Issue 1 Vol. 77 8-26-13

The Flare

Monday, August 26, 2013 Vol. 77 No. 1 Serving Kilgore College since 1936

Surgical

Precision Appendectomy cuts tryout TORY VAN BLARCUM Staff Writer

I

magine being in the middle of making your dream come true — and then being forced to undergo emergency surgery.

Caroline Bentley, Austin freshman, has dreamed of being a Rangerette since she was a freshman in high school.

“I heard about the Rangerettes from my high school director, Holly Lyons. She took our team to Revels that year,” Bentley said. “Right when I saw the opening dance I knew I wanted to be on this team.”

Her dream was nearly cut short after trying out two out of five days when her appendix almost ruptured.

Auditions are a week-long process that start in midJuly with a tea on Sunday to meet the sophomores and directors. Later that evening the hopefuls begin to learn dances. They are graded Monday morning by the directors on plain high kicks and a jazz routine that was taught the night before. After that they learn the 2013 Rangerette high kick and perform solos. Tuesday mornings are filled with more markings and the teaching of various dance combinations.

On the first day of tryouts Bentley became ill after pretraining. Her uncle, Dr. Andrew Bentley, is a physician in Tyler, and she asked him to come by and check on her.

“I had all the symptoms of food poisoning, so he hooked me up to an IV in the middle of the parking lot for fluids and meds,” Bentley said.

She was on the IV for one hour and was given some overthe-counter nausea medicine.

She returned to tryouts on the second day but did not feel any better than the day before.

“I was light-headed and definitely not on my A-game,” Bentley said. Her uncle returned that evening, because See RANGERETTE on Page 3

Kristopher Dobbins / THE FLARE

Enrollment drops 4.8%

Free stuff!

Adds/drops possible through Sept. 11 in Counseling Center

Comedian giving away cash; snow cones on the Mall

ASHLEY MORALES Issue Editor Enrollment has decreased approximately 4.8 percent this semester.

After the Aug. 14 payment deadline, all unpaid students were dropped from their classes.

“Community college enrollment in Texas is on a downward trend.

This is most likely related to the economy,” said Staci Martin, registrar and director of admissions. “As the economy has improved, people have been able to get jobs more easily and have focused on working, rather than going to school.”

In addition, dual credit enrollment is down this semester due to changes in testing requirements for those students.

These enrollment figures are not final.

Students may register and make changes to their schedules the first two days of classes, Aug. 26-27, by visiting the Counseling Center on the second floor of the Devall Student Center and in departmental offices. No appointment is needed.

A 70-percent refund period is in effect through Monday, Sept. 16 and the refund drops to 25 percent through Monday, Sept. 23.

QUEST and Excellerate courses are also offered at KC–Longview.

QUEST courses give students an opportunity to earn 12 hours of college credit in 8 weeks.

Fall courses begin Aug. 26.

Excellerate classes begin Sept.

23 for 12 weeks.

Students may enroll in these courses until Aug. 26 without a late fee.

DEZIRAE BURNETT Staff Writer

Students line up the stairway of the Devall Student Center on the registration, Sean McCrory, Kilgore sophomore, classes.

Sonia Garza / THE FLARE

Nothing says “welcome back” to campus like free food, free fun and possibly even free money.

Comedian Bobby Wayne Stauts is bringing his act "The Money Tree Game Show" to KC. The performance mimics popular game shows such as “Let’s Make a Deal,” and “Deal or No Deal.” The act is free and interactive, encouraging students to become a part of the show, giving them an opportunity to win up to $500 cash.

Starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, Stauts will be in the cafeteria in the Devall Student Center, showcasing a preview of his act to spark students’ interest and to offer pre-show chances to win cash prizes.

The main show begins at 7 p.m. in the ballroom, also in the student center.

