The Eagle - Issue 4, Fall 2016

The Eagle Northeast Texas Community College

Volume 34, Issue 4

ntcceagleonline.com

Thursday, December 3, 2016

students brave cold NTCC nursing program falls night to promote Homeless awareness just short of state passing rate By Brandon Pettey Opinion Editor

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| mandy smith

Members of the mens and womens soccer team gathered with other members of the community on the night of the event to experience sleeping in a carboard box. The event was aimed at raising homelessness awareness in the community. By Kenzie Messer Staff Writer On a recent, cold November night, cardboard boxes spread across the Northeast Texas Community College campus plaza. Inside the boxes, students lay snuggled up to their single pillow and blanket. Shivering. As hunger began to ache through their bodies, they wondered how much longer until they could go home and crawl into their own beds. Then, they suddenly realized that the one, uncomfortable night they had just experienced is actually a way of life for many homeless people. A few weeks ago the Northeast Texas Community College Student Success Services partnered with the Social Work program to host One Night in a Cardboard Box to raise awareness about the homeless population in the Northeast Texas area. More than 100 students experienced what it was like to sleep on the cold, hard, concrete ground, covered by a single cardboard box, and one small cup of potato soup for a meal. The realistic experience was designed to give students an understanding of what it feels like to be homeless. “We were happy with the turnout,” Pasleigh Nelson, an intern with both the social work program and Student Success Services, said. “We had a lot of people come and complain about how hungry they were. They wanted to get snacks, which we didn’t allow, so that was one of the realizations that they had. How hard it is to go hungry, and how it makes you

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| mandy smith

NTCC student, Kevin Fulce, prepares to spend a “homeless” night in his sleeping bag and carboard box.

“It was a little tougher than I thought it would be, my elevenyear-old son experienced it with me. It was hard to sleep outside

See Homeless on pg. 2

Facilites to reopen in spring semester By Daniel Yanez Editor-in-Chief While students, faculty and staff get some much-needed time off for the holidays and enjoy a break from classes, exams and paperwork, a lot of construction will still be taking place on the Northeast campus. Over the upcoming break, construction crews are scheduled to finish ongoing projects in different areas in preparation for the return of students in the spring semester. WRL Superintendent Kelly Norris said it would be all hands on deck to take advantage of the decrease in student traffic. “It’ll be a very busy Christmas while y’all are gone,” Norris said. “We’ve joked about putting up a Christmas tree. This is where we’re spending Christmas.” The building crews will be working to complete a number of projects that are currently under construction. Sections of the campus that will involve extensive work during the break include the lab in the UHS building, the student services center, the new kitchen and serving area in the student union building (SUB) and the IT and BT buildings. The crews will also be working on finishing up the sidewalks so that access opens up to the entire

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| daniel yanez

Construction crews work on the different elements and areas that will make up the new kitchen. Plans include the SUB space to be completed by the spring semester. campus. “We’re going to try to do an awful lot of the work that will be done in IT and BT over the Christmas holiday,” said Northeast President Dr. Brad Johnson. “They should be finishing up the student services center sometime in February.” The center is one of the major remodeling jobs under construction in the current phase of the $19.9 million bond project. The center, which is key when it comes to student registration,

will house admissions, the registrar and student advisers and financial aid. The temporary student services center has been stationed in the newly renovated humanities multipurpose room, but is limited in space. Once completed, the student services department will transition back to the former administration building. Johnson said students are encouraged to sign up for spring classes as soon as possible to avoid long lines

and congestion at the start of the year. “An important thing for them [students] to realize is that spring registration is going to take place without student services having their permanent facility,” said Johnson. “It would be smart for students to register early before the holidays and before things get too busy. We’re going to have a hard time coping with lines; there’s just no room over there.” See Construction on pg. 2

The Northeast Texas Community College nursing program is currently facing some challenges. Faculty members and students alike have been adjusting to a new, more rigorous curriculum and the program has seen an increase of English Second Language (ESL) students over the past few semesters. These obstacles have played a key role in the program falling short of the state’s mandatory pass rate. In order for the program to stay in good standing, a minimum of 80 percent of students taking the exam is required to pass. The last two classes to take the exam fell just short of the requirement, with 78.38 percent of students passing. Due to the failure, the nursing program will be placed on conditional status beginning in the Spring 2017 semester. This change in status is the result of a lower student passing rate on the National Council (of State Boards of Nursing) Licensure Examination (NCLEX). NTCC Dean of Health Sciences Shannon Cox-Kelley said that the department has already taken steps toward bringing the pass rate up to the required standard. Due to the length of the program, however, it takes longer to see the impact of the changes on test scores. “I would like mostly to emphasize that the nursing program is a two-year program. And as such, when interventions are made, results are not seen for two years when students graduate and take board exams,” Cox-Kelley said. She added that the department acted as soon as they saw a decline in test scores. “The first time we saw a decline in board rates was in Summer 2014,” she said. “We evaluated, made changes and saw tremendous improvement with that class when they took boards this summer in 2016 at 78 percent. We are confident in this next class.” Northeast President Dr. Brad Johnson said that there is still time to improve test scores. He said he is aware of the severity of the situation. If the pass rate does not change, however, it could hinder future students from being admitted into the program. “In practical terms what it means is that we have another year to get our first time test taking pass rate above 80 percent,” Johnson said. “If we don’t, we will be unable to admit future classes. It’s an important marker to meet” Northeast Director of Nursing Tonya Taylor said that there were mitigating factors that led to the lower pass rate. The nursing program also accepts international students, many for See Nursing on pg. 2

Administration gets student feedback on campus carry law By Brandon Pettey Opinion Editor A controversial state law passed by Texas legislators last year will make it legal for students with the proper license to carry a concealed handgun on the Northeast campus beginning Aug. 1, 2017. The college administration recently held forums on two separate days inviting students to come and express their thoughts on the new law. They also asked students to provide feedback that would help the college develop a policy to adhere to the campus carry law. Students who were eager to express their opinion packed the forum on both days. Northeast President Dr. Brad Johnson led the first day of discussion. He began by reading SB 11, which permits students, 21 years of age or older with a proper license, to carry concealed handguns on college campuses. The law permitted concealed license holders to begin carrying on university campuses on Aug. 1 of this year. After explaining the law, Johnson opened the floor for questions and comments. He made it clear that the change is a result of state law, and that legally the administration is not allowed to require a student to show proof of having a license to carry a firearm. “The college does not

have the authority to ask,” Johnson said. “It’s up to the gun owner to follow the law. There can be some pretty strict consequences if they don’t.” Johnson said, however, that the college does have some liberty to regulate areas where guns would not be permitted on campus. During the meeting, Johnson and the students discussed creating policy to ensure the safety of those who live on campus. The University of Texas policy, for example, contains rules that require studenthousing residents to use a gun safe and forbids the carrying of guns at sporting events. While the law stipulates that colleges can create policy regulating how firearms can be stored, it prevents any policy that would prohibit a license holder from carrying on campus. Johnson admitted that adjusting to the campus carry law will take some work and that it is difficult to make everyone happy. “I am committed to second amendment rights,” he said. “But I’m also aware that introducing weapons into a campus environment is a complicated issue.” Johnson also acknowledged that there is no perfect solution. “You’re going to have a problem any way you go. See Campus Carry on pg. 2

