Eastfield Et Cetera August 23, 2021

Etera Dallas College Eastfield Campus

Dallas College is offering money to vaccinated students and employees See page 4 ➤ Monday, August 23, 2021

Students and faculty return to campus See page 3

Volume 53, Issue 1

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Monday, August 23, 2021

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Racing to the top

Justin Lonon plans to use experience, connections as college’s chancellor

By HARRIET RAMOS Editor in Chief @HarrietRamosETC

Chancellor elect Justin Lonon is preparing to build upon the legacy of his predecessor Joe May and help students break down barriers to success.

Lonon, who will be the eighth chancellor of Dallas College, is set to take over the reins after May retires on Aug. 31, 2022. In the meantime, he continues in his role as executive vice chancellor and will gradually transition into his new role over the next year.

The seven institutions of the Dallas County Community College District consolidated into one college in June 2020. Lonon said he is excited about the direction the institution is going and believes it puts Dallas College in a better position to serve students and the community.

“That people recognize that this is a place for all, wherever it is that you’re trying to get to in your dreams,” Lonon said. “That people see that we have a path for them, and that the community views us as the anchor institution.”

Lonon, a native of Mountain Home, Arkansas, came to Dallas in 1997 for an internship with former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk. After the internship was finished, he stayed on as Kirk’s press secretary and campaign spokesman.

Lonon said he loved the street-level problem solving that was part of his job at Dallas City Hall.

“I like the ability to help people on their journeys,” Lonon said. “Even my work back then, when I could help in some small way — somebody didn’t get their trash picked up that day ... or whatever — and they wanted to call City Hall, and I could help facilitate getting that problem solved.”

In 2005 Lonon joined Dallas College as the executive director of public and governmental affairs. That role gave him the opportunity to influence policymakers on behalf of community college students. He took over his present role of executive vice chancellor in 2015.

He said one of his proudest accomplishments as executive vice chancellor was crafting legislation for Dallas College’s first bachelor’s degree. The program was approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching will be rolled out this fall.

May said he is looking forward to seeing what Lonon will accomplish in the role of chancellor.

“With a great handoff to someone like Dr. Lonon, I’m stepping aside with confidence that we’ll see those initiatives completed,” May said.

“And frankly, build upon them and make them even better than I would have done. So he’s a great leader, and I think a great choice for Dallas College.”

ET CETERA FILE PHOTO

RORY MOORE/THE ET CETERA

Left, Chancellor Joe May speaks to the Eastfield community on Dec. 4, 2019. Justin Lonon shares his vision for Dallas College on Aug. 4. The board of trustees voted for Lonon to replace May after he retires on Aug. 31, 2022.

When not in the office, Lonon focuses on his family. He and his wife Tonya frequently attend Baylor University football games with their daughter Karissa, now in her junior year at the university.

He also describes himself as a “car guy” who likes to tinker with old cars and participate in amateur car racing.

“That kind of gets the heart pumping,” he said. “To get on the track and hammer down.”

Lonon is the longest-serving member of the Dallas College executive team. He served under former chancellors Jesus Carreon and Wright Lassiter Jr. Matt Hinckley, president of the Eastfield Faculty Association, said Lonon will bring continuity as well as an insider’s perspective to the chancellor’s role based on the relationships he already has made with community and civic leaders through his work at Dallas City Hall.

“His network is already right here,” Hinckley said. “And frankly, it’s been Dr. Lonon who has been Dr. May’s right arm in building the local connections.”

Lonon said one of his priorities will be ex-

panding Dallas College’s baccalaureate programs. In addition to the degree in early childhood education, Dallas College has legislative authorization to offer four more.

Lonon said the other four have not been chosen yet, but a Bachelor of Applied Technology is under consideration since there is such a high demand for technology jobs in the Dallas area.

“These things are obviously hugely important,” Hinckley said. “It’s going to be a tremendous opportunity for so many students. Frankly, it’ll be a really good opportunity for many faculty.”

Lonon said another goal will be the implementation of the $1.1 billion bond project. The bond was approved in 2019 but was tied up in a lawsuit until December 2020. The money is designated for expanding and improving Dallas College facilities.

Lonon said he realizes that the transition to Dallas College was difficult for some, and he wants to help employees see the benefits that Dallas College can offer as one institution.

