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ranger Serving San Antonio College and the Alamo Colleges
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Volume 91 Issue 12 • Feb. 27, 2017
210-486-1773 • Single copies free
Tornadoes hit city
Basura Bash
City starts to clean up after tornadoes damage homes. Page 7
Maintaining pollutant-free watersheds protects habitats. Page 3
TCCTA vigilant as bill seeks to repeal the TSI Administrators say information is needed before judgment. By Wally Perez
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The Texas Community College Teachers Association is closely monitoring the repeal of
the Texas Success Initiative, or House Bill 417, which will be discussed during the 85th Texas legislative session in Austin. According to Texas Education Code 51.3062, students must be in compliance with the TSI to enroll in Texas public institutions of higher education.
The law requires all entering college students to be assessed for college readiness in reading, writing and math unless the student qualifies for an exemption, such as qualifying SAT or ACT scores, or demonstrates college readiness through successful completion of college-level
coursework. English Professor Liz Ann Aguilar, president-elect of TCCTA, said the biggest concern with the bill is the removal of the placement exam, the Texas Success Initiative Assessment. According to Section
See TCCTA, Page 7
online now
Building bridges: Students seek to understand culture
‘Empire’ actress is not the character she portrays Advocacy center opening video at TheRanger.org
I-BEST coming to colleges The board discussed training offered by the program. By Zachary-Taylor Wright zwright9@student.alamo.edu
Palo Alto College journalism sophomore Jasmine Trevino takes a selfie in front of Glitter Money with Mr. Piñata, Avi Avalos, at his opening reception and artist talk Feb. 22 in Gallery 100 of Concha Hall at PAC. The opening
with the body present, he said. The mortuary science program offers services such as embalming and cremation to families with special circumstances but hope to offer their services publicly once the funeral home is open. “However, with the opening of the new facility, we also will need to have a designated person for the funeral home and somebody to answer the phone over there. Right now all of (the) faculty members, even though (they) are all licensed, and do know how to conduct a funeral … are all in class,” he said. Finding another person to run the establishment while the instructors are in class will be another cost, Moreno said. San Antonio Mortuary lacks some of the luxuries other funeral homes have to offer,
The district expressed interest in expanding the I-BEST program from the regional campuses to all of the Alamo Colleges during the Student Success Committee meeting Feb. 21 at Killen Center. I-BEST is a program piloted by the district in 2010 with the goal of developing “sustainable models at the Alamo Colleges that deliver under-skilled students with training and education in high demand occupations,” according to the district website. In an interview with The Ranger Feb. 22, Melissa Sadler-Nitu, director of adult basic education and Alamo I-BEST, or integrated basic education skills training, said the program is hoping to expand to all of the Alamo Colleges by the fall semester. Sadler-Nitu said I-BEST courses are offered at both St. Philip’s campuses and the Westside Education and Training Center. To accommodate the implementation of the program across the Alamo Colleges, Sadler-Nitu said the colleges will employ I-BEST “champions,” or advisers, to assist students. Sadler-Nitu said students who elect to take a Level 1 certificate course in a hightarget job area, who would like to get started on college courses without a diploma and students below an eighth-grade assessment level would be referred to an I-BEST adviser to discuss the program. According to the presentation to the board Feb. 21, the program had 1,006 students enrolled and accepted, and 924 students completed or persisted in the program between 2010 and 2017 — a 90 percent retention rate. Five hundred and six students, or 75 percent of the students who completed the program, have been verified as employed. According to the presentation, 82.11 percent of students who entered the program between 2015 and 2016 completed training. Training certificates offered through the program vary in length of training, including 16 weeks for a construction certificate, six months to a year for welding or information technology and 1 1/2 years to two years for a pharmacy technician certificate. In a presentation showing the scaled projections for 600 Alamo Colleges students, I-BEST would like to see a complete or persist rate of 90 percent and a 75 percent employed rate. During the Feb. 21 meeting, SadlerNitu said the program is working with 18 employers to help train students. Sadler-Nitu presented a list of 11 employers to the board, including industry
See MORTUARY, Page 7
See I-BEST, Page 7
was attended by students of Photo 1 and 2, Digital Art 1, Art Appreciation 1 and Drawing 1. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and the show will run until March 22. Kristel Orta-Puente
Mortuary science getting funeral home The program offers embalming and other services. By J. Carbajal
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The mortuary science program is “the closest (we) have ever gotten to” getting a funeral home on campus, the program coordinator said Feb. 7. “Faculty members have been working diligently to have that place,” Jose Luis Moreno said in an interview. The plan is to renovate and adapt the Ashby House, a former residential structure that the college has used for offices. It is located at Ashby Place and Lewis Street east of Koehler Cultural Center and west of the early childhood studies center. He hopes the renovation will be finished within the year to fit the needs of a functioning funeral home. The building is currently occupied by Vaughn Construction Co., which is working on renovation projects on campus and will renovate Ashby House. Office walls will be removed to create an open space for a chapel downstairs, along with a prep room and dressing room. The upstairs will be kept as an office space to make funeral arrangements. These plans are subject to change, however, after consultation with engineers and architects, he said. They have to check which walls they can remove and which are vital to the support of the structure, he said. The program is getting the necessary permits from the city to authorize the remodeling of the interior. “It has to be in compliance with the new regulations, especially the Americans with Disabilities Act. They have to have a ramp,
The future location of a funeral home for this college is at 210 W. Ashby. It will be renovated for students to learn hands-on mortuary science. Kristel Orta-Puente an elevator, something that house did not have,” Moreno said. This college is the only college in Texas with a mortuary science program licensed as a funeral establishment. The program’s license is maintained through San Antonio Mortuary, 703 Palo Alto Road, which provides the facilities requirement. For example, a licensed funeral home must have a chapel with at least 10 seats. He said the program can provide 10 seats in a classroom on campus, but that space is inadequate to serve people who have lost a loved one. The program does not currently advertise to the public because of the lack of space, but they have serviced two families. One of the services was for an infant, whom they brought to the family’s church, and the other was only a cremation with no service
People
2 • Feb. 27, 2017
www.theranger.org/multimedia
Snuggled up Oran Chambliss, 9, relaxes Feb. 19 on his friend Tex at the cattle barn of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Chambliss said he wanted to be a veterinarian and a rancher when he grows up. Zaeva Mercado
Tournament Left: Business administration sophomore Quintin Longoria participates in a pingpong tournament Tuesday on the second floor of Loftin. Longoria regularly played pingpong in Loftin until two years ago when he joined the Student Government Association. Since then, he has been busy serving as SGA vice president but was excited to play the tournament. The next tournament is March 6 in Loftin. Emily Garcia
Autograph
Building attendant Eva Mata asks Danny Trejo for an autograph Wednesday on the third floor of Fletcher. Trejo makes a cameo appearance in Daniel Ramos’ film “The Margarita Man,” which had been filming at this college since late January and wrapped up production here Wednesday. Read the story on www.theranger. org. Noah Acevedo
today
ly Perez
s by Wal Illustration
PAC Exhibit: Africa in the Americas 8 a.m.-8 p.m. in Ozuna. Continues through Tuesday. Call 210-486-3576. Event: Marrow donor drive 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on the central plaza at UTSA main campus. Continues through Thursday. Call 210-4586177. SAC Event: Karaoke Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0128. NVC Event: Student forum 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 113 of Huisache. Call 210-486-4010. SAC Exhibit: Sustainability series noon-5 p.m. in Eco Centro. Continues through June 1. Call 210-486-0417. SAC Meeting: Campus Activities Board 1-2 p.m. in Room 150 of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125. NVC Event: Small group Bible study 2-3 p.m. outside the cyber café. Call 210-486-4010. NVC Meeting: General Book Club 4-5:30 p.m. in Room 211 of Juniper. Call 210-486-4010.
