Philadelphia Eagles and Superbowl champion, Bryan Braman returns LBCC as an alumnus and shares his experience with athletes, scholars, and former coaches.
Student Affairs Center
The Student Resource Center at the PCC campus is your number one stop if you’re looking for help academically or even outside of school.
On campus, the Resource Center has a question counter outside the Student Union to help students find classrooms and answer questions. Outreach ambassador and current LBCC student, Alessandro Delacruz, 20, said, “I work here about two times a week just directing visitors or students to the Student Union or the Resource Center. I’m just a general stop to help out anyone.”
Students can also visit the offices located in the Student Union to meet with a peer adviser or intern. Administrative Assistant, Roberta Maroney, mentions, “ the Resource Center are interns from Cal State Fullerton or Cal State Long Beach working on their hours so sometimes we have two at the center and sometimes we have ten, it just depends.” Some Interns, at a certain level of experience, can even help counsel the students as well as help them find resources if needed.
Roberta Maroney, states, “ It’s nice to have volunteer counselors because we really only have two paid counselors here for 5,000 students.” Each student is given six appointments a semester for mental health counseling, however, the center also provides workshops for those who may be uncomfortable with one-on-one counseling.
Interns are unpaid, however, their volunteering helps the staff get around to all the students who need it. Some of these resources include helping homeless students find housing/shelter, showers, furniture, and clothes. The Health Center also provides limited shower supplies for students who need it.
The Resource Center is working towards creating a community board to help those who may be looking for potential roommates. Adviser, Britney Botello, states “ Students were asking about a roommate search that we don’t offer around winter. As of right now we have the board, but we aren’t sure how we are going to do it yet. We don’t know if it’s going to be girl and girl or boy and girl…we have to talk to our supervisor first.” Anyone who is interested in finding roommate can pin their card or contact info onto the board located at the front of the Resource Center offices in the Student Union in building EE.
Student Life is currently hiring for Federal Work Study Students for the LAC and PCC campus to those who would want to help fellow students find resources in our community and help out the student affairs staff.
Academic Affairs to adapt fast changes at LBCC
The Academic Affairs Office is working hard to adapt to the fast changes here at LBCC
With the growing number in enrolled students comes different passions and goals and requirements. One of the ways is by devoting three Flex Days in the school year to work with teachers, provide workshops and promote professionalism throughout the school.
The Academic Office also focuses on the needs of the students. Dylan Keith, 18, a Journalism Major mentions, “ I didn’t have much trouble getting into classes last semester, but this semester I got a late registration appointment. One of my math classes was completely filled and I had to crash an English course. Thankfully, I was able to figure it out.”
Kathleen Scott,Vice president of Academic Affairs, said, “ First priority is to help students get the classes they need. We know that the students have different educational goals and the programs here need to reflect that.” Many students at LBCC are 2-year students with a goal in transferring to a 4- year university. With the active requirement changes, the offices work to provide the best programs that will ensure an easy transfer at the end of the academic goal most students hold. Resources on campus, such as the transfer center, can be beneficial to students interested in applying to other colleges and having help along the way. The Scholarship center helps with financial needs.
The Academic Affair Offices also are reviewing and preparing for this year’s Summer session. Making sure to have a flexible schedule that will work for the current and new students is a priority to Scott: “Summer sessions are a great way to knock out a requirement in the 6-8-week sessions.” Many students use this time to get an unfavored subject out of the way to finish off their general education.
Kiara, an English Major, states, “I like to rip it off like a band- aid”. “I really dislike science, so I used last summer session to get my science requirement out of the way. It was a pretty quick class.”
International students discusses comfort at LBCC
There is no official international student club at LBCC, but there is a exist international student community, made up of individuals from Netherlands, Africa, Japan, to name a few, who wish to extend an invitation to the entire LBCC community.
Lorraine Mmari, 25, business administration major said, “Of course we have a French club and stuff like that, but it’s more-so Americans who speak French or want to learn French, but how great if you learn from someone who is from a country that speaks French. It’s something else I think, if we could be open to learning about other people’s cultures.”
