The Collegia @TCCtheCollegian #TCCtheCollegian
collegian.tccd.edu
S E RV I N G T H E TA R R A N T C O U N T Y C O L L E G E D I S T R I C T
Wednesday, November 28, 2018 – Volume 31 • Issue 13
Best, worst of Thanksgiving break movie releases Page 9
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Heritage leads to success
Faculty member finds success despite facing racism, discrimination MICHAEL FOSTER-SANDERS
campus editor
Courtesy Marjeanna Burge
NE intercultural student engagement coordinator Marjeanna Burge shares her Native American Heritage at a NE Campus event.
The journey of life is different for every human. Some will have a traditional linear path while others are going to have pit stops and crossroads. The latter describes Marjeanna Burge’s path. Burge was one of seven children in a single-parent, fatherless home. During her adolescent years, her grandparents took her and another sibling in. Her grandfather
was full-blood Comanche Native American, and he made sure she knew her heritage by having her around family and participate in traditions and events. “Comanche Nation is located outside of Lawton, Oklahoma, and it’s a community called Cache which is where my grandfather was born,” she said. “We went over there on a regular basis, visited with family and went to cultural events like pow-wow’s and reunions to keep us connected to the people there.” Burge lived with her grand-
parents until the ninth grade and then she went back to stay with her mother in Oklahoma City. It was a challenge adapting to a big city school since she was used to the country life. But her experience at John Marshall High School was made even more overwhelming due to the racism and discrimination she also faced, Burge said. “I went to a very racially charged high school that was experiencing some riots and a lot of racial tension,” she said. “Being very shy and coming from a See Burge, page 6
NORTHEAST
Students express concerns at town hall event
DISTRICT
Drone education to soar
JW MCNAY
managing editor
A direct line of communication between students and the campus president’s office was open during a town hall meeting where all could ask questions and relay their academic concerns. NE interim campus president Tahita Fulkerson joined students for a Q&A, which was hosted by the NE Student Government Association. Fulkerson walked around introducing herself to students before the event and spent the session answering students’ questions with topics ranging from construction and building updates to campus food options and adviser consistency. NE student Kyle Martin said he attended because of concerns over the science buildings being outdated and asked the first question of the event. “One of the biggest issues we have over there is essentially safety,” he said. “What is the plan to upgrade our facilities, to promote better safety for not only our students, for our teachers?” Fulkerson acknowledged the 50-year old buildings and said everything was being done to make upgrades. NE assistant to the president Fred Schmidt also responded and said a standard is being figured out for labs across all campuses. “There is a district initiative that started late last year to look at our science labs and how they would be rebuilt and restructured in terms of not just looking past but looking forward,” Schmidt said. When asked whether or not more options than Subway could be offered on campus, Fulkerson assured students their voices could be heard if they had a plan of action. “Students, if you want it, you need to start working with your clubs, working with campus people and offer them specific reasons why you want it,” Fulkerson said. “And those will be listened to, I promise that.” See SGA, page 6
Ryan Jensen/The Collegian
NE special projects coordinator Harry Johnson demonstrates how to operate the Phantom 2 drone which is a part of the remote pilot certification test prep course, where students can learn about regulations for drone flying on the NE and NW Campuses.
TCC prepares students to take remote pilot test with two-day course MICHAEL FOSTER-SANDERS
campus editor
The future of transportation, entertainment and military warfare will be unmanned due to drones. A collaborative effort between NE and NW Campuses are making sure students are ahead of the curve and leading the charge with the Remote Pilot Certification Test Prep course. For $99, a 16-hour two-day course prepares non-aviators for the Federal Aviation Administration
small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airman Knowledge test which can be taken for $150 on NW, a licensed FAA exam center. Future iterations of the class will cost more but will include a personal drone once completing the class along with the certificate. The FAA estimates that sUAS sales for commercial purposes will grow from 600,000 in 2016 to 2.7 million by 2020. Certified sUAS operators will be in demand in many sectors of the workforce. Continuing education instructor Kyle Hardman, who is a FAA certi-
fied drone pilot, said the framework of the course started out as a oneshot course with the Texas Workforce Commission, city of Arlington and TCC but evolved into the program it is known as today. “We started to look at what was the need and to be able to fly a drone commercially you have to have a certificate,” he said. “So, they (TCC) said go build a course that will prepare people to go take that FAA exam.” Hardman then was presented with a contract from TCC and became an adjunct instructor that
teaches the course once a month that takes place over two days. “It’s 16 hours worth of lecture and it is a marathon,” he said. CIE student Derek Schroeder said he wanted to take the course due to his family having a history in aviation field as far back as World War II, and also to get his feet wet in the aviation field. “Drones would be the first step to try to get comfortable with that mainly because I’ll be getting to learn about how flying works in general,” he said. See Drones, page 6
News
Page 2 • November 28, 2018
NORTHWEST
The Collegian
SOUTH
College grads Literary mag talk studying recognized abroad benefits nationally JUAN IBARRA
reporter
Visiting different countries is a life-changing experience, according to a panel of college graduates. During Global Citizenship Awareness Day, former students discussed the experiences they had while studying abroad and went over the concerns many students have of traveling like the cost, something that can keep students from even considering the idea. Baylor graduate Caroline Grace shared her thoughts on the cost factor and her experience when she traveled to India. “People always think ‘you’ve got to be rich’ when in reality that isn’t the case,” she said. While the cost for studying abroad was approximately the same as tuition on campus, the housing was competitive, said Baylor alumnus Lizzie Roberts, adding it required her to be on alert for when to apply for housing. “There are many scholarships you can apply for that will transfer to studying abroad, and there are even a few that are made specifically for studying abroad,” Grace said. The trio of women shifted their focus into their pretrip fears and what the reality of the actual countries were like. They learned that their concerns were no longer relevant once they landed in the new countries. Trinity University alumnus Susan Clark was also on the panel and shared what she learned during her experience in London. “I was stressed out about not being able to use my time as efficiently as I would hope. However, it was a rather easy transition,” she said. The change in location didn’t disrupt any school time the graduates had during their time abroad, and they were able to enjoy their free time as they wanted while still saving some time for their studies. “It was not a stressful academic environment,” Clark said. “It fostered a community that wasn’t about tests and was more about learning culture.” While Clark’s fears revolved around her academ-
ics, Roberts’ worries revolved around being in a foreign country. She discussed how the weeks leading up to her trip she became anxious to be in a new place with no connections. “I was afraid of the language and cultural barrier, but once I was there that all disappeared,” Roberts said. Roberts shared her story of spending a semester in Korea during which she learned her fears were unnecessary. She made friends with the other people in her study abroad group and learned she would be okay while in a new environment. She told those in attendance to be adventurous and get out their comfort zones. “Through the people I met, I gained more awareness for the rest of the world,” Roberts said. The experiences the former college students had while traveling to new settings with almost no one they knew gave them perspective on not just new cultures but the world in its entirety. “The world is globalizing. It’s not enough to understand other cultures,” Clark said. “People need to experience them to get the full picture.” The graduates on the panel also discussed how most four-years have a study abroad department and how easy it is to sign up for the program. They agreed that food is the best part of traveling and shared details of the different types of food they experienced on their travels from London, India, Turkey and Korea. NW student Grant Pearson said the panel approached studying abroad in a way he hadn’t thought of before. “The presenters not only sparked my interest but also made it seem possible to travel abroad,” Pearson said. “I previously hadn’t thought about traveling for a semester, but now it seems more welcoming.” Becoming globally conscious is more important now than ever before, said Tony Roberts, event coordinator and NW philosophy and world religion professor. “Events like these reminds us that our cultural identities are an amazingly diverse and wonderful feature of our humanity,” he said.
