11/25/13

SAN JACINTO TIMES e student publication of the San Jacinto College District

Vol. 24, No. 5

November 25, 2013

Flickinger honored with leadership award

Christopher Rodriguez Editor-in-chief

Students noodle with college classic

Photo credit: (Left) Kim Kim Foster-Tobin The State/MCT, Jerry Naunheim Jr. St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT

Central campus’s Ramen-Off showcases unlimited opportunities for inexpensive and healthy dishes.

Carolina Rodriguez Staff Writer

Ramen-Off may sound like Russian royalty, but at San Jacinto College Central Campus it involves a new take on a college student culinary classic.

The Sociology and Anthropology Club at Central campus started Ramen-Off this year as a series of three gatherings (Oct. 28, Nov. 11 and Nov. 25) where participants bring their own ramen recipes, and sample dishes brought by others. The recipes offer unique features while making the student staple a healthier meal option.

Sociology professor and club co-adviser Tina Mougouris explained the multiple objectives behind Ramen-Off. “We’re just trying to encourage people to be creative with their ramen,” Mougouris said. “We are also trying to encourage them to eat healthier. So, we’re trying to do healthy things with ramen.”

Mougouris said interesting new trends in-

volving ramen like the recent opening of a ramen noodle restaurant in downtown Houston inspired the idea. Also, she said ramen noodles are a familiar meal among college students.

“I think every college student recognizes ramen. I mean, it’s a staple for every college student for generations. I remember I would eat it when I was in school because it was cheap and abundant. So, we were able to get access to it.”

Anthropology Professor and club co-adviser Paula Maack said Ramen-Off is a play on words and aims to encourage students to take a common food and make it different.

She said the club, in addition to making ramen a healthier meal, wanted to bring new ideas forward and share unique recipes.

Meanwhile, Mougouris offered some insight about how she prepared her own noodles.

“I used to put green onions in it, soy sauce, and I never used the packets because those were supposed to be bad,” she said.

According to Maack, there are 50,000 kinds

of ramen offered on Amazon.com. Furthermore, she said it is a popular internet topic complete with dedicated bloggers.

“There are guys that rate the ramen - like which ones are the best, or the 100 top best ramen, and then there is even vegan ramen,” Maack said.

Mougouris said she surveyed her class and found students are familiar with ramen because it is a low-cost food choice.

“During my social inequality (lecture in) class,” Mougouris said, “one of the things we talk about is diet. So, I said ‘if you’re watching your money and you have to feed your family with your limited food budget, what would you buy?’ and everyone goes ‘ramen!’ Then they all start comparing prices.”

Maack said students are in charge of Ramen-Off, and it is something different they all enjoy doing.

“Students are the ones that get it going. We just try to keep track of everything,” she said.

“It’s also that opportunity to create something and have fun.”

San Jacinto College District Trustee, newspaper publisher, and South Belt community icon Marie Spence Flickinger earned the distinction of becoming one of the 2013 recipients of the M. Dale Ensign Trustee Leadership award given by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

ACCT, an advocacy group serving college trustees, bestows the honor to board members across the United States who model excellence in their work on the community college level.

Flickinger received the trustee award for the Western region.

Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer,

speaking at a reception Nov. 7 held on the South campus, praised Flickinger’s efforts on behalf of the College.

“Her nomination,” Hellyer said, “was based on her work here at San Jacinto College; her commitment to our community - but her commitment and her love for our students and our faculty and staff.”

Meanwhile, Flickinger said she feels the award is a reflection of the College as a whole.

“I really am uncomfortable,” Flickinger said, “because we got six other board people. Each of us in our own way could have won this; the staff, the faculty, everybody at San Jac.”

See Flickinger on Page 4

Christopher Rodriguez San Jacinto Times

San Jacinto College celebrates Marie Flickinger’s (left) accomplishment along with Chancellor Hellyer at South campus.

San Jac student’s winning essay opens door to Paris Jessica Warren Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Amy Eklund

A non-traditional San Jacinto College South Campus student beat out other budding writers to win a trip to Paris in the OPEN THE DOOR essay contest. The contest is a part of a larger, citywide writing and photography contest sponsored by OPEN THE DOOR in Houston.

Pauline Eklund, whose essay is about her personal experience about doors opening in her own life, chose the trip over a $1,000 cash prize and was honored during a ceremony Nov. 7 at the Julia Ideson Library in downtown Houston with Mayor Annise Parker in attendance.

“I was quite shocked to actually win,” Eklund said.

“My essay was about my difficult journey from hopelessness through the door to education and spoke of the wonderful Dr. Robins, and achievements that have come through this awesome process.”

