volume six | issue eight | august 2011
Culinary Arts Baking Competition
Vanessa Trevi単o and Maria Sandra Guardian win competition with their Freezer Caramel Drizzle Pie. [pg. 08]
Student Health
Is caffeine bad for you? The 5 biggest myths about caffeine. [pg. 18]
BCS BCT Student Student
Karla Solis
Why she chose to work in a career field dominated by males. [pg. 10]
Credits LAYOUT DESIGNER
Laura Amaro
DMDT
ILLUSTRATOR
Paola Constante
DMDT
DESIGNER
Patr ick Rodriguez
CSMT
EDITORS
Melani Zuniga
Coordinator of Publications
Building Construction Science
Ker i Gutierrez
by: Freddy Rodriguez, Desktop Publishing Specialist
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 | August 2011
SEPTEMBER DEADLINE:
AUG. 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 16 Soldier’s Blog
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COLLEGE RESOURCES 06 Financial Aid Resources 06 Career Services 07 Valley Metro Routes 18 Student Health 19 Intramurals
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SPECIAL FEATURE 08 Culinary Arts Baking Competition 10 Student Feature: Karla Solis ENTERTAINMENT 12 Hand Drawn: Student Artwork 13 What’s New? 14 Community Events Calendar 17 New LRC Releases
Connect with us!
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Read the magazine online at: www.harlingen.tstc.edu/mustang
Mustang Magazine | August 2011
03
A U G U S T 2011 C AMPUS EV EN T S
Graduation
First Day of Classes
01 05 12 12 12 15 18 18 19 04
Final Grades Due (12-Week Semester) Final Exams Begin (15-Week Semester Graduates) Final Exams Begin (15-Week Semester) Final Grades Due (15-Week Semester Graduates) Summer Mini-Session II Ends Final Grades Due (Summer Mini-Session II) Semester Break Housing Payment Deadline (Noon) End of Semester (15-Week Semester)
19 19 22 22-26 24 25 29
Mustang Magazine | August 2011
Housing Move Out Day (15-Week Semester) Graduation Final Grades Due (15-Week Semester) Quick Review Course Payment Deadline for Fall Classes Housing Move In Day First Day of Classes (Fall 2011 Semester)
Hey there, Mustangs! A L ETTER FRO M YO U R S G A PR E S I D E N T
Allow me to congratulate all of the upcoming summer TSTC graduates. August 19 will be an exciting and memorable evening for us all. After an educational trek that for many brought blood, sweat, and tears along the way, you all have reached a summit of educational success! I am confident that you are all bound for a prosperous future. I hope that you were able to take advantage of the many leadership, community service, and personal growth opportunities offered to you during your time here at TSTC and that you are able to really “wow” your prospective employer with your academic achievements and your co-curricular transcript. It is with great pleasure that I say to you goodbye and good luck as you embark on the next step of your life’s journey.
volunteers that helped put this event together. So, everyone deserves huge thanks for all the hard work. A special thank you to Ruth Trevino, our Student Government Association secretary, for the countless hours spent creating, organizing, and planning the event and a special thank you to the admissions and financial aid departments for staying well after hours to register students and help with FAFSA, loan applications, and being available to address student needs and concerns. It was a job well done!
If you have not had an opportunity to come by the SGA office and meet your student representatives, we welcome you to do so. We are ready to share the latest information about campus issues, help you contact student clubs and organizations that share your interests, or simply point you in the right direction to your next class. SGA will sponsor an information tent in the Student Quad on August We are ready to share the latest 29 and 30. We will have information about campus issues, help loads of maps and other goodies, so be sure to you contact student clubs and stop by.
