So Trashy

Pick up your trash. Push your chair in. Be thankful. These are just a few normal operational characteristics on this campus. At times, I wonder if i might suffer from a mild case of OCD, to become as irritated with table tops littered with some assholes lunch remnants, or when I watch a staff worker in the Learning Center do the chair mombo every ten to twenty minutes pushing chairs back into their rightful place.  

Upon further consideration and confirmation from my girlfriend, it is safe to say I am far from an orderly fellow. I contribute my fair share to the mess here on campus. The mess that other people are tasked with cleaning up. The human beings that clean each bathroom, hallway, and room in our building, work tirelessly to make sure our campus is not the pigsty a majority of our fellow students strive for each and every day.

Although I may not be OCD, it is verifiable that I am a creature of habit, and in so I have an established way of doing things. I arrive on campus at 7:30 a.m. every morning. I find myself greeted each morning by the gleam of a new opportunity, reflecting up from the floors of Takena Hall. I can’t help but think each time,  “ whoa somebody needs a raise.” Everything from the papers on the countertops, to the liners in the trash cans, seem to have been magically reorganized like a seen from the Disney classic “Fantasia.” I stop off to get coffee and head to my math class.   

By the time I wrap up my educational needs for the day, I pack my bag and signify my pending exit with a sigh. My walk most times starts in the Learning Center. I usually don’t notice what transpires around me during the day because of my machine like focus (har har) but at the end of the day when most students have filtered away, I can’t help but notice the bits and pieces of crap that have been left behind after a long day. They are on the floor, they are on the table tops, and there is no one left in the room to pick them up.

I meander through the upper corridors of Takena Hall and see how all but a few of the table tops have been mistaken for trash receptacles. I traipse down the stairs and head for the front doors to catch a bus home and that is when (on most days), I come face to face with the magical force that I often ponder in the mornings upon arrival, broom in-hand and the look of determination chiseled into her face. I say, thank you and good job.  

We are taught to push through difficult situations from a young age and at all cost to keep moving forward. Often times this doctrine fails our society.

As administrators  here at LBCC have been working hard to understand each steps taken to deal when dealing with  the confrontation that took place between a student and a staff member on the 23rd of April in the Learning Center, Students and staff alike are in a limbo wondering what's next.

We sit in class day in and day out here at LB discussing different scenarios that have changed society, be it through documented studies in communications class ,scientific research in social psychology class , or some mind numbing literature for writing class. We are asked to apply stories from different contexts and apply them to here and now. I suggest, we may never have an opportunity like this again to study a contemporary example how misunderstandings plague our society. There are lessons inside of lessons regarding the complexities of what took place that day and also, as well as in the days that followed. Not talking about what happened on the 23rd of April  is the biggest mistake we can let happen.  We should use this situation to become better people.

The confrontation between a student and a staff member on the 23rd of April in the Learning Center cannot be undone; Nor can the systematic decisions that came in response to the escalating circumstances after all they worked exactly as they were meant to.  We seem to be caught up on who was right or wrong, and not why the disagreement  happened in the first place. Although their exchange is integral to this conversation, we need to be able to take a few steps back so we can see the whole picture. We need to also consider what is happening as the aftermath continues to unfold too. What about the way have we handled this? have we been fair? have we looked at all sides? These questions are examples of the whispers and low grublings filtering through the air on campus these day.

Although he could not discuss actions taken by the administration, Scott Rolad Director of Human resources here at LBCC made it clear that the school takes situations like this seriously. Roland was able to confirm the school’s process has involved an in depth investigation into the happenings of the 23 of April. He explained that,

“ The parts of the system worked how they were supposed to after the initial contact.” and “Something went wrong,” said Roland,

Dave Henderson, President of finance and operations is another administrator at LBCC working hard to make sure the systems we have work properly on campus, he said,

“We are having a conversation about de escalating situations like the one in the Learning Center with all public safety officers”

Our campus is a centrifuge for creating critical thinking individuals for both Linn and Benton counties. This is  the kind of situation  to run to, not to run from. We can define ourselves here and now. We can show the people of our communities just what we are made of here at LBCC. This event is an opportunity to demonstrate solving difficult situations. Isn't the goal of becoming educated about equipping oneself with the tools to handle life?

Difficulties don't come at opportune moments... ever. We reflexively set problems aside after all.there will be time to deal with it later when it is easier.

Thank You.

Audrey Perkins doesn’t waste time. She strides to the front of her class, and without words commands the attention of the entire room.

She begins each session in her Dojo with a satirical “Hello Class,” prompting a satirical, “Hello Mrs. Perkins” back, like a snarky poke in the ribs of tradition. She moves tradition out of the way enough to stand alongside her starchy co-confederate at the podium in the front of the class.

Audrey Perkins has been teaching at Linn-Benton Community College for the last 18 years. This spring will be her last term as an instructor.

The time Perkins spends instructing students is both direct and centered. Perkins emphasizes clarity and detail in every lesson. During her years as an instructor, she has remained focused on what students need to succeed in college.