The Collegian will return Jan. 23. Have a great holiday season!
KATHRYN KELMAN
editor-in-chief
South’s Script magazine received national recognition and honors for their 2017 edition. The campus’ literary magazine won first place for Best Magazine in the Southwestern Region in the Community College Humanities Association literary magazine competition, a big honor, according to Logen Cure, South English instructor and faculty editor for Script.
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Scarlet Cloud
MANAGING EDITOR JW McNay
LAYOUT Christa Jarvis, Ryan Jensen
CREATIVE EDITOR Suzann Clay MARKETING AND ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Monica Brigham
PHOTO EDITORS Mason Jendel, Kat Parker
PRODUCTION MANAGER Stacy Luecker
Script, South Campus’ literary magazine, won the Best Magazine award in its division for their 2017 edition. ments,” she said. Two individual contributors also won in individual categories. South student Jeremy Avery won first place in music for his song “Dig it
Out,” and Kimberly deLeon won third place in fiction for her short story “The Collector.” “We are very proud,” Cure said.
Cultures come together to share food, history on awareness day JOHN ALFARO
reporter
Nationalities, cultures and religions were shared to promote global citizenship awareness. Often times people think of the U.S. as the center of the world, but in reality it’s a melting pot of different people from around the globe, said Laura Wood, NW history and government professor. “When students go on to a four-year university, they
get into the mindset that they are a part of something bigger,” she said. One tool used to open students up to other cultures was food, and the event featured a number of traditional dishes from all around the world. Pupusas from El Salvador, Indian fry bread with almonds and dates, that most Muslims eat when they break their fast from Ramadan, were among some of the food items offered. Students were able to
“break bread” and talk about their countries of origin, cultures and religions. One of the religions represented was Judaism. Students handed out pamphlets and talked to people about their faith and explained why it mattered to them. The Jewish culture has a lot of history, NW student a“It also sheds light on a lot of hatred,” he said. The Global Citizenship event brought many students of different backgrounds and walks of life together
and allowed them to experience aspects of cultures they wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to. “I think it’s very nice TCC is having students from all these countries come together to learn,” said NW student Kayla Ybarra, who was at a booth explaining Islam. She added that a man came up to her who was from a Jewish synagogue who taught her a lot, and that he was also open to learning about Islam.
NORTHEAST
College community gathers for Turkey Trot, donates canned goods to food pantry
Courtesy Ho Yan Kwan
TCC students, faculty, staff and community members run and walk in during the Turkey Trot Nov. 14 on NE Campus. Admission to the event was four canned goods, all of which were given to the NE Campus’ food pantry.
Letter Policy CAMPUS EDITORS Michael Foster-Sanders, Arelys Morales Conty PHOTOGRAPHER Daniel LeNoir ILLUSTRATOR Aftin Gavin
The Collegian is a weekly student publication serving the Tarrant County College District. Editorial statements and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the TCC administration. Letters to the paper should be 150 words or less, free from libel and poor taste and include the writer’s Colleague ID or telephone number (the numbers will not be published). Letters may be brought to The Collegian office (NCAB 1124A, NE Campus), or mailed to:
PROFESSIONAL STAFF SR. OFFICE ASSISTANT Martina M. Treviño
Courtesy Logen Cure
NORTHWEST
Meet the Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kathryn Kelman
“The 2017 editorial staff experienced our highest number of student submissions to date thanks to their promotional efforts. This created fierce competition and resulted in a truly gorgeous publication,” she said. They also were able to feature some paired writing and visual art as a result of a collaboration between creative writing and visual art students, Cure said. “South Campus students are immensely talented, and it is an honor to celebrate their hard work and accomplish-
ADVISERS Chris Whitley, Jocelyn Tatum
The Collegian • 828 Harwood Road Hurst, TX 76054 Office: 817-515-6391 Editor: 817-515-6392 Advertising: 817-515-6323 Fax: 817-515-0323 email: collegian.editor@tccd.edu TCC is an equal opportunity institution that provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status or disability.
News
The Collegian
November 28, 2018 • Page 3
TRINITY RIVER
Deaf children to sign with Santa Program to host event for community
responsibilities at the event are divided based on which level of ASL managing editor class they are taking. Sanderson will be reading a storybook to the Olivia Sanderson remembers children titled “Goldy Luck and the communicating with Santa for the Three Pandas” which discusses the first time as a young child and him Chinese New Year. being able to respond back with sign The highlight of the event for language. many children though is to see and Sanderson, now a TR American communicate with Santa since most Sign Language student, had this Santas in malls aren’t able to sign experience at Signing Santa, back, she said. an event hosted by TCC’s sign “It’s really a big deal for these language interpreting program that kids to be able to come and Santa allows deaf children up to the sixth understands them,” Sanderson said. Photos courtesy of TR Sign Language interpreting program grade to communicate with Santa “They don’t need an interpreter. through sign language, participate in Santa understands them, and they Deaf students from all around North Texas will attend TCC’s sign language interpreting program’s Signing educational activities and meet deaf understand Santa. And it’s a really Santa: International Holiday Storybook Adventure event Dec. 7 at the Arlington Skatium. adults as well as other deaf children. cool thing.” TR students taking ASL Around 300 deaf students TCC since 2012 and participated participate by assisting with many of from schools around North Texas in Signing Santa since starting as the activities of Signing Santa which usually attend each year, said well. As one of the deaf adults at the includes reading storybooks, playing Sammie Sheppard, TR sign language event, she said it’s great for children games and arts and crafts. Sanderson interpreting program coordinator, to see they are not alone and have a attended the event years ago and is adding that in any given school chance to build relationships in the now on the other side as an ASL there may only be a couple of deaf community. “And also, they get to see deaf student helping out. students. “For me, as a deaf person, “They’re the only deaf people adults and ‘What does it look like Signing Santa allows kids to they know. They’ve never met a to be a deaf adult?’” she said via know the meaning of Christmas, deaf adult,” Sheppard said. “And interpreter. “And so, I think that’s and then this year, we’re talking so, to learn there are deaf people all great exposure for them and in addition for their parents.” about international celebrations,” around the world is huge.” Deaf adults at the event get to Sanderson said via interpreter. “And ASL student participants gain we’re also talking about signs for practical experience as interpreters be good role models and show both deaf people from all over the world.” at the event and have the chance to children and parents that someone Each year, Signing Santa has give back to the community, she can be deaf and successful, Bodiford said, adding parents are sometimes a different theme, and this year it’s said. “International Holiday Storybook TR instructional assistant surprised when they meet her for the Adventure.” The ASL students’ Sherrie Bodiford has worked for first time. “And then they’re like, ‘Oh wait, you’re a deaf adult and you Signing Santa: International Holiday have a job with the college?’ and I’m like ‘Yeah, I do,’” she said. Storybook Adventure “So, it gives me an opportunity to 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Arlington Skatium The event features a Santa who can communicate with deaf children explain my work, my life and that through sign language, story-book readings and more. I’m married. I have children.” JW MCNAY
campus events Classroom (ESED 1212) on SE Campus. SE speech instructor Stephen Brown will discuss how politics influenced the space race. Contact Tracey Minzenmayer at tracey.minzenmayer@ tccd.edu or 817-515-3388.