Museum
Art freshman Kylie Roy gathers information from the sculpture Brahma, one of the three original Hindu gods, for an essay for an Art Appreciation class Tuesday at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Students gathered information about art techniques, elements and design principles. SAMA is open for free general admission daily to students with Alamo Colleges ID cards. Deandra Gonzalez
tues
wed
SAC Event: Free HIV and STD testing 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the mall. Continues Wednesday. Call 210486-0127.
NLC Event: Career Fair 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the opportunity mall of student commons. Call 210-486-5404.
SAC Event: African-American Read-in 10:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m. in the performance area on the fourth floor of Moody. Call 210-486-1081. SAC Event: Mardi Gras Celebration 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210486-0128. SAC Orientation: Spring 2017 Flex 2 new student orientation noon-4 p.m. on the first floor of Loftin. Continues 1:30-4 p.m. Friday. Call 210-486-0125.
Workshop: UTSA enrollment management workshop 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Harris Room of the H-E-B University Center. Call 210-458-5142. Event: Play dates for ages 2-4: Terrific Textures 10-10:45 a.m. Meet at American/LAAC Atrium. Free with admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art. Children 12 and under free. Call 210-9788100 or visit www.samuseum.org. SAC Meeting: Social Justice League noon-12:30 p.m. in Room 105 of Loftin. Call 210-486-0137.
SAC Meeting: Cheshyre Cheese Club 1:30 p.m. in Room 203 of Gonzales. Email cheshyrecheeseclub1@gmail.com.
PAC Event: Ash Wednesday service noon-1 pm. in Room 190 of performing arts center. Call 210486-3125.
SAC Meeting: Future teachers Organization 1:45 p.m. in Room 108 of Gonzales. Email mbernal@ alamo.edu
SAC Meeting: KSYM 90.1 FM staff and volunteers 3 p.m. in Room 201 of Longwith. Call 210-486-1373.
SAC Panel: “Between the World and Me” book study and panel discussion 2-3 p.m. in Room 122 of Chance. Email lcoleman@alamo.edu.
SAC Event: Women’s History Month opening ceremony 6-8 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210-486-0125.
SAC Meeting: Society of Professional Journalists with former student Susana Hayward speaking on scholarships 4:30 p.m. in Room 209 of Loftin. Call 210-486-1780.
Workshop: “Muslim and Christian Women: Wisdom for Peacebuilding in Their Traditions” 6 p.m. in the special collections room of Mabee at the University of the Incarnate Word. Call 210-829-3854.
ACCD Meeting: Regular board meeting at 6 p.m. in Room 101 of Killen. Call 210-485-0030.
NVC Event: Men’s basketball vs. Texas A&M-San Antonio 7 p.m. in Huisache. Call 210-486-4134.
thur
fri
sat
SAC Event: Women’s History Month film fest 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125.
SPC Event: Ninth annual Scholarship Golf Tournament 7 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Republic Golf Course, 4226 S.E. Military Drive. Call 210-486-2135.
Event: Music auditions 7 a.m.-7 p.m. in the university center at UTSA. Call 210-458-5685.
NLC Workshop: “Exemplary Leadership: Best Practices” 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. in Room 218 of student commons. Call 210-486-5404. SAC Meeting: Student Activity Fee Committee 3-5 p.m. in the president’s large conference room in Fletcher. Call 210-486-0125. NVC Meeting: League of Extraordinary Graduates meet and greet 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Room 113 of Huisache. Call 210-486-4690. Event: “Arcadia” 7 p.m. in Coates Theatre at the University of the Incarnate Word. Call 210-48293800.
PAC Exhibit: The Moon: Cosmic Decoder Ring 8 a.m.-8 p.m. in Ozuna. Continues through March 31. Call 210-486-3576.
SAC Event: 7-on-7 spring flag football tournament 8 a.m.-7 p.m. at PAC athletic field. Free for SAC students. All other ACCD students $10 participation fee. Call 210-486-0129.
NVC Exhibit: Glue, Paper, Paint 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the lobby of Palmetto. Continues through March 5. Call 210-486-4527.
SAC Tour: Ranger Visit Days 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for public to learn about this college. RSVP at www. sacrangerdays.eventbrite.com or call 210-486-0040.
NVC Workshop: Personal branding skills 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Room 113 of Huisache. Call 210-486-4010.
