Harvester Theatre Company performs “The Medea”
Etera the students’ guide to money
See Page 6
Eastfield College
How to earn, spend, save and avoid going broke see pages 8&9
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Volume 46, Issue 10
2
NEWS
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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The Et Cetera
COURTESY OF SABLE GUNTER
An ant at 50-times magnification shows that a mite is attached to it.
COURTESY OF EASTFIELD COLLEGE SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE LAB
A hypodermic needle viewed at 20-times magnification, a low setting for an electron microscope.
Magnificent ant farm in microscope lab By Brandon Wagner etc4640@dcccd.edu
COURTESY OF EASTFIELD COLLEGE SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE LAB
Top left: A grain of ordinary table pepper at 500-times magnification. The toothpick-like protrusions are strands of cellulose. Above: An ant under 79-times magnification.
For his latest project in Eastfield’s Scanning Electron Microscope Lab, Professor Murry Gans has enlisted dozens of elementary school students as his assistants. Gans, the lab coordinator and an adjunct biology instructor, created an ant population survey for the Rockwall and Mesquite areas. Motley Elementary, just across the road from Eastfield, has already started work on the project. “The survey will consist of fourth-grade classrooms collecting ant specimens,” Gans said. “These ants will be sent to Eastfield to be examined by our students in the microscopy lab.” Eastfield students will identify and catalogue the ants using two electron microscopes. When that work is complete, Gans and his students will Skype with the schoolchildren to explain the results of the survey. “Hopefully, this will show them that science is something that is approachable while being interesting and fun at the same time,” Gans said. The children’s work will increase the scientific knowledge of ants in Texas, Gans said. “When we look at the areas around Dallas, like Rockwall, there are less ant species identified there,” he said. “We actually see many more ant species identified in West Texas around the Big Bend area… The lack of information is because there is little research conducted in areas that
are not national parks or do not contain universities.” Electron microscopes are several magnitudes more powerful than a standard light microscope. Light microscopes achieve about 2,000-times magnification. Electron microscopy beams electrons to create images of objects, allowing much higher magnification. With these tools, Gans is able to see into a world normally impossible to perceive. He opens his lab up to any Eastfield students interested in using it. Eastfield is one of the few community colleges in Texas that have electron microscopes. “My goal is to turn the Microscopy Lab into a full-time entomology research lab that will provide our students with an authentic, hands-on research experience,” Gans said. Biology major Sable Gunter said the skills he learned in Gans’ lab will benefit him as he pursues his degree. “When I worked on an ant research project, Professor Gans was there every step to guide and mentor me through the research process,” Gunter said. “I really felt like I was part of something important and that I contributed to the scientific community.” Students interested in using the labs in C-350 should contact Gans for appointments. “Working in the microscopy lab reaffirmed my passion for science and motivated me even more to keep pursuing a science degree,” Gunter said. “The skills I learned will benefit me in the future as I take my science degree to the next level.”
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Wednesday, April 8, 2015
International Festival enriches campus
By Andy Carrizales etc4640@dcccd.edu
In a technology-driven world, it is easy to go online and get inspiration for your daily outfits from the latest Pins and newsletters. With so many global publications and advertisements promoting a contemporary western style, many cultures have abandoned their traditional attires. The second annual Eastfield International Festival took place on March 26 in G-101. The festival featured henna tattoos, traditional clothing and jewelry vendors, a fashion show, Japanese calligraphy and popcorn provided by the Student International Club. The Eastfield Choir performed two traditional songs under the instruction of Professor Imthurn: "Amor Vittorioso" from Italy and "Aya Ngena," a cheery Zulu folk song. The celebrations concluded with a performance by Dr. Oscar Passley's Jazz Ensemble. This event was organized by the administrators of the English Language Learning Advisement Center. International Student Club adviser Aline Lopes, adviser Marissa Williams and International Student Spe-
cialist Amina Kader co-organized the event. “We’ve been trying to internationalize the campus,” Lopes said. “This is a great idea to actually bring the international team.” This year, the festival incorporated a global fashion show. Seven international and ESOL students modeled their culture’s traditional clothing. “We’re really surprised how many of the students really wanted to participate in the fashion show and wear their traditional clothes,” Williams said. The show featured models representing China, India, Palestine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Vietnam, Iran and Thailand. Lily Nguyen, an accounting major, modeled for her home country Vietnam. She wore an ao dai, a fitted silk tunic worn over a pair of pants, in traditional New Year's colors of red and yellow. “I wanted to [show] my traditional clothes to everybody so that they know more about Vietnam,” Nguyen said. Fatn Fuad, a nursing major, modeled a casual-wear dress from Palestine. Fuad’s mother made the dress in just over a month. Fuad, now
22 years old, moved to the United States four years ago in search of an education. Esther Mwambuyi wore a green and red dress with a complementary headpiece from the DRC, made by her mother. In her home country, she would wear this dress on special occasions, such as church, weddings and dinners. Mwambuyi is an undecided major in her first semester at Eastfield College. So far, she said that she's enjoying her college experience in the United States. "It's really nice," she said. "The professors take time to explain... And make the students participate." Mwambuyi is no stranger to fashion shows. During high school, she modeled her traditional clothing at an African festival. "I thought [the International Festival] was a wonderful opportunity for me to do it again," she said. "Why not take the chance?" Isabella Sgobbi, president of the International Club, thought the event was a success. “I think it’s important to show the culture of different countries to everybody,” Sgobbi said.
ANA GALLEGOS/THE ET CETERA
Representing cultural fashion left to right is Angelin Jameson representing India, international student Lily Nguyen representing Vietnam, Paw Day for Thailand, Fatn Fuad wearing traditional garb from Palestine, and Leyla Mohamadyar shows off an Iranian dress.
Active student earns campus leadership award
By Nicole Ceron etc4640@dcccd.edu
Andrea Carrizales, Eastfield’s Student Leader of the Year, grew up in Mexico until the age of 15, when her family decided to move to the United States to achieve a better future. “When I lived in Mexico as a child, I never really thought about the environment being dangerous,” Carrizales said. It wasn’t until she moved back to Mexico after high school that she realized how dangerous the country had become. At the time Mexico was the only option for Carrizales to continue her higher education. College is much more affordable in Mexico than the United States. But she desperately wanted to pursue college in the United States. She obtained a visa and paid additional fees as an international student, but she couldn’t work because she wasn’t a U.S. resident. “I was fortunate enough to get my permanent residency that same year,” she said. This made her eligible for financial aid and work. Carrizales works at Eastfield College as a peer mentor at TRIO Student Support Services and for The Et Cetera student newspaper as the
DARNISHA CORNELIUS/ THE ET CETERA
NICOLE CERON/THE ET CETERA
Above, Carrizales displays the Amidon/ Beauchamp Memorial Award. Right, Unswella Ankton, club coordinator presents Andrea Carrizales with her award.
Life & Arts editor. Her involvement with Eastfield goes much further than just work. Carrizales is also a part of many clubs and organizations; including the Gay Straight Alliance, LULAC, Phi Theta Kappa, Rotaract, the Honors Program and the International Student Club. In the fall Carrizales became the Rotaract’s Club’s representative in the Student Govern-
ment Association. Since joining, she has made a significant impact in the organization, said SGA President Danny Garcia. “Since the moment she’s been part of SGA she’s been a really active member,” he said. “She’s always trying to help out at events, volunteering.” Carrizales founded and is chairperson of the Beautification Committee, responsible for improving aesthetics of the college. “I really admire how she takes initiative,” said Judy Schwartz, director of Student Life. “She gathered others around her, which is what a leader does: communicate their vision so that things start to happen. … And now we have a committee that will probably stay in SGA even when she’s gone.” Unswella Ankton, club coordinator, said she thought Carrizales was reserved when she first
met her. After working with her, Ankton was impressed by the amount of accomplishments Carrizales had achieved and her extensive involvement in the college. “She had more than just a dream,” she said. “A lot of us say, ‘This is what I want to do; this is what I want to do.’ But not a lot of us say, ‘This is what I’m currently doing to get there.’ And she has that.” Carrizales said that she has been impacted by almost everyone she has met. “Everybody just brings forward something interesting and something different, and I try to take whatever I can and learn whatever I can from them,” she said. She also mentioned her father as an inspiration. “My dad always believes in keeping a balance, and I think that’s one of the most important things I’ve learned from him,” she said. Carrizales said that she would like to motivate her sisters, Maria and Priscila. Priscila Carrizales thinks her sister is a great person who has inspired her throughout her years. “I enjoy how she always somehow finds time for me and my other sister,” Priscilla said. “She’s always pushing us to do our best and I love that about her. ... I’m so proud of her. She is truly a leader.”
