September 29, 2016 Volume 87 Issue 2
The counselor is in By JENNA GIBSON Ranger Reporter
National studies show stress, depression and anxiety are reaching epidemic levels in college students, but Amarillo College is helping combat the problem with a new campus counseling center that opened its doors this month. The AC Counseling Center (ACCC) is a free service for all enrolled students. Located on the second floor of the Student Services Center, the Counseling Center will offer individual, family, couple and group counseling. Psychology professor Dr. Alan Kee came up with the idea for the center. He will run it with the help of two interns who are pursuing their master’s degrees. Kee said he has seen a tremendous need for free student counseling services at AC. “Mental health issues are learning issues. A depressed brain cannot learn; however, with proper intervention a depressed student can recover and complete their degree.” Kee stressed that addressing mental health issues will help students stay in college. “The counseling center provides a safe environment for students to explore issues of concern, resolve
At the end of your rope?
CODY McGEHEE | The Ranger Counseling Center Director Dr. Alan Kee and interns Kristen Barrick and Lindsey Eggleston discuss operating procedures and policies.
psychological distress and maximize their potential.” AC advisers said they also see a need for the new service. “Students experience tremendous stress – both academic and personal,” said senior academic adviser Margie Vitale. “It is wonderful that we now have the Counseling Center where students can get help coping with life difficulties.” Interns Lindsey Eggleston and Kristen Barrick said they are looking forward to this opportunity to help students. “Many AC students are attempting to balance multiple roles of parent, employee, boss and caretaker while trying to keep up with classes,” Eggleston said. “The Center is a resource to help students take care of them-
selves so that they can better meet the challenges of their daily roles.” “We won’t be able to solve everyone’s problems, but we can help students work through their issues and help them find their own solutions or see any of their troubles from a new perspective,” said Barrick. Some students may not know what to expect from counseling. “Counseling sessions are shaped around each person individually and they are a collaborative effort between the counselor and client,” Eggleston said. “The counselor is there to help identify your goals and find solutions to problems that are causing anxiety in your life.” Some reasons for students to seek counseling include test anxiety, time
management, academic adjustment, strategies for handling anxiety, depression, relationship trouble or substance abuse. “We want students to feel hopeful and encouraged about their futures,” Barrick said. “Students can feel safe sharing. There will be no judgment for any reason that a student needs to talk with a counselor,” Barrick said. To get in contact with the ACCC, contact Promise Garrison at 806371-5191 and leave a name and number. More information is available at http://www.actx.edu/ ce/counselingcenter. “No student should ever feel alone with stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse or a crisis,” said Barrick. “That is what we are here for.”
Stress epidemic creates crisis By LIBBY GIBSON Ranger Reporter
Your face flushes with a wave of heat. Your ears feel as if they are filled with water. You feel a pin-pricking sensation crawling up your neck. Your chest tightens. Your throat constricts. Your heart pounds, our breathing quickening uncontrollably. Worst of all, you feel as though you are drowning and no can even see that anything is wrong. No matter how many times you tell yourself this is not real—you are just anxious, the feeling of drowning will not subside. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health problems on college campuses. Dr. Beth Rodriguez, a psychology professor at Amarillo College, said that stress, depression and anxiety cause “the inability to sleep, decreased memory functioning and increased inability to concentrate.” The body’s reaction to stress results in depression and anxiety and “one of the main symptoms of depression
is lack of motivation and not feeling good enough,” Rodriguez said. The combination of anxiety and depression inevitably impedes student success “because it stifles the students’ ability to even try because of the fear of messing up,” Rodriguez said. Some students get angry when under pressure. “I got really stressed about my research paper and took it out on everyone around me,” Cameron Storm, a general studies major, said. Nursing major Jo Moore said starting college raised her anxiety levels dramatically. “In response to stress, I freak out and make myself worry about it even more.” Without realizing it, individuals create their own stress through their choices, said Rodriguez. Personal distractions, poor time management skills and disorganization all increase students’ stress levels, leading to anxiety and depression. “If students understand that we, as Amarillo College, want them to succeed, then together we can alleviate the barriers that are holding them back,” Rodriguez said.
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2 Opinion The Ranger
September 29, 2016
Fight mental illness stigma EDITORIAL
“What do you think about AC creating a student counseling center?
