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Volume 90 Issue 3 • Sept. 28, 2015
New center puts vets, pups at ease Northwest Vista College veterans’ service dogs are welcome. By Giselle Guadron sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Northwest Vista College has opened a new place for veterans to decompress, find resources and even get doggy treats. The veterans lounge and resource center welcomes veterans with service dogs. The center is equipped with dog beds, water bowls and treats for the service dogs. Service dogs are a part of many veterans’ lives; they assist with different needs. Computer science sophomore Terrance McGlade visited the center Sept. 9 with his service dog, Major. “This is a much-needed asset to the campus,” he said. Major even got to lie down in one of the dog beds and rested for a bit. Major is an American bull terrier mix with black lab, and he safeguards McGlade’s life. “He lets me know when I have seizures, and because of that I am not scared to go out in public,” he said. The veteran’s lounge and resource center opened Sept. 9 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Room 217 of Pecan Hall. President Ric Baser noted the importance of the center. “We’re giving a place for veterans to go and decompress and to get away,” he said. There are over 2,000 veterans on the Northwest Vista campus and this center will provide them a safe haven. The center is in memory of all veterans and dedicated to economics Professor Miguel Muñoz Sr., a Vietnam veteran who served with the U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade. He died in
Deputy Chief Joe Pabon shows the utility closet where stolen and lost property is stored at this college’s DPS station at 1601 N. Main. Pabon said the closet was full Sept. 9. Kyle R. Cotton
District police seek to return missing property Administrative associate at campus’ DPS is the keeper of lost property. NVC computer science sophomore Terrance McGlade and service dog, Major, demonstrate Sept. 9 some of the amenities of the veteran’s lounge and resource center. Giselle Guadron February 2014. Muñoz’s wife, Rosie Muñoz, and his children, Northwest Vista economics Professor Mike Muñoz Jr. and Linda Muñoz Zehr, attended the dedication. “We’re honored that Northwest Vista College has recognized our father for services to our country and the college,” Zehr said. Being a veteran, the elder Muñoz was aware of the difficulties veterans faced after their return and became an advocate for the Vet to Vet program at Northwest Vista. The program is designed to help student veterans achieve both academic and personal success.
The program offers support to help veterans make their transition into civilian life easier. The center offers a number of amenities for student veterans: snacks, a microwave, small fridge, television, computers, a resource board and patio seating. After the ribbon-cutting, everyone proceeded outside to a celebration picnic. For more information, call 210-486-4417 or visit www.alamo.edu/nvc/future-students/ veterans/ or Room 110 of Cypress Campus Center. For more information on Northwest Vista’s Vet to Vet program, visit www.alamo.edu/nvc/ current-students/v2v/.
Celebrate the freedom to read The library will set up blind dates with banned books this week. By Roberto Martinez sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Students can exercise their freedom to choose what they read from this college’s library with books that have been challenged and or banned for content during Banned Books Week. According to the American Library Association, Banned Books Week is an annual event that promotes the freedom to read and highlights the value of free and open access to information. It is observed this year from Sept. 27-Oct. 3. Each year, Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to express all viewpoints, even if they might be considered unorthodox or unpopular, according to the association’s website at www.ala.org/bbooks/ bannedbooksweek. The library at this college will present the third annual Blind Date with a Banned Book during Banned Books Week. Students with a college ID can visit the library beginning at 9 a.m. today on the third floor of Moody Learning Center and choose a book wrapped in brown paper. Ten books will be available at 9 a.m. Monday and Wednesday and
at noon Tuesday and Thursday. Reference Librarian Celita Avila recommends students come early
Courtesy as it is first come, first served, and the books go quickly. This year’s selection of books includes the recently challenged “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” a medical history book, by Rebecca Skloot. This book was challenged in Knox County, Tenn., after the mother of a 15-year-old boy called the book pornographic and wanted it removed from all Knox County schools, according to a Salon article published Sept. 9. “As librarians, it is our duty to find the balance between ageappropriate content, and remain vigilant in allowing the access of information for all,” Avila said.
