Richland Chronicle February 20th, 2018

CHRONICLE Richland

Vol. XLIV Issue 20 February 20, 2018

Fat Tuesday arrives on campus Pg. 5

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

POLITICAL PARTIES

PAGE 2

PAGE 3

It’s time to talk about gun control. Again

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Candidates prepare for primary elections

Richland Student Media

STUDY SPOTS

SPORTS

Students share their favorite places to study

Richland wrestler is a national winner

PAGE 6 @RLCStudentMedia

PAGE 7 Richland Student Media

2 OPINION/LOCAL

February 20, 2018

Another shooting; this time should be different

ALY RODRIGUES Editor-in-Chief

How many more lives must be lost before we do something about gun violence in the United States? The number of incidents increases every year.

The Gun Violence Archive (GVA) is a nonprofit organization and online resource that provides near-real-time updates of the number of gun-related incidents in the U.S. The data is collected from more than 2,500 media outlets in their network nationwide. At press time, the GVA reports the number of gun-related incidents in the U.S. for 2018 is 6,823 resulting in 1,880 deaths and 3,257 injuries.

Valentine’s Day will remain in the memories of many. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida is the 18th gun-related incident on a school campus in America this year.

I came to the U.S. from Brazil, a country where carrying a gun is against the law, and yet we have one of the highest crime rates in the world. I did not feel safe walking down my own street in São Paulo. For that and many other reasons I decided to look for a safer place to go to school.

Ironically or not, I chose Texas to be my home for a few years, a state where it is legal to carry guns. I felt safe for a long time when people explained why the Second Amendment is so important and that it was intended for security. Last August, a new law permitted

students, faculty and staff to carry concealed guns on community college campuses in Texas. The law took effect less than three months after Janeera Nickol Gonzales was gunned down on the North Lake College campus.

I understand why people feel they need to have a gun at home to protect themselves.

What I can’t understand is how easy it is to get a gun permit. It was surprising and at the same time scary for me to see an entire gun department at Walmart. I don’t know why rifles or semiautomatic weapons are sold to citizens.

Why would anyone need a killing machine like an AK-15? All guns are made to kill. Semiautomatic weapons are made to kill people. Why would an ordinary citizen need that? It’s terrifying to think that a shooting can happen any day, anytime, anywhere.

Nikolas Cruz, a 19-year-old, killed 21 people and hurt 19 in Florida. Stephen Paddock, 64 years old, killed 58 and injured more than 500 in Las Vegas. In the beginning of February, a 12-year-old girl took a gun to school and shot four students. Two weeks before that, a 15-year-old opened fire, killing two students and injuring more than 18 in Kentucky. These are just a few of the 30 mass shootings that have taken place this year. A mass shooting is a firearm incident involving more than three victims.

Life happens. People get into accidents.

People die suddenly and unfortunately we can’t avoid it. We can’t avoid a shooting but we can take steps to prevent it. We can approve laws that enforce restrictions and limit gun access.

Photo The Associated Press

Students gather during a vigil at Pine Trails Park in Parkland, Fla. for the victims of the Feb.14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

The Second Amendment was written in 1789.

Perhaps it’s time for an update.

The hardest part of being a journalist is covering a tragedy. We have to maintain an impartial viewpoint and not get involved with the subjects we are covering. In cases like

this, it is hard. I remember when the shooting in Las Vegas happened. I imagined myself trying to cover the story. As a country music fan, I kept thinking, I could have been there.

It could have been someone I know. It could have been any of us.

“He knew people depended on him, and he rose to that occasion,” said Spivey.

Nicole Sherrard, the widow of the officer, said the couple was headed for divorce twice during their 15-year marriage, but Sherrard told his wife to keep praying and believe in their marriage.

The funeral was live-streamed on Facebook.

Before the funeral, the Dallas Fire Department hoisted an American flag between the ladders of two fire trucks to show their support of the Sherrard family and brotherhood with the Richland Police Department.

Sherrard was a 13-year veteran of the Richardson Police Department and member of the elite SWAT team. He was recently appointed to the department’s sniper team and officers remember him as a “tactical rock star.”

