Regents run for re-election By SENTORA RODRIGUEZ Ranger Reporter
roshima survivor and visited a number of cultural and educational sites. Sightseeing, shopping, visiting national parks, navigating the Tokyo subway and interacting with native wildlife, such as deer and monkeys, rounded out the excursion. The Scholars said this trip was a once-in-alifetime experience. For Frankie Martinez, a business major, this was his first time to ever travel by plane. COURTESY PHOTO “The flight over was easy, de- Presidential Scholars enjoy typical Japanese food which inspite it being 14 hours. I ended cludes rice, fish and seaweed. up taking four naps and watch“The trip was amazing. It of seafood, and french fries. ing four movies,” he said. was very clean and efficient,” Everything was edible and The Scholars said they were Clarissa Clifford, a biology at least tasted OK,” Martinez surprised by how lush and clean major, said. “Everyone was very said. Japan was. “When we first got Abhi Bhakta, a vegetarian to Tokyo it felt pretty normal, nice. I was most surprised by the food that we ate. It was and engineering major, stuck but when we went more to the way different from what I exto meatless options, but othcountry areas it was like ‘oh ers, like Taylor Gray, a biolmy gosh, we’re in Japan,. It’s pected,” Clifford added. Some students were more ogy major, ate an eyeball. “It so green,” Natalie Ocegueda, a adventurous when it came to didn’t taste that bad,” he said. nursing major, said. food than others. “I ate a lot See Japan, Pg. 4
Three seats will be up for grabs on the Amarillo College board of regents this May. Jay Barrett, Michele Fortunato and Dr. Neal Nossaman all have terms ending this year. Nossaman said he will be stepping down from the board, while Barrett and Fortunato are running for re-election. Both have filed for a possible seat. The AC board of regents is responsible for major decisions on campus, hiring a college president being its biggest. Nossaman said he has decided to step down to focus on his optometry practice but still plans to stay involved with AC. “I have seen a lot of positive changes going on at AC. I feel like AC is on the way to being a world-class school,” Nossaman said. Fortunato and Barrett both have a long track-record of community service. Both said they plan to run a Facebook campaign so they will not need to raise or spend any campaign money. “I do not want people to have to spend money on this election by supporting candidates who would all be good candidates,” Fortunato said. “I am going to let my record speak for itself.” Barrett plans to use social media sites like Linkdin, Facebook and Instagram. He has already started posting to his Facebook campaign and said so far he has received a great response. “I am going to be posting things on social media where I can reach a variety of people in our community,” Barrett said. The board of regents holds meetings every fourth Tuesday that are open to the public. Wes Condray, director of communications and marketing, said students are more than welcome to attend and that the meetings are informative. “They talk about all sorts of things that are happening at the college that are forthcoming and stuff that has already happened,” Condray said. AC students will get a chance to voice their opinion on Election Day, May 6. Students who are legal residents of Potter County and registered to vote will be able to participate in the election.
arts and sciences who has also taken the position of associate vice president, has worked with Clunis on a number of successful projects and has enjoyed the strong, collaborative relationship. “I am extremely confident in her ability to lead academic affairs and do her part to help the college attain its vision of 70 percent completion by 2020,” Sobey said. Under Clunis’ guidance, Sobey said he thinks that the goal of a 70 percent completion of the plan can be easily
different capacities. She has spent the last year and a half in the academic success division. “She has been an outstanding dean to work for because she challenges each of us to be our very best,” Carter said. Carter said that Clunis’ passion for students and her commitment to the college’s No Excuses 2020 plan is evident. Carter said, as a leader, Clunis encourages teamwork, innovation, and collaboration. “Together we are building a better tomorrow for the students we serve,” Carter said.
