9/14 Newspaper

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University

What’s happening at SHSU LGBTQI*, P.2

HUMANS OF SAM, P.4

#NOMAKEUP, P.6

CAREERS IN ART, P.7

Network Mixer for SHSU faculty, staff continued

The Houstonian interviewed the President of the Univerisity

A movement started by singer, Alicia Keys’battles socities view of women

Theatre student discusses the negative opinion associated with art careers

Volume 128 | Issue 03

/HoustonianSHSU

@HoustonianSHSU

@HoustonianSHSU

Election Pro Kat Series: Daxton Swanson Update: Students View TRACE HARRIS Staff Reporter The 2016 Presidential election has been one of the most untraditional and most divisive in recent memory.

Starting from a field of 16 candidates in the GOP, Donald Trump was able to prevail despite controversy surrounding his campaign from the beginning.

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton won the nomination despite a passionate following for Senator Bernie Sanders and the Democratic Party’s admitted favoritism of Clinton.

For the first time since 2000, a third party candidate, Libertarian Gary Johnson has picked up a plurality of support. Also, Green party candidate Dr. Jill Stein has picked up some respectable support.

Currently, in a four way match up poll from Real Clear Politics, Clinton leads with 41.7 percent of the vote, with Trump at 39.6 percent, just a 2.1 percent lead, followed by Johnson with 9.3 percent, and Stein with 3.1 percent, respectively. With the first presidential debate just two weeks away, there is still a chance for a three- way debate if Johnson can pick up 15% of the vote.

Though most candidates are disliked by the opposing party, our nation has never seen a presidential race where two candidates are considered unfavorable by over 65% of the nation. Between Donald Trump’s repeated outlandish comments and Hillary Clinton’s email controversy, it is not unfathomable.

Recently, Trump has come under fire for his unpredictable stances on immigration. He initially stated he would build a wall along the U.S./Mexico border, which became the pillar of his campaign. A couple of weeks ago, Trump took a trip to sit down with Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Neto to talk about future relations, but Neto remained firm on the topic saying he would fight such a wall and Mexico would not fund it either.

Pre-Law sophomore Jessica Mizell has an interesting perspective on this topic.

“I am half Hispanic and the family members that I have that live in the U.S. have come over legal,” Mizell said. “I believe that if you want to live the American dream, respect the policies that were created for a reason. I like Trump because I agree with most of his ideas for his candidacy. I think we need to put a limit on how much the nation gives out to illegal immigrants.

— ELECTION , page 3

This Week.indd 1

VOLLEYBALL, P.8

The Bearkat volleyball team prepares for TCU Horned Frog Invitational HoustonianOnline.com

Former CNN Reporter Reflects on 9/11 HOLLY GRAY Staff Reporter

Photo provided by Daxton Swanson

PERSEVERANCE. Bearkat football alum Daxton Swanson has overcome adversity throughout his three-year NFL career. Swanson was cut from the Dallas Cowboys Monday night, but is determined to grow as a football player.

RYAN REYNOLDS Sports Editor @Ryan_Reynolds9 Bearkat football alum cornerback Daxton Swanson has had to deal with adversity throughout his entire three-year NFL career.

Since jumping to the professional level in 2013, Swanson has struggled to find a home as he has played for a total of seven different NFL teams, with his most recent team, the Dallas Cowboys, waiving him late Monday night.

“It is definitely hard to bounce around from place to place, especially when you have a family, but

at the same time it is fun,” Swanson said. “I get to live in different cities and meet new people. It definitely has its ups and downs, but I know this opportunity is hard to come around.”

Swanson prides himself on being humble, and even though he has not found a stable home in the NFL, he is determined and is willing to do anything to get better in order to support his family.

“Having two kids motivates you more because you want to be successful for them,” Swanson said.

“They make me want to work harder and they make me want to do whatever I can to support them. My children bring the best

out of me.”

Throughout his three-year career Swanson has played for the Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys.

“No matter where I am at, just having the chance to play professional football is incredible,” Swanson said. “I am going to play until my body says I cannot play anymore.”

Swanson’s path to the NFL started with collegiate football at Toledo University in 2009. He started 10 games for the Rockets and led the team in pass breakups —

PRO KAT , page 8

Highlighting City Museums CHRISTINA NICHOLS Staff Reporter There is more to Huntsville than Sam Houston State University and rolling hills, it is a city filled with an abundance of history.

Less than a mile from the Wynne Prison Unit, located toward the south west side of town, is the Texas Prison Museum.

The museum was established in 1989 after the prison system realized they needed a place to display the substantial number of artifacts accumulated throughout the years.

“You can find out a whole lot about the history of the prison system in Texas from the angles of prisoners and offers,” Texas Prison Museum Director Jim Willett said. “You can also find out how the prison system operates today.”

The museum is home to a wide variety of both intriguing and horrifying artifacts.

Among the most notable is a display of artwork created by inmates. The display features a detailed mask carved from soap using only a toothbrush and tooth pick. Next to the mask there is a purse made out of used Camel

Cigarette packages.

Some of the more unsettling artifacts include an electric chair, a display of weapons and tools used to punish inmates, and three replica pistols that were carved out of wood by three inmates who planned to escape the prison in the 1960’s.

“The most interesting artifact we have is the three replica pistols,” Willett said. “It’s one thing to have the talent to carve, but those guys didn’t have a replica to work off of. They did it all from memory.”

Texas Prison Museum will host their annual gathering for museum retirees on October 8. The gathering will provide a free meal and a place to visit for those in the community who have retired. Also at the event will be a book signing for books about the prison system, history and the prison rodeo.

The museum is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. The admission fee for Sam Houston State University students is $4.00 and the museum is located at 419 SH 75 North.

Adjacent to the Texas Prison Museum is the H.E.A.R.T.S Veterans Museum. Established in 1994, the museum was first opened at

the West Hill Mall and in 2009 moved to their current location off of Interstate 75 North.

Featured outside the museum is an array of military aircrafts, tanks and vehicles. Once inside museumgoers can walk through five rooms which are dedicated to the different branches of the military. There is also a display of weapons that date back to 1915 and a library of over 25 hundred donated military books.

The H.E.A.R.T.S museum also has a unique feature that other museums do not have, which is that visitors of the museum are allowed and welcomed to touch artifacts and take photographs.

For a more in depth article about the H.E.A.R.T.S museum visit houstonianonline.com.

The museum is open MondaySaturday from 10 a.m – 5p.m. and the admission fee for SHSU students is $3.00.

Up next, directly across the street from SHSU lay the Sam Houston Memorial Museum.

The museum is an educational and historic site that honors the life and legacy of General Sam Houston.

For the entire article visit HoustonianOnline.com

This Sunday was the 15 Anniversary for the September 11 attacks in America. Sam Houston State University’s Executive Director of the Global Center for Journalism and Democracy Kelli Arena was a reporter for CNN and in Washington DC on that day 15 years ago, reporting on the attacks.

As a reporter, Arena covered the Department of Justice beat for CNN, which included terrorism.

Arena said that she did not often have much to cover, because global terrorism was not an issue before 911. However, after that, everything changed for America.

“I grew up in New

York City, the twin towers were my internal compass,” Arena said.

“Whenever I would look up I would see the towers and know exactly where I was..”

- Kelli Arena, Executive Director of GCJD

“I was in Washington DC, and on my way to work.” Arena said.

“I got a phone call from the editor saying a plane hit world trade center. I’m thinking a little plane that might have went off course, because you don’t see planes flying over New York. I was not thinking a passenger jet. ‘Why don’t you call the aviation reporter?’ I said.