Eklund entered the contest after hearing about it from

South campus English professor Greg Smith, with whom she works as a supplemental student instructor.

“I was excited to enter this because of the focus of this event,” Eklund said.

Smith said he encouraged all of his students to enter the contest. He offered to proofread their essays unaware Eklund decided to enter until after she submitted it.

“Once Pauline shared her essay with me via email, I thought it was a really strong one, and had a great chance of winning,” Smith said.

“What I found memorable about Pauline's essay,” Smith said, “is how she knocked on the doors of education and those doors started opening for her one by one; and about how she first got the idea to pursue a higher education when she came up to San Jac to enroll her daughter.”

Smith said he and Eklund were both surprised and overjoyed after hearing the big news.

“When I found out that Pauline had won the $1000 essay contest,” Smith said, “I went into the class

where Pauline has the most students who attend her SI sessions, and I shared the news with the students.

Many of the students started clapping when Pauline later came into the room.”

Eklund said her essay is a small piece of all the incredible experiences she encountered at San Jac. “Every door that opened, I promised myself that I would walk through because I had no better plan. I am always amazed and honored that opportunities continue to accost me at every turn,” she said.

In her award-winning essay, Eklund writes, “I dreamed I was dragging my baggage down a long, dreary hallway which was my life.… I do not know what the future holds, but I no longer fear stepping through that door into the unknown.”

“I hope to meet another sad woman who is warily taking one-step at a time,” Eklund concludes her essay. “As she looks both ways before crossing her threshold, I will put out my hand to this fearful student, give her a big smile and ask, ’How can I help you?’"

Etiquette luncheon says proper manners lead to success

Pauline Eklund poses with her award.

Giovann Rosales Staff Writer

Ladies should cross one leg in front of the other at the ankle. Gentlemen should open the car door for women.

That is proper etiquette according to the first Etiquette Luncheon presented at San Jacinto College Central Campus Nov. 14 hosted by the Office of Career and Employment, First Year Experience, and the Office of Student Life.

Student Life Coordinator Amanda Rose said Central wanted to host the event on its own campus because similar luncheons were successful at the other two San Jac campuses.

“Last semester,” Rose said, “the North and South campuses held an etiquette lunch, and it was so well-received that it was ‘Why wouldn’t we do it at Central?’

And so we are doing one this semester.”

Mary Lee Kennedy, founder and president of MannersPro, was the luncheon’s featured guest speaker and presented attendees with the rules of etiquette and guidelines for proper manners.

“Etiquette is strictly the glue that holds society together,” Kennedy said. “There is the character that goes behind the etiquette. It is essential. It is universal. The manners are the actual behaviors and will vary from region to region, so we’re going to provide those to you.”

Kennedy covered a wide range of topics including the proper way to shake hands, table manners, and becoming an expert at small talk. She said image and social skills are significant factors in determining the direction of a person’s life.

“The way you dress, the way you present yourself, the way you brand yourself, is essential,” Kennedy said.” The most important thing that you can put over yourself every day is a smile. That’s it.

That is it…. Eighty five percent of success will be determined by your people skills… That is what is going to set you apart.”

See Etiquette on Page 4

Giovann Rosales San Jacinto Times

Central campus event attendees listen carefully to appropriate social graces.

San Jacinto Times

November 25, 2013

Opinion/Commentary

Page 2

C-Rod says what C-Rod thinks: motorheads really just artists when cruising down the street

Christopher Rodriguez Editor-in-chief

Some drivers take pride in their cars.

Whether it's used or new, a car is to some degree an extension of our self. To some, customizing their car makes it a

reflection of their style. For others, it's just an object that gets them from point A to point B. A car can also be like a child. You take care of it and make sure nothing bad happens to it.

I take pride in what I drive, a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix.

Some people don't have a choice in what they drive. Fortunately, when my parents were looking for a car for me, I did. I'm a fan of General Motors (GM) as is my dad.

It’s inherited much like what political party you vote for.

I was in the market for a sedan made

by GM. I looked on websites like Craigslist and eBay and went out to local used car dealerships. I found a few

cars, but they were either too expensive or weren't in good condition. I saw a couple of Grand Prix, but they drove as if they were constipated.

This made me lose hope. Previous owners didn’t treat them the way I would have treated mine.

Like any first anything, it had to be spectacular. I wasn’t sure what to expect from owning a car. The search campaign took about three months. Tired of looking, I decided to just go with a car that ran well and wasn't expensive.

I found a listing for a Dodge Stratus, so the family and I went to see what this car was all about.

