The Ranger, Nov. 5, 2018

The anger Volume 93 • Issue 7 San Antonio College A forum of free voices since 1926

Nov. 5, 2018 WWW.THERANGER.ORG

College receives over $636,000 for cybersecurity

Students who don’t work for the government after graduation must pay funds back.

By Lionel Ramos sac-ranger@alamo.edu

Theater freshman Hilary Chavez walks the runway during the annual costume contest at Screamfest presented by the Campus Activities Board Oct. 31 in the mall.

Chavez dressed as a zombie and won a prize for scariest costume. Dillon Holloway

Monetary border wall for internationals Faculty Senate to discuss high tuition rates for those out of state.

By Sergio Medina smedina104@student.alamo.edu Environmental science freshman Caterina Beverati is from Italy. She has lived in this country for three months to enroll at this college.

She wanted a practical approach to education, to apply knowledge with practice and research, something she did not find much of back home, where education was more about theory and studying than applying oneself, she said.

Liberal arts sophomore Mario Lopez came from Mexico with the desire to search for a better life.

“Mexico is not really good right now,” he said.

Rising violence, corruption and poverty are big issues in his home country.

One day, he wants to earn enough money to support his parents.

Then there is computer programming sophomore Okhai Omotuebe.

He has lived in the U.S. for two years and

Ranger forward Elizabeth Guerra, early childhood studies freshman, gets double-teamed by two Northwest Vista College Wildcats Oct. 31 in Candler. Guerra scored 2 points in the game. The Rangers beat the Wildcats 77-48, making them 3-0 for the season. During the last minute in the third quarter, kinesiology freshman Sarah Campos hit her head and was sent to the hospital where she was treated and released, Rangers head coach Haley Capestany said Nov. 1. The Rangers’ next game is at 6 p.m. Nov. 7 in Candler against Texas A&M University -San Antonio. See a basketball slideshow at www.theranger.org.

Brianna Rodrigue

three months and is the vice president of Phi Theta Kappa at this college, an international honor society for two-year colleges that only takes in students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

“I was in pursuit of a better education and I just wanted to change environment, to see other people’s culture,” he said.

For him, the transition from his home country of Nigeria was difficult.

“I left all my friends back home,” Omotuebe said.

“I didn’t have any friends here, and I couldn’t communicate very well with people,” he said.

After a couple of months of isolation, he began to socialize and join clubs and make new friends, he said.

The trio, interviewed Oct. 25, agreed tuition was an obstacle when enrolling at this college.

“I do think it’s way, way, way too high,” Lopez said.

Tom Cox, chair of languages, which includes ESL, and member of the Faculty Senate at this college, said Oct. 24 he is aware of the matter.

“I just know that international tuition is really high, and in fact, we’re the highest of all of the

community colleges in Texas, and our international student enrollment is really low,” Cox said.

“I would like to see us switch those two numbers,” he said.

Cox said there are 127 international students enrolled at this college.

For in-district students, tuition is $86 per credit hour, or $258 for a three-hour course. That means a full-time student taking four three-hour courses would pay $1,032 plus fees.

Out-of-district tuition for Texas residents is $202 per credit hour.

In contrast, for international students, one credit hour costs $453, which means a threehour course costs $1,359, more than what an indistrict student pays for full-time tuition.

So international tuition for a full-time semester made up of four three-hour courses costs $5,436, more than five times in-district tuition.

In spring, tuition is to be raised by $13 per credit hour for all tuition rates.

International students do not have the choice of enrolling under part-time tuition. They must be enrolled full-time at their respective academic

See STUDENTS, Page 3

This college has received more than $636,000 in two separate grants for cybersecurity students and technology in the computer information systems program.

Funding from the National Science Foundation’s Community College Pilot Program has provided the program with $568,831 for the Cyber Service Scholarship to help students pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in information assurance and cybersecurity.

The remaining $68,000 has been provided by the U.S. Department of Education to upgrade equipment and technology.

Cybersecurity is the protection of computer hardware and software, internet networks, accounts and other forms of online data from malicious cyberattacks.

The industry is growing rapidly in conjunction with the growing rate of cyberattacks, said CIS coordinator Kim Muschalek, in a phone interview Oct. 29.

The funds from the National Science Foundation are directed at two groups of students — veterans and students who have already attained a bachelor’s degree in any field.

