R ANGER
September 28, 2017 Volume 88 Issue 2
What’s inside
THE GENERATIONAL BREAKDOWN SILENT GENERATION
(1946 TO 1964)
GENERATION X
(1981 TO 2000)
(1945 AND BEFORE)
BABY BOOMERS
(1965 TO 1980)
MILLENNIALS
28M 28 M
Find out about Ken Burns’ Vietnam War documentary... STORY ON PAGE 3
66M 66 M
78M 78 M
91M 91 M
GENERATION Z (2001 AND AFTER)
75M 75 M
ESTIMATED NUMBERS IN USA AS OF 2016
A GENERATION IS A GROUP OF PEOPLE BORN AROUND THE SAME TIME. GENERATION BIRTH YEARS VARY BY GEOGRAPHY, AND YOU’LL SEE VARYING CHARACTERISTICS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD.
DESTINY KRANTHOVEN | The Ranger
Generation shaming is a timeless problem about the challenges they face in today’s world.” Ranger Reporter As with all stereotypes, however, there are some asThe image of a stereotypical millennial is a popular one, pects of truth. “Millennials have both among most everyone except broken stereotypes as well as millennials themselves. Typically, older generations view created new ones,” said Sierra millennials as unmotivated Caldwell, an English major. Stereotypes, while comand narcissistic, but that may mon, can be harmful to those not always be the case. “I thought that millennials being stereotyped. Caldwell said that generawere ‘lazy’ and ‘entitled’ until tion shaming not only makes I began teaching at AC. So many of my students are trying indiviuals feel bad about themto work and go to school, and selves, but also feel ashamed of many of them have children,” their peers. “If I was being told that I said Dr. Deborah Harding, psychology professor. “Listen- was ‘lazy’ and ‘entitled’ I would ing to their experiences has want to distance myself from helped me understand more the person saying that,” HardBy STEVI BRESHEARS
An in-depth look at students’ generational differences ... STORIES ON PAGES 4 AND 5
Check out photos and reactions from Fallfest... STORY ON PAGE 6
Events, festivities honor Hispanic Heritage Month choice. Hispanic heritage is something to embrace and be Ranger Reporter proud of.” Oct. 12, from 11:30 a.m. Hispanic Heritage Month to 1:30 p.m., there will be a festivities kicked off Sept. 15 and Amarillo College Hispanic Heritage Month and local groups have plans Celebration at the Oeschger to celebrate the histories, Mall. Entertainment and cultures and contributions snacks will be provided. Oct. 5, Amarillo’s Hispanic of those who came from the Chamber of Commerce has Hispanic and Latino descent. planned “Flavors of Amarillo “I think Hispanic Heritage Month is important because and Mariachi Festival.” The it gives recognition to all festival will feature a variety of Hispanics and we bring to restaurants, entertainers and America,” Stephanie Perez, a live music. Los Barrios de Amarillo, radiography major, said. “We the Hispanic Chamber show people new things and of Commerce, Amarillo we learn new things about ourselves and our culture. It Chamber of Commerce and is important because from LULAC will be hosting a generation to generation, luncheon Oct. 11 to recognize certain traditions are passed the contributions Hispanic down to celebrate our history.” citizens have made. The event Sept. 28 and Oct. 5, the will feature a keynote address AC diversity committee and by J.E. Sauseda, a longtime legal society will hold “Lunch lawyer and activist. “Hispanic Heritage Month ‘n Learn” panel discussions is significant because it about DACA and the Dream Act. The panels will be at embraces the diversity of our noon on the first floor of the country that the United States was founded on so long ago,” Ware Student Commons. “To me, Hispanic heritage Frankie Martinez, a business is a way of life,” Jasmine administration major, said. “I Castaneda, a biology major, can take pride in my heritage, said. “It’s my culture and my culture, my background, what I come from. Being and most of all my country.” America began recognizing Hispanic has shaped me into Hispanic culture in 1968. The who I am in every aspect. From morals, expectations, all observation became law in the way to customs and food 1988. By EMILY HERNANDEZ
www.facebook.com/acrangerpaper
ing said. “Stereotypes take away the individuality of the person being stereotyped. None of us like to be boxed in by others’ ideas of us. It leaves us angry, resentful and ruptures the trust in a relationship.” According to Harding, generation discrimination stems from the fact that all generations have issues. As communication becomes more widespread, it’s easier to point out the flaws in groups and shame them for it. It’s also easy to forget that different generations, especially those on the younger end of the spectrum such as millennials, don’t have as much life experience as old-
er generations and therefore handle situations differently. “We might want to ask ourselves if we aren’t being pretty self-involved when we judge them from our world experience, rather than their own,” Harding said. Regardless of what causes generation shaming, it’s an issue for both older and younger generations. “Every generation is guilty of mocking other generations,” Caldwell said. ”It is a problem because there is a serious lack of respect between the generations that should be there in order for generations to grow and build together.”
