Vol 87 9 3 9 17

March 9, 2017 Volume 87 Issue 9

Students bring awareness to homelessness

By JALYNN VINSON Ranger Reporter

Difficult tests and challenging assignments are not the most important problems some Amarillo College students face. Jordan Herrera, director of social services, said homelessness is a significant issue for many AC students.

“We work with at least 10-20 a semester who have disclosed to us that they are homeless and those are only the ones we know about,” Herrera said.

Recently, AC Student Government President Logan Nelson recognized the problem and decided to use an SGA project to change attitudes toward the homeless community on Amarillo’s streets.

“I would say, don’t assume these people in the homeless community are choosing to be homeless. Some aren’t. Some just need one person to believe in them and help them.

Just have an open heart,” Nelson said.

To draw attention to the issue, Nelson started a scarf project on AC’s Washington Street Campus. During the week of Feb. 20-24, students and staff donated scarves by tying them around the trees in the Oeschger Family Mall

area. The SGA also passed out booklets providing facts about the homeless and resources available for students facing this problem.

“The average age of a homeless person in Amarillo is 11.

That means homelessness doesn’t have just one image, it has multiple. It is in our grade schools and right here on AC campuses,” Nelson said.

AC graduate Buck Mayden has a firsthand understanding of the issue, since he has been homeless himself. While attending AC and West Texas A&M, Mayden was a resident at Faith City Mission, after overcoming a 13-year meth addiction through Faith City’s Hope for Men program, Mayden found a new outlook on what it really meant to be homeless and what it is like to help others cope.

“These people have been deemed by society as unacceptable, or flawed in some way. But, in my experience, these people are the most generous, wise and compassionate people that I have ever met.

You’ll never gain more wisdom on how to be kind to your fellow man than you will from a

homeless person,” said Mayden, who now serves as donor relations coordinator for Faith City Ministries.

“I would encourage anybody to come up to Faith City and go on a tour, see what all goes on here, because it’s not just feeding the homeless. It’s about offering stability and shelter to those in our community that may not have that peace of mind,” Mayden said.

AC President Russell Lowery-Hart also has had a firsthand look at the plight of the homeless.

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No Excuses program provides solutions to struggles

By SENTORA RODRIGUEZ Ranger Reporter

Amarillo College officials are celebrating the success of the school’s intentional approach to serving students who live in poverty. AC’s No Excuses Poverty Initiative consists of: social services pro-

grams such as case management, the food pantry and the clothing closet; the Counseling Center; the Legal Aid Clinic; the Career and Employment Services Center and the Coaches and Champions mentoring program. Another component of the initiative is the creation of a predictive

modeling system that forecasts individual student success.

“It is really a systemic cultural approach to how the entire college serves our students,” Dr. Russell LoweryHart, AC president said.

Poverty and the inability to meet basic needs have a defi-

nite impact on student success, Cara Crowley, AC chief of staff, said. “Sixty percent of our students receive financial aid in some form,” said Crowley, noting that this figure shows the widespread issue of poverty amongst AC students.

Since the No Excuses Poverty Initiative began in Fall 2012,

there have been significant increases in student retention and completion, said Crowley.

Between 2012 and 2016 AC has seen increases in developmental education success, fall-to-fall retention and graduation and transfer rates.

Continued on Page 5

New campus will serve college, community

By JENNA GIBSON Ranger Reporter

A new opportunity is in store for Amarillo College students and the Amarillo community. The Amarillo College Medi Park Campus is in the process of renovations and will open officially in August to provide child care for AC students and community members.

The Medi Park Campus will COURTESY PHOTO be located in the Hagy Center Mock up of future Medi Park Campus sign. for Young Children building on Streit Drive near the Don the facility will boost AC lab school on West Campus, Harrington Discovery Cen- graduation rates because the which has a constant waiting ter. The Amarillo Area Com- lack of child care is a common list of about 200 children, acmunity Health Foundation is barrier to student success. “It is cording to Mary Clare Mungleasing the Hagy Center to the hard to find child care,” Han- er, department chairwoman of nah Brouse, a medical labora- education/child development. college.

The AC child development tory technology major, said. “This is a blessing for AC stuprogram will manage the cen- “It’s definitely difficult, but my dents as well as the Amarillo ter, which will also serve as a daughter gets me through the community,” Munger said.

Kristen Dean, an education lab space for AC students to day so I keep trying. Don’t give major, has a 10 month old and learn how to run a child care up because you have a kid.” a 5 year old. “Child care has a Th e new child care center facility. will supplement AC’s existing great connection to succeedAccording to AC officials,

www.facebook.com/acrangerpaper

www.acranger.com

ing in school because without child care I could not attend class and I feel my grades would drop tremendously,” Dean said.

“It has definitely been a challenge for me because I am enrolled in full time courses, a part time employee and a full time mom, with high daycare prices for quality care,” she added.

