This section is to showcase stories I have produced for the Pulse, an online student newspaper at Palo Alto College.
May 2018
DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM COMING TO PAC
By Molly Crisp
Pulse Staff Reporter
New learning opportunities and programs are on the rise at Palo Alto College. If you are interested in a career as a dental hygienist, it is closer than you think.
Palo Alto is starting a new program on campus in Fall 2020 that will focus on dental hygiene and the steps you need to take to become a dental hygienist. The dental hygiene program will consist of hands-on training and will be a two-year program, instead of a four-year program, like many other colleges and universities. The program will be on campus and will be convenient for students pursuing this field who live close to campus. The South Side does not currently have another program like this.
Dental hygienists clean teeth, educate patients on how to take care of their oral health, and examine patients for any oral diseases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for dental hygienists is growing quickly and will have 40,900 careers available throughout 2016-2026.
Once you have the proper education to be a dental hygienist, you do not need any previous work experience. The job openings and opportunities continue to grow.
In 2017, the median pay for a dental hygienist was set at a little over $74,000 annually. The exact pay differs based on each state, as well as the requirements for specific programs.
A typical work environment for a dental hygienist is in a dentist’s office. Almost all dental hygienists work in a dental office and more than half of the hygienists worked part-time, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
PAC’s dental hygiene program will be a whole new learning experience for Palo Alto students. The program will be an Associate of Science in Pre-Dentistry (Pre-Dentistry, A.S.) earned in a two-year period.
Students will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to start a career as a dental hygienist with an associate degree. As the program comes to life, more information will be released around campus and on Palo Alto’s website.
Students interested in the program may email Gary Shelman at jshelman@alamo.edu.
March 2018
FARMER’S MARKET BRINGS HEALTHY CHOICES TO PAC COMMUNITY
By Molly Crisp
Pulse Staff Reporter
Farmer’s Markets are full of affordable fresh fruits and vegetables and many other natural products. Now, Palo Alto students, faculty and staff have access to one on campus.
Palo Alto’s S.H.A.R.E. Center (Student Health, Advocacy, Resource and Engagement)hosts a Farmer’s Market every fourth Monday from 9 a.m. until noon. The remaining dates to attend the market this spring semester are March 26 and April 23. The Farmer’s Market is located in the Performing Arts Center Roundabout Parking Lot.
This Farmer’s Market is new to the campus. It started during the Spring 2018 semester and is expected to continue in future semesters.
For many college students and their families, access to fresh produce and natural food items is difficult and expensive. Palo Alto’s Farmer’s Market is an opportunity for students and people throughout the Palo Alto community to experience a true Farmer’s Market first-hand.
This program positively impacts not only students, but also people in the community and local farmers. Farmer’s Markets help small communities both economically and socially by supporting local businesses and bringing locals together.
This opportunity is convenient for students who are already on campus and neighbors of Palo Alto College, who would have to go out of their way to have a similar experience.
The Farmer’s Market has fresh fruits and vegetables, such as squash, zucchini, tomatoes, oranges, potatoes, bananas and many more for around $1 per pound. The first 40 people to attend the market get a voucher good for $5. Hot food is also available for people in need of a fast, hot lunch. The Farmer’s Market has music, movies and is pet-friendly. The market is not just for produce shopping. It is also a social gathering and is meant to be an enjoyable experience.
The idea for the Farmer’s Market started from staff members at Palo Alto. Nathan King, the Healthy Hub Coordinator, is in charge of implementing the Farmer’s Market and is passionate about this new market.
Mobile Mercado is one of the primary vendors and partners of the Farmer’s Market. Mobile Mercado is a mobile grocery store with the San Antonio Food Bank that offers fresh fruits and vegetables at a low cost. Students as well as community members can volunteer to help the market thrive.
“Vendors have no vendor fee attached, and we are always accepting applications for vendors,” said King.
Eating clean and staying healthy is important, especially during college with all the stress and busy schedules. It can be difficult to find time to fit in a healthy lifestyle. Fresh produce is essential to staying healthy and getting the correct nutrition.
With tuition to worry about and having families to feed, access to fruits and vegetables should not be a stressor. Many vendors on site will accept cash, debit, credit, SNAP, WIC, senior vouchers and sponsored vouchers.
Colleges try to look for ways to help their community and get students involved. This market is a way for people to learn about Palo Alto College and what it does for its students, staff and community.
For more information, students can go to the S.H.A.R.E Center, located in the Student Center, Room 101.
Molly Crisp 