Mmari is from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania a country in East Africa. She is currently living with her aunt and cousins only a breezy bike ride away from campus.
It was through the international student community that Mmari met 25 year old computer science major, Jordy Vervuurt. Vervuurt is from Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, where his parents and two older sisters still reside, but is able to visit almost every summer. He currently lives with his aunt and uncle in Long Beach, and has been a student at LBCC for 3 years now.
“It was really hard for me to integrate here,” said Vervuurt. “I’ve been here before when I was younger so I didn’t really experience much of a culture shock, but it was hard for me to communicate with other people because of language barrier and culture difference.”
“Sometimes it could be lonely if you don’t know anyone” said Mmari. “You could imagine being an American yourself and you feel like you’re alone, so imagine somebody from a different country coming into America.”
Mch like Vervuurt and Mmari, many international students have a hard time assimilating to life in America. Starting school in a totally different country, far away from your family and friends, with people that have a completely different cultural background than your own can be incredibly difficult, and can leave you feeling alone and out of place. The international student community provides a safe space for students that find themselves in said situation to come together.
The international student community has a lounge downstairs in LAC, building E, where they meet and mingle once a week, and welcomes the international student body on campus, but other students in general that are interested in learning about and bonding with individuals from other countries and cultures.
LBCC discusses arming teachers
Trump’s conservative suggestion stirs debate on campus, with some agreeing and some opposed.
LBCC students, teachers and the police are talking about what they thought of President Trump’s suggestion about teachers being able to conceal and carry a firearm, during school hours.
Jose Hereora, 21, a computer engineering major, said “Teachers with military and firearms experience should be able to conceal and carry. It is the same danger with anybody else holding a firearm, people do not know if somebody is holding a firearm these days.”
Hereora added, “At least it is in the hands of somebody who is trained and has good intentions. If a teacher has a conceal-and-carry permit, she or he should be able to get a bonus. If a teacher is willing to put her or his life on the line, why not reward them. If a teacher is legally able to hold a weapon in the U.S., a problem should not exist.”
Shadia Gomez, 19, a criminal psychology major, said, “I don’t think they should carry a weapon, someone always have a way to get the weapon on campus. Sometimes when people are from the military, some of them start to suffer from mental health issues due to combat. If a teacher does get a conceal-and-carry permit, then they should get a bonus because they are putting their lives on the line. Instead of teachers being armed, schools should employ police officers working at the school. Some schools do not have police presence. “
She added, “Some schools just have one security guard on duty and they are not armed. Gomez some students will feel intimidated if their teachers have a gun.”
An teacher at LBCC who did not want to be identified for privacy reasons, said, “It is not a teacher’s job to give an opinion on a political view because teachers are here to teach and they are not to influence what their students should think.”
She added, “I want my office to be a safe space where anyone could be able talk to me without feeling the need to hold back, students think their teachers might have a different view on a certain issue. Society does not have one quick-fix solution to school shootings. It is something that needs to be discussed by both sides pertaining to teachers being able to conceal and carry.”
LBCC’s police Lt. Jeff Liberman said, “The police department cannot take sides in a political issue, LBCC is fortunate to be protected 24/7 by the our government.”
Liberman said, “That his unit can request a heavily armed and trained SWAT squad quickly and call in K-9 units. The police department is trained every day and trains with the fire department for school shootings. We try to look at each issues and not as a whole. The police department talks with its teachers and students regularly and if they feel threatened, we will investigate the concern.”
Liberman added, “We also try to help and find people with mental health issues before anything bad happens. The people are provided the mental-health assistance at LBCC.”
Relax and Play at the PCC Student Union!
The Student Union at PCC is one of the many incredible places for students on campus. With a game room, charging stations, computers, and printers the Student Union is a place for students to unwind and take a break during their busy schedules.
“Students come in here to play games and chill out between classes, before classes, and after classes” Student Life Administrative Assistant, Roberta Maroney, said.
Another feature located inside the Student Union is the info desk.
Roberta said, “This is staffed by Federal Work Study students and they have been here a few semesters so they know everything there is to know about all the programs.”
