Etera
Eastfield College
Broken Cycle Contamination harms college’s recycling efforts ➤ See pages 2 and 3
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Volume 47, Issue 11
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NEWS
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
Wasted effort
College officials promise to fix recycling mix-up By James Hartley etc4640@dcccd.edu
College custodians have been contaminating recyclable material by mixing the commodities with waste collected around campus, an Et Cetera investigation has found. The investigation was launched in November after faculty and staff reported seeing custodians putting recycling and waste in the same containers. The college contracts with GCA Services Group for custodial services such as waste collection, vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms. Two custodians, who are not being named to protect their jobs, said that while they are not supposed to, many custodians throw trash and recycling into the same container, treating it all as waste. The sources said that many custodians mix waste and recycling because it is easier than separating them and they face no consequences. Director of Facilities Michael Brantley said mixing recyclables is against Eastfield procedure. “They are told about the campus program,” Brantley said. “We tell them how we want them to adhere by the recycle program. I actually work with them without writing anything down. I show them how this needs to be collected.” Math professor Terrance Wickman, volunteer sustainability coordinator for the college, said he has not personally witnessed custodians contaminating recycling, but he is concerned about the reports. “We’re here to set a good example, get folks to recycling all the time,” Wickman said. “The second thing is we’re supposed to educate. We need to educate them that the process that we have is whole, it’s not smoke in mirrors.” After learning of the problem, President Jean Conway met with Brantley and Nallely Quintana, the onsite GCA manager, to develop plans to fix the problem. “I think that our being good citizens with our sustainability efforts is important,” Conway said. “One of the important sustainability efforts is recycling, and making sure that our recyclable material is handled in an appropriate way so that it is actually recycled. I believe in that.” Since November, custodians were observed multiple times taking both waste and recycling receptacles and, without checking the recycling
JONATHAN WENCES/THE ET CETERA
Multipurpose waste and recycle bins all around campus have been arranged so that recycling is always on the left and waste is on the right.
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One of the important sustainability efforts is recycling, and making sure that our recyclable material is handled in an appropriate way so that it is actually recycled. I believe in that.” —Terrance Wickman Sustainability Coordinator
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for contamination, dumping both into a black bag in a gray rolling trash can. They are supposed to carry two bags, a clear bag for recycling and a black bag for trash. However, they have been observed carrying only a black bag and taking the items to a blue Dumpster for waste in the parking lot. Brantley said recycling and trash collection should follow these steps: Custodians empty trash and recycling from the black, single purpose waste bins in public areas around campus and put them in separate Dumpsters. Custodians and volunteers with the Sustainability Team collect recycling two days a week from office and classroom recycling bins. Republic Waste collects Eastfield’s recycling and waste from Dumpsters around campus with the exception of scrap metal and aluminum, which are sold. Cliff Snell, senior manager of media and production, said that while he has noticed waste and recycling being mixed, he never reported it
because he didn’t know the proper procedure. Snell said that he saw presorted, uncontaminated material and shredded paper disposed of as waste.
“I have heard that perhaps they have a single-stream recycling program,” Snell said. “That would be where they dump everything together and then have a sort-out of materials. I think others have observed the same thing. It would make better sense for me if they had separate cans, maybe something bright blue. That way, everybody knows what that’s supposed to be.” Eastfield has a single-stream system for recycling, meaning items are collected together and sorted at a commercial recycling facility. But introducing trash, such as liquids and food, can contaminate the recyclables and make them unsalvageable. When first asked by The Et Cetera in November about the mixing of trash and recycling, Wickman said he had been told that a machine could separate and clean contaminated recyclables. But Eastfield does not have access to a socalled Dirty Materials Recovery Facility, Plano Commercial Recycling Supervisor Chris Day said. “I don’t know of one that exists in Texas,” Day said. “There’s one that exists on the West Coast. … It’s had a tremendous impact on their conversion rate, but there’s a detriment to the value of the commodities when they’re mixed in with trash like that.” Wickman said the college should focus on
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3 www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, March 30, 2015
Recycling and waste at EFC
Other sustainability efforts at Eastfield Waterbottle refill stations at water fountains around campus, most with a digital counter that tracks the number of bottles refilled, are available to reduce the amount of plastic waste created due to plastic bottles. The wind turbine next to T building reduces carbon emitions by using wind power instead of a form of electricity that creates carbon dioxide.
by the numbers
The “Cease the Grease” recycling station next to L building collects cooking grease from the public. The grease is turned into fuel for Dallas buses. Solar panels located next to the pool are estimated to prevent 10,400 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. Eastfield College was named a Tree Campus USA this month for the second year in a row. The award is given by the Arbor Day Foundation based on five criteria met by the college including maintaining an Arbor Day committee and a sustainability effort.
