It was the Saturday morning right after Relay for Life when the Chinese Student Club and various ECC faculty members got themselves together in a boat on a rainy day to compete at the St. Charles River Fest Annual Dragon Boat Race. During the entire morning we got drenched with water as we struggled to get to the finish line faster than the other team could. The Steel Dragons, the Kishwakee YMCA, and the World Dragons all where looking to get to the finish line in the least amount of time possible. Most of us, the ECSea’ers, where fairly new and managed to win a couple of races before going out for lunch all drenched in wet clothes.

Although it was raining my favorite part was the time we had to brainstorm better techniques for an effective rowing for our next race and the excellent Chinese desserts we had in between races.  The afternoon turned out to be quite different after the sun came out, suddenly the entire park opened up with different activities and events. Rowing has never been my hobby, but I definitely enjoyed participating at the races, and seeing the enthusiasm of my team mates and all the other teams. I really never thought a “Dragon Boat”, which weighs slightly over a ton, could move so quickly.  

The ECSea’ers ended up winning the 4^th place for the Lizards division this year. If you are interested in being part of the rowing team of ECC or you just love water sports please contact me or Dr. Mao at mruch@elgin.edu

...exiting...luminarias...fun...creative...magical...amazing...inspiring...camping...free...events...music...

Last week ECC dressed up in White, Purple and teal. We where celebrating our annual Relay for Life. Students from different Relay clubs, got together for a night of fun activities, smores, and camping. I was in charge of the CPB/USAC/SG table(s), and talking about being at three places at once, I had to take a break to look for my luminaria. For those of you who do not know what a Luminaria is; it is a lighted candle that is places along the track and has the name of one of your relative that either survived, or died from cancer.

The night was filled with music, from the winners of the Battle of the Bands; performances from Devil's Persuasion, who won the Annual Dance Performance, and different activities. What people like the most about this event is that you get to share the feeling that you/we are taking a small step on the research against cancer. All these sum up in great accomplishments to millions that are still waiting in hospitals to find a cure.

My favorite part about relay, is that through out the year clubs are continously donating and fundraising for this event. During this 12 hour long event, students get to sum up all of their accomplishments and find the grand total that will go towards a cure against cancer. At the same time, you have inflatable attractions like the brand new Boxing Ring, and the Sumo fighting suits, and who could forget the water dunk tank, all purchased through the department of Student Life for the development of student involvement and activities.

Next year, don;t you miss out the fun, or you'll regret not knowing what went on at Relay for Life.

...colorfull...imaginative...creative...fundraising...donations...caring...encouraging...compassionate...

.........it is a way to involve you in the research for a cure against a disease..........

 ...........................and at the same time help a person with cancer......................

These are the words that circled in my mind yesterday, when I got to drive [on] one of ECC’s Hybrid cars. To the naked eye, they are simple compact and regular cars. Even though you might pass these references of the car through your mind you are really seeing a part of the whole, and making a definitely wrong assumption. ECC recently received these two new hybrid cars, each with different features and capacities. Once you get on one of these it is most likely that you won’t want to step out of the car. Let’s put it in simpler terms; from my perspective they give the term “Drive – Thru” a whole new meaning! You are not just enjoying a meal, but enjoying as you drive - thru.

These cars are a great advantage to all the students that are in the automotive program here at ECC. They will help train and instruct students with the latest technological innovations. Not to despite the fact that we might be seeing more people switching to hybrid cars in the future, and putting our community in the need of technicians and engineers to help fix them. Besides just being an advantage to the automotive mechanics, students will learn more about the air conditioning system of the car, and the software operated part that is incorporated within them.    

To give you a short overview of the cars and their potential, let me tell you they have everything you’ve ever wished for. They come with a back up security camera, so you can see on a screen what is clearly behind you. Most of the features on the car’s dashboard are electronic, or operated by a central software. The cars turn on with the press of a button, and believe me or not there is literally no key needed to start the engine. The car I drove [on] had two motors, one of them is a regular combustion engine and complimented with an electric engine. Both of these engines power a battery that gives life to this ingenious design. I might be wrong on some of these features, do to the fact that I am not an automotives fan. If you have any other questions feel free to contact any of automotive faculty members.