To cool off between classes, Charlie’s See WELCOME WEEK on Page 3

MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2013

FACE IN THE CROWD

Lakin Kerby

The Flare

2

PA G E

NOTEBOOK

Aug. 26 – Oct. 19

MONDAY, August 26 FIRST CLASS DAY QUEST I COURSES Aug. 26 - Oct. 18 NURSING NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., DSC Ballroom WEDNESDAY, August 28 MONEY TREE GAME SHOW 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., DSC Ballroom FRIDAY, August 30 CAMPUS CLOSES AT 2:45 P.M. KC FIT/GSMC HEALTH SCREENING & BLOOD DRIVE 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Parks Fitness Center SATURDAY, August 31 RANGER FOOTBALL VS. DODGE CITY (KAN.) 7 p.m., Dodge City, Kan. MONDAY, September 2 LABOR DAY CAMPUS CLOSED SATURDAY, September 7 RANGER FOOTBALL VS. TJC 7 p.m., R. E. St. John Stadium KC CHEER JR. SPIRIT TEAM CAMP 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Carpeted Gym RANGERETTE RESIDENCE FAMILY BBQ Noon - 2 p.m., Rangerette Gym TUESDAY, September 10 SERVICE FAIR 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., DSC Ballroom

What position do you play and long have you played?...3rd base, since I was 5 years old.

What do you expect out of this year?...I know we all have skills. We just have to perform!

I am expecting to go to the Regional Tournament. We ARE going!

How is this season going to be different from last year?...It’s a totally different team. We just need to do what we need to do to get to the Regional Tournament and show everyone what Kilgore College Softball is made of.

What is your favorite softball memory?...Definitely my freshman year with all my amazing teammates! There are so many memories, I don’t have one favorite.

What do you plan to do

after KC?... I am planning on getting my associate’s at Kilgore and then going somewhere to get my bachelor’s and becoming a physical therapist.

What are your responsibilities as a sophomore?...To show the freshmen what being a college athlete is. I want them to look up to me, and I want to be someone they love playing with.

What made you want to major in physical therapy?...I have always enjoyed helping people. Being a physical therapist, you are helping people to heal and to do things. I would love to be that person helping them. I want to be independent and not have to worry about someone taking care of me as well. I’ll just make my own money.

Age: 19 Major: Physical Therapy

Sophomore Hallsville Randi Vinson-Davis / THE FLARE

Kick-off slated for interfaith meeting MAEGAN MITCHELL Staff Writer KC will host a kick-off meeting for The President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12 in the Devall Ballroom.

Students who attend will be allowed to participate in selecting a group name, creating a plan for this year’s service and electing leaders among themselves.

“The commitment we have made to PICSCC is meant to teach people that no matter what religion you are, whether you’re Buddhist, Christian, agnostic or even atheist, we can all come together for a common goal in our community,” said Candace Heezen, support specialist with Career Services and Service Learning.

P

PICSCC is led by the White House Office of FaithBased and Neighborhood Partnership, the U.S. Department of Education and the Corporation of National and Community Service. It began in March 2011. Due to the overwhelming response, the program will continue this year.

Dr. Bill Holda, KC President, has pledged for the college to participate for the second consecutive year in hopes of increasing the participation in community service while working with and including those of all belief systems.

“As a means of supporting our local efforts at Kilgore College to promote service learning, community and civic engagement, we committed to participate,” Holda said. “As human beings, we are created to render service, and embedding that service into the learning process at Kilgore College becomes a valuable tool to experience

H O T O G R A P H Y

and learn more about civic engagement and community service.”

Pat Bell, director of Career Services and Service Learning, anticipates the impact of this program will help all students feel more welcome within the college regardless of who they are, what they believe, or where they come from.

“Last year, KC focused on housing insecurity by working with Habitat for Humanity both in Longview and Kilgore,” Bell said. “Our students, faculty, staff and even a board of trustee member assisted in building houses as well as preparing a local Habitat Restore for opening.”

Holda and Bell hope the level of service learning will increase and student and staff participation will be deeper and more involved than ever before.

For more information, contact Candace Heezen at cheezen@kilgore.edu or 903-983-8678.

