November 3, 2022

How do you feel about legalizing marijuana?

OPINION

“Medically it’s good for health related issues, but just like anything done in excess, marijuana use can take a bad turn and become a bad learned behavior pattern.”

Robert Burklow Engineering Major

“Marajiana should be legal because of the medical benefits alone, not to mention it’s just not as dangerous as alcohol. The economic benefits would be incredible for Texas.”

Zareth Munoz General Studies Major

“Legalizing pot is a good idea, because when you tell a kid 'No,' they just want to do it more, at least legalizing it would make it safer.”

Look for help, save yourself

By STETSON SMITH Student Reporter

Suicide (noun) 1. The intentional taking of one’s own life.

2. Destruction of one’s own interests or prospects.

Hearing the word “suicide” can cause an array of reactions. Some people shy away, while some may get defensive that it's just a cry for attention.

For many, it’s like a constant shadow looming behind you and is best dealt with by trying to pretend it's not there; however, there is no monster to be found lurking in the dark. This is quite simply suicide and suicidal ideation.

Suicide is a leading cause of death nationwide, according to the National Institute of Mental Health’s online forums co-created with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics reports that in 2020, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S. claiming just under 46,000 people.

That same year, suicide was the second most common cause of death for ages 10-34 and the suicide rate among males was four times higher than females.

Within a few months, I attempted suicide three different times. When I was in this dark mental space, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the lack of support I could find organically.

My friends and family seemed unable to understand or chose to minimize my pain with statements such as, “You’re focused too much on one thing,” or “This too shall pass.” The only place I found real help that made a difference was therapy.

Starting therapy takes humility and isn't the easiest process. It took a lot of phone calls and different attempts to find the right therapist. When you desperately need help, it is difficult to put in the effort to get help. It was not an easy task, but I’m glad I did it. I'm in a much better mental place.

There is still hope out there for people. Aside from therapy, I have found that staying busy and constantly working for something better is a key factor in my new found stability.

If you, or someone you know has considered suicide or is facing a mental health crisis, call the Texas Panhandle Center’s crisis hotline at 806-359-6699, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Marijuana: Politicians get high on votes

“Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives,” President Joe Biden tweeted, Oct. 6. “That's before you address the clear racial disparities around prosecution and conviction.”

This is life-changing news for people convicted over a plant. It’s also a significant coup for Democrats. With midterms just around the corner, every bit of political goodwill is needed to get young voters hyped to actually get out and vote. The prohibition against cannabis has ruined the lives of thousands of Americans, while dumping millions of taxpayer’s cash into the pockets of obsolete governmental branches and private prisons.

While this might seem like a drastic step to some, this motion will only be able to pardon federal cases, and on top

of that, only those hit with simple possession charges. Dealers are out of luck this time.

Alongside this, Biden has ordered a review of cannabis’ scheduling. It currently sits at Schedule 1, next to drugs like heroin, ecstasy and LSD. Marijuana isn’t without its flaws and can certainly be harmful, but why is it so much worse than cigarettes or alcohol?

Nineteen states have legalized marijuana, and all of them have benefited from massive increases in revenues through taxing sales. For this year alone, the revenues for both recreational and medical marijuana sales are an estimated $33 billion in America. Yet still, Texas’s Greg Abbott looks the other way, with a spokesperson saying, “Texas is not in the habit of taking criminal justice advice from the leader of

the defund police party.” Maybe with some of those billions in expected revenues, Texas could survive another winter without half the state losing power. But no, Texas needs to keep its nonviolent offenders revolving through prisons, with those charges glaring down at them for the rest of their lives.

Is Biden’s stance an honest attempt at moving the country toward decriminalization, or is it a thinly veiled attempt at scoring with an unmotivated younger population? America’s younger voting-age adults aren’t running to the polls, but maybe they will when it means decriminalization.

Five states, Texas not included, have full decriminalization on the ballots this November, and voter turnout is expected to increase.

Celebrity role models disappoint

By BEAU OKECHUKWU Student Reporter

Kanye West is the living embodiment of controversy. While his most recent comments about Jewish people have finally given him some consequences for his hate, but his comments pertaining to Black people over the past few years should’ve come with punishment prior to his anti-Semitic comments.