February 2, 2017 Volume 87 Issue 7
Journey to Japan
Students cross globe for cultural exchange By JENNA GIBSON Ranger Reporter
Being chased by aggressive deer, bathing in a Japanese hot spring and trying new foods including raw fish and seaweed--that’s how 13 Amarillo College Presidential Scholars spent their winter vacation. Every year, the Scholars have the opportunity to take an overseas educational excursion as part of their participation in the program. This year’s destination was Japan. The students spent 11 days traveling. They went to Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Hakone and Tokyo. The trip also included a cultural exchange component that included meeting with residents in a nursing home and cooking a traditional Japanese dinner with Japanese college students. They also heard a lecture from the child of a Hi-
Staff shows support for new leader By GARRETT FRIEMEL Ranger Reporter
Amarillo College’s new interim vice president of academic affairs is working hard to help more students complete degrees or certificates. After the resignation of former vice president of academic affairs Deborah Vess in December, Dr. Tamara Clunis filled the position of interim VPAA. Clunis is administering the No Excuses 2020 Strategic Plan. This plan involves working at aligning the curriculum
COURTESY PHOTO TAMARA CLUNIS
as well as redesigning courses and other programs. The plan is built on the foundation of teamwork between Clunis and other faculty members. Frank Sobey, the dean of
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met. “I like our chances of attaining our vision and building a more effective organization with academic affairs because of Dr. Clunis’ leadership,” Sobey said. Interim Dean of Academic Success Edythe Carter agrees with Sobey that Clunis will make a great vice president. “Dr. Clunis is an exceptional leader,” Carter said. “She is highly respected, knowledgeable and forward-thinking.” Carter said she has enjoyed working with Clunis in many
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2 Opinion The Ranger
February 2, 2017
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
“To Switzerland just to see the Alps.” Kassidy Winegeart nursing major
“To Las Vegas; to gamble and walk down the strip and take pictures.” Demetrius Allen buissness major
“To China, just the different cultures interesting and their sushi would be better than Amarillo’s.” Jordan Kent teaching major
“To the Netherlands due to the rich history of the area.” Darcy Watson agribuisness major
Cultural awareness should trump president’s travel ban EDITORIAL On Friday, Jan. 27 2017, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order calling for a strict investigation of certain foreign nationals pursuing entry into the United States. This order prevents citizens of the following seven Muslim majority countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering into the U.S. for 120 days while the investigation occurs, and prevents Syrian refugees from entering the U.S. indefinitely. We, The Ranger, do not believe the United States’ borders should be open without regulation, but it seems the way this executive order is being carried out will provoke fear of and discrimination toward students and individuals simply because of their cultural backgrounds. We do want our government to protect national security and prevent acts of terrorism, but, in the process of doing so, we do not want our government to fuel anti-immigrant hatred and prompt individuals to fear or disrespect people from other cultures. It is ironic that we are publishing this issue focused on cultural awareness and international travel at the same time Trump’s executive order is making travel more difficult and is stopping immigrants and refugees from entering the U.S.
Illustration by Destiny Kranthoven Study abroad programs provide the opportunity to experience new cultures, environments and knowledge, while furthering one’s education; however, we also have the opportunity to build our cultural awareness without leaving town. Amarillo College has an incredibly diverse population that includes students from Burma, Nigeria, India, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia and the Sudan. We can learn a great deal from these refugees and immigrants—many of whom represent the people Trump’s executive order intends to keep out. America is a country founded by immigrants, yet the president’s actions have left immigrants detained and denied entry to the U.S. The executive order is designed to regulate borders and
prevent acts of terrorism, and should not result in fear, hate crimes, discrimination, violence, protests or anything that further divides our population. This order is not a reason for our country to become more divided and hate-driven. We should welcome those with different cultural backgrounds than our own and take this time to learn about their values and beliefs. We should continue to enrich ourselves in others’ cultures whether that involves travel, or simply getting to know an individual in one’s hometown whose culture differs from his or her own. We urge you to take this time to promote acceptance and cultural awareness. This order does not change one’s ability to spread awareness, acceptance and knowledge—so do not let it.
Opinions abound but most are not sound
News should not be a choose-your-own-adventure experience
By Liz Moore Ranger Reporter
Trying to read or watch the news to learn what is happening in the world should not mean you are subjected to opinion. The news is supposed to be all about the facts. Objec-
tive facts, so that members of the general public knows about the situation and can form their own opinions. What is crazy is that some people do not know the difference between fact and opinion, especially when it comes to the news. Fact: I have brown eyes. Opinion: I’d look better with blonde hair. Most anybody can tell that there is a difference between a fact and an opinion, but when I turn on the TV to watch the news, I get opinionated facts. While yes, I get to hear what the facts are, I usually also get
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the reporter’s opinion overshadowing the facts, or only get the facts that support the reporter’s opinion. A good example of how the news can hide the facts behind opinions is an interview I just watched on the news. A reporter was interviewing Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway and when the reporter asked her a question, she hid the answer in between statements that overshadowed it, and at some points weren’t even relevant. I had a hard time realizing that she actually answered the question because she was talking about a million other
things on top of it. And that sometimes happens when reporters are reporting the news. That is not what the news is supposed to be. We’re not dealing with alternative facts here, we are dealing with real, actual facts. I should be able to hear all of the facts surrounding a story. If a man was involved in a highspeed car chase with the police, and crashed into a barrier 30 minutes later, I should hear why he ran, what he crashed into, even what kind of car he was driving and how many police were chasing him. Unfortunately, I will also
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. In 1993, The Ranger was inducted into the national ACP
get to hear that the reporters thought he was stupid, maybe they will even call him a thug, but more than likely they will leave out some part of the story, so that I do not get to hear all of the facts. I get to hear what they decided to talk about, and what they think about it. The worst part however, is because the news has become so opinionated, it is hard to find someone who has formed his or her own opinion. If the news station they prefer to watch has an opinion on something, that is usually the opinion of the viewer as well. It is almost like mob mentality.
