News
theTrinitonian SEPT.7.2012
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Strategic planning committee releases blueprint for Trinity’s future The recently released strategic plan, although in the beginning stages, proposes many changes in the Trinity community by Faith Ozer NEWS REPORTER On Sept. 3, the Trinity Tomorrow co-chairs released a draft of the Trinity Tomorrow strategic plan to the university community. The plan looks at enhancing the Trinity experience by changing the Trinity brand and preparing the university and its community for the future. One of the primary focuses of the plan is preparing students for their lives once they graduate from Trinity. “We recognize our responsibility to you to help you after Trinity as well as while you’re a student here. Alumni can be a great resource in terms of networking, actual employment opportunities and also advice. I think it’s really helpful to talk to somebody who is doing something that you
want to do,” said Michael Fischer, vice president for faculty and student affairs. “The idea is that the education that you get here can be enriched by trying it out, practicing it and applying it to situations. It helps your education and better prepares you for life after Trinity. We don’t see it as a choice between you preparing for your future or getting your education. We are trying to make both reinforce each other.” Along with the use of alumni and other ways of enhancing career preparation at the university, the strategic plan also proposes ways of easily making students more globally minded. “The biggest and most dramatic change is that we will start a transition where we move from a primarily vendorled study abroad program to a program in which Trinity faculty take students abroad for an extended length of time. We’re modeling that on some really successful summer programs that we have like the Trinity in Madrid program that’s been going for the last seven summers and a new summer program that we launched in Shanghai that we just started this year,” said Lisa Jasinski, special projects coordinator. “It means that students get to go with a group of other Trinity students and go with a faculty member, so when you lead up to the trip and when
you return there is a greater sense of continuity and a cohort mentality. It’s a different way to make internationalization a real part of your Trinity experience as opposed to something you did by yourself for a semester or a year.”
“The biggest and most dramatic change is that we will start a transition where we move from a primarily vendorled study abroad program to a program in which Trinity faculty take students abroad for an extended length of time.” Lisa Jasinski
Special Projects Coordinator
Parallel to the strategic plan, the recently proposed
curriculum changes may also reinforce the ideas of an interdisciplinary education. Depending on the edits which will be in process until the final presentation to the Board of Trustees in February, the strategic plan will also include a new center for students to address their needs. The Center for Engaged and Experiential Learning will aid students in combining their classroom education with things such as study abroad, volunteer work, leadership training, internships and work experience. This center highlights the main concerns addressed in the strategic plan: making a Trinity education more personal and cohesive with the rest of life. “I think that some research shows that students do succeed in college if and when they make a personal connection with their professors. That’s something that we [Trinity] can do because of our small classes, because our faculty are committed to teaching as well as research. One example would be these reflection workshops modeled off of similar programs of Harvard and Stanford, and the idea is for faculty and staff team to meet with students and talk with them about larger questions. What they feel they’ve accomplished, what they want to accomplish, just broader concerns that faculty and staff would raise with students and
put in perspective what they are doing. We want to make sure that our administrative and staff structure supports the education we want our students to have,” Fischer said. These improvements also act as incentives for prospective students to consider a Trinity education. Making the university unique and continuing to push the definition of a liberal arts university is a big way in which the plan highlights the benefits and prestige that accompany attending Trinity. “[Connecting faculty and students personally] is something that we can do that many other places don’t have the option of doing. I think that at a place like UT, because of their size, it wouldn’t be reasonable. As students think about Trinity as a place they may want to go to college, that is something they will very quickly see. They know that if they come to Trinity they will get that personal attention. They are not a number in a book. This is a place where the faculty are extremely dedicated. We have a very committed staff, and we are here to support that. We are here. I think we can go down the hill and make something like that happen,” Jasinski said. The plan has been presented to the Association of Student Representatives for discussion and will continue to be revised until the initial implementation next fall.
