October 2010 Issue by The Voice

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Meet the new mascot Second Amendment Academy

www.TheVoiceofLSCM.com

The Lone Star College-Montgomery Student Newspaper

October 2010 Issue

Parking Garage widely used but some cite its problems Be smart and rent a book! BY MADISON BIEHL STAFF WRITER / SECRETARY One thing most college students can agree on is the high price of textbooks. Luckily, a solution has arrived at Lone Star College-Montgomery in the form of renting textbooks. Beginning in the fall semester, the college bookstore implemented renting books, and according to the LSC-Montgomery Bookstore manager, Mona Hawkins, it was “huge.” Hawkins reported she had to reorder books that she never had to before, which is just one sign of the students’ positive response towards renting textbooks. When choosing the option to rent a book, essentially “a student would pay about half the retail price.” One might think that by rentSee RENT, Page 4

BY SHANE MENDS STAFF WRITER The benefits of the new Lone Star College-Montgomery parking garage are evident as returning students find a place to park. The road that tracks around to the athletic field is no longer clogged with vehicles and gone are the days when vehicles had to scale curbs to create their own parking space in the grass. But for some students, the garage has not lived up to its promise. The $10 million, five-story, 989-slot edifice was finally opened for the beginning of the fall semester and was intended as the answer to the congested and sometimes hazardous parking conditions at our school. However, of the couple dozen students interviewed for this story, most either had negative experiences or simply refuse to use the parking garage. According to Capt. Stephen Phillips, head of LSC-Montgomery Police

Inside This Issue Page 2 Concealed guns on campus? Page 4 Construction hinders students

Photo by Alexandro Jimenez

A vehicle enters the $10 million parking garage that opened at the start of the fall semester. Some students are please with the addition, others cite issues with the garage. Department, the parking garage is

Page 5 Fiesta Latina a hit on campus Page 8 Former student in ivy league Page 9 Diving into college

being used and currently is at 70 percent of capacity. Phillips said some students are still unaware of the garage's existence. LSC-Montgomery student Kristie Baker said she used the garage once but will not again because “it is too far from my class buildings.” The lower levels of the garage fill up quickly and with only one set of stairs in the southSee GARAGE, Page 4

Page 2, The Voice, October 2010

AROUND CAMPUS

Could the campus someday see concealed guns? BY KEATIN REAGAN ASSISTANT EDITOR Look at the people sitting to your left and right in class today. Look at those studying in the hallways and lounges. It is possible in the not-too-distant future that at the very least a few of those people will be carrying concealed handguns – and it will be perfectly legal. Last year, a bill in both the Texas House of Representatives and Senate, attempting to make it legal for concealed handgun license (CHL) holders to carry their weapons onto college campuses was narrowly defeated in the House. It’s possible that the bill could be resurrected as soon as this upcoming legislative session in 2011. The question of concealed carry on campus has come up several times in the past, but this most recent push in several states comes in the aftermath of the 2007 Virginia Tech mass shooting that left 32 peo-

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We have a tendency to take it for granted that most calls are routine, we shouldn’t, but we do.” Capt. Phillips said. “This would make situations and calls more intense than they need to be.” Capt. Stephen Phillips LSC-Montgomery Police Department

ple dead – the deadliest such incident in U.S. history. “Yes, I think it’s a good idea. Some schools are inherently dangerous,” said Van Wright, a 27-year-old former Marine and second-year student. “If you are old enough to have a permit you should know how and when to use a gun.” But not everyone is convinced. “I don’t see the need for guns for protection [on campus],” said a male student who wished to remain anonymous. “That’s

what the police are for.” A male student who wished to be called “Lloyd” had this to say, “It would make me nervous. I mean, people need to be protected but does that really protect us? If the method of the permit holder isn’t protection, then it becomes very, very dangerous.” It isn’t just students who are concerned with the potential of legal guns on campus either; the police and administration are also against such a law. “It’s really a sticky situation,” said LSC-Montgomery Police Department Capt. Stephen Phillips, commander of the station at LSCMontgomery. “You have individuals who will not take the correct approach and allow the police to handle a crime situation. We would prefer to not see anyone hurt at all. Some permit-holders will follow the letter of the law, but not all and that makes it dangerous.”