Then my editor said, ‘I know this is going to sound crazy, but it seemed to me that the pilot aimed the plane. Call your sources and find out what happened.’”

Arena went on the air for CNN within the first 30 minutes that the first plane had hit. So far people were thinking that maybe there was an aviation malfunction, and were discussing the possible mistakes that would have caused the accident.

But the FBI sources she talked to were saying they were planning to investigate it as a possible terrorist attack. Arena said she believes she was the first reporter to actually use the word ‘terrorism’ when reporting on the air.

20 minutes later, the second plane hit, and people were beginning to say that there was no way it was an aviation accident.

The weather was clear, so it had

— MEMORIAL , page 3

9/13/2016 10:08:08 PM

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/news | Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Page 2

Former Professor to Host Culture Presentation MASON GONZALES Staff Reporter

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum will be hosting a presentation by Caroline Castillo Crimm titled “Comparative Cultures: Women Ranchers in Texas” this Thursday 6:30 to 8:00 PM. The presentation is free and will be held at the Katy & E. Don Walker Sr. Education Center located at 1402 19th St. Comparative Cultures will discuss the lives of Hispanic women as ranchers and how they reacted to the arrival of Anglo

women.

Marketing coordinator for the museum Megan Buro said the exhibit will provide a fresh perspective on the time of Texas settlement.

“This presentation will provide a new view of the first contact between the Hispanic and Anglo cultures,” Buro said. “How were they alike, and how were they different.”

Crimm is a former history professor at SHSU. She taught at the university for nearly 20 years.

Now she is currently teaching three classes at the Lone Star College.

According to The Curator of Collections Michael C. Sproat,

Crimm has been permitted to hold this presentation due to a long standing friendship between her and the museum.

“She has been a very active friend of the museum over the past two decades,” Sproat said.

“She has been in charge of many of undergraduate and graduate students who have been given recommendations by her to do independent studies projects and internships. Also she has been very active in the Sam Houston Folk festival we host every spring.”

Crimm is respected in her understanding of history, in particular Texas cultures.

“She is definitely very well versed in the content and subject

matter that she presents on,” Sproat said. “She’s an amazing person when it comes to Texas history, in particular Texas cultures.”

Buro has worked closely with Crimm in preparations.

“We chose the topic because it is Hispanic Heritage Month,” Buro said. “We’ve been wanting to get her here to do a little talk and so this was the perfect timing for this. I think it is going to be a very fascinating talk about woman ranchers here in Texas.”

After the presentation, there are also many interesting things to study at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Their hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm on Tuesday

through Sunday. Admission is free for SHSU students who present their SamID at the entrance.

They also host a variety of events throughout the year including the Sam Houston Folk Festival every spring and a Harvest fest in November.

The museum can be contacted at (936)294-1832. To learn about their upcoming events, how to make donations, and costs visit the website http:// samhoustonmemorialmuseum. com/ , as well as their Facebook page.

Faculty, Staff LBGTQI* Network Continues TRCIA SIMS Associate Editor @TriciaAnnnn The Sam Houston State University faculty and staff hosted their first LGBTQI* Network Mixer of the school year last night. Any SHSU professionals who identify as LGBTQI* were invited to attend.

There are four cocoordinators for the network made up of Ching-In Chen, visiting professor of creative writing, Paul Eaton, assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership, Ervin Malakaj, assistant professor in the Department of Foreign Languages, and Drew Miller, assistant Vice President of Student Services and Executive Director of Counseling and

Health Services.

The first ever LGBTQI* Network Mixers was in the spring semester of 2016.

“Last semester’s first network mixer was a good step towards connecting LGBTQI* faculty and staff on our campus,” Chen said. “We shared experiences of what it’s like to be an LGBTQI* faculty and staff member and did a needs assessment of our community.

It laid the groundwork for more collaboration of programming relevant to our community.”

During the semester the network met up again and has several smaller steering committee meetings to plan for the gathering and develop other kinds of activities.

“Each mixer was extremely productive for the network,” Malakaj said. “We established that programming will

continue to bring members of the LGBTQI* professional community on campus together to exchange experiences and expand our professional reach.”

When the coordinators first thought about the network they knew they wanted it to be a lasting institution.

“We conceive this network as an ongoing and central professional group on campus, which would show visibility and support for members of our community,” Malakaj said.

The network has had a very supportive reaction from SHSU faculty and staff as far.

According to the coordinators, some expressed interest but could not make it. With the continuation of the network in this semester the coordinators hope that those few will now be able to attend.

“We plan to continue to build

“We conceived this network as an ongoing and central professional group on campus, which would show visibility and support for members of our community.”

- Ervin Malakaj, Assisitant Professor of Department of Educational Leadership the network to support those who identify as LGBTQI* faculy and staff,” Chen said. “We hope that some of those folks who have reached out to us in the past who were unable to come, can come this time.”

Both Chen and Malakaj said that there has been a strong support from other faculty and staff members who do not identify as LGBTQI*. The network plans on collaborating with these allies are to come in the future.

“We are also interested in planning a larger event for allies,” Chen said. “We have had much support from faculty and staff and leadership at Sam. I haven’t received any negative feedback as of yet.”

The Network is planning to welcome allies in various capacities.

“We want to do possibly a public program with an expert on LGBTQI* community issues and faculty brown bag talks,” Chen said.

Malakaj said having this network is important because of past treatment.

“Our communities have additionally been politicized in ways that makes some feel extremely cautious in bringing up the personal in professional settings,” Malakaj said. “In

response, the SHSU LGBTQI* Faculty and Staff Network seeks to foster community among LGBTQI* professionals.

Network members, who serve in various capacities at Sam, can share their experiences with our network and will collectively further intellectual, social, and other professional activity that seeks to put the concerns of the LGBTQI* community at the heart of conversations.”

To ensure the network is a safe and welcoming the mixer was located off campus at the Patio Cafe on University Avenue.

Even though the meetings are just for SHSU professionals, the SHSU LGBTQI* Faculty and Staff Network has been interacting with the students as well.

“Some of our members attended Haven trainings and the Lavender Graduation,” Chen said. “We also met with LGBTQI* students from GSK, Gamma Sigma Kappa.”

The SHSU LGBTQI* Faculty and Staff Network plans to continue meeting and collaborating with different organizations. To get more information on this group please email lgbtqi@shsu.edu.

THE POLICE BLOTT E R Compiled by

Tricia Sims Associate Editor

SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

16-12417, Theft, 7:53 PM: An officer met with a complainant at Sam Houston Village Parking Garage (1600 Sam Houston Avenue) who reported that a tow hook had been stolen from his tow hitch on his vehicle. A theft report was completed.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2016

16-12383, Medical Assist, 12:29 PM: While providing police services for a fraternity event at 2504 Sam Houston Avenue, emergency medical services were summoned to the scene for a overly intoxicated female. The female was transported to Huntsville Memorial Hospital for further treatment.

16-12399, AOA-Huntsville Police Department, 11:42 PM: An officer responded to Huntsville Memorial Hospital to meet with the Huntsville Police Department who reported that a Huntsville High School Student who was reported missing after attending a Huntsville High School Football Game at Bowers Stadium (620 Bowers Boulevard) had been located. The Huntsville Police Department is conducting an investigation concerning the events of his disappearance after the football game. At this time there is no threat to the University community that has been verified by the reporting of this incident.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

16-12311, Drug Violation, 12:13 AM: While conducting a traffic stop in the 2700 block of Sam Houston Avenue, the officer determined that the passenger was in possession of contraband. The passenger was arrested and charged with the Class C Misdemeanor offense of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 16-12323, Medical Assist, 9:09 AM: An officer responded to the 2100 block of Avenue I to assist with a reported medical call.

