Ranger AMARILLO COLLEGE’S NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1930
VOLUME 89 | ISSUE 7
January 31, 2019
Enrollment decreases By MARIA VALLES Staff Reporter
LAUREN EBBEN | The Ranger
Through new programs held in the greenhouse on the Washington Street Campus, incuding the recently approved bioltechnology degree, students can learn how to grow plants without soil.
New degrees approved By LAUREN EBBEN Staff Reporter
The Amarillo College board of regents has approved three new degree programs. The programs, approved Jan. 22, include two associate degrees in biotechnology and data science and an associate of applied science degree as a diesel transportation technician. Dr. Claudie Biggers, a biology professor who leads the grant that sparked this new degree, presented the biotechnology program to the board. This is the fourth degree introduced to the college as a part of the STEM Research Center grant and will allow students lab
research opportunities that they can take with them to university. While the program is new, Biggers said that the courses will remain much of the same as existing degree programs with only two new classes, BIOTECH 1414 and BIOTECH 1415, created for this degree. “The great thing about the program we put together is if they change their mind, a lot of the core is the same, so students just have to change their major course requirements,” Biggers said. Penelope Davis, chair of mathematics, presented the associate degree in data science. The degree was developed in response to requests from businesses in the community.
“It incorporates the needs of our community for students to be ready to go with an associate degree to interpret the massive amounts of data that technology is bringing to us daily,” Davis said. The degree is created out of existing courses, with a few courses brought back from inventory. Jerry Terry, the department chair for logistic and transportation, spoke about the associates of applied science degree as a diesel transportation technician. Terry described the degree as a “perfect marriage between two well-established programs,” using existing classes in the logistics training program and the
diesel technology program to complete it. These shared classes make the process more versatile. Rather than a step-by-step process, students will be allowed to jump around in-between each of the two programs. “Our students that want to be owner-operators someday would benefit greatly from this program if they can service and repair their own trucks,” Terry said. In addition to these three degree plans, the board also reviewed an update on the master plan, an improvement planning project that looks over the college’s programs, buildings and space and equipment use.
Amarillo College enrollment rates are falling. The total number of students enrolled has decreased by 600, or about 6 percent, compared to this time last year, according to Robert Austin, vice president of enrollment management. This decline could become a disaster if enrollment continues to drop in the next three or four years, Austin said. “I have some theories about why students might have reenrolled at lower rates this spring and one of the things we think might be at work here is that jobs are so plentiful here in this general area,” Austin, said. “People are making more than they ever made before.” AC staff members are taking action and working hard to get as many students back in classes, said Austin. “We have folks here in the office that are making outbound calls to approximately 1,400 students who applied to start for the spring semester who are not currently enrolled.” College officials are also trying to contact former students who have not returned this semester. “We will be encouraging them to consider getting registered,” Austin said. Instructors said they are disappointed to see empty classrooms. “We are trying to maintain the class size for 24 students and having less than that is disappointing,” Nadia Suleiman, a biology instructor, said. Austin said enrollment is expected to increase for the second eight weeks of this spring semester.
State budget proposal shows increase for AC By STEVI BRESHEARS
Editor in Chief
Preliminary proposals for the new Texas state budget show an increase for Amarillo College funding and AC officials are reaching out to state lawmakers as the legislative session gets underway. President Russell Lowery-Hart and several regents recently made a trip to Austin. “Our regents really were the advocates, and they were remarkable in their ability to tell the AC story to advocate for our faculty, staff and students,” Lowery-Hart said. “They did an exceptionally good job advocating for our community and its college.” According to the Texas Association of Community Colleges, the three policy priorities for the current
legislative session are boosting community college funding, broadening access to dual credit and securing more funds for workforce education. “The only proposed legislation that’s out yet is the budget, proposed budgets by both the House and the Senate,” legislative chair Anette Carlisle said. “They both support community colleges.” The initially-proposed budgets show a funding increase for AC. “The initial budget proposal is bigger than any budget we’ve had from the state in a decade,” Lowery-Hart said. “Our initial legislative agenda was to go down and ask for more funding and ask for more grants in workforce and even ask for some funding for dual credit. After we saw the initial budget,
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The TACC has recommended a plan that would expand the opportunity for dual credit to more students in Texas. The statewide goal is for at least 30 percent of high school graduates to have earned at least 12 dual credit hours by 2030. “The concern we have with dual credit across the state is that some communities and their colleges, because they have such a huge tax base, —Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, don’t charge anything for Amarllo College president dual credit. Then, you have some schools that charge the full tuition and fees our legislative agenda is simply rate that any student would to ask them to maintain the pay, and we’re in the middle budget that they’ve proposed,” because our dual credit pays he said. “If they maintain the about half of what a typical budget that they’ve proposed, class would cost,” Lowerywe can manage the workplace Hart said. and dual credit concerns that “Across the state, there’s we have.”
Community colleges are the economic engine of our state.
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this real disparity in what communities can afford, so what we’re asking is for the state to kind of provide funding for the first 12-15 hours of every student’s dual credit pathway to provide some equity to what dual credit costs,” he said. Lowery-Hart also said that AC has some of its own goals for the session. “Our institutional goals are twofold: one is to remind legislators that community colleges are the economic engine of our state,” he said. “The second goal is to help legislators understand how innovative Amarillo College is being, so that they can see that higher ed is not stuck in ‘what was’ — we’re truly redefining higher education at Amarillo College and we want them to know we’re being innovative.”