Nov. 29 The presentation Rocket Men: The Story of Apollo 8 is 12:30-1:50 p.m. in the North Ballroom on SE. Author Robert Kurson will discuss his book and his experiences researching and interviewing the astronauts of the Apollo 8 mission. Contact Tracey Minzenmayer at tracey. minzenmayer@tccd.edu or 817-5153388.
Now-Dec. 7 The Fort Worth Art Collectives 1990-2015: Artspace 111 Collective exhibit can be viewed during regular campus hours in Art Corridor II on SE Campus and will open with a reception 5-7 p.m. Contact Christopher Blay at christopher. blay@tccd.edu or 817-515-3406.
Now-Nov. 30
Now-Dec. 10
TR student activities will recognize Native Americans in the armed forces 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Idea Store on TR. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indians presents the traveling exhibition showcasing the remarkable history of the brave American Indian and Alaska Native men and women who have served in the United States military. Native people have participated in every major U.S. military encounter from the Revolutionary War to today’s conflicts in the Middle East. Contact Cortney Walden at cortney.walden@tccd.edu or 817515-8223.
The Judith J. Carrier Library on SE will host the Project Apollo exhibit during regular campus hours. The exhibit uses photographs and text to show information about the series of the Apollo space missions. Contact Tracey Minzenmayer at tracey.minzenmayer@ tccd.edu or 817-515-3388.
Now-Dec. 6 South’s Carillon Gallery will display works by artist Doug Land, artist in residency at South Campus, during regular gallery hours 8 a.m.-9 p.m. The exhibit showcases Land’s sculptures Contact Shelley McLeod at shelley. mcleod@tccd.edu or 817-515-4526.
Now-Dec. 14 Quattro is on display during regular campus hours in the Lakeview Gallery (WFAB 1135A) on NW Campus. The exhibit is a juried exhibition of studentcreated works. Contact Christian deLeon at christian.deleon@tccd.edu or 817-515-7606.
Nov. 28 The presentation U.S. Presidential Rhetoric and the 1960s Space Race: Going Where No Man Has Gone Before is 9:30-10:50 a.m. in the Library
NE student activities will host Native American Heritage Month: Anolo Dance Troupe 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Chessboard outside NSTU on NE. The world-champion Native American Anoli Dance Troupe will have a performance. Contact Michelle Taylor at michelle.taylor@tccd.edu or 817-5156560.
Nov. 29, 30
Visit collegian.tccd.edu for more events.
by the SE Fusion Dance Company and Arlington Collegiate High School at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Roberson Theatre on SE. Admission is free for TCC students, faculty and staff and general admission is $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Contact Brandi NiccolaiBelfi at brandi.niccolai-belfi@tccd.edu or 817-515-3844.
Dec. 1 NE Movers Unlimited will host Here and Now at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the NFAB Theater on NE Campus. The concert will feature various genres of dance. Admission is free for TCC students, faculty and staff with ID and $5 for the general public. Contact Kihyoung Choi at kihyoung.choi@tccd.edu or 817-515-6638.
The SE music program will host an end of semester music recital 6-9 p.m. in the Band Hall (ESEC 1321) on SE Campus. Contact Lori Simpson at lori.simpson@ tccd.edu or 817-515-3700.
Dec. 4, 5 NE career services will hold a Finals Week Recharge Station 10 a.m.noon in the NSTU cafe. Contact Andrea B Tagliaferro Gonzalez at a.tagliaferrogonzalez@tccd.edu or 817515-6692.
Dec. 5
Dec. 3
The NW dance program will host Fall into Dance 7 p.m. in Theatre Northwest (WTLO 1108) on NW Campus. Contact Amy Jennings at amy.jennings@tccd. edu or 817-515-7174.
Students can sing karaoke at Karaoke DeStress 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Library Classroom (ESED 1212) on SE Campus. Contact Jotisa Klemm at jotisa. klemm@tccd.edu or 817-515-3083.
The SE jazz combo ensemble will perform Jazzy Jinglin’ Holiday 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Roberson Theatre on SE Campus. Contact Lori Simpson at lori. simpson@tccd.edu or 817-515-3700.
The South Campus Dance Program will present several new works choreographed by the Continuum Dance Company, faculty and guest artists 7:30-9:30 p.m. in South’s Performing Arts Center (SPAC 1101). Tickets are free with a TCC ID or $5. Cash will only be accepted. Contact Kiera Amison at kiera. amison@tccd.edu or 817-515-4270.
Nov. 30 Students can wind down from their week with free games and snacks 1-5 p.m. in the SHPE Gym on South Campus. They can get to know other students while playing games like basketball and giant Jenga. Free snacks will also be available. Contact Jessica Bermejo at jessica.bermejo@tccd.edu or 817-515-4187. Dance Works will feature performances
Dec. 4, 5 Students can donate blood during the Carter BloodCare blood drive 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in WSTU 1303 and 1305 on NW Campus. Contact NW health services at catherine.stevens@tccd.edu or 817-515-7672.