Avila said all libraries have collection standards and policies to prevent explicit content and assures that each title purchased is subject to this consideration. “(With) titles that have received criticism but have also received literary recognition and awards, we have to remember, we are curators for everyone and provide this content for everyone,” she said. Other books featured that have also been challenged or banned include “The Autobiography of Malcom X,” which has been regarded as a “how-to-manual” for crime and claims of “anti-white” statements. “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” by Dee Brown, the story of U.S. growth and expansion to the west from the perspective of the Native Americans, was banned by a school district in Wisconsin in 1974 because some considered the writing “polemical” and the district wanted to avoid controversy. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neal Hurston, according to the American Library Association, was challenged in 1997 by parents in Brentsville, Va., who attempted to ban the book from a high school’s advanced English class for “sexual content.” That ban was overturned. To find out more about Banned Books Week 2015, visit www.sacguide.libguides.com/banned.
By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@student.alamo.edu
After the success of lowering reported crimes across the district by increasing their presence at the Alamo Colleges, the police department selected as its wildly important goal this year to increase their found-propertyreturned-to-owner rate from 31 to 33 percent by the end of the year. The WIGs come from FranklinCovey’s “Four Disciplines of Execution,” which is an accountability system required of all district employees. The most common crime across the district is the crime of opportunity (burglary and theft) that accounts for almost half of all reported crime, according to the 2015 Weekly Report. Deputy Chief Joe Curiel said the police will return more property to their owners by expanding presence on social media, using the department website, calling those who label their belongings and sending, mass emails and fliers. Curiel said the goal is only a 2 percent increase because most found property has no identifying marks. “Each campus has an administrative associate responsible for the safekeeping and documenting of found property,” Curiel said. “Every week each of the administrative associates will have this WIG where their goal would be to achieve three different means of advertisement or communicate to try to inform the public or the owner of the property so we can increase that return rate.” Curiel said the best way to prevent crime is for students to be aware of their own targets of opportunity, such as laptops, iPads, bicycles, backpacks and telephones. Curiel said students at this college should be especially careful because the campus is more open compared to the other campuses, which are better defined and separated from the surrounding communities. The best way to prevent crimes of opportunity is to refrain from leaving items unattended and increase basic awareness of an individual’s property and environment, Curiel said. For more information, visit alamo. edu/district/police. For more information on found property, contact the DPS office’s administrative associate at each campus through the non-emergency number, 210-485-0099.
SAConnected
2 • Sept. 28, 2015
www.theranger.org/calendar
Comedy for scholarships
Performers Tyler White, Joey Palacios and Mark D. Wilson toast in the “Super Frack” skit during the Gridiron 2015. The San Antonio chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists produced the fundraiser “Bad Blood” Sept. 19 in McAllister auditorium. See story online. Danielle Kelly
In the air Business sophomore Puma Berboza does a corkscrew flip Sept. 23 in front of Parkour Club members between Loftin and the chemistry and geology building. Kyle R. Cotton
Tug of war Business and kinesiology sophomore Johnny Muñoz tugs liberal arts sophomore Mark S. Garcia across the floor Sept. 22 in a firemen’s pull during Core Training 1 and 2 in Gym 1 of Candler. Students paired up and rotated workout stations around the gym in timed sessions. E. David Guel
Journalism workshop Vincent Davis, writer for the San Antonio Express-
today tues Event: Pan Dulce Con Las Hermanas 10:30-11:30 a.m. special collections room of J.E. Mabee Library, UIW. Call 210841-7365.
SAC Film: Harvey Wang “From Darkroom to Daylight” 10:50 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Room 120 of visual arts. Call 210486-1042.
PAC Event: Generations FCU: “Know Your Bank” 11 a.m.noon Room 130 of student center. Call 210-486-3882.
SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University 11 a.m.-1 p.m. first floor of Chance and 9 a.m.-noon first floor of Moody. Call 210-486-1500.
SAC Concert: X-Factor cover band 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-4860128. SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon in craft room of Loftin. Continues Oct. 5. Call 210486-0125. SPC Event: Domestic Violence Awareness noon-1 p.m. Heritage Room of campus center. Call 210-486-2333. SAC Meeting: Campus Activities Board 2 p.m. employee lounge in Loftin. Call 210589-3845. Event: Teen Hispanic Heritage arts and crafts 6:30-8 p.m. Great Northwest Library, 9050 Wellwood. Call 210-207-9210. Event: Author Jenefer Robinson 7:30-9:30 p.m. Room 142 Of Chapman Center Great Hall, Trinity University. Call 210-999-8406.
Event: Strolling Showcase 1:30 p.m. Dubuis Lawn, UIW. Call 210-841-7365. SAC Meeting: Cheshyre Cheese Club 1:30 p.m. Room 203 of Gonzales. Call 210486-1436. SAC Meeting: Campus Crusade for Christ 1:45-2:45 p.m. Room 002 of Chance. Call 210-486-1233. SAC Event: Magic Closet Boutique grand opening 3-6 p.m in Portable 301. Door prizes and refreshments. Call 210219-1285 or 210-698-0131.
