Etera
Eastfield College
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Volume 48, Issue 2
One more shot Eastfield soccer player overcomes tragedy to lead her team. See page 11 ➤
2
NEWS
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
Class policies may prevent student involvement By BRIANNA HARMON Managing Editor @BHarmonETC
A handful of Eastfield professors have included a rule in their syllabi that students will not be excused from class for off-campus events related to Eastfield sports teams, clubs, organizations and other extracurricular activities. Attention was drawn to the issue when soccer coach Dustin Stein posted a photo on Twitter of a syllabus from government professor Stacey Jurhree’s class. “I do not honor extracurricular activities such as baseball, basketball, volleyball and any other outside activities outside the classroom that I did not personally approve,” it said. Jurhree told The Et Cetera that he would work with students despite the rule. “I have so many students who would say, ‘I have a game,’ then I find out they didn’t have a game,” Jurhree said. “A student’s number one priority here is to get an education. Extracurricular activities are fine, but the education is the main thing.” Stein was bothered when he saw that one of his athletes was in Jurhree’s class and that the professor did not allow for absences due to sports and other extracurricular activities. The syllabus states that students who engage in outside activities need to sign up for another professors’ course. One of Stein’s players dropped
BRIANNA HARMON/THE ET CETERA
The 2016 men’s basketball team attends a banquet in New York after qualifying for the national championship last spring.
out of the class over this rule. “I feel like it is contradicting,” Stein said. “The activities give them more pride in their school, and set them up for the future, not just in athletics but also in all that we offer. I have a feeling that the graduation rate for those that are involved and engaged is a lot higher than the ones that come to school and leave. It’s frustrating if a professor is not willing to work with us, I also don’t think that language needs to be there.” Jurhree said that, if the student had come to him before dropping the
class, arrangements could have been made and that he was willing to work with Stein and the student. “I told the soccer coach before the girl dropped my class, I would have worked with her,” Jurhree said. “Next thing I know, she dropped the class. The bottom line is, in life we have to make decisions.” Jurhree added that the syllabus is worded so strongly so that he can deny a student an exception to the rule if he feels they are not genuine in their excuse or their efforts in his class.
Stein has strict academic rules for the athletes on his team. “If they miss class, I need to know about it immediately,” Stein said. “We do class checks where I will randomly show up to class. If they are late to a class, they run. If they completely don’t go to a class at all, and I find out, they will be suspended for a half, and if it continues they will be removed from the team.” There is no Eastfield policy that requires professors to excuse the absence of a student due to involvement in an extracurricular activity.
Michael Gutierrez, vice president of academic affairs and student success, said that if students are going to miss class, they need to have a meeting with professors during office hours and tell them when and why they are going to miss class. “Even though there is a written syllabus, inform the faculty [if you will be out of class],” Gutierrez said. “What tends to happen is there hasn’t been a conversation with the faculty. It’s less frequent when there has been a real meeting.” Aley Salcedo, student leader of the year and Communication Club president, has been involved on campus and said it is vital to student success. “What I have noticed is that students that actually get involved on campus whether it is a club or organization tend to come back to finish out their studies,” Salcedo said. “Clubs and organizations are really important and academics are too, but really sometimes they need that extracurricular activity to enrich their experience of college to keep them here and going to school, wanting them to finish their degree.” Gutierrez acknowledges that students tend to stay involved when they feel wanted and appreciated. “It is pretty common to see figures that show students who are engaged and involved tend to succeed at higher rates,” Gutierrez said.“This goes back to not only making sure the students feel like they belong but See Activities page 3➤
New dean plans next steps for higher completion rates
Q A &
Et Cetera reporter Emily Martinez had a one-on-one interview with Robert Harper, the new executive dean of the Eastfield Office of Student Engagement and Retention, to discuss goals for the program in the near future and his new role. Harper started as the executive dean of OSER in June, after Courtney Carter Harbour moved to the Arts and Communications division. Harper has a bachelor’s degree in business and a doctorate in educa-
tion. His first job in higher education was at Northeast Texas Community College.
Q A
What is OSER about and what does it do?
We are focusing on keeping students engaged and retaining that student. We oversee career services. We have student learning, student clubs and organizations, and we also have advising.
Q A
What’s your definition of a dean, specifically your role here at Eastfield?
I look at it from two perspectives. The first perspective is to help students transition and become successful in and outside the classroom. This position has a little bit of academic affairs and student affairs. So with learning communities, we help the students engage outside the classroom. The second
perspective is the staff. I look at myself as someone to remove roadblocks and to have staff maximize their potential.
Q A
What is your main focus for the students?
My goal is for students to be in their academic confidence in their first semester, get them to focus on completion. Because at the end of the day, I want the students to enter a four-year institution. I want them to leave Eastfield with some type of credentials, whether it’s a certificate or some type of associate degree.
Q A
What’s your main goal for OSER?
My goal is for the students to have academic confidence and be focused on completion. I even want my students to leave Eastfield with some type of credential, whether it’s a certificate program or an associate degree.
NEWS
3
The Et Cetera
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Employees get a raise, tuition does not $50
Raise per three credit hour course for full-time faculty
$17
Average increase in taxes for Dallas County property owners
Remodeling, renovation projects funded at Eastfield
$164.2 million
Set aside in a rainy day fund for the DCCCD as a whole
$1.77 million
Set aside to remodel the mechatronics lab at Eastfield
SOURCE: DCCCD BUDGET BOOK
tion advocating for free college tuition,” Eugene Ralph said. “While I adamantly disagree with this policy, perhaps there is a compromise that can be reached.” Ralph said that more than 1,000 students could receive free associate degrees by cutting spending for things like parking lots, DART passes, athletic locker rooms, rented properties used to expand El Centro College and an executive search firm. Charletta Rogers Compton, trustee for District 7, said that parking lots were paved or repaved in con-
Total unrestricted operating budget for the 2017 FY
Tuition rates will stay the same and all employees will receive raises under the 2016-2017 Dallas County Community College District budget approved Sept. 6. Although the tax rate won’t change, rising property values in Dallas County mean homeowners will be paying an average of $17.38 more in property taxes than last year. The DCCCD Board of Trustees approved the $420 million operating budget in a 5-1 vote. Phil Ritter, newly elected District 2 trustee, was not present. Tax, tuition and budget cuts were a major issue in the 2016 board elections of three new members. Dorothy Zimmermann, newly elected District 3 trustee, voted against the budget. Zimmermann campaigned earlier this year on promises to cut spending and taxes. To save money, Zimmermann has proposed cutting “party foods” provided to students and faculty at campus events. She asked for a 2-cent reduction to the tax rate. Not lowering the tax rate to compensate for rising property values would result in financial trouble and cause families to lose “the dignity of taking care of themselves,” Zimmermann said. “We know that stagnant wages are among us,” she said. “Taxes don’t usually ever go down. [Taxpayers] lose control of that money, and they have to earn it even if they can’t pay it.” DCCCD tuition will remain at $59 per credit hour for in-district students.