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Opinion
2 | The Ranger January 31, 2019
Student Speak What’s on your mind?
Did you make a New Years Resolution? How's it going? “My New Year’s Resolution is to not let the negativity overtake the positive energy. So far it is good,”
CLORISA MENDOZA Business
Illustration by BRITTANY THRASHER | The Ranger
“I have to be nicer to
Time for a fresh start
people and treat people with kindness and do well with school,”
EDITORIAL
KENZIE DALLAS Education
““I’ve been trying to decide between two, one of being is to learn a new language, and the second to read more," HECTOR CASANOVA Business
Resolutions are hard OPINION
By JACOB MCGEE Staff Reporter
New Year's resolutions… every year a majority of us make them, succeed in keeping them for a couple of months and then burn out. Why don’t we follow through on these selfimprovement plans? Time, exhaustion, money and comfort are all major factors as to why people can’t and don’t keep their resolutions. Resolutions are hard to start and diligently keep up. It takes drive to see them through and, let’s face it, if you skip it once it’s easier to skip it the next time. Exhaustion is another
common roadblock. We just get tired of the routine. It loses its appeal and we give up. People also don’t stay on track with their resolutions because of lack of money. They either run out or spend it somewhere else. This results in putting the resolution on the back burner. Unfortunately, we always find something else to spend the money on. Lastly, this new activity puts us out of our comfort zone and our natural response is to rebel, which is what makes us give up or quit. New things are good for all of us as they stretch us into new growth. Resolutions fall into that category. When we are able to keep them, they show us what we can achieve if we stick with it. But, if we don’ t- or - can’t, keep them, it’s OK. There is always next year, I believe that taking them one step at a time each day makes the most sense. The journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single step… or roll I guess. You just have to have the courage to take it.
With the new year comes an interruption of your friends regularly scheduled Facebook posts. Suddenly, instead of the normal stream of lighthearted memes and political debates, our feeds are filled with an enticing mix of drunken selfies, New Year’s resolutions and the infamous “new year, new me” posts. For some reason, many people are bothered by this mindset. Maybe it’s because it’s so many people around us, trying all at once to accomplish their life goals just because January rolled around again. Perhaps it’s the fact that the gym is a little more crowded, or everyone is suddenly sharing
year with a clean slate, you can look back as the months go by at how far you’ve come since day one. Not everyone sticks to their resolutions, but setting firm goals and being able to easily track your progress is a step in the right direction. We’ve grown to judge each other so quickly. We see our peers trying to better themselves, and our first instinct is to think negatively. We, The Ranger staff, think that we should make a better effort to support our peers instead of tearing them down. Everyone is just trying to improve themselves, and is that really such a bad thing?
New movie glamorizes serial killer OPINION
By JAYLYNN FOREMAN Staff Reporter
Being fascinated by things dark and mysterious is not a new fad. Horror movies have drawn in crowds since the release of America’s first one, “The House of the Devil,” and authors such as Stephen King have been thriving in not only the horror genre but also in gory thrillers told from the killer’s point-of-view. Being able to get inside a murderer's mind is a chilling experience, but the thing
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pictures of the kale they’re eating for lunch, or the books they’ve read or all the money they’ve saved. People can find the sudden increase in goal-setting annoying, which is understandable. The reason, though that everyone sets goals at the beginning of the year is simply because it’s good timing. At the end of the year, you tend to look back on the things that happened and what you accomplished. From there, it’s the perfect time to set goals that you want to accomplish in the coming year. Starting healthy habits at the first of the year is a great way to keep track of your progress, as well. If you start the
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Editor-in-Chief
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about most horror stories and thrillers is that they’re fiction and the characters are nothing but words. Something real however is notorious serial killer, kidnapper, rapist, burglar and necrophile, Ted Bundy, and he, even dead, is causing controversy due to the release of the movie “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.” This movie goes into the life of Bundy (played by Zac Efron) and his girlfriend at the time Liz Kloepfer (played by Lily Collins). The actors and writers are under fire and accused of romanticizing him. The official synopsis of the movie describes Bundy as “crazy-handsome, smart, charismatic and affectionate” and the trailer depicts him as a sympathetic character who sweeps a beautiful girl off her feet. It shows him being loving and acting as a caring father
figure to Kloepfer’s daughter. Then, their blissfully domestic life is turned upside down when Bundy is arrested for a string of gruesome murders. Bundy is a murderer who has been convicted of killing 30 people but is speculated to have killed more than 100. He is not a figure who should be glorified like a celebrity. While probably not the intent, the movie stirs renewed interest in Bundy. The convicted killer's victims had their lives stolen and they have family members whose loved ones are overshadowed and seen as numbers in this movie. The purpose of this movie isn’t to inform viewers about Bundy, but to make money. From the trailer alone it seems more like a dark romance than a movie about a man who has taken lives. The only thing this movie will achieve is reigniting the dark obsession people have with Bundy — a killer who should not be glorified.
Student Media exists to serve you — the students. The Ranger is an open forum where you can learn and talk about the things that matter to you. The Ranger staff urges you to get involved by submitting ideas, photos, writing, videos and telling us what you want covered. A public critique and meeting is open to the campus community on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. in PH 214 or you can reach us via email at therangereditor@gmail.com. The Ranger is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association, Panhandle Press Association, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association. For a complete staff listing, visit us at acranger.com. The Ranger is an independent student publication. Material published in The Ranger does not necessarily reflect the views of Amarillo College administrators or employees.