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 February 2, 2017
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The Ranger
Resources for success By JALYNN VINSON Ranger Reporter
Learning how to manage a successful semester can be difficult, but with the right resources, students will feel as if they can conquer the world. “For every three-hour class a student registers for, plan for three hours each week of work outside of the classroom,” Success Center Director Melissa Hightower said. “One class would then consume a minimum of six hours of their time each week.” Setting aside time to study or complete homework is a huge first step in making sure that the rest of the semester runs as smoothly as possible. “A student should never think they are alone in their efforts to reach their goals. AC staff and faculty all hope that students will take advantage of the many resources Amarillo College has to offer, from free tutoring to finding out what jobs are related to the field of study the student is interested in,” Hightower said. Help is always around the corner at AC campuses, said Hightower, noting that once students realize the resources available, a weight may be lifted off their shoulders. “Make attendance every day a priority,” said Edythe Carter, interim dean of academic suc-
cess. “Also, actively participate in each of your classes, and get involved in a club or organization on campus.” According to recent studies around college campuses, experts have concluded that students have a better understanding of the material given to them if they are participating in class and are engaged rather than just going with the flow, Carter said. “Don’t go in with the mindset that your college courses are going to be just as easy as your high school classes were,” Tatiana Mamriquez, a nursing major, said. “Don’t slack off either. It can put you behind quicker than you think. Always do your assignments on time.” Often, students come to AC thinking their courses will be similar to the ones they have already taken in high school; however, that is not the case according to Mamriquez. “If students stay focused and understand that they may have to work harder... college should be successful for those students in the end.” Struggling with academic or study skills? Get help in the Tutoring Center, first floor of Ware Student Commons. Call (806) 3715432 to learn more.
How to stay well during cold and flu season By JULIE RAMBIN Ranger Reporter
Hand sanitizer and pocketsized tissues are sure signs that cold and flu season is in full swing. No one wants to get sick, but what are the best ways to protect yourself and others? “The biggest thing is good hand washing,” Jeanette Embrey, assistant professor of nursing, said. Students should try not to be exposed to other people coughing on them, as this is a primary way colds and flu are passed from person to person. A few simple measures can help to keep a student’s immune system in top shape. Embrey recommended that students should “rest well, get enough sleep, try to decrease stress… and maintain healthy eating habits.” Many students use hand sanitizer, but there really is no substitute for washing your hands well. “You shouldn’t just use sanitizer and never wash your hands; you should wash your hands and then use sanitizer,” Embrey said. Hand sanitizer can cause skin dryness or a rash in people with sensitive skin, so if you choose to use it, use wisely. Despite protective measures, it’s still possible to catch a cold or flu. There are no prescription medications that will cure your cold, but for severe cases of flu, antiviral drugs are available. In most cases of cold and flu, the best treat-
ment doesn’t require a trip to see their health care provider,” the doctor. Students with cold Embrey said. or flu “really need to take some If a student does get a cold time out and rest,” Embrey or flu, the best ways to avoid passing it on are simple comsaid. Over-the-counter vitamin mon-sense measures. “You supplements are a tempting don’t want to be sneezing on option, but they’re not for ev- anyone, or to have close coneryone. “If somebody’s on an- tact. Handwashing is the big other type of medication, the thing, to make sure you’re not supplements can interact with carrying on germs to other it,” Embrey said. “You have people,” Embrey to look up side effects and be said. careful about the dosing.” It’s unclear whether supShould I go to class plements and herbal remor stay in bed? edies have any signifiCall the medical clinic or cant benefit, and “if take care of it myself? you have enough It’s hard to decide what to do if rest and you’re you’re not sure what you’ve got. on a decent diet you don’t really need to have a lot of supple• Cold symptoms • Flu serious for ments,” high-risk groups usually milder Embrey • More likely to • Fever, chills said. have a stuffy or • Cough A trip runny nose • Sore throat to the • Generally do not • Muscle or body medicine aches and pains result in serious cupboard health problems • Headaches can ease • No prescription •Tiredness and cold and flu drugs available fatigue symptoms Colds and flu share many sympfor many students. “If they toms and it isn’t always possible to have a fever, tell the difference without tests. they might want For more tips, or if you or to take an over-thea family member belongs counter medication to a high-risk group, visit: that would get their fever down, but if they have a fever for more than a day and a half they might need to
cdc.gov/flu
Feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed? Overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn? Free, confidential counseling is available through the AC Counseling Center. Call (806) 371-5191 to schedule your first appointment.
Lessons from American history Lecture series commemorates WWI centenary CODY MCGEHEE | The Ranger
Ryan Marck, a general studies major, gets his photo taken for his I.D. on the first day of the 2017 spring semester.
