Richland
Vol. XLV Issue 29 May 14, 2019
Legos exhibited artistiscally Pg. 9
• Tornadoes plague Denton county • Bingewatching list for summer • Twins pursue different lifestyles
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2 REGIONAL
May 14, 2019
Staff Photo Willie R. Cole
Construction workers help clean up tornado damage in Denton on April 30th.
Tornado dots Denton with damage Willie R. Cole
RichlandStudentMedia.com
Staff Writer
Rain, strong winds and a tornado watch were all part of an April storm system that was nothing out of the norm, until television weathermen warned residents north of Denton about the imminent danger of a tornado . The EF1 twister touched down just before 7 p.m. April 30 just north of Texas Woman’s University (TWU). It bounced from house to house, jumping street to street and left a trail of destruction in its wake.. “[The] pressure dropped, lights started flickering. We were in the bathroom. I looked out the window [and] everything was sideways and that’s when it hit just out of nowhere,” said resident Ryan Fuentez, one of many listening to Denton amateur radio operators at the time. Fuentez lost two trees but there was no damage to his home. One pecan tree in his front yard hung from power lines. “We have a large pine tree in the back, lying in our pool. Got to deal with that,” Fuentez said. The curbs in the usually well-groomed community were lined with broken tree limbs. The sound of chainsaws filled the air as residents cut down limbs, broken trunks and parts of trees that were in unusual places. The more you looked, the more damage became apparent. Trucks lined the streets. Chainsaws roared like they were at a logging camp, and there was no power in the area. “A tornado came through. Throw down a lot of trees. A lot of house services, but we are slowly getting back on,” said Brian Sanders with the Denton Municipal Electric. There were yards with trees snapped in half, cars and trucks with large tree limbs or whole trees laying on them; the job of clean-up had begun. Although there was lots of damage, the neighbors were looking to see if anyone was
worse off and offering to help. Linda and Joe Davis were checking on neighbors, even though their property was hard hit, and there was a large limb sitting on their truck. “About 6:30 [p.m.] and they started saying the tornado was headed towards this part of Denton, and I ran to the bathtub. My husband kept wandering around the house,” Linda Davis said.
“I looked out the window [and] everything was sideways and that’s when it hit just out of nowhere.” -Ryan Fuentez After a few minutes she told her husband to “Hurry, get back in the bathtub,” and he said “It’s all over now,” and it was. “We came out and could not believe what it was like,” she said. Among all the bad that came from a few minutes of strong winds and rain, the human factor kicked in and neighbors went to work. “It was several hours after the whole neighborhood started working,” Linda Davis said. The next day, organizations like the Texas Baptist Men showed up to help. “The Baptist Men appeared and a man named Judge and he was talking to my husband and telling him ‘we’re here to help you clean up your property,’ and I couldn’t believe it,” she said.
CAMPUS/NATIONAL 3
May 14, 2019
Preparing for the Sesay administration Jack Ramirez Bernal Staff Writer
Edward Sesay and Haya Qazi shake hands to pass the SGA torch.
Staff Photo Jonathan Lin
The new Richland Student Government Administration (SGA) will meet during the summer to make plans for the upcoming school year. The new officers were sworn into office April 25 and will assume their duties Aug. 26. During their last meeting, Haya Qazi, the outgoing club president, officially swore-in the newly elected officers who will run SGA affairs during the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. The SGA held elections April 3 for the positions of president, vice-president, speaker of the house, secretary, historian, parliamentarian, historian, and treasurer. All of the nominees had prior experience with SGA and the events the organization hosts throughout the school year. “They all worked as a group very well, so they all have a good foundation on what they are going to need to do and I think they are going to be fine,” Kelly Sonnanstine, SGA adviser and program services coordinator, said. “Their biggest challenge is going to be bringing new people into the fold, which is always the biggest challenge.” While the transition itself was not as spectacular as the U.S. presidential transition, which includes an inaugural address at the Capitol Building, former and new SGA members showed emotions ranging from sadness to joy as one club chapter ended and a new one began. Almost immediately after Qazi swore in the new officers, newly appointed SGA President Edward Sesay took hold of the session and gave those in attendance a sneak peek of what to expect for next school year.
“For the future, I’m still looking for some events and some fun stuff for you guys,” Sesay said. “I’ll do my best, and I’ll do anything in my power to make you guys feel welcome during the fall semester.” Sesay and the new officers are working on three resolutions proposed by the former president that will be presented to Richland President, Dr. Kay Eggleston. The resolutions include installing lights on the El Paso bridge and the East Breezeway outside of Fannin Hall, the implementation of location signs in all elevators identifying the hall in which they are located and restrictions against feeding the Richland wildlife in order to preserve the balance of the ecosystem. Sesay said he wants to work on the creation of new SGA committees, including legislation, resolution and judicial committees, that will work to spread the news of SGA’s commitment to represent the voice of the Richland student body. SGA recently introduced a new access tab on eCampus under the Thunderduck Commons heading so students can reach SGA officers for updates on SGA affairs and learn more about the organization. As the transition ceremony took place, those in attendance learned the elected speaker of the house, Makayla Logan, decided to step down. In light of the news, Sonnanstine said there are candidates who have expressed interest in the position. As of now, the role of speaker remains vacant. All applicants are under review. “I’m proud of all the officers. I feel like they will settle into their roles amazingly,” Qazi said in her closing remarks. With her presidency over, she is looking forward to continuing her education at Southern Methodist University, where she hopes to participate in student government.
Candidate Warren proposes college debt forgiveness plan Staff Writer
Massachusetts senator and 2020 presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren is on the campaign trail touring primary states, such as Iowa and South Carolina, and unveiling her $640 billion college debt forgiveness plan. Warren, a Democrat, is proposing the elimination of existing student loan debt for millions of Americans. She announced the plan to differentiate herself from the other candidates in the packed 2020 race. Warren is proposing to eliminate almost all student loan debt for 42 million Americans, canceling $50,000 in debt for each person with household income under $100,000. According to Warren’s proposal, the debt cancellation plan would create a one-time fee to the federal government of $640 billion. Warren announced the plan as part of her presidential platform ahead of a CNN town hall meeting with other presidential candidates including Sen. Kamala Harris, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
As Warren’s plan would also create a fund with a “minimum of $50 billion,” other presidential candidates, including Warren, Sanders, Harris and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, all signed on as co-sponsors of Sanders’ 2017 College for All Act, which would allocate $47 billion annually to states to cover two-thirds of the tuition obligation. In addition, Warren and other candidates in the field including Sens. Cory Booker, Gillibrand and Harris, are endorsing the DebtFree College Act, a similar bill recently introduced in Congress that would cover all costs for students attending a public college without necessitating loans. Among Warren’s other proposals are the elimination of tuition and fees for two- and four-year public college degree programs, as well as a $100 billion investment in Pell Grants. The Debt-Free College Act would also create a fund with a “minimum of $50 billion” intended to keep per-student spending at historically black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions comparable to other area colleges.