News
The Ranger | 3 January 31, 2019
Amarillo College Police: campus has increased security with CopSync By MARC PAMPLONA Staff Reporter
COURTESY PHOTO
The lines near the greenhouse have been painted over and the parking there is no longer available.
Avoid tickets, look before you park
By BLASS GUERRERO Staff Reporter
The Amarillo College Police Department has a warning for students and staff about prohibited parking zones at the Washington Street Campus. Sgt. Adan Aleman from the AC Police Department, explained that any blacked-out lines are not for parking and students and faculty should park only on the yellow lines. “In lot six by the STEM building, there are new fire lanes for firetrucks to respond to emergencies in the area,” Aleman said. Department officials also warned drivers about parking where it’s clearly marked for a certain day and time and said to use the arrows representing the direction a vehicle can park according to the sign. “You cannot park all the way to the end of the block unless another sign states otherwise,” Aleman said. “Under the bridge on 24th Street, there’s a sign for two minutes for unloading and passenger loading only and not a parking zone,” he said. Also, if a student or staff member needs to leave their vehicle overnight, the AC Police Department needs to be notified
about the reason why it was left there, the vehicle description, the location and when will it be picked up. Vehicles left abandoned or unnotified to the police department may be towed away at the owner’s expense. Aleman said anyone who violates the parking violations will receive a citation from the AC Police Department. The payment is due within seven business days. Students and faculty can pay at the business office, mail the payment or call AskAC at (806) 371-5000. For more information contact the AC Police Department at (806) 371-5163 or acpolice@actx.edu.
The Amarillo College Police Department is installing an advanced messaging software on all of the college’s computers. The software, called CopSync, will improve the safety of the campus, officers said. CopSync provides a messaging system to the campus’ public safety officials so they can tie into a central system and share real time information. Its advanced messaging capabilities allow authorities to send information in a secure and effective way via email and instant messaging. Sgt. Adan Aleman, an AC police officer, said that there are three versions of CopSync that are being used. “We have CopSync that are used by officers in their patrol cars; we have CopSync that is used in dispatch, which is actually called a CAD or Computer Aided Dispatch,” Aleman said. “What that CAD does is that it helps the dispatchers to give out information that is coming in,” Aleman said, adding that the third version, CopSync 911, is being installed on the computers on campus.
Aleman said that faculty and staff can click the software icon in the computer if there is ever an emergency. He added that the users have 15 seconds to either submit the alert or to cancel just in case of a falsealarm. “Whenever it gets submitted, that information goes to the dispatcher,” Aleman said. “The dispatcher can now see who is pushing the button, what building, what room number and what computer. That information gets sent out to the dispatcher and it gets sent out to all of the patrol cars, all at one time,” said Aleman. Aleman explained that when the information gets sent out that way, it gets received by the campus’ officials, at the same time information. “So the person who pushed the emergency button, he or she can type up whatever the
Comedy takes center stage in SGA’s February events By CAROLINA BARBA Staff Reporter
The Student Government Association is bringing more events and activities to Amarillo College this semester “I’m really hoping the students enjoy the events we have going on as much as we did planning them,” Cecilia Almanza, the SGA president, said. “This is all for them and I hope they enjoy them.” Events include School Supply Bingo from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, in the Burrow, a baked potato fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, in the Ware student commons, Lessons and Laughs at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, in the Burrow, a taco fundraiser Thursday, Feb. 14 and Lessons and Laughs Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the Burrow. Amber Hamilton, the director of student life, said these events are always casual and fun, and it’s a great way for students to get involved and make new friends. “Open up your eyes and experience,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said it’s all up to the students and their choice to attend and make new connections, the same way she did years ago when she was an AC student. “I think the events sound really cool,” Nicole Sengsouriya, a biology major, said. Despite her enthusiasm, Sengsouriya has not attended any of the SGA-sponsored activities. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I see posters and hear about it, but I’ve never been able to make the events,” Sengsouriya said. The SGA meets every Wednesday at noon in the second floor of the College Union Building to discuss and plan events. “I really want them to continue making changes that the students want to see,” Jenna Welch, student life specialist, said. Almanza said all students are welcome and to bring a friend to the meetings and events. “I’m excited about meeting new people and telling them about SGA and student life and how important it is to get involved,” Almanza said.
emergency is,” Aleman said Mindy Weathersbee, the library assistant director, said she is glad to have this new safety measure. “As someone who deals a lot with the public, I think it’s a great thing, because we have had to call security before and so anything that kind of expedites that process is a good thing,” Weathersbee said. Lisa Soper, a physical therapy assistant major, agreed. “As far as you’re using AC technology, they’re going to know by your ID number who is logged in at what time, and where you’re at, I think it is a good idea,” Soper said. The ACPD is working with mass media majors to create a video to explain how the new CopSync software works and how it can help everyone in campus in emergency situations.
MARC PAMPLONA | The Ranger
Veterans Day winter storm blanketed AC campuses with snow, but did not cause closures.