Spring brings new faces By RYAN COTTEN Ranger Reporter
The spring 2017 semester is here and that means new students on campus. Amarillo College enrollment continues to increase and parking spaces are still hard to find. According to an enrollment report provided by Bob Austin, vice president of student affairs, enrollment is up 0.46 percent from last year from 9,050 to 9,092 students, an increase of 42 people, and spring enrollment is up 1.5 percent from the fall. The general trend in AC enrollment is that “an increase in the fall semester leads to an increase in the spring,” Austin said. Increased enrollment leads to more opportunities for students and staff. “We try to consider all students when it comes to planning special events throughout the semester.” Numerous events and gatherings are planned out carefully so everyone can attend a special activity on campus, said Austin, noting that when it comes to
new students, “we aim to invite them into our family.” Increased enrollment also has some drawbacks. Due to the increasing amount of people attending AC, parking spaces could be increasingly difficult to come by. “If parking is our biggest problem, I think we’re in good shape.” Austin said. A larger enrollment may also lead to fewer seats in the classroom but students do not appear to be worried. “I haven’t noticed any big changes,” Taylor Gray, a biology major, said. Gray said, despite the large enrollment, AC offers a supportive environment where it is easy to get to know people. “AC is a good place for people who don’t like a big university,” said Gray. AC offers many resources to help students succeed. Returning students have some advice for new students on how to be successful during this new semester. “Study hard, and don’t slack off,” Breagan Hightower, a biochemistry major, said.
By CHARLES DIAZ Ranger Reporter
World War I. The Great War. The Forgotten War. In its 34th lecture, the Creative Mind Lecture Series hosted by Amarillo College commemorates 100 years since America entered into what people once described as “The War to End All Wars.” The 2017 Lecture Series began Jan. 19 and will continue until Feb. 2, hosting Dr Bruce Brasington, Dr. Bonnie Roos and Dr. Byron Pearson, all professors from West Texas A&M University. “The free lectures really try to provide topics that will not only interest people,” said Kristen Edford, program coordinator and humanities professor at Amarillo College, “but will excite, enhance and expand the lives of those who attend.” Audiences describe this year’s lecture series on World War I as a “timely” topic. “WWI is one of humankind’s great follies,” Dr. Brian Farmer, social sciences professor, said. “It did not have to happen… The American entry didn’t have to happen either.” Humanities Professor Dr. Richard DeVoe agreed with Farmer. “The various topics
COURTESY ILLUSTRATION
were provocative…that’s the beauty and compelling thing about the Creative Mind Series. Right out of the box, Dr. Bruce Brasington from WT engaged the audience with the question: ‘Should America have entered World War I?’ His opinion and my opinion… is absolutely not!’” DeVoe said people need to know about the first world war. “Without a sense of history, we as Americans, cannot know who we are unless we know what and who we have come from.” DeVoe explained that the first world war brought about major changes in the American government’s involvement in domestic and foreign policy,
women’s rights and immigration. “If you don’t understand the past, I think you’re more likely to make the same mistakes the people in the past made,” Farmer said. “We should learn from them, you know.” Edford said that the lecture series was founded by the late Carol Nicklaus as a “thank you” to the community by providing free lectures on topics of interest. Each year, a different topic takes center stage. “I think it’s a great lecture series,” Larry Adams, social sciences professor, said. “It has some great topics for this year being the 100th anniversary of us going to war…it’s good to look back on that.”
4 News The Ranger
February 2, 2017
Japan
continued from page 1
The students said one of the most enlightening parts of the trip was experiencing Hiroshima, the site of America’s World War II dropping of an atomic bomb. The bombing killed an estimated 90,000– 166,000 people and destroyed 70 percent of the city’s buildings. “Hiroshima was strangely peaceful,” Kaleb Pafford, a mass media major, said. Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was moving, according to the students. “When you’re there you see the history, as well as everything about the children. The museum really hit us hard, all you heard was sniffling and
nobody spoke,” Ocegueda said. “I think it is such an important place for people to visit and see the reality of war and true suffering.” Another key experience was learning about the Japanese college experience. While cooking an authentic Japanese dinner with Japanese college students, the Scholars were able to discuss various similarities and differences between the Japanese and American school systems. “The college students seemed very committed and hard-working,” Martinez said. It seems like in Japanese schools they have very high
standards. As a whole, the educational standards are a lot higher there than they are here. Not to say we’re stupid, but they’re a lot more disciplined.” One aspect of Japan that topped the list for many Scholars was the high-tech heated toilets. “The Japanese culture has really nice bathrooms. They were in my top 10 of my favorite things about the trip,” Ocegueda said. “The bathrooms surprised me the most. They were all very clean. All the toilets had seat warmers, which was very nice,” Martinez said. The Scholars said they re-
turned from the trip with not only new experiences, but a new outlook. “A really important thing I learned is that there are many different ways to live. Everyone there was very polite. I would without a doubt recommend the college continue the Scholars travel program. Experiencing another culture is something you just cannot do in the classroom,” Gray said. The trip followed a semester spent studying Japan in the twice-weekly Scholars seminar classes. The program is a highlycompetitive, application-only learning community that gives
high-achieving and motivated students the opportunity to participate in student-centered learning experiences that promote intellectual growth, cultural appreciation, professional focus, leadership development and civic participation. Ocegueda reflected on the trip saying, “I can’t even put into words how amazing this experience was. We get so stuck in our little space and world, and there is so much we have yet to learn about. I think the biggest thing our tour guide Yumi told is that ‘nothing is by chance’ and I think that is so important.”