And that’s when I spotted it; a Pontiac Grand Prix. Finding that car was a "love story" tale. The guy gets the car.

The owner said it was for sale, and a few days later, it was part of our family of cars.

It then became an extension of me.

My car had to look its best when it hit the streets. I researched proper washing and waxing online, so I worked my magic and bam - everything was clean and shiny. Of course, the car had "old lady wheels" on it. I wanted something sportier, and I eventually found some on eBay (a year later).

That's what I mean when I say a car is an extension of one's self. It is like a work of art. Our creativity goes into the car for others to see. And like any piece of art, it’s open to criticism.

We also see them as children. We fear something bad will happen to them.

More from Moore: Black Friday and Grey Thursday give retail employees the blues

Alex Moore

Department Editor

For people like me, the worst part of the year is almost here.... Black Friday.

I’ve been in retail the last four Black Fridays, and I fancy myself as some-

what of a Black Friday expert.

Most see Black Friday as a great day for shopping. I see it as a day in hell.

It is 14 hours of people constantly asking the same questions, and looking for the same products long after they are sold out.

Instead of enjoying my ham and mashed potatoes, I am tormented by the thought that in a few hours, I have to go to war with hordes of customers sure to come through the electronics retail giant where I work.

Imagine if you will, 14 hours where people are constantly rude, impatient, and don't seem to understand that stores can run out of a product. It clearly states in the paper… Quantities are limited!

If you come in eight hours after we open and ask me for a “door buster”

item, I am not even going to check to see if we have it; the answer will be no. They are called “door busters” for a reason… People bust down the doors to get to them.

Words of advice? First, if you want to get the door busters, get in line with the rest of the crazed customers waiting outside the stores.

Second, don't yell at the poor employee behind the register. He or she doesn't control anything but the checkout process. If there is a problem, ask to speak to a manager or even better, just let it go. It's Black Friday.

They're kind of busy and don’t have time to deal with a nagging customer upset about a five dollar coupon not working on the day they are already getting two hundred dollars off.

Even if you do complain, on that day,

most managers are just going to blow it off because they are tired and stressed out about the biggest shopping day of the year.

Now, I don't know how it is at other stores, but I don't think saving $200 on a 55" TV is worth waiting outside of the store for two weeks. My store has customers pitching tents and setting up lawn chairs weeks in advance to wait in line.

Personally, I can't see missing two weeks of work to sit in cold, wet and windy weather, just to save a little money on a computer or TV. Use the money you would’ve made in those two weeks and buy the product later on like a grown up.

Black Friday runs into Thanksgiving night now known as Grey Thursday.

That just gives me the blues.

Artwork by Chris Gaviria

In the back of my mind, there was a fear that something bad would happen to my car; not cause by me but someone else.

Well, it did happen. Thankfully, no one was injured, but I wasn’t thinking about that. My art was injured. The thing I helped bring to life was hurt.

A car you invest in, whether through internal mods or appearance is your style.

As for the Pontiac brand, you can't buy a new one anymore. GM discontinued Pontiac in 2010. I don’t get why GM would discontinue a brand known for its fierce cars, but GM was making too many cars at that time.

When you care for something and it's gone, you have to hope one day you'll see what you care about doing well.

Chapa’s tips for buying Blu-ray movies

Jonathan Chapa Department Editor

When a movie leaves theaters and ends up on store shelves, consumers may prefer to buy the high definition version released on Blu-ray.

Most movie watchers, like myself, prefer to buy them at a good price.

So, I have a few helpful tips about how to purchase these movies at a lower cost.

Blu-ray movies can be expensive, but if you read the weekly ads from Target, Best Buy, and other retailers, you will see offers for movie titles to be released in the store that week.

If there is a movie I like and want to buy on Blu-ray, I look at the Target and Best Buy weekly ads; since those are two of my favorite stores.

I compare the prices between both retailers to see which has the better offer. Most of the time, Target has better prices for new releases.

What if you can’t buy the movie during the first week of release? I have a solution for that! Generally, a store will sell a new release at a lower price several weeks, or a couple of months later. Remember, movie prices decrease over time. So, if you have the patience to wait a few months, then go for it. If not, buy it during the first week of release.

Another option for buying Blu-ray movies is Amazon.com. On Amazon, you may be able to find a seller offering the movie you want for a lower price than retail stores. Also, if you don’t mind purchasing used movies, they cost less than new ones.

So there you have it. Whether buying from traditional stores like Best Buy and Target, or turning to online retailers like Amazon.com, knowing when and where to purchase Blu-ray movies can save a little money.