by the numbers
$421,574,328.00
By JAMES HARTLEY Managing Editor @JamesHartleyETC
“We have managed to keep a low, low tuition for many, many years,” Dr. Adrian Douglas, vice president of business services at Eastfield, said. The board also approved raises for all employees. “It’s important for us as we are hiring people that we are competitive enough that we are hiring the best, most qualified employees,” Eastfield President Jean Conway said. “There are other higher education institutions that want faculty or people who do the student servicestype work. … We required higher education, yet we weren’t paying as much as a [school district], so we needed to be competitive so we can continue to hire the best, the most qualified people.” Douglas said the district would cover the increased payroll cost of the raises for the first year. Then it will be a regular part of the budget. Conway said the raise is also designed to resolve “compression” by giving a raise to longer-term employees who had been paid the same as new employees during periods of their employment. The budget also includes funds to install $2.6 million in networked security cameras and $1.9 million in single-button emergency intercoms at all campuses in the wake of the July 7 fatal shootings of five police officers in Dallas, Conway said. Micah Johnson entered El Centro College during the rampage and injured two campus officers before being killed by police. Three Dallas County citizens spoke at the board meeting to request that the tax rate be lowered to account for rising property values. “I recently read an editorial by a member of the DCCCD administra-
DCCCD BUDGET
7
DCCCD board approves 2017 budget, raises for all district employees
GRAPHIC BY JAMES HARTLEY/THE ET CETERA
crete, which costs more than asphalt, due to the durability of the material. This would save the district time and money spent on fixing potholes and other damage. “I don’t ever want to vote on something that would not provide a quality environment, not only for our employees but for our students also,” Compton said. “We’re not just sitting here voting to spend money.” Diana Flores, District 6 trustee, said she believes the DCCCD is a fiscally responsible organization. “We are one of the lowest-taxing
entities in the state among community colleges, and we are the secondlowest in tuition and are very prudent with the taxpayer dollar,” Flores said. “We don’t just willy-nilly spend and go on a spending spree. We are very conscious of what it takes a taxpayer and what it takes a student to pay in terms of taxes and tuition.” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Strauss told state agencies in June to expect a 4 percent cut to budgets for 2018 and 2019. DCCCD Chancellor Joe May wrote in an email July 1 to district employees that the district should expect to receive $3.4 million less from the state. He wrote that because the district “follows sound, conservative fiscal policies,” it is prepared for events like these. Conway said she believes Eastfield would weather state cuts because its contribution amounts to one quarter of the college’s funding. Tuition and taxes account for the rest. “Because we’ve got such a robust economy here, and we’ve got businesses moving to Dallas, we get more of that tax benefit,” Conway said. Douglas said administrators will continue to look for cost-saving ideas. “What we’re getting from the state is continuing to decline, and we expect it to continue to decline,” Douglas said. “We have to be able to figure out ways that we can do and kind of keep up with these things and keep up what we’re doing.” Conway and Douglas said the new budget would help Eastfield provide a better college experience by funding a Title IX program, technology updates and maintenance projects delayed due to a lack of financing. A remodel of lower-level C building, replacement of worn out floors and updates for computers, servers and fiber cables are all included.
Extracurricular activities not honored by some professors Continued from page 2 that the student is investing and the student feels the institution is investing in them.” Salcedo has represented Eastfield and the Dallas County Community College District because of her involvement in extracurricular activities. Salcedo took a trip Austria during the summer to represent the district. “One semester I decided to get involved, and it was addict-
ing,” Salcedo said. “It was, ‘How could I get more involved?’ Now I’m at the point where I’m involved, and I can see how I can get others involved. And they could have the same experience, if not better than what I’ve had.” Jurhee said he wants his students to be more aware of class requirements and how they can be arranged with their extracurricular involvement. His syllabus is online, so he believes students have no excuse for not knowing the requirements of his classes before signing up. He said he is still willing to work with his students so they can
be involved and learn from their classes. “If a student wants to have a lot of extracurricular activities, they take an online class,” Jurhree said. “We’re without excuse now. … But, if a student had to go on a conference or a trip or something like that, I’ve let students out. I get to know a student, I can tell this is a serious student, they really means business. But a student’s main objective is not to come in for extracurricular activities. Their main objective is to get the education.” — James Hartley contributed to this report
4
NEWS
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
Calendar Panel addresses police, community relations PUT IT ON YOUR September
Wed
14
Voter registration, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., the Pit and Fireside Lounge E-LEAD Workshop: Planning for Success, noon - 1 p.m., C - 237 Art show opening: Extraordinary Life: Hidden Worlds, 12:20 p.m., library
Thu
15
Constitution Day Panel: Voter ID Laws, 9:30 11 a.m., C - 295 Voter Registration, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., the Pit and Fireside Lounge Sustainability Team meeting, 11 a.m. - noon, M building conference room
Fri
Voter Registration, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., the Pit and Fireside Lounge
Tue
E-LEAD Workshop: Making a Virtually Great Impression, 11:15 a.m.12:15 p.m., C-237
16 20
STEMinar: Zika, 12:30 p.m., S-100
Wed
Service Learning Fair, 9 a.m.-noon, the Pit
Fri
Student Government Association, 12:30 p.m.
Tue
Common Book speakers: The family of Henrietta Lacks, 9:30 a.m., Performance Hall
21
23 27 Wed
28
E-LEAD Workshop: Cultural Competence, 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., C-237
ABOUT THE COVER PHOTO BY JAMES HARTLEY KARLA GUTIERREZ BLOCKS A DEFENDER DURING A SEPT. 13 GAME AT EASTFIELD.
By KEVIN ORELLANA Reporter @TheEtCetera
Police officers and community members at a panel discussion on trust between the groups agreed that an “us vs. them” mentality taints their relationship. Audience member B. Kennyjay Reed said that as a black man, he has come to expect that a police officer is “someone out there who is looking to possibly arrest me.” “I’ve been harassed,” he said. “I have been arrested for things I did not do. … It almost seems like it’s something that’s not supposed to be spoken about.” Panelist Patrick Patterson, a criminal justice professor and military police veteran, said change must come from both sides. “I understand exactly where you’re coming from,” he said. “We have to crack through that and look at what we’re gonna change – talking about the culture, not only for the civilians but for law enforcement.” The discussion, sponsored by the campus M.A.L.E.S. Initiative, was designed to open a dialogue about the state of race relations and law enforcement.