A major in-cone-venience
Reserved parking spots annoy students will reserve about 12 to 15 parking spaces for the board of regents and Ranger Reporter the AC Foundation in parking lot nine, which causes a lot of frustration They are easy to spot...bright, among students rushing to find noticeable and they take up a whole parking spaces. parking space. The cones at Amarillo “Parcells all is where I have my College’s Washington Street Campus classes at,” Jacob Watkins, a business have frustrated many students, management major, said. “It sucks particularly those who tend to park because I see a parking spot and in lot nine. then I see a cone and it pisses me The AC police are responsible off because I can’t park there.” for putting out the cones to reserve Some students even move the parking spaces or even entire lots cones so they can park. Acker around the college when there is said when that happens, they an event or when special groups track down the person and give have meetings. The majority of a warning about moving the parking space reservations take cones. Some students will even place in parking lot nine. take the cones with them in an Because parking lot nine is effort to find a space with no small and close to everything repercussions. on the campus, it is frequently The department has had coned off for special occasions. to order more cones due to “It’s easy access to the students taking them, which college,” Scott Acker, campus takes away funds that could police chief, said. “It’s a be used to improve other smaller parking lot that areas of the campus. Acker the police department can said the department has control and block off not written a citation compared to other for moving a cone and areas in the college.” parking in a reserved The police spot since he has department takes been police chief. reservations to cone “The cones are off certain areas. They STEVI BRESHEARS | The Ranger annoying,” Griffin get calls from local clubs Hendricks, a mass media and other groups outside of the major, said. “When I’m running late, I just college to hold parking spaces. Twice each month, the police department want to park somewhere and get to class.” By DONOVAN ORTIZ
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2 Opinion The Ranger
September 28, 2017
Bridging the classroom age gap What are the differences between older and younger students? “It takes me longer to learn than younger students, because it’s been longer since I’ve been in school.” Vanessa Thomas
child development major
“I think it’s harder for older students, because our brains haven’t functioned for school in a long time.” Sean London
general studies major
“Older students are more focused than we are, but I notice they struggle sometimes. I’m just glad they are pursuing a degree.” Taylor Rangel biology major
Germs run rampant Get them before they get you
TASHANA SMITH Ranger Reporter
Germs can be a tricky thing to fight, especially with everyone getting sick and passing around illness after illness. When you touch doors, you are passing germs. When you shake someone’s hand, you are passing germs. Germs can be passed by people coughing over you and not covering their mouths, or sneezing without covering their noses. When you don’t wash your hands before you prepare food of any kind, you are passing germs. At times, people fail to realize that passing germs can cause sickness and depending
on the next person’s immune system, it could lead to a serious illness that may result in hospitalizations. That is one of the reasons why children get sick so much when they go to day care or school-their classmates are coughing or sneezing and that gets passed around. The same thing happens in college-people go to the restroom and come out without even washing their hands. They wipe their noses with their hand, not realizing that as they go into a room and have to touch a doorknob to open the door they are passing along those germs that can make others sick. According to cdc.gov, to avoid passing along germs and getting sick, avoid close contact with those who are sick. If at all possible, stay at home if you are sick. Keep your hands clean. Wash them after touching your nose, before you cook and after you come out of the restroom. Keep surfaces clean and disinfected. Carry hand sanitizer with you and use it frequently. Together, we can keep each other healthy.
- Serving Amarillo College since 1930 For a complete staff listing, please visit The Ranger online at www.acranger.com.
“Oh my gosh! Will that person ever shut up?!” We are all adults here. We do not have to pretend that this thought has not crossed our minds at some point during our college career. Whether you’re a millennial having to listen to an old dinosaur of a classmate drone on about “how things used to be,” or you’re an individual who is more advanced in years having to sit through the incessant chattering of a young whippersnapper, it’s easy to dismiss those peers whose age is vastly different from your own. Amarillo College is well known for encouraging people from all walks of life, and of all ages to go to school, but the very concept of welcoming diversity also creates issues in the classroom. The student body of AC represents nearly every living generation in our community, and there are times that the tension in the classroom between those of different ages is palpable. Older students, usually those who’ve already had families and careers, walk into
Illustration by Destiny Kranthoven EDITORIAL the classroom with a lifetime problems though because they of experience and wisdom. can usually be found with their This knowledge has been faces glowing from the nearest gained through many years of device checking their social blood, sweat and tears and is media and watching the latest invaluable to our society as our Netflix series. Older students young people begin grappling often see their younger with the stresses of life. These counterparts as distracted by older more seasoned students tech and unprepared to face the tend to share their knowledge hardships that life will bring. with others through stories They see this generation who and life examples and, for some live on instant gratification younger students, this comes and wonder if any real work across as stuffy, antiquated, will ever get done. We, the Ranger staff, find useless or downright boring. “Damn it, Nancy! We’re here it disappointing to see the to learn about new things, strengths and value of both not typewriters and rotary sets of students go to waste. phones.” Even with all this We want to see the wisdom wisdom, people still tend to of those who have lived life become jaded and inflexible be passed on to the younger if there is no one to challenge students so that they will not their ideologies and help them have to learn those lessons to retain their flexibility in the the hard way. Likewise, we want to see the younger set face of a struggle. Younger students bring teaching the older students with them energy, vitality how to adapt to a world that for life, new perspectives and is changing faster all the time. Our challenge to you is to lives that are essentially blank canvases that allow them to open yourself to the possibility be more inventive and agile. that you do not have all the These students tend also to answers. Put down your cell be more technologically savvy phone or slide rule and ask which is a huge helpmate in yourself “What can I learn today’s world. This can cause from the people I meet today?”