As the funeral wrapped up, a bugler from the Dallas Police Department played “Taps.”

Sherrard was the first Richardson police officer to be killed in the line of duty in the department’s 63-year history.

A motorcycle unit, consisting of officers from the Denton and Irving Police Departments, escorted Sherrard’s body to the cemetery in Rowlett. Spectators watched from bridges along the route while others watched from their vehicles as the motorcycle unit whirled down the highway.

The Richardson Police Department posted a video of Sherrard’s last radio call on the department’s Instagram account as a way to commemorate the sacrifice and bravery of the fallen Richardson police officer. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

Community bids farewell to Richardson police officer DREW CASTILLO Staff Writer

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Thousands attended the Watermark Church in Dallas Feb. 13 to say farewell to fallen Richardson police officer David Sherrard, who

was killed in the line of duty. Officers from departments as close as SMU and as far away as Norfolk, Virginia turned out to support the officer’s family and colleagues.

Richardson Police Chief Jim Spivey remembered Sherrard as a “true hero” and said that he lived up to expectations.

Staff Photo Drew Castillo

Firefighters and police officers put up a U.S. flag to honor fallen Richardson police officer David Sherrard before his funeral service at Watermark Community Church on Feb. 13.

Photo The Associated Press

Law enforcement officers salute as a motorcycle carries Richardson police officer David Sherrard after his funeral service at Watermark Community Church in Dallas Feb. 13.

February 20, 2018

LOCAL/CAMPUS 3

Political candidates vie for seats in party races Staff Writer

District 114 - Republican The primary season is underway in North Texas with early voting scheduled to begin Feb. 20. Election Day is Tuesday, March 6.

The Republican candidates for state House District 114 met at a North Dallas high rise for a forum the morning of Feb. 13 sponsored by the North Texas Chamber of Commerce.

Incumbent Jason Villalba, a local attorney, is looking to retain his seat in the Texas House.

His opponent, Lisa Luby Ryan, is a business owner.

House District 114 covers a large swath of North Dallas, including the communities of Lake Highlands and Preston Hollow. Both candidates have been vigorously block-walking and getting to know their neighbors.

Villalba addressed some of his accomplishments and said strong schools, good infrastructure and jobs are important to his constituents.

“I’m making sure we’ve got good, high paying jobs for my constituents and I’ll continue to focus on that. I’m a member of my community. I’m a father. I’m a husband.

And I’m more concerned on making sure that we get things done for my community.”

Ryan discussed her strategy should she be elected to office.

Male Achievement Program helps men become supermen JORGE PEREZ Staff Writer

The Male Achievement Program (MAP) is back for another semester at Richland College.

Its goal is to empower male and minority students and encourage them to further their education. MAP helps students develop and harness their leadership skills to help them reach their career and academic goals.

Program Service Coordinator Gabe Randle said the program has been successful.

“Last semester was a great semester for the program,” said Randle.

“Members accomplished great things throughout the semester. Four went to a leadership conference in Baltimore, three were in Phi Theta Kappa and we had two university transfers.”

Last semester Randle had 71 members.

His goal is to reach 100 members by the end

of the semester. He hopes the students who join MAP will learn new skills, such as writing, interviewing and how to dress. They have workshops with guest speakers from a variety of fields, including information technology, health professions and business.

MAP members would attend a district conference at Mountain View College on April 20 where students will have the opportunity to meet with other students from sister colleges and learn from their experiences.

Those interested in MAP can stop by Randle’s office in El Paso Hall in Room E082B or visit the Office of Student Life (OSL) in Room E040.

Randle can also be reached by email at gaberandle@dcccd. edu. MAP meets every Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m. in Room E076. Information can also be found on the Richland website at www. richlandcollege.edu/theMAP .

Staff Photo Drew Castillo

Ed Meier talks to a participant at Congressional 32 Democratic forum on Feb. 16.

He also vowed to pursue a second VA hospital in Dallas, since there isn’t one north of downtown Dallas. Rodriguez would also be the first Hispanic congressman to serve District 32 if elected.

Maternowski is a graduate of the University of Chicago. His focus is on building up public services.