Administration advises students to stay safe during winter weather By STEVEN OSBURN Staff Reporter
Just because Christmas is over does not mean that winter is. Panhandle weather is difficult to predict, and a snowstorm could show up on the sunniest of days. Amarillo College has multiple systems in place to warn students about bad weather, and professors and administrators said that students should judge the situation as they see fit. “West Texas weather is always very unpredictable,” said Wes Condray-Wright, director of communications and marketing. “We follow AISD’s lead, so if they’re closed, we’re closed,” he said. CondrayWright also said that the AC Alert system, social media and most local news outlets can be useful in a student’s decision to travel to campus. “Use your best judgment,” he said. “We don’t
want you getting out on the roads if it is terrible out there.” If the weather is bad enough to cause the college to close, campus officials will tell students via the AC Alert system and social media. “If the conditions are not good, I cancel my classes because I have students from so far,” said Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe, a chemistry professor, adding that he still expects students to turn their homework in on time online. Students at AC have their own views on the weather. “If it was really bad I wouldn’t come to school at all,” Gloria Juarez, an art major, said. “I don’t like the cold weather.” Other students said they dislike missing classes. “I’d probably still go to class or double-check,” Cayley Reeves, a chemistry major said. In the end, Condray-Wright said, it is up to students to
decide whether to travel to campus in bad weather. Grades are important, but not so important that one should risk their life for, he said. Also, as Ranasinghe noted, Blackboard allows students to turn in online work, so a snow day might not be as fun as it was in elementary school.
AC Alert emergency messages can be sent to all registered telephones, mobile phones, and email addresses. The AC community is automatically enrolled in AC Alert. Profiles can be edited online at: www.actx.edu/acalert.
News
4 | The Ranger January 31, 2019
SALVADOR GUTIERREZ | The Ranger
New year, new goals Psychology major, Jessica Haider, exercises at the Carter Fitness Center. Students can workout at CFC for free while enrolled at AC.
AC provides multiple fitness opportunities By JAKE DAY
Staff Reporter
Students at Amarillo College can save money and work on fitness goals by using the Carter Fitness Center. There are classes and intramural sports sign-up sheets posted when classes are about to start or the sports season is beginning. The cost for the fitness center is free to AC students. It has four basketball courts, a weight room and an aerobics room with treadmills, ellipticals and
stationary bikes. Craig Clifton, the director of the Carter Fitness Center, can usually be found around the gym helping students and staff with fitness, as he is a licensed physical trainer. Michael Floyd, a drafting major, said he tries to hit the gym whenever he is at school. As he took another shot with the basketball in his hand. “I also want to get better at my game,” Floyd said. With four courts and connections to put up a volleyball net on each, there is usually room for people to start
a their own game or join an existing one. The weight room is full of both free weights and machines. So all members can do a variety or workouts and exercises. Konner Dodson, a physical therapy major, said he has taken advantage of the Carter Fitness Center. “Itis nice, not too many people and it’s convenient since I’m already here. My main goal is to get rid of my belly. I also eat clean with intermittent fasting,” Dodson said. Also, for busy students with full schedules it can be hard find time to use the Center. However,
You are what you eat Eating healthy is an affordable option for everyone By MARISSA RIVERA Staff Reporter
At the beginning of each year, many people make promises to themselves to improve certain aspects of their lives. One common resolution is to eat better, but some people struggle to stick to that goal. According to Trent Oneal, Amarillo College intramural coordinator, many people fail to keep their healthy eating resolutions because they take the wrong approach. “One thing they can do is stop listening to fads, stop looking stuff up on the internet, so much of that is not good information mostly heresy and theories, none of them are tested or tired or true,” Oneal said. Some AC students said they have tried strategies for making healthier eating choices.
“Start off by slowly cutting out sweets,” Nazario Maestas, general studies major, said. Sometimes schedules make it difficult to eat at normal mealtimes or eat proper meals, Oneal said. “It is more than what you eat, often times it not even what you eat. It’s when you eat it. It is tough,” he said, adding that healthy eating can be hard when there isn’t time in the day to stop and eat. Students also said they have issues about spending money on healthy food, but Maestas disagreed. “It’s not as hard as people think it is,” he said. Others agreed that eating healthy could be affordable.
“Buying water instead of soft drinks and fruits and vegetables do not cost much.” Melinda Rivera, a nursing major, said. There are some options on campus that provide students with healthy food items. “Chick-fil-a comes on campus and they have wonderful food items that are perfectly healthy,” Oneal said. Another strategy is to bring food to campus. “I often see students bring stuff from home. They come to the Burrow and microwave their food they made. If they make healthy choices at home, it often times inspires other students to eat healthier as w e l l ,” said.
Clifton has over 20 years of experience in physical training, health and fitness, a masters degree in sports and exercise science and is knowledgeable in his field. “Walking is always good, requires no change of clothes and can be done almost anywhere weather permitting,” he said. “If you want more of an intense workout I suggest the High Intense Interval Training (HIIT),” Clifton said. “It is a combination of strength training exercises done without rest in between, working all body parts for approximately
30 minutes.” Each semester, any enrolled student can fill out a sheet that discloses any pertinent medical information. After the sheet is completed and turned in, the student may use the center’s equipment and facilities. The center is open in the spring semester: Monday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.. For information on intramurals and other daily activities held in the center, visit the AC website under “current students,” then click on “intramurals.”
