Amarillo College's News Source Since 1930 Volume 92, Issue 2
September 30, 2021
acranger.com
‘Heartbeat bill’ sparks debate By JO EARLY Online Editor
Students are speaking out about the new Texas law banning abortion after about six weeks of pregnancy. The law is unique in that it deputizes private citizens to sue anyone they believe provided or aided in an abortion after the detection of a heartbeat and collect $10,000 if the lawsuit is successful. Patients now have two weeks after a missed period to confirm the pregnancy, find a provider and schedule the procedure before a heartbeat is detected, making an abortion extremely difficult, if not impossible to attain. “I personally believe this law is not right,” Alely Martinez, a psychology major, said. “Women should have the right to decide what they do with their bodies. I’m not for abortion but I’m not against it. I am pro-choice. You should have the option to do it without punishment.” The United States Supreme Court did not vote to block the Texas ban. “The Supreme Court not hearing it is different than them letting it proceed,” Aaron Faver, a professor of social sciences, said. “An advocate would really need to be putting pressure on the Senate, the House of Representatives and the President, instead of throwing tomatoes at the Supreme Court because they can’t stop state level activity,” he said. The House of Representatives passed a bill Sept. 24 called The Women’s Health Protection Act. The purpose of the bill is to cement the decision of Roe v. Wade, protecting a person’s right to terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability without interference from state restrictions. The bill needs to pass through the Senate and the President before it is signed into a law that the Supreme Court can defend. “I don’t agree with abortion, but I think everybody has the right to make their decision, and just because I disagree doesn’t mean I should make the choice for anybody else,” Ad-
dison Murray, a nursing major, said. At midnight, after the law banning abortion went into effect, many clinics in Texas stopped performing the procedure and stopped making new appointments. “I am personally very against abortion, I’m pro-life because of my religious beliefs,” Sarah Amstutz, a mass media major, said. “However, I don’t agree with the abortion law. I believe that people are going to make some really unhealthy choices to fix unplanned pregnancies that could result in bodily harm, that concerns me.” Amstutz criticized Governor Abbott for signing the controversial bill into law. “I feel like Governor Abbott is trying to have a pissing contest with the rest of the country,” Amstutz said. “I disagree with a lot of his policies. There are children being exposed to COVID in the schools right now, and he said that you can’t make somebody wear a mask and then made abortion after you can detect a heartbeat illegal. To me it just doesn’t make sense.” The law makes exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for cases of rape or incest. During a news conference Sept. 7, Governor Abbott addressed this by saying “Rape is a crime, and Texas will work tirelessly to make sure that we eliminate all rapists from the streets of Texas by aggressively going out and arresting them and prosecuting them and getting them off the streets.” The United States Justice Department announced Sept. 9 that it would be suing the state of Texas, and a federal judge will conduct a hearing Oct. 1 to review a possible temporary banning of the law. “The law just went into place so there are no damages to prove in the lawsuit yet,” Faver said. “It’s very likely that the Department of Justice will have a difficult time arguing if there are no damages. It’s complicated by the simple fact that it’s so early right now. We’re going to have to wait and see.”
When Dennis Sarine, the Amarillo College director of child development, felt ill last summer, he didn’t think it was anything serious. “It was a normal day in the sun, so I walked into BSA with what I thought was dehydration,” Sarine said. “I don’t remember much, but I went to the ER and they started giving me fluids.” Sarine spent two weeks in the hospital while doctors ran tests and administered fluids. “The doctor came in and said my bloodwork was off, but nothing stood out on the CT scan,” Sarine said. “I was released and instructed to take it easy then follow up with my primary care physician.” After being home for less than 24 hours, Sarine passed out in the hallway. When he
DENNIS SARINE
came to, he called his wife. “We were getting back-toschool haircuts when he called me and said that he was in pain and couldn’t move,” Rachel, Sarine’s wife, said. “I called 911, and before I got home, the paramedics were already there loading him up into the ambulance.” Despite medical testing, Sarine’s condition worsened, without a clear reason why. “They started monitoring things and giving me blood transfusions,” Sarine said. “I kept getting weaker and
weaker and started turning really, really gray.” Rachel said she felt frustrated and confused by the ambiguity of his condition. “I don’t think the doctors in Amarillo were aware of the weight of the situation either,” she said. “I told them that I understood if they weren’t able to figure it out, but they needed to send us to a place that could. It probably wasn’t my finest moment, but the mama bear in me came out.” With the help of one of her co-workers, Rachel sent Sarine’s scans and test results to Baylor Scott & White, a teaching hospital in Dallas. “I then got a call from, I guess my hero, who asked me to come to Dallas for more tests,” Sarine said. When reviewing the radiology scan, Sarine’s hero, a radiologist in Dallas, had discovered a rare occurrence.