Page 4 • November 28, 2018
News
DISTRICT
Veterans panels share experience
The Collegian
SOUTHEAST
YogaFest expands reach to benefit food pantry
Faculty, guests talk military, business MICHAEL LOPEZ AND DANIEL CASTELLANOS Veterans gathered on NW and SE Campuses to share their experiences and how the military has shaped their personal and professional lives. SE Campus hosted a panel of faculty veterans to discuss lessons learned from their time in the military. NW Campus hosted a panel of veteran entrepreneurs who discussed their stories from the military to the business world. During the NW panel, speakers preached the importance of taking care of yourself, especially as an entrepreneur. They said being an entrepreneur can be stressful, so it’s recommended to see a therapist or have a vacation now and then. “The formula I have come up with to be a successful entrepreneur is called the five F’s: faith, family and friends, fitness, funny and focus,” said founder and CEO of Harrtstone Management Lolita Sheriow. “These five things are important to me and help keep me going.” Sheriow explained how experiencing tragedy in her life affected her deeply and stressed the importance of resilience, whether it is in business or in the military, being healthy in the mind and body is essential, she said. Found and CEO of Securing Life Today Brandon Burton said he was a product of a rough childhood and that his faith led him to the military. “Military was God’s way of saying this is the way you need to go because of circumstances in your childhood,” Burton said.
Burton initially worked with many people to help manage their money. However, he stepped away from it to pursue a career in technology, which is a big factor in solving a lot of problems, he said. The panel on SE was made up of SE faculty veterans: U.S. Air Force veteran Dianne Suarez, U.S. Air Force veteran Viola Lindsay and Texas Army veteran Daniel Flores. SE public services librarian and U.S. Air Force veteran James Foreman asked questions about the panel’s service and also opened questions to the group. SE English instructor Suarez spent 11 years in the Air Force receiving the Airman of the Quarter award in April 1979 and talked about why she joined. “When growing up in a small town, the Air Force meant a new life and a way out of the small town,” she said. SE instructional associate Lindsay discussed what joining the military meant to her. “The Air Force gave me a sense of purpose. When I taught CPR, that led me to my teaching career now,” she said. The panel also told stories about the discipline and courage gained from being in the military during war times. The two veterans were asked what their opinions were about war. “The people in the armed forces are not warmongers and will do what it takes to maintain the peace,” Suarez said. SE student Natalie Gonzalez said she attended the panel because she is interested in joining the military. “I plan on enrolling into the Air Force after I finish my associate degree so I can travel before I come back to school for the last two years,” she said.
Photos by Suzann Clay/The Collegian
SE students do yoga in the gym Nov. 15. The entry fee to participate was three canned goods. Attendees raised 243 cans of food for the SE food pantry.
SE student stretch out their arms during YogaFest. In addition to canned goods, participants were also responsible for bringing their own towel and yoga mat.
November 3, 2018 and March 9, 2019 Register today! msutexas.edu/mustangsrally #stanggang #msumustangs #maroonfriday
Veterans Week
The Collegian
November 28, 2018 • Page 5
SOUTHEAST
Veteran, instructor talks impact of war JAY JANUARY
reporter
Studies show 85 percent of 2,000 soldiers who deployed have conditions that detach them from the rest of society, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Arlandis Jones, a U.S. Army veteran, U.S. Navy veteran and SE English instructor, showed the film Searching for Home about soldiers returning from war and not feeling at home. And they are not the only ones affected. “Families are a part of the traumatic experience as well,” Jones said. SE Campus student Lucy Mutia’s husband served in the military and said she
didn’t like how much her husband had changed when he came back home. Mutia said she doesn’t know anyone with PTSD but now knows how to identify the signs. Out of the 325 million soldiers in the U.S., 50 percent are married, and soldiers are away from their families up to 15 months at a time when deployed, she said. As a result, social stress is placed on soldiers as well as their families. Children react in other ways — sadness for thinking that their father or mother won’t return home, or behavior and academics problems in school, Jones said. “They like to say that [PTSD is] a reason for the madness, but it feels like it’s all just madness,” Jones said. Soldiers spend years in an aggressive
environment and have trouble turning that aggression off when they return home, even when not threatened, Jones said. Medications are often prescribed to treat veterans with these issues but can have unpleasant side effects, he said. “If the country is facing an opioid crisis, you can imagine that it’s even worse in the military,” Jones said. Veterans get the most diagnosis in mental health and all they get is drugs, Jones said. “Combat impacts every soldier mentally and emotionally,” Jones said. No one escapes from the emotional or mental stigmas that come from being in the combat zone, he said. Afraid to admit they have a mental problem, veterans often don’t reveal to the Veterans Affairs or anyone they
have a problem, Jones said. “We didn’t know what this stuff was back in World War I and World War II,” Jones said. There was not enough data before the War of Iraq to study. Now they’re starting to understand the effects on the brain after being in combat situations, Jones said. With this new data from the studies of soldiers, it identifies a clinical problem to solve because there are a lot of people still suffering from PTSD with no real cure, Stanford University mental health specialist Dr. Amit Etkin said in the featured film. Campus counselors offer short-term counseling for veterans or spouses of veterans. Veterans who have a crisis or need someone to talk to for counseling can contact veterans counselors on their campus for help.
VetSuccess Centers South Campus Randal Baker, Veterans Specialist SFOC 1341C 817-515-4838 randal.baker@tccd.edu
Northwest Campus Randal Baker, Veterans Specialist WADM 1204A 817-515-7958 randal.baker@tccd.edu
Northeast Campus Vincent Smith, Veterans Specialist NADM 1101A 817-515-6069 vincent.smith@tccd.edu
Southeast Campus Vincent Smith, Veterans Specialist ESED 1123A 817-515-3251 vincent.smith@tccd.edu
Trinity River Campus Randal Baker, Veterans Specialist TRTR 1016B 817-515-1051 randal.baker@tccd.edu
NORTHWEST
Teams unite to tackle Veterans Week obstacle course
Fonda Honda/The Collegian
NW police cadet team members flip a tire at one of the stations during the Obstacle Team Challenge Nov. 15, one of many events NW Campus held in honor of Veterans Week.
“a crediT union
that helps me
learn
hOW TO Be
financially
responsible?
spot on. That’s
• • • • •
Free MasterCard Debit Card Free FTWCCU App (iPhone/Android) Apple Pay Online/Mobile Banking Over 30,000 Free ATMs
Tri-Cities Dental offers discounted prices for low income individuals and families without dental insurance. SERVICES OFFERED: dental cleanings cosmetic fillings • crowns • root canals • extractions.
Private office discounts available! Must present a valid student ID, or bring in this coupon
Rachana Sangani, DDS www.ftwccu.org
3930 Glade Rd, Suite 115 Colleyvillle, TX 76034
817-283-3427
DoctorSangani.com
News
Page 6 • November 28, 2018
SGA
The Collegian
(continued from page 1)
NE student and SGA president Meesha Robinson was part of organizing the town hall and was pleased with the variety of questions that were asked. “We had some questions about math and architecture and chemistry and science,” she said. “So, it was really what we wanted to do, at least be able to get out some questions and have them formally answered.” Robinson hopes to host a bigger town hall in the spring. She also asked a question during the meeting regarding how there could be more transparency between professors and students beyond the syllabus including things like how to access Blackboard. “How can we create a dynamic to where this information is shared with the students when they first get into the class?” she asked. Teachers, staff and administrators think about how to help students each day and provide clarity of direction, but students still need to advocate from themselves, Fulkerson responded. For example, students might find they were assigned the wrong book in a class. “The main thing though is, if you find the problem, respond immediately,” she said. “You’ve got to let us know where we’re failing as soon as you possibly can because we can’t act until we know.”