The front desk is also the place to take Student ID pictures.
Also part of the Student Union in the Resource Center.
“Students can come here for help with housing, food, and mental health resources,” Roberta said.
Deborah Miller-Calvert is the director who has an office in the student union. She oversees Student Health and Student Life events.
The Resource Center has interns working on their hours from Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Long Beach working on their hours.
This provides an opportunity for students who have transferred out of LBCC to come back and work on their degrees from Cal States.
Roberta said, “Sometimes they help council students if they are at that level [in their education].”
Student Services offers six free mental health appointments throughout the semester. Students are encouraged to go to the Resource Center on either campus.
But, the Student Union is mostly Student Life based.
“You can join a club here,” Roberta said, “if you want to join a club come here and we can point you in the right direction.”
The Student Government Leadership Lab is also located in the Student Union.
Roberta said, “If any student on campus wants to talk about concerns on campus or anything, they should be able to come in here and talk to a student leader.”
The Student Union is also a place to learn about Viking Volunteers, which is online now and an exclusive program for LBCC students.
“Students do 30 hours of volunteer work a semester and it goes on your transcript.” Roberta said. It’s also a good way to meet new people and make friends.
Although a lot of students work in the Student Union building, many come to relax and de-stress.
The Game Room is “a fun, relaxing place where everyone is welcome” Roberta said.
The room has multiple TVs with video games, a foosball table, a ping pong table, and plenty of seating and tables for students to hang out comfortably.
The game room has multiple bulletin boards where students can see upcoming school events, job offers, and more.
Outside the Student Union is another Info Desk, manned by Federal Works Study students as well.
“If they have a question, I’m here” said Alessandro Delacruz, who is a student taking advantage of the FWS program.
This provides students in need of jobs 16 work hours per week starting at California minimum wage.
The Student Union is located in the EE building on the PCC and at building E on the LAC.
Opinion: Student Voices for the Viking
It’s a brand semester at Long Beach City College meaning classes are in session, students are on campus and the Viking is back is business. The Viking is LBCC’s very own news outlet providing readers with all things Long Beach related. This semester the students have spoken and want the Viking to know what they want to see this semester. The Viking covers everything from school news, sports, entertainment, clubs and more.
Students have many opinions “I’d like to see more club information such as when and where events are happening and what resources we have on campus,” said Shoup Shoup, 26 Geology major. The Viking is always looking for new ideas and stories to cover at all times which means including more club information is a quick fix. Information on club meetings, where they will be taking place and any updated news will be a good addition to the Viking.
The Viking is where students and staff are able to keep up with everything happening at the PCC and LAC campuses so to keep readers intrigued it is crucial to keep up with the times and take notes on all things LBCC related. Paying attention to the thoughts and views of the school’s students and staff is a large part of the Viking because the Viking is made for its readers.
“I’d like to see more entertainment news, or maybe something along the lines of a lifestyle section. I would be interested in seeing food reviews, movie reviews or information on upcoming shows, said Jasmine Backer, 22, undecided major. Readers will be able to keep track of what the best new restaurant in town is, or what movie theater in surrounding areas has discounted movie days. Most theaters give students a discount if they have a student ID with them. Long Beach typically has many art shows or concerts going on so it would be beneficial for students to know where they can go to enjoy themselves, on or off campus.
“I’d like to see more information about off and on campus Long Beach art events and opportunities,” said Jessi Knox, 24, History Major.
The voices of the students and staff are what makes the Viking what it is because it is the outlet that is available for everyone here at LBCC. Not only is it a community but it’s also a place that allows readers to find out important information, check out new club details, learn more about what’s happening on campus and in surrounding areas and so much more. The Viking is always looking for more topics to cover and encourages the student body to interact and let the staff know what they want to see covered.
Vikings Lead Slips in the Seventh
Despite leading for a majority of the game, a scoring run in the last inning led to a 6-4 loss to the El Camino Warriors for the Vikings’ women’s softball team on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
After being down 2-0 early, freshman center fielder Emilee Hoppe, freshman third base player Raven Agapay and sophomore catcher Samantha Ontiveros each scored a run in the second inning. Agapay hit a solo home run in the third inning to give the Vikings a 4-2 lead.