City construction adds to chaos
MACKENZIE FARMER Ranger Reporter
Our yellow city is currently painted with bright orange cones nearly everywhere you drive. If you haven’t noticed the massive amounts of road construction, then I consider you either lucky or just living under a rock. In a city where many of the drivers are awful and rude, the construction only adds to the problem making it one big, chaotic mess. It’s as if someone decided to play a cruel joke
on the drivers of Potter and Randall county to see if they could anger us even more. In what used to take usually no more than 15 minutes to get almost anywhere in Amarillo, can now take almost double the time and sometimes even more depending on the time of day. With drivers slamming on their brakes suddenly and the endless lines of cars at stoplights, it seems as if the construction will never end. So, the question is, why is there so much construction and when will it end? According to the Texas Department of Transportation, or TxDOT, the city received a significant amount of funding to repair or replace the roads and bridges that are aging. Unfortunately, most of these projects will not be done until 2019 and if we are being realistic, will probably take longer. I understand that safety is important and no one wants a bridge to collapse while
Student Media exists to serve you--the students. The Ranger is 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, writing 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.
there are drivers on it, but why couldn’t they have spaced some of the construction out? Instead of wanting to tear down and rebuild what seems like all the bridges on I-40, how about doing one or two at a time? How about not continuing to add to the chaotic mess of construction? All the construction is only making the drivers worse. They suddenly decide to slam on their brakes even though there were warning signs a mile before the construction started. They get mad if you don’t let them in your lane because they decided to wait until the last minute to merge. There is no winning in this situation and it only makes me want to move and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Unfortunately, the bright orange cones and angry drivers are here to stay for a while, most likely several years. So, until those awful colored objects leave, can we all agree to be a bit nicer when we are driving?
In 1993, The Ranger was inducted into the national ACP Hall of Fame. The program is nationally accredited by the Community College Journalism Association. The Ranger is an independent student publication. Articles published in The Ranger do not necessarily reflect the views of Amarillo College administrators or staff.
News September 28, 2017
3
The Ranger
Insurance flip
Provider change causes concerns By STEVI BRESHEARS Ranger Reporter
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Students, faculty and staff attend a special screening of the documentary.
Show gives veterans voice, increases understanding By DONOVAN ORTIZ Ranger Reporter Panhandle PBS is exploring area residents’ memories of the Vietnam War era in conjunction with airing the documentary “The Vietnam War” and the Texas Panhandle Vietnam War Project, a community wide effort working to give local veterans a voice and boost understanding of the war. “We love partnerships and we love collaborations and I think as a community we’re only stronger when we work together,” Cullen Lutz, community development coordinator, said. “Since so many different organizations in our community have different specialties to involve in this project, it allows us to come together and explore this topic in so many ways.” Panhandle PBS has conducted interviews with veterans that will air during
the show “Live Here.” These segments along with the national documentary may offer a message of closure to some of the veterans, PPBS employees said. “For many years it was kind of a war people didn’t talk about because the hard feelings were there,” Karen Welch, producer of the local segments, said. “We are trying to restart conversation about the Vietnam War, trying to help people come together and understand the war in all perspectives.” Panhandle PBS offered a sneak peak of the local interviews and the documentary in their studio Sept. 14. Faculty, staff and students were present to experience what has become a nightly narrative as the 10-part documentary airs. Six years in the making, Ken Burns and Lynn Novick tell the story of a war from many angles that show the
impact of a long period of conflict. The film includes rarely seen archival footage, features interviews with nearly 80 witnesses and includes photographs from some of the celebrated photojournalists of the 20th century. The efforts being made by Panhandle PBS and local organizations are intended to bring back the discussion about the Vietnam War. The projects are presenting a platform for many residents to speak and share memories. Chris Key, a mass media major, said his father served in Vietnam. “It’ll be a good thing that my dad views the documentary,” Key said. “I feel he can open about some of his history when he served in the army.” The documentary began on Sept. 17 and will run through Sept. 28. Episodes can be viewed online at https://www.pbs.org/shows/.