Pounds of recycling collected
2.301 Pounds of waste per capita
55,440
Pounds of waste produced All numbers for the 2014-2015 academic year
SOURCE: RECYCLEMANIA, EASTFIELD COLLEGE
A community garden located between the T and W buildings has raised plots, a butterfly garden and a large shed for gardening tools. Faculty, staff and clubs can adopt plots. Source: Eastfield College
fixing the problem. While it may cost money, the effort would be worth it, he said. He suggested adding details about recycling into the custodial contract, properly monitoring collections and providing a way for people to report bad recycling habits. Brantley said the custodians do not receive a manual or written set of rules and procedures relating to recycling, and training the custodial staff is up to the manager. “I train their manager who is looking over all of them, which is Nallely [Quintana],” he said. “It’s her responsibility to train everyone else about what we’re doing on campus.” However, Brantley said that he has had to retrain Quintana. “It’s popped up once or twice,” Brantley said. “I’ve
61,995
GRAPHIC BY CRAIG MARTINEZ/THE ET CETERA
Pounds of recycling on average each month
6.832
Pounds per capita in waste reduction
GRAPHIC BY JAMES HARTLEY/THE ET CETERA
gone down over the last three years training, reiterating the training, probably less than half a dozen times.” Quintana denied that she has ever had to be retrained by Brantley before. She said that the custodians have been trained and she does not know why they contaminate the recycling by mixing it with waste. “This is the first time that this [retraining] has ever happened,” Quintana said. “Nothing like this has ever happened before.” Eastfield provides marked bins for recycling and waste, but Brantley and Quintana said many students and employees do not properly separate waste and recycling. Conway said officials will attempt to raise awareness of recycling practices among faculty, staff and students. Brantley will also be working with the GCA Services Group regional manager to create a manual to outline waste and recycling procedures. Lid fixtures on gray, multi-function cans placed in hallways and around the Pit have been marked to help custodians replace lids correctly. Recycling should always be on the left side. Funds raised from the sale of recyclable aluminum and scrap metal will soon be redirected from general funds to the sustainability fund, Conway said. “We needed to tighten up some processes,” Conway said. “Through what was really happening or perception, people believe that we weren’t handling recycle materials appropriately. I don’t want that to be the case.” —David Silva contributed to this report
District moves fall, summer registration to April
The Dallas County Community College District is merging summer and fall registration, which begins for current students April 19. Previously, the district’s colleges allowed students to register for summer beginning in April, but fall registration did not open until June. The change should increase enrollment and early registration, according to the district, and offer students more flexible scheduling options. Important dates for the new plan are: April 19: Current student may enroll in summer and fall classes April 29: New students who have completed enrollment may register June 30: Fall tuition due for those who registered before June 16 except for students with pending financial aid Aug. 20: Registration deadline — Compiled by Tiffany Aragon
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Join us! Every other Friday @ 2 p.m. April 1, 15 and 29 Room C-335
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NEWS
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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NEWS Board will address community Briefs Calendar concerns with campus police
The Et Cetera
PUT IT ON YOUR March/April
Wed
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DCCCD Board of Trustees candidate forum, 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Performance Hall
OSER RecFest: “Get Fit in the Pit,” 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Pit Recital: Guitar department, 12:30 p.m., F-117 Wonder Women Trivia Game, 12:30 p.m., G-101 SGA Distinguished Speaker Series: DCCCD Board Trustee Bill Metzger, 12:30-1:30 p.m., C-135 Dining Etiquette Banquet, 4-6 p.m., S-100
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Women’s History Month keynote speaker Leslie Sanchez, 11 a.m.-noon, Performance Hall STEMinar: Galileo Mission to Jupiter, 12:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., S-100
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Graduation celebration, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Pit
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Media Days movie, 12:30 p.m., G-101
Wed
Recital: Keyboard department, 12:30 p.m., F-117
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President Conway receives PTK award
By Parker Ward etc4640@dcccd.edu
In an effort to connect more with students and faculty, Eastfield Police Chief Michael Horak has created an advisory board that will meet quarterly to keep up with police matters and concerns among the community. This group of volunteers is made up of math professor Terrance Wickman, Executive Dean of Institutional Research and Decision Support Ricardo Rodriguez, admissions employee Joel Clump, criminal justice professor Dora Falls, librarian Kwashawn Barnett and Director of Dual Credit LaQueshah Foster. They also plan to include two more seats for student representatives from organizations like the Student Government Association. Eastfield police held a forum on March 11 to talk with college employees about police relations on campus. Horak and Capt. Timothy Ellington told employees their main goal was to assure the safety of students and staff, but they also wanted to connect with the community more and not adhere to the “negative image” of police violence and negligence in the media. “We have to work doubly hard when students and staff come here so that we don’t add to that negative reporting,” Ellington said. Faculty asked questions about training for campus carry policies, which will be implemented in fall 2017. Horak said that they will
Dr. Jean Conway, president of Eastfield College, has been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Texas Hall of Honor for College Administrators. Conway was recognized for her support of the Texas region of PTK. Phi Theta Kappa also received three awards for Honors in Action, Project Participation and Five Star Status.
Eastfield hosts DCCCD board candidate forum
JONATHAN WENCES/THE ET CETERA
Police Chief Michael Horak, left, and Capt. Timothy Ellington explore ideas to improve police relations with students and staff.
implement a plan once the Dallas County Community College District creates one. “We have to wait for the district … because they’ll want all the police departments doing and saying the same thing,” Horak said. “They’ll give us those guidelines and we’ll implement them.” Ellington also explained the difference between concealed and open carry. Only students with concealed carry licenses will be allowed to carry a hidden gun, unlike police officers, who carry guns openly at their waist. Open carry is legal in Texas, but under new law, only concealed carry will be allowed on campus. Concealed handgun owners must be at least 21 years old and meet federal guidelines pertaining to their crimi-
nal record and dependency on drugs and alcohol. Under the new laws, there would be a chance for “gun-free” zones. In a forum with students and faculty last fall, the SGA designated the C building as their preferred “gun-free” zone. However, this decision must be sent to President Jean Conway for further review. Horak is also holding a “Coffee with the Chief ” event April 13 to introduce students to police officers. “That relationship [between student and officer] is really important,” Horak said. “That’s why we really have a great job here at Eastfield College because the officers can have that one-on-one rather than in a regular municipality where you are just going from call to call.”
