In community college, I wrote for “The Skyhawk View,” which is no longer active. The school recently revamped its website and, in the process, removed past articles from being visible.
I have reached out and expressed interest in seeing the articles return. The good news is that they still exist; the school just didn’t transfer them over. Sauk Valley Community College didn’t consider a student’s perspective in wanting to see their past articles.
In the meantime, I have tried my best to collect all my articles by going through my records.
Transitioning to SVCC during a Pandemic
Sauk Valley Community College is welcoming a new math professor this semester. Connor Williams is teaching intermediate algebra classes and elementary statistics.
He has been teaching for a total of six years. Professor Williams first spent five years teaching 8th graders and one-year teaching high school. As well as teaching at other community colleges in the area for the last four years.
I got to talk virtually with Professor Williams and he let is excited to be working at Sauk. “They [SVCC] have a lot of the same values of teaching that I look at. There is a lot of putting the students first,” he said. Community college is where he was inspired by his math professor to become a teacher himself.
Professor Williams talked about transitioning to a new job during a pandemic, “The transition has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced because I’m not actually in the building.” His transition has occurred almost entirely right from home.
The pandemic hasn’t stopped him from doing his favorite hobbies like running, reading, playing video games, and watching movies. However, in a normal non-pandemic year he runs about eight 5Ks per year. The COVID Pandemic has also stopped him from going with his wife to Disney World, as they regularly do in a year.
He loves the field of math and his favorite thing about the subject is, “The applications you can put towards almost anything.” Professor Williams finds sports statistics to be the most interesting.
He doesn’t just love the subject, but he also loves the rewarding feeling of being a teacher that not even a pandemic can stop him from getting. Professor Williams said, “The most rewarding feeling is seeing a student have that moment of success.”
Professor Williams is very impressed with Sauk students. They have made transitioning much easier for him. He said, “It really shows in the Sauk students that everyone has the work ethic and want to be successful.”
He is aware some students don’t like math but his advice is to, “ give every class a fair shot.” Professor Williams is looking forward to hopefully helping those students gain an appreciation for math just like his professor did for him.
“It’s Alive! It’s Alive!”: Movie Theaters Re-Open
The movie business has been heavily impacted by COVID-19. With movie theaters re-opened, it’s time for Sauk students and faculty to safely go back to the multiplex.
If you are in the high-risk groups it is best to not risk your life on a leisure activity like movie-going. However, for those not included in that group, you can safely return to the movie theater by following the CDC guidelines of social distancing and wearing a mask.
Throughout the pandemic, movie theaters have been struggling to stay afloat. The movie theater chain, AMC, was at high risk of filing for bankruptcy, and many local non-chain theaters had to close for an extended period. Movie-goers must support the theaters by returning to watch something on the big screen.
The safest experience and perhaps one you haven’t had before is a theater only three miles from SVCC, the Midway Drive-In.
Watch a movie from the safety of your car, which ensures you won’t have to come in contact with others. All patrons are required to bring a face-covering that you are required to wear whenever not inside the vehicle or when talking with someone outside the vehicle.
Another choice is the recently re-opened AMC Classic Sauk Valley 8 theater in Sterling, four miles from the school. This theater is following AMC Safe and Clean™ procedures that are outlined on their website.
A local historic theater close to SVCC is the Sterling Theater, which is about seven miles from the school. This theater has been a staple in downtown Sterling since 1944.
Lori VanOosten, Sterling Theater General Manager, detailed their COVID policies, “Masks are required to enter the building and to walk around the building, through lines, and in bathrooms. Once seated you may remove masks for enjoying your concessions.”
VanOosten also talked about implementing an allocated seating system. She described it as, “Assigned seating with every other row not available to purchase.” Lori went on to say, “Additionally, after a single or group purchase, the system automatically closes off the next three seats in the row for social distancing.”
Each theater that normally holds 225 is only allowing 50 customers to allow for distancing. As well as cleaning the theaters between each showing.
VanOosten also said, “COVID has deeply affected our theater. [Sterling Theater] Closed down for 3-1/2 months we managed to sell curbside popcorn to help pay a few bills. Once opening we have had small crowds and limited movie options with studios pushing out releasing new movies or going straight to on-demand.”
Lori VanOosten wants to remind everyone that, “Our local historic theater and all local small businesses need customer support whether purchasing gift cards for future use, curbside popcorn, or returning to movies to survive this pandemic.”
Whether it is a drive-in or an auditorium, I strongly suggest you visit a movie theater.
Support your local movie theaters.
Opinion: SVCC students celebrating this holiday season
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the seasonal flu epidemic, it is important that families celebrate the holiday’s differently this year.
However, not every SVCC student is taking COVID seriously this holiday season as per a survey done by The Skyhawk View. When students were asked if they plan to change how they celebrate the holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year) 55.56% said “Yes”. While 44.44% said “No”.
Those results are concerning as the Sauk Valley is already seeing increases in cases and it will only get worse if changes are not made this holiday season.
The biggest change that SVCC students can make with the holidays is not gathering with family outside their household or at least following specific guidelines if they do. It seems that students are split on if they will celebrate with family outside the household or not.
There was a tie in votes when students were asked if they will be gathering with family outside of their household. Out of the 90 students surveyed, 45 said “Yes” and the other 45 said “No”.
When asked what they will change this holiday season many students replied with nothing. One student went as far as to say, “Not a damn thing.” This is a self-destructive ideology that SVCC students and their families need to stray away from.
It is reckless to ignore the impact that gatherings on a holiday are having on positive cases. On November 6th the Illinois Department of Public Health reported a single-day state record with 10, 376 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. This was six days after Halloween.
The students that plan to change how they celebrate the holiday season gave answers such as limiting their time with family, celebrating virtually, celebrating with immediate family in the household, or not celebrating at all. It is these options that SVCC students should be considering this holiday season.