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The Eagle

December 1, 2016

Northeast Texas Community College

News

Event offers awareness about homelessness issue Cont. from pg. 1 feel. I think it put in perspective how hunger can really affect you.” The event also brought in speakers from Highway 80 Rescue Mission in Longview to share the difficulties that exist for those who live on the streets. One of the speakers was a previous student who attended college at NTCC. “I saw a couple people crying, and they were getting involved,” Nelson said. “I was really happy about that. It was really touching. It’s something that’s always been touching to me. I’ve had several students come up and tell me that they’re struggling. I was really happy that the word got out and they know where to go.” NTCC Social Work Instructor Carmen Shurtleff said it is not only adults who stay in homeless shelters, but many children all ages as well. She said there are currently 17 babies who are still in diapers residing at the Highway 80 shelter. “I kind of walked away with just having the perspective of the kids,” Shurtleff said. “Kids don’t have the choice to be in that situation. It hurt me. It kind of put in perspective that we really are grateful that we have the basic needs taken care of. Things just aren’t in black and white. There could be someone that is literally struggling right beside you, and you don’t even know it.” The students were asked to bring canned food items to donate to the local homeless shelter. The NTCC social work students recently delivered the collected items to Highway 80 Shelter and Titus County Cares, a local food bank. The visit also gave students

an opportunity to interact with the people who are currently staying at the shelter and listen to their testimonies. “I always encourage any students to try and get out and give back to the community,” Shurtleff said. “You kind of have to know your own strengths. A lot of people might not feel comfortable with mentoring, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t go and serve.” Sleeping in the cardboard box all night was a little more challenging than some of the participants thought it would be. Shurtleff brought along her young son to experience the event with her. “It was a little tougher than I thought it would be,” she said. “My eleven-year-old son experienced it with me. It was hard to sleep outside. With him, he was hungry, he got cold, and he got sleepy. It broke my heart the next day sending him to school because I know that he wasn’t in top shape.” Several students, including Tony Taylor and his daughter Hannah, participated in the event to receive extra credit for their classes, however, as the night slowly progressed, Taylor said he realized the meaning of something as simple as a warm bed. Once the event was over, Taylor began asking himself how he might reach out to those in need. “We take things for granted,” Taylor said. “We’re in our nice, warm, quiet bed. They’re out there in the rain, in the cold trying to find any type of shelter that they can find. They’re not going to be able to sleep like you would in a motel or in your room. It made me ask myself if there was something I could do to help. The main thing I took away from that

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Pshycology instructor Dr. Skaar volunteers at the soup line where participants lined up to receive their meal for the evening and long night ahead. was the new appreciation for the hardship that some families go through that they didn’t ask for.” Nelson said she has received many calls from disadvantaged people asking for food and shelter. She constantly searches for ways to provide people who are in need with the resources that will help. “We had a lot of people find out more information about Highway 80, and the children there,” Nelson said. “I was happy to know that the students got more information about where they could go if they were

struggling, so to see that and to see the involvement.” Nelson said it was gratifying to hear stories from those who took part in this unique experience and to see many of them reach out to help the homeless community. “We had a lot of students ask how they could volunteer at Highway 80,” Nelson said. “I was really proud of that. How the students were just so involved and wanted to learn more about it. We’ve had several people actually go out and volunteer, so we were really proud about that.”

Students attend campus carry forum Nursing to be on conditional status Cont. from pg. 1

You’re picking which problem you want to have.” Executive Vice-President for Instruction Dr. Ron Clinton led the second day of discussion. The classroom was equally full of concerned students the second day. Clinton said that the college is planning to form a task force to come up with policy specific to Northeast and submit it to the state by the middle of the spring semester. Once the policy is approved, he said it would take effect by the end of the spring semester. “We’ll try to develop a policy that will make people feel comfortable,” Clinton said. “It’s been good to have the universities go ahead of us.” Many supporters of campus carry see it as an opportunity for additional self-protection. Some say that allowing licensed gun owners to carry on campus would provide options in the event of a shooting on campus. “I’m all for it. I think that the only way we’re going to keep bad guys from bringing guns on campus is to have good guys bringing guns on campus, too,” NTCC sophomore Cody Jackson said. The change comes with mixed emotions from both employees and students of the college. Many Northeast students are second amendment advocates and are looking forward to the change. While others have concerns about guns being allowed on campus. “I’m for it. At the same time, I wonder about some things,” Freshman Colton Parvino said. “If someone is suffering from PTSD and something sets them off, should they have a gun.” The Northeast Administration has sought input from individuals with a range of perspectives. Along with talking to students, faculty members have also been asked to offer input on the development of the campus carry policy.

Cont. from pg. 1

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| mandy smith

Students attending the forum on campus carry discussed questions and concerns about the upcoming policy with several NTCC administrators. NTCC History Professor James McGregor, normally a supporter of the second amendment, said that in his view campus safety should be left to the professionals. “Guns have no place in the classroom. I’m sure students already have guns in my class, so I don’t know if anything will change. I would rather let security or police handle it,” McGregor said. He added that the new law seems to be moving us backward, not forward. “It’s almost like we’re going back to a Wild West that never existed. We’re going back to the mythology.” Some faculty members, like Philosophy Professor Sarah Spiker, are not entirely against campus carry. At the same time, she said that the college administration should be allowed more oversight. As the law currently stands, administrators are not allowed to ask to see a student’s license to carry.

“I’m ambivalent. I intend on getting my CHL (Concealed Handgun License) but am unsure whether I will carry on campus. I think it’s naive to think we don’t already have a couple concealed guns on campus or plenty stashed in vehicles in the parking lot,” Spiker said. “I am more concerned that we have, or don’t have, the right to approach people carrying to confirm they have a CHL on file.” The decision to allow concealed firearms on campus is now a state law, and Northeast and their fellow colleges are currently working out ways to adhere to the ruling while keeping their students safe. Perhaps Northeast Director of Student Activities and Multicultural Affairs Rico Willis put it best. “You have to just adapt to the situation,” he said. “I can’t fight it, so why spin my wheels.”

Construction crews to work over break Cont. from pg. 1 Over the past few weeks, construction crews have also continued to make advancements on the new kitchen and serving area as well as the enlarged dining space located in the former SUB 101. Norris said the new expansion is scheduled to reopen after the Christmas break. Nancy La Batt, Great Western Dining Food Service Director, said the changes will serve new options for students. “I’m excited about the new space, we’re going to have some new equipment which is going to help and we’re going to be able to offer some new things on the menu,” said La Batt. “Construction is never easy, there have been a lot of growing pains, but overall I think it will be a good experience. It will cause some confusion at first, but I’m hoping once everybody gets used to it it’s going to be good.” More disruptions will take place in the SUB during the spring semester as construction switches to the west side of the building. The renovations on that section of the SUB will be focused on modifying the former kitchen and serving area into the new College Bookstore. Once completed, the bookstore will make a permanent move from its current location in front of the library to the student union building.

“There’s still quite a bit of potential disruption for students in the spring term,” said Johnson. “We’re working real hard to try and get this done and off campus so students aren’t affected continuously.” Construction in the BT and IT buildings has already started. Although no major disruptions are to be expected while students are on campus, one of the major changes will happen in the IT building where restroom renovations are currently underway. Johnson said most of the construction across campus is moving forward as planned. The math/science building project will begin sometime during the spring semester. The president said there is also a list of additional construction that could take place if money is left over from the college’s construction contingency funds. “There are going to be a set of projects that’ll come toward the end of this that’ll depend on repurposing unspent funds. When a project goes well, that money comes back to us,” said Johnson. “In April or May we may be doing some hallway work in BT and IT to create some of the hallway effects that we have in humanities. We may do some of that at the end but that’s going to depend on having the money to do that.”

whom English is their second language. “We do have more ESL students than years before,” Taylor said. “These are students from all over the world. The English language is challenging alone, and when you add the terminology and nursing knowledge for the exams, this challenges the students.” Additionally, the curriculum for nursing students recently changed. In the past, students covered study topics quickly and moved on. The new curriculum focuses on individual concepts for a longer period of time. Nursing faculty said, however, that they have noticed an improvement in the classroom that they hope will extend into the real world. “We have witnessed improvement in students in the classes, and we believe we have helped the nurses think and reframe how they approach clinical settings and patient care for better outcomes in patient care and ultimately the NCLEX rates,” Taylor said. NTCC is not the only college struggling to meet the state pass regulations. Other colleges also changed to a different curriculum style. As a result, El Centro College, Houston Community College and Trinity Valley Community College have failed to meet the minimum state requirement. “The state has changed the test and is changing the curriculum it wants our students to learn,” Johnson said. “As you make those transitions, it takes time to make those adjustments. Everybody else is adjusting to that as well.” The nursing program has also been working with the English department to help

bridge the gap for students who are struggling with the language. Professors have instituted more standardized testing to monitor students’ test taking skills and knowledge of the content. Nursing students are benefiting from the new curriculum despite the challenge with the state test. Nursing faculty members said they have also noticed a change in the way students approach their course work. They are hopeful this will better prepare students for future employment. “The new curriculum has improved critical thinking skills, enhanced learning and application of the elements needed for the profession at an entry level position,” Taylor said. Kelley said they are already seeing success from former NTCC nursing and allied health students who have transferred to UT-Tyler. She said they recently received news that the average GPA for former Northeast students is 3.45, with five former students earning a perfect 4.0. Some Northeast administrators see the more rigorous exam as an opportunity for personal growth. Nursing is a field that requires emotional strength. Johnson said struggling with the updated curriculum and exam could be an opportunity to build character. “You think it’s pressure to pass an exam,” he said. “Wait until you’re in an ER to get the bleeding of a gunshot victim to stop. That’s pressure. Learning to cope with pressure is good.” Johnson said he believes Northeast students will rise to the occasion. “We have made real progress. We’re right at that 80 percent mark and I’m confident we’ll get above that.”