16-12334, Medical Assist, 11:44 AM: An officer was dispatched to the Health and Counseling Center (1608 Avenue J) to assist with a reported medical call. 16-12335, Damaged University Property, 12:03 PM: An officer met with a staff member of Residence Life at White Hall (2101 Avenue I) in reference to damage found on a window. Upon inspection, it appears that something was thrown at the window resulting in the minor damage. An incident report was completed.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

16-12292, Medical Assist, 5:49 PM: An officer responded to the 800 block of Bowers Boulevard to assist with a medical related call.

16-12310, Assist Outside Agency, 11:41 PM: Multiple officers responded to the 2500 block to assist the Huntsville Police Department with a high risk traffic stop.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

16-12212, Duty Upon Striking, 3:01 PM: An officer met with a complainant who reported that their legally parked vehicle was struck and damage while parked in a university parking area located in the Sam Houston Village parking garage area. Minor damage was noted on the right front of the vehicle

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9/13/2016 10:08:26 PM

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/news | Wednesday, September 14, 2016

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The Jumps

— ELECTION , page 1 Trump’s friendly relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has been criticized because of the tension between Russia and the United States.

Foreign policy has become an important talking point lately as ISIS has continued their stronghold of Iraq and Syria. Trump has said he would “bomb the hell out of them,” and institute torture methods “worse than water boarding.”

Clinton’s camp has said they would take a stronger stand to combat ISIS than the Obama Administration, while still ensuring our country remains safe.

President of the Bearkat Democrats, sociology senior London Sneden, said if Trump gets his way on foreign policy it may do more harm to the country that good.

“If the Republican party gets its’ way we will just run over and bomb every suspect,” Sneden said. “That is probably the worst thing we could do. Uncalculated violence in U.S. foreign policy is what caused the creation of ISIS to begin with.”

Recent controversy has also been with the third party candidate. Gary Johnson was featured on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, where he was asked what he would do about Allepo (Syria), which he answered “What is Allepo?” Political commentators and internet trolls alike had a field day with the response.

The support for Bernie Sanders was seen wildly among young, college age millennials, but also supported by many farleft democrats. Sanders conceded to Clinton at the Democratic National Convention and asked for his supporters to rally around her, though many “Bernie or Bust” voters still cannot rap their heads around that. Many are planning to write him in or vote for Stein. However, many younger voters, “Never Trump” Republicans, and right-leaning independents have started to “feel the Johnson.”

Mizell said the third party aspect is not needed and it just distracts the voters.

“I think third party candidates will hurt the system because they are votes wasted on people who I do not think will have a chance in actually winning the election.”

The 2016 election will continue to be one unlike any other. The whirlwind of this election will surely go past November 11, and this will continue to be a talking point of SHSU students, representing every ideology out there.

— MEMORIAL , page 1 be deliberate.

“Then the Pentagon was hit,” Arena said. “We have this thing we call a red phone in the CNN news rooms, and wherever you were you would call in on the red phone with something important, and every news room around the world would hear you. We had pentagon reporters calling in and saying ‘The pentagon has been hit! All accounted for! We’re running! Following security to an undisclosed location!’”

Arena said everyone in DC was now in a panic, and didn’t know whether Washington was under attack. Everything in DC was shut down. No one could get in our out of the city. People were walking home, because driving would have been a nightmare.

Arena was 8 months pregnant at the time, and was very concerned about her safety.

“I was wondering, if they tell me to run, am I going to be able to run?” Arena said.

Her husband was calling her and trying to come get her, but she told him not to even try, to go and get their two daughters.

Arena recalled what it was like to grow up in New York and see the twin towers every day, then the dream-like feeling it was to actually see them fall.

“I grew up in New York City, the twin towers were my internal compass,” Arena said.

“Whenever I would look up I

“My friends from out of the country were just in shock that this had happened in the United States, the place where dreams come true, where nothing like this ever happened.”

- Kelli Arena, Executive Director or GCJD would see the towers and know exactly where I was. I don’t think anybody at the time expected the towers to fall. Those were mighty, amazing buildings that were the pride of the city.

To watch them crumble like you were watching a movie, was surreal. We could not believe what we were seeing.”

A 4th plane was supposed to hit the capital, but the passengers of the plane fought the terrorists and were able to re-gain control of the plane. The passengers tried to land the plane into a field in Stonycreek Township near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

However, the landing ended up being a crash, and the passengers died. Arena was friends with a woman on that plane who was the Solicitor General’s wife.

“They knew that they were all headed to their deaths, so what did they have to lose?” Arena said. “Those passengers, by crashing the plane into a field, managed to save God knows how many lives by their heroism that day. It was crazy at that moment to even think that I knew someone on that plane. I was envisioning what she was probably feeling and up against, and it was horrible.”

Arena said the following days after the attack were miserable for the people of New York and

Washington. She remembers seeing people with pictures of their loved ones saying “Have you seen this person?”

Washington then became a military zone. Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House was cut off, and still to this day tourists can no longer drive by and look at the White House. It was difficult to get into any government building. Life had changed for America.

“We had never been, as Americans, in the position to experience war-fare on our own soil,” said Arena. “My friends from out of the country were just in shock that this had happened in the United States, the place where dreams come true, where nothing like this ever happened.”

According to Arena, America has changed after 9/11.

One change was in the culture.

She remembers talking to intelligence and them saying ‘We as citizens need to be aware.’ There were signs that went up all around Virginia, New York and Maryland that said ‘If you see something, say something.’

As a journalist, Arena saw the culture of journalism change.

Reporters and anchors were breaking down on the air. American reporters were not used to the emotional effects of war.

CNN had to bring in their in-

ternational reporters to cover the incident who were used to it. There was discussion about whether it was appropriate or not to show emotion while covering news.

This change has opened a doorway for reporters and anchors to allow personality to show through. Since then she has watched it evolve into reporters and anchors giving their opinions.

Another thing that changed was using an overwhelming amount of unnamed sources, because everything in American government became classified.

“Because of that we got accused of not sharing everything pre 911, so now we are going to share everything, whether it’s a problem or not.” Arena said.

Arena said that although journalism changed, society has slowly gone back to the way it was.

According to Arena, since America has not had a massive attack since then, we have almost been delusional about the terrorism threat.

“We haven’t had a massive attack on our soil since then. We’ve almost been delusional about the terrorism threat.” Arena said.

“It’s very easy to forget, it’s very easy to not be as alert as we need to be.”

She said since the people of this generation will be the next leaders, they should be prepared to know how to deal with a threat.

“It is part of our daily rubric now,” Arena said. “You know what ISIS is as quickly as you know who Kim Kardashian is.”

But Arena believes that the younger generation need to remember what happened on 911, soto they can prevent history from repeating itself by being aware and responsible.

According to Arena, the people of this generation will be the next leaders, and should be prepared to know how to deal with a threat.

START GETTING MORE OUT OF COLLEGE. START PUSHING YOURSELF. START SHAPING YOUR FUTRUE. START MOTIVATING OTHERS. START GETTING MORE OUT OF LIFE. START BUILDING CONFIDENCE. START GETTING MORE OUT OF YOU. START STRONG. For more information about Sam Houston State University ROTC, visit us on campus in Academic Building III, Room 327, call Mr. Derr at 936-294-4994, email dld013@shsu.edu or visit goarmy.com/rotc/gobearkat. ©2015. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

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The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/campusculture | Wednesday, Spetember 14, 2016

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Old Town Theatre Offers Drama Off Campus ETHAN HORN Campus Culture Editor

@TheEthanhorn

The city of Huntsville plays home to many exciting opportunities for cultural outings just minutes from Sam’s campus.

