September 22, 2022

Amarillo College's News Source Since 1930 acranger.com

Volume 93, Issue 2

September 22, 2022

Avoiding cyber security risks

By BRENNAN HOLMICH

THE

Editorial Writer

Amarillo College Chief Information Officer Shane Hepler is asking the AC community to be aware of online safety. At a recent all-employee meeting, he urged the staff to help him fight internet hackers and said the college faces daily attacks.

Fraud, scams, identity theft, network intrusion and other cybercrimes are rising. Hepler says that everyone has a role to play in keeping the college safe.

A common avenue for criminals is through an attack called ‘phishing’. Through the use of official-looking emails that ask recipients to navigate to a malicious website, attackers can infect your computers with malware or steal your information.

Hepler’s advice: “Do not open emails you don’t recognize.”

Basic, but incredibly smart words, as phishing emails appear to be legitimate and may request personal information or account numbers.

Another way that criminals gain access to accounts is through a process called ‘social engineering’ where hackers take time to sift through social media and other places

people post information and use that to impersonate them.

Be smart with what you post, either in status updates, pictures or when taking online personality quizzes.

Malicious actors can use these resources to gather information to use when calling into your bank, for example, impersonating you and gaining access to your passwords using their gathered information to guess at reset and security questions. Social media is a

gold mine for online crime.

Some basic tips for keeping secure on the internet and beyond: Change your passwords often, usually every three months.

When choosing a secure password, try using symbols and numbers, and combining multiple words together.

Keep your personal details personal. Don’t post information online that you might use as password reset questions. It might be fun posting where you went to school on your Facebook profile,

SMART START TO

Reaccreditation brings new success initiative

By ANDREW TERRY Current Editor

Student media exists to serve you - the students. The Ranger staff urges you to get involved by submitting ideas, photos. Videos at therangereditor@ gmail.com.

The Ranger is an independent student publication. Material published in The Ranger does not necessarily reflect the views of Amarillo College administrators or employees.

Amarillo College received a visit Sept. 19-22 from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to review and renew AC’s accreditation. As a part of the reaccreditation process, AC is implementing new strategies for student success.

“Accreditation seeks to ensure constituents and the public that the quality and integrity of higher educational institutions meet acceptable levels of quality,” according to the SACSCOC website.

“We’ve been preparing for this particular visit for at least the last two years,” said Tina Babb, director of institutional effectiveness. AC has to demonstrate that it complies with the 72 principles of accreditation put in place by SACSCOC. A major part of reaccreditation is the Quality Enhancement Plan or QEP, which is titled “Smart Start to finish,” according to Amy Pifer, the QEP director.

The goal of the QEP is to increase first-time in college

fall-to-fall student retention to 75% by 2025, as well as ensure an 80% completion rate according to its webpage.

In 2018, retention from fall-to-fall was at 58.42%.

“We are losing roughly 40% of our students after one year with us,” Dr. Frank Sobey, associate vice president of academic affairs, wrote in an article explaining the plan.

“How can we better collaborate, communicate and also have more of a proactive outreach for students and catch them before it’s too late, so as we started working on the QEP those were the things we focused on,” Amy Pifer, QEP director said.

The plan is split into two sets of objectives. The first set is concerned with students before they are enrolled at AC and targets students through Success 360, an event held for local high school students to learn more about AC and New Student Orientation according to the QEP webpage. The second set involves requiring the Learning Framework class for all students, creating success networks and using the student engagement app, also

known as Watermark.

A student’s success network includes on-campus resources like the Advocacy and Resource Center or counseling services, as well as success coaches based on a student’s major. “We started trying to identify where gaps were for us. One of those biggest gaps was capacity,” Pifer said. Success coaches are supposed to fill the gaps that other staff members aren’t able to fill, according to Pifer. She hopes to have success coaches hired and working by the spring semester.

Another part of the success network is the student engagement app. The app allows instructors to assign tutoring for students, take attendance and view potential risk and success factors for students according to training videos for the app. AC started implementing the student engagement app at the beginning of this semester.

“We actually won’t know about the reaffirmation decision until next summer, but we will have an idea when they leave Thursday morning,” Babb said.

but many banks use that question as a personal identifier. Criminals might be using these quizzes to gather information for an attack.

Update all of your devices and browsers. Updates usually come with incredibly important security updates. Staying up-to-date means you’re also staying secure.