Sept. 1, 2017, the entire state of Texas changed insurance providers from United Health Care to Blue Cross Blue Shield, causing all current and retired state employees – including those at Amarillo College - to experience a shift in coverage. According to retired White Deer ISD teacher Alice Cox, policyholders were given two days to call and discuss their insurance options, but the phone lines were bogged down and nearly impossible to get through. As a result, policyholders were automatically placed on the new health plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield. AC employees have been voicing concerns ever since the change took place. Many say their doctors will not accept the new insurance plan. “We’ve always been proud of our health care, and it’s like someone flipped a switch and no one told us it was going to happen,” said Debbie Hall, MSN, RN, CSMRN and associate professor at AC. Employees aren’t the only ones affected by the changes in coverage. Spouses and children covered by state employee policies are also suffering. “We have encountered a real problem for AC families,” said Nathan Fryml, AC
faculty senate secretary. Fryml said that because of the coverage changes, parents are restricted on where they can take their children not only for regular doctor’s visits, but also emergency care. AC employees have been writing letters to state representatives explaining the problem. Several also attended the Sept. 19 board of regents meeting to make sure the regents were aware of the issue. Dr. Paul Proffer, regents chair, replied by sending a letter to all employees assuring them that the board members are working to achieve a renegotiation of the plan. “I have heard countless stories about families losing long-time primary care physicians, some life-saving specialists, and even the inability to take children to urgent care facilities. This is unacceptable,” Proffer wrote. Employees also expressed their concerns at a town hall meeting with State Senator Kel Seliger on Sept. 21 at AC’s Downtown Campus. During the meeting, audience members said the reason many physicians aren’t accepting the insurance is that the coverage pays at a rate lower than that of Medicaid. Seliger said that Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives are talking to physicians in the Amarillo area to reach an agreement.
Colder temperatures usher in flu season By EMILY HERNANDEZ Ranger Reporter
Colder temperatures are approaching, meaning flu season is on its way as well. Typically beginning in October for the United States and peaking throughout December to February, the flu season is an annually recurring time period characterized by prevalent outbreaks of influenza. The season occurs during the cold half of the year in each hemisphere. With flu season nearing, people often wonder if they should be vaccinated to protect
themselves against the illness. “I don’t get flu shots because not only am I scared of them but I think they could potentially disable me. I have heard stories and watched videos showing the negative effects of the flu shot and I don’t like it,” Jaxon Keller, a biology major, said. Health officials often push for more people to get the influenza vaccine for protection against the illness. They also encourage people to practice preventive behaviors such as frequent hand-washing, avoiding contact with those who are sick, getting plenty of sleep, being physically active
individuals with chronic health conditions and health care providers. It is also mandatory for health care providers,” said Jan Cannon, nursing professor at AC. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, college students are more likely to catch the flu because of close living quarters, shared restrooms and the many social COURTESY PHOTO activities. and eating nutritious foods. Many college students “I do recommend flu shots will still attend class even for high risk individuals such as the elderly, children, while sick since missing
class can impact a student’s grade. “Sometimes I go to class sick, but it just depends on what I am sick with, how I feel and if I am contagious. I hate missing class because I never know if the lecture I’m missing is important so even when I don’t feel well I try to tough it out for class,” Carson West, a general studies major, said. For more information about flu prevention and side effects, consult with your doctor.
University will be on campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 11 and Nov. 15 in the Advising Center and later in the spring, the general transfer fair will have more than 20 different universities present. “Having the opportunity to attend the transfer fair helped out in my search of where to go after I was finished with AC. The fair last year answered all the questions I had about continuing my degree,” said
former student Lauren Dennis, who is now an art major at WT. According to advisers, it’s never too early for students to start researching and thinking about where to continue their educations. Attending transfer events gives students time to ask questions and start making informed decisions about the future. “It’s always beneficial to come prepared with some questions for these experts.
can be. I want to arm students with the resources they need to make informed decisions and then guide them to the right people that can help make it happen,” Olmos said. Another resource is the Amarillo College Transfer Club, which provides information for students seeking to transfer. The Transfer Club meets from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. twice a month on Tuesdays in Dutton room 101.