4 News Keck grant provides new technology for science classes theTrinitonian SEPT.7.2012
W.M. Keck Foundation and professors bring innovation to the sciences with state of the art microscopes by Faith Ozer
NEWS REPORTER
The W.M. Keck Foundation and Trinity University have gathered $280,000 and are purchasing three new microscopes that will be available to students and faculty involved in scientific research and a broad range of science-related curriculum. “This grant is educational and researched focused. It will be used in research but also in classes around campus in the science department. [The Keck Grant] was 100
percent monetary. We went out microscope shopping essentially,” said Jennifer Steele, associate professor of physics and astronomy. “Dr. Bushey and I started working on the idea together. The two main pieces are the Scanning Electron Microscope and then something called an Atomic Force Microscope. We have one on campus already, but it’s a lower class one, so we are going to give that microscope an upgrade and then we are going to get a whole new one. We are hoping to use it to image some of the structures that students make in research and classes.” Along with Steele and the physics department, other departments are also involved in the use of the new microscopes. “I’m really excited about it. I’m interested in this as part of my activities with chemistry and art, and we ran into issues with some of the things we were looking at in several
projects that would have been enhanced with being able to use
“I’m really excited about it. I’m interested in this as part of my activities with chemistry and art, and we ran into issues with some of the things we were looking at in several projects that would have been enhanced with being able to use an S.E.M.” Michelle Bushey
Professor of Chemistry
an S.E.M. [Scanning Electron Microscope],” said Michelle Bushey, chemistry professor. “We have materials from the Alamo that we can look at, and now we will be able to hopefully identify the particular pigments that were used in the frescas, and then we can expand the use to other projects as well.” This equipment will be used in many different areas of the university and be widely available to undergraduates, graduates and research students. “We do have some nonscience classes that will be using it as well. The main thing is just getting cutting edge technology that our students can get their hands on before they go to graduate school or wherever else they are going to go. These are state of the art instruments that are very ubiquitous in the sciences. These are very standard instruments that are not often found at
undergraduate institutions because they are very expensive, so it’s nice to be able to give our students the opportunity to use this equipment,” Steele said.
“It’s nice to be able to give our students the opportunity to use this equipment.” Jennifer Steele
Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy Both the Scanning Electron Microscope and the Atomic Force Microscope should arrive by the end of this year. Once the equipment is assembled, and the faculty are acclimated and trained with it, it is anticipated to be available for student research in the summer of 2013.
5 News Greek clubs taking opportunity to return to campus life theTrinitonian SEPT.7.2012
• continued from Page 1 seats at the programs. They are also permitted to take part in service events as a group but are not allowed to participate in rush or wear their respective Greek letters on campus. The Plan According to Fischer, the aforementioned template was provided to each of the organizations and will be the basis of the groups’ proposals. Within each proposal, there will be changes and enhancements made by and for each individual organization. “Throughout the plan we hope they are able to identify varying components of their organization that they can improve upon,” Thompson said. “A lot of it is focusing inward, but a lot of it should also focus externally toward their organization. This institution has the reputation it does because of its students, and if they are forgetting that piece when they are wearing their Greek letters, then that is a disservice to everyone.” According to Thompson and Fischer, there is no set time period in which the templates must be edited, nor is there a limit on the number of times the organizations can reapply for active standing. Although it has been a challenging process thus far, the administration, many of whom have ties to Trinity’s Greek organizations, hope the process will yield positive experiences similar to their own. “Jamie [a 2005 alumna] and I can both sit here and tell you amazing stories from our orientation periods and the fact that it did mean a lot to us. However, we both want to see the students have the positive experiences and not the negative experiences,” said McGlamory, a member of the class of 2010 and former member of the sorority Phi Delta Kappa. “Being a recent graduate, if I step back from my position as Greek life coordinator, it’s weird to not see all the colors represented. In that way I do think that our community is missing parts, so I look forward to the successful reinstatement of the organizations.”