Travel just one perk of special program Lesley Ingham, co-coordinator of the Honors/Scholars Ranger Reporter programs, said. Established in 1988 by Some of Amarillo Colthe college’s academic vice lege’s best students enjoy the chance to experience differ- president and English deent cultures by participating partment chair, this program in an international trip every gives high-achieving and motivated students the opJanuary. Before their trip, the portunity to participate in learning Scholars go through a se- student-centered experiences that promote inmester of historical, political and cultural studies to ensure tellectual growth, cultural apthey can get the best experi- preciation, professional focus, ence possible from their trip leadership development and civic participation. abroad. “The program’s extracurPresidential Scholars is a ricular opportunities include learning community of 15 freshmen at Amarillo Col- concerts, plays, lectures and lege. These students apply off-campus excursions that for the program in the spring foster cultural enrichment, of their senior year of high friendship and learning,” school. They must be in the Jill Gibson, co-coordinator top 10 percent of their grad- of the Honors/Scholars uating class, have taken AP programs, said. “Being a Presidential courses and have leadership Scholar means that they experience at the high school are dedicated to academlevel. “We interview the pro- ics, are community-mindspective scholars at their high ed and serve as campus school and then select the leaders,” Ingham said. students who will best fit the “Their scholarship packprogram and represent AC,” age includes a tuition and By ALICIA PRUETT
fees scholarship, a leadership retreat, networking opportunities with community leaders and an international trip.” Program coordinators are currently working to choose next year’s international destination. They are hoping to find a destination that can enrich the students’ minds while showing them the different cultures of the world. “For the program, I would love any destination that includes a rich academic component, a chance to see the world from a new perspective,” Ingham said.
Committee aims to expand travel options By CRISTINA GOMEZ Ranger Reporter
Traveling is on many people’s bucket list, but the typical college student budget makes most travel impossible. Amarillo College is working on finding new ways to offer more student travel options at lower costs. A committee of faculty and staff is currently developing a proposal for new ways to provide students with increased international opportunities. Honors and Scholars Program Co-chairs Leslie Ingham and Jill Gibson head up the committee. “We are exploring many options—from partnering with other institutions to using technology
to connect students to people and projects overseas,” Gibson said. Over the past six years, AC has organized trips all over the globe including China, London, Japan, Paris, India, Germany and many more. Studies have shown that educational travel helps build critical thinking, and exposes students to different cultures. “Educational travel gives you more of an understanding of your place in the world,” Gibson said. In fact, studies have also shown that students who travel eventually earn more than students who don’t. AC attracts students from a wide variety of backgrounds. So while some students have been able to experience dif-
ferent cultures, others have never been outside of Amarillo, Gibson said. She said she hopes to find ways to expose more students to a “world outside of home.” Currently, AC gives students severalopportunities to travel. Most trips are organized within the college’s student clubs, but there is also a Spring Break trip available for all students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. “As long as you’re passing your classes you can go on the trip and take advantage of the college traveling experience,” Magaly Tinoco, former AC student and club member, said. In the past three years, the Spring Break trips have taken students to Germany,
Czechoslovakia, Italy, England and France. This year, a Spring Break trip to New York City was planned, but it has been cancelled due to lack of participation. Gibson said she believes the price of the trip was likely to blame. “While clubs can afford to take students to conferences and events in nearby cities such as Dallas and Denver, longer trips are far more expensive and complicated,” Gibson said. Gibson said that combining travel with education would allow participants to receive college credit and qualify for scholarships or financial aid to help with the cost of the trips.
She pointed out the educational nature of travel, noting that, on overseas trips, students not only have visited museums, cultural sites and tourist attractions but have also visited orphanages, nursing homes, universities, farms and soup kitchens to immerse themselves fully in another culture. The importance of educational travel goes further than just leaving town. It’s an opportunity that many feel needs to be taken advantage of when presented. “Usually as a freshman at a university you don’t get to travel,” Gibson said, noting she wants to make it possible for more AC students to “start here, go anywhere.”
