Tag Archives: Chabot College

The Extraordinary Journey of Titawny Cook

“I always wanted to come to Ukraine, it’s been a goal of mine to come to this country in this time of war,” — these heartbreaking words marked my first time I met Titawny Cook. He is a proud Chabot graduate who is in Ukraine now covering the latest news about the war for the Chabot Spectator.

Titawny’s background is solid: he served in the United States Marines doing combat logistics and security forces operating as a Cpl of the Guard and fireteam leader in Iraq. We met on Chabot College campus when Titawny was looking for any Ukrainians out there. It was a nice meeting if not considering the context of war in my native country Ukraine.

At college Titawny had leadership positions starting with Speech and Debate, which laid the groundwork for pretty much everything. Public speaking, confidence, political analysis, and competitive debate over domestic and international policies made Titawny a great journalist. ‘’I had a radio show that I hosted with other students for a good number of years, and this gave me good training for public interviews’’, said Titawny Cook.

This experience made a strong foundation for Titawny to decide to relocate to Ukraine to help Ukrainian Armed Forces. He also wrote for the college newspaper at this time, and he enjoyed this educational training. So much so that he eventually came around full circle to do this again.

Being a journalist and adventure seeker he embarked on a great volunteering mission: to find military work or news agency work in Ukraine, starting in Kyiv. Titawny says, there are many options to accomplish this goal, but there is an express need for fighters and infantry positions.

Being actively involved in life in Ukraine, Titawny continues sharing his firsthand experience from the heart of Ukraine — its capital Kyiv — with all the Chabot Spectator readers.

“It took time to get acquainted with the idea of leaving home for a long duration where I would have no friends and no support, or so I believed. Riding an overnight train with two very large suitcases, one of them carrying body armor. It was Ukraine that I was worried about because traveling with body armor could be perceived as a threat by military security forces. It was indeed, and I was questioned about why I had such a heavy suitcase.”

Titawny Cook shared with The Spectator his feelings about living in Ukraine. He said he actually loves Ukraine and especially Kyiv, and he is very proud to be there and so far has made very solid connections, including very strong friendships, in a very short time period.

‘’I have done very well here, and I plan to stay for a good period of time and contribute to the fabric and rebuilding of this country. I have experienced nothing but real and very courteous people since I have been in the country, and any rumors or fears of people back home that I heard about before arriving here were actually untrue, and like they say, “You don’t know until you try it for yourself.’’ Titawny’s goal is to eventually find military work or news agency work here in Ukraine, starting in Kyiv.

“I hope to land with UAF (Ukrainian Armed Forces) public affairs or a journalist position with a local news agency covering the war, but overall I hope to build lasting relationships here because the strength in people is unbelievable and outstanding in terms of character and strength! ‘’

I know how different and difficult life can be in a foreign country, but I can confidently say that staying in Ukraine for just three months Titawny is doing a great job! And by the way, he is even learning the Ukrainian language to settle down there and start life in the new country from scratch. ‘’Ukraine is beautiful and strong, and regardless of war, this spirit will never be extinguished! ‘’ Titawny said.

Titawny Cook is one of those multitalented and aspiring students of Chabot College who’s proved his desire to be a real journalist. He’s never given up on his big dream. As one of the proud graduates of Chabot College, Titawny inspires hundreds of students by his dedication to journalism and bravery in the profession.

Despite being dangerous during the war, Titawny faced the challenge to go abroad and serve as a journalist in Ukraine.

The Chabot Spectator wishes Titawny Cook good luck and success. Chabot College is proud of your fearlessness and eagerness for new life experiences!

Chop it Up Tuesdays

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Chop it Up Tuesdays is where African American students and staff meet to discuss the culture and community. The meeting starts at noon in the Black Cultural Resource Center (BCRC) in bldg. 100 room 136. Although the topics discussed are primarily about African American culture, all are welcome to attend and participate.

LaKesha Stewart hosted the meeting. She is the program coordinator for the BCRC. “This is an open space where students can freely select a topic to discuss every Tuesday. This is a part of the Umoja program’s active Live Learning initiative. Our aim is for Chop it Up to serve as a useful tool for fostering a sense of community among students while promoting awareness of current events in the Black community,” said Stewart.

The topic for this week was splitting the bill, whether it’s on a date or just hanging out with friends and family at a restaurant. The attendees were very engaged once the subject was introduced. Though the conversation got loud, it never turned confrontational.

“If I’m out with friends and they order Steak and Lobster, and I ordered chicken strips, you better believe I’m only paying for what I ordered,” said Chabot College student Chris Hardict.

At every meeting, attendees are offered complimentary food and beverages. First-time attendees are expected to introduce themselves to the regular members. Following introductions, the group collectively selects a topic and votes on it. The winning topic is then written on the board by Ms. Stewart.

“I enjoy spending time at the BCRC. It’s great to see so many people come together and discuss a wide range of topics. It’s also wonderful to be a part of a community where we share our thoughts and ideas. Best of all, this space is open to everyone.” said Chabot College student Anita Daniels, who enjoys spending time at the BCRC.

