Mustang Magazine Volume 6, Issue 10

volume six | issue ten | october 2011

MT Student

Siomara Alanis We talk to her about her interest in Mechatronics and programming as well as her plans for her future. [pg. 12]

Tutoring Schedule

Tutors are available to help you pass your classes! [pg. 08]

Good Study Habits

How to improve your academic performance in college. [pg. 06]

Credits Mechatronics Technology

LAYOUT DESIGNER

Patr ick Rodriguez

CSMT

DESIGNER

Laura Amaro

Photo by: Freddy Rodriguez, Desktop Publishing Specialist

DMDT

CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR

Paola Constante

DMDT

EDITORS

Melani Zuniga

Coordinator of Publications

Ker i Gutierrez

Director of Marketing

STAFF WRITER

Dave Ralph

Want to be a part of this publication?

Communications Writer

Send us your creative work!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Credited

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Credited

For more info: 956.364.4260 phdclub@gmail.com

A PRODUCTION OF THE

phdclub@gmail.com 956.364.4260 02

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

NOV. DEADLINE:

OCT. 10

1902 N. Loop 499 Harlingen, TX 78550 1.800.852.8784 www.harlingen.tstc.edu

TSTC Harlingen is a two-year higher education institution emphasizing courses of study in technical education for which there is a demand within the state of Texas.

Equal opportunity shall be afforded within the Texas State Technical College System to all employees and applicants for admission or employment regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age or disability. TSTC will make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

Contents ON CAMPUS 04 Campus Events Calendar 05 From Your SGA President 17 Student Guide 20 The Military Shift

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COLLEGE RESOURCES 06 Financial Aid Resources 08 Free Tutoring Schedule 22 Student Health 23 Intramurals

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SPECIAL FEATURES 10 Student Artwork Submissions 12 Student Feature: Siomara Alanis ENTERTAINMENT 16 Community Events Calendar 18 New LRC Releases 19 What’s New?

Connect with us!

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Read the magazine online at: www.harlingen.tstc.edu/mustang

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

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2011

OCTOBER C AMPUS EVEN TS

Candlelight Vigil

Oktoberfest

Think Pink Party Open Mic Night

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06 07 11 13 17

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Think Pink Party, GED Registration; Scholarship Workshop Candlelight Vigil GED Registration; Flag Football Rosters Due Pre-Loan Session; Open Mic Night Flag Football Begins Dual Enrollment Spring 2012 Deadline

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Mustang Magazine | October 2011

Raquetball Open Tournament Midterm Grades Due National Make a Difference Day; SGA Service Project Spring 2012 Registration Begins Bench Press Competition; Red Ribbon Week Wellness Walk Oktoberfest Spring 2012 Scholarship Deadline

Hello Mustangs!

A L ETTER FRO M YO U R S G A PR E S I D E N T

We have two SGA meetings from 12-1pm in the LRC Orientation Room on the 11th and 25th, where we will be giving out free lunch. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month we will be having our annual Think Pink Party on October 5. We invite everyone to come by for free massages, manicures, information, and candy. ~ Hey Mustangs!

My name is Open Mic Night is on October 11 so Ruth Trevino and I will be come out and sing a song, tell a joke, or read a poem. And last but not least, proudly serving as your Oktoberfest is on October 27! Free candy!

SGA president!

Haunted House! Rides! Food! Music!

Costume Contests! Photo Booth, and so There are also a couple of new faces in our much more! office; Coretta Miles (secretary) and Jose Alaniz (historian). They are excited and full If you have any concerns, suggestions, of energy to help us achieve a great questions, or need information, please stop successful term as your SGA officers and by the SGA Office in the Student Center, I’m glad to have them as a part of our team. Room 122, or contact us at 956.364.4343.

Thank you to everyone who came to Welcome Week and I hope to see everyone again at all our October events!

Sincerely,

Ruth TreviĂąo

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

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FINANCIAL AID

Developing Good Study Habits

Few things improve your performance in college more dramatically than developing good study habits.