SAC Event: Soccer tournament 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in location to be determined. Call 210-486-0125.
NLC Event: Billiards tournament noon in Room 132 of student commons. Sign up in Room 131 of student commons or through Orgsync. Call 210-486-5404.
Event: Tours for visitors who are blind or visually impaired. 10-11:30 a.m. at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Meet at front desk. Free admission, but registration required. Call 210-978-8138.
SAC Event: Meet the Pros panel with communications professionals 6-8 p.m. in Room 118 of the nursing complex. $5 at the door. Visit awcsa.com.
SAC Meeting: Asian Pop Society 2-5 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Call 210-365-1244.
sun
NVC Event: Women’s volleyball vs. Palo Alto 7 p.m. in Huisache. Call 210-486-4134.
SAC Event: Planetarium shows 6-9:30 p.m. at Scobee. ACCD students and staff ID $2. Adults $5. Ages 4-17 $4. Continues Fridays. Visit sacscobee.org.
ACCD Spring Flex 2: Deadline to register for Spring Flex 2 online at www.alamoaces.alamo.edu or at campus advising center. Visit alamo.edu/advising.
NVC Event: “Grease” 8 p.m. in Palmetto theater. Continues at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $3 with student ID, $8 general admission. Call 210-4864527.
Event: UCinema Night: ”Sing” 9-11 p.m. in Retama auditorium in university center at UTSA main campus. Continues 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday. Call 210-458-6044.
Event: First Sundays for Families: Mythical Magical Creatures 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Visit www.samuseum.org.
For coverage in People, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance.
News
www.theranger.org/news
Feb. 27, 2017 • 3
ASL panelists help prepare students for certifying test Tips on testing and performance anxiety could apply to any major.
The panelists present said they had retaken the test multiple times. Interpreters must wait at least six months between each attempt. By J. Carbajal “Each time was disappointing, but it lit sac-ranger@alamo.edu a fire in me and I was like ‘I’m going to pass Seven panelists shared their insight on this stupid thing. I don’t care. I will take this persisting after failing the milestone tests to thing a hundred times if I have to,’ because become interpreters Feb. 17 in Nail Technical I had to, you have to in order to graduate Center during the American Sign Language from here,” said Anne Em, a graduate who and interpreter training program’s spring works for Northside Independent School panel “Persistence Pays Off.” District. “We thought of the idea for this panel Although “everyone’s experience is differwhen we did a faculty and interpreter panel ent,” Em said, the panelists had similarities several years ago … one of the questions was in their stories, and from the sounds of com‘how many of you have failed a certification miseration from the audience, they also did. exam somewhere in your career?’ And every Because those in the program are so single person raised their hands and the close, there is a familial bond among them, audience sort of gasped … so we wanted to and all the panelists had similar feelings of talk about people who had struggled with having let their instructors and the other facpassing,” program Coordinator Tom Cox ulty members down after not passing. said. “I felt bad because I thought I let Tom Although the panel was in the evening down, and Lauri down, and Julie down. I after a school and work day, panelists were thought I let all these professors down … able to hold the attention of the 80-plus audi- I just felt I let everyone here down, more ence members through than my family,” said jokes and shared emotions. Michael Gonzalez, who is I think we all have During the panel there currently an interpreter a confident side were two interpreters, who for Northside Independent to us and we switched off periodically. School District. have to bring that An audience member He referred to facconfident person signed his questions to the ulty members Cox, Lauri panelists and had it interMetcalf and Julie Razuri. out, and put the preted for the room by the The bond among the nervous person off interpreters as well. program members drove to the side for a Although students the “persisters” to keep while. studying to become intergoing, but it was also a Michael Gonzalez preters take many tests, the source of discouragement NISD interpreter one most often referred to when they felt like they during the panel was the had let their professors or Board for Evaluation of Interpreters inter- employers down. preter performance test. Having a strong support system was also Interpreters must pass this exam to prove stressed. their proficiency in facilitating dialogue “I can look in this room and see people between ASL and English. who have supported me,” Em said. There are different levels of interpreting, She also talked about the importance of each for a specific setting and requirements getting “the wrong people out of your head.” that match and a BEI test for each level. Em said she had no trouble finding posiAccording to the Texas Health and Human tive influences for her state of mind, but it Services webpage, the rate of passing the BEI was the negative people that psyched her out from the basic to the master test does not during her exams. exceed 50 percent for any of the three tests. For any performance-based events that
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Former ASL students talk about their struggles with taking and failing the BEI test Feb. 17 while trying to get certified as interpreters. Alison Graef may cause stress, it is important to have the right mindset. Em studied and practiced the difficult portions of her test, and then right before the testing day went over the material that was easier for her. This kept her prepared, and waiting to go over the easier parts was like a small confidence booster right before she had to test. Cat Corrales, an Alamo Colleges interpreter, researched tips to help with performance anxiety rather than testing anxiety when she realized that was her problem. For any performers, ASL or not, Corrales recommends to “establish a pre-performance routine … that gets you prepared for the performance that you’re about to do,” to normalize what you’re about to do and to cut down on anxiety levels, and to “find yourself a pump-up song.” “Establish a Plan B for if you don’t pass,” Corrales also said, such as a different study pattern, “to make sure that (you) pass the next time.” Gonzalez also had tips on normalizing a big exam, “to make your (test) a part of your day,” and to work it into your daily routine. “I think we all have a confident side to us and we have to bring that confident person
out, and put the nervous person off to the side for a while. “... You have that confident person inside of you, you’ve just got to bring it out there because when you’re not (confident) you feel it,” he said. Amanda Mendez, an Alamo Colleges interpreter, “almost went back to her first major,” she said, but “this culture and the language is so beautiful.” The panelists, and other ASL and interpreter faculty members, are passionate about their work and working with the deaf community. “You don’t just show up to class and do whatever they have for you. You have to really engage with the deaf community and be involved,” said Rosa Lucio, academic unit assistant at this college. “I can tell you right now that there’s going to be a lot of sacrifice of family, of friends, of your lover, of your life, of your work,” she said. “Everything is going to take a backseat.” Other panelists present were Kelly Saito, an intern at this college, and Erin Zuniga, a graduate student. For more information about the ASL and Interpreter Training program, call 486-1106.