“Change is tough,” Lonon said. “And so I’m

hopeful about my ability to lead through that, and for employees especially to see what we’re building through Dallas College for the betterment for students and for the community. I know that’s not going to be easy. I know that as an institution there are morale issues and concerns within some pockets of the organization that we need to focus on.”

Lonon said employee engagement will likely include forums and surveys to better understand employee concerns and develop strategies to address those issues.

In addition to building on programs Dallas College already has in place, Lonon said he hopes to create a program that would assess students for skills or previous learning experiences that could be turned into academic credits. He said he wants to make education as accessible as possible.

“I was privileged to get to take part in our graduation ceremonies that we had [in June],” Lonon said. “And so you think about over 11,000 students that, because of what goes on at Dallas College, are now on a better path. And I feel the weight of that commitment.”

NEWS

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Monday, August 23, 2021

Here’s what’s changed since we were last on campus During the pandemic when most students were studying online, Dallas College went through a consolidation process that changed many facets of campus life.

Here are some of the key things students need to know to help them navigate Dallas College Eastfield Campus.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols Dallas College has implemented a mask mandate and social distancing is strongly encouraged whenever possible. The buildings on campus will bring in as much outside air as possible while maintaining occupant comfort, and there is increased signage concerning safety protocols, Chief Critical Response Officer Sharon Davis said.

COVID-19 testing and vaccinations will be available soon at some campuses. Financial incentives of up to $200 for students and $500 for employees will be offered for those who voluntarily provide proof of vaccination.

Custodial staff will continue to clean all high-touch areas (restrooms, doorknobs and handrails) several times per day, and Davis said additional hand sanitizer stations have been ordered. Classrooms will be cleaned once daily or more often upon additional request.

If a student tests positive for COVID-19, Dallas College asks that they report their positive test result to the Critical Response Office via eConnect. The student will be contacted as part of a post-positive interview process and be advised of self-quarantine guidelines.

Students will need to work directly with their instructors regarding assignments.

Davis said if one student in a class tests positive, it is highly unlikely that the entire class will have to quarantine, but each case will be reviewed and handled individually depending on circumstances.

Information Central Are you a new student on campus and don’t know where to go? Go to Information Central to get directions, ask questions about your classes and get in touch with professors.

Information Central has replaced the division offices at each campus and is the one-stop location for information and resources. A manager and two assistants will be available to help students and employees.

There is one center per campus.

less of where they are taking classes.

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CHANTILETTE FRANKLIN/THE ET CETERA

RORY MOORE/THE ET CETERA

Top, Anand Upadhyaya, program lead for the Male Student Success Program, speaks with new students Aug. 13 during a Preview Day tour. Bottom left, the sign on the F Building was changed in March from Eastfield College to Dallas College Eastfield Campus to reflect the consolidation of the seven Dallas County Community College District campuses. A custodial staff member sprays disinfectant in the library in December 2020.

Information Central, C-202 Hours Aug 23-27: 8 a.m.-noon, 1-4:30 p.m.

Beginning Aug. 30: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.​​​​

Each center is stocked with general classroom supplies for faculty like paper, pens and dry erase markers.

There is also a copy machine employees can use.

Success Coaches In the past, students talked to academic advisers when they had questions about schedules or which classes fit into their degree plans. Now, each students will be assigned a suc-

cess coach upon enrollment instead of an adviser.

Ideally, that success coach will stay with the student until transfer or graduation.

Success coaches will assist enrolled students in selecting a program of study, connect them with academic and personal support and help them create a plan to accomplish their academic goals.

Students can meet with their success coach on campus or virtually.

At Eastfield, success coaches are meeting with students in C-120 and C-237.

For more information or to set up

an appointment, call 972-669-6400 or email SuccessCoach@dcccd.edu.

Library/Tutoring Services The library, also known as the Learning Commons, and in-person tutoring services on all Dallas College campuses will be available 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

Online tutoring is also available.

Instructions on how to contact a tutor or access online tutoring can be found at dallascollege.edu/tutoring.

Students can use tutoring services at the campus of their choice regard-

Schools of Dallas College As part of the transition to a single college, academic offerings have been redesigned using a schools model.

Dallas College offers seven schools of instruction. Each school can be contacted via email at dallascollegeacademics@dcccd.edu or by phone at 972-860-8912. You can find more information about the schools of instruction at dallascollege.edu/ schools.

For the first time this year, graduates were recognized according to school instead of campus during commencement ceremonies.

