Vol 87 8 2017

Energy seekers risk dangerous drinks

Sugar high or sure to die

February 23, 2017 Volume 87 Issue 8

By RYAN COTTEN Ranger Reporter

Brad White, a physical therapy major, began drinking energy drinks to stay awake in high school. The highly-caffeinated, sugar-laden beverages soon became a habit that continued into college and helped him survive his busy days.

“I would go to class in the mornings, go to work and then go lift weights in the evenings, so I would get pretty tired.

Taking an energy drink definitely woke me up,” he said.

Then it happened. “My chest started feeling really weird and I thought I was having a heart attack,” White said.

White wasn’t actually having a

heart attack, but he may have been having a reaction to his energy drinks. Research by the American Heart Association has shown that these drinks raise blood pressure and increase heart rate. High doses of caffeine in the drinks can also cause anxious and jittery feelings, kidney damage and dizzy spells.

White was consuming six to eight Monster energy drinks a week for four years. He said he realized that all of the

sugar was “destroying my heart.” Since that incident, White has eliminated all caffeine and sugar-related drinks from his diet and he hasn’t had any further problems.

Nevertheless, energy drinks are sold in vending machines across the Amarillo College campuses and most students do not appear concerned.

“Monsters and Red Bull are the main drinks I see on campus,” Ashlyn Garton, a general studies major, said, noting, “Students drink them a lot to get them through the day.”

Garton said she believes that students drink energy drinks on campus because they’re more convenient and easier to purchase than other beverages that

boost energy, such as coffee.

Angie Downs, a nursing instructor, said the drinks are popular because they do give most people more energy.

“Energy drinks can help students focus and make them less drowsy.”

But Downs said that these beverages do have dangers.

“According to the National Institute of Health, the biggest risk for college age students is consuming alcohol with their energy drinks. If students are taking energy drinks, they need to make sure that all the alcohol is out of their system,” Downs said.

Matthew Rivers, a mass media major, said “I think there is too much sugar in energy drinks and I think they should try to make energy drinks with less sugar but somehow taste the same. I think you feel worse after the sugar wears off.”

Students and staff at AC are split on whether energy drinks are really beneficial or an obstacle to success.

“I would tell my daughter to take energy drinks in moderation, but I would stay away from the higher concentrated drinks,” Downs said.

“Energy drinks destroyed my heart, so I wouldn’t recommend college students drink them,” White said.

Photo Illustration

by AUSTIN ULEN

Greenhouse grant plants seeds of opportunity

By GARRETT FRIEMEL Ranger Reporter The seeds of change are growing at Amarillo College.

Students soon will get handson experience using technology to grow fruits and vegetables to feed the needy, thanks to a $4.9 million U.S. department of education grant.

College officials now are finalizing plans to use the money to purchase equipment and build a state-of-the-art aquaponic greenhouse facility, called a conservatory.

The college received the Hispanic-Serving Institution-STEM Grant in September.

It will allow AC to build the new greenhouse and develop new degree and certificate programs that lead to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers.

“The greenhouse will allow the students to have handson research opportunities in a multitude of STEM related courses,” Dr. Claudie Biggers, biology department chair, said.

The 12,400 square foot

The aquaponic system helps solve that problem. “Having a means of production in a local area can really benefit the community,” Heisler said.

AC’s greenhouse will increase production capacity. The food the students grow will be given to the High Plains Food bank and other people in need.

While helping others, the students who work in the conservatory will also help themCOURTESY PHOTO selves, said Biggers. It will give them hands-on practice and The AC greenhouse will use an aquaponic system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (the soil-less growing of plants) to grow fish and plants together in one integrated system similar to this one pictured here. skills in horticulture, biochemistry, environmental science building will have two labs and tor, and Jimmy Heisler, Ur- fresh water.

“It really is amazing what and sustainable resources. a prep room with a foyer, Big- ban Farm Outreach director, The biology department is gers said. The conservatory will have coordinated the Howard’s the aquaponic system can do,” now developing new degrees Young said. be built on the Washington project.

This not an average garden.

Produce grown in the aqua- and certificates in those fields.

Street campus, but the exact “My goal is to offer certifilocation is still being deter- It is set up with a series of ponic system will grow almost cates that get jobs for students aquaponic systems. Five to six twice as fast as well as emulatmined.

The facility will be similar rows of produce are pumped ing year-round food produc- so that they can be successful in the future,” Biggers said. to the Howard’s Greenhouse with water and fertilizer from tion, according to Heisler.

She said she hopes the new “Our focus is to produce building located on South two large fish tanks, filled with degrees and certificates and Washington Street. For nearly around 100 fish each. The water food for the needy and the the state-of-the-art greenhouse a year, the High Plains Food from the plants is then pumped hungry,” Heisler said.

