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College of DuPage's Student Newspaper

The Courier

College of DuPage's Student Newspaper

The Courier

Areej Khalid

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer

Content by Areej Khalid
Students create blankets at Doers and Donors event on Tue, Dec. 3.

Sharing Warmth: COD Community Give Back at Doers and Donors Event

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer December 9, 2024

To spread the holiday spirit of giving, the College of DuPage has fostered an atmosphere of camaraderie by inviting the public to create blankets for those served by the COD Fuel Pantry.  This past...

Relax in “Black Sands” of Bliss With This Atmospheric Album

Relax in “Black Sands” of Bliss With This Atmospheric Album

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer November 18, 2024

For college students whose minds are in a frenzy from deadlines, creative blocks, and everyday stress, “Black Sands” offers a comforting escape that blends funky beats and lush soundscapes, ideal for...

Insert Coin: A Journey Through Chicago’s Arcade Game Legacy

Insert Coin: A Journey Through Chicago’s Arcade Game Legacy

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer November 11, 2024

During the video game crash of 1983, marked by market saturation and poor-quality products, the arcade was declared dead—until Chicago-based Midway Games came and changed that.  Now, visitors to...

The Law Must Stand Up Against Cybercrime for All Sectors

The Law Must Stand Up Against Cybercrime for All Sectors

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer November 4, 2024

For months now our nation’s knowledge has been under attack from malicious hackers who have shut down whole databases for ransom. The most recent was the Oct. 8 hacks on archive.org, but there have also...

Millicent Kennedy presents at the MAC Playhouse Theatre.

Threads of Time: The Art of Archiving with Millicent Kennedy

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer October 21, 2024

When artist Millicent Kennedy’s textile class instructor introduced them to sewing objects into quilts, they were taken by the idea. It wasn’t just the act of sewing objects into quilts that captivated...

Antonio Ramirez presents at College of DuPage on Oct. 10.

Chronicling the Untold: The Rich History of Hispanics in the United States

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer October 14, 2024

For Antonio Ramirez, associate professor of history at Elgin Community College, his most prized possession is an eight-hour long audio CD of his late Mexican grandfather telling his life story. Ramirez...

Illustration by Catalina Dorado

Should You Listen to Music While Studying?

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer October 7, 2024

Have you ever scrolled on YouTube or Spotify and saw recommendations for “study beats,” “lofi beats,” or any similar “focus booster”? Music marketed as “beats to study to,” especially particular...

(Left to right) Osama Abdl-Haleem, Ben Norquist, Awad Sifri, and Deborah Adelman speak at the Voices of Resistance discussion panel.

“Voices of Resistance” Clamor for Peace in Middle East at Discussion Panel

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer September 30, 2024

On a large projector, three black-and-white photographs appear—one of a man and the other two of two young women. These are the relatives of Deborah Adelman, a professor emerita from the College of DuPage,...

Credit: Calibre

Calibre’s “Second Sun” Always Feels Like a First-Time Listen

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer September 23, 2024

Noted for its unique fusion of syncopated drumming, atmospheric synths and jazz-style instrumentation, the album “Second Sun” by musician and record producer Calibre remains a staple example of the...

Dr. Dimple Patel speaks to attendees.

Unbox Hope: Dr. Dimple Patel on Her Journey to Mental Health Enlightenment

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer September 16, 2024

Originally a biology student in college, Dr. Dimple Patel, at first, did not initially reflect on mental health let alone expect to dedicate her life and career to mental health awareness. Her current...

A COD library desktop computer with ChatGPT open.

COD English Department Adapting to Generative AI in the Classroom

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer September 9, 2024

You may recall units and lessons on media literacy from your English classes, which discussed concepts such as detecting bias and evaluating sources. Now with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) on...

Graphic by Catalina Dorado.

What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer August 26, 2024

For centuries, humans around the globe have used natural remedies to cure various ailments, including herbs, supplements and massage therapy. In today’s world of advanced mainstream medicine, do such...