It could create more danger for police as well. “We have a tendency to take it for granted that most calls are routine, we shouldn’t, but we do.” Capt. Phillips said. “This would make situations and calls more intense than they need to be.” LSC-Montgomery President, Austin Lane, said he was concerned that the presence of gun-carrying students on campus could be a hazard in an emergency situation. “Concealed handgun license holders don’t have the situational training of a police officer.” In an emergency situation, instead of helping, “They could endanger more lives and make the situation worse.” Applicants for a concealed weapon permit must be 21, have no felonies or serious misdemeanors, and be of “sound judgment.” Capt. Phillips said “sound judgment” is a vague standard and CHL course

instructors rarely conduct any sort of psychological evaluation. Both Capt. Phillips and President Lane stated that they would like to see more scrutiny of concealed weapon permit applicants, and periodic “checkups” on license holders to establish whether they still have the correct frame of mind to retain a concealed carry license. According to Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, a grassroots organization that advocates legislation similar to the failed bill, currently eleven universities and colleges allow concealed carry on campus. This includes nine schools in Utah (the only state that forbids its public universities from disallowing concealed carry), Colorado State University, and Blue Ridge Community College in Virginia. The bill in the Texas legislature, as written, would’ve been similar to the Utah law by not allowing public universities to disallow concealed carry.

Staff Photographers Jill Hinton Pablo Mota

The Voice Staff TheVoice@LoneStar.edu www.TheVoiceofLSCM.com Editor-in-Chief Alexandro Jimenez Associate Editor Maria A. Javaid Assistant Editor Keatin Reagan Secretary Madison Biehl

Staff Writers Kyle Kutter Shane Mends Hailey Mendiola Erica Murphey Kellie Pearson Priya Thakker Sonia Danna Advisors Jim Fredricks Dr. Tony Fuller Sara Goff Leah Moody Jan Snyder Affirmative Action/EEO College

Photo by Sonia Danna

The 15th Anniversary Celebration of Lone Star College-Montgomery started off with a bang as the new Mascot, the Maverick, was revealed. Not only was the college celebrating its 15th Anniversary, but also its highest enrollment yet with over 12,500 students. LSCMontgomery’s celebration gathered multiple clubs, students and faculty to partake in the day’s events. Suggestions for the name of the Maverick were being welcomed via a poll which will carry out to the campus for more students and faculty to voice their opinion. Hopefully by early November the name for the new mascot will be decided, according to Steve Scheffler, Dean of College Relations. Many feel like the Maverick is an ambiguous mascot, but for LSC-Montgomery, he is a horse. Also in the works is a new logo incorporating our new addition to the school. To read more visit www.TheVoiceofLSCM.com. (Cutline by Madison Biehl - Staff Writer / Secretary)

October 2010, The Voice, Page 3

Page 4, The Voice, October 2010

AROUND CAMPUS

Construction still likely to interfere with campus life BY ERICA MURPHEY STAFF WRITER All normal traffic for LSCMontgomery’s west entrance was directed to the east and LSC University Center sometime between 9:00am and noon on Friday, September 17th , according to an email from campus officials. This was because the Texas Department of Transportation recently striped the area of highway 242 in front of the west entrance. Dean of College Relations for Lone Star College-Montgomery, Steve Scheffler, wrote in an e-mail that some construction interference like this is inevitable as the new Music Hall, Health Science Center, and General Academic Center are being built. It is usually temporary and limited to the actual construction areas, but when it is predictable and/or will affect school utilities students, faculty, and staff are notified. “We have worked with the construction crews to time these on the week-

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ends or evenings when fewer people are in the buildings. Also, with construction, there are times when lines may be accidentally cut. Fortunately, that has been rare during the past year with our construction, but it has happened,” Scheffler writes. One such accident occurred when crews hit a main water line on the afternoon of August 31st. Buildings B and F lacked water while it was repaired until about 8:00pm. Work has also been going on outside within earshot of the Student Lounge and Cyber Café in Building F, and it has been interfering with the academic lives of students like Michelle Sims, 19. “We’ll have to find a quieter place to study if this keeps up,” said Sims. All three buildings will be complete in December 2010 and host classes for the spring 2011 semester. More construction updates may be found at the LSC-Montgomery Construction Updates page (www.LoneStar.edu/constructionupdates.htm). Updates will also be

published on the school’s website (www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery) and on the Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Continued from Page 1

ing a book, the process would be lengthier and more complex, but in fact, it is “very simple,” said student Kyle Reddick, who opted to rent textbooks this semester. “I thought the process would be a lot more complicated than it actually was,” said Reddick. In order to qualify to rent, all you need is a credit card, valid driver’s license and an email address. Once you pay for the rented textbook in store, an email is sent to you, and you must complete it in order to rent again the following semester. A variety of books have been made available to rent this fall. Most of the options are for some of the more popular classes at LSC-Montgomery such as “The Humanistic Tradition” for Humanities, which retails for $181.75, but if you rent, the cost is only $81.79. Another option would be “The

Photo by Alexandro Jimenez

Student Michael Johnson tries to do some math homework as the loud construction for the new General Academic Center building takes place behind Building F’s patio.

