The employment office’s successful efforts to increase the wages of work study positions and to better connect students to those positions created a ‘perfect storm.’ On Jan. 15, Christopher Natelborg, the director of Financial Aid at MHCC, informed students participating in Federal Work Study positions that maximum dollar awards for Winter and Spring terms would be reduced, from $2,400 to $1,500 per term. According to Natelborg, the college had so successfully increased stude

CLAY CLUB WELCOMES YOUThe Clay Club here at MHCC will be hosting a “Pinch Pot Palooza” for two days, starting on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Pinch pots are an age-old, hand-built method for creating pottery – the most simple way possible. First the hands roll a ball of clay, then a thumb or finger is used to push a hole into the center, and then the thumb and forefinger together pinch up the walls to make a bowl. After the person shapes the bottom and smoothes the edges, it is left to

May you introduce yourself?My name is Ella, and my Chinese name is Zhixuan Xiang. I am currently studying in the Mental Health, Social Services, and Addiction Counseling program at MHCC. I am an international student from Sichuan, China. I am also a blogger on TikTok with 100,000 followers. The reason why I came to study in the United States is a long story about the pursuit of ideals of knowledge and freedom. Biggest adjustment so far?Every scholar who comes from a foreign c

Photo by Ken Perez As a writing tutor at MHCC, my role has always been to support students in improving their writing and assist those learning English. My responsibilities have also evolved into something more personal: I have found myself helping Arabic-speaking women navigate complex paperwork and address serious life challenges – issues such as abuse, insurance problems, and job struggles – that they often have no one else to turn to for help. This shift in my duties has

Find Support Outside of MHCC As a student at Mount Hood Community College, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to manage school, work, and financial stress. The good news is, there are plenty of local resources outside of campus that can help you out. Whether it’s getting access to free food, discounted transportation, clothing, or even housing assistance, there are many places nearby that are here to support you. This guide will help you find the resources you need so you can

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you don’t have to break the bank or go far to have an awesome time. Whether you’re spending it with a partner, friends, or even enjoying a solo treat, there are some great spots right near MHCC where you can make the day memorable. I’ve got you covered with ice cream, food spots, and fun activities that are perfect for students like us. Here’s a fun and easy guide to some of the best places to check out in Gresham and Portland! F

Always double-check information coming from Mt. Hood’s High School Services – don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Sadly, I’ve learned the hard way to always double-check any information provided by the high school services at MHCC. This started when I asked if I could get employed at MHCC and was told, “You can’t do that because you’re under 18 and don’t have a diploma.” Always take the time to ask those actually in charge of, or people higher up within, the program or

Roller derby was never something that stuck out to me, as I knew next to nothing about it. Was it people on roller skates racing? Was it like basketball on roller skates? I clearly wasn’t in that realm. However, on Jan. 11, the opening night for the Rose City Rollers league season, I went to their Oaks Amusement Park home (The Hangar) to take pictures of the matches and left with a new favorite sport. The rules of roller derby are pretty simple. A match consists of two 30-min

“Goods are available to all students with an MHCC Student ID, and the process is simple.” Barney’s Pantry has a brand-new location, and it’s bigger, better, and more stocked than ever before. Yes, as of this month, Barney’s Pantry has officially moved and now has a larger space to serve students with more new food options. The new pantry – in Building 12, filling the longtime former bookstore space off MHCC’s Main Mall central courtyard – feels just like a grocery store, with

Art by Leo Decklar Our Public Safety team here at MHCC has its hands reached out all over the campus, watching over the safety of the students and staff who attend the school. But what does that all mean? The Public Safety office has staff on campus 24/7, patrolling the campus, watching out for any unsafe behaviors or people, and making sure students and staff are comfortable at all times. They respond to all sorts of calls, ranging from someone feeling unsafe in an area, to

Education is important, not cheap. Whether it’s from a job or the government, someone’s gotta put bread on the table, and there’s a lot of paperwork to get it there. All Graphics by Zoë Griffin As a second year student, I wanted to share these financial resources and remind everyone about the forms to fill out and upcoming deadlines. Good luck to all the students filling out applications and forms for financial aid. Ask for help when you need it!

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the number of international students pursuing higher education in the United States continues to grow. Mt. Hood Community College is one such institution that welcomes students from diverse cultural backgrounds – and here’s a closer look at the journey of an international student at MHCC and the challenges, opportunities, and experiences that shape their academic and personal growth. THE DECISION The decision to study abroad c

BALANCING SCHOOLWORK WITH HOLIDAY FUN CAN BE CHALLENGING, BUT WITH THE RIGHT STRATEGIES, YOU CAN ENJOY THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. As we enter November and December, many of us look forward to the holiday season with excitement. It’s a time for family gatherings, decorations, relaxation, and, of course, gifts. But while the holidays can bring joy, they can also be distracting. Between planning for celebrations, spending time with loved ones, and preparing for the new year, it’s

MHCC’S RECENT FAIR LEFT OUR COLUMNIST WONDERING: WERE STUDENTS THERE FOR THE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES OR THE FREE VEGETABLE TRAYS? I went to the MHCC Career Fair on Oct. 30. I have to say, the community was nice, and the stands themselves were very inviting. I saw the employer representatives answering many questions from people who seemed genuinely interested. But I wondered if some attendees were just there for the goodies and snacks, rather than actually seeking a job. It made

Student Body President Candidates Share Vision On October 29, we had the chance to meet the candidates for the Associated Students of Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC). Our three contenders—Christopher Tronolone, Isaias Figueroa, and Peyton Annamarie Hull—shared their reasons for seeking our votes and their visions for MHCC’s future. This year’s presidential race began later than usual, as the previous president stepped down. Below is a summary of each candidate’s platform.

Winter is coming, and with it, the chilly winds and longer nights. As the temperature drops, we must ensure our students have what they need to thrive both academically and personally. Mt. Hood Community College has always been more than just a place of learning; we now provide essential resources like food and clothing to support students in need. Many families face financial challenges that make it difficult to provide the necessities for their children. We recognize that d

Fall has returned to Oregon, and with it, the impending gloom of flu season. All the usual fall signs are appearing on store billboards announcing the arrival of vaccines. There is also an updated COVID vaccine available. As young, healthy college students, many of you must wonder why you would need to roll your sleeve up and take the poke. Too much misinformation has intertwined itself into the conversation, spreading fear and lies about a process that has been proven to wor

Welcome back to school, Saints! Whether your summer was eventful and satisfied all your cravings for human interaction or it was lackluster and left you with a severe case of “FOMO,” fear not – there are plenty of Student Life events coming up this academic year, and I’ll lay them out in this article.But, first I want to express my deep well of appreciation for the Student Life department as a whole. While there have been valid criticisms published in previous issues of The A

Photo by Brooke Herbert / The Oregonian A new holiday attraction is coming to downtown Portland this winter season. “Woodsy Winter Village” is planned to be Portland’s newest pop-up outdoor ice-skating rink and holiday marketplace, as reported by The Oregonian. The City of Portland is organizing the location in hopes to bring more people downtown and revitalize the city during the holiday season. The attraction is set to be open on Dec. 16 and run through Jan. 28. That means

In March, Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center closed its birth center, citing staff shortages and financial losses. Announcement of this move in January immediately sparked widespread controversy within the greater Gresham and East Multnomah County community for several reasons. Now, after heavy opposition from state and local lawmakers and health advocates, the hospital has reversed course – and the center will reopen by this summer. One reason for the controversy is that when