Alumni Involvement According to administrators, following the organizations’ initial reprimand last March, university relations with Greek alumni were tense. “As you would expect, when the Greek organizations were sanctioned, we had a number of alumni who reached out to express concern,” said Kathy McNeill, senior director of annual giving programs. “Some indicated that they would no longer support the university because they were upset with the initial Greek decision, while others pledged their continued support because of the university’s priority for student safety.” In the annual giving report, Greek versus non-affiliated alumni donors are not distinguished between one another so a definite number cannot be determined, but McNeill says she does not recall an alumnus removing funding. Now, members of CCI and Fischer are working on strengthening communication between the organizations and the university through the use of alumni. “At the time we are working with the four suspended organizations, we are also working with a large group of Greek alumni on recommendations on Greek life in general at Trinity and with an eye toward strengthening the sustainability of all of the organizations for the future, and alumni are involved in that,” Thompson said. Attempts to contact the student liaisons for each group were made. The groups either did not respond or chose not to interview. The SPURS liaison deferred to their alumni advisor, Mary Japhet. “I think that is a really positive thing that is coming out of this whole process: that alumni are thoroughly engaged in seeing that their clubs succeed on campus. It’s something that we are all committed to,” Japhet said. “We have given a lot of energy and time to it, and we will continue to do so during the process, and it’s because we want what’s best for the students who are at Trinity right now and what we want for our sororities moving forward. ” Members of the administration
also stressed the importance of alumni within the community. “I think it’s one of the things that I’ve seen in my 30 or so years in higher education: the importance of networking, where you have a 20-year-old fraternity brother interact with a 70-yearold fraternity brother, and that’s a powerful connection,” said Dennis Ahlburg, president of the university. “Having observed that interaction while I was in Colorado, it’s clear that it can be a very powerful positive force, not only for the individuals, but for the institution.” Along with alumni, Greek Council is also involving themselves in the process of the organizations’ possible return. “We have been changing standards from what they were, but we are also modifying the recruitment process,” said Moira Allen, women’s Greek Council cochair and member of the sorority Alpha Chi Lambda. “We are really in the beginning stages right now, so we haven’t really been able to see any real change, but I wouldn’t say it’s for the better or for the worse.” Allen’s men’s Greek Council counterpart, CJ Robison, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, voiced some concern over the possible changes to these particular organizations, but is still anticipating their possible return. “I believe that it would be okay for them to come back depending on how they’ve improved and progressed forward from what has happened thus far,” Robison said. “I think there really does need to be a visual improvement or change within the organizations that reapply before we can consider taking them back on. However, I think their return will give great benefits to the rest of our Greek community, and it definitely will be nice to have a lot of guys back that we’ve missed.” Looking to the Future The administration is hopeful that the potential proposals will
bring about a permanent positive change in the university culture. “The message is that sororities and fraternities are an incredibly important part of the university today, they were an incredibly important part of the university in the past and they will be an incredibly important part in the future,” Ahlburg said. “The enormous contributions they can make and what we want to do is set the current members up to be as successful as possible in both their roles as students and members of Trinity and as members of their sorority or fraternity, and their choir or soccer team or drama team or whatever. Students are not one dimensional. We don’t see them as a sorority member or a fraternity member or a football player. They are students, and that role is highly complex … That’s what’s so great about the university. It is such a wonderfully complex place, and there are enormous overlaps. You can’t stereotype students at Trinity.” Despite this positive outlook, Ahlburg reaffirmed the university’s commitment to a no-tolerance policy for hazing activities for all organizations, not just Greek groups. “If anybody hazes, then they are in deep trouble. For me, I’ve made it so clear that I have no tolerance for anything that endangers a person or demeans a person. In an environment where there is hazing, people cannot contribute. You have to think about the mentality of the people who haze…It’s really the idea of breaking someone down and trying to undermine their self confidence and self worth,” Ahlburg said, noting previous university efforts to prevent hazing, including bringing in speakers and abiding by state and federal laws. When asked why the university considered a reinstatement plan and possible shortening of suspensions, Ahlburg points to the nature of the university as an educational institution. “There are a couple of things
going on. One of them is that when you violate laws or you violate regulations, there has to be some consequence. That was the suspensions, so we could have just left it there, but there is no learning that goes on there. It’s like ‘you broke the law, now we put you in jail,’” Ahlburg said. “My wife works in restorative justice and mediation, so there is a point that you can have a better outcome if you can get people to recognize what they’ve done and, in some way, restore the damage that’s been done.” Although emphasizing the university’s understanding, Ahlburg referenced his time at the University of Colorado Boulder and noted that student safety remains the top priority. “[Hazing] is one of the pressures that you all experience every day and you have to figure out how to deal with it,” Ahlburg said. “It’s all about taking responsibility for your actions and not doing stuff that puts you or your friends at risk. As you know I have been at other places that there have been fatalities … and I don’t want that to happen [at Trinity].” Finally, Ahlburg attempted to put to rest claims that he or the administration wishes to eradicate Greek life from campus. “There is absolutely no way that I have a plan to get rid of them. That would be just crazy, but some people love conspiracy theories,” Ahlburg said. “My understanding is that the discussions with the students are going incredibly well, and that to me is a great outcome. There are a lot of pressures [on students], and sometimes it’s really hard to keep everything balanced and in perspective. We understand that people make mistakes, but what we have to do is, when student safety is an issue, we have to be very firm on that, and that’s what we were on this case. We do really want people to have an opportunity to learn from mistakes and learn for their future, and that’s what this is all about.”