American Pageant” for History which cost $163.00 new, but rents for only $73.75. Clearly, the savings are significant. Eventually Hawkins would like to have about “75 percent” of the bookstore with a rental option for textbooks which means less money spent on books and more in your pocket. Of course, all good things must come to an end, and for students who rented a book, the end will be December 20, 2010. This is the day everyone must return their rented book in order to avoid penalties. These penalties include being charged for the remaining price of the book along with a processing fee. No one wants to keep a textbook longer than they have to, so make sure to turn those rented textbooks in on time!

Major interference announcements will be sent to students’ email accounts.

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eastern corner of the garage, students interviewed for this story stated it was quicker to walk to their classes from the rear of the regular parking lots than from the upper levels of the garage. Another student, Brian White, said his biggest frustration was the traffic he encounters leaving the garage. “I tried to leave twice yesterday and the light on [State Hwy.] 242 is so short not enough cars can get through.” Unfortunately there is nothing the school can do directly about that light. According to officers, officials from the school would have to contact the Texas Department of Transportation and ask the department to make any adjustment to that light to alleviate

the congestion exiting the school. The opinions are not all negative, however. LSC-Montgomery student Ruby Gonzales uses the garage regularly and has experienced none of the problems faced by other students. Gonzales said, “It (the garage) keeps my car cool and is convenient to my first class.” Gonzales also stated that she has not experienced the traffic jam that takes place sometimes when leaving the garage. To some students the addition of the garage is an enormous relief to the stress involved in trying to find a legal, safe, and convenient parking spot. For others there are kinks that still need to be worked out and issues such as security to be addressed.

October 2010, The Voice, Page 5

STUDENT LIFE

New club hopes to break stereotypes, not bones BY KEATIN REAGAN ASSISTANT EDITOR

Photo courtesy of Ana Marie Colchado / LSC-Montgomery Student Life

LSC-Montgomery Student Activities Rodeo Club advisor James Zipperer (left) shakes hands with club founders Casey Olson (middle) and Luke Tarbutton (right) at the Fall Activities Fair. Students were able to sign-up to be part of the new club, as well as get more information on events and activities the new club had to offer.

The newest student club at LSC-Montgomery is looking for prospective cowboys and cowgirls to fill out its ranks as club members prepare to ride to victory over the competition as LSC-Montgomery’s only intercollegiate sports team. The Rodeo Club was founded at the start of this semester by Luke Tarbutton, a 26-year-old first year student from Huntsville, in the hopes of both providing a place for the various rodeo-enthusiast students and altering students’ perception of their denim-and-cowboy-hat clad peers. “We want to be shown as respectable,” Tarbutton said at the club’s first meeting. “I want to change people’s perception of country people.” Erica Perez, a prospective bull-rider who heard about the club from Tarbutton in a class

they share said, “It’s an adventure and I’m a thrill seeker. It seems exciting and fun.” Bringing more than a chance to compete, the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), the governing body to which the Rodeo Club belongs, offers numerous scholarships, ranging from $500 to $2,500. The club currently is seeking more members to provide support for the team, and will accept anyone as a member, provided he or she is willing to pay $10 in monthly dues. However, if a prospective member wants to become a full-fledged rider on the team, it requires a bit more time and money. Riders competing in one of eight events --- bull-riding, saddle and bareback bronco riding, calf and team roping, barrel racing, bull-dogging, and goat tying --- must register as members with the NIRA and pay for the official NIRA insurance, which

is $255 for one year. While initial entry fees and protective vests are paid for by LSCMontgomery, riders must provide their own transportation and equipment. Club officers say that the monthly dues and other club members can help with those costs. Prospective team members under 21 must have parental approval to join the NIRA. The team’s first practice was Sunday, Sept. 26, while the first rodeo the team attended was the Southwest Texas Junior College Rodeo in Uvalde, Texas, on Oct. 7, the first of five such rodeos this semester. Club meetings are held once a month in Building A, Room 105, though club president Tarbutton can be reached at ChristCentered1984@hotmail.com. Weekly practices are held every Sunday at Branded for Christ Cowboy Church at 2954 I-45N in Huntsville, Texas.