Media Days “The Voice” radio announcing contest, 12:30-2 p.m., Fireside Lounge
Thu
Reality Fair financial education event, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the Pit
Fri
Financial Friday: Filing Your Taxes, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., C-135
Tue
Asian Heritage Month lecture: Japanese Internment Camps, 12:30 p.m., C-295
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ABOUT THE COVER ILLUSTRATION BY MATTHEW ROHAN
Three seats in the Dallas County Community College District Board of Trustees will be open for the first time in decades on May 7. Voters will have the opportunity to meet the candidates at a reception following a public forum in the Performance Hall at 10:30 a.m. March 30. Students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome to attend.
Et Cetera staffers win regional SPJ awards A sports photo and a series of columns by Et Cetera staffers placed in the Society of Professional Journalists Region 8 Mark of Excellence Awards and will advance to the national contest. James Hartley took the photo. Mayra Rosales Montoya, Aisha Davis and Courtney Schwing wrote opinion pieces. Hartley, David Silva and Juanita Hernandez were in-depth reporting finalists. — Compiled by James Hartley
The Et Cetera Shootout photo contest Monday, April 4-Friday, April 8
presents Media Days The Eastfield Voice Contest 12:30-2:30 p.m Wednesday, April 6 in the Fireside Lounge Compete for the title of The Voice of Eastfield in a radio announcing contest. Win prizes and a chance to guest host an Et Cetera podcast. Meet The Et Cetera staff and learn about joining our staff and journalism courses offered at Eastfield.
Media movie day 12:30-2:30 p.m. Monday, April 4 in G-101 Join us for a screening of “Shattered Glass” and a discussion on media ethics. Free popcorn.
Post a photo to Istagram that represents the “Eastfield Experience.” Tag it #ETCShootout. Winners receive prizes and will be published in The Et Cetera or Eastfield Experience student guide. Faculty, staff and students are eligbile. Contact Information 972-860-7130 etc4640@dcccd.edu www.eastfieldnews.com
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The Et Cetera
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
DCCCD administrator speaks on importance of education By Mayra Rosales-Montoya etc4640@dcccd.edu
Success as a student requires setting specific, measureable and realistic goals, DCCCD administrator Anna Mays said. “Whoever you are, wherever you are, accept yourself and then set a goal,” Mays said in the March 21 presentation “Preparing Our Future Leaders,” sponsored by the Communications Club for Women’s History Month. Mays, assistant vice chancellor for student success for the Dallas County Community College District, talked about her own success and how students can follow suit. The year Mays graduated from high school was the same year Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and around the same time Cesar Chavez was imprisoned. She said historical events like these had a great influence on her in her youth, and she knew she too “wanted to help the world.” Before becoming vice chancellor, Mays spent more than 25 years working in Dayton, Ohio as an educator and 10 years as vice president of Cedar Valley College. Now her career focuses on providing students with the help they need to succeed on
Mays
their career paths. Mays targeted several topics such as job outlooks, how to avoid debt as a student and the importance of networking. She suggested sites like AcademicsWork.com, which helps students find individualized scholar-
ships. She also mentioned that the DCCCD website contains more information for students on scholarships and financial aid. Mays emphasized that many times, it’s not that there is a lack of money for education. Rather, students are simply not looking in the right places. “First-generation scholarships are usually pretty big money,” she said. Students in fields such as science, technology, engineering and math, known collectively as STEM, business and advertising have additional opportunities for funds. “Occupations in high demand coincide with scholarship opportunity,” Mays said. Alejandra “Ally” Salcedo, president of the Communications Club, said “getting money
was the big emphasis” at their event. “That’s what people really want to talk about,” she said. “School is expensive. I want to be a lawyer, so any scholarship helps. Since no one goes for the little scholarships, they’re all open.” Mays expressed optimism for today’s students but was realistic about the challenges they face when it comes to affording a college education. “Today’s students have higher student debt than their parents and are less credit-worthy because of it,” she said. “Seventy percent of today’s students are working at the same time to put themselves through school.” Alma Leal, Communications Club vice president of programs and TRIO peer mentor, said Mays had all the right answers. “There were a lot of questions being asked and Mays answered them correctly,” she said. “She seemed very helpful.” Mays also mentioned a new program that six DCCCD colleges will be introducing next year. The Collegiate Academy program is set to help more students receive their degrees without entering debt. Mays hopes that programs like these will encourage and benefit DCCCD students.
“Academically challenging programs that are also supportive show to be the most successful,” she said. Mays also encouraged the attendees to continue to be a part of events like these where they have the opportunity to meet people in different fields and positions. She emphasized how important building connections is when it comes to creating your own success. “Deciding to be part of these organizations will put you on a path that leads to higher wages, better networks, more success,” she said. “You will benefit.” Ally Salcedo agreed. “Oftentimes, people don’t know the stepping stones,” she said. “This was all valuable information for anyone.” Albanar Seguinot, volunteer chair of the Communications Club, attested to the effectiveness these events can have on students. “I’m from Puerto Rico. School isn’t free there, but it’s much cheaper. I decided to move here to look for more opportunity, but school is much more expensive here,” she said. “You have to get involved. You have to look for scholarships. A lot of students ask for a loan immediately. They don’t know how to not go into debt right away.”
Facilities brings food trucks to campus As a part of its “Take the Lead” week, the Facilites Department invited the TruckMCK food truck to campus. Students received coupons for free food by participating in a tap water vs. filtered fountain water taste test and M building tour. PHOTO BY DAVID SANCHEZ/THE ET CETERA
To be eligible for membership:
* You must be enrolled in a regionally accredited institution offering an associate degree program * You must have completed at least 12 hours of coursework that may be applied to an associate degree (part-time students may be eligible) * You must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher * You must receive an invitation to membership from the chapter at the college where presently enrolled * You must adhere to the moral standards of the society To find out if you are eligible for Phi Theta Kappa membership, contact JoAnn Coates, VP Membership at psietamembership@gmail.com Member meetings are held in C-297 on 1st and 3rd Friday of every month at 12:30 p.m.