3 . 5

WEDNESDAY, September 11 LAST DAY For drops and adds 12TH CLASS DAY OFFICIAL REPORTING DAY

ASHLEY MORALES Issue Editor

THURSDAY, September 12 PRESIDENT’S INTERFAITH & COMMUNITY SERVICE CAMPUS 2 - 3 p.m., DSC Ballroom FRIDAY, September 13 THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE FLARE SATURDAY, September 14 RANGER FOOTBALL VS. TRINITY VALLEY CC 7 p.m., R.E. St. John Stadium THURSDAY, September 20 KC FOUNDATION BOARD MEETING 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Devall Room THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE FLARE SATURDAY, September 21 RANGER FOOTBALL VS. NAVARRO COLLEGE 7 p.m., Corsicana, TX MONDAY, September 23 EXCELLERATE COURSES Sept. 23 - Dec. 13 TUESDAY, October 1 FALL GRADUATION APPLICATION DEADLINE THURSDAY, October 3 THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE FLARE SATURDAY, October 5 RANGER FOOTBALL VS. BLINN COLLEGE HOMECOMING 3 p.m., R.E. St. John Stadium SATURDAY, October 12 RANGER FOOTBALL VS. BLINN COLLEGE HOMECOMING 3 p.m., R.E. St. John Stadium SATURDAY, October RANGER FOOTBALL VS. NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA A&M COLLEGE 3 p.m., R.E. St. John Stadium THURSDAY, October 17 LASER TAG 6 p.m. - Midnight., Carpeted Gym FRIDAY, October 18 HALL OF FAME GOLF TOURNAMENT Southern Hills Golf Course, Gladewater SATURDAY, October 19 RANGER FOOTBALL VS. SE PREP (HALL OF FAME) 3 p.m., R.E. St. John Stadium HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., DSC Ballroom

PTK welcomes students

Ilir Bajraktari / THE FLARE

The photograph Sheep Herder, by former KC student and New York photographer Ilir Bajraktari, is from the Photography 3.5 exhibition in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Art Gallery. The show consists of work by 26 KC photography alumni spanning three and one half decades and will be on display from Aug. 26 through Sept. 26.

Rave Alert notifies campus MAEGAN MITCHELL Staff Writer Have you ever driven to KC to find out the unpredictable East Texas weather has shut down the entire campus?

Rave Alert is a free campus-wide emergency alert system that sends out severe weather and class cancelation notifications via text message.

It can also alert students of other dangerous situations, such as an armed trespasser on campus or other threatening situations.

To register, visit kilgore.edu and

Free transit for students ASHLEY MORALES Issue Editor Free transportation will be provided to KC students to and from the Kilgore campus and the KC – Longview campus this fall.

The Ranger Ride, provided by East Texas Council of Governments Rural Transit District, will transport students to and from Longview and Kilgore five days a week at no charge to KC students with a current identification card.

The Ranger Ride will begin its route on the first day of classes, Aug. 26.

Non-KC students can ride the shuttle for a $2 fee per trip.

Shuttles are air-conditioned and handicapped accessible.

For more information, visit www.kilgore. edu/ranger_ride.asp or call (800) 590-3371.

login to Campus Connect. Click “Go to Rave Alert” and register the cell phone number you wish to receive the notifications on.

Rave Alert will confirm the registration with a text message sent to the wireless number you entered.

Students may also visit getrave. com. This site offers a few more options for those students who do not have text messaging.

When first visiting the site, students will need to enter “Kilgore College” to find KC’s site. To login to the student’s account simply use the

same username and password that corresponds with logging into the eLearning website.

Getrave.com offers email notifications and/or phone calls with voice recordings on land line phones as well as cell phones that will read off the information that would normally be sent via text message.

Once registered, you can opt out of the service by revisiting the site or by texting STOP to 67283 or 226787.

It only takes a few seconds to register, so log on and be safe and in the know.

Faculty health and blood screening Aug. 30 DEZIRAE BURNETT Staff Writer KC full-time faculty members and employees can find out more about their physical well-being during a voluntary health and blood screen from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Friday Aug. 30 in the Fitness Center.

The screening, which will be conducted by Good Shepherd Medical Center and the KC Employee Wellness Committee, will be stationed on the aerobics floor in the middle of the fitness center.

In addition to a general health screening such items as bloodpressure levels, body-fat analysis, a PSA test for men, and general

health and nutrition information, Good Shepherd will also conduct fasting or non-fasting blood tests.

Employees are encouraged to complete an online health risk assessment prior to the health screening.

However, the assessment can be completed on site before employees are screened.

The link to the online health risk assessment is https:// wellsuite.com/gsmc/ws/default. aspx?grid=d6070190a7e3.

Returning users will have a username already set up and the password is hello.

New users will need to set up by going to the “I don’t have an account: Sign Up” tab.

