Share: A new style of art is being created in Pasadena City College’s sciences division, just out of our field of vision. The dynamic duo of professors Nick Schultz and Jillian Blatti are using fluorescent microscopes to show students the beauty and intrigue of a world usually too small to see. Under the polarized light of the microscope, students are able to capture images of very tiny samples of their choosing. The resulting images are then colorized using Photoshop, creating what the professors call “microscopy …
Next student president opens up about family, AI, and the saxophone
Share: In middle school, Alfredo Martinez Sandoval had a dream that he was playing the saxophone. In high school, the saxophone became his connection to the city of Pasadena through the Tournament of Roses parade, which set his path in motion to become the incoming president of the Associated Students of Pasadena City College. “I fell in love with saxophone,” he says, sitting on a shady bench in front of the Shatford Library. “I had a dream about playing it one time, and due to …
Showing pride in yourself: One student’s challenge of legally materializing her identity
Share: Jaclyn Butac is a Pasadena City College student studying child development and behavioral science. She also identifies as a female of trans experience, and in 2023, she began a giant step of getting her name and gender marker legally changed. “If you think stuff like changing your name or getting the proper care that you need to feel more aligned with yourself is impossible, it’s not,” Butac said. “You have a lot of support, and there are people who are willing to listen to …
‘Blue Beetle’ scribe leaves students buzzing over Latinx cinema
Share: From the pages of comic books to the silver screen, “Blue Beetle” made its way to theaters in August of last year. It deeply resonated with audiences through its family-focused narrative that parallels writer Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer’s own story. On Thursday, May 30, students filled the auditorium in room 101 of the Center for the Arts building. Aspiring filmmakers and writers alike were eager to expand their knowledge of filmmaking and the intricacies of screenwriting from Dunnet-Alcocer’s experience. “So what I really appreciated and what …
PCC Songwriter Showcase: ‘The show behind the show’
Share: On what seemed like a casual Wednesday night, the campus outside the recital hall was drifting with students anxious to go home, but inside everyone was brimming with anticipation as the lights began to dim in unison with all the chatter. The sound crew, event organizers, and songwriters all came together that night to give meaning to a community of students that communicates through art. “The reason I am standing here,” said music department chairman Zac Matthews, “is because I want you to look …
Wi-Fi Lounge looks radiant as ASPCC hosts ‘Valorant’ tournament
Share: The student lounge was transformed on Monday. The normally bright lights were dim, accompanied by a pulsing RGB glow. The furniture was completely rearranged, with tables clustered in the center surrounded by ten students, staring intensely at laptops, barking brief, cryptic messages at each other. Another dozen students sit in chairs in front of a projector screen, laughing in excitement as the screen cycles through the action from each laptop, watching as digital avatars duck in and out of smoke clouds and dodge virtual …
Faculty and students allege censorship in photography competition
Share: After only one year, a photography competition along with a scholarship opportunity was taken away from PCC students due to the allegations of censorship of students’ creative freedom within the competition as well as the complete exclusion of the photography department faculty on how the competition would be run. After the success of The William G. Ericson Photography Competition and Scholarship in 2023, the PCC Foundation and The Ericson Foundation decided they wanted to solely run the show this year. It came as a …
Swim team’s newest member makes waves in state competition
Share: First-year PCC student Michael Petersen has dedicated his life to swimming, often spending many early mornings and late nights doing breaststrokes and backstrokes, regardless of rain or shine. His ten years of hard work and perseverance finally culminated on May 2, when Petersen competed at the 3C2A State Swimming and Diving Championships in Costa Mesa. Petersen competed for PCC in the statewide swimming competition, placing 12th in breaststroke, as well as breaking older records as he completed the second fastest time for a male …
Dynamic Duo: Two players, one unstoppable force!!
Share: In a season defined by being undefeated, the 2024 badminton team will be remembered for working relentlessly and playing hard in every match. Two players in particular sustained their victories through outstanding performances in their triumphs that led them to their state championship on May 10. In her final year of high school, No. 1 player Rhea Zou took up badminton after being introduced to the game by a friend who played on the varsity team. Inspired by competitive games, she started learning from …
PCC alum Reyna Grande writes her way through imposter syndrome
Share: Students and faculty members quickly piled into the Writing Success Center (WSC) in support of PCC alum turned published author Reyna Grande’s panel. They were handed a box of catered food from Stonefire Grill, a notecard to jot down questions to ask the guest speaker and were given the opportunity to purchase one of Grande’s books for $15. The WSC was a packed house as PCC’s Puente club spotlighted Grande in a discussion-based event on May 7. Grande shared stories reflecting on her journey …