Fiesta Latina a huge hit BY MARIA A. JAVAID ASSOCIATE EDITOR Walking into school on Friday, September the 22nd, one might feel as if they were walking into a scene from a movie or T.V. show, but it was the biannual Fiesta Latina at Lone Star College-Montgomery. This event is what the Spanish Club and Student Life have been working on together. It is an event that many students look forward to as it has been recreated here at LSC-Montgomery for the past six years. President of Spanish Club, Daya Merida, said that Fiesta Latina is held in honor of Hispanic month, which lasts from September 15th to October

15th. It is a celebration of the Hispanic culture, the ethnic food and of course, dancing. Food at the fiesta included nachos, guacamole, an amazing tres leches cake and the night was full of dancing and music. From Hispanic music to the crowd pleasing Y.M.C.A. song, there was no room for any type of boredom. If you missed Fiesta Latina in September, don’t worry, there will be another fiesta in the Spring semester. If anyone is interested in joining Spanish Club, they meet every Wednesday from 2:00-3:00 pm in T112C, or contact Professor Andrea Bacorn for more information at the e-mail address of Andrea.W.Bacorn@LoneStar.edu.

Photo by Jill Hinton

Fiesta Latina was a complete success as everyone in attendance enjoyed dancing the night away as the DJ played popular Latin music and the crowd pleasing Y.M.C.A. song.

Page 6, The Voice, October 2010

STUDENT LIFE

Campus Club practices their 2nd amendment rights BY KEATIN REAGAN ASSISTANT EDITOR One of the largest clubs on campus spent a recent Friday evening enjoying some “Fun n’ Gun” at the Shooter’s Station on Highway 105. The Second Amendment Academy boast around 20 members in the Montgomery County shooting range at any one time between 5 and 8 PM, taking turns sharpening their aim with handguns. This is the semester’s first event for the Second Amendment Academy (SAA), a student organization that advocates gun rights and promotes firearms use and safety education. Yet according to Accounting Professor and SAA Advisor Richard Hunting, the group is not as stern as that description might make them seem. “We like to have fun,” Hunting said at the shooting event on Friday. “When people are introduced to the shooting

Photo by Alexandro Jimmenez

Shooting her own Springfield XD 9mm pistol, Kaity Beauregard shoots more than $60 worth of rounds. Beauregard allowed other 2nd Amendment Club members practice their aim with her gun even though, as she mentioned, “it’s not a cheap sport!”

Bill Edwards (middle) takes advise from the 2nd Amendment Club Advisors, Richard Hunting (left) and James Zipperer (right) as they give tips on how to aim better, and how to hold a gun properly.

sports they tend to fall in love with them.” The Second Amendment Academy, which according to Hunting has as many as 250

current LSC-Montgomery students and over 600 members connected via email, is not careless with their members’ well-being. “We take safety

Photo by Pablo Mota

Letter from the editor … BY ALEXANDRO JIMENEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Just like our campus has gone through major construction, The Voice has done the same. We launched our online site, www.TheVoiceofLSCM.com, back in the Fall 2009 semester. Now with more than 1,000 impressions daily, and almost 200 subscribers to The Voice updates, it was time to get the printers going, and launch this October issue. The Voice is not only a newspaper club on campus, it’s a way for all the students to make their voice heard! We have received emails about the issues students have on

campus, and also student successes. The Voice is your voice, so if you have a news tip, or an opinion you would like to share, send us an email at TheVoice@LoneStar.edu. If you would like to have your name printed on the staff list, you are in luck. We are always looking for new staff members, those interested in journalism, photography, writing, reporting, cartooning, advertising, and pretty much anything, are always welcome to join with or without experience. Visit: Join.TheVoiceofLSCM.com to get more information. We also give out scholarships to those that contribute the most, so don’t miss this amazing opportunity!

incredibly seriously,” Hunting said at the shooting range. Turning to his young niece and nephew sitting next to him, he continued, “They wouldn’t be here if I didn’t feel they were safe.” Newly elected club president, Kaity Beauregard, is a believer in the message the Academy wants to deliver to the student body. “I like educating people both about their rights and privileges under the Second Amendment and about gun safety.” She also had an additional message to her fellow female gun enthusiasts. “Here, everyone is equal, men and women. It’s the perfect self-defense weapon for a woman,” she said while demonstrating her proficiency with her Springfield XD handgun. “Women on average have excellent hand-eye coordination and anyone can use one if they’re shown how. Strength is

irrelevant.” The event at Shooter’s Station was not the last this semester for the Second Amendment Academy. The club had a shotgun shoot on Oct. 9 at the Conroe Shooter Station at 11400 FM 2854 in Conroe. A rifle shoot is also planned for later in the semester at the same location. While the club has no meetings currently scheduled, monthly meetings are scheduled to begin at some point this semester. Both Hunting and Beauregard recommend that interested students email Hunting at Richard.Hunting@LoneStar.e du in order to get on the SAA’s mailing list in order to be informed of club events. The SAA also has a Facebook page under “2nd Amendment Academy”: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9510 934205.