Get better grades By MEGAN MINSHEW Staff Reporter
The beginning of a new year and a new semester often inspires college students to seek improvement – especially in terms of their grades. Amarillo College offers tutoring services and support systems to help make those resolutions a reality. The Writers Corner, Science Enrichment Center and Math Outreach Center are just a few of the options available. Students said they have found that these centers helped them develop have better studying habits. “I have had several repeat students come to get help,” Hayleigh Steadman, a tutor at The Writers Corner, said. “Students that come in continually want to keep coming because they have gotten better grades. I have actually had a student come in recently saying they have received a better grade after seeking out help at the Writers Corner,” she said. Many students said they
appreciate the college’s tutoring services. Alexis Lee, a business accounting major, said the help is beneficial because “it’s free and you don’t have to pay for it, so that’s good.” Other students said they plan to boost their grades by developing better habits. Eden Waters, a graphic design major, said she will improve her grades in 2019 by “attending class, making sure to pay attention and to obviously study.” Another way to improve grades is to “keep good communication,” Ruth De Anda, an AC adviser, said. Good communication with an instructor can help any student who is struggling in a class, she said. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to talk to your instructor,” De Anda said, adding that poor interaction between the instructor and student can have a significantly negative effect on a student’s grade. De Anda also said students should stay in touch with their advisers. “Communication is the biggest key to being successful in your classes.”
News
The Ranger | 5 January 31, 2019
Badgers’ goals for 2019
“My new year’s resolution is to go into the Airforce, be healthier, and do better in class. I also would love to get out of Amarillo.” - Chance Gafford
“Read more textbooks and info books. I like to read for leisure but also for better study. About 70% leisure, 30% study.” - Waiel Bajh
“To not purposely miss class this semester.” - Savannah Sims
“My New Year’s resolution is to learn how to manage my time better and work out more.” - Abi Bowles
“I want to workout a little more. Four times a week by the end of the year.” - Josh May
“Hopefully by the end of the year, I can figure out what kind of career I want to go into,” - Joseph Pope
Biology
Business
Mass Media
Biology
Biology
General studies
Learning to heal fast Workshops teach students how to minimize stress
By MARISSA RIVERA Staff Reporter
With the “Feel Better Fast“ workshop, the Amarillo College Counseling Center staff plans to help students take care of themselves and minimize stress in their lives during the new year. The workshop is open every Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the Louise Daniels Room in the College Union Building (CUB). Lindsey Eggleston, the Counseling Center coordinator, said that the workshop has a different topic every week. Some of the topics include how to get better sleep, using relaxation techniques to manage stress, establishing healthier thinking patterns and the importance of lifestyle factors on mental health. “My hope is that students who attend will walk away with practical tips they can start doing right away to take better care of themselves,” Eggleston said. “Students can join at any time and can attend as many times as they like.” Megan Dingis, a nursing major, said she believes in the importance of mental health, adding that mindfulness is a great way to improve your psychological well-being. She said this is especially true if you are feeling overwhelmed. “You can look into mindfulness and sort through your thoughts. It helps to unclutter your mind,” Dingis said. Considering using the services at AC herself, Elizabeth Hite, an education major, said
she has seen that many people appreciate the Counseling Center’s help. “Whether some are going through a divorce or if their kids are having trouble and they don’t know how to handle it, I think they really appreciate a free place to go to and talk to,” Hite said. If students do not want to visit the “Feel Better Fast” workshop, then they can visit the AC Counseling Center free one-one counseling sessions. Eggleston said that the Counseling Center also provides a free online selfhelp through a program called Therapy Assistance Online (TAO). Eggleston also said that the online selfhelp modules through TAO are free and unlimited for students and college employees. “TAO also includes a mindfulness library to practice relaxation techniques and deep breathing which are great tools for monitoring stress/anxiety,” Eggleston said. She explained that the program is confidential and accessible from any computer by going to w w w. t h e p a t h . tao connect.org and entering your AC email address to sign up for self-help. “We are proud to offer a variety of ways for students to work on their own mental health so that they can do their best in their academics,” Eggleston said.
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6 | The Ranger January 31, 2019
Honoring Black History Month By MARCUS HUMPHREY
Staff Reporter
ISABELLE LINK | The Ranger
Students make a track by standing together and holding tubes to roll down a marble, demonstrating teamwork.
Students learn to lead By ISABELLE LINK Staff Reporter
College is about gaining knowledge and increasing skills and self-awareness, according to Jill Gibson, Amarillo College honors program co-coordinator. That’s why AC’s Student Life and Honors programs have started the Student Leadership Institute, a series of free workshops for students who want to expand their leadership skills, Gibson said. Student Life and Amarillo College Honors organized a Student Leadership Training program that happened Jan. 25 and focused on shaking up the status quo. The workshop included hands-on activities, group
work and a presentation about leadership. Students said, although the workshop was a learning opportunity, it was still full of laughter. Some students commented that they enjoyed how everyone involved had a good sense of humor and all partook in the activities. “I expected a lot of laughs and to be able to meet new people, and of course learn about leadership. The workshop was enticing as ever and I liked the turn out, a lot of new faces.” Jimmy Nye, a psychology major, said. The workshop also included tips and comments about becoming a leader people would want to follow. Jarrett Lykens, a CIS major, said that when he thinks of leadership, he thinks of
Steve Jobs and Microsoft because they changed the world that we live in. Lyken said he enjoyed when Gibson mentioned Steve Jobs and said "the people that are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do." Michelle Wittler, a biology pre-med major, said she attended the overnight leadership retreat AC held in November said she liked the way Gibson mixed activities with lecture. “I liked having that diversity. We weren’t just playing leadership games, we actually were listening and could understand and watch videos. I’m more of a visual learner so I liked watching and building stuff,” Wittler said.