The School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade offers courses in accounting, banking, business, food management, hospitality and economics. This school is for future entrepreneurs.

The School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design is where to look if you’re more of the creative type. They offer courses in design, communications, music, drama and world languages.

The School of Education is where to go if you’re interested in teaching or early childhood development.

They offer a partnership with Texas A&M University and as of April 30, a bachelor’s degree program in early childhood education and teaching.

The School of Engineering, Technology, Mathematics and Sciences offers courses in agriculture, engineering, computer engineering, cyber security and even game design.

This is who contact if you’re interested in anything from web design to physics.

The School of Health Sciences is the umbrella for careers in the medical field. They offer a variety of certificate programs in areas such as phlebotomy, pharmacy and patient care assistance.

The School of Law and Public Service offers courses in history, criminal justice, paralegal work, philosophy and social work. This is the place for those interested in having a career in the criminal justice system.

The School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology serves those who think of themselves as a “handson” type’re interested in a wide variety of trades. They offer courses in welding, air conditioning and refrigeration technology, automotive technology and electrical work.

— Reporting by Alejandro Contreras, Harriet Ramos and Jordan Lackey

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Students, employees to receive cash for vaccination

By HARRIET RAMOS Editor in Chief @HarrietRamosETC

The Dallas College Board of Trustees approved a financial incentive for students and employees who can submit proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.

Employees will receive up to $500 and students $200, Chancellor Joe May announced at the Aug. 19 board meeting. May said it is a way to thank those who make the effort to get vaccinated and encourage all employees and students to take that step.

“We’re trying to put our thumbs on the scale,” May said at the Aug. 20 Conference Day for employees. “We believe that masks, social distancing [and] other precautions are really buying us time until we can get everyone vaccinated.”

Free vaccinations are readily available at many locations, including upcoming clinics at Dallas College

campus. Get info at dallascollege. edu/covid19.

The college has not yet released information on how to submit proof of vaccination.

Anand Upadhyaya, the program lead for the Male Student Success Program, said he is glad to see Dallas College offer the financial incentive.

“The conversation around vaccines can be difficult, with multiple personal narratives and identities leading to people’s decisions,” Upadhyaya said. “But overall, vaccines are overwhelmingly safe and represent our best collective defense against COVID. … I hope the college offers this incentive to part-time employees as well, lest we unintentionally contribute to the inequities we are trying to confront.”

At this time, it’s not clear if parttime employees will be included in the incentive.

Jonathan Boyer, who plays baseball at Brookhaven, said he disagrees

with the decision to offer an incentive to boost vaccination numbers.

“Authority figures are treating the vaccine like it’s the only way humanity will survive the pandemic and in a lot of ways demonizing individuals who decide not to get the vaccine,” Boyer said. “With companies mandating vaccines, and it seems like soon cities and states following in their footsteps, it’s concerning to say the least.”

Boyer said he believes a lot of research went into the COVID-19 vaccines, but he is concerned about the possibility of future side effects.

According to information from the Dallas College COVID-19 dashboard, a total of 23 positive cases were self-reported by Dallas College employees and students for the month of August.

COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Dallas County. On Aug. 19 an additional 1,040 positive cases and four deaths were reported, according to

the Dallas County Health and Human Services.

That is up from the 726 confirmed cases reported by the DCHHS on July 30. In spite of the rise in COVID-19 cases across Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott maintains that the decision to wear a mask is a personal choice.

In July he issued an executive order banning COVID-19 restrictions, including masks.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins obtained a restraining order against Abbott’s injunction and issued a mask mandate for Dallas County, effective Aug. 12.

Jenkins’ mandate was blocked by the Texas Supreme Court on Aug. 15.

Jenkins amended the order to remove fines for non-compliance but left the mandate in effect.

Dallas College made masks a requirement on campus for all employees and students on Aug. 12.

The money for the vaccination incentive will come from Higher Edu-

cation Emergency Relief Fund III funds provided through the American Rescue Plan that President Joe Biden signed in March, according to the board meeting agenda.

Dallas College received nearly $75 million from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, according to the college’s website. HEERF funds are dedicated to mitigating the pandemic’s impact on students and colleges. May said employees will receive the payment as a direct deposit with their paycheck once they provide proof of full vaccination.

Students will receive $100 after showing proof of the first vaccination and $100 more after the second.

Students who are already fully vaccinated will receive up to $200 upon submission of proof.