“We are expecting a majority of applicants to be veterans,” she said, referring to the about 3,500 veterans enrolled in the college.

According to an abstract on the website of the National Science Foundation, “San Antonio is an optimal location for this pilot effort as it is a major hub for veterans and for government-funded cybersecurity operations that are actively looking for qualified employees.”

Muschalek said this is the first time a community college has received funds from a pilot program.

The grant will be split among five applicants. Each will receive a $22,500 stipend for each of two years in the program, payment of tuition and fees and an additional $6,000 stipend to attend the required annual CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service job fair in Washington, D.C., in January.

After graduating, students are expected to finish a summer internship with a participating government agency and fulfill a “one-for-one” year commitment working for a local, state or federal government position. There is information about the scholarship on this college’s website.

“We would have a lot more people lining up to apply if they could change their mind after graduation,” Muschalek said. “If students fail to complete the employment requirements post-graduation, then the award turns into a federal student loan.”

The scholarship also requires students to be enrolled in the AAS information assurance and cybersecurity major, attend school on a full-time basis with no outside employment, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be eligible for federal employment and be able to obtain security clearances.

The deadline for the scholarship application is March 15, and the students accepted will begin their coursework in fall 2019.

The college will be reconsidered for another award after two years based on how many students complete the program and how many find employment after their education, Muschalek explained.

For more information regarding the Cyber Service Scholarship, visit https://www.alamo.edu/sac/ cyber-service-scholarship or contact Muschalek at 210-486-1059 or kmuschalek@alamo.edu.

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Nov. 5, 2018

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New center to host rotating classes The district is using land near the Kendall County line purchased for a sixth college.

By Austin P. Taylor

ataylor160@student.alamo.edu

A new regional education and training center on the Northwest Side of the county is in the design stage, and a new building will be constructed at the Westside Education anfd Training Center at 563 SW 40th St. At the Jan. 17 board of trustees meeting, the board approved spending $23 million for the construction of a new regional education and training center on Frontage Road and Balcones Creek.

In an Oct. 29 interview, John Strybos, associate vice chancellor of facilities and construction management, said along with the construction of a northwest center, the district is also building a new center on the Southside and replacing the Westside center, each costing $23 million, according to the CIP budget presentation on Jan. 7, 2017. The district approved all three projects for a combined $69 million.

“These aren’t colleges. These centers provide college-level courses and transfer services, as they’re needed,” Strybos said.

Strybos said the courses and services available at the centers will change each semester to meet the needs of the center’s clientele.

Strybos said the district is in the design phase for the new northwest training center. No manager for the center has been chosen.

Strybos said the current classes planned for the northwest center are focused around this college’s transfer programs.

The land being used for the northwest center was purchased in 2005 for future college expansion.

The Westside Education and Training Center opened in September 2006. The center offers workforce training and education programs.

Since the center’s opening, it has served 21,000 students.

In an Oct. 30 interview, Gene Gonzalez, Westside Education and Training Center manager, said on average, the center serves around 1,2001,500 a semester.

The new building is being built near the current campus.

Gonzalez said the new center is 50,000 square feet, double

the size of the current center.

After the new center is completed, the current building will be demolished.

Gonzalez said the expanded center will allow the faculty and staff to better serve those enrolled in current classes and offer core courses in the future.

“Most students average around the age of 35,” Gonzalez said. “These are students who typically have the responsibilities of older adults and they’re also at a point in their lives where they are trying to improve.”

A nine-member advisory committee selects courses based on demand from the community.

Construction is expected to begin in June and will take at least two years to complete.

Student services such as financial aid are available at each of the centers.

Each center has a dedicated team of staff members, but all faculty assigned to the centers are provided by the colleges.

The Southside Education and Training Center is in the design phase.

Strybos can be emailed at jstrybos@alamo.edu.

The Westside center can be reached at 210-485-0240.

STUDENTS from Page 3

$1 U.S. to $13.95 pesos in 2011, the year Lopez institutions to satisfy criteria under student visas left Mexico, now sits at $1 U.S. to $19.41 pesos.

F-1 and M-1, which are necessary for these stuBeverati said, “I mean, it’s crazy because your dents to study in the U.S., as stated on the U.S. family is not here so you can’t say ‘Oh, I can live Citizenship and Immigration Services website. with my family and not pay rent.’ I’m on my own.