Read the San Jacinto Times digital edition at www.issuu.com/sanjacintotimes

San Jacinto Times San Jacinto College Student Publications

ADVISER

Hellen Papadacos

PRODUCTION MANAGER Sara Quintana

ADVERTISING Sara Quintana

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Christopher Rodriguez

DEPARTMENT EDITORS

STAFF WRITERS Alexis Davlin

Efren Diosdado Susan Moosavi

Jonathan Chapa Alex Moore

Carolina Rodriguez

PAGE DESIGNERS

Giovann Rosales

Sara Quintana

CIRCULATION MANAGER Max Estudillo

Jake Rojas

Shawna Russell Sydney Walker Jessica Warren

The San Jacinto Times is published five times a semester by the journalism students at San Jacinto College Central, 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505.

Opinions expressed herein are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the staff, its adviser, the administration or the Board of Regents.

The Times encourages letters to the editor. Letters must be in good taste, accurate, free from libel, malice or personal controversy. Letters must be limited to 200 words in length. Letters submitted

without the author’s signature will not be accepted. The staff reserves the right to edit the letters for accuracy without altering the general meaning.

Letters can be e-mailed to Hellen.Papadacos@sjcd.edu. Letters must include name and phone number for verification.

The digital edition of the Times is available at http://issuu.com/sanjacintotimes.

Advertising space is available for $5.00 per column inch. Special rates are available. For news tips and information on advertising, contact the Times at 281478-2752.

San Jacinto Times

November 25, 2013

Page 3

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Central campus Steel Band performs orginal music from renowned composer

Efren Diosdado Staff Writer

Photo Courtesy of San Jac Central Department of Theatre and Film

Young Houston filmmakers get 52 hours to make movie masterpiece

Susan Moosavi Staff Writer

Budding filmmakers from local high schools will showcase their creative talents at the first-ever 52 Hour Raven Film Contest hosted by the Department of Theatre and Film at San Jacinto College Central Campus.

William MacTavish, Lead Filmmaking Instructor and Recruiter said contestants will compete to deliver a completed movie within the specified time frame.

“Participants will have 52 hours in which to plan, write, film, edit and deliver a complete short film,” MacTavish said. “The winners of the contest will receive scholarships to attend San Jac.” Jessica McCarroll, Senior Administrative Assistant of Fine Arts, said contestants will receive guidelines and minimal content requirements to get them started.

“We will assign each team a prop to be featured, (a specified) genre, and require them to include five of the 15 supplied lines of dialogue. The rest is up to them,” McCarroll said.

According to MacTavish, as an experienced professional he understands the contest’s time limitation may prove difficult for student filmmakers.

“I have been making movies for more than 25 years,” MacTavish said, “and I know what how hard it is to create a good film in a very short amount of time. It's a challenge that is difficult but rewarding.”

Similarly, McCarroll said it will take a lot of effort on the part of participants, but it is possible to make a successful film within the designated parameters.

“With teamwork and complete focus, you can make a co-

hesive and entertaining movie in an exceptionally short time frame,” McCarroll said.

MacTavish said the contest offers a learning opportunity different from what most students encounter during their high school careers.

“Competition is a great thing. Life is really one big competition and it brings out the best,” MacTavish said. “When students compete, they take chances and experiment in ways that they don't normally do in traditional educational settings.”

With more than two and a half decades in the movie industry under his belt, MacTavish offered insight as to what makes an effective filmmaking ensemble.

“Time management skills are a must for this contest,” MacTavish said, “Also, the same thing that makes any good team¬ - a strong leader who know(s) how to delegate the workload, resolve issues and keep the team focused on the goal; team members that are able to think and overcome any issues or problems that may arise.”

“They also need to be able to communicate well and not let the pressures that they will encounter cause them to simply give up,” he said.

Likewise, McCarroll said the competition requires strong organizational efficiency.

“If everyone has an assignment prior to the start of the competition,” she said, “it should help the process run smoothly. Write the script Friday, shoot Saturday and possibly early Sunday if needed, and edit throughout the shooting process if available.”

The contest runs from 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24 to 10 p.m.

Sunday Jan. 26. Registration information and contest rules are available at arts.sanjac.edu/52-hour.

The San Jacinto College Central Campus Steel Band brought to life acclaimed composer Phil Hawkins’ original score, “The Pebbles” Nov. 8 in the Slocomb auditorium.

Central campus music professor Michael Mizma contacted the renowned musician and engineer to compose the music for the concert.

“When I commission composers, it’s because I trust their musical instincts. I put a hundred percent of my trust in them,” Mizma said.

Mizma met Hawkins through a mutual musician friend who went to the same school as Hawkins.