Hepler told the AC employees that online safety is everyone’s responsibility. “While we have the doors locked, you have to be responsible for your key.”

Rising our way to an Aspen Award

By RYLEE MOORE Editor-in-Chief

Amarillo College officials are waiting to learn if the college will receive a prestigious national recognition and a prize of $1 million. This is the second time the college has been a finalist for the Aspen Award.

In June 2022, the college was named as one of the top 10 Aspen Prize finalists. In 2021, AC made it to the top five finalists and was dubbed a “Rising Star” by the Aspen Institute.

“This time around feels more like affirmation that we truly are a great school, and a school that the rest of the country deserves to emulate,” Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, the president of Amarillo College, said.

The Aspen Institute honors colleges that show outstanding performance in five critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success and equitable outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds, according to Cara Crowley, the vice president of strategic initiatives.

“Without making appreciative gains in these five areas, AC would not have been a finalist for the prize in 2021, nor would it be in the top 10 again this time around. We continue to move the needle,” Joe Wyatt, the communication coordinator, said.

Winning the Aspen Prize would net the college $1 million and could also provide access to grants, increase philanthropic support and offer opportunities to influence policies according to Lowery-Hart.

“Being a finalist for the Aspen Award gives the college credibility, not just here at home

See JUMP, page 3

September 22, 2022

How do you feel about campus safety?

Christie Martinez Education Major "I have never felt uncomfortable, and knowing that if I do, at any point, I can contact the police station here on campus."

Corina Montoya Legal Studies Major “I feel pretty safe, I mean everywhere I go I usually always see a cop. Not a day goes by where I don't see some officer.

I’ve seen safety being enforced pretty well here, so overall I’d say I feel pretty safe."

Eddy Escobar

Nursing Major "It's pretty safe on campus.

There's always a cop around and that have an emergency number you can call."

Control contraceptive costs aaap

OPINION

By CHASE COOKE Birth control has been around for years, and it is something that everyone knows about.

However, the price of birth control isn’t talked about enough and it’s time to shed some light on the subject.

Some women go on birth control to avoid getting pregnant, but for some, it’s not just about preventing pregnancy.

I was put on birth control because my periods were excruciating. I tried all different types, the pill, the IUD and the patch.

The pill was the cheapest option so that is where I started, and it did absolutely nothing for me other than cause awful mood swings and acne. Then I went on to the IUD. That was the worst pain of my life and only made that time of the month worse. Finally, I got on the patch, and it is the best thing ever. My time of the month is barely noticeable, and I feel so much better physically and emotionally.

I wouldn’t have been able

to do any of it after the pill if I didn’t have the amazing insurance I do. Every four months I go get my refill and I pay nothing. If I didn’t have insurance, it would be $700 every time. That’s $2,100 a year.

That would be impossible if I had to pay it in full every time.

The pill can be free, but it doesn’t work for everyone. It’s not fair that women must suffer because they can’t afford the birth control that works for them.

I, as a woman, should still feel like myself and happy when I am on birth control, without having to worry if I can afford it the next month. I am a fortunate person, but a lot are not and it breaks my heart that they don’t get the things they need.

I think it’s important for the issue to be talked about, and I will forever stand by the way I feel about how outrageous the cost of birth control really is.

Something needs to change, and I want to make it my mission to change it. I want to make a difference in someone’s life who is dealing with not being able to get birth control because of its price.

Co-Editors Rylee Moore, Andrew Terry

Arine Garin, Casey Niccoli

Student Reporter

Design Editor Kamden Slough Online Editor Jo Early Page Editors D. Hill, Faith Chamberlain

Staff Reporters

Columnists Ted Richard, Jordan Nuner, Lance Hooper, Brennan Holmich Promotion Director Kylee Smith

For a complete staff listing, visit The Ranger online at www.acranger.com

Illustration by FAITH CHAMBERLAIN | The Ranger

Token representation not enough aaap For many individuals, the ability to relate to fictional characters on the big screen brings with it a feeling of comfort and inclusion.

For millions of people around the world, Marvel’s 2018 "Black Panther," was the first time they had ever seen a person of color headline such a massive blockbuster; a film that has racked in over 1.3 billion dollars. A gargantuan win. Successes from films like it have sent a message to Hollywood about the importance and thirst for positive representation of minorities.

When there is a lack of diversity and inclusion from Hollywood and beyond, people belonging to marginalized groups begin to get the impression they’re not wanted. The impact of being represented in these major blockbusters as a force for good, instead of just a caricature and stereotype cannot be understated.