Transfer fairs bring universities to AC By BRETT HERRING Ranger Reporter Every semester, Amarillo College holds different transfer fairs for students who plan to continue on to a fouryear degree. These events give students an opportunity to learn more about universities straight from the source. On Sept. 26, AC welcomed the West Texas A&M transfer fair. Eastern New Mexico
They’ll be excited to share the information with you,” Ernesto Olmos director of advising, said. Olmos said students should take advantage of the chance to learn about the schools and ask questions about degree plans, tuition prices and scholarships. “I love working with our students and helping them reach their goals. I’m a first-generation student, so I understand how scary and confusing all of this
Bridging the ... Generation X By STEVI BRESHEARS Ranger Reporter
Amarillo College has an incredibly diverse student body that includes people from many different backgrounds and generations. Though the majority of AC students are millennials or members of Generation Z, there are many students from older generations seeking an education alongside them. “Generation X” refers to people born between 1965 and 1980. Ramona Salgado, a mass media major, is a Generation X student attending AC at the same time as her daughter. “I have always been around or worked with people younger than me so it’s been easy for me to adapt,” Salgado said. “It helps having my daughter in that age group. She keeps me up to date with new things and changes.” According to Salgado, the job market for graduates today is much more competitive than it used to be. “The college-aged student now faces more challenges in the job market than my generation. They must take more steps to get ahead of their peers. Education is more demanding,” Salgado said. For Salgado raising a
college student, and being a college student allows her to compare her childhood to that of her daughter. “We had no social media, so we socialized with people. We learned from our mistakes and fixed them,” Salgado said. “We respected our parents, we tried new things, and we learned to adapt to changes.”
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These very same adaptive characteristics have allowed Salgado to blend in among her peers while continuing her education. For Salgado, the secret to success is having the right attitude. “I think, along with others in my generation, we see ourselves as independent individuals and thinkers,” she said. “I think it’s up to the individual and the lifestyle you choose to take.”
Generation Z By LAUREN EBBEN Ranger Reporter
Along with the Toyota Prius in 1997, TiVO in 1999 and the iPhone in 2007, came a very new, very different kind of generation of people: Generation Z, also called iGen. Although sometimes characterized as part of the millennial generation, Gen Z are younger. Anyone born after 1995 is considered to be a part of Generation Z. Basic characteristics of this generation include: a growing awareness of health issues, an almost jaded response to terrorism and war, a compassionate and openminded nature and, of course, the massive use of technology. “They have never known a life without the internet,” Dr. Elizabeth Rodriguez, psychology professor, said. “Social media is the primary outlet for this generation.” Rebecca Cleeton, a well-organized elementary education major said she doesn’t feel like she has to shy away from the iGen standard.
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“I have been able to get information faster and learn about different things just through a few key strokes,” she said. But, just because it’s on the internet, doesn’t make it true. “I also am negatively subjected to fake news and made to believe it’s real,” Cleeton said. Tammie Cleeton, Rebecca’s mom and a teacher’s aide, doesn’t think the constant connection always is a good thing. “I think they are missing out on their childhood. We played outside, learned to use our imaginations. The computer does the imagine stuff for you,” she said. Tammie said the iGen will not be able to experience life the way her generation did. “They don’t have to figure things out. They just look it up. They don’t have to think as much.” She isn’t the only one think this. “I think technology can be amazing as long as you use it,” Rodriguez said. “But by having that knowledge by searching ‘how do I do this?’ and it tells you step by step how to do it instead of trying to figure it out yourself. We miss the idea of critically thinking for yourself. Like, you come up with the solution. Don’t just look it up.” However, Rebecca Cleeton remains hopeful and considers the use of technology as having a more positive than negative impact on the lives of others. “It one hundred percent makes our lives easier,” she said.
Different strokes for different folks
lennial and psychology major, said. According to Avila, who is also a high school teacher, Critics argue that not all what may work for one may children learn the same way, not work for all. “A fish can and the same thing can be said swim, how good can a dog about college students. College swim? You can’t judge them courses serve many different by the same thing because evtypes of students. Although eryone does things differently,” they’re mainly made up of milshe said. lennials, people born In the same manbetween 1981 and ner, every professor 2000; there are also has his or her own Generation Xers, teaching method, those born between and some say it’s the 1965 and 1980; student’s responsibaby boomers, born bility to adjust to between 1946 and that teaching style. 1964, and tradition“Learning to alists, born before adapt to professors’ 1946. styles, in my opinAccording to the ion, is what educaFlorida Institute of tion is about. Your Technology, Gen Xers - Rebecca Avila, a technical writing instructor education is about are competent with learning how to take technology, more inin knowledge and apply it to son pick what works best for dependent and reality driven; whereas millennials expect them,” Preston Tirey, a math something,” Tirey said. According to Tirey, it’s imtechnology, have a short atten- instructor, said. portant for students to underSince all the generations tion span and are not accushave their own learning traits stand the process of knowing tomed to negative feedback. As a result, numerous in- and strategies, some students how to learn; however, many structors at Amarillo College say professors should try to in- agree that there can be a middle ground. adapt their teaching meth- clude everyone. “It works both ways, I think “I don’t think they should ods for different generational they should both adapt to each change their teaching styles styles. other. The professors shouldn’t fully because we do have a lot “For some of my older students, I have to go slower or of students that are older, so I make it completely easy and re-explain things, or do one- think they should incorporate students shouldn’t want it all on-one with them, and then of new ways but still keep the old their way. I think teamwork is course we have the millennials ways,” Shanice Vega, a mil- a good thing,” Vega said. By IVAN DEL VAL Ranger Reporter
who are so high-tech and everything is about the computer,” Rebecca Avila, a technical writing instructor, said. Other faculty members said simply giving students choices, solves many of the obstacles instructors face. “I try to explain things every way I know possible and let each per-
A fish can swim, how good can a dog swim? You can’t judge them by the same thing because everyone does things differently.
