Tag: college student life

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Food & Beverage Local Business Spotlight

The Perfect Marriage: MadeWest Brewery & Food Trucks

Just when you thought the perfect marriage didn’t exist, MadeWest Brewery combined beer with Ventura County’s food truck culture in matrimony. From authentic Mexican, Greek, and Asian fusion, you’ll be able to satisfy any hunger cravings.

Game Over Catering is first on the Menu, known for their street tacos. You can put chicken, asada, pastor, and occasionally mariscos (seafood) in your tacos or quesadillas smoothened with cheese. Religiously appearing in the MadeWest parking lot on Wednesdays from 4-7:30pm.

Looking for homemade birria just how mom made it? Look no further, with over 7K followers on Instagram, Birria El Güero shares their family recipes, mom included! Named after the owner’s son who loves birria, Birria El Güero gained popularity with their famous torta de birria. MadeWest plays host to them every Thursday at 3pm.

Make your Friday date night Greek style with Wrapped food truck. Or even lunch because they arrive on the property at 12 noon. Their signature dishes include a Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Shawarma Fries, and Yalanji aka Stuffed Grape Leave. My personal favorite is their Gyro generously stuffed with lamb meat, drenched in Tzatiki sauce. Complete your meal with Baklava for dessert that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Lamp Gyro from Wrapped

Last but not least and new to the scene is pop-up and catering truck Takeos Grubshack. Their California-style Asian cuisine includes Whole Wings with a variety of flavors, Pho, Korean rice bowl aka Bibimbap, and their popular Korean-style boas. Check their Instagram page to find out where they will pop-up next!

Korean Style Boa by Takeo’s Grubshack

Next time you visit MadeWest, don’t just arrive thirsty, come hungry too!

All Food trucks mentioned operate at Madewest Brewing Company and tasting room at 1744 Donlon St, Ventura, Ca. Check out MadeWest’s Calendar of Events on their website to see when and what food truck will be there today!

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Student Life at VC

5 Study Tips To Try Out

When going to school, it is likely that you will have to study so you are able to maintain your grades and pass your classes. Retaining knowledge through studying is one of the keys to being successful in college classes. Today, I will like to share you some tips that you should consider trying out in your study routine!

1. Plan Out Your Schedule

In college, some of us may have more obligations besides school, such as work and family. It is important to decide which time of the day and week is the best fit for you. With this, a planned study session chunk will help you be more productive and also play a role in determining your time management. You will also get used to having a routine for what you plan to go over for the study session the more you practice this habit.

2. Consider Studying in a Different Space

Many students may feel comfortable to use a singular space to study, whether its their bedroom, the kitchen table, etc. But sometimes, the too familiar surroundings might make you feel that you are not as productive as before. This can make some of us to feel sidetracked, such as looking at the comfy bed in your bedroom that you want to jump back into, or you see the television that’s sitting with its black mirror right in front of you waiting for you to turn it on. Picking a different spot to choose can be out of the comfort zone for many of us, and its okay to feel that way. You may feel emotions that you are not familiar with, but it can also be a good experience once you begin to adapt to the changes. Perhaps a visit at your local cafe or library can be a good starting place.

3. Have Short but Frequent Study Intervals

We can only absorb and recount so much information for a certain period of time, but sometimes it might be harder to recall if we prolong ourselves to study in a shorter period of time. Shorter intervals (i.e. 40 minutes per subject) but is done more frequently can be beneficial for us. This can be done for a few days per week, and you can still achieve the same amount of study time that a longer study session but what is done in fewer days has. Studying for too long for one session can end up becoming stressful, as you’re not only tiring yourself out but you may start to question what information from your notes or textbook is the most important. It may even feel more stressful if you studied for too long as a last minute option.

4. Pick the Right Study Music

Rather than in silence, some students choose to have some background music play as they study. Background music can be beneficial who may not feel comfortable in studying in silence for so long. This can vary from songs with lyrics or songs that are filled with only instrumentals. Choices can range from some soft piano music to even your favorite pop song. Experimenting with the right sounds will determine which works best to help studying can be beneficial to motivate yourself. 