Students gathering outside of the household should follow the CDC guidelines for celebrating the holidays this year. One of these guidelines says that everyone, “… should consider the number and rate of COVID-19 cases in their community and in the community where they plan to celebrate when considering whether to host or attend a holiday celebration.”
The CDC guidelines include holding outdoor gatherings that are short, limiting the number of people, and attendees should adhere to wearing a mask and social distancing. The preemptive measures that every SVVC student needs to consider taking can be found on the CDC’s website.
The Sauk Valley area has recently been put under new mitigations due to failing to lower the positivity rate below 8%. With this increase in cases this early in the fall, it is crucial that SVCC students still planning to visit family outside of the household follow the CDC guidelines.
Feature: SVCC alumni participates in a comedy horror show
SVCC alumni, David Waters, participates in Mistress Peace Theater which is available online at their website and airs on multiple channels such as The Vortexx and The Monster Channel.
Mistress Peace Theater is a horror comedy series put together by local area artists in and around Oregon, IL. However, the show airs globally and their audience isn’t limited to the United States. The show is similar to popular comedy series such as Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Elvira’s Movie Macabre. Waters portrays the character of Dr. Madd, a mad scientist.
Waters talks about while the idea of the show has been done before, the thing that makes the show unique is that they are “all inclusive.” “It doesn’t matter who you are,” says Waters, “We’re inclusive and we want to help at the same time.”
An important aspect of the show for Waters are the hotlines they include at the end of each episode. He says, “We put out support numbers in our credits. It doesn’t matter who you are, we’re there for you.” Waters goes on to say, “That’s what makes us a different show than others.”
The support the show brings awareness to is important for Waters as a veteran. He talks about when he first joined the show he brought up raising awareness to veteran suicide. Waters then says, “In the ending credits of our show now we have a veteran crisis line.”
Not only does the show bring support to others, it has also helped Waters himself. After retirement from service in the army, he ran into a producer of the show that offered him a part. At first, Waters declined, but then he says, “I kept thinking back to it,” and about his time in the service before thinking to himself, “I don’t back away from anything. I need to do this.”
While Waters enjoys playing a part in the show, he’s not one for fame or rather he says, “I’m indifferent about it.” He tells the story of getting recognized by someone he used to go to school with as being part of Mistress Peace Theater.
Waters says at that moment he thought “How do I deal with this? How do I talk about this?” He says, “ I want to be underneath my rock.” It’s most important for him to show up and do his part. “Outside of that, everything else is beyond me,” says Waters.
Another important aspect for Waters when doing the show is to make people laugh. “I’m not doing this for fortune or fame,” he says, “If I can make you laugh and forget about your personal problems, then I’m doing my job right.”
SVCC’s Student Peer Mentor Program
A new mental health program at SVCC gives students struggling a chance to receive help from peer mentors, and those mentors an opportunity to gain experience helping their peers.
The mission of this new program is to “enrich students’ lives through support and mental health advocacy.”
It offers the opportunity to partner with a fellow peer at SVCC and work through different stressors. These can be related to school but also include work and home.
Peer mentors are there to help SVCC students succeed at their goals. This includes improving study skills, managing time, and just listening if necessary.
SVCC Mental Health and Academic Counselor/Assistant Professor Jennifer Hooker is the supervisor of this peer support program. Hooker is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
“We are currently in a soft launch of our program,” says Hooker. There is currently only one mentor but be on the lookout for information on applying to be a mentor come this fall when she will be looking for more.
As for these peer mentors, Hooker says that “One of the biggest requirements is wanting to help their fellow peers.” She is also looking for students with experience in volunteering and helping others.
“They need to be getting at least a 3.0 GPA and have references,” says Hooker. The mentors must also go through an interview process. If selected the mentors would go through three days of training.
There are benefits to becoming a mentor such as, “Mentors learn relationship skills, emotional intelligence, boundaries and confidentiality, mental health education, and ways to help students improve their study skills,” says Hooker. This means that a mentor’s future profession doesn’t necessarily matter since all of these skills are essential in a professional setting.
For those with privacy concerns, Hooker says, “Mentors currently are meeting with mentees in a HIPPAA compliant website called Doxyme.”
The mentors keep a log of their meetings with mentees in a secure system that is only accessible to the supervisor of the program. Hooker says that logs are only “reviewed by the supervisor of the student peer mentors to make sure that participants are getting the support they need, and mentors are working within the scope of their training.”
If you are interested in requesting a peer mentor follow this link to fill out a self-referral form. It is important to note that a mentee is assigned to their peer mentors “based on interests, personality, the mentee’s needs and the mentor’s strengths.”
“Shang-Chi” and the unpredictable launch of the first Asian MCU hero
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” the newest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has finally been released in theaters to high critical praise and cultural impact but it’s success story could be cut short.
The new MCU film debuted on a weekend traditionally not known for box office successes, Labor Day weekend. According to Box Office Mojo, the highest grossing debut was back in 2007 with “Halloween” which earned $30.5 million in its opening.
For over a decade that held as the record opening weekend until “Shang-Chi” reinvigorated the Labor Day weekend box office. The new film earned a little over $94.6 million over the holiday weekend, breaking the previous record.
All this while the film continued to have a successful second weekend with, according to AP News, “the best second-weekend gross of any film during the pandemic.”
This news isn’t only great for the industry, which is still recovering from pandemic losses, but also shows the cultural impact this new Asian-led MCU superhero film is having on American audiences.
Before the film’s release, Hollywood was worried that one of its most successful franchises would fumble and not be able to deliver. Due to an unestablished character and the pandemic their worry was this film could outright flop.
“Shang-Chi” might’ve had a successful opening that was higher than original expectations, but a possible ban from release in China could end this surprise success story. This could be a huge hit to the film’s global gross as China has the largest box office gross next to the United States.
Even though “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is an incredible love-letter to Asian cinema and culture, the film may not be seen by most Chinese audiences. This is due to past comments made by Simu Liu, the actor who plays the title character, that criticize the Chinese government.