Phi Theta Kappa, an academic honor society, is welcoming students to the Fall Semester.

Prospective members must have a 3.5 grade point average and at least 12 college credit hours.

Meetings are held every other week at 5 p.m. on Mondays in Communication-Automotive Room 104. You do not have to be a member to attend a meeting. Invitations for new memberships will arrive in September. An email will be sent to all new members detailing the first official meeting date and agenda.

If you are currently a member but have not been receiving emails, please email ptk@kilgore.edu to get on the list.

For more information, contact either adviser: Michele Daniels at 903-983-8621 or Dr. Paul Buchanan at 903-983-8253.

Chorale searching for talent ASHLEY MORALES Issue Editor If you love to sing and can hold a note, the KC Chorale is still recruiting students.

A brief audition is required to become part of The Chorale.

“Singing in a choral ensemble on the college level gives a singer depth,” said Dr. Jim Taylor, director of choral activities.

“Our concert repertoire explores literature from the earliest centuries of notation to the most modern compositions.”

Taylor also adds, since Chorale meets every day there is an opportunity to develop close friendships.

“In common parlance we say we ‘play’ music, and in making excellent music there is pleasure in the making,” Taylor said.

The Chorale will perform a midsemester concert on Oct. 8 with music ranging from Gregorian Chant to spirituals and a Christmas concert with the Longview Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 3.

The Chorale (MUEN 2142) is the value of one credit hour and meets at 10-10:50 a.m. MondayWednesday-Friday and 9:30-10:50 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday.

Scholarships are available for talented students.

For more information contact Dr. Jim Taylor, Director of Choral Activities at 903-983-8122 or email him at jtaylor@kilgore.edu.

NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2013

Rangerette: Dream FROM PAGE 1 her stomach was beginning to swell.

Once he arrived at Stark Hall, he felt around on her stomach and noticed that her stomach was very firm and that the pain was in the lower right side where the appendix is located.

He immediately told her she needed to go to the emergency room, because he was sure her appendix was infected and needed to come out before it ruptured.

“It was the worst pain I have ever felt in my entire life. I knew something was not right at all,” Bentley said. “It was like a stabbing pain in my lower right side at all times, especially when I moved.”

They arrived at the ER and had the doctors do a CT scan, which uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of structures inside of the body, to see if her appendix was infected.

The doctors told Bentley that her appendix would have ruptured that Tuesday night or Wednesday morning at the latest.

“The doctors were very surprised that it hadn’t ruptured yet, because of dancing all day,” Bentley said.

That evening Bentley underwent an emergency appendectomy, which took her out of tryouts for the rest of the week.

“I was devastated. Like everyone, I worked so hard and trained for such a long time and wanted my number to be on that sign more than anything,” Bentley said. “It was heart-breaking to know that I didn’t get to fully finish everything that I had worked so hard for.”

After her surgery, the quiet hospital room allowed her to think about the days ahead that held her future.

She was worried and unsure if her audition was canceled because of missing

three days of the tryout.

Bentley said the women were not informed of the procedure that would take place if someone had to leave, got sick or in her case, had surgery.

“I didn’t know if the directors, sophomores and judges would take into account what happened,” Bentley said. “I really didn’t think I had a chance.”

She was released from the hospital Thursday afternoon and was cleared later to dance.

With the traditional sign drop on Friday announcing the new members of the team. Bentley was running scenarios through her head.

“Everyone kept telling me that I had shown them what I needed to in the first markings, and they knew I was sick,” Bentley said.

Bentley also had the support from her hometown best friend and fellow hopeful, Haley Martin, also an Austin freshman.

“It was hard seeing her frustrated at the situation, because she couldn’t do anything,” Martin said.

“I know how much she wanted this.”

When the sign dropped, Bentley was in disbelief. She couldn’t believe she made it and to make it better, Martin made it as well.

“I kept telling myself ‘Caroline you did it, even after everything, you did it, you’re about to live your dream,’” Bentley said.

She pushed through the pain for two days of tryouts, had to have emergency surgery and the fear of her dream not coming true.

“I am so beyond grateful and blessed to start living this dream and be a part of such an amazing organization known for such class, elegance, respect, talent and tradition,” Bentley said. “I can’t wait to represent the red, white, and blue as a Rangerette.”