FRATERNITY/SORORITY REINSTATEMENT PLAN
Purpose: This document is to be future-oriented and guide the organization in looking ahead. The reinstatement plan will effectively establish minimum standards for the successful re-introduction of the organization to campus life. The plan should address and reflect the four pillars of fraternity and sorority life. The organization should commit to achieving Standards of Excellence every year and address how they plan to do this. The sections below are merely a guide to items the organization may wish to include. Note: Student members should be the primary authors of the plan while alumni fill a support role.
LEADERSHIP • • • •
Clear and concise governing documents Organizational structure, including alumni involvement Ongoing member development Campus engagement, involvement, and leadership
CAMARADERIE (BROTHERHOOD/SISTERHOOD) • • • • •
Fellowship and social components, both internal and external to the organization Orientation/New Member Education Program Judicial/standards boards Role of alumni in organization Recruitment
SERVICE •
Community service
•
Philanthropy (fundraising) – connected to lasting relationship with local organization
o Regular/recurring on a weekly/monthly basis o Annual, large-scale event in partnership with a local organization (continuous, longterm relationship)
SCHOLARSHIP •
Internal checks and balances to ensure scholastic achievement/improvement is a priority for members and the organization
document provided by Campus and Community Involvment This document, created by university officials and distributed to each of the four sanctioned Greek organizations, outlines the requirements the organizations will have to meet in order to return to campus. Beginning Dec. 31, clubs can submit their proposals, and, depending on the amount of time it takes the administration to review the proposals, approved clubs could be back on campus by spring of 2013.
Pulse
TU Masterpieces Trinity’s artwork collection encourages awareness of the importance of art in students’ lives Page 10
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Rob Huesca takes academic leave to Benin, Africa Professor of communication travels to Africa to learn French, teach video and multimedia by Lauren Wilks CAMPUS PULSE REPORTER Trinity students often take advantage of study abroad opportunities, and the desire to learn a language is a leading factor in the selection of the country. Spain has topped the list for the country most TU students have studied in since 2004, and other western European countries are also fairly popular with students. This fact is troublesome to Robert Huesca of the international studies department, who is known for chiding his students about selecting countries to study abroad where they will probably travel as postgraduates. So when his opportunity to take administrative leave for a year came up, he had a choice to make. He knew that he wanted to finally perfect his French, and the obvious choice for someone wanting to live and work in a French-speaking country for six months is France. Given that Huesca is consistently telling students not to squander study abroad opportunities on places in their comfort zones, he realized that he could not pick the obvious choice. “I figured I’d have no credibility if I didn’t follow my own advice, so I searched for programs where I could study French in Africa. It is definitely a huge challenge, much more so than hanging out in French bistros eating great food and drinking even better wine,”
said Huesca, professor of communication and director of international programs. Huesca sold his house and packed everything away in pursuit of the perfection of his French in Benin, a country in West Africa. The country is rife with lively culture, and is the world’s center of vodun, or voodoo, as it is commonly known. “About half of the people I talked to thought I was nuts for doing what I’m doing,” Huesca said. To some students, the move is not uncharacteristic of their understanding of Huesca. “Dr. Huesca has an eccentric and intriguing thought process. Moving to Africa to learn French is a bizarre thing to do, but if anyone was to do it, it would be Dr. Huesca,” said Matt Prendergast, a senior and former student of Huesca’s.
Huesca’s colleagues are not only intrigued, like students, but also impressed. William Christ, professor of communication observes that Huesca has definitely gone beyond the expected by traveling to Africa for his leave.