We live in a time and society where the people we see represented on television or the big screen help shape us and influence us in ways

EDITORIAL

we’re still trying to wrap our heads around.

According to studies positive representation in the media, be it books or motion picture, help bring about a change in how people have viewed same-sex marriage, and how over the past 15 years, that view has shifted into a nearly overwhelmingly positive outlook.

According to a study by the Pew Research Center, between 2002 and 2019, society had seen a “double-digit increase in acceptance”, with media representation playing a major factor.

A major obstacle though, is when companies use representation as a superficial way to increase their revenue with token characters of minority gr k another box and say “hey, look how inclusive we are."

One great example of inclusion for profit would be Disney’s 2015 "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

When it came to a theatrical release in China, Disney actually deemphasized Finn’s character in all of their major Chinese marketing material.

A major, headlining character, a person of color, hidden in the background because Disney wanted more money from China.

Hell, have you ever used social media in June? It’s a common joke that most companies will change their stances publicly until July 1, when all of a sudden, the LGBTQ community no longer makes them money, and across the board, avatars, bios and linked resources disappear.

According to the US Census, non-whites make up just over 40% of Americans, yet according to a study by the UCLA, while there has been a steady increase since 2011 in casting for minority groups, they still don’t represent their place in reality.

A line must be drawn, between token representation for the sake of it, and actual, positive messages that help elevate marginalized groups.

We need more stories that focus on experiences from communities that can be told and related to positively, without stereotyping and downplaying for comedy’s sake.

Stop sleeping on night classes aaap

By JO EARLY Online Editor

It was like the opening scene to a horror movie, and I was the First Girl Down. I’d worked my 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., grabbed some dinner and arrived at the Washington Street Campus for my night class.

I groaned when I realized I couldn’t park by the Parcells/Byrd Building due to flag football in the park, so I resigned myself to the walk and parked by the AMoA. I got out of class a little before 9 p.m. and trudged across campus, looking forward to getting home, getting in my comfy clothes and turning my brain off by watching a little Netflix.

Right at 9 p.m., the tall

OPINION

lights illuminating the parking lot went out. The car I’d so strategically parked under one of the light posts was no longer washed in the comforting light of safety but illuminated only by the waning gibbous moon.

Heart racing and pepper spray in hand, I hauled my tired body across the ominous lot into my car’s safety, and only breathed easy once I had the door locked and the headlights on. I was safe.

This time.

Am I being dramatic? Absolutely. But I remember the great clown panic of 2016. I listen to true-crime podcasts, I read the news articles. I know what can happen on a seemingly ordinary night.

Not only are night-class

students and instructors literally left in the dark, but it also seems that AC can be in the dark when it comes to our safety during inclement weather.

Night classes can be both a blessing and an unfortunate necessity for people who work a set 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. It makes our days longer, cuts into our social life and I know I’m pretty bleary-eyed and craving a doze when the sun sets.

All I want after a packed day like that is to get home safe. Instead, I got an adrenaline spike.

All I want to say to AC is, "Hi, we’re here too.

Please leave the lights on a little longer for your students who are burning candles at both ends."

September 22, 2022

Campus safety requires common sense

By LISA MANRIQUEZ and TREVOR DOBBINS Student Reporters

Amarillo has a high crime rate, according to the real estate data website Neighborhood Scout. “Forty-five out of every 1,000 residents in Amarillo are a crime victim, making the city one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities,” the website reports.

But Amarillo College police officers say there is no reason to be overly worried about crime on campus. “Yes, there is crime but very, very little crime here at Amarillo College,” Scott Acker, the AC police chief, said.

Morice Jackson, an AC po-

lice officer, said the statistics and data about police calls can appear misleading. “By state law we are required to report statistics for safety service calls and for service reports taken,” Jackson said. “There is always something going on, but it’s not a crime. For example, a student may need a jumpstart. That’s a call of service, which is also reported.

This is not a crime, it’s an incident,” he said.

The most common crimes on campus are theft, according to Jackson. “Many incoming students at AC are new to the campus and leave stuff out like laptops, cell phones and purses in plain view in their cars,” Jackson said.

Officials say theft is not the only concern at AC. There have been a number of parking

tickets issued. AC students are getting fined more than $100 for not parking in a designated parking spot or parking on the opposite side of incoming traffic, Jackson said. Dustin Owens, an AC police officer, has also noticed issues when it comes to parking on campus, “AC students are not paying attention. If the sign says ‘don’t park,’ don’t park there,” Owens said.

