SAN JACINTO TIMES
Back in Black... and White e student publication of the San Jacinto College District
Vol. 24, No. 1
September 30, 2013
Times print newspaper saved from chopping block
Christopher Rodriguez Editor-in-chief
The San Jacinto Times was set to end its 23-year print run last spring and switch to a digital platform beginning Fall 2013. The San Jacinto College Administration decided to keep the Times a print publication, and not move to a webbased newspaper. Central campus Provost Van Wigginton said the college plans to keep a print paper, at least for the near future. "The college recognized that there is still a lot of value in putting together a print paper. Yes, there is a benefit to having an online version, but there's still a lot of skills that the students can acquire from going through the process of putting together a print paper," Provost Wigginton said. "Obviously there are still print newspapers. As we prepare you (students) to
move forward, it's always nice to have gone through those processes to understand how you put together a newspaper." The last Spring 2013 issue of the Times featured an article saying the paper would no longer be printed. The issue contained several stories paying tribute to the paper’s history. The principles of journalism dictate that inaccuracies weaken a publication’s credibility. Provost Wigginton disagrees. "The idea of going online was simply just a proposal. I almost had a feeling that when you (the paper) wrote that last edition last year, everybody thought that was the last edition of the year. They really didn't think about it not being continued," he said. Dr. Jerry Ivins, Chair of Fine Arts and Artist Director of Theatre and Film, led the charge to transition the Times to a digital platform. For the last year and a half, Dr. Ivins worked with the newspa-
per advisor and the film faculty to create a symbiotic relationship between the three areas. "We would each have our own distinct programs. Theatre would continue to do plays, film would continue to make their films, and newspaper would still be looking at journalism, writing stories and so forth- but that we would all come together in some way to try and support an online type of delivery mode," Dr. Ivins said, "We feel that based on the direction of the community and of the world of journalism, it's really going more towards broadcast than it is print." Although Dr. Ivins cleared that proposal with administrators, they decided to continue printing the newspaper.
See Print on Page 4
From San Jacinto Times archives
The last issue of the spring semester says a nostalgic goodbye to San Jac’s traditional student publication.
District Clerk Daniels attends Three San Jacinto campuses start food pantries, drives Central’s Constitution Day Giovann Rosales Staff Writer
Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniels joined San Jacinto College Central Campus’ College Republicans for Constitution Day on Sept. 17 to discuss the role technology plays in upholding constitutional rights. At the event, Daniels highlighted Harris County’s online services that help residents exercise their constitutional rights. Rescheduling jury service is among the most common reasons residents contact the Clerk’s office. By logging onto their website, www.hcdistrictclerk.com, the public is only a click away (or a tap on a touch screen mobile device) from rescheduling jury service up to three times within a six month span. According to Daniels, other services now offered through the web include online background checks, access to child support records, checking court dates, and checking for the status of criminal cases. Small business owners can use the website to receive an automatic email if a civil petition is filed against them. “You don’t have to leave your house or leave your tablet from wherever you’re on vacation or
Ravens ramp up volume at Student Rave
out of town and that’s my goal is, to make as easy as possible for you all to do any of your constitutional functions with me anywhere in the world,” Daniels said. President of the College Republicans, Jarrod Keeling, said he enjoyed Daniel’s presentation and agreed with the symbiotic relationship between technology and government. “Technology has changed everything about how we get involved with government….it’s a revolution in transparency and so people can know what the government is doing and know how they feel about know how to get involved. It’s a great thing and I’m glad Chris talked about that,” Keeling said. Daniels also told the audience about some of the historical documents that are in The Harris County District Clerk’s Historic Document Reading Room, which is open to the public and contains court cases dating back to 1837. Among the documents, is a case that was filed against Beatles’ member John Lennon’s second wife, Yoko Ono. Voter registration booths were set up outside of the ballroom where students could register to vote after the presentation.
Initiative aims to eliminate student hunger
Shawna Russell Staff Writer Ending hunger at San Jacinto College is the objective behind the Food Drive and Pantry project scheduled to open in October. Lacee Padron, a Sociology student and the current Project Lead for the initiative at Central Campus, said students struggling with hunger and money are a district wide problem. “So many students stress over not being able to meet all their needs financially. For many, this results in not having enough money to buy food. Having a food pantry on campus provides a safe, non-judgmental and confidential way to help those students who aren’t getting enough to eat,” Padron said. The Food Drive and Pantry, still in the startup phase, is working hard to meet the needs of all San Jac students. “It’s a district wide initiative we want to streamline on all three campuses,” Amanda Rose, Student Life Coordinator at Central Campus said.