This is not the first collaboration between Hawkins and San Jac. The SJC Central Steel Band performed a concert featuring Hawkins’ music in 2009.

Mizma reached out to Hawkins in January to ask whether he could compose the music for the band’s fall show. Hawkins agreed and began working on it over the summer.

Award-winning choral director and music educator, Michelle Hawkins also contributed to the writing of “The Pebbles.” It was the first time Hawkins and his wife collaborated on a piece.

“I’ve done a lot of vocal arrangement but never composing,” Michelle Hawkins said.

Phil Hawkins said he enjoyed collaborating with his wife on the composition.

“It was really fun for us,” he said.

Hawkins said “The Pebbles” is based on his daughter Marcena, a very observant girl who finds beautiful pebbles in a stream and wants to hold on to their beauty. She starts collecting them, but in doing so, she realizes once she taking the

pebbles from the stream makes them lose their beauty. They are no longer beautiful pebbles in a stream; they are just pebbles in a bag Phil Hawkins said.

“The more we try to hold on to theses things that are valuable, the less we can enjoy the beauty of it,” he said.

Hawkins said he had that story in his head for the composition before he began writing the music, and set aside time during a trip to Mexico with his family strictly for composing. But, he and his family became very ill, and he could not use that time to work.

“I can’t tell you how this thing got written. I don’t know… a lot happened, and I can’t even tell you how it happened,” Phil Hawkins said.

To make up for lost time, he said he stayed up late composing every night for weeks. Struggling to write the music, Hawkins said he finally found a rhythm when he stopped judging his own music.

“I let the ideas flow without any filter, no matter how crappy the ideas are; then go back and clean it up,” he said.

Hawkins advised his wife to do the same when writing the choral part of the composition.

“Phil told me to just try to do something and not judge it,” Michelle Hawkins said.

“She took whatever I made, and she made it work,” Phil Hawkins said, “or completely rewrote it in some cases, and I was completely okay with what she would write.”

He said there is a heavy Brazilian influence in his composition and when writing, he wants to connect the story to the music; not just put notes on a page.

“I think people respond most to honesty, more than anything else. I like to write music that I like,” Phil Hawkins said, “I never think of the theory. I just write what I feel.”

South Belt Dental, P.A. Dr. Nicki Tajalli, D.D.S. 281-481-CARE (2273)

13630 Beamer Rd., Suite 112 Houston, TX 77089 Across from San Jacinto College South Campus Se Habla Español Aceptamos Medicaid y CHIP Now Accepting Medicaid and CHIP

FREE

POWER BOOST BLEACH

Latest in office tooth whitening procedure Free with your exam, X-rays and cleaning.

NEW PATIENTS ONLY or Existing patients by referring a friend or a co-worker.

Offer is valid until January 31, 2014 with this ad Excluding DMO, Must be 16 or older

10% OFF

Any Cosmetic Dental Treatment Ceramic Crowns & Veneers Excluding DMOs. New Patients only.

Expires March 31, 2014.

November 25, 2013

From the Cover Flickinger Continued from Page 1

Furthermore, she credits the productive work environment established under the sound leadership of Hellyer for the College’s accomplishments and recognition.

“They judge it a lot on how your college is doing, not what Marie did,” Flickinger said. “It probably belongs to Brenda more than it does me because she has just done fantastic. If I

Etiquette

Continued from Page 1

Participants said the luncheon was eye-opening, and they enjoyed Kennedy’s presentation.

Student Suzanne Mitcham said, “It was very knowledgeable, very informative. I didn’t know women shouldn’t chew gum in public.”

Attendance required a five dollar refundable deposit and professional dress. Antonio’s Italian Grill and Seafood catered the event that also featured prizes and handouts about etiquette.

Kennedy concluded the presentation with one of her favorite quotes.

“I have a quote from Harriet Tubman that I love,” she said. “‘Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.’”

“There is nobody in the entire world like you,” Kennedy said.

“Find something you’re passionate about. Be positive. Be persistent. You want to be the person that when you walk into a room, you bring everybody up.”

had been on a board in the worst college in Texas, I wouldn’t have gotten it.”

Flickinger and remaining board members are charged with setting the College’s policies, fiscal management, and evaluating the chancellor’s performance. Flickinger said the latter responsibility is the simplest of all.

“In our case, it’s real easy because we’ve got a great chancellor. You have a lot of boards around the nation that the boards and the chancellor don’t get along. That has never been

San Jacinto Times

our case,” Flickinger said.

Before becoming a trustee, Flickinger was well known in the community around South campus as the editor of the local paper, the South Belt-Ellington Leader, she started in 1976.