generation gap
Talkin’ bout YOUR generation: You can’t spell millennials without M-E
updating their statuses to prove that they are doing something noteworthy. Ranger Reporters “I have people in my class Generation Y, millennials, the who show up and have to take digital natives—there are many a selfie to say where they are,” names for people born after 1980 Dr. Elizabeth Rodriquez, a and many jokes and memes about psychology professor, said. this generation’s stereotypical “It’s like why, why do you have behavior. At Amarillo College, to have approval--people to many students can relate to say, ‘Oh that’s such a good tweets such as this one from @ picture.’” Millennials aren’t just using Nasharchy: “Millennial culture is spending what little money technology to connect with you have on nerd s*** that makes friends; they are making it a you happy as the world falls apart part of their lives. According around you.” Regardless of what to Rodriquez, the need for they are called, this age group has a participation trophy or been the subject of negativity and applause has become a norm stereotypes that some millennials for everything millennials accomplish. Millennials have say are fairly accurate. “I sometimes feel like we’re to feel like what they are doing actually snowflakes,” Nancy is significant, she said. AC’s Stephanie Decker, Godinez, a physical therapy major, said. “We’re unique in a member of the age group so many ways and we’re also called Gen X and a social science professor, has seen easily offended. It’s crazy.” One common characteristic a change in the collegiate of millennials is their use of world from when she was a technology. Social media has freshman. The dynamic of kept millennials on top of teacher-student relationships everything.They gather and share has changed, according to information using Facebook, Decker “I didn’t communicate Twitter and Instagram and all the with my professors because technology available has created a they were scary,” Decker said, need for instant gratification and adding that when she went recognition. Most millennials to college, there was a large devote time to checking and division between students By DONOVAN ORTIZ and WIL PORTILLO
and professors. In recent years, a push for student involvement has created closer relationships. Now students have their professor’s email, office phone number and sometimes cellphone number. Another difference between the two generations is “Collaboration vs Competition,” according to Decker. She said when she was in college, the Gen X students were very competitive--always trying to earn their spot over another, which led to poor group projects and a lack of study groups. In the millennial generation, Decker has seen a sharp increase in teamwork among the students. Some suggest this is due to such a presence of social media in the student life. Team work, technological know-how and caring are frequently found millennial traits. “I don’t believe we are what people put as out to be,” Jose Sanchez, a biology major, said. “I think people should stick to their own values and not worry about anyone else.” Decker said she would like to give millennials at AC some advice, “Keep your head down and get through the tough parts and you’ll be fine.”
Millennial
BY LYNDSEE CANTLY Ranger Reporter
As the night rages on and many slip into their beds, preparing for the next day, Jaden Delgado, 20, works tirelessly, studying for an upcoming test for one of her many classes. “Getting an education is very important to me because I want to be able to succeed and enjoy life,” Delgado, a radiography major, said. While many concentrate on millennials and their love of avocado toast and distaste for buying homes, millennials are concentrating on powering through higher education and low paying jobs with the hope of a better and more meaningful life. “I’ve worked both fast food and retail and it’s not something I like doing. It’s exhausting and the pay is horrible,” Delgado said. The reality of the situation, Delgado explained, is that many millennials have the need and want for better pay and opportunities but it’s no longer easily accessible without a degree. She’s not wrong, according to “The Washington Post,” college degrees are now becoming a necessity for even basic entry-level jobs. “I want to be able to buy what I want, whenever I want it and live comfortably, so I’m actively pursuing my degree,” Delgado said. Delgado also noted that she feels more compelled to work hard when considering her humble beginnings. “I grew up in a family that struggled, and I don’t want to struggle,” she said. Delgado said that the possibility is always in her mind and only gives her more incentive to finish her degree.
LYNDSEE CANTLY | The Ranger
She also said that being a millennial student had many benefits to it as well. “I love that we have a lot more tools and resources offered to us in this age,” Delgado said. “Technology gives me a chance to work faster and more efficiently than I probably could on my own. For example, I can take notes and use flashcards on my phone.” “Even with the help from technology, I still work very hard to keep up my grades,” Delgado said. Delgado’s mother, Gina Thrower, seemed to agree. “She’s a very good student, she studies and works hard and takes a lot of naps in between,” said Thrower. “I’m proud of all of her accomplishments so far and for her making it this far,” she added. Delgado is currently on her last year of her degree in radiography and is looking to finish strong with flying colors. “I want to be able to do whatever I want in this life and I’m going to do whatever it takes to be on top,” Delgado said. Delgado is driven to succeed despite any obstacles. Nothing will stop her from achieving her dreams.