The Vikings led 4-3 from the fourth inning until the top of the seventh when the Warriors scored three runs to regain the lead.
Sophomore pitcher Alissa Cienfuego says they could have executed better to earn the victory.
“I think we did good as a team, but we could have done better in the last couple innings,” Cienfuego said.
Viking coach Megan Martinez said her team performed well, but saw room for improvement.
“I thought that we played a decent game, I just feel like we weren’t able to finish today. They took the momentum from us and we weren’t able to recover in that last inning. We should have been able to hold the lead. They had really timely hitting,” Martinez said.
Agapay, who scored two runs, said her team had a lot to be proud of, “I honestly thought we did really good. El Camino is a great team. It was a really great game for us. I think our overall performance was really good.”
The Vikings are still searching for their first conference victory as they dropped their next matchup against Los Angeles Harbor to fall to 0-3 in conference and 10-10 overall. They will face off against Compton on Wednesday March, 6 at 3 p.m. at the LBCC softball field.
Former Viking and Super Bowl champion Bryan Braman returns to LBCC
Former LBCC football standout Bryan Braman returns as a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles as he met with employees, former coaches, and fans today at the Vets Stadium on Thursday March, 1.
Braman shared his story of struggling with his academics and at one point being homeless, to becoming a Super Bowl champion.
Assistant Coach Neo Aoga coached Braman for the two years that he attended LBCC said, “I knew he would make it, he was a good kid with a good work ethic and he was hungry.”
Mitchell Kay, freshman offensive lineman said, “Everybody has to start somewhere, LBCC is a second chance for a lot of us.”
“Just seeing him play during the playoff game against the Falcons, all I could keep on saying was I know this guy he played for LBCC and just seeing that was the biggest motivation for me in my own career.” Kay said.
Barman received a full scholarship right after high school and played for the University of Idaho for only one year due to academic reasons before being recruited to LBCC.
DeAnthony Jones, freshman defensive end said, “It was cool seeing him come from the junior level and struggle not only on the field but off of it as well, and to come back the way he has.”
Former coach Jerry Jaso said “he had the talent that would take him to the next level and we knew that he was special.”
Jaso also added “it’s great to see how he’s progressed as a person overall as he really came from humble beginnings.”
When asked what advice Barman would give to the student’s athletes he responded with “take care of everything off of the field.”
“Coming down to LBCC really helped me in my career and lessons I learned here I definitely used further on when transferring to West Texas A&M.” Braman said.
Braman stayed and engaged with fans, trustees and employees of LBCC for a couple hours at the Vets Stadium as he said “Once a Viking always a Viking”.
PCC and LAC host Join-A-Club day
LBCC held Join-A-Club Day on February 15 at LAC in the E-Quad and at PCC on the lawn on February 21 between 10-2pm.
Students are encouraged to attend and discover new clubs and organizations at LBCC and meet student leaders as over 60 clubs will be represented and will offer free food, giveaways and music throughout the day.
The clubs represented range from all different aspects of student life on campus by
featuring different cultural clubs and organizations.
Stephanie Kozac, 19, a business major said, “This is my first semester here at LBCC, I would love to get involved with the college by joining some clubs. Kozac also shared that during high school she never really participated in any clubs or sports but thought this might be a good way to meet students with the same interests.
Students can connect with the cultural affairs committee that plans and organizes cultural events and focuses on engaging students with all cultural experiences.
Jesus Karam, 23, undeclared, said “I’ve never heard too much about the clubs here but I usually go to the Quad for the free food.”
Larry Martinez, 22, a political science major said, “I’ve tried to join clubs in the past, but now I feel as if I have no time for them as I have work and other things that I’ve already committed to.”
Students can also check out all clubs and organizations at LBCC by creating an orgsync account at orgsync.com, which lists all student life activities at LBCC and what days and time clubs meet. Students can then access and view any future activities that a particular club may be hosting.
Students are not required to RSVP to the events but are always encouraged to bring friends and sign up for clubs they may be interested in.