By Kelli Kirwan for Military.com [http://mnstr.me/KirwanGoodHabits]

Starting college or returning to school as an adult can be daunting, but when you're a service member or military spouse, it can seem overwhelming. The idea of taking statistics or chemistry may make you hesitate, but don't let doubts stand in your way.

Opportunities for both military and civilian education are virtually everywhere. Developing solid study habits will help your personal success as a student. It will also give you ideas to help your children develop lifelong skills that they can begin refining long before they send out college applications.

Getting Started

Having a routine and a regular place to study is a good start in developing strong study skills. Some people study more effectively in the morning, others at night.

Discover your best time and develop a schedule that allows for your peak study time.

Getting Organized

Whether you're in middle school or graduate school, you'll find that lack of organization is the main cause of low academic performance. With multiple teachers to answer to and different class schedules and assignments to track, unorganized students find themselves quickly falling behind in their grade point average (GPA).

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Balancing Family, Fun, Work and School

If you are returning to school and have a family and/or career, setting priorities is the first step toward time management and that's the first step toward success.

Yes, you might have to put favorite activities or social interests on hold for a while, but in the long run you'll find that any sacrifices were well worth the time invested in your education.

Extra Tips

• Keep a separate notebook for each class. The type of notebook will depend on the teacher and the assignments. Color-code classes if necessary.

• Keep good notes. Class notes, assignments, tape recordings (if the teacher allows it), and personal reminders help you keep up and not be surprised by that Friday afternoon quiz.

• Pens, pencils, computer ink, and other supplies should be on hand and convenient to your study area.

• Backpacks keep everything together and available.

Make sure you routinely check the supplies in your backpack or organizer bag if you're often on the road or in different locations to study.

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

Scholarship Deadlines for Spring 2012 Approaching!

Need additional funds for college?

Check out these scholarships available!

TSTC Harlingen Lozano Long Scholarship Deadline: October 28, 2011 Application: bit.ly/jrdIEK

When are you graduating from TSTC? Does the admissions office have the r ight date?

Your anticipated completion date on file with the admissions office is used for estimating your financial aid award. It is important that this date be updated when a student has changed majors or has graduated from a program.

You can check your anticipated completion date on your WebAdvisor account when you request a program evaluation. If it needs to be updated it is important that you do this at the admissions office. If you are not sure when you expect to graduate, your program advisor can help you determine your anticipated completion date.

For additional scholarship opportunities visit: www.harlingen.tstc.edu/FinancialAid/ Scholarships.aspx or www.fastweb.com

HOW TO

PLAN AHEAD

Some helpful tips to help smooth your scholarship application process: • Write rough draft of essay required.

• Gather documents required by each scholarship application.

• Complete application rough draft.

• Properly address envelopes to be mailed

• Complete a spell/grammar check, finalize application, and assemble documents and mail/or deliver complete application.

• Be sure to make a copy of all your submitted applications for your personal records.

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

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STUDENT SUCCESS

FREE!

Fall 2011 Supplemental Instruction Tutoring Schedule

DEVELOPMENTAL MATH

BIOLOGY I (ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY)

Victoria Lopez | DMTH-0200 | W-220 Mon/Wed..............................................11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Tues/Thurs ............................................11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Preetkamal Bindra | BIOL-2301 Monday ...................................9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (U-106) ................................................10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (U-129) Tuesday ...................................8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (U-106) ................................................12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (U-126) Wednesday..............................9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (U-129) Thursday..................................12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (U-126) Friday.....................................10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (U-129)

Angelica Castillo | DMTH-0200 | W-220 Mon/Tues/Wed......................................9:00 AM -10:00 AM Monday...................................................2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Mon/Wed................................................3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Tues/Thurs (Dorm/Housing)....................5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Rene Pena | DMTH-0100 | W-220 Mon/Wed/Fri .......9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Mon/Wed................................................3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Friday......................................................3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

UPPER LEVEL MATH Leslie Sweet | CALCULUS MATH-2414 | W-211 Mon/Wed/Fri..........8:00 AM - 9:00 AM, 11:00AM - 1:00 PM Tuesday.................................................11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Thursday.............................................11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