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The Et Cetera
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Earn your 4-year degree right here at Eastfield. Learn online or attend classes on the Eastfield College campus. Visit with an advisor in Building W, Room 136.
Get started at CCIS.edu/Mesquite
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Talk highlights healthy boundries in relationships By Tarryn Lingle etc4640@dcccd.edu
Relationships are not easy, but communication and boundaries are key to having a healthy one, according to Educator Nikki Head from The Family Place, a safe place for victims of domestic violence to seek shelter, counseling and skills to obtain independence. Head spoke at Eastfield March 9 about effective communication and setting boundaries to pave the way for any relationship to be healthy. She provided tools to not only strengthen relationships but also strengthen communication skills in any situation. Friendships, familial and romantic relationships can be healthy if assertive communication and boundaries are used throughout. “Assertive communication is expressing yourself in a way that is very direct,” Head said, “being able to stand up for yourself and demanding that other people treat you with respect.” Head explained that it is important for people in impressionable ages to be provided the information and tools to learn how to effectively and safely verbalize their boundaries and feelings. Young people need to learn effective and respectful communication skills to allow for a healthy relationship to flourish, but also to protect themselves. “In our program we teach assertive communication skills to elementary students and
middle school students, because we found that people who are more assertive are less likely to be bullied,” Head said. When there is a respect and understanding in a relationship it will make it an overall better relationship, preventing verbal and physical abuse, she said. When a person can tell others what they like and don’t like and has the tools to communicate clearly and appropriately, any relationship can be successful and healthy for both parties, education major Cayla Jackson said. “Communication allows for people to express their desires, feelings, dreams and expectations,” Jackson said. “If these are shared respectfully and effectively through the relationship, it will allow less opportunity for arguments and altercations.” CREST is an acronym Head used to easily remember key elements to healthy relationships: communication, respect, equality, safety and trust. Knowing what each word means helps you evaluate and hold yourself accountable, she said. “A relationship without respect will result in the couple taking advantage of one another,” English major Nicole Taylor said. “When couples communicate effectively with each other, they are able to talk through their arguments, avoiding possible emotional and physical abuse.” Being able to set boundaries that benefit you and your relationship are not easy to come by or set, Head said.
“Setting boundaries is a skill,” she said. “It changes with who you are talking to and around.” To successfully set boundaries that will allow for a healthy and safe relationship, one must be mindful to their own needs, intentionally set them and practice being assertive for other to obey their boundaries, Head said. Setting boundaries can protect both your physical and emotional well-being. “Sometimes people will have negative reactions when we set boundaries with them,” Head said, “it is important to be prepared for those responses because they are used to make us feel guilty and bad, but at the same time it is not us being selfish for having them.” When a person is prepared for these responses, they can learn to identify and ignore them. “Boundaries are not us being selfish they are necessary for us to be our best self ” Head said. “We can’t really be good for other people if we aren’t taking care of our self at the same time.” It is easy to misconstrue setting boundaries as being selfish or inconsiderate to the other person in the relationships feelings, but in reality, it is a way to keep both people feeling safe and comfortable, leading to healthier relationship, she said. “If boundaries are expressed in the beginning of relationships, it allows the people involved to discuss whether or not it is plausible for the relationship to continue,” Jackson said. “It is important that they are revisited through-
DAVID SANCHEZ/THE ET CETERA
Nikki Head, from The Family Place, speaking about the importance of getting help for dealing with domestic violence and communicating effectively in a relationship.
out the relationship so that if new boundaries rise, they can be confronted and worked out.” Head said there is no right or wrong answer on how to set healthy boundaries and have effective communication skills. Rather, it is a process of identifying what a good relationship means to the people involved.
Large job fair extends through 3 buildings By Taylor Roberts etc4640@dcccd.edu
Students starting college should not only be planning what classes to take but also where they want to be in five years, an Eastfield career counselor said. “You wouldn’t start a trip without knowing where you’re going,” career services assistant Patsy Caropresi said. The college’s Completion Center staff guide students in long-term career planning and help them find jobs. They assist with training, resume building, interviewing skills and job applications. The center also offers an online job system from employers looking to hire Dallas County Community College students with more than 2,000 job opportunities listed. More than 70 recruiters from more than 45 companies visited campus March 9 at the Career Information and Job Fair. Tables stretched through the second floor hallways of C building where potential employers handed out fliers, key tags and other promotional items.
Some recruiters sought specific majors, such as accounting, child development, criminal justice, education, social work, science, technology, engineering and math, automotive and business-marketing. Students were provided insight into how their program of study can connect with current and future careers as they enter and leave college. “We are looking for people with great customer service abilities and to be a face for our company,” Wells Fargo staffing specialist Payam Daragalayi said. Students need to “look for companies that have development opportunities and give them the ability to grow.” Companies attending included Home Depot, Senior Helpers, Texas Instruments, YMCA, AutoZone, Six Flags Over Texas/Hurricane Harbor, ARS/Rescue Rooter, ChildCare Careers and State Farm Insurance. “I think job fairs are helpful to students because the recruiter can talk about what is necessary in that field of study,” Roxy Rubio, a pre-veterinary major, said. “It will make it easier on students to find a job instead of searching all around for different companies.”