Students Commit for Life at San Jac blood drives
Carolina Rodriguez Staff Writer
Sydney Walker Staff Writer
Glow necklaces, dancing, and games kicked off San Jacinto College Central Campus’s Fall 2013 student activities lineup with a second Student Rave in the W.M. Newton Student Center Wednesday, Sept. 18. Student Jessalyn Parsell admitted she did not plan on attending. “I heard the music… and just wanted to see what it was about,” Parsell said. Within seconds of entering the door, she was smiling and dancing in her glowing accessories. Student Alexis Vargas was enticed by the music, but also by the free food and drinks. “I like the music… and free Monster, c’mon!” Vargas said while holding his drink in the air. Student Rave ’13, was the second of its kind to be sponsored by the Student Development Department. Along with music and free refreshments, the event featured booths with games, candy, and flyers with important and educational information about the Department. Central Campus’ Coordinator of Student Life, Amanda Rose, said the Student Development Department’s main goal is to “create a social, fun atmosphere to let students know about resources that aren’t usually utilized.”
“It’s important the process is run effectively and appropriately to simplify it for those in need.” The only requirement for assistance is current enrollment at San Jac. A confidential form will be available at the Student Life Offices, outside the food pantries, and at the Educational Planning and Counseling Offices on all three campuses in October. The roles of Project Lead and Assistant Project Lead are available to two students at each campus to keep the initiative student-driven. District wide efforts encourage student body participation through food drives and/or volunteering to work the food pantry. “This will provide a great way for students going into the Social Services field to get real life, hands-on experience helping others,“ Padron said. Students and faculty interested in participating can make donations at the three Student Life Offices. High protein items like tuna, peanut butter and pasta are highly desired. Rose said more information about the Food Drive and Pantry will be released shortly.
Carolina Rodriguez San Jacinto Times
Usloy Reyna Cavazos and Jorge Martinez II relax while donating blood.
The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center conducted blood drives Sept. 10 and 11, at San Jacinto College giving faculty and students an opportunity to commit for life. Evette Smith, a San Jac student and blood drive supervisor explained the special relationship between the Center and the people it serves. “The Commit for Life is a partnership between the community and an individual that happens to donate to save a life,” Smith said. According to Smith, donors are required to be sixteen years old with parental consent, or seventeen and older without consent. Another requirement to donate blood is an evaluation. “They’ll go through a series of health history questions and then the part of the physical exam to determine if your iron is acceptable within the guidelines in order to qualify to donate,” she said.
Today, students are less concerned with donating. “Honestly, (I donate) for selfish reasons. I get five points on a test, but I enjoy just being here,” student and donor Aaron Ruvier said. Although some students may have other motivations to donate, there are others waiting to be eligible. “Now that I am eighteen, I feel like I should commit for life,” student donor Usloy Reina Cavazos said. Administrative assistant A.J. Elsner said San Jac has worked with blood drive organizations for several years and the three campuses provide an opportunity for better donations. “Students are good candidates for life long donors, which is something that the organization needs,” he said. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center stops by three to four times a year, which allows those who did not get a chance to donate before, to do so. Last year’s donations helped save thousands of lives. This year, The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has a goal of 316,900 units and invites everyone eligible to donate once per quarter during 2013.