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I can’t even put into words how amazing this experience was. - Natalie Ocegueda, nursing major
On this trip, I learned that there are many different ways to live and I am very grateful for the opportunity. - Taylor Gray, biology major Scholar travel destinations have included: --London/Stratford, 2009 --Washington DC, 2010 --London/Lake District, 2011 --New York, NY, 2012 --China, 2013 --Cambodia, 2014 --Nepal & India, 2015 --Lithuania & Poland, 2016 --Japan, 2017
You cannot learn a culture from reading a textbook, you have to be immersed in it. - Chelsea Rhodes, psychology major
6 NEWS The Ranger
February 2, 2017
COURTESY GRAPHIC
Graduation is group’s goal By JOEL BARRERA Ranger Reporter
Finishers is a support group that is made up of students and Amarillo College faculty. The goal of the organization is to encourage students through peer-to-peer support to finish their education despite any obstacles that they face in their lives or at school. English professor, Dr. Mike Bellah began the group in 2011. The initial reason for the creation of the group was to bring awareness to the dropout rates that community colleges have - especially AC. Every student has interference in life that must be overcome to finish school. “It wasn’t the academic problems that got rid of the students,” said Bellah, the former sponsor, in the group’s promotional video. “Community college students have really hard life experiences.” The current vice president of the organization Macall
Reyes said that she became intrigued with the group because they take an annual trip. “At first I was like I’m not going to go but Dr. Bellah kept encouraging the class to come to just one meeting to see the great people involved,” Reyes said. She went to the meeting and instantly loved the group and everyone who was a part of it. The club helps students reach their goals of graduating and continuing their college careers. Life and schoolwork stressful and any help can bring encouragement to move forward. “Finishers has made me realize that you’re not alone in this college journey and the same stress you face is exactly what someone else is facing too,” Reyes said. Finishers is open to all AC students. They meet every last Friday of the month at Hoffbrau Steak House for free fountain drinks and appetizers.
Eddie and the Eat performing live at Yellow City Sounds.
LIZ MOORE | The Ranger
Original Americana takes over YCS By JOSEPH HANSEN Ranger Reporter
On Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, Eddie and the Eat took their “Original Americana” sound and turned it into an evening performance for Yellow City Sounds (YCS) at the Panhandle PBS studios on Amarillo College’s Washington Street Campus. Yellow City Sounds is a PPBS production meant to give exposure to artists from all-around the Panhandle. “We’re very glad we got asked to do this. It’s really an honor,” Eddie Esler, the band’s acoustic guitarists and lead vocalist, said. When giving background information about how the band started Esler said the band members work well together. “We all met over at Leftwoods for the Wednesday night jams, and after a while we all just got comfortable playing together,” said Esler. “Within
four months, Eddie and the Eat was born.” Eddie and the Eat’s drummer, Taylor Barringer, said the group has many influences ranging from Led Zeppelin, Dashboard Confessional all the way to blue grass. All these different musical elements have shaped the group’s playful, yet heartfelt song writing. Although, the band prides itself on their high power performances, they decided to take a different approach for the Yellow City Sounds show. “Our bar and club shows are usually very high energy ‘Rock & Roll’ type shows, but tonight we’re going to be a little more toned down and controlled for our performance. We’re going to experiment more with dynamics,” said Esler. The full house at YCS responded well to the band’s change of pace. This intimate setting showcased the group’s versatility and control, as
well as it’s charming group chemistry. This new approach may translate over to future projects from the band. Esler said the Eat may be back in the studio with a new album before the end of the year. “Most of the content is already there. We’re just going to let it stew for a little bit,” Esler said. Mike Fuller, FM90 program director and coordinator of YCS said the Eat was a fantastic opener to the Yellow City Sounds 2017 season, with more great acts to come. “My goal is to have a mix of local and out-of-town artists, and Eddie and the Eat is one of the best acts around town, “ Fuller said Fuller also mentioned that the crew for YCS is completely volunteer based. “Every member of PPBS does something. All volunteers are welcome,” he said.
other people and you will build awesome friendships here,” Ruben Carrillo a business administration major, said. To enroll, students should go to www.imleagues.com and create an account using their AC email (not yahoo, gmail, etc.). Students will receive a confirmation email that directs them to choose a sport, choose whether to create a team or join a team or simply sign up as a free agent. Each team has different number of members. The program is open to students from any major who are enrolled in at least one class. Nick Wood, a criminal justice major who works at the
front desk at Carter Fitness Center, encourages people to come by and get enrolled. “This is such a great opportunity for students to improve their skills and you learn how to work with people,” he said. Plus students who join intramurals often do better in their classes, according to Wood. “It helps you to de-stress and focus well in class,” he said. Intramural sports is located at the Carter Fitness Center building of Amarillo College, and welcomes everyone who is interested. There is no cost for AC students to participate.