“It is a gift to partner up with people who stand by their word and work hard to follow through” said, Sandy Fichtner,

Fichtner has been working closely with Perkins for the last 16 years as a fellow Developmental studies department member here at LBCC.

In 1996 Perkins began her career at LBCC as a contracted teacher. Because of an educational gap taking place among students in her Writing 115 and 121 classes, she approached the department head, Beth Camp, about teaching some of the more introductory writing courses so she could “get a feel” for what her students were learning before they arrived at the 100 level.

Thinking of herself more as a sensei at a dojo and less of a teacher at a school, Perkins has developed a style of instruction that draws from her ability to see what is relevant and cuts away with anything not useful. Much like Bruce Lee, her style can be viewed as unconventional, but each movement she teaches is maximized for efficiency.

In 1998 Writing 95 became a course at LBCC as Perkins became a faculty member. With the development of her course, she bridged the abilities of incoming students to the 100 level so they could have a fighting chance at an education.

Perkins set out to do exactly what she intended to do… teach.

“She has transformed many students over these years into confident, thoughtful, critical thinkers and empowered writers,” said Fichtner. There is a toughness that resides in some people. This toughness seeps from bow to stern in them. You can’t ask them about this toughness because they haven’t a clue what you see. A regular person doing regular things is all they are to themselves, not settling short of completing their goals.

Perkins has this toughness. There is no point in asking her about it.

Moving to the East Coast at a young age from the sunny paradise of San Francisco might help explain how to the point Ms. Perkins can be at times. Perkins, at a most impressionable time in her life, was thrown in the bustling fast paced life around Washington D.C. Understanding the difference in culture between the sunny west, free spirited atmosphere and her new surroundings was at a minimum staunch.

Every so often people are thrown for a loop by the cold truths spoken by this assertive instructor, but in real life would you rather wonder about something, or know about something? Having the courage to be honest about not knowing something defines realities for people.

Small lessons like admitting you don’t understand something often will get glossed over on campus, but not in Perkins' class. Moments like those are when Perkins' uncanny ability for clarity takes over like reflexive breathing while sleeping. Times like that are when she pushes each of her students to become a wiser version of themselves. This turning point happens in her dojo often.

“It is about empowerment,” said Perkins.

She makes a point out of teaching her students to take control of something inside themselves. At first a small something like the ability to write clearly. Then she helps grow their talents into the greater ability of taking life head on.

“I can't think of anyone who more deeply understood the impact of cultural and critical literacy in students’ lives and careers,” said Anita Helle, Professor of English/Director, School of Writing, Literature, and Film.

People that are desperate to change their lives take the first steps by coming to this campus; Perkins offers the challenges needed to succeed.

Her ideas will continue sparking fires as her students, co-workers, and peers echo her intensity in their own lives.

At a Glance

Hobbies- local musician http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/gladstone98, Writer.

Review of the Forum Computer Lab at LBCC

Often times, it is easy to overlook some of the less visible services available to LBCC students. Let’s face it, without a bright neon light most things go unnoticed around here.

One thing that went unnoticed for me was the Forum Computer Lab; that was until I desperately tried to complete a battery of projects for a computer science class, and with a broken laptop, I was up a creek without a paddle. 

A fellow classmate gifted me with a bit of invaluable information, as he happened to notice me pacing a hole through the carpeting, waiting for a library computer to free up. That afternoon I had been watching “that guy” finish completing his RPG third level dragon master certification. I practically pulled my hair out while coming to my wit’s end.

My classmate informed me that there is, in fact, a room full of computers complete with a knowledgeable staff capable of answering every single question I might be able to dream up about computers, computer programs, homework assignments, or how the galaxy came to be. Well that last one is not really their department. The point is that I wasn't on my own when I needed help with my computer questions.

" fall term my USB was corrupted due to manufacture error and Lance (One of the lab assistants)b spent a week recovering as much of my USB as he could and saved me from loosing all of my homework." 

Heather Obrien is a Web/Database technology student here at LBCC. she spend a lot of her time here on campus working in the Forum computer lab. She explained to me that the Forum computer lab offers a quite,respectful working environment.    

Ryan Sapp is an AAOT Student at LBCC and he said, “It is a great place to study because there is always a computer open if you need one”

 Tucked away… almost hiding… the Forum Computer Lab is located on the second floor in the oval-shaped section of our school called the Forum Building. Between the Learning Center and the South Santiam building, room F204 is a place where computer magic knows no bounds.

 The Forum Building is more notably home to The Commuter, the Student Leadership Council, and the Hotshot Café. There, on the left side of the second level corridor, like the back ally door of some hotel, is the entrance to the computer lab.

 Drop off your drink by the door and sign in to the computer with your student X number. Sound like any other computer room around campus so far? Don’t worry the Drink Depot and the actual computers are the only similarities to be encountered.

 Leighana Coe, the Forum Computer Lab manager,  said, "the forum lab has actually been part of this school for quite some time." At one point, she was a computer lab aide while attending college herself. In 2008, she was approached by the school about the job and in June of that year took the position.

 “I hear from a lot of students that they didn’t know we were here! I really wish this would be pointed out in Destination Graduation or orientation; especially since we ARE the main computer lab!”

