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Amarillo College's News Source Since 1930 Volume 92, Issue 3
acranger.com
October 14, 2021
AC gives $10.8M in COVID relief funds to students By ERICA VANBUSKIRK
tives, said. “I’ll be honest it really overwhelmed me.” In order to be considered for the funds, students had to fill out a questionnaire. Once the questionnaire was completed, students then had to fill out a self-assessment where they rated themselves one through five when looking into several potential insecurities such as housing and food insecurities. “It was actually very easy,” Livengood said. “I thought it was going to have a lot more questions, and want a lot more personal info. It was very fast,” Approximately 1,600 students were awarded funds according to Crowley. Most students received $6,000. “Once an approval was made, the student was awarded by the financial aid office,” Kelly Steelman, director of financial aid, said. “Approvals were done throughout the week and awards were posted to student’s accounts. Refunds were then issued
Student Reporter
Photo Illustration by ARINE GARIN | The Ranger
Jasmine Bernal, a nursing major, tries to take time for herself whenever possible to ensure that she doesn’t feel the effects of burnout. She finds relaxation in deep breathing, mindfulness, yoga, music and support and counsel from friends.
Health care worker burnout Surge in hospitalized COVID patients weighs heavily on caregivers By JO EARLY Online Editor
Nursing burnout continues to surge as hospitals become overwhelmed with COVID-19 delta variant patients. Hospitals and nursing homes across the country are reporting staffing shortages, and nurses are struggling to choose between taking extra shifts and taking time for themselves. “I currently work as a patient care tech at BSA, and we are seeing the signs of it everywhere,” Kayla Fuller, an Amarillo College nursing major, said. “With all staff, not just the nurses, there are staffing shortages all over the hospitals.” AC nursing instructors are learning to adapt and prepare for the future. “Staffing shortages have decreased the amount of core staff available to precept the
new graduates,” Verena Johnson, a professor in the nursing program, said. “What we found in the ICU is that the traveling nurses had a good knowledge base and liked to teach just as our core staff do.” Jesse Neel graduated from AC with her associate degree in nursing in December 2018 and passed her boards January 2019 to become a registered nurse. She currently works in pediatrics. “The issue with this is that many people have either left to work for travel companies or left the nursing field altogether, which means that facilities across the board are experiencing a major staffing shortage,” she said. “So many nurses are being required to work extra shifts or take on heavier, and potentially unsafe, assignments.” Fuller said her class re-
cently discussed how to spot burnout and ways to cope. “I encourage those who maybe struggling with stress and burnout to find what’s right for them,” she said. “Take the time to find even just one thing every day that brings you joy. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a teacher or a nurse. Burnout is not just for health care, so remember to take care of yourself, because you are so very important too.” Fuller said she is more motivated than ever to continue her education and begin working as a nurse. “I think it is even more important now that we finish what we started and join the field,” she said. “One of the biggest things we are taught in school is how to be a patient advocate. The first strain did See BURNOUT, page 3
Amarillo College has distributed $10.8 million to students directly affected by the Coronavirus. The money came from the federal government through the American Relief Grant for student emergency aid. The AC application site closed within 72 hours because all funds were given out. “We had over 1,600 applications that came through in those first three days. It was way more than we anticipated,” Jordan Herrera, director of social services, said. Some students tried to apply for the funding but couldn’t because the funds were depleted so quickly. “My classmate said she applied, but the funds were not available anymore,” Lori Livengood, a nursing major, said. “I know the application wasn’t supposed to close until October. I guess a lot of people heard about it and they ran out of funds really early,” she said. See FUNDS, page 3 Unlike other relief funds received and distributed by the school, during this round, students were pre-approved for both the fall of 2021 and spring of 2022. “ T h e need was so great,” Cara C r o w l e y, president of strateIllustration by ISSAC GALAN | The Ranger gic initia-
Goodbye Amarillo, dzień dobry Poland After 2 years of COVID delays, Presidental Scholars’ Poland trip gets green light By ELIZABETH CHUNN Student Reporter
Poland, a country known for its vivid landscape and historic relevance to one of the world’s largest genocides in the 1940s, is the destination of choice for this year’s Presidential Scholar trip. Forty-five Amarillo College students plan to attend as part of their scholarship package. “ T h e Presidential Scholars are a
