9/20 Edition

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University

The Official News Source of Sam Houston State University READER RESPONSE, P.2 Readers love the idea of teaching soft skills in the classroom, but what about satire? Let us know.

Volume 129 | Issue 4

WOMEN ON WEIGHTS, P.3 SHSU is now offering women’s only weight training classes at the Rec Center.

BID DAY, P.4 Bearkats were able to enjoy a four-day rush and celebrate Bid Day with each IFC chapter.

/HoustonianSHSU

@HoustonianSHSU

DEPRESSION, P.5 Opinion: DACA defending the dreams of dreamers, Tasneem Baqir breaks down the benefits. @HoustonianSHSU

SHSU responds to DACA

GOLF, P.6 The SHSU men’s and women’s golf teams have each driven their way to a pair of top-5 finishes.

HoustonianOnline.com

Harvey damage forces theatre to adjust

PARDON OUR DUST. Hurricane Harvey damaged the University Theatre Center, altering students and faculty schedules.

RYAN REYNOLDS Editor-in-Chief

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DREAMERS. On Sept. 5, Trump Administration’s Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the gradual repeal of the Obama-era policy Deferred

Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Since then, protesters have gathered to express their thoughts on the situation.

EMILY DAVIS Asst. Associate Editor On Sept. 5, Trump Administration’s Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the gradual repeal of the Obama-era policy Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Obama established DACA through executive order in 2012 as a means to provide temporary legal protection from deportation to “dreamers”.

“Dreamers” include any unauthorized immigrant who comes into the country before the age of 16, has lived in the U.S. consecutively for five years, and is currently under the age of 35. Under the DACA legislation, dreamers can apply to receive protection from deportation, as well as given a work authorization permit, social security card, and access to education as long as they meet the criteria, and pay a filing fee of 465 dollars to the Department of Homeland Security. These requirements can be waived for ‘hardships’ as well.

Recipients of the DACA program are protected for a period of two years following application approval, in which time they have the ability to reapply and potentially achieve American citizenship.

As of Sept. 5, the Federal Government will no longer grant DACA approvals. Current recipients will retain their status and work authorization permits until they expire, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Those whose DACA status expires between Sept. 5 and March

Photo courtesy shsu.edu

TAKING ACTION. After a 10-day delay, Sam Houston State officials announced their responses to the DACA repeal.

5 can apply for renewal, as long as their requests are in before October 5, 2017, USCIS said. If renewal is not requested before the deadline, legal status granted by DACA will be phased out starting in March 2018. Once the phaseout process begins all current recipients will lose their protections

by March 2020.

“Approximately 800,000 individuals are enrolled in the [DACA] program, and over half of those reside in California and Texas,” Sam Houston State University President Dana Hoyt said.

Over 140 SHSU students, as well as several faculty members, are among those DACA recipients

that may be affected by the repeal, according to SHSU Director of Marketing and Communications Jeff Olsen.

Since the news of President Trump’s plans to end DACA, many student and faculty are left wondering how the program’s ending will affect them once their protections phase out. After their DACA status expires, dreamers will run the risk of being deported for being in the country without the proper authorization. They would also lose any financial aid DACA has provided, including access to scholarships, which potentially could mean the end of their status as a student.

Trump has given Congress six months to pass new legislation addressing the immigration status of those affected by the repeal of DACA, but SHSU is not waiting that long.

“By Friday, Sept. 8, Sam Houston State University had a plan and took action to support our colleagues and students impacted by the DACA changes,” Hoyt said.

“We communicated directly to those affected offering a variety of campus services and resources addressing both legal and emotional needs during this time of uncertainty.”

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DACA, page 2

Hurricane Harvey is a thing of the past, but the catastrophic storm has left its imprint on the Sam Houston State University theatre department.

Due to the storm and the flooding that followed, the University Theatre Center suffered water damage in various locations throughout the structure. However, most of the damage was located in and around the Erica Starr Theatre, a situation that has resulted in the temporary closure of the entire building.

“I am confident that portions of the building will reopen soon,” Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication Dr. Ronald Shields said. “I also know that only a few more days are needed until we have a clearer picture about how long it will take to repair the areas that suffered the most damage.”

Repairs to the Erica Starr Theater’s ceiling and production areas are necessary in order to reopen the building. In the meantime, classes have been rescheduled to rooms opened by the Department of Dance and faculty and staff offices have been moved to other locations across the college.

The Departmental Office for Theatre and Musical Theatre is now working out of the college office in the Gaertner Performing Arts Center. A temporary “scene shop” has also been established in shared spaced provided by the College of Science and Engineering Technology.