October 2010, The Voice, Page 7

STUDENT LIFE There’s a new Legal Society on campus

LSC-Montgomery 15th anniversary party

BY SONIA DANNA STAFF WRITER “Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.” This famous quote by one of the most influential founding fathers, John Adams, summarizes the purpose of the new Student Legal Society Club. The club will provide a great opportunity for those seeking a career in law or for anyone with an interest in law. Founding member and president Bill Edwards was inspired to create The Student Legal Society Club, whose mission statement is “to provide a network of information, tools and resources to accelerate future careers within the legal profession, while providing a forum for discussion of legal, social, and political issues, and assistance in the development of professional skills.” Members will take part in debates regarding topics such as gun control, local policing and current legal issues. Guest speakers will include lawyers, judges, political figures, notable professors, government service workers, such as FBI and professionals in special areas of interest. Backer Botts, a recent graduate of UT Law School, spoke to the club on September 22, 2010 about a variety of tax law issues. Mr. Wade Shol, current government professor and also the advisor for the Student Legal Society Club, will speak on November 16, 2010, in Building B, Room 102 at 7:00 p.m. Shol became involved as an advisor to help broaden the organization’s platform by “helping students to better understand their legal rights.” Students that want to be part of the Student Legal Society Club must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and be enrolled in at least one credit course this semester. Meetings take place in Building A, Room 230 on the last Wednesday of the month from 2-3 p.m.

Photo by LaNae Ridgwell / LSC-Montgomery College Relations

Page 8, The Voice, October 2010

ACADEMIA

From foster care to ivy league Former student receives full scholarship BY LAUREN MADDOX LSC-MONTGOMERY COLLEGE RELATIONS Moving forward from spending her vital teenage years under foster care wasn’t something that came easily for Crystal Lovelady, a recent graduate of Lone Star College-Montgomery. But after shrugging off the past, reclaiming her future, and making the most of her two years at LSC-Montgomery, Lovelady is now on her way to a lifetime of success. “I’ve had numerous setbacks both in my personal and educational life, but I’ve resolved to live my life as a testament to perseverance,” said Lovelady. “It really is never too late to start over and move forward.” After graduating from LSCMontgomery this May with her associate’s degree, Lovelady is ‘moving forward’ this fall at Columbia University with the assistance of a full academic scholarship. Lovelady is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern studies. “At LSC-Montgomery, I had professors who encouraged me, guided me, and really asked ‘what’s the worst that can happen in applying?’” said Lovelady. “I thought I’d get an apologetic ‘no’ letter, but I ended up receiving a personal phone call with my acceptance offer, which included the scholarship.” Nominated to the Program for Academic Leadership and Service (PALS), a group deemed worthy for only five new Columbia students this academic year, Lovelady received a tuition scholarship funded by the Juan Jacobo de Lara and Jonne Low de Lara Foundation. “A degree from Columbia is very costly, and without the scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to attend,” said Lovelady. “The only family mem-

Photo courtesy Crystal Lovelady

After graduating this May from Lone Star College-Montgomery, Crystal Lovelady recently began her first semester at Columbia University with the assistance of a full academic scholarship. ber I am close to is my grandmother, and while she wants me to succeed, she couldn’t afford to help with tuition.” In addition to academics, Lovelady will complete 30 hours of leadership and service per year for the PALS program, mentoring with Columbia Community Outreach and No Limits, a conference for high school students focused on overcoming hardship to receive a quality education. While initially awe-struck by the beauty of the campus, Lovelady is now settled in to her new life in New York City. She works hard every single day, sometimes spending up to six hours each evening on homework. “At LSC-Montgomery, I learned about dedication, and I knew from the start of the semester that I would have no time to watch television, go out into the city, or see my friends,” said Lovelady. “It’s

