While shrinking school budgets are continuously limiting classroom experiences, students at Cosumnes River College are creating their own opportunities through the journal “Globus Mundi.”

As a product of the global studies department, “Globus Mundi” is a student operated academic journal covering current international issues and events.

“We wanted to take the knowledge we have obtained and express it to our fellow students,” said Holly Sanderson, a 19-year-old global studies and journalism major and editor of “Globus Mundi.” “We wanted to express the importance of understanding the events surrounding us as well as demonstrate the applications of our academic skills.”

Although partially found and overseen by Martin Morales, chair of the political science and global studies department, his role is relatively small.

“My job is to encourage the idea, support the student check for content and accuracy, but other than that, it’s entirely on the editor and student,” said Morales.

With its premiere issue, the journal focused on the historical uprising against undemocratic regimes within the Middle East come to be named “The Arab Spring.”

That specific content is a reflection of the student’s comprehension of revolution as well as the horrible conditions people in this area have been subjected to for years, said Morales.

Both Morales and Sanderson concur that while U.S. foreign policy plays an important role in the world, providing readers with valid alternate perspectives is the mission.

“This is a journal meant to show a different point of view, by covering the side of an issue from an American perspective we would be working against ourselves,” said Ryan Neach, 21, an international relations major. “You can get an American perspective on anything you see today by just turning on the 24 hour news channels.”

Sanderson stressed that given the complexity of the topics discussed, the journal demands pure quality from its writers.

“Writing skills are essential. Whether your argument is solid and up to standard, if the writing cannot communicate it effectively it will be tossed aside,” said Sanderson. “College is competitive, so we are only accepting the very best you can give us.”

By adhering to professional standards, the staff is supplying themselves with an invaluable experience in a job market of weakening opportunities.

“You’re getting useful skills outside the classroom so that when you do go to a job you can say ‘I’ve done editing, PR,’” said Anastasia Panagakos, professor of anthropology. “No one wants to hire people without any practical experience.”

For academia, “Globus Mundi” reaches the highest form of education by making dreams tangible, said Sanderson.

“I believe our goal has already been manifested,” said Sanderson. “As students we are not solely limited to reaching the standard level of education, and we can surpass it if we apply the skills we are provided
with.”