Andrew Muñoz
“It’s a good deal and no harm no foul if their intention is to help out students who are under pressure toward classes or whatever they may be going through.”
mass media major
“A lot of college students don’t have the help that they need or the money or time so it’s nice to have this on campus.” Citlaly Zamarripa sonography major
Robert Reyes social work major
“College is very stressful to start off as a student. Just having to think about school, work and financial situations... so this could be beneficial in helping students release that stress.”
People often view stress, anxiety and depression as something you can snap out of or ignore until it subsides. This idea that these symptoms do not require help or serious attention is false. Mental illness is commonly viewed as only pertaining to disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder—while stress, anxiety and depression are seen as results of individuals lacking effective coping mechanisms or making excuses. This assumption must end. These symptoms are as valid as other illnesses. It is detrimental that individuals feel uncomfortable expressing to others when they are struggling with these disorders. We must work to end the stigma that there is a barometer by which the
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significance of mental illness is measured. Often those who suffer from mental health disorders are seen as people who desire attention or want others to pity them. They are seen as pretending to have a problem so others will feel sorry for them or cut them some slack. This
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viewpoint could not be more unjust. Those who suffer from mental health disorders warrant equal attention and care as do those who suffer from physical disorders. It is incorrect and unfair to assume mental health is not as serious. Because of this wide-
ly assumed stigma, many individuals are afraid to tell others of the mental illness they suffer from out of fear they will be looked down upon. It is extremely common for an individual to mention to a peer they suffer from depression or anxiety and the result is their peer suddenly sees them as lacking stability and sanity. It is in our power to end the stigmatization of mental illness. It is in our power to demand mental illness is given the same attention as physical illness. It is in our power to ignite change. We, The Ranger staff, urge you to change your perspective and help others understand the importance of validating and treating mental illness. Spread the word. Speak out. Stand up for fair treatment of those who suffer.
Take a seat for your rights Leilani Thomas was docked participation points for simply refusing to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance. The Lower Lake high school student felt she was exercising her First Amendment right, but was told by her teacher that she was being disrespectful. Thomas’s actions were a reflection of what the Pledge of Allegiance means to her as a Native American. Minorities have been taking a stand – well, more of a “sit” – to voice their complaints against racism in America today. Critics hail these actions as “unpatriotic” and “tyrannical,” however as a woman of color, I see it as remarkably brave. This controversial trend began when black NFL star, Colin Kaepernick, refused to stand during the national anthem. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country
of expression. Amid the celebration of our constitutional rights that were granted to every American, something was lost. Who did we decide was able to exercise their First Amendment rights? Who did we decide Micah Smith would need to remain Ranger Reporter vigilant and silent? Dr. Martin Luther that oppresses black people and people of color,” King Jr. once said, “In the said the 49ers quarter- end, we will remember back in an interview with not the words of our enemies, but the silence of ESPN. There have been many our friends.” That is why complaints about Kaepe- I refuse to see the tyranny rnick’s actions, but also in people of color bandmuch praise. Veterans ing together to not praise who “stand” by these ac- a nation that refuses to tions proclaim that they hear their voice. Leilani Thomas walked have fought to defend everyone’s First Amend- into her school believing ment right, even when she had the same rights as it means defying patrio- every other student there, tism. Regardless of the only to be enlightened backlash that the athlete by the realization that received, he still refuses at every turn there was to stand until the justices someone trying to take of the oppressed are met. away her voice. This is a If there is one thing time where sitting down that Americans love, it is more powerful than the is their right to freedom act of standing up.
Christian band ‘Kings Kaleidoscope’ drops F-bomb in latest album rock album, but for the lead singer of King’s Kaleidoscope, Chad Garner, it may not be so out of place. Kings Kaleidoscope is a multigenre band originally based out of the now-closed Mars Hill MONTANA SELMAN Church, a Seattle megaRanger Reporter church that disbanded in The F-word is not 2015. something you expect With their unique to hear on a Christian blend of rock, R&B,
electronic and orchestral sounds; this 10-man conglomerate led worship at Mars Hill church for many years along with other well-known bands, including Saints and Citizens. With a newfound independence, the band released their first LP, “Becoming Who We Are.” Garner referred to the album as a flushing out of
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all their creativity from their days at Mars Hill. During the next year, the band started to figure out “who they were” lyrically and stylistically. After many months of recording in a make-shift home studio, their next true project, “Beyond Control,” was born. The theme of the entire album goes along with its title - talking about not setting lim-
its for yourself and God and about being genuine. Out of this mindset came the inspiration for one of the tracks on this album. This particular song, simply called “A Prayer,” is a song about deep distress and confusion. The composition of this song reflects that notion with its ambient, reverberating backtrack and shaky vocal lines.