Students learn and grow without being in a classroom
GENE SOCKWELL | The Ranger Esmeralda Medina, a radiography major, plays volleyball at Carter Fitness Center.
basketball, soccer and softball. “The variety of sports offered Ranger Reporter gives the opportunity to From simply relaxing everybody to have fun, get to developing skills and exercise and also have the competing, Amarillo College’s opportunity to meet new intramural sports program people,” Oneal said, noting offers something for everyone. that there are approximately “There are a lot of people 400 students who participate that don’t even know about in the the program, which intramurals, and I want them to offers two types of leagues— know that they can have every one for students who want to opportunity they can to have play competitively and one for fun, as well as to relax and get recreational players who just their minds off their studies,” want to have fun, relieve stress Trent Oneal, intramural sports and get some exercise. Victor Gomez, an specialist, said. engineering major, said the The program offers a number of sports including volleyball, program has given him the By ENRIQUE MRTINEZ
chance to have fun while exercising and learning. “You don’t have to be good at sports but if you love playing something, this is the right place where you are going to learn and improve,” he said. Playing intramurals also helps students build confidence, according to Mark Ramirez, an engineering major. ”I was a very shy person and didn’t even know how to interact with people, so take this opportunity that intramural sports offers,” he said. “It helps you be more competitive and learn from
Culture February 2, 2017
By CODY McGHEE Ranger Reporter
The highly anticipated Netflix original series “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” has been released. Although many raving reviews are posted on the Netflix Facebook page, Netflix itself keeps posting videos of the villainous Count Olaf warning viewers to “stay away.” Nevertheless, viewers have flocked to the dark comedy, ignoring Netflix postings such as, “On this un-
Ziggy’s Virtual Viewpoint
fortunate day we want to remind everyone once again that you need to look away. You may expect a TV show with a happy ending, but... that’s not how the story goes.” “A Series of Unfortunate Events” began as a series of books released in September 1999, starting with “The Bad Beginning.” The series begins with three children at the beach where their lives take a turn and start to fall apart. We find out their parents have been killed in a fire that also
has taken their entire home. The Netflix series has a kindhearted feeling with many jokes and what I can only call interesting acting. Needless to say, Netflix took artistic license with a lot of the dialogue; no doubt to make sure it was different from the 2004 movie that starred Jim Carrey. This Netflix series makes me happy because of the way the producers broke down the books. Each book is two episodes and you can watch them in about 45 minutes. Being
able to see each book broken down to reveal the interaction of characters and their adventures allows this series to be a hit. Neil Patrick Harris gives a wonderful performance as Count Olaf. I am also glad to see that the voice of Kronk from Disney’s “Emperor’s New Groove” has come into my life again, and Patrick Warburton plays the man himself--Lemony Snicket. This show is not for everyone and there is some serious
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merit to the warning to “stay away.” But, I must say, if you like to watch three children learn about secret societies, run from a man who is only out to get their money and encounter death and evil plots, then this series is a must watch. As a side note: read the books. Just know that no matter what you do, no matter where you go… He will find you. For more on ZV2, check out all the randomness on Facebook and Twitter @ZiggysV2.
Classic movie, “Singin’ in the Rain,” puts the sun in our hearts again; showing honors Debbie Reynolds By SCREEN LOUDER STAFF From the lights to the sounds, “Singin’ in the Rain” is a Hollywood classic. Released in 1952, the film is hailed as one of the best musicals of all time. The UA Amarillo Theater recently showed this film: “Singin’ in the Rain 65th Anniversary” in honor of Debbie Reynolds’ legacy. The showing took place in Regal Cinemas across the country on Sunday, Jan. 15 and Wednesday, Jan. 18. “Singin’ in the Rain” tells the story of actor Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly), studio musician Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Connor), actress Lina Lamont ( Jean Hagen) and budding actress Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds). The story follows the group as their movie studio
struggles to transition from silent films to talking pictures. The film highlights the hilarious missteps made by Monumental Pictures, the featured movie studio, as they wrestle with newfangled equipment like microphones and vinyl album recorders. The visuals in “Singin’ in the Rain” were, and still are, absolutely stunning. There is
a great balance between fullsized constructed buildings and streets and stunningly hand-painted canvas backdrops. Utilizing Technicolor in all its glory, the movie is a feast for the eyes that continually surprises and captivates the viewers. While the acting is superb, the sets are exquisitely
Web Series explores theories behind games
the audience’s emotions as it creates feelings of great excitement, utter defeat, and the full range of emotions in between. Kelly, Reynolds and O’Connor make an excellent trio as they sing and dance their way into the hearts of viewers. Kelly, a veteran dancer and actor, was responsible for all of the choreography in the film. While Kelly and O’Connor had been dancing dressed, and the story is beguiling, “Singin’ in the Rain” for years, Reynolds’ dancing would be nothing without the experience to that point had music. Lennie Hayton (Hello been minimal. Reynolds took Dolly!) wrote the instrumen- on the challenge of learntal music, while Nacio Herb ing the steps from Kelly, and Brown and Arthur Freed made each number appear flawless and effortless on the wrote the lyrics. The music creates a strong screen. “Singin’ in the Rain” is an foundation for the film. The excellent family movie for an musical score does an excelevening of fun together. lent job of manipulating the