ENGLISH 1301 & 1302, DEVELOPMENTAL WRITING

Deborah Vasquez | ENGL-1301, WRIT-0100 | W-124 Mon/Wed............................................. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Tues/Thurs ..........................................10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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Martiza Salazar | RBTC-1308 | M-119 Tues/Thurs ..............................................8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs .............................4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Friday......................................................9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Thomas O’ Rourke | CETT-1303 | M-119 Tues/Thurs..............9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Mon/Tues/Wed .......................................4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

HISTORY EDUCATION & TRAINING

Jimmie Cantu | HIST-1301 | W Mon/Wed/Fri..........................11:45 AM - 2:15 PM (W-222) Tues/Thurs ...............................11:00 AM - 2:15 PM (W119)

Elizabeth Villa | EDTC 1341 | C-124 Tues/Thurs..............8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Sandra Guerrero | HRPO-1311 | D-138 Mon/Wed................................................1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Tues/Thurs ...........8:30 AM - 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Friday......................................................9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Velma Garza | EDTC-1341 | C-124 Tues/Wed.................................................1:00 AM -4:30 PM Wednesday...........................................8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Thursday .................................................1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

CHEMICAL ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY

COMPUTER DRAFTING & DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

Tony Bejaran | CHEM-1311 | J-102 Mon/Wed/Fri ........................................8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sasha Dizol | ENGL-1301 | W-124 Tues/Thurs ............................................9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Tues/Thurs ..............................................1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Tuesday...................................................4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Courtney Quinones | ENGL-1302 | W-124 Mon/Wed/Fri .......8:00 AM - 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Monday...................................................1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

MECHATRONICS & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

For more

INFO:

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

Miguel Loya | GISC-1311 | S-121 Mon/Wed/Fri ........................................12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Tues/Thurs ............................................11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Linda Barron

SI Tutoring Program Coordinator D-121 | 956.364.4170

Norma A. Salazar

Office of Student Success Director D-121 | 956.364.4557

SUPPORT SERVICES

Got Old Glasses?

Support Services has a drop off box for the Lions Club International "Lions Recycle for Sight" effort. If you have used eyeglasses that you no longer need, donate them to this great cause now!

The Lions Club International accepts prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses, of either plastic and/or metal frame. Once the Support Services Office fills the box, it will go to a regional Lions Club Eyeglass Recycling Center to be sorted, recycled, and distributed to individuals in need.

You can drop off your glasses at the Support Services Office located in the Tech Prep Building “P” Monday - Friday from 8:00AM -12:00PM and 1:00PM - 5:00PM. For more information please call us at 956.364.4520 or email us at support.services@harlingen.tstc.edu.

CONGRATS!

The Building Construction Technology Program would like to congratulate the following students for earning $250 in their BCT Merit Scholarship!

Alvino Flores • Justin Flores • Allan Salazar Maldonado • Clyo Solis

For more info about BCT, visit www.harlingen.tstc.edu/bct.

CAREER SERVICES

The Support Services Office has moved.

We are now located in the Tech Prep Building at the end of Oak Street.

SAVE THE

DATES Nov. 9, 2011 Interview Practicum

Mar. 29, 2012 Job Fair

Feb. 28, 2012 Interview Practicum

July 10, 2012 Interview Practicum

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

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HAND DRAWN ARTWORKS AND DRAWINGS BY TSTC STUDENTS

Johnny Angel Vasquez, DMDT For Kathleen

PENCIL ILLUSTRATION

by Paola Constante, DMDT Make sure to keep on top of deadlines for scholarships and financial aid. You don’t want to miss out on chances for more money to pay for your tuition and books!

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Mustang Magazine | October 2011

Kathleen Atkinson Ramirez, DMDT

SHE’S LOOKING AT US! DIGITAL ART

Pablo Valdez, DMDT

For You, JohnnyAngel!