San Jacinto Times
September 30, 2013
Opinion/Commentary
Page 2
C-Rod Shares What C-Rod Thinks: retail realm riddled with relentless rocky road This is a double jeopardy situation a lot of college students are faced with. I'm not saying my job is hard compared to others, but I have room for my share of gripes and complaints. The job isn't hard, but dealing with the people who supply my paycheck is. I work at JC Penney (JCP), a retailer who recently underwent dramatic changes in its pricing and sale structure; which did not resonate well with consumers. During the transitional phase, I applied to work with JCP and got a job in the Home department. My duties in that depart-
Christopher Rodriguez Editor-in-chief
It's hard going to college, let alone working at the same time.
ment were to assist customers and bring merchandise out onto the floor. What I really did was direct tumbleweeds to the restrooms and did the important task of putting scented candles in uniform lines and rows. Doing these tasks did not sit well with me. Perhaps, I needed more of a challenge. JCP answered my call and I left the Home department and was sent to the front as a cashier. As a cashier at JCP, my duties were to return merchandise, ring people up, and provide exceptional customer service. It
sounds like an easy job, but compared to some others, it isn't. Dealing with people is never easy. There are rules and certain policies that have to take place and customers don't understand that part of my job. Customers try to hustle coupons out of me when I don't have any, or I can't give them out. In those situations, customers will compare JCP to Kohl's or Macy's saying they give coupons, and smother me with threats that they're going to shop with our competitors.
That part of my job irritates me. If you're going to threaten to shop at another store, go for it and don't stay at JCP. Product selection availability is another reason why customers hurt me. Several shoppers will approach me asking if a certain size is available. Most people are okay with me not having a size. However, there are always those customers who blame everyone but himself or herself. A customer's response for that is usually, "they had it yesterday when I came here" or "check again, I don't think you checked hard enough." I try to
Danger Zone looms on Cunningham golfers on your right. There are only a hand full of people that can control where there ball goes. This poses a threat to those coming down Cunningham no matter which way they are driving. In my own experience playing on San Jac's nine-hole course, the second hole is known as "The Danger Zone." By no means are my friends and I professional golfers, but we can play a bit. I wouldn't say we are terrible, but every golfer knows that there are those days where every drive you hit has a mean slice on it. This is where the danger starts for oncoming traffic. The second tee box and fairway are no more that ten to fifteen yards from the street at any given point. If you are a right handed golfer, you have that natural slice that takes the ball right at Cunningham. Even though it isn't San Jac's problem when cars get hit, if the players feel like they may spray one off course and have it crack a windshield, they will take their business elsewhere. I decided to do a little re-
search to find out if hitting a car is a common occurrence, and if so, what have they done to fix "The Danger Zone." Club House Manager Neil Hickman said ten years ago they actually remodeled the course and added a few things such as trees along the street to decrease the chance of people getting hit on Fairmont and Cunningham. "On the right hand side of the course they have actually placed trees to catch some of the balls that are heading off the course, and on the third hole they moved the green and hole location from straight ahead to a hole that finishes off to the left making it more difficult to over shoot the green and hitting onto Fairmont," Hickman said. Club House employee Mark Jones has only worked there about a year but has been playing at the course for over ten years. "In my ten years or so of playing here I have only seen one car be hit by a golf ball and the ball was hit by me. I sprayed one onto Luella and caught a cars windshield,"
Jones said. So it has happened it's just not as common as I had initially thought, however, getting a scare with a golf ball nearly missing your car is fairly common. I know when my friends and
I play, we always get nervous walking up to the second hole. The only thing you can do is to clear your mind. Grip it and rip it down the fairway, and have no fear. Nature’s golf ball net has your back for any stray balls you may hit.
will find an easy way to do it.” The easy route in college is the lazy route. Rather than trying to learn everything in our courses, we should just “try to get by.” This, as students, helps us prioritize our efforts. There is a certain mystique about college and being a college student. We tend to think people will be successful or part of the upper echelon if they get a college degree. Though that is true to a large extent, does that mean it’s hard? What helped me get through my basics was having this in
mind: “just get by.” Ten to 15 hours a week you listen to a professor describe information you will be tested over and how he or she will test you over that information. Pay attention to some other tips. Take an online course. This gives you extra time and flexibility. During tests you can pull up other browsers and “Google” answers. Use ratemyprofessor.com to see which professors are “easier.” Use the resources at San Jac like the library, the student success center and other places where there are educators.
Also, balancing your budget will create less stress because college can be expensive. Courses will require textbooks. A lot of times we can “get by” without buying some, if not all of them. Usually the syllabus or course calendar lists pages in the textbook needed to be read/studied, so check out a copy at the library and make copies of those pages; this saves you from buying an $80 or $100 book and you also get the benefit of studying in the comfort of your home. The most important tip I can
give to make college easier or more “doable” is to read the syllabus. Not necessarily to see class rules and policies, but to see the grading rubric! See what assignments are worth the most and compare them to the ones you shouldn’t do in the first place. Hint: if homework is only worth ten percent of your grade and there is a lot of homework due every week, that’s taking up most of your time, don’t bother. Focus mainly on the exams. That is of course, if you are just “trying to get by.”
