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Volume 44, Issue 2
Eastfield College
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Traffic Jam
During peak hours, the college’s parking lots are packed, and students are scrambling to find the few remaining spots before they’re late to class. Shannon Cox arrives on campus at 9 a.m. to circle the parking lot, hoping she won’t be late to her 10:05 class. She knows ahead of time she will spend at least 15 minutes looking for a place to park, sometimes much longer. As she pulls in to the S building parking lot, she finds no parking available. Her next stop is the N building, where her class is held. Again, no luck. Finally, she finds a spot at the back of the F building parking lot, on the opposite side of campus. Parking isn’t just a matter of convenience for Cox. She also has health problems that affect her ability to walk long distances. In 2004, Cox was involved in a car accident that left her with three bulging discs in her back. “I don’t mind walking, but by the time I get to class, I’m in pain,” Cox said. Many students and employees have struggled to find parking this semester. It’s not unusual for parking lots to be crowded, especially during the first weeks of classes, but the increasing enrollment numbers seem to be making the problem much worse. See Parking, page 2➤
Inside
Index
New art gallery opens with Leticia Bajuyo show
Professor and his students help save endangered fish
➤ Page 8
➤ Page 10
Hoopster returns after five-year break ➤ Page 14
Big Picture................... 7 Life & Arts.............. 8-11 News....................... 2-6 Opinion................ 12-13 Sports........................ 14 Wrap-up.................... 15
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Wednesday, October 3, 2012
PUT IT ON THE
Calendar October
Fri
All student club officers must attend orientation from 12:30-3:30 p.m. in C-135.
Mon
A mini art show and lecture will be presented by local artist Marty Ruiz from 12:30-1:50 p.m. in C-135.
Tue
Boot camp instructors Amy Pylant and Mason Murphy will deliver the Common Book keynote address from 11 a.m.noon in the Performance Hall.
Wed
The Wednesday Recital Series will feature the UNT Latin Jazz Lab Band, directed by Jose Aponte, from 12:30-1:50 p.m. in the Performance Hall.
Wed
Chef Lydia Gonzalez of the Latino Culinary Institute will speak from 11:15 a.m.-12:10 p.m. in N-222. A tasting will be held after the lecture.
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Mon
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Tue
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“Bring Your A+ Game,” an event held by the African-American Latino Male Initiative, will feature a documentary and a panel discussion about minority male issues. The event starts at 12:30 p.m. in C-135. A majors fair with professionals will be available for questions. A drawing for gift cards will be held every half hour; all participants must bring their student ID to enter the drawing. The first 100 students to finish an evaluation will receive a Midterm Care Package.
Thu
“Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders,” a panel presentation by Dallas community members, will be from 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m. in G-101.
Tue
A Hispanic Heritage Month read-in and a performance by the Eastfield Dance Company will be held from 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m. in the Performance Hall.
Wed
WFAA News co-anchor Cynthia Izaguirre will speak from 10:10-11:05 a.m. in the Performance Hall.
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Parking problems cause irritation Continued from page 1 “You have to come an hour early to find a parking spot and make it to class on time,” nursing major Cache Williams said. “I drive all around the campus until I find a spot.” This year the college has 14,088 students enrolled but only 2,411 parking spaces. President Jean Conway noted that online and dual credit students are responsible for a significant part of the enrollment increase, and those students do not affect parking. “I don’t want to minimize it, but until I begin to hear over and over again from people that there are just no spaces and that people are parking in the grass, then we will have a problem,” Conway said. “But if people are circling and I see 25 spaces out on the perimeter, that doesn’t make me think we need to build a new parking lot.”
Assistant to the president Sharon Cook added that Eastfield is “never going to have a total of 14,000 students and staff members here all at the same time.” After the 12th day of class, a large number of students also drop classes, making parking less of a hassle. Exercise major Chris Uza said he knows what he is going to face when entering the campus, so he plans accordingly. “I’m not typically too late because I know in advance I’m going to spend 15-20 minutes looking for a spot,” he said. Some professors understand the situation and are lenient with their students who are late to class. “I really feel for a lot of [the students] because they’re working, then they have to come here and spend all that time looking for a parking space,” English professor Juventino Olivares said.
When asked, the police had no comment on the situation. Conway said police and faculty have reported that there are places to park; they’re not always close to the buildings. Some employees have even parked in the overflow lot at the baseball field. Cox suggested adding a shuttle service to drive those students and employees who are parking far from the buildings. She said that would help ensure that students arrive to class on time, and it would help those who have health issues. “I know some people would think it promotes laziness,” Cox said “but for people like me who aren’t disabled but have other issues, walking from the back of the parking lot hurts you by the time you get to class.” Some believe the solution is simply adding more parking. “I think that we need more parking spots. A lot of the time I have
problems finding parking,” science major Vanessa Barragan said. Many universities have added stacked parking garages on campus. This allows for extra parking without using up more land for lots. However, that doesn’t appear to be in the college’s future. The construction would be costly and Conway also has safety concerns. “We haven’t really explored a parking garage,” she said. “They’re quite expensive. Anytime you go up, you’re spending a lot of money. Sometimes they are not as safe a place at night for people to go back and get into their cars.” A parking garage would also mean cutting into facilities and faculty funds as well as spending more on police patrols. “If we really begin to say we’re out of parking, that might be something we need to explore,” she said. “But we just aren’t there yet.”
Students elect new government representatives By Anjulie Van Sickle etc4640@dcccd.edu
The presidential election is still a month away, but many students have already cast their ballots in the student government election. Gabriel Estrada edged Joshua Martinez in the only executive board race to become the new SGA Vice President. The elected VP’s job is to assist the President in any way possible. This includes talking to students and understanding their comments, needs and concerns. “I want to give the students what I would want,” Estrada said. “I want to make it transparent. I want the average student to know what’s going on. I want the student to become more involved.” The candidates campaigned by visiting classes, hoping to attain votes from different clubs and students. Estrada, a recent graduate of Poteet High School, is in his first semester at Eastfield. He said the friendliness he felt at freshman orientation made him want to become a part of something bigger. Director of Student Life Judy Schwartz said this desire is often what leads students to serve. “It’s the heart of the students and their willingness to work hard,”
ODESSA LEEPER/THE ET CETERA
SGA members are (front) Alejandra Moscoso, Adriana Villalva, Jasmine Hernandez, Cristal Aldrete, Ana Chavez, Fabiolo Resendez, Joshua Martinez; (back) Eduardo Perez, Ethan Chavez, Andrew Carlson, Mitch Bassett, Gabriel Estrada, Edith Rodriguez and Sandy Hernandez
said Schwartz. “Put yourself in their place. You’re a busy student. You have homework; you have class; you have fun things you want to do; you have jobs; you have families. Yet, they make serving you their priority.” This is reflected in Estrada’s description of the VP’s responsibilities. “It’s all about [the students],” he said. “We can only do as much as they want us to do. It’s for them that we do this.” The election this semester also included open positions in the Senate and House of Representatives. The Eastfield constitution calls for a maximum of 10 senators and 10 rep-
resentatives. Elected senators include Mitch Bassett, Adriana Villalva, Andrew Carlson, Ethan Chavez, Jasmine Hernandez, Sandy Hernandez and Joshua Martinez. Members of the House include Alejandra Moscoso and Eduardo Perez. Elected to serve in the House of Representatives were Alejandro Moscoso and Eduardo Perez. The executive board includes President Cristal Aldrete, Vice President Gabriel Estrada, Secretary Ana Chavez, Treasurer Edith Rodriguez and Parliamentarian Fabiolo Resendiz. “The elections serve two purposes,” Schwartz said. “They let the
students know we have an SGA, and that we have a process in place. They help us gain support and attention for SGA so we get more students involved with it.” Ballots have been cast online for the past two years. Students enter their student ID in the provided space on Student Life’s website. Each student is allowed to vote only once. “Voting in general is going to affect you no matter what,” President Cristal Aldrete said. “We have people all around us who are going to be affected, whether it is you or a friend.” Aldrete said her goals for this semester include getting more students registered for the presidential election and getting students more involved around campus. Martinez agreed that campus voting is equally as important as voting in local, state and national elections. “What you choose really does matter and affect the way you live around campus,” he said. “It’s important. Any kind of voting is important. As long as you participate, your life on campus will be really fun.” Schwartz said participating in the SGA prepares students for leadership opportunities at four-year universities as well as in the “real world.” Last year, SGA was recognized as the best chapter in the state. “Not only do we have an SGA, we have a good one,” she said.