Student Reporter
A shadowing around the pancreas revealed the growth of two leg-like formations. “He had a pancreatic divusum along with chronic pancreatitis,” Rachel said. “The doctor never came out and said the ‘C’ word, but he kept telling us this is serious and that the cells were rapidly growing.” A professor at the hospital also told his students that the only previous patients he had seen with Sarine’s condition were already deceased. Somehow, Sarine continued to hang on, but his doctors said he was not healthy enough to undergo a potentially life-saving surgery. Instead, they advised him to continue treatment at home. “Once we learned he wasn’t healthy enough for surgery, he had a PICC line inserted to provide nutrition See SARINE, page 3
See PROGRAM, page 3
Battle with mysterious illness teaches life lessons Student Reporter
By SEASON CRAVEN Two new programs at Amarillo College will create more teachers who will live, work and teach in the Texas Panhandle. New partnerships with Texas Tech and Texas Woman’s University will create streamlined opportunities for local students to get their teaching certificate, without leaving home. AC officials say this is especially beneficial for students who already work in local schools as teacher assistants or support staff. AC wants to meet them where they are, according to Dennis Sarine, director of teacher preparation and early childhood education. These new programs will work with school districts and allow students to transfer to Texas Woman’s University or Texas Tech. Students will learn remotely and be able to continue to live and work in the Amarillo area. “TWU’s goal is to work with rural school districts to certify their current para-professionals, aides and substitutes that more than likely have some college, but they provide a way to complete certification. So, folks that live in Shamrock or Perryton can stay in their community, continue working, complete their course work, and graduate,” said Rochelle Fouts, AC child development instructor. Representatives from TWU will be in Amarillo to walk the students through the program. “TWU plans to have representatives of the Teacher Preparation Program on the Amarillo College campus about every six weeks,” said Barbara Lerner, TWU vice provost for undergraduate studies and academic partnerships. “We know that we can communicate effectively by phone and Zoom, but also understand that many students will prefer to meet in person to ask questions. These visits also make it possible for our faculty to continue working collaboratively with Amarillo College faculty to ensure that the education curriculum is well aligned. This process should eliminate a student’s fear that they will
AC director gets second chance By ELIZABETH CHUNN
Training teachers takes two
September 30, 2021
WHAT FOR YOU HAS BEEN THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT ABOUT COLLEGE? TED RICHARD Radiology
“The most difficult thing for me is figuring out how to budget all of my time appropriately between school, work and my family.”
D’MONYA NEAL General Studies
“For me, it would be the making friends part because I’m more of a “be by myself” person, but I want to get out there and make connections with people.”
AUTUMN CARROLL Biology
“The online aspect was hard for me because over time I lost all of my motivation and I started slacking in my classes.”
McMinimum wage OPINION
By JOHN KING Staff Reporter
According to a calculator made by M.I.T professor, Dr. Amy Glasmeier, the average cost of living for a single adult in Amarillo is $26,608/year. The math equals out to $2,000/month or $500/week. If you take into account what I made at my former job, which was $10 an hour, I would have to work for 50 hours/week to meet that average. I started the semester with morning classes MondayThursday and a five-hour shift for all but two days of the week. For a couple weeks, I had barely any time to do homework, to eat a healthy meal or even sleep. During the week I worked for about 20 hours, and, after deducting taxes, made about $180/week, coming out to $720/month. The cheapest apartment I can find is $600/ month, which would leave me $120 for bills, food, gas and anything else I would need. To make enough to reasonably attend college and live alone, I would need to work a 30-hour week and be making at least $12/hour. There is not enough time in the week for someone to go to school, work their ass off for piss-poor wages, do homework, run errands, take care of kids in some cases and live a
Co-Editors
Raygan Lopez, Ruth Martinez
Design Manager Shawn McCrea
Page Editors
Andrew Velasquez, Isaac Galan, Bailey Troublefield
Online Editor Jo Early
healthy life. With better paying jobs requiring some job experience to even apply, it seems like it’s almost impossible to be a self-sufficient college student without going into stupid amounts of debt. Fortunately for me, I do have support from my family and I live with my grandparents, but for many there is no option but to fend for themselves. Students cannot survive on wages so low when the living expenses are so high. Entry level jobs are generally in food service or retail, paying around $8-$12/hour. These jobs put the employee in hellish conditions, forcing them to deal with entitled and childish customers or make more food than should be possible in mere minutes, all without help or in understaffed situations. I had to run the kitchen in my former workplace alone for hours on end. No one should be expected to work for almost nothing and fulfil ungodly requirements with no margin for error. Employers hand out no benefits, have no consideration for employees’ personal problems, and treat workers as nothing more than a means to an end. If circumstances don’t change for the workforce, there will be almost no way to manageably be self-sustaining and go to school, which is tremendously crucial to the rest of their lives.