Alex Moore
Department Editor
Every morning on my way to school, I turn off of Fairmont and onto Cunningham. This is a street that most people don't think twice about going down, but for some, it is a dangerous path. Students and faculty drive down the street toward the campus without a care in the world, however there are the wise few that take the road slowly and with caution waiting for that terrifying call... FORE!!!!!! Coming toward San Jacinto College Central campus on Cunningham, you have a field on your left hand side and a golf course full of amateur
Staff Writer
Steve Jobs once said, “I will always pick a lazy person to do a difficult job… because he
Chapa’s Tips to Perfect Parking
Jonathan Chapa Department Editor
Christopher Rodriguez San Jacinto Times
Green grass and a serene row of trees on Cunningham lead unsuspecting drivers to the Danger Zone.
Inside the mind of a college student: a foolproof guide to ‘just getting by’
Jake Rojas
calm them with a coupon and they usually bite. I am able to make peace with my enemies. I take the blame for making some customers dislike me. Oh well, haters make me famous. This is just a quick view of my job. I realize there are harder jobs that are more complaintworthy, but that doesn't give me a reason to not complain. I just leave every college student reading this article with this to think about, you're going to school to get out of the job you're in now. Think about that. That's what I'm thinking; and also Arby's.
Parking…parking. It’s a concern at any college. The parking spaces close to the building are the ones everyone wants. However, the spaces up front are usually taken by students who have classes early in the morning. Here is some parking advice for new students attending San Jacinto College. Students arriving later in the morning are stuck parking far back from their building. I can relate because I do not always have classes early in the morning, and have no choice, but to park in the middle of nowhere. You can always come to school early to get a good parking spot, even if your class starts at a later time. Since there may be several minutes or even hours before your first class, you can use the time wisely. What I would do is go to the library and catch up on any homework assignments or review my in-class notes for upcoming exams or quizzes. If by any chance you do not have any homework or exams to study for, there are other things to do before class. For example, the Student Center has a bookstore with a Starbucks inside. Grab yourself a cappuccino, relax, and listen to some tunes while waiting for your next class to start. For students who can’t arrive early, here’s another tip for dealing with parking trouble: time your walk to class. If your class starts at 10:10 a.m., time your walk to your class, so you can decide how early you have to arrive. Even if you park in the far back of the parking lot, it will take at least 2-4 minutes to get to the building. So, strategize by adding how long it would take to get to the building and how long it will take to get to your classroom when you get inside. Once you apply these tips, you can get to class on time and not miss any of the professor’s lectures. Trust me, these tips will help you either get a good parking spot, or at the very least, arrive to class on time.
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San Jacinto Times San Jacinto College Student Publications
ADVISER
Hellen Papadacos
PRODUCTION MANAGER Sara Quintana
ADVERTISING Sara Quintana
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Christopher Rodriguez
DEPARTMENT EDITORS
STAFF WRITERS Alexis Davlin
Efren Diosdado Susan Moosavi
Jonathan Chapa Alex Moore
Carolina Rodriguez
PAGE DESIGNERS
Giovann Rosales
Sara Quintana
CIRCULATION MANAGER TBA
Jake Rojas
Shawna Russell Sydney Walker Jessica Warren
The San Jacinto Times is published five times a semester by the journalism students at San Jacinto College Central, 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505. Opinions expressed herein are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the staff, its adviser, the administration or the Board of Regents. The Times encourages letters to the editor. Letters must be in good taste, accurate, free from libel, malice or personal controversy. Letters must be limited to 200 words in length. Letters submitted
without the author’s signature will not be accepted. The staff reserves the right to edit the letters for accuracy without altering the general meaning. Letters can be e-mailed to Hellen.Papadacos@sjcd.edu. Letters must include name and phone number for verification. The digital edition of the Times is available at http://issuu.com/sanjacintotimes. Advertising space is available for $5.00 per column inch. Special rates are available. For news tips and information on advertising, contact the Times at 281478-2752.