The summer semester ended with peace, love, and TSTC Woodstock, which provided fun, organizations that share your interests... activities and music for the students, families and If you have concerns, the community. Besides suggestions, questions, or free pizza, water, TSTC goodies, face paint, and bands, I need information please stop by the was elated at the opportunity to watch 100 create your SGA Office in the Student Center, Room 122, or very own groovy tie-dye T-shirt to remember the contact us at 956.364.4343. We are here to serve you! I summer at TSTC. I’m also delighted that SPAM was out look forward to meeting and working with you and wish selling snow cones to help people stay cool. The icy you a semester full of A’s, new friends, and new refreshments also helped the Dental Explorers opportunities to learn. successfully paint faces while reducing facial meltdowns Sincerely, for the many participants that took advantage of the club’s talented artistic abilities at this summer’s biggest event. The success of TSTC Woodstock would not have been possible without the energetic student and staff
Robbie Beth Zapata
Mustang Magazine | August 2011
05
FINANCIAL AID
Borrowing Responsibly
If you decide to take out a federal student loan to help pay for school, you're taking on certain serious obligations. Find out what they are and how to maintain your account in good standing. Think about how much you’re borrowing.
• Think about what your repayment obligation means before you take out a student loan. • If you don’t repay your student loan on time or according to the terms in your promissory note, you could default on this legal obligation, which has serious consequences and will adversely affect your credit rating.
Make payments regardless of receiving billing notices.
• You must make payments on your loan even if you don’t receive a bill or repayment notice. • Billing statements (or coupon books) are sent to you as a convenience. You’re obligated to make payments even if you don’t receive any reminders. • You must also make monthly payments in the full amount required by your repayment plan. Partial payments do not fulfill your obligation to repay your student loan on time.
Notify your lender or loan ser vicing agency when you: • graduate; • withdraw from school; • drop below half-time status; • change your name, address or Social Security number; or • transfer to another school
SUPPORT SERVICES
The Support Services Office has moved. We are now located in the Tech Prep Building at the end of Oak Street.
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Continue to pay while waiting for a deferment or forbear ance approval.
• If you apply for a deferment or forbearance, you must continue to make payments until you have been notified that your request has been approved. • If you don’t, you might end up in default. • Keep a copy of any request form you submit, and document all contact you have with the holder of your loan.
Signing a promissor y note means you agree to repay the loan.
• When you sign a promissory note, you’re agreeing to repay the loan according to the terms of the note. • The note states that unless you meet the requirements for loan discharge (cancellation), you must repay the loan, even if you don’t complete your education. • Also, you must repay your loan even if you can’t get a job after you complete the program or you didn’t like the education you received. The U.S. Department of Education does not guarantee the quality of education you receive or that you will find a job in your field of study.
CAREER SERVICES
Need help deciding your
program of study?
The Career Services Office can provide you with valuable information on the job mar ket, salaries, job locations, and TSTC programs of study.
Career Ser vices Office Student Center Building, Room 140 phone: 956.364.4107
Mustang Magazine | August 2011
TSTC students have more public transportation options as the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council expands existing bus routes to directly service the college.
New extensions to the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council’s bus routes through western Cameron County and San Benito will allow students originating in La Feria, Santa Rosa and San Benito to take direct trips to the TSTC campus. The new system will improve students’ ability to make bus connections throughout Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties.
Students taking advantage of the route extensions will be able to board buses on any of the six scheduled runs each day. The western Cameron County and San Benito routes will use the new bus shelters in front of the college’s new University Center on Loop 499. Students who present valid college identification pay 75 cents and transfers are free; adults pay $1.50 per ride. Riders should pay with exact change. Frequent rider discount passes are $10 for students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and veterans, and $20 for adults. Twenty trip passes can be obtained by calling 800.574.8322, and the passes are sold in the TSTC Bookstore. All buses are wheelchair accessible and some are equipped to carry bicycles.
Cost to Student: $.75 per ride Cost to Adults: $1.50 per ride
*Riders should pay exact amount
Bus route maps and bus stop schedules are online at www.lrgvdc .or g/transit.html. Brochures are available in the Student Government Office in the Student Center. A large bus route map is located in the Housing Office on campus. The LRGVDC phone number is 800.574.8322 and the e-mail address to send questions to public transit is riotransitcenter@yahoo.com. Mustang Magazine | August 2011
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Freezer Caramel Drizzle Tops Pie Contest
STORY BY Dave Ralph
Ingredients and attention to details in preparation were important for the winners of the recent pie contest in the Professional Baking course at Texas State Technical College Harlingen.
