Image provided by: Clackamas Community College; Oregon City, OR
About The Clackamas print. (Oregon City, Oregon) 1989-2019 | View Entire Issue (March 1, 2006)
4 Feature Clackamas Prin Wednesday, March 1, 2006 Bookstore lovin’ The Clackamas Bookstore director sets the record straight Derek Erikson The Clackamas Print Laura Cameron The Clackamas Print Most students do not see the Clackamas Bookstore as a pleas ant place. Its image is tarnished as a reminder of the massive amounts of money every student must shell out for books each term. David Holcomb, the director of the Bookstore, would like to change that. “We’re on your side,” Holcomb said. Holcomb, who is also in charge of the mail room and oversees Clackamas’ contract with its food vendor, has been the director of the Bookstore since June 2001. He says that running a bookstore is unlike other retail jobs. “Selling textbooks is unique because someone else chooses what we sell,” says Holcomb. “Then we have to go out and find the books. Obviously, we try to find as many used books as pos sible.” While many students might greet that with skepticism, Holcomb does understand the financial burden books put on students. “I’m getting my MBA at anoth er college,” Holcomb explains. “I don’t get a discount for work ing in a bookstore, so I know exactly how expensive textbooks can be.” The Clackamas Bookstore has several programs in place to help students out. One they began just this term is a five percent discount on all new books. They are also one of the first 30 bookstores in the country to start a digi tal book program, and they have an arrangement with Snap-On Racing to get automotive students the tools they need at a discount. “We’re trying to show we have SMYRC brings hope to LGBTQ teenagers Adam J. Manley Clackamas Print The teenage years are supposed to be the best years of one’s life, but for many young kids, it can be a time of intense confu sion, depression and pain. Coming-of-age for these teenagers means learning that they have a differ ent sexual orientation than what is considered “the norm.” Fortunately, there is an organization to help kids through troubled times. SMYRC, the Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center, is available to offer kids healthy alternatives instead of destroying them selves. For those under 23 that are confused or nervous about their new found sex uality, there is free coun seling available. SMYRC offers “assess ment, individual treatment, groups, couples and fam ily therapy” all at ho cost, according to their web site. Other than counseling they offer “skill building” groups such as art, writing, tutoring, etc. SMYRC also has social periods where youths can interact with other LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, Bookstore employee Ted Walker helps a customer with his purchase in the Clackamas Bookstore, located in McLoughlin. empathy,” Holcomb said. “We are open to try anything it takes to keep prices reasonable.” While coordinating orders, shipping and stocking is diffi cult, Holcomb and the rest of the bookstore staff pride themselves on keeping that difficulty from reaching the students. “Ideally, no one ever knows how hard it is to get the books on transsexual, and questions teens over a game of po( or while watching a movi There is also a full kitchf and a library; occasional! they have live shows and pe formances. The organization offer chances to volunteer or inter as well. Some of these volui teers are a part of “Bridge 1] a group that travels around t schools and teaches a worl shop about the issues faced! lesbians and gays in moder America. Workshops outline some) the proper terminology a how to use it. It explains rl difference between common! confused terms, such as "tran gender” and “transsexual.” The ultimate goal of tl workshops is to create i atmosphere that allows peop to open up and simply | themselves. SMYRC also works to ke battered youth out of pro titution, which is a comm problem amongst LGB1 teens that have been throi out of their homes because, the intolerance of their guan ians. People interested in hel ing out with SMYRC can vo unteer, donate money or item off of the organization wish list, or just spread i message of tolerance. For more information,? the SMYRC website at http www. smyrc. org. the shelves,” he says. “We want our customers to have a seamless process in getting their books.” Despite the financial stigma attached to the store, Holcomb enjoys his work. “Our purpose is to help people get an education,” Holcomb said. “Being able to see that happen ... well, it makes me feel really good.” • w A.'* ■ more J ¿rwtiri‘ I V (•1 Complete your Bachelor’s Degree Mil Accounting, Management, International Business, Business Information Systems, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts 8 Humanities, or RN to BSN, through Linfield College's Adult Degree Program. Classes meet online and evenings. 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