3

Shotgun club aims to form on campus ASHLEY MORALES Issue Editor

SPECIAL TO THE FLARE

PRESIDENT WINS AWARD

Dr. Julie Fowler, Dean of KC-Longview, congratulates KC President Dr. Bill Holda

15 new employees join the ranks of Kilgore College TORY VAN BLARCUM Staff Writer KC welcomed the following new employees this fall: Tanner Antonick David Belanger, Sarah

Martin Cobb Ramon Coven Martha Deen Ginger Dennis

Gary Borders Kristen Breaux

Lauren

Leamer

Angelia Mace Dann McDonald

Barbara

Lindsey McLennan

Booker Michaelle

Green,

Adrienne

Jackson

Courtney Jenkins

ONLINE

Kory Kimble,

Karen Dilday Glenda Ford Garrett,

A new club is forming on campus for anyone interested in recreational or competition shotgun shooting. The Recreational Shotgun Club will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept.

10 in the Bert Woodruff Adult Education Center.

Mike Augustine with East Texas Police Academy is serving as faculty adviser.

Members will have access to time on a local shooting range, according to David Ross, who is assisting with the club's formation.

For more information, call Ross at 903-806-2772.

Toledo Montgomery Keturah

Spotwood,

LaKendra Woods,

Welcome Week FROM PAGE 1 Snow Cones will be on campus Tuesday and Wednesday Sept.

3-4, in the Lee Mall area in front of Watson Library offering free, back-toschool snow cones.

KC Kick Off will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept.

5, on the tennis courts outside the Parks Fitness Center.

All 11 a.m. classes will be canceled for the event, and free food will be available for those who attend.

The kick off provides a great opportunity for students to interact and be introduced to the many organizations available.

Students should check their KC email accounts for important Residential Life announcements, and student event information.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 10, 2013 Devall Student Center Ballroom

4

MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2013

GREAT EXPECTATIONS No. 7 team begins season in Kansas, looks to improve JEFFERY JAMERSON Sports Writer As the summer runs into fall, and the beginning of another school year arises, players suit up in their gear, ready to hit the gridiron once again. Ranger football has arrived.

KC, ranked seventh nationally in the National Junior College Athletic Association preseason poll, enters the new year returning 10 starters, five on offense and five on defense, and a pack of promising freshmen. Coming off an 8-3 season in 2012 under Coach J.J. Eckert, the Rangers look to improve on their success.

“I’m excited as much as the players are, but this is a new team, new squad, so you’re thinking about the unknowns, the injuries, and how the players will work together,” Eckert said.

KC has been picked by the coaches of the Southwest Junior College Football Conference as the copreseason favorites, along with Navarro College of Corsicana.

“To be honest, it really doesn’t matter where you are picked today, especially in this conference,” Eckert told the Longview NewsJournal. Last year, Kilgore finished second in the conference after being picked to finish sixth.

“To me this is one of the best conferences in the nation, so you can’t let up a week,” Eckert said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re second or seventh; any week you can be beat.”

Eckert described a typical practice day in the life of a Ranger football player. The team starts with breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by meetings broken up by position.

That is followed by a two-and-ahalf hour practice starting at 9. The team then grabs some brunch, and then the players go to the trainers for treatment. Lunch comes after that, since football players require a lot of calories in the summer heat.

The team is allowed to leave for lunch and then returns for position meetings again at 4 p.m. The second practice of the day starts at 5:30 and also lasts two-and-a-half hours. The last activity of the day is dinner at 8:30. Then it is curfew at 10:30 p.m.

KC’s home debut is against archival Tyler Junior College on Sept.7.

SPORT S Hopes high for softball’s 2nd year Two tournaments JEFFERY JAMERSON Sports Writer

Kristopher Dobbins / THE FLARE

Rangers Head Coach J.J. Eckert, left, talks to Michael Mathis during practice at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium.

The Rangers, ranked seventh nationally by the National Junior College Athletic Association, begin the season Aug. 31

2013 Ranger Football Schedule Date

Opponent

Location

Time

Dodge City, Kan.

1 p.m.

KC softball is only a year old, but despite this the team and its second-year coach have high hopes and confidence as the season approaches.