The Old Town Theatre is a prime example of a cultural hotspot blocks away, located in the middle of downtown Huntsville.

“Old Town Theatre was first established as a Movie House in 1947, and continued serving that purpose until 1974 when it closed down,” said Leanne King, the theatres facility manager.

The building had no upkeep from 1974 to 2001

when Friends of the Old Town purchased the building and set about restoring it and repurposing it. It now serves as a home to musical performances, dance, film and community events.

“When Friends of the Old Town purchased the building, there was nothing left of the main theatre except the frame work and some pigeons,” King said. “Old Town Theatre stands as proof members of the community are capable of coming together and building something that will last, and I think that’s amazing.”

The building’s roots as a movie house are still present according to King.

“On a number of occasions I’ve been working inside and

stopped by an older member of the community who would buy tickets to see the movies hosted there when they were children,” King said.

“The venue’s rich history provides a connection with the community that is difficult to find elsewhere. The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming; regardless of what performance or event is taking place.”

The rich history isn’t the only reason to stop by and tour the theatre. Old Town Theatre is looking to get students involved in every aspect of playmaking.

Every month the venue plays host to a number of productions and there are plenty of opportunities for

students to get involved, from stage hands to acting, or simply attending.

“For students interested in the technical side of theatre they can contact Huntsville Community Theatre,” King said. “There’s always need more hands back stage.”

Upcoming events for the Old Town Theatre include two shows from Huntsville Community Theatre.

The play “Proof ” will be at running September 16-25.

Right after “Proof ”, the community theatre will have auditions for “Murder at the Howard Johnson’s” on September 26 and 27. That show will have performances November 11-20.

The price for admission

varies by show, but generally the cost is under $20 and can fit into most college budgets.

Sam Houston State University also occasionally uses the venue for presentations, such as The Department of Mass Communication’s upcoming Film Nights.

“This semester the theatre is also happy to be hosting a film night for SHSU’s very own Mass Communication Department on September 29th, October 18th and November 29th.” King said.

For all Huntsville Community Theatre showings, auditions, etc. you can go to their website: huntsvillecommunitytheatre. org.

Humans of Sam Houston: Dr. Dana G. Hoyt ETHAN HORN Campus Culture Editor @TheEthanHorn

Universities are relics.

Reckoning back to the ancient Greeks, tracing their lineage through great names such as Oxford and Cambridge, exploding in popularity during the 21st Century, colleges have become the modern day meeting place of the brightest minds alive today.

Humans of Sam Houston is a series The Houstonian has started to tell the student body about some of the greatest minds, the most interesting individuals, and the dedicated people who work at Sam Houston State University.

For the first installment The Houstonian sat down with Dr. Dana Hoyt, the university’s President, to ask about her job, background, and for advice on what it takes to be successful in college and beyond.

Dr. Hoyt assumed the presidency on September 1st, 2016, her most recent move in a career long transition from public accountant to president.

“Originally I was in public accounting, I got my CPA license and started into public accounting,” the President

said. “What I found was that the part I loved the most was the training, working with the people to help them learn what they needed to do.”

This proclivity for instruction and leadership began in Dr. Hoyt’s first career, public accounting, and grew as she focused on the aspects she enjoyed most.

“I had an MBA and went to get a second masters. As I visited with the faculty and they asked what I enjoyed, and they asked if I had ever thought about teaching. I said to myself, ‘That was really interesting!’” Dr. Hoyt said. “I still thoroughly enjoy and still enjoy that aspect of helping people learn and enhancing what they know.”

Dr. Hoyt took the recommendation seriously, and moved into a lecturer position at Texas Woman’s University soon afterward.

At TWU she moved through several positions as a professor, eventually receiving tenure as an associate professor of accounting and management information systems. From there Dr. Hoyt moved into an administrative role and remained in similar positions until she became President.

“I would not have thought of President as a role. Vice President of Finance was my

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goal,” says Hoyt.

In 2009 she came to SHSU as the Vice President of Finance and Operations. Dr. Hoyt had achieved her original goal of VP, numerous times in fact at many public organizations across the country, but when the opportunity presented itself to become President she took it.

“I think every opportunity in life, whether personal or professional, comes with a certain amount of risk.”

The President said. “I’m not one who will jump off into the dep end without any water, but there are very few opportunities that come along without some sort of risk component to them.”

Dr. Hoyt cited her excellent team as a large reason for the success the University has seen under her leadership.

“I have a really excellent group of Vice Presidents here, and getting their input is invaluable,” said Dr. Hoyt.

“You have to listen to your team when they speak up and say ‘Have you thought of this?’”

Even as an accomplished individual in nearly every aspect of professional life, the President wasn’t immune to some of the same pressures as student’s campus wide.

“The most reservation and nervousness I had going into the Presidency was that [Sam] has had some really excellent long term presidents,” Dr. Hoyt said, “It’s the nervousness of, ‘Can I continue that trajectory?’”

Dr. Hoyt also finds herself influenced by a number of individuals, both role models and inspirations.

“One role model of mine was named Nancy Hedrick.

She found out that she had breast cancer, she had lost her job and that her husband was leaving her in a twoweek span.” Dr. Hoyt said.

“But every single day she

lived to the fullest, she went through some horrific things and was always a positive and upbeat person. She inspired me to take advantage of opportunities, to tell people you care about them. From a personal standpoint she was a huge inspiration for me.”

For students hoping to succeed in college and life beyond, Dr. Hoyt had a few words of advice and encouragement.

“It’s about strategic focus, time management and strategic focus. IN the long run you need to focus on getting a degree, managing time in the long term for that goal of getting a degree.

I think the whole idea of thinking through where you want to be, none of us actually have that huge plan. But in that vein remember that the little things won’t matter to you in five years.

For the entire article go to Houstonianonline.com

E VE N T C A L E N DE R Compiled by Houstonian Interns

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Intramural Board Game Night will be held on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m at the Kat Klub. Register online for this one-night event. The Honors College ProfSPEAK presentation will feature biology professor Patrick Lewis, who will discuss the new technologies utilized by his lab to study the evolutionary history of animal groups, as well as projects students of all classifications are currently working on. The presentation will be held on Wednesday, Sept.

14, from 4-5:30 p.m. in Evans Complex Room 105.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Intro to Photoshop will cover basic principles for editing and enhancing photos. We will cover basic photo terminology as well as how to navigate Photoshop. Join us from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Criminal Justice Center, A111 Vertical Happy Hour!

New to climbing or a seasoned pro? Stop by the wall every Thursday night for some free fun on the wall. Join us for vertical happy hour from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Recreational Sport Center.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Timeless Treasures 1102 Eleventh Street, Huntsville TX 77340

$10 off a $20+ purchase

“a Bearkat favorite store!”

FURNITURE CLOTHING JEWELRY DECOR ITEMS AND MORE!

WITH COUPON!

contact for more info:

936-355-0983

Annual SUPER Garage Sale!

Sept. 16-17

@ The HEARTS Museum Conference Center We Are Still Accepting Merchandise Tues. - Thurs. Sept. 13-15 936-295-5959 www.heartsmuseum.com Veterans Museum of Texas 463 SH 75 North Huntsville, TX 77320 Across from Airport Next to Prison Museum

This Week.indd 4

Microsoft OneNote is like an electronic spiral notebook. It is a great tool for taking notes and/or keeping project files all in one place. Join us for an intro to OneNote from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Criminal Justice Center, A111.