“I definitely agree with that, and I believe that all college should be free, at least like for the first time you take the course it should be free. Maybe like the second time you have to pay some money, but I believe that college education should be free,” said Richland math professor Sam Obeid, Ph.D. “I am a product of where a university was free, so [I think] college education should be free.” The costs of debt cancellation and universal free college would be “more than covered
by my Ultra-Millionaire Tax — a 2% annual tax on the 75,000 families with $50 million or more in wealth,” Warren said. Warren is traveling to colleges and universities in key primary battleground states, including South Carolina, Texas, Iowa and Nevada, along with other states to spread information. She and other candidates will take the message of her platform including the college debt forgiveness plan to other states as well.
Photo The Associated Press
Sen. Elizabeth Warren speaks at a presidential forum April 24 in Houston.
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Andrew Castillo
4 LOCAL
May 14, 2019
Fan Expo unites creators and enthusiasts who enjoy roleplaying as their favorite characters, also known as cosplayers. Staff Writers Attendees had the opportunity to meet celebrities including “Shazam” star Zachary The annual Fan Expo, a three-day event Levi, “Designated Survivor” and “24” star for fans of animation, comics, video games, Kiefer Sutherland and cast members from TV shows and movies, took place at the “Back to the Future,” “Luke Cage,” “The Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center Flash” and other shows. in downtown Dallas May 3-5. Fans had the There were also appearances by Peter Cullen, opportunity to express their love and passion the voice of Autobot leader, Optimus Prime for all things tailored to die hard fans. from the “Transformers” franchise, Lucie Pohl Attendees had the chance to meet famous and Gaku Space as popular “Overwatch” charcelebrities in person, attend discussion panels acters Mercy and Genji respectively, and voice and purchase all kinds of toys, clothing and actors for other games and animes. Cosplay memorabilia. There was also room for those celebrities Yaya Han, Liui Aquino and Mcubed were among those who came to interact with the fans. People had the opportunity to get autographs from and pictures with some of the celebrity guests and purchase merchandise. The event also showcased several panel discussions. One of them was Yaya Han’s panel on designing and constructing her cosplay costumes—in this case, the construction and design of a Batgirl suit. “As cosplayers, it’s all about socialization.” Han said. “It’s all about your comfort level and creativity.” Han tackled the details of cosplay Staff Photos Jonathan Lin Lucie Pohl, a voice actress for “Overwatch,” is design, from the materials to the differshocked as Ren, a cosplayer dressed as Mercy, ent types of fabrics used for creativity directs her attention to another exhibit. and functionality. She also discussed
Jack Ramirez Bernal and Jonathan Lin
the dilemma of establishing the line between creative freedom and staying true to the source material. “If you can’t find the reference, make the costume,” she said. “Accuracy should not stop you from cosplaying.” Another panel introduced the new streaming series, “The Gate,” by Kevin Huckabee. Filled with alchemy, dark magical arts, monsters and the theme of vengeance and destiny, this new series combines the elements of horror and the supernatural. Huckabee described how he got the inspiration for the project when he was 18 and lost his father to illness. That led him to the idea of controlling one’s own inner darkness to overcome personal obstacles. Jean-Patrick Nova, a former media arts professor from Richland who wore the Gate creature costume, talked about the potential of Huckabee’s franchise. “The social media momentum is already behind it,” Nova said. “He is out to create cult following and he’s got a really long mythology behind it, so definitely that sort of market is a good opportunity.” “The Gate” franchise is being produced in Dallas. The team working on the project has a contract with Crypt TV and has released a short film. Huckabee and the development staff are aiming to take “The Gate” beyond film production and into the business of comic books and videogames. Fan Expo 2019 allowed all those who
attended to connect with people with an attraction for all that is geek in the media worlds of sci-fi, horror, videogames and more. Regardless of fandom or the franchise, people came to express their insights, passion and creativity.
Former Richland professor Jean-Patrick Nova dressed as the Gate monster.
MOVIES/TV 5
May 14, 2019
“John Wick 3: Chapter 3 — Parabellum”
“The Lion King”
“Shaft”
“Spider-Man: Far from Home”
“Godzilla: King of the Monsters”
Photo Courtesy IMDb
“Dark Phoenix”
Summer movies coming soon to area theaters Ricky Miller
Entertainment Editor As much as I hate to admit it, with all the good and bad movies out there to consume, I am a fan boy at heart. I actually enjoy romantic-comedies and relish an occasional buddy movie. I have not quite succumbed to superhero fatigue yet, and relish whatever comes my way. Summer usually comes and goes in the blink of an eye, so I have to pick and choose where my hours are spent in the theatre. So, there are titles I will see regardless of my busy schedule. “Toy Story 4” hits theatres June 21 as does the unnecessary reboot of “Child’s Play” with the voice of Mark Hamill as Chucky, the serial-killing doll. Outside of my top ten, I’m also looking forward to Jim Jarmusch’s “The Dead Don’t Die” on June 14. I am also looking forward to the doumentary “David Crosby: Remember my Name” on July 19. For the sake of space, I’ve whittled down my summer must-see list to the Top 10. For the record: I will be skipping “Brightburn,” “Aladdin,” “Ma,” “Child’s Play,” “Annabelle Comes Home” and “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.”
1. “John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum” (May 17) — Keanu Reeves returns as the character audiences love all too well. In this chapter, Reeves, as Wick, has a $14 million bounty on his head and is wanted dead or alive. This one also stars Halle Berry, Oscar-winner Anjelica Huston and Laurence Fishburne.
6. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (July 26) — Quentin Tarantino creates a new tale involving the legacy of cult leader Charles Manson while weaving in appearances by Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.