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College preps QEP in advance of SACS visit By Justin David Tate etc4640@dcccd.edu
SACS is coming to campus in less than two weeks, and the future of every student, faculty and staff member is at stake during the visit. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is a regional accreditation agency that determines whether its set of 99 principles is being followed by colleges in the Southern region. A school must be accredited to receive state funding and have its students receive financial aid. Colleges must be reaffirmed every 10 years, and Eastfield is up for reaffirmation this spring. “Accreditation is an approval by one of the agencies recognized by the Department of Education that ensures that we as a college have a mission that’s appropriate to higher education and that we’re doing all things appropriate to effectively achieve that mission,” Vice President of Organizational Development Tom Graca said. Graca acts as the college’s accreditation liaison during the reaffirmation process. The first two steps of reaffirmation have been completed, including a lengthy compliance report, to show how the college is following SACS’ principles. The report took five years to craft before being submitted on March 9. “It has over 450 pages of narrative and 10,000 pages of appendices,” Graca said. “It’s not something you cram for the night before.”
Learning Communities A co-registration and block schedule in which the same cohort of students takes two or more of the following courses together: a) EDUC 1300 Learning Framework, b) English (ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302), c) History (HIST 1301 and HIST 1302), and d) Mathematics (DMAT 0090, DMAT 0097 DMAT 0098, DMAT 0099, MATH 1314).
Academic and Cultural Enhancement (ACE) ACE aims to promote engagement with peers, academic content, campus services, and select college experiences. Students will earn points for completing a specific number of ACE-Events identified as instrumental in the attainment of the goal of Year One: ENGAGE. ACE consists of three main components: a. Social support through MENTORSHIP provided by Success Coaches b. Educational enhancements through the ACADEMIC SKILLS CENTERS (ASC) and LIBRARY workshop sessions designed for Year One: ENGAGE c. College life through CULTURAL AND SOCIAL EVENTS
CHADNEY CANTRELL/THE ET CETERA
The last step is a site visit from SACS, which will send 11 educators to visit the campus from Oct. 16-18. They will speak with students, staff and faculty, review any lingering questions about whether the campus is in compliance and review the college’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). While the compliance report focuses on how the college is aligned with SACS’ accreditation guidelines, the QEP is how Eastfield plans to direct its future. A QEP is unique to each college and is geared around an area that can be improved.
The QEP Steering Committee, consisting of art professor David Wilburn, Learning Framework professor Ana Rodriguez and mathematics professor Erika Glaser was formed 17 months ago. “What we were asked to do was either make learning better on our campus or to make the things that support learning better,” Wilburn said. The committee decided to do both. Its QEP, called “Year One: Engage,” is made up of two major components. The first component is learning communities and the second is Academic
Cultural Enhancement (ACE). “These [learning communities] are actually really wonderful small programs where a group of students, say 25, take two or three or maybe even four classes all together,” Wilburn said. The communities can be teamtaught by two professors on two different subjects at the same time, according to the QEP Steering Committee. Rodriguez believes learning communities allow students to positively reinforce each other’s growth and development as peers.
“Just staying in the same group of students is going to be a great support,” Rodriguez said. “This program has already been piloted with great success.” ACE is a three-tier system that consists of mentorship from success coaches, workshops designed for Year One: Engage students and cultural events and social events on campus, such as basketball games and theatrical productions to earn points to collect prizes. Rodriguez said that learning communities will immediately be provided with their own success coaches. “They’re going to know who’s their mentor, who they can talk to, who they can go to for help, for doubts and everything else,” she said. Year One: Engage will expand and adapt its offerings over the next five years. QEP Program Development Specialist Jonathan Michelon, an education professor, said research supports the committee’s belief that first-time students are more successful when they are involved in a community. Wilburn, Michelon and Rodriguez are excited about the new possibilities Year One: Engage will open up. “What is so great about this plan is Eastfield, for 40 years, provided a huge amount of support services and programs and activities and events for students,” Wilburn said. “And this plan, Year One: Engage, really pulls all those things together in such as way as to provide students with a plan of action.”
Giving back helps your grade and the community too By Claudia J. Guerra etc4640@dcccd.edu
Helping others can be personally rewarding, and it can also help boost your grades. Many instructors offer extra credit to students who sign up as volunteers through service learning. The college hosted a service learning fair on Sept. 25 in the Pit. Twenty local agencies attended, hoping to find volunteers and interns to help with their programs. “The purpose of the fair was to have many agencies under one roof providing easy access for students to be able to get information,” Dean of Student Support Services and Aca-
demic Enrichment Liz Nichols said. While the organizations were able to gain volunteers, students received an opportunity to earn extra credit for class or service learning hours for clubs that require them. “I’ve been doing this for a long time, so it feels good,” counseling major Josephine Ceaser said. “It’s always good to give back. So much has been given to me, so this is a longtime dream to be able to do for others who can’t do for themselves.” A variety of organizations gathered in the Pit, including Reading Partners, a non-profit that helps children who are behind a grade level in reading, and Hospice Plus, a program for people who have six months
“
It was really amazing how many bags we gathered and how many people helped out. —Ruben Meza
Business Major
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or less to live. Having the fair in a busy, central location such as the Pit ensured a strong turnout for the organizations. “I think this is a really good space because we are all congregated here.
I’ve been to [other locations] where we’re all just kind of in a corner or in a hallway, and it doesn’t get much traffic,” Reading Partners representative Kelsey Prenger said. Students at the event aren’t the only ones participating in service learning this semester. Biology professor Jose Flores gathered his students for the Mesquite Trash Bash on Sept. 22. The students received extra credit for helping clean up to the Dallas Reservoir. “It was really amazing how many bags we gathered and how many people helped out,” business major Ruben Meza said. “I’m just really proud of everyone that helped out, not
just people from biology but people around the Mesquite community.” Flores has been participating in the Trash Bash for five years now, and he said this year’s event was the most productive. “We didn’t count the number of bags we filled, but we filled more bags than ever,” Flores said. After a long day of picking up trash, the group was stopped by a neighbor who thanked them for their service. “He told us that was a wilderness area and he has seen the wilderness disappearing and the area getting more polluted year after year,” Flores said “So he was very thankful for what we did.”
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LATINO LECTURE SERIES
Texas history presented as myth By Danyelle Roquemore etc4640@dcccd.edu
“Remember the Alamo” is a phrase with which most Texans are familiar. However, not everyone remembers the Alamo quite the same way. History professors Mike Noble and Mike Walker brought to light new evidence about the Alamo during a lecture entitled “The Real Alamo” on Sept. 26 that was part of the Latino Lecture Series. The Alamo is taught to students in Texas schools as a symbol of courage, sacrifice and the fight for liberty. The lecture confronted what students are taught about the Alamo as opposed to the actual events that took place. “One of the biggest reasons for the revolution in Texas [was] because Mexico had outlawed slaves,” Noble said. “Now, you weren’t taught that in seventh grade, were you?” The American settlers who moved to Mexico brought slaves with them. When the Mexican government out-
lawed slavery, the fire for the Texas Revolution was sparked. One thing that isn’t taught in most schools, Noble said, is that it wasn’t only the American settlers who fought in the battle of the Alamo. “A myth about the Texican Army is that it was just white Americans that fought, and that’s not true,” Noble said. “Tejanos did fight in the Texican Army because they were also fighting against Santa Anna.” The Tejano aspect of the revolution isn’t the only thing that is changed when the Alamo is taught in schools. Davy Crockett’s involvement in the Alamo is also up for debate. Letters written by Mexican soldiers who fought at the battle of the Alamo have come to light in recent years. “Davy Crockett [was] the most famous man in the Alamo. We all know Davy Crockett [as] the outdoorsman, the backwoods guy,” Noble said. “But in reality, he was a failed congressman who was trying to get back into Congress.”