Stay up to date on news and other college happenings when you like and follow us on Facebook NTCC Eagle

December 1, 2016

The Eagle

Page 3

Northeast Texas Community College

News

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Above, Michael, far right and his fellow veterans take part in a Team Arise Veteran’s Day march. Right, Brown and his daughter, EmiLee run in a local 5K event. The two participate in many local runs together.

Disabled vet rises up to help fellow veterans

By Brianna Stacks Managing Editor

Michael Brown’s mission is a simple one; to help military veterans who have served our country, “It’s not about me. It is about helping others, and about creating an opportunity in others to help themselves.” Brown is making it his mission to help military veterans and their families as well as Law Enforcement Veterans and their families throughout the community. With his organization, Team Arise, Brown has established a support system that helps disabled veterans rise from their disabilities and overcome them by ultimately bettering themselves and achieving their goals in life. Brown founded Team Arise, LLC in 2013, along with two other veterans, who all three had disabilities of their own from their time overseas and at home. “We were tired of wanting and talking about getting better so I was just like ‘well let’s just do it, we’re done talking, let’s just go do it,’” Brown said. Since then, Team Arise has offered many opportunities to inspire, assist, and guide disabled veterans to create a better future for them and their loved ones. The organization has sought out companies with overstocked merchandise such as fitness supplements and gear, asking for donations that could contribute to their cause. With nearly $4,700 in donations, they have been able to use them to pay for disabled veterans to attend fitness events, such as obstacle courses. But, Brown did not stop there. To further help veterans, he has created the Team Arise Scholarship to further aid veterans and their families who have returned to college. After serving tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, as a Marine and

later in the Army, Brown sustained injuries that resulted in two spinal surgeries that gave him an artificial disc replacement, titanium cage and a titanium hip replacement. Realizing that he would have to pursue a career that would use more of his mind than his body, Brown went back to school to earn his degree in teaching and to later become a strength and conditioning coach. While going through his daily classes, Brown realized the struggles of his fellow veterans and their families, “There are many veterans who have families, bills to pay, responsibilities, and they are having to use a lot of their time to be in school and that is taking away from the hours they work,” Brown said. Deciding that it was time for a larger support system in Titus county, Brown founded Team Arise, LLC and later, created the scholarship that he wanted to be more than just the normal scholarship. “With the GI Bill and Hazlewood Act, it is restricted to your tuition and your books. That’s not what I want my money to go to. I want my money to be given to in cash,” Brown said. “It will go in hand and they can do whatever they want to. Here is $500 a semester to help them wherever they need. To pay for gas, to buy food. That is what my money is for.” Vice President for Advancement, Dr. Jonathan McCullough, who has helped award the Team Arise scholarships through Northeast, sees the generous spirit of one veteran helping other veterans, “Michael has a very good heart and his attentions are to help out people who are in the same situation that he is actually in and he has worked very hard to make that happen,” McCullough said. “He takes this to heart so much that you can just sense his emotion with it and what he is doing is a great thing for other veterans.” The Team Arise, LLC Scholarship has been given out to

PTK project focuses on veterans By Ryan Rose-Mendoza Staff Writer Every year Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society members pick a project that is intended to reach out and service their individual communities. This year the members of NTCC’s PTK chapter, Alpha Mu Chi, focused their Honors In Action (HIA) service project on veterans. The project was designed to address the issues that many veterans face when they return home. As a part of the project, Alpha Mu Chi hosted an event for student and local veterans titled The New Normal. The attendees were offered a variety of calming activities such as hand and foot massages, comfort foods, and other features that focused on relaxation techniques. The night’s keynote speaker was Sony Tiwari, a professor and presidential board member at Bergen Community College in New Jersey. Tiwari traveled from New York City to speak on the topic of music therapy. He shared several ways that music could help people adjust to different or stressful situations in their lives. “I am very honored to be invited to speak here. I’ve really tried to make sure my speech can hit home not just to veterans but students as well,” Tiwari said during an interview prior to the event. His speech was engaging and produced several moments of laughter from the audience. At one point, he even had some attendees create their own jazz songs showcasing some of the problems they have faced in the past. Following Tiwari’s speech, two NTCC student veterans also addressed the audience. Michael Brown and Rigoberto “Pancho” Villa shared stories about the struggles they faced when they returned home from serving tours of duty overseas. Both men shared stories of the physical and emotional difficulties they have experienced. “We came home from war just to deal with a whole different battle,” Villa said in a later interview. “I was happy to be home safe, but

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two Northeast students who have been helped generously by Brown’s organization. Letty Ramirez is a full time reserve for the Army, while working as a jailer for Titus county, and attending school full-time. Melanie Chamness is a full-time mom and student who is married to a DPS officer of Titus County. Brown hopes to aid these two and others with their education to give them a chance to create opportunities for themselves and their families, “Education can open doors for you that haven’t been previously closed for you,” Brown said. Chamness, who was having to deal with a slow processing of her financial aid, was thankful for the generosity of Brown and Team Arise, “I wouldn’t have gone to school if it wasn’t for Michael. I was able to buy the laptop that I really needed and buy all the books I needed,” Chamness said. “The great thing about it was that it didn’t go through the school, they just gave me a check. I didn’t have to wait like I did with my financial aid.” Brown continuously raises awareness for veterans, including coordinating a hike with himself and other followers on Veterans Day hashtaged #HikesWithHacksaw. During his participations in walks, hikes, and obstacles, Brown almost always has his two children, EmiLee, age 12, and Kristen, age 10, by his side. Due to his injuries, Brown has degenerative disc and bone disease and it is possible that 10-15 years down the line he may not able to do these things with them. With his children by his side, he hopes that they will one day carry on his mission. “It is important for me to have them with me now, so when I can’t do it, they can physically carry it on with what they have learned,” Brown said. Brown and his organization is constantly looking for opportunities to help those who have served both on foreign soil and on our own. Team Arise is seeking to prove that the scars many carry are not only external, but also internal, and that they will serve as drivers to make a person better. Brown said he wants Team Arises legacy to carry throughout the community with a straightforward message, “It is not about the individual. It is about collectively bringing together those who thought they couldn’t do something, especially in the veteran community,” said Brown.

