Eastfield College
Wednesday, September 25 , 2019
Volume 51, Issue 3
Eastfield College
Wednesday, August 26, 2019
Volume 51, Issue 2
2
NEWS
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
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Volunteers sew menstruation kits for refugee women By ESON FELLERS Staff Writer @EsonFellersETC
Lacking access to basic sanitation while menstruating is something 2.3 million women and girls must deal with daily worldwide, but Eastfield has been working with Days for Girls since 2015 to change that. As a nonprofit, Days for Girls gathers necessary supplies for women in developing countries who do not have access to feminine hygiene products like tampons or pads. The organization puts together kits that have a variety of items, for which Eastfield is accepting donations. The kits also include reusable absorbent liners, which people on campus have the opportunity to help make. Each kit includes 100 percent cotton reusable liners and shields, a size small pair of underwear, a bar of soap and a washcloth. The Honeycomb Cupboard food pantry is also collecting donations of hygiene supplies for its clients. Items needed are deodorant, tampons, pads, panty liners of various sizes, toilet paper, flushable/feminine wipes, facial cleansers, disposable razors, shaving cream, floss and laundry detergent. Nurse Nancy Abdo of the Eastfield Health Center said women in the United States may not realize the challenges faced by women in other parts of the world regarding basic hygiene. “The Days for Girls project was started at
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Program coordinator for the Bee Aware team, Courtney Pickens, learns to sew to make menstration kits for refugees.
Eastfield in order to bring awareness to our students of the challenges that young women are experiencing in many countries where a stigma regarding menstruation still exists,” Abdo said. Katie Neff, a campus mental health counselor, said students, faculty, community members and even students’ parents reached out to help
with the project. More volunteers are needed. “We have Serger sewing machines, and we have an expert seamstress who will be able to teach you,” Neff said “We need people to cut, we need people to iron, and we need people to sew.” In developing countries like Nepal and Kenya, girls are often victimized for this natural bodily function, according to Days for Girls. “In some countries girls are sent to a barn for a week, or boys will make fun of them because they don’t understand why or what’s going on,” Neff said. A period can be an uneasy time for any young woman but especially for those in underdeveloped countries, according to the charity SafeHands for Mothers. Not only do periods often symbolize the growth from childhood to womanhood, but in some areas that also means being ready to become a wife through childhood marriage or starting a family after genital mutilation is performed. In other areas, a period also means having to deny yourself an education by dropping out of school. Girls in some developing countries are made to free bleed, the act of openly bleeding from your period without the use of a feminine hygiene product. Without access to the accessories to help with their bleeding, they are then made to stay home from school during the week of their period. With roughly 180 days of school in a year, this means girls are missing 42 days of school per year, hindering their access to a full education. According to an article written by Nadya
Okamoto published through the International Day of the Girl, “Unclean methods of maintaining menstrual hygiene caused by a lack of resources, or lack of education on the usage of products, can lead to infections ranging from skin irritation to something more fatal, like toxic shock syndrome.” Toxic shock syndrome is a potentially fatal condition caused by the release of toxins in a concentration of bacteria. This is especially common in menstruating women, particularly those using extra absorbent tampons, when the tampon has been left in for longer than eight hours. A large focus of Days for Girls is education, not only for girls, but for anyone who isn’t informed about the menstrual cycle. This includes education about how the vagina functions, as well as education regarding the diseases that can occur without the proper toiletries. “We just go down here to Kroger and buy pads, tampons or cups and don’t even think twice about it. Some people don’t have access to that.” Neff said. To learn how to help sew kits, visit room C237A, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Nov. 20. Deliver donations to C-139, C-145, G-138 or the library. Eastfield’s activities are in recognition of the International Day of the Girl, which falls on Oct. 11. Celia Dolinta, manager of Southeast Women’s Health Clinic, will speak about female hygiene on campus Thursday, Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. in G-101.