Information from the Board of Trustees agenda said the payments will be made irrespective of the vaccination date.

The incentive ends Nov. 15.

The Et Cetera lands in top most awarded college publications

By HARRIET RAMOS Editor in Chief HarrietRamosETC

The Et Cetera, Eastfield’s student media organization, has been named to the Associated Collegiate Press’s Pacemaker 100.

The list, created in honor of ACP’s 100th anniversary, honors the most decorated student news outlets in the country over the past 100 years.

The Pacemaker is the highest award in college journalism and is equivalent to the Pulitzer Prize.

“The Pacemaker really represents the best of the best,” ACP associate director Gary Lundgren said on the ACP website. “It is appropriate that we recognize the rich tradition this award has in collegiate journalism as part of our centennial celebration.”

The Et Cetera received its first Pacemaker in 2011. In total, it has won four Pacemakers for its print newspaper and two for its website. In 2020 it won both in one year.

Skye Seipp, the editor in chief in 2019-20 when The Et Cetera won the double Pacemaker, said excellence in all areas is one key to The Et Cetera’s success.

“We spend a lot of time . . . working on our stories, ensuring that everything’s good,” Seipp said. “Not just the written stories, but also the photos, the videos, the newspaper design and the graphics. We . . . have a lot of passion for the things that we do, and so I think it’s not surprising that we ended up on that list.”

ET CETERA FILE PHOTO

The Et Cetera staff poses after winning a Newspaper Pacemaker from the Associated Collegiate Press in fall 2017.

David Silva Ramirez, editor in chief in 201617, said the advisers also play a huge role in the paper’s success, but it is a role that often goes unnoticed.

“We’re the ones that get the accolades,” Silva Ramirez said. “We’re the ones that win individual awards and group awards and competitions and stuff, but it’s really the work that they do that shapes who we are.”

Lori Dann, Elizabeth Langton and Sarah Sheldon have advised The Et Cetera over the past decade.

Silva Ramirez said he didn’t feel prepared when he took on the position of editor in chief, but the advisers were there to point him in the right direction.

The Et Cetera won the print Pacemaker that year.

“I had their guidance. I had their high expectations,” Silva Ramirez said. “I think that’s the thing that was really crucial, not only to our success as a publication during that time and years after, but also for our development as journalists.”

The Et Cetera has proved to be a training ground for editors who go on to be professional journalists.

“It shows how great our program is,” Seipp said. “And why it’s so important for us to have this newspaper and this resource at Eastfield to be able to teach students the ins and outs of working for a media organization.”

After his stint with The Et Cetera, Seipp interned with the Dallas Free Press and is a journalism major at the University of Texas at Austin.

Silva Ramirez is studying journalism at the University of Texas at Arlington and is interning at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Aria Jones, the editor in chief from 2018-19, has interned for the El Paso Times, The Dallas Morning News and The Texas Tribune.

She is studying journalism at the University of Texas at Austin.

The Et Cetera was awarded its first Pacemaker for website the year Jones was editor in chief.

In spite of the awards The Et Cetera has won, Jones said that is not why student journalists do what they do.

“Awards are not necessarily something that we focus on,” Jones said. “At the end of the day what we’re really trying to do is just serve our community the best we can.”

Life &Arts Monday, August 23, 2021

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Mexican-American artist uses upbringing as inspiration

By JORDAN LACKEY Opinion Editor @JordanEtc

Dallas College is presenting a collection of works from artist Paul Valadez at the Eastfield and Mountain View campuses from Aug. 16 through Nov. 5. It is the first time the campus galleries have been open since COVID-19.

The collection includes a curated selection of collages and drawings titled “The Great Mexican-American Songbook” and “American Raspa.”

Valadez, born in San Francisco and raised in the Central Valley of California, is a Texasbased artist operating predominately from the Rio Grande Valley where he is a full-time lecturer at the University of Texas Rio Grande.

His art is heavily influenced by what he calls his “hyphenated upbringing.”

“I grew up in a bicultural family,” he said.

“My father’s family is from Mexico and my mother’s family from is from Appalachia.”

The selections from “The Great MexicanAmerican Songbook” feature a collection of collages including photographs and text from English and Spanish sources displayed on

CHANTILETTE FRANKLIN/THE ET CETERA

Gallery manager Iris Bechtol explains the art in Paul Valadez’s collection on display at Eastfield on Aug. 18.

sheet music. The title of the collection references what Valadez said are the most important American songs of the 20th century. He said it reflects his personal bicultural experience and the representation of Hispanics in American history.