Vital qualifications for the job hunt: Resume: Even if you have no work experience, volunteer work and awards can show potential employers your skills and qualifications. Communication: Be able to tell employers why you are qualified. Writing: Be able to write effectively though emails, memos, etc. Leadership: Participate in volunteer work, clubs, etc. It makes a good impression on employers. Teamwork: Show an ability to work with others. Other qualifications that can help: Other languages: Being bilingual is an advantage, and some companies offer bonuses and extra pay. Professionalism: Act as if you already have the job. Arrive early or call if you will be late. Only be late if it’s an emergency. Source: Completion Center
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LIFE & ARTS
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
love my job and I love my work and I’ve done “ Iamazing things, but the thing I’m proudest of is
being a mother. I would get in trouble with some of the feminist sisterhood. I like that I have the job, but Luke [my 7-year-old son] is my best accomplishment and I’m proud of who he is and I take great pride in the work I do as a mother. 1. Rachel Wolfe Associate Vice President
Snapshot:
www.eastfieldnews.com
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The Et Cetera
A r
my grandmother and my mom have “ Personally, served as huge pieces of motivation for me.
They instilled in me early on a good work ethic, the importance of education; things like integrity, discipline and responsibility. 2. Kim Lowry Associate Vice President
be tenacious and continue to “ Just dream. Don’t let anyone get in your way. Go around all obstacles. Constantly grow and constantly seek your dreams.
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3. Johnnie Bellamy Executive Dean of Career Technologies
2 greatest accomplishment has been helping “ My others, particularly women, to reach and exceed
their career goals. As president, I frequently have opportunities to do that. This means not only can I help people directly to achieve their goals but am able to actually expand my influence to even more people as those I mentor can pass on career guidance to others.
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4. Jean Conway President of Eastfield College
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LIFE & ARTS
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The Et Cetera
www.eastfieldnews.com
A small look into the big roles women play atEastfield “
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
In honor of Women’s History Month, Et Cetera reporters spoke to nine women leaders at Eastfield about their greatest accomplishments, challenges they overcame, the women who influenced them and what advice they have for young female students. For full transcripts, visit eastfieldnews.com.
what you do. … Everything that I do, I “ Enjoy like, and I think the fact that I enjoy my work Think about what it is you’re passionate about and what it is you would like to spend your time doing and figure out how to get paid doing it.
has made me want to continue. I think you have to find something that you really desire. It may not be the highest paid position. You’ll have to work harder for it. Do something that you enjoy, that when you go to work you enjoy it, when you leave you enjoy it and you want to come back the next day. … Just enjoy what you’re doing, and hopefully the fruits of your labor will blossom.
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5. Adrian Douglas Vice President of Business Services
6. Sharon Cook Assistant to the President
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think that it’s important to build relationships “ Iwith other women so you can somewhat become
a part of this sisterhood, if you will, in terms of leaning on other women who have taken a path that you would like to go down. … I think that once you do achieve success or after you’ve persevered and have achieved one goal after the other, I think it’s important that you give back what you can in terms of support and mentorship to other young women.
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Kenner was a little bit of a “ Jean maverick. … She was an educator,
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7. Courtney Carter-Harbour Executive Dean of the Office of Student Engagement and Retention
and from her I learned that the student was the most important. The other thing that she taught me was fairness. She was a very fair person and really not judgmental. She loved everyone. She showed me that you can be a tough leader but still be a lady. 8. Gretchen Riehl Executive Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
greatest accomplishment by far is getting to “ My a place where I get to make choices about what I want versus what society thinks I should do.
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9. Judith Dumont Executive Dean of Continuing Education
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Compiled by Parker Ward, Ariel Paulson, Mickey Smith, Andrea Carrizales and James Hartley
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Design by Parker Ward and David Silva
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LIFE&ARTS
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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The Et Cetera
‘Back to the Stacks’ event brings published authors to campus By Jennifer Sanmiguel etc4640@dcccd.edu
Six published authors from the DFW Writers’ Workshop signed books, read their work and answered questions at the “Back to the Stacks” event sponsored by The Link writing center. The March 22 event in the library was intended to help student writers connect with local authors and draw in members of the community. Interim Associate Dean of Arts and Communications Amy Dennis, who manages The Link, helped plan the event. “Most of what we do is helping student writers, maybe as they’re trying to fulfill an assignment,” she said. “But we also have a lot of creative writers on campus too. People who love to write. And so I wanted to see The Link address that. Not just writing as an assignment but writing as something joyful, fun and creative, and maybe we could do something with a little bit of both.” The six authors who attended were Russell C. Connor, Harry Hall, Melissa Lenhardt, Carolyn Rae, Pamela Skjolsvik and Arianne “Tex” Thompson. Dennis said she hopes hearing about the authors’ experiences and struggles would encourage growing writers who already have a love for personal and academic writing. Rae, a romantic suspense author who received many rejections from editors, now has five books published.
Lenhardt, a mystery, historical fiction and women’s fiction writer, released her second novel the week of the event. Non-fiction author Hall spent years researching for his book about the long-forgotten pedestrians, female endurance walkers who were popular in the late 1800s. “You can call yourself a writer if you sit down and you write,” Skjolsvik, a non-fiction author, said. “It doesn’t mean you have to be a published writer, but you have to write. … When you get some stuff down, learn how to query it, to get it out into the world for publication. Because that is ultimately what we want, to share our work with others.” Several of the authors also gave advice about self-publishing, finding an agent and seeking a traditional publishing contract. Fantasy-Western author Thompson also suggested looking outside the box for stories. “If you want to do something that’s never been done before, your story needs to include people who haven’t been included before,” she said. “Because there have been a million handsome, rugged-jaw white guys who save the world, very few fat ladies have saved the world. Very few disabled people, very few neurodivergent people, very few people of color. There is a world full of people, of heroes, who we have never heard from before. We have tremendous power in our writing, and that power starts with listening to life experiences beyond our own so that we can create stories, worlds beyond our own.” Be prepared for rejection, horror author
DAVID SANCHEZ/THE ET CETERA
Author Carolyn Rae reads a selection from her book “Hiding from Love” as a part of the “Back to the Stacks”event on March 22. Rae attended the event with five other authors and told students of her experience with writing and publishing.