Distracted students are another concern. “AC students are not aware of their surroundings,” Jackson said. “They are not paying attention. They are on their cell phones, walking into curbs and running into cars. This is considered an incident,” he said. Jackson said when students use common sense and stay aware of their surroundings there is lit-

tle reason to worry. “There is not very much going as far as crime at AC.” The AC police department educates students on not leaving items of value in their vehicles or unattended on campus. “The most important thing is not to allow a criminal to commit a crime. Be smart, be safe and lock up your valuables,” Acker said.

Students have differing opinions about safety on campus. Dalton Peoples, an engineering major, said he isn’t worried about crime on campus. “I don’t feel unsafe.

I see police patrolling parking lots and walking around campus,” he said. Klint Sihaphonh, a mechanical engineering major, said safety is one of the advantages of attending AC. “Consider-

ing that Amarillo College is a small community college, it makes me feel more comfortable and safer rather than a big university campus.”

On nights Sihaphonh is on campus after dark, he said he doesn’t worry. “I know cops will be near, checking the parking lots and walking areas.” AC has three officers patrolling the campuses, Owen said.

Although there is a police presence on campus, Jordan Nuner, Motion Picture Production Major, has a night class this semester and said she has a few concerns about safety. “The school would be safer if there was better lighting. Also having more officers patrolling later in the day would make me feel safer,” she said.

DisAbility services support student’s endeavors

By TREVOR DOBBINS Student Reporter

Amarillo College’s DisAbility Services can accommodate any disability, allowing all students an equal opportunity. “It can be physical. It can be mental health. It can be medical conditions, autoimmune diseases,” Jerri Najera, the coordinator of DisAbility Services, said.

Many of these services focus on increasing students’ success in classes. “It’s individualized; it depends on the student,” Nejera said.

Students can receive accommodations including notetakers, sign language interpreters, different types of book formats, extra time on tests, isolated testing and breaks during classes. These modifications can be adapted to meet students’ needs.

Jakob Padilla, a computer information major, said he appreciates his accommodations. “Extra time gives me a more comfortable testing environment,” he said. “When I can’t focus on a test, extra time gives me more leniency.”

In order to apply for Dis-

Ability Services, students need to fill out the application on the AC website, using their ACNetID and password.

Once approved, students then submit the required documentation. The final step in the process is receiving an accommodation plan.

Currently, AC cannot test for disabilities; however, the DisAbility Services staff can recommend doctors if the student does not already have a diagnosis. Once students have an accurate diagnosis, they can then apply for accommodations.

Mathematics Instructor Tara Meraz said she is a supporter of DisAbility Services.

“Students should use it, if they need it. I encourage it. DisAbility Services are amazing,” Meraz said.

Courtney Milleson, a speech communication professor, said she appreciates the help her students get from DisAbility Services. “When a student in my class has an accommodation, it just means there is one more person on the student’s success team. It is a helpful tool.

If I need help ensuring

an assignment is appropriate for the student, I reach out to the professionals for guidance. Many times, I’ve been affirmed in my choices or coached into approaching an assignment differently,” Millleson said.

DisAbility Services is located on the third floor of the Ware Student Commons building on the Washington Street Campus.

In-person and virtual services are available. For more information call 806-3455639 or check out https:// www.actx.edu/disability/.

JUMP: Taking the prize in 2023 Continued from page 1 Award gives the college credibility, not just here at home where AC is already at the epicenter of so much that goes on in and around Amarillo, but nationally,” Wyatt said.

“Other entities nationwide want to partner with an Aspen finalist, grantors

COURTESY PHOTO

ESL breaks learning barriers

By CHASITY GUILLEN Student Reporter

Every year, 300 students learn English at Amarillo College. According to AC officials, more than half of the students who take English as a Second Language classes go on to graduate from the college with a certificate or degree.

The students in the ESL program come from Myanmar, formerly Burma, China, Columbia, Mexico and Thailand.

Students who successfully complete all four levels of the ESL program receive a certificate of completion that allows them to pursue additional pro-

grams of study at the college, according to the AC website.

“My English isn’t the best, but the staff here have helped me a lot with learning how to pronounce some words,” Carmita Carrasco, an ESL student from Honduras, said.“Learning a new language is hard, but having a program like this at school helps me get through my college career.”