He said that Amarillo food will allow students who never Bank has been using How- back into the fish tank creating ard’s Greenhouse to grow fresh a symbiotic relationship. The banks cannot always rely on thought that getting an educafish provide the plants with the produce grown in other tion was possible to earn their food.

Justin Young, High Plains fertilizer and nutrients and the states and the local climate doctorates in a --literally-Food Bank greenhouse direc- plants provide the fish with prevents year-round growing. growing field.

AC, get your gun; concealed carry in effect

By CHARLES DIAZ Ranger Reporter

Soon some Amarillo College students will be armed with a license to carry. For several years most states have been making policies that ban guns and other weapons from school campuses, but that is about to change. The state of Texas--along with several oth-

ers states—has passed a law requiring universities and colleges to allow concealed handguns to be carried on campus.

Concealed carry for university campuses began Aug. 1, 2016, and starting Aug. 1, 2017, all community colleges must allow concealed carry as well.

Texas law requires AC to create a policy that allows concealed handguns and speci-

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fies where such weapons are prohibited. College officials presented a proposed policy for campus carry at AC town hall meetings held at each of the campuses at 2 p.m. Feb. 6, 7, 9, 13 and 15. The meetings were held to present the policy and get feedback from AC students and staff before the policy goes to the board of regents for review and approval.

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“We are certainly not taking a stance on gun control as employees and the leadership of Amarillo College; however, what we are doing is we have to implement the law that the state of Texas has given us,” Lyndy Forrester, vice president of employee organizational development, said at the meeting held on the Washington Campus.

Corporal Steve Acker of the campus police said that for students who have a Concealed Handgun License or a CHL, this means they will be allowed to have certain pistols concealed on their person while on campus grounds.

See Handguns, Pg. 3

Twitter and Instagram: @acranger

2 Opinion The Ranger

February 23, 2017

Get to Know Your Food EDITORIAL

As spring approaches, you may feel bombarded with weight loss programs, diet tips, exercise regimes and the pressure to make 2017 the year you trade in your chips and Netflix-binging for kale smoothies and gymgoing. We at The Ranger are here to tell you it’s time to wave good bye to these unnecessary pressures.

Eating well and exercising regularly should be something you desire to do because you want to be the best, healthiest version of yourself. The desire to treat your body well should not be out of guilt as you flip on the TV, chips in hand, only to see a Jenny Craig ad.

A good diet and fitness routine is a vital habit to have to perform well as a person and a student--but with that being said--balance is key. If you want to eat kale all day and run mile after mile, by all means go ahead. If you want to watch Netflix all day and eat an entire pizza, go ahead--we won’t stop you.

Your wellness is up to you.

Listen to your body. Provide yourself food that fuels and

How do you make good food choices?

“I try to eat healthy. I don’t just grab a hamburger. I’ll try to eat fruits and vegetables, maybe some fish or some nuts. No grease, or very little.”

Michael Perry business major

“Making good food choices is simple. Preparation and planning is a huge part of college. Being a procrastinator in life will get you nowhere.”

Preston Ward

radiography technology major

Yvette Hayes

“My food choices are made in regard to my health. I am a borderline diabetic, so my choices have to be made carefully.

I have to watch my sugar and my carbs.”

nursing major

Illustration by Destiny Kranthoven

satisfies you. Allow yourself food you crave--we are talking about balance here. Take responsibility for how you look and feel. Don’t blame others if you are feeling a bit sluggish after a week of eating pizza and ramen.

It is important to get to know your food. Be accountable for what you are putting in your body. Read labels, do research, try omitting certain things from your diet or get tested for food allergies. Make being aware of how you treat your body internally and externally a priority.

Maintaining your healthy

lifestyle and having balance does not have to be--and should not be--a chore.

Eating well does not have to be costly. Rice, quinoa, beans, spinach and potatoes all carry great health benefits at a low cost. If you are not feeling up to cooking, even Taco Bell offers healthy and budget-friendly options.

We implore you to take control of how you treat your body. You decide what makes you feel best. So go ahead, sit down to watch Netflix and eat some chips-or down a protein smoothie and head to the gym--it’s up to you.

Save the planet; save yourself

The World Health Organization ranks meat with cigarettes, asbestos and arsenic as one of the most cancer causing substances in the world. By eating less meat, you will reap significant health benefits, save the animals, environment and reduce your carbon footprint.

Animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change as it makes a 40 percent greater contribution to global warming than all transportation combined and is one of the primary causes of global warming, species extinction, water depletion and ocean dead zones.

Plant-based meatless meals are built around whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes. By not eating beef, you save more than eight

cows a month, more than 100 a year and more than 300 in three years. Not only is eating less meat ethical because of all of the animals you will save, it is the best decision you can make for the environment as it takes 660 gallons of water to make one hamburger, which is equivalent to showering for two months straight.

Now I know as soon as someone utters the words “vegetarian” or “vegan” --especially in the Texas Panhandle-- people who eat meat feel this strange reason to defend their food choices or make fun of those who eat differently than they do.