2. “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” (May 31) — A sequel to 2014’s “Godzilla,” this one finds the giant reptile in a quandary as the American government seeks its help in defeating some of the titans, including the three-headed dragon King Ghidorah.
7. “The Lion King” (July 19) — This live-action version of the animated tale features the voice talents of James Earl Jones, Donald Glover and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Directed by the great Jon Favreau who also helmed “Iron Man” (2008).
3. “Spider-Man: Far from Home” (July 2) — This end to phase three of the Marvel universe finds Tom Holland’s Peter Parker/ Spider-Man venturing on a trip to England with his schoolmates in tow.
8. “Dark Phoenix” (June 7) — “Game of Thrones” Sophie Turner plays Jean Grey, the telepathic member of the X-Men team. Directed by former producer Simon Kinsberg.
4. “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw” (Aug 2) — The most unlikely of partnerships occur when Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham team up for some of the most ridiculous shenanigans ever assembled. With Charliz Theron, Helen Mirren and Idris Elba.
9. “Shaft” (June 14) — Three generations of “Shaft” deal with the Los Angeles underground in this new version of the saga starring Samuel L. Jackson and Richard Roundtree, directed by Tim Story.
5. “Angel Has Fallen” (Aug. 23) — Gerard Butler finishes the trilogy he began with 2013’s “Olympus Has Fallen” and then “London Has Fallen”(2016). It ends with a giant bang.
10. “Men in Black: International” (June 14) — Chris Hemsworth teams up with co-star Tessa Thompson of “Thor: Ragnarok” for this story of individuals fighting to protect planet Earth from alien beings.
Bernard Cheatham
Staff Writer “The Good Doctor” (ABC): “The Good Doctor” is a TV show about a trauma surgeon who has a neurological disability known as autism. Despite his appearance and condition, Dr. Shaun Murphey (Freddie Highmore) is an exceptional first-year resident at St. Bonaventure Hospital. He has a lot to learn about becoming a doctor who can empathize with his patients. The show has aired for two seasons and a third is on the way. Grade: A
Photo Courtesy ABC
Photo Courtesy Netflix
“Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” (Netflix): This is an adaptation of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” that debuted in Oct. 2018. The new series, starring Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina, follows the young woman on her 16th birthday when she has to decide between the life her father wants for her or her aunt the witch, who encourages her to follow her heart. A
“The Incredibles 2”: This is an animated family film with a lot of action that follows the Incredibles as they try to show the world that superheroes should be reinstated in the city again. Elastigirl (voiced by Holly Hunter) returns as the new face of the heroes. The Incredibles live a life of retirement in the suburbs, but are itching to get back to fighting crime. When presented with a top secret assignment, the superhero family returns to save the day. B
Photo Courtesy Disney Pixar
Photo Courtesy New World Pictures
“Heathers”: This 1989 movie is a bit old, but who does not love the late 1980s? This crime-comedy is about a girl named Veronica who was a part of a popular clique known as the Heathers, until she discovers how cruel the members are to others. She and her new boyfriend, J.D. (Christian Slater), decide to murder their high school classmates who mistreat other people by making their deaths look like suicides. B+
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Movies and TV shows to bingewatch over summer break
6 SPORTS
May 14, 2019
Nine Thunderducks migrate across the country Obase-Wotta Kammonke Managing Editor
Nine Richland soccer players have signed national letters of intent to further their collegiate careers at four-year universities. A slew of transfers and an assortment of sophomores enjoyed a fruitful fall campaign in which the Richland men’s team reclaimed the championship as the best NJCAA Division III outfit in the nation. As graduation loomed closer, the nine departing players said farewell to their teammates and peers at their national signing ceremony on April 26. Reyes Vargas and Carlos Valdez relocated to Dallas from Houston last fall. They were forced to find another school to further their collegiate soccer careers after San Jacinto College men’s soccer program abruptly ended in May 2018. They joined Richland and assimilated as important pieces of the team. Vargas ended the season with nine goals and two assists in 15 games. After an initial slow start with Richland, Vargas’ influence grew as the season progressed, contributing with vital goals in the playoffs and nationals. He has committed to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. “It was kind of difficult for me because I was coming back from an injury. But throughout the season, you know, I got the rhythm back, my goal scoring opportunities back and helped the team win a national title,” Vargas said. Valdez committed to Northern Illinois University after a string of fine displays for the Thunderducks. He started all 19 games for
Staff Photo Willie R. Cole
Marco Cordoba, front left, Sergio Gonzalez, Reyes Vargas, Pedro Tavarez, Hector Wong, Francisco Rodriguez, Kevin Rivas, Victor Radilla and Carlos Valdez at signing day on April 25.
Richland, including the national championship match in which his trickery and attacking prowess were on display for all. “Personally, I think [it was] for sure one of the best seasons I’ve had. [It is] way better than last year. Right now, I’m focusing on graduating and [then] getting a starting spot next year,” Valdez said. Hector Wong is transferring 45 miles west of Dallas to Fort Worth’s Texas Wesleyan University. Wong was mainly a backup goalkeeper during his time at Richland and he hopes to seal a starting berth on his new team
next season. “My goal there is to be a part of the team and try to achieve more. They’ve reached playoffs and hopefully get them to the [another] playoff,” Wong said. The trio of Sergio Gonzalez, Kevin Rivas and Victor Radilla committed to University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Marco Cordoba (University of Houston), Pedro Tavarez (Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio), Francisco Rodriguez (North Park University in Illinois) are the other departing members of the
championship-winning squad. Head coach Sean Worley bid farewell to the departing members of his team. He expressed joy at the progress of his players and said he is excited about the opportunities they will have. “This is a life-changing experience,” Worley said. “The success they’ve had at Richland is a springboard to help them. And, them winning is very important because it sets up future opportunities. But when they do actually transfer, this is a life-changing opportunity that’s going to affect not only their lives, but their children’s and family’s lives.”