DIGITAL ART

Brutal Mush Kingdom

COLOR PENCIL ILLUSTRATION

NOV. DEADLINE:

OCT. 10

Send us your artwork! phdclub@gmail.com Mustang Magazine | October 2011

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We had a chat with MT student Siomara Alanis on why she chose Mechatronics Technology, as well as future plans and interests. Interview by Melani Zuniga What made you choose the MT Program?

Family tradition. All my uncles work in the oilfield industry so I wanted to keep the family tradition. So far, all the men work in the oilfield, so I wanted to demonstrate that, “if you can do it, then I can do it.”

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to change.You have to be able to think quickly to solve the problems that come up when moving the robot with the computers to a new location.

You can also be really creative in the way you design how your robot looks.

What’s your favorite class and why?

Robotics Fundamentals. I love to build and program the robots and then use them in the competition.

What are your plans after graduation?

I also want to work for an oilfield company. While I’m working, I want to continue going to school and earn a higher degree.

Have you participated in the Mechatronics Robotics Competition?

Yes, in my second semester.

It’s very challenging because you create and program your robot in the lab, but when you take them to the gym for competition, the new location may cause the programming

Will you be getting that degree from the University Center?

It all depends on where the oilfield company stations me.

They can send you all over the country or the world depending on your knowledge and what languages you know.

It’s a great opportunity to

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

explore and learn new languages. With a higher degree, I can do it in time.

What do you do for fun?

I express myself through dancing. It’s a great way to release my stress and tension.

I used to dance with the Silver Spurs, but since there’s a lot of hands-on learning in my classes now, I spend more of my school time focusing on my courses.

What advice would you like to give to TSTC students?

Never be afraid to take chances because you’ll never know how great that opportunity will turn out to be.

STUDENT FEATURE

Siomara Alanis MECHATRONICS TECHNOLOGY

Photo by Freddy Rodriguez Mustang Magazine | October 2011

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The Wilson’s Bird of Paradise Story by Sandy Ramirez, DEH Photo by Doug Janson

The Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise is a very unique, exotic looking bird. Some go as far to say it is as if Tim Burton himself handcrafted the bird in his own image.The Wilson’s Bird-ofparadise possesses remarkable features. This bird is meticulously tiny and has its own fashion gimmick. The top of its head is aqua and webbed.

The male is plumed with feathers of various bright colors on its body ending with a very unique, curved tail similar in appearance to the handles on a pair of scissors.

The female has a comparatively dull plumage from her head to the tip of her tail.

The “Wilson” in the Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise derives from British ornithologist Edward Wilson. However, Only 21 centimeters or 8.3 inches in length, the Edward Wilson did not name the bird after himself.

Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise is a member of the Napoleon’s nephew, Charles Lucian Bonaparte, Paradisaeidae family. Other members of the Paradisaeidal developed the name and the bird’s description after he family include birds of paradise found in New Guinea, bought a badly damaged trade specimen from Edward with a few species occurring in the Moluccas and eastern Wilson. Napoleon’s nephew beat John Casein, an Australia. In 1863, the German zoologist Heinrich American ornithologist, who wished to name the bird in Agathon Bernstein discovered the origin of the Wilson’s honor of Wilson, to the name by several months.

Bird-of-paradise on Waigeo Island. The Wilson’s Bird-ofparadise is an Indonesian endemic species meaning they In 1996, David Attenborough – while filming the only can be found in a very restricted geographic region documentary “Attenborough in Paradise” – became the of Indonesia – to the hill and lowland rain forests of first ever person to record Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise.

Waigeo and Batenta Island off West Papua. This habitat David Attenborough dropped leaves in the forest floor, offers foods that are ideally suited to their diet, mainly which irritated the Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise to cleaning fruits and small insects. the leaves off the floor allowing a rare glimpse of the Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise behind the lens of a camcorder.

The Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise attracts its mate by setting up an area clear of leaves and debris. When a Due to an ongoing loss of habitat, a very restricted female nears the male produces his mating call, range of distribution and exploitation, the Wilson's Birdapproaches the female, and boasts his chest feathers to of-paradise is classified under “near threatened” on the produce a brilliant display of plumage. As the plumage is Red List of the International Union of the Conservation displayed the male begins to dance, only a tiny bit. The of Nature (IUCN) of Threatened Species.

Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise is a highly accomplished dancer.

With a display of its caliber the Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise Dance Team does not need to be a jitterbug or ballroom champion.

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Mustang Magazine | October 2011

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

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2011

OCTOBER C OM M U N IT Y C AL E N DA R

ZZ Top

Taking Back Sunday

Jackson Street Market Days Saturday, October 1 | 9AM - 3PM Downtown Jackson Street | Harlingen Dead Farm Haunted Attraction Saturday, October 9 | 8PM Dead Farm | Donna

Spooky Science Fest “Cold Blood” Creatures: An Ectothermic Event Saturday, October 29 | 6PM - 10PM Estero Llano Grande State Park | Weslaco Dia De Los Muertos: Face Painting, Artist Exhibit and Refreshments Saturday, October 29 | 6PM - 8PM Weslaco Museum Boo at the Zoo Sunday, October 30 | 6PM Gladys Porter Zoo | Brownsville

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Music

Family/Art

Dierks Bentley Taking Back Sunday with The Maine and Bad Rabbits Saturday, October 1 | 7PM Pharr Events Center Never Shout Never with A Rocket to the Moon, Fake Problems, and Carter Hulsey Thursday, October 6 | 6PM Pharr Events Center ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd Thursday, October 20 | 7PM State Farm Arena | Hidalgo Bush and Chevelle with Filter and Dead Country Tuesday, October 25 | 6:30PM Pharr Events Center Dierks Bentley with Eli Young Band and Jarrod Niemann Thursday, October 27 | 7PM Pharr Events Center

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

Student Guide IMPORTANT OFFICE HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION

LRC

Cool Room

ID Center

Game Room

Bookstore

Student ID Center | 956.364.4352 Monday - Friday: 8AM - 5PM Game Room | 956.364.4352 Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM Cool Room | 956.364.4352 Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM eSpace Cafe | 956.364.4352 Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM

Cafeteria / Dining Area 956.364.4450 Monday - Friday Breakfast: 7AM - 10:30AM Lunch: 11AM - 2PM Check out the weekly menus in the Mustang e-Blast.

Wellness & Sports Center 956.364.4340 or 956.364.4341 Monday - Thursday: 8AM - 9PM Friday: 8AM - 2PM

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

Learning Resource Center 956.364.4608 Monday - Thursday: 7:30AM - 8PM Friday: 7:30AM - 5PM Saturday: 10AM - 4PM Sunday: 1PM - 4PM College Bookstore | 956.364.4441 Monday - Thursday: 7:45AM - 5:30PM Friday: 7:45AM - 5PM

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New LRC Releases CHECK T HE M OUT TODAY !

Living Beyond Your Feelings: Controlling Emotions So They Don’t Control You

by Joyce Meyer

In LIVING BEYOND YOUR FEELINGS, Joyce Meyer examines the gamut of feelings that human beings experience. She discusses the way that the brain processes and stores memories and thoughts, and then - emotion by emotion - she explains how we can manage our reactions to those emotions. By doing that, she gives the reader a toolbox for managing the way we react to the onslaught of feelings that can wreak havoc on our lives.

Abuse of Power

by Michael Savage

Jack Hatfield, a freelance TV producer, is filming a piece on the San Francisco PD’s bomb squad when a call comes in about a bomb found at the site of an auto accident.The mayor and the FBI play down a possible Arab link, and an unlikely informer puts the blame on a homegrown fringe group. Smelling a coverup, the patriotic journalist single-mindedly pursues the truth as far as Israel, Paris, and London. Savage pulls off some neat twists as Hatfield and a handful of amateurs fight to prevent a disaster that certain officials choose to ignore or abet.

Peter and Max: A Fables Novel

by Bill Willingham , Steve Leialoha (Illustrator)

Set in the imaginative realm of the award-winning comic book series FABLES, the book takes place long ago, in the deepest dark of The Black Forest.Two brothers — Peter Piper and his older brother Max — encounter ominous forces that change them both irreparably.Thus begins an epic tale of sibling rivalry, magic, music and revenge that spans medieval times to the present day, when their deadly WORKSHOPS: conflict surfaces in the placid calm of modern day Fabletown.