The Leader rose to prominence in the 1980s because of the paper’s extensive coverage of the Brio Superfund Site located at Beamer and Dixie Farm.

“It was a toxic waste site, right across the street from South campus,” Flickinger said.

“My goal starting out was,”

she said, “we needed to shut down the ball field where it was at. We needed to shutdown the subdivision and close down a $10 million elementary school that was just a few years old.”

According to court documents, Flickinger and the Leader spearheaded efforts to stop the site’s remediation through an on-site incinerator.

“We took on Monsanto and 49 other chemical companies,” Flickinger said, “and the EPA and the federal courts; and our little newspaper beat ‘em all.

We got them to do it our way.”

Page 4

After three decades, Flickinger said she wants to see the Brio Superfund story through to its conclusion.

“When we got done,” Flickinger said, “they have acknowledged that the way we got them to do it was the best way.… Although we started that in the 80s, it’s still going on, and I’m still with it.”

In addition to community involvement and newspaper publishing, Flickinger holds the distinction of being the first female to sit on the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees.

Scan the QR Code to read the digital edition

Classifieds

A LICENSED Marriage and Family Therapy-Associate is offering counseling to all in need of this service at special rates. The issues addressed are related to couples, pre-marital, teen, parenting, and depression-anxiety recovery. Contact Beulah at 281-520- 8223 or e-mail at beulahjm3@gmail.com.

San Jacinto Times

November 25, 2013

8 DAYS A WEEK North

Monday, November 25 • No Scheduled Activities

Tuesday, November 26 • UH Culinary Transfer Recruiter, 8 a.m., N12 Lobby

Wednesday, November 27 • Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

Thursday, November 28 • Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

Friday, November 29 • Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

Saturday, November 30 • Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

Sunday, December 1

Central

• Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

Page 5

Final Exam Schedule Fall 2013 16-week classes

EXAM DAY

Wednesday, Dec. 11 Monday, Dec. 9 Wednesday, Dec. 11 Monday, Dec. 9 Wednesday, Dec. 11 Monday, Dec. 9 Wednesday, Dec. 11 Monday, Dec. 9 Wednesday, Dec. 11 Thursday, Dec. 12 Tuesday, Dec. 10 Thursday, Dec. 12 Tuesday, Dec. 10 Thursday, Dec. 12 Tuesday, Dec. 10 Thursday, Dec. 12 Tuesday, Dec. 10 Tuesday, Dec. 10 Thursday, Dec. 12 Thursday, Dec. 12

CLASSES THAT MEET

7:00 a.m. MWF 8:05 a.m. MWF 9:10 a.m. MWF 10:15 a.m. MWF 11:20 a.m. MWF 12:25 p.m. MWF 1:30 p.m. MWF 2:35 p.m. MWF 3:40 p.m. MWF

EXAM TIME

7:00 - 9:00 a.m.

8:05 - 10:05 a.m.

9:10 - 11:10 a.m.

10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

11:20 a.m. - 1:20 p.m.

12:25 - 2:25 p.m.

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

2:35 - 4:35 p.m.

3:40 - 5:40 p.m.

7:00 a.m. TR 8:35 a.m. TR 10:10 a.m. TR 11:45 a.m. TR 1:20 p.m. TR 2:55 p.m. TR 4:30 p.m. TR 6:00 p.m. TR 6:30 p.m. TR 7:35 p.m. TR 8:05 p.m. TR

7:00 - 9:00 a.m.

8:35 - 10:35 a.m.

10:10 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.

11:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

1:20 - 3:20 p.m.

2:55 - 4:55 p.m.

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

7:35 - 9:35 p.m.

8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 11 Monday, Dec. 9 Wednesday, Dec. 11 Monday, Dec. 9 Wednesday, Dec. 11 Monday, Dec. 9 Wednesday, Dec. 11 Monday, Dec. 9 Monday, Dec. 9 Wednesday, Dec. 11 Wednesday, Dec. 11

7:00 a.m. MW 8:35 a.m. MW 10:10 a.m. MW 11:45 a.m. MW 1:20 p.m. MW 2:55 p.m. MW 4:30 p.m. MW 6:00 p.m. MW 6:30 p.m. MW 7:35 p.m. MW 8:05 p.m. MW

7:00 - 9:00 a.m.

8:35 - 10:35 a.m.

10:10 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.

11:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

1:20 - 3:20 p.m.

2:55 - 4:55 p.m.

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

7:35 - 9:35 p.m.