Staff Reporters
DeMarea Hill, John King, Arine Garine
Columnists
Nick Bandy, Raygan Lopez
Graphic Designers
Isaac Galan, Bailey Troublefield
Photographers
Nick Bandy, Shawn McCrea
For a complete staff listing, visit The Ranger online at www.acranger.com Student Media exists to serve you — the students. The Ranger staff urges you to get involved by submitting ideas, photos, videos at therangereditor@gmail.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.
Illustration by ANDREW VELASQUEZ | The Ranger
High school: A; Adulting: F EDITORIAL High school was once looked upon as the formal gateway to adulthood. The last obstacle students pass as a young adult, and the stepping stone for their future as an individual. It was intended to serve as an experience to teach the information to continue one’s journey, whether that may be higher education, the pursuit of a trade or to simply become an independent member of society. But as furthering one’s education has become the standard, high schools have begun to teach less about applicable life skills, instead focusing on college preparation, leaving many students to feel left behind. Schools should teach the skills that are necessary to be an adult, not just prepare students for college. One of the largest reasons that people feel this way comes down to expectations within academia and how they have shifted. In many
school systems, the idea that all studednts should go to college is now being taught from the moment their education begins. While this is true for many, it is not the reality of what many students will do after graduating high school. Many schools do not have programs to teach students specific skills, nor do they have guidance from individuals with experience and knowledge to help students figure out whether it may be the right path for them. Aside from finding a career after school, students are not prepared for the responsibilities that they are face as they begin adulthood. Taxes, finances and other monotonous tasks that every adult must do can be overwhelming to a young adult who does not know where to start. The knowledge and skills necessary to handle these responsibilities are not standardized across high school
education, and therefore is not taught to many students, leaving those without involved support systems at a strong disadvantage. According to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, 82% of parents, students and employees think that high school should put a greater focus on taxes rather than the concept of geometry, and 81% of students surveyed also said they think that they should focus on the development of real world skills like problem solving instead of academic subject matter. Students should leave high school feeling prepared, regardless of the path they choose to follow. They should be taught how to effectively do the tasks that society gives. Students should be pushed to explore the options that are available to them, challenging the expectations that our current education system currently provides.
Pandemic’s effect on people’s lives OPINION By ARINE GARIN Staff Reporter
Ironic isn’t it? The virus people were avoiding and feared last year seems to have been overtaken by selfishness and blinded prejudice that in turn has prevented a return to normalcy. “The New York Post” recently reported a student being mocked at a school board meeting by stating his grandmother, a teacher, “died of COVID because someone wasn’t wearing a mask.” While I personally believe in vaccines, following simple steps can save lives. The word “COVID” is no surprise to anyone. It is embedded in our daily lives. Looking back at the previous year, I remember the terror of the unknown virus causing widespread panic in everyone’s eyes. From the empty grocery stores to empty streets COVID has impacted the lives of so many in a harmful, insidious manner. Protocols were put into place and the city went into
full lockdown. It put a halt to everything. Schools went virtual, unemployment rose, mental health cases worsened and hospitals were overloaded. This was a prison in itself. When the rollout of vaccines and the promising results came out to the public, it brought a sense of relief. It was a way to go back to normal, but that took time. Fast forward to 2021 and everyone is divided about pro-vaccines and anti-vaccines. Self-choice is a given. I’m in no authority to say what others can do to their body, and I certainly don’t want anyone taking my rights to my own. I do, however, prioritize my family’s and friend’s safety above all. Stop distorting and obscuring facts with rumors from social media. If you’re not vaccinated, take into consideration the lives you’re putting into danger. Day-by-day, the virus adapts itself into new variants resulting in increasing cases that are even affecting children now. According to “The New York Times,” nearly
30,000 children were admitted to the hospital in August. Vaccine trials are now being presented with Pfizer announcing topline results with ages 5 to 11 with distributions coming within months. Comparing the data from the Amarillo public health department, the hospitalization rate of Amarillo on Sept. 10, 2021, was 15.52%. As of Sept. 22, 2021, the Amarillo hospitalization rate was at 16.30%, a 1% increase in the span of a week. Our city is in a state of a pandemic and at a status level RED! Stop arguing with your neighbors and take a few, simple life-saving steps: Wear your masks, avoid immunocompromised people and those who have serious medical conditions, never misrepresent your vaccination status, stay at home and quarantine whenever you experience like COVID-19 symptoms. The COVID pandemic is a health care crisis not a political or ideological battle. It is up to each of us to do our part.
