Getting benched at KC New bench inscriptions available through KC Foundation KATHRYN AGEE Executive Editor An opportunity to support Kilgore College is available by purchasing a bench inscription. The KC Foundation is selling inscriptions for the granite benches in the newly completed Central Park area of the Mike Miller Plaza on the KC campus. ”I hope there will be a great level of interest in the project, as it is an outstanding way to honor or
remember someone and the role that Kilgore College played in that person’s life,” said Leah Gorman, KC Foundation Executive Director. For a $2,500 donation to the KC Foundation, a bench will be inscribed with three lines of wording of the donator’s choosing. “The materials promoting the sale of inscriptions on the new benches have not gone out yet, so none have been sold at this time,” Gorman said.
There are 30 benches available for inscription. “There is a small amount of granite left that could be used for additional benches,” said Gorman, “but we are not sure if there is a need for them at this time. There is no cut-off date for selling the benches. We will just sell them until they are all gone. It could take a month, or it could take a year or more.” For more information, contact Leah Gorman at 903-988-7521 or at lgorman@kilgore.edu.
Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE
Omar Briseno, Longview sophomore relaxes and catches up on some reading for his classes on one of the new benches in the Mike Miller Plaza.
The Flare
Thursday, March 24, 2016 Vol. 79 No. 18 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
Life of an artist
Musician hones his passion of creating music LUCY LOPEZ Staff Writer
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Tiffani Branch / THE FLARE
Musician Daniel Biggs displays his tattoo with spiritual significance. The songwriter draws inspiration from many styles of music.
Work Study: Part 1 of 3
Student finds a place to work and feel at home tutoring in TRIO lab MAX CERVANTES Staff Writer Behind most office desks at KC sit students earning some income while still tending to their studies. Alex Jacobo, Henderson sophomore, works in the TRIO lab tutoring students from Monday through Thursday while trying to balance her student life and earn a degree in engineering. Jacobo was born in Henderson and moved to Marshall until she was 8. From there, she grew up in Carthage. “I’ve had two campus jobs,” Jacobo said. “I’ve worked at financial aid this past summer. That was crazy especially during the software update. Lots of angry students.” “TRIO is slower paced and I like it a lot because it gives me a chance to work on homework,” Jacobo said. TRIO’s purpose is to help degree-seeking students complete their degree at KC and then assist them in transferring to a four-year university. Being a tutor and earning an engineering
degree can be difficult for a lot of students. With classes such as calculus and biology, the work load can get very hectic. Sometimes job offers show up when you least expect it. “Last summer, they directly offered me and my sister the job [at TRIO],” Jacobo said. “[To be a tutor at TRIO] you have to have an A or a B in the subject you want to tutor in.” “I really like the people that I work with, the tutors and TRIO staff. Everyone is really chill. My supervisor Heidi is always really understanding and flexible with my schedule,” Jacobo said. When choosing a career path, most people would choose something they’re passionate about or have a very strong interest. “[Engineers] make a lot of money. As for me, the field was interesting enough and it paid well. If I’m going to get in debt, I want it to be worth it. I want to be able to pay it back and not be struggling to pay student loans back without a good salary. I know it’s cool to pursue your passion but at the same time
you have to be realistic. That’s just me, I’m a realist,” Jacobo said. “[Being a tutor at TRIO] doesn’t relate too much to my field of study,” Jacobo said, “I guess you could say I get extra practice in subjects that are part of my field of study.” With such a busy schedule, there are plenty of ways to lose track if you don’t have a way to keep yourself organized. “I try to think about the class that I’m going to and if there’s anything due, I make
“I really like the people that I work with... Everyone is really chill.”
See WORK STUDY, Page 3
t six foot three, Daniel Biggs could easily be mistaken for an athlete, but his calloused fingers and trendy clothes give insight into his true passion. Biggs is a music fanatic and plays music, usually on his Alvarez guitar. “I really wanted to learn how to play the guitar and play the songs I listened to,” Biggs said. “I “It became taught myself how to play the guitar and the ukulele as boring to play well.” Aside from playing covers, he the same songs has also developed himself as a all the time, songwriter. “It became boring to play the same so I started songs all the time so I started writing songs about my writing songs own experiences,” Biggs said. “Hopefully one day about my own I can perform them or write them for someone else.” experiences.” He has a total of seven completed songs, although he has written more, describing the process as “ever-evolving”. “Songwriting is a lot like turning on a faucet in a house that hasn’t been turned See MUSICIAN, Page 3
INSIDE THIS ISSUE n Face in the Crowd Page 2 n Dinosaurs to rock the East Texas Oil Museum Page 2 n Student art exhibit Page 3 n Dr. Brenda Kays’ meets the public at reception Page 3 n Softball news and photos Page 4 -5 n Taste of Longview Page 6 n Your View/Our View: Transferring Page 7 n Women In Non-Traditional Occupations Fair Page 8