Some students have been attending Chop it Up Tuesdays since 2022. “When I first came here, I didn’t expect it to be anything. I just wanted to meet new people, but I love the conversations here,” said Chabot College student Tsega Yizengaw.

Chop it Up Tuesdays began in the Fall of 2021 to warmly greet students returning to the BCRC Space.

“La Bienvenida” Marks 40 Years of Inclusivity

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Chabot College celebrated 40 years of “La Bienvenida” as the fall semester kicked off, focusing on inclusivity. The event on Sept. 18 drew students and staff together.

Javier Espinoza, an anthropology instructor and Vice President of the Chicano Latino Education Association, explained the event’s importance for the students: “Getting them to know that we’re here, to know that we want to help them through the process and navigate through the college system because a lot of students are first-generation and they need us to help them get through, and we’re here for that.”

This event aimed to highlight the culture, background, history, and identity of Latinx students on campus.

Chabot College has a huge background in supporting students. Sandra Hera, counselor for the Puente Project, recalled the event’s long history: “Puente started right here at Chabot College over 40 years ago, and that was because a counselor and a teacher got together and said, we need to do better for our growing Latinx community and have a learning community specifically dedicated to them.”

Bienvenida means “welcome.” Our house is your house, and it’s a cultural opportunity for all students to come together around food, music, and each other, to welcome each other, and to get to know who’s in the same space. “In the Latino culture, we always want to know who’s in the room,” Sandra Hera explained.

At “La Bienvenida,” all guests enjoyed music, networking, and burritos. The tone reflected the community in terms of the students, faculty, administrators, and classified professionals. The main goal was to make spaces available for students so they feel comfortable.

“I can support students in creating a student education plan, whether they want to earn a certificate or transfer or get an associate degree. I can also support students in recommending services on campus and resources, or if they need help filling out any forms for financial aid or admissions and records,” explained Jasmine Garcia. She is a counselor at Chabot. Her office is located on the second floor of the 700 building, so she can support students in drop-in counseling services or make student appointments.

There were a lot of opportunities for students to meet representatives of different organizations, such as “El Centro,” the Student Resource Center for all students on campus with a focus on the cultural background of the Latinx community. “The Dream Center” has information and resources for students who are undocumented and need counseling appointments. They provide access to legal services, like meeting with a lawyer.

“The STEM center” focuses on students pursuing careers in math, biology, and physics. Financial aid department reminded everyone about the opportunities to apply for the financial resources available to pay for books, supplies, and transportation to pass your classes successfully. It’s trying to bridge the gap between the Hispanic population and number of students getting access to higher education.

Overall, celebrating the 40th anniversary marked a milestone for the Chabot College family. The Chabot College team showed how they connect students to the right services, the right spaces, and the support they need not to feel alone.

Chabot College’s Gladiator Day: A Roaring Success with Over 200 Student Attendees

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Gladiator Day was held on Aug. 24 from noon to 1 p.m., with over 200 students attending. The event was located between bldg. 700 and 800. Gladiator Day raises awareness of what all Chabot has to offer and encourages students to sign up for clubs and get involved.

There were games, free food, clubs, and performers like R&B artist Deli God, T.O.A, The Original Artist, poet Pap1, Grand3, and the K-pop Club. Hosted by L.J. the DJ from KCRH, and Khalil Canlis from the Student Senate. The event is where students come out to celebrate, engage, and join the clubs on campus. The Student Senate sponsored the event.

Up-and-coming R&B artists like Deli God were one of the performers. He expressed his gratitude by performing a song for Chabot College.

“Shout out to Chabot for letting me perform. I’m glad the campus and KCRH showed me some love. I really hope my music touches someone,” said Deli God.

Multiple clubs attended and had tables, including the Engineer Club, Nesian Unite, Revolutionaries Advocating for Greener Ecosystems, and more. Gladiator Day is when clubs gain new members. My Sisters Keepers Is a leadership support group for young African American Women. Yetunde Osikomaiya is the counselor and instructor of the group.

“For Gladiator Day, I’m happy to see clubs representing what all they have to offer, and new faces,” said Osikomaiya

In addition to the clubs, Chabot had tables for different services, programs, and academic departments to support students. These included El Centro, Counseling Advocacy Resources Emotion Support, Chabot Library, FRESH Food Pantry, Disabled Student Program Services, Restorative Integrated Self-Education, TRIO, and more.

LJ-The DJ provided the music for gladiator day as well as the performer.

Some clubs provided games like giving out a bingo card where students had to have 12 clubs sign their cards in order for them to have free lunch. Before the clubs sign the student’s card, they were given information about the club.

Another game that was provided by the Dean of Language Arts, Paul Pina M.S was a game called Wordle. It’s a game where a student must use a five-letter word. Pina wrote down the word, and then you had six attempts to guess the word on each of them. If you win the game, the prizes are pens, a water bottle, and or a book bag.

Gladiator Day was a great opportunity where students can get involved and learn about clubs, programs, and services provided to them. Students coming back for their first semester on campus after summer have something to look forward to in this fall event.