With seven returning players, including Texas Junior College Coaches Association Sophomore All-Stars Kayla Calvert and Lakin Kerby, KC looks to improve on its 20-34 record from last year.

“We were one game away from the playoffs,” said Coach Leslie Messina, “so this year I expect us to go to the regional tournament.”

Messina said the first year was a good building block. This season holds more promise because KC was able to recruit all year. Last year, Messina had to rush and round up players for the first season, but this year, she brought 14 freshmen to help the team meet expectations.

The Rangers open the season at home and will host two tournaments back-to-back. The Kilgore College Invitational Tournament will be held Sept.

7, followed by the Ranger Invitational on Sept. 14. Both tournaments will be held at Stream-Flo Field, with times to be announced.

The field is located at 1800 S. Commerce St., next to Driller Park.

Following the game against Texas Wesleyan on Sept. 19, Kilgore will send third baseman Kerby and pitcher Calvert to Abilene for the Texas Junior College Coaches Association Sophomore All-Star Weekend on Sept. 20 and 21.

Aug. 31

Dodge City (Kan.)

Sept. 7

Tyler

Kilgore

7 p.m.

Sept. 14

Trinity Valley*

Kilgore

7 p.m.

Sept. 21

Navarro*

Corsicana

7 p.m.

Sept. 28

Cisco*

Kilgore

3 p.m.

Oct. 5

Blinn* (Homecoming)

Kilgore

7 p.m.

Oct. 12

N.E. Oklahoma A&M*

Kilgore

3 p.m.

Oct. 19

Southeast Prep (Hall of Fame)

Kilgore

3 p.m.

Oct. 26

Tyler*

Tyler

3 p.m.

Nov. 2

First Round of Playoffs

TBA

TBA

ONLINE

Nov. 9

SWJCFC Championship

TBA

TBA

Dec. 7

Bowl Game

TBA

TBA

Get the latest scores, schedules, news and video online at

Claim your

Like Ranger Cafe Dining on Facebook to receive information about our latest promotions and dining events on campus!

SAVINGS today!

RANGER BUCKS: Buy $100 in Ranger Bucks today, and we will credit an extra $10 to your account! Ranger Bucks can be spent at the Ranger Cafe and the KC Sports Grill. (We will add an extra 10% for each $100 increment.)

BLOCK PLANS: Our block plans are perfect for commuters. Buy five meals in the Ranger Cafe for $25 or 10 meals for $50 today! The block plan will be added to your student ID card and can be renewed throughout the semester. On average, this plan saves each student $2 per meal.

MEAL PLANS: For only $1,320 per semester, you can participate in our most popular meal plans which provide you with the most savings. Applications for meal plans can be found at www.kilgore.edu/housing_dining.asp. * Square Mealer: 19 meals/ week Social Light: 17 meals/week and $50 Ranger Bucks Master Mix: 14 meals/week and $100 Ranger Bucks * Financial Aid such as scholarship money and grants can be used to pay for Ranger Bucks and Meal Plans!

Ranger Cafe In the Devall Student Center

OPINION

MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2013

Leave your comfort zone

Illustration by Cody Davis / THE FLARE

A

re you worried that there won’t be anything to do on campus, or more importantly anyone to do those things

YOUR VIEW

5

How have you been involved at Kilgore College?

How has this involvement helped you?

WORK STUDY “I have learned how to organize my time by doing my schedule and gained a lot with the teachers and what they have taught me.”

Pirriane Mevo

Tori Dheil

FORMER STUDENT ATHLETE. “Helped me be more responsible.”

focused on my studies.”

Daniel Lopez

Evan Radulesc

Kilgore sophomore

Photographs by Sonia Garza/ THE FLARE

Longview sophomore

Houston sophomore

with?

College is the time where mostly everything is new –– people, classes, teachers, programs, organizations, and cities.

You have a new environment, and you have to make of it what you want.

One of the most common problems, especially in a community college, is involving one’s self.

“There’s a couple of things I would suggest to students,” Dr. Mike Jenkins, vice president of student development,” said. “Number one, take a close look at our clubs and organizations on campus and get involved in at least two.”

He suggests to get involved in one organization that assists the student academically.

If there is a club that is tied to your major, look into getting involved in that or even a study group, whether it’s a study group through the tutoring lab or TRiO. The second organization should just be fun.