“North Texas needs infrastructure, and there’s not enough infrastructure funds,” said Maternowski. He also wants to focus on community colleges and universities that are within the district.

“I think there needs to be more investment in community colleges so that most students won’t be in massive debt,” Maternowski said.

Brett Shipp discussed the contributions he would make if elected to the position. “I

am afraid for the future of this country. We have a president in office who is reckless and irresponsible,” says Shipp. “I don’t see any lawmakers willing to stand up to him.”

Shipp claimed that Sessions’ voting record does not support the diversity of his constituents. He said he believes the country is drifting and that he is uniquely qualified to take down the 22-year incumbent.

“I’m so glad I’m in this fight and I want to bring our country back to civility,” Shipp said.

The nonpartisan League of Women Voters publishes a Voters’ Guide with information about the candidates for individual races. That information is available at my.lwv.org/texas.

Registered voters can visit www.votetexas.gov for information about early voting locations and where to vote on Election Day.

RichlandStudentMedia.com

DREW CASTILLO

“I’m going to work with them [Democrats] if they work with me on what’s best for Texans. But if I’m going to vote against my constituents and [let] my party go vote for Democrats, no, I’m not,” Ryan said. “I’m going to be a selfless leader versus a self-serving leader. If the Lord wants me there, I’m going to be there.”

Congressional 32 - Democratic The Democratic primary race for the 32nd U.S. Congressional District is one of the few high-profile races in North Texas with recognizable faces and names. A total of seven candidates are battling to unseat the incumbent Republican, Pete Sessions, who is vying for another term.

A forum with the Democratic candidates took place Feb. 16. It was hosted by the League of Women Voters and The North Texas Chamber of Commerce. The candidates included Colin Allred, Ron Marshall, Tom Maternowski, Ed Meier, George Rodriguez, Lillian Salerno and former local television newsman Brett Shipp.

The candidates agreed on a majority of the issues, but each one vowed to change the way the district is handled and implement solutions to various problems.

George Rodriguez, a lawyer and SMU graduate, envisioned the future of District 32 if elected.

“I want to create workforce development in our community colleges so that our students can graduate and get a job,” said Rodriguez.

4 MOVIES

February 20, 2018

Oscars: who will take the gold?

RICKY MILLER Entertainment Editor

This year’s Oscar race includes sliceof-life comedies and fantasy tales. The Best Screenplay list includes a varied bunch with Greta Gerwig’s “Ladybird;” the pretzel-twisting “Get Out;” the drama/fantasy/love story “The Shape of Water,” the fictional tale of an unsolved murder; “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” and the semiautobiographical cancer comedy “The Big Sick.” “Three Billboards” looks like a lock here.

The Adapted Screenplay category includes, “Call Me by Your Name;” the making of the worst movie ever made in Hollywood in “The Disaster Artist;” the comic book adaptation “Logan;” the true-life story of a legitimate business person making a dollar with “Molly’s Game” and the based-on-a-true-life event in World War II with “Mudbound.” The Academy usually likes to stand out and that is why I think “Mudbound” will take the prize here.

The Best Supporting Actress race this year is another tight one. The nominees are Octavia Spencer in “The Shape of Water;” Lesley Manville in “Phantom Thread;” Mary J. Blige in “Mudbound;” Laurie Metcalf in “Ladybird” and Allison Janney in “I, Tonya.” Early on, I thought Metcalf had a shot with “Ladybird,” but after all the ruckus, I think Janney will get it for playing the abusive mother in “I, Tonya.”

The Best Supporting Actor race is another tight bunch with Willem Dafoe as a hotel manager in the little-seen “The Florida Project;” Christopher Plummer as J. Paul Getty in “All The Money in the World;” Richard Jenkins in director Guillermo Del Toro’s “The Shape of Water;” and the budding duo of Sam Rockwell and sheriff Woody Harrelson in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”

I think Jenkins will win this one because the character he portrays depicts a minority population that was shrouded in secrecy in 1960s America.

Images courtesy IMDb

Chadwick Boseman in “Black Panther” leaped in to the theater Feb. 16.