Distinguished graduate overcomes setbacks By Kimberly Brown sac-ranger@alamo.edu
“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” — Christian D. Larson Deborah Dye, the 2016 Distinguished Graduate from the accounting technologies program, chose this quote from Christian D. Larson, an author of inspirational books, to submit to the Distinguished Graduate program. It summarizes the philosophy that she said led to her being selected. Dye, a full-time administrative assistant in the chemistry program since Sept. 1, was a nontraditional college student. She earned a degree from this college after beginning a part-time job in that department in 2012. She graduated in December 2015 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in accounting technology with Presidential Honors. She is also a Tier 1 scholar of the Student Leadership Institute, a district leadership program. Dye, 60, did not let physical hardships keep her from achieving
her goals. “It was something I had my She had Fuchs corneal dystro- eye on right from the beginning,” phy, a disease that affects the cor- she said. “It was something to look nea and causes a gradual decline forward to.” in vision. Dye said she struggled through In her second semester at this accounting and other classes but college, she had probworked hard and tried to lems with her vision and be prepared. by December 2014 had “That’s what got me begun aggressive treatthrough a lot, being prement from a corneal pared,” Dye said. specialist. She only had one Within four months, class she considered easy, her eyes became conACCT 2301, Principles of siderably worse and she Financial Accounting. was told in June 2015 Dye said she had that surgery couldn’t Deborah Dye great instructors and wait much longer. that her husband and Dye had left what she family were supportive. considered her four hardest classes Also, as part of the Distinguished and decided to take them all in fall Graduate program, she included an 2015. essay with her application that told She had already registered with about her experiences in college the office of disabled student ser- and the influence instructors had vices and was able to get extra time on her. for online exams and larger print She also participated in a serexams. vice project, helping with distributShe used a page magnifier to ing caps and gowns for graduation. read textbooks. When she was notified that she Through all this, she kept a 4.0 had been selected, she was excited grade-point average and applied and proud. for the Distinguished Graduate At the Distinguished Graduate Program in fall 2015. orientation, Lauren Sjulin, senior
coordinator of former students and alumni, told the group of selected graduates they were “the best of the best.” “It made everything I went through here all worthwhile,” she said. Overcoming vision problems and difficult classes wasn’t her only challenge. When she was leaving the Distinguished Graduate orientation Feb. 25, 2016, she was struck by a van at Dewey Place and Main Avenue. “That day changed my life forever,” Dye said. Although she suffered head, arm and leg injuries, she was able to use a cane to walk the stage at commencement in May, wearing her purple cord and Distinguished Graduate medal. She tells others who want to achieve this honor, “Strive to do your best in college. Strive for those A’s. Sit up front in class. Work hard and be very prepared.” After going through nine eye surgeries, including two corneal transplants and two cataract removals, Dye no longer suffers from eye disease.
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The deadline to apply for spring graduation and participation in commencement is March 15. To apply, meet with your department or institute adviser to complete a graduation packet.
“The fact that she was recognized wasn’t surprising,” said Dr. Teanna Staggs, chair of the natural sciences department and Dye’s supervisor. “It just exemplifies the person she is.” Dye said she’s happy with her job and her eyesight and she’s optimistic about recovering from her remaining injuries. As her inspirational quote recommends, she still believes in herself. The deadline to submit applications for Distinguished Graduates has been extended to March 1. For more information, visit alamo.edu/sac/distinguished-graduates/.
News
4 • Feb. 27, 2017
www.theranger.org/news
The city of San Antonio solid waste management picks up trash Wednesday from a tornado the night of Feb. 19. Tree branches, carpet, roof shingles and personal belongings were collected. Brianna Rodrigue Left: Multiple tornadoes were reported in different areas in San Antonio. One area affected was the northeast side near the Alamo Quarry Market. Linda and Skipper were two of the streets affected in the area that had roofs ripped off and trees cut in half. Brianna Rodrigue
Tornadoes strike parts of city The city starts to clean up after tornadoes damage homes and properties. By Sasha D. Robinson sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Feb.19, the National Weather Service confirmed six tornadoes in Bexar, Guadalupe and Comal counties damaging more than 150 homes. The tornadoes left 47,000 people without power and five minor injuries were reported, according to the Associated Press. According to sanantonio.gov, whoever wants to volunteer for the tornado cleanup can help board homes, clear debris and tarp roofs by calling 311 to register. The San Antonio Food Bank and city staff will coordinate volunteer registration and provide assignments for cleanup. Residents are asked not to self-deploy to the affected areas. Those who wish to donate can get in contact with the American Red Cross at 210224-5151, the San Antonio Food Bank at 210337-3663 and the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County at 210-352-7000. For future storms, officials suggest being weather ready and prepared to protect your family in the event of tornadoes. Check the forecast regularly to see which areas are at risk for tornadoes. Sign up for notifications and know how the community sends warnings. Create a family communications plan including an emergency meeting place and related information. Practice the plan with a family severe
Corey Bermea (in foreground), San Antonio Credit Union technology coordinator, and friends add a tarp to his house Tuesday after a tornado ripped the roof off. Bermea said it took him 30 minutes to realize he was missing his roof because he was in shock. See the slideshow at www.theranger.org. Brianna Rodrigue thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Consider having a safe room reinforced. Help neighbors by encouraging everyone to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. During a tornado, listen to local news or NOAA Weather to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings. If there is a tornado warning, go to the
basement, safe room or an interior room away from windows. Follow your tornado drill and proceed to a tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. If you are outside, seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds or storage facilities are not safe. Stay away from large open rooms such as
cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums. You also should stay away from windows. If you are in a vehicle, drive to the nearest shelter. If you are not able to get out of your car, cover your head or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area, such as a ditch or ravine. Download safety guides at www.nws.noaa. gov/os/severweather/resources/ttl6-10.pdf.