Student Media exists to serve you--the students. The Ranger serves as an open forum where you can learn and talk about the things that matter to you. The Ranger staff urges you to get involved. Submit ideas, photos, writings and videos. Tell us what you want covered. A public critique and meeting session is open to the campus community at 9:30 a.m. Fridays in PH 213. Student Media outlets include The Ranger, The Ranger Online, AC Current, FM90 and our various web shows and podcasts. You can reach us at acranger@actx.edu. We look forward to hearing from you. The Ranger is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Advisers, Panhandle Press Association, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association.
The most ‘horrifying’ part of the song for some listeners is its use of the dreaded F-word. The word is used multiple times: “Will I waste inside the silence where my fear is f-ing violent?” Real Christianity is about realizing how much we as humans suck and how good God is; it is not about proclaiming other people’s flaws.
In 1993, The Ranger was inducted into the national ACP Hall of Fame. The journalism program is nationally accredited by the Community College Journalism Association.
News September 29, 2016
3
The Ranger
Natural leader steps up
‘Fight Like a Girl’ teaches protection By ELIZABETH MOORE
defense tactics. Hudson said the class is perfect for anyone. The class Ranger Reporter covers blocking, striking, Helping women escaping an attack hold defend themselves and defending yourself is the goal of a new on the ground. “This class is designed class created by Eric for any interested female,” Wallace, director of Wallace said. “It is ideal the criminal justice programs, and Billy for high school and Jack Hudson, defensive college students, women tactics teacher at the professionals, or mothers Panhandle Regional and daughters to take Law Enforcement together. We would love Academy and also a to see groups of friends instructor for this class. take it together, too. It “The ability to fight is a serious topic, but the for their safety, if ever instructor makes it a fun needed, is something class.” “I created this class that every woman for females due to the needs,” said Hudson. fact that evil people “I see more bad things mostly prey on females happening to good, innocent people. It’s because they think they time for us to fight are weaker,” said Hudson. back against these evil- “Which is not the case, women just have to use doers.” The daylong defense different tactics.” Classes are currently classes teach situational awareness, distraction once a month during techniques and self- the fall, on the first
weekend of the month. The criminal justice department will offer the class on the same schedule in the spring. The instructors said they hope to add more classes and expand to include men as well. Raul Dominguez, the coordinator of intervention programs, said the class offers beneficial skills for all women. “We want friends, best friends or a group of girls to get together and say ‘hey you know what, let’s take this class together so we can learn some defensive tactics, some observation skills and what to be aware of ’ and not put themselves in a situation where they have to use it. But if they have to use some kind of self-defense then that’s what the class is for.” Wallace said he was discussing the idea of
creating this class with female colleagues and friends who told him that women are typically more comfortable with learning skills, such as the ones taught in this class, in a group of other women. “Because everything can’t be taught in one day, we hope to offer a class with more advanced skills in the future. In fact, we already have people asking for that,” Wallace said. Dominguez said he hopes that by next spring more of the community will want to attend, and they can have more classes a month or teach more advanced skills. “I want everyone who is thinking about attending to feel confident and comfortable in coming to the class. It’s a judge-free atmosphere,” Hudson said.