Baby boomer
By BRIANNA MAESTAS Ranger Reporter
ROGER CHUMNEY|The Ranger
JOAB COCHRAN | The Ranger
At age 65, Roger Chumney enrolled in an Amarillo College studio management class. “The class teaches us how to set up a photography business,” Chumney said. Chumney joined the class after taking continuing education courses at AC. When he heard that a course about studio management was being offered and decided to start taking academic credit classes. Chumney is a retired civil structural engineer. He designed buildings and struc-
tures for 40 years. After retirement, Chumney took up photography as a “part time hobby\business.” He specializes in digital tintype. “I like to go up into Colorado and Kansas to these mountain man rendezvous events and what I like to do is take a digital photo and make it look like an old tintype,” said Chumney. “It’s kind of a different twist on an old black and white or sepia.” “I process all of the photos myself. The old tintypes that they made back in the 1850’s, none of them are alike. The color or tone was a little different for each. And then over the years most of them had faded around the edges, got scratches on them,” Chumney said. He hopes to open his own photography business. “Maybe after this class,” he said. Chumney said he sees his being an older college student as an advantage. “I look at it as an opportunity. I was in college many years ago. I see this as more of a learning opportunity now rather than something I have to do,” Chumney said.
6 NEWS The Ranger
September 28, 2017
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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JUSTON CHRISTENSEN AND RANGER STAFF
If Philosoraptor is so smart, why is his species extinct?
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Culture September 28, 2017
7
The Ranger
Starving artist get fed inspiration By JOSH BALLARD Ranger Reporter
A show featuring the work of Amarillo College visual arts faculty is on display at the Washington Street Campus. The show opened with a reception at 5 p.m. Thursday Sept. 21 at the Common Lobby Art Gallery. Steve Cost, associate professor of art, is the curator of the art gallery and installed the show, which will be running through Oct. 5. He is also one of the featured artists in the show. “Art means everything to me. It is like music was to Beethoven or acting is to Brad
Pitt and film making is to Steven Spielberg. Art is second only to my family. Art is my outlet, my expression, my passion. It’s who I am. I am happy to say I have made a living in art all my adult life,” Cost said. Stephanie Jung, Brent Cavanaugh, Victoria Taylor-Gore, Steven Cost, and Seth White all appeared at the opening reception, which featured live music and snacks for visitors to enjoy while they perused the gallery. “All of our instructors are working artists,” Brent Cavanaugh, chair of visual arts and design said. Victoria Taylor-Gore, dean of liberal arts, supported herself entire-
ly through artwork for many years before coming to work at Amarillo College. She continues to make and sell art and has had her work in galleries in multiple states including Florida, Colorado, and New Mexico. Taylor-Gore said she believes the new gallery will unite faculty and students. “We hope to use the new gallery space to show faculty, student and local work,” Cavanaugh said. It shows that students will be able to pursue a career in the arts. The art department faculty have all made a living through their passions. “As an artist, to make a living you have to be
disciplined and work hard,” Taylor-Gore said, but added that people should not feel discouraged if art does not work out at first. Cavanaugh agreed with Taylor-Gore. “I’ve been in photography for 35 years professionally and I’m still learning,” he said. Cost said he hopes the faculty art show will inspire art majors to pursue their passions and goals. “Faculty need to stay active in their fields and current in their work so they inspire not just by great teaching, but also by example.” “It is important for our AC family, students and the com-
munity to get an opportunity to view works by AC visual arts faculty because it showcases the amazing skills and creativity of our faculty. We have a lot to offer our students and the community, and, as they say, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words,’” Cost said. The current show will be on display for two weeks. The next theme will be the Day of the Dead. To check out the artwork and stay up to date on upcoming exhibits, go to the Common Lobby Art Gallery located on the lower floor between the Amarillo Museum of Art, Music Building and Fine Arts Theater.