group of students who meet exceptional academic criteria,” Lesley Ingham, AC’s honors coordinator, said. “Their scholarship package includes an all-expense paid trip oversees.” Initially scheduled for spring of 2020, the Poland trip was postponed to March 2022 due to the emergence of COVID. “We had to cancel the trip three days prior,” Ingham said. “Because the group from two years ago didn’t get to go, they are being invited back as alumni in addition to last year’s and this year’s students.” The Poland trip will provide students with an itinerary rich experience through the exploration of Jewish museums, Polish cities and concentration camps, Ingham said. History will
come to life with West Texas A&M’s history professor, Dr. Elizabeth Clark, as tour guide. “We will spend time in the Kazimierz district, where half a millennium of Jewish history is written in the very stones,” Clark said. “Students will learn about the historical context of life in Poland from the 14th century to our common revolutionary heroes and the tragedies of World War II and communism.” Bethany Shaeffer, a freshman biology major, said she is most excited to learn about the Jews and how they persevered through hardship. “Every story is not heroic, but they are all human stories,” Clark said. Students will also explore Poland’s culture by tasting for-
eign cuisine. While tea and soup are Polish staples, Grant Miller, a business major, said he looks forward to a trying something unique. “I like to try various combinations of sauces and sandwiches,” Miller, said. “I hear Poland cuisine is unique, and I am most excited about a tiny handheld baked potato with stuffed meet and cheese.” Although feelings about the trip are overwhelmingly positive, some students are concerned for the possibility of getting sick despite vaccine requirements prior to travel. With COVID restrictions of wearing masks and testing, Clark said
she still hopes students will learn the joys of traveling abroad. “Ever since hearing about Lewis and Clark in elementary school and reading the bible, I’ve always hoped to travel,” Miller said. “Meeting different people in different places gets my blood pumpi n g . It’s a dream come true.”
Illustration by SHAWN McCREA | The Ranger
October 14, 2021
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPOOKY MOVIE OR BOOK? MICHAELA MOORE Nursing
“I don’t really like scary movies, but I like ‘Hocus Pocus’ and other Halloween movies like that.”
Biology
“My favorite scary movie series is ‘Insidious’. I love watching scary movies.”
ROSE OROZCO General Studies
“I’m actually terrified of scary movies, and I’ve never seen one. Does ‘E.T.’ count?”
Co-Editors
Design Manager
Staff Reporters
DeMarea Hill, John King, Arine Garin
Columnists
Shawn McCrea
Nick Bandy, Raygan Lopez
Page Editors
Graphic Designers
John King, Rylee Moore, Isaac Galan
Isaac Galan
Photographers
Online Editor
Nick Bandy, Shawn McCrea
Jo Early
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.
Don’t let SAD get you down OPINION By RUTH MARTINEZ Co-Editor
For as long as I can remember, I have hated cold weather — and don’t get me started on winter and how snow makes me mad. When I realized how much I loved the chilly weather this year instead of the warm sunny days, I felt like a new person. I even really loved the winter storm that hit Amarillo back in February. While celebrating the arrival of cooler weather, it may not be the best season for some of us because we may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD — a condition that I found out about a few weeks ago. Officials define SAD as “depression associated with late autumn and winter and thought to be caused by a lack of light.” When I read the definition, it confused me because I wasn’t feeling a hint of sadness. I honestly felt comfortable with the cold weather and I was actually happy. Until I realized that I have been struggling with my last semester of college. I’ve been sleeping more and studying less. My last two classes have also been
Cultures aren’t costumes Respect, not roleplay
HAVEN BOSS
Raygan Lopez, Ruth Martinez
Illustration by NICK BRANDY | The Ranger
harder than my other classes in the past. Could I be experiencing SAD? According to augustahealth.com, symptoms of SAD include: fatigue; feeling hopeless, guilty or worthless; feelings of death or suicide; low energy; trouble concentrating; changes in appetite; isolating oneself; changes in sleep and changes in weight. As of right now, I have three of those symptoms. Because of this, I began looking into how to keep myself mentally healthy despite the change in season. So far, I have been doing well. In order to overcome SAD and be a mentally healthy person, one must schedule times to be social, be active physically and mentally, let some sunshine in and most of all eat healthy because you are what you eat. Armed with this knowledge, I am embracing fall with my arms wide-open. I am now educated about how to be a positive person through the fall and winter seasons, despite the dangers of SAD. I am excited for the holidays and cozy nights. The best part of this fall season is the fact that I will be an Amarillo College graduate this December and that is a reason to celebrate the season.