Richland employee’s passion for running earns a berth in Boston Marathon Jani Leuschel Staff Writer
Running the Boston Marathon on April 15 was the fulfillment of a dream for Rosalia Baker, an accountant at Richland. “When I crossed that finish line, it was just so awesome and getting my medal is when I just [had] tears of joy,” she said. Baker was more worried about being fast enough to qualify for Boston than about security concerns in the wake of the 2013 bombing at the race. Safety was not on her mind so
Staff Photo Ryan Bingham Duff
Rosalia Baker with medal and race swag.
much as lowering her mile time since securing a berth is not a simple matter of registering. The race organizer, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), must have proof of a runner’s worthiness. In Baker’s age category, 45 to 49, the women’s qualifying time for the 26.2-mile race is 3 hours and 55 minutes. That’s a sub9-minute mile. But runners must be speedier than that because Boston only wants the best. Regarding participants in the 2019 race, the BAA website stated that, “Qualifiers who were four minutes, 52 seconds (4:52) or faster than the qualifying time for their age group and gender have been accepted into the 2019 Boston Marathon.” “There’s only a certain amount of time slots for each age group to get in. So, if you don’t have a pretty good cushion you probably won’t qualify and get in, even though you qualify and beat the time,” Baker said. She said it took her 13 attempts to qualify for the race. Baker did two things to finally achieve that “cushion.” She trained with grit, doing hills and speed work, and she searched for a so-called “fast” marathon, one (accepted by Boston) that has a reputation for giving runners their personal bests. She ran a downhill race, the Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon, in which approximately 24%
of runners achieved a Boston Marathon qualifying time in 2019, according to the Revel organization. Runners start at the top of a mountain near Salt Lake City, Utah and run to the bottom. This might sound easy, but it requires specific training. “It could really mess your legs up, just running straight down for that long,” Baker said. Because Dallas is not blessed with mountains, she did some online research and discovered parking garage running. “Go to the top and just run down. So, I did a lot of that. But then, I got kicked out of one parking garage. Somebody reported me!” she said. She did her speed work here at Richland on the treadmills in the fitness center. “I made a lot of friends, and they all knew I was training for Boston because I made it well known. So, they were all rooting for me because I was in there a lot working out, sweating,” she said. She finished the Big Cottonwood Marathon with a time around 3:44. The medal proudly hangs in her office in Thunderduck Hall, along with one from her fastest half-marathon and copies of many of her colorful race bibs. Baker enjoys racing so much, she has also run a 50-miler, 50Ks, 16 other marathons and other races of shorter distances.
In her neighborhood, she used the Nextdoor social media site to let her neighbors know she would be training beginning runners at 5:30 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. She currently has a group of six trainees. Before this, she was a pace leader with the Dallas Running Club, which helped her train for her first marathon in 2014. She is starting a Richland training group that will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 a.m. In a 30-minute session, her groups walk/run about two miles, she said. Four people have signed up. Interested persons can email her at rbaker@dcccd.edu to find out more. Baker is married to Richland Police Commander Robert Baker, who she nicknamed her “Sherpa” because he is her biggest supporter. She also has three grown children and two grandchildren, one of whom used to enjoy a jogging stroller when grandma would babysit. Baker has already planned her qualifying race for Boston 2020. Although she wanted to qualify with her Boston Marathon time in April, the hot day and the hills caused her to touch four hours. So, on June 29, she will run another “fast” downhill put on by the Revel organization atop Mount Hood in Oregon. Whatever she finds on that mountaintop, Baker is sure to go the distance.
SPORTS 7
Staff Photo Mirco Daniel Mbega Ndoumou
Richland women’s assistant coach Vinson Brown, left, Alexis Jordan and Head Coach Scott Toups at Jordan’s signing on April 10.
East Oregon University signs a ‘gem’ Obase-Wotta Kammonke Managing Editor
All it took was four minutes for Alexis Jordan’s brilliance on the soccer field to propel Richland to the national stage and etch her name in history. Her superlative displays attracted an array of suitors, but East Oregon University caught Jordan’s eye, where she committed to play next semester. “Eastern Oregon, they got a gem,” Scott Toups, Richland women’s head coach said at her signing ceremony. “They won’t sign a better player than her this year. I mean, it’s fantastic for her to go experience a new part of the country and, and to keep playing soccer.” Jordan, 21, joined Richland last fall after a brief hiatus away from college. Initially, she played for the University of South Alabama in the fall of 2016 but health issues including epilepsy which she’s had since childhood forced her to leave in her second year. She moved back to Dallas and worked fulltime at a Kohl’s warehouse. After about a year of full-time work, Jordan started to weigh her schooling options in the summer of 2018. “I got a call from my dad. My dad was
like, hey, have you thought about Richland,” Jordan said. “I really didn’t want to go there at first, because, coming from a university I just felt like that was like a downgrade. But you know, you have to start from somewhere,” After speaking with her sister Alyssa Jordan, a Richland alumna, and the Richland coaching staff, Jordan was sold. She enrolled at Richland for the 2018 fall semester. She was primarily recruited to fill in the gaps in defense, but as soon as the season began Toups knew she would be more than just a defender for his team. It was the district championship final in Oct. 2018. The winner would qualify for the nationals. Richland failed at this stage for two consecutive years at the hands of Brookhaven. It was only befitting that the third attempt to qualify for nationals was against the team’s arch rivals and the reigning national champions. Richland was looking for retribution, but it proved hard to come by. Richland opened the scoring and was looking like the victor until a late equalizer from Brookhaven forced the game into overtime. Toups made a change. Jordan, who traditionally played as a center back, was shifted to
spearhead the attack. Within minutes of the overtime kickoff she was pressing and running at defenders. In her first play to force a goal, her attempt was thwarted by the Brookhaven defense. A couple minutes later, a through ball was sent down the right flank. A touch, a swivel and a searing burst of pace from Jordan left her marker spun and mystified. She swung a low cross into the middle of the penalty box. Claudia Pedroza tapped it in. Game over. Richland was through to the nationals. “[Jordan] is what put us over the top. We were able to use her in the back playing defense and kind of hide her back there all season long. And at the end, when we got to the playoffs, we threw her up top and she just tore it up. She’s a big, big reason why we won this year. That is for sure,” Toups said. Miranda Ibarra played alongside Jordan in the heart of Richland’s defense throughout the season. She believes Jordan’s presence and charisma was essential for the team. “She is very fast, very aggressive and she is good at cleaning everything up,” Ibarra said. “Throughout the season, she was always a backup for us. So, we could always play confidently without worrying about who was in the
back.” Jordan was nurturing a fractured foot while playing in the district championship final, but that did not discourage her determination. She played throughout the district and national tournament with the injury to help Richland win an elusive fourth national title. “I didn’t want to let my coach down. That’s really all I kept thinking about was [not] letting Scott [Toups] down,” Jordan said. “I had a lot of family watching. So, I really wanted to not only perform at the level that I know I can but also wanted to prove everyone, all my doubters and haters that you know, I could win this national title and help my team get this ring.” Three years after her brief stint in Alabama, Jordan has another chance to play Division I soccer with East Oregon University, and she is relishing the opportunity. “I feel confident that I’ll come into the team, and I’ll be a key factor to the team,” Jordan said. East Oregon University Head Coach Jacob Plocher scouted Jordan keenly in the playoff tournaments and believes her versatility will be invaluable for his team. “I think she’s one [who] can help us on both ends if need be. We’ll probably look at her coming to help our attack right off the bat, just with her speed and her creativity and her ability to, kind of, cause trouble with back line,” Plocher said. “I think she’s one that, with all the pieces that we have in place, she’ll be a good asset and we’ll be able to mesh with them, to hopefully make our attack that much more potent,” he said. “After I left South Alabama, I really felt like, I was never going to be the player that I was there because I was a really dominant player. And so, with me being a key concept to my team at Richland, that just really boosted my confidence to be like, yeah, you know, you can go off and play at the best D-1 level again and shine like just like you did at Alabama,” Jordan said.