8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 26 • Psychology Club Meeting, 1:15 p.m., C2.209 • National Society of Collegiate Scholars, 4:30 p.m., C19.131

Wednesday, November 27 • Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

Thursday, November 28

Friday, Dec. 13 Friday, Dec. 6 Saturday, Dec. 7

Before 4:30 p.m. F After 4:30 p.m. F All day Saturday

Regular scheduled time Regular scheduled time Regular scheduled time

• Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

Friday, November 29

Weekend Classes

8 DAYS A WEEK North

Monday, December 2 • No Scheduled Activities

Tuesday, December 3 • Psych Club Meeting, 12:30 p.m., N7.166 • Wind Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m., N1.103

Wednesday, December 4 • Psych Club Meeting, 12 p.m., N7.166 • Phi Theta Kappa Meeting, 1:30 p.m., N12.215 • Webb Society Meeting, 1:30 p.m., N7.132 • Choir Concert, 7:30 p.m., N1.103

Thursday, December 5 • Anime Club Meeting, 2 p.m., N9.140

Friday, December 6 • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m., N8.201

Saturday, December 7 • No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, December 8

Central

• No Scheduled Activities

Monday, November 25 • College Democrats Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C2.222 • Sociology/Anthropology Ramen–Off, 1 p.m., C2.206

Around Campus

Monday, December 2 • College Democrats Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C2.222

Tuesday, December 3 • TSEA Student Program, 1:30 p.m., C20.261/263 • Psychology Club Meeting, 1:15 p.m., C2.209 • NSCS Meeting, 4:30 p.m., C19.131

Wednesday, December 4 • I-CUT Meeting, 3:30 p.m., C16.118 • Students of Safety Meeting, 5 p.m., C11.1021

Thursday, December 5 • No Scheduled Activities

• Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

Saturday, November 30 • Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

Sunday, December 1

South

Friday, December 6 • SGA Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C1.155 • Phi Theta Kappa, 2 p.m., C1.238

Saturday, December 7

• Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

Monday, November 25 • Tennis Club Meeting, 2 p.m., Tennis Courts • Philosophy Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S7.158 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 p.m., Gym

• No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, December 8

South

• No Scheduled Activities

Monday, December 2 Tuesday, November 26 • Pharmacy Tech Club Meeting, 11 a.m., S1.251S • Student Bible Fellowship, 1:30 p.m., S6.196 • Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1006 • 17 & Under Tennis Club, 3 p.m., Tennis Courts • T.I.E.S. Meeting, 3 p.m., S7.128 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • Coyote Science Club Meeting, 4 p.m., S1.135A

Wednesday, November 27 • Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

Thursday, November 28 • Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

• Tennis Club Meeting, 2 p.m., Tennis Courts • Philosophy Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S7.158 • ISO Meeting, 4 p.m., S6.152 • Pre-Med Club Meeting, 4:45 p.m., S12.106 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 p.m., Gym

Tuesday, December 3 • Christmas Ornament Decorating Sponsored by FYE, 10 a.m., Student Center Atrium • Pharmacy Tech Club Meeting, 11 a.m., S1.251S • Student Bible Fellowship, 1:30 p.m., S6.196 • SGA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S6.152 • 17 & Under Tennis Club, 3 p.m., Tennis Courts • Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1006 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • Coyote Science Club Meeting, 4 p.m., S1.135A

Friday, November 29 • Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

Saturday, November 30 • Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

Wednesday, December 4 • Fuze Tour, 10 a.m., Student Center • Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1006 • ESOL Meeting, 4 p.m., S8.1014 • Writer's Block Meeting, 4:30 p.m., S9.214 • New Student Orientation, 5:30 p.m., S11.250

Sunday, December 1 • Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY! Wednesday, November 27Sunday, December 1

Thursday, December 5 • SVA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2066 • Gay Straight Alliance Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1006 • Phi Beta Lambda Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.2014 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062

Friday, December 6 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 a.m., Gym • Auto Body Club Meeting, 11 a.m., S14.102B • Phi Theta Kappa Meeting, 1 p.m., S6.152

Saturday, December 7 • No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, December 8 • No Scheduled Activities

San Jacinto Times

November 25, 2013

Sports & Fitness

Page 6

Reversing the Times jinx: will they go on a winning streak?

Alexis Davlin Staff Writer

Andrea Vasquez San Jacinto College marketing, public relations, and government affairs department

Left to right: (Bottom row) Ezequiel Amestoy, Hector Saldivar, Alonso Gallegos, Jesse SuarezCastro, Cristian Cruz, and mascot Cody Coyote. (Top row) San Jacinto College Provost, Dr. Brenda Jones; Stephen Melchor, Sito Seoane, Soccer Head Coach, Ian Spooner; O'Neal Moore, and Pablo Reyes.

