Mekhela Ghebrehiwet

I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.

Dr. Seuss

Bio

A California native, but an east coast lover at heart. When she is not writing, Mekhela spends most of her time traveling, reading, cooking, museum hopping, listening to old vinyl's and chasing food trucks. She holds a degree in both communications and journalism; and as the Arts and Entertainment Editor and Social Media Manager for the Clarion, she has her hands full getting entertaining stories out, but still makes time to explore.

Portfolio

Citrus College Clarion •

Black students need HBCUs

Pursuing an education in an institution where not many people look like you makes your accomplishments feel small, or at least that’s how it has made me feel.

There’s a disconnect when you’re the only Black person sitting in the classroom— especially the looks you get when you’re in a history class and the professor begins to talk about the history of Black folks.

I have had to work much harder to not only pass my classes, but to exceed my professors expectations of me as a minority student. T
Citrus College Clarion •

Deaf culture recognized by Citrus ASL students

“Classroom learning is only one part of learning about American Sign Language (ASL),” Citrus College Professor Irene Robles said. “In the course, we learn about all aspects of ASL as receiving and exchanging messages with an emphasis on applying appropriate facial and body grammar. By sending students out to events to interact in the deaf community students are able to engage and apply components of ASL in genuine experiences.”

Robles is deaf and teaches American Sign Language I and II. Every s
Citrus College Clarion •

The Guru of teaching and learning

Citrus College Mathematics Professor Sophia Lee teaches multiple courses, speaks at conferences throughout various college campuses and recently completed her doctoral degree at California State University Fullerton, all while raising two children.

“As I look back on all the sleepless nights while writing my dissertation and holding my newborn at the same time,” Lee said. “My number one motivating factor will always be my family. Giving my family a better life will always be my reason for going
Citrus College Clarion •

Students are betting on a secure future: the military and higher education

The pandemic disrupted educational plans and left students to decide whether military service holds a more secure future than their academic paths.

Citrus College Veterans Success Center Director and Navy veteran Maria Buffo said the military can offer an astounding experience.

“My experience in the military was incredible,” Buffo said. “There were some not so great moments, but there were incredible memories. It has given a lot of opportunities to me and opened a lot of doors for me. I don’t
Citrus College Clarion •

Citrus builds bridges for men of color

The Men of Color Mentor Program created a safe space at their conference on March 26 where men could be vulnerable with one another, and they plan to replicate this in their program going forward.

The program is directed towards male students of color, but peers and allies were welcome to join the conversation at the event. The program provides the opportunity to network and form meaningful connections with people who are invested in their success.

“We’re all here to support each other,” Caree
Citrus College Clarion •

Things to do this Weekend

As of this past Monday, thirteen counties, including Los Angeles County, began reopening according to the Department of Public Health. This reopening of L.A. County means we can begin to dine indoors, go to the gym and even museums. Here are a few suggestions of things you can currently, or in the very near future, do.

Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm and other L.A. attractions are opening back up with capacity restrictions this April to California residents.

“A reopened Disney
Citrus College Clarion •

Preview: Men of Color Conference

The Citrus College Men of Color mentor program plans to provide male students of color with support, guidance and encouragement. The first annual Men of Color conference will be held on March 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Being involved in such a program could provide pathways to opportunities such as college support services, internships and leadership possibilities. The deadline to register to attend is March 19.

The mentor program’s statement of purpose is to empower, inform and value students
Citrus College Clarion •

Concert Preview: We Banjo 3

We Banjo 3, the band whose members consist of two sets of brothers from Galway, Ireland, will be performing live from Dublin in a virtual event at 2 p.m. March 13 for the first time in a year.

Virtual concerts are restoring the faith that music can still reach millions of people. The pandemic halted concerts and has given music an unforeseen future, but virtual events are bringing people back together.

“The nice part of digital performances is with one ticket your whole family can watch togeth
Citrus College Clarion •

Citrus exploring becoming a vaccination site

Citrus College Director of Human Resources Robert Sammis issued a memo to the campus community on Jan. 26 exploring the likelihood of whether the campus should become a vaccination site.

In order for Citrus to become a vaccination site, it would not only have to enroll in the federal COVID-19 Vaccination Program, but also follow complex rules and regulations such as emergency management of adverse reactions, record-keeping and waste and disposal.

“Currently, the college does not have the capab