He infamously suggested slavery was a “choice,” he has spoken out against pro-Blackness and Black culture (which has made him billions) numerous times, and most recently sported a “White Lives Matter” shirt alongside fellow Black conservative, Candace Owens.

All of these actions have made me despise someone who was once my biggest inspiration. Since my adolescence, I've looked up to Kanye. I have long considered him the greatest musical artist of all time. I, like many others, have been an apologist for his recent anti-Black actions.

He’s one of those people who get the benefit of the doubt due to their talent, but this action was my last straw. It only highlighted an issue that’s becoming more common in the African-American community. Many of us are starting to get more comfortable with turning

our backs on who we are.

We can talk about how problematic Black Lives Matter has been all day, but no one can tell me that their message is wrong.

We, as Black people, have been oppressed and disrespected since we were brought on those boats. Stating that Black lives matter should not be a topic of controversy, because we've been shown the contrary for so long. Stating that all lives matter or white lives matter isn't an issue in itself. The issue comes with the context–that being that these statements are made to oppose and minimize the message of Black lives mattering.

What is accomplished by saying that a group of people who have been favored and seen as superior since the inception of African chattel slavery matters? "White Lives Matter'' is a movement championed by racists who see us getting more representation and simultaneously knowing that there is still more work to do, as us being ungrateful. That is the mindset of a slave master. Even with more representation, that doesn't mean that we're really equal.

A man like Kanye calling out Black people for supposedly using our identity as a crutch is condescending, because he himself will tell you that we face obstacles. It is easier for us

to move up in the world these days, but that doesn't make our women less disrespected, it doesn't make our culture less frowned upon, it doesn't erase the stereotypes that are ingrained in the minds of many Americans and it doesn't make up for the everlasting impact that every tragic event we've faced has had on us.

Kanye, Candace Owens, Ben Carson, Herschel Walker and others are teaching us that assimilating and losing ourselves is what we must do, which is damaging.

Black people are at our strongest when we are proud and united. We have culture, we have personality and we have influence. Black is beautiful, no matter how many people suggest that lighter skin should be strived for.

Being Black and proud may cause us to be demonized, it may result in making others uncomfortable, but it is necessary for us to have self-respect and dignity.

This is not to say that all Black people should act the same, that should never be the case. It is to say that we should lift one another up and spit in the face of anyone who looks down on anything pro-Blackness represents. Even Kanye Omari West.

Co-Editors

Rylee Moore, Andrew Terry

Staff Reporters

Arine Garin, Casey Niccoli

Columnists

Ted Richard, Jordan Nuner, Lance Hooper, Brennan Holmich

Promotion Director Kylee Smith

Miles Simmons Engineering Major

EDITORIAL

aaap OPINION

aaap OPINION

Illustration by KAMDEN SLOUGH | The Ranger

PTK takes on hygiene products project

By DAISY BURTON Student Reporter

Phi Theta Kappa, Amarillo College’s honor society, has taken on a new cause–menstrual hygiene.

The club has reached out to AC officials requesting that pads and tampons be readily available in all bathrooms on campus.

“Now that my officers have reached out to Physical Plant, our goal from there is to meet and talk about our goal and how we as PTK can help,” Miranda McHugh, student orientation coordinator and

PTK sponsor, said.

The lack of tampons and pads in student restrooms is not a new issue for AC students and faculty.

Originally, menstrual products were available for purchase from dispensers in the women’s bathrooms, but these machines were permanently marked “out-of-order” due to high maintenance requirements and theft.

“We quit using the dispensers because people were breaking into them and stealing the change out of the dispensers,” said Jim Baca, Physical

Plant director. “In turn, it was causing damage to the dispenser, and we had to order expensive replacement parts to try and repair the dispensers.”

So, in order to provide menstrual products to the students, faculty and staff, we started offering these products for free. We replaced the dispensers with baskets, and set them in the women’s restrooms.

PTK plans to work with an outside organization to keep a consistent supply of tampons and pads in campus restrooms.

“We will be contacting

Reach out for recommendations

By BEAU OKECHUKWU Student Reporter

Recommendation letters are an important tool for getting into college and moving up in employment. Amarillo College students say they are realizing how crucial recommendation letters can be.