This wouldn’t be the first time an American film has been banned from release in China due to their restrictive censorship and political values.
At this point it is unclear if “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” can continue its trail of success without the Chinese box office. Most current blockbuster films rely on that revenue to make a profit and return of investments.
Even if the blockbuster film doesn’t gross as much as Disney would like, there is still opportunity for success in other areas. This includes a path to awards’ gold after the similar culturally ground-breaking film “Black Panther” received several nominations and some wins.
Skyhawks Got Talent could be canceled
By Ethan Ainley
The SVCC talent show, Skyhawks Got Talent, struggles to get students to participate in the virtual event that is supposed to happen on April 28.
A lack of submissions prompted SGA and student activities coordinator, Ana Salgado, to extend the submission deadline that was originally April 14 to April 21.
They are experiencing more difficulty in getting participants this year for the talent show due to most students being off-campus. Salgado says, “We’re trying to do the best we can.”
Salgado also says, “When we were in person it was easier because people who knew each other and who knew others with talent would talk.”
She wishes that they “were able to have it in person because it really brings the Sauk students, faculty, and staff together for a good time in the Dillon Mall.” However, “It is what it is.”
SGA president, Anah Chamberlain, believes students are less involved because “Everyone spends their day staring at computer screens for class, so by the time it comes to attending a student event, a lot of students don’t want to sit at the computer again.”
The goal is to have at the very least “about 6” students participating in the talent show. If not enough students sign up by April 21st, Salgado says that “this time we might just cancel or we might find another program to offer on that day.”
SVCC Vice President, Jon Mandrell, says “the need to be socially distanced and offering just one delivery has impacted attendance.”
Although interest is low in virtual events like the talent show, Dr. Mandrell still sees the future potential of, “A ‘HyFlex’ model, where multiple deliveries are offered…” This model “could be something to consider both in and out of the classroom.”
Dr. Mandrell says, “Going forward, I think having multiple deliveries is exciting and an opportunity for increasing engagement.” By allowing, “tremendous access to students to view student activities from any place in the world.”
He believes that more students will get involved when they are back to being physically on campus. “For example, if there is a musician or talent show in the Dillon Mall, it is likely that the sights and sounds of it alone will draw students in and attract an audience,” says Dr. Mandrell.
At this time, the virtual talent show will tentatively be held on Wednesday, April 28 via Google Hangouts from 12:30-1:30 pm. Any changes to this will be announced via email.
Welcome to the “Community” Fandom: “You’re Already Accepted”
Next time you go to look for a new show to watch, it’s time you choose the underrated sitcom “Community”. This overlooked show is perfect for any college student looking for a new binge-worthy comedy to quote and reference.
“Community” is full of pop culture references and meta-humor. It is a show that is smartly written and very self-aware while also having a tremendous heart.
The setting of the show is fictional Greendale Community College and the show is focused on a study group of misfit students. “Community” expands on this with episodes that deconstruct sitcom and genre tropes.
It is in these episodes, called “concept” episodes, where the show truly shines. “Community” has brilliantly mocked every medium from westerns, zombies, “Law and Order”, and video games.
In season 1 episode 21, titled “Contemporary American Poultry”, the show spoofs gangster films. This episode revolves around the characters cornering the market on the illegal dealings of the only good cafeteria food, chicken tenders. You will be hard-pressed to find many tv shows as unique as “Community”.
These wacky plotlines are connected by featuring unforgettable characters you will come to know and love. Characters that are just as memorable and quotable as the characters on mainstream sitcoms like “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation”.
“Community” was overshadowed by these more mainstream sitcoms which aired during its run on NBC. However, streaming is now giving it a second life and giving the fans hope of fulfilling the promise of #SixSeasonsAndAMovie.
All six seasons of “Community” are currently streaming on Netflix and Hulu.
Review: “Just-Impressions” with Justin Rupple
Due to COVID, Justin Rupple has had to pivot his comedy show to go virtual, and doing so has created a delightful interactive experience.
On January 27th, Rupple brought his “Just-Impressions” comedy show to SVCC and surrounding schools virtually via YouTube. Through using a YouTube live stream he was able to easily get immediate feedback from the audience who help shape the virtual show with their suggestions.
Before the pandemic, Rupple had been considering a virtual show that could be controlled by the audience. The pandemic forced him to transition to this “totally different process from doing stand-up.”
Rupple says, “It’s a challenge, but one that has yielded big rewards.” And he is correct because the results are a hilarious and totally unique comedy experience.
Not only is it a great experience for the audience but Rupple says, “ It allowed me to strengthen the art of improv and learn the ins and out of live virtual streaming capabilities.”
An amazing show doesn’t come without its challenges and Rupple admits the biggest one is, “ There isn’t any laughter.”
He gives credit to his producers, co-creator, and the audience for making the show “nothing short of magic.”
Through an earpiece, Rupple says his producers/co-creator will “chuckle or toss up a good improv line. This show would be impossible without them.”
He also “can’t express enough how much” he loves the audience. “The crowd is the show in comedy,” says Rupple, and “Their suggestions and emojis are everything.”
The best part of “Just Impressions” was getting to choose the impressions and situations you wanted to hear from Rupple. This allows the audience to take their time to think about the impressions they wish to see. It opens up a whole new comedy experience to have during these COVID times and even after them.
Justin Rupple offered a list of outstanding impressions for the audience to choose from in real-time. That includes Jeff Goldblum, Professor Snape, Family Guy characters, an incredible Seth Rogen laugh, and more.
His personal favorite is always changing but Rupple said that Katt Williams holds a special place in his heart. He said, “…my mother and I always enjoyed watching Katt Williams comedy specials. I would say his catchphrases to make her laugh.”
However, he says, “Then, I accidentally did it in front of Katt.” Luckily, Rupple says, “He liked it, and his team of security liked it.” For Justin Rupple he doesn’t do many impressions of comics but when he does he says, “…it’s the biggest compliment I can give someone.”