Coffee shop set to open in spring amid library growth By SKYE SEIPP Editor in Chief @seippetc
Caffeine addicts of Eastfield should have the chance to get their fix on campus by spring 2020 following the completion of a coffee shop at the intersection of the Learning Commons, G Building and F Building. Administrators said last spring that the shop may be open by this fall, but facilities director Michael Brantley said only 10 percent of the project has been completed so far, which includes planning.. Construction has not begun, and Brantley said the shop is under “design review.” He said they plan to bid out the space to a vendor in the next month to get a construction company. “I think it’s a much-needed thing,” he said. “Students have been asking for the coffee shop for several years. I just think it’s going to play very well.” People wanting to procure a cup of joe won’t have to enter the Learning Commons. Instead, they will access it from the hall that connects G Building and L Building. Brantley said the Learning Commons will not have to close dur-
ing construction and that it won’t take up much space. “It was prime real estate to put that coffee shop,” Brantley said. “That’s where all the foot traffic is when we did the study.” The space that has been allotted for the cafe is currently being used by Tutoring Services. Vice President of Business Jose Rodriguez said plans began around eight years ago for the shop and that the original location of the G Building on the second floor under the pavilion roof would not work because it didn’t have the proper plumbing. During the President’s Forum on Sept. 13, librarian Lindsey Bartlett spoke out against the location of the coffee shop, saying recent increases in student usage could be problematic. Usage of the library saw an uptick of 30 percent from fall 2017 to fall 2018, according to librarian Megan Horlander. Tutoring Services also increased by 27 percent. As of Sept. 9, the library was seeing 1,500-2,000 people a day on average. Anand Upadhyaya, coordinator for Tutoring Services, said this is the first semester Tutoring Services has been placed in one location of the library rather than having it spread out. He said
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Tutoring Services manager Anand Upadhyaya helps Monserrat Moncacad, who is getting an Associate of Science and would like to transfer to major in childhood education.
the services have already seen more students using them, and that they need to expand rather than condense. He said having tutoring in one area is the best practice for community colleges because it’s easier for students to use and for tutors to be utilized to the best of their abilities by working
across disciplines. Upadhyaya said the Learning Commons will soon add online resources as well. “The Learning Commons … is our studentcentered space, so maintaining the integrity of that space for students and their success is really the priority,” he said. The Learning Commons is also the only student computer lab, Upadhyaya said. Library Dean Karla Greer said she supports the coffee shop in the Learning Commons and thinks with some rearranging they should be able to continue offering the same services as before. “If we continue to increase like that, we’re going to have to look at other arrangements,” she said. “But for right now I think we’ll be OK.” She said tutoring can take place in other places in the Learning Commons, like the group study rooms and conference rooms. Miranda Acosta, a marketing major who was drinking a bottled Starbucks in the N Building, agreed that the location was a good place to put the coffeehouse due to the traffic. “There’s a lot of people that study for long periods of time, and it would be kind of relaxing to have that other option,” she said.
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eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
New law helps community college students transfer By HARRIET RAMOS Staff Writer @TheEtCetera
Community college students can keep the majority of their credits when they transfer to four-year universities now, thanks to a new piece of legislation signed June 14 by Gov. Greg Abbott. Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas), the author of Senate Bill 25, said in a telephone interview that he had been working on the bill over the course of three legislative sessions. He was concerned that students were losing time and money in the transfer process. Royce said he had received complaints from parents whose college-age children had lost credits when transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions. “It became real clear to me,” West said, “that when we began to look at the number and the amount of lost semester credit hours and the cost associated with it, this was a real problem.” In 2017, $60 million was spent on course credits that wouldn’t transfer, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. SB 25 seeks to provide a solution to this problem by setting down new rules for public universities and community college students. Timothy McDuffie, Eastfield’s director of completion and transfer, said the bill helps community college students by mandating the
ET CETERA FILE PHOTO
Senate Bill 25 forces public universities in Texas to transfer more core classes from community colleges.
transfer of certain credits to four-year schools. “The bill … mandates that they must take the core 42,” he said. “They must take it regardless of the program of study, and it’s the institutions’ job to figure out how to substitute it.” The core 42 referees to the 42-hour core curriculum for all undergraduate degrees set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The core covers nine areas of learning, but each institution may decide which courses apply to each area. If a university does not accept a community college transfer credit, SB 25 requires them
to report the reason why to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the state Legislature. The bill also requires all public universities to provide a recommended course sequence for each of their undergraduate degree programs. “Knowing what courses you need to take and how those courses should be stacked on top of one another will better enable you to go through and hopefully graduate in a timely fashion,” West said. The bill also stipulates that students should file a degree plan by the time they reach
30 credit hours. According to West, making this decision early on will help students be intentional about choosing courses that fit their degree plan. SB 25 only applies to public institutions, but some private schools may be transfer- friendly as well. Kim Herman, SMU’s director of transfer admission, said her school has policies in place that help to facilitate the transfer process. “We are looking to transfer in all credits that are college-level credits,” she said, “as long as they are not vocational or workforce or developmental. So all those credits do transfer and apply if we have an equivalent course.” McDuffie said that Eastfield is addressing the issues covered in SB 25 by providing more resources to help students identify their program of study. The new six-step enrollment process and Guided Pathways are part of this initiative. Transfer Tuesdays is another program that has been implemented to guide students through the transfer process by bringing representatives from universities to Eastfield on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Ultimately, McDuffie said SB 25 is geared toward helping community college students maximize their experience. “We’re working very diligently … so we’re all on the same page and figuring how we can work together to make this a reality,” he said.