Burges
JW McNay/The Collegian
NE interim campus president Tahita Fulkerson answers students’ questions during a town hall meeting Nov. 14 in the NSTU dining area on NE Campus. The event was hosted by NE’s SGA, and students were able to express their concerns directly to the president and her staff.
Drones
(continued from page 1)
small country school of about 300 students and going to a high school of 3,000, it was an experience that I won’t forget for a long time.” Some people want to go back and relive their high school years but not Burge. She said her memories were not great and wouldn’t do it again, but it did help shape her into the person she is today. Burge didn’t go to college directly after graduating high school in 1977. She got married, had children and started to work at Lockheed Martin. While working at Lockheed, she got divorced and was laid off from the company shortly after, but the silver lining in that, Burge said, was the company helped laid-off workers go to a college or start a business. College was the choice for Burge and she chose TCC’s South Campus to start her higher education career, but the path wasn’t as clear cut as it seemed. “I got my two-year associates on South Campus, and it was a long hard road. I had
to quit and was gone for seven years before I returned back to school due to life challenges,” she said. Now as the NE intercultural student engagement coordinator, Burge said those experiences have helped her better serve students. “It helps me understand students who have a lot of outside barriers they’re facing in life, and I can relate to them and encourage them that if you can’t keep going to school right now, you can always come back.” During those several years of being off from school, Burge started to work for a nonprofit organization, which made her interested in working within professional development. She wanted to finish her bachelor’s degree and in order to have the guidance and support she desired, Burge opted to finish her education at Haskell Indian Nation University in Lawrence, Kansas, one of the only tribal colleges in the nation. “I wanted the experience of being im-
Go transfer to a brighter future. Begin a journey that will lead you to greater things at Texas Woman’s University. We work closely with you to easily transfer your credits. Learn to lead at TWU. Learn more at TWU.edu/transfer
mersed in a tribal community, and it was phenomenal. I’ll never ever forget that experience,” she said. “It had its challenges, and I felt like a fish out of water due to not being raised on a reservation or being fully assimilated, but it was truly invaluable the lessons I learned. I love sociology, so to me it was like a microcosm of the larger picture to what Indian country looks like throughout the nation right there on campus.” Burge said she’s always been interested in diversity and different cultures which led to her traveling across the globe to countries like Ireland and Africa participating in international think tanks for racial reconciliation in addition to talking to locals about the challenges they face. “I think that’s what makes life beautiful is various cultures and being a Native American, knowing that the nature during my grandfather’s generation was to strip them of their identity of being Native American,” she said. “I feel so strongly about holding on to your culture and learning what you can.”
(continued from page 1)
Schroeder said the class is excellent since students must know how FAA regulations work when it comes to piloting drones. Also, whenever a person takes the next step in learning how to pilot drones, they will have the fundamental groundwork on the do’s and don’ts of the job from having taken the course. “You can’t learn to fly the drones if you don’t know regulations of where everything is and what you’re allowed to do and where,” he said. “Also, drones pay big money.” CIE student William Johnson is a security officer and co-owner of a company that specializes in bounty hunting. Johnson said he took the class because his friend Schroeder convinced him that there is “big money” in the drone world, and he also knows drones can help him in the future with security and his business. “We had one fugitive we went after who was worth $100,000, and he was very dangerous. So, we kind of figured that it might be better to use a drone to scout him out rather to send a person and put him in harm’s way,” Johnson said. Companies are also sending their employees to take the course due to FAA requirements, which is the case of CIE student Zachary Bryson. His employer sent him to TCC because he found the college’s the course to be one of the most beneficial in the metroplex. Bryson said he recommends the certification course to anyone who’s into drones because it can help in the future. “It’s one of the most compressive, cost-effective ways of getting that knowledge and not reading a bunch of redundant paperwork that the government throws out randomly,” he said. Schroeder shares the same sentiment about taking the class. “It’s always easier in an actual environment with people who are here to learn as well and you’re in an environment with someone who can also teach you it’s so much easier than trying to learn it on your own,” he said.
The Collegian
News
Viewpoints
Editorial
Holiday sales tempt, manipulate shoppers
JW MCNAY
managing editor
A heavy decision weighs on your mind, and you’re not sure if you should do it, but no one is going to die if you do, right? And so, a decision is made: you click “Add to Cart.” Finding a great deal online can be exhilarating because everyone likes to save money. However, holiday shoppers think they’re getting a good deal when they aren’t. It can be hard to pass up a deal during holiday sales like Black Friday which offers seemingly good deals but often manipulates consumers into needless purchases. With a little bit of patience and research though, shoppers can navigate the holiday sales and find genuine deals and hopefully make less unnecessary purchases. Before a shopping spree, the consumer should ask “Do I need to buy this?” or “Am I buying it just because it’s on sale?” Saving money is only an illusion when an unnecessary purchase
is made. Not spending money always saves more than spending it. It’s also important to remember that sales prices are not always what they seem. For example, online retailers like Amazon have listed and discounted prices for some items that aren’t limited to the sales periods. Large discounts of 50 percent or more create urgency to make an immediate purchase, but what the buyer doesn’t know is that the price could have been available before the sale and could even be available after the sale is over. Consumers should protect themselves by using price trackers to look at past prices. The site camelcamelcamel. com tracks Amazon prices, and buyers can see if the deal is as good as they think. It’s even possible an item’s current sale price won’t beat its all-time low price. The internet is both friend and foe in this process. It makes it easier than ever to research the best deals, but it also exposes shoppers to the countless numbers of sites and their products, all of which are begging to be added to a virtual cart. Good deals are definitely out there to be found this holiday season, but exercise some patience to make smarter purchases and save some money in the process. Before you “proceed to checkout,” make sure you’re really getting a deal.
Job-hunting students are facing an impasse
ARELYS MORALES campus editor
Finding a job in a specific field can be hard, especially for college students who have no experience. Because of this, students can’t get the knowledge they need to keep a job. The first step is to put together a resume which, though while in college, it might be barren. But past jobs aren’t the only thing students can put on a resume. Internships also count as professional experience, whether they are paid or unpaid, which will look good to employers and can be found through career fairs and online listings. Networking, which is forming relationships in the business world, is a big part of finding a job in any field. Connections in a network can refer people to jobs they’re interested in. These ties can be made through professors or online through social media like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and even Instagram.