Student Workshop.

Join us for the CJ Graduate Student Workshop on thesis, and dissertation from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the George J. Beto Criminal Justice Center

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Soccer Tournament.

The Men’s Club Soccer team will host Texas A&M University at Galveston at Lower Pritchett Field on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 1 p.m. Come support your fellow Bearkats. Get Outdoors!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Antique Show!

The city of Huntsville will host an antique show with over 65 dealers from across America at the Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admissions is $5 15th Years since 9/11

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

It’s the first day back to work after the weekend, so put your pants on two legs at a time! – Go get it!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Board Game Night! Join us at the theme night at the Climbing Wall for some fun activities. The theme this Tuesday is board game night. FREE to SHSU students, faculty, & staff. $7 for nonmembers.

9/13/2016 10:09:12 PM

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/viewpoints | Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Page 5

SHSU Kat’s Summer Mission Experience in Italy

VANESSA GUITERREZ Staff Reporter Going to Italy for five weeks was quite the adventure. I went

to Bologna, Italy which is home to the oldest university in the Western world. The University of Bologna began in 1088, and it is home to 100,000 students!

Although the food was super delicious, I had some struggles with the food, sleeping schedule and the Italians customs. I learned very quickly that some things that I did as a Texan did not work very well in Italy.

On this summer mission we went to the University of Bologna campus to meet and build friendships with students who study there. We tried to learn as much Italian as five weeks could give us, and fortunately my English and Spanish helped me pick up some

conversations.

The students we met and got to build friendships with were very kind and welcoming.

They showed us even more of the culture, some places where college student’s hung out, good coffee shops and shared their spiritual views.

The campus was so diverse that we got to meet people from Austria, Spain, Africa, Argentina, Portugal and many more countries. I love the fact that even though I was in Italy I got to experience other cultures as well.

We wanted to build a genuine friendship with the students so we spent quality time with them having meals together, doing

things they liked and had great conversations.

On a daily basis we went to the university cafeteria or “mensa” in Italian, and just talked to the students. One key thing that we did was try to break down the language barrier.

We always made sure our first question was, “Do you speak English?” in Italian so that we could carry a conversation.

Most of the student would say they spoke very little English.

Once we knew language would not be a barrier we were able to ask them about their major in school, favorite coffee places and international students would share about their experience in Bologna.

The people we met were so open and willing to share their spiritual beliefs it was very amazing getting to hear what they believed and why. I enjoyed being able to hear their questions of our beliefs and be able to also ask questions about theirs.

My summer in Italy ended by having reflection time. As a team we looked in depth and shared with another all that we had learned during our time there, all that the Lord had been teaching us, and we asked God to continue to show us how we can continue to share the good news back on our campus!

quite frequently. With moving came starting new schools and having to make new friends.

During the 7th grade, the middle of my junior high career I started a brand new school.

There I met some new friends, but most were not so nice. One minute they would act as if they were my friend, the next they would not; especially as soon as they would get around their own clique of friends. When all of these girls got together they would taunt, tease me and call me names. Anything they could think of to make my days at school worse, they would do it.

One day, I was walking to my fourth period class on the second floor when one of the girls pushed me down a flight of stairs. I had to get checked out

by the nurse after it happened, but I would not say how I obtained my injuries. I just told the nurse I slipped and fell.

After I got the clear that I was going to be fine I left the nurses’ station and one of my favorite teachers was standing next to the door. She confronted me and asked why I did not tell the truth to the nurse. I started to cry hysterically. I was too afraid to tell, so I got escorted to the front office to let the principal know what had happened.

The principal told me he had actually witnessed the whole event happen right before his eyes and was tired of seeing those girls bully me every day.

All the principal was able to do was suspend the girls for two weeks.

The situation just got worse.

I was getting to the point where some days I did not even want to come to school or even get out of bed because of the fear of being bullied. The bullying triggered some form of depression within me.

The more I got bullied the worse the depression got.

However, with the support of my family and therapy sessions, I gradually started to get over this depression. Although, still today the hurt is still there.

What bullies do not know is that words do hurt. Every day people are dying because of being harassed and bullied by others.

All of this just has to stop.

This is why I am writing you this piece; to let you know to if

you see something, please say something. Don’t be a bystander.

Bullying comes in many forms, not just verbal but emotional and physical as well.

You never know whose life you can save or change for the better, just like how my family and that teacher did for me.

If it was not for them I would probably not be here as of today. I would be a part of the tragic two out of nine people who commit suicide every day because of bullying.

To all of those out there who are suffering or are still suffering from bullying, I want you to remember that life will get better and that you are not alone, I promise. It may not seem like it now, but I guarantee it will. Just take me for example.

Growing Up With Bullying In School

MELANY AMENTA Staff Reporter

Growing up my family could not afford much, as a result we were forced to move around

What’s the WORD on the STREET?

What are you most excited about this fall season?

“Sweaters, and leaves.”

Sammey Galvez, Sophomore

“End of the semester.”

Corbin McCleary, Junior

“Starting my water bear research.”

Edward Realzola, Graduate Student

9/9-15, 2016 Showings Hands of Stone R 4:00, 9:10

Suicide Squad PG13 4:00, 6:30, 9:05

War Dogs R 6:35

Hell or High Water R 4:35, 7:00, 9:20

Sully PG13 5:00, 7:15, 9:30

Pete’s Dragon PG 4:10, 6:15, 8:25

The Wild Life PG 4:00, 6:20, 3-D 8:30

Sausage Party R 4:45, 7:05, 9:15

Don’t Breathe R 4:55, 7:10, 9:20 When the Bough Breaks PG13 4:20, 6:45, 9:10

for more details visit: www.huntsvillemovies.com

“The fair, sweatshirts, football.”

Savannah Reagor, Freshman

Interested in writing?

is searching for contributions. contact: eic@houstonianonline.com or visit Dan Rather BLDG Room 210

This Week.indd 5

9/13/2016 10:09:24 PM

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/viewpoints | Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Page 6

Alicia Keys’ #nomakeup Movement “I don’t want to cover up anymore. Not my face, not my mind, not my soul, not my thoughts, not my dreams, not my struggles, not my emotional growth. Nothing.”

- Alicia Keys, Singer/Songwriter SARAH BADILLO Staff Reporter Grammy award winning singer/ songwriter, she is a producer, author, entrepreneur and activist. Earlier this summer, Keys wrote a powerful essay for “The Lenny Letter” in which she acknowledged the “constant judgement and stereotyping of women,” and opened up about her own insecurities.

In the letter, Alicia Keys wrote about the day she walked on set coming straight from the gym for a photoshoot of her new album, when her photographer, Paola, said “I have to shoot you right now, like this! The music is raw and real, and these photos have to be too!” This is when Alicia Keys realized how strong and beautiful the photoshoot made her feel. All

It may be 2016, but there is still an overwhelming amount of pressure placed on women to fit a certain mold that society has placed them in. Not only do women feel this pressure from the commercials seen on TV, or from the magazines in line at the grocery store, but we place the same pressure on ourselves in our everyday lives. We feel we need to be thin, or to cover up the tiny zit on our forehead that we think everyone will notice.

We feed these thoughts into our heads, and in exchange, we start changing the way we look on the outside.

One celebrity who feels the same way is Alicia Keys. Keys is more than just a 15-time

those feelings she wrote about struggling with the fear someone would see her without makeup on disappeared. This is where her own movement which she is calling “#nomakeup” was born.