4 Wednesday, September 25, 2019
NEWS
marching
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for a sustainable future Hundreds of residents from students to adults marched on Friday, Sept. 20 at the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge to demand more action be taken by governments with regards to climate change. Climate Strike Dallas was a part of a global movement of protest that have been taking place all week as a part of climate week, which has been gaining attention around the world with protesters like Greta Thunberg, the teenager from Sweden who sailed to New York in protest of the emissions emitted by jet fuel. —Skye Seipp
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Clockwise from top photo, a young protestor joined other activists to stage a “die in,” to demonstrate the consequences that climate change could have on the population. Bottom right, Melanie Gibson (left) and Naomi (right) hold climate strike-related signs at the protest on the Margaret Hunt Bridge on Sept. 20. Bottom left, Garett Maupin speaks to the crowd on behalf on Native American Tribes.
NEWS
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Green Up Your Act
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, September 25, 2019 Not only do chemical products have a negative effect on our bodies, but the environment as well. The concentrated forms of some commercial cleaning products are hazardous and can create potential handling, storage and disposal issues for users, EPA says. Instead of harmful chemical products in plastic bottles, white vinegar is a cleaning powerhouse that can be used anywhere from countertops to windows. To avoid a pungent odor, add some essential oils to the mix. Not only is lavender essential oil relatively cheap, but it has a calming effect that could help reduce the stress of cleaning. For every one fourth cup of white vinegar, add two cups of water, and 15 drops of the essential oil of your choice.
Help make the world a better place by starting at home with these facts and tips Ordering food to-go or shopping fast fashion may be more convenient, but it creates a huge amount of unnecessary waste. There’s so much more we can do to help the world feel some eco-friendly love! Here are some easy replacements for a waste-free lifestyle. —Eson Fellers
Clothing Unwanted clothes, bed lines and other fabrics take up lots of space in landfills. This could be changed through thrifting, or buying better quality items of clothing. “Retraining consumers to buy fewer, betterquality clothes at a higher price would mark a major step toward reducing that waste,” says Jana Hawley, director of the University of Arizona’s School of Family and Consumer Sciences. Try to purchase clothes from ethically sourced brands. If you’re tired of some of your older clothes, you can resell them on mobile applications such as Depop.
Plastic Plastic contributes to a massive amount of everyday debris. Since plastic cannot be broken down by natural bacteria, any minor decomposition only leads to microplastics, which pollute the ground. Plastic also can’t be burnt for fuel, as it would release chemicals into the air. And marine animals can often mistake our garbage for food, leading it to poison them. Instead of a harmful plastic straw, next time reach for a washable metal straw or a reusable cup for more long-term use. You can easily find these at stores like Walmart or Target for about $10 or Amazon for closer to $5. The sea turtles will thank you.
sources: texastribune.org, lakehighlands.advocatemag.com
Water/Electricity Water and electricity are often taken for granted, but these resources are not infinite. Excessive electricity and water usage not only take a toll on your wallet, but on the environment as well. By 2025, most of the world will likely be faced with a shortage of water. On top of fixing leaky faucets, try switching to showers as opposed to baths. Some energy efficient changes could be switching to halogenic light bulbs, installing dimmer switches or even just remembering to unplug from some outlets at night.
Chemicals Something we often don’t take into consideration is the impact our cleaning products have on us. “Many cleaning supplies or household products can irritate the eyes or throat, or cause headaches and other health problems, including cancer,” according to the American Lung Association.
How you can help: Dallas County Home Chemical Collection Center 11234 Plano Road Dallas 214-553-1765
Diet/Food Waste/Composting Cutting meat and dairy products from your diet could reduce an individual’s carbon footprint from food by up to 73 percent, depending on where you live, based on research from the University of Oxford. Aside from being a healthy lifestyle, veganism has a massive positive impact on the environment. Some good meat substitute brands are Morning Star, Good Earth Natural Foods, or Tofurkey, which sells substitutes for several meats aside from turkey. For dairy supplements, try Silk, which sells a variety of milk alternatives as well as yogurt, or Daiya or Chao for some incredible vegan cheeses. Instead of throwing old food away, try composting. Not only does composting help reduce food waste, but it enriches the soil around it and allows plants and communities to thrive.