INFORMATION

LITERACY Learning Resource Center Hours: Mon. - Thur.: 7:30AM - 8PM Friday: 7:30AM - 5PM

Saturday: 10AM - 4PM Sunday: 1PM - 4PM

Thur., Oct. 6, 12PM Evaluating Sources:What is a good source?

Thur., Oct. 13, 12PM Advanced Database Searching

All you need at the LRC to borrow a book is a valid TSTC student ID. For more information, visit www.harlingen.tstc.edu/library.

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Mustang Magazine | October 2011

What’s New? TH IS MON T H I N F I L M A N D G A M IN G

04 Rage

18 Batman: Arkham City

Discover humanity working to rebuild itself against raider gangs, mutants, and the Authority, an oppressive government regime.

Built upon the intense foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, players soar into Arkham City, the new maximum security home for all of Gotham City's thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds.

Mac | PS3 | PC | iPhone | RATED: M (Mature)

04 Dark Souls

PC | X360 | Wii-u | RATED: T (Teen)

X360 | RATED: M (Mature)

21 The Three Musketeers

07 The Ides of March

The hot-headed young D'Artagnan, along with three former legendary, but now down-on-their luck Musketeers must unite and defeat a beautiful double agent and her villainous employer from seizing the French throne and engulfing Europe in war.

The spiritual sequel to Demons Souls, Dark Souls' world breaks down barriers with a fluid design, and unique challenges that offer a sense of achievement without equal.

FILM | RATED: R

An idealistic staffer for a newbie presidential candidate gets a crash course on dirty politics during his stint on the campaign trail.

07 Real Steel

FILM | RATED: PG-13

A boxing drama set in the near-future where 2,000-pound humanoid robots do battle.

25 Battlefield 3

PC | PS3 | Rated: RP-T+ (Rating Pending, Targeting a Rating of Teen or Above)

Players step into the role of the elite U.S. Marines where they will experience heart-pounding single player missions and competitive multiplayer actions ranging across diverse locations from around the globe including Europe, Middle-East and North America.

28 Safe

14 The Thing FILM | RATED: R

FILM | RATED: PG-13

At an Antarctica research site, the discovery of an alien craft leads to a confrontation between graduate student Kate Lloyd and scientist Dr. Sander Halvorson.

FILM | RATED: R

A Former elite agent (Statham) endeavors to rescue a 12-year-old girl (Chan).

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

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SOLDIER’SBlog Jonathan Quezada jequezada@mymail.tstc.edu Ten years ago a silent, confused hush fell over my eighth grade English class as we thought about exactly what we saw happening on a television screen.

Not until our teacher explained the horrific scene that had just taken place did we begin to comprehend the magnitude of how that day, September 11, 2001, would affect our lives from that point on.

Even after ten years, Americans all over the nation can still clearly recall the events that took place in New York City.

Now fast forward 10 years and the result of those terrorist attacks brought mixed emotions.

As a deployed veteran, I experienced “the sandbox” and spent time doing my duty to support our nation. I have seen security measures change our homeland to help guarantee safety from future attacks against innocent civilians. But, the process led to many privacy issues and questions about whether America changed for the better or did America become more paranoid?

One life lost is one too many. It always will be a tragedy that almost 3,000 lives were lost that fateful day and troops - and their loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation overseas. But Americans traditionally have stood up for the prizes that we always cherish: life, 20

liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As the nation's wounds heal, we must remember that America may have been hurt that day but it was not destroyed. We remember what happened, and we will never forget the value of our democracy and the future opportunities it holds for each of us.