September 30, 2021
AC Foundation begins mentor project By JO EARLY Online Editor
The Amarillo College Foundation recently began a mentorship project that connects AC students as mentees to AC Foundation board members who are interested in mentoring. The project is still in development, with a few mentorship pairs acting as a test group. “Right now, we only have four students and four mentors, but our goal is to have more mentors in the future and find more students,” Salvador Gutierrez, a Foundation staff member, said. Jose Pedroza, a psychology and social work major, recently met his mentor Alfonso Zambrano, AC Foundation board member, for the first time. “We met in person at a restaurant,” Pedroza said. “It was our first-time meeting. We just talked about each other and stuff like that.” Gutierrez said the idea for
the project began with Alfonso Zambrano wanting to connect with students the way his mentor connected to him. “It started because our Foundation board member Alfonso Zambrano asked if he could mentor a student,” Gutierrez said. “So, we found him a student, Jose. When we were looking for Jose, we found another student interested in the mentorship project.” Zambrano drew inspiration from mentors he had in school.“I was lucky to have several mentors throughout high school, college and early in my career,” Zambrano said.“From those experiences, I obtained an understanding and appreciation of having someone invested in your future and ultimate success,” he said. Eric Darnell, AC Foundation board member, was next to volunteer as a mentor. “I feel it’s critical for them to realize what their strengths are and how to leverage them
in academia as well as in career pursuits,” Darnell said. “It is just as imperative to understand what areas of growth and opportunity for improvements they may need to focus on.” The mentors are currently being matched with mentees based on a shared background, special interest and personality. “Jose is heavily involved here, he’s a guy you see everywhere on campus, and Alfonso is like that in this community, so it’s a great match,” Joe Bill Sherrod, Foundation executive director and vice president of institutional advancement, said. The mentorship project is a way for the AC Foundation to become more directly involved with students. “What we want is to get the board members involved in the student community, be mentors for them, be leaders and guide them through questions about their professional lives and help them make connections,” Gutierrez said.
Sherrod believes making these personal connections, potential donations and interest in the college could rise. “Right now, their advocacy is limited to what they know,” Sherrod said. “When they get to know a student and get to see the day in, day out routine of what the student faces, the student’s struggle in classes, or trying to get into university, the Foundation board member has a different story to tell in the community than if they were just serving on the board,” Sherrod said. The project is currently in the process of finding more mentors for students. “As soon as it’s reached to a certain point, students can reach out to us for more information,” Gutierrez said. “We really want to make sure that these mentors have an impact and influence in these student’s lives,” said Gutierrez. The long-term goal for the project is to get all Foundation
Library offers more than a good read By DANIEL AMBRIZ
Student Reporter
The Amarillo College Library staff is working to spread the word about their services. Lynn Library is located on the Washington Street Campus on the fourth floor of the Ware Commons building. The library houses all sorts of books that offers, students more than just a good read. “I see our main duty as connecting students, faculty members and staff with the resources they need to pursue their educational goals and enrich their personal life,” Emily Gilbert, the library director said. The benefits the AC librarians offer the students go beyond the books on the shelves. “We will teach students how to conduct research both within the databases and how to tell good information from bad, fake news and things on the internet,” Gilbert said. There are other ways that students can get the information they need from the AC Library without having to physically be there. “We will also help students over the phone and email and
SARINE Continued from page 1 via an IV,” Rachel said. “It took a while to get used to having these tubes hanging from his body and learning how to prepare meals. Eventually, this became our new normal.” By Thanksgiving, Sarine said his vitals were terrible. Although he was in pain and didn’t get out of bed many days, Rachel said he still made every effort to attend his children’s sporting events. “I know it was difficult, but we weren’t sure of what the future looked like,” she said. “Dennis was going to make sure if
RAYGAN LOPEZ | The Ranger
Jesse Starr, Lynn Library circulation desk supervisor, pictured above, recommends Stephen King’s “Doctor Sleep” which is a continuation of “The Shining.” The library has several Stephen King books, from “Cujo,” “Desperation,” “If It Bleeds,” “The Institute” and many more.
through an instant chat service that is on our website,” said Gilbert. “The chat services hours are extended in an effort to ensure that the students have research help when they most need it,” she said. Some students say they take full advantage of all of the schools library services. “The library is free to use, you can log in to the
computers and if you need help with research or a project ask the librarians and they will help you,” Mark Valencia, a mechanical engineering major, said. Other students have never walked through the Library doors. “I don’t know a lot about it, I have not utilized it a lot yet,” Kloie Rankin, a dental hygiene major, said.