“I know that the University Administration has committed the resources necessary to get the space repaired and open to serve students as soon as possible this semester,” Shields said. “I have been inspired at how faculty and staff, within the college and across the university, have ‘stepped up to the challenge’ and have taken decisive action to access the damage and do what needs to be done, in a timely manner, to get the facility back in shape.”

SHSU’s production season has not been announced yet due to the closure of the University Theatre Center. The productions “Silent Sky” and “The Government Inspector” were both effected by the damage, pushing rehearsals and —

THEATRE, page 2

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/news | Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Page 2

DeVos rebukes Obama era letter regarding Title IX College campuses around America are due for a change after Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos made a statement last week rescinding the Dear Colleague Letter regarding Title IX from the Obama Administration.

A Dear Colleague Letter is a letter sent from a legislative member to his peers detailing possible new bills and legislation.

The letter criticized by DeVos was released in April 2011 by then-Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

While a letter such as this has no legal or policy ramifications, it can signal changes to come,

the very beginnings of plans to move in one direction or another.

By signaling her disapproval of the Obama administration letter, DeVos is signaling future plans for change.

The letter elaborates on the responsibilities schools have in upholding their Title IX regulations, particularly regarding sexual harassment and assault. This letter gave guidelines, outlining specific regulations, procedures and expectations. They call on schools to be “impartial, prompt, and thorough” in their investigations, providing rights to both the complainant and the accused However, “schools should ensure that steps taken to afford due process rights to the alleged perpetrator do not restrict or unnecessarily delay the Title IX

protections for the complainant.”

College students are the most affected by this change. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) states that “one in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college, and more than 90 percent of sexual assault victims on college campuses do not report the assault.

This is why many believe that Title IX is essential for the protection of students’ education. DeVos stated, “Title IX has helped to make clear that educational institutions have a responsibility to protect every student’s right to learn in a safe environment and to prevent unjust deprivations of that right.”

DeVos had more to say, however.

“Survivors, victims of a lack

of due process, and campus administrators have all told me that the current approach does a disservice to everyone involved,” DeVos said.

Specifically, on the campus of Sam Houston State University, at least one student has found Title IX to be beneficial. Senior English major Kennedy Lundberg was sexually assaulted during her first few weeks at SHSU. She spent a year trying to recover, and eventually decided the assault hindered her life to the point where she needed help. She attended counseling on campus, and there received the courage to come forward about her assault and report it to Title IX. “Choosing to report is an entirely uphill battle in itself when you not only feel that you might

not deserve justice,” Lundberg said. “But that the entirety of the justice system doesn’t value your experiences, sanity, or rights.”

Similar to many other sexual assault survivors, Lundberg didn’t feel comfortable reporting to authorities. She felt less intimidated reporting through the Title IX process.

“Title IX’s operations offered specific on-campus protection while I continued on with my education, officials trained in responding to accusations of sexual assault, and was, frankly, less intimidating than walking into a police station to talk about my traumatic experience,” Lundberg said.

THEATRE, page 1 —

DACA, page 1 —

performances back.

“We’ve already started talking about shifting the production dates,” facility manager of the Performing Arts Center and theatre technical director Craig Bossman said. “And the marketing director for the college will be issuing those new dates as soon as we can confirm them.”

A large work crew is working seven days a week to complete the needed repairs to the University Theatre Center, the building that houses the Erica Starr Theatre as well as the Showcase Theatre, faculty and staff offices, the department office and classrooms and production work spaces.

The repairs are expected to be finished before the end of the fall semester.

“I have a couple of classes in the Erica Starr Theatre,” senior Musical Theatre major Nathaniel Meister said. “It’s definitely affected a lot of Fine Arts majors.”

Updated information about the production season is scheduled to be released by the Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre by the end of the week through press releases, social media and on the Department and College web pages.

“I am pleased to note that (as of today) I anticipate that the Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre will be able to produce all of the shows previously announced for our 2017-2018 season,” Shields said. “Alterations to the season may include shifts in dates and, perhaps, a different location for one or two productions.”

Impacted students have been encouraged to start by reviewing the latest information on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website for important dates regarding the DACA changes.

“Our current students can continue to pursue their degrees,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Richard Eglsaer said. “If their DACA status expires while they are at SHSU, they will have to make a decision: To leave the country, or to stay in the country undocumented.

SHSU does not discriminate based on a student’s immigration status, and as such, students can continue their studies at SHSU. In fact, because we do not track these students, we will not even know if they choose to stay in the country past the date of their DACA expiration. Although students will be able to continue their studies at SHSU, if their DACA status has expired, they will not be able to work legally in the U.S. after graduation.”