San Jacinto Times
September 30, 2013
Page 3
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Gulf Coast artists on display at Central Gallery
Jessica Warren Staff Writer
South Campus art exhibit showcases local talent Susan Moosavi San Jacinto Times
Artist Hana Shoup poses with her painting ‘The Breadwinner.’
Susan Moosavi Staff Writer
San Jacinto College South Campus’ art gallery hosted local artist Hana Shoup’s collection on Sept. 4 through Sept. 27. The brightly lit and compact space of the south campus gallery was the perfect spot to showcase Shoup’s “The Fatal Shore” collection. The showcase featured eight pieces in the series based on the artist’s recent trip to Australia. Shoup’s recent work leans toward the subject of the selfportrait. Shoup describes this particular collection as a, “combination of fantasy and
reality, a mish-mash of historical references, contemporary fashion, and colorful characters,” according to a prepared statement. Shoup is also fascinated by art history and enjoys taking aspects of different time periods to inspire her work. “I definitely use the painting as a way to sort of live out a different persona,” Shoup said. “It’s like a fantasy world that I get to inhabit.” Art Professor Martin Wnuk invited Shoup to prepare an exhibit at San Jac after they met at The Hunting Art Prize competition, which offers an award of $50,000 to the winner. Since both were level two finalists in the competition, the
professor said he knew it wouldn’t be a gamble to invite Shoup. “As soon as I saw her work I thought she was going to win it,” Wnuk said, “Obviously I really love her work, that’s why I invited her here.” Shoup has impressed the professors and the students love her work as well. “She’s very intelligent and has a really captivating personality. She really does match her paintings. You can tell how passionate she is about it,” Gallery intern and San Jac student Devin Martinez said. Aspiring artists can contact Shoup with any questions through her Facebook page, “Hana’s Studio”.
Visual expressions created by both college faculty and students from all over the Gulf Coast area will be unveiled at San Jacinto College Central Campus’s art gallery on Oct. 10. The exhibit, entitled “12 X 12 Mentor 2013,” will demonstrate diverse and formal works from all of the Gulf Coast Intercollegiate Consortium (GCIC) institutions. The Mentor exhibition takes place yearly at varying GCIC locations. This year San Jac-
into will host this event. “The Mentor show is an opportunity for both students and faculty to exhibit their work together in a group exhibition,” Professor of Arts and Design at Central campus, Todd Allison said. “We are hoping to have increased involvement from all the GCIC institutions, so that the exhibit demonstrates the range of works from the entire Gulf area,” Allison said. This year, the show is restricted to a twelve by twelve format so that numerous faculty and students can participate in this event. Participating GCIC colleges
include Alvin Community College, Brazosport College, College of the Mainland, Galveston College, Houston Community College, Lee College, Lone Star College, Wharton County Junior College, and San Jacinto College. The exhibit will give audiences a chance to see talent of all ages, themes, styles, and even work of experienced and professional artists. The art gallery is located in C4.119 and viewing hours will be Monday 3 to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. The show will continue until Nov.7.
Jessica Warren San Jacinto Times
San Jac student Christopher Gaviria works on a watercolor piece for the ‘12 X 12 Mentor 2013’ exhibition.
September 30, 2013
From the Cover
San Jacinto Times
EDITORIAL CARTOON
Scan the QR Code to read the digital edition
www.issuu.com/ sanjacintotimes
nication, and then after the article was printed I thought I would ask one Continued from Page 1 more time and was told after a few emails- without "We spoke about it in any reason that we would what's called 'program re- continue with the print view' where we get to- newspaper for at least a gether as an entire district year." and we talk about the proDr. Ivins monitored how gram and where it's going," many newspapers were Dr. Ivins said, "We spoke read during the Fall 2012 about that merge and how semester. we would no longer be "It was an astonishing doing a print newspaper, amount of newspapers that and every step of the way were not picked up, so we got the green light from much- by the time we got these channels of commu- to the spring semester, we
Page 4
cut down even further the number of issues that we were printing,� he said. Meanwhile, a number of students at San Jac were unaware of the proposed changes. Student Erick Flores said he would be more likely to read it on paper. "If I go online, I'm going to look at Google or Facebook. There are too many distractions (online), but if I can pick up (the newspaper) I’ll look through it when I'm bored," Flores said.