Connor said. “You can’t really be afraid of the ‘No,’ ” Connor said. “If you take a needle and keep poking yourself, eventually you won’t feel it. And that’s what rejection really is. It might sting a little bit in the beginning, but eventually you won’t feel that anymore and it’s all about having confidence in yourself.”
Thompson said rejection from one publisher could lead a story to the right publisher. “If you can get acclimatized to small no’s from somebody you trust, the ‘this isn’t very good yet,’ then you can work up the courage to try for the big no’s… and maybe what you need is a healthy progression of no’s to get where you want to go,” she said.
A BOOK TO CONSIDER
Novel follows poet from slavery to prominence Ann Rinaldi’s 1996 historical novel “Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons” is the story of Phillis Wheatley, the first published AfricanAmerican poet. Phillis was kidnapped from Africa as a child and sold as a slave in America. The Wheatley family of Boston bought her but reportedly treated her well and educated her. They eventually promoted her work and helped her publish it. Life and Legacy Phillis Wheatley was born in Gambia in Senegal, West Africa. She was about 7 in August 1761 when Susanna Wheatley, wife of prominent Boston tailor John Wheatley, purchased her. As was custom, she adopted her master’s last name. She studied English, Latin, Greek, theology, history and literature. At 13, she published her first poem, “On Messrs. Hussey and Coffin,” about two men lost at sea. John Wheatley’s son took Phillis to England to seek patronage from her poems, which led to the publication of her first poetry collection,
She was well known among literate colonists, and her achievements helped the fledgling abolitionist movement, according to the Poetry Foundation. Phillis was freed in John Wheatley’s will when he died in 1778. His wife and daughter died soon after. Phillis eventually married John Peters, a free black man, but they struggled financially. She died in 1784 at about 31 before she could publish a second poetry volume.
Poet Phillis Wheatley as drawn by Scipio Moorhead in 1776. Wheatley was a slave who had a collection of poetry published in 1773.
“Poems on Various Subjects,” in 1773. She was the first African-American, first U.S. slave and third American woman to publish a book of poems.
Plot Rinaldi follows the high points of Phillis’ life while fictionalizing many aspects of it. Once she arrives on American soil, Phillis is sold to the Wheatley family to work as a house servant. In the novel, Phillis struggles with her desire to be free to write poetry. She had been welleducated by the Wheatley family and taught things about being free. The more she learns, the more she yearns for independence. On a quest to show off her work, she is upset by the circumstances of which her work is
being displayed. She is resentful and rebellious towards the Wheatley family because she wants to take pride in her work. Review “Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons” is a magnificent fictionalized story about Phillis’ life. Rinaldi’s main focus was to encourage young girls to learn about history. As seen throughout the novel, she makes her characters relatable by creating real concerns that young women tackle daily. Though “Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons” is based on a true story, there are several exaggerations within the novel concerning Wheatley’s social and romantic life that are not historically proven. For example, Nathaniel’s sister is shown being envious of Wheatley’s talents, and Phillis is characterized as possessing romantic feelings for Nathaniel. Despite these dramatizations, the book is a wonderful introduction to an important woman in American history. —Compiled by Jamiah Sandles
LIFE & ARTS
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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COURTESY OF WARNER BROS
Batman (Ben Affleck) looks on at his logo in the sky as he prepares to battle.
‘Dawn of Justice’ packs punch
By David Silva etc4640@dcccd.edu
As far as iconic superheroes go, you can’t get any bigger than Zack Snyder’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” with the two title characters (played by Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill respectively) battling it out for justice and power. Add Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) and Doomsday (Robin Atkin Downes), and you’ve got a film sure to break a few box office records. But is the hype worth it? Does Snyder’s dark style work with the story? Can Affleck pull it off as Batman? What about Eisenberg as Lex Luthor? Will they have the audacity to play a “Captain America: Civil War” trailer? The answer to all of those questions is yes. The film is a sequel to “Man of Steel,” and it focuses on the grim consequences of Superman’s fight with General Zod. The battle amounted to heavy destruction to the city of Metropolis and has left many people wary of Superman’s powers. Bruce Wayne is among those who view Superman’s existence as a threat to the human race, and he is determined to keep Superman in check. Their battle of wills is pushed to the edge when Lex Luthor attempts to find get his hands on kryptonite. Snyder is known for his overly dark tone in both visuals and storytelling. He used it in “300” and “Man of Steel,” and it reappears in this film. The visual tone is perfect for the themes of the film, which include stature, jealousy and fear. There are various scenes that relay the heroes’ pasts, such as the deaths of Batman’s parents and Superman’s adoptive father. These scenes contribute to the story immensely, each displaying either Batman’s growing paranoia or Superman’s increasing uncertainty. Affleck’s portrayal of the Dark Knight is very different from Christian Bale’s. “Batffleck”
is a different kind of monster, one who has drowned in his anger and desire for vengeance, doesn’t worry about a body count and toes the line toward psychosis. Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor was a pleasant surprise. I had my doubts for the casting choice, given Eisenberg’s laid-back acting style, but he plays Superman’s arch nemesis with as much charisma as any actor I have seen. For a character that has been dull in previous Superman movies, Luthor’s obsession with Superman is what keeps the early part of the movie running. Gadot’s Wonder Woman is mysterious and confident. From the first time she’s in frame, you are captivated by her aesthetics. Her screen-time is minimal but effective, and she becomes the bridge that gets this movie to the Justice League. Unlike his performance in “Man of Steel,” Cavill’s reclusive and poker-faced Superman works perfectly to create an alien being that has been elevated to a god-like figure. I had two major problems with this film. You would think that in 2016, one of the biggest films of the year would have sufficient funding or have the talent to make every shot seem real. That’s not the case here. The film isn’t all bad CGI, but when you notice it, it’s awkward and can take you out of the movie. Another problem is the first half of the movie’s structure. The beginning tends to hop from place to place and requires some patience. However, this can complement the film if you look at it from Batman’s perspective. He is fueled by his paranoia, and the rapid jump from scene to scene is a testament to his growing hatred. This film isn’t flawless, but the story and characters kept me hooked and led me to the film’s epic conclusion.