NEWS
Briefs Faculty, employee honors announced
Annual awards for faculty and staff were given during convocation last month. The winners were Larissa Price (Excellence in Teaching, Full Time Faculty), Cherrender Brown (Excellence in Teaching, Adjunct Faculty), Embedded Librarian Program (Innovation of the Year), Mary Forrest (Jean Sharon Griffith Student Development Leadership Award), Mike Walker (Administrator of the Year), Larry Jefferson (Professional Support Staff of the Year, Full Time), and Linda Angelback (Professional Support Staff of the Year, Part Time).
Campus cellphone parking area added
A new parking waiting area for safe pick-up and drop-off of students has been designated in park-
JESUS AYALA/THE ET CETERA
A panel of Dallas police, college administrators and Eastfield police address concerns about community-police relations.
“It’s very important that we come together and that we have a platform for students to voice their opinions on topics such as this,” M.A.L.E.S. adviser Courtney Brazile said. Tensions between minorities and police escalated over the summer following the shooting deaths of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Philando Castile in St. Anthony, Minnesota. During a July 7 protest march in Dallas of those deaths, an anti-police assailant killed five police officers. The panel, held Sept. 9, included Executive Vice President Michael Gutierrez, Executive Dean of the Office of Student Engagement and Retention Robert Harper, Eastfield Lt. Jose Hernandez, Dallas police offi-
ing lot No. 2 near the C building flagpoles and to the south of Rodger Pool Drive. A large number of vehicles have been double-and triple-parking in front of C building, creating a safety hazard for students weaving through them. Drivers picking up or dropping off passengers should park in the marked lot. Service vans will have designated parking places in the same lot. Students meeting service vans should proceed down the ramp to the special parking area.
Health Center to offer flu shots
The college will offer flu shots 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 27 and 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 28 in the Health Center in C-139. Shots are available to adult students, staff and community members. Participants must provide copies of their health insurance card and a photo ID. Shots cost $18 for those without insurance. — Compiled by David Silva
cers Bryan Nolff and Clarence Lockett and Patterson. Lockett said the Dallas Police Department has taken the lead in initiating change. “We’re the example,” he said. “We have sensitivity classes. We go through the best training [with] different scenarios [such as] de-escalation. If Washington, D.C., comes to Dallas and asks us how we handle our business, we’re ahead of everybody else.” The discussion revealed how preconceived ideas on both sides can hinder understanding. Reed said he tried to act authentic when interacting with police and asks the officers to do the same. “As police officers, … whenever
you put on your uniform, you have expected roles,” he said. “Are you willing to go into a community setting as a human being and connect with people over values instead of as a role?” Nolff said he is the same person in and out of his uniform. “I am this person,” he said. “This is who I am. This is who I signed up to be.” He continued, “You’re looking at me like a police officer, and I’m up here like a person,. Patterson urged the audience to initiate change through legislative action. “It’s the first step,” he said. “That’s what Dr. Martin Luther King did. That led to the Civil Rights Act.” Gutierrez said change comes when people work together. He described a psychological study in which a person stood at a New York City street corner and looked up at the sky. Bystanders noticed his actions but paid little attention. When the study was repeated with a group of six students looking toward the sky in unison, passers-by also looked up. “We have to do it together,” he said. “If we do it one by one, then we’re not going to be listened to.”
Mesquite remembers 9-11
JAMES HARTLEY/THE ET CETERA
Above, Melissa White grips a beam from the World Trade Center as she tears up. White was an American Airlines employee on Sept. 11, 2001. Left, people gather on the New Market Road bridge over I-635 in Mesquite. Tony Conttrell started the tradition on the first anniversary of the attacks to mourn.
Life &Arts
The Et Cetera
5
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
The art of teaching Iris Bechtol sharpens her craft of sculpting, painting, photography and teaching by pushing herself and others to step outside of their comfort zone. By MAYRA ROSALES-MONTOYA Contributor @TheEtCetera
Iris Bechtol walks among the artwork in Gallery 219, viewing a show she curated from the best of student artwork. Sculptures sit atop white podiums, and paintings and drawings created with a variety of techniques and colors line the walls. But Bechtol is drawn to an unobtrusive piece, a white lump wrapped in thin strings hanging from the ceiling. It’s by far the most minimalist piece in the room, but she sees past the lack of detail. “There’s a weight and tension and quietness to the piece,” Bechtol said. “I’m really drawn to these pieces that aren’t necessarily what you would visually look at and say, ‘Oh, this is really beautiful.’ But it’s actually beautiful to me.” Bechtol, campus galleries director, curator of the permanent art collection and an art professor, teaches in the same room where she sat as a student in the ‘90s. Art professor David Willburn, a former classmate of Bechtol, said she uses her experience in art and the manipulation of a material to teach her students ways how to express their creative personalities, said “She wants people — students, me and you — to think, to always be thinking about what we’re seeing and thinking about why we are looking at the things we’re looking at,” he said. Bechtol earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts at the University of North Texas and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Arlington. Before working at Eastfield, she was the art gallery director at El Centro College. Bechtol curates shows for the two campus galleries — Gallery 219 and H Gallery — from student, faculty and professional work. She also oversees the college’s permanent collection of 142 art pieces displayed across campus. Though she admires contemporary art, Bechtol tries to offer diverse works. “Most of the time, we have our own perception of how we view the world,” she said. “We also have our own ways of transforming those perceptions and making something. … You have to be careful not to only present your own taste.” Artist Melissa Mohammadi met Bechtol over social media through mutual friend Willburn. The women admired each other’s work, and Bechtol invited Mohammadi to present a piece alongside hers in last month’s “In Good Company” show. “I haven’t known her very long, but I’ve loved communicating with her and I think she’s really passionate, very
DAVID SANCHEZ/THE ET CETERA
Gallery director Iris Bechtol installs art pieces for the “In Good Company” show on campus.
warm and generous,” Mohammadi said. Bechtol sculpts, paints and practices photography. Her current work is focused on changing photographs into other forms of art, “examining the manufactured archive that is photography, how it is manipulated, how it shapes perception and usurps the real,” she says on her website, irisbechtol.com Students show up to classes with a wide range of experience, Bechtol said. “Some students may have more exposure to contemporary art, and so they might take more risks,” she said. “Some already come to us very skilled.” Some have no experience, and others thoughtlessly throw work together and call it “art,” Bechtol said. She pushes all her students to consistently question their own work. “Even as someone who is a professional artist, if you’re satisfied with what you’re doing, you’re going to just make boring work,” she said. “If you keep pushing yourself, then your work gets better, or at least it’s unexpected and interesting.” Willburn said Bechtol’s love for life and nature make her a great artist, teacher and curator. Her style reflects her smart personality and her unique way of perceiving things in life. “It’s very conceptual,” he said. “It’s driven by an idea, and then materials are brought into place to sort of represent the ideas. … She is a thinker. She wants to make work and she wants to look at work and she wants to show work that engages people in a kind of higher order of thinking. Which is why I think she is perfect for a college environment, because she is so invested in critical thinking in her own life and in her own work.” — Emily Martinez and James Hartley contributed to this story
TARA OLSON/THE ET CETERA
Matthew Bourbon’s “Keep it To Yourself” is on display in the “In Good Company” gallery.