The spring semester Student Leadership Institute meetings take place about every two weeks. The next one will be at noon, Feb. 8 in the Burrow and it will focus on empowering team members and building trust. Each year there are 12 sessions — six in each semester, including the overnight retreat. Students who attend nine meetings will earn a Student Leadership Certificate. “Earning the certificate gives you something you can put on your resume, and is a testament to the skills that you developed throughout these sessions,” Gibson said. “I hope that it also creates a thirst in students to learn more about leadership and pursue more selfdevelopment.”
Intramurals offer fitness, friendship and fun By RAFAEL FLORES
Staff Reporter
The Amarillo College intramural program is kicking off spring semester with a wide variety of sports events and activities, including several new opportunities for fitness and fun. The program offers daily activities, competitive leagues, special events and one-day tournaments. Intramural games and events are free and open to all students, according to Trent Oneal, intramural coordinator. “They are fun and you get to hang out with friends and meet new people. Secondly it’s a great way to get some exercise,” Oneal said. The daily events range from dodge ball on Mondays, basketball on Wednesdays, volleyball on Tuesdays and Thursdays and yoga sessions that will replace dodgeball on the dates of Feb. 4 and April 8. These activities will be held in the Carter Fitness Center at 1:30 p.m. each day. The competitive leagues consist of 5v5-basketball and softball. Basketball games will take place from Jan. 31 to March 7 in the CFC. Each member of the winning team will receive a $250
scholarship. Softball will be held from March 19through April 23 at John Stiff Park. Special events include “penalty kick” soccer that will take place at the clock tower on Feb. 6. In March, the college will hold a series of miniature competitions such as a two day March Madness bracket tournament and a game of cops and robbers. Viewing parties with snacks and beverages provided will be held in the Burrow March 6 and 8 during the annual Final Four NCAA Basketball March Madness tournament. Last semester’s Gotcha Tag will return March 24 and lastly
the one-day tournaments of soccer and beach volleyball will round out the end of the second eight weeks of the semester on April 30 and May 2 respectively. Any AC student can sign up for daily activities and participate in them on the spot; however, to join the competitive leagues or oneday tournaments, students must sign up on IMleagues. com or their mobile app, available through the App Store and Google Play. Studies show that in addition to social and physical benefits, intramural sports help students excel
in their classes. One study conducted by Grand Valley State, found that involvement in intramural activities or exercise can decrease depression and influence better study habits; thus, increasing chances of overall academic success. “It’s kind of inspirational,” Payton Muir, an education major, said, adding, “You want to do well athletically and look good academically.” Students can stay up to date on the latest in intramural activities through their student email or by friending Amarillo College Intramurals on Facebook.
JAKE DAY | The Ranger
Students practice their volleyball skills at the Carter Fitness Center on the Washington Street campus.
February is Black History Month — an annual celebration of achievements of African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. In the United States, Black History Month was first proposed in 1969 by students and staff at Kent State University in Ohio. The first celebration took place the following February. in 1970. Students and staff at Amarillo College say the month serves as a reminder of the contributions of black Americans and the importance of civil rights. “Everyone deserves to be treated equal,” Alexis Sisneros, a theater major, said, adding she believes in the “value of life and in human rights.” These are qualities that Sisneros said she picked up from her mother. Recently, Sisneros and her mother watched a movie about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which she said helped open her eyes to the history behind the African Americans’ fight for equal rights. Yolanda Walker, a social work major, said she cares about Black History Month. "Commemorating the month is very educational for a lot of people," Walker said. Walker believes that being educated about Black History month should consist of talking about its origin and why we acknowledge, celebrate and honor it. Criminal justice major, Elizabeth Vals, said Black History Month is important to her and she wants the community to rejoice in the victory America has fought against racism and for human rights. Vals said Americans should recognize the many sacrifices that have been made by many people to get to this stage. Eric Fauss, an AC history professor, said teaching about the history of black Americans plays a large role in his classes. He said he informs his students about how the fight for African American rights not only gave blacks the true freedom of being a red-blooded Americans with their freedom and liberty but, other races and different classes of people that reside in our great nation. Fauss said his classes cover years of tragedy for black Americans. “The pain and mistreatment of blacks and then denying them equality goes down in our long list of faults as Americans,” he said. Nevertheless, Fauss said Americans should be proud of the fact that the nation’s leaders recognized that change must occur and took action to enact that change.
Culture
The Ranger | 7 January 31, 2019
Arts organizations Élite, Netflix Spanish series, plan spring events spotlights privileged teens By KYLE GRAHAM Staff Reporter
At Amarillo College, there is always something going on, whether it be theatre or music, something is bound to catch your eyes and ears. Even FM90 has a few things planned in the coming semester The theatre department will perform “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 through 23 with an additional showing on Feb 23 at 3 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater at AC’s Washington Street Campus. There are more shows and even a trip to Abilene, Texas, planned to attend the Abilene Region Six Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival or KCACTF for short. Jason Driver, an AC theater major, will read a script that he has written at this event, Monty Downs, a theater instructor, said. The semester will close with a musical adaptation of “Heathers.”