things didn’t go according to plan, our children knew how much they were loved and how much Dennis loved watching them do what they love doing,” Rachel said. As a last resort, Sarine and Rachel made the decision to go through with the risky surgery. “I started to grasp our current reality when we had to go up to my bank to get all of our wills and Powers-of-Attorney notarized,” Rachel said. Back at Amarillo College, Sarine’s colleagues worked together to keep things operating smoothly. “I helped keep the department going,” Rochelle Fouts, the child development instructor, said. “I have respect for him and his
leadership style, so I tried to accomplish his big ideas.” The faculty and staff in the education department remained determined to keep the child care centers and the academic programs running as smoothly as possible until Sarine returned, according to Becky Easton, dean of liberal arts. Finally, the day of the surgery arrived. Following the seven-hour operation, the doctor came out to talk to Rachel. “He looked relieved in a way and seemed to be at peace,” she said. The surgery had gone well. A typical three-week recovery period was shortened to “as soon as you can tolerate soft food,” and Sa-
Gilbert said her staff works hard to get the word out about the Library’s services. “Hopefully people know we exist at all. That’s something that we struggle with sometimes, I hope students know we are approachable. I don’t want anybody to be worried over asking for help. We really do want to help anyone that comes in,” Gilbert said.
rine began walking every chance he could. The doctor said he had never seen a patient with this condition recover so quickly, according to Sarine. Sarine returned to work with new enthusiasm. “I like being around people and wanted to function in a new normal, new workload and new life,” he said. Since his return in August, the education and child development office is “alive again in more ways than one,” Fouts said. Easton agreed, saying, “Professor Sarine has more energy than two of most people, and he is focused on making people’s lives better through education. He un-
board members involved. “We’re just going to say this is a pilot project, and at the end of it I’d like to see everyone of our board members having a mentee,” Sherrod said. The mentors and mentees that are currently involved are in the process of setting their individual goals. “One thing that I hope to get from this mentorship is networking,” Pedroza said. “Hopefully a lot of doors can open up for me to meet new people or even get a good job with someone after college,” Pedroza said. Zambrano also has a goal for the mentorship. “I have been lucky enough to build strong friendships with my personal mentors, therefore, I’m hopeful that I can do the same with a mentee,” he said. “I’m also getting little older now, so if a mentee can help me use my iPhone apps or help me understand TikTok, that would be great too.”
PROGRAM Continued from page 1 have to repeat classes or take more classes than they actually need once they transfer. Our goal is to eliminate any excess hours for students,” Lerner said. TechTeach, through Texas Tech University, even makes it possible to earn a bachelor’s degree in one year of online learning and student teaching. “This one-year track is fast and furious, but it allows a student to complete 60 hours in one year,” Sarine said. This program is still in its infancy and the first class graduated in August with eight students, but Sarine said he sees the program growing quickly. There are already 530 students in the TechTeach and TWU programs. This comes at a pivotal time for local areas who are dealing with an immediate need for teachers. “There is a critical teaching shortage in our area, and we want to create pathways for students to become teachers and stay in Amarillo,” Sarine said. “The demand for teachers is great,” Fouts said. Each year the Texas Panhandle has anywhere from 700-1200 teacher openings. Districts are looking for certified teachers year-round. “This is going to be a game changer for our community,” Sarine said. derstands that at the heart of everything we do, people matter,” Easton said. Sarine said his health crisis has shifted his priorities. “Family first. I will never miss my children’s games or events,” Sarine said. “I will take the time to purposefully take them to lunch and have date nights with my wife. If my children like to have campouts in the backyard, we will have them every day if they want to.” With a new understanding of how fleeting life can be, Sarine said he now chooses to celebrate life’s wins by creating memories with his children and appreciating the friends and family who supported him along the way.
September 30, 2021
New Student Club creates safe place By RYLEE GLAZNER Student Reporter
Students and staff members at Amarillo College have come together to create the Black Student Union. “It is a group focused on connection, community service, leadership, education, growth, and building intercultural awareness and competencies for students and for staff,” said Melodie Graves, Amarillo College’s associate director of advising, club sponsor and community advocate.
With these goals in mind, BSU intends to reach students by creating safe spaces for students of color, especially those from the Black community, where they can be heard and introduced to role models from around the community at luncheons and meet-ups. “Because there’s not very many Black employees on campus we’re bringing in Black leaders from the community and they will be able to have lunch with the students,” said Graves. “We can
celebrate, we can educate, and we can create a space for more students of color to feel like they have a place here in AC.” The goal behind the meetups and luncheons is to build up students from the Black community so that they, and those who support them can make positive change within the culture of AC, Graves said. “I’m hoping to encourage people that want change,” said Eva Thomas, data management specialist for the adult education and literacy program said.