“A proper recommendation letter can show one’s many skills and talents,” Ganh Souktakith, a business management major, said. “A well-written recommendation letter will show one’s work ethic and provide crucial context that a resume wouldn’t.”

Recommendation letters aren’t necessarily easy to come by, but it is important to be persistent. “Just keep trying,” Souktakith said, adding that aspiring students have let an eva-

sive letter from someone in authority get between them and their dreams of transferring to a university.

“It may come to a point when you have second thoughts, but just get through that day and that chapter one foot at a time and everything will come together,” Souktakith said.

Students say a recommendation letter should preferably come from someone who is well-respected.

“It is important to get a letter from someone who is credible because that person has already gone through trials and tribulations and that is going to catch the eye of someone more,” Kimberly Beltran, a nursing major, said. “Someone who has gone through similar experiences as you in the field you’re working is going to give

you a boost. That just adds credibility to your push for whatever position or goal you are pursuing.”

Beltran also recommended seeking recommendations from people in positions of authority or leadership. “If you happen to get a letter from someone who is high up, they’re giving you that honor and basically saying that they trust you,” she said.

People who get asked for recommendation letters said they view the requests as an honor. “I feel a sense of humility,” Aaron Faver, a government instructor, said. Instructors often say how they want to leave a mark on their students and a request for a recommendation letter gives them some confirmation, said Faver. “I’m always hopeful that I’m having an impact.”

Aunt Flow, a business for supplying pads and tampons to businesses and schools, in order to have a long-lasting supply for staff and students,” Justine Priz, PTK president, said.

PTK also plans to put tampons and pads in all the restrooms on campus, not just the facilities labeled for women.

“Supplying menstrual products is very important because it gives accessibility to students who can’t afford these products at home, allows students to use these products in a crutch if they forgot their

own and allows transgender or gender non-conforming students to use these products in their appropriate restrooms without feeling dysphoria or misplacement,” Priz said. “Supplying these products means providing comfort for students, which is a feeling that should be experienced when one sets foot on Amarillo College’s campuses.”

McHugh said PTK officers plan to meet with Physical Plant officials this fall, but the end goal is to have new policies implemented by the spring of 2023.

Sufficient sleep solves struggles for students

By ISAIAH BOYD Student Reporter

Many college students believe they can function and be successful on a few hours of sleep every night, when in reality, they should be getting at least eight hours, Janis Hunt, a psychology instructor, said. “Most students often struggle with their schoolwork as well as their daily lifestyle because without having decent sleep causes an imbalance in their lifestyle,” she said. “They are not actively engaged with their work. They hardly focus on their classes as well as their education. Students that have sleeping issues or sleep less than the regular hours often fall asleep during school time.”

Psychology Coordinator Beth Rodriguez said many college students are affected by sleep deprivation. “From my observation, the average college student should get at least eight hours of sleep, and in today’s society an average college student gets only about six hours of sleep at night,” she said.

Rodriguez said stress

about school and life keep around 68% of students awake at night. “Almost the majority of college students have irregular sleep patterns during the week, and because of this many of the students try to make up missed time sleeping longer hours during the weekend. By doing this, some students mess up their sleep and school schedule.”

Dr. Claudie Biggers, a biology instructor, said she’s noticed a correlation between lack of sleep among college students and drinking alcohol.

“Alcohol overconsumption can lead the students to have problems with time management,” she said. “They cannot manage their time wisely, and they can hardly manage their time when they need to go to bed.”

Biggers said college students drink alcohol for a number of different reasons. She said some students are stressed about school or personal problems.

“Students who consume alcohol at higher rates, experience shorter sleep duration, irregular sleep patterns and schedules and poor sleep quality,” she said.

Photo Illustration by ANDREW TERRY | The Ranger

Free menstral products will be provided in all restrooms at Amarillo College while PTK works on getting new policies put in place.

Students need to put in work to find work after graduation

By D. HILL Student Reporter

As students begin planning for graduation, they must also take steps to find jobs in their fields.