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opinion
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‘Blackfish’ deserves praise for creating positive change
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Eastfield College 3737 Motley Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 Phone: 972-860-7130 Fax: 972-860-7646 Email: etc4640@dcccd.edu Editor in Chief Parker Ward Managing Editor Andrea Carrizales News Editor James Hartley
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Advertising & Marketing Keturah Jones 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, March 30, 2016
OUR VIEW
Being green takes teamwork Eastfield has made great strides in becoming a greener campus in the past few years. We’ve installed a wind turbine, introduced filling stations for water bottles and have an active Sustainability Team to help reduce waste around campus in addition to dozens of recycling bins. We have also been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation for our efforts in helping the environment here on campus. Unfortunately, the continued contamination of many of our recyclables has hindered our endeavors. Eastfield custodians have been seen lumping waste and recycling into the same containers despite our best efforts to keep items separate, though the crux of the issue does not lie with them. They are instructed to separate trash and recycling, but no system has been put in place to hold those who improperly dispose of recycling accountable, no matter which side of the matter they are on. Even if such a system were enforced, students and faculty have no way of reporting improper disposal. There is currently no forum for our community to address these issues. A dedicated email address or phone
number and public knowledge of recycling procedure could easily lessen the problem and allow people to voice their concern. That’s not to say the problem begins and ends at disposal. If the state of our recycling bins are anything to go by, far too many people on campus can’t seem to differentiate between trash and reusable materials. Even bins clearly marked for cans and bottles are constantly stuffed with food waste and other obvious contaminants when a proper trash can is usually no less than 5 feet away. As cliché as it sounds, we can’t hope to become a greener campus if we don’t also work together to make it happen. Whether a student is throwing a Subway wrapper in a blue bin or a custodian is tossing aluminum cans in with used paper towels and lunch scraps, both sides are responsible for proper assortment and disposal. Educating students and faculty on what is or isn’t recyclable is ideal, but it can only go so far. As students and faculty on campus, it’s up to us to create a change. We have no excuse for going so long without a proper accountability system for those in charge.
Not many documentaries have changed David popular perception Silva as much as 2013’s “Blackfish,” directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite. The film unapologetically unveils the consequences of keeping orcas, or killer whales, in captivity and shows how SeaWorld executives ignored the threat that the orcas posed toward their trainers. “Blackfish” is one of the most important documentaries of the decade. It brings an important, but at the time unknown, problem to the forefront. It not only changed public perception, shown by SeaWorld’s decreasing sales and attendance since the film’s release, but it also resulted in legislation intended to protect orcas in New York and California. Furthermore, SeaWorld announced in March it would stop its orcabreeding program and would phase out its killer whale shows. The film was a commercial and critical success immediately after its release and created a wave of awareness and activism throughout the country. However, Cowperthwaite did not start her journey as an animal rights activist. A documentary filmmaker by trade, she grew suspicious of SeaWorld’s ethics when experienced trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed by a whale named Tillikum during a 2010 show in Orlando, Florida. SeaWorld Vice President and General Manager Dan Brown stated that she “slipped or fell into the tank” and that “we have never in the history of our parks experienced an incident like this.” However, witnesses reported that the whale jumped out of the water, grabbed the trainer and shook her violently. There had also been trainer casualties in the past, and Tillikum himself was responsible for two deaths prior to Brancheau’s. Cowperthwaite had a gut feeling that there was more to unveil, so she picked up her camera and started to dig deeper. Her persistence and investigative instinct led her to horrific findings, from psychological issues in captive orcas due to separation from family and unrelenting harassment from other orcas, to video footage of trainers killed by orcas, including Brancheau. Having all of this at her disposal, Cowperthwaite crafted a riveting and highly emotional film. She doesn’t simply make a documentary that calls individuals to take action, but she also makes a powerful cinematic experience. “Blackfish” is a fine piece of cinema and investigative journalism, and it has effectively served as a window into the world of animal captivity and entertainment that reaches past SeaWorld into aquariums, zoos and circuses. We can learn something from the difference that “Blackfish” has made. It proves that no issue is too small and no unethical corporation is too big. It proves that good journalism and filmmaking can have a profound effect on its audience.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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Sports
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Eastfield finishes fourth in tournament
March 31 April 4 April 8 April 9
Baseball vs. Texas Wesleyan Baseball vs. Hill Baseball vs. Mountain View Baseball vs. Mountain View
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Pride despite defeat
2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. noon
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
By Brianna Harmon etc4640@dcccd.edu
LOCH SHELDRAKE, N.Y. — After a first-game loss in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III national tournament, the Eastfield Harvesters basketball team rallied with back-to-back victories to finish fourth in the nation. Eastfield lost its tournament opener to Nassau Community College from Garden City, New York on March 10 despite a record-breaking performance from shooting guard Ed Williams. The Harvesters followed up the loss with two wins against Bunker Hill Community College from Massachusetts and Mohawk Valley Community College from New York to finish their season with a 26-8 record. The win over Mohawk Valley, 96-90, was in overtime. “This tournament can be a lifechanger for different people in different situations,” Eastfield coach Anthony Fletcher said. “It’s about the experience they receive from here. It’s all stuff for the basketball resume and experience resume.” Fletcher was named Region V Coach of the Year at the pre-tournament banquet, and former Harvesters coach Bob Flickner was inducted into the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Williams made the all-tournament team, broke the Eastfield record for most 3-pointers made in a game (10) and finished first in the nation in 3-pointers made (123) in a season. Williams said he would do whatever it takes to help the team win. “I accomplished my goals coming into the year by making it to New York and getting on the all-tournament team,” he said. “I wanted to be No. 1 in the nation [in 3-pointers], and I accomplished that. I can put that on my resume. I can tell people I’m a big-time shooter.” Williams hit eight 3-pointers and
BRIANNA HARMON/THE ET CETERA
The Harvesters celebrate after beating Mohawk Valley in overtime 96-90 March 12. They finished first in the nation in points (3,435), points per game (101) and field goals made per game (37).