Construction causes obstructions for students with disabilities Disability support services, administration and students work to find solutions. By Jakoby West
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Construction around Moody Learning Center is causing problems for students who use disability support services. Vanessa Torres, director of public relations, said in an interview Feb. 17 the construction is in response to making Moody more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, such as the covered canopy over the east side entrance. But there have been some issues with accessibility for students with disabilities. The center for disability support services, known as DSS, is on the first floor of Moody Learning Center, in the middle of the construction. “Right now, there is a lot of construction going on throughout, so we do try to advise our students the best way to get around on campus and espe- De Luna cially in this general area,” Delia De Luna, DSS senior generalist-student success, said in an interview Jan. 30. The DSS office was moved several years ago to Moody from
the more accessible Room 124 of Chance Academic Center. “Students did voice their displeasure of coming down here because of accessibility, but with anything else we try our best. We do what we can for our students to make it as accessible as possible,” she said. The construction has caused more problems than just accessibility. Students who use DSS can use labs located in the office to receive extra help or take tests, but the construction noise has made it difficult for students to concentrate. “One semester because the noise was so bad, we asked on behalf of our students if construction could halt for just a little bit because during finals week we are very busy here with a lot of students testing,” De Luna said. The college administration is aware of the issues disabled students have with the construction and is working closely with disability support services to find solutions, De Luna said. “Administration is aware of the situation. We have a new vice president of college services. She is aware. She’s coming up to speed with access issues,” De Luna said, referring to Dr. Stella Lovato, who assumed the position this semester. “She’s getting to know a little bit about what’s been going
on with the construction and if students have concerns because of noise,” De Luna said. “Students will bring issues to our attention, and then, of course, we in turn let our administration know that that has been brought to our attention,” she said. Administration has “been very, very good” about planning for issues, posting appropriate signage and maintaining accessibility before students can bring those issues to the attention of DSS, De Luna said. The recent construction has not been all bad for students with disabilities. A ramp leading to the DSS center was completed this semester, making the center more accessible. Construction is also being done on campus walkways. “Instead of having actual bricks, they are just actually laying some concrete and imprinting what looks like bricks. With this, it’s going to be smoother,” De Luna said. Although it is challenging, De Luna is glad the construction will benefit students with disabilities in the long term. The construction will help disabled students “focus on their abilities,” a motto of the disability support services. If you see anything on campus that may cause issues for students with disabilities, report it to the disability support services center or call 210-486-0020. Visit www.alamo.edu/ sac/disability-support-services.
Premiere
www.theranger.org/premiere
Feb. 27, 2017 • 5
Good choices lead to a safe break Free condoms are available at stations around campus. By Jayondra Spann sac-ranger@alamo.edu
A campus police officer and a student success coordinator agree making good choices will ensure a safe spring break. “Stay together,” patrol officer Louis Martinez said Feb. 13 in an interview. “Don’t take drinks from any strangers and keep an eye on each other. “Drink responsibly, don’t drink to get drunk but have fun. Always have a plan. Have a designated driver on hand,” he continued. “Drinking and driving is not worth it. Use an app driving service.” He referred to driving services, such as Uber and Lyft. He also suggested students take extra money for emergencies if vacationing at new locations but be discreet with it. He said extra cash should be kept in a location only the student knows about. For students hitting the beach or participating in other outdoor activities, he said to drink enough water, stay hydrated in hot weather and bring emergency supplies, such
as first aid kits and hygiene products. “Do vehicle checkups before going out of town. Change tires, check oil and get vehicles inspected if needed,” Martinez said. Although drinking responsibly and staying out of physical danger are important, sexual safety should still be in mind, Lucy Gauna, Bae-B-Safe/PREP coordinator of student success, said Feb. 14 in an interview. “The only 100 percent sure way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy is by not having sex,” she said. “If you choose to have sex, using latex condoms and having a monogamous, uninfected partner may help lower your risk.” She said these and other safety tips are from the department of health services at Purdue University. The tips are available at www.health. iupui.edu/education/general/travel.html.
doms posted around campus, sponsored by Texas Wears Condoms. Texas Wears Condoms is a free condom distribution and HIV/AIDS prevention project located in San Antonio. She said students should limit their alcohol intake and always use condoms and/or dental dams. Estefania B. Alonso
Gauana also wanted students to take advantage of free con-
The Centers for Disease Control provide links to more complete safety advice, such as sun care, eye care, safe travel and avoiding injuries. Visit www.cdc.gov/family/springbreak/.
Local music festival rolls into town By James Dusek
jdusek3@student.alamo.edu
As the annual South by Southwest music festival in Austin grows near, students in this city might look for a smaller, more local option. Paper Tiger at 2410 N. St. Mary’s St. will host the fifth annual Burger Records Hangover Fest
beginning at noon March 19. The event will feature more than 40 bands, from local acts such as Sunjammer and True Indigo to international bands like The Parrots. The bands Temples and Television headline the event. The event is open to all ages and tickets are $40. VIP tickets run
Estefania B. Alonso
Hangover Fest brings together local and international bands.
$69, and include charging stations and drink tickets for beer provided by Freetail Brewing Company. This year’s Hangover Fest is the first time Television has performed in San Antonio. “Each year, we kind of shift the focus to what we want to contribute to the San Antonio scene,” said event founder Nick Ivarra. This year, he said, event orga-
nizers wanted to bring in big headlining acts, which they didn’t have in past events. “It’s still super surreal to know that they’ll (Television) be here in a month,” Ivarra said. Fuzzland Productions, a local booking, production and promotion company run by Ivarra and co-owner Osita Anusi, organizes the event each year. Anusi said Hangover Fest was started to bring nearby bands from the South by Southwest music festival into San Antonio, particularly the ones signed to the Burger Records label based out of Fullerton, Calif. “There were a lot of bands that were coming through the San Antonio area that were on the Burger circuit,” Anusi said. “They were all coming through because they were all heading to SouthBy.” Ivarra said he felt a connection with Burger Records after
Fi
le
they released his band’s first two records. Ivarra’s and Anusi’s bands, The Rich Hands and The Bolos, will also play at the festival. The event isn’t limited to bands signed to Burger Records. In the five years since it began, the event has become a hit in the local music scene. “It kind of got to this point where it is a bit bigger than we expected,” Ivarra said. He said last year’s event drew about 800 people, and they’re expecting more this year. For a full list of performers and more information on the event, visit www.facebook.com/ Burgerhangoverfest/.
