Vol. 82, No. 8 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
December 7, 2018
Rangerettes kick off parade in NYC Dance group learns different styles as guests at Macy’s Thanksgiving event NADIA HILL Staff Writer
D
ance and holiday delight graced the streets of Manhattan as the KC Rangerettes opened the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Sophomores Cameron Ballenger, Bailee Scott, and Lindy Foster had no idea about the Thanksgiving treat that was in store for them on their New York adventure. From fighting the cold and persevering through, it was a blessing to remember as they sat down for an interview upon returning home. The group was invited to perform a holiday kick performance for Spirit of America when a former Rangerette and coowner of Spirit of America, Laura Davis, recommended the team to be dancers in the famous parade. Spirit of America is a company that specializes in selecting dancers and dance teams to perform and open the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. The Rangerettes learned the dance they would perform the Monday before Thanksgiving in three hours from Emmy award-winning choreographer Napoleon D’umo, who is known for his choreography on “So You Think You Can Dance” and executive producing “America’s Best Dance Crew.” “Learning the dance wasn’t strenuous and was a more efficient and faster way of learning,” said Ballenger, of Rockwall. “Being able to learn from Napoleon was a big deal. He put us on his social media and it was a big opportunity for people to see the types of dance we don’t do as much,” said Scott, of Port Neches-Grove. “Our freshman Rangerettes got to experience our team outside of Kilgore and see how we are known worldwide and the feeling of being a part of this team,” said Foster, of Lake Travis. Going from the Texas cold to the shockingly brisk New York cold surprised
Angela Aulds/Special to THE FLARE
The Rangerettes marched in front of a self-propelled version of “Tom the Turkey” at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. all parade-goers, as it was the coldest Thanksgiving in New York City since 1901. However, the Rangerettes were especially caught off-guard. “Texas is never as cold as you think and the cold in New York will make you cry,” Scott said. “The cold was unbearable weather and we had to persevere through it for our performance,” Foster added. The Rangerettes filmed their parade performance two hours before it would air for the rest of the nation to see. This year, the parade debuted a new version of “Tom the Turkey,” the first self-propelled float
in the parade’s history. The Rangerettes were the dancers who escorted the float. “We were right in front of the Turkey float which is a big deal,” Scott said. They also met and danced alongside professional dancer Meghan Sanett, who has worked with celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull and Julie Andrews. The students agreed this exposed them to more than just the drill team industry. “Our Christmas show performance for Spirit of America attracted more high schoolers to our team and gave us more exposure,” Scott said. With Christmas spirit filling the essence
of the city, there were many tourist attractions and sites to see to fill any free time that they had. Bryant Park, also known as Manhattan’s Town Square, was decorated for Christmas and included ice skating, an abundance of food and other free activities. “The 9/11 Memorial has been on my bucket list whenever I was to visit New York,” Foster said. “It is a part of our country’s history that I didn’t know as much as I thought about it. I will never forget and I will be going back.” See BIG APPLE on Page 3
Look Inside For Gift Guides, Reviews and Activities to do Over the Break
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Feature Light it up
THE FLARE
Local lights brighten up the Christmas season
Photos by Catie Denfeld / THE FLARE
What began as a neighborhood attraction has since extended to East Texas as a whole. With over three million lights, Carmela’s Mini Santa Land returns this holiday season. Carmela’s is open 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5:30-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday or until the
line ends. It is located on North Highway 259, There is no cost for entry. To avoid lines, Carmela advises attending on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesdays. Santa will also be available for photos until Dec. 23. Carmela’s last day of operation is Jan. 6, 2019.
