To bring attention to book banning as an equity issue, the Mt. SAC Library and Mt. SAC Equity center collaborated to host Isabel Quintero, the author of Gabbi, A Girl In Pieces. Gabbi has been challenged and banned from libraries in the United States and in this episode, our host Chisa Uyeki and Isabel Quintero sit down for a conversation about Gabi and the power and healing effects of writing and sharing stories, particularly the stories that have been pushed to the periphery.

Book challenges, at their best may seem to come from an attempt to protect, but they are actually an attempt to control. To control others reading and beyond that, others thoughts and knowledge. But the reality is that not reading about subjects doesn't make them go away.

Without access to books that speak to the authentic reality of lives, which include addiction, homophobia, sexual assault, or the impact of unattainable, white centered standards on girls of color, we are still left with addiction, homophobia, sexual assault, and unattainable, white centered standards, but without the solace, solidarity, or opportunities to build self understanding that can be found between the covers of books.

We also miss out on the joy, empowerment, and stories of love and success. We encourage you to read books that have been challenged or banned. Both the library and the multicultural center have collections of banned books for you to explore. We hope you will delve into the lived experiences of people like and unlike yourself, and we celebrate and honor the lived experiences of persons whose stories have been hidden or pushed to the periphery.

Resources:

https://www.isabelinpieces.com/

https://www.instagram.com/isabelinpieces/

Follow and learn more about Isabelle Quintero’s work Gabi, A Girl in Pieces and her many other works.

https://pen.org/book-bans/
PEN America tracks book bans and fights censorship in public schools and libraries across the country.

https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/ A campaign by the American Library Association to share information and data about book challenges, support actions against book bans, and provide access to news, tools, and resources.

https://bookresumes.uniteagainstbookbans.org/ Book banning is simplistic- judging books not on their entire content, complex characters, or potential for impact. In response, United Against Book Bans created Book Résumés to help teachers, librarians, parents, and community members defend books from censorship. They detail each title’s significance and educational value and are easy to share with administrators, book review committees, elected officials, and board members.

https://www.authorsagainstbookbans.com/

Authors Against Book Bans is a coalition of creators and editors who “stand united against the deeply unconstitutional movement to limit the freedom to read.” They support organizing by sharing information on bans, supporting those responding to challenges, and authors who are being challenged

https://bookriot.com/how-to-fight-book-bans-in-2024/

An article shared by Isabele Quintero that provides practical advice on what we can all do to fight book bans.

Run time: 21:31 min

To find the full transcript for this episode, click HERE

If you’re looking for a dynamic space to share as a resource for your students - the brand new Mt. SAC Student Center is truly a hub for all activities - from quiet dedicated spaces for studying, or meditation or worship to a mother’s lactation room to a bustling multicultural center, and places to grab a bite. ​​

Students share what they love about the new Student Center and staff members, Nancy Campos and Dalia Khalil give us an insider's tour, detailing the extensive offerings across its three floors.

Resources:

Mt. SAC Student Center: https://www.mtsac.edu/studentcenter/

Rising Scholars Program: https://www.mtsac.edu/rising-scholars/

Study Rooms – Rules & Reservations: https://www.mtsac.edu/studentcenter/rules_reg.html

RSCO Co-Lab Space: https://www.mtsac.edu/studentlife/rsco_co-lab_space.html

Event Services: https://www.mtsac.edu/eventservices/

Run time: 34:15 min

To find the full transcript for this episode, click HERE

Is there a secret to cultivating student success? In this episode we delve deep into the transformative power of the learning culture in higher education. Inspired Teaching Day keynote, Rafael Alvarez, SDCC Mesa Program Director, shares insights on fostering a mindset for learning, implementing strategies for success, and empowering students through the learning culture revolution.

Join us as we explore the impact, challenges, and successes of incorporating the learning culture to enhance student experiences and drive equitable participation in education. Rafael shares stories of empowerment, leadership, and advocacy that are shaping the landscape of learning in his dynamic and passionate presentation.

Run time: 01:04:22 min

To find the full transcript for this episode, click HERE

We are thrilled to have Nalleli Cobo, an award-winning environmental activist and Mount San Antonio College's keynote speaker for our 2024 Earth Week events. Growing up next to a toxic oil drilling site in South Los Angeles, Nalleli began her activism journey at just nine years old. Despite severe health impacts on her and her community, Nalleli's relentless efforts not only led to the shutdown of the oil well but also fueled significant legislative changes in California.

Join us as Nalleli shares her powerful story of community, resilience, and the ongoing fight for environmental justice. Her experiences underscore the importance of solidarity and collective action in driving change and safeguarding public health against profit-driven exploitation.