“In the last meeting, one of the students that joined talked about her passion, and she said that she wants to be an ally to help clear up the confusion about the things that aren’t going right.,” Thomas said. Other students said they have similar goals. “We have always had false hope before, so I hope now we can create a space where Black students can be fully themselves, and be able to bring their ‘home face’ to campus and be safe,” Dmonya Neal, a general stud-
ies major, said. In order to reach these goals, BSU holds meetings at 11:45 a.m. every other Thursday in the Ware Student Common, room 207. Additionally, BSU has made plans to hold an “I see you” event from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Oct. 5, in the first floor of the Ware. The event will serve as an icebreaker between BSU and any interested students who wish to find their place in the club and AC as a whole.
'Whispers’ film speaks loudly By TANNER HART Student Reporter
Amarillo College graduate CJ Scott, writer and director of “Whispers,” is working hard to make a thought, an idea, a dream come true. This dream will not only affect her; an entire crew will gain field experience alongside the chance to start in a career that has the potential to reach many parts of the world. They are making a movie. “Whispers” is a full-length horror film that will be filmed in Amarillo. “Our ultimate goal is to successfully tell a good story; We want to share our love for filmmaking, and make a movie we feel is worth being seen,” Scott said. According to Ryan Hershey, “Whispers” actor and cinematic arts major, there are many issues involved, including funding, finding the right actors, getting that actor to look a certain way for the part and the fear that actors have to face. “Without giving anything away, I am nervous about a scene near the end that is emotionally difficult. It will take a level of
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skill many actors strive for. If we don’t get it, we will try harder,” Hershey said. “We want ‘Whispers’ to be more than just another scary movie, even if it is low budget. We have nothing to prove to anyone but our-
selves; and if we never try, well then we are already failing.” Scott said. “Film is a lucrative field,” Bryan Arvello, assistant director of “Whispers,” said. “You do not have to be in Hollywood or have a mas-
Badger Esports kicks off season By JOHN KING Staff Reporter
The Badger Esports team has a full season lined up this fall, hot off their win in the Overwatch B division championship. There will be many teams for a games such as “Overwatch,” “League of Legends,” “Valorant and Rocket League.” The program planning to have a team for “Rainbow 6 Siege” and “Call of Duty.” These teams will be competing for prize money and bragging rights. The Esports program will also be hosting a “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” tournament every Tuesday night. Khalila Stevenson, a biology major and the Esports assistant, said the
group has 80 members and is still recruiting. “I think we got something coming to the plate for sure. I think we’re gonna take some games,” she said, “It will be better than last year for sure.” Stevenson plays on both the “Valorant” and “League of Legends” teams. The team members pointed out that they consider their last year successful. “We just really meshed really well, even though our rankings weren’t that high,” said Josiah Raab, a radiation therapy major and one of the members of last year’s “Overwatch” Champion team. Raab said the club is looking to expand and have members get involved in commentating,
organizing tournaments, marketing and social media management. Just like in traditional sports, the teams will have coaches who help to keep the team on track. The program will also be supporting other programs like GLHF or Good Luck Have Fun, a pledge to be inclusive in the gaming world and fight discrimination, and Stack Up, a program that helps out veterans work through trauma and mental health issues using video games and gaming related events. Matches will be streamed and commentated on twitch. tv/acbadgeresports. More information about Badger Esports can be found on the club Discord, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
sive budget. All you have to do is get your camera and film something you like. If you want to get stuff done go for it.” Christina Gray, “Whispers” actor and theatre major, said she is dedicated and
eager to see the show take form. “This is the first film I’m a part of and absolutely adore the script and the other cast members. I hope everyone will enjoy this project as much as I have being a part of it.”
“Gotcha” sparks interests among students, faculty By GARREN BUSTAMANTE Student Reporter
Intramural sports are up and running this year at Amarillo College. The month of September focused on flag football, with games on Thursday and a game called “Gotcha.” “‘Gotcha’ is a campus-wide game of tag,” Trent Oneal, coordinator of intramural sports, said. “We will take photos of all people playing, hand them out and you hunt whoever you get a photo of with silly string but you have to be careful because someone has your photo too. If you catch someone you take their picture and continue.” Even students who had not heard of “Gotcha” said it seemed fun. “It sounds interesting, I’ve never heard of anything like that but I’d be down to join,” Tanner Shipman, a biology major, said. Oneal said participation in
flag football was good with more than 25 students showing up for each game. “I think the refs have been trying their best and the staff has been good,” said Aron McClain, co-captain of his team “Straight Cash Homie.” Oneal said he is happy to see people physically together again. “Just the kids actually out here is exciting,” Oneal said. “I tried to do some virtual stuff last year but it didn’t work,” he said. Players were asked by staff members involved in intramurals to participate. “Trent reached out to me, he told me about it,” said Chris Wilbur, general studies major. “I’m trying to get involved to look better for applications to universities.” Upcoming intramural events are posted in the Student Life newsletter, “The Weekly Dig” and emailed out every Monday.