News
THE FLARE
Movies to See
Break it down Discover new ways to spend Christmas break
• Once Upon a Deadpool • Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse • The Mule • Mary Poppins Returns • Welcome to Marwen • Bumblebee • Aquaman • Vice • Holmes & Watson • On the Basis of Sex
Serve
• Newgate Mission, Longview • Salvation Army, Longview • Hi-Way 80 Rescue Mission, Longview • The Hospice of East Texas, Tyler
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 n PAGE 3
Lights
• Wonderland of Lights, Marshall • Christmas in the Park, Liberty City • Up in Lights, Tyler • Carmela’s Mini Santa Land, Longview • Santa Land, Tyler
Places to Go & Things to Do
• Yesterland Farms, Canton • Drive-Thru Nativity, Kilgore • Zip-line Thru the Lights, Diana • Hot Air Balloon Christmas Glow, Longview • Library Christmas Treats Party, Longview • Shivers Natural • The Polar Express, Snow, Longview Palestine • Silver Grizzly Espresso, Longview • Christmas on the Bayou, Jefferson • The Bridge 281, • Longview Christmas Longview Parade, Longview • Joe Pine Coffee Co., Marshall
‘Rettes take on ‘Big Apple’, Broadway over break Continued from Page 1 “The Memorial made it much more real that 9/11 happened to the United States,” Ballenger said. The Rangerettes attended “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular” starring the Rockettes and “Mean Girls” on Broadway which they all agreed was a highlight of the trip. Besides it being a positive performance for the Rangerettes, the trip served as a bonding experience they all enjoyed. “We got to spend Thanksgiving with the Rangerettes, who are just like family, and it was a different feeling than being at home,” Scott said. The Rangerettes always have a sense of family and thankfulness even if it isn’t Thanksgiving. Foster was grateful for the chance to go to New York City because, “you are only invited to Spirit of America every four years and we went back in only two,” she said. “It was a blessing that we were chosen, because not many people get this experience,” Ballenger added.
Angela Aulds/Special to THE FLARE
n Look for our January edition for coverage of the Rangerettes’ pre-game and halftime performances at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Dec. 29 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Check local listings for game time featuring Clemson and Notre Dame.
BY THE NUMBERS
12 13 14
n Courses are offered through the December mini semester. Visit kilgore.edu to register. n Total days in the December mini semester. Courses will not take place on Christmas or New Years’ Day. n December 14 by noon is the deadline to register for December mini classes, with payment due on Monday, Dec. 17 Source: kilgore.edu
holiday g
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Gifts sure
Holiday gift guid
Whether you are shopping for your best friend, an aunt or the love of your life, we have compiled a gift guide to suit every lady in your life. get creative
Grab a cute medium-sized container and fill it with her favorite items. From cute socks, coffee mugs, a new lipstick or even food, she’ll be thankful that you put in the extra effort to get her all of her favorite things. The up & coming art scene in ETX sports lots of artists working on commission. Find an artist that fits you and have them recreate your favorite photo together, or simply a portrait of her.
FOR THE FAM
We’re sure that your mom/aunt/grandma would appreciate any gift you give, so why not make it great! Shutterfly offers gift options ranging from photobooks to blankets and more. Find some of your favorite pictures of your family from then and now to craft a super sentimental gift they will be sure to love.
GIVE GEEKY
The tech world is always evolving, and becoming more helpful every day. Check out the latest and greatest tech updates any girl would be glad to grab. The Google Home can assist her throughout the day, and options such as a Wireless Charger, or AirPods would make everything simpler. Or give her the gift of retro with a Polaroid Printer
Subscriptions
You know when Clark Griswald received the Jelly-of-the-Month subscription? Think of this as something a million times better. These subscription boxes are sure to be the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Birchbox, Ipsy and FabFitFun offer cute beauty gifts sure to make her day all year long! Give her one or give her 12...I know she’ll be grateful.
classic & cute
You can’t go wrong with these Amazon favorites! Check out these lists created by Amazon and updated daily for cute products ranging from pencil cups to jewelry. Other options from stores such as Anthropologie. or Urban Outfitters offer items not easily found in East Texas.
Keep it cozy
Fleece pull-overs and blankets are all the rage this winter season. Check out PINK, and Amazon for the pull-over and Target for blanket options. Compiled by: CASSIDY DANIEL
gift guide
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 n PAGE 5
to sleigh
des for her, him
Let’s be honest, men are hard to shop for. We have gathered all the intel to help you gift your guy with something he will use, and something he will love. Handyman
Help your guy be handy. From tools to kits for keeping his car clean, I’m sure he will appreciate any help you send his way. Check out Home Depot and Lowes for lots of options!