They say things like, “Oh, well I don’t eat that much meat” or “I only eat fish” or “Well, it’s OK because I

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

drive a hybrid car,” as if vegans and vegetarians are going to ridicule them for their choices. This is not the case.

It is easy to confuse vegetarians’ and vegans’ passion with anger, but they are not angry. It is just that they are aware of the way animals are treated by factory farmers, which is largely out of step with most people’s values.

We live in a society where we are so consumed by habit, taste and convenience that we don’t stop to think about what our bodies thrive on, what the environment needs and what species we are exploiting for a single meal.

We never question where our food is coming from, who is profiting and who is suffering in order for it to get into supermarkets.

By Jenna Gibson Ranger Reporter

Eating animals actually kills more plants than just eating plants directly does.

On 1.5 acres of land, we can produce either 375 pounds of meat or 37,000 pounds of plant-based food, like potatoes. Plus, eating less meat will cut down on the cost of restaurant meals and groceries. Most people think eat-

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.

ing vegetarian or vegan is expensive, but it is actually one of the cheapest ways to eat.

Consuming less meat saves more than just land, animals and plants—it saves people, too. Every year, 70 billion animals are consumed worldwide (more than 100 per person). We are currently growing enough food to feed 10 billion people and giving half of it to animals— and then killing them.

By consuming less meat, even just by participating in “Meatless Mondays,” you can reduce the impact of climate change, rainforest destruction and pollution while saving your health, animals, water and other precious resources. Now for the love of plants, eat less meat!

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 February 23, 2017

3

The Ranger

State hiring freeze hits

By ELIZABETH MOORE Ranger Reporter

At his recent State of the State address, Texas Governor Greg Abbott imposed a statewide hiring freeze.

Under this hiring freeze, Texas colleges and universities cannot post or fill job openings. The freeze is intended to save the state around $200 million.

Every government agency is subject to this hiring freeze, with two exceptions. Child Protective Services and Law Enforcement are not included in this freeze.

“Just as families have to balance needs versus wants, so must we,” Abbott said during his speech.

After the freeze was enacted, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, Amarillo College president, traveled to Austin to get further clarification. State funding only accounts for 23 percent of AC’s budget, yet full time employees receive their benefits from the state. This freeze im-

pacts four-year universities just the same as two-year colleges.

“Our budget is solid,” Lowery-Hart said. “We’ve worked really hard to get our budget in order to where we can better serve our students and community.”

Student workers and parttime staff do not receive benefits from the state, so they do not fall under this freeze; however, if a full-time position opens up, the college is not allowed to fill that vacancy.

The freeze ends Aug.31, but should not affect classes during this summer session. “It will only affect summer classes if a faculty member left and we couldn’t hire someone to replace them,” Lowery-Hart said.

He added that AC continues to look to the governor’s office for guidance and clarity during the implementation of this freeze.

“There’s just so much uncertainty about what it means and how it’s executed,” Lowery-Hart said.

Candidates vie for board

By JENNA GIBSON Ranger Reporter

Three spots are up for grabs on the Amarillo College board of regents. The board has nine voting members and three of the seats are up for re-election this year. Two people are running for re-election; six others have entered the race. The board of regents is the governing body of the college and oversees all of the institution’s policies, functions and budget. The election will be held May 6 of this year.

The candidates are: • Jay Barrett - 53, running for re-election, is the principal of Amarillo Area Center for Advanced Learning at Amarillo ISD. • Michele Fortunato - 65, running for re-election, is a retired attorney and current AC board chairwoman. She has been a board member since 2004.

• Sally Jennings - 61, Ama-

rillo College and University of Texas graduate with a degree in business, is an independent investor.

• Daniel Martinez - 62, Oklahoma Panhandle State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, is a financial adviser at Dale Buckner, Inc. • Danny South - 55, AC graduate with an associate degree in electrical engineering, is a building inspector and owner of American Inspection Services.

• Thomas Warren III - 18, high school student and editor of an independent online newspaper is a senior at San Jacinto high school.

• Alfonso Zambrano - 32, Angelo State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business administration from Texas Tech University as well as a juris doctorate from Texas Tech, is a corporate lawyer.

Handguns coming to AC continued from page 1

“We took WT’s policy,” said Forrester, “and we adapted that policy to apply to AC.” According to the proposed policy, there will be certain places where handguns or other concealed weapons are not allowed. On the West Campus, it includes the child development lab, all Kids’ College activities held in Building B and the Dance Gym; the Carter Fitness Center and the Amarillo Museum of Art both on the Washington Campus and all testing centers. Officials said they felt these locations could qualify as gun free zones because children and the general public visit them.

“There are not many places that you can legitimately limit use of people’s right to carry on campus and other concealed

weapons if they have a concealed handgun license,” Forrester said.