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Wednesday, April 8, 2015
PUT IT ON YOUR
Calendar April
Wed
As part of the Spring 2015 Recital series, the guitar department performs at 12:30 p.m. in F-117.
Thu
The ELLA Center hosts a showing of “Il Postino,” a 1994 Italian film based on the life of Chilean poet and diplomat Pablo Neruda, 12:30 to 2 p.m. in C-237 A.
8 9
Join Professor Sharon Johnson for a review of developmental math chapter 12, 1 to 2:30 p.m. in L-208.
Mon
13
College recruiting with a focus on the liberal and performing arts, all day in the Pit through April 16. Ticket pick-ups for the 2015 graduation ceremony begin, running through April 25.
Tue
14
Ke’shun Walker presents Truth About Interviewing: How to Make a Good Impression in Your Interview, 2 to 3 p.m. in L-208. An evening social is held 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Pit.
Wed
15
Professor Jonathan Michelon presents Global Learning: Open Yourself to Think Globally, 10:10 to 11:05 a.m. in L-208. A repeat will be held at the same time April 16. Mingle in the Faculty/ Student Mixer 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Pit. Keyboard department recital, 12:30 p.m. in F-117.
Thu
The last to withdraw with a grade of W for the spring 2015 semester.
Tue
Professor John Garcia presents Writing: Using Math to Introduce the Basic Essay, 11 a.m. to 12:15 pm. in L-208.
16 21
Professor Regina Brown hosts Personal Benefits of Degree Completion, noon to 1 p.m. in L-208.
ABOUT THE COVER PHOTO BY JONATHAN WENCES DESIGN BY JONATHAN WENCES, BRAULIO TELLEZ AND ANA GALLEGOS
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The Et Cetera
Reps expect campus carry to pass
By James Hartley etc4640@dcccd.edu
Two state House members who represent areas near Eastfield predict that the campus carry bill will become law this year. Reps. Cindy Burkett (R-Sunnyvale) and Kenneth Sheets (R-Dallas) talked about gun bills, texting while driving, college tuition and other issues at an Eastfield town hall forum March 28. The Campus Carry Bill, Senate Bill 11, would allow people with concealed weapons licenses to bring guns onto public college campuses such as Eastfield. Private colleges and universities could opt out. “We have a right to defend ourselves,” Sheets said. “And one of the scariest things you hear about, for women in particular, one of the scariest positions for women to be in is walking to their car after class at night.” Sheets made a point to mention that licensed carriers would also be permitted to carry at the Texas Capitol. Sheets and Burkett both favor the bill for campus carry.
JAMES HARTLEY/THE ET CETERA
Reps. Cindy Burkett (R-Sunnyvale) and Kenneth Sheets (R-Dallas) address a town hall meeting March 28 at Eastfield.
Another bill that Sheets and Burkett expect to pass would allow concealed handgun license holders to carry their handguns in holsters. The bill would not allow for open carry on college campuses. The bill addresses a major concern held by many in law enforcement: safety requirements for holsters that
NEWS
Briefs
UTD profs to speak at STEMinars
Renowned cryptographer Dr. Yvo Desmedt of the University of Texas at Dallas will present a history of cryptography at 2 p.m. April 9 in S-100. The director of UTD Data Security and Privacy Lab, Dr. Murat Kantarcioglu, will host Computer Security and Social Media at 11 a.m. April 21 in S-100.
Memorial for founding chancellor
The memorial for Dr. Bill J. Priest, founding chancellor of the DCCCD, has been rescheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. April 22, in the Performance Hall.
Et Cetera cartoons win award
Three editorial cartoons by Et Cetera cartoonists Jonathan Wences and Alex Hernandez won the Society of Professional Journalists Region 8 Mark of Excellence Award and will advance to the national contest. — Compiled by Caitlin Piper Corrections In the March 25 issue, Juan Cortes was misidentified in the Hot Topic feature. Also, the High 5 story had incorrect information about the pool, which is undergoing repairs and will be closed for at least a year. The Et Cetera regrets the errors.
prevent “some yahoo,” as Sheets said, from grabbing a gun out of another person’s holster. The law requires for a “one-point holster,” according to Sheets. This would require holsters to have safety latches. “It’s what our police officers use,” Sheets said, “except they usually have two- or three-point holsters.”
The more points on a holster, the more latches and security measures. Participants asked about the proposed ban on texting and driving, which is currently headed to the Senate after being passed by the House. One audience member asked, “Shouldn’t texting and driving be covered on reckless driving?” Burkett confirmed that texting and driving would be covered under distracted driving, though not necessarily reckless driving. “Y’all remember when safety bill laws were first put into effect,” Burkett said. “I remember thinking, ‘it doesn’t affect anyone but me.’ … I’ve had people on the flipside say if your insurance isn’t sufficient or you lose control of your car, that impacts other people.” Burkett and Sheets both voiced support for the bill. The representatives also covered tuition for international students, saying there were no known plans to change tuition costs barring those that apply to the DREAM Act, which is “controversial” according to Sheets. The Uber car-for-hire service, toll roads, daylight saving time were also discussed.
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Wednesday, April 8, 2015
A BOOK TO CONSIDER
Plath still speaks from ‘The Bell Jar’ Sylvia Plath’s haunting work “The Bell Jar” was published 52 years ago. It is her only novel, yet it is considered to be an American classic and her most famous work in addition to her poetry collections “The Colossus” and “Ariel.” Plath was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1932. She won a scholarship to Smith College in 1950 and received a job working for a women’s magazine in New York in the summer of 1953. It was during her guest editor position for the magazine that she suffered a mental breakdown and attempted suicide. Upon recovery she returned to Smith College and finished her degree. After Smith, Plath received a Fulbright Fellowship and went to Cambridge University in England. There she met fellow poet and eventual husband Ted Hughes. A year later, Plath published her semi-autobiographical work “The Bell Jar” under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas. Plath lived only one month after its release. She committed suicide in February 1963. Plot “The Bell Jar” follows Esther Greenwood, a student at Smith College, as she navigates the pressures of
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her life. An intelligent young woman, she has recently been offered a summer job at a women’s magazine in New York. The novel shows Esther’s promising future in writing, her confusing personal life, ideas on marriage and her mental breakdown followed by her time in an institution and her recovery. Because sex was a recurring theme in “The Bell Jar,” the book was not received well because it was socially improper for young women to discuss their sexuality.
Controversy Plath’s writing was criticized for its thematic ideas but was an integral part in developing the confessional style of poetry used by her contemporaries Anne Sexton and Robert Lowell. “The Bell Jar” is a 244-page confession and possibly her way of processing her breakdown. “The Bell Jar” explores concepts that were taboo during 1953 – the year of the book’s setting – and still relatively new in 1963 – the year the novel was published. Esther has moments of societal rebellion. Often times it’s unintentional, such as her views on relationships with men. Throughout the novel she frequently muses over the female characters and their personal relationships with men. Esther often displays a feminist attitude. Feminism was still considered slightly radical during the time of the novel’s release. Lastly, mental illness was an experimental and dreadful topic. Most mental illnesses were treated with archaic methods such as electroshock therapy and lobotomies. Depression was kept a secret during these times because it could bring social disgrace to one’s family.