The center will hold about 75 to 85 children in a partnership with the Northwest Texas Healthcare System and Bivins Memorial Nursing Home. AC students will receive a discount and the center will offer early and late pickup times to accommodate students participating in clinical rotations at nearby hospitals.

Many AC students are single mothers and the opening of this campus is “bound to help” all involved, Pam George, an academic adviser, said.

America Adame, a single

mother, part-time employee in the college relations department and AC graduate, said she struggled to find daycare for her children while going to school.

“I remember when I had my first daughter, I couldn’t get her into daycare and all of the waiting lists were so long, I had to move my semester back so I could take care of her,” Adame said. “There were times when I had my second daughter that I had to take her to class with me.”

The center will also provide hands-on learning opportunities for those studying child care and education.

“Having a facility to serve students and children is great for the community. This campus will help me put myself out there and get my foot in the door in the teaching community,” Britney Blasingame, a secondary education major, said.

Twitter and Instagram: @acranger

2 Opinion The Ranger

March 9, 2017

Students take education for granted EDITORIAL

What are the reasons you skip class and how often do you skip?

“I don’t skip class. If you want to be successful you cannot skip. That is why I go every day”

Beatrice Nahoza nursing major

“I always go to class all the time, because it’s super important to get every piece of information you can get.”

Often we do not even hesitate to whip out our debit cards for a $5 coffee or even a fancy new TV—but how often do we skip class and not think twice about the impact it has-for many it is more often than most are willing to admit. We, The Ranger, would like to take the time to urge you to value your education and invest in yourself.

Although some students receive financial aid that funds their tuition, others pay out of pocket and more often than not, education is blown off as unimportant or something that can be easily squandered. Education should be treated like the privilege it is, not like an inconvenience or burden.

Instead of groaning each morning when our alarms go

off and wanting to go back to sleep, we should wake up each morning and recognize how lucky we are to be able to afford higher education. In some countries children do not even get to finish elementary school, because education is not seen as a necessity or the financial means are not available.

Living in a country where higher education is seen as a logical and necessary path, we often forget what a gift it is to be able to receive it. Many of us grow up expecting to go to college, not hoping we will be able to.

If you choose to hit that snooze button and continue to sleep, skip and go shopping, or take a long lunch, whatever you choose to do, you are the one who pays the price. It is

your money or someone else’s tax dollars you are wasting. It is your future that you harm.

Countless individuals dream of the opportunity to receive a higher education, but are never able to achieve it; while other students fail to see the value of education and skip class because they “aren’t in the mood.”

We implore you to take a step back and realize how fortunate you are to attend college. It is easy to get bogged down in the drudgery of class work, but we are all so lucky to bare this burden.

So next time your alarm blares in your ears, do not hit snooze—value your education for the honor it is, invest in yourself, invest in your education, invest in your future.

Jeanette Vega education major

“Yes. Sometimes I skip class to make up homework for another class. It just depends on which one is more of a priority.”

Taylor Rangel biology major

Illustration by Destiny Kranthoven

The struggle is real for one AC student

Two years ago, I talked to my husband about going back to school. It seemed like a no brainer. School was going to help take our family off of food stamps and get us out of poverty. At least that was my thinking.

Don’t get me wrong, the money was only one aspect of it. The self-esteem alone to me would be worth it. I wanted to change the way my kids looked at me.

I knew that they loved me, but I wanted them to be proud of me as well. I was tired of telling my kids, “We can’t afford it.”

I wanted my kids to be able to get the same things that the other kids get and do the same things that other kids do.

Whether that meant Christ-

mas, birthdays, or “just because” presents or simply being able to go out to eat… as a parent, you never want to see your kids go without.

But for every step I take forward to get away from this life, the state makes me take two steps back. Because of my class load and caring for my young children, I cannot work.

My husband is disabled, so we struggle to pay rent.

Local organizations tell me that if I were homeless, they could help me—provided that I drop out of school. If I drop out, I return to the trap of a minimum wage job with no hope of escape.

The system seems to be set up to keep people living in poverty. It’s like being on a merrygo-round. I need and want help

- Serving Amarillo College since 1930 For a complete staff listing, please visit The Ranger online at www.acranger.com.

getting off of this thing. How do you make them understand that the system isn’t for you?

The politicians set up the system. On paper, it looks good, but they don’t have to live within the rules they set.

They can’t begin to understand that paper and real life seldom meet. If they had to live on minimum wage and raise a family, they would see it cannot be done.

Give each of them random problems such as the car breaking down or a sick child who you can’t take to school and you don’t have child care. You miss one day of work and because of that you can’t pay the light bill or rent. Then what? Handle that.

I don’t want you to think that we haven’t had help, we have…

By ALICIA PRUETT Ranger Reporter

from an unlikely source--the college itself. Coming to Amarillo College has been the best thing, other than my husband and kids, that’s happened to me. The staff makes me feel like I can do this… and you can too.