‘In Good Company’ pairs professors’ work with artists of their choice By JON AGUIRRE Staff Writer @TheEtCetera
The annual Eastfield faculty art show gives students a glimpse of their art professors’ abilities. But for the past two years, professors have invited guest artists to share exhibit space for the “In Good Company” show. The show opened Aug. 29, and many students viewed the work during the opening reception Sept. 1. “It’s great to have the students here, and really, that’s what it’s all about,” gallery director Iris Bechtol said. “In the gallery, that’s really our mission, is to teach. We aren’t a commercial gallery, so we aren’t here to sell work. We’re here to just educate.” Each guest has their work displayed beside the work of those who invited them. No clear distinction is
TARA OLSON/THE ET CETERA
Rachel Fischer’s “Lagoon” is on display.
made between the identities of the two artists. Professor Peter Ligon invited guest artist Vince Jones. The two have shared studio space and are fans of each other’s work. Although there hasn’t been any student artwork in the faculty show in the past, Ligon said he would consider inviting a former student whose work he respects. Woodworker and craftsman Joshua Poole was brought in by professor Val Curry.
6
LIFE&ARTS
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
MUSIC REVIEW
Of Mice & Men further evolves sound in ‘Cold World’ By JAMES HARTLEY Managing Editor @JamesHartleyETC
California post-hardcore quintet Of Mice & Men, one of the most culturally influential bands in the scene today, pushes their angsty, progressive sound to the next level in their latest album “Cold World.” While other bands would find it near-impossible to follow up on emotionally charged, hard-driving songs from a previous album like “Never Giving Up,” “Broken Generation” and “Space Enough to Grow,” OM&M makes it look effortless. “Cold World” takes a step away from their heavy-for-the-sake-ofheavy sound by diversifying their style throughout the album, changing time signatures and tone within individual tracks. The 2000s metalcore-punk mix has mostly dissipated, the sound evolving with the depth of OM&M’s message. The result is a slightly more grungy tone that maintains the punkish, melodic essence that has made the band so recognizable. The messages in each song seem more personal, as they have in each consecutive OM&M album. “Like a Ghost” blends melodic rhythm, individual sound profiles and vocalist Austin Carlile’s jarring, guttural screams to orchestral perfection. Smooth transitions between clean
vocalist Aaron Pauley’s hope-inducing voice and Carlile’s brutal screams seem to illustrate an internal battle against mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. The instrumental elements perfectly complement the dominant vocal force, be it Pauley or Carlile, and reflect the emotional and mental messages presented. The largest departure from the band’s traditional sound is in “Relentless,” which takes on a rapcore sound through the verses. Lyrically, the album largely sticks to the theme of overcoming personal struggles and trials as typically associated with OM&M. The first two songs on the album present the most obvious addressing of social issues. “Game of War” reflects on the monstrosities committed by terrorists in San Bernardino, California through its haunting, solemn tone. “The Lie,” which tackles the larger issue of those who cause seemingly endless conflict, and “Game of War” enrich each other in message and contradict each other in sound and style. Together, the two illustrate the mourning over the lives lost to terrorism (“Game of War”) and outrage over senseless violence (“The Lie”) without becoming overly political or self-righteous. Lyrics shift from a socially di-
COURTESY OF RISE RECORDS
From left to right, guitarist Alan Ashby, guitarist Philip Manansala, bassist and clean vocalist Aaron Pauley, vocalist Austin Carlile and drummer Valentino Arteaga of post-hardcore heavyweights Of Mice & Men.
rected message to a more personal one after the first two tracks. “Real” and “Contagious” address betrayal and attacks from those who are most trusted. The tail end of the album tells of Carlile’s personal journey with health struggles and questions about purpose and life. “Pain” remarks on the Carlile’s fight against Marfan Syndrome, a
disorder that affects connective body tissue, and the temptation to give up because of the agony it causes. “Down the Road” takes a look at the lyricist’s faith, a topic not commonly addressed in the band’s lyrics but riddled with question ever since the vocalist’s departure from his former band, Attack! Attack! “Away” and “Transfigured” create an almost hopeful end to the album.
At the same time, Carlile accepts that struggles won’t end, understanding that they are just a part of life. “Transfigured” represents a renewal in the band’s dedication to fighting through hard times and encouraging listeners to grow and become stronger. “Cold World” offers OM&M’s best music yet. The album is brutally honest and takes the band’s style to a darker, more real place.
MOVIE REVIEW
‘Hollars’ sacrifices sentimental impact in overuse of comedy By MACKS PREWITT Contributor @The Et Cetera
John Krasinski stars in and directs “The Hollars,” a humorous family drama that follows struggling cartoonist John Hollar (Krasinski) living in New York City with his pregnant girlfriend Rebecca (Anna Kendrick). When his mother (Margo Martindale) suffers a stroke, ends up in the hospital, and is diagnosed with a brain tumor, he returns home to his dysfunctional family. His father’s (Richard Jenkins) business is almost bankrupt. His elder brother (Sharlto Copley), who worked for their father, was fired. His mother’s nurse (Charlie Day) is married to his old high school girlfriend.
COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
John Hollar (John Krasinski) visits his mother (Margo Martindale) in the hospital after she suffers a stroke.
To top it all off, his mother’s tumor is the size of a softball. The film is full of drama and yet surprisingly empty of overly serious scenes. The few scenes that are sol-
emn do not last long before they are lightened by a joke. This makes for a funny movie, at first, but it quickly gets old. The writer’s repetitive use of mak-
ing light of serious moments strips away most of the emotional depth the movie might have had. These scenes try too hard to get a laugh out of the audience, and it makes an otherwise sentimental movie less profound. They try to force the audience to laugh away grim realities of brain tumors instead of relying on their actors to make these scenes meaningful and genuine. This movie is more comedy than dramedy, and it always comes back to the laughs. The writers could have held back a little, but overall the film’s humor delivered. In the exchanges between John and his family or most of the scenes with Charlie Day, the movie is genuinely funny. Although
the majority of the emotional scenes are trampled by a joke, there is one scene near the end with Day and Jenkins where the joke made it more evocative and heartfelt. The actors really made the film. Martindale saved some of the sentiment of the film by beautifully portraying a woman at the later stages of her life, facing a difficult surgery and the possibility of losing her family. It seems like Martindale was given the majority of the emotional parts and some of the best laughs as well. The main fault of the movie lies with the writers for trying to make it overly humorous. Thankfully, the actors continually make you laugh, and are the saving grace of the movie. Overall, the movie is funny and thoughtful, if slightly cliché.