5. Stretch in Between Your Studying Sessions

Sitting down for a long period of time can make some of us feel immobilized. Some ways to help yourself stretch include stretching your arms out, moving your neck left and right, shoulder stretching across the chest, spinal twist while sitting, or even giving yourself a hug. Our bodies can feel stiff after a while and the more as we study, the more your body may feel tired. When we stretch our bodies in between study sessions, it is a good reminder for us to not neglect our physical health as we need to be physically present in order to complete our tasks. This can also apply to other obligations such as work outside of studying.

I hope today’s study tips will be of good use of you! Happy Studying!

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Sports & Leisure Student Life at VC

VC Social at the Ventura College Women’s Basketball Game

I was able to go behind the scenes and interview some of the women that played in the basketball game last Friday February 23rd, 2024 at Ventura College. There are two in particular that stood out to me and would like to share their stories. I was able to speak with them pregame and I even managed to attend one of their team practice sessions where I got to do the interviews. I hope you enjoy their story as they are some very nice and friendly people that have also had their struggle to be where they are today.

This is Alexis Howery. She has been playing basketball her entire life. Since childhood, she would go to Ventura College with a friend of hers and play basketball together practicing their shots. Today both her and her friend, Tiernan Philips, are on the women’s basketball team at Ventura College. Alexis is a sophomore, and a shooting guard for the Ventura College basketball team. This year they got many new members in their team, and they seem to all get along well and have grown a pretty close friendship with one another. 

Alexis is part of the first generation in her family to go to college and it seems to be a big driving factor for her to do good in school. She has four siblings, three brothers and one sister. Alexis didn’t want to be part of the basketball team at first. She wanted to join gymnastics or do another sport, but basketball ran in her family so she kind of fell into it. She still enjoys playing basketball and takes it very seriously. 

This is Daphné LeBrun, she is a point guard at Ventura College. During one of her more recent games she was injured and will need surgery. She was in the middle of a game when she miss-stepped and ended up tearing her ACL. Due to the severity of her injury, not only will she need surgery, but she also won’t be able to play for the rest of the season. Despite her situation she remains cheerful and keeps cheering for her teammates at the games. She also said, “it’s harder to see them at practice because I want to join them and participate when they are in a game it’s easier for me because I can just cheer for them”. 

Daphné originally came to America from France and was planning on staying here for another four years. She wanted to do all of her school in the United States but since she was injured, she will be returning to France next year to recover. One of her main concerns besides the surgery itself is her not being able to play basketball the way she used to. She will most likely stay in France for the rest of her schooling and potentially play basketball over there when she recovers. 

This Wednesday February 28th, 2024 they will have their last playoffs game at (time of the game) you are all more than welcome to come and show your support at the game click below for more details!!!

https://www.vcweplayhard.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/schedule

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Business Social Media Student Life at VC

Apex Mobile Tires

I took some time to highlight a local business that a dear friend created and is loving what he does by servicing the community and helping people in their busy day to day lives. Everyone gets busy from time to time, so i can speak for myself and admit I don’t have that much free time anymore. I work a 9am – 5pm weekday job so trying to get errands done can be a hassle but having one less thing to worry about like you’re tires can be a life saver, Kyle has personally come to me and serviced my vehicle and it didn’t take any time out of my day. If you’re ever in need, reach out to Kyle on his Instagram page and you can get back on the road in no time!

https://www.instagram.com/apexmobiletires/?igshid=ymmymta2m2y%3D

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Student Life at VC

3 Easy Ways to Decorate Your Graduation Cap

Graduation season is just around the corner! Decorating your graduation cap is a fun way to add a personalized touch to your big day. Let’s talk about 3 easy ways to decorate your grad cap, so that you can get inspired and make your cap your own!

The items needed to make each cap can be found at your local craft store or even on Amazon, so they are all easily accessible. Customize the colors and design to your liking… let your imagination run wild!