Illustrations by Alexandra Nelipa
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SAC Event: Antojitos Festival and Low Rider Car Show, “Hecho a Mano” 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in mall. Call 210-486-0128.
PAC Transfer: Texas A&M University-San Antonio 9 a.m.noon in Room 101 of student center. Call 210-486-3131.
PAC Event: Community Resource Fair 10 a.m.-1 p.m. student center annex. Call 210-486-3125. SAC Meeting: Psychology Club 2 p.m. Room 623 of Moody. Call 210-773-8306.
SPC Event: Jim Avila, senior national correspondent at ABC News and White House correspondent for Fusion, President’s Lecture Series for Hispanic Heritage Month 11 a.m.-noon Watson. Call 210486-2670.
SPC Meeting: Men of SPC noon-1:30 p.m. Morgan Gallery in Watson. Call 210486-2157.
SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125.
Event: “Latinos, Texas and Destiny” brief history noon-1 p.m. Room 312 of nursing building, UIW. Call 210-841-7365.
SAC Activity p.m. in ference 0125.
PAC Event: Football toss 1-3 p.m. student center annex. Call 210-486-3125. SAC Meeting: Students for Environmental Awareness 2 p.m. EcoCentro. Call 210-5630447.
Meeting: Student Fee Committee 3-4 president’s large conroom. Call 210-486-
SAC Event: Model auditions for fashion show 2-4 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0128.
News, discusses feature writing with local high school students and teachers Sept. 18 in Loftin during the Charting Your Course workshop. The workshop was sponsored by the journalism program to help prepare students to produce newspapers and yearbooks. See story online. Katelynn Alexa Garcia
fri
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PAC Event: UT Health Science Center San Antonio nursing program advising session by appointment 9 a.m.noon Room 114 of Palomino. Call 210-486-3664.
Event: “The Wandering Flight” art exhibit 6-8 p.m. Ruiz-Healy Art, 201-A E. Olmos. Call 210804-2219.
SAC Event: Chalk Day for National Newspaper Week 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in mall. Call 210-486-1776.
Soccer: Univision Cup 8 a.m.7 p.m. Sunday Mission City Soccer Complex, 2600 Red Hill Lane. Ages 6 and up. Grand prize $1,000. Register at www. copaunivisionregistration.com/ sanantonioteams.
PAC Event: Generations FCU: “Saving and Investing” 11 a.m.-noon Room 130 of student center. Call 210-4863882.
SAC Event: 3-on-3 volleyball mini tournaments noon in Candler. $5 per person per tournament. Call 210-4860125. SAC Meeting: Asian Pop Society 2-5 p.m. craft room of Loftin. Call 210-452-6185.
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SAC Meeting: Staff Council 2:30 p.m. in employee lounge of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125.
Event: First Sundays for Families: Ancient Egypt noon-4 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art. Call 210-978-8100. Event: “Spanish Brunch Tapas and Flamenco” 1-3 p.m. McNay. Members $25, nonmembers $35 and children $10. Call 210-824-5368.
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SAC Event: Karaoke by Masquerade DJ and free popcorn 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-4860125. Event: Yolanda Tarango Las Hermanas: The Struggle is One noon-1:15 p.m. special collections room of J.E Mabee Library, UIW, 4301 Broadway. Call 210-841-7365. PAC Event: “Prejudice and Pride” documentary 2-3:30 p.m. Room 117 of Ozuna. Call 210-486-3882.
SAC Event: Flag Football 3:30-7 p.m. at Olmos Basin Park. Call 210-486-0125.
SAC Meeting: Gay Ally Lesbian Association 3-4:30 p.m. in employee lounge in Loftin. Call 210-3267274.
Event: Sweet Honey Soirée honors community “pollinator” Linda Hardberger 6:30 p.m. Veranda in Castle Hills, 1746 Lockhill Selma. Call 210-2228430.
PAC Event: Family game night 5-7 p.m. first floor of Ozuna. Call 210486-3570.
Event: Dr. David Eagleman and film series “The Brain with David Eagleman” 7:30-9 p.m. at Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University. RSVP at KLRN.org.
For coverage in SAConnected, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance. Visit theranger.org for more upcoming events.
!