As little girls, it is easy to not worry about our looks when the people around us are letting us know how cute we are or how beautiful we looked in our Sunday best at church.

Eventually, we mature and grow out of being “cute”. We trade in our tiny stuffed animal purses for Michael Kors purses, because we need to show that we are worth something. We trade in our berry flavored Lip Smacker lip balm for MAC lipsticks, because maybe if we wear makeup, the boy across

the lunch table will notice us.

We are at a point where girls at such a young age struggle with self-confidence and body-image issues. This is why I have joined in on Keys’ No Makeup Movement.

A movement that was created not only to remind women that we are beautiful without makeup, but to remind women that our worth is not defined by how ‘on fleek’ our eyebrows are.

While most people find the movement empowering, Keys faced some criticism after going makeup-free at the MTV Video Music Awards. Some negative responders took to Twitter to share “If I had perfect skin that glowed like Alicia Keys”, they would go makeup-free too. Keys responded to the criticism by tweeting, “Y’all, me choosing to be makeup free doesn’t mean I’m anti-makeup. Do you!”

In no way is Keys forcing women to stop wearing makeup to prove they are strong and confident. She is encouraging women to do whatever makes them feel their best- whether that means using makeup as an art form to express themselves, or walking out of the house confidently without any makeup.

In her essay, Keys wrote, “I don’t want to cover up anymore.

Not my face, not my mind, not my soul, not my thoughts, not my

dreams, not my struggles, not my emotional growth. Nothing.”

After posting selfies on Instagram with the hashtag #nomakeup, Keys has inspired fans and celebrities alike to join her and post their own bare-face selfies.

Both men and women are sharing their insecurities. Each post explains how Keys has inspired them. One small action has started a self-love and selfconfidence movement across the nation.

“This is why I have joined in on Keys’ No Makeup Movement. A movement that was created not only to remind women that we are beautiful without makeup, but to remind women that our worth is not defined by how ‘on fleek’ our eyebrows are.”

- Sarah Badillo,

Colin Kaepernick: Value of Freedom of Speech equality movements were all part of a long list of sweeping leaps of human progress brought about, in part, by a few simply refusing to go along with what society expects of them.

Dissent drives reform and progress. It gives voice to the powerless and to those wanting change. By using his influence – the fact that a massive audience is tuned in – Kaepernick is drawing attention to a crucial issue he feels is not being effectively addressed.

Many other public leaders have also commented on Kaepernick’s comments on the issue.

“The main thing Kaepernick has accomplished is to inflame an engrossing debate and serve as a reminder that dissent is a form of patriotism, too,” wrote Sally Jenkins in The Washington Post. In the same column she also asked if coerced loyalty isn’t a contradiction in terms.

“He has influence as an NFL player. He has started a conversation,” posted Nick Sundberg, Washington Redskins player, engaging with fans on Twitter. Sundberg also pointed out Kaepernick’s record of civic involvement and $1,000,000 donation pledge, as evidence of

MICHELLE SKLAR Staff Reporter Critics are quick to jump on Colin Kaepernick for his recent choice of public statement to protest the oppression of people of color. The use of dissent, to differ in a popular opinion, as a tool for change, though, has a long and respected history. The fact that Kaepernick has the right to dissent is rooted in protests dating back several centuries. For example, the creation of the Magna Carta, the Protestant Revolution, the American Revolution, abolition of slavery in the United States, the independence of India, the end of apartheid in South Africa, the American civil rights and marriage

Kaepernick putting his money where his mouth is, so to speak.

“The highest form of patriotism, as I see it, is to do something for your country that is against your self-interest, narrowly understood, based on the belief that you are acting in the best interest of your country,” wrote Sean Wright in Daily Kos. “Such acts of patriotism include giving one’s money or time to a cause they believe will improve the country, risking one’s life for one’s country, and, yes, speaking truth to power, particularly when doing so puts ones life, livelihood or freedom at risk.”

There is no question that Kaepernick has risked his livelihood, whatever fan base he had and potentially his entire future professional career. That’s a big deal. Could it be that what he has to say is worth listening to and talking about, more than what his form of protest means to anyone else?

There are many in this nation who view our flag as a sacred symbol and the rituals surrounding it as forms of devotion. They perceive any impropriety in those rituals as blasphemous and an insult to those who serve in the

“The highest form of patriotism, as I see it, is to do something for your country that is against your self-interest, narrowly understood, based on the belief that you are acting in the best interest of your country.”

- Sean Wright, Daily Kos

military.

Perhaps Kaepernick feels just as deeply about the issue and the way he expresses his unrest was chosen deliberately to reflect the depth of those feelings. It is appropriate to reject the rituals devoted to a sacred object that he has come to see as a lie. It makes sense for him to feel betrayed, cheated and conned.

None of that is a reflection on those who have fought for those ideals in foreign lands or on those who fight to keep the peace here

at home. It has nothing to do with them. The only people who should take offense to Kaepernick’s statement are the ones who are violating the sacred trust symbolized by the flag and the principles it represents.

He’s not disrespecting the flag, or those who have fought and died over the ideals it represents. He’s saying that our flag is disgraced instead by the failure of its representatives to live up to its promise – the promise of liberty and justice for all.

Chasing Your Dreams 500 Miles Away semester was all about applying to new jobs, and in reality I thought I wasn’t ready for this. I began to get sick and stress about the little things.

When I graduated, I had more than 200 applications sent to different stations statewide.

My email box began to fill with a whole list of piles of “NO’s.” Each email said the same thing– You are great, but we are concerned maybe you need some voice lessons and etc… I began to get frustrated, and I was on the edge of giving up on my dream.

However, I just asked God for help. I landed a job in Nebraska, and it took me courage to accept it. I knew my life was going to change as I signed the contract. I packed my things, and headed to Nebraska– about 20 hours away from a place I call home. When I started working– I just fell in love

JACQUELINE GARCIA Contributing Writer

I always thought I was going to be a newspaper writer— but things changed as I was given an opportunity at age 17 for a student reporter position for ABC 13 news. The support of my teachers and my family is what made me a strong woman with goals.

In college, I was involved in many media activities. I was President for a Hispanic Journalism organization, Anchor/ Reporter for news and also the voice for many platforms. News became a part of me, and that is all I could think about. When my last semester of college rolled in– I began to get nervous. This last

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

with my job. Despite the pay– you will start from the bottom.

Working in small markets– you will be in budget every single day.

As days started to roll in– I began to realize, What in the world did I get myself into? The reason I say this– You will have to adjust to a different culture– you start to miss your family– work becomes stressful, and you do realize who your true friends are.

People who check on you and ask you if you are doing okay are the people who stand by your side– & for me those are very few.

When I first came here– I began to get very sick. People deal with emotions differently– but for me as a person that is how I get. I am getting a lot better now.

I am not trying to sound like a pity party– but the price to chase your dreams– that’s how it is. You

Editorial STAFF, cont.

Trisha Sims ................... Associate Editor

AJ ................... Graphic Designer

Arturo Mosqueda ................... Viewpoints Editor

DeAngela Satchell ................... Graphic Designer

Ryan Reynolds ................... Sports Editor

Jazzmin Ford-Evans ................... Layout Editor

Ethan Horn ................... Campus Culture Editor

Morgan Phillips ................... Photo Editor

This Week.indd 6

to do it. Honestly, I get really tired of waking up and doing my makeup every single day. It’s a hassle for me– I just want to leave with a fresh face– but you’re the voice so you always have to look presentable. I know that when I start thinking about starting a family– I will still be a journalist, but for me my priority are my kids and my husband. I want them to remember me as a kind person.