But, the two winners – Vanessa Treviño of Brownsville and Maria Sandra Guardian of Rio Hondo – cited communication and teamwork for the victory. The duo was among 12 teams in the competition judged by Melba Tijerina, culinary arts instructor for the Weslaco public schools Dual Enrollment program; Elvia Berry, owner of A Berry Catered Affair, and Cindy Handy, a TSTC employee and Culinary Arts graduate.
Karen Neilson. “I was looking for some interesting pie recipes so I decided to use this one. We modified the ingredients and the recipe so our final, winning pie turned out to be unique,” she said.
The other rankings included second, Nora Medrano; third, Chris Webb and Manuel Godinez; fourth, Nancy Garza and Aileen Pagola, and fifth, Gabriel Hernandez and Bonita Badillo.
Guardian added, “We didn’t want to go with something traditional. What really made this pie special was that it represents a combination of her flavor and my flavor together. It was the teamwork.”
Neilson wrote a brief description about the recipe: “This is a delicious pie that people just love on a hot summer day. It’s great for Sunday dessert if prepared Saturday night.”
Treviño said she selected the Freezer Instructor Patrick Bauer supervised Caramel Drizzle Pie recipe posted the class. The judges’ scores were online at allrecipes.com submitted by based on originality, difficulty of recipe, 08
presentation and taste. “The pies were all great; they were delicious,” Berry said. “It was a challenge to do the judging.”
Mustang Magazine | August 2011
Freezer Caramel Drizzle Pie Judges could not resist awarding first place to this dessert in the Professional Baking class competition. Story on opposite page.
Freezer Caramel Drizzle Pie SUBMITTED BY Karen Neilson and MODIFIED BY
Vanessa Trevino ˜ & Maria Sandra Guardian, CA » Ready In: 12 hour s, 30 minutes » Servings: 16 » Prep Time: 15 minutes » Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
• 2 (nine inch) prepared graham cracker crusts • 6 tablespoons butter • 1 (seven ounce) package shredded coconut • 1 cup chopped pecans • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk • 1 (eight ounce) package cream cheese, softened • 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed • 1 (12 ounce) jar caramel ice cream topping
Directions
1. Place butter in medium skillet and melt over medium heat. Add coconut and pecans, stirring to coat. Sauté until coconut and pecans are lightly toasted, about five minutes. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whip together condensed milk and cream cheese until fluffy. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon ¼ of cream cheese mixture into each graham cracker crust. Drizzle each with ¼ of caramel topping. Repeat layers with remaining cream cheese mixture and caramel. Top each pie with coconut and pecan mixture. Freeze overnight. Mustang Magazine | August 2011
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STUDENT FEATURE
Karla Solis Building Construction Science
Karla Solis is a non-traditional student enrolled in Building Construction Science. We asked her about working in a male dominated career field. Interview by Melani Zuniga What made you choose to go into the BCS program?
I want to prove that a woman can do the same thing that a man can do. I want to get hands-on experience in the industry.
What is your favorite class?
I like Estimating because I am learning to calculate how much money it takes to purchase materials and pay labor costs for a project. Then, I can make sure there's a profit.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to keep studying to become an industrial engineer by completing a bachelor's degree with Texas A&M University-Kingsville courses that will be offered in the University Center at Harlingen. Industrial engineers lead development of construction plans and supervise work sites.
Are you involved in SGA?
Yes, I'm vice president of the American General Contractors (AGC) Club. We attend the SGA events and recently participated in the trash bash cleanup.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to go to the movies. I recently saw "Transformers" because I like the cars.
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Mustang Magazine | August 2011
Mustang Magazine | August 2011
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HAND DRAWN ARTWORKS AND DRAWINGS BY TSTC STUDENTS
JOEY SAN MIGUEL, GASP
The Fast and The Tortoise
PENCIL AND PRISMACOLOR ILLUSTRATION
Eliseo Garza, DMDT Untitled
MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATION
SEPTEMBER DEADLINE:
AUG. 10
Send us your artwork! phdclub@gmail.com 12
Mustang Magazine | August 2011
What’s New? THI S MON T H I N F I L M A N D GA MI NG
02 BLEACH: Soul Resurrection
24 Lord of the Rings: War in the North
Based on the popular manga/anime series, Bleach: Soul Resurrection depicts the battle between the Soul Reapers and the army of evil Arrancars that threaten the peace of the world.