News
www.theranger.org/news
Sept. 28, 2015 • 3
TRAC open house showcases career, transfer services Personality tests help direct students to careers that suit them. By Robert Limon
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
It was difficult to miss the music emanating from the first floor of Moody Learning Center Monday morning. The All-American Rejects’ song “Dirty Lil’ Secret” blasted through the transfer center as students encountered tables of free doughnuts and coffee. This was the scene at the transfer and career center, known as SAC TRAC, during an open house attended by 239 students and staff. Before partaking of refreshments, students were asked to sign in at the front desk with their Banner IDs and complete three steps. Cassandra Segura, the advising team leader who coordinated this event, said the fair’s purpose was to inform students of services for transferring to a four-year university or getting career information.
“It was a great success,” she said. “The students who came by received a firsthand experience of what we can do at the centers. “I hope this event inspires students to visit again. We would love to help them out with the answers they need.” Students were given a raffle ticket and an information brochure at the start. A volunteer escorted visiting students to a computer or iPad kiosk and asked which university they planned to transfer to. They then printed a degree plan from that university to give the students the requirements for transferring. To create a better understanding of career goals and educations plans, students were asked to complete a 64-question Jung typology test. The original Myers-Briggs exam is 93 questions long. The shorter version classifies personalities into one of 16 unique types. Each “personality” has its own lists for learning styles, career recom-
Adviser Melissa Zepeda assists forensics sophomore Brianna Ramos with finding information about Purdue University’s anthropology transfer program Sept. 21 in the transfer center on the first floor of Moody. The center is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday. Daniel Carde mendations and famous people who share that classification. One example of a personality type is ESFP, which stands for “extra-
EcoCentro showcases electric vehicles
‘McFarland, USA’ star visits Movie screening celebrates the ‘Pride and Promise’ Hispanic Heritage Month theme.
Enthusiasts, organizations and clubs detail the importance of renewable energy.
By E. David Guel
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
By Wally Perez
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Ramiro Rodriguez stars as a former cross-country star in “McFarland, USA,” screening 10-11:30 a.m., noon-1:30 p.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Courtesy someone who was just an actor.” Rodriguez, a 20-year-old McFarland native and nonprofessional actor, recalled a seamless transition playing Diaz, who was Rodriguez’s counselor when he attended the school. “It was a fun experience because I kind of knew him already,” Rodriguez said in a Sept. 22 phone interview. A 2013 McFarland graduate, Rodriguez said he gave the role his all, and Diaz seemed satisfied. “He liked the morals of his character, and he was happy how he got portrayed.” Rodriguez said he hopes students at this college take the spirit of the film and use it to push them toward their goals. “Learn to not give up; everything is reachable,” said Rodriguez, who still lives in his hometown. “This is for the kids who think that they can’t do it, but they can,” Rodriguez said. “They just need a little guidance; they need to get pushed a little bit. You just have to find the right way and keep going … because you’re the only one that’s stopping yourself.”
For more Hispanic Heritage Month coverage, read “Hispanics use traditional folk medicine” and “Canto mundo reading honors poet laureates” on theranger.org.
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, this college will screen sports drama “McFarland, USA” 10-11:30 a.m., noon-1:30 p.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center. Ramiro Rodriguez, who stars as former cross country star and McFarland High School counselor Danny Diaz, will share his story and experience auditioning and acting in the film 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 15 in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. Based on a 1987 true story, the film follows a group of Hispanic-American high school boys in farming town McFarland, Calif., who start a cross country team and overcome the odds with help from newly hired coach Jim White, played by Kevin Costner. English Instructor Mariano Aguilar said he and English Professor Patricia Portales, chair of Hispanic Heritage Month, chose the movie because the positive message inspired them and they thought it would be perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month. The month’s “Pride and Promise” theme refers to pride in the Latino community and promising stars like Rodriguez. To spread the film’s message, Aguilar and Portales invited high school drama and cross-country students from Jefferson, Edison, Fox Tech and Lanier as well as the general community to view the screening. “We want them to see what they are ultimately working for … the end results of their efforts,” Aguilar said. Portales chose to invite Rodriguez to speak because of his ties to the McFarland community, a primarily Hispanic demographic. “We really like that he’s a resident of McFarland because it’s a farmworker community,” Portales said. “We didn’t want
verted-sensing-feeling-perceiving,” meaning they are typically those who enjoy socializing with others and being in the spotlight.