“I think she’s one [who] can help us on both ends if need be. We’ll probably look at her coming to help our attack right off the bat.” -Jacob Plocher Jordan intends to graduate with a master’s in kinesiology and exercise science and then pursue a professional soccer career. “We’re trying to just put her in a position to be successful and also be the most beneficial for our team,” Plocher said.
RichlandStudentMedia.com
May 14, 2019
8 OPINION/CAMPUS
May 14, 2019
The disabled versus the media Madison McNair
Staff Writer Finding accurate representation when disabled is sometimes as difficult as finding a four-leaf clover. When an able-bodied person creates a piece of media that includes or centers around the story of a disabled person, even when done without malicious intent, challenges can occur when it comes to understanding the intricacies of being disabled. That’s the case, whether insinuating they’d be better off dead in the film “Me Before You” (2016), or by using an able-bodied person for what should be a disabled persons’ role in “The Upside” (2018). As a disabled person, it seems to me the lines can become blurred. It shows a point of view and lack of understanding of the disabled community that is already misunderstood by the able-bodied world. Disabled activists speak out against media that misrepresent the disabled, much like the films mentioned above. Having an able-bodied person playing a disabled character happens often, but
it shouldn’t. There are disabled actors willing and ready to play the parts. It just takes some searching. Mattel officials recently announced they are adding two Barbie dolls with disabilities – one in a wheelchair, and one with a removable prosthetic leg. The company will also include a ramp for the Barbie Dream House. Little girls with disabilities around the world will now get to see themselves represented in a way many girls, who are now women, never witnessed in their childhood. ABC has a popular TV show centered around a family with a teenage son with cerebral palsy. “Speechless” debuted in 2016. It stars Micah Fowler as J.J. DiMeo. Both character and actor have cerebral palsy in real life. Mainstream media can offer accurate portrayals of disability using disabled actors and be successful. On the other hand, “Me Before You” centers around a quadriplegic named Will who bases his worth on how much he can contribute to society. He is then “saved” by the love of a beautiful girl, Louisa, further
invalidating the actual struggles and triumphs of a disabled person. Later, Will chooses to follow through with euthanasia because he feels Louisa would be better off without him and his disability. This contributes to the idea that disabled people are not worth anything unless they’re able-bodied. Roughly 56.7 million, Illustration Barbara C. Gandica or about 19 % of the U.S. population, reported having a Girls play with Barbies tailor-made to have disabilities. disability in 2010, according to Much of how the world views those of us who a comprehensive report released by the U.S. are disabled is through media. Seeing misrepCensus Bureau. Some disabilities are not visi- resentations can impact our lives in a bigger ble. Not every disabled person uses a mobility way than some may realize. It can affect how device. That should be considered in conjunc- people treat us, care for us and help us in the tion with visible disabilities and the accurate long run. If you are making art about or featurportrayal of the differently abled. Some people ing a person with disabilities, have the disabled may have both visible and invisible disabilities. person contribute to the project and take an How disabled people and disability as a active part in what you are making. whole are viewed is incredibly important.
used policies, such as “presumption of innocence,” “access to evidence” and “crossexamination” on campuses nationwide beginning in the fall. “In order to conduct a proper investigation, we have to stay neutral,” Thomas said, referring to the importance of maintaining due process. The reporting party, as she puts it, is required to fill out an online form and then submit it to the Title IX coordinators on campus. Thomas lets the reporting party tell their side of the story before hearing from the responding party. A preliminary interview is then conducted to see if it is a Title IX issue and if the complaint merits an investigation. Thomas and Daryl Greene-Wright are the Title IX contacts at Richland. Thomas was an investigator under Title IX before she was promoted to coordinator. Title IX was passed in 1972. The law protects all students from being denied participation in any activity, whether it be sports
or joining a club at an educational institution based on their gender or race. Every educational institution is required to have a Title IX policy or it must forfeit federal funding. The program serves as an awareness campaign to protect victims of stalking, harassment and/or sexual assault. Victims must file a complaint and initiate an investigation within 60 days. “Title IX is meant only for schools,” said Kelly Sonnanstine, coordinator of the office of student life at Richland Community College. “You will [potentially] go to jail if you sexually assault someone. The school can just kick you out.” Sonnanstine said that Title IX is discussed at orientation with all new students who enroll at Richland. She said, once a sexual assault case is filed under Title IX, the complaint becomes a police matter. On March 28, a Texas federal judge investigating allegations of sexual assault by students
IX
Title IX: Protecting students from sexual violence Ryan Bingham Duff
Staff Writer April was sexual assault awareness month and the laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual conduct in schools are changing. At issue is how schools will address complaints of sexual harassment and sexual violence. “We can, and must, condemn sexual violence and punish those who perpetuate it, while ensuring a fair grievance process,” Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said in an interview with The Associated Press (AP). The proposed changes repeal an Obama-era law about how schools respond to complaints. If the rules aren’t followed, schools could lose federal money. Critics complain the law was too complex and placed an unfair burden on administrators, according to AP. Richland Associate Director of Student Services Latrenda Thomas said the Trump Administration is possibly reviving previously
against members of the Baylor football team in 2016 ordered the Philadelphia-based law firm, Pepper Hamilton, to turn over thousands of records in the case. The judge is reviewing Baylor’s actions in response to complaints of sexual and domestic violence, including several incidents of gang rape, according to AP. Seventeen women who studied at Baylor claimed the attacks against them were ignored or mishandled. To date, the case has resulted in the dismissal of football coach Art Briles, firing of president Ken Starr and a total of 19 football players. Sonnanstine said Richland has not encountered any offenses involving sexual assault or domestic violence since she’s been at the college. Thomas confirmed that since being appointed coordinator in 2018, 17 of the 25 complaints were caused by a lack of communication. The other eight were either student code of conduct issues, informal resolutions or investigations.