By KALEB PAFFORD
set of responsibilities. Now he oversees multiple departments, which he “A good leader should believes are the heart of be a servant,” said Dr. education. Frank Sobey, the newly “Frank knows how to appointed dean of the cut through the BS and Amarillo College arts get to the problem,” said and sciences division. Joseph Holmes, Writer’s Sobey, who began his Corner tutor. new position this semesMuch of his new poter, describes himself as sition focuses on taksuch. “It is important to ing care of conflicts me that I do a good job,” and problems that are said Sobey, former chair brought to him; solving of the English depart- these issues is his way of ment. paving a path to success Sobey has been a part for faculty, and in turn, of the AC faculty for 10 students. years. Growing up, he alSobey said that he ways wanted to teach. “I hopes to help students never imagined being out find a path, their passion, of the classroom,” he said. move on to a four year Sobey, like many stu- university, and take full dents, changed his major advantage of the tools at a number of times before AC. settling on literature. Becky Easton, assisWhen Sobey became tant professor and former the English department dual-credit coordinator chair, he came to the re- for English, is replacalization that the faculty ing Sobey as the English needed support, and con- department chair. Engtinues to use this philoso- lish instructor Bryant phy in his new role. Manning will take over As dean, Sobey has Easton’s dual-credit cotaken on a whole new ordinator duties. Ranger Reporter
Students enjoy free advice, free goodies By MICAH SMITH Ranger Reporter
Freedom rang on Monday, September 19 as students were invited to celebrate Constitution Day and to learn about the resources that AC has to offer them. From 9 a.m. to noon, the Oeschger Family Mall was lined with booths in anticipation for Amarillo College’s annual resource fair and Constitution Day celebration. Students walked away with more than free doughnuts and coffee catered by Roaster’s; they walked away with knowledge of the opportunities that were accessible to them and of the document that promotes their freedom. “There is a lot to offer the students outside of AC and at AC,” said Sandra De La Rosa, student loan coordinator. One on-campus resource that is available to students is the financial aid office. “We assist with FAFSA applications, grants
and loans,” said De La Rosa. “We also offer hands on help and any assistance that the students need within the year.” From finances to free legal advice, there is a variety or resources that can be found to suit a variety of unique needs. and interests on campus. “We offer ways to build your credit without needing to have a co-signer and how to help you get a good start,” said Gypsy Austin, branch manager of the Education Credit Union. Other resources, like emotional and academic support, are also offered to AC students. “The resource I use the most would be the free tutoring,” Shawrlette Uy, a business administrative student said. The resource fair and Constitution Day were a celebration of freedom and free things. While various organizations, offered free goodies, they also offered their services and opportunities that are available to every AC student.
RAMONA SALGADO The Ranger
Students enjoy the annual Resource Fair in the Oschger Family Mall.
New badge scanning system leads to complaints By SALVADOR GUTIERREZ Ranger Reporter
A new ID scanning attendance system is raising concerns at Amarillo College. This semester, the system has been implemented in classrooms on the Washington Street Campus. The new system consists of a small black box set in the entrance of each classroom. Students have to scan their student ID to be counted present in class. “When students don’t scan after two
consecutive misses, an automatic text message goes to the student and says, ‘You missed class,’” Ernesto Olmos, associate director of advising, said. Instructors and advisers receive an email right after a text message is sent to the student. The email works as an alert that a student has missed class and prompts faculty to follow up on the absence and help the student get back on track. Many students have questions and complaints about the new system. “I received two texts at 7 a.m. I think it may be
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Students must scan their ID cards to be counted as present.
bugged because I didn’t miss any class at all this year,” said Steven Osburn, a general studies major. “I would have it notify you the day of. I was notified on a Friday morning and I was utterly confused.” Other students said the notifications are unnecessary. “As a student, I’m aware if I missed class, so I don’t think I need a reminder,” Tatyana Alexander, a theatre major, said. Some worry that this system will make it easy just to show up in class, scan the ID and leave, but still be counted as
present. Olmos, however, said the new system is designed to help students succeed. “The retention alert is just a notification system to inform students, advisors and faculty that the students are not attending and that there might be something that we need to do to help them and get them back into the classroom,” said Olmos. The retention alert system will be implemented at AC’s other campuses next year.