According to the Mexican soldiers’ letters, Crockett and his men didn’t die heroically as it is popularly believed. They state that the men were forced to surrender and were killed at the hands of Santa Anna. “The story goes that all 187 men died gallantly at the Alamo, guns in hand, but that’s where history comes in,” Noble said. “We’ve got two stories [about] what actually happened.” Noble claims that opposing views on how the men died doesn’t change the fact that their deaths and the battle of the Alamo were important to the result of the Texas Revolution. “The Alamo has not only become a symbol of great historical importance, it has also become a symbol of Texas68760 importance [and] Texas pride,” Noble said. The Et Cetera Since historical events are open to 1/4 pg 5.1 x asked 5.25the audiinterpretation, Noble ence09/19 to think-about how the history 10/31/12 of the Alamo is taught differently in pmc other places. “I grew up in California, and I was taught that [Crockett and his men]
Was U.S. a bad neighbor? By Sidney Murillo etc4640@dcccd.com
While most of the national focus these days is on the presidential elections and the Dream Act, last week’s Latino Lecture Series reflected instead on the history of the country’s relationship with Latin America. History professor Matt Hinckley started the series on Sept. 24 with a discussion about “The Bad Neighbor.” Hinckley explained how President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated the Good Neighbor Policy in 1933, promising not to intervene in Latin American affairs. This changed with the Iran-Contra Affair during the Reagan administration, when the U.S. was discovered to have been selling arms to Iran and sending money and weapons to Nicaraguan Contras. Hinckley claims that the U.S. was being a “bad neighbor” during that time. “Would all this violence have happened without U.S. support?” Hinckley asked. “It’s kind of hard to say. It’s hard to argue with history.” During his presentation, Hinckley detailed the violence and gore that resulted from those foreign policy decisions. He also showed photographs from Susan Meiselas, who documents
human rights issues in Latin America. “Anytime you give bad dudes a bunch of money and a bunch of weapons, this is what’s going to happen,” Hinckley said. The images hit close to home for some students with family ties to Mexico. Javier Barrera Puentes, an education major, said he is concerned for his hometown of Guanajuato. He wants to learn as much as he can about how the violence began in Latin America. By coming to the Latino lectures, he was seeking to find hope through knowledge. “Where I’m from, there are criminals, drug sellers,” Puentes said. “They [cause] a lot of violence in Mexico. It needs a really good change. Money makes all people ... corrupt. If the U.S. wants to intervene in anything, they should fix what they started.” Fellow history professor Mike Noble had a different take on the events than Hinckley. He explained that from the outside, it may seem like the U.S. was the bad guy, but sometimes good intentions lead to bad situations. It’s all about perception, he said. “The U.S. is acting more like a big brother,” Noble said. “That’s the beauty of historians. We look at things different than politicians. We can argue and disagree, like Hinckley and I do, but we can go out to get a beer after. Nothing personal.”
were lined up and shot,” history professor Kat Cloer said. “We were [also] taught that in Texas, [students] don’t learn that Texicans were at the Alamo.” Noble and Walker also brought up differences in the Mexican perspective of the revolution and battle of the Alamo as opposed to the romanticized fight for independence seen from the Texan point of view. “Don’t forget that the Alamo was fought in the land of Mexico,” Walker said. “We call those men [who fought at the Alamo] ‘the defenders’ and the Mexican Army ‘the attackers.’ What [were] they defending?” A related question is: What did the Mexican Army call the Texican Army? “[The Texican Army] called themselves ‘heroes’ and ‘defenders of liberty and justice,” Noble said. “But what did the Mexicans call them? How about ‘traitors,’ ‘criminals,’ ‘terrorists.’” No matter what Mexican historians think about the battle of the Al-
amo, the grand narrative is continually taught in schools. “The congressmen in Texas are the ones that decide what needs to be taught and what doesn’t need to be taught,” Noble said. “When you attack the grand narrative, you’re called a ‘revisionist,’ and [to them] that’s a bad word.” Noble and Walker insist that being a revisionist isn’t a bad thing. They claim that a revisionist is someone who revises and expands on history based on new evidence that had not previously been reported. “Revisionist history is a good thing,” Walker said. “Can it go too far? Yes, it can, but in [the case of the Alamo] I don’t think that it [does]. We’re getting more at the real truth of the Alamo as we question the facts.” The dispute over what happened at the Alamo raises questions about other romanticized lore from our nation’s history of wars. “History is made to be changed,” Noble said. “These grand narratives are just that: stories.”
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Hispanic Heritage Month: Art, music, food and more By Jessica Sias and Justin David Tate etc4640@dcccd.edu
ANDY SAUL/THE ET CETERA
Former soldiers, from left to right, Jordan Brewer, Krystal Fuller and Chad Krischke are now college students.
From soldiers to students By Keturah Jones etc4640@dcccd.edu
Krystal Fuller had just turned 18 when the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks changed our country forever. They also changed Fuller’s life, prompting her to join the Army. “I was trying to be patriotic,” she said. “I felt scared. When that happened, I felt like I needed to protect my country.” Fuller served in the Army from November 2002 until December 2011. She started out as a cook and after five years was reclassified as a Petroleum Supply Specialist who issued out fuel for various fuel-powered equipment. Fuller is now a wife, mother and student who is working toward her goal of earning an associate’s degree at Eastfield. She would like to become a dental hygienist. Serving in combat was often a frightening experience for Fuller, particularly in Iraq. Fuller recalls one incident when she was on duty in a tower guard and a mortar exploded only a few feet away. “The tower is made of thick metal, and when the mortar exploded, I could hear the dings of the shrapnel metal hitting the top of the tower that was protecting us,” she said. “I remember seeing my life flash before my eyes.” Fuller is thankful that her expe-
riences in Iraq didn’t lead to Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), a psychiatric disorder that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event. She admits transitioning from the military to everyday civilian life has been a struggle at times. “After being back for a couple of months, I was all messed up,” Fuller said. “I would be driving and swerve because I was thinking there were roadside bombs.” Chad Krischke served in the Marines as a helicopter mechanic from March 2005 to March 2010. He said being on a ship and working on a helicopter for seven months at a time with little to no communication was difficult. He was never in combat but agreed with Fuller that adjusting to civilian status is a struggle. “Interacting with people and finding a job has been very difficult,” he said. He is majoring in computer-aided drafting and hopes to pursue his bachelor’s degree at either UT Dallas or SMU. “I thought if I got an associate’s degree, then I could think I could get an internship or job pretty quickly,” he said. Krischke advises anyone going into the military to take some college courses while they are enlisted. Jordan Brewer served in the Navy as an AME-2 from August 2007 to
August 2012, working on aircraft utility systems. He said his job as a jet mechanic on the flight deck was one of the most dangerous in the Navy. “You are 90 feet above the ocean, exhaust is blowing, jets are landing, and at night they turn the lights off,” Brewer said. “All you have is a flashlight.” Brewer described the adjustment coming from active to civilian status as starting over from scratch. “Being on my own again, not having a steady income, not having a daily routine is a hard adjustment,” he said. Brewer saved up enough money for temporary living expenses before he got out, which eliminated the hardship of trying to find employment right away. His goals are to receive a general associate’s degree and transfer to a university. Despite some hardships, all three soldiers agreed that if they had to do it all over again, they would still enlist in the military. They said the experience gave them skills, discipline and a good work ethic. They jokingly argued which branch was the best, but their mutual pride brings about a sense of unity. “There will always be a sense of rivalry between the branches, but when it comes to protecting our country, we come together as a team,” Brewer said.
The Pit was decked out in red, white and green as the campus celebrated Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 13. Students ate chips and salsa while faculty member Eddie Healy played Spanish songs on his guitar. The gathering served as an early kickoff for Hispanic Heritage Month. The opening celebration of Latino culture also included a Latino Lecture Series hosted by the Social Science and Human Services division from Sept. 24-27. Another series of events will take place this month. “The Mexican Independence Day celebration was [meant] to highlight our student government officers who are all Latinas,” Arts, Language and Literature Associate Dean Courtney Carter Harbor said. “That flows with our Hispanic Heritage Month theme, which is ‘Developing the Next Generation of Leaders.’ We thought that would be a nice tie-in to the leaders of our school.” To go along with the theme, the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee introduced SGA president Cristal Aldrete, along with the rest of the officers, as strong Latina women. “[It’s] a way to show people that the Hispanic community does have leaders,” Aldrete said. Aldrete and the rest of the SGA hope to lead by example as they try to serve the student body. “Leadership is something that [students can learn],” English professor Kassandra Buck said. “They don’t [always] feel like they have that gut, that confidence or that ability, but every student at Eastfield College can be a leader.”
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It’s a way to show people the Hispanic community does have leaders. —Cristale Aldrete SGA President
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An art show by Marty Ruiz will debut on Oct. 8 in S-100, and the UNT Latin Jazz Band will take to the Performance Hall to play during the Oct. 10 edition of the Wednesday Recital Series. The Hispanic Heritage Month celebration will include many other disciplines besides music and art. “We will have a chef, Lydia Gonzalez, who will talk about Latino foods and healthy eating within the Latin cuisines,” Harbor said. “And we also collaborated with [speech professor] Courtney Brazile’s club for a student panel presentation on immigration. It’s called Pizza & Politics.” A presentation by WFAA morning news anchor Cynthia Izaguirre will bring Hispanic Heritage Month to a close on Oct. 31. Harbor appreciates that Izaguirre is a former Dallas public school student giving back to the community from which she came. With so many special guests coming to the college, Buck is looking forward to the event as much as Harbor and believes the inclusion of many different kinds of people will make the event special. “I get excited when the community is involved,” Buck said. “I want [students] to be able to relate to community members.”