SHSU is also providing several resources that may be helpful in both answering questions about DACA and dealing with the difficulties associated.

“Those resources include, but are not limited to, the SHSU Counseling Center, The Office of Equity/Inclusion and Title IX,” Olsen said. “Additionally, students with questions about DACA can contact the Office of International Programs for assistance. As you know, some employees are also affected. Employees can reach out to the Human Resources office, which has already begun working to help answer their questions.”

The university has responded proactively in order to protect its staff and students. “[Frank Parker, Vice President for Student Affairs at SHSU, sent an email] to students that are not permanent residents or citizens of the United States but are classified as residents for higher education purposes as per HB1403,” Director of Student Affairs Finance and Budget Lynn Clopton said.

The email was full of advice and important information regarding the DACA repeal, such as links to Homeland Security informational pages and contacts that may be helpful during these changes.

The SHSU Counseling Center is currently working to set up a support group for students who have been impacted by the DACA decision.

“The confidential nature of our services will likely be critical for these folks,” Counseling Center officials said. “Beyond that, our entire team has extensive and ongoing training in the various ways that various diversity and identity factors intersect with mental health, so we’re in an excellent position to support these folks in whatever way they need.”

Until Congress determines further litigation, SHSU will continue to provide their support to students and staff during these indeterminate times.

“For years, Sam Houston State University has welcomed DACA recipients to our campuses,” Parker said in his email. “We care about the livelihood for all SHSU students and will continue to support our students in their educational endeavors. I assure

you, SHSU will not waver in our commitment to support all of our students and celebrate the diversity of our student body.

We hold true to our motto, ‘The Measure of a Life is its Service’, by committing to serve all

students in any way possible.”

For questions regarding DACA, students may contact Dana Van de Walker at the Office of International Affairs at 936.294.2746. or email at d.vandewalker@shsu.edu.

MASEY WHITE Asst. Viewpoints Editor

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SOLUTIONS BREWING. On September 13th President Trump met with Nanci Pelosi (Minority Leader in the House) and Chuck Schumer (Democratic Senator from New York) to discuss positions on DACA and the possibilities behind an across the isle solution. The next day, while Democratic leaders announced a possible middle ground deal, Republican leaders denied any such progress toward a piece of legislation.

Police Blotter: SHSU’s Finest Keep the Campus Safe Sep 11th: Graffiti

An officer was dispatched to the Walker Education Center, 1402 19th Street, in reference to graffiti. A dumpster and generator had graffiti on all sides. Windows of the center also had graffiti. There was no suspect information available.

Sep 13th: Evading An officer on patrol in the 2500 block of Sam Houston Avenue observed a verbal argument which led to the suspect evading. The two males were arguing and one was grabbing a hold of the other in an attempt to pull him down the sidewalk. The officer instructed both individuals to stop. One of the suspects began running away. The officer found the suspect hiding. Another officer was then able to secure the suspect who was heavily intoxicated. The officer transported the suspect to the Walker County Jail.

Sep 14th:Credit Card Abuse An officer was dispatched to the Lee Drain building, 1900 Sam Houston Avenue, in reference to a report of credit card abuse. The complainant reported fraudulent activity on the department’s purchasing card. The complainant wished to pursue criminal charges.

Theft An officer was dispatched to Bearkat Village East Building, 2400 Montgomery Rd, in reference to a theft report. The complainant stated that he had ordered a shipment of food. He indicated that he wished to pursue criminal charges.

Sep 15th: Driving While Intoxicated An officer on patrol in the 2200 block of Sam Houston Avenue observed a traffic control signal trailer that had been struck lying on its side and observed several traffic cones had been ran over and other debris in the roadway. The officer then observed a pickup truck dragging something metallic underneath that was causing sparks. While speaking with the driver, the officer detected the strong odor of alcoholic beverages emitting from his breath and person. The officer determined he was intoxicated to the degree he could not safely operate a motor vehicle.

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/campusculture | Wednesday, September 20, 2017

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Rec Center puts female fitness in spotlight KRISTA KISTLER Contributing reporter Find the weight room intimidating? From now until November, a women-only strength class will meet on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Two sessions are available to students. Session one began on Sept. 5 and runs until Oct. 12. The second session begins Oct. 17 and meets until Nov. 30. This class meets in the Recreational Sports Center, room RB1.

The price for SHSU students is 20 dollars per session and 25 dollars for non-SHSU students.

Assistant Director of Fitness Scott Berkowitz formed this program to create an environment with hopes of helping women become more comfortable with lifting weights. The program is designed to build self-esteem, provide a safe way to work out, and serve as an outlet to inform women of the proper ways of lifting weights in order to prevent injury.