Building a network is a crucial step toward getting a good job. According to a survey by LinkedIn, 48 percent of businesses say their quality hires come from employee referrals. Volunteer work can also be put on a resume, especially if it applies to a job. It demonstrates project management and teamwork skills. People should list what they’ve learned from working on a project or with an organization. In job interviews, employers will want to know what potential hires will bring to the job, and soft skills or people skills can be an advantage. These can include communication, decision making, conflict resolution, reliability and time management. Though these cannot replace experience, they will add to resumes. Nowadays, having a degree isn’t a guarantee for a good-paying job, so much more is being considered. While being educated is critical to be taken seriously in the professional world, having good grades just isn’t enough anymore. The job market is always changing and employers are as well, but this generation is more than capable of going above and beyond to meet the needs of companies. Students have the tools to get any job they want, but they have to take the initiative themselves and take the first step in the right direction.
November 28, 2018 • Page 7
Aftin Gavin/The Collegian
Treatment of caravan highlights hypocrisy Images of mothers fleeing with children from tear gas fired by American officers at the Mexican border were the focus of the news cycle earlier this week. The incident took place Sunday and resulted in children screaming and coughing amid the gas, and the wind carrying the chemicals toward people hundreds of feet away who were not attempting to enter the U.S., reported The Associated Press. Such violent, heinous and illegal acts against those legally seeking asylum is particularly ironic given that the story of the pilgrims is one of another migrant caravan that came to the U.S. for a better life, which we were reminded of not three days before. But that’s only part of the reason why the incident that took place Sunday highlights the hypocrisy of the nation, for the rhetoric that’s surrounding the caravan for the last couple of months has too. The statue of liberty does still read “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” right? But beyond the famous poem that’s been quoted a number of times throughout the ongoing immigration reform debate, what’s more hypocritical is that the U.S. is also a nation that claims to adhere to Christian values. Shouldn’t American Christians therefore be the first to speak up for the stranger, the refugee? Instead Christians, especially white Evangelical Christians, are often the ones perpetuating the hateful rhetoric regarding immigrants of all nationalities and religions. This says a great deal about the substance, quality and meaning of their purported faith. Is it possible to love God while hating one’s neighbors?
The Bible repeatedly says it’s not. It also relentlessly commands Christians to be generous, hospitable and just to strangers, aliens and refugees. But alas, tear gas is thrown and five thousand troops are sent to the border to block the caravan and the majority of the Christians and descendants of immigrants are silent. Well those that aren’t “liberal snowflakes” that is. When did caring about our fellow humans become a liberal view? Shouldn’t all of humanity share that view except for maybe the sociopaths? Now, the U.S. of course can’t take in all the world’s most vulnerable, and our elected officials have a responsibility to keep us safe and set reasonable limits, but surely the wealthiest and freest nation in the history of the world can take in more than we do. Especially during a time of such massive displacement of people, which, according to the United Nations, amounted to 65.8 million at the end of 2017. People are fleeing due to civil war, unrest, violence, corrupt governments and religious persecution, much like the pilgrims faced before fleeing on the Mayflower. Much like many others have over the course of U.S. history. Everyone agrees the U.S.’s immigraton system is broken and needs to be fixed, but to paint immigrants as a threat to democracy and perpetuate the lie that those seeking asylum — a legal act— are criminals is not the way to go. The nation’s leaders and citizens must have the courage to reject the politics of fear and division and face all of this hypocrisy head on. Surely a balance between security and compassion exists, we just have to find it.
fall 2018 final exam schedule
This schedule is for all campuses. NOTE: If you have a conflict in this schedule, contact your instructors to make alternate plans. All classes will meet during the final period listed below for a final assessment activity. Final sessions will be a maximum of 150 minutes unless the Instructor’s Class Requirements (ICR) states otherwise. You will take your finals in the rooms where your classes regularly meet. THURSDAY, DEC. 6 6:30-9 a.m............................... All TTH classes that begin at 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m.-noon....................................... All TTH classes that begin at 9:30 a.m. 12:30-3 p.m.......................................... All TTH classes that begin at 12:30 p.m. 3:30-6 p.m.............................................. All TTH classes that begin at 3:30 p.m. 6:30-9 p.m.............................................. All TTH classes that begin at 6:30 p.m. FRIDAY, NOV. 30, SATURDAY, DEC. 1 AND SUNDAY, DEC. 2 All Friday-only, Saturday-only and Sunday-only classes meet at regular class times and locations on the last day of the term with the final assessment of 150 minutes administered during that time frame.
MONDAY, DEC. 10 6:30-9 a.m................................All MW classes that begin at 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m.-noon....................................... All MW classes that begin at 9:30 a.m. 12:30-3 p.m...........................................All MW classes that begin at 12:30 p.m. 3:30-6 p.m...............................................All MW classes that begin at 3:30 p.m. 6:30-9 p.m...............................................All MW classes that begin at 6:30 p.m. TUESDAY, DEC. 11 8-10:30 a.m.................................. All TTH classes that begin at 8 and 8:30 a.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.......................All TTH classes that begin at 10:30 and 11 a.m. 2-4:30 p.m...........................All TTH classes that begin at 1:30, 2 and 2:30 p.m. 5-7:30 p.m.................................... All TTH classes that begin at 4:30 and 5 p.m. 8-10:30 p.m.................................. All TTH classes that begin at 7:30 and 8 p.m. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 12 8-10:30 a.m...................................All MW classes that begin at 8 and 8:30 a.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. .....................All MW classes that begin at 10:30 and 11 a.m. 2-4:30 p.m........................... All MW classes that begin at 1:30, 2 and 2:30 p.m. 5-7:30 p.m.....................................All MW classes that begin at 4:30 and 5 p.m. 8-10:30 p.m...................................All MW classes that begin at 7:30 and 8 p.m.
Collegian file photo EIGHT-WEEK SECTIONS SECOND EIGHT-WEEKS Classes meet the first meeting of the last week with the 150-minute final during the last class meeting.