ESL instructor, Mary Perez said the classes cover multiple areas. “This program helps students learn English in reading, writing, listening and speaking so that they can learn the language better in different ways,” Perez said. “This program helps students still

meet their college goals even though they can’t speak English very well.”

Currently, AC offers two ESL classes. Morning classes start Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Evening classes are Monday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8:25 p.m.

To apply for the program, potential students will need their driver’s license and Social Security number. They will also need a form of verification in order to start the pre-assessment process such as a government ID, license, birth certificate, passport or other form of ID.

look more favorably at applications from an Aspen finalist, other institutions that resemble ours want to learn a great deal more about what we’re doing to achieve Aspen recognition – and believe me they ask us all the time.”

The Aspen Prize winner will be announced in late spring of 2023.

September 22, 2022

Crime does pay

By Yesenia Flores

Student Reporter

For anyone who is interested in helping out in the community, such as protecting the people, helping felons reenter into society or keeping felons behind bars, a career in criminal justice is a good fit.

David M. Green, from the criminal justice department in Moore County, said, “The jobs you can do with a criminal justice degree are peace officer, probation officer, parole officer, correctional officer in a prison or jail. You can also use it as the required undergrad degree for admission to law school. This degree will give students an overview of the criminal justice system, learning about criminal law, criminal procedure, history of crime and its impact on society, crime preven-

tion, law enforcement agencies and how they work to do their jobs and much more,” Green said.

Norma Quiles, a liaison officer at Bowie Middle School, said she enjoys working in the criminal justice field. “A peace officer is like a police officer. They carry a badge, hold the power to arrest and carry a firearm,” she said.

According to the Amarillo College criminal justice webpage, it takes two years of college to obtain an associate degree and these classes are offered online or in person to fit the schedule of the students. “The study of criminal justice gives students a working knowledge of how the courts, corrections institutions and law enforcement agencies function,” the website states.

Photo Ilustration by ANDREW TERRY | The Ranger

Heal the City will be on the Washington Street Campus Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Sept. 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. administering Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Recipients will receive a $25 Walmart gift card.

Flu season leads to need for vaccinations

By ALDO AGUILAR

Student Reporter

The fall season is fast-approaching and the change in weather usually lead to students getting sick with colds and the flu. Even though quarantine may be lifted COVID is still here with recent reporting still shows people getting hospitalized.

“I think vaccinations are important, not just to keep yourself safe, but to keep others from getting sick as well,” Roman Juarez, a general studies major, said.

Getting vaccinated for the flu or COVID helps protect people from getting sick and with staying healthy and developing major complications as reported by the CDC. Even though there are some benefits to getting vaccinated there are people that

believe that isn’t the case.

“Every year when I get the flu shot, I always get sick. I don’t believe it’s worth getting the vaccine,” Cassandra Trevino, a general studies major, said.

Marriane Jones, A.D.N. instructor shows how important it is to get vaccinated.

“Students are at higher risk of getting sick since they are in close proximity with more people. Vaccines also lower their chance of spreading the disease,” Jones said.

“Students have a busy life and too much responsibility to risk getting sick. Vaccines can help you stay healthy and keep you from missing class or work. If you can avoid getting sick, you will have more time to do the things in life that make you happy,” she said.

In the nursing field, it is also important to get vaccinated. Since local hospitals

and clinics require their employees to be vaxxed with at least the flu shot. Not just in the workforce but also nursing students are required, Jones said.

“Nursing students are getting flu and COVID Vaccinations,” Jones said. “In fact, they are required to get the Flu and Covid vaccinations to be able to attend clinical at health care facilities. The local hospitals require that all employees, students, and instructors have the Flu and COVID vaccinations or complete an exemption form. Currently, the hospitals are not requiring a Covid Booster.”

Amarillo College will be giving COVID shots on campus, Sept. 20 for the Washington Street Campus and Sept.

27. It will be free for all students. The service is provided

by Heal the City clinic.

COURTESY PHOTO

Presidential Scholars offers networking, travel opportunities

By DAISY BURTON Student Reporter The Presidential Scholars are a group of honor students at Amarillo College who participate in enrichment activities, community service and volunteer work around the globe.

“Our little motto is ‘research, travel and service,’” Lesley Ingham, honors program chair, said. “I would call the overarching theme of the program ‘leadership and development.’”