Review The story of Esther pulls the reader in closely. While she may be bordering on the edge of insanity, she is a magnetically charged character. In her darkest moments you find yourself laughing from Esther’s observations. Her sense of humor is dry and often times dark. Her consistent observations of the characters Dodo Conway and Buddy Wheeler invoke frequent, effortless comedic jabs. The novel reads almost like commentary, as if Esther is fading further from the world as a participant and gradually becoming a witness. She introduces the reader to new characters cleverly and almost in a bored tone. It’s in the moments of commentary on the people she’s closest with that we see Esther’s intelligence and the struggle she internalizes to understand the world she lives in. Plath’s honesty in “The Bell Jar” is unrelenting and indiscreet, which makes it such a haunting work. Esther’s nonchalant attitude toward her inevitable and looming breakdown is chilling. This honesty, coupled with her mastered art of confessional writing, places the reader in a space of comfortable silence, a faithful spectator
to Esther’s performance. Legacy Plath’s estranged husband began to edit her poetry after her death, resulting in the publication of “Ariel” and the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Collected Works.” She was the first person to win the Pulitzer posthumously. “The Bell Jar” has inspired a rumored film adaptation. In 2008 actress Julia Stiles bought the film rights. Unfortunately no such beast has presented itself. Plath’s work is a staple in confessional writing and inspired other writers such as Susanna Kaysen and Elizabeth Wurtzel. Additionally her writing has inspired musicians such as vocalist Pat Flynn from the Massachusetts hardcore band “Have Heart” in the song “No Roses, No Skies.” The song gives direct homage to Plath’s famous work “Lady Lazarus.” “The Bell Jar” received numerous accolades and praise after its publication, exceeding Plath’s original expectations. It remains one of the most prized literary works in America and proves that great literature can translate for a lifetime. — Compiled by Courtney Schwing
Blackmail, birds, psychos, murder: Hitchcock lives on Alfred Hitchcock’s special brand of cinematography and storytelling is regarded with envy and admiration in the film world. Many have tried to imitate Hitchcock’s unique style with varying success. The classic suspense director’s personal favorite work, “Rear Window,” celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, and I had the chance to see it on the big screen at a special screening at the Mesquite AMC 30 on March 25. When “Rear Window” was released in 1954, I don’t think anyone knew the impact it would have on the thriller genre. This legacy goes further than just film, influencing literature and many other arts. “Rear Window” was nominated for a best director Oscar, but Hitchcock didn’t get it and never won a competitive award in filmmaking. But that doesn’t downplay the importance of the film. The Library Of Congress preserved “Rear Window” in the National Film Registry in 1997. Yes, that is a big deal. Hitchcock challenged himself by taking on the task of filming the majority of the movie in the apartment of the main character. Professional photographer L.B. “Jeff ” Jefferies (James Stewart) spends most of the film wheelchair-bound as he watches his neighbors from the rear window of his apartment. Hitchcock certainly succeeded in making such a difficult plot work as a suspenseful masterpiece centered around Jeff solving
a murder that he didn’t see and has no proof of. “Rear Window” took Hitchcock’s dark humor James and ability to create a Hartley suspenseful environment and integrated them beautifully into the plot, which has been recycled numerous times in various artistic mediums. Hitchcock’s influence is clearly seen in the crime drama “Castle,” the comedy “Raising Hope” and even “The Simpsons.” In literature, “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins pays homage to “Rear Window.” We can see the influence the film has had on crime dramas all across the board. If we’re honest, every episode of “Castle” steals from “Rear Window” when the eponymous Richard Castle jumps to insane conclusions that eventually lead to the catching of a killer. Knowing someone is a criminal without truly knowing if they committed a crime is half of what we see on TV today. Of course, to limit Hitchcock’s legacy to “Rear Window” would be a crime in and of itself. “Psycho” and “North by Northwest” have also influenced modern filmmaking. “Psycho” has seen many spiritual succes-
Alfred Hitchcock
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sors, such as 2000’s “What Lies Beneath.” The story of “North by Northwest” has been reused many times, but my personal favorite is in “Eagle Eye,” where the plot and characters reflect those of the classic film adaptation. From romance to action to suspense to thriller, Hitchcock has left a legacy of greatness for us to aspire to.
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Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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‘The Medea’ times two in EFC theater By Chandler Claxton etc4640@dcccd.edu
The Harvester Theatre Company is gearing up to do something a little different from their usual post-modern plays – they’re preforming two classical shows in one night. The department will be performing “The Medea” by Greek playwright, Euripides. The show is centered around the mythical Medea whose husband Jason decides to take a princess as his second wife. Seeking revenge, Medea gradually loses her sanity over the course of the tragedy. The first showing will be the Greek classical version of “The Medea” followed by a half-hour intermission in which the sets will be switched and actors can prepare themselves for the second show. Following the break, the company will perform the Southern Gothic rendition. “We’re doing it like a theatre company so the actors are actually in both shows as different characters,” director Lori Honeycutt said. “I wanted to see what it was like to watch them back-to-back and see the different feelings that we get from them.” While both shows are based on the classical story, the Southern Gothic script is a more modern take on “The Medea.” “I have done a lot of preparing for the Southern Gothic version,” cast member Adam Wright said. “It has been a long process that is still being undertaken.” While the story itself is more than 2,500 years old, the cast believes its themes are still
relevant. “There are social problems and family problems that everyone can relate to,” cast member Charles Ratcliff said. “People can take a lot from it today even though it was written so many years ago.” Wright and Ratcliff play different characters in the two versions of the play. In the Greek version, Wright plays Aegeus while Ratcliff brings life to Jason. In the Southern Gothic version, Aegeus is portrayed by Ratcliff and Wright plays Jason. The cast and crew have only had a month to prepare for these shows with many of the actors simultaneously participating in other shows. “Most of the same kids that are in this show were also in ‘The Great Gatsby’, so all of those
PHOTOS BY JONATHAN WENCES/THE ET CETERA
The cast of “The Medea” rehearses for its April 9 debut. Left, Kayla Anderson works on her lines. Above, Zac Cooper (from left), Morgan Solorzano, Stephanie Carroll and Tao Johnson work out the staging of a scene.
performances and rehearsals were overlapping,” Honeycutt said. “These kids are here like 14 hours a day. Just like Liz Metelsky and myself, they live here. That’s been the biggest challenge. We’re all really exhausted.” After a month of practice the company is ready to preform. The play will be held in the performance hall
at noon on April 9 with another performance at 7:30 p.m., 11:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on April 10, 7:30 p.m. on April 11, and 2:00 p.m. on April 12. Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for others. However, the shows at noon April 9 and 11:15 a.m. April 10 are free for students. The audience is encouraged to stay for both performances.
Literature, fine arts center stage at annual festival By Ana Gallegos etc4640@dcccd.edu
The annual Literary & Fine Arts Festival will celebrate the art, theater, music and writing of Eastfield and bring a collection of professionals to campus. Events, sponsored by the Arts & Communications Division, include musical performances, a poetry slam, art shows, dramatic readings and guest speakers during the week of April 20. “It’s a way to celebrate and showcase the literary fine arts,” Associate Dean said Judith Dumont said. “By hosting events that are centered in literature and the world of art, we are able to not only expose students to a broader culture on terms of worldview,” she said. “But also, it’s a way for us to promote what we’re doing so that we can grow our own programs.” The week starts April 20 with a kickoff ceremony, including the unveiling of the student literary magazine “The Alternative,” an artist discussion and a dramatic reading. Other sessions throughout the week will feature Nobel-nominated poet Frederick Turner, an
award-winning photographer and storm chaser, choral and dance recitals, and additional artist talks. The highlight is Thursday’s Arts in Action featuring Jazz Under the Stars along with demonstrations by Eastfield students in dance, theater, drawing, set design and other arts. This event will also launch The Arts Collective, a umbrella for Eastfield’s visual and performing arts, and raise money for a news arts and literature scholarship. The H Gallery will be open during Thursday night for the show “Let’s Just Say What We Mean,” ceramic sculptures and drawings created by artists Linda Lopez and Mathew McConnell. The couple will attend and speak with guests. The Literary & Fine Arts Festival is a great way to appreciate the creativity and imagination that goes into creating art, said Melinda Imthurn, director of vocal studies. “You know it’s hard for students to find time, just like its hard for us to find time to present or to host,” she said. “But I hope that the students take the time, because that’s one of the big pluses of being in college. You get access to all of this stuff for free.”