4 News The Ranger
September 29, 2016
Stop Before You Drop
Dropping classes not always the best option By JONATHAN GIBSON Ranger Reporter
As these first few weeks have passed, the number of students in some classes has gradually decreased. What is this bizarre phenomenon? Many of these students have dropped their classes. Mass media major Pam Cerros recently withdrew from one of her classes. “Sometimes life just has a way of happening and we can’t control it,” Cerros said. “I dropped because life just came up, and sometimes we have to pace ourselves with how we want to continue.” Many students are unaware of regulations regarding dropping classes. According to section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code, students attending Texas institutions of higher education cannot withdraw from more than six courses through their entire college career. This “drop rule” includes all classes in all Texas institutions. For instance, students who drop six classes at Amarillo College and transfer to any institution in the state of Texas would have used up all the allowable drops. Recently, if a student wanted to drop a course, he or she could simply go
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online and drop it. Now, students who want to drop must get permission from their professors. They have to discuss their situation with the professor, and are only allowed to drop the course after getting the OK. This makes it more complex for students who are forced into awkward situations of explaining to their professors why they disliked the class. Nevertheless, there was a reason for this requirement, Tina Babb, associate registrar said. “We put this into place because there were
a lot of students that were dropping classes due to work schedule conflicts, or thinking they had a worse grade than they did,” said Babb. “This way, that conversation happens between the instructor and the students. It’s our way of helping to increase our retention and save students from dropping a class when they may not have needed to.” Lesley Ingham, professor of public speaking and honors coordinator, favors the new process. “I think it’s good, because if there’s a way
to save that grade and that experience, the professor could probably work with the student,” Ingham said. Another new rule is the administrative drop rule, which went into effect this fall. Students who do not attend a class at all during the first weeks of the semester may now find that they have been withdrawn and cannot get back in the class. This rule only pertains to the beginning of each semester. Once the official census date marking the end of the add/
drop period has passed, students who don’t attend class will not be dropped automatically. Instead, they can only withdraw with the approval of their professors at Amarillo College. Students who assume that not attending a class means they have dropped it will be surprised when their transcript shows a failing grade. Dropping classes may also cost students money. “If financial aid funds have been awarded, students may have to pay back some of the money they have been given,”
Kelley Prater, financial aid director, said. “Failure to pay back that balance could prevent students from registering for future courses.” Prater also noted that students who fail all of their classes may also have to pay back some of their financial aid money. “It’s very important for students to complete the courses that they register for so they don’t have to owe any funding back,” Prater said. Another consideration is that students who receive financial aid must complete more than 60 percent of the classes they register for in order to continue to receive funding. Dropping classes impacts the ability to meet that goal and students who fall below this pace of completion may end up on suspension from receiving financial aid funds. Although dropping a class does have significant consequences, both students and faculty members said that sometimes withdrawing from a class is the right decision. “Sometimes we think we can handle more than we actually can take,” said Cerros, noting that next semester she will re-enroll in the class she dropped this semester.
Sleep at home, not in class By JONATHAN GIBSON Ranger Reporter
Sleep - it’s important possibly more important than you think. According to an article published by the University of Georgia’s health center, most college students average six to seven hours of sleep per night. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adolescents get nine hours of nightly sleep. Few students have that much time available for sleeping. According to some professors and student leaders at AC orientation,
students should study three hours for every hour they spend in class. Surely no one lives up to this standard seeing as there isn’t enough time in the day to attend class for five hours and study for 15 - that leaves only four hours for everything else—including sleep. Hillary EasleyMcPherson, a history professor, has seen firsthand how lack of sleep can affect students. “If you don’t have sleep it’s hard to pay attention,” McPherson said. “I’ve had students, just as soon as they sat down... I never even got to open my mouth... and they were asleep. They’re n no nott learning a lot if
they’re snoring. It also jeopardizes the people around that person.” Of course, lack of sleep doesn’t just affect students, it also affects professors. “If you’re not getting proper rest you might sleep in and you might not be as focused as you’d like to be, McPherson said. “Just make sure that you’re ready to go - go to bed, get your rest.” According to the University of Michigan, “College students go to bed one to two hours later and sleep less per night on average com mpa pare red d compared to previ viou ou us previous
generations. As a result, 75 percent of UM undergraduates do not sleep enough to feel rested on five or more days per week, and 19 percent reported that sleep difficulties had an impact on academic performance in the past year.” This article includes some recommendations: Adjust your wake-up time rather than bedtime. Change your behavior - relax before sleeping, try not to do homework before or in bed and avoid d T TV and
computer use before bed. Take naps -- most students won’t be able to get a full night’s sleep every night, and napping can help make up for this. Caytie Cox, a nursing major, has experienced sleep deprivation during class before. “I know that I barely function if I don’t get enough sleep,” Cox said. “It’s all about concentration. If II’m m tired, I’m not going going to
concentrate at all, whereas if I have had enough sleep I’m awake, listening and more enthusiastic to learn.” Reed Nichols, a general studies major, agreed. “If you stay up all night before you take a test, you’re not going to be focused enough,” Nichols said. “If you have eight hours of sleep or so you’re going to be rested and have plenty of cognitive ability to study and pay attention,” said Nichols.