Cartoon Jerry Weiss
LOCAL/CAMPUS 9
May 14, 2019
‘The Art of the Brick’ arrives at the Perot Mye Miller and Macy Wheeler Staff Writers
Staff Photo Mye Miller
Lego sculpture on display at the Perot as part of “The Art of the Brick” exhibition.
Myriad colors greet visitors as they step into the “Art of the Brick” exhibit at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. A gallery filled with Lego interpretations of famous artworks, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” are placed alongside artist Nathan Sawaya’s original pieces. In this traveling exhibit, Sawaya trades in paint and clay for Legos, combining the playfulness of toys with the beauty of sculpture to interpret art in a never-before-seen way. “This exhibition, like all of our exhibits at the Perot Museum, encourages people to explore their scientific curiosity. Fostering that discovery and inspiring the next generation of scientists is why we exist,” said Krista Villarreal Moore, director of communications with the Perot. A large dinosaur constructed completely out of these small bricks dominates an entire room, while the minute details of Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” make one question its Lego composition. The artist’s unique pieces have even found their way into pop culture, with his work featured in a music video for Lady Gaga’s “G.U.Y.” After the “Art of the Brick” exhibit directs guests through a room filled with Lego renditions of famous works of art, the gallery flows into a collection of Sawaya’s world-renowned original works, including his acclaimed piece
“Yellow.” This leads to an intriguing multimedia display featuring Legostructures, a project made in collaboration with award-winning photographer Dean West. The final destination of the exhibit is “The Science of the Brick,” a hands-on, interactive experience where guests are provided with Legos and given the opportunity to express their own creativity.
The exhibit is both polished and captivating, with well-designed layout and fascinating content. The diversity of the exhibit attracts all ages, with visitors ranging from families with young children to groups of teenagers and adults. The entire exhibit is bilingual, with explanatory cards for each piece written in both English and Spanish. It remains on exhibit through Aug. 18. The price of admission is $30, which includes general admission to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. No student discounts are offered. For details, visit https://www.perotmuseum.org/ exhibits-and-films/traveling-exhibition/the-art-of-thebrick.html
Romanian opera singer discusses her life in music Staff Writer
International student Adriana Borcan studies English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at Richland. She visited the Chronicle TV studio for an episode of “Spotlight On” on May 1. A Romanian native born in Targoviste, Romania, Borcan was inspired to study music by her maternal grandparents and her aunt and uncle, who were traditional Romanian music singers, before she moved with her family to the city of Bucharest, Romania’s capital. With her family’s musical background and a fascination of listening to opera in the family home, Borcan decided to pursue a career in music. She began studying piano at 6 years old and was enrolled at the co-ed boarding school, George Enescu National University of Arts, now Dinu LiPatti, along with her uncle, Ion Zanca, who is three years her senior. “They said, ‘OK go with Ion,’” she described her parents as saying. “I was [in] first grade and he was [in] fourth grade,” Borcan said. Her boarding school education went from elementary through high school. She attended the Ciprian Porumbescu Conservatory, now known as The National University of Music
Bucharest (UNMB), where she earned her bachelor’s in piano. “I can teach music in English but I can also have a second-or masters [degree],” Borcan said. After university, Borcan worked as a piano teacher before moving to the U.S. to join her extended family who have lived in the states for 18 years. Zanca moved to the states on a scholarship and studied in Baton Rouge. He plays the viola and is a principal in the Dallas String Quartet. “Work, work, work, and more work to try and start a new life,” Borcan said when describing her life after UNMB in Bucharest. “My uncle has a friend here [at Richland], Mr. Matthew Johnston.” Johnston is an ESOL specialist at Richland “and they [Johnston and Zanca] are friends so he told us about Richland and he told us it’s a very good program. An intensive program in English, and I need to improve my English,” Borcan said while beginning to chuckle “as you see.” Borcan believes that English will help her musical career. Throughout the interview, Borcan corrected herself. That’s because English is her third language. Her second language, Italian, is the language in which she often conducts her
musical performances. “In my music, because if you traveled, you can go anywhere in the world you can speak English,” Borcan said. “And this is very important. It doesn’t matter where you go if you are in America or Tokyo or London.” After the interview, Borcan performed in the Chronicle TV studio. She sang an interlude while her body shifted from side to side. Borcan is no stranger to performing for a live
audience and stole the show at Richland’s annual Intercultural Festival. Borcan said that once she masters English, she not only wants to become a successful musician, but wants to start her own music program as well. Besides learning English, Borcan said she is currently applying for her American driver’s license. Borcan admitted that the Dallas traffic is different from traffic in Bucharest.
Staff Photo Jonathan Lin
Ryan Duff interviews opera singer Adriana Borcan April 29 in the Chronicle TV studio.