“We started Women on Weights a couple of years ago,” Berkowitz said. “Our certified

personal trainer teaches things such as form and technique, safety, different training modalities, and how to get stronger.”

Madison Brown, a certified personal trainer who teaches the class, said she loves to see the growth of women from week to week, seeing their confidence improve and how they embrace being strong women. She enjoys working alongside other women who are all driven to keep themselves healthy and active.

“It’s such a joy to see how much they light up when they master a movement or lift more weight than they thought ever possible,” Brown said.

Students have shared their thoughts on the class as well.

Some participants have said that they enjoyed learning how to lift correctly and that it is great to lift with other women. One said, “I feel empowered to get stronger,” according to Berkowitz.

This program is an intense 1-hour class that focuses on building women up both physically and mentally, by working out together in a group that is all

striving for the same result.

Upon joining this training program, Berkowitz said that women should expect to get stronger, learn how to lift correctly, and feel empowered to work out hard.

The Recreational Sports Center can be a bit crowded, and you may not know how to properly lift; this class makes you fearless in your pursuit of your desire to workout correctly and effectively.

“This class can train the beginner or someone that has been lifting and wants to lift with other women. We try to remove the stereotype of women can’t lift heavy weights. Madison will push women to lift heavier, get stronger, and how to do it correctly,” Berkowitz said.

There are certainly wrong ways to lift weights, but this program is set up to efficiently develop a skill set that will carry you on throughout other sports or activities going on.

If you are interested in the class or would like more information on it, visit the Recreational Sports center, or contact them at (936) 294-1985.

Krista Kistler| The Houstonian

GET FIT. The Sam Houston State University Recreational Sports

center is offering a women-only strength class from now until Oct. 12.

Bearkats voice opinions about campus construction MASEY WHITE Asst. Viewpoints Editor Construction has been a prevalent sight at Sam Houston State University for the past few semesters, with a project on just about every corner. Construction brings countless pros and cons, and recently, Bearkats have only seen the negative factors.

A survey on The Houstonian Twitter page consisting of 77 participants had results of 23 percent in favor of the new developments on campus, and 77 percent against the construction.

A simple search of “SHSU construction” on Twitter provides countless amount of Tweets complaining about the effects construction is having on students’ lives. Nearly every comment heard about construction on campus is negative. The frustrations are understandable.

“I’m glad they’re taking steps to improve the campus,” junior Criminal Justice major Chelsi Lamberton said. “But I don’t think it benefits anyone to have so many different projects going on at once.”

One of the major grievances Bearkats have is that there seems

to be no escape from the construction. So many projects going on at once leads to an appearance of destruction, rather than construction.

However, Dean of Students John Yarabeck provides the university’s perspective on the purpose of the construction.

“There’s more people wanting more things,” Yarabeck said, in reference to the drastic amount of growth SHSU has seen recently.

According to the “Kat Facts” page on the SHSU website, SHSU is the 12 largest university in Texas. In addition, The Chronicle

of Higher Education’s “Fastest Growing Colleges 2003-2013” report ranked SHSU 14 among the nation. SHSU has had to make accommodations in order to keep up with its rapid growth.

“When you have growth like that, you’re going to outgrow yourself,” Yarabeck said.

Because SHSU has previously been known as a smaller school, it was built right in the middle of town. While the town has grown around the campus, it makes it more difficult for the school to build outward.

“Given the fact we don’t have a lot of space to use, we have to be

creative about it,” Yarabeck said.

Yarabeck also pointed out that construction is almost an ongoing thing on any growing campus.

One of the other main concerns, which has been an ongoing problem at SHSU, is the parking issue. Junior Pre-Med major Paige Spillman elaborated on these frustrations.

“I understand it needs to be done, but it’s being done at the worst possible time,” Spillman said. “It’s the fall semester, and when you’re Visit HoustonianOnline.com for the entire article.

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The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/campusculture | Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Page 4

Kats come together for Bid Day

Emily Davis | The Houstonian

RUSH. SHSU students gathered in the Old Main Pit last Saturday to celebrate Bid Day. Hundreds of Bearkats were introduced to their new brothers and sisters.

Fraternities boast brotherhood Sororities spreading sisterhood EMILY DAVIS Asst. Associate Editor The Old Main Pit at Sam Houston State University was filled with hundreds of excited and restless fraternity brothers last Saturday as they awaited the unveiling of their new pledges on Bid Day. In the weeks prior to this festivity, the potential new members signed up online and went through a formal recruitment process in which they were introduced to all 11 of SHSU’s Interfraternity Council Executive Board (IFC) chapters. During the four-day “rushing” process, hosted by the IFC and the office of Greek Life, the potential new members are given the opportunity to gain a personal insight, ask questions of each chapter, and mingle with current members in a structured environment.