The F-1 student visa is granted to academic All my family is in Italy.” students enrolled full-time at accredShe said she must be cautious ited colleges, universities, seminaries, when she manages her expenses such conservatories, high schools, elemenas grocery shopping. She added that tary schools or other academic institushe wishes to move next year as she tions and language training programs. resides in Tobin Lofts, which she said The M-1 student visa is granted to is “not very good” because of security vocational students who are in nonacconcerns and drug usage. ademic programs, other than language As an example, Beverati received training.

Omotuebe an email Oct. 23 from Tobin Lofts manMoreover, during their first year of agement notifying residents about enrollment, international students cannot allea report made to the Alamo Colleges Police viate their expenditures through labor because, Department about shots fired in the facility. under criteria for student visas, students cannot “ACPD has responded to the report and conwork outside their institutions, the immigration firmed that this was an isolated incident, and no website states. one was harmed,” the email read.

Positions on campus are the only options However, Beverati is unsure she will be able available to them. to move because of financial limitations.

Lopez said, “Being an international “Sometimes, I just stay there and student is really hard because first: it’s eat beans and rice every day,” Beverati (F-1 visa) a nonimmigrant visa, so you said, smiling. “I mean, it’s not nice.” cannot apply for residency. Then, findDespite difficulties, internationing work is really tough; you cannot do al students contribute large sums internships; you cannot work outside. of money to this country. In 2016, There’s a lot of limitations.” the U.S. Department of Commerce As such, the 2017 Open Doors reported international students conReport on International Student Beverati tributed a total of $39.4 billion to the Exchange, provided by the Center for U.S. economy.

Academic Mobility, Research and Impact under Lopez said international students must acathe Institute of International Education, shows demically apply themselves to make their presthat 82 percent of undergraduate international ence in this country worthwhile. students in the country have to rely on personal “What I’ve noticed is that international stuand family support. dents actually have, almost all of them, have For students whose money comes from their really good grades; they have to maintain them,” countries of origin, exchange rates can add to he said. the problem.

Lopez then pointed to Omotuebe’s memberOmotuebe, for example, said the rates make ship in Phi Theta Kappa. a big difference.

“When you apply to UTSA, you get like In 2018, a U.S. dollar is equal to 361.69 naira, $2,500, automatically, every year,” he said.

Nigeria’s currency. For comparison, in 2016, the UTSA’s scholarship website at https://future. year Omotuebe left his country, the ratio was $1 utsa.edu/scholarships/, lists the scholarship.

U.S. to 169.50 naira.

“So it’s almost double what I had to pay,” he said.

Similarly, the Mexican peso, which converted

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Nov. 5, 2018

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Tech store to hold tax-free event The pre-order period continues through Nov. 9.

By Liandre De la Uso

ldelauso@student.alamo.edu

The technology store in Duran Welcome Center will sponsor a faculty and staff appreciation day Nov. 15.

All purchases will be tax-free, and there will be extra savings on the iPad Pro and the MacBook Pro. Students, faculty and staff from other colleges in the Alamo Colleges may also take advantage of the tax-free purchases.

As a licensed retailer of Apple products, the tech store is required to conduct tax-free appreciation events twice a year.

Accessories and PC products also will be tax-free.

“What I’ve noticed is the higher (priced) the item is, the more savings you’ll get,” technology store manager Ana Ortega said Oct. 30.

The pre-order period continues through Nov.

9. Once the order is submitted, the item will be placed aside until customers come to the store on the day of the event and pay for the product.

Students, faculty and staff can pre-order online on the technology store website or access the link that was included in the tech store email.

Customers also can bring old devices to trade in for store credit that can be used toward the purchase of a new device.

“We encourage the faculty and staff to come to the event because we’re on campus, and we do have technicians on hand,” Ortega said.

Nov. 15 is the only date the store will offer the tax-free promotion, which means the store will waive the collection of sales taxes.

The store is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday whenever the college is open.

The technology store will move to Room 207 of Moody Learning Center in the spring.

The tech store is located at 1515 N. Main Ave. For more information, call 210-486-0931.

Human Services Club hosts addiction meeting on campus Former student now works as a licensed chemical dependency counselor.

By Lionel Ramos

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

The human services program along with volunteer help from the Human Services Club sponsored a meeting for the San Antonio chapter of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals Oct. 15 in the nursing and allied health complex.

With an attendance of about 30 people, the meeting allowed students to learn about current topics in the field and network with professionals.