Literary & Fine Arts Festival Events Monday, April 20 → Kickoff Ceremony and Alternative literary magazine release 9:05 a.m. in G-101 → Artists Tom Orr and Frances Bagley 11:15 a.m. in G-101 → Student Stage Readings 12:30 p.m. in G-101 Tuesday, April 21 → Apocalypse: An Epic of the Future with Dr. Frederick Turner 9:30 a.m. in G-101 → Faculty Readings 11:00 a.m. in G-101 → Photographer/storm chaser Mike Mezeul II 12:30 p.m. in G-101 → Poetry Slam 5:35 p.m. in G-101 Wednesday, April 22 → Student, Staff and Faculty Readings 9:05 a.m. in G-101 → League for Innovation Student Literary
Competition Awards 10:10 a.m. in G-101 → SoFresh Student Juried Art Exhibition Reception 11:15 a.m. in Gallery 219, F-219 → Vocal Recital 12:30 p.m. in the Performance Hall → Dance Preview 1:30 p.m. in the Lower Courtyard → Unplugged: Guitar Concert 7:05 p.m. in F-117 Thursday, April 23 → International Tea Time 11 a.m. in G-101 → Artists Linda Lopez and Mathew McConnell 1:00 p.m. in G-101 → The Arts Collective Arts in Action featuring Jazz Under the Stars 5 p.m. in the Lower Courtyard Friday, April 24 → Josh Rose Comics 10:10 a.m. in G-101
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Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Documentary exposes college rape, cover-ups By Courtney Schwing etc4640@dcccd.edu
“The Hunting Ground” begins with an array of young people anxiously looking at their computers and raiding their mailboxes. They celebrate with their families as they realize they have been accepted into their college of choice. A montage of freshman orientations follows, spliced with college presidential welcome speeches beneath a male voiceover. “What happens in college stays in college.” “The Hunting Ground” illuminates campus rape by utilizing facts and giving fair representation for opposing parties, allowing them to speak for themselves. Unfortunately, the information brought to the table clearly reveals that rape is one of America’s dirtiest secrets even at the most elite institutions of higher education. This documentary follows two students who attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Annie Clark and Andrea Pino, who is a first-generation college student. Andrea was raped on campus during her sophomore year. Annie was raped on campus before classes had even begun. “The Hunting Ground” explores their monumental journey on exposing the University of North Carolina’s mishandling of campus rapes and their crusade to encourage victims to file Title IX complaints against other universities who ignored or mishandled their rape cases. The film crew simultaneously interviews other victims who have been raped or sexually assaulted on campus while exploring the disturbing efforts of colleges and universities to cover up the crimes. Most shocking are the statistics that are strategically placed throughout the film. 78 sexual assault reports at UC Berkeley resulted in only three expulsions, 155 reports at Dartmouth ended with only three expulsions, 136 reports at UNC were met with zero expulsions and Stanford, ranking highest with a whopping 259 reported sexual assault cases, only had one expulsion. If you still feel comfortable sending your child to college now, just wait. The directors of “The Hunting Ground” interviewed three male rape survivors, debunking the common belief that rape is exclusively a woman’s problem. According to the documentary, one in 33 college men will be sexually assaulted. Since only 5 percent of campus assaults are reported, the statistics may be lower than reality. I sat in the nearly empty theater crying. Not because the documentary producers had successfully pushed their unbi-
ased agenda down my throat, but because of the chilling truth. I watched nearly 40 people tell the world of the inhumane crimes committed against them and how their colleges or universities denied them justice. The institutions often try to cover up these cases in an attempt to protect the university’s credibility, which directly influences federal funding and donations from alumni. These actions from colleges discredit the victims of sexual assault and allow their attackers to continue living unscathed. Famous universities such as Harvard, Notre Dame, Florida State University, the University of North Carolina, the University of California Berkeley, Occidental and St. Mary’s were sites of many of the sexual assault scandals. They refused to be interviewed for the documentary. “The Hunting Ground” expounds that fraternity men are three times more likely to commit rape than other college men, that women in sororities are significantly more likely to experience sexual assault and that one in eight college students live in Greek housing. However, according to an interviewee in the documentary, the colleges and universities won’t dissociate themselves from Greek housing. Fraternities and sororities mean less expenditures on housing for colleges and universities. By endorsing Greek housing, the institution can save money. At the expense of women and men who are raped in Greek housing or through Greek-affiliated affairs, Greek Life directors are often bribed to keep silent about rape and sexual assault by the college. One interviewee, an ex-brother from a fraternity at Dartmouth, said that the brothers appeared to take pride in having a predator-prey relationship with the women attending the fraternity’s parties. Many of the assaults that occur in fraternity houses are gang rapes where the victim has consumed large amounts of alcohol. One of the essential messages of “The Hunting Ground” is that colleges and universities need to take responsibility for the rapes on their campuses and put the well-being of their students before their funding. With the help of UC Berkeley student Sofie Karasek, Annie and Andrea went on to form the organization End Rape on Campus. Together, they coordinated two 31-person complaints against UC Berkeley. Both Annie and Andrea contributed to the structure of the Campus Accountability and Safety Act, not yet passed by Congress. The denial of rape and sexual assault on campuses forces students, faculty and the community to take these issues upon themselves. Where is the institution in these matters and why are they not taking responsibility? Why are parents sending
COURTESY OF RADIUS FILMS
their children to academic institutions where they can not only be raped, but be told that it is their fault and that their assailant will not be punished? “The Hunting Ground” was written and directed by the Oscar-nominated documentary film director Kirby Dick and plays an integral role in educating America on some of the biggest cover-ups in our society. This documentary dares to draw the battle line for the voiceless against the country’s most elite and powerful academic institutions. The journalistic skills displayed by Dick and producer Amy Ziering are astonishing and prolific. This film is proof that both journalistic and moral integrity still exist.
8
NEWS
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
Financial advice for the struggling student By Karina Dunn etc4640@dcccd.edu
A Money Expo hosted by OSER and the Accounting Department on March 23-27 sought to help students better manage their finances. Accounting Department Coordinator Professor Regina Brown gave students a few tips on how to master personal accounting during a special presentation for the event. “Accounting is the core of every major,” Brown said. “If you’re not good at managing your own finances, you cannot manage your share of the budget at work. And you’re less likely to get hired.” Bank Statements — Bank statements log the money you spend and deposit. Always check your bank account statement to make sure it matches the list of expenses and deposits you have recorded. Banks make mistakes. You should know if you bought something, the amount of the transaction and which bills you’ve paid. Always review your own records. Apps – Quicken is one of many free mobile apps that consolidates all your financial information in one place. The software helps users stay organized and within their budgets. When you search for budgeting apps, ensure that the tool is consistent and accurate. Apps may be convenient, but they are not foolproof. They can crash and can leave off or miss important entries. Keep a personal ledger and organize your checkbook. Physical checks leave a paper trail that can help you organize your spending. Paper trail — A paper trail is just another way to record your activity. Be they checks or bank account statements, these docu-
ments give you a reference if you ever run into problems or inconsistencies in your account. Money can easily be stolen or miscounted and it can be difficult to save up, so management skills are important. Never leave important documents lying around. Class schedules and advising reports list personal information such as social security numbers. Entering information into insecure websites or apps leaves your financial information vulnerable. At home, be sure to lock away your information. On campus, it’s always more secure to use your student ID number than your social security number. Visit fightidentitytheft.com to learn more ways to keep your information secure.
train to become CPAs themselves and learn more about accounting. Visit irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation -for-You-by-Volunteers ”You are students of your money. Study it. Research it,” Brown said.
