scholarships

SOROPTIMIST WOMEN’S LIVE YOUR DREAM AWARD

Amount: $1,000 - $16,000

Due Date: Nov. 15, 2025

This scholarship is for women who are the primary source of financial support for their family and demonstrate financial need, and who are enrolled in or accepted to a vocational skills program or undergraduate degree program. https://www.soroptimist. org/our-work/live-your-dreamawards/apply-for-the-live-yourdream-awards.html

JAMES ALAN COX FOUNDATION FOR STUDENT PHOTOJOURNALISTS AWARD

Amount: $2,500

Due Date: Nov. 15, 2025

Applicants must have completed one year of school and must have taken courses in photography or photojournalism. Still photography and videography accepted. https://www. jamesalancoxfoundation.org/ apply/

VFW SPORT CLIPS HELP A HERO SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: up to $5,0000

Due Date: Nov. 15, 2025

Applicants must be retired, honorably discharged, active duty, or a member of the National Guard or Reserve; must be separated or currently hold a rank of E-5 or below. Applicants must also demonstrate a need for financial assistance. https://vfwfoundation.org/ sports-clips/

Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program

Amount: $3,000, submission displayed on tour and expensespaid professional development workshops

Due Date: Nov. 16, 2025

Applicants must be between 16-25 years of age as of the submission deadline, have the right to work in the United States and must have a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act.

https://artist.callforentry. org/festivals_unique_info. php?ID=15568

INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Amount: $1,000 - $3,500, plus costs to attend the IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas

Deadline: Nov. 24, 2025

These awards are available to enrolled students studying business, finance, marketing, food service, hospitality, franchising, or entrepreneurship. https://ifa.secure-platform. com/foundationscholarships/ organizations/main/home

BESSIE MATHEWS FOUNDATION EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: Nov. 30, 2025

This scholarship is for students whose families have been impacted by cancer. At least one member of the household must have been diagnosed with cancer, and at least one member of the household must be female. https://www. bessiemathewfoundation.org/ eap

BONNIE FANG FOUNDATION

NURSING SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: Nov. 30, 2025

This scholarship is open to all full-time nursing students in a state-approved associate or baccalaureate degree nursing program in California or Nevada. https://helphopehonor.org/ scholarships/

DAVID MALCOLM SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: Nov. 30, 2025

Applicants must be full-time students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 who have overcome

obstacles to educational achievement and require help to continue their path. https://www. davidmalcolmscholarship.com/

LISA MICHELLE MEMORIAL FUND

Amount :$1,000

Deadline: Nov. 30, 2025

This scholarship is for enrolled students who have lost a family member or spouse to alcohol, drug or prescription drug abuse. https://thelmmfund.org/ scholarships/

NATIONAL PARENT VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION AALIYAH LEE SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: Nov. 30, 2025

This scholarship is for enrolled students with at least a 2.5 GPA who demonstrate a commitment to volunteering. https://www.parent-volunteer. org/aaliyah-lee-scholarship

RED CROSS COLLEGIATE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Amount: $3000

Due Date: Dec. 8, 2025

For college students committed to service and leadership. Selected students attend a leadership conference and earn a $3,000 scholarship. https://www.redcrossblood. org/rccl.html

HOPI TRIBE GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Amount: $10,000

Due Date: Dec. 15, 2025

For enrolled members of the Hopi Tribe pursuing higher education. Covers undergraduate and graduate studies. Must demonstrate previous FAFSA application. https://www.hopi-nsn.gov/ hopi-grants-scholarshipsprogram-applications/

DR. JUAN ANDRADE JR. SCHOLARSHIP FOR YOUNG HISPANIC LEADERS

Amount: $500 - 1000

Due Date: Dec. 30, 2025

For students of Hispanic/ Latinx heritage who demonstrate leadership and commitment to community service.