1. Photo Cap

Items needed:

  • 3-D Stickers
  • Alphabet stickers
  • Polaroids or other small photos
  • Double-sided tape
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Our family and friends play a huge role in our success as students. What better way to honor them and their support than on your grad cap?

Grab some Polaroids or print out small photos and get to work! This one is super simple. Arrange the photos however you’d like, leaving room for text or other decorative elements. You can stick the photos onto your cap with double-sided tape or using a hot glue gun!

Note: Your stickers should stick right on, but feel free to use some hot glue if they don’t feel secure. You don’t want to be worried about them falling off during your graduation ceremony.

2. Cardstock Cap

Items needed:

  • Glitter Cardstock Paper
  • 3-D Stickers
  • Alphabet stickers
  • Scissors
  • X-ACTO knife
  • Double-sided tape

Add some personality to your cap! Show off your interests or academic major with a design like this. Grab a piece of glitter cardstock in a color of your choice and use your scissors to cut it into a square that fits your cap (mine was 9.25” x 9.25”). Then, use an X-ACTO knife to cut out a circle in the center of the cardstock that fits the button on your cap (mine had about a 1″ diameter). This will be the base of your cap. 

Now for the fun part! Add a phrase or quote using alphabet stickers and decorate using 3-D stickers. You can find a variety of colors and designs at your local craft store, so the options are truly endless. You can even go with patterned cardstock paper instead of glitter, if that’s more your style! Attached the decorated cardstock to your cap with double-sided tape and you’re ready to go.

3. Flower Crown Cap

Items Needed:

  • Alphabet stickets
  • Artificial flowers
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks

This flower crown design is simple but adds a fun element to your graduation day outfit.

Pick out some artificial flowers in your favorite color. You should be able to pull them right off of the stems, but trim off any excess parts of the back side of the flowers if needed. Add some hot glue to the back side of the flowers and press them firmly against the bottom of the mortarboard (square part on the crown of the cap). 

When you’re done, feel free to add a phrase with the alphabet stickers or other decorative elements on the top of the cap. I kept mine simple with a short phrase, but let your creativity flow!

Final Note

Before you attach anything onto your graduation cap, don’t forget to check the inside of your cap! Most caps will tell you which side is the front of your cap. This will help you make sure your design is right-side up.

Have fun creating and congrats, grad!

Categories
Food & Beverage Social Media

Quick & Easy Breakfast Morning Routine

Both of these recipes taste so good and are a GO TO breakfast meal in the morning! Not only are they very filling, but you can also add in your protein powder to both the drink and waffles. You can completely customize these recipes to your own liking and preferences. There is nothing better like a refreshing fruit smoothie and oatmeal pancakes to get you energized and off to the beach, truly just a chef’s kiss combo! Make sure you check out the Instagram reel at the end to watch a step-by-step video. Hope you enjoy!

Protein Fruit Smoothie

Smoothie Ingredients

~Splash of milk of choice

~Yogurt of choice

~2 frozen bananas

~4 fresh strawberries

~1 scoop protein powder

~1 cup frozen fruit/berries

~Handful of spinach

*BLEND* and serve

Protein Fruit Smoothie

Protein Oatmeal Waffles

Waffle Ingredients

~1/2 cup oatmeal *blend* (or use oat flour)

~1/2 cup protein pancake mix *optional* (not used in this recipe)

~1 scoop protein powder

~2 eggs

~Splash of vanilla extract & cinnamon

~1 banana

*Now mix all together/ Or use a blender to mix ingredients together if you don’t want the texture of banana chunks in your waffles

Protein Oatmeal Waffle
Categories
Arts & Entertainment Business Local Business Spotlight

The Moon’s Canvas: VC Students Art Business

The art shown above is the work of Sunimari Madrigal, a student at Ventura College. The art was made for her small business called The Moon’s Canvas. The art was made on a canvas about 13×9, made up of different art mediums such as paint, gouache, paint markers, and acrylic paint as well. The inspiration for this piece came from the beauty of the land we are lucky to have on Earth and also the beauty of the stars in the Universe.