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News September 29, 2016
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Illustration by DESTINY KRANTHOVEN
Free support group teaches coping techniques By JENNA GIBSON Ranger Reporter
Amarillo College is offering a free support group to help students manage stress. Success over Stress is held from noon to 12:50 p.m. Thursdays in Dutton Hall, room 201. The support group began last spring and resumed again this September. Students may join at any time during the semester and are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. Dr. Alan Kee, psychology professor and AC Counseling Center director, facilitates the class, which focuses on learning concepts based on Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). “The central idea is that how we feel and act are strongly influenced by
how we think,” said Kee. “Therefore, changing our thinking can be a very powerful way to change our emotions and behaviors.” Those who participated in the group last spring are reaping the benefits. Psychology major, Brenda Patterson said it was a great resource to help manage the pressures of college, home and relationships. “It was a place to talk freely without being judged and a place to listen to others’ struggles. We encouraged one another and learned from each person that attended,” Patterson said. By using the REBT method, Patterson said she learned that her own beliefs influence her ability to deal with difficult issues. “I continue to learn and use REBT to rea-
son things out and move forward in my life,” said Patterson. “Of the other types of therapy I have experience with, this one stands out to be the most effective.” This class also provides tips on how to manage and reduce stress by using certain techniques
such as the importance of balancing work and recreation as well as talking about problems and taking one thing at a time. There is no doubt that college students are stressed. From managing school, work and finding time for friends and family, the weight of it
all and the stress to succeed can create a significant strain. By teaching students how to effectivley manage stress, they are steering clear from long-term health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems, depression and chronic pain. Nursing major, Jeanette Camarena has experienced a lot of stress. “School adds more anxiety and stress to my life due to the amount of time that I have to study,” Camarena said. “I feel really tired most of the time, and other times I think this anxiety and stress make me feel moody and frustrated.” Sometimes when things get too overwhelming, Camarena said she feels like crying, but reminds herself of her goals and how close she is to finishing, which
helps her get back on track. “I get stressed when exams are coming up and on top of that, having to make study time when I have 10-12 hour clinicals at the hospital, plus work all in the same week,” Camarena said. Her stress increases as finals get closer. “Tests and assignments have the greatest impact on me because for me that’s my No. 1 priority, but sometimes life and personal issues get in the way and take up all of my attention,” Camarena said. Kee encourages stressed students such as Camarena to try visiting the Success over Stress group. For more information, contact Promise Garrison at the AC Counseling Center by phone at 806-371-5191.
6 features The Ranger
September 29, 2016
Appy to Help
Smart phone apps offer antidote to college stress By SALVADOR GUTIERREZ and CLAIRE EKAS College can be stressful, expensive and exhausting. There are over 3,000 apps in existence today and many of them are useful for everyday life. This series aims to inform AC students of all the useful apps available to make college easier and decrease stress.
Pacifica An app that helps you deal with stress and anxiety, improve your mood and find support groups. This app works as a mood tracker as well as to-do list. You rate your mood throughout the day and it gives you interactive suggestions on how to improve your mood.
Remember the milk This is an app that reminds users about future tasks and things to do. Users just have to add tasks along with specific properties as due dates, priorities and tags. The app sends reminders by email, Twitter and other mobile apps.
Youtube “I like watching people play video games on there and I like the voices to keep me company” - Harrison Blount theater major
Poweramp “I use it for all my .FLAC stuff. I know one of the guys who develops it. It honestly is really great!” - Zach Thomas general studies major
Headspace Focus@will Focus@will is an app that has calming music that can help you study and focus Happify while cramming for This is an app that that big exam. It also tracks users’ asks the user a series of productivity when questions to rate their happiness level. The using the app. app has games that are recommended to boost your mood.
“It’s nice to take a moment to listen to one of the podcast things, they’re relaxing and seem to put me in a better mood when I get overwhelmed with stress” - Carly Stewart art major
Focus Booster This app empowers users to Forest: maintain focus and Stay Focused manage distractions. It uses simple This app helps you dashboards to stay focused on tasks vizualize progress by growing a tree. and rhythms to help The app will grow users improve their trees if you don’t close productvity. out of the app and get your tasks done.