San Jacinto Times
September 30, 2013
8 DAYS A WEEK
North Monday, September 30
• Social Media: Online Security, 10 a.m., N6.10 • Social Media and Your Future, 11 a.m., N2.119 • Social Media: Online Reputation, 12 p.m., N6.108
Tuesday, October 1 • Annual Job Fair, 10 a.m., N12.200 • Men of Honor Meeting, 1:30 p.m., N10.128 • Webb Society Meeting, 1:30 p.m., N7.132
Wednesday, October 2 • Financial Aid Workshop, 10 a.m. & 6 p.m., N6.108 • Hispanic Heritage Month Speaker: Award Winning Author Rene S. Perez II, 11 a.m., N12.200 • Men of Honor Meeting, 12 p.m., N6.108
Thursday, October 3 • Social Media: Scavenger Hunt, 10 a.m., N12 Lobby • Social Media: LinkedIn, 11 a.m., N10.128 • Social Media: Online Reputation, 12 p.m., N1.116 • Anime Club Meeting, 2 p.m., N9.133
Friday, October 4 • Science Club Meeting, 12 p.m., N17.3062 • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 1 p.m., N8.201
Saturday, October 5 • Lady Gators Jam the Gym Kick Off Celebration, 12 p.m., N16.101
Sunday, October 6 Central Monday, September 30 • No Scheduled Activities
• Blood Drive, 10 a.m., Student Center, Lounge A
Tuesday, October 1 • Blood Drive, 10 a.m., Student Center, Lounge A • LGBT History Kickoff Event, 11 a.m., C14 Lounge A
Wednesday, October 2 • Hispanic Heritage Month Open Mic, 11 a.m., Student Center, Raven Café • Yoga Club Meeting, 2:45 p.m., C18.116
Thursday, October 3 • Sociology/Anthropology Discussion Group, 3 p.m., Student Center, Lounge C
Friday, October 4 • SGA Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C1.155 • Phi Theta Kappa Meeting, 2 p.m., C1.238
Saturday, October 5 • Gaming Society Meeting, 10 a.m., Student Center
Sunday, October 6 South Monday, September 30 • No Scheduled Activities
• Tennis Club Meeting, 2 p.m., Tennis Courts • Philosophy Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S7.158 • Pre-Med Club Meeting, 4:30 p.m., S12.106 • MMA Meeting, 8:30 p.m., Gym
Tuesday, October 1 • Pharmacy Tech Club Meeting, 12 p.m., S2.215S • Student Bible Fellowship, 1:30 p.m., S6.196 • SGA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S6.152 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • Coyote Science Club Meeting, 4 p.m., S1.135A • HSF Film Series, 7 p.m., Student Center Atrium
Wednesday, October 2 • Los Valientes Event, 11:45 a.m., Fine Arts Theater • Writer's Block Meeting, 4:30 p.m., S9.214
Thursday, October 3 • SVA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2066 • GSA Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1006 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062
Friday, October 4 • MMA Meeting, 9 a.m., Gym • PTK Meeting, 1 p.m., S9.116
Saturday, October 5 • No Scheduled Activities
Sunday, October 6 • No Scheduled Activities
Page 5
Career seminar gives successful interview tips
Efren Diosdado Staff Writer
Nursing, Culinary, and Instrumentation majors were some of the students attending the Career and Employment Workshop Sept. 11, at San Jacinto College Central Campus where they learned how to properly structure a resume, formulate a cover letter, and approach a job interview. Guest speaker Michael Everett from Workforce Solutions offered students tips to improve their interviewing skills through proper preparation. “The bad thing about an interview is that you will always be nervous no matter how much you prepare,” Everett said. Students should be well informed to avoid any interference with a smooth hiring process. According to Everett, the first thing job seekers should do when receiving the phone call or e-mail for the interview is ask who, and how many, will be interviewing. The more information students have, the better prepared they will be. Also, they should find where
the interview will be and how long it takes to get there. It is important to not procrastinate and wait until the last minute to figure these things out, Everett said. Students should set up their attire the night before. Standard dress attire is a dark colored suit, simple tie and dress shoes. The suit should be clean, pressed, and the shoes should be polished. They should not wear any flashy jewelry like big earrings or watches, Everett said. Dress code may vary for different types of jobs, so it is fine to check with Human Resources for proper interview attire. As soon as the interviewees arrive at the interview location, they should be polite to everyone because they never know who can influence the hiring decision. It might be anyone from someone at the parking lot to the receptionist at the front desk. “Personality is everything”, Everett said, “You don’t want to be the person that doesn’t get the job because you were rude to the wrong person.”
