Share: Javier sat pensively in the back row of his English class as an old and grainy YouTube upload of the “I Have a Dream” speech played one morning, early in the 2014 fall semester at PCC. While initially very quiet and reserved in class, it was clear to professor Dustin Hanvey that Javier always had a lot more he wanted to say. As the fuzzy video continued playing, Javier proved his professor right. He raised his hand and jokingly suggested the class take a …
Incoming student trustee finds her spirit at PCC
Share: During her years at Temple City High School, Irene Wong immersed herself in the rules and procedures of Model United Nations. “I tried out [for student government in high school] but I didn’t have enough spirit,” Wong said in an interview, laughing. In the diplomatic, collaborative environment of Model UN, Wong discovered a passion for social and political advocacy. “I really got into political advocacy around high school,” Wong said. “I think that ingrained interest is what drew me to being a part of …
A national title is great, but PCC Forensics finds purpose in advocacy
Share: Although it’s definitely not, the PCC Forensics Team makes debating and performing look like a cakewalk. Forensics as a whole falls under three categories, speech debate and theater. In the club, students are encouraged to explore all of the different facets of debating and performing to find their own stride. For the students in this club though, the most important aspect is advocacy and the life lessons learned. “When we write our speeches, act out our interpretations or when we debate, we’re looking for …
Twin is 1 of 1: Faith fuels fire on the court for basketball standout
Share: In the world of sports, stories of resilience, determination, and faith often shine the brightest. Antuanae Garrett, affectionately known as ‘Twin’, a rising star in the women’s basketball program has a journey that transcends the boundaries off the court. Originally from Saint Louis, Missouri, Garrett’s path to success has been marked by challenges, triumphs, and a steadfast commitment to her passions everywhere she goes. Garrett’s introduction to basketball began far from PCC. She first played two years of collegiate basketball in Iowa where she …
Professor, I shrunk the art
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 …