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Power of science inspires imagination By Braulio A. Tellez brauliotellez@dcccd.edu
Things are happening on a microscopic level in the Science Department, and that’s sparking a big interest among students. Kevin Thurston found out about the college’s microscopy lab after listening to scanning electron microscope coordinator Murry Gans speak at a Science Club meeting. He said visiting the lab has helped him understand the power of science. “Students should really come take advantage of these microscopes because you learn so much about the world around you,” he said. “You discover things you never thought could exist on such a small scale.” The microscopes are high-tech pieces of equipment that use beams of electrons to magnify specimens up to 300,000x. The lab includes two scanning electron microscopes, the Hitachi TM-1000 and the Hitachi S3400N. The electron microscopes, along with a dissecting microscope, were obtained when the Science Department was given a grant by the National Science Foundation. The grant funded a research project completed
BRAULIO TELLEZ/THE ET CETERA
Murry Gans works on the scanning electron microscope alongside student Kevin Thurston.
by S.T.E.M. students at the Big Thicket preserve in East Texas. The technology, which was purchased with part of the funding, has since found a home in Gans’ lab. “We were lucky because as a result of the Big Thicket research, the electron microscopes and dissecting mi-
croscope were left over,” Gans said. The equipment is available to anyone attending or working at Eastfield, as well as area primary and secondary schools. Gans sometimes takes the portable TM-1000, the smaller of the two microscopes, to local elementary,
middle and high schools. He presents students with images and even trains them on how to use the microscope. “The TM-1000 takes about 10 minutes to train someone on because it’s run directly from a computer interface and is designed to be very simple to use,” Gans said. He hopes that by introducing students to the field of science at a young age, he’ll ignite an interest that sticks with them once they graduate from high school. “The goal of this whole thing is for students to realize that science is super cool and that they’ll love it and then go ahead and pursue it,” Gans said. Thurston and Pedro Oroa, members of the Science Club who met each other in a summer math class, are two of the students who have become enthralled with the microscopes. They visit the lab often to dissect and observe spiders and insects. They said it has influenced what they plan to study in the future. “I was into art. One day Kevin brought me up to the lab, and ever since then, all I’ve been thinking about is insects and what I’ve learned about them here,” Oroa said. “It defi-
nitely makes me want to major in science when I transfer to a university.” Dean of Science and Physical Education Dr. Gretchen Riehl understands firsthand the need for more students in S.T.E.M. fields. She said technology such as the microscopes open students’ minds and help them realize how the equipment is applicable in many fields of study. “There are uses for this technology in any of the sciences, not just biology,” Riehl said. “I’m hoping that by allowing students to see how we actually do science, we’ll get more students interested in majoring in something science-related.” She said the college loses many students within the first couple of years because they’re not engaged. By introducing the microscopes to local schools, she hopes students will develop a passion for science and choose to study it here. “What we’re hoping to show students we visit is that little ol’ Eastfield College has this high-powered piece of equipment that we’re happy to share with them,” Riehl said. “As they get through high school, perhaps when they’re ready to make a decision for which college to go to, they’ll think of us.”
Science seminar series STEMulates students
By Angel U. Abarca etc4640@dcccd.edu
People typically relate science to a lab, the periodic table or Bill Nye. There is a certain preconceived notion of what it means to be a scientist. However, the college is trying to raise awareness of what being a scientist entails by bringing back its Science Seminar series. Dr. Gretchen Riehl, executive dean of Science and Physical Education, said the seminars give students and staff an opportunity to learn from actual functioning scientists. She hopes they will show people how science can be fun through the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program (S.T.E.M.) “The target audience is Eastfield, not just our S.T.E.M. majors,” Riehl said. “The goal is to generate interest for students to become S.T.E.M. majors.” There will be three seminars this semester and three more in the
spring. The series is not a new concept here at Eastfield. The college previously had a six-year National Science Foundation Grant that enabled it to bring in speakers. When the grant ran out, the college no longer had money to fund those seminars. This year, however, the series has returned with a diverse group of topics. John Emery, associate dean of Science and Physical Education, said many factors went into choosing the speakers for these lectures, including availability, fees and areas of expertise. “One of the key things that we wanted to do was make sure that each of the sciences that we teach here is represented by at least one of the lectures,” Emery said. “We have biology and geology reflected in the first one, nutrition in the second one and physics in the third one.” John DeFillipo, the director of the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center
in Seagoville, kicked off the seminar series on Sept. 24. DeFillipo spoke about the goal of the center and how it helps the environment. The East fork Wetland Project employs a natural process that diverts a percentage of water each day from the East Fork of the Trinity River into a 1,840-acre man-made wetland where the water is cleansed by nature, not machinery. After seven to 10 days in the wetland, a pump station then transports the cleansed water underground through a 43mile pipeline north to Lavon Lake for storage, blending, treatment, disinfection and delivery for the municipal water supply. “The most important thing I want you to leave with is the amazing capacity of humans interacting with the environment and how we can change the environment to actually help suit our needs,” DeFillipo said during his lecture. The next seminar will feature Dr. Vivian Jones, an expert on food and
SYDNEY MURILLO/THE ET CETERA
John DeFillipo explains the environmental impact of the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center in Seagoville.
nutrition. She will speak on Oct. 4 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in S-100. Dr. Joe Izen, an instructor at the University of Texas in Dallas and principal
investigator of UTD’s High Energy Physics Group’s work on the ATLAS experiments, will speak on Nov. 16 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in S-100.
7 The Et Cetera
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Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Students deny electronic phenomenon By Anjulie Van Sickle etc4640@dcccd.edu
ra h The T cberet MaShakespea of gedy
Thirteen percent of all textbooks ordered throughout the district are available in digital format. However, digital textbooks account for less than 1 percent of sales this semester, according to DCCCD research. These figures appear to show that most DCCCD students prefer printed textbooks to ebooks. “The ebooks don’t seem very user-friendly,” applied science major Katherine Odel said. “The only thing I did like about it was it had lots of study guides, vocabulary and games. They were very helpful. However, I would pay more for a physical textbook.” Though many four-year universities are making the transition to online textbooks, Eastfield has not. “The universities are going online faster because a lot of the students will have tablets or laptops to view the books,” computer science professor David Kirk said. “Here at the community colleges we will not have as high a percentage of students [with that kind of access], so we are
vs.
9:45 Anjulie’s Kindle
Shop Games
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Documents Audiobooks Web Photos Apps Books Music Videos Newsstand
The Tragedy of
Macbeth Shakespeare
Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen
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going slower as far as moving online.” However, even classes that use print textbooks often include online interactive activities such as games, tutorials and study guides. The access code for the special features of these online games is one of the reasons printed textbooks have become more expensive. “The book is headed online,” Kirk said. “Even though you’re already buying a physical book, it’s coming along with online content. Maybe eventually we’ll stop buying the physical textbooks.” In DCCCD bookstores, digital textbooks are 40-60 percent less expensive than traditional textbooks, making them an attractive alternative for many students.
“We have a lot of students here who, for whatever reason, have financial hardships, and textbooks are expensive,” history professor Matt Hinckley said. “So anything that we can do that can bring the cost of textbooks down helps our students.” He went on to explain how some students suffer from not being able to buy their textbooks. “I find that the single biggest challenge in my own courses and what most of my colleagues have said is that students aren’t reading,” Hinckley said. “Many of them aren’t reading because they can’t afford it. If we can have the books available in as many ways possible, in the most inexpensive ways as possible, then it’s much better for the students, and
more can come to class prepared.” Government professor Dr. Cindy Castaneda believes students need to factor the cost of books in with their classes. “Whether students choose to purchase ebooks or traditional printed textbooks, the key thing is to have access to the material you need to be successful,” she said. “If you do not have what you need for your class, your chances of success are practically non-existent.” Even with the lower costs provided by digital textbooks, students still say they would choose the printed version due to the inconveniences presented by online books. “Online books are more difficult to look through and study,” sophomore Yadira Aseon said. “With a physical book, you can mark it and then just flip back and forth, but with online books you can’t do that.” If given the choice, she said she would spend more money on a printed textbook. “Since I’m a hands-on person, I like to actually hold it,” history major Peter Garza said. “I don’t like looking at a computer screen for very long. I
like looking at actual pages.” Although some students prefer learning through technology, there are still those who are “old school” and are more comfortable with tangible methods of gaining information. “For students who learn by writing, they can highlight and annotate their hard copy to their heart’s content in a way that complements, but does not obscure, the text,” Castaneda said. Some staff members also place a high value on physical books. “When students come in for a book, they want to leave with something [tangible],” librarian Judy Wayne said. “Physical books are still very important.” Online and brand new textbooks are not the only option, according to Maria Garza, the auxiliary business services manager for the DCCCD. Garza said printed books are still preferred by students, but used and rental books can be a less expensive option. “Our commitment is to make sure the materials are on the shelf at the right price, at the right time for our students,” Garza said.