Do you like to dance? Join the dance club. Do you want to make campus more fun for students? Student Government Association is planning several different student activities that you could help organize. Do you like to volunteer? Get involved with Habitat for Humanity.

This semester a brand-new club is coming to campus: a Recreational Shotgun Club.

Just from this short list, one can tell that there are a variety of clubs to get involved with.

Some students are commuters and others live on campus, both have many options to choose from when wanting to be involved.

“If you live on campus, see what your

roommates and suitemates are involved in and if that’s of interest let them help you get involved,” Jenkins said. “If you live off campus, look at who you’re in the classroom with.”

Most of the time, students have one or two people you sit next to that you start talking to.

“See what they’re getting involved in and through them you can create a network of new friends,” Jenkins said.

The three Bible chairs on campus — Christian Campus Center, Wesley and the Baptist Student Ministry — are great places to start out meeting people also.

With everything there is to do on campus, don’t settle for watching TV, playing video games, etc. right after class.

College is the time to get out of the comfort zone that you’ve been in since high school. When describing your college days to anyone do you want to say you played video games all day, or do you want to describe the organizations you were a part of ?

Maybe you want to make your own club? Last year students developed a Comic Book club.

KC’s Organizations Fair during KC Kickoff on Sept. 5 will provide all students a chance to learn more about extra-curricular activities.

Student Activities is even planning a dance for Homecoming, so make sure you find some friends to attend with!

Just as one must work hard to get an education, social skills require work as well. You can’t expect to ace a test without studying, and you can’t expect other people to talk to you without putting yourself out there.

None of these things are possible if you don’t make the first step: talking.

Saying a simple “Hello” can lead to some of the best friendships.

Don’t be that kid sitting alone in the cafeteria or in your dorm room with nothing to do.

No one can achieve your dreams except you I

f someone had told me five years ago that I would be attending KC, I probably would have laughed and told them that I would never be a student at “Harvard on the highway.” I had always heard that KC was just a 13th grade for those who did not do well in high school or did not know if they even wanted to go to college.

Surprisingly enough, after being a student here since summer 2010, I have learned KC deserves much more credit than many people give it.

When I first enrolled in KC, I was determined to qualify for the nursing program, but at the end of last fall my heart was pulled in a different direction.

I had taken the previous semester off to spend more time with my two children and during that time my passion for writing was rekindled. I began to realize that being a nurse was not what I wanted after all.

With the spring registration date nearing, I made a huge decision. I hesitantly switched my degree to journalism and started down a new path with no sense of direction.

Had I made the right decision? I had basically started college all over.

Most of the classes I had taken didn’t count toward this new degree. I had made so many friends in MAEGAN my nursing classes and MITCHELL become comfortable with my surroundings, but now I was entering a new world; the world of journalism.

I had to find my place in this group of people — most of whom — had been here for quite some time.

As the semester moved forward, I placed

The Flare ISSUE EDITOR Ashley Morales

LAB MANAGER Jamie Maldonado

Monday, August 26, 2013 Copyright 2013, The Flare. All rights reserved.

ADVERTISING MANAGER Sonia Garza

WEB EDITOR OPEN

third at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association contest out of numerous aspiring journalism students from different colleges all over Texas.

I got to see my articles printed in the paper and even some on the front page.

The feeling I received when I saw my name above the article I had poured my time, effort and sometimes even tears into was one of the most rewarding feelings I’ve ever experienced.

Everything I had questioned and stressed over was validated. This is where I am meant to be. This is my calling in life. How did I know?

I enjoyed coming to class. I was happy to stay up and spend the extra hours outside of class to make my articles just right. I finally felt at peace with the life changing decision I had made.

I have so much advice I could offer incoming freshmen as well as students

who are changing their careers at the last minute.

Don’t be afraid to try new things. You have to find a happy medium between your personal desires, your biggest dreams and your biggest fears.

Take chances. No one can achieve your dreams except you. Whether you plan to graduate from KC and go straight to work or continue on to a university, grab onto each and every opportunity that comes your way during your time here.

Embrace the wonderful things you can learn at this small but great community college, and run with it.

Learn to love yourself and do what makes you happy, because in the end, this short time you will spend at KC will inevitably change your life forever.

Maegan Mitchell is a sophomore communications major from Longview.