Student Media exists to serve you--the students. The Ranger is as an open forum where you can learn and talk about the things that matter to you. The Ranger staff urges you to get involved. Submit ideas, photos, writing and videos. Tell us what you want covered. A public critique and meeting session is open to the campus community at 9:30 a.m. Fridays in PH 213.

Student Media outlets include The Ranger, The Ranger Online, AC Current, FM90 and our various web shows and podcasts. You can reach us at acranger@actx.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Ranger is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Advisers, Panhandle Press Association, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association.

I know that there are some of you reading this that are going through tough times and facing what seems like an impossible task. I want you know that you are not alone. There are people out there who can help you through this. Trust me they are out there.

Keep your chin up. I believe in you. You don’t have to go it alone. Remember there was a reason why you started this.

Keep it in the front of your mind. Draw a picture and keep it with you. Do what you have to do to keep going.

Remember, by doing this you are changing your life. Your family’s lives. This is all worth it. That light at the end of the tunnel isn’t a train, truck or car getting ready to run you down.

It’s the goal of a degree.

In 1993, The Ranger was inducted into the national ACP Hall of Fame. The program is nationally accredited by the Community College Journalism Association.

The Ranger is an independent student publication. Articles published in The Ranger do not necessarily reflect the views of Amarillo College administrators or staff.

News March 9, 2017

3

The Ranger

Drugs found on campus

By CODY MCGEHEE Ranger Reporter

At approximately 1:43 p.m.

Friday, March 2, the Amarillo College Police Department was notified of the smell of marijuana coming from the men’s locker room in the Carter Fitness Center. When officers arrived, they found a locker with a backpack containing an ID. Officers located the owner of the bag in the building and proceeded to search the bag.

They found small baggies, a scale and a bag of marijuana weighing 13.9 ounces. ACPD then wrote the man a citation for possession of marijuana.

The owner of the bag and contents was then written a criminal trespass warning and is now unable to access any Amarillo College property.

“Sometimes we will go months without these kind of calls,” Officer Derek Judd said.

“This is the second one inside a month for me, and this is the fourth one inside this month for the entire department.”

If you see something, say something. To report drugs on campus or speak to an officer, contact ACPD by calling (806) 371-5911.

Foundation scholarship helps students succeed

By ENRIQUE MARTINEZ GUERRERO Ranger Reporter

The Amarillo College Foundation is gearing up to award scholarship money, so now is the time for qualified students to apply for Foundation scholarships. The AC Foundation was created in 1964 by Leon Hoyt Jr., who saw there was a real need to help students go to college. Today the nonprofit and tax-exempt foundation supports the college and its students in numerous ways.

“We raise money for scholarships, for programs and institutional needs,” Tracy Dougherty, Foundation co-executive director, said.

The Foundation accepts many forms of gifts from individuals, groups and businesses.

“We have businesses that help us with equipment and companies that help us build new buildings. In general people see what Amarillo College is doing for students and want to help us meet our mission,” Kathy Dowdy, the Foundation’s other co-executive director, said.

The Foundation awarded about $1,000,000 in scholarships to about 1,600 students last year. One of those recipients was Jacob Reyna, a dental hygiene major.

“It was really hard for me to even think about going to college. It seemed impossible but then I heard about the Foundation,” said Reyna. “The Foundation changed my life because college was just a dream for me

For more on this story, check out the video at www.acranger.com but, thanks to this program and the people in it, now here I am.”

Applicants, including current AC students, must provide a transcript from their most recent school. Students need to be enrolled in at least six hours, have a minimum 2.0 GPA and write a 200 word essay about themselves and why they want to go to college.

Applicants are encouraged to share personal experiences and explain their challenges, dreams and goals.

Students who want to apply should go to actx.edu/foundation. The Foundation began accepting applications March 1 and the sooner qualified students apply, the more likely they will be to receive funding.

“I encourage everyone to submit the application as close to March 1 as possible,” Dougherty said, noting that most of the scholarships will be given out by the beginning of May. Some of the scholarships are for certain majors and some are for academic excellence. Dougherty said that students can also apply for financial aid on top of scholarship awards.

Hannah Brouse, a medical lab technology major, said she missed the scholarship deadline last year but will be sure to submit her application on time this year. “I encourage everyone not to wait until the last minute to apply because this is a great opportunity to get help,” she said.

Reduce risk of illness with preventative care as numerous scientific studies, around an infant, to help prothere is no link between child- tect that infant,” Milford said.

Ranger Reporter hood vaccinations and autism.

