Author: Melissa Nicole Mata

Community, Features

Living life, one dance at a time

Melissa Nicole Mata

Locally owned small business dance studio shows a lot of potential  In a small strip center near Saratoga Boulevard, practically camouflaged by being tucked between an apartment complex and a Walmart Supercenter, is a small independently owned dance studio. Just inside the door visitors can hear upbeat music playing and the sounds of many associated feet trying to keep count of 5, 6, 7 and 8 being called out by studio owner and dance instructor Angela Murray. Murray stands out, clearly the dance authority in a room filled with couples dressed in mostly jeans, boots and other attire you might…

Campus, Health

Dementia tour raises awareness

Melissa Nicole Mata

Nursing students host tour that allows others to feel what patients feel Understanding the challenges of those who have dementia was the goal for the Del Mar College Continuing Education Nursing Assistant students who held a Virtual Dementia Tour open to the public on Feb. 24 at the Harvin Student Center. According to Continuing Education Health Care Instructor Kathryn Garcia, the tour teaches the Continuing Education Nursing Assistant students to be more patient and understanding while working with dementia patients. “When I tried this tour out I figured it would be easy. But with the dim lights and sunglasses your…

Art, Campus

Artist draws inspiration from travels and background

Melissa Nicole Mata

Guest lecture artist Sharon Kopriva came by Richardson Performance Hall at Del Mar College’s Heritage Campus on Feb. 17 to introduce a few of her pieces that will be shown at DMC’s 56th annual National Drawing and Small Sculpture Show. Kopriva is the guest juror for the show. According to Assistant Professor of Art Benjamin Ogrodnik, Kopriva is a multidiscipline artist whose work is mysterious and timeless. Kopriva’s work consists of sculptures, drawings, and paintings. The Houston-based sculptor and painter portrays her Catholic faith through her artwork. Kopriva said her piece “Pendent Woman” portrays a new period of light in…

Campus, Education, Features

Future bright for welding student

Melissa Nicole Mata

 Even though Joe Cruz was born with just one hand, he learned early on in life he could accomplish anything he set his mind too.  “I never felt different until I was learning to tie my shoes,” Cruz said. “Trying to tie my shoes was the first time I realized I had to figure things out on my own and find different ways to learn these skills.”  Cruz said his parents have always been “a part of my life when it comes to encouragement.” He said his parents have always pushed him to overcome obstacles and not let anything hold…

Art, Campus

Artist tells students to embrace their struggle

Melissa Nicole Mata

 The Art Department’s first guest speaker since the pandemic started praised Del Mar’s art students during a visit to the Fine Arts Building on Nov. 9. Jimmy Pena, a self-taught artist, encouraged the students to learn as much as they can while they pursue their art degree. “I wish I would have gone to art school to learn about the history of art and all the techniques. It’s a good thing you all are here to continue learning about art,” Pena said. Pena, an artist from K-Space Contemporary Art Studios, spoke to a packed room of art students as he…

Art, Community

City changes rules on filming in city limits

Melissa Nicole Mata

The Corpus Christi City Council recently amended the city’s film ordinance to allow local filmmakers to film in the city for no charge and with no permit required. This first became a problem when filmmakers around the city were having to purchase permits to be able to film in the city, and many filmmakers were having to go film in Portland due to the law in Corpus Christi at the time. There was a lot of convincing when it came to encouraging the City Council to agree to a meeting to address the film ordinance. According to the Heidi Hovda…

Campus

Financial aid forms set to see changes

Melissa Nicole Mata

Previous drug convictions will no longer mean students are ineligible  Changes have been made to the latest version of Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.  The Department of Education released the first phased update on Oct. 1. There will continue to be smaller changes in the near future but for now the Department of Education has decided to take a phased approach. “The Department of Education is always looking for ways to make it easier for students to complete FAFSA,” said Joseph Ruiz, director of Financial Aid Services.  The Department of Education reduced the number of questions and…

Campus

8-week classes still have openings

Melissa Nicole Mata

Del Mar College is now offering 8-weeks course. The next session of courses will be open until Oct. 25. Courses are open until the day classes begin. There are many available openings for these courses that can be found at WebDMC. For anyone looking for a certain course that is not shown on WebDMC, the student can contact their department head. DMC will make more available courses “based on course preference and course demand,” according to Dean Gracie Martinez.   Students who dropped a 16-week course can still sign up for an 8-week course “as long as there is still…