EDITORIAL For many people, Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year. Plenty of parties to celebrate, fun decorations, scary movies and most of all, costumes. But for many others, Halloween and the festivities around it can feel insensitive and hurtful, changing the holiday from a fun celebration with friends into a time of uncomfortableness. Cultural stereotypes are all too common within the celebration of Halloween, and it’s well past time to acknowledge it. Costumes embodying stereotypes of groups of people or other cultures is not appreciation, it’s appropriation and it is not okay. Native American tribal dress, makeup modeled after Japan’s traditional geisha girls, outfits imitating the large coats worn by inuit people and hijabs worn by Islamic women. The list can go on and on
and we have all seen it. Costumes that are made in poor taste out of the most stereotypical articles one can derive from a culture. These costumes rarely show any authentic appreciation from their source, but instead just create a caricature of the culture, almost solely being pulled from the most common tropes that can be found. Costumes like these are not only insensitive, but can also be harmful to these groups of people and how they are viewed. “It goes deeper than what you’re dressed like,” said Henu Josephine Tarrant, a performer of the Ho-Chunk, Hopi and Rappahannock tribes, when discussing cultural appropriation in story published by NPR. “When you really look at it and you really study these tropes and stereotypes and what they mean and how
they affect us as Native people, you know they’re all rooted in a historically violent past.” The costumes depict Indigenous people as a monolith frozen in time, she said. “It really is a reflection of how we look to [non-Native Americans] and what we are to them,” she said. Times are continuing to change, and pointing to the past and making claims about “the way things used to be” is not enough. It is not always about you, and listening to the thoughts and feelings of those around you is worth more than pride. We should listen to what our neighbors have to say, and try to be mindful. To not do so is not just ignorant, but selfish and disrespectful to your fellow people. Appreciate other cultures by researching the background behind their traditions.
Shining light on abuse OPINION By RYLEE MOORE Page Editor
Many people don’t know that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On average, 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S., and over 10 million people are abused per year. One in four women and one in nine men, experience severe intimate partner violence. In the LGBTQ+ community, 43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women have experienced intimate partner abuse. Alongside that, 26% of gay men and 37.3% of bisexual men have experienced intimate partner abuse. A shocking 30%-50% of transgender people will experience intimate partner abuse in their lifetime. Intimate partner violence happens so often that it accounts for 15% of all violent crime. In Texas specifically, 40.1% of women and 34.9% of men experience physical violence from an intimate
partner. These experiences often lead to physical and mental health related issues. Some cases that you may have heard of are Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, and Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie. Anyone can be a victim, from celebrities to your next-door neighbor. It’s important to be able to see the warning signs that someone may be being abused. Some signs are physical markings such as black eyes or other bruises, marks around the neck area and busted lips. Emotional signs can be constant anxiety, loss of interest in daily activities, seeming fearful and low self-esteem. Eventually, the abuse leads to behavioral changes in victims. Becoming reserved, canceling outings and having excessive privacy about their relationship and/or personal life are possible changes. If you notice any of these signs and have reason to be concerned, make time to talk to that person. Tell them why you’re worried. Let them know that any-
thing they say is safe with you. Listen without judging them. Offer your assurance because it’s not their fault, and help them get the help they need. Victims are often scared to leave their partners. They don’t want to get caught and get hurt worse, maybe there’s children involved, or they don’t have a way to leave. Victims need support if they’re going to leave. If you’re experiencing domestic violence, it may feel impossible to escape your abuser, or get the help you need, but it is possible. You know your abuser best, so think through your situation, form a plan and do what is best for you. If you, or anyone you know, is suffering from domestic violence please call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-7997233 or 1-800-787-3224. It’s completely anonymous, confidential and it’s available 24/7. The Amarillo hotline is 806-374-5433. If there is an emergency, or your life is in danger, please call 911.
October 14, 2021
Everyone has their complaints
Students and faculty give each other constructive criticism By GARREN BUSTAMENTE AND CODY SCOTT Student Reporters
Although nobody is perfect and with the fall semester halfway over, some students, faculty and staff members are starting to wear out each other’s nerves. With students worrying about not having money, getting school work done and trying to be on time, a difficult professor can be the cherry on top on the list of struggles. Students say they rely on professors to help answer questions and explain topics; however, they don’t always get the help they seek or need. “They don’t help with a question and they repeat the same information instead of helping you,”
Princesa Benitez, a radiation therapy major, said. Some students said they want to have a better connections with their professors. “Create more of an environment,” Andrea Quiñonez, a dental hygiene major, said. “Instead of just giving work, form, like an actual relationship,” Quiñonez said. By forming a relationship students might feel like they could share these complaints with their instructors. “If I told them, ‘Hey, I can’t understand you, you should slow down,’ they should want to slow down,” Quiñonez added. Other items on students’ wish lists include patience, listening skills, better management of class assignments and organization of grading
and deadlines. “Having more patience because we all learn at different speeds and are different in general,” Mayra Vargas, a general studies major, said. “Better time management like getting more done in class and staying organized,” Lexus Leon, a radiation therapy major, said. “They get upset at us about deadlines and then take too long to grade,” Leon said. Students aren’t the only ones with complaints. Professors and educational support staff members say they get irritated when students aren’t prepared for class. “I’ve assigned reading or a video and sometimes students will come to class not having done the reading,” Frank Bellizzi, a U.S. history professor,
said. “Therefore, they are not prepared to take part in the discussion or they can’t absorb anything that we are adding because they don’t have the foundation,” Belizzi said. “It really helps if our students speak up clearly instead of mumbling,” said Walter Adams, a professional tutor. “I’m glad to help those in need of a higher education and those pursuing their G.E.D., however, I can’t help those that are not willing to try or those who do not take education serious,” Adams said. The pandemic is a major reason why class environments and connections might not be fully operational right now. “I’m glad my students are back in the classroom,” said Aaron Faver, a U.S Government professor. “However,
it’s frustrating to know many are dealing with a series of stressful events causing many of my students to miss class and not be open during classroom discussions due to our complicated times,” Faver said. Some AC employees and students said they feel the college could do more to support students through the COVID pandemic. “I feel Amarillo College has created many barriers for students this semester, due to the stressful events around us,” said Micah Smith, a Smart Start Center supervisor. “Amarillo College is great overall, but I believe we can do better when it comes to getting our students aid and pointing them down the right avenue,” Smith said.