Even if a student doesn’t “Th ere’s always a risk of a side have health insurance, vacciPreventative care is important for overall health, but how effect of a vaccination, but the nations can be very affordable. many students can afford to go benefits are so much more,” “You can get low cost vaccinato the doctor when they’re not Milford said. “We’re facing tions through the health desick? As healthcare costs in- that backlash,” from parents partment,” Milford said. “It’s crease, it’s more necessary than choosing not to vaccinate their for any age and if you have not ever for students to take care children. Measles, mumps and been vaccinated, you go in and of themselves: in consuming pertussis, which were once es- you fill out some paperwork. If healthy food, getting enough sentially eradicated from the you get multiple vaccinations it’s discounted.” sleep, and reducing stress lev- US, are making a comeback.

Measles is a serious disease Preventative care, vaccinaels. A healthcare provider you see regularly can help to sup- which kills children world- tions, and a healthy lifestyle port your overall health, and wide, but even if children re- are likely to relow-cost or no-cost options covers, they can develop severe d u c e are available in the community. complications years later. SubI would advise that students acute sclerosing panencepha“I need local go in for an annual physical,” litis is a fatal complicaresources to help said Sarah Milford, registered tion of measles, which me stay healthy.” nurse and AC nursing instruc- develops in a previ“Where can I find them?” tor. “You don’t have to be sick ously healthy child to go in. Go in when you’re or young person If you’re uninsured, you can get healthy so we can evaluate six to ten years your status. They look at your after recovery free healthcare from the Heal from meafamily history and evaluate the City clinic. sles. SSPE your risk.”

Even young people can be causes seFor more information, call (806) 231at high risk of serious health vere and 0364 or visit healthecityamarillo.com problems. One particular con- p r o g r e s cern Milford has seen among sive neuFor information about a healthy lifestudents is high blood pres- rologic al symptoms style, visit cdc.gov/healthyweight sure, or hypertension, which frequently has no symptoms, leading to but can lead to significant death, and To learn more about the safety and problems such as heart disease there is no potential side effects of vaccines, cure except and stroke. visit cdc.gov/vaccinesafety “It’s called the silent killer,” p re ve n tion measles Milford said. “If it’s caught by and treated early, you have a vaccination.

To access low-cost vaccines, Not all chilmuch smaller risk of serious visit publichealth.amarillo.gov dren can be vaccomplications.” or call (806) 368-6300 A healthy diet low in so- cinated – infants dium, as well as regular exer- and the immunocise, can reduce a student’s risk compromised can only In an emergency, be protected from illness by of hypertension. Some people always dial 911. may require medications to the immunity of others, which keep their blood pressure is called community or herd t h e immunity. Herd immunity risk of seriwithin the normal range.

“If you’ve had elevated means that if almost everyone ous illness and associated high blood pressure for a long time, in a community is vaccinated, healthcare costs, Milford said. you don’t notice,” Milford said. the likelihood of an outbreak “Overall, prevention, nutrition “If you’re not going to the doc- of vaccine-preventable disease and exercise,” are the simplest is low, which protects those and most effective ways to tor, how do you know?” keep fit, stay healthy, and reOne serious health concern who cannot be vaccinated.

Pertussis is of particular duce the cost of your healthamong many Americans is a lack of vaccinations. “People concern for people who care care. “If you have good nutriare electing not to vaccinate,” for or live with an infant, since tion, you’re supporting your Milford said. “There has been it’s possible to be a carrier for body systems. Exercise rea lot of information in the pertussis without feeling ill, duces the risk of cardiovascumedia by a lot of movie stars and this infection in an infant lar disease and hypertension,” and famous people that vac- typically requires hospitaliza- Milford said. “Chronic stress, cination caused autism.” Ac- tion. “They recommend that lack of sleep, poor eating habcording to the CDC and the you have a booster shot for its: these things contribute to Institute of Medicine, as well pertussis if you’re going to be poor health.”

By JULIE RAMBIN

Feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed? Overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn? Free, confidential counseling is available through the AC Counseling Center. Call (806) 371-5191 to schedule your first appointment.

Students celebrate black history struggles, triumphs

By PAMELA CERROS Ranger Reporter

Throughout the month of February, Amarillo College students celebrated Black History Month. The college held a lunch and learn series to highlight stories of former students and come together to appreciate those who fought for equality.

“It’s time for me to remember those who have done great things to create the rights of black people,” Mugisha Aime, a mechanical engineering major, said.

Students noted increased awareness of human rights, in-

cluding civil rights legislation, as a marker of societal change.

“I feel it is special because it is a remembrance of how far we have come to getting everyone together in one room regardless of skin color,” Alyssa Flores, a biology major, said.

Adviser Melodie Graves coordinated the monthlong celebration of black history and culture. “I think it is important to know where you have been to know what you are capable of making it through,” she said.

A careful study of black history and the struggle for civil rights should impart lessons to those in power, as well as each person in American society,

Graves said.