“That’s the main thing, for students to be here and get their practicum, internship, to get their job,” Roy Perez, president of the Human Services Club, said.

The human services program trains students for licensure as chemical dependency counselors through two years of coursework and a practicum, followed by a 4,000-hour paid internship.

Laurie Eccleston, program director for Management and Training Corp., talked about the effectiveness of therapeutic communities in the criminal jus-

tice setting.

In-prison therapeutic communities, like the one at the Joe Ney State Jail in Hondo, are minimum security prisons that allow inmates who are eligible for parole and have a history of substance abuse to receive treatment and counseling for six to nine months before being released on parole.

“We have a heavy emphasis on cognitive behavioral modification, a lot of life skills education, a lot of awareness training,” Eccleston said.

“Cognitive behavioral therapy really works,” she said. “Texas is very good about trying to do a lot of treatment within the criminal justice setting … they’re very cutting edge.”

Christopher Lopez, former president of the Human Services Club, recalled his experience in the human services program during a phone interview Oct. 18.

“It was great,” he said, relieved that he just finished his internship hours.

Lopez is now a community

outreach counselor and certified anger resolution therapist for New Season San Antonio Treatment Center and New Season Northwest San Antonio Treatment Center.

He also works to spread drug and alcohol awareness to break the stigma of medication-assisted treatment.

“Everyone knows someone with a drug or alcohol problem,” he said, explaining that typically, instead of seeking help, people sweep their problems “under the rug.”

“The human services program is the only program in Texas accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission, NASACA,” Lopez said.

It also is the only academic program in San Antonio at an accredited college that meets the state’s educational requirements for licensure, according to the program’s website.

For more information regarding the human services program, contact Coordinator Suzanne Davis-Thomas at 210-486-1260 or at sdavis-thomas@alamo.edu.

For information about the club, call Perez at 210-489-9394.

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Nov. 5, 2018

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Deadline for 2019 applications for study abroad is Dec. 7 Students can chose any country from the program to study

By Huguette Buduri sac-ranger@alamo.edu

Former student Justline Villarreal sings with the Zone Outs on a open mic night in Loftin Oct. 25 for the Cheshyre Cheese Club’s monthly meeting. There was a contest for the cheesiest, scariest, funniest and most creative costumes. Christina Emmett

Cheshyre Cheese Club hosts Halloween-themed mic night The final open mic night event for the semester is Nov. 15.

By Giovanni Maccarone sac-ranger@alamo.edu

The Cheshyre Cheese Club’s monthly open mic nights are warm and welcoming, theater sophomore Alexa Garza said Oct. 25 at the group’s second event of the semester.

“Normally I don’t share my poems with anybody, but here, it’s like this entire place is a secret.

It’s just us,” Garza said. “It’s very therapeutic to me, in a sense.”

She recited poems titled “Trans-Atlantic,” “Rosemary” and “You.” “I get overwhelmed with everything I’m feeling, and if there’s not an audition coming up where I can’t just let it all out, I like to come here,” Garza said.

More than 30 students sampled cookies and coffee and listened to music from the Zone Outs.

Cheshyre Cheese Club sponsor Jane FochtHansen said the event was a huge success because of the dramatic growth of attendance from the previous open mic night in September. About 10 students attended the earlier open mic night.

“Last time, we had a good number of people come, but certainly The Ranger has helped us out,” she said. “If you all mention something that we are doing, more people show up. You guys are awesome.”

Eight students who showed up in costume participated in a costume contest toward the end of the event.

Focht-Hansen presented winners in the categories of the funniest, most creative, scariest and cheesiest Halloween costumes.

Costumes included a student in a hockey mask, a student dressed up as her “high school self” and a student dressed in flowers.

Focht-Hansen encouraged students to sign up for the club’s cheese-tasting meeting sponsored by H-E-B Central Market. A date has not been determined.

The next and final Cheshyre Cheese Club open mic night of the semester will be 6 p.m. Nov. 15 in the cafeteria of Loftin.

For more information, email Focht-Hansen at jfocht-hansen@alamo.edu.

Students will have an opportunity to study abroad in 11 countries in the summer.

The countries are England, China, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Greece.

On Oct. 22, students received information about the study-abroad program in Loftin Student Center from specialist Alicia Ramirez from the district department of international programs.

To be eligible for the International Education Scholarship provided by the office of international programs, students must be enrolled in any of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges.

