Life
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The Guide To A Fun Local Spring Break
Almost every movie that has ever included spring break sees the characters ending up in Miami, or anywhere with a beach for that matter. But for those who end up staying here in Kansas, don’t fret–there are plenty of fun things to do during spring break in Johnson County and Kansas City
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When Art Meets Adversity, Michael Brantley’s Story Of Creating Meaningful Pieces While Battling Sarcoidosis
Art and adversity usually go hand in hand. We often think we have to go through something traumatic for something to be beautiful or looked at as worthy, but one aspect that is often overlooked is hope. Artist Michael Brantley is very familiar with adversity–not only as a black man in America, but as someone…
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Faculty Friday: From JCCC Student To Professor, Meet Dawn Gale
Have you ever thought about the difference between right and wrong? Morality, ethical questions, questions about organ donation, euthanasia and capital punishment? What about the existence of God and whether creation and evolution are compatible?
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Prepare To Have A Safe Spring Break With Student Activities’ “POP-UP: Safe Spring Break”
Spring break is nearly here, and while we all deserve to cut loose and have some fun, it’s important to not forget to look out for each other in the midst of all the merrymaking. With that in mind, JCCC’s Student Life & Leadership team is hosting a Spring Break Safety pop-up event in Fountain…
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Get Into The Minds Of Serial Killers With Dr. Scott Bonn
Did you know that you are statistically more likely to die from a vending machine falling on you than you are to die from a serial killer? Dr. Scott Bonn, a statistic-loving criminologist, focuses on serial killers, their unique motivations and what drives them to often seek public attention and notoriety.
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The Gary Sinise Foundation Honors 80 Years Of Valor
Take a look at the highlights from this year’s Gary Sinise Foundation Veterans Panel, as it honors 80 years of valor.
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The Messenger Mic’d Up Tries Yoga
Hello Viewers! Welcome back to another episode of Main Mic. Join Harper, Zach, and a new guest, Emily, as they all go try out the yoga club here at JCCC. Learn what the club has to offer, when you can go, and why you should be going. After, join them back in the studio as…
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The Messenger Recaps The 2026 Black Student Union Community Day
A short recap of JCCC’s Black Student Union Community Day 2026!
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Faculty Friday: Professor Sykora Uses His Love For Language To Make The World Make More Sense
As a poet and professor of poetry and creative writing who’s been in the Kansas City area for five and a half years now, Bob Sykora uses his love for language to make the world make more sense to his students.
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How To College: How To Get Yourself Studying Reddit-Style, Premier Theatre Experience At JCCC, & How To Go From Intern To Brand Manager
As a student, I go through the procrastination phases just like all of you. But I finally get tired of the brain fog and want to “lock in.” And no, I’m not talking about a gym routine (even though they may also help). I’m talking about the good ol’ reddit ‘r/GetStudying’ page.
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March’s Great Book Series Illustrates How The Deaf Community Experiences The World
Did you know that JCCC is located near the Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD), and that the surrounding community has a very large deaf population? Well, Chair and Professor of American Sign Language (ASL)/Deaf Studies Kimberly Kuhns just so happens to be one of those individuals, and on March 4, 2026, she will be…
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Retro Revival Event Gives A Second Life To Clothes
On Wednesday, March 4, JCCC will be hosting over 10 vendors in the MTC building for “Retro Revival.” The event is a group effort between its three organizers: the Student Activities Department, the Center for Sustainability and the Fashion Merchandising and Design Department. The event runs from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will include…
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Faculty Friday: Nate Herron Provides His Voice
JCCC students who have been to a sporting event in Kansas City over the last decade, other than a Royals game, have heard his voice over the public address system. He is the public address announcer for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Current, Kansas City Monarchs, the University of Kansas and the Kansas City…
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Old School Meets New School: JCCC Presents Type-65 Replica
Follow Messenger Reporters for an inside chat with the students and faculty of the Automotive Tech Program and their big activity for Spring semester 2026.