Home Composting Service turnpost.com Recycle Home Electronics Staples and Best Buy have partnered with the city of Dallas and will collect and recycle electronics Recycle worn out clothing American Textile Recycling Service 10820 Composite Drive Dallas
Sources: World Wildlife Fund, Eco-Cycle, U.S Department of Energy, Move for Hunger, EPA
Life &Arts The Et Cetera
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6 Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Take a dive into these local watering-holes Like many aspiring writers, I’ve got a slight penchant for booze. However, my misanthropic tendencies typically lead me to dimly lit hole-in-the-wall bars, where a fight is almost always begging to break loose and midday regulars argue across bar tops. Here are a few of my favorite spots. —Jordan Lackey The Goat 7248 Gaston Ave. Known for: diversity, very strong drinks and a sense of community
Story by Jordan Lackey Photos by Christian Vargas
Like most bars on this list, this establishment is pretty dark inside. The main room is a decent size, and there are more than enough chairs to go around. Once you manage to squeeze between barstools, you’ll find it pretty comfortable with a padded bar top and enough lighting at the bar to read if you’re into that sort of thing. There is no bar food, however menus for Cigarz Bona Pizza (the restaurant next door) are scattered all over the place. With one pool table, a decent little smoking patio and one of the most diverse crowds I’ve ever seen, this bar delivers a superb trifecta and an ideal environment for people watching. If you get tired of listening to the football crowd in one corner, just tune into the British crowd in the other corner while they’re busy bashing on Bob Dylan as Phil Collins plays over the PA system. If that doesn’t blow your hair back, spark up a conversation with regular Kenny Shots or go find the drunk ladies dancing on the patio. Dallasite 4822 Bryan St. Known for: pool, karaoke and a bar cat
J. Murphy’s Club 2353 Oates Drive Known for: pool tables, smoke and angry regulars J. Murphy’s is tucked in the back of a parking lot and attached to a convenience store. It can be a little tricky to find, so trust your GPS. It’s only considered a club because they check IDs at the door in order to establish membership as a legal loophole to allow smoking indoors. It’s about a mile and a half from Eastfield, so it’s a regular stop for me after finishing up on campus for the day. This dark and seedy establishment almost exclusively consists of regulars. Make your presence known and it won’t take long for the bartenders to memorize your name and usual drink order. There are a handful of pool tables and a darts station. They don’t offer bar food, however they do have bags of chips, Slim Jims and the like behind the bar. This is a heavy pour establishment, and they definitely aren’t afraid to over serve their regular customers. It’s not the type of bar for the faint of heart, as confrontation and laughter seem to go hand in hand here.
OK, folks, the neighborhood for this one is definitely a little sketchy, so lock your car doors. Multiple times I’ve seen people get arrested at the convenience store across the street, and a few times I’ve seen random vehicles pick up sketchy characters after suspiciously walking around the block a few times. It’s all part of the show. Friday night is karaoke night, and I assure you, it’s hilariously cringe-worthy to say the least. It’s as if the whole goal is to sound worse than the guy who came before you. If you have a deep desire to sing Taylor Swift songs while impersonating the lead singer of Creed, this is the place for you. There are also pool tables and bar games if you can manage to swoop in at the right time. The bar staff isn’t speedy, but the drinks pack enough of a punch to make up for it, and the kitchen definitely does well if you’re into burgers and deep-fried junk food. As a smoker, I spend most of my time on the patio out front. Not only can you watch the karaoke while partaking in the illicit scenery of the neighborhood, but if you’re lucky, that’s where you’ll find the regular bar cat, KP, stalking the patio. The Royal Pour 9909 Garland Road Know for: game room, ample lighting and a covered patio Brought to you by the same owner as J. Murphy’s, this is the brightest lit bar on the list. Walk in on a Saturday evening and you’ll most likely find a crowd of only four or five other people, so seating isn’t an issue.
They advertise as a grill, but according to the bartender “it’s a trick.” Apparently the girl who ran the kitchen quit back in February, but the owner is attempting to turn the empty space next door into a restaurant to offset this. Signs are posted for a game room, and honestly it’s not half bad if you don’t mind some clutter. Three pool tables, plenty of dartboards and an air hockey table that is almost impossible to play on due to boxes surrounding it. There is also karaoke on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and a covered patio with TVs and fans that making smoking in bad weather easier. Lakewood Landing 5818 Live Oak St. Known for: good music, good food, good patio Funny enough, I learned about this little dive from an ex of mine who happens to be a bartender. This is a very simple setup, and I think that’s why so many bartenders in the Dallas area like to come here during their off time. The sign outside reads “An Upscale Dive,” and I can’t help but wonder if that’s supposed to be a joke. It’s definitely clean, at least as far as I can tell in the dark, but nothing about this place screams upscale. With a single pool table, a handful of booths and a jukebox that almost strictly plays along the lines of David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and Motorhead, this establishment really does take a minimalist approach that’s honestly refreshing at the end of a long day. The patio is right out front and pretty spacious. So smokers looking for a decent outdoor vibe, this place is for you. I’d recommend keeping your drink orders simple. This is more of a beer, shots and basic mixed drinks kind of place. All drinks are made with a heavy hand, and the bar food is amazing. I strongly endorse the burger.