Students must be cleared from all financial aid holds.

To qualify for the this scholarship, students must be enrolled in a study abroad program, have a minimum of 2.5 GPA and must not have

previously received this scholarship.

Students must pay a $200 non-refundable application fee for the Faculty Led Study Application, according to the application form.

Two students who attended the event explained why they want to study in another country.

“Studying in Japan will give me the opportunity learn the language, the culture and to produce electronic music,” computer science sophomore Malik Harris said.

He said he wants to be a music producer in Japan because he wants to experience a new vibe of electronic music or EDM. Biology sophomore Lilly Salazar said she wants to study in Germany to learn the language.

“I want to go to Germany because I need to better my German to be able to communicate with not only my friends but also the locals,”

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she said.

Ramirez, who was leading the study-abroad event to provide information to students, declined to speak with a reporter. She said she could not talk to reporters without her supervisor being present.

International programs Coordinator Maria Rivera said in a telephone interview Oct. 24 that it is not correct that she doesn’t allow her assistant Ramirez to give information to reporters.

Rivera prefers to do it herself to make sure the information is accurate.

“I prefer to give out information myself because in the past, I’ve had The Ranger write some false information about the study abroad information,” Rivera said.

She said she did not know she could ask for a correction of inaccurate information in The Ranger.

For more information, call Rivera at 210-485-0084 or email dst-studyabroad@alamo.edu.

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Temple Beth-El holds memorial service for Pittsburgh victims

By Liandre De la Uso People of all faiths joined together at Temple Beth-El Oct. 30 to sing songs of prayer and hear words of comfort in a memorial service to support the Jewish community in

Pittsburgh after an Oct. 27 attack that killed 11 and wounded six.

The temple sponsored the service and welcomed the community to join the congregation for prayers.

Change yourself if you don’t like who you are, author says

By Rogelio Escamilla Sometimes it takes 20 years of failure to become an overnight success, Bronze Star medal recipient Dave Swanson said Oct. 5 to participants of the Envision Summit hosted by the Men Empowerment Network.

Swanson spoke to 53 male students about his journey up the ranks in education as well as in the military.

He detailed the sometimes difficult process of achieving one’s dreams and goals, which he calls “wrestling the goat.”

Clubs, organizations can request student activity fee money Groups that complete the benchmarks can receive a $250 reward.

By Andrea Moreno

amoreno439@student.alamo.edu

Students in clubs and organizations need to know the student activity fee is for them to use, said Karen Ortiz, business sophomore and president of Student Government Association, at the monthly Inter-club Council meeting, which she moderated.

Clubs or organizations have the opportunity to request funding from the student activity fee to bring guest speakers or travel to conventions but should also fundraise for their projects.

If members in clubs and organizations are planning to request money for spring, members should submit the applications before the semester ends.

Ortiz said Oct. 25 applications approved months before the event will have the club or organization’s funding held without fear of losing the award.

The Student Activity Fee Committee does not have meetings in January, June, July and August.

The last meeting for the fall for the Student Activity Fee Committee is 3 p.m. Dec. 6 in the employee lounge of Loftin Student Center.

All applications should be given to Mark Bigelow, interim director of student life, Room 260B of Loftin before Nov. 29.

In the spring, applications are needed by Jan. 31 for the Feb. 7 meeting.

Requests will be due Feb. 28 for the March 7

meeting.

Applications must be submitted by March 28 before the April 4 meeting.

The last requests for spring are due April 25 for the last Student Activity Fee Committee meeting on May 2.

Eleven clubs and organizations gathered at the meeting Oct. 25, including, Campus Activities Board, Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government Association, Asian Pop Society, Future Teacher Organization, and Human Services, Early Childhood Studies, Hammock, Psychology and Anime clubs.

Ortiz reminded everyone at the meeting to continue working on the 11-step benchmarks to compete for a $250 award.

Only 10 clubs per semester will be rewarded.

If a club or organization receives the award in the fall, it is still able to receive an award the following semester if the benchmark is completed.

As of Nov. 15, Orgsync will change its name to Alamosync because of an upgraded software rebranding.

All clubs and organizations must complete the first six steps of the benchmarks.

Benchmarks include updating records, such as contact information and goals on their Alamosync account, update future events and meetings, ensure all members are on the roster of their account, and update finances.