“I think that we have made a lot of strides. Unfortunately I feel we still have a long way to go. The current society right now is taking some steps backward. We need to make sure to know our history so we don’t repeat the things that have happened in our history,” Graves said.

Aime has a positive view of Black History Month. “I can’t tell what the future holds for black people,”Aime said.

“This month is a time when I celebrate the people of African descent who have helped make the world the amazing place that it is today.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Robin Malone, paralegal coordinator, Velena Sims, AC graduate and Melodie Graves, academic adviser, speak Feb. 2 on a panel for Black History Month.

4 News The Ranger

March 9, 2017

PHOTO BY GENE SOCKWELL

Homeless

Amarillo College SGA hung scarves around campus to raise awareness for the homeless population

Continued from Page 1

This Feb. 17-19, LoweryHart participated in a “poverty simulation” weekend, designed by Mission Waco to give participants a better understanding of the poor and the homeless by forcing them to experience firsthand what it feels like to be deprived of possessions and power.

Lowery-Hart and his fellow participants gave up their money, credit cards, phones and even their nice clothes and spent the weekend living as though homeless on the streets of Waco.

“The experience overwhelmed me and I have difficulty explaining the profound impact the experience had on me,” Lowery-Hart said. “You are dependent on others for everything from the time of day, to directions, to information, to food and shelter. You have no independence or freedom,” said Lowery-Hart, “I was shocked at how quickly and easily I felt shame for my situation. Even when I knew it was for only 48 hours, the shame and judgment from it were so real and painful.”

Herrera said she often struggles to find solutions for homeless students. “The most significant problem for our students that face this issue is the lack of immediate resources available to them in Amarillo. We do offer information on shelters; however, that’s not always the resource they want to resort to. We connect them to the Career Center if they aren’t working so that they can begin earning an income to help them afford an apartment or rental property.

We always ask if they have a

friend or family member that they can stay with temporarily if the shelters are not an option for them.”

Lowery-Hart said the poverty-simulation experience has left him with an urgent desire to help homeless students.

“When students are forced to worry about food and shelter, class projects and deadlines seem like a luxury. I have a newfound understanding of and passion for helping our most underserved students personally and as a college,” Lowery-Hart said.

Pantry serves those who hunger for help Campus food pantry available for those in need

By JALYNN VINSON Ranger Reporter

Amarillo College’s students may find themselves having to choose between spending their last $20 on gas to fill up their tank, or buying groceries to feed their family; however, there’s a solution to this ongoing problem for students that’s close to their daily routine.

“The AC food pantry benefits students by providing food to help with any food insecurities that they may be experiencing. The students are able to access our food pantry twice a month if needed,” Jordan Herrera, director of social services, said.

The food pantry at AC’s Washington Street campus is

located in the Ware Student Commons in the Advocacy & Resource Center, and is available to students Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Donations of nonperishable food and toiletries are also welcome.

“The limit of what students can take depends on the item, such as food and other toiletries, however, students can fill a bag during each visit,” Britney Amaro, a sonography major, said.

Many students receive assistance such as financial aid and food stamps, so they might receive paid tuition and a monthly check for groceries, however, for some this may not be enough to meet their needs. Alicia Pruett, a mass media major, said the food

pantry’s resources help ease her worries about providing meals for her family.

“I would have to say that it helped me with making ends meet at the end of the month, trying to make my food dollar go further,” Pruett said. “It’s good to know that there are some resources here on campus to be able to help. Especially since the state doesn’t take into effect the rising cost of food.”

“It’s amazing to know that many students across several of our AC campuses are familiar with the AC food pantry. It’s been wonderful to see how the food pantry has evolved since it first started.

We are happy to see the increase in visits each month because this lets us know that this is not only important but it’s something that our students need,” Herrera said.

“I tell all students, mostly adult students with children, about the food pantry. They are in the same boat I’m in.

They’re needing help and don’t know who they can turn to,” Pruett said.

News March 9, 2017

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The Ranger

Campus clothing closet offers outfits for job interviews

By CRISTINA GOMEZ Ranger Reporter

Having a job interview in itself can be terrifying enough, now add to that the lack of proper attire to go with the nerves. According to Jordan Herrera, director of social services, Amarillo College students often lack the resources to access proper interview outfits.

However, AC has a clothing closet specifically to help these students confidently walk in to their interviews.

In 2012, Renee Weiss, former director of career and employment services, started the clothing closet in the Career Center. In the summer of 2015, the Advocacy and Resource Center took over the

program. “When it first started it was really only to provide business attire for students going on interviews.” Herrera, said.

Having proper interview clothing can have a big impact on the hiring process, Mitch Parker, current director of career and employment services, said. “You have one chance to make a good impression, and one of the main ways to make a first impression is by our attire.”

“It’s an outstanding program. It provides students the wonderful opportunity to make sure they’re dressed professionally for their upcoming interview,” Parker said.

Recently, the program has evolved to include more than just professional attire.