Honoring employees By DANIEL AMBRIZ Student Reporter
Illustration by RAYGAN LOPEZ | The Ranger
Students can schedule an in-person tour with a Blue Blazer by visiting actx.edu/enroll then click on “Schedule an Individual Tour” and fill out the request.
Virtual tours coming soon By GARREN BUSTAMENTE Student Reporter
Amarillo College is reaching out to new students with a new virtual campus tour along with in-person tours conducted by the Blue Blazers, a student ambassador club. The virtual tours will serve prospective students who cannot make it to campus easily. “The tours will be live in about two weeks,” Cassie Montgomery, director of outreach, said. “We have a relationship with a vendor called Student Bridge, which is putting together a virtual tour software for us. You can basically see AC from
home,” Montgomery said. The college also offers in-person individual tours and has recently added weekend group tours. “What we’ve run into is a big influx of adult learners who want to learn more about the college that can’t come between eight and five,” Montgomery said. “So we decided in our department to be available on Saturdays from 9-1 p.m.,” Montgomery added. Individual tours are given Monday-Friday from 8-5 p.m. and group tours will take place on Saturdays. Anyone wanting a tour can request it through the AC website.
The campus in-person tours are conducted by students who are members of the Blue Blazers. Students can be nominated by an AC employee to become a Blue Blazer or can nominate themselves for the position. Montgomery said giving tours as a Blue Blazer is a good way for students to get involved in college while building their resumes. “It’s about an hour a week. They give a total of 30 hours and at the end of the semester you earn $300,” Montgomery said. “You’re a student first, so in addition to all the classes you’re taking, you should be involved on campus to thrive.”
Amarillo College officials have chosen three winners for the Outstanding Employee Award. “I feel honored and very fortunate that my peers would recognize me,” Amy Pifer, First Year Experience coordinator, said. “I feel that I am just one of so many at Amarillo College that are deserving,” Pifer said. Winners are chosen by a selection committee composed of two staff members chosen by the Staff Council, the Faculty Senate president and one student chosen by the Student Government Association. “It is an honor to get this award alongside the other two winners” Shane Hepler, chief information officer, said. “Any recognition I get is a direct reflection of my teams and the great work they do every day to make the college a better place for students, faculty and staff,” Hepler said. Hepler added that AC faculty and staff work
hard for the students, and it’s the collective effort that makes AC great. “I truly believe I won the award and got the recognition because of my fantastic teams, without them I accomplish nothing,” Hepler said. Pifer seconded the idea that it takes a group to maintain outstanding performance. “I can’t do my job without a team of people that help me with so many facets, from orientation to the first year experience course and all the different things I do,” Pifer said. The annual award hits close to home for all of the three winners. “I strive every day to make a great experience for our students and to be recognized for that is really meaningful to me,” Jenna Welch, Student Life coordinator, said. “I feel flattered to be a part of the employees who have won this award in the past, AC is truly blessed with some amazing individuals. I truly love what I do, most days it doesn’t feel like work,” Welch said.
FUNDS: $10.8 million gone in 72 hours
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within 14 days to students who qualified.” “Students who met the criteria for this year’s funds were awarded,” Herrera said. “This year students had to show financial need and they also had to show that they have been impacted by COVID.”