You can check out a trailer for the “Just Impressions” with Justin Rupple live show and an example of how these impressions are suggested right here.
“Plastic Hearts” Album Review: Miley Cyrus “might even be a rockstar”
After releasing her first album almost 14 years ago and traversing through multiple eras, Miley Cyrus has finally released the incredible glam rock album she was born to make. It is an album and sound that has cemented her as a modern-day pop rockstar.
Ever since leaving the “Hannah Montana” part of her music career, Miley Cyrus has been experimenting with different sounds, genres, and looks. Cyrus has released different pop music over her versatile career with influences from R&B, country, hip hop, and rock.
In her newest album, “Plastic Hearts”, Miley Cyrus has wrapped rock, country, and disco all in a beautiful pop package. Cyrus uses this album to introduce a new generation to the 80’s and rock’n’roll sound she loves. The singer has also introduced a new rockstar inspired look complete with a mullet.
The title track, “Plastic Hearts”, is the perfect example of the 80’s rock sound that Cyrus has achieved. Cyrus sings, “I just wanna feel something, but I keep feeling nothing all night long,” about when she would go out partying just looking to feel emotion.
The song also talks about the fakeness that can be found in some LA people. Miley Cyrus has always talked about the importance of being authentic to herself. Being unapologetically yourself is a defining trait of 80’s rockers.
Miley Cyrus’ first single, “Midnight Sky”, released back in August 2020 is a dazzling disco-pop song about independence and not needing another person’s affection to find your path. This song is referencing her divorce from actor Liam Hemsworth with lyrics like “Lotta years went by with my hands tied up in your ropes” and “I was born to run, I don’t belong to anyone” signifying that she isn’t one to settle down. Having a free soul was also a defining trait of many rockers.
“Plastic Hearts” features collaborations with rock legends like Billy Idol, Joan Jett, and Stevie Nicks as well as modern-day pop star Dua Lipa.
In the album, Miley Cyrus has included two live covers of the iconic rock songs “Zombie” by the Cranberries and “Heart of Glass” by Blondie. She has built a reputation for amazing covers and these two are great examples of her ability to cover a song and make it her own. Expect Miley Cyrus to potentially release a project of her covering songs from the band Metallica as she has teased in recent interviews.
The raw emotions from the burning down of her house, her very public divorce, and the media’s narrative around Miley Cyrus is what influenced her most in creating this album and gaining a rockstar persona. She was able to harken back to the sounds of the ’80s while still creating a pop album that sounds fresh in today’s pop scene and will be seen as timeless years from now.
Review: “Malignant” is a horror cult-classic in the making
“Malignant” is a surprisingly unique big budget camp horror film that was mis-marketed to audiences as a straightforward supernatural story.
The director, James Wan, is known for the “Conjuring” and “Insidious” franchises. However, his news film is a large departure from that type of horror. Wan takes inspiration from Italian horror films, called Giallo, along with slashers and camp horror.
The marketing of “Malignant” does not match the film that was presented to audiences. Instead it was more in line with that of Wan’s successful “Conjuring” and “Insidious” films. This created a polarizing film that some will love and others will hate or misunderstand.
The truth is in Wan’s new film, “Malignant,” he brings together his experiences in filmmaking to create a horror film unlike anything seen before. An interesting combination of the talents he learned from directing blockbusters like “Furious 7” and “Aquaman” along with his horror films “Saw” and “Dead Silence.”
The third act of this film delves into some amazingly shot and gory action that only James Wan with his blockbuster experience could’ve pulled off. From chase scenes to fighting scenes, Wan uses that experience in action and blends it in with horror elements.
Wan bravely created a film that takes huge and unhinged creative swings, in order to produce something boldly original in today’s era of horror movies. This made “Malignant” the difficult film it was to market.
The film will surprise audiences with a bloody good time. Once you think this film is going one way, it will twist and go in a completely different direction. The final twist in “Malignant” is as shocking and as memorable as “The Sixth Sense.” Another marketing issue to get around as it is difficult to show enough that will get people interested but not so much to spoil the film.
James Wan’s vision will not be for everyone but for those that it connects with, and understand the intentions of Wan, it will become an instant horror favorite. Even though the mis-marketing of this film contributed to its commercial failure, “Malignant” will garner fan recognition and become a cult classic to be discussed years from now.
Sports: Skyhawk women’s tennis overcomes the challenges of a pandemic
The Skyhawk women’s tennis team had to deal with the challenges of a normal season along with COVID-related challenges to qualify for the NJCAA national tournament.
In October, the team placed third at the NJCAA Region IV Tournament. The top three teams qualified for the national tournament that ideally takes place on May 1-5, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona.
The women’s tennis season was shortened and the team only had six meets. Their record at the end of the season was four wins and two losses.
The team was coached by Sara Kipping who has been coaching women’s tennis at SVCC for almost three decades. She has coached teams that have qualified for the national tournament seven times.
Kipping had this to say about the recent seasons, “I have coached for 29 years and never would have imagined a season like this year and last.”
Coach Kipping said the team’s main goal this season was to, “… qualify for nationals again since they didn’t get to go last year after qualifying because it was canceled due to COVID.”
COVID-19 not only affected the end of their last season but also delayed this season. The season was delayed a whole month, and in the beginning, athletes had to practice on their own.
SVCC sophomore tennis player, Maddy Jacobs, talked about the challenges of playing a season during a pandemic, “…we had to get our temperatures taken before every practice and before every meet.”
The team was very cautious of the pandemic because as Kipping said, “We also had only 6 players so if anyone would have gotten sick or had to quarantine due to COVID we would not have made it to nationals.”
These COVID challenges didn’t deter the team. Maddy Jacobs said, “I didn’t mind it that much because I was just happy we could have a season.”
Another change that was made because of COVID was some of Kipping’s coaching strategies. Coach Kipping said, “… we did a lot of playing each other for practice and a lot of practicing tie
breakers.” She also mentioned that the Skyhawk men’s tennis team was not able to practice with the women as they would typically do on occasion.