THE HOT TOPIC
What is the most outrageous thing you’ve seen someone wear to class?
Janna Morris Education
Natalie Cross Nursing
Marcel Alberni Architecture
April Graham Communications
Isaac Wright Criminal Justice
“I’ve seen someone wear their pajamas and two different slippers. I would not wear pajamas to class. I believe the way you dress is the way you present yourself.”
“I’ve actually seen someone wearing complete lace, top and bottom, with pumps. You couldn’t see the private areas, but she was basically naked.”
“A girl wore a pair of super tight Daisy Dukes. I couldn’t believe the teacher allowed her to be in class. She had on white wedge heels and a super tight shirt with very bright colors.”
“A girl came to class with a blue wig on and a puffy skirt. She had a corset on with a hat that looked like it came from “Willy Wonka.” It was really bad. Even our professor made fun of her.”
“I saw someone come to class in their sleeping clothes: jogging pants, flip flops and a tank top with stains all over their clothes. I believe we are here to learn. We should at least try to dress the part.”
Iran doesn’t get the joke
A fake story in The Onion newspaper was published as fact by an Iranian news agency. The story showed results from a fake survey saying rural white Americans would vote for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over President Barack Obama. Fars news agency printed the story on its website and added false quotes from sources that didn’t exist. The story was later removed.
What’s that smell?
In Waco, there is a stench of death in the air caused by decaying crickets. The pests made it into the walls of buildings in the Central part of town,got trapped and died. Many products have been used to try to eliminate the smell,but nothing has worked. Local entomologists said mild winter conditions are to blame.
— The Associated Press
8 The Et Cetera
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Wednesday, October 3, 2012
New gallery means new opportunities By Braulio A. Tellez brauliotellez@dcccd.edu
The Art Department has added a second gallery, which is opening the door for new possibilities. Before, most art shows took place inside Gallery F-219, a small room in the F building. Now, the H-100 gallery serves as a second show space and has given the Art Department more room to showcase local artists. “One of the reasons we wanted two exhibition spaces is because we really wanted the ability to have different types of exhibitions,” Gallery Director Iris Bechtol said. “So this new one is kind of like a shotgun gallery. It gives us the power to have more diverse shows and more of them in a semester.” The new gallery also allows Bechtol to incorporate things such as sound and lighting. The gallery opened Sept. 22 with Leticia Bajuyo’s show “Event Horizon.” The reception included a speech by the artist and a musical performance by the Austin based band The Austonauts. Bajuyo’s installation consisted of a large wall made from compact discs, which extended out into the middle of the room. At the end of the funnel was a theremin, an electronic instrument that uses a looped frequency which is then manipulated with the hands to create different pitches and notes. Bajuyo, an art professor at Hanover College in Hanover, Ind., was invited to open the gallery after Bechtol attended one of her shows in Austin. “I think it’s awesome that I was the first artist to touch the gallery, and of course it’s an honor that Iris chose me,” Bajuyo said. “The space is amazing, and it worked really well with my installation.” Bajuyo said adding a second gallery says a lot about how much the campus cares about the arts. “I’m jealous,” Bajuyo said. “We only have one gallery on our campus.” Arts, Language and Literature Dean Rachel Wolf said the new gallery is part of an effort to improve the college’s fine arts program. “We want students to know that fine arts are also key to a comprehensive education, just as math and science are,” Wolf said. “So the gallery is one facet of our efforts to begin a more in-depth arts department.” Bajuyo’s show will continue through Oct. 26. The gallery is located in the lower courtyard next to the F building and is open to visitors during school hours.
ODESSA LEEPER/THE ET CETERA
Leticia Bajuyo breaks in the new art gallery in H-100 with her installation “Event Horizon,” which opened Sept. 22 and runs through Oct. 26.
LIFE & ARTS
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Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Vegetarian-friendly lunch spots
Kalachandji’s 5430 Gurley Ave. Dallas 75223
Spiral Diner 1101 N. Beckley Dallas 75203
This 100-percent vegan-friendly eatery has some of the tastiest natural dishes in Dallas. All of the ingredients are purchased from local farmers and contain no artificial additives. The menu includes everything from soy burgers to Jamaican jerk. Check out: The pasta primavera, which consists of spaghetti smothered in homemade marinara sauce, tossed with broccoli, carrots, black olives, zucchini and peas. It comes with a side of some of the best garlic bread ever. Also try: A Martha and Librarian smoothie. It is made with soymilk, bananas, strawberries, chocolate, peanut butter and their homemade “I-scream.”
This Hindu palace and restaurant fills both the body and soul. The dining area is located inside a garden in a temple. The buffet changes daily and offers food cooked in the ancient Ayurvedic art of cooking. Entrees like deep-fried squash in spicy chickpea batter and steamed brown rice can be found on the menu. Check out: Halva. It’s a grain dessert made from toasted farina and served with nuts and fruits. Also try: The tamarind tea. It’s tart, it’s sweet, and best of all, it’s free.
Café Lago 9219 Garland Road Dallas 75218
Café Lago is a jewel box-sized diner that welcomes everyone and their four-legged friends. They give diners the option of eating inside a hardwood-floored dining room or outside on dog-friendly patio. The roasted veggie sandwich features sautéed zucchini, mushrooms and
carrots on top of mozzarella cheese in between two pieces of hippie bread. The bread is made of whole wheat and poppy, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Check out: The veggie burger, made of quinoa, rice and veggies, and served with house chips and a pickle. Also try: The warm apricot cake topped with apricot preserves is the perfect ending to your meal.
Cosmic Cafe 2912 Oak Lawn Ave. Dallas 75219
Cosmic Cafe’s Indian aesthetic invites the eyes of onlookers with its kaleidoscope of colors. The names of different sections of the menu such as “celestial light offerings” can be intimidating at first, but after realizing these are just fancy names for main course and appetizers, the yummy veggie options open up. Check out: “Buddha’s Delight,” presented on top of a banana leaf, has just enough spice to satisfy a Southerner’s craving for something hot.
JUSTIN DAVID TATE/THE ET CETERA
The Nightshade taco from Good 2 Go Taco is loaded with flavor.
Also try: The “No Bull Burger,” made of black beans and mushrooms.
Good 2 Go Taco 1146 Peavy Road Dallas 75218
Upon entering the coffee shop/ taco spot, a vegetarian may be confused by the assortment of items covered and filled with bacon, sausage and beef. But deeper inspec-
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tion of the menu will yield yummy vegetarian rewards. Check out: The Nightshade taco is for both vegetarians and vegans with grilled zucchini, squash, eggplant, tomato, tabbouleh and feta cheese and a choice of either eggs or tofu to go along with it. Also try: The delicious homegrown coffee and a wide range of unique sodas. --Complied by Braulio Tellez, Sidney Murillo and Justin David Tate
10 Wednesday, October 3, 2012
LIFE & ARTS www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
Professor protects extinct species of fish Lifelong love of fish leads to Post’s conservation efforts By Ginny Morris etc4640@dcccd.edu
Rik Post has been fascinated with fish since he got his first fish tank at the age of 10. Three years after his father bought him his first tank, Post had a dozen in his bedroom. As a teenager, he bred and sold his own fish, including the popular betta fish, and worked in pet shops to make money. While working at the pet shops, his love of fish increased as he discovered that he could buy exotic fish. As an adult, the biology professor’s interests turned to conservation, and he realized he had an opportunity to help save endangered species of fish. “I wanted to make some contribution along the lines of working to conserve species,” Post said. “I knew that one way I could make a contribution was by breeding.” Post breeds fish from the family goodeidae. goodeids, as the many species are collectively called, live in small pools of water in arid regions of Mexico, Central America and the southwestern United States. Although they are not as flashy as their domestic relatives, goodeids are related to common aquarium fish such as guppies and swordtails. Goodeids are nicknamed “pupfish” because of their friendly personalities and obvious interest in the world outside their tank. “Because they’re affectionate, I can feed them,” Post said. “I can put my hand in the water and they’ll come up and swim against my hand. They have personality.” Most species of goodeids are endangered, and a few species become extinct every year. Because they live in tiny pools left behind by shifting rivers, the goodeid populations never grow to be very big. The high demand for buildings to accommodate growing population means the areas where goodeids used to live are being destroyed. “In Mexico, because of the population expansion, they’ve had an issue where some of the species are going extinct in the wild because they’re paving over the swampy areas for parking lots for grocery stores and so on,” Post said. “So how about that for a reason for a species to go extinct—parking lots.” Some populations of goodeids are incred-
ibly tiny. Post said he once had one third of the entire world population of a goodeid subspecies in his tanks. The restricted environment in which goodeids live has proved to be their greatest handicap in recent times. The incredibly miniscule range of some goodeid species is illustrated in the case of the Devil’s Hole pupfish. The entire world population of Devil’s Hole pupfish lives in an area smaller than an average-sized swimming pool. It is nestled in a volcanic crack near Death Valley National Park. The Devil’s Hole pupfish have never been raised outside of that one pool. “It is the most severely geographically restricted range of any species of vertebrate on earth,” Post said. “Because it’s actually a crack in the earth due to volcanic activity. . . It’s a bizarre kind of situation.” One of Post’s goals is to involve students in his passion for saving endangered species. His main concern is maintaining all of the goodeid species in captivity until such a time as they can be released into the wild safely. “We can’t [release them into the wild] yet. That problem is for further down the road in the future,” Post said. “Our job now is to maintain these species in captivity. Because if we don’t, and they go extinct in the wild, we’ve lost the opportunity; they’re just gone forever. “ One reason Post is eager to involve students in raising endangered fish is because it is critical to keep endangered species spread among many fish keepers. With a wide distribution of endangered fish, it ensures that if one group dies, the species doesn’t end there. A few years ago, Post experienced a power outage in the middle of winter leaving him without heat for five days. He kept his endangered species alive by placing them in buckets and keeping them next to the fireplace. All of his other fish died. “It was a miserable five days. I was desperately trying to keep at least my endangered species alive, because it was critical,” he said. “But in doing that, I lost all my other fish.” After a trial period with non-endangered goodeids, Post allows students to keep and breed the endangered fish, thus ensuring that the species is around for many generations to come. “This is a way to get back to my ichthyology roots, so to speak, and do something worthwhile—to leave some mark on the world,” Post said. “It’s not a massive change, or anything, but ... [for students] who have any interest at all in direct conservation, this is an easy way to do it.” For more information on how to help endangered fish, contact Post at rpost@dcccd.edu.