Don’t forget that when ever you need me to run an errand for you, I will be honored to do it for you on one of these Hi-Brid cars.   

As most of you might know by now, ECC has a board of trustees. To most people who are faced with the simple reality and nature of the word, there seems to be no further connection or reference. At the beginning it might seem quite complicated, but it really is not. We could assimilate it to the House of Representatives, Congress, or Senate. Whether, it be one way or the other, you must understand that the board of trustees, represent the ECC district 509 at a local, state, nation wide, and if necessary at an international level. It is composed of 8 members from our community that have been elected by the residents of the district. Of these 8 representatives, or trustees, there is a student trustee who is in charge of representing the students of the community.

The board also helps coordinate activities and make decisions for the best of the school, the community and the students. This year, with our successful referendum, we will be able to start putting hands on the drastic decisions that will improve the students learning, their skills, and opportunities to find a job in our local area. Other important tasks that the board of trustees has to work upon, are the FY10 budgets for our school, making decisions on the usage of our economical and infrastructural resources, overseeing the welfare of our students and members of our community.

It might seem that there are few or no possibilities for the students to engage or participate with the board. Despite this common belief, the Board of trustees likes to hear comments, and great achievements from the students. This and other recognitions that ECC has won throughout the years helps the board make decisions to continue these traditions that are of great reputation to our college. Students are more than welcome to come to an ECC board of trustees meeting to get to know our local representatives. We meet every second Tuesday of the month, at 7:00 p.m. in the Siegel Auditorium. If you have any questions, feel free to post a comment, or drop me a line at mruch@elgin.edu.

    

What to do with all this free time?

Some people always debate on what to do with all their free time. And it is not the case, that getting used to a lot of free time can actually overburn your neurons. Don't you think? Whether it is traveling, reading, going out for a movie, bloggin!, dinning out, or just speaking with a friend over the phone. Well, student at ECC are not the exeption, but life on campus is notoriously slow.

I wish I where on an abandoned Island, with a beach house and all the commodities possible. on the other hand, I am in an abandoned Office, with some commodities pertainably available. It is not the case for most of us. Although the majority of the students are off for the summer or already transfering. Despite that fact; ECC is still offering other activities which are worth mentioning. These activities might not recieve as much recognition as the fall or spring activities do, but they are a great way to make of this summer an unforgettable one.

• First off, we have Relay for life comming up, this will be a 12 hour long, non stop, fun making, unlimitted, free event. If you are ready to fight against cancer this is the event for you!!
• Second, the Chinese Student Club is participating at the St. Charles Dragon Boat competition. If you are a person who likes to experience the adrenaline, and burn off those extra calories at once you are more than welcome to join us for our event.
• Thirdly, don't forget BSA has been having a food drive and they still have thier boxes out, so don't hesitate to participate.
•  Fourthly, ECC is having a Cadillac Golf, which is being sponsored by the ECC foundation to raise money for our students. "Go Foundation"
• Fifth, if you are feeling board or have nothing to do over  the weekend, invite your friends and family to the Arts Center theater presentations. You'll be amazed at all the talent both professionals and ECC students have for the stage.
• Sixth, school might be kind of lonesome but that is not an excuse to stop by and get your book for the fall, or apply for financial aid. Doing things sooner is better than never doing them.

Well, guys enjoy your summer, and don't overdue it.

Dear Family, and Friends of Elgin Community College,

Our semester is about to come to an end.Student Government will be haivng their last meeting tomorrow from 2-3 p.m. in the community room and refreshments will be served (until supplies last). It has been a great experience getting to work with all of you throughout the year. At the same time we hope you enjoyed the CPB summer kick off that was hosted today at the spartan lake front. It was awesome, they had the new inflatables that student life just bought! I had to try out the dunk tank. I  must say that the water was cold, but it is too hard to regret being dunked after you are in the water. People enjoyed the sumo fighter ring and many other atractions. I hope that you are all ready for your finals, but most importantly to enjoy the summer.