At the meets, Coach Kipping said, “It was very weird wearing a mask the whole time coaching and trying to talk to the women with it on.” It was also strange for her not to be able to shake opponents’ hands.
The players not only had to follow certain regulations but spectators did as well. If friends and family came to the meets they had to sit in their vehicles to observe matches. This was particularly unfortunate this season because the meets were the majority at home.
The team is now looking towards NJCAA Nationals in May. The women will continue to practice on their own with a possible scrimmage at some point before the tournament.
Maddy Jacobs said that her main goal going into NJCAA Nationals, “…is to have fun and play my best.” She is looking forward to going this year after being disappointed that the team couldn’t go last year. Jacobs wants to play tennis in Arizona with her friends and is hopeful this season won’t be a repeat of last.
Coach Kipping feels the team’s biggest disadvantage to playing in the fall is, “ that all other NJCAA regions have their season in the spring so they will be coming off their season and we will be rusty in May.”
Kipping understands the level of competition at nationals is high but she says, “I have a talented group of local women and I am very proud of the hard work and dedication they have for tennis.”
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2020-2021 Season Roster- Sonia Chino (Soph), Maddy Jacobs (Soph), Alyssa Marquez (Soph), Sydney Schott (Fresh), Alexis Sneek (Fresh), and Meghan VanBuren (Fresh).
Players placed at regionals:
Singles
- 1 Maddy Jacobs placed 2nd
- 2 Sonia Chino
- 3 Sydney Schott placed 2nd
- 4 Alexis Sneek placed 3rd
- 5 Meghan VanBuren placed 3rd
- 6 Alyssa Marquez placed 3rd
Doubles
- 1 Maddy Jacobs and Sonia Chino placed 2nd and qualified even if the team hadn’t
- 2 Sydney Schott and Alexis Sneek placed 3rd
- 3 Alyssa Marquez and Meghan VanBuren placed 3rd
“Tenet” Reinvents Time Travel and Spy Thrillers
After a few months, we are finally getting some new blockbusters released in theaters. As Christopher Nolan was intending he will be the one that welcomes audiences back to the movie theater. However, is his new film “Tenet” a worthy film to welcome everyone back?
“Tenet” is a palindrome, which means it is a word spelled the same forwards and backwards. The title was chosen for this exact reason to represent the time inversion that Nolan is exploring.
Christopher Nolan is known for his strikingly realistic action and effects. In every frame of this film, it is impossible to tell where CGI is used and that is because hardly any was used. Nolan’s practical effects help make the idea of time travel (or inversion as he calls it) feel possible in our reality.
“Tenet” has a thought-provoking and complex plot that will more than likely take multiple viewings to fully understand. It combines the expensive and dazzling visuals of a true blockbuster with the multi-layered plot of a spy thriller.
Another Nolan trope is on full display in the film’s sound design and mixing. Much of the foghorn score is blasted over dialogue leaving the viewer missing some important words that could help go towards understanding the plot. This is intended as Nolan loves creating an atmosphere with his sound, but in this case, he might have gone overboard.
Christopher Nolan can write a complex story in his sleep, but his characters here are dull as ever. The only connection to them comes from the actors and their performances.
Nolan doesn’t focus on characters but instead puts effort towards fleshing out and developing the plot they inhabit. In “Tenet” he writes a cliched and stereotypical villain, a flat female character, and an under-developed protagonist.
Overall, “Tenet” isn’t Nolan’s best, but it is not his worst. It was a fun and complex ride that I can’t wait to take again later down the line. It is more than worthy of viewing in a theater to fully experience this fascinating and fresh take on time travel.
“Tenet”: 8/10
SVCC student government needs you
The Student Government Association (SGA) has had difficulty getting SVCC students motivated to run for crucial officer positions this year.
SGA advisor, Ana Salgado, decided to extend the deadline to apply when the original one ended and there were not enough candidates.
This isn’t the first time SGA has had to do provide an extension. Salgado says, “In the past, we’ve only had to extend it once and then we get enough applicants.”
If there are still not enough applicants after the new deadline there is currently no plan other than “to extend it [the deadline] again.”
“I know students have been struggling with their own time management,” says Salgado. “It’s just a difficult time, I know. I’ve noticed a lot of students are not even checking their emails.”
Ana Salgado believes the reason why it has been difficult getting students to apply is that “students are working more hours. Some students are not taking as many [credit] hours.”
Another large obstacle has been the virtual wall between student and school. “Whenever we were at Sauk, in person, it was so much easier because we would set up a table and encourage students to read the information and apply.” In her words, “That personal contact makes a huge difference.”
According to Vice President Jon Mandrell, student involvement on campus is important and plays a large part in a student having the “full Sauk experience.”
“SVCC is a students-first college…” and a large part of that methodology is students participating in government or leadership roles.
Dr. Mandrell says, “The college journey is rich with new relationships, growing as a person, and new levels of engagement.”
In Dr. Mandrell’s opinion, SGA and its officers provide “the most essential function of the college, which is listening to students and responding to their needs.”
Current SGA President, Anah Chamberlain, shares her experience with being a part of student government.
Chamberlain wanted to give back to the campus community that has been supporting her education. “What better way to do that than become President of SGA and help to bring events to campus as well as help other student organizations along the way.”
As student government president, Anah Chamberlain has been able to be influential to student life. She says, “I was able to attend college-wide staff meetings and add student input into multiple opportunities coming to Sauk.”
Chamberlain recommends running for an SGA officer position to all SVCC students interested. “You make awesome friends in your fellow officers, as well as learning and growing on campus in ways that class just wouldn’t be able to teach. You have so many new opportunities that open to you as an SGA officer,” she says.
The election for SGA officers will be held on April 26 & 27. It will take place through online voting in the form of a survey sent via email. SGA used this voting method previous to the pandemic and the process will therefore be unaffected.
To keep up with SGA and all the activities they provide to SVCC students, follow them on their Facebook and Instagram. Any students that have an interest in student government can reach out to Ana Salgado ([email protected]).