‘Black Panther:’ The coolest cat in the jungle RICKY MILLER Entertainment Editor

“Black Panther,” like myriad other Marvelbased superhero tales, is a full-on original story. The title character lives in the fictional African country of Wakanda, a developing nation with high-tech assets. U.S. moviegoers were introduced to this character in “Captain America: Civil War” in 2016.

Like in the colorful “Thor: Ragnarok,” the studios have finally realized this stuff is mainly geared for kids, since the humor and sarcasm are aimed at younger audiences.

Gone are the days of brooding characters with endless back stories. Instead, director Ryan Coogler fashions a tale that is equal parts thrill ride coupled with fun banter galore.

This tale finds T’Challa, aka Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), returning to his home in Wakanda after the death of his father.

Involved in his life are his mom, Ramonda (Angela Bassett), his uncle Zuri (Forest Whitaker), sister Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), as well as American colleagues Everett K. Ross (Martin Freeman), who works for the FBI, and villain Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis).

I like what Marvel has done with this product. It’s not another so-so flick being produced for the sake of retaining the rights to said properties. That all changed with Jon Favreau’s “Iron Man” in 2008.

With “Black Panther,” Coogler has crafted a fun film that should appeal to the masses. Be warned that it clocks in slightly at over two hours, (two hours. 14 minutes). Most viewers will not notice it though since they will be having such a good time.

— Grade A-

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Staff illustration Isai Diaz

“Tootsie” (1982) – Jessica Lange won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of a soap opera actress trying to make ends meet.

Lead Dustin Hoffman was Oscar nominated and so was director Sydney Pollack.

A

“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” (1993) – Director Lasse Hallström steered a very young Leonardo DiCaprio to his first Oscar as Arnie Grape, Johnny Depp’s mentally impaired younger brother.

A-

“The 15:17 to Paris” (2018) – This is based on a true-life tale. It suffers due to the fact that director Clint Eastwood cast the real-life survivors of the ordeal playing themselves. Because of that fact alone, I was less interested in the story.

C+

Chadwick Boseman, Danai Gurira, and Lupita Nyong’o in “Black Panther” (2018).

Michael B. Jordan, Chadwick Boseman, and Sydelle Noel in “Black Panther” (2018).

“Peter Rabbit” (2018) – This blend of live action and animation suffers because of the mean spirit of rabbits and the death of one of the characters. Stars Rose Byrne and Domhnall Gleeson are fun to watch. This is based on the classic tale written by Beatrix Potter.

B-

“Jackie Brown” (1997) – This dramatic crime thriller earned an Oscar nomination for supporter Robert Forster as Max Cherry, a bail bondsman employed in Southern California. It is based on Elmore Leonard’s novel “Rum Punch.”

—Ricky Miller —Ricky Miller

B+

February 20, 2018

NATIONAL/CAMPUS 5

Obama portraits unveiled at the National Gallery of Art EMILY ESCAMILLA

Staff Writer

After every U.S. president’s term in office, a portrait is painted of the former president and first lady to commemorate their tenure.

On Feb. 12, the portraits of President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were unveiled.

The former president’s portrait was painted by artist Kehinde Wiley. Michelle Obama’s portrait was painted by Amy Sherald.

The much-awaited paintings surprised many observers. The style is nontraditional in comparison to the portraits of their predecessors.

Obama’s portrait is not of him sitting in an office or behind a desk in drab colors like the usual presidential portraits.

Instead, it shows the former president sitting, top button of his shirt undone, in a chair with a garden of flowers behind him.

The paintings have been drawing reactions from around the world. Evan Smith, a nursing major at Richland, likes the style of the painting. He said the portrait of the former president depicts “tranquility” with the garden backdrop accentuating his features.

“You can see the seriousness on the face of the former president, Barack, and you see the delicacy and how elegant Michelle is, and that’s pretty interesting,” Smith said.

The former first lady’s portrait depicts her in grey tones on a light blue background. She is wearing a patterned dress that makes the painting seem more modern in comparison to the portraits of other first ladies.