EDITOR’S PICK Rescue Time This app tracks time spent on applications and websites, and gives users an accurate report of how much they procrastinated during their day.
Colorfy is a free virtual coloring book that can be fun and relaxing. Adult coloring has been proven to be calming. For stressed college students, it can be the perfect relaxation device for study breaks.
Culture September 29, 2016
7
The Ranger
ABC airs new political drama series
By ELIZABETH MOORE Ranger Reporter
REVIEW Not everyone is prepared for a promotion. In the new TV series Designated Survivor, the main character finds himself thrust into the role of president of the United States. It’s a scary concept: every year at the State of the Union address, one cabinet member does not attend and instead relocates to an undisclosed location. In the case of a catastrophic attack on the White House that person becomes the president. He is called the designated survivor. Back on our TV screens after 24, Kiefer Sutherland, stars as Tom Kirkman. We start off with Kirkman sitting in a safe room with his wife watching President Rich-
RANGER RATING mond give his State of the Union address at the Capitol when the signal cuts out. The Secret Service runs in as the TVs cut to a news report saying there has been an explosion at or around the Capitol Building, which prompts Kirkman to run to the window. Outside he sees a giant ball of flame and smoke rising in the distance, which we can only assume is the Capitol Building. That’s only the beginning of an hourlong ride of yelling, fighting and trying to decide what move to make next as Kirkman struggles to decide what his first move as acting president of the United States of America will be. We get to see the realizations affect him and his whole family, from
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his wife to his two children. His wife seems calm about the fact that her husband just became president, and it doesn’t hit her how it affects her as well until she’s called the first lady. After listening to another White House employee, the president’s
speech writer, talk about how “Kirkland should just step down” because he doesn’t believe that he’s cut out for the job or that he’s a memorable person given that he can’t get his name correct, Kirkman seems to get his footing and settles into the position that was thrust upon
him not even an hour before. From calming down a table, to giving orders, he slowly seems to find his place in the White House before the episode is over. The show has the beginnings of becoming a phenomenal political drama mixed with the added spice of suspense.
It’s “The West Wing” meets “Homeland.” As someone who enjoys learning more about politics, I liked learning a new fact about our government. Before seeing the previews for the show, I had never known about the designated survivor. Tom Kirkman was the secretary of housing and urban development, which is 13 in the presidential line of succession, surprisingly beating out the department of homeland security, at 18. I’d give this show 4.5/5 stars. It had a few moments that were hard to believe, but it’s easy to just get caught up in the show because of how action-packed it is. You can catch Designated Survivor every Wednesday on ABC at 10/9c.
Uplifting hip-hop album celebrates love By JONATHAN GIBSON Ranger Reporter
REVIEW Mac Miller’s new album, The Divine Feminine, accomplishes something rare in hip-hop - it’s a celebration of love, sex and all of the related emotions. It also exhibits a quality that more hiphop artists should take note of - conciseness. The album runs for a somewhat brief 52 minutes, and with only 10 tracks, there is no filler. Miller is a Pittsburghbased rapper and producer, and has gone through quite the transformation over the past several years. His breakout single, Donald Trump, sounds absolutely nothing like the music he’s making now. I wasn’t a huge fan of his until his 2012 mixtape Macadelic and his 2013 album Watching Movies with the Sound Off. These two projects exhibited a level of maturity that many hip-hop fans thought “Easy Mac with the cheesy raps” was incapable of displaying. Miller seems to have conquered the extreme
depression and opiate addiction that defined Watching Movies and his 2014 mixtape Faces. The Divine Feminine is perhaps his most uplifting and optimisticsounding project, and definitely his most focused. Every track on the album is centered on the concept of love. The album’s production is jazzy and funky throughout, taking some inspiration from Kendrick Lamar’s landmark instant classic 2015 album To Pimp A Butterfly and from Anderson Paak’s excellent 2016 release Malibu, among many others. Lamar and Paak are both featured on this album (Dang and God is Fair, Sexy, Nasty, respectively.) There’s been a lot of positivity in hip-hop this year, from Chance’s Coloring Book to Kanye’s The Life of Pablo and I find this trend to be refreshing. It was recently confirmed that Miller and pop star Ariana Grande are dating - I’ll keep this out of celebrity gossip territory, but I assume that most of the lyrics on this album were written about her. Opening track