Below is a video of her showing us how she created their piece.

Check out more of their work!!!

The moon’S Canvas instagram
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Student Life at VC

Dolores Huerta: A Motivator

I attended the Diversity in Culture event this week and I heard Ms. Dolores Huerta speak. I would like to start off by introducing her and some of her achievements. Dolores Huerta is a civil rights activist and American labor leader, a mom, a teacher, a leader and so much more. Dolores has worked with Cesar Chavez, and she is also the co-founder of the National Farmworkers Association. Dolores also has an organization named the Dolores Huerta foundation, her foundation aims to inspire and organize communities to find their voice and rise up and volunteer and to also build up volunteer organizations to be empowered and encouraged to make and pursue social justice. The foundation also focuses on work involved in civic engagement, education equity, along with LGBTQIA+ equality, and safety and health . 

I had the opportunity to hear Dolores speak about a multitude of topics such as the ones listed above plus women’s rights, the labor movement, Black Lives Matters, racism and other issues as well. Dolores Huerta has experienced a lot and she had a lot of knowledge to share with us at the Diversity in Culture event. She spoke about her work alongside Cesar Chavez, and their work together to fight for the rights of the farm workers to receive the right compensation for their work, access to restrooms, the right to unionize, etc. Dolores stressed the idea that we are all one human race, one family, and that regardless of the color we are, our eyes, our hair, we are the human race — homosapians. We must participate to help and support each other and different cultures.

After Dolores’ speech, I interviewed the president of the Anthropology club, Kimberly Ramos. The first question I asked her was, Why did you attend the event? 

She explained that the organizer of the event was planned by the anthropology club advisor named Gigi, and she also looked forward to hearing Dolores speak and also promoting the anthropology club.  I then asked her, How was your experience hearing Dolores speak? She stated that she had been wanting to hear Dolores speak for a long time but never got the chance too, so finally being able to hear Dolores made an impact on her. She also expressed how the speech made her feel motivated and driven to organize and participate more In her community. The next question I asked her was, was there anything that she said that spoke out to you? Again she pointed out how Dolores engaged her to get more active in the community, and also the message that we can start with small changes in our community and work our way up.  Lastly, I asked her, What was your favorite part of the event? Kimberly stated that her favorite part of the event was when Dolores actually started speaking, because there was a lot of build up before she started speaking. 

Dolores Huerta is an amazing and empowering woman. She has accomplished so many great achievements and fought so hard for everyone’s rights, and she continues to do as she gets older. She had made such a strong impact on people everywhere and continued to engage in communities that need help, and to push us and motivate us to make change. Change starts with us. 

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Student Life at VC

Register for the Summer and Fall 2023 Classes

Registrations for the Summer and Fall 2023 school year starts now! You are able to find the registration process in your student portal. Big thanks to Angelica Gonzales for showing us how to see when our registration appointments are. If you need help or have any questions concerning the registration process, please feel free to go to the counseling officer to get help from Angelica or any other counselors.

Student Services #  (805) 289-6420 

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Student Life at VC

Counselors are here for you

Hello, welcome to another beautiful semester at Ventura College in lovely Sunny Ventura. I had a few moments to speak with Lauren Wintermeyer about the upcoming semester and registration opens April 17th for students to add classes to their schedule. Making an appointment is easy, process I found the most helpful was calling the registration office and making an in person appointment, video call, or a phone call. Nice thing is sometimes an appointment can be over whelming with class recommendations to help students achieve their goal of graduating. But the counselors will email you a summary of you’re conversation with them to make it easy, and a list of classes to help you succeed. Nice thing is the counselors will walk you through you’re myvcccd home page and show you degree works which will show you what classes branch off and count towards you’re degree. And for our extra busy students, the registration office takes drop ins to ask quicker questions of the counselors. Which is nice because sometimes life doesn’t allow you time for an appointment, also Ventura College has an online waitlist for drop ins which is a lovely addition. So, don’t forget and make an appointment today to get those classes! No one wants to be on a waitlist.