Savings — Do not be afraid to save a little at a time. Save your change and deposit it into a container. Do not spend all your money as soon as you get it. Maintain an 80/20 spending habit, spending 80 percent while saving 20 percent. Bank of America uses the Keep the Change Program to help customers save from everyday purchases. There are 529 plans available for families who want to save for future college expenses. Almost every state offers these plans. Visit savingforcollege.com. The Hope Scholarship Credit provides tax credit for children. The Lifetime Learning Credit gives tax credits to adult students. Each January, certified public accountants and student teachers can help you fill out your tax returns. Getting the help of a CPA volunteer saves time and money. Individuals can also
Change your habits — Buying coffee or lunch every day or paying too much for textbooks are examples of regular habits that cost a lot of money long-term. Change negative spending habits to benefit your wallet. For example, students rent or borrow books instead of buying them. It takes a little more effort to keep up with due dates and return books, but it is a conscious choice that leads to savings. Be proactive by making good choices that will cut out excess expenses from the start. Put in the work for a better payoff, then extend these positive habits into areas of personal spending. “As they lived out the Reality Fair, students were forced to figure out their budgets and how to save,” Brown said. “Some realized they needed to make adjustments and followed through.”
Personal Budget — Many people use personal budgets to control their spending habits. However, it’s easy to overspend. Choose more affordable options when shopping for clothes. Instead of eating out, learn how to cook. Use coupons. Carpool to avoid spending on bus tickets or gas. Cutting back on unnecessary expenses will pay off in the long run. Plan ahead.
Student loans — When you sign for a loan, sign only for the amount of money you need. Signing for the full loan will create debt that you do not need. Make the smart decision. Student loans are designed to accumulate interest once stu-
STUDENTS’ MAIN SOURCE OF INCOME
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 21.8 million students were expected to attend college in fall of 2013. This means when the results of this survey are applied: •66 percent of students are spending $1,200 or more each year on entertainment(bars, restaurants, live music, media, alcohol, marijuana, etc.). •14.39 million students are spending that much, which amounts to at least $17. 26 billion being spent on entertainment by students each year.
NEWS
9
Wednesday, April 8, 2015 dents graduate. If you are accumulating interest during your studies, you have a regular loan, not a student loan. If you’re unsure about what kind of loan you have, read your paperwork. If you have a regular loan, start paying it off now. Waiting will create additional debt. Credit unions are the best places to find and manage loans. If you have multiple student loans, use a credit union to consolidate and track them. Request a biweekly repayment schedule to save on interest. If you take a semester off from school, your student loan will accumulate interest. Contact the credit union via a written letter or with a phone call. Communicate with your bankers to avoid fees. Making payments while you’re still in school is good because you are paying on what you borrowed, not on interest. Keep all documents for future reference. “Be a self-starter,” Brown said. “. If you want something to happen, you have to go and get it. Once you have the information, be sure to use it.” Credit Cards and Credit Scores — Shop around for credit cards. Look for a card that includes an affordable interest rate. Be sure to understand what fees accompany your card. College students often receive credit requests in the mail. Shred them. Destroy all documents containing personal information about you or anyone you know. If you want to get rid of an active card, freeze it. Do not shred an active card as it can reflect poorly on your credit score. By freezing a credit card, you prevent lenders and borrowers from viewing your credit. Credit freezes prevent consumers from receiving loans. They can also protect individuals from identity theft. A freeze can be lifted by consumers. Fees may apply. You are eligible for free credit reports each year. A report includes information about your credit, including bank account information, payment history, how much credit you have. However, this report does not show your reality. You may owe a payment to one vendor when two others are listed. These are third parties involved in the transaction after you made your payment. You likely have no direct business with them. Details like these make it important to read through your report. Follow the legends provided and ask for help if needed. Visit consumer.ftc.gov to learn more about credit scores and reports. Visit annualcreditreport.com for free credit reports. Other resources: federalreserveeducation.org, lowermybills.com.
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The Et Cetera
Being EFC student has incentives Being a student leaves you with little to no money at times, which can make paying for food, electronics, clothes or a night out on the town difficult. Many vendors offer discounts to college students. Some are publicized, but others must be requested. “I have known about them for a while,” education major Kat Perez said. “My parents used to work at the science exhibit museum, so I knew there would be some discounts.” Amazon offers a six-month free trial for its Amazon Prime service with free two-day shipping. Once the trial ends, students can purchase the Prime service 50 percent off. Apple stores give discounts on laptops and iPods while Best Buy emails deals to students who sign up under school email addresses. Microsoft offers free software and AT&T discounts on wireless plans and equipment. Many entertainment venues, such as movie theaters, sporting teams and amusement parks, also reduce ticket prices for students. Even when the amount is small, education major Selena Castillo appreciates the discounts. “At least you have saved some money,” she said. Science major Lawan Usman would like to see more price cuts for students. “That would be nice,” he said. “It would motivate more people to go to school.” Visit dcccd.edu/SS/oncampus/discounts for more information on these discounts. Most offers must be redeemed online.
Stars College night games $ Dallas Terrace tickets $15, plaza tickets $50
Zoo $ Dallas Tickets $10 each, $5 off the regular price
Times $ Medieval 40 percent off adult admission
Flags over Texas $ Six Save at least $25 off the gate price
Film Center in Dallas $ Angelika $8 movie ticket and free 85-ounce popcorn with unlimited refills every Tuesday Club Collegi ate Membership $ Sam’s $15 gift card with additional offers after sign up
—Carolina Catalan and Maryory Morales
New contract lowers cost of textbooks, saves money By Vanessa Trevino etc4640@dccc
Rising textbook prices and increasing tuition costs continue to plague students. Textbook prices have gone up 800 percent since 1972, about 8 percent a year, according to the College Board. The Dallas County Community College District recently cut costs for its students with a five-year, $1.75 million deal with textbook company Follet Higher Education Group, which operates the district’s bookstores. DCCCD will no longer take a commission on textbook sales, reducing prices up to 33 percent. “The Illustrated Man,” this year’s common book, went from $14.99 to $10 after the contract went into effect. These savings can be seen in core textbooks for English, history and government. Billy Cunningham, an AAS renewable energy major, is always looking for a way to save. “The Eastfield bookstore does have everything necessary, and
often times you won’t find a certain book online that you may need,” he said. “I bought a book that wasn’t available online, so it’s going to help me save some money and I’ll be able to get an extra lunch or something instead of having to come to Student Life and eat ramen noodles.” The change took affect March 1. “This new bookstore contract is one concrete way in which DCCCD can meet our board of trustees’ strategic priorities that focus on promoting student success and removing barriers to college completion,” Chancellor Joe May said in a press release. Although the Follet online bookstore and the bookstore located in N-100 on campus have alternatives for lower book costs, including renting or buying used books, the prices can still be a burden for students who have other expenses such as tuition fees and transportation costs. Even books purchased through Amazon and Ebay are not economic enough for some students. Eastfield’s tuition was raised this semester from $52 per credit unit to $59 per credit unit, and according to a study done by the Government Accountability Office, book prices have gone up by
82 percent in the last decade alone. The contract is intended to help all DCCCD students and not just a select few, according to a DCCCD press release. Most bookstore contracts use the commissions earned on textbooks to award scholarships to a select few students who apply for them. Eradicating the commission sales allows for an overall savings that applies to nearly every student. “I sometimes don’t buy books because of the prices,” communications major Jarvin Lockett said. “When I try to sell them back, I know I’m not going to get my money back. So why would I buy a book knowing I won’t get the full refund?” Students will still be able to rent textbooks under the new Follet contract, saving them even more money than the $600 averaged annual savings students can expect to see. According to Public Agenda, a nonpartisan public policy research firm, the No. 1 reason students drop out of college is due to the lack of finances, or the inability to find a balance between work and school. “I am glad that the Dallas Community College District has decided to put students before profiteering,” Cunningham said.