Some students, such as Livengood, are single moms who lost a job or two that helped them cover their cost of living. Livengood explained that her biggest financial need was child care. “They aren’t lenient in nursing school, so you can’t miss at all. I needed some-
thing reliable, so day care was the only option. It’s so expensive so I had to make it last,” she said. AC officials said the demographics of the students who received funds should be available later this month. Based on the last two relief funds, the recip-
ients consisted of first-generation college students, those in minority groups and many women with children, Crowley explained. “I’m really glad that I did find out about it because it really does help,” Livengood said. “I’m just grateful that I was able to get it.”
not affect children in the same ways as this new delta variant has. I feel like we owe it them to advocate for their safety.” Neel encouraged students with passion for caring to keep going. “There will be days that you will be exhausted, you’ll go home and cry because of the patient you couldn’t do anything for, you’ll feel like you should have done more, and some days you won’t feel like you’re enough and you’ll question why you chose health care,” she said. “But when you do have those patients who pull through and you know that you helped them get there it makes all of the blood, sweat and tears you’ve poured into this job worth it.”
October 14, 2021
AC professor joins national conversation over controversial topic, publishes book By SEASON CRAVEN Student Reporter
Critical Race Theory has been at the forefront of the recent national discussion on education and racism, and now an AC professor has joined the conversation by writing her own controversial book. Dr. Mary L. Dodson is a professor in the English department and teaches Freshman Composition I and II, Masterworks of Literature, American Literature and Non-Western Literature, according to the AC website. Her first book, titled “Critical Race Theory Versus God’s Divine Law: Making a Choice,” was published in August 2021. Defining Critical Race Theory, or CRT can seem elusive in the current contentious political environment. Even the definitions themselves can contain bias. Britannica.com defines it as, “Critical race theory is an intellectual movement and a framework of legal analysis according to which (1) race is a culturally invented category used to oppress people of color and (2) the law and legal institutions in the United States are inherently racist insofar as they function to
create and maintain social, political, and economic inequalities between white and nonwhite people.” The Associated Press reporter, Bryan Anderson, defines CRT this way, “Critical Race Theory is a way of thinking about America’s history through the lens of racism,” Anderson said. “It centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nation’s institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society, ” Anderson said. With even the definition of CRT being contested, it is clear that the topic can be contentious. “CRT is controversial because some believe that focusing on race and marginalized groups of people is necessary in order to fight racism,” said Becky Easton, AC dean of liberal arts. “They believe that more must be done to right the wrongs of the past and thereby fix the present,” Easton said. “Others believe that racism is best overcome by giving individuals of all colors the same opportunity to make the most of their own God-given abilities and that seeing ‘all aspects of American life’ through a lens focused on race is counterproductive to the cause of
SHAWN McCREA | The Ranger
Dr. Dodson’s book is available on Amazon for those who are interested in reading it.
equality,” Easton said. Dodson explained that she chose to write about the topic because it related to other areas she had studied. “CRT is much in the news and harkens to decades ago when I was working on my doctorate and studying Deconstructionism taught by an admittedly Marxist profes-
sor,” Dodson said. “I have a friend in the northeast who is confronting it in public education, so I started paying attention. The more I researched the topic, the more I realized that if one believes the Bible is the inspired Word of God, the conflicts are deep,” Dodson added. The subject of CRT can
Counting ZZZs By TANNER HART Student Reporter
RYLEE MOORE | The Ranger
Vaccine rift grows further By DEMAREA HILL Staff Reporter
In March of 2020, it was never imagined there would be a debate over COVID vaccines. Starting the week of Sept. 20, the COVID booster shot was made available. The debate is whether people will get the vaccine or not. This has caused a rift between those who are vaccinated and those who are not. According to the Centors of Disease Control and Prevention, people who received the first versions of the COVID vaccine are at risk of the delta variant. The delta variant was discovered around the time the first doses of the Pzifer vaccine were made available in December 2021, so those who had the first shot did not have much protection
from the delta variant. Some Amarillo College students said they would get the COVID booster shot, because they don’t want to risk their chances of getting the delta variant or because vaccines make them feel safe. “I believe the COVID shot can be beneficial depending on the circumstances,” Shelbee Mcwright, a nursing major, said. “For instance, I work at the hospital, so I received my vaccine to prevent myself from getting COVID due to transporting many COVID patients daily,” Mcwright said. “Though it isn’t ‘fully preventive’ it does lessen the chance of severe symptoms helping to reduce the hospital capacity and death rate in our area,” she said. Other students said that if
they had to get the booster they would, but they want to see how bad COVID affects them first before they get the shot. “I don’t really have an opinion on the booster shot though, it seems somewhat pointless to me personally,” Caleb Samano, a nursing major, said. “I probably won’t. I’m already vaccinated and I have yet to get sick at all, plus vaccines didn’t give me any adverse reactions or symptoms.” he said. COVID has caused a major shift in today’s world. Due to quarantine many thought the separation was over, but now there is segregation between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated. President Biden was quoted by the Associated Press saying, “The only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated.”