“Now we’ve really just developed it to be a clothing closet with a variety of clothes,” Herrera said.

The clothing closet now provides casual clothes along with the traditional professional clothes to accommodate more students going through various situations.

“Many times students find themselves in situations where they’ve abruptly had to leave their home or there was a fire or things get lost, and we want to have clothing students can casually wear and not just have them walking around in a suit and tie,” Herrera said.

Many students are not even aware of this service. “I think this needs to be talked about more. It could really help so many classmates we see every

day that nobody notices are struggling,” Yessenia Gomez, a pre-med major, said. Herrera said she wishes to do more marketing and advertising to bring awareness, as well as donations, to the clothing closet.

The clothing closet is open to all AC students, the only requirement being that the recipient is enrolled in classes at the college. There is no limit on how many times students can visit the closet or how many outfits they receive.

Since the Advocacy and Resource Center has taken over the clothing closet, it’s helped over one hundred students, Herrera said, “It is very underutilized in comparison to our food pantry. We’re really evolving. It’s in the works but we’re getting there.”

To receive assistance from the clothing closet, simply visit the Advocacy and Resource Center in the first floor of the Ware building. “I’m really glad programs like this exist. You never know just how much students are going through and how badly they could really be needing those outfits,” Gomez said.

No Excuses Laptops for students

Continued from Page 1

Graduation and transfer rates, which are usually the final elements to see improvement, have seen increases of seven percent for three-year graduation and two percent for transfer, Crowley said.

Lowery-Hart said that freeing students up to focus on class, instead of worrying about rent, food, childcare or transportation, is helping students be students. “Data shows that if students access at least one service, the retention rate fall-to-fall skyrockets, but their likelihood of completion or transfer skyrockets as well.

It shows that if we can remove a life barrier, and provide a coach, then we can improve completion.”

Earlier this year, the college won a national honor called the Bellwether Award for the No Excuses Poverty Initiative. AC officials recently learned that the initiative is also a nominee for the American Association of Community Colleges Student Success Award, which will be given

out in April.

“This approach has changed every aspect of Amarillo College,” Board of Regents Chairwoman Michelle Fortunato told the board at their February meeting.

There is still a lot of work to be done, Lowery-Hart said. Rather than adding to the initiative, he wants to make sure it is more effective and has a broader reach.

If AC serves 1,000 students this year, Lowery-Hart said, the goal would be to serve 2,000 the next year.

“What I love is that the work we are doing is not just changing students lives on our campus but now it is starting to change student lives at other colleges. Because of what we are doing other colleges are trying to learn from us,” Lowery-Hart said.

“Our impact is not just here in Amarillo anymore, it has become a nation wide impact and I am really proud of us for that.”

Innovation Challenge winning idea offers affordable laptop rentals for students at AC bookstore

By JOSEPH HANSON Ranger Reporter

Many Amarillo College students face the same challenge—they need a computer to succeed in their classes but can’t afford to purchase one.

This year, the winners of AC’s second annual staff Innovation Challenge competition have a solution: affordable rental laptops that help students without breaking the bank. This plan will be put into action in only a matter of weeks.

Andrew Flores, consumer electronics buyer for the AC bookstore, hatched this idea with his Innovation Challenge team. He said he has been working on the plan for months.

“We often see students that would like to purchase their own computer but can’t afford it after paying for their textbooks and necessary school supplies. Students will be able to rent a computer and will also have the option to buy it after the rental at a discounted price,” Flores said.

“We are planning to start

renting computers by the start of the next eight-week spring semester. We have been testing the hardware for months now and are working to acquire enough hardware for the initial rollout. There will be a limited quantity available but we expect to have more than enough computers available for fall semester,” Flores said.

There won’t be an evaluation of the student’s financial need. It’s going to be open to any student who is interested and needs a computer, said Michael Sugden, another member of the winning team.

The Innovation Challenge is a competition between teams of AC employees who work together to come up with new ideas that support student success. A community panel of judges chose the winning team.

“The goal of the challenge is for us to think differently about how we do our work, our processes and our policies to help you all as students,” Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, AC president, said.

Jason Driver, a theater ma-

jor, said that many classes are online and have assignments that can only be reached from a computer. “It’s just a positive thing that will help students who can’t buy a laptop, with this students can actually do their homework and take their tests who couldn’t otherwise,” Driver said.

6 NEWS The Ranger

March 9, 2017

LEADERSHIP

Photos by SAL GUTIERREZ

RETREAT

2017

Dance Floor Theory offers training tips, teaches leadership

By SAL GUTIERREZ Ranger Reporter

Over the first weekend of March, a group of AC students traveled to Channing, TX to attend the first leadership retreat of 2017. Facilitator of the Swift Kick program, Melissa Ruiz, conducted the leadership retreat.