The music department has many shows in store for this semester. Dr. Diego Caetano will be performing a series of piano concerts starting Feb 12. As for the AC choir and vocal jazz groups, Dr. Nathaniel Fryml has planned shows starting Feb. 19 for the choir. The jazz group will perform April 9. Tiffany McDaniel, music department administrative assistant said some of the shows will have a small entry fee. For more information on this, the department is easy to find on Facebook and Instagram or by going to www.actx.edu/music. Amy Presley, the FM90 program director, is planning a show with The Brevet on Feb. 23 at the GoldenLight on Sixth Street in Amarillo. There will be an admission fee to the show of $10. The Southern Light Gallery will also be host to photography shows such as the current installation by Dominic Lippillo, which will be shown until Feb. 27 and followed by Ting Huang’s “Hybrid Landscapes” March 4 through April 10.
COURTESY PHOTO
Kindle Unlimited has its limits REVIEW By STEVI BRESHEARS
Staff Reporter
If you’re like me, one of your New Year’s resolutions is to read more. I’m one of those people who always talks about how much they love reading, but hasn’t actually sat down and read an entire book for fun in a long time. At the beginning of the year, right after I made this resolution, I discovered something that seemed pretty amazing: Kindle Unlimited. Now, I’ve had a Kindle for years that I didn’t use often. I also have the Kindle app on my phone, but again, it doesn’t see much action. When I discovered Kindle Unlimited, I thought it might solve all of my problems. However, it wasn’t exactly what I expected. Upon discovering the
program, I thought I could pay a monthly fee and read as many books as I wanted. Really, though, only certain books are available through Kindle Unlimited, and they’re usually not well-known authors. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it isn’t what I was looking for. Overall, if you go through books really quickly, this could be a good investment. A lot of the books on my ‘to be read’ list aren’t on Kindle Unlimited, and I’d rather put my money toward those books. I was lucky enough to score a three-month trial for 99 cents a month, but after that, I probably won’t keep my membership. I would definitely recommend trying it out, though. There are quite a few interesting reads available, even if it wasn’t exactly what I was looking for.
REVIEW By SALVADOR GUTIERREZ Staff Reporter
“Élite” is a Netflix original from Spain that came out in October of last year. Although this show did not have a good pre-premiere marketing campaign, it became one of the most popular Netflix shows in the world, and its impact was so significant that the streaming service confirmed a second season for the show two weeks after its release. Let’s talk about the reasons why you should watch this teen drama before its second season comes out. The rich also cry. The elite in Spain send their kids to an exclusive school known as Las Encinas, the place where its student become the leaders of tomorrow. The chaos starts when three working-class students are awarded scholarships to attend this private school. The arrival of the three new students start controversy, and the rich kids target the newbies. Although bullying is one of the themes in the show, LGBTQ+ issues, HIV, freedom of religion, drug addiction, alcoholism and classism are also thrown into the mix. The show not only focuses on the struggles of the lower class students but also on the problems faced by the upper class.
A killer soundtrack. Music is vital for movies and TV shows, and “Élite” has an amazing soundtrack that set the tone for the show. Parties, dramatic revelations, fights and even the murder scene are paired with the perfect song for that particular moment. Among the bands and singers included in the soundtrack, you can find tunes by Chvrches, Danna Paola (who plays Lu on the show), Alphaville, Jungle, Blink-182, Bad Bunny and Selena Gomez. Playlists with music from the show are now available on Spotify and iTunes. “Élite” is better than “Riverdale.” Critics have compared the Netflix drama to the CW’s adaptation of Archie. The plot in both shows is triggered by murder, and both of them focus on one question – who did it? The difference between these two is that while “Riverdale” follows a linear timeline, “Élite” jumps back and forth between present and past, revealing information about events that start making sense a few episodes into the show. The advantage of the Netflix production over the American TV show is its darkness, the well-executed dramatic performances of its cast and its character development.
The murdered character is revealed in episode one, and after that, the rest of the episodes give clues about who did it. As I binge-watched the show in three days, I realized that at the end of each episode one character is added to the list of suspects. By the end of the show it’s hard to determine who did it because every character ends up having a reason to commit the crime. Character development plays a huge role in the success of this show. Because the series is a Netflix original, all the episodes were released at the same time leaving no room for rewrites and changes in the story. Each character is consistent and has clear motivations and psychological frames that change or stay the same depending on the situation. “Élite” is a good murder teen drama, and I would recommend viewers watch it in its original language, which makes it more enjoyable. The English dub is not bad, but it takes away some of the emotion and excitement of some situations and memorable quotes. The second season is in the works, and personally, I’m looking forward to seeing how far the elite can go. After all, their actions are justified by their privilege.
JANNY PHANNARAJ | The Ranger
Japanese restaurants around Amarillo serve many different types of sushi, offering something for everyone.