TheatreNortheast Northeast Presents Theatre Presents

at the same time I still felt like I was still in a war zone, and I couldn’t do things that I used Theatre Northeast Presents to be able to do. I felt like I did not belong at all.“ One of the most challenging aspects Villa has been through is the physical issues he has struggled with since coming home. He said he is unable to even pick up his small son because of a back injury he received. The two also answered questions from the audience about some of the issues and stigmas that they face as student veterans. “This was an opportunity for us to open some eyes about what combat veterans have gone through and what we deal with at home,” Theatre Northeast Presents Brown said. He said a fellow veteran approached him after the event and shared similar issues to the ones Brown spoke about. “Having someone come to me afterwards to speak to me and say that he appreciated me for standing up and being able to talk and having a forum to do so.” Brown said he hopes the event brings some understanding about combat veterans and the issues they deal with on a daily basis. “If they see one of us, I don’t want them to look down on us anymore,” he said. “There’s Aesop’s (Oh So Slightly) a stigma about veterans that come back after Updated Fables war, ‘Oh, woe is them.’ I don’t want you to feel sorry for me. I want to be the one that you By Kim Esop-Wylie & Aesop look upon for help and not, ‘Oh, we need to Performances- Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. & leave him alone because he’s crazy.’” The Alpha Mu Chi officer team began Performances Sunday, December 4 at 2:05 p.m. planning the Honors in Action project at General Admission $5 Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. the end of the Spring 2016 semester. The Students (17 & Under) $3 HIA project is unique to each chapter and is Sunday, December 4 at 2:05 p.m. designed to bring awareness to an issue or Senior, NTCC Faculty & Staff $3 make a difference in the community. Grade School Children $1 Chapter projects are later judged on both General $5 • Students (17 & under) $3 NTCC Students (W/ID) Free General Admission $5Admission the state and the international level each Seniro Citizens, NTCC Faculty & Staff $3 • Grade School Children $1 Whatley Center forStudents the Performing spring. Last year, Alpha Mu Chi’s honors NTCC (W/ID)Arts– Free Main Stage project placed in the top 20 nationwide. Students (17 & Under) $3Theatre Community College Northeast “We wanted our service project to definitely Whatley Center for the Performing Arts -- Main Stage make an impact on the community,” Dylan Senior, NTCC Faculty & Staff $3 McConnell, vice president of fundraising, Northeast Texas Community College said. “We hope that our project will bring School Children $1 awareness to the issues our service menGrade and women face once they return home.”

Aesop’s (Oh So Slightly) Updated Fables By Kim Esop-Wylie & Aesop

Performances- Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. & Sunday, December 4 at 2:05 p.m.

NTCC Students (W/ID) Free

Page 4

The Eagle

December 1, 2016

Northeast Texas Community College

Opinion

Viewpoints on campus carry

He said: Keep it in the safe She said: Carry on Texas Words on Wheels By Brandon Pettey Opinion Editor Beginning next semester, students will be allowed to carry pistols on the Northeast campus. Texas recently became one of only eight states to allow students to carry concealed handguns on campus. If students are 21 or older and they have their license to carry, they will be allowed to bring their gun on the grounds of NTCC. The campus carry law officially goes into effect on August 1 of next year. As a current college student, the idea of my peers carrying guns on campus gives me some concern. Many reading this might think that means that I am anti-gun. That could not be further from the truth. I am a proud supporter of the 2nd Amendment. Going shooting has been a favorite activity of mine ever since I was given my first BB gun at around the age of ten. Getting to shoot a 50-caliber rifle was one of the most exciting moments of my life. I have a picture of me shooting it on my Facebook in case anyone wants to see. With that being said, there are just some places that there should not be numerous people carrying guns and college campuses are near the top of the list. There are several locations in Texas where it is against the law to carry a gun including federal government buildings, churches and hospitals to name a few. It has been decided by people wiser than me that guns are not appropriate in these venues. This is the case because people should feel safe in these places. People also deserve to feel safe where they come to learn. College campuses are supposed to be a haven for learning. I look forward to coming to school and exchanging ideas with my peers without fear of retribution. Currently, Northeast has an atmosphere of safety and community. Higher education has

long been a sanctuary for the free exchange of ideas. If even only a handful of students bring guns on campus, that atmosphere disappears. Being surrounded by guns violates the inherent trust that we must share as fellow students. Now, some might say that it is idealistic to think that prohibiting guns on campus will prevent an attack from happening. I completely agree. Not having any guns on campus, in the event of a shooting, would have terrible consequences. Though, we have to make sure that only the police and security personnel are armed and that they are properly trained. Having too many guns on campus is just as dangerous as not having any at all. Mark Hughes openly walked through the street carrying an AR-15 that terrible July night when five Dallas Police officers were gunned down. Officers wasted precious time tracking him down despite the fact that he had nothing to do with the shooting. Carrying his rifle openly, just for the sake of exercising his rights, was a dangerous distraction. Thank goodness he handed it over without incident. He was very lucky. If there is a shooting on a college campus, police need to be able to identify the shooter from the innocent. With numerous guns on campus, it is not inconceivable to think that an innocent person could accidentally get shot. At the very least, guns on campus would create confusion for the police. For that reason, only security personnel and perhaps a few properly trained professors should be armed on campus. That way, there could be immediate response to an active shooter. We all want our college to be a safe place that we can come to for a positive learning experience. Having guns all over campus is detrimental to that effort. We owe it to each other to put politics aside and do what is best for all of the NTCC community. As students, it is our job to study for our future careers. It is the job of the security and police officers to protect us while we do so. For everyone’s safety, we need to focus on doing our jobs and let them do their’s.

One student’s voice By Kenzie Messer Staff Writer In 2015, there was 23 shootings on college campuses throughout America resulting in 21 deaths and 27 injuries. The unfortunate truth is that we now need a way to protect ourselves at school if such a situation pushes us to do so. The way I look at it, I would rather be ready to protect myself and have nothing happen, than have something happen and not be ready to protect myself. Starting in the 2017 fall semester, students 21 years of age with a concealed handgun license will be allowed to carry a handgun onto the Northeast Texas Community College campus. Since the guns will be concealed, we won’t know who is carrying and who is not, which is probably a good thing. Before a person can carry a handgun, they must earn a concealed handgun license, so whoever is carrying on campus would be required to go through training and should know how to handle a gun. Only students with the proper training will be allowed to carry on campus so he or she would know how to safely handle the firearm. I feel like that offers a sense of security because these gun owners know how to protect themselves and those around them. This feeling could actually be similar to the sense of security you experience when a campus officer walks into a room. Our campus security officers have the ability to carry their handguns with them as long as

they have finished the required training. So, why shouldn’t college students be allowed to bring their handguns onto a college campus if they have received a license that says they can carry in other public spaces. There is normally only one NTCC security officer on duty most of the time, and it takes about 11 minutes for emergency responders to arrive on campus. So, if someone were to walk onto the NTCC campus with a gun and malicious intentions, we could need some kind of additional protection. The students who are carrying could help the campus officer by helping defend themselves and others. By no means would I want to shoot someone, but if my life or other innocent lives around me were at risk, I would do whatever I had to do in order to keep myself and those around me safe. My initial reaction, however, would be to try to safely remove myself from the situation, but there are a lot of classrooms throughout the campus that only have one door and no windows, so there might not be an opportunity to exit safely. You never know what might happen while at school. Most likely, whoever is legally carrying a gun won’t ever have to touch his gun. It’s just there in case something happens and they need it for protection. If someone absolutely wanted to attack the school, there is nothing that could stop them, so we need to be prepared in case it does happen. I would feel a lot safer if I had a concealed handgun to defend myself or even if there was another student in my class who was carrying a concealed handgun. Along with having the ability to protect and defend ourselves, we would also have the ability to protect the other students around us. None of us know if or when something might happen, but I would want to be prepared if something ever does.

Like father, like daughter By Iesha Fluellen Layout and Design Editor The holidays are quickly approaching and millions of people will be buying gifts, decorating and getting in the festive mood to celebrate what is important to them. To me, I’m proud to have grown up with my dad in my life. There are so many people I know who are missing a father figure to look up to. Having a father is a crucial part of a child’s upbringing. Traditionally, a father’s role is protector of the family. And, even though it seems like that’s almost unheard of nowadays, I’m happy that my father completely embodies what it truly means to be protector of a family. As a young girl, my parents were happily married. However, my mother became

very ill and my father did everything for her. He stayed by her side throughout her illness and still kept our household running in one piece. Looking back on that period in my life, I see what kind of sacrifices he made to give our family everything we needed and more. At age 11, I lost my mother. That was an experience that changed my life forever. It was something that really affected our family. When that happened, it was a very heartbreaking time for me. It’s at that young age, when a girl needs her mother the most. Growing up through my teen years, there were quite a few things I missed out on. While other girls were off on shopping sprees with their mothers and spending time

experimenting with makeup, I learned crucial life lessons that would shape me into the woman I am today. In a number of ways, my father filled both parental roles and still managed to provide for our household. There were times growing up that I would think that he was a little too hard on me. But, now that I’m older and look back, I realize that he has always wanted what is best for me. He always will. In a world where I know so many people who have lived without a father figure, I can honestly say that I am truly thankful and fortunate that the Lord has blessed me with a father like the one I have. Without him, I don’t know if I would be who I am today. Hopefully one day, I can teach my children the same values that he has taught me.