Graphic by Areej Khalid

Cosplay is an Art— Not a Lookalike Contest

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer August 12, 2024

Picture yourself walking in an interesting convention, perhaps a comic con or anime convention, and passing by uniquely dressed attendees who somehow look so familiar. When taking a closer look at them,...

Historical Time Capsules: The Significance of Lost Media

Historical Time Capsules: The Significance of Lost Media

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer July 29, 2024

Imagine if the Library of Alexandria were burned down in our modern day once again— all its written works, references and art forms from across history lost to time, never to be documented or viewed...

Graphic made by Sara Spampinato

How Can Students Stay Frugal Today Amidst Rising Prices?

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer July 15, 2024

You gasp at your recent bank statement. You didn’t expect your gas, food and other costs would take up so much of your balance within such a narrow timeframe. You are trying to save up for future expenses,...

Credit: Nintendo/Akira Himekawa

Does Himekawa’s “A Link to the Past” LINK Back Well to Its PAST Source?

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer July 1, 2024

Noted for its immersive gameplay, memorable soundtrack, and excellent worldbuilding, “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” remains a fan favorite among the series’ 2-D entries, even after three...

A presentational video on Juneteenth plays at COD's Open House.

Juneteenth Open House Educates on History and Significance

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer June 17, 2024

Captivating visuals of historical figures and incidents symbolizing freedom and equality were displayed on the large projectors in accompaniment with audio over speakers about Black American history as...

Demonstraters protest for a ceasefire at Michigan Avenue on Oct. 21.

More than A Viral Video: The Layers of Struggle Palestinian Journalists Endure

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer June 3, 2024

Imagine recording earnest messages for millions across the globe to see amidst destruction, poverty and imminent danger from airstrikes and bombs. This is the reality Palestinian journalists are forced...

Stephanie Touzalin speaks to COD students in the Health and Science Center. (Photo by Areej Khalid)

Wings and Windows: COD and Willowbrook Wildlife Center Inform Public on Bird Collisions

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer May 6, 2024

Large, tall windows are a popular trend in modern city architecture, creating rooms that feel spacious and calming. But did you know that such windows pose a serious hazard to migrating birds across the...

COD staff and students gather to collaborate during Phase III of the Water Bottle Art Project.

Unite to Upcycle: Finalized Water Bottle Art Project on Display

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer April 29, 2024

An abstract, elegant arrangement of colorful spirals adorned the cylindrical base of the upcycled fixture organized by COD Cares. Hands and plastic ribbons united at Phase III of the Water Bottle Art Project...

Students cut painted plastic water bottles into ribbons.

COD Cares Hosts Phase II of Water Bottle Art Project

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer April 22, 2024

In commemoration of Earth Day, COD Cares is preparing a ribbon-like fixture for display on campus by the COD greenhouse, except the ribbons are not made from fabric— they are made from plastic.  This...

COD students paint water bottle interiors for Phase I of the Repurpose Water Bottle Art Project.

From Unwanted to Upcycled: COD Cares Hosts Water Bottle Art Project

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer April 15, 2024

Approximately 79% of all plastic that has ever been made remains in landfills to this day. Plastic water bottles, a major pollutant, are constantly found strewn in natural habitats and dumped in the ocean,...

Photo by Elizabeth Barbosa

Physical Books, E-Books or Audiobooks: Which is Better?

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer April 8, 2024

Consider purchasing just about any novel in the modern day and you will find it available in a variety of formats: a physical copy, a narrated audio, or a digital copy you can read from a mobile device. Do...

Chris Sancomb demonstrates his marble scuplture entitled "Every star eclipsed at the same time," 34 x 26 in

Celestial Sculptures: Chris Sancomb’s Art Intersects with Science

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer March 11, 2024

We often think of art and science as remotely different disciplines. Artist and designer Chris Sancomb fuse the two harmoniously in ways that allow people to learn and interact with abstract scientific...