There will always be jobs, but family always comes first.

Don’t live to work; work to live.

What I mean is that– I have seen so many people in the industry put work above family. Do what you love, but never forget where you came from.

This article was originally was published on Jacqueline Garcia’s blog.

Advertising

Editor’s Note

Ashley Breedlove ................... 936-294-1505

STAFF

will have to adjust to things you are not used to. Honestly, I love reporting but never knew it was going to be this way. I am a very strong person, and I always keep my head up high– so I just keep an open heart. Every time I see my work on television– I get so happy, and say, “Yeah I did that!”

There are a few things I wish I knew in college and those things are leaving to a different state maybe for a year or two and how it was going to affect you emotionally. For some people– it does not affect them as much– but for me it did. However, I feel like I was placed in this world to make a difference. News is a 24/7 job. News is not about being glamourous. Sometimes, I am running around with my pony tail and makeup running down your face– you have to make the deadline so you have

Subject matter in the newspaper and on the www.HoustonianOnline.com does not reflect the opinion of The Houstonian unless otherwise noted. Staff editorials are subject to the approval of listed Houstonian staff menbers. For more information, call 936-294-1505.

Faculty Advisor Marcus Funk ................. 210-789-6057

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9/13/2016 10:09:36 PM

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/viewpoints | Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Page 7

Why You Should Stop Preordering Games

ARTURO MOSQUEDA Viewpoints Editor @cherrio16

There are many times a new video game is released to the public and it is not what was expected. It seems to be unplayable or missing major aspects during gameplay. You spent your hard earned money on a video game you have been waiting for all summer-long or even years to then receive a product that does not meet your expectations at all.

One thing I can suggest to many gamers in this era of video gaming: stop preordering video games.

The idea of preordering a video game has drastically changed over the past decade in quite a few ways. Back in the early 2000s, preordering video games made sense. All video games were made onto

a disc. Those discs had to be manufactured and shipped to stores such as Gamestop, Walmart and Target. Due to popular demand for a highly praised video game, like the “Halo” franchise, they would sell out immediately.

Preordering a video game would confirm that you would get yourself a copy of the product and not have to worry about hunting down every store in town to find the game.

It was the best arrangement for gamers at the time since they could play the newest title on the market that night.

Soon, retailers and publishers started to figure out a sales approach. Since a customer would put down money for a game that wasn’t finished yet, they could have them reeled in with anything they would say.

Most of the time, preordering a video game can cost a fraction of the full price. You can put down five or ten dollars, or even more, for a video game that you find interest in. Exclusive incentives for the pre-order include products such as a special collector’s edition of the game or a bonus like a t-shirt or keychain.

This usually persuades the customer most of the time, but that is where the

problem starts! The money has already been handed to the video game publisher, you are telling the publisher that you plan to buy their game in whatever state it ships out in even if it’s finished or not.

Do you know what you will be expecting once the game comes out?

Take for example “No Man’s Sky”, which I wrote about in my last editorial. A game that was promised a numerous amount of features to come to the game, but when it was released to all gamers, we were faced with an uncompleted and hallow shell of a game that we were promised.

If you preorder a game in advance and the only information you have to back up your decision is the marketing campaign, you are letting them know that you are totally fine with spending $40-$60 on a game due to the strength of their marketing campaign.

The only times I now preorder is if I know the gaming company that I am buying the game from and trust for them. If I know that the company has had an amazing reputation with delivering outstanding video games back to back without any problems, I will pre-order.

These companies include

Nintendo with the Mario franchise and The Legend of Zelda games, Bethesda with the popular Fallout and The Elder Scrolls series and Rockstar Games with the Grand Theft Auto franchise.

Unless you have watched a gameplay video on YouTube and/or tried it at a friend’s house, buying a video game is a huge risk in the current day. I am not saying that you should not preorder a game, but please do some research on the game before dropping $60 on it. Watch some gameplay videos, read some reviews or ask your friends what they think of the game before making your own decision. If you have played a lot of video games in your life like me, you can easily spot terrible production quality in under 10 minutes of watching any gameplay footage.

The next time you are debating whether or not to preorder that new video game everyone is talking about, please do your research and wait it out till you have gathered information about the game, because you might just end up like me having to contact Steam support to get a refund on a $60 video game I was not happy about.

PAWS

UP

Paws up to Orange Pride Day at Carriage Inn Home last week.

Paws up to the coupons now in the paper.

Why Society Needs to Quit Looking Down on Careers in the Arts

NICK WARD Staff Reporter

“An actor yesterday. A botanist today. Let’s get them ready for tomorrow.” This is quoted from a pamphlet from Wells Fargo advertising for “Teen Day.” A couple of weeks ago, a photo of this pamphlet went viral on social media due to backlash from the artistic community. The backlash was understandable, since the statement implied a mindset that a career in the arts is worthless and that we should have teens instead looking into more “practical careers.”

“We are just as important as any other career field of jobs, and should be treated as such instead of a punch line for an incredibly false stigma.”

- Nick Ward It is a mindset that everyone who has a career in the arts or is a fine arts major, including myself, a theatre major, has heard a thousand times. We are sick of hearing it. Wells Fargo has just been the most recent institution to upset the artistic community because of a negative attitude they conveyed to the career field.

Another recent example was a line of t-shirts released

by Old Navy. The shirt had

This Week.indd 7

the phrase “young aspiring artist,” typed out on the shirt, but the word artist was crossed out and either replaced with astronaut or president written on the side.

These advertisements are awful, but sadly they are a reflection of society’s troubling opinions on careers in the arts: they are not “real” careers and are inferior to jobs in the scientific and mathematical community.

When asking this question of why society reacts this way to the arts, most would usually answer that what jobs do in the mathematics and sciences is have a stable job security and allow you to live with good pay. Based on the starving artist stigma, this answer makes sense, but on the contrary actual data begs to differ with this ideology.

The Strategic National Arts Alumni Project, or SNAAP, conducted a national survey back in 2010 about college graduates.

The survey reflected 13,581 alumni of 154 colleges and conservatories and included graduates of visual arts, theatre, film, dance, music, creative writing, media arts, design and architecture from 2005-2009. According to the results, 92 percent of those who want to work are working. More than half (52 percent) are either working as professional artists (41 percent) or did in the past (16 percent). This also does not include arts minors who

“It is a mindset that everyone who has a career in the arts or is a fine arts major, including myself, a theatre major, has heard a thousand times. We are sick of hearing it.”

Paws up to Volleyball team for performing well intheir last two tournaments.

- Nick Ward

found work. According to the survey, despite the reports of low pay, 78 percent of arts majors reported satisfaction in their job. This shows that art majors do find work in their field.

The other argument you hear is that work in the arts is not as important as work in other career fields. What I find ironic, is that the majority of the people who proclaim these type of statements go to see a good amount of movies, watch TV and/or play videogames. Also, Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, John Steinbeck, Picasso, Monet and so on are taught in public and private schools every day.

They are studied just like other historical figures.

Plus, there have been people who have majored in sciences that went on to a career in the arts, with the most

notable example being the writing staff of the acclaimed series Futurama. The “most overeducated cartoon writers in history,” held three Ph.Ds., seven master’s degrees and had cumulatively more than 50 years at Harvard University. The graduates do sometimes go on to other careers outside of the arts, and still find meaning in their work and life.

We need to stop implying that a job in the arts is not a real job. Like any other career field, there are pros and cons that when weighed against each other are not any worse than any other career field.

We are just as important as any other career field of jobs, and should be treated as such instead of a punch line for an incredibly false stigma.