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LIFE&ARTS
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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The Et Cetera
‘Woman in Gold’ paints emotional masterpiece
By James Hartley etc4640@dcccd.edu
An estimated 100,000-plus art pieces stolen by the Nazis during World War II have not been returned to their rightful owners. Based on a true story, “Woman in Gold” is an outstanding film that beautifully captures the struggle of one of these victims. The film follows elderly Holocaust survivor Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren) and her lawyer E. Randol Schoenberg (Ryan Reynolds) as they fight the Austrian government to win back a number of paintings stolen from her family. The disputed works include “Adele Bloch-Bauer I” — a Gustav Klimt painting that used Altmann’s aunt as a model and was renamed “Woman in Gold” by the Nazis — a particularly egregious event as not only was the picture stolen, but the identity of the model was stripped away due to the Nazis’ hatred for Jews. The film is an outstanding drama that perfectly captures the struggle Jewish people went through during World War II and the residual effects of the horrors committed by the Nazis. The movie is a painful, timely reminder of the past, as well as a call to action to right the wrongs that are still affecting our fellow human beings today as a result of the Second World War.
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The movie is a painful, timely reminder of the past.
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Mirren and Reynolds are the perfect pair for this film. Their initial negative outlook on life gives the film one of its most important charms of the film, allowing for deep and emotional changes in the characters throughout the plot. We gradually see a softer, more sensitive and determined side of our heroes. Two scenes in particular stood out. The first was when Schoenberg is overcome with emotion at the Holocaust memorial in Vienna, which creates a ripple effect on his character for the rest of the film and drives him to fight for his cause. The second scene was more subtle. Throughout the film, Altmann recounts through flashbacks the crimes committed by the Nazi SS during World War II. She swears early on that
COURTESY OF ORIGIN PICTURES
Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds star as Holocaust survivor Maria Altmann and her lawyer, E. Randol Schoenberg, who fight to reclaim paintings stolen by the Nazis in World War II.
she will never return to Austria, saying: “Unlike Lot’s wife, I never looked back.” The breakthrough in her character comes not when she decides to return to Austria, but when the heroes’ Austrian friend Hubertus Czernin (Daniel Brühl) reveals something from the past that deeply affects the character development of our heroes. Through this revelation, Altmann’s true character, hidden by the façade front, comes to
light. “Woman in Gold” beautifully blends a true story, deep characters and, despite the heavy weight of the film, a hint of comedy. Scenes such as one where a government employee says, “Austria? My son loves kangaroos!” break from the heavy drama of the story and elicit smiles and laughter from the audience. “Woman in Gold” is a must see-drama. It opened April 3.
Soak Up Some
Summer Courses! LION TRANSFER DAY
Your next great decision is closer than you think! Visit campus, win a scholarship giveaway, enjoy activities!
CHOOSE A SATURDAY based on your intended major: April 11-College of Business and College of Science & Engineering April 18-College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts Learn more at tamuc.edu/TransferDay
Recover from a rocky semester, work to graduate on time or get ahead in your degree! LEARN MORE: tamuc.edu/SummerCourses
Sports
The Et Cetera
April 8 April 10 April 11 April 17 April 18
Baseball vs. Richland (DH) Baseball vs. Richland Baseball vs. Richland (DH) Baseball vs. Brookhaven Baseball vs. Brookhaven (DH)
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Noon 2 p.m. Noon 2 p.m. Noon
11
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Harvesters sweep Mountain View series
Eastfield (20-6) jumped out to a 9-1 lead by the end of just the third inning. Six Harvesters had hits, led by Casey Maack, who went 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBIs and three stolen bases. Jason Serchay went 2-for-4
with three RBIs and a double; Cole Hill went 2-for-4 with three RBIs and three stolen bases; and Blayten Magana, Tanner Dickerson and Cody Duplechin also drove in runs. “Blake has confidence in the offense just like we have confidence in
him,” Hill said. “He knows we will go out there and score runs. And when he goes out there and steps on the mound, our team knows that he is going to get his job done.” Barr, who was selected as the Division III National Junior College
Athletic Association Pitcher of the Week for March 9-16, is now 5-2 with a 2.58 ERA this season. He has 52 strikeouts in just seven games. The Harvesters dominated the entire series, scoring double digits in all three games. In the series opener, Hill went 4-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs and four runs scored to key Eastfield’s 20-hit attack in a 14-7 win. Mason Arasato was 3-for-5 with a home run, three RBIs and two runs; Daniel McConn was 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and two runs; Cody Duplechin was 2-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and three runs; Casey Maack was 2-for-5 with a double, two RBIs, two stolen bases and one run; Tenner Dickerson was 2-for-6 with a double, a stolen base and two runs; and Jason Serchay was 2-for-6 with a double, a stolen base and two RBIs. Emelio Gonzalez (1-0) took the win, giving up three runs on four hits while striking out eight batters in 4 2/3 innings. In Game 2 of the series, nine Harvesters had hits and eight scored runs as Eastfield rolled to a 10-3 win. Casey Maack went 2-for-4 with a home run, a stolen base and three RBIs, and Michael Kister was 3-for4 with a double, two stolen bases, an RBI and a run scored. McConn, Dickerson, Duplechin and Hill also drove in runs. Sebastian Murray (4-2) pitched all seven innings to earn the win. He struck out 10 batters and allowed just two earned runs on two hits.
ers. Other offensive leaders included Casey Maack, 3-for-7 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored; Jason Serchay, 3-for-5 with a double, four RBIs and a run scored; McConn, 3-for-5 with a double, three RBIs and four runs; and Michael Kister, 3-for6 with a triple, two RBIs and three runs. Jacoby Tipton (2-0) earned the win in relief. In the first game of the April 3 doubleheader, Eastfield had nine hits but couldn’t put together a big inning in a 5-3 loss. Blake Barr (5-3) only al-
lowed five hits but was hurt by four errors, leading to five unearned runs and handing him the loss. In the second game, the Harvesters bounced back for a 9-2 win as Hill went 4-for-5 with an RBI. Emelio Gonzales (1-0) earned the win, allowing two runs on 10 hits while striking out seven. Eastfield 7, Paris JC 4
used the long ball. On March 30, the Harvesters used a “small-ball” attack to get the job done in a home win over the Paris Junior College Dragons. “We just wanted to keep having some good at bats, stringing [hits] together back-to-back and putting some pressure on them, and hopefully create some opportunities,” Eastfield coach Michael Martin said. Paris scored a run in the top of the first inning, but Casey Maack answered with his sixth home run of the season and Jason Serchay scored
off of an error in the bottom half of the inning to give Eastfield a 2-1 lead. “Before the game, Coach [Travis] Graves talked to me about turning my shoulder,” said Maack, who was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. “He told me to keep it straight instead of turning my back toward the pitcher whenever I stride and just keep my backswing and shoulders square. And that’s what I did. I had a good day.” Simon Sedillo (1-0) got the win for Eastfield, giving up two hits and no earned runs in three innings. Serchay was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
By Juanita Hernandez etc4640@dcccd.edu
Eastfield’s Blake Barr didn’t get off to the kind of start he wanted against Mountain View on March 28. After falling behind in the count against the second batter he faced, the freshman pitcher threw a fastball to Angel Rodriguez. Rodriguez took a good swing and belted the ball over the center-field fence, giving the Lions their first run of the game. But the home run didn’t faze Barr. He stepped off the mound, took his cap off, wiped away the sweat dripping down his face, took a deep breath and got back to work. Mountain View didn’t score again. The Lions didn’t even have another base runner until the fifth inning as Eastfield rolled to an 11-1 win to cap a three-game series sweep in a key Metro Athletic Conference road matchup. “We have to give [Rodriguez] credit. He did what he was supposed to do, and he put a good swing on it,” Eastfield coach Michael Martin said. “But Blake went back and attacked the hitters from then on and was able to make them try to hit his pitch.” Barr dominated the rest of the game, striking out 16 of the next 28 batters faced. He struck out the side in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth innings and finished with a two-hitter. “Off-speed pitches were working really well for me,” Barr said. “[The home run] just made me want to work harder so we could take the win home.”