be confusing and divisive, which is why Dodson urges others to think for themselves. “My intent was to point out the contrasts between two worldviews. This required a complex investigation; thus, the questions you asked can best be answered for the individual by reading the book and making an individual choice,” Dodson said. While the debate over CRT continues, students at AC have also joined the conversation. “I do not feel Critical Race Theory accurately reflects all aspects of society. I do believe there are people who make decisions and exclude certain people groups based on race, but not to the degree it is embedded in legal decisions, and not to the degree it occurred in previous eras of history,” said Elizabeth Chunn, an online marketing major. Melinda Pontruff, a business management major, disagrees. “It is important to learn that racism is far more than an individual person and their thoughts or actions,” Pontruff said. “Racism is built and bolstered by a society that refuses to acknowledge the ways our practices and laws provide continuous oppression,” Pontruff said.
Mornings are more than just the sound of loud alarms, the smell of coffee, skipped breakfast and the consequences of last nights Netflix marathon. Mornings are opportunities to start the day off with good or bad potential depending on your sleep the night before. “Fairly often I see students that are noticeably sleep deprived,” Michael Hart, director of Amarillo College’s radiography program, said. “In radiography, as well with other health science professions, getting proper sleep can help you take better care of your patient in a safe manner,” Hart said. Often sleep deprived students say they find themselves making simple mistakes due to exhaustion. “I stay up late hours after working two jobs to get my schoolwork done, because so much is assigned at once.” Shelbee McWright, a nursing major, said. “Not getting enough sleep
prevents me from doing what I want to do in a day. It does not impede my success, but it does change the margin by which I am successful,” Sam Malone, a business administration major, said. Dr. Jacob Price, an assistant professor in biological sciences, pinpointed how the lack of sleep leads to failure. “Your brain is like a big filing system. Everything you learn in a day goes in a file. Then that file is stored away when you go to sleep,” Price said. “If you do not give yourself enough time to sleep, then the file will not be completely saved. You end up not being able to remember what you learned.” Price added that adequate sleep and a balanced life are the key to success. “Study time, time with family, time with friends and time to sleep must all be present to be successful in college,” Price said. The need for sleep doesn’t end with graduation. Experts say sufficient sleep is essential for many careers.
October 14, 2021
Remembering ‘Blues Clues’ after 25 years REVIEW By ERICA VANBUSKIRK Student Reporter
RAYGAN LOPEZ | The Ranger
A Belmar Bakery and Cafe pumkin roll (left) and a Ms. Piggy’s Custom Bake Shoppe pumpkin roll (right).
Bakery versus bakery REVIEW By RAYGAN LOPEZ Co-Editor
As you may know it is officially fall and I have decided to review the pumpkin rolls from two different bakeries. I rated the rolls on three different things: cost, overall taste and presentation. First, I tried Belmar Bakery and Cafe on Bell Street. The pumpkin roll cost $20 even, which is a reasonable price for a bakery in my opinion. The cream cheese was the perfect amount of sweet, however the ends of the roll were covered in cream cheese which made the first slice overwhelmingly sugary for me. The cake held together as I cut into the roll and evened out the sweetness of the cream cheese. At first I thought the amount of powdered sugar
was too much on top but it did not affect the roll as much as I thought it would. The roll itself was presented very pretty and appealing to the customer eye. I rate Belmar’s pumpkin roll an eight out of ten. Next, I tried Ms. Piggy’s Custom Bake Shoppe on Southwest 33rd Avenue. The pumpkin roll was $33.95 which is more costly than Belmar Bakery. There was not much cream cheese filling in the roll and it was not as sweet as Belmar’s but it was still tasty. The cake cut a lot easier which caused it to fall apart as I was eating it. Like the cream cheese, the cake was not as sweet as Belmar’s. As for presentation the roll was wrapped in plastic and as I unwrapped the roll the powdered sugar came off
as well. I give Ms. Piggy’s pumpkin roll a six out of ten. Each bakery had their cons. For Belmar I would not have added the cream cheese on the end because the sweetness of the pumpkin roll might be too intense for some. Belmar Bakery has the perfect pumpkin roll for someone with a sweet tooth. As for Ms. Piggy’s, I do not think the pumpkin roll was worth nearly $34. I think if the pumpkin roll had more cream cheese filling it would have complimented the cake better. Ms. Piggy’s pumpkin roll is for someone who craves a dessert but does not want a cavity. The biggest deciding factor for me was cost considering I am a college student. Belmar Bakery won this round because it was inexpensive and “Instagram worthy.”