The selections from “American Raspa” include sketch style paintings on paper featuring a variety of prominent and iconic idols from

film and Catholicism. Some images display figures with open mouths, implying either singing, screaming or both while the use of Spanish slang terms help encourage the viewer to interpret the meaning of the work for themselves in a casual and playful manner.

Valadez donated 120 works to the Dallas College Permanent Art Collection in 2017 and has donated hundreds more to museums, colleges, universities, and private collectors all over the United States and Mexico.

Valadez said he embraces the Native American philosophy of “potlatch,” which is a giftgiving feast or ceremony that involves giving away or destroying valuables as a demonstration of wealth and power. These ceremonies also focused on reaffirmation of family and human connection through shared kindness and generosity that would benefit everyone. “[I donate] as much as I can.” Valadez said.

“There’s no strings [attached], no scam. I just have found a different way. I call it my potlatch project.”

Valadez said he normally doesn’t ask for payment for his work. All he asks is that the viewer explains what the work means to them.

After that, he said he’s more than happy to let

them have it.

That’s what happened in 2017 when Alison Starr, the gallery manager for the Mountain View campus, met Valadez for the first time at an exhibition in Austin, Texas.

“He realized in our conversation that it’s possible we had a lot of Latinx students here at the Mountain View campus and in Dallas College,” Starr said. “He basically said, ‘if you’re interested, I have some work that I would love for your students to have.’”

During the shutdown due to COVID-19, Starr decided to collaborate with Iris Bechtol, the gallery manager for Eastfield, to bring Valadez’s work to both campuses.

“I don’t want to say that there’s anything good about a pandemic,” Bechtol said. “But there have been some [good] things that have come out of it. … Alison and I have really developed, not only a working relationship, as colleagues, but also a friendship.”

The Mountain View gallery will be open Aug. 16 to Nov. 5 and the Eastfield gallery is currently by appointment only with fall hours to be determined. All students are encouraged to attend and view the work on display at both campuses.

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Soccer vs. North Lake Soccer vs. Arlington Baptist Soccer vs. Cisco Volleyball vs. Cisco Volleyball vs. Southwestern Volleyball vs. Brookhaven

6 p.m.

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Harvesters hit the field and court

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The Harvesters practice on Aug. 12 in preparation for their season that began on Aug. 20. Eastfield opened the season with a double-header tournament against Cisco College and Wharton County Junior College.

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CHANTILETTE FRANKLIN/THE ET CETERA

Sierra Richter leaps for the ball with assistance from Angelina Munoz in Eastfield’s first game against Murray State on Aug. 19. Eastfield lost 3-1. The Harvester’s missed last season due to not having enough players.

OPINION Monday, August 23, 2021

Etera Award-winning member of: • Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • Texas Community College Journalism Association • Associated Collegiate Press • College Media Association

Dallas College Eastfield Campus 3737 Motley Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 Phone: 972-860-7130 Email: etc4640@dcccd.edu Editor in Chief Harriet Ramos Graphics Editor Mattheau Faught Opinion Editor Jordan Lackey Photo Editor Chantilette Franklin Production Manager Skye Seipp Senior Photographer Rory Moore Photographers Eddie Williams Contributors Alejandro Contreras Publication Adviser Elizabeth Langton Student Media Manager Sarah Sheldon Faculty Adviser Lori Dann

7 @TheEtCetera

The Et Cetera

Students should guard their mental health In the weeks since U.S. gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from the team competition and four individual events at the Tokyo Olympics, words like “mental health” and “burnout” have made headlines and are still circulating on social media.

Even though a lot of those conversations have to do with the athletic world, I submit that burnout is something that can happen to anyone, not just athletes.

As students we need to be honest with ourselves about our mental well-being too.

I include myself in that.

Besides taking classes, I am a wife and a mother with a home to maintain, bills to pay and an energetic 7-year-old daughter who wants me to play with her.

After three years of studying to get my associate degree, half of that time during the pandemic, while still trying to maintain family and work responsibilities, I admit I am

Harriet Ramos @HarrietRamosETC

feeling pretty burned out.

My own mother’s health has been declining over the past several months. After contracting COVID-19 and a urinary tract infection at the end of January, she ended up in a skilled nursing facility where contact with her is limited due to COVID-19 protocols.