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How To College: The Cherry Orchard, A Conversation With Author Andrea Stewart, Retro Clothing Fair, & Bank Or Credit Union
Last Friday night, “The Cherry Orchard,” a play by Anton Chekov, opened at the Bodker black box theater. Tickets “sold out,” and if you want to know why, you can see it on Friday the 27 or Saturday the 28 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday March 1 at 2:00 p.m. Admission is free, first come…
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The Main Mic Talks JCCC Blood Drive & Wattpad Stories
Hello Viewers! Welcome back to another episode of Main Mic. Today, Harper and Mckenzie talk about events happening on the JCCC Campus. One of these events being the JCCC Bloodrive. Harper and Mckenzie share their opinions on needles and blood, but also all of the benefits to supporting the cause. Later on, hear what updates…
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JCCC’s Advanced Video Production Class Talks AI In Music
JCCC’s Advanced Video Production class asked students their thoughts on AI in music. They then followed by a discussion with professor Danny Alexander and a fun “Which Song Is AI” game.
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JCCC Veteran And Military Resource Center To Honor War Veterans
JCCC students looking to learn more about war veterans and their stories will be able to gather in the Regnier Center, RC 101, on Monday, Feb. 23, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. for Service Stories: 80 years of service.
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Faculty Friday: How Falling In Love With Math In 5th Grade Led To A Career For Professor McChesney
Imagine you’re sitting in your fifth-grade math class learning about fractions, and all of a sudden, everything just clicks. This may not be the case for everyone, but for Professor Theresa McChesney, this was the reality.
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JCCC’s Black Student Union Provides Community To All Students
The Black Student Union Brings Community to all Students Inclusion means creating a space for everyone. On JCCC’s campus, the Black Student Union does just that, opening its doors to all who want to make friends and have fun while learning more about Black history and culture. Through weekly meetings and bigger events, the Black…
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How To College: Benefits Of The Associate’s Degree, Tips For Nutritious Meals On A Budget, & $10 Teeth Cleanings At JCCC
JCCC’s student body is a diverse group of people with varying goals. Some of us are here to explore new interests, and others already know exactly what they want to study.
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The Main Mic Talks AI In Classrooms
Hello Viewers! Welcome back to another episode of Main Mic. Join Harper and Mckenzie with special guest Kennedy on the podcast today. Join them all as they traverse the touchy topic of AI within the learning environment.
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How To College: A Sweet Treat For Valentine’s Eve, Get A College Life In The County, Spring 2026 Wellness Series Drop-In Classes, MTC’s Winterlude Festival, & Plan Your Future With The Career Development Center
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the JCCC Student Lounge will be hosting another fun, and interactive event. Students can attend the Cotton Candy and Chorus event on Feb. 13 from 12 -2 p.m. in GEB 154, the Student Lounge.
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The Main Mic Kicks Off Season 3
Hello Viewers! Welcome back to another season of Main Mic! Welcome to Season 3 of Main Mic, another spectacular season awaits. Harper and Mckenzie are happy to be back, with tons of new plans for this podcast.
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Mental Health At JCCC, Is The College Doing Enough?
According to the Healthy Minds survey, over 50% of students say that their financial situation is stressful, and 20% say they do not believe they fit in on campus. What is the Healthy Minds survey, and is JCCC doing the most they can to combat these issues students are facing?
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The Messenger Reviews: Harry Styles’ Aperture
Aperture. Harry Styles. Two of my interests, photography and Harry Styles, in one place, and I couldn’t be more excited. I have impatiently waited for new music from Styles since 2022, after the release of Harry’s House, and it’s going to be hard to top that album, in my opinion.
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Why JCCC Needs More Than Online Chess
For Matt Garcia, a University of Houston student, the game of chess isn’t played in silence behind a screen—it’s a physical gathering. Twice a week, he joins his peers for six hours of face-to-face play, motivated by the “irreplaceable value of physical community.” That intentional, structured connection is not a relic of a bygone era;…
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JCCC Archives Preserve College History
Tucked away at the end of a hallway on the third floor, just above the library, are the Johnson County Community College (JCCC) Archives. What started as conventional record keeping when the college campus opened would become an official function of the college as a part of the library in the 1980s, and has continued…
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Your Guide For Holiday Break Fun
With the holidays coming soon and a long break on the horizon for many students, days that used to be filled with school can now be filled with holiday activities. Here are a few things you can do this break to fill your time:
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JCCC Crime Prevention Officer Provides Tips To Secure Your Information Online
The internet is a medium that has been well-integrated into our lives. However, like many things in life, it’s better to play it safe. Online safety is something that most of us think we have a handle on, but with ongoing innovations and the introduction of AI, it doesn’t hurt to follow up on your…
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Share Your 2026 Goals At The Collective Imagining Circle
New Year’s is right around the corner. With that in mind, it’s time to begin thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Artist Amy Kligman organized The Salon for Possible Futures, an interactive gallery space and community gathering location, which will be holding a Collective Imagining Circle in the Nerman Museum’s Oppenheimer New Media Gallery on Dec.…
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JCCC’s WHCA Building Prepares Students For Different Careers In The Culinary World
The art of pastries, savory dishes and management are all taught in the same, delicious-smelling building. The WHCA building on campus is the home of multiple programs like the Chef Apprenticeship, Hotel and Lodging Management, Food and Beverage Management, and Pastry/Baking, and no, it’s not like Gordon Ramsey’s “Hell’s Kitchen”.