The Eagle Eagle Adviser Mandy Smith Managing Editors Brianna Stacks

Dylan McConnell Layout & Design Editor Iesha Fluellen

Editor-in-Chief Daniel Yanez

Online Manager Scott Wilhite

Opinion Editor Brandon Pettey Entertainment Editor Holly McGonagill

Cartoonist and Distribution Manager Kathy Edwards

We want to hear from you! Got an opinion? Write a Letter to the Editor and email it to ntcceagleeditors@gmail.com

Staff Writers Rusti McGonagill, Kieran Martin, Ryan-Rose Mendoza, Kenzie Messer, Jay “String Bean” Wilkerson, Jillian Brooks

Do you love writing, photography or graphic design? If the answer is yes, come join The Eagle Journalism Club!

The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the opinions of the faculty advisor or the administration of the college. Questions? Comments? E-mail our adviser Mandy Smith at msmith@ntcc.edu or visit our website at www.facebook.com/thentcceagle.

For more information stop by Hum 104 or email us at ntcceagleeditors@gmail.com

December 1, 2016

The Eagle

Northeast Texas Community College

Page 5

Campus Life

Above: a group of students work on constructing their cardboard box home for the night. Left, Northeast soccer player Jocelyn Walker and a youngster watch as others build their shelters during the One Night in a Cardboard box event.

The students lined up to get only a small cup of potato soup as their dinner. Dalton Park is handed his cup of potato soup.

photos by dylan mcconnell and mandy smith

Father and daughter duo, Tony and Hannah Taylor, carry their boxes and sleeping bags to the spot that they plan to sleep at.

A group of students work on their homework assignments for their classes on the cold, hard concrete ground that they will also be sleeping on later in the night. Close to 100 students took part in the One Night in a Cardboard Box event.

Above: A student takes a little time to look over the latest issue of The Eagle while trying out his makeshift bed for the night. Many of the students took advantage of the extra credit points that some professors gave for taking part in the homeless awareness event. Right: Students Jason Mata, Colby Robinson and Connor Morton get some help from a youngster as they work on taking apart cardboard boxes to build the shelter that they will be calling home for the night. The night was designed to promote homelessness awareness within the local community. Students were also asked to donate canned goods, which were donated to the Highway 80 Rescue Mission in Longview and Titus County Cares food pantry in Mount Pleasant.

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The Eagle

Northeast Texas Community College

Ads

December 1, 2016

December 1, 2016

The Eagle

Page 7

Northeast Texas Community College

News

Professor balances her love for family and teaching By Kenzie Messer Staff Writer

where she teaches nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and biology. “It’s been an adjustment coming from part time to full time,” Eubanks said. “I really try to do my work at work and spend time with my family at home. Occasionally, I do have to work at home, but I really try to spend time with my family.” Dr. Mary Hearron, division chair of Natural Sciences and professor of biology and chemistry, said Eubanks brings some new and exciting aspects to the science department with her background and enthusiasm about her profession. “One of the most unique qualities that Dr. Eubanks brings is that she has actually got an M.D. degree, so she’s a board certified pathologist,” Hearron said. “She brings all that knowledge with her, so she’s got a lot of strength in that area. She has experience being the head resident, so she was in charge of teaching other interns, so the style of teaching in medical school is something she can model to students.” Eubanks shares her specialized knowledge and experiences in the classroom

Dr. Kathy Eubanks crossed the floor and hung up her lab coat after a long, exhausting day of performing an autopsy. On her way home, she began to wonder how she might balance life as a practicing pathologist and also as a full time mom to her two young sons. She suddenly came to the realization that as a mom, what she really wanted to do was be at home with her children. “It was a challenge,” Eubanks said. “After residency, I just wanted to spend some time with my kids. I spent all that time at school. I felt good about that. I was very happy.” Eubanks and her husband decided to move their family from West Texas to the Northeast Texas area, so they could be closer to their parents. After being a stay-at-home mom for a while, Eubanks became an adjunct teacher for Northeast Texas Community College in the fall of 2014. This fall, Eubanks made the move into the classroom full time as a Northeast instructor

with her students, which allows them to get a better understanding of the subjects she is teaching. “She definitely knows what she’s talking about and I think her background in medicine should be accredited for that,” Nikki Martin, NTCC nutrition student, said. “Being in the medical field, you really need to be a people person and have the ability to interact effectively with people. I think that’s helped her in being such a great teacher.” Along with her roles as a mom and a full time teacher, Eubanks is also a medical director for a lab in West Texas. She oversees all of their operations and makes sure they follow regulations and guidelines. Every other month, Eubanks travels to the lab in West Texas for one day while her husband cares for their two children. “I certainly couldn’t do all that I do without my husband,” Eubanks said. “He is so helpful with our everyday activities. In fact, he makes the kids’ lunches every day. Also, it’s only by the grace of God that I am here doing what I love.” Since completing her

staff photo|kenzie messer

Dr. Eubanks shares some information about the different parts of the human brain with A&P students Darci Gabel and Veronica Sanchez. residency, which is a stage of medical training at Texas Tech State University, Eubanks has made a lot of changes so she could spend more time at home with her family. Her teaching position at Northeast has allowed her to find a balance. She can now do the work she enjoys

while also spending precious time with her family. “It has been an adjustment, but I love it,” Eubanks said. “After having kids, my priorities shifted and God provided this amazing opportunity for me to spend quality time with my family, be involved in a laboratory

using my pathology training, and to work with students and hopefully make a difference in some of the lives of those at NTCC. “This is a great opportunity for me to spend time with my kids and still do something that’s rewarding, and that I love.”

CIS launches holiday program Special to The Eagle

courtesy photo

The cast of Aesop’s (Oh So Slightly) Updated Fables is pictured on stage following one of their performances for area school children. The show will open to the public Dec. 3-4.

Theatre Northeast actors bring Aesop’s tales to Whatley stage Special to The Eagle

Hare; The Lion and the Mouse; The Fox and the Grapes; The Miller, His Son and the Donkey, and The Country Maid- into a show that’s fun, fast-paced, and full of surprises. With a cast of 13 NTCC students, Aesop’s timeless tales of morals and common sense come to life on the Whatley Main Stage. The cast includes Aaron Franks, David Hullett, Benjamin Ruland, Alyssa Saunders, Chad Kennedy, Elizabeth Taraba of Pittsburg; Francisco Arroyo and Alyson

Theatre Northeast, the student theatre group of Northeast Texas Community College, will present its annual Children’s Play December 3 and 4 on the main stage of the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts. This year they will perform Aesop’s (Oh So Slightly) Updated Fables by Kim Esop-Wylie and Aesop. This short play weaves five of Aesop›s most famous fables- The Dog and the Bone; The Tortoise and the

Cortez of Mount Pleasant; Nathan Johnson of Mount Vernon; Hannah Dove of Atlanta; Chris Smith of Daingerfield; Alex Plunkett of Gilmer; and Celina Singer of Immensee, Switzerland. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 and at 2:05 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4. Tickets are $5 general admission; $3 for students 17 and under, $3 for senior citizens and NTCC employees, $1 for grade school children and free for NTCC students with ID.

Communities In Schools of Northeast Texas recently launched “Communities In Schools Believes In Dreams – Christmas Project” - a holiday program designed to connect generous groups and individuals with children who may not otherwise have the resources to celebrate Christmas. Titus County Cares partnering with Communities In Schools in this endeavor. The Empty Stocking program has served the local community well for many years and we look forward to blessing area families with the support of Communities In Schools Believes in Dreams – Christmas Project going forward. Communities In Schools will coordinate and connect qualifying angels with the

generous groups and individuals to provide Christmas gifts. Titus County Cares will coordinate the Spirit of Christmas project, in partnership with Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods, to provide holiday food boxes. Communities In Schools along with Titus County Cares looks forward to blessing hundreds this Christmas season. Our community’s support will be vital in making this program a success. To adopt an angel or make a donation please contact our local Communities In Schools office at 903-434-8212 or at cisadmin@ ntcc.edu. Other ways to get involved are to conduct a toy drive, change drive, donation jars, talk with your church or civic group, ask your friends to join.