Dress it up
Help him keep up with the latest fashion trends. We have compiled some stores to keep his wardrobe fresh. Don’t forget to ask for his size! Try stores like H&M, American Eagle, Old Navy or Target. Speaking of style, give him the gift of fresh kicks with some new shoes! Kick back and lace up at Footlocker or Dick’s
Cold hard cash
Sometimes the best gift is simply cash. Give him what you would have spent or grab a giftcard to one of his favorite places. Whether you want to make plans to grab a coffee at Starbucks or a nice dinner at BJ’s Brewhouse, give a gift that you can use together!
listen up
Help him tune you out. Give him the gift of music through bluetooth headphones and devices. Here are some links to shop: Headphones and Bluetooth Speakers. Catie Denfeld / THE FLARE
go outside
Give him the gift of fresh air with some outdoor essentials. Stores like REI, Patagonia and Bass Pro Shops offer gear for any adventurer at heart. From clothes to camping gear, we know he will appreciate your love for adventure.
Give him a trip
Do something together this season. From his favorite sports game, a movie or a trip to Six Flags, you can enjoy the highs and lows together! Check out StubHub for sports tickets, Fandango for the latest movies and the Six Flags website for tickets.
keep it Sweet
Whether you are gifting him a basket full of his favorite treats or something sentimental, he wil be sure to appreciate whatever you pour your heart into. Find him something to read in his spare time at Amazon Books. Gift him something handmade from this Etsy shopping list to show that even if you can’t craft, you still care. Compiled by: KENDALL HURTT
OPINION
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THE FLARE
‘A Private War’ delivers on the power of journalism ADRIANA CISNEROS EMERSON Executive Editor
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Image taken from avironpictures.com
Private War” tells the reallife story of American war correspondent, Marie Colvin, working as a journalist for the British newspaper, “The Sunday Times.” It is a movie that any journalist, journalism major, or simply anyone who appreciates the ethics necessary for the job and risks that journalists often have to take, must watch. Marie Colvin is a hero to those who had a story to tell and could not be heard, either because of the lack of freedom in their respective countries, or because of the limited access people all over the world had to information. She portrays the passion that should characterize every journalist when working on a story, especially one involving people’s
suffering and struggles in times of war. The producers, as well as Rosamund Pike, who interpreted her, did an outstanding job in showing the depth of Colvin’s humanity and her thirst for both equity and awareness through sharing accurate, fair stories. Colvin covered several conflicts in different countries-especially focusing on those events that took place and are still taking place in the Middle East. She dedicated her life to show how, in war, it is the civilians who are affected and suffer the most. This is something that would be hard for anyone who hasn’t directly witnessed the damages caused in war to vividly imagine. Colvin’s mission was not only to tell stories showing civilians’ inhuman conditions in the Middle East due to the many incessant conflicts, but to make
people from the rest of the world aware of this-and hopefully care as a result, appealing to people’s emotions and sense of justice. Colvin’s goal was to cause a revolution in people’s minds and hearts: To challenge those who heard these stories to re-examine their stance on war human rights violations and to decide whether to be an accomplice of those who use power for wicked purposes and their own satisfaction, or to speak up for those suffering as a result. Marie Colvin is an inspiring woman who was willing to sacrifice everything she had in order to provide those affected by war with justice through the field of journalism. This movie brings back faith in humanity; making this movie a profoundly touching and inspiring one that cannot be overlooked.