LIFE&ARTS The Et Cetera
7
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Five festivals perfect for kicking off the fall It’s technically still summer and certainly feels it, but the promise of cooler temperatures and pumpkins spice everything looms on the horizon. Celebrate the season of falling leaves, Halloween and harvest at these upcoming fall festivals. -Compiled by Tanya Uhrich
→ Addison Oktoberfest
Sept. 15-18 Free Thursday; $10 for adults Friday-Sunday 4970 Addison Circle, Addison 75001 addisonoktoberfest.com Get your lederhosen and beer steins ready for four days of the best German entertainment in the country. This festival has been named the most authentic Oktoberfest in the United States by Forbes and USA Today and includes live Bavarian music, dachshund races, bier barrel rolling, polka dancing, food, children’s entertainment, carnival rides, vendors and beer — lots and lots of beer. Munch on strudel and bratwurst with sauerkraut as well as typical fair food such as turkey legs and burgers. I recommend stopping at the crepes stand for a strawberry banana Nutella. This event can get pricey, so consider attending on opening night when admission is free.
→ Autumn at the Arboretum
Sept. 17-Nov. 23 Free for members; $15 for adults; discounts available on the website 8525 Garland Road, Dallas 75218 dallasarboretum.org The botanical garden launches its fall celebration featuring 90,000 pumpkins and 150,000 fall blooms. Fifty horticulturists spent three weeks building Pumpkin Village, gourd houses, a haybale maze and more. Events throughout the festival include
live music performances, a live production of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” extended hours on Wednesday evenings, gardening workshops and talks, an art show and sale, pumpkins painting, trick or treating and the Tour de Fleurs race. Check the website for schedules and note that on site parking costs $15.
→ Plano Balloon Fest
Sept. 23-25 Adults $5 Oak Point Park; 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano 75074 planoballoonfest.org Dozens of hot air balloons rise into the skies each morning and evening weather permitting, but plenty of other activities fill the hours between. Listen to live music, watch skydivers, play in the kids’ zone and take a tethered balloon ride. After dark, ALEJANDRA ROSAS/THE ET CETERA walk amidst the Balloon Glow as the pilots illumiThe Dallas Arboretum is featuring pumpkins as a part of its fall nate their crafts by firing their burners. There is a festivities. fireworks show Saturday night. mon and watch Hellenic dancers and musicians. → Greek Food Fest Sept. 23-25 → Rockwall Rubber Duck Regatta Adults $6 Free Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church; 13555 Hillcrest Drive, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 24 Dallas 75240 The Harbor in Rockwall greekfestivalofdallas.com rockwallduckrace.com This is definitely the place for Greek food-lovers. The weekCheer on your adopted duckling as thousands of rubber ducks end’s menu includes feta bites, lamb sliders, Greek chicken and race down the Harbor fountain. Activities include a concert, arts potatoes, Greek sausage and more. Catch a cooking demo and and crafts, food booths and a childrens’ play area. Ducks cost $5 then shop at the onsite pantopolion, or grocery store, for ingre- each, and race winners receive prizes. This year, planners have dients. Tour the church, visit the children’s area, play backgam- added a nighttime race. Visit the website to reserve your ducks.
8
LIFE&ARTS
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
OPINION
Wilder’s legacy lives through film, charity works
This actor starred in “Young Frankenstein,” “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (the real one, not that Tim Burton remake), “Blazing Saddles” and “The Producers,” and his impact on culture and comedy was immeasurable. Doesn’t ring a bell? How about those sarcastic “Oh really? Tell me more” memes with his snarky smile, purple suit and burnt orange top hat. There we go. Now we’re on the same page. Despite having not starred in a feature film since 1991, Gene Wilder’s influence on pop culture is prevalent to this day. His ability to make people laugh is what has set him in stone. It will keep his memory, and influence on comedy, alive long after his death last month from complications related to Alzheimer’s. Wilder acted in 22 films and had starring roles including Willy Wonka, Jim “The Waco Kid” and Leo Bloom, cultural icons known even by millennials. That’s saying something. His role as Willy Wonka is likely his most recognizable. Despite not being extremely popular in the box offices, “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” highlighted Wilder’s ability to blend whimsy and heavyheartedness into one character and became a true classic. His most impressive role, however, was in Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein,” which Wilder conceived
James Hartley
and co-wrote. Wilder balances the sanity and madness of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (it’s FRONK-INSTEEN) and makes it look effortless. From his reaction to Frau Blucher’s line, “Stay close to the candles, the staircase can be traitorous,” while holding three unlit candles to his song and dance for “Puttin’ on the Ritz” alongside his Frankenstinian creation is a comedy masterpiece. It also resulted in one of his only two Oscar nominations, this one for best Writing Adapted Screeplay. “The Producers” brought him his first nomination, that one for acting. Born Jerome Silberman to Russian-Jewish parents, he changed his name to Gene Wilder when he starred in Macbeth, saying he could not see “Jerry Silberman as Macbeth” on the marquee. When legendary director Brooks found Wilder, a star team was born. The three films Brooks and Wilder partnered on were instant classics, and deservingly so. Comedian Richard Pryor saw the end of Wilder’s feature film career,
COURTESY OF WARNER BROS.
Cleavon Little (left) as Sheriff Bart and Gene Wilder as Jim “The Waco Kid” in Mel Brooks’ western satire, “Blazing Saddles.” “Saddles” was the most successful of any of Wilder’s films, grossing $119.5 million in the U.S.
starring with Wilder in four films including his last, “Another You,” in 1991. The two made one of the greatest comedic duos ever. Wilder co-starred with Cleavon Little in Brooks’ “Blazing Saddles,” which Pryor wrote. It was the first time Pryor and Wilder worked together. It was Wilder’s most controversial film, and likely one of his funniest performances. “Saddles” was a hilarious satire that would likely be
deemed too racially offensive to produce today. The story focused on Bart (Cleavon Little), a black sheriff in a racist western town, and Wilder’s character Jim, the local drunk and Bart’s only friend, as they protected their homes from a band of criminals. “Saddles” saw the most box office success of any of Wilder’s films. “Stir Crazy,” where Wilder starred with Pryor, was the second-most successful.
He and Pryor also worked together on “Silver Streak” and “See No Evil.” Wilder would leave the public eye for the most part after “Another You,” displeased with the quality of most contemporary screenplays. Despite his departure from the limelight, Wilder’s films have remained culturally impactful. Wilder appeared on TV as late as 2003 in “Will and Grace.” His performance Dr. Stein won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. Wilder modernized comedy in Hollywood by moving away from “The Three Stooges”-style comedy and pushing one-liners and larger than life comedic situations to the forefront of his films. His talent with dry humor and brilliant one liners brought a more subtle form of comedy. Still, Wilder’s legacy is built on his contributions to cancer research after his third wife, Gilda Radner, died from ovarian cancer. The Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Detection Program at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center was named after Wilder’s wife because of his efforts after her death. Wilder’s contributions to film brought him to a status as a legend and a cultural icon, and he used that prominence to make a bigger difference in cancer detection and treatment.