not easy to do well at Columbia, but I have goals to reach. I can experience New York City later—when I don’t have midterms approaching.” Aiming High in Higher Education Lovelady learned the importance of education while living in the foster care system in Alabama. Due to frequent relocation, she attended five different high schools in just two years. “My parents were just not financially and personally responsible enough to care for me,” said Lovelady. “When I was 17, my grandmother received custody of me. Being in a more stable environment with her in Georgia, helped me complete my GED, find a full-time job, and start taking college courses at a local community college.” In 2006, after prompting from a family member, Lovelady moved to Texas with the sole goal of attending LSC-Montgomery. Her aunt, Nina Bergeron, a former LSC-Montgomery student, felt the campus would offer Lovelady a better college experience. “Going to LSC-Montgomery was the best decision I’ve ever made,” said Lovelady. “In addition to the educational guidance I received, I met so many incredible Texans! I truly learned about kindness and giving while at the campus.” From day one, Lovelady set high educational goals and became very involved on campus. “Without much of a secondary education, I knew that if I was ever going to be successful in higher education, I would need to be involved and take leadership roles at LSC-Montgomery,” said Lovelady. “So I did.” While at LSC-Montgomery, Lovelady served as an officer for Beta Delta Iota, the college’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She received three awards during her service including induction into the Hallmark of Honor in Texas. She

also served as president of the Environmentally Conscious Organization of Students and was recognized as an Outstanding Student Leader. Outside of club activities, she participated in the National Model United Nations conference, where her group was awarded the second highest honor of Distinguished Delegation. “I did struggle with some classes, especially math, since my high school experience didn’t prepare me well for college math, but I had incredible professors help me,” said Lovelady. “I also received a billion opportunities to get involved on campus, so the extra time in remedial math courses was still incredibly rewarding.” Setting Her Sites on Service Opening up about her past as a foster child has been “therapeutic” for Lovelady, who just in the past year has begun sharing her story publically. “I was nervous to do that, but there was a woman that heard my first speech who told me I had inspired her to look into becoming a foster parent for other teenagers,” said Lovelady. “That alone makes sharing my story worth it.” Looking to her future, Lovelady is excited about the opportunities to come and because of where she now stands, feels strongly compelled to give back to others. “I don’t want to be a politician; I don’t want to be a successful business woman,” said Lovelady. “I want to serve the world, always learning and experiencing new things as I go.” Ultimately, Lovelady plans to pursue a graduate degree in international relations. “Five years ago, I couldn’t see my life past age 18,” she added. “But now that I’ve had years of rewarding college and employment experience, I refuse to be defined as another student that ‘could’ve been.’”

October 2010, The Voice, Page 9

OPINION

Diving into the college experience BY KELLIE PEARSON STAFF WRITER Transitioning from high school to college can be a nerve wrecking and stressful experience, and while it is difficult for some, it is easier for others. There are so many differences, both academically and socially, to adjust to, but attending a community college like Lone Star CollegeMontgomery can make the transition a lot smoother than jumping

right in to a four- year university and allows students to work part time in the process. The obvious differences between high school and college are having more personal freedom, professors rather than teachers, a more difficult level of tests, and fewer grades, therefore making each individual grade a lot more significant to the impact of your final grade in the class. Although most of us still

live at home, we nonetheless have a lot more freedom and responsibilities than we did in high school; we are in charge of managing our own time rather than having our time structured by others, and on the financial side some of us are learning how to manage our own budget. Compared to high school teachers, college professors don’t always go by the textbook, check your homework, remind you when

your test is or what day your paper is due. Just as freshman Apryl Johnson, a graduate of Montgomery High School, said, “Professors expect a lot more out of you and don’t offer as much help, so you have to take the initiative to go to them if you do not understand something.” Evidently, college is voluntary, not mandatory, therefore it is up to you whether you attend your classes or not; the principal or attendance lady isn’t going to come chase you down if you skipped your history class last Friday. Compared to universities, however, LSCMontgomery is a lot more laid back in that the classes are smaller, allowing the professors to get to know their students better. “I find the classroom atmosphere to actually be a nice mix of high school and college, which has been a helpful stepping stone preparing me for classes when I transfer to a four-year university, as well as making the transition from high school easy,” said Kristen Van Der Dyse, a 2010 graduate of The Woodlands High School. “I was nervous leaving high school, but my first week was surprisingly easy and not stressful at all. I liked my professors and I think they gave us a week or so to adjust before making our work really difficult. I am real-