September 30, 2021
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Star Wars Vision: worth it, it is REVIEW By JOHN KING Staff Reporter
The beautiful anime style of ‘Star Wars Visions’ is obviously the attention getter and the selling point of the series. The show is an anthology of a short 10-to-20-minute stories only connected by the universe they share. The series had a good
introduction and each episode was a different studio which was interesting. Each episode introduces characters and a world that varies in depth. Some tell stories that would be found in an episode of a children’s show, lacking any real content to the plot but still an enjoyable time. Other episodes
introduce interesting abstract ideas that leave it up to the viewer to fill in the blanks and create their own interpretation from the tiny details. In any case, the visuals are beautiful and fans of the art style are absolutely getting what they came for. The iconic lightsaber fights are given a new life in the various styles of the stu-
dios who’s responsible. Although some of the stories are very interesting, none of them really left me wanting more despite many of their cliffhanger endings. I did not find myself invested in any of the worlds, nor liking many of the characters. The show is simplistic almost to a fault. The studios all seemed to follow the
same idea of having a jedi or lightsaber user as the focus, and none of them explored much beyond that, like another Disney Plus show ‘The Mandalorian’ has. While there isn’t much to get invested in, ‘Visions’ is a beautiful collection of stories which altogether make up about two hours of eye candy in the ‘Star Wars’ universe.
Coffee Bar offers fall drinks, productive environment REVIEW By ARINE GARIN Videographer
COURTESY PHOTO
Malignant makes malicious addition to horror movie genre REVIEW By RYLEE MOORE
Student Speak Reporter
James Wan does it again with his newest grizzly horror film: “Malignant.” Released in theaters, and on HBO Max, Sept. 10, “Malignant” has since grossed $9.8 million in the box office, despite being released on HBO Max as well. On HBO Max, “Malignant” still holds the first spot in the “popular movies” category as more people continue to stream it. The opening scene starts in a hospital with a doctor and staff panicking because of a feral patient. The scene is gruesome, and ends with the doctor saying they can’t help the patient and they need to perform surgery to “cut out the cancer.”
It then skips to our main character Madison, played by Annabelle Wallis, who is pregnant. Madison starts having terrifying dreams about a murderer. These dreams shift her reality to where it seems as if she’s right next to the killer as the murders occur. As it starts impacting her life more and more, things get worse, and the circumstances of the murders don’t make sense. We follow along as Madison, her sister Sydney, played by Maddie Hasson and the cops try to figure out who the killer is; and how to stop them. As the movie progresses, new information is given, and piece-by-piece it all comes full circle. The ending is not something I saw coming, and between the many plot twists
and jump scares, you’re sure to be on the edge of your seat. This isn’t something I would consider a typical scary movie. This movie is rated R for gruesome images, language and strong horror violence. It’s definitely a gory movie, and I don’t suggest watching it while eating. While “Malignant” pales in comparison to some of the other horror movies Wan has directed, like “The Conjuring 2,” “The Nun” and the “Insidious” series, it still makes you want to look over your shoulder when you’re done watching. Horror fans, you need to add this to your list of spooky movies to watch this year, but keep in mind it’ll only be on HBO Max until Oct. 10.
Strata Coffee Bar is a new coffee shop located by Texas Tech Veterinary School and BSA Hospital. The address is 7560 Outlook Drive, number 100. It is the newest hangout place for students, healthcare workers and people from all over the community. As you enter Strata, you will notice its modern minimalistic design. High top tables and open windows greet the customers with the aromatic scent of coffee. You’ll find yourself overlooking the north side of the Texas Panhandle but also the barista’s making your drink right in front of you. Various artwork compliments the decor along with a lounge area to sit back and chill out with friends. The menu offers a variety of drinks and snacks for those who are in need of a little bit of an energy booster. I had the pumpkin chai latte accompanied by a pumpkin cheesecake muffin with oatmeal streusel. The latte tasted quite sweet with the subtle hint of cinnamon, but the muffin balanced it out resulting in a rich flavor combination.