Officers and members from different AC student organizations, such as Student Government, Film Club, the Finishers and Student Media were taught tactics and

strategies to get more students involved in the different organizations.

The “Dance Floor Theory program” was created to train student leaders to fight apathy and create an atmosphere of inclusion and fellowship.

Director of Student Life Amber Brookshire said that another retreat will be held in the fall semester. “The date Students performed a has not been set yet, variety of activities but it will be some time in October intended to foster or maybe early greater self-knowledge November.”

and leadership ability.

This is the fourth year AC has sponsored a leadership retreat.

Last year’s retreats were conducted by leadership trainer Ryan Penneau.

The retreats are hosted at Talon Point Retreat Center, a division of Panhandle Children’s Foundation.

Amber Brookshire | Director of Student Life

Melissa Ruiz

Lesley Ledoux

Josephine Rodriguez

Jaciel Campos

“This retreat was emotionaly empowering.

It gave everyone the opportunity to find their own inner voice. I learned that many people have a similiar struggle that I do.”

“I liked it, I got to learn a lot of things and I had the opportunity to network with other people. It affects students in a positive way because students learn how to help other students.”

“I’ve been to the leadership retreat before and every experience is incredible.

Every time you come here you learn about the people, about yourself and it’s just amazing.”

special education

criminal justice

nursing

Melissa is part of a facilitation team at Swift Kick. She has already worked with more than 550 colleges in almost every state. The “Dance Floor Theory” Leadership Training helps students fight apathy on their campus.

Culture March 9, 2017

7

The Ranger

Coffee shop offers acceptance, atmosphere

By ENRIQUE MARTINEZ-GUERRERO RangerReporter

REVIEW As a Hereford resident who takes classes at Amarillo College’s Washington Street campus, I am always looking for somewhere nearby to study and relax. Recently, I discovered a great option located on 2812 SW Sixth St. in downtown Amarillo. It’s the 806 Coffee Shop.

When I heard about the 806, the first thing I did was make sure it was a safe place.

I also checked out the reviews and then I decided to find out for myself.

As I walked in, I fell in love with the place. The people looked weird, but it was my kind of weirdness, and the music that was playing was new to me, but it was amaz-

ing. Since it is a small place, most of customers know each other so I guess they could tell who is new. Not too long after I arrived, a couple of guys sat next to me and introduced themselves. Everybody there is friendly, and they don’t judge anyone. If you like the place, they like you.

Along with great music, drinks and food that distinguish the 806, the owner is a great guy who makes you feel welcome.

The 806 offers a variety of drinks including wine, beer, tea or coffee. The 806 is not as expensive as other places in town, and they have happy hour lattes where you get a double for the price of a single or a triple for the price of a double.

The food is great. They have amazing breakfast and open at 7:15 a.m. Breakfast choices include the migas breakfast tacos with roasted onions, peppers,

blue corn chip, crumblies and potato; and the Eggie de Bennie, which is a poached egg on a toasted croissant with kale, tomatoes and smoked Gouda with hollandaise sauce.

The 806 seems to really care about its customers, and the layout of the shop accommodates just about anyone. It is divided into three areas, for the quiet people, the loud people and an area for smokers. The quiet area is for people doing homework or who simply want to relax.The loud area, which is the main room, is where most people sit and enjoy the music or the company of others. It also has a stage for different events.

The 806 almost always has a band or performance. Every first and third Wednesday of each month they have Open Mic starting at 8:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to register to perform.The 806 also of-

fers live music during different days of the week, but mostly on the weekends. These events are free, but tipping the band or artist is encouraged.

You can get information about the events happening at the 806 on Facebook @ the 806

coffee + lounge or call them at 806 322-1806.

Next time you are looking to get out of the house and find a nice place to do homework or meet new people, consider the 806. I’m sure you will love it as much as I do.

Netflix original dives into Olympic wrestling history

By RYAN COTTEN Ranger Reporter

REVIEW

Coutesy Photo

Netflix is becoming a mustwatch destination for original series and documentaries.

Whether it is a murder trial, an alien invasion or royalty, people are fascinated by the creative and entertaining shows that this streaming service provides.

“Team Foxcatcher” is a recent original Netflix documentary that tells the rise and fall of John du Pont, Dave Schultz and an Olympic dream.

“Team Foxcatcher” takes the audience on an emotional journey from beginning to end.

The focus of this documentary is du Pont, a well-respected athlete, who opens his own Olympic training facility in rural Pennsylvania.

Olympic athletes arrive from all over the world to try for the opportunity to train

with him and chase after glory.

“Team Foxcatcher” is an interesting documentary that kept my attention the whole time. The storytelling and the real-life events leading up to the stunning conclusion make this film a must-watch.

I enjoyed the original footage of the training. Without the footage, the documentary would not be as entertaining.