In spite of the proposed policy, some students and faculty said they are still worried about having concealed weapons on campus.

“I don’t feel so safe,” said Yareni Herandaz, a software engineer major said. “It would be hard to distinguish who had a gun and who didn’t. How would you know?”

AC’s policy will be presented to the board of regents on the last Tuesday in February. If accepted, the policy will go to the state of Texas for approval, Forrester explained.

AC’s vice president for employment and organizational development will review the policy annually and will recommend any changes to the board of regents.

Do you support concealed handguns on campus?

Tell us why or why not on the Ranger Facebook page, www.facebook.com/acrangerpaper/

Help available for those with eating disorders

By JULIE RAMBIN Ranger Reporter

Eating disorders have received coverage in pop culture, but the misconceptions often outweigh the facts. These disorders are not a simple matter of a lifestyle choice, but “a disorder that people need to take seriously,” said Counseling Center staff member Lindsey Eggleston.

Eating disorders disproportionately affect young women, but can affect anyone of any age. Though help is available, eating disorders are often difficult to treat.

“Eating disorders involve issues of obsessions over body weight and shape, self-worth and self-control,” Eggleston said. “People who struggle with eating disorders are usually seeking a way to gain control through food.”

The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and bingeeating disorder, but eating disorders are not simply about the what a person eats. “It is important to remember that eating disorders are about more than just the over-consumption or avoidance of consuming food,” Eggleston said.

Some of the behaviors a person with an eating disorder may exhibit include having restrictive rules about food, not eating in front of others, focusing on body shape and size and wearing clothes that are too large and baggy.

“If you feel that you know someone who may have an eating disorder, don’t be afraid

to reach out to them and voice student struggling with an eatyour concern,” Eggleston said. ing disorder. “Students who It’s important to take it are enrolled at AC can receive seriously if you suspect some- free counseling sessions from one may have an eating disor- our counseling center,” Eggder. Help is available, and the leston said.

Counseling is available for sooner someone gets help, the a range of psychological, emomore effective it may be.

“I know somebody right tional, and personal difficulnow with an eating disorder,” ties and the service is free to said biology major Yesinia all currently enrolled AC stuOrtega. “She’s been in and dents.

“If you are struggling with out of facilities since she was an eating disorder, the best young.”

Ortega spoke about the sig- thing to do is to talk to a pronificant effect this person’s eat- fessional,” Eggleston said. ing disorder has had on her life and family.

“I’m worried my “Her mom lost her job friend might have having to take care of her daughter. She started an eating disorder.” missing work too “Where can I find help?” much,” Ortega Here are a few signs and said. “It’s really symptoms of the three most sad and really common eating disorders: hard.”

Societal • Extremely re• Intestinal distress prejudices can and irritation from stricted eating be harmful • A relentless pur- laxative abuse to people suit of thinness • Eating alone or with eat• Intense fear of in secret to avoid ing disgaining weight embarrassment orders, • Feeling dis• Distorted body Ortega image tressed, ashamed, said, and a • Worn tooth or guilty about lack of unenamel and deyour eating derstandcaying teeth • Frequent dieting ing can be If you are concerned about yourespecially self or someone else, contact your hurtful. primary health care provider.

“I don’t think In an emergency, dial 911. it’s recognized enough. More as a For more information ‘you’re just trying to about eating disorders, get skinny’ thing when visit nimh.nih.gov really it’s so beyond that. and search “eating These are serious mental disorder” health issues,” Ortega said.

Help is available for any

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.

18 years working for students Physical plant director leaves campus legacy

By PAMELA CERROS Ranger Reporter

Amarillo College has been under constant construction for the past 10 years but the mind that has overseen all the changes has moved on. Bruce Cotgreave, AC’s physical plant director during the construction, retired at the end of January after 18 years at the college.

“I come from a construction background,” Cotgreave said.

One aspect of the work Cotgreave said he liked was “working with different people and departments. There was a lot of one-on-one time spent with individuals.”

As the plant director, Cotgreave’s duties consisted of taking care of all the facilities, grounds, vehicle fleet, maintenance, energy management and any renovation projects.

The 2007 bond election gave AC $68.3 million for new renovations. Cotgreave oversaw all renovations, but he said his favorites were the nursing and dental labs.

“The dental lab is state-ofthe-art with a lot of thought and

PERLA ARELLANO | The Ranger

Bruce Cotgreave receives the AC President’s Special Achievement Award on April 22, 2014.

work to get that off the ground and to flourish. It was wonderful,” Cotgreave said.

The mall area around campus and the Ware Commons were also some of Cotgreave’s big projects. Students said they enjoy the commons with construction complete.

“It’s easier to go through the middle without going around and not having to worry about being late to your classes,” Fernando Arreola, a general studies major, said.