https://www.ushli.org/drjuan-andrade-jr-scholarship-foryoung-hispanic-leaders/

TACO BELL LIVE MAS

Amount: $25,000

Due Date: Jan. 6, 2026

For creative thinkers and innovators. No GPA or essay— students submit a video sharing their passion.

https://www tacobellfoundation.org/live-masscholarship/

CHERRY HAWK SCHOLARSHIP

AMOUNT: $5000

Due Date: Jan. 31, 2026

For students who have been diagnosed with cancer at some point and who intend to study sports-related fields.

https://cfc.smapply.io/ prog/cancer_for_college_ scholarships_26-27_application/

NATHANIEL KRONISCH SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: $2,500

Due date: Feb. 15, 2026

For students pursuing digital media, advertising, public relations, or communications. Must show academic achievement and career interest in media.

https://www.mediascholars. org/nathaniel-kronischmemorial-scholarshipapplication/

EDVISORS MONTHLY SCHOLARSHIP SWEEPSTAKE

Amount: $2,500

Due Date: Nov. 15th, 2025

No GPA, No Essay https://www.edvisors. com/scholarships/featuredscholarships/

Dodgers Fight Back to Win World Series

BY JORGE PONCE

The Los Ange-

les Dodgers did more than win the 2025 World Series. They etched a comeback for the ages in the shadow of the Toronto Blue Jays’ dominant run.

The Dodgers showed the grit of a franchise unwilling to settle. By the time Game 7 came around, Los Angeles had flipped momentum, reclaimed the narrative, and emerged as back-to-back champions and the first team in a quarter-century to repeat.

Toronto entered the Series with swagger and the numbers to prove it. The Blue Jays’ offense produced consistently, and their pitching and defense pushed the Dodgers to the brink. But the Dodgers, built on a foundation of deep pitch-

ing, opportunistic hitting and championship habits, refused to bow out.

Game 7 encapsulated it all: down 4-2 entering the eighth, they clawed back to tie and then win in the 11th inning, 5 – 4.

From the outset, both squads imposed themselves:

- Toronto jumped ahead in Game 1 by overwhelming Los Angeles’ staff and hitters alike.

- The Dodgers answered in Game 2 with ace pitching and timely power, evening the series and planting a seed of self-belief.

- Game 3 became an epic 18-inning battle, with the Dodgers’ offense (led by Shohei Ohtani’s historic on-base performance) stealing the edge.

- Toronto then surged, taking a 3-2 series lead behind surging bats and stifling L.A. pitching.

- But when the chips were down in Toronto in Game 6, the Dodgers’ bullpen held firm and their bats scratched across enough to force a Game 7.

At the Rogers Centre, the Blue Jays took a 3 – 0 lead in the third inning when Bo Bichette crushed a three-run homer off Ohtani.

The Dodgers answered with a sacrifice fly by Teoscar Hernández in the fourth and another by Tommy Edman in the sixth to pull within one.

The Blue Jays added an RBI double by Andrés Giménez in their half of the sixth to push back ahead 4 – 2. In the eighth,

the Dodgers struck again: Max Muncy launched a solo homer to make it 4 – 3. Then in the ninth, with two outs, Miguel Rojas belted a game-tying solo home run off closer Jeff Hoffman, forcing extra innings.

In the 11th inning, catcher Will Smith hit a go-ahead solo homer to left, giving Los Angeles a 5 – 4 lead. Reliever Yoshinobu Yama-

moto, the eventual Series MVP, sealed the victory by inducing a game-ending 6-4-3 double play in the bottom of the inning

The Dodgers’ path was anything but smooth, yet they leaned on their depth — pitching, defense, timely offense — and on the weight of expectation built over consecutive post-seasons. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays may have tallied more hits and better peripheral stats over the series but could not close the deal when it mattered most.

The Dodgers, after trailing in the series and behind in Game 7, showed exactly why they are the standard-bearer now. The Blue Jays will live with how close they came but must live too, with how they let one slip away.