After students received printed results of their typology test, the final step was completing a survey for the career and transfer center. Students got a sticker on their raffle tickets for completing each step. When three marks were acquired, students submitted the tickets for three chances to win door prizes. Every 15 minutes, tickets were drawn for prizes, such as notebooks and pens. The career services center offers help to undergraduate students and alumni determined to establish their career plans. They help students explore careers, and potential employers find qualified students to hire. The transfer center helps students with admissions to a university. The staff can arrange appointments with university representatives for one-on-one sessions. The hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. the first Saturday of every month.
Thirty-seven vehicles — including five models of Tesla — congregated Saturday in the parking lot of Sinkin EcoCentro. At least 100 people attended and asked questions of the owners, and some took test drives. The only thing missing from this car show was the smell of exhaust and noise from loud engines. This was the third annual Drive Electric Day in San Antonio and the first time at this college in honor of National Drive Electric Week. Three local organizations, Alamo City Electric Auto Association, Plug In America and the Alamo Sierra Club, sponsored the event. Owners of electric vehicles, known as EVs, showcased their vehicles and renewable energy. Cars on display included the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the Tesla Model S and Tesla Roadster. The Tesla Model S grabbed a lot of attention with its exterior and interior that rival luxury cars. The vehicle has a base range of 240 miles on a single charge and an acceleration of 0-60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds, according to the Tesla website. Guests praised features such as parking sensors, automatic keyless entry, WiFi and Internet connectivity, autopilot, and the massive 17-inch touchscreen that enables drivers to control most of the car. The vehicle has a price tag of $71,200 for the base model and features. Margaret Galvan, a real estate broker at Partners Realty, was excited to see a Tesla. “I’ve been on the fence about buying one, and I’m hoping to meet an owner and get some more information about the vehicle,” Galvan said. Luckily for her, Tesla owner Ben Bishop granted her wish. Bishop, a retired ESPN production operations assistant, offered rides and information. The technology in the Tesla convinced him to buy one, he said. “I’ve owned the car for almost a year, and I don’t see myself going back to gas ever again,” Bishop said. “It’s the best car I’ve ever owned, hands down.” After a test ride with Bishop, Galvan said she
is close to purchasing one, praising the sleek design and interior gadgets, such as the touchscreen and autopilot feature. Aside from the EVs, Madison High School’s Solar Car Initiative team had a solar golf cart on display. Madison sophomore Sean Suwal joined the club this year and has enjoyed his time with the team, he said. “I joined the club because I’m interested in majoring in mechanical engineering, and this is a great opportunity,” Suwal said. “I’m new to the team and still have a lot to learn, but I look forward to the hands-on experience.” Education sophomore George Trujilo worked on the project when he was a student at Madison and now works with the team as an adviser. A car is built every year, or modifications are added to previous ones, and it’s a great opportunity for students to learn to work as a team, he said. As visitors questioned vehicle owners, EVs drove by in silence. More noise came from conversations than engines. The vehicles were so quiet they turned few heads at the realization of one driving by. VIA Metropolitan Transit showcased an electric bus for guests to board and ask questions. Damian Mason, a field service technician at Protera, is a contractor with VIA and works with electric buses. “The buses can run for about 60 miles on a single charge, assuming the driver is going 55 miles per hour,” Mason said. “We are working on expanding that range, but as of now the buses only operate downtown.” As the day continued, so did the heat. Canopies were placed in some locations for guests to rest in the shade. Two food trucks sold burgers, sandwiches and cold beverages. Guests were able to cool off inside EcoCentro and hear presentations on the basics of electric and renewable energy. Nic Jonas, coordinator for the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition, gave the presentations comparing gas-fueled cars and EVs. Steven Lewis, director of the services, trade and industry center, offered tours of the facility, including the community garden. Visit www.teslamotors.com. For information on EcoCentro, visit 1802 N. Main Ave., or contact Lewis at 210-486-0417 or slewis71@alamo.edu.
4 • Sept. 28, 2015
www.theranger.org/editorial
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the
ranger
Editorial
Editor Cynthia M. Herrera
Managing Editor Melissa Luna Assistant Managing Editor – News Kyle R. Cotton Assistant Managing Editor – Features Richard Montemayor Calendar Editor Alyssa Zapata Staff Writers Cassi Armstrong, Matthew Cuevas, Alejandro Diaz, Ryan A. Flournoy, V.G. Garlisi, Giselle Guadron, Marco Horta, Ty-Eshia Johnson, Robert Limon, Tress-Marie Landa, Roberto Martinez, Hannah Norman, Courtney R. Kaiser, Wally Perez, Maritza Ramirez, Evelyn Reyes, Gabriela Rodriguez, Kyle Sanders, Jordan C. Williams Photographers Daniel Carde, E. David Guel Photo Team Tiffany Anne Bermea,
Danielle Kelley, L. Hillary Melton, Derrick Patron, Hillary E. Ratcliff Illustrators Juan Carlos Campos, Alexandra Nelipa Production Manager Katherine Garcia Copy Editor Carlos Ferrand Distribution Manager Shelly Delgado ©2015 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 journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications 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, Department of Media Communications, 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.