Cadets receive mace training

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WILBURN INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

staff photo|dylan mcconnell

Above, Carrington Burns, a Nortvheast police academy cadet is sprayed in the eyes by Instructor Leonard Newman.

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staff photo|dylan mcconnell

Left, cadets Sara DeVille and Cody Townswend helped eachother recover from the burning and stinging that comes as a result of the mace training.

Page 8

The Eagle

Northeast Texas Community College

Lifestyle

By Daniel Yanez Editor-in-Chief Christmas is celebrated differently across the globe. Each country and culture has a unique way of displaying a love for tradition, family and gift giving. In America, Dec. 24-25 is a special time of year when families and friends come together the same way many other people do. In the same way, Mexico has a tradition of celebrating Posadas, a series of gatherings that bring together crowds of people within the neighborhood and community. When I was younger I clearly remember my grandmother and us attending these “fiestas,” as my grandmother referred to them. At such a young age though, I didn’t understand the concept or the importance of these celebrations. Unless you are of Hispanic descent or have friends whose heritage is Mexican, you may not be familiar with the term Posada. But if you are, you may have a fun time explaining this to a friend or two. In Spanish, a posada refers to some type of inn or lodging hotel. But how does that relate to a Christmas celebration? Truth is, Posadas celebrate the part of the Christmas story when Joseph and Mary looked for shelter and somewhere to stay. In Mexico, where most Posadas are celebrated, people decorate the outside of their homes with

evergreens, moss and nochebuena, the Spanish term for poinsettia flowers. Other common decorations include intricate paper lanterns that line the sidewalks and light up the walkways as parents and little kids make their way to a posada. Although in Mexico Christmas trees are still not observed as much as nativity scenes, Christmas trees, lights and decorations are becoming a part of the yearly celebration. On the other hand, nochebuena flowers line the walls of Mexican homes and are an important symbol of the Christmas celebrations. La flor de la nochebuena as is, has an entire special meaning to the Christmas celebrations in Mexico and a few other Spanish speaking countries. Posadas begin on the night of Dec. 16, with the ninth night being Buena Noche or Christmas Eve. Leading up to Dec. 24, each night a different home hosts a Posada party. Food, piñatas, music, games and prayer is heavily involved in each posada. On Christmas Eve, the children lead a procession to the church and place a figure of the Christ child in the nacimiento or nativity scene there, everyone then attends the midnight service. After mass, the sky lights up with fireworks and celebrations follow into the night and Christmas morning. On Christmas morning, little kids open their gifts and carry on with more celebrations that lead up to Dia de Los Reyes Magos, Day of the Holy Kings on Jan. 6. Finally, on Feb. 2, most Mexicans observe el Dia de la Candelaria, the candle lighting, and culminate the Christmas celebrations.

The heart of Hanukkah By Dylan McConnell Managing Editor The room is quiet and dark, a young girl sits as still as she can while she waits for the moment she has been looking forward to all day. She holds the Shamash with both hands watching the only light in the room flicker. It is time, she lights the first candle of Hanukkah. As a little girl, I only had eyes for one holiday, Hanukkah. I would count down the days until the magical week, buying little gifts for my family and saving all the change from my purchases for when we played dreidel. I decorated our windows with little stickers of menorahs, the Star of David and dreidels. My family sits around the menorah while my mom tells the story of Hanukkah. My younger siblings take turns lighting the candles for the eight nights. After telling the story, we all gather around the kitchen table to play dreidel. We hope the little top will land on the almighty Gimmel, while praying that it will not land on the dreaded shin, making us give up our precious

chocolate coins or pennies. My little sisters count the hours until sunset when our festivities begin. The meals are huge! I feel like I am eating Thanksgiving every night for a week straight. There is always laughter during Hanukkah. We put aside our petty arguments to enjoy the important things in life- family. My siblings and I always invite someone new each night hoping to spread a little happiness and fun during the holiday season and offer them a glimpse into a tradition that most have never experienced. Being away from most of my family for the first time this year, I am sharing my traditions with the family I have built since starting Northeast Texas Community College. As we move further into the holiday season, I am issuing a challenge to my fellow students. Grab a friend and share some of your family’s traditions with them. You never know what you might discover along the way. Every family has different traditions, but the most important part is spending time with family and friends and remembering all the blessings in life. Chag Sameach! (Happy Holidays)

Santa did you know?

Father Christmas, Grandfather Frost, Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, or Santa Claus, is the jolly man with many names that delivers gifts to children all over the world in just one night. Although, Santa was not always large and bearded. In the 17th century Santa was depicted as a “tall, slender and very dignified” without his trademark beard. It is believed that Santa is based on the Pagan God Odin who was the leader of the wild hunt, celebrating the mid winter event Yule where he handed out gifts and punishments. One of the reasons we leave milk and cookies for Santa is because Dutch kids would leave food and drink for St. Nicholas on his feast day. Santa Claus delivering presents comes from Holland’s celebration of St. Nicholas’ feast day on December 6.

Children would leave shoes out the night before and, in the morning, would find little gifts that St. Nicholas would leave them. US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world’s presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second. On the other hand, the NORAD Santa tracker was a mistake. Sears printed the phone number in an ad so children could tell Santa Claus what they wanted for Christmas. The number was a misprint and instead sent children to the hotline for Colonel Harry Shoup, Director of Operations for the US Continental Air Defense. The calls poured in and instead of blocking the number, the kind Colonel ordered his staff to give children updates on Santa’s flight coordinates.

December 1, 2016

December 1, 2016

The Eagle

Northeast Texas Community College

Page 9

Lifestyle

Ingredients

Directions

6 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground loves 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup shortening, melted and cooled slightly 1 cup molasses 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup water 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. 2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon; set aside. 3. In a medium bowl, mix together the shortening, molasses, brown sugar, water, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, until they are completely absorbed. Divide dough into 3 pieces, pat down to 1 1/2 inch thickness, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. 4. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. 5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. When the cookies are done, they will look dry, but still be soft to the touch. Remove from the baking sheet to cool on wire racks. 6. When cool, the cookies can be frosted with the icing of your choice.

Ingredients 2 (10 OZ) pkgs. vanilla baking chips 1 (14 OZ) can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 1 1/2 cups crushed candy canes 1 dash red or green food coloring Directions 1. Line an 8 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, and grease the foil. 2. Combine the vanilla chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until almost melted, remove from heat and continue to stir until smooth. When chips are completely melted, stir in the peppermint extract, food coloring, and candy canes. 3. Spread evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill for 2 hours, then cut into squares.

1 pouch (17.5 OZ) Betty Crocker™ sugar cookie mix 1/2 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour 1/2cup butter, melted 1 egg 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Ingredients 1 cup butterscotch chips 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup salted peanuts 2 cups chow mein noodles

Directions

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F.

1. Melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter on top of a double boiler, or in a microwave. Blend together.

2. In large bowl, mix cookie mix, flour, melted butter and egg with spoon until soft dough forms. Stir in pecans. Press firmly to shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on t cookie sheets.

2. Stir peanuts and noodles gently into the melted peanut butter mixture. 3. Drop dough by forkfuls onto waxed paper. Cool until set.

***Butterscotch can be replaced with milk, white, or dark chocolate. Peanuts and peanut butter can be replaced by other nuts and nut butters. You can also add raisins, craisins or candies.

Ingredients 4 oz plain flour 8 oz golden caster sugar 4 oz fresh white breadcrumbs 2 oz flaked almonds 8 oz suet 12 oz sultanas 12 oz raisins 8 oz currants 4 oz candied peel and chopped 1 lemon, zest only 5 well-beaten eggs 1 teaspoon mixed spice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg a pinch of salt 5 fl oz brandy or rum

Ingredients

3.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack. Cool 5 minutes. In small bowl, place powdered sugar. Roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar, and place on cooling rack. Cool completely, at least 20 minutes.