Officers must also attend a risk management workshop and will then conduct a 30-minute over-

Business sophomore Karen Ortiz, Student Government Association president, talks to club officers about upcoming events at the Inter-club Council meeting Oct. 25 in the craft room of Loftin. Some upcoming events in November are Turkey Bingo 12:15-1:15 p.m. Nov. 12 in the craft room and the Maid and Butler Cafe from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 26 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. The next Inter-club Council meeting will be at 2 p.m. Nov. 29 in the craft room. Deandra Gonzalez view of what they learned to the rest of the members in the club.

The remaining five steps to receive the award are uploading minutes, which require the members and adviser’s signature for at least four meetings.

Participate in at least four events, one being a community service and fundraiser.

Calculate their status at least once as a survey and turn in to the office of student life, which allows members within the club to evaluate what is to be done different for them.

An officer or member must attend to at least two Inter-club meetings and the last step is to submit a request for $250 to the Student Activity Fee Committee if eligible to receive an award.

Requests for the award must be submitted to Bigelow by Dec. 1.

Ortiz said the money will be useful for the club or organization for an end-of-year trip or whatever they prefer to do with the money.

The next Inter-club meeting will be 2-3:30 p.m.

Nov. 29 in the craft room of Loftin.

Nov. 05, 2018

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Photos

5

Drama sophomore Arianna Angeles paints blood on her mouth closed with safety pins for a stage makeup class Oct. 25 in McAllister. Angeles said she got her inspiration from a picture on Instagram. Theater Coordinator Ronnie Watson grades on the design and ways they use materials from their makeup kits. Watson said in the beginning of the semester, he teaches students how to paint shadows and highlights, but toward the end he expects them to learn on their own with practice. The class does a variety of makeup applications, including animals, old age, corrective features, fantasy, fake facial hair and injuries. Deandra Gonzalez

Liberal arts sophomore Artine Patino shows Ethan Garcia, 6, how to shoot a ball into a bucket at the Support the Basketball and Volleyball trunk during Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 26 in Lot 2. There were about 18 groups and clubs present to show support. The community was invited to dress up, play games and collect candy. Christina Emmett

Biology sophomore Victor Quijano as the “Headless Horseman” does pull -ups at the Marines information booth during Screamfest Oct. 31 in the mall. Clubs and student organizations, sold food and drinks at the festival.

Deandra Gonzalez

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Marketing sophomore Savannah Garcia paints the character Michael Myers from the movie “Halloween” for her entry in the pumpkin-decorating competition by the Campus Activities Board Oct. 29 in the craft room of Loftin. Competition winners were announced Oct. 31 during Screamfest. Mitchell Gawlik

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Opinion

Nov. 5, 2018

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Staff Managing Editor Sergio Medina News Editors Liandre de la Uso, Rogelio Escamilla Opinion Editor Austin P. Taylor Calendar Editor Andrea Moreno Social Media Editor Brianna Rodrigue Staff Writers Kathya Anguiano, Huguette Buduri, Kimberly Caballero, Jason Durant, Julian Gonzales, Blanca Granados, Richard Hernandez, Mardio Lattimore, Giovanni Maccarone, Janie Medelez, Lionel Ramos, James Russell Photo Editor V. Finster Photographer Deandra Gonzalez Photo Team Christina R. Emmett, Mitchell Gawlik, Dillon Holloway, Brittney Maria Moreno, Alan Torres Illustrator Amanda Graef Distribution Manager Micaela Avila

©2018 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-3941. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.

Amanda Graef

While new garage is built, parking needed Students will have to rely on public transport to deal with lack of parking.

Expanding parking space on campus sounds ideal and should be done, considering there is a population of about 19,000 at this college.

That said, the planned parking garage to be built at San Pedro and Park avenues, in place of the tennis courts, should alleviate some parking concerns by adding about 530 parking spaces to campus.

However (and that is a big however), the garage, an early childhood center and early childhood studies building and a new entrance to the college are also being built on Lots 20, 21, 22 and 29.

Parking garages are not built overnight.

As a result, about 405 parking spaces will be unavailable for the duration of the garage’s construction, which is to begin in January and end in spring

2020, at the earliest.

That would not be a problem if a plan was designated for the displaced faculty, staff and students, but the thing is: There is not one.

It is not uncommon for students and employees at this college to have, at one point or another, struggled with finding parking, even with those 405 spaces available as it is, but without them? It will only be worse.