LETTERS THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campus-related topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be

DISCLAIMER

SPORTS WRITER

ADVISER

STAFF WRITERS

ILLUSTRATOR Cody Davis

PHOTO ADVISER O. Rufus Lovett

PHOTOGRAPHERS

THE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every Friday by the journalism department, except during examination periods and vacations. First copy is free, subsequent copies are available for 50 cents. THE FLARE is a member of the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

ENTERTAINMENT

MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2013

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CAMPUS

CONNECTION

W

orried that you’re in the dark about campus? We’ve got you covered. Everything from where to work out to avoiding a parking ticket, here’s what you need to know:

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Dropping too many courses can get expensive.

Students who drop more than 27 hours of developmental learning classes will be charged an extra $70 per credit hour. For more information, see the “Course Drop Limit” section in the college handbook or online at kilgore.edu.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Transfer the money to your bank account.

You can also use the ATM located in the Devall Student Center to withdraw money.

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No reason to not Ranger football.

General admission for home games is free for students who have their student ID. Home games are always held at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium (south of the main campus).

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Lock yourself out of your car?

Call KCPD at 903983-8650 for help.

They also can jump your car battery or escort you to your car after night classes.

Make sure you have a receipt of of weeks of school.

Students can get a receipt of enrollment from the Cashier’s Office in the Devall Student Center. You will need a receipt of enrollment to get an ID, register for parking, buy books and show that classes have been paid.

10 Forget something?

There are vending machines in Old Main and the Business Administration Building that offer school supplies.

Supplies include Scantrons (full length, $2.50, short, $3), pens (prices range from $2.75 to $3.50), highlighters ($1.50), Blue Books ($.50), 2 gigabyte flash drives ($18), a small calculator ($5), individual packets of Tylenol and Advil ($1), Scotch tape ($2.50) and more.

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Need to make copies?

There are copy machines for student use in the Applied Technology Center and Old Main. These machines are coin operated. There are also copy machines available in the Watson Library.

Ashley Morales / THE FLARE

Stedman Jarmon Mighty-Warrior Buckles Tashia Adams

Need a tutor?

Tutors are available at The Zone located in the Student Support Building. Students may go to the SS Building if they need help in a core subject. Tutoring is free, but students must bring their ID. Tutoring is available from 7:45 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 7:45 a.m.3:45 p.m. on Friday.

If you want to share your skills, you can also apply to be a tutor.

For more information contact Ronda Callaway, Zone coordinator, at 903-988-7491. Two letters of recommendation are required for each applicant.

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Go workout yourself !

The Parks Fitness Center is free to students. All you have to do is swipe your Ranger card at the front desk when you enter and leave. The fitness center is open 5 a.m.- 9 p.m. Monday Thursday; 5 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday; and 1- 6 p.m. Sunday. The fitness center is next to Masters Gym.

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Activate your Ranger card!

In order to activate your Ranger card you must call the 1-800 number on the back or use the ATM in the Devall Student Center.

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Don’t be lazy, use the bridge.

You can be fined for not using the pedestrian overpass across Highway 259, aka the bridge.

The bridge is accessible to all and is an easy way to get across Highway 259. Crossing Highway 259 illegally can result in a fine, plus jaywalking can be hazardous to your health.

Your student information can be easily accessed from Campus Connect.

Campus Connect is an online service that allows students to register for classes, see account status, class schedule, financial aid, payments, unofficial transcript, etc.

Campus Connect can be accessed from www.kilgore.edu.

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Don’t try and be slick.

KCPD really will give you a ticket for not having a parking sticker or parking in staff parking.

Non-resident students should park anywhere there is an “S.” There is also KC designated parking of Houston Street by the former Region VII Building. Parking stickers and vehicle registration papers can be picked up and filled out at the KC Police Station next to the Devall Student Center. The first sticker is free and any additional stickers are $5.

14 15 Check out your peers’ thoughts on instructors.

Students can go to kilgore.edu and look under the catalog and schedules tab and scroll down to click on course syllabi, instructor vita and course evaluations to look up instructor ratings.

Pay your fines!

If you have unpaid fines, you cannot register for classes, receive a transcript or look at grades.

Students who have library fines or unpaid KCPD parking fines are not eligible to register or look at grades after they have been posted.