JONATHAN WENCES/THE ETCETERA
Freshman shortstop Casey Maack slides into home plate against Mountain View.
Eastfield wins 2 out of 3 at Cedar Valley
By Juanita Hernandez and Brianna Harmon etc4640@dcccd.edu
Eastfield won its fourth conference series of the season last week, taking two of three games at Cedar Valley. The Harvesters trailed 16-9 in the series opener on April 2, but exploded for 12 runs in the seventh inning, keyed by Daniel McConn’s three-run double, to take a 21-18 win. Cole Hill went 5-for-5 with a double, a stolen base, three RBIs and six runs scored to pace the Harvest-
The Eastfield Harvesters have shown that they can win baseball games in a variety of ways this season. Sometimes they’ve used dominant pitching. Other times they’ve
opinion
12 The Et Cetera
OUR VIEW
Etera
Bill banning texts, driving lacks strength
Award-winning member of: • Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • Associated Collegiate Press • Texas Community College Journalism Association
Eastfield College 3737 Motley Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 Phone: 972-860-7130 Fax: 972-860-7646 Email: etc4640@dcccd.edu Editors in Chief J. Gomez Courtney Schwing Managing Editor Caitlin Piper Design Editor Braulio Tellez Photo Editor Jonathan Wences Life & Arts Editor Andy Carrizales Opinion Editor Parker Ward Online Editor Karina Dunn Staff Writers Nicole Ceron James Hartley Veronica Trevino
Chandler Claxton John Kirvin Brandon Wagner
Designers Marlon Bell Monica Bolton Jasmine Oliva Photographers Darnisha Cornelius Ana Gallegos Guillermo Martinez Carlos Valenzuela Chase Villwok Stormy Wallbrecher Cartoonists Alberto Huerta Matthew Rohan Student Publications Manager Elizabeth Langton Faculty Adviser Lori Dann Editorial Policy The views expressed on the opinion pages and other opinion pieces and cartoons in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of The Et Cetera, Eastfield College or the Dallas County Community College District. The Et Cetera is published every two weeks—except December, January and summer months—by a student staff. Each member of the college community is entitled to one free copy of The Et Cetera. Additional copies are available in Room N-240. Letters to the Editor Letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number. Letters will be edited for profanity and vulgarity, Associated Press style, grammar, libel and space when needed. The content will remain that of the author. Letters considered for publication must be 250 words or fewer. Letters may be delivered to Room N-240 or sent to etc4640@dcccd. edu. First Amendment Right Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
It’s been almost four years since former Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a bill that would have outlawed texting while driving in Texas, and now that the House has passed a similar bill 102-40, we are hoping history won’t repeat itself with Gov. Greg Abbott. House Bill 63 would make texting behind the wheel a misdemeanor. First-time offenders would be fined $100 while repeat offenses would cost $200. Texas is one of only six states that do not have any laws banning the practice. The statistics say enough: Texting while driving is dangerous. According to the Department of Transportation, cell phone use contributes to 1.6 million car accidents, which claim an average of 6,000 lives every year. That’s nearly a quarter of all accidents in the country. Texting is also more distracting than simply talking on your phone. While talking or listening to a device makes you 1.3 times more likely to crash, texting while driving multiplies the risk by 23, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. We support criminalizing texting while driving and think such a law is long overdue. Too many lives have been lost to asinine messages that could have easily gone another few minutes without being sent. DisElection time is approaching, He is a first-time senator, a tracted drivers are not only a danger to themselves but and we all know that things will Harvard law graduate and to their passengers and fellow drivers. start to get ridiculous soon. Texas Brandon was born to a foreign father That said, we also think the bill is in need of some Sen. Ted Cruz is the first welland an American mother. revision. Wagner known candidate to officially put This wouldn’t be imporA major problem with House Bill 63 is that it would his hat in the ring. Cruz now has tant if Cruz wasn’t a Tea be difficult to enforce. It can’t be easy for police to a distinct possibility of being the Party advocate, the same differentiate between unlawful texting and a perfectly beginning in a long line of hilariparty that championed legal phone conversation from within a moving vehicle. ous failures. Why do I say that about Cruz? the Birther movement. The Birther movement And it would be even harder for a law-abiding driver to Well, he is as big of a joke as a candidate can be. denied President Obama’s citizenship, so it will prove they were not typing on their phones when they Hypocrisy and shame have no meaning to be interesting to see how they reconcile this are inevitably pulled over. We need to set stricter guideCruz. He has built his career on bashing Presibelief with Cruz being born in Canada to a lines for the benefit of police and drivers alike. dent Barack Obama. Perhaps his most notable Cuban father. One way to prevent ambiguity would be widespread fight has been against the Affordable Care His father’s immigration to the United use of hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth headsets. Act. Cruz has built upon a political strategy of States is another thing Cruz will have to recon- Taking a moment to put our cell phones on speaker obstructionism. cile. Cruz’s father came to America in 1957 and would also reduce confusion. For example, California Recently, Cruz’s wife took a leave of absence only became a naturalized citizen in 2005. Cruz is one of many states that bans handheld cellphone use from her position as vice president of Goldhas stated more than once that he would like no and texting but permits headsets, car kits and wireless man Sachs, and the Cruz family lost the health path to citizenship for immigrants. I wonder if devices. insurance offered by her job. So Cruz said he he thinks of his own family when he says that. Additionally, the bill does not currently outlaw Interwould follow the law and apply for Obam It is not my place to tell you whom to vote net or social media usage while driving. It doesn’t make acare. But his wife could have paid to continue for. If you are looking to get Cruz into the sense to allow one distraction while banning another. coverage with her employer. Or he could have White House, you need to take a hard look at Some have criticized House Bill 63 as a violation of bought insurance through a private broker. So your candidate. Cruz will never make it into American citizens’ freedom. When Texas first required when Cruz needs medical care, your tax dollars office because he is an obvious con man. He drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts, legislators are paying, but when you need medical care, isn’t stupid; he knows exactly what he is doing heard similar backlash. Yet seatbelt use is fairly comCruz will fight your ability to get it. to this country. I have no idea how Cruz made monplace now. Cruz must be a polar opposite of Obama, it this far in politics, but I hope his presidential Outlawing texting would not only make it safer for right? As a matter of fact, he is more like aspirations turn out to be nothing more than drivers, but for everyone else on the road, so why do we Obama than he would like anyone to know. hubris. continue to let this practice go unpunished?