Therefore, it is important the administration looks into finding and providing alternate parking space before construction begins.

Two actions can be taken to avoid problems with parking: Students with an Alamo Colleges student ID can get a student bus pass for free by requesting one at the bursar’s office in Fletcher Administration Center.

The bus pass lasts the entirety of the semester

Editorial

and can be used for both regular and express buses any day of the week and for any route. Carpooling is another option.

That said, students should not be forced to sacrifice a significant amount of time to ride the bus because of administrative oversight.

That assumes students have the time to fit public transportation into their schedules.

Anyone who relies on public transport can tell you stories of a bus ride and transfer that takes two hours to go the distance of a 20-minute car ride.

Those students sacrifice sleep to arrive on time.

Not to mention bus schedules are not always reliable, with the ever present possibility of being late.

Students and employees should look forward to better and more extensive parking facilities.

Eventually, parking will get better, but in the meantime, administrators need to go back to the drawing board to make the process as small a disruption as possible.

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Every voice matters. If you are registered to vote, make sure you exercise your right to do so.

If you haven’t voted, plan to do so early Nov. 6.

Maybe take a family member or offer a neighbor a lift to the polls.

If you voted early, your job is not done.

Early voting ended Nov. 2, so people have one last opportunity to vote

on Election Day Nov. 6.

As a community, everyone has been focused on the two senate candidates, Republican incumbent Ted Cruz and Democratic contender Beto O’Rourke.

It’s great the race has engendered so much attention, but individuals also should be aware of other races, such as for U.S representatives, governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state representatives and judges all the way to the bottom of the ballot.

It is important to do the necessary

Editorial

research before you vote because it makes a big difference in how you cast your ballot.

Once you have hit the vote button, encourage others in the community to vote.

Individuals can share stories about the candidates who are on the ballot through social media.

Sharing an educated opinion with others shows you care about what is going on around you, and after hearing others’ opinions, you will feel the need for everyone’s voice to be heard.

Enter political discussions and work to keep them civil and welcoming.

Call or text your friends to remind them about voting.

If they still are not registered, log them onto https://www.usvotefoundation.org/ to register so they are ready for the next election.

Proudly wear your “I voted” sticker and throw an election night watch party for friends who can show their sticker, too.

The privilege of free elections should be celebrated — just as soon as you vote Nov. 6.

force the paper to limit letters to two double-spaced, typewritten pages.

Letters will be edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel and length. Editors reserve the right to deny publication of any letter. Letters should be emailed to sac-ranger@ alamo.edu or submitted online. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, mailed to The Ranger, journalismphotography program, San Antonio College, 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-3941 or faxed to 210-486-9292.

Letters must be signed and must include the printed name and telephone number. Students should include classification, major, campus and Banner ID. Employees should include title and telephone number.

For more information, call 210-486-1773.

Single Copy Policy: Members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue because of high production costs. Where available, additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Ranger business office. Those who violate the single-copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and college discipline.

Letters

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Interactive teaching helps students learn Editor: In reference to your article

by V. Finster, “New history instructor engages students with role-play exercises,” from Oct. 8, instructional methods like those of Suraya Khan deserve huge applause.

Students from all kinds of backgrounds, whether they are straight out of high school or starting over after a 20-year absence from school, can benefit from this type of instruction.

Having to attend a course where someone just stands

there and talks, going off a PowerPoint, has to be one of the worst teaching methods because at some point, no one is paying attention anymore.

As Khan says, “It’s something that requires continued engagement.”

That’s what students need.

For one, it makes retaining data easier because you had to act it out, and, two, it really makes the time fly.

Robert Ceballos Business Administration Sophomore

Get out there and vote; it is up to you Editor: Referring to the article, “Beto O’Rourke motivates youth to vote” published on Oct. 8, it is very important for the millennials and Gen Z to vote.

Dominated by liberal ideals, these generations believe primarily in freedom and equality, which go hand-inhand to protect each and every person in the country regardless of ethnicity, sexuality, gender, race or age.

There’s a trend in the world today that shows those dubbed millennials or Gen Z care more about standing up for what’s right and letting

people do what makes them happy.

They have the chance to make a real difference in the world.

Us millennials, and those that belong to Gen Z, need to get to the polls to establish a safer community, a healthier world and a less harsh society.

This characterizes how we believe in equality for all regardless of ethnicity or race.