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Editorial
6 • Feb. 27, 2017
.org
the
ranger
www.theranger.org/editorial
Editor Zachary-Taylor Wright
Managing Editor Michelle Delgado News Editor Emily Garcia Features Editor James Dusek Staff Writers Samantha L. Alonso, Bismarck D. Andino, Ashley Bailey, Nicole M. Bautista, Kimberly Brown, J. Carbajal, Rachel Cooper, J. Del Valle, S.R. Garcia, Maria Gardner, Camryn Geissler, Niesha Goodloe, Elena Longoria, Mario Parker Menchaca III, Maritza Ramirez, Grace Reyes, Sasha D. Robinson, Jayondra Spann, Austin P. Taylor, Grayce Trevino, Jakoby West, Solomon A. Wilson Photo Editor Brianna Rodrigue Photographers Noah Acevedo, Deandra Gonzalez, Alison Graef, Aly Miranda Photo Team Zaeva Mercado, Kristel Orta, Renee Talamantes Multimedia Editor Brandon A. Edwards Video Team Christian Erevia Illustrators Estefania B. Alonso Wally Perez Social Media Promoter Miranda Holden ©2017 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. The Ranger news outlets, which serve the Alamo Community College District, are laboratory projects of classes in the Journalism Program at San Antonio College. The Ranger is published Mondays except during summer, holidays and examinations. The Ranger Online is available at www.theranger. org. News contributions accepted by telephone (210-486-1773), by fax (210-486-9292), by email (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 of Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available by phone 210-4861765 or as a download at www.theranger.org. The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the Texas Community College Journalism Association. Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to contribute guest viewpoints of up to 450 words. Writers should focus on campus or current events in a critical, persuasive or interpretative style. All viewpoints must be published with a photo portrait of the writer. Letters Policy: The Ranger invites readers to share views by writing letters to the editor. Space limitations 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. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, mailed to The Ranger, Journalism 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. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single-copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and subject to college discipline.
Wally Perez
Fewer metrics, more education Student success measurements have opposite effect. You did it, Dr. Leslie. You’ve driven another beloved professor, only interested in giving his students the best possible shot at success, to quit. It’s actually quite impressive, Chancellor. History Professor Mike Settles got so sick of your obsession with inane success metrics that he abruptly retired four weeks into the semester. Your slow but somehow painfully obvious attempt at converting colleges in the district into degree mills has a demonstrable effect on students, but as long as it keeps those graduation numbers high, who cares, right? How many of your reported 5,032 degrees and certificates awarded at this college last year were applied for by students and how many did you
give, unrequested, just to set that “all-time record”? Your focus on inflating graduation rates for the sake of your national and international standing has bumped up against the long-standing tradition of excellence at this college. You run the risk of shoving out students who are unprepared for the pressure and difficulty of transfer institutions. Settles and others think your colleges’ standards for what is an acceptable level for reading, writing and math are a joke. We get it — people are complicated. “Success” isn’t an easily definable term and there’s no way to ensure all students leave the Alamo Colleges with the skills and knowledge needed to excel at a four-year university. If you wanted to improve student success and not just the appearance
of it, you’d let faculty do its job without evermore obtrusive tracking and evaluation systems. You’d encourage faculty to grade and evaluate students fairly, rather than pushing for them to pass without an adequate understanding of the class material. You’d put your money where your mouth is and spend money on programs and services that help students rather than building a $60 million palatial office. You’d stop awarding degrees students didn’t apply for. What’s it all for, Chancellor? Graduation rates don’t put food on the tables or money in the pockets of your students. Your endless hoops for faculty to jump through don’t prepare their students for success in life or education. Get out of the way. Let professors teach and students learn.
Answer questions about firing The basketball coach was a positive role model for his players. This college lost a basketball coach who had a positive impact on the team over a “professional and confidential matter.” Louis Martinez had coached the Rangers since 2014, and was able to raise the stats, morale and success of the men’s team.
Martinez helped players improve their grades as well as their ranking. Despite the positivity Martinez brought to the team, Mark Bigelow, student life interim director, pulled Martinez aside during practice Feb. 3 and fired him effective immediately. What could have Martinez done to get fired? Bigelow has not revealed
why Martinez was let go, but it better be a good reason to let go of a talented coach in the middle of a successful season. Ken Morris, a student development adjunct at Northeast Lakeview College, was hired to fill the position as interim coach. Northeast Lakeview happens to be a school the Rangers compete against,
which could pose a conflict of interest. When this college hires a permanent coach, we would like to see someone just as qualified, impactful and successful as Martinez. Martinez cannot be easily replaced, but the least this college owes the team is an explanation. Until one is presented, Martinez’s legacy is safe.
Rethink spending priorities Millions being spent on fancy offices, not on students. Interesting how the Alamo Colleges is willing to spend $55 million on a new district support office when campus walkways are falling apart and sinks are leaking in campus buildings. Tobin Lofts is approximately twice the size of this future district office. How is it possible that the cost of the Lofts came out to be a third of the price?
@sacranger
Residential space is usually more expensive because of the tremendous addition of kitchens and bathrooms. The district’s focus was supposed to be on student success, not administrative satisfaction. If the option to renovate current district offices and sell the Playland Park property would have been cheaper, why didn’t they do it? Also, notice how all of the renovations and construction areas at this college have been mostly administrative buildings and offices.
@therangerSAC
Fletcher has had three renovations in the past decade. Why spend money fixing a leaky sink in McAllister, a building that is commonly visited by the community, when a simple bucket could hold off the problem and money instead can be spent on luxurious furniture and light fixtures for a brand new president’s office and district buildings that most students will never lay eyes on. We should really think about how we are spending money as a district.