The Presidential Scholars program is intended to reward diligent students with new cultural experiences, personal fulfillment and special opportunities for networking.

“Our students are future leaders,” Ingham said. “They need to have their eyes opened to the possibilities around the world and realize that the world isn’t so huge after all.”

This year, the scholars plan to volunteer in Cape Town, South Africa. “We’re going to be working with youth,” Ingham said. “We’re going to be working with victims of domestic violence. We’re going to hopefully spread awareness and to help with some education and some social media training.”

The Presidential Scholars also volunteer around the Amarillo community. “It looks like we will probably do Ukraine Bakery, that’s the one we have at the top right now,” said Erica Valdez, a dental hygiene major.

The application process for

the Presidential Scholars begins the spring before a student’s first fall semester. The program mostly accepts incoming students who have recently graduated high school, but there are a few exceptions, Ingham said.

Students who join Presidential Scholars may find a larger sense of community at AC. “It’s my first year here, and in all my other classes we don’t really have time to make friends or start conversations, but in this class, I’ve been able to make friends, get more invested into the college and help people,” Valdez said.

Being a part of Presidential Scholars has also helped many of its former members while they continued their studies.

“I was actually in the honors program at West Texas A&M University, I think that that experience definitely helped me get involved in things that made my experience here better,” Stevi Breshears, Panhandle PBS digital communications coordinator and former Presidential Scholar, said.

In addition to community-building, the Presidential Scholars program aims to teach students skills they will use after they graduate and begin their careers. “We want them to know that they have a place in this world and that they can make a difference,” Ingham said. “We want them to develop their communication skills, public speaking, interpersonal, all those soft skills that help make you succeed.”

September 22, 2022

ANDREW TERRY | The Ranger

One of Luger’s Regalia pieces from his solo “Reunion” installation at the Amarillo Musuem of Art.

AMOA brings new exhibits from counterculture artists

By AIDAN BLANKENSHIP Student Reporter

The Amarillo Museum of Art (AMoA) is adding two new installations to its gallery this semester. One artist takes a look at Native Americans and another shares current views and inspirations in paintings.

Overseen primarily

by Curator of Arts Alex Gregory, the AMoA staff is excited to show off the new pieces. The AMoA is free, and conveniently for some students, is located on the Washington Street Campus next to the music and theatre building.

The first of the two new exhibits is “Reunion” by the artist Cannupa Hanska Luger. “What he’s done is kind of take a look at the mass extinction of the American bison, so that’s what some of the work is going to be about,” said Gregory. “He has made what he calls Regalia, a sculpture or costume that he wears and shoots video.”

Luger’s exhibit, which takes over the first and second floor of the museum, will be open from Sept. 17 through Dec. 31.

According to the AMoA website, “‘Reunion” is a solo exhibition at the Amarillo Museum of Art presented by multi-disciplinary artist Cannupa Hanska Luger.

Utilizing performance, video, ceramics and monumental

sculptural installation to tell a story about planetary interconnectivity, Luger urgently implores audiences toward relational repair— with each other, with morethan-human relatives and with the land. Traveling both backward through history and forward into the future, the work challenges and empowers humans to develop deeper kinship with the natural world.”

The museum’s third floor features another new exhibit from artist Shepard Fairey, named “Facing the Giant.”

Here, he has several pieces featuring themes of war and political views. Fairey is known for the popular ‘Hope’ image of former president Obama many people are familiar with.

There is an interactive exhibit on the first floor where different activities are set up to craft and draw various pieces based on the paintings around the room. The exhibit encourages people to find inspiration all around them.

The AMoA also has its own education program.

They offer art classes where children ages five through 11 can learn to draw, create and express themselves in their own way. “Students will draw, and they’ll work with ceramics and get to learn about famous artists,” Kegan Hollis, museum educator, said. These classes started on Sept. 14.

COURTESY PHOTO

Hanson divides, conquers in new album ‘Red Green Blue’ REVIEW

By ALDO AGUILAR

Student Reporter

Even though they may only be known for their break-out single “MMMBop,” Hanson shows that they are not confined by their big hit. To celebrate 30 years as a band, pop-rock trio Hanson shakes it up for their eighth studio album. “Red Green Blue” is made up of three separate EPs rolled into one cohesive LP. Each band member took the reins to write and produce his own collection of songs; Taylor’s “Red,” Isaac’s “Green” and Zac’s “Blue.”