“Bid Day is the celebration of each IFC chapter gaining their new pledge class of who they’ve extended bids to,” IFC President Leo Meshell said. “The four days prior to Bid Day can be information-overload and sometimes stressful, so everyone typically uses Bid Day to both celebrate the future of Greek Life at Sam as well as [a way to begin] the semester on a high note.”

Bid Day begins with the decades old

tradition of the “Jump” celebration in Old Main Pit. “This is when the chapters get the first glimpse of their pledge class while being joined by hundreds of other students and staff,” Meshell said. “After Jump, each chapter celebrates in their own unique way. My hopes for the pledges is that they will become initiated brothers of their respective chapters and continue to be leaders at Sam Houston. I’m very aware of the stigma that can sometimes be attached to being in a fraternity, but you can’t deny the fact that the most involved students on our campus are Greek.”

Several programs on and off campus are successful from the contributions made by the Greek community. Bearkat Orientation Team, Orange Keys, Bearkat Camp Counselors, as well as student workers in all departments and the faculty and staff at SHSU are filled with Greeks.

“It’s always tremendous working with Associate Dean of Students Jerrell Sherman, Greek Life Coordinator Abby Hurt, and Graduate Assistant Stella Vay in looking for ways to further build our small area of the university,” Meshell said.

MONICA COLEMAN Senior reporter

If you ask any sorority woman she will tell you that recruitment is 365 days a year.

There is never a time you are not promoting your letters, informing hopefuls of what is to come, or preparing for the day you welcome your new members home. All the year-long hard work and preparation is entirely for Bid Day. Bid Day is the last day of a week of recruitment events where potential new members (PNMs) get to run home to the chapter that has given them a bid and celebrate with food, fun, and sisterhood. Recruitment week is run by the Panhellenic Executive board along with the five Panhellenic sororities.

Chelsea Valtierra is on the Panhellenic Executive board as the Rho Gamma Director and explained a little bit of what her job entails and why Bid Day is so important.

“I was the Director of Rho Gammas which meant I was in charge of preparing all the recruitment counselors for sorority recruitment and counseling all the potenVisit HoustonianOnline.com for the entire ar- tial new members,” Valtierra said. “A ‘Rho ticle.

Gamma’ is essentially potential new members’ guide through the recruitment pro-

cess. They take all the girls to visit all the chapters and if they have tough decisions to make, the Rho Gammas are there to offer advice.”

“The best part about Bid Day is getting to re-affiliate with your chapter after not having any contact with them for the whole summer and finally getting to run home to your sisters,” Valtierra added. “Bid Day is very important because it is like the grand finale. Not only do the chapters get to see all their months of hard work pay off, but so does the Panhellenic team. It is also the big welcome to Greek life for the new members who finished the recruitment process and found their new sisters and homes away from home.”

Bid Day is usually the first weekend of the school year, but due to Hurricane Harvey, all recruitment activities were pushed back not just once, but twice.

Panhellenic President Kayla Miller said this year’s Bid Day recruitment process took a different turn.

“What made this year’s recruitment experience different was the weather situation,” Miller said. “While it definitely put some strain on every person participating, be it the potential new members, Visit HoustonianOnline.com for the entire article.

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/viewpoints | Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Page 5

DACA repeal halts DREAMing big

TASNEEM BAQIR Viewpoints writer Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program that was started during the Obama administration. The executive order gave illegal immigrants, that had entered the United States before they turned 16, a deportation reprieve.

President Trump has ordered an “orderly wind down” of this program and has given Congress six months to make a legislative decision about DACA. If Congress is to go through with it and order an end of the program,

this decision could affect the lives of 800,000 people that gave away their personal information to the government thinking they would be allowed to stay. These are the people that did not have an option and came with their parents; they should not have to regret the decision that their parents made for them. They have built lives for themselves in the United States, and this decision could affect not just illegal immigrants but the American economy, as well.

Currently, DACA applicants have been put on a six-month hold to give Congress the time needed to make a decision about DACA. Now the 800,000 “dreamers” (a term used to refer to undocumented immigrants affected by DACA) will have to live with uncertainty about whether they can stay in the U.S. or will be deported. President Trump has not asked for their immediate deportation but that they can stay for the two years that were granted to them by DACA, but that does not make the situation any better. In the

end, they will all be deported, and this will negatively affect the American economy.

According to the Center for American Progress, ending DACA would result in the loss of an estimated 685,000 workers over the next 10 years.