LIFE&ARTS The Et Cetera
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Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Sports
Sept. 26 Volleyball vs. Mountain View October 1 Soccer vs. Cedar Valley October 4 Soccer vs. North Lake October 7 Volleyball vs. Brookhaven
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7 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m.
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Wednesday, September 25, 2019
LOOKING TO STRIKE BACK After physical and emotional hardship, Courtnae Calhoun comes home
PHOTOS BY ANTHONY LAZON/THE ET CETERA
By Brianna Harmon Staff Writer @ItsBHarmonETC
B
lood poured down Courtanae Calhoun’s face as she hurried down the street to escape her abuser on her 20th birthday. Moments earlier, he had hurled a jewelry box at her head, causing a gash. “Can I use your phone?” she shouted at a Subway employee as she barged through the door, quickly locking it behind her. After calling her father to come pick her up, Calhoun waited anxiously as the employee talked with her to make sure she was OK. “My jaw was crooked,” she said. “He offered me a sandwich, and I couldn’t even eat it.” Her father arrived at Subway within five minutes, along with police officers, who escorted her to get her belongings. In the Subway parking lot Calhoun broke down and made the hardest decision of her life: telling her dad about the two-year abusive relationship with her boyfriend that had gotten progressively more volatile.
“I didn’t know I was that special to people, I had so many people risk whatever they had going on for me because he put so much pain in my heart that I’ve never had.”
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The Et Cetera “I lied to everyone,” she said. “I didn’t want anyone to know. I was scared because if somebody did know, he would have took my life. Every person I have told has broken down and bawled their eyes out. No one could understand how someone could hurt me so much.” The abuse got so bad that the freshman All-American stopped showing up to offseason volleyball practice in 2017. She stopped attending classes. She stopped hanging out with her closest friends. At one point she even considered suicide. When Calhoun’s father brought her home, the cars of family members lined the street in front of her house. Finally, she felt free. “I didn’t know I was that special to people,” she said. “I had so many people risk whatever they had going on for me because he put so much pain in my heart that I’ve never had.” On July 26, 2018, after that final act of abuse, Calhoun ended the relationship and focused on rebuilding her life. She knew she wanted to get back into school to finish her education, but the main goal was getting back on the volleyball court and eventually playing professional volleyball overseas.
Her time off the court and out of school destroyed her. She began to lose who she was as a person. During a two-a-day practice before the 2019 season started, Calhoun broke down with tears of joy as she got the news from coach Brandon Crisp that she could rejoin the program. Her first week back, Calhoun was named National Junior College Athletic Association Region V Player of the Week for Aug. 25-30. Calhoun dominated against six NJCAA Division I schools to start the season. She had 18 kills against Pratt Community College and added 10 more against Dodge City. Against No. 8 Navarro, she posted a team-high 14 kills and a .320 blocking percentage. “It felt like I was back home,” Calhoun said. “I thank my team because it takes the team for me to even get that. It felt good to know I still have it within me. I didn’t know if I was going to step back on the court. I thought I had lost it forever. I let a relationship get in the way of my dream of playing overseas.” Back in 2016, Calhoun was on the top of the world. She was playing middle blocker for the Harvesters and was just starting a new relationship. When they began dating, her new boyfriend opened every door for her and treated her with respect. After a year, they moved in together. Then, one day, his charm turned off.
eastfieldnews.com “I started getting hit for irrelevant things,” she said. “If I didn’t do something good enough, I’d get hit for it. It tears you apart and makes you feel like you can’t do anything.” Calhoun’s academics began to suffer. She was more focused on hiding the marks on her body than studying, and she was eventually placed on academic suspension. Her time off the court and out of school destroyed her. She began to lose who she was a person. Thoughts began to run through her mind that she wasn’t good enough. She thought her nightmare would never end. Former teammate Breanna Wormley recalls a time after Calhoun’s suspension when she was invited to hang out with the couple at their apartment. When she arrived she heard them arguing. “I never had seen them fight before,” Wormley said. “When you’re in front of friends you try to seem like the happy couple.” When Wormley later found out about the physical abuse, she was heartbroken. “I wanted to kill him,” she said. “You just don’t do that. You don’t put your hands on women.” During the 2016 season Faith Faulkner, Nyjah Meadows, Wormley and Calhoun were inseparable. It was a tight bond that turned them into family. “Everyone was always over at our [Meadows and Wormley’s] apartment,” Wormley said. “We were always cooking for everybody. I have never had friends like that. It was like magnetic. We clicked.” When the abuse started, Calhoun began to make excuses why she couldn’t hang out with the group.
BRIANNA HARMON/THE ET CETERA
Courtnae Calhoun,19, stuffs a Ridgewater player in the 2016 National Junior College Athletic Association Tournament.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
ESTEFANY KULAS/THE ET CETERA
Courtnae Calhoun,19, in the Sept. 4 game against North Central Texas.