ODESSA LEEPER/THE ET CETERA
Goodeids thrive in hard water and have even adapted to alkaline pH levels. This makes it easy to maintain in home-friendly tanks like the one in Post’s office.
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Big stage, big drama, bigger department By Sergio Léon etc4640@dcccd.edu
To be or not to be? That is not the question the Drama Department is asking itself this semester. It’s asking how to be even bigger. With enrollment steadily increasing each semester, the Drama Department is constantly recruiting students and turning them into actors. “My goal is to be able to offer a full schedule of acting and theater classes full [of students],” said Dusty Reasons, head of the Drama Department. “[We] want to offer three or four classes a day and adult acting classes at night.” Recruiting students for theater classes and productions is a yearround endeavor. The department reaches out into middle schools and high schools with acting workshops. “I want all of the high school [students] in the area to know that they may not be able to go to a four-year university right away, but they can come with us to grow and learn,” Reasons said. Technical Theater Coordinator Lori Honeycutt said the goal is for students to be able to tap into all of their creative talents. “This year students will also be writing and directing their own
ODESSA LEEPER/THE ET CETERA
Conner Gunnels (top) and Lucas Haupert (bottom) rehearse ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ in the performance hall. The production opens Oct. 18.
plays,” she said. For those with only the desire to act, there are at least three shows produced each year, giving students plenty of opportunities to perform. The show chosen to kick off this semester is Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by Honeycutt, which opens Oct. 18. It is not a traditional adaptation
of Shakespeare’s bruised love story, however. This adaptation strays from the usual lighthearted comedic feel so many have given the production. Honeycutt promises instead to deliver a much more visceral and risqué show, one that makes the audience “cringe.” There will also be a change in set-
ting, which Honeycutt has described as a “post-post apocalyptic, 50 years after the world ended and we are rebuilding things after some terrible, terrible thing happened.” Honeycutt said a Shakespearean play was selected because she wanted “to give the best education [to her students] before they enter a fouryear university, which means doing
all types of shows, including, classical.” “I don’t want students grounded in post-modern plays,” she said. Shakespeare’s unique style of writing and language has not been the only challenge for the actors. The physicality in this show is strenuous, with many of the actors “going home with bruises,” Honeycutt said. While rehearsing for outside courtyard performances, actress Stephanie Carroll said her character Puck “runs around a lot, literally climbing over walls and into trees,” requiring her to wear yoga pants. The upside to having a large student body that’s actively involved in the program is the ability to put on productions with a multicultural cast. “[Doing] ‘Hairspray’ in the spring for a musical needs a large, multicultural cast,” Reasons said. “I just have to have the students audition for it.” Reasons believes even taking a single theater course can help students develop skills that will be useful far beyond the stage and classroom. “The best thing about theater people is that they are generally good at communicating, they can speak really well, they can improvise, and they can think on their feet,” she said. “These are skills that you can use on any job.”
MOVIE REVIEW
James draws big laughs when he lowers the boom By Sergio Léon etc4640@dcccd.edu
Packing a comedic punch, Frank Coraci’s new film “Here Comes the Boom,” which opens Oct. 12, is the best feel-good movie so far this year. Scott Voss, played by the charismatic Kevin James, is a high school science teacher past his prime who barely meets his duties as an educator. Mr. Voss, a former trophy-winning college wrestler and teacher of the year, was a promising individual who simply lost his edge. Finally, when the extracurricular activities at his struggling inner city school are threatened to be cut, he decides to step back up. He teams up with Marty (Henry Winkler), a passionate, yet quirky music teacher whose job is
also on the line. They both decide to play the hand they are dealt and become the school’s unlikely heroes. Scott and Marty decide their only hope to raise enough money to save the school’s music program is for Scott to step into the cage as an MMA fighter. In exchange for tutoring help on his citizenship exam, Scott is coached by Niko (Bas Rutten), a retired eastern European cage fighter and personal trainer. Together the three men venture off into a series of comedic fights and they make a surprisingly good team. Scott the underdog hero, Marty, the naive untainted optimist, and Niko, the over-the-top knucklehead powerhouse come together for a single purpose and produce a lot of laughs. While Scott takes a beating inside the ring, his ego is equally pounded
as he is continually rejected by his fellow co-worker and school nurse Bella Flores, played by the beautiful Salma Hayek. Bella hesitantly encourages him to continue fighting while treating his many injuries. Seeing James as a cage fighter is a stretch, which is the main punchline of the film. But surprisingly, he is in the best shape of his career. He sheds the stereotypical overweight routine used in so many of his former films and looks more average than ever before. His physique is not the only improvement; his humor and personality really shine as the underachieving yet lovable screw-up with a heart of gold. “Here Comes the Boom” is a great film for the whole family and will have you rooting for Mr. Voss with as much excitement as his students.
COURTESY OF SONY MOTION PICTURES
Scott Voss, played by Kevin James, gets in the cage to fight for his struggling school in ‘Here Comes the Boom.’
12 The Et Cetera
Jimmy Ambassa
Award-winning member of: • Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • Associated Collegiate Press • Texas Community College Journalism Association
Eastfield College 3737 Motley Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 Phone: 972-860-7130 Fax: 972-860-7646 Email: etc4640@dcccd.edu
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Editor In Chief Justin David Tate Managing Editor Claudia J. Guerra Design Editor Chris Guerra-Yanger News Editor Keturah Jones Opinion Editor Anjulie Van Sickle Life & Arts Editor Sidney Murillo Sports Editor Kevin Cushingberry Online/Social Media Editor Danyelle Roquemore
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Copy Editors Caitlin Piper Enrique Morales Staff Writers Angel Abarca Jimmy Ambassa Marimar Lazaro Sergio Léon Ginny Morris Miguel Padilla Braulio Tellez David Valderas Photographers/Videographers Odessa Leeper Griselda Torres Cartoonist Jonathon Wences Graphics & Layout Chadney Cantrell Student Publications Manager Lori Dann Faculty Adviser Caitlin Stanford 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. 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 must be 250 words or fewer. Letters may be delivered to Room N-240 or e-mailed 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.
OUR VIEW
As enrollment increases, so should parking spaces We’ve all had those days when the campus parking lots’ mass capacity is made painfully clear. A half dozen cars search for one space while circling like sharks sensing blood in the water. A symphony of car horns and grumbled obscenities provide the soundtrack as we inch along in a packed line, fighting oncoming migraines. Every one of us has experienced this torture in some way. Even if you are one of the lucky few to grab a spot during the morning rush, you can pretty much guarantee there will be multiple cars clamoring for your spot when you get back, preventing an easy escape. This is especially troublesome if you are only leaving campus momentarily. It is not unusual to spend 15-30 minutes searching for a single spot, and many people are forcing themselves to arrive more than an hour earlier than normal to beat the crowd. Those who don’t take such precautions — students and professors alike — risk being late to class. Walking from their cars to their destinations can also prove problematic for those with physical limitations. The recent rise surge in enrollment only compounds this problem. Before, people were complaining about having to walk long distances to get to and from their cars. Now,
it’s a minor miracle to find a space at all during peak class times. We believe it is time for this problem to be addressed. A few dozen new parking spaces could make all of the difference in the world. However, we realize that changes such as these cannot be made overnight. In the meantime, we recommend that more people take advantage of carpooling and the DART service. Alternative forms of travel, such as walking or biking, could also work for students living close to campus. Another suggestion for the administration would be to introduce a shuttle to transport students and employees from lots in outlying locations, such as the baseball field. These would all be great ways to save on gas and slash parking time and frustration. We realize these are only temporary solutions and thus only postpone the issue rather than address it, but they are solutions nonetheless. Lack of adequate parking on campus has been a problem that has gone ignored for too long, and with each passing semester, it is only getting worse. As the dependency on community colleges rises, parking availability will continue to shrink. With the classrooms growing more and more crowded, could we possibly be outgrowing our own campus?