Review: “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” is a grand four-hour superhero epic
“Zack Snyder’s Justice League” is a director’s cut like no other that reveals a more comprehensive and better film than the 2017 theatrical cut.
After a butchered studio cut of “Justice League” in 2017, fans began to rally behind the release of director Zack Snyder’s original cut to see his true vision.
That release finally came on March 18th, 2021 which is nearly three and a half years after the theatrical release.
The director’s cut is different in nearly every way and all changes improve on the theatrical cut. This version has a longer run time, more characters, different designs for characters, and a different film score. It is a satisfying superhero epic akin to “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
In this version, characters like the Flash and Cyborg are given more time to develop. A stark difference between the films is that the director’s cut makes Cyborg “the heart” of the film, while the other cut sidelined his character and his development almost entirely.
Another important change from the theatrical cut is that all the forced humor that was mandated by the studio is cut. This leaves the more natural comedic and lighter moments to hit better.
The villain in both films is an alien character called Steppenwolf. However, their designs in each film are drastically different. The design in the director’s cut is more foreboding and alien-like. It is complete with razor-sharp armor and a demonic body structure.
Certain characters that the studio omitted in the theatrical cut have now been restored. This includes supporting characters that give our heroes emotional depth. As well as, major DC villain Darkseid, a character similar in size and relevance to Thanos.
The Snyder cut is also longer to accommodate all the action and character development for the central heroes. In order, to make the film easier to digest Zack Snyder split it into six chapters.
This director’s cut is a must-see film for any type of fan of the superhero genre as it brings the genre to epic new heights. It is the “Avengers: Endgame” of the DC cinematic franchise.
“Zack Snyder’s Justice League” is currently streaming on HBO Max.
The Works arrives on SVCC campus
The 2020-21 edition of Sauk Valley Community College’s literary and arts magazine titled The Works is available online and campus for free.
The Works features a compilation of original written and visual artwork from Sauk students, alumni, faculty, and staff that are determined by Sauk student editors.
Submission categories for The Works include but are not limited to written works such as poetry, fiction, lyrics, plays, and novel excerpts along with visual art pieces such as paintings, photographs, drawings, and sculptures.
This edition of The Works features an art contest with student and non-student winners.The list of winners are as follows:
- Student Winner, Poetry — “Dead Star” by Nic Bullock
- Non-Student Winner, Poetry — “Easter Sunday 2020” by Ruth Montino
- Student Winner, Fiction — “Common Ground” by Elliot Casson
- Non-Student Winner, Fiction — “His Robot Companion” by Noel Berkey
- Student Winner, Digital Art — “Lazuli 1” by Yasmine Guerrero
- Student Winner, Photography — “Passing Time” by Jessica Payne
- Non-Student Winner, Photography — “Painted Hills Close-Up, Central Oregon” by Glenn Bodish
- Student Winner, Traditional Art — Untitled by Micah Green
- Non-Student Winner, Traditional Art — “Jazz” by Debbie Thompson
To view all these art contest winners and other pieces, a free copy of The Works can be found laying around the SVCC campus. There is also a digital copy of all the editions of The Works available on SVCC’s website.
Artists who wish to submit to the 2021-22 edition of The Works should be on the lookout for a deadline this spring semester. Artists are limited to a total of four pieces of visual art and four written pieces, meaning a possible total of eight art pieces can be submitted.
Feedback and questions about The Works can be sent to [email protected].
Review: “Judas and the Black Messiah”
“Judas and the Black Messiah” is a must-watch historical film that effectively tells the overlooked and true story of American activist, Fred Hampton, and his assassination.
A strong cast and an exciting up-and-coming director help bring this true story to film. The pairing of our actors, Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield, with director Shaka King, feels reminiscent of the early days of fellow trio Martin Scorcese, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci.
Kaluuya charismatically portrays Fred Hampton and helps bring this real-life figure to the screen. He nails the several activist speeches we see Fred Hampton give throughout the film and helps bring out the character’s humanity.
Lakieth Stanfield successfully portrays an FBI informant that infiltrates the chapter of the Black Panther Party that Kaluuya’s character leads.
Stanfield is playing a complex character that the audience may find themselves rooting against but still empathizing with him. The actor helps bring an understanding to the real-life figure of William O’Neal and his situation.
Shaka King is the writer and director of this film who is having his breakthrough moment. He has successfully taken this true tragedy and created a biographical film that will be seen as classic years from now.
The story that King brings to the screen of the targeting of Fred Hampton by the FBI is an important story that many will find themselves unaware of previously. The film feels particularly relevant in today’s climate.
This film features many successful dramatic beats along with several other tense moments. Shaka King has truly created a film that harkens to the great films of Martin Scorsese but also blazes a new path forward for himself.
The film does an excellent job of showing how the FBI manipulated a young black man to take down a rising black activist, whom they treated as a domestic terrorist. A truly interesting and disturbing true story that again is necessary historical viewing for everyone.
“Judas and the Black Messiah” has been a strong contender this awards season. Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield are nominated for supporting actor Academy Awards. Shaka King received two Oscar nominations himself for screenplay and best picture. Along with two other Oscar nominations (cinematography and best song), brings the film’s total to six.
SVCC Students are Divided on Political Issues
Students at SVCC don’t feel they can publicly express their political opinions on different issues in a polarized nation without being persecuted or made an outcast.
In a September 29th survey, The Skyhawk View surveyed 75 SVCC students and asked how comfortable they feel publicly expressing their political views. Many didn’t feel comfortable with 42.67% of students saying no, 36% said they do feel comfortable, and 21.33% said they were neutral.
When asked why they feel this way one student said, “The country is so divided.” Another student expressed their fear of violence by saying, “… we live in a time where you can get shot, beat, etc. for your beliefs.” One student observed that people may judge your character based on your political beliefs and that many are, “treating it like a personality trait.”