“This and the carnival the UMOJA hosts every February are the events I look forward to. For me, I look forward to meeting new people, great music, and food. The performers did a good job. It’s great to see staff and students enjoying themselves.” said student Tyhrell Baker.

Gladiator Day turned out to be a great event that provided a sense of belongingness for students, by meeting new people, joining clubs, or just enjoying the friendly atmosphere.

A complete list of clubs can be found on the Chabot website.

https://www.chabotcollege.edu/student-services/student-life/student-clubs/list.php

Chabot MyPortal

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MyPortal is a new system created to not only eventually replace Class-Web, but to also create a central space that will ease finding information. Chief Technology Officer Bruce Griffen stated, “MyPortal is a one-stop-shop that brings together content from different places, most importantly from ClassWeb. With the help of Single Sign-On, students can access multiple content sources through a single login. This means that they don’t have to remember multiple usernames and passwords to access different tools and services.”

When students sign on to MyPortal, they can expect to see links to ClassWeb that are probably pretty familiar. The system will also have links to degree works, zone mail, and other tools that are currently scattered across different websites. The most significant improvement, however, is the login piece. ClassWeb currently uses a small pin number login, but MyPortal will use much more complex passwords, as well as the ability to reset passwords online.

According to Bruce, “MyPortal system’s modernization of the ClassWeb system will serve as a stepping-off point for additional changes that institutions plan to make. These changes will be phased in, making it easier for students, faculty, and staff to adapt to the new system.” Bruce also explains how much more accessible this system will be for students. “With a card-based design and better organization, students can unpin unnecessary cards from their dashboard, resulting in a less imposing system with fewer links to navigate. Additionally, MyPortal sits on top of ClassWeb, allowing students to pick out content in different places, making it much more organized.”

As mentioned above, MyPortal will introduce a new system of digital cards. Cards are individual areas of relevant content. They are customized based on the student’s home campus location and enrollment. These cards will be customizable and consist of showing grades, class schedules, and other tools that students currently have to log in to access. MyPortal will also have direct logins to zone mail, making it easier for students to access their email. The design of MyPortal was a collaborative effort between the institution and the service provider.

While MyPortal is a new system for students, it isn’t completely built from scratch. The university licenses the software from a company called Lucian, which also makes the student information system. The design process involved a team of people who determined what should be on each card and what cards should be available, drawing inspiration from other universities’ systems.

MyPortal is a significant upgrade to the current ClassWeb system. It provides a more organized and accessible platform for students, faculty, and staff to access the tools and services they need. MyPortal is also a step towards a more connected and efficientacademic institution. MyPortal promises to make academic life easier for everyone. MyPortal will be available soon, check your emails for access.

Chabot College under Process of Accreditation

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Chabot College is in the process of accreditation, an evaluation review from institutional self-evaluation, and peer reviewers from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The purpose of this evaluation is so the college can improve its educational process.

The ACCJC will hold sessions for the public on Oct. 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Oct. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Event Center Building 700. The community is encouraged to share feedback about Chabot and hear the exit report

“We welcome our partnership with the ACCJC in our rigorous inquiry. Please join us in our open public forums, meet with our accreditation teams, and learn more about the accreditation process,” said Chabot President Dr. Susan Sterling. “Chabot is your community college, and I look forward to seeing you at one of our forums.”

The ACCJC focuses on community colleges in the state of California through the creation of standards and accreditation policies and also through a process of review by higher education professionals and public members as a part of the college. The purpose of this regional accreditation includes encouraging institutions, such as Chabot College, to strive for better academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and student success.

Chabot emailed all students regarding the ongoing accreditation process and the public hearings on Monday.

San Francisco City College lost accreditation from financial mismanagement and governance problems that directly impacted many students and staff nearly a decade ago.

“I saw the email,” said Chabot College student Jared Bautista. “New students will have to find a new college to attend if we don’t pass.”

“Degrees could be nullified, and I would feel like my time was wasted,” said Chabot College student Andrea Magdaleno.

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrated!

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As summer comes to an end, many different cultures celebrate the fall season all around the world. The Association of China Club celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chabot College’s planetarium on Sept. 8.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture and is celebrated in other Asian cultures. It is a celebration of the fall harvest, sharing food, spending time with family, and lighting lanterns. The holiday is based on the legend of the Chinese moon goddess Chang’e and is held on the 15th to the 8th month on the Chinese calendar with a full moon.

President of the Association of China Club, Liru Chen, presented and shared information on this important holiday. Many attendees were of Chinese and Asian descent and came to celebrate with the club.

“As a Chinese American, it was so important for me to reconnect with this part of my culture. The Mid-Autumn Festival often gets overlooked because Lunar New Year is often the holiday most people recognize, but the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival holiday is equally important and special,” said club adviser Michael Lai.

The Association of China Club is one of the clubs that the MOVEMENT learning community supports. MOVEMENT is the newest learning community for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders at Chabot College.

“I thought it was really cool that the Association of China Club celebrated at Chabot. I celebrated the Mid-Autumn at home with my family,” said Chabot College student Vincent Xiao.