Most people don’t know what type of person they would like to live with for the rest of their life until they’ve actually lived with someone. You might think you know how you will react in a sticky situation with someone you love, but what do you do when you find that person has some of your biggest pet peeves? As a recently married man, I feel lucky that my wife and I have few pet peeves. I have learned some valuable lessons during the first few months of my marriage. Marriage brings an additional sense of responsibility and accountability. As a married person, I tend to think more and make decisions not based on what benefits me, but what benefits us as a couple. Marriage has changed my way of viewing things and dealing with others. I’m more tolerant and understanding of the opposite sex and their way of thinking. When rooming with someone, worrying about the other’s safety is rare. But when married, the word safety takes on a whole new meaning. I find myself worrying if my wife is OK as much as she worries about what I eat. I try to make sure every preventable danger is avoided. There is no perfect marriage because there is no perfect human, but learning to compromise makes it easier. Many people have given advice on what a successful marriage should be. However, every relationship is different. Maturity and love triumph in the end, and since I want this to last forever, I know the ride will be more than bumpy at times. I have to fasten my seat belt, enjoy the good for now and tackle the bad when it comes, knowing that I’m not alone in this happy/sad reality called life.
OPINION
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The Et Cetera
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
A long road of memories, dreams and hopes I did not choose to come to the United States; I was brought here from Mexico when I was 2 years old by my parents, who wanted a better life. Throughout my life I’ve always had to remind myself that I was not like everyone else in my class. In grade school, I remember my friends talking about how they enjoyed visiting family in Mexico. I have always wanted to go back and re-visit the memories of my childhood that have faded over time. I longed to be able to see, feel and smell the aromas of my roots and to visit family that I haven’t seen in years. But without documentation, none of this is possible. In fact, many things others take for granted are
Griselda Torres
not possible for me. If I were a legal citizen, I would be able to apply to work at a local store, bank, restaurant or retail store. Instead, I am relegated to a job that requires hard labor and bosses who don’t care about my right as a person. I am even thought of less just because I’m a woman. Applying for scholarships would also be easier, and I would be able to qualify for financial aid. Because I don’t have a Social Se-
curity number, it’s as though I don’t exist, even though I have lived most of my life here in Texas. After graduating from high school, I wanted to apply to a beauty school close to where I live. I tried to apply to five different schools, but they couldn’t even start the application process because of my noncitizenship. That was hard to accept. Even beauty school wasn’t an easy option, so surely a four-year university would be out of my reach. If only I had the option to become a citizen. But, like when I came here as a little girl, I don’t have an option. That’s what the Dream Act is, a better option for people like me. Because of politics, however, it still remains just a dream. What we do have now is Deferred
Action for Childhood Arrivals. Everyone confuses this with the Dream Act, but Deferred Action is just a promise from the president for students to live in the U.S. with no fear of being deported. It lasts only two years with a chance for renewal. Under Deferred Action, I can also apply for legal permission to work here in the U.S. Having a job would help me a lot. I could pay for college and be more independent instead of relying on my parents to help me with everything. Then I would be able to give back to my parents by helping them as they have helped me. My father is the only one in our family of seven who has a job. Being the oldest child is tough. My siblings were all born here, so they do not
have to worry about anything and will have a much easier life than I will. For me, Deferred Action is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. That’s why my father paid for me to see two different lawyers to talk about what I need to do. It was expensive, but we would rather be safe than sorry when dealing with legal issues. Unfortunately, I still won’t be able to get a driver’s license. Owning a car and being able to travel is a privilege I desperately want to obtain, because transportation can be a hassle for an active college student. For me, Deferred Action is a start, but it is not a solution. The actual Dream Act is what would make a real difference in my life.
London britches falling down
I see Paris, I see France, I see someone’s underpants. Yes, I have seen more than my fair share of butts and underwear this semester. I was sitting in the Pit a few days ago and was shocked to see a male student walk by with his pants pulled below his crotch. Making matters worse, he was wearing tighty-whities and waddling like a duck. Who would have thought that wearing your pants around your knees would become a fashion statement? Unlike bell-bottoms and disco fashion, this trend seems to linger and even intensify. First, it was sagging the pants to where the band of the underwear was exposed. Now it’s sagging until the butt hangs out. Who would want to show his underwear on purpose? I was compelled the other day to tap another young man on his shoulder and ask if he knew his underwear was showing. I just don’t understand. Why wear a belt and still sag? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of a belt? On my quest for an answer as to why this has become such a fashion statement, I found some background information. The general consensus is that this trend started in prison, but the debate is why. Some argue sagging was a sign that male prisoners were willing to have a sex with another
Keturah Jones
inmate. Others argue that sagging became a trend because the prison clothing was oversized, and since belts were not allowed due to safety concerns, inmates had no choice but to sag. Either way, sagging just looks ridiculous. It reminds me of penguins waddling. We live in a society where first impressions are heavily based off of physical appearances. Imagine if our president walked around with his pants hanging down, exposing his presidential boxers, while he conducted peace talks. Would you really want someone like that running our country? President Obama has said that trying to ban sagging is a waste of time. He believes a law shouldn’t have to be passed for us to have common sense and respect for others. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to see guys walking around in tight pants like Steve Urkel. However, it is possible to wear loose-fitted jeans that stay on the waist. So here is what grinds my gears most about this trend. It’s disrespect-
ful to those who have to look at your butt and your underwear, which sometimes aren’t even clean. You walk past children and the elderly with no respect for them. You may think you look cool, but in the words of Fred Sanford, “You look like a big dummy.” No one wants to see your backside hanging out. I like choices, and I shouldn’t be forced to look at that. I have two young sons, and I teach them not to sag. When I asked them how they felt about this particular fashion, they said that it looks dumb and nasty, and I agreed. If you choose to sag, that’s your right. But remember that employers also have the right not to hire you. Whether or not you agree, society judges you on first appearances. Unless you are auditioning for a hip-hop video, your chances of getting hired are significantly decreased if you walk into an interview sagging. McDonald’s won’t even allow it. And if you think sagging will get you the girl of your dreams, keep dreaming. On the website Girlsaskguys.com, 15 women were asked whether they prefer sagging. Eleven said they did not. I personally feel if a man can’t respect himself enough to pull up his pants while around you, that reflects on his character. So if you must sag, do so. But you might find yourself a lonely, jobless, disrespectful dummy
Rangers are playoff bound Props to the Rangers for beating the Angels 8-7 on Sunday and making it to the playoffs for the third straight season. If the clutch play of Adrian Beltre and others continues, they can win the World Series.
Papa’s problem with poop Drops to no changing stations in the men’s restrooms. Women aren’t the only ones who should deal with a stinky diaper. Single dads shouldn’t be limited to using the Pit as a changing station.
Voting registration made easy Props to SGA and Student Life for organizing the student voter registration drive. Hopefully this will encourage students to vote because of how easy it was to register.
Germ-free bathrooms Drops to not having hands-free bathrooms throughout the campus. With the flu season fast approaching, it would be nice if all of our restroom facilities were more germ-free.
Bookstore bummers
Drops to the lack of customer service in the campus bookstore. Employees are often rude and snarky to students who need help finding books for specific classes. Everyone has a bad day, but it wouldn’t hurt to smile at customers more often.
Staff member does good deed Props to Sandy Hampton from Upward Bound for not only handing out candy to students, but also for her kind heart in raising money for a former employee who is ill with cancer.
Lights out, please Drops to the professors who leave their lights on after class. Even if there is a class coming up in 10 minutes, it would still be courteous to turn off the lights and save energy.
Cowboys fall again Drops to the Cowboys for losing every other game this season. After falling 34-18 to the Chicago Bears, the team looks just as bad as they have in previous seasons.
ON DECK AT EASTFIELD Oct. 3 Oct. 5 Oct. 8 Oct. 10
Baseball vs. Grayson JC Soccer vs. North Lake Volleyball vs. Brookhaven Soccer vs. Paris
2 p.m. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 10 a.m.