“I am very impressed with Dr. Huesca’s decision. He could’ve gone to France to learn French, but instead followed the advice he gives his study abroad students — ‘stretch yourself, violate your comfort zone,’” Christ said. Huesca says he understands why people have difficulty understanding such an unusual and bold decision. “Most people my age— 53—are not usually up for a six month plunge into a new language and culture half a world away. I think they have a hard time relating to this sort of adventure,” Huesca said. Moving to a place completely unlike home and outside of one’s comfort zone is a challenge for most, and daunting to the majority of people who consider it, but the experience can be extremely rewarding given the chance. Huesca recommends to students who are trying to decide where to study abroad to carefully consider wants and goals. “Think carefully about your objectives—what is it that you want to get out of studying abroad? Then find a program that seems like a good match. Just because someone had a great experience in London, Paris,
Buenos Aires or fill-in-the-blank, doesn’t mean that’s the right choice for you,” Huesca said. Beyond considering personal wants and goals, Huesca believes that those in an academic setting have a duty to push the boundaries of what feels comfortable. “We’re so privileged in the academic setting that I believe we have a duty to travel to places that will challenge us and push us outside of our comfort zones,” Huesca said. Since arriving in Ouidah, a city in Benin, Huesca has taken intensive French lessons five days a week, although he recently cut back the number of days to three instead of five.
In addition to taking French lessons, the program Huesca is participating in also creates opportunities for volunteering. The communication professor has been teaching youth video and multimedia classes since he arrived on site. The educational system in Benin is such that many children are given failing grades if they do not pass standardized tests, which means that although the grade levels he teaches are limited, the ages of students range widely from 6 to 18.
available, and students who do not qualify can seek out institutional jobs open to all students. “The major difference is the source of funding,” said Glendi Gaddis, director of financial aid. “Federal work study jobs’ funding come from–it’s a federal student aid program, a need-based aid program– so for every dollar that a student earns, the federal government pays up to 75 cents of that dollar. Whereas with institutional, that’s 100 percent coming from Trinity, so every dollar that a student earns is being paid 100 percent by Trinity. Whereas
on the federal work study up to 75 percent is being paid by the federal government and 25 percent is being paid by Trinity.” Gaddis said it is becoming more common now for students to enter college without having any previous work experience. “It’s been interesting to me in my career as a financial aid director, which I’ve been doing for 20 plus years. Early in my career, I used to see students a lot who had jobs in high school and were working while they were going to school and maybe in the summer. More and more
now, it’s not uncommon to see students come into college and they’ve never worked,” Gaddis said. “Some of that is maybe because they were extra involved in high school and so between the high school curriculum courses and activities there wasn’t enough time to work. When they come here, oftentimes a student employment job here on campus is their first work experience.” According to Gaddis, 671 students were awarded federal work study right before classes started in the middle of August. However, not all 671 students will actually secure a job.
“About half of those will actually end up working. We can’t hire an unlimited amount for federal work study because we only have a limited amount of funding available. For federal work study, we typically have around just over $5,000 or so. Financial aid’s responsibility is to determine eligibility for federal work study and make the award to the student. From there, the rest is up to the student,” Gaddis said. Josie Hammons, a sophomore who has a federal work study job in the library, depends on
“Most people my age – 53 – are not usually up for a six month plunge into a new language and culture half a world away. I think they have a hard time relating ot this sort of adventure.” Rob Huesca
Professor of Communication
graphic by Caroline Jakubowski
see HUESCA Page 11
Students find work to help pay for the cost of college Trinity offers both federal work study and institutional jobs to employ its students by Kenneth Caruthers CAMPUS PULSE REPORTER With the cost of tuition and textbook fees always on the rise, Trinity students in need of some spending money need not look further than their own campus. There are still federal work study positions
see CAMPUS Page 10
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Artwork adds to history and culture of Trinity Notable paintings and sculptures decorate campus by Alison James CAMPUS PULSE REPORTER Any visitor to the Coates University Library may at first overlook the colorful and extensive collection of art hanging from the famous red brick walls. What most people never realize is that, not just in the library, but all over campus, a large array of art and sculptures with rich histories surround them. “It encourages an awareness of the importance of art in our lives,” said Elizabeth Ward, the chair for the Department of Art and Art History. Much of the art found in the library and also in Northrup comes from the collection of Jim Dicke, a Trinity alumnus and member of the Board of Trustees. Dicke is married to Janet Dicke, a Trinity alumna. A portrait of the couple can be found in Northrup. The name Dicke is not unfamiliar to students, especially art students who frequent the Jim and Janet Dicke Art Building. “I love the art in Northrup at the front, the fountain and also the paintings that show some of the important people of Trinity,” said Jacqueline Golden, a sophomore art student. Preceding his donation of the art pieces, Dicke donated roughly 800 books on art and artists to the library. Some of the books are so rare and expensive, students can only find them in Special Collections.