Everett said interviewees should show up at least 30 minutes early to the job interview in order to fill out all of the paper work in time. He also stressed the importance of researching the company before an interview indicating that “Tell me about the company” may be an important first question during many interviews. Interviewers want to see someone is interested in the company, and not just getting the job for a paycheck. A couple of days after the interview, it is polite to send a thank you card or an email to the interviewer. it’s a good way to be remembered. Shannon Hinton, the Career and Employment Program Coordinator at San Jacinto College Central Campus, concluded with a PowerPoint presentation covering the importance of resume structure and cover letter content. She stressed the cover letter should be tailored to the prospective company. She also offered to look through student resumes during her conference hours to make sure they are structured correctly.
Class start time changes receive mixed reviews
Jonathan Chapa Department Editor
Notable changes at San Jacinto College this school year include changes to class start and end times aimed at accommodating added instructional time. Prior to this year, classes started on the hour, or the half hour. For example, a class that began at 10 a.m. ended at 11:20 a.m. Now, the same class would begin at 10:10 a.m. and end at 11:35 a.m. Students and faculty at San Jacinto College have varying opinions on the new time changes. Central campus student Dalyn Velazquez said students are not affected by the change; it is the faculty finding it difficult to adjust. “I think it bothers the teachers more because my teachers complain about it; like for say when they have (to) start lecture and when class can be let out,” Velazquez said. South campus student Stefan Persson said it is actually a positive change for the classroom. “I think that the new class times are great because… it also gives the teacher more time to go over the lesson,” Persson said. Central campus filmmaking professor William MacTavish said he is not affected by the new times.
“I’m kind of indifferent about the schedule change; I haven’t been a professor here at San Jac long enough to have gotten established in the old way. This is my second year as a full time professor, so I basically have one year under the old system, and now we’re starting a new system,” MacTavish said. South campus Professor Jamie Zahradnik said the new times might be an effective tool for deterring tardiness. “I do think that the change has been effective at preventing tardiness, at least for the one face to face class that I do teach. My class starts at 11:45 and lasts until 1:10. 11:45 is not necessarily a nice round number, but for some reason I have not experienced any tardiness from my students so far, which I appreciate because students who have taken my classes in the past, have struggled with tardiness,” Zahradnik said. Furthermore, she said the extra class time class is beneficial for both faculty and students. “… I then have 10 minutes to go over assignments, extra credit opportunities, and just generally take care of business with the last 10 minutes of class. I think this helps the students stay on top of their work and builds a better class environment for all of us,” Zahradnik said.
CAMPUS NEWS BRIEFS
ALERTME FAILS: MISSES THREAT, GIVES ALL CLEAR
Students and faculty evacuated San Jacinto College Central Campus at approximately 8:27 a.m. on Sept. 16 in response to a false fire alarm. Students were directed to leave the premises through word-of-mouth when SJC ALERTME failed to send mass notification of the evacuation. Students were allowed to reenter campus buildings at 8:34 a.m., but SJC ALERTME texts and phone calls were not received until approximately 8:42 a.m.
SCABIES CASE AT SOUTH CAMPUS
A case of Scabies was reported at San Jacinto South Campus Tuesday, Sept. 24. As of press time, one case was reported. Scabies is not contagious, but can spread through physical contact. As a result, several medical program classes were moved to different locations in the Allied Health and Science Building. These classes are expected to resume in their original location Monday, Sept. 30. During this time, San Jac South Campus maintenance and facilities personnel will clean the affected areas.
SOCIAL MEDIA WEEK KICKS OFF SEPT. 30
All three San Jacinto campuses are hosting events for Social Media Week Sept. 30, to Oct. 3. The college-wide initiative is sponsored by the marketing department and focuses on social media protocol. The events address different concerns including maintaining an online reputation, social media use in the classroom, and staying connected with school Apps, among other topics.