Denise Rivas, a social work major, said she appreciates the

changes. “Now that spring is coming it is going to be nice to sit around the benches and actually interact on a beautiful day. My favorite part is the Ware Student Commons. It is honestly one of the nicest buildings at AC. The floor and walls are so pretty,” she said.

Cotgreave said he is grateful to have had the chance to oversee the changes. “It’s been a pleasure, a blessing from God that I was able to work here and spend 18 years here.

It’s been a good experience for me.”

4 News The Ranger

February 23, 2017

Don’t look far to find fast food

By JOEL BARRERA Ranger Reporter

Amarillo College students have many options when it comes to eating during the school day. They can choose from nearby restaurants or dine from the campus vending machines, but many prefer to eat at home.

“I eat at home just because it is cheaper,” Nathan Reed, a mass media major, said.

Mugisha Aime, an engineering major, is enrolled in morning classes. He said he

is too focused throughout the day to think about food. “I don’t prefer eating out or getting food from vending machines, I don’t really have time during the day because I’m always busy whenever I’m on campus,” said Aime. “I eat at home because I can save money that way.”

Ulises Hernandez, a business major, eats after his morning classes. “I eat both from vending machines and at restaurants, but mostly restaurants,” Hernandez said.

“I mainly eat out because I do

homework at home and don’t think about eating.”

For students who take classes at the Washington Street Campus, there are fast food restaurants on Washington Street and on campus there are vending machines and the Chic-fil-a food truck. Students enrolled in a lot of classes don’t have the time in-between classes to travel outside of campus, so a selection from a vending machine is the way to go.

Students who have time to leave campus can go out to the

nearest fast food restaurants, which are mainly located on Washington Street. Subway, located on 1915 S. Washington St., offers healthy options.

Taco Bell, Sonic and Thai Express located south of the campus have a drive-thru options if students are in a hurry. Hungry Howies Pizza located 3300 S Washington St, across the street from Taco Bell, has selections like specialty pizzas, sub sandwiches and wings. Students taking classes on the West Campus can head down Bell Street to eat at

restaurants such as Sonic, Taco Villa, Wendy’s, Applebee’s, McDonalds and Chick-fil-A. Soon the United Supermarket on Gem Lake Road will also sell Starbucks coffee.

East Campus students are the farthest away from restaurants. If East Campus students have time, they can go to East Amarillo Boulevard to eat some Mexican and Asian cuisine. Restaurants like Los Hermanos, Thai Garden, Bangkok, Thai House and Super Bowl Noodles are all located on the Boulevard.

Absence of fries leads to surprise

By SENTORA RODRIGUEZ Ranger Reporter

Sales at the Washington Street Campus Chic-fil-A service are booming. Since the fall 2016 semester, Amarillo College students have had the option to dine on campus.

Joshua Raef, owner/ operator of the Georgia Street Chic-fil-A said they are doing better than they thought they would on sales and plan on serving boxed meals Monday through Friday during lunch hours weather permitting.

“It has been a great partnership for us. We are really looking forward to finding out what students and faculty want in the months and years to come and adjusting our menu to always stay relevant to them,” Raef said. “We hear back from faculty and students that it is great if they are in a rush and cannot leave campus to go somewhere to have that option.”

Chic-fil-A has been providing students on the Washington Street Campus with boxed meals as an alternative to the vending machines. Raef said that

opening a Chic-fil-A on campus was something he had been thinking about since he opened his restaurant on Georgia Street.

“We love AC and we serve a lot of AC faculty and students and we employ a lot of AC students,” Raef said. “We have a special relationship.”

Because they don’t cook on-site and due to food safety concerns, there is a limited campus menu. Raef said waffle fries and nuggets are the most requested items.

“They lose temperature too quickly off-site so it becomes a food safety issue,” Raef said.

“We would rather say no to things that we cannot do well both in terms of quality and food safety than say yes to everything and serve poor quality and make someone sick.”

Avery Taylor, a biology major, said she loves how convenient it is having Chicfil-A on campus.

“It offers a hot food option that is not from a vending machine or completely out of the way,” Taylor said. “I like that you can swing by, grab a sandwich and go.”

So are more food vendors

in the works? Steve Smith, vice president of business affairs, said AC officials are not currently working with any specific vendors but are always open for student suggestions.

“We are interested in any industry that is interested in being a part of Amarillo College,” Smith said. “If we find someone that would be a good fit that really shares the AC culture and is interested in our students, there is always a possibility in doing something like that.”

For now, students can enjoy a Chic-fil-A sandwich, a grilled chicken cool wrap or even just a cookie. Look for the trailer in between the College Union Building and the engineering building.

Menu prices vary between $1.50 for a cookie and $9.58 for a salad.

Raef said he is thinking long-term and plans on expanding menu options and even exploring the possibility of something permanent on campus.

So for everyone requesting those waffle fries and nuggets there may be a solution down the road.

News

Cook up some benefits...