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By LOURDES DE AVILA Ranger Reporter
When it comes to popular culture, such as movies and books, it is typical for fans to take the lore of the product they have followed for years or hours, and want to expand or add on to it. From wondering about what really happened after “happily ever after,” to what the creator is trying to say through repeated symbols, or what the big reveal will be when all the mysteries resolve for the ending. One content creator from YouTube has decided to take this premise and build a show around it, aptly named “Game Theory,” a comedic series focusing on video games. “Game Theory” is hosted by Matthew Patrick, or “MatPat.” The show focuses on constructing theo-
ries based on games’ stories and or characters after analyzing them thoroughly. It then constructs a view on what the story could be about, usually making something that at first seem insignificant or comical and suggesting a dark or hidden truth behind it. The show achieves this mostly with research based on math and science, hence the “theory” part of the name. This is
usually done for entertainment purposes only, not to be taken seriously. MatPat also has a spinoff show called “Film Theory” dedicated to the math, science and lore behind movies. MatPat usually ends each video by saying in an upbeat manner the shows catchphrase: “But hey, that’s just a theory. A ‘Game Theory!’”
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8 Feature The Ranger
February 2, 2017
Perspectives from Abroad This semester, The Ranger is introducing a series profiling Amarillo College students who are immigrants and refugees. The series will focus on their experiences living in a different culture and the perspectives they bring from living overseas. They were asked about the impact of living in another country, how it has altered their view of the U.S., what they have learned from traveling, how American customs and beliefs differ from those in their home countries and why they think it is important to learn about and experience other cultures. “America is totally different from any other country that I have ever known. Vietnam is kind of a communist country. You’re told what you can’t do and you have no freedom. Once you’re in America you kind of feel empathetic about it and how they don’t have as much freedom as Americans. This January, I went to Japan with the Presidential Scholars which was amazing. Their country is a lot different; they’re very strict but they play it cool. Japanese college students are very focused on their studies. They
don’t play around like we do. They really stick to their plan. It definitely gave me a new appreciation of my American college experience. People treat their elders much more like friends here than in Vietnam. In Vietnam, you wouldn’t dare talk to an elder first, you wait until they talk to you, that’s just the level of respect over there and you just don’t do that. I think you can definitely benefit from visiting other countries. They might do something better than us and we should try to improve ourselves.”
Mugisha Aime: Congo “I came from a small town in Burma (Myanmar) as a young kid so there wasn't much I expected or knew at all. As I get older, I have seen that America is full of opportunities and kindhearted people. I received an education that I would probably never have gotten in my home country. America allows me to view the world from a different perspective, with an understanding mind and an open heart. I had the opportunity to travel outside the United States with the AC Presidential Scholars, but I couldn’t go with them because I am still waiting on my citizenship test. It would be such an honor to get to travel back to my home country.
There are so many cultural differences from religion to respecting your elders and keeping traditions. Also, there are many different languages in Burma. Almost every city speaks a completely different language that you probably didn’t even know existed. Despite different languages and religions, one thing all Burmese people have in common is that we value our own traditions, family and beliefs a lot. I think it is very important to learn about and experience other cultures. Learning about other cultures brings love, knowledge, peace, diversity and so many virtues to ourselves and surroundings. No one can ever go wrong by learning new things.”
My Nguyen: Vietnam “I think it is a matter of how you look at it, I didn’t come to America until I was about 13. As far as my traditions, I still believe in going to church on Sundays. I still do take part in some of the traditions of my culture, but I am also adapting. I feel that it allows me to learn more about the world and myself. I was born in Congo and grew up in Tanzania. In 2010, I immigrated to America, then arrived in Georgia, from there I moved to Providence, Rhode Island. Between 2011 and 2012, I moved to Texas. I have not had the opportunity to travel
since then, but I hope to one day travel back to my home country. The American culture is completely different compared to Congo. In my country you have to pay for your education from first grade all the way through. I think it is important to learn and experience other cultures. I have learned so much since coming to America. People have different personalities in their societies. I believe living and adapting to another culture will make you more appreciative and more willing to interact with people to embrace those different cultures.”
Junyky Swe: Burma Photos by CLAIRE EKAS | The Ranger