The academic pressure has been intense for me too. I graduated from high school with a 4.0 grade point average, and I desperately wanted to do the same in college.

I was able to keep that up until my statistical analysis math class in June. Due to the fast pace of the 4-week course I wasn’t able to complete all my assignments.

I still managed to get a B, but the late nights and stress of constant deadlines always had me on edge.

I’ve been the editor in chief of The Et Cetera for the past two semesters, but the isolation of working remotely took a toll on my mental health. I had a hard time getting used to only seeing my coworkers over the screen and communicating with them virtually.

I have spent a lot of time over the last few months trying to convince myself that I’m fine and that I would be as good as new after a few weeks off. My plan was to transfer to the University of Texas at Arlington this fall to start working on my bachelor’s degree. But after a couple episodes of extreme fatigue and depression that lasted for several days, I knew my plan wasn’t going to work.

There was no way I could dive headfirst into something new.

The excitement that I initially felt about starting a new chapter in my

life turned to dread, and the stress started to affect every area of my life.

Like Biles, I had to opt out of attending UTA this semester for my mental and physical health.

Some of Biles’ critics accused her of quitting, but she didn’t quit.

She just dropped out of events she knew posed a threat to her wellbeing and kept practicing in a safe space.

When she knew the time was right, she came back into competition and won.

Biles wasn’t a quitter. She just changed her strategy to fit what was going on in her life at that moment.

When we get overwhelmed and start feeling burned out, changing our strategy can help a lot.

For me, my new strategy is staying at Dallas College a while longer and taking a few classes that will transfer into my degree plan at UTA. I’m not quitting, but I’m doing what I need to do to make life manageable for me right now.

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.

Not getting the vaccine has dire consequences

The Et Cetera is published by a student staff.

Each member of the college community is entitled to one free copy of The Et Cetera.

As the coronavirus continues to mutate and the delta variant fills our hospitals to capacity, it just makes sense to me that everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 should.

We need to protect ourselves and our children who are not old enough to get the vaccine.

Nothing is foolproof, but if everybody was vaccinated it would decrease the coronavirus’s opportunity to mutate into yet another variant, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the president’s chief medical advisor.

That alone should be enough to encourage Americans to get vaccinated. Yet there are so many who still refuse to take action.

Many anti-vaxxers speak of conspiracy theories or the vaccine being rushed as reasons they do not wish to take the vaccine. Honestly I started to question my decision to vaccinate myself and my family when I listened to some of their concerns.

Some believe that the virus it is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. When Gov. Greg Abbott refuses to require a mask mandate, even after contracting COVID-19 himself, I can see how one would question the severity of the pandemic.

But after watching various school districts take a stance against Abbott and require their students to wear masks and listening to the hospital’s reports on how they are running out of beds in the intensive care unit, I am really concerned.

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.

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 should be no longer than 250 words.

ABOUT THE COVER Students take a tour of Eastfield during Preview Day on Aug. 13. Photo by Rory Moore

Chantilette Franklin @TheEtCetera

The fact that we have surpassed the number of people who were infected with the virus from the previous year lets me know we are not remotely close to being out of the pandemic.

Being a person with underlying medical conditions, I was afraid not to get vaccinated.

Even though breakthrough infections do occur, the data shows that people who are vaccinated have much better protection than those who are not. A high school friend recently contacted me to let me know she was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19.

She shared with me how she hated that she waited too long to get her vaccination. Everyone has different variables in their personal life, including mental or physical health, that influences their decision on whether to get vaccinated or not.

No one should make you feel pressured to do something you are not comfortable doing. But if you don’t wish to get your vaccine, at least be willing to wear a mask and social distance to aid in keeping everyone as safe as possible.

Last week the DFW Hospital Council announced there were no available pediatric ICU beds in North Texas. When I see that type of data, I am convinced that getting vaccinated was the best option for me and my family.

Choices must be made on how to eradicate this virus. I know individuals want it to be their choice to get vaccinated, but what will you choose?

When COVID-19 originally hit we didn’t have anything in place to offer protection. Now at least we have the vaccine.

Do you want your voice to be heard?

Send your letter to the editor or submit a guest column to the

at etc4640@dcccd.edu

Letters considered for publication must be 250 words or fewer and will be edited for vulgarity, Associated Press style, grammar, libel and space when needed.

All guest columns must be between 400 to 600 words long and must go through the standard Et Cetera editing process before publication.

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