4. Roll cookies in powdered sugar for a second coat. Store covered at room temperature.

Directions Lightly grease 4 small (1 pt/600ml) or 2 larger (2pt/1.2litre) pudding bowls or basins. Mix together all the dry ingredients. Add in the eggs and brandy and mix thoroughly. Spoon the mix into basins. Put a circle of baking parchment paper and foil over the top of each basin and tie securely with string. Secure by making a string handle around the basin to the other (so you can lift it out easily) Put the basins in a large steamer of boiling water and cover with a lid. Boil for 5-6 hours, topping the boiling water up from time to time, if necessary. If you do not have a steamer, put the basins in a large pan on upturned saucers on the base. Pour in boiling water to come a third of the way up the sides of the pudding bowls. Cover and steam as above. Leave to cool. Replace the baking parchment paper and foil covers with fresh ones and tie up again as above. Store in a cool cupboard until Christmas Day. To serve on Christmas Day: Steam for 2 hours and serve with one either brandy butter, rum sauce, fresh cream or homemade custard.

Page 10

The Eagle

Northeast Texas Community College

December 1, 2016

News

courtesy photo courtesy photo

Emmalea Shaw recently received the Dr. Mary Hood STAR Scholarship. She was one of only six students who received the prestigious award.

Honors student wins STAR Scholarship

Special to The Eagle

Emmalea Shaw, a Northeast Texas Community College sophomore from Fruitvale, was one of six recipients of the Dr. Mary Hood STAR Scholarship. The scholarship honors returning community college students in the Texas region who show outstanding promise as leaders and as scholars. The recipients were announced at the recent Texas Honors Institute held at Stephen F. Austin State University and recognized onstage. Shaw is a Presidential Scholar in Honors Northeast and has won numerous state and regional awards. She presented a paper on racial integration in Northeast Texas at the 2016 meeting of the National Collegiate Honors Council in Seattle. Shaw is also a vice-president for the Alpha Mu Chi chapter and recently served as lead editor for the chapter’s Case Study Challenge offered by USA Today newspaper.

Don’t forget finals week! Dec. 2-8, 2016

The Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program at Northeast Texas Community College recently enjoyed a visit from Aaron Shelby, grandson of the late Carroll Shelby and Co-President of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. Shelby visited with students and faculty and toured the facilities. The Shelby Foundation has been a major supporter of the NTCC program since Carroll Shelby himself took an interest in providing opportunities for students in Northeast Texas. Aaron Shelby, who presented the college with a $25,000 gift on behalf of the Carroll Shelby Foundation, is pictured above with current NTCC automotive students. Visit shelbyautotech.com to learn more about the program.

December 1, 2016

The Eagle

Northeast Texas Community College

Page 11

Sports

Former NTCC player takes the field as coach By Iesha Fluellen Layout and Design Editor When Matt Durst stepped on to the field as the new assistant baseball coach for the Eagles, he was coming back to a place that was all too familiar to him. Durst worked behind the plate as a catcher for the Eagles from 2011 to 2013. He was part of The Eagles team that won conference and went on to play for the national championship in spring 2012. That was a special moment in his life and he continues the friendships he made with his fellow teammates. “I still stay in touch with a lot of the guys that played here during that time,” Durst said. “That entire experience for me, being part of that is something I’ll always remember.” After competing with the Eagles, Durst went on to play ball for the University of Southern Mississippi. During his final semester at Southern Miss, Durst took a break from baseball. “At that time, I was kind of burned out on it,” said Durst. “Plus it was my last semester, and I had to finish up my classes.” In December of 2015, Durst graduated with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. The areas he focused on in his degree were sport coaching administration and physical education.

courtesy photo|jeremy weber

Durst played as catcher for the Eagles for two years while he was a student at Northeast. He is now serves as an assistant coach for his former ball team. At the start of the following year, Durst began a part-time coaching position at Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Miss. During his time as assistant coach there, his team went on to win the National Championship in Division 2. “I joined them at a really good time,” Durst said.

While he was working on his degree and coaching at Jones County, Durst remained in contact with his former coach, Josh Stewart, who is currently NTCC’s vice president for Student Services and athletic director. Stewart informed him of the assistant coaching position for his former team,

and Durst decided to take him up on the offer. Stewart said he was pleased to be able to bring his former catcher back as a coach for the Eagles. “I’ve known Matt for a while,” Stewart said. “He’s always been very hardworking and dependable. He’s always had that dedication and love for the

game.” Since starting as an assistant coach earlier this semester, Durst said he has enjoyed working with the players. “They work well together,” he said. “They play well and are supportive of one another.”Durst said one of the things he enjoys most about coaching is being able

to make a positive influence on the athletes. “Hopefully by working as a team, they learn the important things they need to know in life,” he said. “I want them to take all that they learn from here and apply it to their everyday lives. If I know that I’ve made an impact on a player, then I know I’ve done my job.”

Softball players sign with NTCC

staff photo|iesha fluellen

Martino, right, works with Eagles baseball player Manny Garcia during a recent tutoring session in the field house.

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Northeast Texas Community College Eagles softball held a signing ceremony Tuesday for 2017-2018 recruits. Signees are pictured seated (from left): Tatyanna Smith of Hope, AR; Hollie Thomas of Henrietta; Ramzi Smith of Redwater; Shelby Baker of Carrollton; and Jamie Franks of Kennedale. NTCC Head Softball Coach, Jessica Keith and Assistant Coach, Sarah Lankford, are pictured standing. Visit ntcceagles. com to follow Eagles softball.

Rodeo finishes up fall season Special to The Eagle After hosting their annual rodeo in October, the Northeast rodeo team continues to struggle some in the overall standings. Going into the holiday break, the men’s team is currently sitting in tenth place with the women’s team ranked slightly ahead in the eighth place spot. The last rodeo of the fall semester for the Southern Region was held at Sam Houston State University in mid November. NTCC Rodeo coach Skylar Hunnicutt said the team had a decent showing this fall. “We had a pretty good semester. We have improved

in some areas,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what next semester will produce. Along with the team standings, each individual athlete has the opportunity to move up the ranks and earn points in their own events. Currently Lucas Manning is ranked third in bull riding, Zaine Carnahan is fifth in saddle bronc, Karson Stevens is in tenth place in breakaway and Harley is thirteenth in breakaway. The team will be back in the arena in February when the spring rodeo season gears back up.

Coach assist athletes on the field and in the classroom By Iesha Fluellen Layout and Design Editor Throughout his life, two major things have always held a special place in Northeast’s new assistant baseball coach Bo Martino’s heart, sports and helping others. “I enjoy everything about sports and I always sort of liked working with other people,” said Martino. “I feel like I was always meant to be a coach.” Growing up, Martino was constantly around a sports environment of some sort. “My father was a coach and administrator,” Martino said. “He coached just about everything. Baseball, football, basketball, track, golf. He did it all at some point.” Martino attended college at East Texas Baptist University and earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. He also received his master’s in human performance from Stephen F. Austin University. Not only does Martino coach baseball, but he is also an instructor. “I teach

coaching 1,” Martino said. “Some of the things we talk about in the class are things that I’ve learned about in my coaching experience,” Martino said. “We discuss rules, expectations, philosophy, procedures and consequences. We do that so in case they decide to go into the coaching world, they can kind of have an idea of what to expect instead of starting from scratch.” Before Martino began coaching at NTCC, he served as the volunteer pitching coach for the SFA Lumberjacks. He has also coached at LeTourneau University, East Texas Baptist University, Marshall High School and Gary High School. When Martino’s wife, Natalie, got a new job in Sulphur Springs, they were living in Longview at the time and Martino was coaching for LeTourneau University. He said they realized that the distance would be pretty hectic, so he decided to go with his wife and find a job opening in this area. Soon after, he was offered

an opportunity to coach at NTCC. “I like the junior college level more because there’s less restrictions on when you can work with players and so forth,” said Martino. “It’s a great opportunity for the guys to learn and get better so that they can move on to the next level.” When Martino began working with the team this semester, he quickly discovered that he liked what he was seeing from the athletes. “We’ve done really well for the most part.” Martino said. “They really bought in to what was going on and embraced it. They work really hard here.” Josh Stewart, vice president of Student Services and athletic director, said Martino contributes a lot to the team. “Bo has done a great job. He’s a hard worker and has some great experience,” Stewart said. “The guys really like him as well. He’s really organized, and he’s done a really good job this fall.”