After escaping the relationship, Calhoun still had time left on her academic suspension. She used it to get back into shape and sharpen her studies. She spent many nights in the gym working out and in the library studying. Crisp says that Calhoun has put in immense work to get where she is now. “It brought a tear to my eye when I saw she was named player of the week,” Crisp said. “I’m very proud of her and the things she has accomplished.” Wormley says it’s been nice to hear Calhoun’s contagious laugh again. “It’s one of those laughs that makes you laugh,” she said. “She is the nicest person you will ever meet in your entire life. The thing about Court is, if you show her you care about her once, she will always have your back. The two best words to describe Court are caring and strong. She has grown mentally stronger.” Calhoun says being on the court again feels like coming home. ”Volleyball is my passion. It’s what I love,” she said. “I honestly thought I would never play again. I am blessed to have another opportunity.”
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opinion Etera Award-winning member of: • Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • Texas Community College Journalism Association • Associated Collegiate Press • College Media Association
Eastfield College 3737 Motley Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 Phone: 972-860-7130 Email: etc4640@dcccd.edu Editor in Chief Skye Seipp Creative Director Anthony Lazon Graphics Editor Erik Krouskop
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Manuel Cruz
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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 by a student staff. Each member of the college community is entitled to one free copy of The Et Cetera. 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 PHOTO BY ANTHONY LAZON
10 eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
OUR VIEW
Campus should consider carbon footprint Protests from east to west are taking place calling on governments to take action against climate change. While protests are fine, expecting quick results from the government is a far reach. Eastfield has recently been approved to have two buildings built as a part of phase one of the bond plan, and we hope the designers will consider making the new buildings LEED certified. This would allow for our buildings to be healthier for everyone who’s here on a regular basis. It would also save the district money, as the buildings would use less energy and water. And it would set Eastfield apart and above other campuses that have not adopted this certification. If the college is looking toward another 50 years of success, then it is imperative it does everything it can to be a more sustainable campus. And we don’t have to wait for the construction of the new buildings. For starters, Subway could begin giving customers paper straws instead of plastic. Instead of sending food to landfills, perhaps let’s start composting.
house gas emissions. Our school and district has the opportunity with this billion-dollar bond to lead the charge of building a renewable district that can leave less of a footprint on the earth and be am example for other community colleges across the country.
When I graduated high school four years ago and enrolled at Eastfield, I had no idea what to choose as a field of study. I thought getting my core classes out of the way would give me time to figure things out in regards to my career. Then one day, my parents and my aunt suggested I go into the medical field. I was hesitant when it came to choosing nursing, but I figured trying radiology would impress them and make them proud of me. The next school year I started taking electives at El Centro that prepared me for the medical field. It was actually pretty difficult because according to my professors, I had to remember every medical procedure and other important medical information for future references. Despite all that, I kept telling myself that I would get through it. My third year was when things started to take a turn. The time was coming for me
program if I’m feeling so miserable about it. I remember one of them telling me that we all have our own struggles and that what really matters is how we handle them. One day at work, it also struck me that one of my co-workers had taken a semester off so that she could figure out what she wanted to do for a career. I told her about my current situation and she told me that I should probably take a year off. This way I could find something I like, come up with a plan and go for it. I told her I felt embarrassed in comparison to my former classmates and friends who were getting ready to graduate. Another co-worker who was present during the conversation told me to not compare myself with others. Growing up in a strict Asian family, I knew family members and close family friends would question my decision.