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The FADS Building Offers A Blank Canvas For Artists
“To me, it’s all one piece,” Garry tells me. “There is no beginning, and there is no end”. Garry Noland is not a student here at JCCC, but an artist in the FADS building on campus. The Unorganized Territory spills across its white walls in deep reds, greens, and electric purples and blues. Every piece…
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The Main Mic Wishes You Happy Holidays
Hello Listeners! Welcome back to Main Mic. In the final episode of the Semester, join Harper, Mckenzie, and Zach. Enjoy listening to them ramble about what they are going to be doing over break. With a sprinkle of a famous debate being thrown into the mix, this is not an episode you will forget. Enjoy…
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The Latest And Best Discounts Using Your JCCC Student ID
Being a student can really stretch your patience, time management skills and budget, but it also comes with some surprising perks. This year, JCCC students have a huge variety of discounts using their student ID card. Here are some of the best student discounts to use in college during 2025.
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JCCC’s LUNA Supports Latino Communities Around Kansas City
JCCC hosts a diverse student body on campus, and it’s shown through the many clubs and associations around campus. Some of these clubs’ only requirements are to be a JCCC student, and they hope you’ll join to learn more about their culture. Latinos Unite Now and Always, also known as “LUNA,” is one of these…
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The JCCC MakerLab Provides Tools & Equipment To Fabricate Items
Imagine you’re in a graphic design class and get assigned a project where you need a laser cutter 3D printer and you don’t have access to those pieces of equipment. How will you ever get your project done? Luckily for you, those items are available on campus.
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Go Behind The Scenes Of JCCC’s Fashion Program
After following the student makeover in Part 1, Hallway To Runway Part 2 takes you behind the scenes of JCCC’s Fashion Program with staff and student interviews.
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Musician Caden Asher Shares His Story With The Messenger’s Student Stories
Hello Listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Student Stories. Today Jen interviews a fellow music major here on campus. Get to know Caden Asher, and what he has in store for his listeners. Learn his story of how he became a musician.
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Start Your Weekends The Fun Way With Called To Greatness’ Fun Fridays
Friday is like the preview to the start of the weekend. The club, Called To Greatness, calls it Fun Friday. Every week. club members play all kinds of games during lunch from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Around 10 to 20 students usually show up to play, and you can bring your own…
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JCCC Floral Program Prepares Students For More Than Just Design
Have you ever been interested in flowers and the process of growing or designing them? In the entire state of Kansas, there is only one place where you can learn the art of wedding floral design, wholesale, and growing. In these small, intimate classes, you’ll quickly feel like your classmates are family.
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The Main Mic Gets You Ready For Finals & Thanksgiving Break
Hello Listeners! Welcome back to Main Mic. Join Harper and Mckenzie as they talk about everyone’s favorite time of year, finals. Get to know all of the different methods that you can use on campus to get ready for finals. Afterwards, learn what Harper and Mckenzie are up to during Thanksgiving break.
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Faculty Friday: From JCCC Tutor To Professor, Meet Aaron Gibbs
For some people, math can be their most dreaded subject. Many don’t enjoy the complex concepts and brain power it can take to solve a simple equation. But, for statistics professor Aaron Gibbs, math is the subject that kick-started his career as a JCCC professor.
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Show Your Best Moves At JCCC’s Afro Boogie
A big party is coming to the Regnier Center. Afro Boogie, hosted by the African Caribbean Student Association, will be held on Friday, Nov. 21, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. in room 101. A disco-themed night that promotes cultural exchange, community bonding, and artistic celebration.
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JCCC Student Gets A Makeover From A Fashion Student
For part one on our first ever segment of Hallway to Runway, let students from Michael Price’s Advanced Video Production class show off JCCC’s Fashion Students skills.