Congratulations does a great job of setting the tone for the rest of the album as an ode to Miller’s love. “Girl, I’m so in love with you,” Miller sings in the bridge of the song. He isn’t an incredible singer, but Miller does a great job of conveying his feelings for Grande with
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his singing. In fact, there’s about as much singing as there is rapping on this album. The lyrical themes range from romantic to incredibly sensual. Miller turns up the heat on slow-jams Skin and Cinderella, the latter of which features R&B singer/occasional rapper Ty Dolla Sign on the hook. Miller flows effortlessly over smooth organ
‘Show me the Monet’ Ladd Lecture Series reveals aspects of artist’s life By DEVENIE GRAHAM Ranger Reporter
On Thursday, September 22, the The Amarillo Museum of Art welcomed Dr. George Shackelford, deputy director of the Kimbell Art Museum in Ft. Worth. Becoming Monet was the title of his presentation, which was part of the Ladd Lecture series featuring experts from across the nation. As the lecture started, the audience silenced into an intimate viewing of the early life of French
impressionist artist, Claude Monet. Shackelford whispered, “We are in the presence of a very prolific man,” as the first painting of Monet received “ah’s” from the crowd. According to Shackleford, in 1857, at only 17 years old, Monet was painting more proficiently then his mentors. Each piece created a rhythm of color as the stroke within stroke contributed to the reflections of landscapes within the water. Shackelford explained that Monet’s pieces dem-
chords on Planet God Damn, a song about a fading love. “I think I’m stuck inside nostalgia/ Reminded of the times when this love was so divine/But now it’s feelin’ like without ‘ya.” This album captures some of the introspective themes that Miller has become
onstrated the struggles of a young man and offered insight about the world around him. The paintings also demonstrated Monet’s persistent attitude. Legend says when winter hit “it was cold enough to split rocks. Yet, there was Monet, painting in the snow,” Shackelford said. The speaker’s passion for art rang clear as he displayed pieces found from around the globe. Monet’s work will be the focus of an exhibit opening at the Kimbell in 2017.
known for over the past couple of years. Miller lets loose on Soulmate, yet another ode to his current love. The track opens with a sample from 1997’s Good Will Hunting - “Do you feel like you’re alone, Will? You have a soulmate? Somebody who challenges you. I’m talking about someone who opens up things for you - touches
your soul”. It appears that Miller has found his “soulmate” on this track, as he describes her in the song’s hook - “You were the one to show me divine love, love, love... Where were you when I was lonely? My divine love, love, love...”| Miller duets with famed Goodie Mob/ Gnarls Barkley member Cee-Lo Green on We, which is a strong competitor for smoothest track on the album. The instrumental wouldn’t sound out of place on a classic soul album, and Green’s vocal delivery compliments Miller’s once again effortlessly delivered verses about commitment in a relationship. The themes of this track are summed up simply in Miller’s transition into the hook “Baby, ‘we’ sounds better than ‘you’ or ‘me’.” Ariana Grande herself is featured on the duet My Favorite Part. To quote Pitchfork contributor Sheldon Pearce, the track “is basically the downtempo reprise of One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful. “You just don’t know how beautiful you are, ain’t nobody gonna break your heart...
You walk around so clueless to it all, like nobody gonna break your heart,” Miller sings on the hook, harmonizing beautifully with Grande. Famed rapper and best lyricist in the game, Kendrick Lamar, is featured on closing track God is Fair, Sexy, Nasty, but unfortunately he doesn’t spit a verse, just the hook. Still, the song is incredibly smooth, so I have no complaints. A beautiful monologue from Miller’s grandmother closes the album, speaking about “(her) love affair with (her) husband,” explaining how they became close, eventually knowing and understanding everything about one another. Miller’s grandmother emphasizes “how important it is to love, respect and care for each other.” Overall, The Divine Feminine is an incredibly enjoyable listen. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but with its smooth, jazzy production and focused themes, the album is easy to appreciate. I was not even the slightest bit disappointed with this release, and I don’t imagine that any fans will be either. 8/10
8 The Ranger
September 29, 2016