Email access to wealth of info Ever wake up late for a class and rush to school only to find a note from your professor taped to the classroom door that reads “Class canceled”? And then you find out that if you had checked your ACES email account, you could have slept in. Students should check their ACES email often, at the very least once a day. It serves as the direct link between students, professors and the college. Check your ACES email for updates on class schedule changes, class cancellations and assignment updates. Recently, ACES received an update to allow students to check their ACES email without having to type in a long password dictated by the district. The long password consists of a string of
VIEWPOINT
letters and numbers. Students can now simply click on the “Student Email” tab on the top right-hand corner of the ACES main page. Many professors read only emails sent through a student’s ACES email account. Emails sent from personal accounts to professors can be redirected as spam and remain unread. The college does not consider emails valid if they do not come from a student’s ACES account because the sender cannot be verified. But what if ACES is down and you can’t open your email? No system is perfect, and ACES is periodically down, so students should forward all ACES emails to their personal email accounts. After clicking on the
“Student Email” tab, go to the gear icon labeled “Office 365 Settings,” then “Options,” then the “Forwarding” button under the “Accounts Tab.” Under “start forwarding” students can type in their personal email address, and also click on an option to keep a copy of those forwarded messages in their ACES email. Students won’t miss out on vital information such as crime alerts and statistics from the Alamo Colleges police. Payment deadlines, registration information, dropped classes and financial aid rewards are also emailed through ACES. Students should update ACES accounts to make sure they still get email and alerts if anything should
change with their enrollment, registration or tuition. Information can be updated by going to the “Web Services” tab and clicking on “Personal Information” and then clicking on “Update addresses and phones.” Students should check out the SAC Talk newsletter emailed every Tuesday. It lists volunteer opportunities, open houses and other fun events. The new update should make it easier to keep up with ACES email, but students should be sure to keep up with all aspects of ACES to get the fullest use out of the site. A part of being a college student is learning to take responsibility for yourself, and remembering to check your email is an important step.
Where have all the Mayans gone?
My heritage was mostly unknown to me until my fourth grade summer in 2004. My grandparents decided all of their children and grandViewpoint children should visit by Cynthia their hometown in M. Herrera Cepeda, Halacho, in the Mexican state of cherrera151@ student.alamo.edu Yucatan. We came from the land of the Mayans. For 2 1/2 weeks, my five uncles, their wives, children, my parents and grandparents visited distant relatives. We experienced their way of life. My grandparents still speak the Mayan language at home. We slept in a hotel for one night, the day before we returned to the U.S. After our flight arrived in Merida,
online
Yucatan, we traveled four hours to my grandmother’s town. The town was curious about us, and many residents passed by where we stayed because visitors weren’t common. Not all residents are fortunate enough to live in houses. My great grandma’s house was made of concrete walls and a roof made from palm tree leaves. They don’t own a phone. They travel to the nearest convenience store and pay by the minute to use it. There were turkeys and iguanas walking in the streets like dogs and cats roam our neighborhoods. They didn’t have plumbing until we visited and installed a toilet because we weren’t used to not having one. They were grateful enough to own a stove to heat water for showers. They
Live in Loftin music series begins today
rarely used the stove for food and instead cooked over a fire in a small hole underground. The men were the first to eat, sitting on the ground by a small table next to their wives while they handmade corn tortillas. All the meat — chicken and pork — was fresh from the market. They cooked us fresh iguana like we prepare beef in Texas. It really does taste like beef. I wouldn’t have known we ate it until I saw the carcass in the kitchen. We lost about 10 pounds while there. We drank all the water we could find because it was extremely hot. My U.S. cousins and I constantly opened the refrigerator for the cool air.
Video games — not just for the boys anymore
Read the complete viewpoint on theranger.org.
April Dawn Genao, Katelynn Alexa Garcia,
Alexandra Nelipa
correction In the Sept. 21 editorial, the former student trustee was hired by the administration, not the board.