“So, the big thing that they can do is come to our spring or our fall job fair and connect with employers face-to-face like that,” Taylor Bingham, the Amarillo College career and employment services coordinator, said. “Definitely a good way to network and meet new people. Actually, 65% of jobs are done through networking. That’s usually why we encourage students to go meet people and at fairs just because it’s cheaper and it’s a lot easier to find a job because you’ve met somebody.”

Bingham also said she encourages students to take advantage of online job search tools. “We have our new system that’s going to launch Nov. 1 called Grad Leaders that students go on and they activate their account completely free, then they input their student ID, and then after that, there will be tons of jobs that are posted for them to apply for those employers who are looking for AC graduates. They can also come to visit our office and we can customize their resume, and set up an interview and cover letter critiques,” she said.

Some AC grads said their job search went smoothly. “I went online just to see what

kind of media jobs were available that would work with the degrees that I got from both AC and West Texas A&M and the first job I saw was for NewsChannel 10,” Jojo Gipson, a reporter for the “Amarillo Globe News,” said. “And I thought that’s a news channel I watch a lot. At WT, I took a video class where we worked with cameras and stuff, so, I figured, why not give it a shot?” After starting her career at the television station, Gipson moved on to a position as a reporter for the local newspaper.When faced with getting a new job, salary does play a significant role for students. Bingham said that entry level salaries depend on the career field. “We have a really cool website called Career Coach where they can go and search their major and see different jobs and how much they would make,” she said.

Some graduates are not prepared to negotiate salaries. “I was just happy to get my foot in the door,” Gipson said. “I’m a shy person and I was too nervous to ask for more money.”

But salary is often an important consideration for new graduates, since many students live with their parents during college, but decide to flee the nest once they find a job in their career field.

“So, when I first started at NewsChannel 10, I was still living at home,” Gipson said. “And then I finally decided to move out with my best friend once I started this job at the

local news. It’s a little bit of a struggle, but it’s because I have to learn how to manage money. So, if you give anybody a tip, tell them to learn how to manage your money before you dip out of your parents’ house.”

Bingham said graduates can take steps to earn more money and learn how to budget.

“They can go get another stackable certificate, and that can help with that. Also, knowing your budget is really helpful. That’s what I always tell my clients from the very beginning, to make your budget and know your bottom line because that’s absolutely going to help them get into salary negotiations with employers.”

Bingham also recommends a website called Texas Reality Check. “With that resource you can actually make a sample budget. And then from there, they actually give you careers that show what it looks like you’ll make so you can survive,” Bingham said.

Bingham did have some words of encouragement for future job seekers.

“When seeking a job, don’t just apply for one and then stop and say, ‘I’m gonna get that,’” Bingham said. “I encourage my clients to have a spreadsheet and keep track of the jobs they apply for. Just keep applying. Be patient. Sometimes it can take a while. If you get stuck, come to our office or give us a call, and we’re more than happy to help you out.”

Blue Blazers lead the way for prospective students

By CHASITY GUILLEN Student Reporter

The Blue Blazers is the oldest club at Amarillo College. It was established in 1929, the same year AC opened. Students have to apply to join this club. When completing the application, students must have two professors or AC employees sign their application as references. There are a few questions on the application that inquire about leadership on campus and the student’s decision to attend AC.

Once students get into the club, they must maintain certain standards. They must complete at least nine hours a semester, plan to enroll in academic classes, keep a GPA of at least 2.5, demonstrate leadership at the college and demonstrate skills with enthusiasm.

“Being a Blue Blazer is a great honor,” Christie Martinez, an education major said. “I am so blessed to have this opportunity to give back to an institution that has given so much to me. As a nontraditional student, AC has made it possible for me to be successful in gaining access to higher education. Without AC and all of the amazing staff, I wouldn’t be able to accomplish this life-changing feat.”

Martinez explained that the name of the club comes from the students’ formal uniform. “We wear blue blazers, but only to events requiring us to be dressed more than usual. For example, last spring, the Blue Blazers wore their blazers when they escorted students to their seats for the academic award ceremonies. Usually, when we are on campus giving tours and serving in the Student Services Building, we wear our

blue polo shirts,” she said.

The blue blazer is paired with khakis, a button-down shirt, and dress shoes, Cassie Montgomery, the director of outreach services and sponsor of the Blue Blazers, said.