MOVIE REVIEW
Classic ‘Willy Wonka’ showcases legend’s comedic talents By DAVID SILVA Editor-in-Chief @DavidSilvaETC
The late Gene Wilder’s portrayal of Willy Wonka in the 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” is seen as his career-defining performance. Countless warm childhood memories can be credited to Wilder and the quirky, boundless world that is Wonka’s factory. Many cite this film as the definitive adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” However, the movie received mixed reviews upon release. Dahl himself disowned the film because of Wilder’s casting and the deviations from the source material.
This begs the question: Is “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” really the masterwork of cinema many claim it to be? Most of us know the story. Willy Wonka, a reclusive yet genius candy-maker, places golden tickets in five random chocolate bars with the promise that the recipients will receive a tour of his mysterious factory and a lifetime supply of chocolate. The five lucky kids include the gluttonous Augustus Gloop (Michael Bollner), the gum-chewing, competitive Violet Beauregarde (Denise Nickerson), the spoiled Veruca Salt (Julie Dawn Cole), the TV-obsessed Mike Teavee (Paris Themmen) and Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum).
Once inside, we are introduced to a factory like no other, full of multidirectional elevators, an Oompa Loompa workforce and a room with edible assortments of nearly everything. The film is decorated with colorful props and costumes to exemplify how otherworldly Wonka’s factory is. The performances are a strong aspect of the film. The child actors take on their roles with ease, displaying a balance between their character’s larger-than-life characteristics while still behaving like actual kids. Wilder plays an energetic Wonka that toys between reclusive maniac and softhearted wizard. His decisions seem completely improvised at See Wilder, page 9 ➤
COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in Mel Stuart’s 1971 rendition.
LIFE&ARTS
9
The Et Cetera
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Despite glossy look, ‘Resident’ rerelease pointless By CAITLIN PIPER Copy Editor @CaitlinPiperETC
Capcom has been drawing a lot of ire lately for its unabashedly greedy business practices, stacking downloadable content on downloadable content when they aren’t repackaging their old classics for any starryeyed fan looking to relive their 32-bit glory days, and I’ve only just realized that I’m part of the problem. In the 11 years since “Resident Evil 4” was released with the promise that it would remain a GameCube exclusive, I have bought nearly every rerelease, rehash and regurgitation of this horror-action schlockfest Capcom has flung at me, and here I sit writing about how I’m the only one still stupid enough to have shelled out another $20 for a game I’ve already bought four times just because it now fits in my PlayStation 4. That doesn’t make it any less of a gaming masterpiece. For better or for worse, “Resident Evil 4” revolutionized the video game industry, and the hundreds of imitators that have cropped up in the decade since simply haven’t been able to recapture its magic. Its plot is really more of an excuse to blow things up, a sociopolitical farce wherein players have to rescue the president’s kidnapped daughter from a group of Totally-Not-Spanish terrorists running a plot that makes about as much sense as a blivet, and they’re going to be making sure you’re armed to the teeth to do it. In light of the upcoming “Resident
Gamer Z ne
COURTESY OF CAPCOM
"Resident Evil 4" was originally released in 2005 for Nintendo GameCube and has since been rereleased eight times. "Resident Evil 5" and "Resident Evil 6" were also rereleased this year.
Evil 7” and the supposed “return to survival horror” it seems to be bringing to the series (because angry redneck ghosts are certainly the logical next step when our main villain up to this point has been a test tube baby with a God complex whose hobbies include never taking his sunglasses off and catching rockets with his bare hands), it’s almost hard to believe just how much change “4” brought to its successors. Trading chills for thrills and clunky tank controls for streamlined over-the-shoulder combat, “Resident Evil 4” managed to vastly overshadow the other games in the franchise.
As someone who enjoyed most of the earlier entries, I think none of them hold a candle to what I consider to be one of the greatest contributions to the medium. Which makes it all the more awkward for me to say that this version seems kind of pointless. I’ll be frank: If you already own any of the previous post-GameCube releases, this one doesn’t bring much new to the table. It’s been upscaled for modern consoles with (selectively) improved textures, greater draw distance and a buttery-smooth 60 frames per second (barring the rather choppy save screen and re-
loading animations, oddly enough). But if this has taught me nothing else, it’s that maybe some things weren’t meant to be seen in HD. Sure, the fine wrinkles in protagonist Leon Kennedy’s sweet bomber jacket have never looked so … fine, but that faraway castle that seemed so imposing a decade ago wouldn’t look out of place in an elementary school stage play now that it doesn’t have the proper distance fog to mask its porous pixels. None of this really matters since it has no real impact on the gameplay, I’ll admit, but what I can’t excuse is that the controls in this version are
noticeably stiffer. It’s certainly nothing game-breaking, but the last thing I want to be doing while Latin Leatherface is trying to carve my prettyboy dome into a stylish new table lamp is wrestle with the aiming reticle to line up a shot. Despite the rough edges, this is still the game I know and adore. If the original “Resident Evil” was a horror B-movie in video game form, “Resident Evil 4” is that half-brainless, half-brilliant action flick you put on for your friends for a night of drunken riffing. Whether you’re suplexing a cow skull-clad cultist straight into a volcano for the glory of America or engaging in delightfully groan-worthy trash talk with a 20-going-on-90 dwarf who dresses like Cap’n Crunch and cackles like a chainsaw on estrogen, there’s simply no other game like it. If you’ve never played “Resident Evil 4” and don’t have any older consoles, you owe it to yourself to at least try this version. It comes packaged with trophy and achievement support as well as all the side missions and unlockables added throughout the years, and it costs a whopping one-third of your average new release. It’s gory; it’s cheesy; it’s positively sleazy. But it’s pure fun from beginning to end. Even if this latest cash grab feels a tad unpolished, it’s at the very least an above-adequate option for those who have yet to bask in its glory. For everyone else, consider sticking to what you already have.
Wilder’s performance brings 1972 rendition of ‘Wonka’ to life Continued from page 8 times while still being a part of some master plan. He is as much a deceiver as he is a too-honest child, an awkward jokester or a meticulous puppet master. The magic of “Wonka” lies in the musical numbers throughout the film. From the opening “Candy Man” to the classic “Pure Imagination,” the Academy Award-nominated arrangements, composed by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, are charming, witty and unforgettable. “Pure Imagination” is a psychedelic orchestral arrangement that embodies Wilder’s Wonka. As he sings and gleefully glides through his factory, you get the sense that every day is like Christmas morning inside his factory.The film’s biggest flaw is how far away it often strays from its source material. I personally don’t mind when a director uses his own interpretation of the source and creates a better movie experience. However, great moments from the novel are changed for the worse or omitted altogether, such as the “bad nut” scene.