“We now have one of the finest modern art book collections certainly in Texas,” said Diane Graves, university librarian and professor. Dicke even paints his own pieces, one of which can be found in the library next to the southern staircase. Graves said that particular piece, though untitled, is one of the more popular ones in the library because of the way the paint has been spun around the canvas with a potter’s wheel. “It’s using physical forces as a chance element in the work,” Ward said, yet it still leaves Dicke in charge of the paint and its placement and the canvas and the speed at which is spins and every other variable. “As pretty as this library is, those red brick walls really needed something and to have those large-scale works on them now is just the finishing touch this building needed and sets the feel in here that is just right for a liberal arts college,” Graves said. Right next to the popular painting is the even more famous “Man’s Evolving Images: Printing and Writing” by James Sicner. The mural on the staircase is a huge attraction for students, staff, faculty, and visitors alike. The mural is 15 feet by 80 feet, which makes it the largest montage in the world. “It was just this summer we had it cleaned and what they call conserved, so if there were any little flaws in it they were fixed in a way that would prevent them from having more problems,” Graves said. Art conservator Anne Zanikos spearheaded the restoration and remarked that the mural was in very good shape.
Outside the library is the “Conversation with Magic Stones,” by English modernist sculptor Dame Barbara Hepworth. The rumor is that if students study by the Magic Stones, they will get an “A” on their next test. “The Large Anterior Form” by Henry Moore is another student favorite, though it is more commonly referred to as the Pregnant Lady. Found on the Coates Esplanade, it serves as a centerpiece for all sorts of student activities and events. It seems that wherever you go on campus, there is some sort of significant piece of artwork nearby. Ward said that it is “part of the liberal arts experience.” So while most students head to class with their heads in the clouds and their headphones over their ears, they might just be missing out on a significant piece of Trinity’s culture right in front of their eyes.
my time better because I know I won’t want to do it when I finish work at 10 at night,” Hammons said. In addition to teaching essential life skills such as responsibility and dependability, student employment also seems to have hidden benefits that will appeal to all students. “There is national research that shows that students who work on campus in student employment positions do tend to do better in school, they tend to voice a better college experience and they’re more connected to their institution,” Gaddis said. For sophomore Matt Peebles, his institutional job as KRTU Indie music assistant is more of an enjoyable hobby than a job. “I decided to work for the radio station because: one, I love radio. The second was because I don’t have a car, so it would be even more difficult to get off campus than need be, and I would really like to work. Third was I don’t qualify for federal work study, so radio was a really good option for me,” Peebles said. Peebles loves his job so much that he wishes he could actually
work more hours than he currently does. “I think my least favorite part is I can only work five hours a week, rather than 10 or 15, so it’s more like a really, really parttime job instead of like a real part-time job. It’s super easy to balance everything though because it’s only five hours of work. I just feel like it’s almost like another class, honestly, so it’s not too hard at all,” Peebles said. Peebles appreciates the flexibility of his work schedule and not having to worry about traffic on his way to work. “I like the really flexible hours, and since it’s on campus they’re obviously willing to work around my schedule. I don’t need to drive anywhere; I can just walk. I just really like working with the music. That’s what I like best: listening to new music and deciding what goes in and what doesn’t,” Peebles said. Students interested in seeing if they qualify for federal work study should visit the financial aid office on the second floor of the admissions building. Students curious about institutional jobs on campus can visit Human Resources in Northrup 108.
photos by Sarah Cooper TOP: “Man’s Evolving Images: Printing and Writing” by James Sicner was recently restored. ABOVE: “Untitled” by Jim Dicke, a member of the Board of Trustees, is one of many signature pieces in the library.
Campus job opportunities put students to work • continued from Page 9 the work to help her pay for Trinity, as well as to receive a little shopping money. “It puts money in my checking account so I have like a little bit of spending money, but most of it goes into my savings account which ends up paying for college,” Hammons said. Besides having to be quiet, Hammons enjoys her job in the library. “I like my job because I learn my way around the library really fast. I feel like a lot of kids are scared to ask for help, but this way I don’t have to ask for help and, if my friends need help, they can ask me instead of someone they don’t know,” Hammons said. The difficult task of balancing work and study time may be one of the biggest reasons why students are hesitant to look for employment during school, but Hammons finds that her job forces her to be more productive and learn better time management. “I only work ten hours a week, so compared to the 17 hours of classes I’m taking it’s not that bad. I guess it helps me manage
photo by Anh-Viet Dinh Josie Hammons, Sophomore, spends her Tuesday evening organizing and shelving books at the library as a part time job.