By: SENTORA RODRIGUEZ Ranger Reporter

College students tend to be associated with poor eating habits. According to GrubHub, an online and mobile food ordering company, students are less likely to include healthy substitutions when placing their order. Pizza, Pad Thai and General Tso’s Chicken top GrubHub’s list of popular entrees.

Not all Amarillo College students are following this trend of unhealthy eating. In fact, students are choosing the healthier option, cooking at home. Kati Alley, nursing instructor, said what a student eats determines how a student’s brain functions.

“If a student is feeding the brain nothing, or junk, it is not able to work to its full potential,” Alley said. “A healthy diet will give the brain its required

nutrients and fuel and will enhance a student’s ability to learn.”

Alley said a healthy diet should consist of protein, fruits and vegetables. When planning healthy meals, stick to a budget at the grocery store, according to Carley Schuna, a writer for livestrong.com.

Jayline Rodriguez, a nursing major, said her mother plans and cooks her meals for her at home. “It saves money,” Rodriguez said. “Most kids in college spend money that they don’t have on food.” Rodriguez noted that cooking also has health benefits. “That’s where the freshman 15 comes in, eating out.”

Not all students have luxury of their parent’s home-cooked meals. Kien Phan, a computer science major, likes to cook Asian food at home because he doesn’t want to go out all the time.

“You could save money cooking at home if you know how to buy your stuff from the store,” Phan said.

“It’s also healthier to cook at home,” Cooking at home also seems to be saving students money. Alley said fast food is probably cheaper, but the health benefits of eating better outweigh the price of the food.

Alyssa Murphy, a nuclear medicine major, said she likes to cook at home because she is on a budget.

“I like eating vegetables; I have been craving them a lot, but mostly we eat burgers and steaks.”

or grab a quick snack

Choices offer convenience, health that healthy, they are usually sold in small portions, makRanger Reporter ing it harder to overeat. The Webster’s Dictionary de- CUB also has one of those fines a vending machine as “real food” vending machines, “a coin operated machine for which carries items such as selling merchandise,” but to green apples and burritos.

These machines provide Amarillo College students, these machines mean a whole foods with more nutrients, which can give you more enlot more.

College students are some ergy and brainpower probably.

Welcome to the machine. of the busiest humans. To function properly, their human While the vending machines bodies need about 2,000 calo- on campus are handy, there is ries per day. That means eating always room for improvement. about nine sandwiches, or 20 Kenbyrei Freeman, education major and former daily vendapples.

In reality, most do not have ing machine user, said “the the time to sit down and do machines are kind of expenthis. For some people, even sive. The ones at my job are catching three separate meals about 40 cents cheaper, and can be difficult. Luckily, AC that can make a difference.”

Clearly students pay for provides for them one of the quickest ways to get food: the convenience. Could these machines be price-gouging humble vending machine.

An efficient option. Let’s hungry students with inflated face it: going off campus for costs?

Another drawback is when lunch is fun, but it can be expensive, unhealthy and even the machines take your money dangerous. That’s why the but give you nothing in return. quicker, vending machine life- Oscar Marquez, an education style is preferable to some stu- major, reported that the machines “sometimes don’t work.” dents.

Only time will tell if these “You don’t always have time disturbing trends will conto leave, but it’s easy to go to the commons and get chips or tinue, but for some students, something,” Khoa Nguyen, a using vending machines will nursing major, said. “It’s good continue to be a daily thing.

No matter how you look at it, to have options.”

Healthy choices available. students do benefit nutritionVending machines usually ally from them being around. carry an array of “fast snacks,” Vending machines at AC help including candy, chips and so- students with a full plate, get das. While these may not be full.

By: Matthew Hunt

February 23, 2017

5

The Ranger

6 NEWS The Ranger

February 23, 2017

Abhi Bhakta When moving to America, one of the biggest adjustments for international students is the food.

According to Abhi Bhakta, an engineering major, American cuisine is different from the food eaten in his home country India.

Bhakta said he hasn’t had trouble adjusting because his mother cooks Indian dishes for his family twice a day.

Bhakta is a vegetarian and doesn’t have a hard time

finding vegetarian meals because, “Indian food has many different varieties and within those varieties there are different ways of making the dishes.”

For some international students, it can take a while to adjust to a typical American diet. “I had to get used to eating with spoons and forks because in India we usually use our bare hands to eat everything,” Bhakta said.

“Today I still try new and different types of dishes that are all vegetarian,” he added, pointing out, when it comes to trying new food, it is always good to keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try new things.

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Tune in on FM90 every Wednesday at 10 and enjoy 2 hours of the best Rock, Indie pop, Funk, Ska and other alternative genres in Spanish.

Facebook.com/LaDosisFM90

LEFT: Music faculty performed Feb. 18 at the School of Creative Arts’ Evening of Music and Art. Diego Caetano, assistant professor of music, on piano; Camille Day Nies, assistant professor and chair of music, on violin and Jim Laughlin, professor of music, on clarinet.