In the novel, the spoiled Veruca Salt wants to steal a nut-testing squirrel. After the squirrel determines that Veruca is a “bad nut,” the squirrels send her down the garbage chute. In the film, the whole situation becomes a “bad egg” scene involving magic geese. Changing this scene completely disregards the symbolism. Every kid ends up leaving the factory through means that represent their character. A pipe sucks up Agustus while he’s drowning in a river of chocolate that he tried to consume. Violet turns into a life-sized blueberry after she chews a forbidden piece of gum, and Mike is shrunken to a miniature size after he transports himself into a TV set. Veruca’s father, who blatantly spoils his daughter, is the owner of a nut factory. By omitting the “bad nut” scene, you completely disregard consistency. Whether the scene needed to be changed because of budget or practicality, it’s a shame that we get a poorly thought-out replacement. Aside from these missteps, “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” is a movie classic for a reason. The genuine warmth and liveliness of each character, espe-
COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Wilder as Willy Wonka, posing in the position that has been used to create the popular 'tell me more' memes.
cially Wonka, makes their journey unique and compelling, and the musical gems throughout the film are as marvelous and ethereal as the famous chocolate factory.
opinion Etera
10 www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
THE HOT TOPIC
Award-winning member of: • Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • Associated Collegiate Press • Texas Community College Journalism Association
How do you feel about 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the national anthem?
Eastfield College 3737 Motley Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 Phone: 972-860-7130 Fax: 972-860-7646 Email: etc4640@dcccd.edu Editor in Chief David Silva Managing Editor/Sports & Features Brianna Harmon Managing Editor/News & Opinion James Hartley Copy Editor Caitlin Piper Presentation Editor Jonathan Wences Photo Editor David Sanchez Staff Writers Jon Aguirre Emily Martinez
Winston Easy
Staff Photographers Ahmad Ashor Isabel Espinoza Jesus Ayala
Jasmin Jimenez Alejandra Rosas Tara Olson
Designers & Artists Emylee Lucas
Donna Mann
Jocelyn Ramirez Biology major
“I feel like it is justifiable, but then it’s not. I feel like he still should have stood for the national anthem, just out of respect.”
Editorial Assistant Martha Especulta Reporters Bryan Crady Kevin Orellana
Rodrigo Mendoza Macks Prewitt
Contributors Tanya Uhrich
Dashae Mumphrey Undecided major
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.
“I feel like he did the right thing in showing all of us that even though at times we may disagree on how we use freedom of speech, we can use it in whatever way we choose.”
OUR VIEW
“I feel like it’s more of a personal freedom. I mean, sure, its un-classy in the traditional eye, but it’s ultimately his choice whether he stands or sits.”
QB Kaepernick has right to sit, kneel in protest San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been drawing a lot of heat after he refused to stand for the national anthem at an Aug. 26 game to protest racial inequality. Despite threats, boycotts and accusations of disrespect, he maintains that he will not stand for the anthem until the flag represents “what it is supposed to represent” and he can “help make America better” by calling attention to the problem. Kaepernick began sitting to call attention to police brutality and the social injustices he perceives are happening to people of color. His most vocal critics do not seem to recognize that Kaepernick is protected by the very same rights that allows them to speak out against him. Kaepernick’s critics have every right to voice their criticisms. The freedom of expression promised by the First Amendment should rightfully protect them. It is no different for Kaepernick. Many are labeling Kaepernick as a traitor and an “un-American.” Furthermore, many have made the claim, including Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, that if Kaepernick is unhappy with the way things are, he should leave the country. This claim is completely ludicrous
and counterproductive. Should an American citizen not have the right to exercise his freedom of speech to seek reform in his country? Ignoring his rights by threatening him, demanding his job or telling him to leave the country goes directly against the U.S. Constitution and the very tenets of American patriotism. After first sitting down for the anthem, Kaepernick changed to kneeling before the flag to show respect while still separating himself to protest. On Sept. 11, the 15th anniversary of 9-11 and the first Sunday of the regular NFL season, Kansas City Chief player Marcus Peters and Patriots players Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty held their fists in the air, reminiscent of black power protests in the 1960s. The entire Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs teams locked arms as a way of honoring the flag and supporting Kaepernick. Rights should not be ignored for the convenience of an argument, especially when that argument is so deeply rooted in the First Amendment. Kaepernick is peacefully and gracefully protesting for a cause he believes in. Regardless of our individual stances, it’s our obligation to support all types of free speech, not just those that happen to coincide with our beliefs.
James Johnson Computer science major
“I feel that like when you believe in something that you have to stand for it. So if that’s how he felt, then I fully support that.” Morgan Jones Undecided major
“I don’t think anybody can really tell him anything because that’s how he feels. If they don’t like it, they can just turn the other cheek and just keep living their own life.”
David Ruvalcaba Business management major
Sports
The Et Cetera
Sept. 16 Sept. 19 Sept. 22 Sept. 23
www.eastfieldnews.com
Soccer vs. Paul Quinn Volleyball at Mountain View Volleyball at Cedar Valley Soccer vs. Cedar Valley
6 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m.
11
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Athlete clings to soccer after tragedy By BRIANNA HARMON @BHarmonETC Managing Editor
ISABEL ESPINOZA/THE ETCETERA
Sammie Thoma leaps to spike the ball.