ANTHONY LAZON/THE ET CETERA
We should hold our own clothes drives where people can recycle clothing they no longer wear. Another measure is to have better signs above trash bins that show people what item goes in which bin and how to properly recycle. Many may not know that for a bottle to be recycled it must be rinsed out and the cap and seal must be removed. Recent field trips and lectures by the Student Success and Wellness Division are commendable, but we’re getting past the point of talking. Our planet is changing at an alarming rate and we have to take action. Even though the president of the United States believes it to be a hoax, scientists agree that there is a real threat to our planet from green
Follow your passions to live with purpose Ritchie Manalastas @TheEtCetera
to apply for the radiology program at El Centro, but I was becoming very unhappy with where I was. The situation came to a point where I hit a state of depression and stress. I had rough nights trying to fall asleep thinking of my future and what my whole family would say or do to me if they found out the truth. I even distanced myself from my parents, who noticed I was not acting like my usual, talkative self. My aunt from my dad’s side also noticed that I was not acting like my usual self – talkative and bright. That’s when I opened up to my cousins: I no longer wanting to move forward into the medical field. They told me I should not continue my paperwork to apply for the
I realized that my own happiness was most important and that what others say about me should not matter. This gave me the courage to finally confront my parents who, to my surprise, were calm and understanding about it. During my time off last spring, I looked into three of my greatest passions – fashion, photography and writing – and considered the jobs they offered. I found what I wanted to do and shared the plan with my parents. I wanted to major in journalism to become a travel writer. While some might see my experience as wasted time, I choose to focus on the valuable lessons I’ve learned. Know yourself well enough to find your career path. Do not live by other people’s expectations. You deserve to be happy and enjoy what you are doing for the rest of your life. —Ritchie Manalastas is a contributor and a journalism major
OPINION
11
The Et Cetera
eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Addressing mental health is key to student success
With September being National Suicide Awareness Month, it’s important to discuss mental health and how it affects students. Many students with mental illness struggle with understanding and retaining information. If colleges are truly interested in improving their success rates, they should better promote help for those struggling since mental illness can affect the way a student learns, retains and utilizes information. It’s Important to understand mental illness and know what it is and what it can do. It comes in many forms, and seeking help is the best way to label what you feel. Depression, anxiety and ADHD can all alter the way a student’s brain processes information. These conditions can hinder the way knowledge is taken in and can affect the student in negative ways. Whether it’s lack of motivation, inability to pay attention or just complete
Manuel Cruz @TheEtCetera
blockage from reality, it can stop someone from learning. Statistics from the Association for Children’s Mental Health state 1 in 10 young people have a mental health challenge that is severe enough to impair how they function at home, school or in the community. These statistics show just how common the battle with mental illness is. As someone who struggles with mental illness, I know firsthand what it’s like to deal with its negative consequences. It’s a type of frustration that gets to you because although I know I
need to pay attention and do well in school, my own mind makes me feel otherwise. I feel like I’m in my own cloud and it blocks any information from sticking to my brain. It’s a battle. Some days I’m great and can retain so much. However, some days I don’t even see the point in coming in. I feel so disconnected and don’t have any motivation to even try. It causes a domino effect because I don’t care while I’m at school and when I get home, I pity myself for not even trying although it seemed impossible. This results in me feeling even worse about my mental health. It is a challenge, but it’s something I must learn to control in order to succeed. Fortunately, help is available on our campus. Eastfield has its own counseling center for students who are struggling with mental health issues. Colleges offer a wide variety of help for those in need.
Flip the page on the digital world I got my first smartphone in 2015. Right away, I was hooked. At that time in my life I was a stay-at-home mom with a 1-year-old child and the caregiver for my 76-yearold mother. That phone became my link to the outside world. I have never been into social media, but I am an information freak. My smartphone allows me to surf the internet for news and information about my latest interest. It also allows me to keep in regular contact with my sister, who lives in Honduras. As much as I enjoy my smartphone, there are pitfalls that come with it. My daughter needs to tell me something, but I am busy doing research on my phone. I need to make supper, but I am tired after work and want to watch just one more YouTube video. It seems that I am not alone in this behavior. A 2018 Pew Research study found that 51 percent of teenagers say their parent or caregiver is often or sometimes distracted by their phone while their teen is trying to talk with them. Smartphones have become integrated into our society. For adults, they serve the dual purpose of a necessary tool for work and a source of entertainment. So what can I do to be proactive and not allow my smartphone (or any mobile device) to take over my life? For me, the antidote is found in returning to the love of my childhood: reading books. It’s not hard to find studies that show overuse of mobile devices can cause a host of problems, including increased stress levels. This cannot be said for reading. A 2009 Sussex University study found that reading helps to reduce stress as much as 68 percent. When I read a book, I get wonderfully relaxed. I get pulled into a fascinating world that is unlike my own. I meet amazing characters that shatter my prejudices and challenge me to be my best. As a child, I was an avid reader of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mystery books.