Rocky Balboa re-captures the big screen in ‘Creed II’
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ALEC REYES Sports Editor
ichael B. Jordan reprises his role as Adonis Creed in his most recent film, “Creed 2,” a sequel to 2015’s “Creed” and spin-off of the Rocky movie franchise. The film was released across theatres before the Thanksgiving holiday. Along with Jordan, Sylvester Stallone and Tessa Thompson reprise their roles as Creed’s mentor and former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa and Bianca Porter, Adonis’ love interest, respectively. Past characters and newcomers appear on screen as Dolph Lundgren returns as Balboa’s Russian rival from Rocky IV, Ivan Drago, and German-born Romanian boxer Florian “Big Nasty” Munteanu makes his big screen debut as the role of his son, Viktor Drago. Following the events of the first film,
Adonis Creed faces his biggest challenge yet. Along with defending his heavyweight title and becoming used to celebrity status as a boxer, old rival Ivan Drago and his son resurface and want nothing more than to take back the glory they lost. Before Adonis was born, Ivan infamously killed Creed’s father, Apollo Creed, in a boxing match. To avenge Creed’s death, Rocky manages to defeat the powerful Drago in 15 rounds on his home turf. To seek redemption for his loss, Drago, by way of his son, challenges the younger Creed and his mentor Balboa to a historic bout between the two. Because of the history between their fathers, Adonis is up to the challenge of taking back what’s his by agreeing to fight Viktor to avenge his father’s death as well. His decision is not met without controversy as both Balboa and Adonis’ mother disagree to the fight because they do not want him to suffer the same fate his father did 30 years
Executive Editor Adriana Cisneros Emerson Sports Editor Alec Reyes
Vol. 82 • No. 8
Photo Editor Catie Denfeld
Friday, December 7, 2018
Page Editors Cassidy Daniel, Catie Denfeld, Nelda Milligan-Turner, Jamie Hwang, Destiny Baldwin
Adviser Rachel Stallard
Ad Manager Destiny Baldwin
Staff Writers Destiny Baldwin, Maria Bilogo, Carrie Harris, Nadia Hill, Jacob Lucas, Davonn Mitchell, Travis Noriega, Shelby Sellars, Timothy Sirus, Mary Williams-Smith Photographers Dominique Burnett, Maria Bilogo, Cat Challis, Grace Garcia, Travis Noriega, Carrie Harris, Sara Harris, Liza Latham, Brenna Page, Jamie Hwang, Malayna Stewart, Kristen Troxell, Mary Williams-Smith
ago. Balboa goes as far as to tell Adonis that the elder Drago “broke things in him that hadn’t been fixed.” “Creed 2,” like all sequels, faces the tough task of exceeding the expectations set by both the first film and the Rocky franchise. The film does just that as it was the sequel Rocky and Creed fans had been waiting on for quite some time. Many cinematic elements, including the film score and cinematography, gave fans a breath of fresh air in that the Creed series is heavily influenced by the Rocky films that came before it. As the film’s plot revolves around the past events of Creed’s family life, it’s refreshing to see past characters from the franchise reappear in the film. “Creed 2” is a great movie about overcoming adversity and redemption, and is a knockout punch for moviegoers and fans alike. Image taken from imdb.com
LETTERS
DISCLAIMER
THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campus-related topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be delivered to the newsroom in Communications-Automotive Building, Room 125, mailed to The Flare, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore TX 75662 or emailed to: kc_flare@yahoo.com
THE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every Friday by the journalism department, except during examination periods and vacations. First copy is free, subsequent copies are available for 50 cents. THE FLARE is a member of the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Texas Intercollegiate press Association. All people holding editorial staff positions are Kilgore College journalism students. Comments and views expressed in THE FLARE reflect the thoughts of the individual writers, and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of other students, staff members, faculty members, administrative officers or the Board of Trustees.
opinion
THE FLARE
CASSIDY DANIEL Staff Writer
Finally coming home Finding home, future at KC
I have always loved stories of coming home. From movies to scripture, songs to books, something about a good homecoming always speaks to me. If I am being totally honest, I never thought I would have one of “those” stories. You know what I am talking aboutthe celebration, the surprise, the giant “Welcome Home!” banner. The truth is, I have grown up within the shadow of these oil derricks. I have sat through numerous parades, cheered on my high school football team all the
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 n PAGE 7
way to state, and spent countless summer nights on the infamous “Long and Windy.” Kilgore has always been home. For years I have fought this. Just two years ago, high school diploma in hand, I made plans to get as far away as possible. I was afraid of staying here, of making this home, and of being a failure. I may have never planned it, but I am here. I could tell you how every star aligned to bring me to KC. I could talk about countless transfers, tears of frustration and long advisor appointments. I could tell you how bad failure hurt at first, and how shame kept me from a degree for far too long. But it all brought me back here. Maybe it’s because I am a week away from graduation and am feeling introspective, or maybe I am just thankful, but I am so glad I ended up here. Every frustrated tear, overslept lecture and financial aid fiasco built my character. Every library study session and newspaper lab time and last-minute tutor session spurred me on. Every moment, big or small, has shaped me in my short year at KC. C.S. Lewis says that “There are far better things ahead than we ever leave
behind” and I believe that to be true more than anything. Wherever you are coming from, wherever you plan on going next, I believe it will only get better. Whether you’re crossing state lines or settling in at the student center, what’s next will only get better. It may seem trivial. You may be someone like me who never planned on making this campus home, but you’re here. Put your roots down, settle in, and make this place the home it can be to you. As I move onto the next step in my education, I am taking my love for homecomings with me. More than that, I am thankful that a girl who has always loved stories of coming home has found her own in KC. I will always be a Kilgore native, and now I will always be a Ranger. More than that, I have found a place where I can always come home to. — Cassidy Daniel is a sophomore Journalism student. She is graduating from KC this fall and plans to attend East Texas Baptist University to continue her education.