We should vote for someone who is willing to stand up for what the majority of us believe.

Lauren Peoples Communications Freshman

Nov. 5, 2018

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Viewpoint

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Grocery store hunting grounds for human trafficking Be aware of your surroundings and avoid being alone.

An older man outside of a local H-E-B entrance greeted me with a “good afternoon.” As I walked through several aisles, I noticed the Brianna Rodrigue same man was walking near brodrigue@student. me. I spent about 20 minalamo.edu utes in the store, and while paying at the register, I saw him waiting by the exit. I thought it was odd that he did not purchase anything; it was a red flag to me.

Before leaving the register, I called my father and I walked outside with a group of people.

One thing I should have done was told an employee or the store manager. I regret that I didn’t say because what if he followed another person after I left. I don’t know what his intentions were, but I did not have a good feeling.

In the past few months, I have read several social media posts and heard stories of people being stalked or abducted in grocery stores by an individual or a group of people.

Some of what I read and heard related to human trafficking, which is increasing every day in Texas, according to an article published March 14 by reporter Claire Ricke of Spectrum News in Austin.

Ricke reported during 2017, there were 804 human trafficking cases in Texas. Since 2007, there have been 3,742 cases in the state.

Since December, 40,200 human trafficking cases have been reported nationally, according to the Human Trafficking Hotline.

Sex trafficking, one of two types, can involve strip clubs, bars, cantinas and massage parlors.

Labor trafficking consists of agriculture, domestic work and peddling or begging.

Although I do not know if my situation would have led to human trafficking had the man outside my grocery store tried something, people should be aware of the signs and how to react.

Reporter Maria Catanzarite of WNDU, South Bend, Ind., reported Aug. 3, on what a person should do in a public stalking situation. She interviewed Assistant Chief Bill Thompson of the St. Joseph County Police Department.

“The best thing to kind of defeat someone who’s a predator is not be the prey,” he said.

Thompson said be aware of your surroundings; it’s easy to get a certain feeling if you’re being followed.

Stay alert, make eye contact and stay around people, he said. Notify the management or if feeling threatened, call the police, Thompson said.

Being followed or becoming a victim of trafficking can happen anywhere, even on this college campus. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings for your safety and for the safety of others.

If you are being followed on campus, call the Alamo Colleges Police Department emergency number at 210-485-0911. If you are a victim of trafficking or see signs of trafficking in a classmate or neighbor, call the San Antonio Police Department Special Victims Unit at 210-207-2313.

Remember, if you see something, say something.

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Signs someone is being trafficked Hope for Justice, a nonprofit organization, provided a list on how to determine if a person is a victim of trafficking:

• Fear of the police and authorities • Feel their life is at risk • Signs of physical and psychological trauma, such as anxiety or bruising • Afraid to tell others about their situation • Limited freedom • Unaware they are being trafficked • Unpaid or paid very little • Limited access to medical care • Seem to be in debt to someone • Has no passport or passport is held by someone • Regularly moved to avoid detection • Believe they are controlled by witchcraft Hope for Justice also provided other lists on sexual exploitation, forced labor, child abuse, criminal activities and domestic servitude.

If you believe you are a victim of trafficking or know someone who might be, call Hope for Justice at 615-356-0946 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

According to the Human Trafficking Hotline, 15,066 calls related to trafficking were reported between Dec. 7, 2007-June 30.

The empowerment center inspired me Editor: I like what the empowerment center is doing. These kind of sessions are very important for the community, way better that they offer the sessions for free.

I am personally grateful for the help that the empowerment center offers. The first time that I asked to get any kind of information about San Antonio College, one of my best friends brought me to the empowerment center. I was inspired to read the stories with photographs about young girls who got their diplomas.

With the help of advisers, I’m now living my college dream. I will look forward to one of the leadership workshop sessions to learn more and be inspired.

The communication styles and empowerment strategies to be a great leader are going to be valuable. I also would like to inspire people who have the same idea as old me. When I was younger, I thought it was such a headache trying to get into college. My English was not as good. At least now I’m taking college-level classes, and I’m on the right path to finally get my associate degree.

I encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a community leader to attend this session. It’s great that at the end of the program, the center offers a certificate of completion, which we can use on résumés.

The center is a very helpful place. I always feel welcome and well-informed when I visit them.

Jael Martinez Radio-television-broadcasting Freshman

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Nov. 5, 2018

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