Unseen lands from the world of Middle-earth are awaiting in this visceral action-adventure RPG.
PLAYSTATION 3 Rated: T (Teen)
26 Don’t be Afraid of the Dark FILM Rated: R
12 Final Destination 5 FILM Rated: R
Survivors of a suspension-bridge collapse learn there's no way you can cheat death.
A young girl sent to live with her father and his new girlfriend discovers creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own.
26 Our Idiot Brother FILM Rated: R
19 One Day FILM Rated: PG-13
After spending the night together on the night of their college graduation Dexter and Em are shown each year on the same date to see where they are in their lives. They are sometimes together, sometimes not, on that day.
23 Deus Ex: Human Revolution XBOX 360 | PLAYSTATION 3 Rated: M (Mature)
PC | PLAYSTATION 3 Rated: RP (Rating Pending)
Adam Jensen is a private security officer with Sarif Industries, a leading company that specializes in human augmentations. An attack on his company leaves him horrifically injured and he is forced to undergo augmentation to survive.
A comedy centered on a well-meaning idealist who barges into the lives of his three sisters.
31 The Debt FILM Rated: R
Three retired Mossad secret agents had been venerated for decades by their country for tracking down a Nazi war criminal in East Berlin. At great risk, the team's mission was accomplished - or was it? The suspense builds in and across two different time periods, with startling action and surprising revelations.
Mustang Magazine | August 2011
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A U G U S T 2011
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Harlingen Farmers Market Saturday, August 6 | 3:00PM to 4:30PM Downtown Jackson Street | Harlingen Jackson Street Market Days Saturday, August 6 | 9:00AM to 3:00PM Downtown Jackson Street | Harlingen RiffTrax Live: Jack the Giant Killer Wednesday, August 17 | 7:00PM Cinemark 16 | Harlingen Harlingen Farmers Market Saturday, August 20 | 3:00PM to 4:30PM Downtown Jackson Street | Harlingen 11th Annual Blues on the Hill Saturday, August 20 | 6:00PM to 10:00PM McKelvey Park | Harlingen
Music/Art
Family/Sport
C O M M U N IT Y C A L E N DAR
Mustang Magazine | August 2011
John Milton Wednesday, August 3 | 8:30PM McAllen Civic Center Auditorium The Electric Daisy Carnival Event Thursday, August 4 | 9:00PM Cinemark 16 | Harlingen Demolisher with Defiler and Konquer Thursday, August 11 | 8:00PM James “Nikki� Rowe VFW | McAllen Muve Music Concert Series Friday, August 12 | 2:00PM to 11:30PM McAllen Civic Center Auditorium
Mustang Magazine | August 2011
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SOLDIER’SBlog Jonathan Quezada jequezada@mymail.tstc.edu The United States of America celebrated another year of life, liberty, and freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. It’s amazing to see how the history of this great nation has changed over time, but one thing that never changes is the pride citizens feel in being an American. Our prior generations laid a foundation for us. They fought many battles both here (such as the War of 1812 and the Civil War) at home and overseas that preserved these rights and liberties that we enjoy each and every day. Our citizens have depended upon the dedication and sacrifices - past and present - of men and women who served in the military. These deeds and those who served are not destined to become future ghosts. The modern men and women in uniform are just as willing as ever to protect our values and society. History can teach us many lessons. It shows us how to avoid the
FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT Veterans Support Group
Offers support with veteran concerns and issues. Meets the second and fourth 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 956.364.4311.
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TSTC students show their suppor t for Post Tr aumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness on June 27.
mistakes made previously by various nations. It shows us how far mankind has come and the decisions and processes behind for the changes. The U.S. flag symbolizes the hard work, challenges and victories that each one of us endures in our life time. That's what makes the nation's birthday celebration so special!
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) • Resserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607/REAP) • Hazlewood Act
For more information
http://harlingen.tstc.edu/FinancialAid/veteranaffairs.aspx
Mustang Magazine | August 2011
New LRC Releases CHECK THE M OUT TODAY !