 If you find yourself in the situation where you need a computer or need questions answered regarding computer issues, head over to the Forum Computer Lab. There you will be able to complete your assignments, be it for a computer science class or a communication paper that you can’t seem to get the margins right on.  The Forum Computer Lab is for all LBCC students; get in there and get your learn on!

At a glance :

What : Review of the forum computer lab at Linn-Benton Community College.

Contact: Leighana Coe

Did you know: The forum Computer Lab is open Monday-Thursday 8am to 9pm, Fridays 8am to 9pm from noon until 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

Alert, conservative activist group on campus

 Students from the LB sponsored club Students for Life conducted conversations while canvasing  the Learning Center expressing their views on pro-life issues. The topics included abortion, possibles alternative to abortion and less know facts regarding abortion.

 The group introduced themselves with vigor as the Students for Life Club Each time they approached a table in the Learning Center. As the first of these conversations came to a close, the group handedout some fliers and invited the small group of students they had been talking with to their weekly meeting. 

 Stunned students at the table continued having a conversation about abortion as the group of activists advanced to the next unsuspecting table.

Like a well-oiled machine, the group casually fired up and quickly got to work. The group began explaining their views on the topics of pro-life and anti-abortion and not so much as flinch phased any of the group members while shocked looks replaced the at first skeptical expressions on the students. Handing out more of their fliers, the group left the table to and continued on their path.

“I grew up in a Christian, pro-life home, but abortion was never really discussed in length, and I never really thought about it beyond 'abortion kills a baby and it's wrong.' When I went to D.C. for the SFLA [Students for Life of America]http://studentsforlife.org/about-us/ conference and Walk for Life in 2012 Bowser said, “it opened my eyes to how huge the issue really is".

 “Students for Life started in 2012 after I returned from Washington D.C. I came home with a new-found passion for pro-life activism, and I set out to start the club. I soon found that I wasn't the only one who was interested in starting a pro-life club, and many faithful members began to join in.”

Rebecca Long, One of the groups outspoken group members said, “We started the group on campus because we were all passionate about providing help to women in need as well as defending life from beginning to end. Starting a club on campus was a great way to take what we were passionate about and do something about it in our daily lives as students at LBCC.”

 At the group's most recent weekly meeting, there was a crackling of excitement among the group’s different members about an award they earned. The "Club of the Month Award” is given out to different school groups around the country by the SFLA, which has been instrumental in the club’s creation.

Long explained, “The Club of the Month award is an award that is given to the club that demonstrates the utmost commitment to defending women and their unborn children.”

Lang provided a description of what the award represents.

At the weekly meeting, with standing room only, the large group barely crammed into one of the conference rooms located in the LBCC Library. The club worked through their agenda with ease, in part to a well-organized formal agenda. The meeting had not only group members in attendance, but faculty members and political representatives as well. The group systematically discussed both current events and upcoming events that the group has involvement in. Members collectively exchanged ideas about new tactics and concepts in an effort to become more effective.

Vikki Maurer is this club’s sponsor, as well as the Learning Center Coordinator and mathematics instructor here at LBCC. During an interview, Maurer quickly expressed her confidence in the group by saying, “It is an honor for me to be the adviser for this group. These are exceptional students who have a deep respect for life. They are caring, respectful, polite, enthusiastic and hard working.”. Maurer made time in her schedule to be interviewed further via email regarding her support for the school sponsored club. Maurer expressed that the group is very active on campus and in the community at large by saying.

“The group is focused on education and supporting students who find themselves pregnant by making sure they are aware of resources. and that " the Students for Life have reinforced the idea that at the college level we can have respectful conversations about issues, even if we do not agree."

“We have hosted many campus wide demonstrations and displays this past year some of which include our 'What Has Roe Done for Us?' Display where we showed the effects that legal abortion has had on our country, our 'Post Abortive Panel of women' testimonies and questionnaire, our 'Planned Parenthood' display where we showed who really benefits from abortions, and our 'cemetery of the innocent' display, memorializing the children we have lost to the abortion industry.”

Lang said, “Be on the lookout for our group in the coming months! We plan on hosting a twice weekly table in the courtyard where pregnant women on campus can find out what resources LBCC provides pregnant and single mothers who are trying to earn an education!”

At a glance

Who: The student club called "Students for life"

What: A pro-life conservative activist group. 

Leaders: Steven Bowser 

Club Sponsor: Vikkie Mauere

Contact info: LinnBentonStudentsforLife@gmail.com

First Attempt at Story

Students for Life started in 2012.

I cant wait to introduce one of the most active groups of people here at school. It is amazing the amount of information i have been able to procure in just a few days. 

Can students make a difference? This group of young adults has not stopped to think about it, as they continue steaming ahead on their mission to in their presidents words " Help people to know that we are here to offer information, resources, and understanding to anyone who is in need or is interested in life issues like abortion."

LinnBentonStudentsforLife@gmail.com

r.langfish@gmail.com

The Facebook page is Linn Benton Students for Life

   

feel free to drop a line if you can think of anything you would like me to consider.

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