This would create hardships for employers who would have to find their replacements. It could also reduce the U.S. gross domestic product by about $460 billion over a decade. In addition, businesses would lose out on the customer market that the dreamers contribute to making.

Governments would lose all tax revenue that the dreamers pay.

Armed forces would lose out on soldiers that have been putting their lives on the line to fight for this country, where they may now not even have a future.

Colleges and universities would also lose tuition and fees from these students who are working hard to make it through college so they can get jobs and stay in this country. University of California (UC) President Janet Napolitano

said that her university would be negatively affected by the end of DACA as they would lose the academic and cultural benefits that the dreamers contribute.

Napolitano was an architect of the DACA program in 2012 as U.S. Homeland Security secretary and is now suing President Trump for what she considers to be an illegal action.

The dreamers are a highachieving lot of people who have earned their right to stay in the United States. More than 90 percent of them who are above the age of 25 are employed and are creating a business at twice the rate of the public as a whole.

They have families, friends, and a life built for themselves here, and they should not have to live in fear of whether they get to stay in the U.S. or be deported and have to build their lives again from scratch. In the end, we must remember that the U.S. is a nation that is built by immigrants and it will rise but higher if a productive immigrant is accepted into our society.

Pa ws UP

Paws up to the first football home game of the season this Saturday.

The No. 3 Bearkats are hosting the No. 23 Nicholls Colonels.

Paws down to the love bugs that are taking over Huntsville... please GO AWAY.

School counseling needs a makeover

CASSIE KNUST Senior Viewpoints writer Therapy seems to be a taboo subject. From a young age, we’ve been told bottling up our emotions is destructive. Despite the fact we’re encouraged to open up about our feelings, it’s still considered a weakness to be vulnerable. We want to appear strong, even though research has shown it isn’t a strength to destroy our minds, and thus ourselves.

With this said, therapy has become more accepted than it used to be. People may not be as open about it for fear of being judged, but they are more open to the idea of getting help.

However, does this apply to school counseling?

Life before college is a whole

other world. Anyone can be mean, but kids are still finding their identities. Before college (and even during), kids are impressionable and more easily molded. Someone can be your best friend one day and your enemy the next.

Sounds dramatic, right? Life is dramatic for this age group.

Something that seems so small to an adult may seem like the end of the world to a child.

It’s our fault for shaking our heads, rolling our eyes and telling them, “It’s nothing, you’re just being dramatic.” To them, they aren’t being dramatic; they’re dealing with real problems.

Perspective is reality. The issues surrounding mental health can be addressed, but we all have to work on our mindset. Children are not only dealing with their peers, but our adult cynicism.

Everyone has a different walk in life, and we tend to compare each of our paths, but here’s the thing: If someone is so depressed and feels so alone that they are even considering suicide, the comparisons don’t matter.

To students in grade school, middle school, junior high, and high school, everything can seem worse than it really is. If they feel they don’t have any friends, who

are they going to talk to? Probably not the people who smile when seemingly petty problems arise.

This can eliminate parents and school counselors as an option.

Children don’t want to be talked at; they want to be understood. They want someone

“Children

don’t want to be talked at; they want to be understood.”

-Cassie Knust to genuinely care about them and their problems. Not all parents ignore issues, but many fail to see them before it’s too late.

Counselors often start talking to troubled students after there is a problem.

This is not okay.

Counselors are there to be a friendly guidance, not to be their parent. Instead of waiting to see a child when a problem comes to attention, they need to form a relationship before any issues come up. This is impossible though, right?

No! Studies have proven that the lower student-to-counselor ratio there is, the higher the success rate of the school overall will be.

Fewer problems have a chance to manifest (you can’t avoid all of them) if preventative measures are taken. Counselors should make it their responsibility to visit classrooms and get to know each student. Students are less likely to seek help with someone they don’t know or trust. All those posters around schools about anti-bullying and seeking help are likely to miss the mark if there is no connection; if the student feels misunderstood and unheard.

Let’s make an effort to change the conversation in schools. We need to do more than just talk; we need to act. Schools need to set higher expectations and standards for their counselors by putting procedures in place that are in each student’s best interest.

Counseling shouldn’t be a

Pa ws

DOWN

taboo.

A student may feel alone in the world, but they need to know they aren’t. Even if one person shows genuine interest in their life, we might be able to spare the world one more unnecessary tragedy.

@HoustonianSHSU @HoustonianSHSU /HoustonianSHSU

Helping yourself before others, your own mask

MASEY WHITE Asst. Viewpoints Editor This summer I got to fly to Utah and spend some time with my family. Although I had many great experiences, the most impactful moment came on the plane before I even left Houston.