The Et Cetera
14 Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Second shot: Farris looks to make comeback By David Valderas etc4640@dcccd.edu
ODESSA LEEPER /THE ET CETERA
Semar Farris is back at Eastfield after a five-year break.
Semar Farris is getting another shot at his dreams. After his record-breaking MVP season with the Harvesters in 200607, Farris left the team following a series of family tragedies. Now, five years later, he is back and looking to return to his old form. “It feels like I got a second chance,” Farris said. “Not too many people get second chances.” Basketball and school took a backseat for Farris in 2007 when his cousin died abruptly from an aneurism. His focus slipped, not only on the court, but in the classroom as well. Eventually, he decided to quit basketball. “He had to grow a little and find his way,” Eastfield coach Anthony Fletcher said. Losing a player who was all-conference, all-region and led the team in points and steals is never easy. Fletcher said the team experienced an offensive drop-off the season after Farris left. His defensive skills were also missed. “He’s a tough little guy,” Fletcher said. “Most people look at him and think he can’t play, but you get him out on the court, he’ll change your
mind.” During his only season with the Harvesters, Farris set a school record for career steals with 123. The record stood for four years, and the player who broke it played two seasons and only gained 23 more steals. Farris still holds the school record for steals per game at 4.3. Fletcher is hoping Farris’ return will provide a spark for this year’s team, which will hold its first scrimmage on Oct. 5. “I’ve had a lot of professional guys come through here,” Fletcher said. “He is probably the best defender out of all those guys.” After being away from college basketball for five years, Farris wasn’t in prime physical condition when he returned to campus in April. He quickly changed that by running three miles a day during the summer. He has also been playing in recreation leagues to keep in basketball shape. Though it doesn’t compare to a college game, he said the competition helps him keep a mental edge. Farris has no illusions about where his skills are now. He said he’s not as good as he was during the 2006-07 season, but mentally he is a much better player. As the season progresses he is sure
skills will return. His motivation, as always, is his family. “My momma can be proud of me again,” Farris said. “That’s definitely a good feeling.” Farris said his mother only wants the best for him, so returning to college makes her very proud. “I want to be able to take care of my family and do some good,” he said. Farris’ teammates are also happy to have him back because of his competitiveness. “I feel like he’s helped me step my game up a lot, because his defense is crazy,” team captain Brock Hunter said. “Feisty” and “warrior” are just two of the words Fletcher used to describe Farris from a competitive standpoint. But is that enough to win the position battle at point guard, where two other Harvesters own state championship rings? Farris is optimistic about his chances. “I’ve got heart,” he said. “You know I’m a fighter.” That’s something his teammates have already learned. “He shows that basketball dreams never die, that he can come back, and you never know,” Hunter said.
Mavericks missed on a shot at the stars in offseason The Mavs’ replacements don’t suffice. While hunting for superstars, the Mavericks organization lost the values that made it a champion in 2011. The fruits of that championship have been depleted over the past year, and there is little hope for a title this season. For Mark Cuban, it didn’t have to be this way. More than half of his championship team is now gone. Former Mavericks are spread from New York to Denver, and they all took a ring with them on their flights out of Dallas. As a result of their front-office penny pinching, the Mavericks didn’t earn the opportunity to defend their championship last season. Tyson Chandler, a defensive catalyst during the championship year,
Kevin Cushingberry Jr.
who was offered a one-year contract, instead signed a four-year deal with the New York Knicks and won the 2012 Defensive Player of the Year award. By letting go of Chandler and several other championship players, Cuban took a risk. He cleared enough cap space to offer superstar Deron Williams a max-contract reportedly worth $75 million over four years. Williams, a Dallas area native, voiced his interest in playing along-
side a talent like Dirk Nowitzki and was believed by many to be on his way to home. Instead, he ended up re-signing with the Brooklyn Nets for a contract reportedly worth $100 million over five years. Williams showed a loyalty to his team that Cuban wasn’t able to show to his. After missing out on Williams, the Mavericks began to lose their identity. Co-captain Jason Kidd signed with the New York Knicks, and sixth man Jason Terry signed with the Boston Celtics. A third option at point guard was finally found when the Mavericks traded Ian Mahimi to the Pacers for Darren Collision. Dallas also signed O.J. Mayo, a combo-guard who
played with the Memphis Grizzlies from 2008 until 2012. Although the Mavericks’ new backcourt is potential packed, that duo only averaged 7.4 assists per game combined in 2011. Williams averaged 8.7 assists alone while scoring 21 points per game on his way to a third straight All-Star Game appearance. Another potential benefit of not re-signing Chandler was signing Dwight Howard this past summer. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, Howard signed a waiver with the Orlando Magic, giving up his right to become a free agent in the summer. That meant a team would have to trade to get Howard. The Magic accepted a three-way deal that landed Howard with the Lakers and Andrew Bynum with the
Philadelphia 76ers, and it also gave the Magic cap space for the future. After losing out on Howard, the Mavericks signed Chris Kaman and Elton Brand, who are both over the age of 30 and can in no way compare to the talents of Howard, who would have complimented Nowitzki so well. The Mavericks are a team that could have boasted a star-studded trio of Williams, Howard and Nowitzki. Instead, they are a team that won’t be able to compete in the playoffs against powerhouse teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Miami Heat. The Mavericks missed badly while shooting for the stars this summer, and their fans were left with a mere consolation prize.
15 The Et Cetera
www.eastfield.com
Jonathan’s World By Jonathan Wences
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
ALBUM REVIEW
COURTESY OF ISLAND DEF JAM
Kanye’s West’s ‘Cruel Summer’ By Justin David Tate
A Furry Situation By Stephanie Owen
SUDOKU
Kanye West’s “Cruel Summer” is meant to showcase West’s hip hop music label, G.O.O.D. (Getting Out Our Dreams) Music. While the label is filled to the brim with talented rappers, many of the better artists are underutilized. ‘Cruel Summer’ works best when West allows his artists to use their personalities to carry a song such as the hit singles “Mercy” and “Clique.” While West is out-rapped by his protégés, mostly Pusha T and Big Sean, on nearly every song, he makes up for it with a classic verse on “Clique.” R. Kelly’s appearance on the album opener “To The World” is welcome, but he dominates the song. By the time West shows up, the listener is left to conclude that it’s R. Kelly’s song featuring G.O.O.D. Music and
not the other way around. “Sin City” and “The Morning” fall flat while trying to mimic the dark production heard in West’s album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” Pusha T is clearly valedictorian of the G.O.O.D. Music class of 2012. With his wicked flow and sinister rhymes at work on “New God Flow” and “Higher,” Pusha is the most interesting member of West’s label. The-Dream’s minute-long autotuned singing session to kick off “Higher” sounds as if he’s gargling underwater. An unnecessarily resurrected Ma$e shows up to end the song. It’s cool West is talented enough to bring a relic from the 1990s back from the dead, but his flow proves more out of date than refreshing. Kid Cudi is the only G.O.O.D. music artist given his own song on the standout track. “Creepers” features handclaps and signature strange notes only Cudi could pull off. Hidden gem Teyana Taylor is paired with veteran vocalist John Legend on the 1980s R&B throwback track “Bliss.” Although he has proven he can make a masterpiece on his own, West only manages to make a merely “good” album with his G.O.O.D. Music family. I rate this album a 3 out of 5.
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The Et Cetera
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
C
Class of 2013
Meet Chris
hris, a music major and graduate of Celina High School, chose to attend A&M-Commerce after being admitted to the Honors College and hearing the wind ensemble play at the Evening at the Eisemann. “I was blown away by the quality of music I heard, and by the scholarship I was offered,” Chris said. Two of Chris’ favorite classes, The 1960s: A Nation Divided and Cinema, Philosophy and the Political, complemented his music studies by delving into the human experience, something that Chris feels is at the root of music appreciation. “Most everything that is a part of American culture today finds its roots (or at least influences) in the turbulence of the 1960s, and many of the issues aroused during that time are still issues today, issues which demand not only solutions, but a better knowledge of their origins to find those solutions.” It’s Steinway Artist, Dr. Luis Sanchez, an internationally acclaimed pianist and Chris’ piano professor, however, that inspires him to excel in music. “I have had (and hopefully will continue to have) the privilege of studying piano with Dr. Luis Sanchez over the past few years,” Chris said. “Dr. Sanchez is genuinely concerned for the educational, physical, and emotional welfare of his students. He is ever-patient in teaching us what it means to be a musician.
SCAN thiS QR CODE to learn more about Chris, watch his video profile and learn how texas A&M University-Commerce can change your future.
WWW.TAMUC.EDU • 903.886.5000 or 888.868.2682 A Member of the texas A&M University System