Pianists showcase their talent By KATIE WYLIE and BRETT HERRING Ranger Reporters
Swift strikes back RANGER REVIEW
By KATIE WYLIE Ranger Reporter
In recent celebrity news, Taylor Swift has resurfaced in the headlines after taking an off-the-radar hiatus. The release of her newest single, “Look What You Made Me Do,” from her upcoming album “Reputation” (set to release in November), was debuted at the 2017 VMAs. Swift’s music video includes a multitude of hidden Easter eggs that fans, myself included, were excited to uncover. The music video itself was creative, original, and unlike anything I’ve ever watched before. The “Look What You Made Me Do” music video is different from any other Taylor Swift music video in existence. My initial reaction to the video was that it was busy. There seemed to be a lot going on, a lot of outfit changes and to be completely honest I didn’t like it. I wasn’t surprised that I didn’t like the video the first time watching. I had a similar reaction to Swift’s “Shake It Off ” music video
back in 2014 and now I love the song so much that I listen to it regularly. The new music video is dark and edgy, a concept that most Taylor Swift songs and videos are unfamiliar with; however, I was intrigued by this out-of-the box video and had to rewatch it again and again. “Look What You Made Me Do” is a revenge anthem to all the wrong doers from Swift’s past. The overall concept of this video is a slap in the face to the media, who over the years have been one of Swift’s hardest critics. The opening scene of the music video begins in a graveyard depicting that the old Taylor Swift is dead, along with the past, and a new vengeful Swift is coming to the light. There’s a lot of highlighted points that stood out to me in this video. One of my favorite scenes in the video shows Swift reclining in a bathtub filled with diamonds. This scene throws shade at the media by Swift mocking the shallow, money-hungry persona that the media has
portrayed her as. Another memorable scene in the video is when Swift is dressed up as the leader of an ultimate “squad” factory. This is a dig to when the media relentlessly accused her of having a group of friends who all looked a certain way and were only allowed to be a part of her friend circle if they met a certain criteria. After watching the video and digging a little deeper into the true backstory of it, I was able to really appreciate the meaning behind everything. Part of the fun for me was watching the video over and over and finding new hidden messages each time. I thought the music video was clever, the videography was amazing, and the secret messages are near brilliant. I like how Taylor Swift is standing up to the media and anyone who has hurt her from her past through this music video. I think she did so in such a creative manner, and this is definitely one of my favorite music videos at the moment.
The Amarillo College music department is hosting a series of events featuring highly accomplished visiting pianists and some student pianists. The initial performance was by Dr. Diego Caetano, an assistant music professor who was instrumental in creating this series. “To launch this series, I’ve invited some of my friends from around the world,” Caetano said. “I hope in the years ahead to see this grow to where we can accept proposals from young pianists all over the world. I also hope to open it to our alumni and of course it will always include performance opportunities for our own students.” Caetano said that these performances will provide a way for music majors to see their classmates in their element. “I’m excited for the young artist series because I’ll get to see some other students who are also music majors perform
and show off some of their talents,” Delilah Marriot, a music major said. “I think it’ll be really cool to watch other music majors be in their element when they’re onstage.” The young artist piano series kicked off Sept. 12 and will run all the way through April 26, 2018. The next installments will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 16, both at the Concert Hall Theater on AC’s Washington Street Campus. Other upcoming music events include a Suzuki solo recital at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 in the Concert Hall Theater and a performance by the AC Concert Choir at 4 p.m. Oct. 28 at the same location. A songwriting workshop and concert by AC Distinguished Alumni JD Souther will be held Oct. 26 but event times have not been announced. “We have the highest class faculty and the best students here in the music department, and at AC in general,” Tiffany McDaniels, Suzuki instructor
and music department administrative assistant, said.
8 Feature The Ranger
September 28, 2017
2010s
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Fashion through the decades
CLAIRE EKAS
| The Ranger
Changing season brings interesting fashion
By JORDAN GIPSON Ranger Reporter
The Texas heat is starting to leave after what seems like an eternity. With the weather beginning to turn, outfits are changing. Lower temperatures equal more clothes and campus fashion will transform. There are many differ-
ent styles seen around campus; the people who assemble an entire outfit and the people who roll out of bed, throw on some shorts and call it day. Some choose clothes according to the weather and some wear shorts in the freezing cold. “My go-to style would be something comfortable or hip,” Ailyn Campos, an education ma-
jor said. Gabriel Garcia, a nursing major, agreed that comfort comes first for class time. “My style is just t-shirts and skinny jeans,” he said. “When I want to impress people, I choose something red. Red is appealing and eye-catching. It’s the best of both worlds.” Tommy Phannaraj, a computer programming
major, said his style is casual. “I would call my style simple and a little lazy.” Many AC students have a staple item in their wardrobes for specific seasons. In the summer it may be a strappy pair of Chacos and in the winter, it may be a warm and fuzzy North Face jacket to provide protection from the harsh high plains wind.
When getting dressed in the morning, many people hope to send a message with the clothes they choose. “I try to send a message about what I like. I like art so I try to give the impression that I’m an artist,” Campos said. Phannaaj said the message his clothing sends depends on the day and the occasion. “When I dress lazily,
my message is you shouldn’t really care about what people say. Of course, you should dress the way you want; however, in some cases you should wear appropriate attire as well,” he said Phannaraj said he can’t go without his cargo shorts and pointed out that he still needs to shop for winter clothes. “I have no clothes for winter so I might freeze.”