Coyotes on track for national title

Alex Moore

Department Editor San Jacinto College soccer continued to fuel hope for a national title after beating Cincinnati State 3-0 Nov. 20 to advance to the semifinal round of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Men’s Soccer National Championship.

As of press time, the Coyotes 30 win over Cincinnati State gave them the number three seed to take on number two seed Tyler College Nov. 22. A win over Tyler would send the Coyotes to the national championship game against either Iowa Western College, or Yavapai College Nov. 23.

Head Coach Ian Spooner said he was confident early on the team could make it to nationals.

“I always believed we could make it to the national tourney from the beginning of the season,” Spooner said. “But, I knew we had what it takes about half way through the season. I told

them we just have to take it one game at a time.”

San Jac has enjoyed solid teams in recent years because of their international recruiting efforts that bring in great young talent from around the world.

This season, the team pushed forward with the play of sophomore Sito Seoane from Coruna, Spain and a stout San Jac defense.

Last season, Seoane received several distinctions including NJCAA All-American secondteam, NJCAA All-Region, NSCAA All-Region first-team, and San Jacinto College Newcomer of the Year.

The sophomore scored 29 goals, good for first in the nation and racked up 14 assists, sixth in that category.

Meanwhile, the team scored an average of 4.1 goals a game and allowed only 1.9 goals this season showing the defense played a major role in garnering victories.

This allowed the team to have some off-days on offense and ride

their defense to victory.

“They are a family,” Spooner said. “I try to get them to buy into what I want from them; which they did. But, it takes a lot of hard work and discipline. The guys have to be one solid unit playing for each other; which they have done.”

In his first full season as head coach, Spooner looked like a seasoned veteran dropping only one game all year. He took over last season as interim head coach making an impression that landed him the permanent position during the summer.

Although born in Houston, Spooner played college ball at Western Michigan University. He was the Coyote’s goalkeeper’s coach for the past six seasons but midway through last season, he was appointed interim head coach.

The Coyotes hope to top their last national appearance where they clinched the runner-up title in 2008. This is the team’s sixth trip to the national tournament.

“What if they go on a losing streak?”

That was the question posed in the Sept. 30 issue of the San Jacinto Times in an article asking what would happen to the fanfare and support for the Houston Texans around San Jacinto College if the “unthinkable” happened and the team started to lose.

That prophetic question, unimaginable at the time, may have jinxed the Texans into the longest losing streak in franchise history.

The article looked at Texans fans in the context of “jumping on the bandwagon” and the fact that Texans shirts, hats, bags, cups, and flags were all over the College at the start of the season.

Now the team is on non-stop losing streak and Texans gear is quickly fading from sight.

However, not everyone is a fairweather fan ready to jump ship in times of trouble.

Student Daniel Teavera is a die-hard supporter who still speaks proudly of the team.

“I refuse to abandon my team like everyone else.

Through thick and thin, I always stay,” Teavera said.

The season was off to a promising start given how well the Texans did last year. Since the season took a turn for the worst, it seems Texans pride took a turn, as well.

Student Celeste Bishop, a Dallas Cowboys fan, said many Texans fans materialize when the team is doing well.

“Houston Texans decorations, jerseys - all of the merchandise that can be purchased - are everywhere until they start losing. Cowboy fans are seen everywhere, no matter what the outcome. We have the true fans,” Bishop said.

However, Student Michelle Clark said she is still a fan even if she is not wearing her Texans jersey as much as she did at the start of the season.

“It’s like when you have a bad day. All you want to do is curl up and stay inside for a while. Sometimes, I don’t wear my jersey ‘cause I am mad at my team; not because I have given up,” Clark said.

Meanwhile, student Marrissa Sluss said she

George Bridges/MCT

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak argues a call at Reliant Stadium.

agrees the Texans are having a rough season but believes they will be able to bounce back.

“I refuse to give up on them,” Sluss said. “Yes, this has been a horrible losing streak and our team as a whole is injured. But I refuse to let anyone make me think this is it for the Houston Texans.

They will be stronger, and they will come out on top next season.”

Starting Case Keenum as quarterback after Matt Schaub’s injury may have changed the momentum on the field, and it may have affected the way San Jac students feel about the games ahead.

“Yes, we have been on a losing streak, but we are getting better,” student Jennifer McDonald said. ”I am glad that we’re not continuing to go downhill. The last few games have been very close. So I have no doubt that we will come back stronger than ever next season.”

The team’s last few appearances reignited hope about the rest of the season. The question now is: what will the bandwagon fans do if the Texans start winning again?