“Young people, particularly girls and girls of color, in future years they will come to this place and see someone who looks like them hanging on the walls of this incredible institution,” Obama said at the unveiling ceremony, according to The Associated Press.

The portraits are on display in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Images The Associated Press

The Obamas’ portraits were revealed Feb.12 at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Students wait in line for a free sample of New Orleans-style crawfish étouffée and mini beignets.The Mardi Gras celebration took place in El Paso Lounge on Feb. 13. Beads and masks were also distributed.

Staff photos Emily Escamilla

Music and festive decorations brought a little bit of New Orleans to campus.

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Students let the good times roll with Mardi Gras celebration

6 CAMPUS

February 20, 2018

Coffee shops provide study space for students CHRONICLE Richland

PATRICIA TAMAYO

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Entertainment Editor Layout Editor Design Editor

Staff Writer

Students investing time in studying are finding different places to do their homework.

Sometimes finding that perfect place can be a hassle.

Coffee shops are convenient places for Richland students to study. BuzzBrews Kitchen is open 24 hours a day and that makes it convenient for students who have busy school schedules and work late.

Erik Espinoza said it’s his favorite spot to study and grab a quick bite to eat.

“As a server, I get out of work late and it’s convenient for me to stop by and get some work done with free access to Wi-Fi and being open 24 hours. I see many students like myself come in with laptops and groups of people.

It’s very peaceful. The servers there don’t bother you and I would definitely recommend this place.”

BuzzBrews offers more than 30 flavors of coffee for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Moises Gomez said he has been coming to BuzzBrews for years. He loves going to the Deep Ellum location because of the overall aesthetics and the artwork.

“Since the first time I visited, it’s actually been a favorite place of mine. I love the chilled-out relaxed atmosphere. My friends loved the endless coffee and the wide variety they offered.”

Ashley Duit, however, loves taking her homework elsewhere.

“If the weather is nice, I love going out to White Rock Lake. It’s peaceful and I am always able to get everything done. There you will see people jogging, taking their pets out, meditating and other people, like me, trying to

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Managing Editor

For many college students, food insecuritythe inability to access food- is a harsh reality. Recognizing this issue, the Dallas County Community District (DCCCD), in conjunction with North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), set out to provide students with fresh fruits and vegetables.

In 2016, Richland participated in the nationwide Wisconsin HOPE study. The results showed that 40 percent of Richland students don’t have enough money to buy food on a regular basis. About two months after the study was released, DCCCD reached an agreement with NTFB to provide food for students on a semiregular basis and on Nov. 12, 2017 the NTFB delivered on its promise to bring food to the campus.

Arnold Muigai, a nursing major, is pleased with the food bank. “It was nice. They [NTFB] were kind enough to give the extra food theyhad. I’m grateful.”

Isai Diaz

ON THE COVER

A Mardi Gras harlequin entertains revelers in El Paso Lounge on Feb. 13 Staff photo - Emily Escamilla

COVER AND FONTS Certain cover fonts are provided by the following www.nymfont.com – www.bvfonts.com

STUDENT MEDIA STAFF

BuzzBrews Kitchen is one of many options available for study spots.

get work done. On the other hand, there is no Wi-Fi so be sure to have a hot spot ready to use.”

According to the White Rock Lake Conservancy, more than a million visitors a year enjoy White Rock Lake. The endless activities and quiet spots make it a great go-to place.

If Wi-Fi is a must, and you have no hot spot available, there are several small coffee shops and restaurants around the area no more than five minutes away.

That includes the quick and fast ambience of three different Starbucks, White Rock Coffee and White Rock Coffee Express. All have free Wi-Fi and desks available.

Whether your preference is a riveting environment or just at a simple library, it never hurts to try to find a new study spot. The key

Staff photo Patricia Tamayo

goal is to find the best study strategy to pass your classes. Sometimes passing starts with your study environment.

Uche Iwotor, who is involved with not only full-time classes but also Phi Theta Kappa, the Philosophy Club and the Male Achievement Program, said he has been looking for “the perfect getaway spot” to do his studies.

“I usually study at either the school library or just my room at home, but it would be nice to find a place where I can get out of my house or school. After hearing about the different places students like to study, I feel encouraged to find my perfect study spot.”