As we prepared to fly, the flight attendants began their display of what to do in the case of an emergency. Being the anxietyridden individual I am, I paid very close attention, so that in the small chance that we made a

hard-crash landing, I would be more than prepared. However, one part of their presentation really struck me. When they were explaining how to put on oxygen masks, they made a point to tell everyone to first put on their mask before helping others.

This made me begin to think how often I, theoretically, put on others’ masks before putting on my own. How many times have I helped someone out with a homework assignment before completing my own?

How often do I give someone else relationship advice while I ignore my issues? Do I frequently give people insight before implementing it in my own life, before trying to ensure I am also my best self ? How much time do I spend helping others before helping myself ?

I can be incredibly selfish sometimes, I do not mean this to sound as if I spend all of my time helping others. However, as I have gone through my first few

years of college, I have learned that self-love is a necessary part of my life. It has become essential that I learn to put myself first at times, ensuring that I am in a good place before attempting to help others.

While on the plane, I began thinking about why they would ask that we fix our masks before helping others and I thought of one very valid reason in particular. If you help others first, you put yourself at risk of danger, and then you will not be able to help yourself, let alone anyone else. This is also true outside of the metaphor. If you attempt to help others before working on your own problems or responsibilities, you run the risk of leading others astray, while still not helping yourself.

This is also vital when it comes to self-care. If you are not getting enough sleep, eating right, taking mental time for yourself and just doing things for yourself, you cannot run efficiently and to the

best of your ability, which affects everyone. You will perform worse at work, struggle more in school and affect your relationships and social life. Just as you would pass out from lack of oxygen, hurting your own chances of survival, burnout can happen quickly in real life if we prioritize others over ourselves.

Now, at the risk of putting on others’ masks before my own (as these are all things I should be working on myself), here are some ideas you can implement in your own life to ensure that you are taking care of yourself. Sleep is essential to your productivity.

Figure out a sleep schedule that works for you; just make sure that you are as well rested as possible to be your best self. Eating habits also make a huge difference.

If you find yourself short on time during the week, resorting to frequent fast food runs, you might consider meal prepping.

You can cook enough food for the whole week, grab it, and go.

This allows you to optimize your free time, and make sure you are eating well. It will quickly boost your energy and mood. I feel particularly hypocritical typing this one, but do not procrastinate.

Planning time for assignments and studying allows you to have less stress and more time in the long run. Your grades and overall performance will improve.

Finally, do not give up your social life. While these things are all important, you are still in college, and you can never get this time back. Go out with your friends sometimes; missing out on some sleep every once in a while will not kill you. Have cheat days.

Take time to live for yourself and nobody else.

So just remember to breathe, take your time and remember it is completely okay to take time for yourself.

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The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/sports | Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Page 6

SHSU basketball unveils schedules

W HO’ S T HAT

K AT ?

Clue #1: He was born October 24, 1995 in Buffalo, NY. Photos courtesy SHSU Athletics, Rick Yeatts

ANTICIPATION. Sam Houston State University men’s and women’s basketball have announced their schedules for the upcoming season.

TYLER JOSEFSEN Sports Editor Sam Houston State University’s men’s and women’s basketball have announced their schedules for the 2017-18 season. The men, finishing 21-13 overall in 2016, will look to continue their success. Women’s basketball will look to start fresh after a 3-25 performance in 2016 where all of their victories came against SLC opponents.

Men’s basketball will open up with back-to-back games on their home court, starting with the University of Texas Tyler on Nov. 11. They will play 13 games before facing Abilene Christian University on the road Dec. 30 to open up conference play.

“We try to play great teams, and there are always some tough ones that we have to play,” men’s head coach Jason Hooten said.

“Baylor, LSU, and Ole Miss are very tough games. In all, I think it will make for a tougher sched-

ule that it was last year.”

The Lady Kats will welcome LSU-Alexandria to Huntsville Nov. 5 to tip off their season.

16 of their 28 matchups in the upcoming season are slated as home games, highlighted by a streak of five straight matches at Johnson Coliseum. Abilene Christian University will be the women’s first SLC opponent as well, as they travel to ACU Dec. 30 for their first conference matchup of the year.

“I’m very excited about our schedule,” women’s head coach

Bearkat football back at Bowers

Brenda Nichols said. “We’re playing more at home. Any time we can keep our kids here, it’s a nice feeling.”

Men’s basketball will look to return to the Southland Conference Tournament after going 2-1 in 2016, beating Central Arkansas and Houston Baptist before losing to New Orleans. The women’s team missed the SLC Tournament last year, but look to build upon their 2015 success when they advanced all the way to the title game.