22 theTrinitonian SEPT.7.2012
Sports
Women’s soccer starts off with wins over Labor Day weekend Lady Tigers gain on 3-0 record in first games of the season by Aly Mithani Sports Reporter
Trinity’s women’s soccer started off their season strong with a 3-0 victory against Mary Hardin-Baylor and a 1-1 tie against HardinSimmons. In the Sept. 4 edition of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) rankings, the Tigers are ranked sixth
— two spots ahead of HardinSimmons. The offense in the first two games was geared by sophomore midfielder Kelsey Falcone, who scored three of the team’s four goals thus far. Falcone, who played defense as a first year, has already eclipsed her one goal total from last season. For Falcone, it has been about taking advantage of her scoring opportunities. “I’ve really just been finishing my chances, whereas last season I didn’t capitalize on my opportunities. We all have been putting a lot of work into our offense to keep up with last year’s huge amount of goals,” Falcone
said. The other goal from the first two games came from first year midfielder Maggie Olvera in the Mary-Hardin Baylor game for her first collegiate goal. Olvera has been impressed by her team’s effort in the first two games. “My first impression of this team is that they are so hard working. I was shocked about how intense they are. They run so hard. For them, letting a goal in is unacceptable and they’re going to do whatever it takes to make stops. If one person works hard then the rest of the team will, especially the seniors,” Olvera said. Also gearing the defense
has been senior goalkeeper Katie Garrett. However, Garrett credits her back-line defenders for the team’s success and looks forward to further defensive success. “Historically, we have been able to consistently keep balls out of the back of our net and definitely prioritize our defensive effort. I feel like our midfield and defense did a particularly good job communicating this weekend. Although one goal scored by Hardin-Simmons is a pretty good result on paper, we don’t intend to let them do it again the next time we see them during playoffs,” Garrett said. The team will head back
on the road and play at the University of Texas-Tyler today and at the University of Texas-Dallas on Sunday Garrett is excited for the upcoming road trip. “Although we’re satisfied with the results this weekend, we’re looking forward to our trip to North Texas. Playing on the road is always a little more difficult and a bit of a hassle, but the majority of our games are away this year and we’re excited to step up to the challenge,” Garrett said. The Tigers only have five home games this season, with the first coming up at 7 p.m. Friday, September 14th against Our Lady of the Lake University.
player and professionalism are what stand out most for me.” Even as he enters into the professional realm, Garcia never stopped being a student. He resists complacency when complacency is sure to tempt. “I see it as a blessing,” Garcia said. “Just being able to go out and train at a high level with a great team every morning. Not only am I getting the opportunity to play the sport I love, I’m growing as a player. I’m learning a lot; I’ve already learned a lot just being with
the team. I’m definitely going to want to try to continue playing with them next season as well.”
Garcia’s humble nature has already been noticed as something rather unique and valuable for the Scorpions. “Zach fits in great with the squad,” Cochrane said. “He’s a guy that everyone respects greatly and there is no ego at all about him. That’s not something you always find in professional sports. It’s a dying breed, that’s for sure. So when you see an athlete like Zach you’re grateful he’s on your team.” For a player who once awed fans on what is now
Paul McGinlay Soccer Field and who will probably have a similar effect on Scorpions fans, Garcia removes himself from the whirlwind of excellence he has created for himself and continues to simply just do what he loves. “I feel very fortunate,” Garcia said. “It’s just a huge blessing really to be able to do this. Because kids dream of this and I’m able to live it out. So each day I try to take a second and take it all in and to seize it because it’s been great.”
Garcia fulfills childhood dream of playing professionally • continued from Page 20 “Zach has an incredible work rate with the Scorpions,” said Scorpions teammate Ryan Cochrane, who is also voluntarily assisting with Trinity’s men’s soccer team this season. “He’s a guy who comes into training every day, gets his work in day in and day out. A true professional and that type of mentality from a young guy resonates with the veterans and coaches. He is a guy you can count on each day and his consistency as a
“I feel very fortunate. It’s just a huge blessing really to be able to do this.” Zach Garcia
Scorpions Player
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theTrinitonian Sept.7.2012
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