Paws down to the 90 degree temperatures this past week.

Paws down to allergy season.

Paws down to the outrageous textbook prices.

PAWS

DOWN

9/13/2016 10:09:56 PM

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/sports | Wednesday, September 14, 2016 @HoustonianSport

Kats Soccer vs. Bears GABRIEL MYERS Sports Reporter The Sam Houston lady Bearkat soccer team has gotten off to a slow start, but none of that matters now as Southland Conference play begins.

Tough scheduling, and a grueling travel schedule have been a problem for the Kats, but now they have to put everything in the past as conference play begins Friday against the University of Central Arkansas Bears.

“This team understands that it’s been a process to get ready for conference,” head coach Tom

—

PRO KAT , page 1

with seven. Swanson then decided to transfer to Sam Houston State in 2011 so he would be closer to home.

The bold decision to move from an FBS to an FCS school paid off as Swanson left his mark at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium. He graduated from SHSU in 2013 as the school’s all-time leader in interceptions with 14 and as an All-Southland first teamer.

“It was a great place to be, and

Brown said. “I think this team is excited to get going.”

The tough non-conference schedule was put in place in order for the young team to grow and to further prepare them for Southland Conference play.

The ultimate goal for the Kats is a conference championship, and with the Southland Conference being a one-bid league for the NCAA tournament, a conference title is all that matters for the Kats going forward.

“In order to win the conference title we must continue to move forward and get better everyday,” Brown said.

For full preview visit HoustonianOnline.com

it was fun to have that college atmosphere,” Swanson said.

“The things we did at SHSU as far as athletics, it was fun, and I have moments that I will always cherish. I still keep in touch with a lot of my Bearkat teammates and friends. The bonds I made throughout my college years are still continuing on to this day.”

Swanson’s high level of play as a Bearkat drew interest from scouts around the NFL. He worked hard in preparation for the NFL Combine, but was unable to

@HoustonianSport

Page 8

SHSU V-Ball Travels to TCU CHRISTINA NICHOLS Sports Reporter The Bearkats hope to improve their 6-4 record tomorrow at the Texas Christian University Horned Frog Invitational where they will take on TCU, Southern Methodist and the University of North Carolina.

Last weekend the team traveled to Houston to take part in the Rice Owl Invitational. The team finished the tournament with an overall record of 2-1. They finished second in the four-team event.

“It was a great tournament for us,” Head Coach Brenda Grey said.

“We are progressively getting better as a team and I have seen growth, which is really exciting.”

Junior outside hitter Jordyn Vaughn continued her hot streak at the Rice Invitational, while senior outside hitter Breanna Homer and sophomore outside hitter/middle blocker Amanda Gooch joined in on the success being named to the All-Tournament team.

The Bearkats are going to have to fight hard as the they are facing teams this weekend that are all ranked among the top 100 in Division I. Grey sees the upcoming opponents as something positive.

“The Rice Invitational was a good lead up to this week’s

The Jump showcase his skills as he tweaked his right hamstring two weeks prior to the event.

“I entered the 2013 NFL Draft so I was training in Naples, Florida, to get ready for the Combine,” Swanson said. “I was running a 40-yard dash and I pulled my hamstring and I could not recover for awhile. I tried to run my 40-yard dash during the Combine, but with me not being 100 percent, I messed it up again.”

Right from the get-go Swanson’s NFL journey has been a rollercoaster ride. Since he tweaked his hamstring before the Combine, he ended up going undrafted.

Swanson got his first taste of professional action when he signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2013 as an undrafted free agent.

He messed up the same hamstring in the last preseason game, which forced the Colts to place him on the injured reserve.

He was later released from the team.

“I still ended up where I needed to be and I cannot regret that,” Swanson said. “Everything happens for a reason.”

The current high point of Swanson’s career was when he signed with the New England Patriots in 2014. He joined one of the league’s top tier teams and grew as a player under future hall of fame coach Bill Belichick.

By the end of the 2014 season Swanson found himself wearing a Super Bowl ring.

“I cannot even describe the feeling and the atmosphere of Super Bowl XLIX,” Swanson said.

“It was a good game throughout, but the way it ended, it was one of the best. It is was so fun.”

The Patriots matched up against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. The Seahawks were looking for a repeat championship,

but fell just short as the game ended in stunning fashion.

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson led his team down the field on the final drive, and with 23 seconds left, threw an interception to Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler.

“They were driving down the field and I was trying to stay positive,” Swanson said. “But when Malcolm made that pick on the goal line, the entire sideline went crazy. It was an exciting feeling.”

Photo provided by Daxton Swanson

Like Swanson, Butler was also an undrafted cornerback. The unexpected hero of Super Bowl XLIX and the former Bearkat relate to each other.

“I was very happy for Butler when he got the interception,” Swanson said. “He finally got his opportunity to play that game and he did great. He is one of my good friends and we always talk.

Us being the younger guys on the Patriots, and coming in as free agents, we had a lot in common so we just clicked from day one.”

Although Swanson is currently a free agent, he still tries to learn and take pointer from veteran

matches since we will be playing some pretty great ball clubs again,” Grey said. “We are looking at teams that are ranked higher than us, but I would rather play quality opponents that keep us focused.”

SMU took part in the North Carolina State Invitational over the weekend where they took first place. NC competed in the Big Ten Challenge where they went 1-1 and TCU participated in the Blue Jay Invitational. They also went 1-1.

The Bearkats will take on TCU on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The game can be viewed on Fox Sports South West. On Friday, they will take SMU at 11 a.m. and UNC at 3 p.m.

players in hopes of one day finding a steady team to call home.

“I definitely try to get mentors, from the younger guys to the older guys,” Swanson said. “Everyone at this level can help each other out in different ways. I try to learn from everybody.”

An added bonus of hopping around from team to team is that Swanson has had the opportunity to play in a variety of different defensive schemes. He has also had the chance to learn from some of the best corners in the league.

“I have been fortunate to be around some great corners like Darrelle Revis, Vontae Davis and Tramaine Brock,” Swanson said.

“I try to learn how they take care of their bodies, what they do as far as watching film and what they do technique wise that has helped them be successful.”

The NFL is a cutthroat business. Not everyone can play for one team for 10 years and it is difficult to find the correct footing, especially as an undrafted player.

Swanson’s NFL journey has not been an ideal one, but he is forever grateful to have the opportunity to play professional football.

“My journey has been fun, and even though it is not an ideal one, the NFL is not made for everybody,” Swanson said.

“I have taken everything with a grain of salt and have enjoyed the experience. Everybody has their own road and journey to take in this world, and this is mine. God did not put anything on me that he knew I could not handle and I have always kept a positive mentality throughout my whole NFL situation. I am going to continue to work hard and get better to try and be the best player I can be in this league.”

Players of the Week

ANA MORENO, CROSS COUNTRY

The senior from Magnolia captured third place in the 3,200-meter run at the SFA Lumberjack Invitational back on Sept. 2. Moreno finished the race behind a mark of 11:25.88. She finished as the top Southland Conference competitor in the event.

Moreno will look for a similar finish at the Texas A&M Invitational on Sept. 24.

SPORTS THIS WEEK.indd 1

AMANDA GOOCH, VOLLEYBALL

The Bearkat volleyball team had another successful outing this past weekend at the Rice Owl Invitational. The squad won two of three, finishing second in the four-team event. Sophomore Amanda Gooch really stood out on the court as she was named to the All-Tournament team. Gooch played in all 13 sets in the tournament and finished with 24 kills.

9/13/2016 9:48:47 PM