Schultz, a recruit who trained at du Pont’s facility, is vital to the overall story of this film. Schultz and his family lived on du Pont’s property, along with the other Olympic wrestlers, and throughout the film the relationship between the two is the foundation of “Team Foxcatcher.”

The tone of this documentary begins on the lighter side, and as the story is being told, the tone quickly turns serious, as du Pont’s actions at the end of this film impact everyone involved and leaves the audience asking questions.

I thought the different interviews from fellow Olympic athletes who were staying at the du Pont training facility added a lot of character and insight into life as an Olympic athlete.

Discussing their struggles and the real-life sacrifices they had to endure while all maintaining a close bond gives the audience a sense of brotherhood.

Schultz’s family provides a more personal element in the story of du Pont and his Olympic athletes.

Nancy, his wife, takes a powerful walk around the property at the beginning and end of the movie that hooks the viewer.

“Team Foxcatcher” is an insightful documentary that dives into the life of Olympic wrestlers, and how the actions of one man can change the history of the sport.

The storytelling and reallife events in this documentary kept me entertained, and I would highly recommend this documentary to any sports fan.

Youtube star cooks ‘Nerdy Nummies’ Ziggy’s Virtual Viewpoint

By CODY McGEHEE Ranger Reporter

Ready for something sweet?

Well, what I have in store for you this week will satisfy that craving for nerdy sweets. This week we are going to take a look at Rosanna Pansino.

This American baker, actress and YouTube personality knows how to make your party or family event fun with some nerdy foods.

Her YouTube channel is where she pursues her interest in cooking that was inspired by her grandmother, and her show is what she is most well known for.

She was encouraged by a few of her You Tube friends to start the channel. “Nerdy Nummies,” as her show is most commonly known, features different ways to bake. She orignally started the channel to help become more comfortable in front of a camera.

She has uploaded more than

100 cake, cookie and cupcake recipes onto her channel. Just about all of her tasty creations are based off of characters and objects from various video games, tv shows and more.

Pansino has been featured in some small roles on episodes of “Parks and Recreation” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” She was also a finalist on Season 2 of VH1s “Scream Queens” where she won a role in one of the “Saw” films. She

also starred in Disney Channel’s “Bizzardvark” as herself.

This fun YouTuber is one to see if you haven’t already. With more than seven million subscribers and an average of 75 million views per month on her videos, I can guarantee you will find a community that is positive and uplifting when it comes to nerdy sweets.

Until next time, make sure you keep your parties and family events nerdy and we hope to see you at the next convention.

You can find her on YouTube under the username “Rosanna Pansino.”

Facebook: @rosannapansino Twitter: @RosannaPansino Instagram: @rosannapanino Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook @ZiggysV2 and @IABStudios. For Ziggy’s celebrity interviews, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Ideas are Bulletproof Studios. Keep it sweet everyone.

Coutesy Photo

8 Feature The Ranger

March 9, 2017

Painting a

brighter future

for foster children

By CHARLES DIAZ Ranger Reporter

One Amarillo College student club is helping paint a brighter future for former foster children. Badger Hearts is a nonprofit organization that raises money for young adults leaving the foster care system. The money raised goes toward gift cards that help former foster children start their own households after high school graduation.

“Going to my first meeting really opened my eyes and made me want to do more service,” said Sheridan Lillico, a club member.

“I think it is an excellent organization,” said Keely Bahn, a child development major and Badger Hearts member.

“It is an excellent opportunity for students to get involved and help others.”

On Thursday, Feb. 24, Badger Hearts held a painting fundraiser.

For $10 students could come and paint a picture.

Andrew Munoz volunteered with Badger Hearts as part of

the community service requirement for his sociology class.

“Badger Hearts is for homeless kids. That’s what we need to do. It’s different.”

Munoz said he thinks that painting is a good fundraiser for Badger Hearts. “It could go as a form of stress reliever. Students need to have a little fun in their lives. Many need to take a breather and this allows them to bring out their artistic side,” Munoz said.

Students painting to help raise money for foster children.

The club will hold a second painting fundraiser on March 28 from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and will have a raffle ticket sale in April.

“I like how I’m making friends and I’m having a good time, but I know that in the end we are doing this all for good cause,” Bahn said. She added that she believes Badger Hearts is effective for the community. “We help the kids who just moved out of foster care to keep going and stay on their feet.”

Since 2012, an estimated 70 foster children have benefited from Badger Hearts.

Each received a $500 gift card to buy basic necessities and appliances to live on their own. The net worth of the effort has exceeded $35,000. This year, 13 former foster kids will Biology Major, Junyky Swe, shows off a few paintings. receive the gift cards. The Badger Hearts will take the former foster children shopping at 10 a.m, April 22.

“Badger Hearts is special because it is the only club on campus that raises money not for ourselves,” said Lesley Ingham, faculty sponsor of Badger Hearts. “We are a service club. That’s what we do, we serve others.”