finished with a season-high 39 points in the tournament opener, but it wasn’t enough as the Harvesters lost to Nassau 97-86. The Harvesters fell behind with five minutes left in the first half and trailed Nassau the rest of the way. “I’m so hurt,” Williams said after the game. “I feel like I left it all on the court. I wanted to win so bad that I felt I had to make every shot.” After the game, Williams was almost sent to the hospital for severe muscle cramps. Danzel Whitemon scored 23 points against the Hawks, adding 14 rebounds and five assists. “Always being the underdog growing up and being overlooked motivates me,” Whitemon said. “I think I ended my [junior college] career great. I was relentless. I wanted to leave some kind of legacy at Eastfield.” The trip marked the first time that some Eastfield players had ever traveled on a plane, and many had never been to New York. They were surprised to find themselves in the middle of the Catskill Mountains, about two-and-a-half hours north of
New York City. On the bus ride to the Villa Roma Resort, the players joked that it was like they never left Texas because they were still in the country. “When I saw that we were staying in the country, I was honestly shocked,” forward LeTron Manning said. “Naturally, anyone from Texas, when you think New York, you think the city. I did not expect New York to have any country cities because they are on the East Coast.” Though the team was so far from home, they still had fans in the stands. Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success Michael Gutierrez, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Gretchen Riehl and Assistant to the President Sharon Cook joined the team in New York. Army Capt. Marcus Thomas, a forward who played for Eastfield in 2001, also came to support the team. Thomas’ Harvesters lost in the championship game that would have given the team a ticket to New York. After the Harvesters lost to Nassau, Fletcher told his players not
to give up because so many former Eastfield athletes, like Thomas, had fought to make it to the tournament but fell short. “We still want to go out and win games,” Fletcher said. “I told them let’s do it for Flickner, do it for Marcus Thomas. ... This is history. We are a family.” Statistically, the Division III national tournament is the toughest championship to qualify for. Only 6.9 percent of teams make it. Fletcher said he is proud of his team for persevering after losing the nation’s leading scorer and a key reserve midway through the season. He said he feels like a NJCAA veteran now because it was his third time coaching in the national tournament. “You are very calm and confident coming into it,” he said. “You’ve been in those locker rooms before. You’ve been to those practices before. We see some of the same people. The first year, you walk in like, ‘It’s awesome to be here.’ The second time you walk in, it’s like ‘I want to know more about this place.’ And the third year, you walk in like you own it.”
SPORTS The Et Cetera
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On and off the court in NY
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
AHMAD ASHOR/THE ET CETERA
Clockwise from top left, Tre Anderson fights for a layup against Nassau Community College on March 10. Ed Williams tries to dribble around Nassau players toward the basket for a layup. Coach Anthony Fletcher and former coach Bob Flickner are recognized at the Elite Eight banquet. Fletcher received a Metro Athletic Conference Coach of the Year Award and Flickner was inducted into the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Harvester fans cheering on the team in New York, from left, Vice President Michael Gutierrez, Executive Dean Gretchen Riehl, Fletcher's brother Clarence Palmer, wife Courtney Fletcher, sister Brittany Reeves and Assistant to the President Sharon Cook. Photos by Brianna Harmon.
JONATHAN WENCES/THE ET CETERA
Harvesters remain No. 4 in nation
The Harvesters are 16-10 overall, 8-4 in conference. Top, Trey Bedrick is leading the Harvesters at the plate with a .387 batting average and 20 RBIs. Bottom, Blake Barr has taken control on the mound for the Harvesters posting a 4-1 record and a 2.75 ERA.
Wrapup The Et Cetera
16 www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Zek and Slik By Matthew Rohan
PHOTOS BY JAMES HARTLEY/THE ET CETERA
‘Idol’ finalist plays hometown show Sunnyvale – “American Idol” final four contestant and Sunnyvale native Dalton Rapattoni performed in his hometown Saturday as a part of the “American Idol” hometown tour. Rapattoni took time to thank Sunnyvale for the turnout as well as their support for him on the show. “Every inspiration I’ve ever had came from here,” Rapattoni said during his performance. Rapattoni, a former teacher at the Rockwall School of Rock, will face off against La’Porsha Renae, MacKenzie Bourg and Trent Harmon March 30, where “Idol” viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite artist.
— Compiled by James Hartley
Trivia Bits
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1. Who was the first female Secretary of State of the United States, appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1997? A) Hillary Clinton B) Janet Reno C) Madeleine Albright D) Geraldine Ferraro 2. Who introduced French cooking to America through her books and television series? A) Paula Deen B) Julia Child C) Cat Cora D) Cristeta Comerford
Answers: 1. C; 2.B
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