BELOW: AC Intramural Sports hosted indoor football Feb. 13, offering students fun, competition and exercise.

CAPTURED ON CAMPUS Photos by AC Ranger Staff

Intramural sports, music and art, educational planning, awards ceremonies and many more events kept students busy during the month of February.

For complete coverage of all of these and more visit The Ranger Online at www.acranger.com

The Transfer Fair was held Feb. 27 on the first floor of the Ware Student Commons on the Washington Street Campus. Representatives from more than 10 universities came to visit with students about future education plans.

LEFT: AC students captured prizes in the Amarillo chapter of the American Advertising Federation’s 2017 awards, given out Feb. 18.

RIGHT: Photography major Jessi McClendon won first place in the Common Reader Visual Arts Contest.

Winners were announced at a reception Feb. 18.

Culture February 23, 2017

7

The Ranger

Restaurant transports diners across the globe

By GARRETT FRIEMEL Ranger Reporter

REVIEW Ramen has held a special place in the hearts of many college students for quite some time now. Whether it’s because packets of ramen can be purchased for less than a quarter, or because it’s something you can quickly slurp down while trying to get to class, college students can’t get enough ramen.

I have also had my fair share of eating the instant cup of noodles for every meal of the day, but I always wanted to try the real deal.

After scanning the internet to see where I could find the best traditional bowl of ramen in Amarillo, I found myself at the doors of Ichiban Noodle Bar and Asian Cuisine.

Ichiban is a small, family owned Japanese restaurant that sells the most mouthwatering ramen along with other delicious dishes.

At first appearance, I thought that it might be too crowded due to the small seating capacity, but what Ichiban lacks in size it makes up for in quality.

The decor of the restaurant took me all the way across the globe. With Japanese-style designs painted on the walls and a bar to watch the chefs work their magic, I felt as though I had been transported out of Amarillo and into Japan.

For an appetizer I went with the gyoza, suggested by my waitress. Gyoza are fried Japanese style dumplings that’ll leave you wanting more.

My first bite of the gyoza left my taste buds with a combination of fried crispy good-

Sir Garen Grayson | The Ranger

Ibsa Ahmed studies the menu at Ichiban.

ness, and a soft inside that melted my expectations away.

I couldn’t help but to swiftly inhale the rest of the dumplings, leaving me with only anticipation for what the main course had to offer. If the gyoza was only the appetizer,

I was hopeful that the rest of my meal would live up to the delicousness.

My waitress brought me a bowl containing one of the most beautiful pieces of art I had ever laid my eyes on, spicy miso ramen. Spicy miso ramen

is chicken broth with pork, shrimp, a variety of fresh vegetables and chili oil to give it a kick. Everything about this dish was perfect. All of the proteins were cooked spot on.

I got the full flavor of the chili oil without having to chug an entire glass of water afterward, and the broth warmed my heart like home-cooked soup on a snowy day.

I was more than satisfied with the taste of the food, the helpfulness of the service and the overall feeling I got from the restaurant.

An instant cup of noodles may be quicker and cheaper than a traditional ramen dish; however, I am happy to say that I have replaced the plastic microwavable cup with Ichiban Noodle Bar and Asian Cuisine. It is a mouthwatering, cultural experience that I suggest to every ramen fan.

Escape the drudgery of cooking with authentic cuisine

By CRISTINA GOMEZ Ranger Reporter

REVIEW Family dinner can be a drag to prepare daily, and prepping meals ahead of time isn’t for everyone.

That’s why after a long day of school and work I decided to take my family to Braceros Mexican Grill and Bar on Sixth Street.

When we arrived, we were welcomed by a beautiful waiting area decorated in a traditional ranch style. A hostess quickly escorted us to a table and took our orders.

Servers gave us plenty of time to browse through their extensive menu offering complimentary, delicious chips and salsa while we pondered.

The menu includes a variety of traditional foods ranging from flautas, tamales, their famous parrilladas, chiles rellenos, enchiladas and tacos, to burgers, steak and some sea-

food options.

The real gem however is in their drink section. The “Micheladas” are to die for and rightfully their most famous attraction. It is your choice of beer with clamato, lime and salt in a chilled tall beer stein with a salted rim.

Other incredible drinks include their house margaritas that are made from scratch, and the “Botana Light,” which is a can of Tecate Light with a skewer of shrimp and lime and chili.

Braceros’ service is always exceptional. The waitstaff made sure our drinks were always filled and were generous with the chips.

The servers there are not

Salvador Casanova | The Ranger only attentive but friendly. This Patrons enjoy authentic Mexican food at Braceros Mexican Grill and Bar. makes customers feel more Overall it was a satisfying comfortable and willing to tip. ally runs until 10 p.m., but on day parties, graduation dinners, the weekends the bar will rebaptismal parties and pretty experience.