Blue, Steve, Joe, Josh and the rest of Blue’s gang celebrated 25 years of looking for clues, dancing and mail time. ‘Blue’s Clues’ started in 1995. It was a children’s show that was interactive for young viewers to help Blue, a puppy, and the host, Steve Burns at the time, find clues throughout their day. Steve Burns ended his time on the show, and introduced Donovan Patton as his brother, Joe, who would take over the show until the original series ended in 2006. In 2019, Blue reappeared in “Blue’s Clues and You” with Joshua Dela Cruz playing Steve and Joe’s younger cousin.“I feel like if you liked the show so much it probably gave you curiosity and changed the way you thought about small details,” Perla Chavez, a biology major, said. Blue, Burns and the other cast members were a childhood staple in many homes. ‘Blue’s Clues’ helped childhoods from all over by teaching kids a lot of things,” Levi Aday, a criminal justice major, said. As a part of the 25th anniversary, Burns, along with Donovan
Patton (Joe) and Josh Dela Cruz teamed together to give viewers of all ages an anniversary worth remembering. The three hosts united for a music video for the song “You Can’t Spell Blue Without You” that was released online early September. The hosts end the song with, “We made our mark, but we always knew that we owe it all to you,” thanking viewers of several generations for their part in keeping the show alive. Along with the music video, Burns sent out his own heartfelt message to original viewers. In the video message, Burns explains to his fan base that he left the show in order to go to college, but he never forgot about the show or its viewers. He also tells viewers how proud he is of them. “I honestly thought it was cool that he did that,” Chavez said. “I mean we started out with clues, and n o w it’s what? Student loans, and jobs, and families, and some of it has been kind of hard, you know? I know, you know,” Burns says in the video. “And I wanted to tell you that I really couldn’t have done all of that without your help.”
Series takes wild ride REVIEW By DEMAREA HILL Staff Reporter
‘Wild Crime’ is a new docuseries on Hulu. It follows the suspicious death of Toni Henthorn. What is first thought to be an accidental death could be a homicide In the first episode, the viewer gets a glimpse into the background of Toni’s relationship with her husband, Harold. This episode also includes a look into the initial crime scene, and how the “accidental” crime took place. In the second episode, the viewer watches the investigation. Anonymous tips start to come in which lead to open up a case from 17 years earlier of the death of Harold’s first wife. In the third episode, the investigation continues. The digging into Harold’s past leads to the discovery of a weird relationship between Harold and his sisterin-law from his first wife. The discovery of a third victim starts to concern Toni’s family about the safety of Toni’s daughter Haley. The fourth episode is all
about protecting Toni and Harold’s daughter Haley and the arrest of Harold. The viewer in this episode sees the control Harold has on Haley and the control he wants to have on others. Finally, law enforcement officials have enough evidence to arrest Harold. It is now time to play the waiting game until the right moment to make the arrest. The families of the victims get together and start to realize there is a pattern in the deaths of their loved ones. Harold is finally arrested and now it is time to build an airtight case against him for trial. The trial ends with Harold being found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This docuseries is a must watch. Not only does it follow the case well, it makes the viewer want to continue to watch it. This docuseries shows the viewer many red flags to look for. I highly recommend watching this because you get to see this case from the family’s point of view.
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Korean drama grips viewers REVIEW By JO EARLY Online Editor
Four hundred and fifty six people from different walks of life wake up in a dormitory style room on an island in the middle of nowhere. They have one thing in common: they’re deeply in debt. Dozens of guards in masks and pink jumpsuits enter the room and explain that they are here to play games. The winner will take home a prize worth about $40 million. They’re ushered into a large open space with a giant doll at the other end and told they are going to play a game of “Red Light, Green Light.” A few brave players sprint out, and when the doll says, “red light,” one stumbles. That’s when the first gunshot rings out. The first game has a fatality rate of 56%. This is the premise of “Squid Game,” a Korean series
written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk that is becoming Netflix’s most watched show of all time and has hit the #1 spot in over 90 countries. “Squid Game” stars Lee Jung-jae as Gi-Hun, a gambling addict, and Park Haesee as Sanwoo, Gi-Hun’s childhood friend. The show also marks model Jung Hoyeon’s acting debut as Sae-byeok, a North Korean defector. Supporting cast includes Wi Ha-Joon as Jun-ho, a police officer, and a cameo from A-lister Gong Yoo (“Train to Busan,” “Goblin”). As a fan of Korean drama, I understand the hype. It has everything I love and expect from a K-drama; striking visuals, fully developed characters with gray morals and a plot that doesn’t pull any punches. Like Korean breakthrough “Parasite,” “Squid Game” examines the re-
lationship between the wealthy and the poor, and the rat race of modern capitalistic society. The show is unsettlingly relatable. Since COVID-19 cast a spotlight on the disparity between the have and the have-nots, the kind of desperation for money depicted is no longer unrealistic. The show also benefits from fully realized characters with fleshed out backstories. Online fans have professed their love for sweet, gullible Pakistani migrant worker Ali (Anupam Tripathi), determined and intelligent Saebyeok and the handsome, stupidly brave Jun-ho. The show is available on Netflix, both subtitled and dubbed, though Korean-speaking fans have been speaking up about mistranslations. I recommend you see what all the buzz is about and hit play on “Squid Game.”
