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…