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News
www.theranger.org/news
Feb. 27, 2016 • 7
Basura Bash gets community involved in waterways cleanup Maintaining pollutant-free watersheds can protect habitats. By Bismarck D. Andino sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The Saturday morning fog did not discourage at least 40 people at Allison Park from participating Feb. 18 in the San Antonio Basura Bash, the largest single-day waterway cleanup in Texas. One of the 21 areas was a section of the San Antonio River at East Mulberry Avenue and River Road, just two miles from this campus, where neighbors, students and teachers worked on foot and in canoes to clean trash from the river area. Larry Clark, Basura Bash tributary leader for that area, instructed volunteers on safety precautions. “If you find hypodermic needles, be careful and put it in a bottle with water,” Clark said. “If you get hurt, know where you are and call 911.” At 8:40 a.m. volunteers split to tackle both sides of the river. A group of students from Trinity University found it challenging to reach trash in the river from the banks. Engineering junior Kristen Rundstein, member of Sustainability & the Environment Club at Trinity, said she showed up to be part of this movement to improve San Antonio’s waterways and educate the community on recycling. Liberal arts freshman Camten Alemen from Trinity fell into the river’s cold water after walking out on a branch to retrieve a plastic bread bag. “There’s my moment of fame,” Alemen said. However, soggy clothes didn’t stop him from helping the cause. Arianna Moravits, chemistry teacher and Environmental Club sponsor at Travis Early College High School, believes people should make an effort to keep the watersheds free of
I-BEST from Page 1
pollutants that can harm wildlife. According to National Geographic, plastic is the most common cause of water pollution and represents a threat for birds and marine life. Ninety percent of sea birds eat plastic residues, and this number is expected to be greater by 2050. Additionally, plastic fishing lines in the water strangle fish, turtles and other marine vertebrates. This country should dedicate more resources to supporting green energy development, Moravits said. Although Moravits has only sponsored the Environmental Club at Travis for one year, she has already taken steps to beautify the school and get students in an environmentally conscious mindset of “going green” and recycling. Moravits hopes to plant spring gardens at Travis to lead by example. She also wants an affiliation with community members to do more outreach to help improve this community’s environment. “This is the only planet we have, and we have to do our part to take care of it,” she said. Basura Bash Chair Sonia Jimenez said Saturday in a phone interview that people do not always realize the environmental impact of trash pollution on waterways. Some people do not know that trash from the streets gets washed into waterways by the rain, Jimenez said. This is because waterways are at the lowest point geographically, she said. “The trash that is not put in its place ends up in the creeks,” Jimenez said. She said Basura Bash, sponsored by the San Antonio River Foundation, is a nonprofit organization that has been active since 1994. “When we started, it was just a small group of people in what is now Mission Reach,” Jimenez said. Although this organization has been developed to clean these waterways ever
solely on grant money, saytraining in healthcare, manuing the program is a launchfacturing and hospitality. ing point “and once they’re District 9 trustee Jim launched, they’re going to want Rindfuss said the program more. I guarantee they’re going needed more employers to parto want more.” ticipate if it is to expand to all District 8 trustee Clint the Alamo Colleges. Kingsbery said the board camDistrict 1 trustee Joe paigned in Washington to get Alderete asked if I-BEST could Pell Grants extended to accomfocus on jobs that won’t “trend modate smaller certificates and out,” or lead to year-round grants. skilled employees In the interview, searching for work Sadler-Nitu said outside of this city. some certificates Alderete said are eligible for Pell electricians and Grants because engineers are lookcertificates can be ing for programs like defined in different this to meet the labor ways. needs of the indusChair Yvonne tries, saying training Sadler-Nitu Katz, District 7 trustin these fields could ee, asked if there lead to students becoming eduwas any way of “pipelining” the cated engineers or electricians. I-BEST program into the early Dr. Adena Loston, St. Philip’s college high school programs, College president, said electriwhich Sadler-Nitu said was in cians and engineers require place. apprenticeships and exams, President Robert Vela said saying these goals were not the I-BEST program offers short term and did not accomstackable certificates that can modate the low-skill target of lead to an associate degree and the I-BEST program. “students have options who District 6 trustee Gene would typically take the TSI and Sprague said the program was fail and walk away.” not obligated to get “these According to the College people” on a four-year colBoard website, the Texas lege trajectory, saying “develSuccess Initiative Assessment, opmental courses are a waste or Accuplacer test, is an assessof money and we need to get ment administered to all these people in career entry- incoming college students to level pathways.” determine if their skills are at a Alderete advised the board college level in reading, writing and I-BEST to avoid relying and mathematics.
Larry Clark, tributary leader for the River Road volunteers and landscape architect, takes an auto part found in the San Antonio River from Matt Wallace, architect and member of the San Antonio River Foundation board of directors, during the annual Basura Bash Feb. 18 along River Road. Alison Graef
Mohamed Ali, retired U.S. Army hospital administrator and local resident, cleans trash from the dense foliage along the river. Alison Graef since, Jimenez said the trash is still an ongoing issue. Architect Vicki Yuan and her husband,
TCCTA from Page 1 28.014(a) of the Education Code, each school district must partner with at least one institution of higher education to create and provide courses in college preparatory math and English. In the bill, the education code is amended to remove the section that includes the assessment. “We have to have some sort of placement exam to measure the reading level and college readiness of incoming students,” Aguilar said. “We need to place them adequately.” Aguilar said if the placement exam is removed across the state, what would each institution do in its place? Aguilar said the test itself is a standard of measurement when it comes to the TSIA benefiting students. “Each placement exam, you’re going to have people for it and against it,” Aguilar said. According to talking points provided by TCCTA, since there are no data about whether the TSIA is an accurate and useful assessment for placement, it is premature to elimi-
Matt Wallace, who is an architect and member of the board of directors at the San Antonio River Foundation, used canoes to reach river trash that was caught in tree branches. Wallace said it was hard to row against the current, especially with fishing lines everywhere hanging off the trees. Yuan and Wallace pulled Styrofoam, plastic bags, plastic bottles, glass bottles and a Michael Jordan slip sandal from the seemingly endless buildup trash in the branches. “With the rain last year, this area was even worse,” Wallace said. Clark believes this area is a crucial point to the city because the river flows south, 2.6 miles upstream from the River Walk. “Water is life and we need to respect our waterways … and the area we live in,” he said.