October 14, 2021
Smell the pumpkin spice By LANCE HOOPER Student Reporter
The beginning of autumn ushers in more than cooler weather. In recent years, a harvest of fun fall festivities, food, drinks and events give the season more variety than ever. Fall has grown into a three month festival of fun activities and food that ends with Thanksgiving. For some students, fall brings much-appreciated cooler weather. Jeff Sanchez, a mass media major, said he welcomes “a chance to mix up your fashion and wear sweaters and turtlenecks.” He said he likes the way fall brings out more flannel, plaid and hoodies and sweatshirts. “Even though it’s warmer here than most places, fall brings cooler temperatures and more clothing
options. I like options.” For others, cooler fall weather means pumpkin patches and hot coffee with grandparents. Maria Perez, a nursing major, said she looks forward to fall because it means coffee talk with her grandmother. Perez said, “The fall means I can go shopping for pumpkins in the pumpkin patches, because the weather is much nicer.” Elizabeth Byrd, a 2021 AC occupational therapy graduate, said she has fond memories of autumn at the college. “Fall reminds me of drinking coffee in the AC coffee shop and watching the leaves turn while I study.” Commercially, fall ushers in pumpkin spice as its mascot. Retailers are rolling out fall harvest scents and flavors earlier and earlier each year.
The fall season stretches from September to November with pumpkin spice sprinkled in just about everything from Jello to coffee creamer. Cheerios, pumpkin pie caramel syrup, Pillsbury spice rolls, pumpkin pie gelato and pumpkin spice English muffins, are just some of the food and drink items out this season. Body wash and deodorants have gotten in on the fall harvest commerce and even pumpkin spice beer has arrived. Fall has grown to be called the pumpkin spice industrial complex. The consumer cloud of allspice, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg has grown to $278.5 million according to Nielson, up 11% from last year. Fall is no longer a bag of candy corn and a couple of cinnamon candles, it’s a
multimillion dollar cash cow of spices. For others, fall means that Halloween is just around the corner. Halloween parties and events are the best part of fall, according to C.J Scott, a screenwriting major. “I love scary movies and dressing up for Halloween,” she said. “I start planning my Halloween in Sep-
tember. Halloween is definitely my favorite time of year.” Perez said she appreciates fall weather, food and traditions. “Fall means you can enjoy sitting on a patio and have fun with friends.” The leaves might change and the temperature may drop, but the pumpkin spice industrial complex ushers in good vibes.
Students, faculty look forward to fall break By GABRIEL GONZALES Student Reporter
Amarillo College will hold fall break Oct. 1822. With this time off just around the corner, students say they are excited to chill and relax for a week, while faculty plan to use the time to prep for next term’s classes. “My plans for the fall break would be to spend as much time with friends
and family as I can,” Journey Bunch, a general Mike Tomlinson, a crim- studies major, said. inal justice major, said. “I’m not sure what I’m “Fall break is a wonderful going to be doing during time to spend with family the break, but I’m hopand friends because you ing to find a new job never know what the next and catch up on sleep.” day may bring.” Stephanie Ruiz, an art Some students plan to major, said. leave town during break, Professors also get the but others hope to use week off, but they will the week to earn mon- be using the time to preey. “Pretty much all I’m pare for their next classes. doing during the break “For the fall break, I’m is spending time with prepping for a class that friends and working,” I never taught,” Robert
Dillion, a science professor, said. “So I’m spending all week trying to prepare for that class.” Aaron Favor, a government and history professor, said he has big plans for his fall break. “I really want to try to help out with a fundraiser for Whetstone Boys Ranch, a therapeutic boarding school in Missouri that helps kids, troubled young men coming from a wide variety of back-
grounds across the country. They do a yearly pheasant hunt, hoping to participate in that if I can, resting up and getting ready for the second full term,” he said. Fall break is a time to relax, go on vacation or prepare for the next term’s classes. Students don’t have to worry about school, grades or where to find a parking spot for a whole week. Classes resume Oct. 25.
Illustrations by ISAAC GALAN | The Ranger