Entertainment
Page 8 • November 28, 2018
The Collegian
NORTHWEST
Student artists take over walls
Four selected to create large-scale works JOCELYN BAIRES
reporter
Student artists, inspired by social media and personal experiences, have taken over four walls of the Lakeview Gallery. Quattro, an art exhibit that features four student artists each year, is on display on NW. The students were selected out of 25 that submitted proposals during the semester. Four faculty jurors chose the top four artists who were then given a budget of no more than $100 and instructed to use a wall to make something that is site-specific and large scale, said NW art associate professor John Hartley, who created the event seven years ago. “Sometimes we get things that are 3D. Sometimes it’s more decorative or political,” Hartley said, adding that this year the jurors received more political submissions
Cliffside in Cyanotype, Humna Raza than in previous years. This year’s show features works from NW students Mario De La Cruz, Mariangelis Pagan Marcano, Thomas Peppers and Humna Raza. De La Cruz said he was inspired by social media, pop culture and advertising and that his work is a commentary on what the younger generations consume on a daily basis. He created a 12 feet by 8 feet mixed media installation named Pheno Six. Marcano’s wall features a piece dedicated to her grandmother
Photos by Mason Jendel/The Collegian
Pheno Six, Mario De La Cruz who passed away, which she titled “Sincerely.” “It was heartbreaking having to move away and leave her because my house in Puerto Rico was uninhabitable,” Marcano said. On the wall also sits a crumpled note with the word “goodbye,” which is a final farewell to her grandmother. The third artist, Peppers, utilized
Me Throwing Pots on the Wall, Thomas Peppers
a different medium than his peers: clay. He threw pots on a vintage wheel made in 1972 before attaching them dry to the wall. “It gives a little bit of personal satisfaction to throw a pot against the wall,” Peppers said. The fourth and final wall was created by Raza. It has a recreation of a photographic blueprint of
Palo Duro Canyon, titled Cliffside in Cyanotype, which portrays the immensity of the canyon while showing the aesthetic quality and richness of a traditional Cyanotype. Quattro is on display during regular campus hours until Jan. 20, 2019. A reception where artists will talk about their pieces is 11:30-2 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Lakeview Gallery.
Sincerely, Mariangelis Pagan Marcano
SOUTHEAST
Faculty musicians present evening of performances
Daniel LeNoir/The Collegian
SE music adjunct instructor Noe Garcia plays guitar while Rachael Fant sings during the Nov. 15 music faculty performance in the Roberson Theatre on SE Campus.
Follow us online @TCCtheCollegian
TRAFFIC TICKETS? Drug Offenses • Alcohol Ticket • Assault Speeding Ticket • Accident Citation ALL Class C Misdemeanors
WARRANTS LIFTED
`
Join the discussion collegian.tccd.edu
Justin t. Holt FREE Telephone Consultation In-Person Consultation by Appointment ONLY
Mallory, lollar, Holt & associates, P.c. 3 Convenient Tarrant County Locations T: 817-831-4321 • www.TrafficTX.com
The Collegian
Entertainment
November 28, 2018 • Page 9
MOVIE REVIEW
Creed II delivers knockout punch Legacies are on the line and sons will go to war to honor their fathers’ past deeds
MICHAEL FOSTER-SANDERS
campus editor
Creed II bobs and weaves to deliver a knockout blow to audiences but not without being on the ropes a couple of times. As always, movie sequels are a tricky slope to maneuver through. If the movie is a rehash of the first film, the audience will be bored, but if the movie is too different, you run the risk of alienating fans of the franchise. Director Steven Caple Jr. does a good job of finding that balance. The movie starts with Adonis Creed played by Michael B. Jordan fighting for the boxing heavyweight championship. This isn’t the novice boxer that Creed portrayed in the first movie because he’s polished and honed his skills thanks to his trainer Rocky Balboa played by returning actor Sylvester Stallone. When Creed wins the title, the ghost of his family past comes back to haunt him. Former boxer
Ivan Drago who killed Creed’s father Apollo three decades ago in the boxing ring and was the shining star of Soviet Union until he was defeated by Balboa, appears and Drago’s son challenges Creed for the title. However, this film isn’t simply a boxing movie. It’s a drama with boxing as its backdrop. Creed feels as if he must avenge the father he never knew, Drago wants revenge for his country turning its back on him and plans to use his son as redemption and Balboa doesn’t want the same thing that happened to Apollo to happen to Creed, who he views as a son. Parents play a big part in their children’s upbringing, even influencing them after death. This is the theme with Creed II. Caple took over director duties from award winning director Ryan Coogler, who directed Creed.
Courtesy Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Michael B. Jordan returns as Adonis Creed for the seventh film in the Rocky franchise. He faces Victor Drago (Florian Munteanu) son of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) who killed Creed’s father before he was born. Although the movie somewhat suffers due to Coogler’s eye not being present, Caple makes the film his own by bringing out some of the best emotional scenes the Rocky franchise has ever seen. Caple knows how to film pain, which the audience feels when they see what Adonis and Victor face, not only in the boxing ring but also in their personal lives when it comes to family and what they see
MOVIE REVIEW
Follow-up film flourishes
as redemption. The movie’s score also plays a big part and should not go unnoticed. Ludwig Goransson returns from his work on the first film and double downs on the emotional score to make the audience become one with Creed. With assistance from super producer Mike WiLL Made-It, the theme song takes cues from Rocky’s theme “Gonna Fly Now” and
creates “Ice Cold” featuring rapper Vince Staples. This song is sure to be on a workout playlist because it’s epic to feel anything is achievable with Staple’s motivational rap coaching them. Is Creed II better than the first? No, but it’s a solid companion piece. If there is a third movie, Coogler must come back to send Creed and Rocky out in glory. Go and see this movie.
MOVIE REVIEW
Courtesy Lionsgate
Taron Egerton, of the Kingsman films, struggles to overcome the bad script as the title character in the newest version of Robin Hood.
Courtesy Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Ralph and Vanellope return as the main characters in Ralph Breaks the Internet which is a follow-up to 2012’s Wreck-It Ralph. The sequel was released in theaters Nov. 21.
Ralph expands his horizons from the arcade into cyberspace JW MCNAY
managing editor
More clever than a cat meme and more versatile than a viral video, Ralph Breaks the Internet is a worthy sequel that provides solid entertainment for viewers both young and old. The movie picks up six years after the events of the first movie, Wreck-It Ralph, lining up with the gap between the movies. John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman do a good job reprising their roles as Ralph and Vanellope, who have spent the time inside their arcade games and their free hours having fun each day in an endless routine. Directors Phil Johnston and Rich Moore re-establish the world and its rules early on so viewing the first film beforehand isn’t required. However, the established character relationships allow the sequel’s story to get underway quickly. Ralph and Vanellope ultimately travel to the world of the internet through a newly installed Wi-Fi router in the arcade. The duo make the trek in search of a replacement steering wheel for Vanellope’s racing arcade game, “Sugar Rush,” otherwise her game will be unplugged. The theme doesn’t come on strong until the third act and causes a jarring shift in narrative. Ralph does all he can to save “Sugar Rush”
Vanellope stumbles into a room full of Disney princesses in Ralph Breaks the Internet. from being unplugged, but Vanellope begins to have second thoughts about returning to her game after seeing all the possibilities in the internet. Ralph hatches a misguided plan to manipulate Vanellope into returning to the arcade rather than staying in the internet, but as the movie title suggests, it doesn’t go as planned which also results in the most interesting visual of the movie. A countless number of mindless Ralph clones join together to make a gigantic, monstrous Ralph avatar hellbent on finding “friendship,” and honestly, it’s a bit creepy.