Types of VA Benefits Through TSTC’s Financial Aid Office

• Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30) • VA Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) • Veteran's Educational Assistance Program (VEAP or Chapter 32) • Post 9/11 G.I. Bill (Chapter 33) • Dependent's and Survivor's Educational Assisstance Program (Chapter 35) • Montgomery G.I Bill for Selective Reserves (Chapter 1606) • Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607/REAP) • Hazlewood Act

For more information

http://harlingen.tstc.edu/FinancialAid/veteranaffairs.aspx

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

Attendance Policy for Veterans and Dependents Using GI Bill or Tuition Exemption This attendance policy is required for institutions offering courses for veterans or other eligible persons enrolled in undergraduate/certificate degree programs approved under Title 38, United States Code, 3676.

This policy is established to set minimum standards of attendance for student(s) enrolled in undergraduate degree/certificate programs receiving veteran education benefits. Wherever the word "veteran" is used, it is intended to include all persons receiving veteran education benefits.

Veterans enrolled in undergraduate degree/certificate programs will be interrupted for unsatisfactory attendance when accumulated absences, tardies, and class cuts exceed ten (10) percent of class contact hours or 5 consecutive class days.

The interruption will be reported to the Veterans Administration within 30 days of the last date of attendance (use VA Form 22-1999b). Enrollment interruptions will cause an overpayment and the veteran will be responsible for repayment to the VA Education Department.

FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT Veterans Support Group Offers support with veteran concerns and issues. Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 12PM in the LRC. Led by Anna Castillo, LPC from Tropical Texas Behavioral Center in Edinburg. For more information call 956.364.4310.

Veteran Student Alliance Club Provides outreach and assistance for the needs and goals of our veterans, while providing service to our college and community. Meets on Thursdays at 12PM in Student Center Room 127. Contact Advisor Liz Silva at 956.364.4317.

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

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STUDENT HEALTH

Flu Season: Prepare now What sort of flu season is expected this year?

Flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways.

Although epidemics of flu happen every year, the timing, severity, and length of the epidemic depends on many factors, including what influenza viruses are spreading and whether they match the viruses in the vaccine.

Will new strains of flu circulate this season?

Flu viruses are constantly changing so it's not unusual for new flu virus strains to appear each year. For more information about how flu viruses change, visit How the Flu Virus Can Change at http://1.usa.gov/viruschange.

When will flu activity begin and when will it peak?

The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.

What should I do to prepare for this flu season?

The Centers for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious

disease. While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine is designed to protect against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. For information about which viruses this season's vaccine will protect against visit Vaccine Selection for the 2011–2012 Season at http://1.usa.gov/phE7z0. Getting the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available each year is always a good idea, and the protection you get from vaccination will last throughout the flu season.

How effective is the flu vaccine?

Inactivated influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) can vary from year to year and among different age and risk groups.

For more information about vaccine effectiveness, visit How Well Does the Seasonal Flu Vaccine Work at http://1.usa.gov/oNuSxs To read more: http://1.usa.gov/qmrv6w

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • 1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30333 • 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) • TTY: (888) 232-6348 • 24 Hours/Every Day • cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Need a Nurse?

The college nurse offers first aid, care for minor health problems, and counseling about personal health needs. Students must present a current TSTC Harlingen ID card to receive services.

Day Nur se Emily Gonzales

Student Center, Room 132 • 956.364.4305 Monday - Friday • 8AM - 1PM, 2-5PM

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Evening Nur se Anna Ruiz

Housing Office • 956.364.4235 Monday -Thursday • 4:30-9:30PM

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

INTRAMURALS

October

7TH 10TH 19TH 25TH

7 on 7 Flag Football roster due.

Flag Football Captains meeting at 6:00PM at WSC Racquetball tournament at 6:00PM Bench press competition at 6:00PM

November

11TH 4 on 4 Indoor Soccer roster due.

14TH Indoor Soccer Captains meeting 6PM at WSC

Wellness Walks

October 26 Trick or Treat Walk 5:30PM (1 mile)

Hours of Operation Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday | 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Contact Jose Garza, Intramurals Supervisor Phone: 956.364.4340 E-mail: jose.garza@harlingen.tstc.edu

November 16 Turkey Walk 5:30PM (1 mile)

Mustang Magazine | October 2011

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