Not all fear expressing their opinion as one student said, “I am proud to be able to have an opinion on the political agenda in America. I am not afraid to speak my mind and give my opinion.”
Some students may not want to express their opinions publicly but it seems most will be expressing those opinions where it matters, on the voting ballot. According to a survey from Chegg, 80% of college students plan to vote in this election. Previously only 65% of students have voted in other election cycles. Based on this, college students could be an important and silent demographic of voters in the 2020 election.
When SVCC students were asked what issue matters most this election they chose the economy and jobs (40.54%). Some other issues included health care (20.27%), COVID-19 (13.51%), and climate change (13.51%). Outside of these issues, students said that the civil unrest and race relations in the country is on their mind as well.
An SVCC student had this to say about the economy, “The state of our economic growth is one-sided… Many people live paycheck to paycheck due to this.” Another student that decided healthcare is the most important issue believes, “The Healthcare industry in America is long overdue for reform. This is a service, and it’s a service that a lot of people cannot afford.”
Another topical issue on students’ minds is race and civil unrest. One student had this to say, “…I, like many other people, constantly see instances of police brutality on the news, social media, etc. to which truly little is being done to stop it. Also, I think prison reform is crucial because America’s for-profit prison system is based on a systemically racist model.”
COVID-19 is an important issue in this election. One student acknowledged that all the issues are important but felt that, “…COVID-19 serves itself as the most immediate threat.” However, similar observations were made about climate change with one student saying, “If we don’t figure out how to quickly reduce the damage done to the Earth, then it won’t be sustainable anymore. Which would defeat the purpose of solving all of the other issues.”
One SVCC student feels it is the division of the country that should be the main issue. This student attributed the divisiveness to social media. They had this to say, “The algorithms embedded within social media are designed to deliver more ‘news’ that affirm our existing beliefs. This perpetuates polarization and manipulates our information ecology.”
SVCC students and college students across the nation may not want to talk about politics publicly but they will have their voices heard on election day.
SVCC Students Decide Who to Elect President
SVCC students are split on who to vote for in the upcoming presidential election. Some students are passionate about the re-election of Trump, while some see Biden as their only option, and others, voting third party, declare the two-party system to be outdated.
The Skyhawk View surveyed 75 students on what presidential candidate they will be voting for this election. Results from the September 29th survey are as follows: Donald Trump (39.19%), Joe Biden (35.14%), Not Voting (5.41%), and Other (20.27%).
Many students were divided on the candidates from one saying, “Not Donald Trump,” to another student saying, “Anyone’s better than Biden.” Other students decided they will, “…be voting for a third party.”
The students that are voting for Trump think he has upended the political landscape and challenged other politicians. One student said, “President Trump is the only person who offers people an alternative to the status quo of democratic leadership destroying our country.”
They believe that Trump has accomplished his goals during his presidency. A student said, “Trump has done more in 4 years of government than what Biden or any other person has done in 30+ years of government.”
Students supporting Trump said that the media has inaccurately reported on his presidency. One student had this to say, “ I am tired of dishonesty from the mainstream media which keeps us divided more than Donald Trump ever has.”
SVCC students that are voting for Biden indicated that they are, “Settling for Biden.” Reasons given include the fact that “He is the Democratic candidate.” One student said, “I don’t fully agree with Biden’s views but we need a Democrat in office.”
The other reason students are voting for Biden is that they are against Trump. Many focused on their dislike of Trump over a passion for Biden’s policies. A student stated, “I normally vote Republican. I am extremely Anti-Trump.” One SVCC student believes that “…Donald Trump is unfit as president and doesn’t represent the qualities an American president should exhibit,” and therefore is voting Biden.
Some students decided on voting for third parties. “I understand that a third party candidate will likely not win, but they deserve funding and participation so that we can get out of this very outdated two-party system,” said one student. This third-party voter is unsatisfied with the two main candidates and has decided to use their vote as a “form of trying to fight the two-party system.”
SVCC students head to the polls on November 3rd to cast their votes.
SVCC administration discuss the benefits and future of e-learning
Administrators say that the benefits, to students and institutions, of using synchronous learning could lead to a future of combining this type of e-learning with in-person learning at SVCC and other colleges.
SVCC President David Hellmich and Vice President of SVCC Academics & Student Services, Jon Mandrell, give some insight into these benefits and the future of synchronous learning at SVCC.
Dr. Hellmich believes that “Online/remote learning is an excellent way to expand access, especially during this pandemic.” He also said that “Sauk will continue to use remote learning and live-streaming when it works well from the point of view of students and faculty.”
Dr. Mandrell said, “Online learning is a great option for learners that are seeking a more flexible schedule or autonomous style of learning.”
Dr. Mandrell also said, “It is quite common now that most students will take an online course as part of their degree or certificate at SVCC.” In fact, there were about, “1/3 of SVCC students,” enrolled in at least one online class before the pandemic.
The Skyhawk View has been told that a recent survey conducted by SVCC found that 35% of students would consider taking a synchronous class online once normalcy has returned at the college.
According to Dr. Mandrell, the results of this survey show, “remote/synchronous learning as being another great way to serve our mission in serving all students in the community.” And they have found that “ these courses are tearing down barriers of transportation, daycare, work schedules, and life happenings that can limit a student’s academic journey.”
The school is also finding that some local industries prefer these courses for employees because they are attended from the job site, which prevents any lost time on the job due to travel.
The workforce could see changes post-COVID and according to Dr. Mandrell, “… we could be looking at a new economy where more professionals work from home…” Therefore, online/synchronous learning offers an opportunity “to develop the future workforce and their technology needs if they do work from home.”
Another benefit of synchronous learning is that learning can continue on days of hazardous weather conditions where the campus has to close.
Further exploration of online learning capabilities could lead to opportunities for SVCC to connect with career experts and colleges across the world. Dr. Mandrell explains that “Should a student need another course that cannot be offered, we can always partner with other educational institutions with our new technologies [to offer said course].”