Cruz full of double-talk
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OPINION The Et Cetera
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
More schools should educate students on transferring
“I’m going to Baylor,” I said. “You’re 12, how do you know what Baylor is?” my mom said. “I want to be a lawyer,” I replied. I had been dreaming of college since I was in the Courtney sixth grade. I had always possessed a zeal for academics. Schwing I was a scrawny and lanky kid with braces. I thought I didn’t have much in the way of looks, but I knew that I excelled where a lot of people failed, school. Baylor changed to Rutgers, to Harvard, Cornell, Syracuse, Stanford, University of Texas, Sarah Lawrence, Boston and eventually UT-Arlington. Attending a four-year college was my dream until I realized that transferring could be a nightmare. If you take too many classes, the institution you’re transferring to may not accept all your credits. Don’t get me started on the pre-requisites you need just to apply. Even worse is all of the deadlines that you have to meet. Generally, applications are due one semester before you plan to attend. Pay close attention to the financial aid deadline. If you happen to miss this deadline or submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid on time but didn’t list said college, you will need to confer with a financial aid adviser and make adjustments to your FAFSA. Be mindful too that there are different application deadlines for undergraduate freshman and transfer students. I’m a first-generation college student. I had to sort through the process of enrolling on my own. Nobody sat me down and explained all the problems that can arise from making the wrong academic moves. I had no clue where to begin. After days of research, I was able to compile a to-do list. Obtaining transcripts from my high school, getting copies of tax forms for both my parents and myself, filing for financial aid and picking all of the right classes took about four months. I almost missed the financial aid deadline. I’ve been in college now for six years and I still don’t have a degree. Many circumstances occur within someone’s college career: job changes, family responsibilities or relocation. All can affect the momentum of transferring and graduating.
Many people have told me that transferring isn’t an issue, that it consists of three steps: retrieving your transcripts, applying for admission and getting financial aid. Unfortunately, pigs don’t fly and Hogwarts isn’t a real place (to my dismay). I wish the process was that simple. I frequently encourage newer students to visit an academic adviser every semester to ensure the sustainability of their credits and their transfer. The transition from high school to college is a culture shock. Educators no longer hound you and send you reminders of your homework due dates. They don’t hold your hand and approach you when they see you struggling. Chances are the professor has at least three other classes to monitor and they probably don’t remember you. Your college education is in your own hands, and you have to take the reins. No one is going to save you when you’re failing except yourself. I have noticed that a lot of community colleges have started to push two-year degrees and trade programs. Oftentimes I feel that transferring to a four-year university gets tossed aside and that there is not enough financial investment put into programs for transferring. However, Eastfield College has invested its time and resources into shrinking this gap. The TRIO Student Support Services program, a federally funded endeavor, is available upon application. The program was originally designed to help three groups: first generation college students, the economically disadvantaged and disabled students. The TRIO/SSS program has now been extended to eight programs. The college hosts transfer fairs where major universities from in and out of state gather to assist Eastfield students. Additionally, the college has begun to push the advising staff to better educate students on the importance of consulting with advisers. The college offers an Advising Week once every semester (the spring session is this week), allotting time for students to meet with advisers and make proactive choices before the next semester. I hope that more school districts will adopt programs that educate students on the transition from high school to college. This is crucial because it can affect the rest of a student’s life. Additionally, I hope that colleges take more informative and creative routes in educating students on the process of transferring to four-year institutions.
Dallas bag ban ‘confusing,’ ‘clumsy’ Puppy love brings joy to Ward family In March 2014, the Dallas City Council passed an ordinance that put an “environmental fee” on single-use carry out bags that took effect Jan. 1. Contrary to popular belief, the bag ordinance does not prohibit the usage of these bags. However, it does issue a fine to stores to the tune of $500 per day if they do not charge a fee for single-use carryout bags. Most local and regional stores have ditched the small, handy bags we know and love in exchange for larger bags with prices from 5 cents to $2. The extra income can be good for stores if they can decipher the clumsily put together legislation and confusing specifications on what bags were actually in compliance with the ordinance. For example, Whole Foods Market’s paper bags were used as a poster child for the ordinance. However, the bags did not meet the specifications of the final ordinance. The ordinance offers few ways to determine whether bags meet the standards of the city. Whole Foods and other retailers who asked for clarification about the loose wording of the ordinance received vague instructions or were told to cite the legislation. So far, the city of Dallas has not cracked down on stores. That may change over time as the ordinance is still young and problems will more than likely be worked out. If the “ban” does not ban anything, it leaves only one plausible purpose: money. The city stands to make quite a bit off the new legislation. For example, the 12 Wal-Mart Super-
Jon-Mark Tamez
centers in Dallas service an average of 3,358 customers per day. Let’s assume each customer purchases five bags, a reasonable average for Wal-Mart shoppers. Each bag costs 5 cents, and the city gets 90% of the fee. That means the city could collect $3.3 million each year just from those 12 Wal-Marts. This is quite a handsome sum of money, all in the name of environmental protection. The new funds could pay for another bridge to nowhere like the Margaret McDermott Bridge, which had an initial budget of $102.6 million but ended up costing $114.9 million. For anyone other than those who work in that area, the bridge is just a multi-million dollar aesthetic piece for the highly controversial Trinity River Project. I would like to see the city invest in road improvement or body cameras for police. Whatever officials decide, I hope they choose wisely and don’t waste the funds on empty projects. This money could go to helping the communities in and around Dallas. Let us all hope that our leadership sees this and uses our hard-earned money in a way that benefits us all.
As I approach, the beast’s ears perk up. His head turns and his eyes focus on me. Realizing his territory has been invaded, he begins making noise. His muscles tense as he prepares to strike. He lunges and lands gracefully on the soft leather. There he sits as he allows me to pet him. The “beast” is my puppy, Lucky. Every time I walk through my front door, he is there on the couch, waiting for me to say hello. Lucky is a Shih Tzu and Poodle mixture who is less than a year old. While most people adopt their dogs through a shelter or close friend, I found Lucky on Craigslist last August. His owner gave him up because they were moving to a new apartment. We didn’t know much about him when we first got him, but we were certain that he was going to be the perfect pet for us. As a child, I was very interested in animals. I raised everything from hamsters to fish and even took care of parrots that would yell curse words non-stop, but I never had a dog. So when I brought Lucky home, I didn’t know what to expect. It felt weird the first time I let him go outside and experience our backyard. Sure, I had let other dogs outside, but I had never let MY dog outside. Much to my relief, he enjoyed it out there and even demonstrated that he was potty-trained. Since those first fateful days, Lucky has acclimated and has a long resume of things to show his level of comfort, such as stealing socks out of everyone’s rooms, eating home-
Parker Ward
work and destroying “impossible to destroy” toys. Above all else, he has been the perfect dog for my family. When my mom comes home from work and needs to rest, he will lie next to her. When I need something to distract me from everyday life, he will play with his rope toy nonstop. When my father needs some time to think, Lucky is the perfect companion for a walk. Whenever anyone leaves the house now, we all check to make sure that there is someone there to watch and play with Lucky. When we go out of town, we bring things Lucky might need. Our dog is always on our minds. Dogs make people happy. In these last few months I can already see a noticeable change in my family’s behavior. Everyone is more outgoing and more open to change. I have found myself enjoying more of the little things in life. Before getting my first dog, I thought the whole “man’s best friend” phrase was completely cliché. Lucky is no therapy dog and does not have any special training, but he is my dog. I would not trade him for the world.
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Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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A-Train service from Dallas to TWU’s Denton campus
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I N F O R M AT I O N S E S S I O N or call 1-866-809-6130
Wrapup The Et Cetera
www.eastfield.com
Zek and Slik By Matthew Rohan
Trivia Bits
A) Fencing B) Boxing C) Cricket D) Yachting 2. What country’s astronauts are called vyomanauts, from the Sanskrit word for “sky”? A) Brazil B) China C) India D) Vietnam
Sudoku 3. What MLB expansion team adopted the same name as a local NHL team, which moved away more than a decade earlier? A) Colorado Rockies B) Florida Marlins C) Kansas City Scouts D) Toronto Blue Jays
Trivia Answers 1. A; 2. C; 3. A
1. If your forte is etymology, you probably know that the word “forte” comes from what sport?
15 Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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Wednesday, April 8, 2015