Jekyll/Hyde personality provokes unpredictability • Extreme mood swings and explosive anger • Feeling out of touch with reality
DESTINY BALDWIN Staff Writer
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wo years ago I got a diagnoses that changed my life, but finally gave me clarity. I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder--an emotional dysregulation disorder. BPD is a long-term pattern characterized by five or more of these symptoms: • Anxiety • Fear of abandonment • Depression and isolation • Difficult feeling empathy for others • Feeling of emptiness, or worthlessness • Unstable and impaired relationships • Unclear/ distorted self image or narcissism • Impulsivity out of boredom, or emptiness • Self-harm or self destructive behavior
My entire life I just wanted to be wanted, but everyone around me kept leaving and in my mind it was just another person that abandoned me. Left and right people would come and go, love me for a few months and then flee. It was the same pattern, no matter who it was. Growing up, I was always told to show my true self and don’t be anyone other than that; and if I did this then people would like me. In reality, my true self was just too much for others to handle because every day people around me were being pushed away due to my extreme emotions and expectations as a result of my false sense of reality. They thought I was too “dramatic” and most even called me crazy. My BPD sprung up over the years from the negative childhood I lived through as I jumped from home to home and family to family. It soon became my coping mechanism and escalated with each passing moment into adulthood. Although it has given me so much creative expression in a successful film career, it has taken its toll on my happiness, relationships and self-image. While everyone around me knew something was wrong with me, I did not. I thought jumping from relationship to relationship was normal because my mother did it, or that dressing promiscuously was a way to get attention because people I idolized on TV did. I even thought manipulation was the key to success, love and happiness. Instead, these were all behaviors that would break me down each time and leave me feeling more empty than before.
Over the years, insanity became me. Things were only black or white. There was never room for gray. I was Mr. Hyde at night and Dr. Jekyll in the day. For so long I yearned for clarity, but chose the excitement I got from hurting others instead. It took years of unbearable emotional pain, losing someone I saw as my future, and locking myself away in the four walls of my bedroom to wake up one day and say “things will change.” I’ve been independent my entire life and only had myself to rely on, which has been most of the problem. Always eager to shut others out, I’m now learning more than ever that others are what I need. Most people do not understand the struggle I have daily and the care and support I need to have a healthy relationship work. I’m not afraid to speak out since I was diagnosed and I’m not ashamed of it either because in February 2016 I finally became aware of everything I ignored and questioned for too long. I felt a freedom- an escape from the monster in my mind. Since then, every piece of me I had left scattered from Texas, to New York City, to Los Angeles, has come together like a puzzle. BPD doesn’t control me any longer and, although I know it is something I have to live with, I am strong enough to fight it. I still have days where my emotions spiral and overpower me, but I am now healthy enough to know when enough is enough. I have faith that my mind will be at ease as time goes by and that I will not only see worth in myself, but worth in someone else. — Destiny Baldwin is a sophomore communications student. She’s still unsure where she’s calling home.
FEATURES
THE FLARE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 n PAGE 8
Transfer tips, tricks from student trials complete.” There are advisers at KC that know where you are transferring and often can help with this. If all else fails in your attempting to convince them, and your final transcript shows it, then trust the laws in Texas to get you through this stressful time. Don’t argue with the college you are transferring to. Seek help at KC in contacting the admissions at the new college to assure them that your transcript with your associate degree will be stamped “Core Curriculum Complete.” In short, if you meet the requirements at KC, then you should meet the criteria of the public college to which you are transferring. This part of the transfer process appears to be the primary complaint of students transferring and can be a significant source of anxiety. Don’t let it be.