The service was great and the baristas were attentive to their customers. They really made it their priority to deliver good quality products and service. Molly Ghormley, a barista, has been working there since this past April and says the place expresses an efficient and productive environment. “It’s quite different from the other coffee shops in town, we have live entertainment every Thursday night and we have a full bar with a happy hour,” Ghormley said. Ethan Ortega, a screenwriter, started hanging out at Strata and now works there. “This place gave off a good environment. I liked the productive energy and how they focused on quality,” Ortega said. In addition to the quality of the drinks, the prices are reasonable, they’re great for students on a budget. I also ordered a vanilla cappuccino and a strawberry smoothie, which both were equally delicious and honestly tasted better with with every sip that I took. I highly recommend this place since fall is in full swing, their pumpkin pie frappe is one you’ll have to try out for yourself.
ARINE GARIN | The Ranger
September 30, 2021
Building futures By ELIZABETH CHUNN Student Reporter
Amarillo College will add a new construction program in January 2022. Administrators say the new program will prepare students for job opportunities in construction trades. “Students will develop basic skills needed so that when they are employed, they will be immediately more profitable to their employer,” Ernie Sheets, a construction trades coordinator, said. “Through that, they can look into specific trade areas that interest them in the future.” The new program will offer two construction pathways— general construction and carpentry, according to Claudia Arnold, technical education adviser. Students can expect the program to offer a hands-on approach under the supervision from Sheets, who is a construction expert. “For the past 10 years, I was with CISD developing construction trades there,” Sheets said. “We are hoping to achieve the goal
of students being able to work and earn credits at jobs through internships and a workday program here.” David Hall, associate dean of industrial technology, said the program’s focus is to give students hands-on experience with equipment and techniques common on today’s job sites. While many construction jobs can be acquired without a college degree, AC’s new program will give students a head start in the construction industry by bridging the gap between students and employers. “My passion is to connect students in careers with the trades,” Sheets said. “I’ll be continuously talking and interviewing local businesses that are in need of students to fill job openings that they have.” With help designing the program from an advisory board consisting of local businesses, Sheets said things are looking good. “We are really excited on getting equipment purchased for the shop and tools for the trade,” Sheets said. “Classes are getting lined up, and courses are already listed in the AC schedule.” Prospective students are encouraged to enroll through AC’s web portal during registration, which begins Nov. 8.
“No prerequisites are required to come in, just an interest in building and construction,” Sheets said. “Students must simply meet the requirements for getting into AC.” Sheets said he is excited to see the light turn on for students interested in construction trades because of the growing need for trade workers. “There has been an absence in conversation about successful, well-paying jobs that are in the construction trades,” Sheets said. “There is a shortage of people in those careers, and the industry is looking for potential outlets for employees in the field.” The program’s website is coming soon, but Sheets said students can reach him by email edsheets22@actx.edu with any program - related questions. Students with enrollment questions should call Claudia Arnold at 806-335-4221.
Fine arts classes prepare to move By NICK BANDY Columnist
The Amarillo College fine arts program will soon move to newly remodeled facilities in the basement of the College Union Building. College officials say the renovation is tentatively planned to be completed Oct. 18, with the faculty scheduled to move-in over fall break if construction is completed on time. Painting, drawing, design and ceramics classes currently taught in Russell Hall will relocated to the CUB basement. The department will be joining the AC Foundation; Badger Central, which will include the remodeled café and bookstore and the college president’s office within the CUB,” Stephanie Jung, an art instructor, said. “We hope to be good neighbors to the other folks in the building. We are so grateful the architects worked
with us to recreate what we had as closely as possible,” she said. Part of the renovation includes construction of an outdoor ceramics kiln yard on the south side of the building. “We are especially glad for the extensive excavation to create a same-level kiln yard. We know that was an enormous accommodation for us,” Jung said. The move to the new facility was originally scheduled to take place during the summer but AC officials say shipping delays have postponed the completion date. “Everyone in the department is excited about the new facility, but the process of packing and moving will be challenging,” Jill Gibson, chair of media, arts and communication, said. “We are looking forward to getting settled and welcoming students into this state-of-the-art space.” Some students said they have reservations about the new facili-
ty. “I am confused as to create an appealing “front why we’re moving, and door” for the college and there’s a deep misunder- concentrate everything standing of why it’s hapincoming stupening,” Eric Van Mardents need in ter, a ceramics student, one easy-tosaid. “It doesn’t seem find space. to make sense to me. I Jung said believe that there are the art facpolitics involved and ulty are alI’m curious about ready that. I also just don’t see how they can move everything in a week and have it ready by the time classes start.” Once the art program vacates its current location in Russell Hall, renovations will begin on that facility, which will be the new home of the Student Services Center, including advising and financial aid. College officials said they are moving Student Services in order to
making plans to showcase the new facility. “We are looking forward to the new location to host around 500 high school art students from all over the panhandle in April at Ignite the Arts, which will showcase the incredible artistic talents of the presenters and make connec tions among the students who attend.”
Illustration by BAILEY TROUBLEFIELD | The Ranger