Demonstrators hold Palestinian flags at a Nov. 12 protest on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Ill.

Selective Sympathy Amounts to Hypocrisy

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer March 4, 2024

Recently, the BBC has published two articles, one of which contains the headline “Ukraine war: Baby killed in Russian strike on Kharkiv hotel” and the other article titled “Hind Rajab, 6, found dead...

“Zelda: Ocarina of Time” Reimagined as a Manga

“Zelda: Ocarina of Time” Reimagined as a Manga

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer February 26, 2024

While looking for ideas regarding new relaxing activities to do before bed via the internet, I came across a manga adaptation of the classic video game “Zelda: Ocarina of Time” written and illustrated...

Strokes of Serenity: Art Therapy Event for Black History Month

Strokes of Serenity: Art Therapy Event for Black History Month

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer February 19, 2024

The calming piano notes and drums of experimental beat jazz music welcomed and soothed attendees who picked up brushes, gathered paint on paper plates and collectively painted on large canvases against...

Persevering to Preserve African Culture: A Celebration of Black History Month on Campus

Persevering to Preserve African Culture: A Celebration of Black History Month on Campus

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer February 12, 2024

Intricate drumming, energetic dances and messages of resilience took center stage at this year’s Black History Month Opening Celebration at COD’s Atrium in the SSC. Attendees clapped in organized patterns...

College of Dupage president Dr. Brian W. Caputo speaks during the ceremony.

Students and Faculty on Caputo’s Presidency: Perseverance-Driven Leadership

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer February 5, 2024

When COD students or faculty members are asked about President Brian Caputo’s leadership style, their answers share one aspect in common: the recollection of his evident care and compassion for the COD...

COD Newsroom

Caputo’s Presidency in Retrospect: Prioritizing Achievement and Student Success

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer January 29, 2024

As his presidency nears its conclusion in the coming months, Brian Caputo reflects on his work as President of COD in the past five and a half years, the experiences that defined his contributions, and...

A Re-Arranged Anomaly of The “Zelda: Ocarina of Time” OST

A Re-Arranged Anomaly of The “Zelda: Ocarina of Time” OST

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer December 11, 2023

​​If you have ever played the video game “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” you likely vividly remember the memorable— and sometimes emotional— songs that accompanied you as you journeyed...

Free Speech on College Campuses and What It Entails

Free Speech on College Campuses and What It Entails

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer December 4, 2023

Students across the nation gather to raise their voices in support of peace and justice amidst the ongoing war in Palestine and Israel. However, they have faced challenges. Jewish students of Brown University...

Oxfam Hunger Banquet Simulates Starvation for COD Students

Oxfam Hunger Banquet Simulates Starvation for COD Students

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer November 20, 2023

Have you ever attended a gathering in which you were purposefully served significantly less food compared to other guests? This is exactly what occurred at College of DuPage’s Oxfam Hunger Banquet...

Entrance to COD Discussion Panel

COD Hosts Discussion Panel Informing Attendees on History of Israel and Palestine


Areej Khalid, Staff Writer November 13, 2023

College of DuPage recently hosted a faculty discussion that, according to some students who attended, fell short of expectations to elaborate on current and relevant information. The panel was entitled...

Local Hate Crimes Rise Amid International Adversity

Local Hate Crimes Rise Amid International Adversity

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer November 6, 2023

Editor's Note: This piece uses an anonymous source under the name Ester Levi. The reason the source is anonymous is for the protection of the source's well-being from personal attacks. The source's identity...

The Prevalence and Potential Dangers of AI on Campus

The Prevalence and Potential Dangers of AI on Campus

Areej Khalid, Staff Writer October 30, 2023

Be honest: have you ever visited ChatGPT, ChatSonic or a similar website to assist with your homework assignment? The capabilities of such sites surely make such consultations tempting. For over a...

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