This approach brings together each individual voice but it still feels like a collective band effort. With the split effort, there is an even variety within each part of the project. Not one of the brothers sticks to just one genre or style. Instead, they opt for a blend that represents each brother’s creative touch.

Taylor’s “Red” leans more toward a country feel.

“Child at Heart” opens with a fantastic focus on Taylor’s

acoustic guitar and hopeful vocals before bursting into a huge anthemic chorus with layers of string and pianos that really elevate the song.

“Child at Heart” is an uplifting blast that oozes optimism. With vulnerable and open lyrics, which are enhanced by the demo of the song that offers a glimpse into the process of the making of the project. It is a great introduction to the project that hooks the listener in for a wonderful ride.

With a country feel leading the album, it is further echoed with songs “Rambling Heart” and the reflective, “Truth.” The last two songs of “Red” change into an 80s blues sound. With the change in sound, the journey into “Green” is seemingly effortless, though the grittier tone of Isaac’s voice certainly sets it apart from “Red.” With a country vibe fused with a clear love of a cappella acts, the strength of his vocals really shine in the powerful, “The Gift of Tears.” Yet, it is in the more upbeat and

joyous, “Write You a Song” where “Green” really excels.

While “Red” and “Green” perfectly complement each other, Zac’s “Blue” stands out immediately from the pack.

Zac shows he is not afraid to stand out from his brothers and gives off an early Maroon 5 sound in his song “Bad” with defiant vocals.

He also brings high energy with the upbeat and exciting, “Don’t Let Me Down” showing the pop radio edge Hanson is capable of.

For the past 30 years, Hanson has proved time and time again why they are one of the world’s biggest independent acts.

“Red Green Blue” is a great representation of their sound, it also represents how they have grown and learned throughout the years.

While “Red Green Blue” could have been a disastrous mashup of the Hanson brothers, the album truly showcases the brother’s individualities, but feels like a single work regardless of who is in control.

September 22, 2022

AC students put school, work before romantic pursuits

By D. Hill Page Editor

Many students say they meet their spouses in college. However, AC students say they’re too busy to date.

“Dating has changed and remained the same,” said Beth Rodriguez, a psychology professor and the program coordinator of behavioral science. “It really depends on age, culture and family lifestyle. There is definitely online dating for younger adults in the workforce.”

Dating trends change from generation to generation, but not all college students are looking for romantic relationships. Many have mixed feelings about dating at all.

“I think it’s either really good or really bad.” Daphne Ervin, an environmental science major, said.

Some students just see dating as a hassle.

“Dating in college makes for very complicated college life,” Elena Munoz, an engineering major, said. “So, college for me is just my life right now, and if I had a relationship, I feel like I would either focus too much on my relationship and not enough on college or vice versa.”

Some AC professors see the college years as an ideal time for dating.

“I think dating in college is very important,” Vanessa Miles, an engineering professor, said. “I mean, it’s part of life. What better place than a college campus to date and find your future spouse.

You all are trying to better yourself in a learning environment, and so I think it’s a perfect place to find what and who you’re supposed to connect with. I have three daughters. All of them dated in college,” she said.

Some experts say college students have unrealistic opinions

about romantic relationships.

“They think it should be like the movies. They often have an idealistic point-of-view of how a relationship should work or they don’t even get out in the world and meet new people,” Rodriguez said.

Plus, dating takes time, which is something most students don’t have. Miles said balancing school and dating requires the correct approach.

“I believe that regardless of whether it’s an intimate relationship or just a relationship with teammates in class, that’s an additional person is in your space,” Miles said. “You have to find a way to balance that. So, yes, relationships are going to exert some amount of stress, but at the end of the day, you have to set boundaries, whether you have boundaries with teachers, classmates, significant others or parents. Say, ‘hey, these are my boundaries’ and

just let folks know when they’ve crossed your boundaries.”

Rodriguez has some tips for dating in college. She encourages students to look for partners with similarities and common morals and goals. “Be realistic and take your time,” she says. “Dating is hard, and it’s work.”

Rodriguez offered a few more guidelines for people pursuing romantic relationships. “Treat people the way you want to be treated. Communication is also very important. Have safe sex and get tested for STDs.” Miles said that despite students’ reluctance to date, they should take a leap and make an effort.

“Love makes the world go around,” she said. “It is so important to find loving relationships, regardless of who we fall in love with. Love has no color; love has no boundaries and love conquers all. I am a proponent of love.”