No more Mr. Rice guy Sushi: it’s no raw deal
REVIEW By CARTER HALL Staff Reporter
There is a confession I need to make… I love sushi. No matter what Japanese restaurant I visit, there’s a great chance there will be a sushi menu in my hands. So I am here to tell you about my favortie sushi spots in the city of Amarillo. There once was a time that I would look at sushi and want the complete opposite. Then I met some friends who invited me to lunch at Young’s Sushi Rocks. This changed my life because it was the first time that I tried sushi. The sushi menu looked foreign to me. “Kissing roll? Maki roll? Crunch roll? What is all this?” These names scared me
and when it was my turn to order I panicked. The words “kissing roll” came out, and I must admit, after biting into my first piece I was in love. The kissing roll is something I always order when I go to Young’s. The tuna roll is another type of sushi that I enjoy there. The flavor of the tuna mixed with a little soy sauce or wasabi is out of this world. The sushi at Young’s tastes fresh and you can spot people at the sushi bar preparing your meal. There is another local restaurant that is kind of lowkey, but once you try their sushi; it will become a secret gem. Bangkok Tokyo located on Western has some great sushi. I have been going there since I was in high school, and I always liked eating their spicy Bangkok Tokyo fried
rice so going from eating spicy rice to eating spicy sushi was not that difficult. A friend of mine who also is a sushi lover told me to try the volcano roll. When the volcano roll came to my table, it was as if I fell in love with sushi a second time. The flavor of the spicy sauce and the scallops made me want more. I never thought I would eat sushi, but now it is a dish that I thoroughly enjoy when I go out to eat at a Japanese restaurants. To me, sushi is something that anybody can eat. There are many types of sushi, offering something for everyone. People do not have to jump straight to the extreme sushi such as eel and octopus. Start out with a simple California roll and work up.
Feature
8 | The Ranger January 31, 29, 2019 2019
Scho Sch ola larrs begin 2019 in Peru By Meghan Holland | Staff Reporter
Amarillo College’s Presidential Scholars have returned from their 11-day service learning trip to Peru and many describe the experience as life-changing.) “The students were challenged many times, whether it was hiking the Inca trail or working really hard physically on those adobe fences, they really went above and beyond what I would have thought was acceptable,” Lesley Ingham, honors program co-coordinator and speech instructor, said. The 13 travelers worked with Peru’s Challenge, an organization for developing sustainable communities, in the village of Quillohuota. They also visited Lima, Ollantaytambo, Cusco and Machu Picchu. The students spent three days helping rebuild facilities at a school in a small village. “We worked so hard and it was such a surprise to me that we were extending and enhancing an adobe fence,” Ingham said. “We pushed ourselves physically, more than I imagined that we would, and then I really loved our soccer game after we had our workday. I loved having little kids from the community play with us; I loved having our workers with us and I thought that it was just a really neat, authentic Peruvian thing to do.” Madeline Filsouf, a psychology major, said her favorite part of going to Peru was getting to know a little girl from the village. “I enjoyed seeing the sites of course, but having a human being depend on you and build a relationship with you was something else.”
Filsouf said she was a little paranoid about going to Peru at first, but her initial fears dissolved quickly. “Everything was excellent and I feel invincible like I can do more things.” Filsouf said she had a great experience that she would recommend to others. “I think people should venture out of their comfort zone and not be scared to try something new because it could be something they really need to strengthen and grow overall as human beings.” Mirian Gutierrez, a business administration major, said that she would love to go back to Peru and be a part of Peru’s Challenge again. “My favorite part about Peru’s Challenge was knowing that we were helping kids,” Gutierrez said. “We got to meet the kids and see how sweet they were,” “It was amazing knowing that we were going to help their education.” Other students said the highlight of the trip was the sightseeing. “My favorite part was Machu Picchu because going to Machu Picchu was something on my bucket list that I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Spencer Sopha, a psychology major, said. The Scholars spent the day at Machu Picchu hiking trails and exploring the Inca ruins. The Scholars Program is designed to give high-achieving students the chance to participate in student-centered learning experiences that promote intellectual growth, cultural appreciation, leadership development and civic engagement. The program admits 15 new students each year.
1. Students pass mud bricks down a line for the construction of an adobe wall. 2. Spencer Sopha, a psychology major, Preston Buchanan, a biology major and Thomas Bales, a music major, explore Machu Picchu. 3. The Scholars receive certificates of completion for Peru’s Challenge.
Check out more photos on the slideshow at https://acranger.com
By Jeremy Stitsworth | Page Editor
Twenty-one Amarillo College students will spend their spring break in Greece this year as part of the AC Study Abroad Experience led by Courtney Milleson, a speech instructor, and sponsored by the AC Honors Committee. “The trip gives the students an opportunity to not only travel but also a chance to experience a different culture,” said Diego Caetano, a music professor, who will also accompany the students to Greece. The travelers will visit Athens, the Parthenon and the Temple of Delphi, along with many other sights significant to Greek culture. The trip will also serve an academic purpose according to Milleson. “If you really look at everything we study here,” Milleson said, “Greece is the birthplace of everything.” The sciences, the arts and even the government all come from Greece, she said. Students from a variety of majors are attending the trip. “This will actually be my second time on a plane,” Kenedi Victor, a general studies major, said. “The first was when I went on the Paris trip last year, but I’m really excited for the trip to Greece.” The faculty sponsors say they are also getting excited about the trip. “I’m looking forward to the concerts and music of course,” Caetano said. Milleson said that Greece has always been on her “bucket list” and she’s glad she has this opportunity. She added that traveling gives the instructors and professors who lead the trip a new experience as well, and that going on the tours transforms her into a student. “It’s great to be a learner, to be challenged by new ideas, conversations. It’s powerful.”