Harvesters ranked 4th in nation
The Harvesters volleyball team started the season unranked, but two weeks into the season they are No. 4 in the nation. Eastfield started the season quick, getting wins against Arlington Baptist and Dallas Christian. The Harvesters lost their first two games against Frank Phillips and Vernon College in the Clarendon College Invite Sept. 2-3, they turned around and won their next two against Clarendon and Seminole State. Middle blocker Payton Costlow was named Metro Athletic Player of the Week for Aug. 28Sept. 3 due to her performance in the Clarendon College invite. Costlow had 44 kills in the four games against Division I schools, 16 of those being against Seminole State. Middle blocker Courtanae Calhoun is Player of the Week for Sept. 4-10. She had 12 kills in four sets last week. — Brianna Harmon
After a successful freshman season on the soccer field, Karla Gutierrez was preparing to move away and further her college sports career. On April 28 her plans changed, starting with a text message from girlfriend Teresa Balderas. “If you come over and the top lock is not locked and I don’t open the door, then I’m dead.” Gutierrez was skeptical at first, but panic set in when Balderas stopped replying to her messages. “I went and I was knocking and knocking,” Gutierrez said. “I was too scared to go in, but I had to. I knew she had already done it.” The apartment was pitch black as Gutierrez entered, calling her girlfriend’s name as she fumbled her way to the bedroom and found a light shining in the closet. There, she saw Balderas hanging by her neck. “When I saw her, I was crying,” Gutierrez said. “I was trying to call everyone. I tried to call my sister. I tried to call the cops, and they put me on hold. So I got a knife and cut her down.” After, Gutierrez called the police a second time and stayed on the phone until they arrived. Gutierrez wanted to give up on everything after losing Balderas. “It’s so hard every day waking up,” she said. “I was going to quit soccer and just give up. But she was always the one to support me and tell me that I was good enough and that I doubt myself too much. Honestly, the only reason I keep playing is to make her proud.” Gutierrez and Balderas hid the relationship from their families. “Her family tries to blame me,” she said. “I considered her son my son. I’ve known him since he was 1 or 2, and I don’t even see him because they won’t let me. No one knew about our relationship, so I have to pretend she was just a friend and he was just a regular kid, and he is not.” Balderas wouldn’t sit on the sidelines at Gutierrez’s soccer games. “She always had to hide because of my parents,” Gutierrez said. “But
I just knew she was there watching me.” Gutierrez and Balderas met through mutual friends while playing soccer together. “She really loved soccer,” Gutierrez said. “She always wanted to play and get better. Me getting better, playing on that field, making goals and proving everyone wrong made her happy.” Gutierrez struggled her first year at Eastfield. She wasn’t sure if she would play this season. “My grades last year were complete crap,” she said. She took summer and Maymester classes to increase her GPA and regain eligibility for the soccer team. Gutierrez is hoping to have a strong sophomore season and pick up a scholarship to a four-year school to continue her academic and soccer career. “I just feel like giving it my all,” she said. “I should give it my all on the field for her. I’m not only going to do good on the field but in class too. We had planned a life together; I was going to get a scholarship far away. Now I don’t want that, but I do.” Gutierrez will have a different role on the soccer field for the Harvesters this season, playing goalie in addition to center midfielder. Although she was disappointed when Stein told her about the goalkeeping duties, she eventually accepted the change. “This is my last year, and I wanted to play on the field and show what I’ve got as a player, not a goalkeeper,” Gutierrez said. “But if he needs me in the goal box, I will play there.” Gutierrez had six goals and three assists last season. She has scored two goals so far this season, both of them against Allen County on Sept 10. “She is a phenomenal player,” Stein said. “She hates to lose, and that is one of the qualities I love about her. She has been really good with these freshman by leading by example and vocally. She is going to finish first in every drill, and that is the kind of work ethic we need to show these freshmen what our expectations are and what the conference is like.” Defender Torri Sayman said Gutierrez is the glue that brings the team together.
ISABEL ESPINOZA/THE ET CETERA
Karla Gutierrez races to the ball during a game against Western Texas College on Sept. 9.
“She has so much heart and is always trying to bring people up,” Sayman said. “She is a lot more confident in herself. She is talented in both positions, and seeing her going from a rock star center mid to being a crazy goalkeeper who has cat-like instincts is amazing.” Last season, Gutierrez was hesitant to lead the team, but she has since broken out of her shell. The team only has four women returning this season including Gutierrez. “Now I’m trying to help others,” she said. “I want them to see that even though everyone left last season that we can be better if we push ourselves.” Eastfield’s 2015 season ended with a devastating loss to Richland in the Metro Athletic Conference championship game. If the Harvesters had won the game, they would have advanced to the national championship in New Jersey. She wants to see the incoming freshmen push themselves because she knows they can be successful and
make it to the national championship. “I’m helping you so you can be my competition,” she said. “I was a freshman last year and took someone’s position, and I want them to see that they can do it too.” One of those freshmen is Gutierrez’s best friend, Karla Corchado. The duo played together at Horn High School, and Corchado said it is a big challenge to compete with Gutierrez. “She is somebody I honestly do look up to for her passion and striving to get better every day,” Corchado said. “We try to make each other better.” Gutierrez still struggles to find the positives in light of Balderas’ death, but she continues to push herself. “Sometimes I don’t feel like doing [soccer] anymore,” she said. “It’s hard to play sometimes. It gets to my head. When I play, sometimes I think about her telling me I’m better than others and that I can go far. She was the only person that believed in me.”
Wrapup The Et Cetera
12 www.eastfield.com
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
BOOK TO CONSIDER
‘Lacks’ does not lack in content, deserves acclaim By RODRIGO MENDOZA Reporter @TheEtCetera
Rebecca Skloot’s debut nonfiction book, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” is this year’s common book, a literary work integrated into classes and activities throughout the academic year. The common book experience is designed to encourage the college community to share a book by reading it, studying it and participating in activities connected to it. Faculty will use the book in their classes, including English, journalism and science. Events such as speakers, discussions and an art show will reinforce the book’s message. Members of the Lacks family will speak on campus Sept. 27, and Dr. Fred Grinnell of UT Southwestern
Medical Center will visit campus in October to discuss ethics and human research. About the author Skloot is the founder and president of the Henrietta Lacks Foundation and an award-winning scientific writer who has been published in media outlets including The New York Times Magazine and O, The Oprah Magazine. She is the co-editor of “The Best American Science Writing 2011” and has worked as a correspondent for PBS’s Nova ScienceNOW. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” took more than a decade to research and write and spent 75 weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers list. Skloot has a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from Colorado State University and a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction from the University of Pittsburgh.
Plot “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” tells of the discovery of an astonishing new type of cell found in the cervical cancer cells of poor black tobacco farmer Henrietta Lacks in 1951. The cells sold for a high price and were vital in developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping and much more. However, no one told Lacks or her family before or after she succumbed to the cancer in the same year. The book also covers the relationships among members of the Lacks family and racial struggles of the time period. Critical reviews The book has received widespread acclaim. “Science writing is often just about ‘the facts.’ Skloot’s book, her first, is far deeper, braver, and more wonderful,” The New York Times said. The Dallas Morning News
wrote: “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks does more than one book ought to be able to do.” The book is being translated into more than 25 languages and was chosen as a best book of 2010 by more than 60 media outlets. It won awards including the Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize for Nonfiction and the National Academies of Science Best Book of the Year award. Review “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” can be a little jarring and jumpy at times because of the many different intertwining events. I think it’s unfortunate that the most interesting parts are about the Lacks family and not the scientific aspect since the book is about how something so damaging can not only change a person, but also a generation of people. Still, the book even with it faults
DAVID SANCHEZ/THE ET CETERA
falls nothing short of genius; Skloot brilliantly adds a guide in her book and includes pictures to help when reading, especially if you’re not the type of reader who can read a book and picture the action in your head. Each chapter is engaging and full of interesting anecdotes and some weird interfamily relationships. This is fantastic literature. It is well worth a read.
At TWU,
more than half of our undergraduate students are transfers from other institutions. Our small class sizes, beautiful campus environment and easy transfer process provide a pathway into a welcoming university setting. We have partnerships with DCCCD to help ensure your college coursework will transfer toward your bachelor’s degree. We provide quality academic programs and scholarships at a campus that encourages everyone to be successful.
TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY Learn more about completing your bachelor’s degree. twu.edu/transfer