Harriet Ramos @TheEtCetera
I read them just for entertainment, but these books also helped me to develop an inquisitive mind. They taught me problem-solving skills. My father encouraged me to read biographies. My favorite was “The Hiding Place,” written by Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom. Her book spoke to me about the power of forgiveness and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The books I read refresh me and equip me for the struggles of real life. I frequently read articles on my mobile phone, but I get distracted by incoming messages and alerts. To disconnect and rest my over-stimulated mind, I put my phone out of reach and read a real book. During the month of August, I read the book “Rocket Men” by Robert Kurson. It is the account of the Apollo 8 mission and the men who first orbited the moon. It is a true story, but it reads like a novel. It took me back to a time in history that I knew very little about. It expanded my knowledge of space travel and entertained me in the process. Best of all, during the two weeks or so that I read from the book every day, I spent far less time on my phone. Now the school year has started, and I am checking my phone regularly for updates related to my studies. I can feel my stress level rising. My eyes blur from spending too much time looking at a screen. But when I need a break, I know what to do. I put my phone out of reach for a while and grab a real book. —Harriet Ramos is a staff writer and a journalism major
I wish these resources were promoted more by the college. Eastfield offers free on-site counseling as well as information regarding offcampus places a student can visit to get help. They also offer links to assist students struggling to pay for counseling. The counselors available on campus are licensed professionals with masters or doctorate degrees. I was not aware of this until one of my counselors showed me the webpage showcasing all the resources they offer. Mental Illness is a problem that many live with, but with the right help from the right people it can be controlled. College is a stepping stone in life, and we students should not let anything get in the way of our success. —Manuel Cruz is a contributor and a public relations major
THE HOT TOPIC What can be done to combat climate change? “I feel like people should be more aware of it and people should take it a bit more serious than they take it. And it should be more focused on in politics.” Amari DeFrance, Business Major
“I think it’s more of a question for bigger companies as they are the one that provide a really major carbon footprint. ... I think they’re actually a bigger problem than say us not recycling a bottle of water.” George Gallejos, Associate of Science
“If electronic cars like the ones you charge are cheaper and allowed more people to get access to them, there would be less gases polluting the air and there would be less oil wasted.” Lexi Roach, Business Administration Major
“It should be expected of the people all over the world.” Howie Phan, Business Administration Major
“I think we need to strengthen laws on how much everyone is doing day to day like carpooling. We need to limit that. Make sure we’re protecting the earth because we need to be here for a while.” Landon Lushner, Computer Science Major
12 Wednesday, September 25, 2019
WRAP-UP
eastfieldnews.com
No Raccoons Allowed By Jessica Martinez
The Et Cetera
Raining raccoons moved to new home By SKYE SEIPP Editor in Chief @seippetc
During the lunch rush on Sept. 9, a raccoon fell through the ceiling in the corner of the Mama DeLuca’s and Subway. A photo of the clumsy critter went viral on the Instagram page “TexasLatinoMedia-uncensored.” “We didn’t know anything about the raccoons” on campus, Subway owner Cyndi Pitman said. “We had a lot of people out here and the Red Sea [of people] parted.” With a trash can and the help of an employee with a broom, Pitman trapped “Rocky,” as it was dubbed by her husband Tim Pitman, before police arrived to remove the critter. Pitman said she doesn’t think it’s an issue that raccoons snuck their way on campus. She said with the nearby fields and local developments, it’s just a part of the location. Facilities director Michael Brantley said workers had caught several raccoons inside buildings during the week before Sept. 9 and believed they had caught all of the animals before “Rocky” came tumbling down. “That one was a surprise,” Brantley said. This is not the first time the
Oddball Scribbles By Eric Santos
masked-bandit critters have been found inside campus ceilings.. In March 2012, The Et Cetera reported three “renegade” raccoons being caught, which caused damage to the walls in room N-200. Brantley said Eastfield no longer has to worry about raining raccoons, as the family of six varmints that had been recently rummaging around in the ceilings was captured and relocated to another environment. He said it is believed they got in through the roof of the A Building, which has now been patched. Three were caught in President Eddie Tealer’s office, and another one was found running through the halls. The mother and another baby were found in the C Building and he said no damage was done to the college. “They don’t tear anything up,” he said. “They don’t want you to know that they’re there.” He said facilities used traps baited with cat food to capture the critters and then called the city of Mesquite to relocate them together in a different habitat. “They don’t really act like wild animals at that point, they just seem to be cool and ready to get on their way,” Brantley said. “So we just try to get them on their way.”
NEWS
Briefs Single accreditation delayed President Eddie Tealer announced at a campus forum on Sept. 13 that the deadline for the district to apply for single accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools was pushed from September of this year to March of 2020. The initiative was approved in August by the district Board of Trustees and will allow for all seven campuses to be accredited together rather than separately.
Hispanic Heritage Month begins
Gallery art vandalized
SIRGIO RUVALCABA/THE ET CETERA
OSER kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 16 by serving tacos in The Hive. Different activities are planned throughout the month to celebrate Latino culture.
The exhibition “Holding Weight” in Gallery 219 can be viewed by appointment only this week due to students repeatedly touching some of the charcoal canvases, according to an email from gallery manager Iris Bechtol. Appointments can be set up 9
a.m.-4 p.m. through Friday, Sept. 27 by contacting Bechtol at 972-8607329 or irisbechtol@dcccd.edu.
La Prada entrance closed Carol Brown Road, the street that connects the college to La Prada Drive, will be closed from Wednesday, Sept. 25 to Tuesday, Oct. 1 for “critical repairs” according to college spokeswoman Sharon Cook. Traffic will be redirected to the entrances off of Oates and Motley drives.
Volleyball player honored Outside hitter Emily De La Garza was named National Junior College Athletic Association offensive player of the week for Sept. 9-15. She posted a .323 hitting percentage with 1.4 services aces.