Resources;

PROTECT CALIFORNIA NEIGHBORHOODS FROM TOXIC OIL DRILLING! : cavsbigoil.com

Visit: Mt. SAC’s Sustainability Website

Run time: 16:09 min

To find the full transcript for this episode, click HERE

We're thrilled to sit down with Dr. Connie Gutierrez, our new Dean of Access and Wellness, who joined our community in January of 2024. Today, Connie shares her compelling personal journey, marked by her roots in community college that dramatically altered her family's course. From her mother's transformative experiences to her own unique path through higher education and various professional roles. Connie's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and profound commitment to accessibility and support services.

As she leads the Access and Wellness department, Connie brings a wealth of experience in working with diverse populations including the deaf and hard of hearing community and individuals with disabilities. Get ready to explore the impactful programs under her leadership and hear inspiring stories that highlight the crucial services provided to our students.

Resources:

Access: https://www.mtsac.edu/access/

Run time: 25:55 min

To find the full transcript for this episode, click HERE

Are you doing all you can to support the needs of your students in and beyond the classroom? In this inspiring episode, host Tania Anders leads a powerful conversation with a dynamic group of faculty and students who delve into the realities and stigmas surrounding the Access Program at Mt. SAC. Students, Jason Chico, Jesus Ramirez, Joshua Flores, and Becca Garcia bravely share their personal educational journeys, highlighting their resilience and determination to overcome challenges such as incarceration, learning barriers, and a lack of support.

They discuss the crucial need for self-advocacy, the strengths gained through the Access Program, and the power of faculty allies like Peter Churchill, Michelle Nava, and Julie Cortez who share effective teaching strategies and the importance of empathy in creating an inclusive learning environment. The group addresses the faculty’s role in fostering an Access-friendly atmosphere and the significance of accommodations, while urging educators outside the program to be cognizant of and responsive to students' needs.

Resources:

Access: https://www.mtsac.edu/access/

Writing Center: https://www.mtsac.edu/writingcenter/

English Department: https://www.mtsac.edu/elcw/

Run time: 36:32 min

To find the full transcript for this episode, click HERE

The conversation of Burnout continues as our host Tania Anders catches up with Chisa Uyeki, Collection Development Librarian Faculty of 17-years, to have a deeper discussion about her recent presentation from Spring Flex day 2024, on her findings regarding Burn-out during her sabbatical. We revisit the defining factors of Burnout from how it feels to how to recover and how we can take on the work of social and environmental justice and anti-racism in a sustainable manner.

Resources:

Mental Health Support

EMPLOYEE COUNSELING CENTER (ECC)​

• Free, voluntary, and confidential counseling, workshops, and referrals.​

• In-person & zoom ​

• (909) 274-6211 www.mtsac.edu/ecc ​

• employeecounselingcenter@mtsac.edu ​

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE SERVICE FOR EDUCATION (EASE)​

• Confidential counseling, phone consultation, and community referrals. ​

• (800) 882-1341 ​

• https://www.lacoe.edu/Home/EASE

NATIONAL SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE​

• 24/7 free and confidential support

• Dial 988​

National Alliance on Mental Illness: www.namiurbanla.org/resources ​

Black Mental Health Resources

https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-

Dimensions/Black-African-American

Asian Mental Health Collective www.asianmhc.org​

Therapy for Latinx

www.therapyforlatinx.com​

Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission-

Health & Mental Health

https://lanaic.lacounty.gov/covid-19-resources/covid-19-health-

mental-health/

Videos About Stress:

Robert M. Sapolsky, Ph.D., is the John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Professor of Biological Sciences and a professor of neurology and neurological sciences at Stanford University. In this clip from his talk for the Science of a Meaningful Life series, Sapolsky explains why the stress response, which evolved for short-term physical crises, can become a long-term, chronic problem for human beings:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEcdGK4DQSg

Madhumita Murgia: How Stress Affects your Brain:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuyPuH9ojCE&t=3s

Well-Being Resources:

Mt. SAC Exercise Science/Wellness Center: https://www.mtsac.edu/wellness/index.html ​

Greater Good Science Center: https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/ ​

UC Berkeley center for studying the science of happiness - podcasts, meditations, articles, and more resources all backed by empirical studies, especially Stress Management for Educators: https://ggie.berkeley.edu/collection/stress-management-for-educators/ ​

The BIG JOY Over a week helps you identify what micro-acts of JOY work best for you:

https://ggia.berkeley.edu/bigjoy guided

Mindfulness & Meditation​

Andrea Torres, M.S., MFT, Counselor/Professor; Mindfulness, Meditation and Breath Work

Guide:

https://www.mtsac.edu/healthcenter/mindfulness/index.html

Check POD calendar for workshop

Healthy Minds free evidence-based app for learning about meditation and guided meditation ​

Calm meditation app free to Faculty Association Members offers guided searchable database

of guided meditation, music, sleep stories, and more: https://www.ctamemberbenefits.org/calm ​

Run time: 26:11 min

To find the full transcript for this episode, click HERE