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Ryan Bingham Duff
10 CAMPUS
May 14, 2019
‘The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail’ a success CHRONICLE Richland
STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS
Joyce Jackson
Editor-in-Chief Design Editor Managing Editor Assistant Mng. Editor Copy Editor Entertainment Editor Layout Editor Social Media Editor
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Two distinguished men, Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, stepped out of history and into the spotlight of Richland’s small Arena Theater May 4 to present the story of “The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail,” by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. Ben Stegmair portrayed Thoreau, the young, Harvard-educated leader in the Transcendentalist philosophical tradition and author of the book, “Walden.” The poet Emerson (Shae Hardwick) was Thoreau’s mentor and friend, whom he met at Harvard. “The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail” was written in 1969 and concerns Thoreau’s stand in support of civil disobedience. The two-hour production featured 17 Richland student actors and 8-year-old actor Jace Petrutsas as Edward, Emerson’s young son. Petrutsas has performed at the Firehouse Theater and the Dallas Children’s Theater. Beth Long portrayed Emerson’s wife, Lydian. The play was directed by Andy Long, Richland’s drama chair and professor. Produced on a minimalist set, “The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail” takes place over the course of the one night Thoreau spent in jail. Long said the play deals with serious subjects, like the environment, slavery, oppression and war. He described Thoreau as, “a brilliant thinker and someone who was really ahead of his time back in 1845.” Long could not have chosen anyone more perfectly suited for the lead role of Thoreau than Stegmair. He was in nearly every scene and gave an outstanding performance. The action took place in the jail cell Thoreau shared with an unkempt, illiterate cellmate named Bailey (Hunter Martinez) who had a rather comical role. As he pretended to sleep, the audience could hear him snore. It was pretty amusing. Thoreau was accused of not paying his taxes in protest of the war between the United States and Mexico. He believed the war was unjust and, by not paying his taxes, ended up
ON THE COVER The piece “Yellow” by Nathan Sawaya is part of the exhibit “The Art of Brick” at the Perot Museum. Staff Photo Mye Miller
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Staff Photo Jonathan Lin
Sheldon Vielma, left, as John Thoreau and Ben Stegmair as Henry Thoreau, in jail.
in jail. His activism was in the form of resistance, a way of disobeying societal norms. Some of the most touching scenes came from John (Sheldon Vielma), Thoreau’s brother. Another 20-something, he was excellent in the role. Vielma and Stegmair complemented each other as brothers. Both were thin, about the same height and had similar personalities. In a flashback scene, the audience learns that the brothers tried to start an alternative school where students met to discuss nature. It didn’t work because parents complained about their transcendentalist teachings. The brothers also had the same love interest. As Ellen Sewell, it was Acqurah Smith’s first role on the Richland stage. She didn’t seem to have much enthusiasm and couldn’t be heard very well. Just as the brothers were having a good time laughing and talking with each other, the scene changes. Church bells ring and tragedy strikes when John dies of blood poisoning while shaving his face. Thoreau is appalled by
the meaninglessness of John’s death as he and his mother, played by Nicole Delarosa, try to come to terms with his death. In the last major scene, Emerson and Thoreau clash over their philosophies and the reality of war. Thoreau decides he must go to Concord Square and declare to the people that he is against the war. The play then transforms into a strange dream sequence regarding the U. S. government and the Mexican-American War. Thoreau finds himself in a meadow when an escaped slave, Williams (Rico Kartea) comes out of the woods and asks for food. Thoreau shouts to the citizens of Concord as the sergeant, known as Sam (Trevor Powell), and Deacon Ball (Jimmy Jensen) both come out. The characters take up an assault on Mexico. The audience is mesmerized by flashing red strobe lights representing the battle. The last scene surprises the audience as Sam wakes Thoreau up from a dream and tells him his taxes have been paid by his Aunt Louisa.
The Algebra Corner is a plus for math students Bernard Cheatham Staff Writer
The Algebra Corner is a tutoring area for Richland students who need help with algebra homework. Computers fill the room in which students can access online tools and also their homework. A large roundtable sits in the middle of the room where students can ask for assistance from their peers, commonly known as student facilitators. Facilitators are there to assist those who need help. They are not tutors, as in professional teachers, but are strictly students who have an extensive background in mathematics and in helping others.
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Freddie Diaz coordinates the Algebra Corner and the Math Corner. He stresses that the facility is there to allow students to grow with other students. “A tutor is someone who is there to teach, assist and supplement. We do not supplement. The facilitator is a student so they cannot teach,” Diaz said. “The facilitator is not faculty, but someone who took the class earlier and knows enough to want to help and can help.” Facilitators at the Algebra Corner help a student work a problem from Part A to Part B. “They do not help with whole thing because students must learn it and practice it as well,” Diaz said. The Algebra Corner also helps those with
learning or physical disabilities. “The College Algebra Corner is in partnership with the Access One-On-One Center upstairs inside the Learning Center (M126), second door on the side,” Diaz said. It’s a computer lab. Yet algebra isn’t the only thing that students can ask for assistance with. The Higher Math Corner offers help in Calculus I and II, statistics, triginometry, pre-calculus along with other math-related courses. Those who need help with developmental math should go to the Center for Success in the mathematics lab or the Learning Center lobby located in . Workshops are available in one-hour online sessions. The Algebra Corner is located in Medina Hall, M119.
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AWARDS CMA Two-Year TV Station First Place, 2018 ACP National Ad Design awards, 2018 ACP Newspaper Pacemaker Winner, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2016 CMA Two-Year Radio Station of the Year 2015 ACP Best of Show Award 2015 ACP Photo Excellence Award 2015 CMA Newspaper of the Year Finalist, 2014 1st Place – TCCJA Overall General Excellence, 2014 2nd Place – Pinnacle College Media Award, 2014 1st Place – TIPA Sweepstakes, 2005 ACP Pacemaker Finalist, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007 ACP Online Pacemaker finalist, 2007, 2008 Over 270 Texas college journalism awards since 2000
CONTACT INFORMATION El Paso Hall, Room E020, 12800 Abrams Rd., Dallas 75243 Newsroom: 972-238-6079; richlandchronicle@gmail.com Advertising: 972-238-6068 Email: Advertise@dcccd.edu Staff meetings: Monday and Wednesday at 2 p.m. in E020 Letter Policy richlandchronicle@gmail.com Letters to the editor may be edited for space. They will be edited for spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous statements. Letters must be the work of the writer and must be signed. For identification and verification purposes, letters also must include the writer’s classification (grade level), full name, address and telephone number, although address and telephone number will not be published. Editorial Policy The Chronicle is the official student-produced newspaper of Richland College. Editorials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opinions of individual students and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other individual student writers, editors, advisers or the college administration. © Richland Chronicle 2019
CAMPUS 11
May 14, 2019
Two of a kind, yet decidedly different Aly Rodrigues Design Editor
May 27 – Memorial Day i
Copy Editor
The Richland Emeritus plus 50 program is offering a variety of fun and useful noncredit classes this summer for those 50 and older. There are classes in art, history, fitness, religion, literature, music and the humanities. Dara Eason, senior program development specialist for the emeritus program and Minnie Cornelius, department assistant, hosted the kick-off event April 25, which included some of the professors who discussed their classes. Eason spoke to the audience about the emeritus waiver and its requirements. “In Texas, if you’ve been a resident for one year, you can get six credit hours per semester for free,” Eason said. “The requirements
Campus closed
June 15 10 a.m. to noon. i
Father’s Day Fest! Magician Taylor Lloyd performs. $35 for father and 1 child Sabine Hall, SH118
June 16
Staff Photo Jonathan Lin
Isra, left, and Usra Quereshi stand back-to-back but don’t always see eye-to-eye.