While the theme does come out clearly by the film’s conclusion, getting there feels a bit off in what is a minor misstep at most. The internet’s depiction is clever and fun representing well-known elements of cyberspace like eBay and Google as well as fictionalized counterparts such as BuzzTube. Jokes targeting the internet and its culture are funny and on point including many older viewers can appreciate while still providing fun for all ages. Cameos are abundant as many of the nostalgic video games and characters like Sonic the Hedgehog and Street Fighter II characters are brought back. However, Disney fully makes use of more of its intellectual properties with cameos from Star Wars characters C-3PO, R2-D2 and stormtroopers as well as Baby Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. But the best cameos, and highlight of the film, are the Disney princesses. Vanellope, a princess herself in her own game, stumbles across them in what’s one of the funniest scenes. The humor is self-aware and takes a series of jabs at the stereotypes of a classic Disney princess. So, click past any pop-up ads and purchase those tickets for quality laughs and entertainment.
Robin’s origin story is worst film of 2018 KATHRYN KELMAN
editor-in-chief
Robin Hood arrived just in time to win a place among 2018’s worst films. And there are no hilarious, singing men in tights to help smooth over all the bad. It’s the umpteenth version of the heroic outlaw’s story, once more taking on the merry man but this new Robin, played by Taron Egerton, is so bad he makes viewers long for Errol Flynn’s dashing, definitive 1938 swashbuckler. Audiences would even settle for Sinatra in Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964) or even the farcical Mel Brooks parody, Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993). Anything but this. But it’s not Egerton’s fault. He’s so good in the Kingsman films, but when it comes to the man in the hood, he’s buried under a script that squashes all the actors. It’s the lawman, in a ploy to steal Robin’s riches, who sends spoiled, bratty Sir Robin of Loxley away from Marian (Eve Hewson), the maid he’s bonking, and off to fight the Crusades in Arabia. Even Jamie Foxx, who plays Yahya, an Islamic warrior who helps Robin, can’t save this film. Equally as bad are the action scenes as director Otto Bathurst channels Guy Ritchie. Every arrow hits an artery and every explosion sounds like a bomb. The Iraq war parallels are meant to seem modern, but they don’t fit in this time period or this hero’s tale. The plot is also terrible despite
there being so many options of Robin’s origin story. It kicks in when “The Hood,” Robin’s new name, returns home to Nottingham after four years to find his manor ransacked, the sheriff stealing from the poor and Marian in the bed of Will Scarlet, a rabble-rouser played by Jamie Dornan of the Fifty Shades franchise. Dornan and Hewson have zero chemistry, so it’s hard to understand why Robin gets so worked up about them hooking up. But with no sex in his future, the title character leaps into chaos with his new bestie Yahya, who’s now known as Little John to further fuel the origin story. The film is also cluttered with countless backstories, including one for Friar Tuck (Tim Minchin). Meanwhile, F. Murray Abraham shows up as a cardinal to underscore the avarice of the Catholic Church. And did you know that the sheriff, as a boy, had been diddled by priests? Not sure why that needed to be included other than to add relevance to the old tale, another issue throughout the film. Unfortunately the more Robin Hood strives for relevance, the more it seems hopelessly old-hat. Friar Tuck begins the movie with a directive to “forget history, forget what you think you know, forget what you’ve heard before.” I wish I could forget this movie. You’d be better off remembering not to waste your cash on it.
Feature
Page 10 • November 28, 2018
The Collegian
Holiday happenings to deck your halls Our take on DFW’s top holiday attractions this year KATHRYN KELMAN
editor-in-chief
This year ICE! brings the 1964 classic Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer to life through 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. Located at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, ICE! is an indoor selfguided, walk-through attraction that features a new theme each year. This year’s exhibit features Santa’s workshop, the island of misfit toys, two-story ice slides, a clear ice sculpture of the Nativity scene, a bar for those 21 and up and more. The best part about the exhibit has to be seeing favorite scenes and characters from Rudolph brought to life. All of the favorite characters from the 1964 movie look incredible, and the scenes depicted throughout the exhibit tell the story of the red-nosed reindeer and his friends. The walkthrough is wheelchair accesible and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours depending on what you decide to do and how long you linger between scenes. If you’re looking to get in and get out, it’s probably not going to be worth the ticket price, but for those intent on taking their time, it’ll be worth it. Make sure to dress appropriately because to maintain all the ice sculptures, the exhibit hall is kept at a shivering 9 degrees. The cost of admissions includes a heavy parka to wear during your time in the exhibit, but wear pants and bring a pair of gloves and maybe a hat or scarf too. The exhibit is on the more expensive end of holiday fun in the metroplex, but if you’re a fan of Rudolph or any of his charming pals, it’s worth it.
Despite changing locations, the Texas Christkindl Market is back and as wonderful as ever. Now located off Randol Mill Road in Arlington, the German tradition inspired market features unique shopping options for holiday gifts, decorations and one-of-kind finds this side of the pond. Handcrafted gifts and authentic German collectibles aren’t the only thing offered at the market as plenty of great German food is available too. You’ve never had a bratwurst until you’ve had a german one, I promise. Beyond the food and the unique finds, one of the best parts about the beautiful market is free admission. Anyone looking to get in the holiday spirit for cheap should visit this gorgeous location and anyone not worried about their wallets should still check it out, as the Texas Christkindl Market is one of the best holiday-themed attractions in the metroplex. It’s not super big, but you can spend quite a bit of time walking around, window shopping, eating and drinking. And unlike all the light tours, it’s something you don’t have to wait until dark to enjoy though going at night certainly adds a nice winter vibe to the already beautiful ambience of the market.
Those that enjoy driving and looking at Christmas lights should check out Prairie Lights this holiday season because it’s probably one of the best lights displays in North Texas not located in a gated neighborhood. The drive averages around 45 minutes but can be longer during peak times. About halfway through it though, visitors can park and stretch their legs for as long as they want where they can take pictures with Santa, find concession stands and a gift shop and check out the other two attractions — the new indoor holiday show: Holiday Dreams and the Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Thru Forest, both of which are included in park admission. As for cost, it’s rather affordable, especially if you’re splitting it with a group, but it’s more expensive than a free drive around town to different neighborhoods, so weighing that cost is up to each individual, but it’s less than $10 per person if four people go and it’s better than what you’ll find driving through neighborhoods. These people are professionals. The more troublesome part about the attraction is the wait time, especially as Christmas gets closer and closer. Fast Passes are available to jump the lines, but they’re honestly not worth the extra money. Instead, plan ahead and get there early to be toward the front of the line and not feel the need to purchase a Fast Pass. Spend that money on gifts, hot cocoa and pictures with Santa at the halfway point instead.
Now-Dec. 23 Admission is free Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun.-Thrus. and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.
For more holiday themed events visit us online at collegian.tccd.edu.
Illustrations by Christa Jarvis and Suzann Clay/The Collegian