Students all have different strategies for success, but it starts with the environment.

Grab yourself a cup of Joe and get your study on!

NTFB mobile food pantry serves hungry students KAMMONKE OBASE-WOTTA

Aly Rodrigues Kammonke Obase-Wotta Joyce Jackson Ricky Miller Thu Nguyen

LaTrenda Thomas, associate director of student services, said the initiative serves approximately 800 students a month.

She also said that Richland is planning an expansion to set up a food pantry on campus that will operate independently from the DCCCD food bank.

“We’re working on a pantry that we hope to open on April 2. Some donations will come from the North Texas Food Bank. We are partnering with State Farm [who] will be making donations. They have over 9,000 employees just in the Plano area who would be making donations and then we will have some food drives here on campus.”

The base plan is to feed students twice a week.

“The hours have not been activated yet. I’m considering Mondays and Wednesdays and the time may be morning hours and evening hours but it will not be open five days a week,” said Thomas.

So far, the food bank has provided students with fresh fruits and vegetables like potatoes, onions, eggplant and pears.

Gloria Agbogla Tru Armstrong Drew Castillo Emily Escamilla Maria Etetere Jeremy Gaydosh Micro Daniel Mbega Ndoumou

LaShanda McCuin Everett Newson Jorge Perez Caitlin Ramsey Mike Sokolski Paul Young German Zambrano

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS Erica Edwards

David Goodloe

Jack Fletcher

Tim Jones

Meg Fullwood

Larry Ratliff

ISSUE DATES February 27

April 17

March 6

April 24

March 27

May 1

April 10

May 8

AWARDS ACP Newspaper Pacemaker Winner, 2016 CMA Two-Year Radio Station of the Year 2015 ACP Best of Show Award 2015 ACP Photo Excellence Award 2015 CMA Newspaper of the Year Finalist, 2014 1st Place – TCCJA Overall General Excellence, 2014 2nd Place – Pinnacle College Media Award, 2014 1st Place – TIPA Sweepstakes, 2005 3rd Place – TIPA Online, 2005 & 2006 ACP Pacemaker Winner, 2000, 2001, 2007 ACP Pacemaker Finalist, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007 ACP Online Pacemaker finalist, 2007, 2008 Over 270 Texas college journalism awards since 2000

CONTACT INFORMATION El Paso Hall, Room E020, 12800 Abrams Rd., Dallas 75243 Newsroom: 972-238-6079; richlandchronicle@gmail.com Advertising: 972-238-6068 Email: Advertise@dcccd.edu

File photo

Students pick up free food from North Texas Food Bank’s mobile food pantry in parking lot Z.

Thomas said that the food pantry will have more variety. “We are going to have canned foods, soups, peanut butter; things that can round up a meal” The NTFB mobile pantry will be on campus Feb. 27, March 27, April 10, April 24 and May 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It will be located at Parking Lot Z, beside Kiowa Hall.

For more information or to consult additional resources, go to the Office of Student Life in El Paso Hall (E-040).

Staff meetings Spring semester: Monday and Wednesday at 2 p.m. in E020 Letter Policy Letters to the editor may be edited for space. They will be edited for spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous statements.

Letters must be the work of the writer and must be signed. For identification and verification purposes, letters also must include the writer’s classification (grade level), full name, address and telephone number, although address and telephone number will not be published.

Editorial Policy The Chronicle is the official student-produced newspaper of Richland College. Editorials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opinions of individual students and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other individual student writers, editors, advisers or the college administration. © Richland Chronicle 2018

SPORTS 7

February 20, 2018

Upcoming Events

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.

Today 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lunar New Year celebration El Paso Lounge 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Yaritza Arteaga – top achiever, wrestling champ Tru Grit

The Thunderduck is the Richland College mascot, but how is it defined? Thunder means rumble and ducks soar to the sky. Richland sophomore Yaritza Arteaga rumbles on the wrestling mat and soars with excellence. Originally from Peru, Arteaga came to the United States in 2005 to experience American life.