classes too. The trio is in the class “Honors Philosophy: Introduction to Ethics.” They do not study together but they did make the presentation “Parent: To Be or Not to Be” as a group in the DCCCD Philosophy Conference hosted by Richland on April 24. The twin sisters have different styles. Usra dresses casual-chic while Isra likes to dress more professionally. But what really calls the attention is that Isra wears a hijab and Usra does not. They made the choice individually. Isra said wearing the head scarf makes her feels safer and more in control of her body. It also helps hide her body language when she is scared, for example. “I find myself to be more confident with this hijab then without,” Isra said. The second reason she wears the hijab is for religious purpose. She explained that in Saudi Arabia women are required by law to cover their heads. “This is the manner we are supposed to pray in. We can’t pray with our hair open. We can’t pray with half sleeves and stuff like that. So, in those terms if I can’t stand in front of God like that, I can’t stand [in front of] of another man like that,” said Isra. Usra decided she didn’t feel the need to wear a hijab.
“My thinking is somewhat different from hers. When I pray, I wear the scarf. But when I go out, I don’t feel the need to wear the hijab. It’s a choice,” Usra said. Besides the physical and the personality differences, sometimes they still feel connected as one. “If I see her crying, and I kind of figure it out why she is crying, I will start crying too,” said Isra. “Even if I am not saying anything why I am crying, she will be able to pin point exactly why I am crying. Same goes for me,” completed Usra. Just like all siblings, they have moments when they have disagreements or arguments, but the connection between them is stronger. When they moved to America, they stayed in different rooms, but soon after they decided to share the same room again. “We can understand each other on an emotional level without even talking to each other. And we need to see each other at least once a day. If we are not talking the whole the day, we will stop at each other’s class to say ‘Hi’ and move on with the day,” said Isra. Usra said being a twin is like having a best friend who lives with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Opportunities available for emeritus students Joyce Jackson
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.
are you have to be at least age 65 at the time of registration, a Dallas County resident and been in Texas for one year.” If you meet the requirements, you can take six credit hours (two three-hour classes) per semester for free, Easton added. “Your tuition is paid for,” Eason said. “That’s for the credit classes, not for the noncredit classes. Students are still responsible for books and other fees.” “It’s the best kept secret in Texas,” Cornelius said. “We’re trying to promote it. Collin County does not offer this. When you go online, you’ll find out how much the classes are.” Some of the credit computer classes offered this summer include: Essential Computer Skills 1, 11, and III; iPhones, Levels I, II, III;
Legacy Family Tree Software I and II; Photoshop, “Restoration Plus Independent Projects”; Photoshop Elements Basics Plus Independent Projects; More Photoshop Elements Independent Projects. Esther Kelly teaches the “Hearing Matters” class Mondays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. June 17-July 8. She has been working for the State of Texas helping people who have hearing loss. Kelly said she has experienced hearing loss herself. She was deaf in one ear and as her hearing loss progressed, she got hearing aids. Kelly works full time helping people of any age with hearing loss. time. To sign up for any Emeritus plus 50 class, go to their website: https://richlandcollege. edu/emeritus/ or call the office at 972-2386972.
5 to 6:30 p.m. i
Women’s soccer tryouts Soccer Field #9 7 to 9 p.m.
i
Men’s soccer tryouts Soccer Field #9
July 10 9:30 to 3:30 p.m. i
Free HIV testing, Health Center Age 18 or older, with picture ID Thunderduck Hall, T110
July 25 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. i
Emeritus kickoff for fall (50 and over) Sabine Hall, SH118
August 1 7 to 9 p.m. i
RLC Summer Sounds Showcase concert community jazz band, jazz combo, zchamber ensembles and soloists For information: Derrick Logozzo, 972-238-6254 Sabine Hall, SH118
August 6 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. i
Free HIV testing, Health Center Age 18 or older, with picture ID Thunderduck Hall, T110
RichlandStudentMedia.com
Even though Usra Quereshi is only seven minutes older than Isra Quereshi, the difference between the fraternal twins goes beyond their looks. While Usra likes to do different hairstyles and enjoys sci-fi and fantasy books, Isra loves to do makeup and would rather watch a Marvel movie. Isra said another difference people notice are their personalities. “I have more of a joking kind of personality because I think more logically. I stay reserved until I know your sense of humor first and then, cordially, I would tell jokes. Because she [Usra] can read people much better than I can, she would immediately make friends with you and she will start joking around with you in a like manner,” Isra said. “I am blue and she is green, and we are the complete opposite of each other. That’s how I feel when we are twins,” said Usra, explaining that a green person is someone more introverted. Usra is more outgoing and communicates better with people. Between the two of them, Usra is the one who has more friends. “I always feel that we complete each other in a sense that we are completed opposite and yet we still link together well,” she added. They also have different study habits. The Quereshi sisters were born in Pakistan and grew up in Saudi Arabia. They went to the same school from the kindergarten through the 12th grade. Isra was more committed to school than her sister. Even though Usra always maintained her 4.0 GPA, she did not devote as much time to her studies as Isra and would look for her sister to get class notes. After 11th grade, Usra changed her habits, dedicating more time to focusing on her studies. That was when they switched. Now, Usra likes to study in a quiet room by herself while Isra prefers less-focused study time. In 2016, the Qureshi twins, their parents and two other siblings moved to the United States. For the first time since high school, they are in the same classes again, but this time their brother Yousha is in the same
UPCOMING EVENTS
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