News It gets better

April 25, 2012

Cont. from page 1

Since coming to GRCC, Noel and Charleston have joined StandOut. There, they were able to find a support group, people in similar situations they could talk to. But as weve heard recently in the news, not everyone feels like they have someone to lean on. One example is Jayme Rodemeyer, a 14-yearold boy who recently committed suicide because of relentless gay bullying. And he is not the only one. Gay and lesbian youth are two to three times more likely to commit suicide than other youths, according to youroutsource.com With knowledge of these recent bullying issues, students at GRCC decided to promote the anti-bullying campaign. GRCC Cares, with help from StandOut and College Democrats, worked to create an event involving the It Gets Better Project, which took place last week. The It Gets Better Project is a website of

user-made videos made to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone and it WILL get better, according to itgetsbetter. org. GRCC Cares, a philanthropy club, wanted to have an event revolving around this organization. So they set up a camera and a microphone in a conference room and invited students to share their stories. They could just share their story or any inspirational message, said GRCC Cares Secretary Emily Smitter, who was also the main organizer of the event. Our event was for bullying, but they could give any inspirational message on their hearts, not just a story about bullying. And its not just for the LGBT community. Its for everyone. There are plans to send the videos made to the It Gets Better Project as a contribution. One person with a unique story was Pablo Garcia. Garcia identifies himself as a high school

bully, but has since choosen another path. He had a realization that he was causing the sorrowful, tearful, frightened faces of the people he picked on; he didnt like that feeling. I noticed those kids we picked on became boxed in because of being harassed so much, Garcia said. It really started to affect me. I have a good conscious. It made me really depressed and caused me to have depression later on. But he moved away from his hometown during high school, which gave him a clean slate. I made the conscious decision to start better, Garcia said. Now Im open and happy, and thats how I want to be portrayed, not as a jerk. Become more knowledgeable, Charleston said, speaking to those who are uncomfortable with members of the LGBT community. Talk to someone whos different than you. Learn something instead of throwing out insults.

Writers, Photographers, Artists to work on the fall, 2012 Collegiate

Are you interested in writing, print or web publishing, photography, video/audio, or art as a career? How can you increase your chances of finding a job after graduating? While in college get your work published as often as possible, and create a portfolio of published works to show prospective employers. Here at GRCC the place to regularly publish your work is the student newspaper, (or on the newspaper's web site). In journalism, writing, web publishing, public relations, graphic design, broadcasting, and photography, a portfolio of published work is key to internships and jobs, and the single most important thing you can do in college to increase your chances of employment after graduating. Journalism Courses offered 2012-2013: JR 251: Intro to Journalism. T&TH, 11:15 --12:45, offered fall semester only. Learn all aspects of publishing. Requires work on the student newspaper, or the newspaper's web site. Start your writing/publishing career here. JR 252: Advanced Journalism. T&TH, 11:15--12:45, offered winter semester only. Continue publishing in the student newspaper, or web site. Also, study advanced writing, web site skills, and award-winning writing. JR 255: Newspaper Production. Independent study credit for artists and photographers who work on the student newspaper or web site. JR 256: Broadcast Communication. Offered at Rockford high school video production studio. Photographers and artists: if student editors publish your work, earn $15-$35. We need photos, cartoons, illustrations, and graphics. Paid Editor positions available, fall 2012. Editor-in-chief earns $2,000 per semester; section editors earn $1000 per semester. You do not need to be in a journalism course to contribute to the student newspaper or its web site. Just show up to the newspaper's office in the fall, and ask for a student editor. Office is 339M.

Wanted

Summer in the city, Grand Rapids looking pretty

By Elizabeth Vensas
News Editor
needs. If you want to experience a nice night out head to Leos in downtown Grand Rapids. It is a little bit pricier, but the food is well worth it. Lovers of seafood have to try Leos Surf and Turf. If you are into more of an organic or vegetarian type lifestyle head on over to east town. Marie Catribs offers a unique meal solution to meateaters and vegans alike. Pair your meal with some Turkish coffee to liven up your day. So you like burgers? Give the Cottage Bar a try. The Cottage Bar is one of downtown Grand Rapids oldest working pubs and restaurants. Enjoy a meal there in a warm and casual setting. The Great Outdoors In West Michigan, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by natural beauty. From lakes to sand dunes and trails to parks. There are numerous hidden gems to explore over the summertime. This is going to be a relaxed summer for me, said Tonja Lofton, Former GRCC Student Congress President. I really enjoy going out to hike in Saugatuck. Besides the crystal clear harbor at Saugatuck, South Haven is another cute lake town to visit. Enjoy the unique shops including Black River Books. Where you can go to find classic used books. Then finish off the evening with some Italian cooking at Venezia pizza. Grand Haven is a classic retreat for many Rapidians looking for a great escape. With a large city beach and the the states best corn dogs at Pronto Pups. You will be in for a fantastic time. After a long walk, enjoy a beautiful sunset and evening water show. Mountain Bikers might want to give Canonsburg a try this summer. With challenging hills, it is certain to be an experience. Less experienced riders and walkers can go just alittle bit further down the road to Cannon Township Biking and Walking Trail in Rockford, Michigan. This paved trail is about four miles long and leads you by beautiful Sunfish Lake. Nightlife During the day I will be stuck at school, but at night I am ready to let loose, said Michael Burndt, GRCC student. The B.O.B.s brewery is a stylish lounge and pub is great place to take in a drink. They also provide live entertainment on the weekends. Founders Brewery is a favorite for many locals. They brew their own beers in their micro brewery to perfection. Another hot spot to stop at is Hop Cat. This bar has been awarded as the third Best Beer Bar in the world by BeerAdvocate. For a laugh, stop in at Dr. Grins Comedy Club. This venue has been a host to many famous and local comedians. Museums and Art There is no shortage of local day activities around Grand Rapids. The Public Museum and Gerald R. Ford Museum are great places to go for fun and to gain a little bit of knowledge. The planetarium in the Public Museum can provide for a surprisingly fun date night. On the northeast side of town you can take in Students lounge outside in Bostwick Commons and enjoy the nice weather. the beauty and wonder of nature at Frederick Meijer Gardens. Be sure to visit the butterfly exibit. If you have kids head over to John Ball Zoo. Expect to see chimps, spider monkeys, and even a Komodo dragon. And lastly for a
Stephanie Krings/ The Collegiate

With less than a couple of days left in the semester, students can feel the infectious summer breeze flow throughout Grand Rapids Community College halls. I am going to be stuck working a lot this summer, said Samantha See, GRCC student and former Elections Commitee chair for Student Congress. Maybe laying out in the sun if I have time. We at the Collegiate do not want our readers to go without some fun summer plans. Whatever you are into, West Michigan has a lot to offer. Avoid spending money on expensive trips. Take a chance and explore your own backyard this summer. Good Food Take time to dine out in the city. With a diverse selection of restaurants that suits everybodys

Stephanie Krings/ The Collegiate

classy experience head over to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The current exhibit features world famous artist and photographer Rauschenberg. For more information on fun summer activities visit http://www. experiencegr.com