ly glad that I made the decision to go to LSCMontgomery to get some of my core classes done rather than paying to take the exact same classes at a private university. I'm very happy with my Lone Star experience so far.” While attending a community college like LSC-Montgomery, students are here to go to class, get their credits, and go home or to work or attend to their families. LSC-Montgomery is not a social scene where people go to school to have fun and make friends, but rather a learning environment for education-focused students with usually very busy schedules. That in itself is a huge difference from high school, and according to some students it also makes getting to know new people a little more difficult. On the bright side, who is dating who, who did what last weekend, who did what to who and now they hate each other are all questions no longer of importance. No more high school drama! You are not defined by what your age is or what grade you are in, who your friends are, what sport team or club you are involved in, or who you are dating. You are simply defined by who you are. No one cares about your personal business; you are

lucky to even know the kid’s name who sits across the room from you. At this point, with more than a month of college under our belt, it is safe to say that we know our way around campus without getting lost with that confused look on our face while trying to play it off and act like we know what we are doing. We finally discovered the gigantic parking garage after obliviously driving around the packed parking lot for half an hour trying to race everyone to steal the next available spot. We survived our first round of college tests, got to know how our professors grade, their likes and dislikes and how to get on their good side (hopefully). We have already gone through all the heart-breaking goodbyes as our closest friends we have grown up with and gone to school with for so many years move away and we all start our own separate lives. And of course, although I pray not because it really just stinks, you have suffered through the aftermath of that awful break up with your high school sweetheart since you both are not ready for the commitment of a long distance relationship, or perhaps over the summer, he just turned out to be a real jerk. So, now that we have See COLLEGE, Page 10

Page 10, The Voice, October 2010

ACADEMIA

LSC-Montgomery welcomes new faculty members BY LAUREN MADDOX LSC-MONTGOMERY COLLEGE RELATIONS Lone Star CollegeMontgomery is pleased to start the fall 2010 semester with the addition of four new full-time faculty members. Kate Dinwiddie, professor of mathematics; Frank Granack, professor of economics; Kathleen Lacoste, professor of nursing, and Joseph Trackey, professor of biology, join 145 full-time faculty members currently educating more than 12,500 students this fall. “As our student base grows, we’re fortunate to have topquality faculty members join our team full-time to serve the needs of our students,” said Dr. Austin A. Lane, president of LSC-Montgomery. “We welcome them to campus and are very proud to have them among our other well-rounded, devoted instructors.” Serving as professor of mathematics is Kate Dinwiddie, who recently moved to Texas after teaching at the University of New Orleans for eight years. Her roles at LSC-Montgomery include teaching developmental math courses, as well as instructing students in the Extended Learning Center, which offers tutoring and

■ College

Photo courtesy LSC-Montgomery College Relations

Four new full-time faculty members joined Lone Star CollegeMontgomery this fall. Pictured left to right are Kate Dinwiddie, professor of mathematics; Joseph Trackey, professor of biology, and Kathleen Lacoste, professor of nursing. Frank Granack, professor of economics, is not pictured. resources for students in a variety of subject areas. “I want all of my students to be successful in math and gain not only competence in the material, but also confidence in themselves,” said Dinwiddie. “Regardless of past experiences, I expect that any student who makes it to college has enough ability with which I can work to get them through their math class successfully.” Dinwiddie holds a master’s

degree in mathematics from the University of New Orleans and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and biology from Cabrini College in Radnor, Pa. Frank Granack, professor of economics, has more than 20 years of experience in the field of economics, working as a mortgage banker, broker, and a manager of a large coffee/vending facility with sales over $1 million per branch. He has served as an adjunct professor at LSC-

Montgomery since 2008, joining the campus “because of the outstanding personnel and the vision for the future that the entire Lone Star College System has.” “I hope my students will make the connection between the classroom and the outside world, incorporating the principles of economics into their everyday lives,” said Granack. Granack received a master’s degree in economics from North Carolina State University and a double bachelor’s degree in economics and psychology from Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C. Serving as professor for the associate degree nursing program is Kathleen Lacoste. For the past 32 years, Lacoste, a registered nurse, has worked in a variety of specialties within the medical field including medical/surgical, long-term care, and adult, pediatric, and neo-natal home health care. “I hope in bringing my nursing experience to the classroom that I will enhance student learning with real-life case scenarios,” said Lacoste. “I also hope to expand my students’ knowledge, perceptions, and skills in the care of the geriatric population, as in my opinion, this client group is