Not all courses can be taught successfully in an online setting as they can be in-person. However, Jon Mandrell mentioned, “… courses, such as Welding and Nursing, must be strongly rooted in the in-person delivery. But, there are aspects of the programs that can be delivered digitally, when necessary.”
Supporters of online learning bring up the money that the school and student could save with such a model. For Dr. Hellmich “It’s not a matter of online/remote learning saving the college money; it is about expanding access for students.”
Dr. Mandrell echoed this e-learning opinion by saying, “It provides students with another opportunity to access higher education and to learn through various digital innovations.”
“Since we have so many differing learning styles, it’s important that we provide all that are possible so we can maximize their learning experience,” Dr. Mandrell said about the differences in virtual and in-person learning.
Dr. Hellmich puts it this way, “Some students learn as well or better in a virtual setting; others do not learn as well.” He says that SVCC has “worked to provide face-to-face support for the latter group as much as can be done safely.”
The current plan for SVCC is to return to in-person learning in Fall 2021 and time will tell if synchronous learning has a future at SVCC and other college institutions.
SVCC students & staff give their opinions on the COVID-19 vaccine
SVCC students, administrators, staff, and faculty expressed hesitancy to take the vaccine and gave their reasons as to why. Cathy Ferguson, a Lee County Health Department Administrator, responds to everyone’s concerns.
A survey that was conducted by the Skyhawk View revealed that the majority of SVCC students and staff do plan on getting the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them. The results include that out of 161 people 99 plan to get the vaccine (61.49%), 45 do not (27.95%), and 17 already have (10.56%).
Those who answered “No” to the previous question gave reasons that ranged from, “Unknown long term effects,” to, “Not convinced it’s safe,” and, “not sure.”
People that are still uncertain if they will get the vaccine list nervousness and anxiety around the vaccine. However, one person that said that also said this, “Of course, the thought of getting Covid is scary too. So I feel like I will eventually get a vaccine, I’m just not sure if it will be right away…”
The reason that was given by most people in the survey that didn’t want the vaccine was a fear of unknown long-term effects. One student feels that there is “Not enough information on the vaccine.” This worry was echoed in many comments and as another student said they feel there hasn’t been “enough studies.”
Cathy Ferguson says “It is correct that we don’t have long term data on potential side effects” but side effects “would have shown up within 2 months after a person is immunized, meaning anything severe would have likely shown up in trial participants by now.”
Even though there could be long-term effects “experts say that they would be rare and that the benefits outweigh the risk.” Meaning the unknown long-term effects of contracting COVID-19 could be worse than any from a vaccine.
Related to people feeling there is a lack of studies on the vaccine, they also feel uneasy about how quickly the vaccine was approved for release. One person said, “I feel like it came out fairly fast compared to other vaccines and medicines which take years to get approved.” One response said that “Corners can be cut in processes like these,” and that, “The scientists were stressed and rushed to produce a vaccine as quickly as possible…”
The quick response was brought on by the immediate need for a COVID-19 vaccine and it was accomplished due to the advancements that have been made in medicine. People still worried can rest easy in knowing that “Large scale trials were done for both of the COVID-19 vaccines currently being used in the U.S.”
Ferguson also said, “Both Pfizer and Moderna received Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA’s), and the, “FDA meticulously reviews data from each clinical trial phase before granting a EUA.”
A couple of responses said that the person feels comfortable not getting the vaccine as they are a normal healthy adult. One person said, “I’m [a] healthy adult that has had the virus and have been exposed several times since and believe that I am immune.”
This is a potentially dangerous way of thinking because as Ferguson explains, “It is currently believed that individuals have at least 3 months’ immunity after having had the virus. There have been reports of reinfections beyond that.”
As for a person that feels invincible because they are a healthy adult, Ferguson says, “I would ask them to consider the fact that the more we can work towards herd immunity, the more likely we will be able to get back to a more normal way of life.”
Ferguson also said that “we don’t know yet whether the vaccine prevents one from spreading the virus” but it has “ a high degree of protection against illness.” This makes it less likely for a person to spread the virus on to another person that is vulnerable to suffering serious sickness or death from COVID-19.
Some in the survey said they are simply not medically able to receive the vaccine. People cited “Complex Medical Condition[s],” “Existing Health Concerns,” and being allergic to both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
Ferguson informed that the CDC “considers a history of the following to be a contraindication to vaccination,” meaning that some reactions may prevent a person from being able to receive the vaccine.
These include a severe allergic reaction or immediate allergic reaction of any severity after a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components. As well as a reaction to polysorbate (“due to potential cross-reactive hypersensitivity with the vaccine ingredient PEG”).
A few people said they are more concerned with getting the vaccine to at-risk individuals before they themselves get the vaccine. One student said, “I am not at a high risk of getting Covid-19. There are other people that need the vaccine more than I do.” There is a fear for some that getting the vaccine would “ take it away from someone who needs it.”
Ferguson says that these phases have been deliberately created with everyone in mind. Healthcare workers and people at high risk have been put into early phases for a reason. If you qualify for the vaccine during a phase it is in your best interest to get the vaccine.
The survey also asked if once vaccinated did you still plan to wear a mask. The majority of people once again said “Yes” with 134 (88.74%) and 17 (11.26%) said “No”.
This is a potentially dangerous way of thinking because as Ferguson says, “someone who is vaccinated might be able to spread the virus to others who aren’t vaccinated.” Ferguson clarifies that “In other words, the vaccine is highly protective against becoming ill from the virus, but we need more data to know if it prevents one from spreading the virus.”
It is important to note that while educators can currently get the vaccine in phase 1B, this does not apply to college-level instructors. For students that may apply it would depend if you have pre-existing health conditions or if you are an essential worker.
Those able to register to get the vaccine in the Sauk Valley area fall under phase 1A and 1B of vaccine distribution. This includes adults age 65+, Healthcare workers, K-12 educators, and more. You can find more information on the phases and eligibility in Illinois by opening this document here.