nate it from Texas higher education placement strategy. “In order to understand it, you need to take the exam yourself, as an instructor to see what it’s actually evaluating,” Aguilar said. “The question is always going to be if it’s better than the previous exam.” According to TCCTA, should the bill pass, higher education institutions would go back to the days where each institution had its own placement test and score. The talking points read, “States which have eliminated or severely limited developmental education have miserably failed their constituents; Texas is following best practices by standardizing placement assessments.” Unlike the SAT and ACT, the TSIA identifies a student’s knowledge and skills, which is an essential element of the course placement process, according to the points. According to TCCTA, the best practice placement validity is a Faculty Assessment of Student Placement Survey, which hasn’t been done in Texas yet. In 2015, The Texas Higher
MORTUARY from Page 1 such as a hearse and space for a chapel, but they “know their limitations,” he said. The funeral science field is demanding, and students begin working hands-on early into their first semester to ensure that this is the right field for them, he said. To involve students in the process of running a funeral home, they work closely with 29 funeral homes as of this semester, three of which are located outside San Antonio. “We have a memorandum of agreement with local
Education Coordinating Board put together a higher education plan called 60x30TX, which focuses on having 60 percent of 25-34 year old students obtaining a certificate or degree by 2030. According to TCCTA, this bill would gut the current placement system of all higher education institutions in Texas, drastically affecting the goals of 60x30TX. Aguilar said the TCCTA held an executive committee retreat last May and made it officially a point to have legislators visit community colleges. “We need to ensure when these house bills are tabled, these legislators have a connection to these institutions,” Aguilar said. “We know for a fact that many legislators have not stepped foot on a campus.” Aguilar said it’s always great to see the good things that happen at the institutions, but they need to see areas of need as well. “If we always advocate the positive and good things, then they’re going to say ‘continue with the budget you have and move forward,’” Aguilar said.
funeral homes, and the funeral directors there are pretty much an extension of San Antonio College because the students … shadow the funeral directors for eight hours,” Moreno said. The funeral home on campus will directly involve students in each step of a service, from funeral arrangements to the ceremony. What will be done with the deceased’s body must be decided, whether the next of kin does or does not want a ceremony or memorial service and if the deceased will be buried, cremated or donated to science, he said.
News
8 • Feb. 27, 2017
www.theranger.org/news
College teams with TheDream.US to help undocumented students Each Dreamer can receive up to $25,000 in scholarship money. By Samantha L. Alonso sac-ranger@alamo.edu
This college is partnering with TheDream.US to help undocumented students pay tuition, and the deadline to apply for scholarships is March 8. The national scholarship program began three years ago, but this is the first year this college is an official partner institution. Two groups can apply: undocumented high school students who will start attending this college in fall 2017 and current undocumented students at this college who are transferring to Texas A&M UniversitySan Antonio or any of the colleges and universities that partner with TheDream.US, said Mariano Aguilar, English and Mexican-American studies professor. Under President Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, undocumented students who were brought here by their parents can work and attend college without the fear of deportation. “The executive branch made an agreement with DACA applicants to provide them a level of protection,” Aguilar said. Scholarship applicants must be eligible for DACA or have applied or received approval for DACA or temporary protection status. Aguilar hosted an information session Feb. 16 at this college’s
Gene Ramirez, associate director of scholarships and financial aid at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, shows English freshman Viviana Ramirez how to apply for a scholarship Feb. 16 in the Mexican-American studies center in Room 100 of Chance. The university’s representatives met with students to sign up for TheDream.US scholarship and other financial aid opportunities. The scholarship is for undocumented students brought to the U.S. by their parents from Mexico before their 16th birthday. Michelle Delgado Mexican-American studies center. The scholarships are not for current students who will return to this college in fall 2017, he said. For transfer students, the only partner institution in this city is currently Texas A&M-San Antonio, Aguilar said. However, other Texas colleges participating in TheDream. US include the University of Houston, the University of North Texas at Dallas and the University of Texas at El Paso. Out-of-state colleges include California State University, Long Beach; Florida
State University; Colorado State University; and the University of Illinois at Chicago. If selected, students should expect to receive funds no later than June, Aguilar said. The scholarships are for fall 2017 through spring 2018. The Dream.US scholarships are funded by corporations and foundations including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, Robin Hood Foundation, the CocaCola Foundation and the PepsiCo Foundation. There is $140 million available
SAC Tech Store Open House Saturday, March 4 9am to 1pm
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for students nationwide, he said. Radio-television-broadcasting sophomore Leonardo Hernandez attended the information session. “I’m wanting to do something with my life, not just stay stuck,” Hernandez said. “If the opportunity comes, you should take it.” Hernandez, who is originally from Mexico City and came to the United States when he was 9, said he currently relies solely on financial aid to pay for his college tuition and expenses. Aguilar said this college is hoping to get at least 20 applicants who are
transferring to four-year universities. “We’re starting small, and we want to build from that number,” Aguilar said. So far, there are 66 undocumented high school students who are applying for the scholarship to attend this college, he said. A Feb. 17, 2015, article by Julia Glum in the International Business Times said there are 225,000 undocumented students estimated to be enrolled in U.S. colleges. According to Texas Higher Education data, the number of Hispanics to earn a college degree or certification has doubled from just under 40,000 to almost 80,000 over a 13-year span. Over the past three years TheDream.US has helped 1,700 students and has paid out $14 million in scholarships. Texans qualify for the program’s National Scholarship Award, which covers a maximum of $12,500 for an associate degree and $25,000 for a bachelor’s degree. The award can be renewed yearly as long as the student continues to meet the eligibility criteria: remaining a full-time student and maintaining a 3.0 GPA. TheDream.US does consider GPA and test scores in the selection process, but the program also considers background, challenges and barriers overcome by students. To apply, visit www.thedream. us. Students transferring from this college can call Aguilar at 210-4860651. High school students can call Chaye Peña, director of outreach and recruitment, at 210-486-1209.