NELDA MILLIGAN-TURNER Staff Writer Are you having problems transferring from the cozy feel of home at KC to a large university upon obtaining your associate degree? Don’t give up, just arm yourself with knowledge and understand you need to be proactive in your transfer. Many students find they run into bumps along the way. Here are a few tips on how to navigate successfully through these hiccups. 1. Will you be core curriculum complete upon transfer? If you graduate from KC with an associate degree that is transferable, then all 42 hours of your core curriculum is transferable. What happens if the university/college you are transferring to tells you that you are not core curriculum complete? First, make sure they have your transcripts up to date when you apply and show them which courses you are taking during your last semester at KC that will complete this process. If the college you are transferring to still tells you that you will not be core curriculum complete, then nicely tell them they will receive a transcript from KC upon your graduation that will be marked “core curriculum
2. If you qualify for scholarships as a transfer student and Phi Theta Kappa member at KC, check the acceptance date you must submit your application to the new college. Many colleges are limited in funds and have a rule that you must apply and be accepted by May 1 of the year you are enrolling for
that Fall or the following Spring semester you intend to attend. Email the financial aid office of the new college and ask them if you are qualified and what steps to take. All state universities in Texas, and most private colleges, have a scholarship fund set up for Phi Theta Kappa transfer students. Again, arm yourself with knowledge and meet the requirements in time to be awarded that scholarship; you have worked hard at KC. Remember the college you are transferring to has thousands more students than KC, so be proactive, ask what you need to do and follow-up. Don’t assume it is done until you get notifications that it is done and your scholarship is waiting for you. Research any other awards you might be entitled to and make sure you meet the new college deadlines to apply and then stay on top of it and follow-up with questions until you receive the scholarship or you are notified why you are not receiving it. Know who your adviser will be at the new college and work with them to meet and supply any records they need to help you transfer with the least anxiety possible, and realize you are not the only student they are helping.
3. What if you realize that you expressed interest in a degree plan and found out there is a better one at the college you are transferring to that meets your goal? Get that fixed before you start your first day of class. If you hit a brick wall in getting “loaded” into the right program, don’t be afraid of emailing or calling someone higher up than the person you are dealing with. Sometimes you will need to do that; but remember to be polite and proactive on your behalf. 4. Finally, know it is all going to work out. Take a break; see a friend, talk to a trusted instructor at KC for support, have dinner with friends or family, and know tomorrow is a new day to problem solve. Above all, be proud you have made it to an associate degree at KC and enjoy that feeling. The bumps will work out if you stay positive and remain on top of them. In the end, your experience is going to depend on your ability to remain calm, polite, and know what you are talking about. It is a whole new exciting world you are about to enter, and you have worked hard to get there. Remember to congratulate yourself !
Technology advances push degrees, students forward KENDALL HURTT Staff Writer
T
echnological advancements throughout companies has made an immediate impact in economies around the world. The advancement of technology has halted the job market and forced individuals to reconsider their career choices. Optimistically, technology has increased its demand for professional technicians. The world has learned technology isn’t always dependable, for it will eventually breakdown, malfunction and need inspection. Artificial Intelligence technology aims to replace the human mind, not simply make industry more efficient. Many companies have learned from these historical mistakes, thus increasing the qualification requirements for obtaining a healthy salary in the professional field. KC has a program in Instrumentation and Electrical Technology for potential technicians. Brandon Smith, Longview sophomore, is currently taking advantage of this opportunity to finish the program in May 2019.
“The job outlook is very good,” Smith said. “There is a high demand for two years of school, and then you’ll get paid very well. As an I&E technician, there is a broad range of different things you can do. From constructing programs that move robots and roller coasters, to using instruments to measure the flow of pneumatic and hydraulic system functions, this technological field is producing jobs. Finding a company in need of technicians may be an easy task due to its demands, but finding a company that also embodies unity through local communities might not be as obvious. Finding that balance of success is Smith’s goal as he is determined to be an example for future technicians. “I’d like to work for Eastman. They do so much for our community and our school,” he said. The job market has many options available to graduates in the area. Having a satisfying job enhances a person’s livelihood and emotional wellbeing; and using technology to increase accuracy, production, and efficiency is an investment in how the future will soon look.
Catie Denfeld / THE FLARE
Brandon Smith, Longview sophomore, works on his final project for the new KC technology program. He will be in the second graduating class next May.