Flash: Rebirth
by Geoff Johns , Ethan Van Sciver
The epic story of Barry Allen’s return from the dead to reclaim his title as The Fastest Man Alive is collected in hardcover. Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver, the writer/artist team behind the blockbuster Green Lantern: Rebirth and The Sinestro Corps War, create an explosive, jaw-dropping epic that reintroduces Barry Allen, the modern–age Flash. But how will Barry Allen find his place in the 21ST century?
Infernal Angels by Loren D. Estleman
Detroit private investigator Amos Walker has long been reluctant to embrace technology— he only recently got his first cell phone. Walker is hired to do a 21ST century job— recovering HDTV converter boxes stolen from a retailer whose shop also does vintage resale business. Before long, the case turns old school: both a suspect and the man who lost the boxes are murdered, and Walker ends up working with both the local police and the feds. The converter boxes were being used to smuggle high-grade heroin that’s been killing off junkies left and right, and it’s up to Walker to track down the missing dope.
Betrayal of Trust: J.P. Beaumont Series #20 by J. A. Jance
At first glance, the video appears to be showing a childish game: a teenage girl with dark wavy hair smiles for the camera, a blue scarf tied around her neck. All of a sudden things turn murderous, and the girl ends up dead. Seattle investigator J. P. Beaumont has witnessed many horrific acts over the years, but this one ranks near the top. Beaumont discovers that what initially appears to be a childish prank gone wrong has much deeper implications, reaching into the halls of state government itself. He must trace the path of corruption to its very end, before more innocent young lives are lost.
Learning Resource Center Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 7:30AM - 8PM Friday: 7:30AM - 5PM
Saturday: 10AM - 4PM Sunday: 1PM - 4PM
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. Mustang Magazine | August 2011
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STUDENT HEALTH
The 5 Biggest Myths About Caffeine Caffeine boosts your energy, lifts your spirits and improves your physical and mental performance. But is it bad for you? Caffeine is addictive. While it can be habit-forming, and
you may feel some minor side effects such as fatigue, drowsiness or headaches if you suddenly stop drinking caffeine-containing beverages, it is not classified as an addictive substance.
Caffeine weakens your bones. The results of studies linking caffeine or coffee to the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis have been mixed. For now, Oregon State University researchers recommend limiting coffee to three cups a day and making sure you get the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Caffeine causes heart disease. Not true, although
excessive amounts of caffeine-containing beverages have been linked to increased blood pressure and heart rate and, rarely, to detection of an irregular heartbeat. The current thinking in scientific circles is that caffeine, at least in the amounts that come with a cup or two of coffee, may actually do your heart some good.
Caffeine is dehydrating. This could be true, but the
diuretic effects of caffeine-containing drinks that might contribute to dehydration are usually offset by the fluid content of the beverage. Caffeine supplements and caffeine-containing medications also have a diuretic effect, however, so it is important to take them with plenty of fluids.
Caffeine causes cancer. Researchers have looked at possible links between caffeine consumption and lung, bladder, renal, pancreatic and breast cancers and found no overall increased risk. One large-scale Japanese study did find an increased risk of breast cancer development in women with pre-existing noncancerous breast conditions who drank four or more cups of coffee a day. However, benign breast disease is itself a risk factor for developing breast cancer.
Sources: QualityHealth.com http://bit.ly/CaffeineMyths
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: McKinley Health Center http://bit.ly/McKinleyCaffeine
The Harvard Medical School Health Guide http://hvrd.me/mSFN9z
Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute http://bit.ly/nqAG9x
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 | August 2011
Wellness & Sports Center
INTRAMURALS
Women’s Division
Emma Martinez
etiti p m
Featherweight: Aristeo Limon Lightweight: Austin Rushing Heavyweight: Eddie Patino Super Heavyweight: Ernest Quintanilla
on
Co
Men’s Division
Got what
it takes?
Clockwise from top right: Competitors Ernest Quintanilla, Emma Martinez, and Austin Rushing,
Enter the next Bench Press Competition on October 25! Contact the Wellness & Sports Center for more information at 956.364.4341.
Mustang Magazine | August 2011
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Fall 2011 classes start August 29. Register today!