Page 12

The Eagle

December 1, 2016

Northeast Texas Community College

Entertainment

J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World is Back

By Holly McGonagill Entertainment Editor

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is originally a book written in 2001 by famous British author J. K. Rowling. The book is written under the pseudonym of the fictional author Newt Scamander and is about magical creatures in the Wizarding World. The book is first mentioned in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (or Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as named in the U.S.) as reading material the first-year Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry students must acquire. Since the book is so widely known with Wizarding World and Harry Potter fans, Warner Bros decided to turn the book into a movie. It is the first in a series of five Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them planned films. J.K. Rowling herself has stated that she will be the screenwriter for the films. The movie is set in 1927. England native Newt Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne, is an eccentric, introverted wizard, who is the future author of the textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Newt is working to show other Wizards that the creatures can live in harmony with them. As he finds a beast he writes them in his book he is working on to get published. Newt travels to New York with his trunk

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Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them is a new magical movie based on J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. of magical creatures with a quest to send one back to its original home. Upon arriving in New York, the devious beasts begin to find ways out of the trunk and make their way into the streets of the Big Apple. Tina (Katherine Waterston), is a down-toearth and grounded witch. She was fired from her job as an Auror (Magical FBI Agent of sorts) and is forced to work in an office well below her skill level for the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA). Tina begins to watch Newt and finds that he is carrying around a trunk of magical creatures that are potentially dangerous when provoked.

It was not until a newly single No-Maj (no magic) factory worker and aspiring baker named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), is exposed to the New York City magical community by Newt, that issues really start to arise. Newt, Jacob, Tina and Queenie have to work together to find all the beast and put them back in the trunk, all why stopping the evil entity that is killing the No Majs. Queenie (Alison Sudol) is Tina’s younger sister and roommate, who is described as a bombshell, free-spirited and big-hearted, and is accomplished in Legilimency (reading minds). With the plot consisting

of magical creatures on the loose, an evil entity raining terror on New York, a No Maj knowing about magic and Newt and Tina wanted for magical felony it is no wonder this movie was action packed and comedic. The movie overall was full of the magic that fans have come to know and love from the Wizarding World. Do not be mistaken though, Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them has nothing to do with the Harry Potter series, as is it set 70 years before Harry was even born. In fact, the name Hogwarts (A school for young witches and wizards, both Newt and Harry attended) was only mentioned twice in the

whole film. As was the name Albus Dumbledore (a famous powerful wizard that was Newt’s teacher and Harry’s headmaster). Other than the fact that this film is set in the same Wizarding World, the two film franchises are completely different. The only thing one can say is it would have been nice to see the characters of Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them use more magic. In Harry Potter the reader and viewer got to grow with Harry and learn the magic that was used. It seemed as if every scene had a magical element, such as spells, the school, animals, enchantments, everything was magic.

Since the characters of Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them were adults and the Film was set in the No Maj world of New York the viewers did not get to see them learn and grow their magic. More scenes of magic and enchantments would have been enjoyable. Overall the film was a great way to pay tribute to J.K. Rolling’s magical world. The actors and actresses played their parts wonderfully and really made the viewer enjoy what was happening on the screen. The film was full of comedy and action, and there was also a tad bit of romance in all the wildness that was featured. The cast and crew who created this film worked hard to fulfill the wishes and demands of the fans. They knew they had a large role to play with this being the first movie to feature the Wizarding World after the final installment of Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2. The cast and crew did a great job of taking fans back into the world of magic that J.K. Rowling worked so hard to create. It is also amazing to hear that all the films will be worked on closely by Rowling herself. Fans can only expect her artistic ideas to show though the films. It is greatly suggested that you go and see this movie, as a fan of Harry Potter I do not think you will be disappointed. After the film ends it will leave you wanting more of the magical Wizarding World.

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The newly released single, “Starboy” by The Weeknd is all the rage.

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The new Disney film Moana hit theaters Nov. 23 and continues to be a hit. The film follows the tradition of some of Disney’s more popular cartoons.

Enter the magical world of Moana

By Iesha Fluellen Layout & Design Editor For years I have long awaited a Disney Animated film that captured the magic and heart of my childhood. Although Frozen went on to become a billion-dollar hit, it did not meet the satisfaction that I had been longing for. Actually, for awhile I began to think that Disney Animation had lost their magic touch, but then I watched Moana. And let me tell you, I was not expecting this movie to touch my heart the way it did. The film tells the story of Moana (voiced by newcomer Auli’i Cravahlo), the daughter of a Polynesian chief and descendant of a long line of navigators. As Moana becomes of age to lead her village, a mysterious darkness falls over the island causing the plants to die and fish to become scarce. Once this

happens, Moana takes it upon herself to set sail and find a solution. As a young girl, the ocean chose Moana to be the one to solve this conflict. Part of her mission is to find the shape-shifting demigod, named Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) and have him join her on her journey. Along the way, Moana and Maui encounter a plethora of colorful characters as well as learn a lot of heartfelt details about each other. Newcomer Cravahlo, the voice of Moana did outstanding in the role. Her voice is so unlike your typical Disney heroine. I look forward to seeing more from her in the future. As for Johnson’s performance as the voice of Maui, I have to say I was pretty shocked. He was the perfect fit for the character. He added a certain personality to the character that came pretty close to the level of wonder that the

late Robin Williams brought to the voice of the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin. I know that’s quite a statement, but trust me. I’m not the only one to say this. I’ve got to say that this was a beautiful film. Not only was the animation superb, but the story itself had a lot of heart and a deep message that everyone can relate to in some way or another. Watching this film, made me reminiscent of my childhood watching groundbreaking Disney Animated films such as The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Little Mermaid and also the much underrated, Brother Bear. There were so many elements of this film that blew me away. One of which is the soundtrack. The music of Moana is truly something special. Lin ManuelMiranda, the mastermind behind the Broadway hit Hamilton, worked on the music in this film and let me

tell you, if he doesn’t receive an academy award for his work in this movie, then there is seriously something wrong with the world. The music in this movie helps tell the story through the characters. Hearing the music in will bring about a number of emotions for the viewer. There are those bittersweet moments where the music reaches out and touches your soul and then there are moments where the music gives you goose bumps and has you on the edge of your seat. After seeing Moana for the first time, I immediately wanted to relive the experience I had watching it. Words can not describe how much I loved this film. I advise everyone, no matter your age or where you’re from, to go check it out. I believe that Moana will stand the test of time and be cherished as the gem it truly is.

By Jay Wilkerson Staff Writer “Starboy” is the title track and first single released by platinum recording artist The Weeknd for his new album “Starboy”.also accompanied with a music video that features The Weeknd destroying everything that was the old Weeknd so that he could start a new chapter in his career. The video starts with The Weeknd is the old version of himself with his gigantic hair sitting down tied up in a chair and the and a mysterious man comes and kills him he takes off his mask and reveals it is the new Weeknd with a totally new hairstyle. We now meet the new Weeknd and then the song starts featuring Daft Punk, who also helped produce the song along with Cirkut and Doc Mckinney. The electric song features an upbeat tempo filled with braggadocios lines about how wealthy he has become and how he is spending his money on cars and luxurious items he has and how many women he has which is nothing new from The Weeknd if you listen to his old music like Kiss Land and Trilogy but these lyrics do not stop from the over all breathtaking from the song.

At first, I didn’t like “Starboy” because I rarely listen to electronic music, however, as I listened, I ended up loving the song because of The Weeknd infectious melody and the production of the track. It is a genre of music that I have never crossed paths with and has peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. If you don’t like lyrics that just talk money, cars and clothes then this song probably isn’t for you. If you are a fan of The Weeknd’s music, especially “Trilogy” his first album which debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 that featured such songs like “Wicked Games,” “Twenty Eight,” and “The Zone” featuring Drake. The Weeknd has also had several other chart topping songs like “The Hills,” “Belong to the World,” “Cant Feel My Face,” “Often” and “Earned It” which comes from the albums Kiss Land and Beauty Behind the Madness. So if you are a fan of any one of these songs, then you will love this song. “Starboy” The Weeknd blends the old underground camera shy Weeknd with the new wealthy exciting Weeknd. Make sure to check it out!