“The purpose of Blue Blazers is to act as student ambassadors and the voice of the college to prospective students and to the community. Their primary function is conducting tours for people considering attending AC, along with representing the college at K-12 school visits, AC Foundation events and community outreach activities,” Montgomery said.

Joseph Guillen Jr, a former Blue Blazer and current high school teacher, said he was eager to join this group of AC students. “I wanted to become a Blue Blazer because I wanted to be a part of something greater than just going to school and back home. The student ambassadors caught my attention the second I heard the group existed.”

Guillen interviewed for a position in the club and said he was excited when he was accepted. “During the interview, I realized that the fit was perfect for someone like myself due to the nature of the work Blue Blazers do. I found out that this specific group gets to interact with the community, future students and the college students. This was very appealing to me due to my history with the student council in high school.”

Guillen said being a part of Blue Blazers lived up to his expectations. “I enjoy the idea of creating a safe and fun atmosphere for incoming students and representing the college,” he said.

Andrew Terry | The Ranger

The Blue Blazers act as student ambassadors and tour guides around Amarillo College campuses.

COURTESY PHOTO

Artists bring dead back to life

Dia de los muertos art show on display

By ETHAN LANHAM Student Reporter

Amarillo College’s annual Day of The Dead art show kicked off with a small party Oct. 26 in the Common Lobby Art Gallery. All the artists who participated could personally show off their work.

The art show has been held each fall for the past 20 years, and is put on solely by the AC art department. Each student must write

a two to three paragraph story behind their art, said Steven Cost, art professor and gallery coordinator. The submissions come from people participating in AC art classes. “Someday maybe we can open it up to the public of Amarillo, but that hasn't happened yet,” Cost said.

Nadia Colchado is one of the artists whose work is displayed in the show. Her piece is titled “Black Scorpion.” Colchado, a graphic design major, said when she heard about the art

show, she immediately thought of her great grandfather.

“When I was little, he saved me from a scorpion sting. I remember that till this day,” she said. “I basically just used ink and some charcoal. On some of the smaller details. I did use some of the white tip.”

Another artist whose work is at the art show is Damien Holgom, a fine art major. He said his artwork is a tribute to his brother. “It's just a letter to my brother who passed away before I was born,” said

Holgom.

“I used pen because we're not allowed to mess with that much with color. So, kind of your only options are stuff like black paint and ink. It worked out for me because I like to do pen work anyway.”

The Common Lobby Gallery is located between the Amarillo Museum of Art and the Concert Hall Theatre on the Washington Street campus. The art will be on display until Nov. 8.

'Bullet Train' is an offthe-rails actionadventure film

REVIEW

By BENNETT MCBRIDE Student Reporter

What happens when someone takes an action anime, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “John Wick” and mixes them all up like a cocktail? “Bullet Train” is what happens.

The story takes place on a bullet train hurtling through Japan, featuring a fascinating cast of characters. Brad Pitt stars as Ladybug, an assassin who has sworn off killing and has terrible luck. Ladybug has taken a job to board the train, steal a briefcase, then get off the train at the next stop because another assassin called in that day. Seems easy enough, right?

Unfortunately for Ladybug, our star-studded cast and his bad luck turns a simple job into a herculean task. Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor-Johnson portray The Twins, two assassin brothers with a high body count tasked with keeping the briefcase and the son (Logan Lerman) of a crime boss known as the White Death, safe.

The White Death is a mysterious Russian who took over a branch of the Yakuza. His face isn’t shown until the end of the movie, and I won’t say who plays him because his casting is one of the best surprises in the movie.

Andrew Koji plays The Father, who ends up on the train because he believes the person who pushed his son off a roof is on the train.

Hiroyuki Sanada plays The Elder, a retired Yakuza member of the same family that the White Death took over, and the father of Koji’s character.

The plot seems kind of stereotypical at first, but the more wacky characters the movie reveals and the more Ladybug comments on luck and fate, the more you realize exactly what it’s up to. It ends up being a not-sowell executed commentary on those topics, but it doesn't want to fully commit.