Great food, serBraceros frequently has live main open a little longer.

The much any event imaginable. vice and ambience--it’s truly a music of great varieties rangThe staff is great at keeping wonderful place to dine. ing from country to traditional restaurant is also open on SunBraceros is now unquestionMexican regional genres. This days, making it a great place to up with large orders, and they have lunch after mass. make sure to uphold great cusably our go-to place from now is a common attraction.

Braceros often hosts birthtomer service. on and should be yours too.

Their dinner schedule usu-

Comic con craze could come to a close Ziggy’s Virtual Viewpoint

By CODY McGEHEE Ranger Reporter

There is an old story about tulipomania--a time in the Dutch Golden Age during which contract prices for bulbs of the tulip reached an extraordinarily high levels then suddenly collapsed.

We have all seen how the world of comic cons, anime conventions and pop culture events have sprung up all over the world but the real question is, is this market to the point of saturation and is the market going to pop?

In Texas alone, we are seeing over 90 conventions a year and the market continues to grow with no current end in sight.

If there are only 52 weeks in the year how do you expect people to attend more than 90 events?

Some people are wondering what happened to comic con?

Many remember comic con as an event where people that had a love for comic books came together and you could find all the comics you have been look-

ing for that are no longer sold at your local comic store. It was also a time where people could get together and share their love for what Marvel and DC created.

Many people now go to comic con to find that there are no comic books in sight. Instead of comic books, all youcan find is anime, cosplayers and random fandom merchandise that can typically be found online for much cheaper. What was once a place where you were surrounded by once-in-alifetime experiences now only has Great Value versions of old merchandise.

Many pop culture events are owned by major event coordinating companies that own two or more convention names and hold their events in different major cities. We are seeing that these events are charging at a starting price of $150 for a booth and $40 for general admission tickets.

Recently we have seen some events where they don’t even sell enough tickets to pay the guarantee that has been prom-

ised to special guests asked to come to attract people to the event. This happened in Texas at Space City Comic Con. According to the Rate that Comic Con Facebook page, the entire cast of Sons of Anarchy at Space City Comic Con was handed hot checks.

I have a feeling conventions are going to start seeing that celebrity guests demanding their full paychecks before they even get on the plane to attend events anymore.

There are positive aspects to the explosion of events. Many creators and board members of nonprofit conventions have

found a love for making these events about their communities. Profits go to local needs like the Children’s Miracle Network and blood banks. I find this a positive thing when it works.

So we are seeing many people jump on board the nerd train and claim to be geeky but how many more times are you going to go to the same convention to only see the same merchandise, the same people, the same event year after year?

Think about it, other than having something fun to do with your friends and an excuse to dress up in your cosplay, why do you attend a comic con?

I have a feeling we will see a change in what it takes to start a convention like these in the near future.

Check out @ZiggysV2 on Facebook and Twitter for crazy interviews, sketches, and podcasts make sure you Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Ideas Are Bulletproof Studios.

8 Feature The Ranger

February 23, 2017

Serving up the tips

By RYAN COTTEN

W

Ranger Reporter

hen not in class, Amarillo College Nursing Major Peyton McGowan spends time juggling plates, smiling, chatting and making sure everyone is happy. McGowan works as a server at the Amarillo Country Club. Waiting tables gives McGowan a way to earn money to help fund her education, but she also takes pride in being a good server. McGowan said she believes that quality service and being personable are key to a restaurant’s success. Like McGowan, many AC students wait tables and have mastered the tips and techniques to be successful servers.

Waiting tables can be interactive and there are many advantages that come with the job, according to McGowan. Serving teaches the valuable lesson of “working fast and efficiently,” she said.

Constantly being face-to-face with customers and dealing with occasional issues can be frustrating, but “the biggest advantage of being a server is that you form relationships with your customers,” McGowan said.

“You also learn really good communication skills from simply talking to your tables to promoting food, drinks and specials,” she said.

Important aspects of this job include “anticipating what people need, trying to stay positive and not taking everything personally,” said Clarissa Clifford, a biology major who works as a server at 575 Pizzeria Austin Ulen is a mass media major who works at Palio’s Restaurant. “I enjoy giving people a fun experience that breaks them away from the dayto-day monotony of life,” Ulen said.

According to McGowan, the best part of working as a server is “impressing your tables and working hard for better tips. That’s great for any college student.”

But working as a server also can have its disadvantages. “There’s no paid time off or vacation for the most part, and, if you miss work, you lose money,” said Ulen.

During peak hours, some customers can become more demanding or difficult.

“You must be able to handle the fast pace or it will really bring you down as a server. It is important that you know how to respond to impatient or irritated customers without making the situation worse for the table or yourself,” McGowan said.

Ulen offered one simple tip for becoming a successful server. “You want to be remembered and leave such an impression on your customers that they remember your name and their good experience there. If you do, they’ll be back.”