Outside the gym, Arteaga serves her country. Inside the gym she wrestles to win. She is a specialist in the Army National Guard and also works as a nanny, spending time with families and providing care for their children.

After graduating from West Mesquite High School, Arteaga’s goal was to attend Richland.

Wrestling coach Bill Neal recruited her in a physical education class.

“I decided to give it a try. It was my first year, and I didn’t know anything about wrestling, but with practice and determination, I just completely fell in love with the sport,” she said.

Arteaga’s first tournament was in November 2017. In that match, she pinned

UT-Arlington’s Chelsie Thomas in 43 seconds, then pinned her again in the second match at 1:41. Arteaga went 2-0 and won first place in the Richland Scuffle.

“I’m pretty happy about that, but I still have a lot to work on and a lot to improve,” she said.

Two months later, she went on to win two more matches in the WCC Invitational in Las Vegas. As of February, in Arteaga’s first five matches of the season, her record stands at 4-1. She’s having a wonderful time participating and cheering her team on.

When Arteaga joined the wrestling team, there were few women on the squad, so she practiced with the men. She said it was an advantage because they are faster, stronger and many have been wrestling since high school.

“I would always work on my technique with them and take on all the experience that they have by teaching me new things,” said Arteaga.

She loves being at Richland and looks forward to wrestling matches with the T-Ducks.

After she completes her work at Richland and in the National Guard, Arteaga, who is a biochemistry major, will transfer to either UT-Dallas or the University of North Texas to

specialize in dentistry and ultimately become a dental surgeon.

Arteaga enjoys reading books and magazines and eating some of the finest cuisine in Texas. She encourages all young women to check out Richland’s wrestling program. The competition is exciting.

If you haven’t seen the Lady Thunderducks wrestle, now’s the time. The T-Ducks dominated the Richland Scuffle, making the most of the home field advantage. The team is on top in the NWCA Women’s Division and way ahead of Texas A&M, UT-Arlington, North Texas, Houston and many other schools.

Neal said the ladies are doing well in Texas, but the ultimate test will be the Southwest Conference tournament. Richland’s wrestling program returned in 2016 and hasn’t lost its touch. There’s more work to be done, but the goal is to reach the nationals in Allen.

Arteaga is an outstanding, multitalented woman. Take it from her: in order to be the best you have to do more than just one thing well.

Have faith, work hard and believe in yourself. Arteaga believes in herself and always takes care of business. That is the definition of a Thunderduck.

-Tru Armstrong

VIEWPOINTS

“Are you watching the Olympic and what is your favorite event to watch?”

“I like the snowboarding competition; partially watching figure skating. I am kind of down for the U.S. because they’ve got a lot of athletes out there.”

– Emari Conally, associate of science “My favorite part about Olympics is when Chloe Kim won. She set a new record as a snowboarder. I was really happy because she is also an AsianAmercan.”

– Josephine Nipanmang, nursing

“I like the ice skating part. The shoes, the clothes are really attractive. The music and the moves, too, like the way they dance to the music. They are really good at it.”

– Stephanie Arthur, nursing

“I love skiing, especially when, in my country, we don’t have it. I really like watching people ski on the snow and how they move.”

– Emmanuel Knibia, computer science

Arena Theater, Room 108 2 to 3 p.m.

“Striving for Greatness” Sponsored by the Male Achievement Program El Paso Hall, E076

Feb. 21 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Black History Month Showcase Sponsored by the Black Student Association Cafeteria Main Stage, El Paso Hall 1:30 to 3 p.m.

International Film Series: “Mustang,” a drama (PG-13) Crockett Hall, C229

Feb. 22 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

North Texas Food Bank Mobile Pantry Parking Lot Z (by Kiowa Hall) Noon to 1 p.m.

Richland Jazz Combos Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall

Feb. 23 1 to 2 p.m.

Student Ambassadors Meeting El Paso Hall, E030

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Photo courtesy Danny Wvalle

Wrestling champion Yaritza Arteaga during practice.

Gypsy Band with Wana Hong, violinist

8

RichlandStudentMedia.com

February 20, 2018

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Richland Student Media

@RLCStudentMedia

Richland Student Media