Photo courtesy Brian Blalock

GABRIEL MYERS Sports writer The No. 3 Sam Houston State Bearkats have established themselves as a Southland Conference powerhouse over the last few years. That sentiment still holds true this season, but now there is a new challenger. The newly ranked No. 23 Nicholls State Colonels are a rising power in the SLC, and have the chance to take on the Bearkats this weekend at Bowers Stadium.

“Last season I thought they played us about as well as anyone,” head coach KC Keeler said. “He [NSU head coach Tim Rebowe] has made execution a very important part of how they

play.”

SHSU is led by senior quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe, the 2016 Walter Payton Award winner. Briscoe and the Bearkats high-powered offense are averaging 46 points per game through their first two matchups this season. This week’s game will also feature the return of senior defensive lineman P.J. Hall, who was suspended for the first two games. Despite the strong start, Coach Keeler believes that his team needs to start finishing games better than they have so far.

“We have not finished teams off,” Keeler said. “We don’t want to be that team that gets a big lead, and looks around and wonders what’s next.”

The Colonels are led by sophomore quarterback Chase Fourcade, who is transforming into one of the premiere offensive players in the conference.

Through three games, Fourcade has thrown for 725 yards and six touchdowns and has ran for a touchdown, as well. He is leading a Colonels offense that is averaging 31.7 points per game, and 40.5 versus FCS opponents.

This contest could determine who has the inside track to the Southland Conference title, and possibly impact playoff position later this season. The two teams kick off Saturday at 6:00pm at Bowers Stadium in Huntsville.

The game will be televised on ESPN3.

The Sam Houston State University golf teams have seen early success with two tournaments each in the books.

The women’s team has finished third and fourth, respectively, through its first two competitions of the season and saw sophomore Hanna Alberto pick up an individual championship in the opener. Men’s golf opened the 2017 campaign with a pair of top-5 finishes including a thrilling playoff victory in their opening tournament.

Alberto wasted no time in continuing the success she had last year during her excellent freshman campaign. Finishing her third round of the Lady Maxwell Cup tied atop the leaderboard, she drained a 30-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to clinch her individual title.

As a team, the Bearkats shot 900 to claim their third place finish.

The Hobble Creek Fall Classic yielded another strong performance from the team. Their final team score of 891 was good for fourth place, and Alberto had another strong performance, shooting a 70 to finish the tournament in third place at 3-under par.

Players of the Week

SHSU BASEBALL TEAM NATIONALLY RANKED

Following their successful 2016 campaign when they finished 44-23, the Sam Houston State Bearkats baseball team has received the No. 32 ranking by the national writers at D1Baseball.com. SHSU won the NCAA Lubbock Regional last season before dropping the final game of the Tallahassee Super Regional. Head coach Matt Deggs is entering his fourth season at the helm, with an overall record of 117-73 in his time at SHSU.

Clue #3: When he is not playing sports, he likes to play Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty on XBOX.

SHSU golf has success on the green TYLER JOSEFSEN Sports Editor

HOME TURF. SHSU football returns to Huntsville this Saturday against the Nicholls State Colonels.

Clue #2: He loves hip-hop music.

His favorite song is “Never Been”

by Wiz Khalifa.

LINDSEY BIENSKI FORWARD

Junior forward Lindsey Bienski provided the lone Bearkat goal in a competitive 2-1 loss to the University of Central Arkansas Bears. Bienski came off the bench during the 67 minute to complete a header for her first goal of the season on a pass from Meredith Carlson. Bienski made eight starts last season as a sophomore and ranked seventh on the team with 13 shots. She played a season-high 65 minutes in the match against College of Charleston.

Women’s golf will tee off again on Oct. 2 when they host the two-day Bearkat Women’s Invitational at Raven Nest in Huntsville.

Men’s golf has made a statement to begin their season, as well.

Junior Austen Christiansen stood out in their first competition as he birdied the 18 hole at the Sam Hall Intercollegiate Golf Tournament to allow the Bearkats to eventually clinch first place with a two-stroke playoff victory.

“It feels amazing,” Christiansen said. “Especially with it being the first tournament of the year.

It springs us forward. It puts a really good taste in our mouth.”

Following the team victory in Massachusetts, the men headed to Colorado Monday and Tuesday for the two-day Ram Invitational.

Sophomore William Holcomb posted a top-20 finish for the second consecutive week as the Bearkats finished fifth in Fort Collins. Senior Jake McCrory made an impressive 13-spot leap up the leaderboard on the final day to finish 28 overall.

“I told Jake, he was a great leader this week,” head coach Brandt Kieschnick said.

Men’s golf will return to the course on Oct. 9 for the twoday Bayou City Collegiate in Pearland.