rapidly growing and will be a primary focus of health care as the country moves toward reform.” Lacoste recently completed her master’s degree in nursing education from Excelsior College in Albany, N.Y. She joins LSC-Montgomery after teaching as a continuing education health occupations faculty member at Lone Star College-Kingwood. Joseph Trackey, professor of biology, holds more than 12 years of experience in the science field. He brings to the classroom a passion for biology and a desire for all students to be successful. “My hope is that students will reach their goals, but once at that point, push beyond to higher expectations or new goals,” said Trackey. “I hope to create an environment where students don’t simply take information second- or thirdhand, but experience it firsthand whenever possible.” Trackey received his master’s degree in psychology/neuroscience from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Conn., and his bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY Plattsburgh in Plattsburgh, N.Y. He has served as an adjunct professor at LSC-Montgomery since 2005.

endar or schedule book to write down when assignments are due and when test dates are, getting enough sleep and eating well, and doing a little homework each night rather than procrastinating until the

night before. All in all, it will just take time, and sooner or later, we will all have this college thing down and it will be something we look back on and laugh at in the future.

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all that behind us, everything from here on should be easy, right? According to sophomore Matthew Young, a transfer student from Blinn Community College in College

Station and graduate of Conroe High School, although your first semester of college is generally the hardest in adjusting to everything, your freshman classes are easy compared to what is to come.

“Learn to study early on so you won’t be making up for slacking off later in the future,” Matt said. Some other tips for first-year college students from College Board are staying organized by buying a cal-

October 2010, The Voice, Page 11

FALL’S

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Fashionable BY HAILEY MENDIOLA STAFF WRITER

Fall into Color: This fall you can count on seeing a ton of reds and camel-colored material. Red is also making its way back into make up bags, so purchasing a red shade for those lips would be wise. Vintage nail shades are a great way to tie in this season’s hottest looks as well. Military in The City: A uniformed and casual military inspired wardrobe has been unleashed this fall. Camouflage won’t just be seen on hunter’s this fall. Fitted Coats: Fitted coats are essential for showing off those natural curves while being wrapped up during the chilly months. Pea coats are adorable and fit well on a woman’s body. Leather jackets are also great and give your outfit a bold look while being able to transition into the nightlife. Pretty in Lace: Lace has transitioned out of the bedroom and onto the streets. Ladies, if you choose lace over leather then your in luck. Lace is a big hit this fall for creating either a precious or risqué ensemble. Knee High: Boots are a fall favorite and are making their way back this season only higher and fluffier. Knee high socks are new and improved making that school girl look even hotter.

Top: Fitted coats are essential for showing off those natural curves while being wrapped up during the chilly months. Left: Knee high boots are a fall favorite and are making their way back this season only higher and fluffier. File photos

‘When No One Is Watching’ for fans of mysteries BY ERICA MURPHEY STAFF WRITER Joseph Hayes’s thriller,When No One Is Watching, is a novel which may make some people think twice about their actions after reading. Blair Van Howe, the main character, is a successful young attorney who dreams of going into the political world. He’s popular and his friends and family have all kinds of connections. It seems as though nothing can go wrong until he acci-

dentally kills a father of two while driving his drunken best friend, Danny Moran, home. Van Howe is terrified that his career will be ruined, so he flees the crime scene after making an anonymous call to 911 and then pins the crime on his friend. Due to Moran’s alcoholism and the lack of witnesses, except for a little girl with Down’s syndrome, the public has no reason to believe anyone else could have been

responsible. Only Detective Victor Slazak refuses to accept this and doggedly seeks out the real culprit. The two men go down massively different paths after quite some time. Van Howe climbs the political ladder while Moran is disbarred and loses his wife. His daughter and slow path to sobriety are the only good things in his life. Those who enjoy the mystery/thriller genre may enjoy

this book as it makes the reader ponder if it is wrong to tell a single lie in order to make things better for yourself. Although some might see the main character’s actions as unjust and cruel, the reader cannot help wondering if he or she would not have also set up an innocent loved one in a moment of panic if they were in that situation. According to his official website, Joseph Hayes currently lives in The Woodlands, Texas, and he practiced law in

Houston, Chicago, and San Diego after graduating from UC Berkeley. When No One Is Watching is his debut fictional novel and he plans to publish another called Consequential Damages in 2011. A book release reception is scheduled to be on October 23, 2010 from 4-6 p.m. at Crescent Moon Wine Bar on 440 Rayford Rd Spring, TX. The book may also be ordered on Joseph Hayes official website at www.Joseph-Hayes.com/buy/.

Page 12, The Voice, October 2010