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JCCC Alumni Liz Nixon Joins Student Stories To Talk Graphic Design
Hello Listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Student Stories. Join Jen as she interviews an Alumni of JCCC. Get to know Liz and what she is doing after her time here at JCCC. Learn about graphic design from Liz herself, and even how you can find and hire her.
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Student Senate Joins The Main Mic To Talk JCCC Gives
Hello Listeners! Welcome back to Main Mic. Join Harper as she brings on some special guests from the Student Senate here at JCCC. Gain knowledge about the program known as JCCC Gives by Student Senate members Ambreen and Tony. Alongside that, learn more about what the Student Senate is and even how you can join.
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RideKC Blue Bus System Provides JCCC Students With Free Transportation Around The Metro
Imagine you’re all out of gas and you really don’t want to go to the gas station before class in the morning. Lucky for you, JCCC partnered with RideKC, and anyone can ride for free on the KC Metro area bus route.
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JCCC’s Fitness Center Takes Care Of Student Wellness
Discover the many resources offered by the JCCC Fitness Center and Student Wellness.
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Faculty Friday: Meet Professor Beth Gulley
Welcome to Faculty Friday, our new weekly way to involve faculty and you, the students. Every week, we will be featuring a new faculty member, nominated by you. To kick off the series, let’s introduce Professor Beth Gulley, an English Professor here at JCCC.
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JCCC Student Is Excited About Jury Duty
For anyone who’s lived here for a while, you more than likely know that there’s a chance you might get summoned for jury duty. It’s something most people try to avoid, but it’s something that we are taught is central to our democracy. That being said, some actually want to be a part of it.…
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From Tomboy To Fashion Designer, Addie Dahl Joins Student Stories
Hello Listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Student Stories. Today, Jen interviews a fashion design student here on campus. Get to know Addie and her journey of getting to where she is now. Get to know some of the things Addie does to be the best designer she can be, and how you can…
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JCCC’s Student Basic Need Center Helps Students During SNAP Benefits Delays And Beyond
Have you ever heard of SNAP, or more commonly, food stamps? If not, SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, “provides nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and households via a monthly benefit,” according to USDA.
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JCCC’s Animation Club Offers Connection-Building Experience
What do animation, axolotls and college have in common? Well, the JCCC Animation Club has paired them all together into one wonderful connection-building experience for students that may not usually have that otherwise.
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The Main Mic Talks Anti-Bullying Week With Student Life Ambassador Suraya
Hello Listeners! Welcome back to Main Mic. Join Harper and Mckenzie as they bring on a special guest on the first segment of today’s episode. Engage with Suraya, a Student Life Ambassador here on campus, as she talks about the anti-bullying week starting up. Afterwards, join Harper and Mckenzie as they talk about on-campus events.
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Juggling Motherhood And School: Student Stories Welcomes Jordan Callies
Hello Listeners! Welcome back to Season 2 of Student Stories on The Messenger Mic’d Up! Today, join Jen as she interviews a fellow mother and student here at JCCC. Get to know Jordan and her story of becoming a young mother to becoming a student at JCCC.
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The Academic Resource Center Offers Tutoring And Studying Resources To JCCC Students
Have you ever felt overwhelmed, lost or frustrated with coursework? Especially those infamous math, science and writing classes? Then it may be time to pop into the first floor of the library. No matter how frustrated you feel, JCCC wants you to succeed, and the Academic Resource Center and the Academic Achievement Center are the…
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The Messenger’s Main Mic Explores The College’s Haunted Theaters
Hello Listeners! Welcome to a special spooky episode of The Main Mic. It’s Halloween! Join Harper, Mckenzie, Zach (and maybe some special guests) as they explore the Theaters of JCCC. Harper brought along some ghost equipment and let’s just say things get spooky.
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The Messenger’s One-On-One With JCCC’s Jean-Claude: What Is The Story Behind The Mask?
He’s known by many names. The Cavalier, the mascot, the funny hat guy–most importantly, he is Jean Claude, and this JC is the ambassador of our JCCC. But really, who is Jean Claude? Who is behind the mask? And how did an English soldier make it to Johnson County Community College?
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Transitioning From Homeschooled To College Student … Student Stories Is Back
Hello Listeners! Welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of Student Stories on The Messenger Mic’d Up! Join Jen, our host, as she interviews a fellow classmate of hers. Get to know Sarianna and her journey from being a homeschooled student to coming to a public college for the first time.