New anime 'Chainsaw Man' slays

By JORDAN NUNER Reviwer

This fall season has brought many great anime to watch. “My Hero Academia,” “Spy Family,” to “Your Eternity” and “Mob Psycho 100” have all gotten new seasons this fall but there’s one new anime that may outshine them all–“Chainsaw Man.”

This anime is gruesome, so I don’t recommend it for those

who are faint of heart. There’s blood and gore similar to that of Amazon’s “Invincible.”

The story revolves around a boy whose life has gone astray thanks to the debt his father left behind. To pay back the debt, he has sold parts of his body and contracted with a dog-like chainsaw devil and kills other devils. He’s barely able to even afford food to feed himself and his demon dog, so, when given

the opportunity to make more money by defeating another demon, he takes it. It ends up being a trap and he is left to be torn apart by zombies created by a zombie devil. To keep him alive, his chainsaw companion becomes his heart creating a human-devil fusion where his arms and head become chainsaws that literally chop his limbs in half and dissolve when not in use.

If you are able to handle

gore and gruesome action, take a shot at this show as it has an amazing story despite only having two episodes as of writing this. It is very enjoyable to watch and the animation and music are very well done and give off a great atmosphere that suits the story.

“Chainsaw Man” is available to watch on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

The movie is directed by David Leitch, known for high octane action movies like “Deadpool 2” and “Atomic Blonde.” He’s arguably one of the best when it comes to action, and the film is worth checking out just for that, but when it comes to the deeper stuff he seems to struggle.

Overall “Bullet Train” is worth a watch, but its insistence on being a cutesy movie with great action combined with its insincere message about luck and fate can be a little grating at times.

COURTESY PHOTO

Andrew Terry | The Ranger Nadia Colchado's "The Black Scorpion" is inspired by her great grandpa saving her from the sting of a black scorpion.

Jayden Koenig's skeleton piece is inspired by the works of the rapper Lil Peep.

Andrew Terry | The Ranger

FEATURE

Tips for Students Struggling With Seasonal Depression

By LUTHER ESTRIDGE Student Reporter

Experts say there is no way to prevent seasonal depression, but there are many ways to stop it from getting worse.

These are lyrics from the song “Back around” by Half Alive and it addresses seasonal depression. “Changing with the seasons, dying with the leaves,” describes one of the ways seasonal depression can affect people. Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is a type of depression that’s related to the changes in the seasons. SAD for many people usually starts in the fall and continues into the winter months, making people feel depressed and lack energy. SAD can also cause depression in the spring and summer for other people. In either case, symptoms might start out mild and become more severe as the seasons progress.

If you start feeling down as the seasons change, or wonder if you might be experiencing SAD, here are some risk factors. One characteristic that can lead to developing SAD is having low levels of serotonin, as well as low levels of melatonin and vitamin D, which both help boost serotonin activity. Your biological clock could also be a reason due to the decreasing and increasing amount of sunlight. People with bipolar disorder and other forms of depression are more at risk of SAD. Another factor could be your genetics. If your family members, in the past or now, have SAD or another form of depression, it might help to see a health care provider.

“My advice to people experiencing seasonal depression is to reach out to people you love and let them know what you’re feeling,” Justine Priz, a general studies major, said. “Keep in touch with hobbies, friends, games or anything else you enjoy to take your mind off the way you’re feeling.”

Here are some tips to help people feel better during times of SAD:

• Make sure to get enough vitamin D.

• Try writing in a journal. It could have a positive effect on your mood.

• Take some time off. Try getting away from the things that might be stressing you.

• Exercise. As it does with other forms of depression, exercise can help alleviate SAD.

• Make a schedule. Make one for meals, sleep or even exercise.

• Be social. Talk to friends and family, go out and enjoy some activites.

• Try light therapy. You can use a light therapy box, but simple night lights or LED light strips are just as good, even Christmas lights.

• Create an autumn mindset. Prepare yourself for the seasons by doing certain seasonal activities.

• Let some sunshine in. This may be the same as getting vitamin D considering how sunlight touching your skin creates it, but it’s also just nice to open windows or blinds and let the sun in.

• Finally, talk to a doctor.

“I’ve been on my own / Changing with the seasons Dying with the leaves, I’m / Coming back around Little did I know / Start to see the meaning Find what I believe is / Coming back around”