Around Campus
8 DAYS A WEEK
North Monday, October 7 • No Scheduled Activities
Tuesday, October 8 • Hispanic Heritage Month: Screening of Lone Star, 11 a.m., N12.200 • Men of Honor Meeting, 12 p.m., N9.140
Wednesday, October 9 • FYE Workshop: Stress Management, 11:30 a.m., N6.108
Thursday, October 10 • Anime Club Meeting, 2 p.m., N9.133
Friday, October 11 • Math & Engineering Club Showing of “Good Will Hunting,” 1 p.m., N10.128
Saturday, October 12 • No Scheduled Activities
Sunday, October 13 Central Monday, October 7 • No Scheduled Activities
• No Scheduled Activities
Tuesday, October 8 • Texas State Teachers Association-Student Program, 1:30 p.m., C20.261/263
Wednesday, October 9 • LGBT History Themed Think Fast Trivia, 11:30 a.m., Student Center, Raven Café • Career Casino, 10 a.m., Student Center, Lounge A
Thursday, October 10 • LGBT History Embrace Event, 10 a.m., Student Center, Lounge A • Depression Screening, 11 a.m., C1, Mosaic Area
Friday, October 11 • Student Government Association Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C1.155 • Phi Theta Kappa Meeting, 2 p.m., C1.238 • National Society of Collegiate Scholars Induction Ceremony, 5 p.m., Ballroom
Saturday, October 12 • Gaming Society Meeting, 10 a.m., Student Center
Sunday, October 13 South
• No Scheduled Activities
Monday, October 7 • World Smile Day, 10 a.m., Student Center Atrium • Tennis Club Meeting, 2 p.m., Tennis Courts • Philosophy Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S7.158 • Pre-Med Club Meeting, 4:30 p.m., S12.106 • MMA Meeting, 8:30 p.m., Gym
Tuesday, October 8 • ISO Taste of Asia, 11 a.m., Student Center Atrium • Pharmacy Tech Club Meeting, 12 p.m., S2.215S • Student Bible Fellowship, 1:30 p.m., S6.196 • 17 & Under Tennis Club, 3 p.m., Tennis Courts • Game Enterprise Guild Meeting, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062
Wednesday, October 9 • Coyote Future Teacher's Club, 3 p.m., S7.156 • Writer's Block Meeting, 4:30 p.m., S9.214
Thursday, October 10 • 17 & Under Tennis Club, 3 p.m., Tennis Courts • HSF Workshop, 2 p.m., S12.101 • GSA Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1006 • Game Enterprise Guild Meeting, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062
Friday, October 11 • MMA Meeting, 9 a.m., Gym • PTK Leadership Certification, 9 a.m., S12.101
Saturday, October 12 • No Scheduled Activities
Sunday, October 13 • No Scheduled Activities
September 30, 2013
San Jacinto Times
Sports & Fitness
Houston Texans Hype Hits San Jacinto College
Alexis Davlin Staff Writer
Page 6
Red, blue, white! Flags, jerseys, banners! Chants, tailgates, crowds! Footballs, field goals, fans! Fan fare for the Houston Texans around San Jacinto College after winning games is explosive. However, there is also the unthinkable question, “What if they go on a losing streak?” As of press time, the Houston Texans were demolished by the Baltimore Ravens, which may affect their fan base. This could just end up as another - fair weather, bandwagon, tailgating every Sunday until we go back to the Dallas Cowboys - type of season. No one ever admits they are not true fans when they are wearing their team jerseys. With every winning game, the Texans gain Alexis Davlin San Jacinto Times another fan. Brianna Franco (L) and Daniel Teavera proudly sport their The fan base at San Jacinto Colfavorite team’s gear. lege grew over the past two seasons. The growth of the fan base raises concern or a win. “I am a Texans fan every day all day. I don’t about “bandwagoners” for true fans that loved just wear my jersey after they win. I wear it all the team through thick and thin. True Houston season long. They’re bandwagons all over this Texans fans wear their jerseys and fly the teams campus!” student Brittany Harris said. flag high all season long, whether there’s a loss In contrast, other students feel there is no need to wear Texans gear everyday to be a true fan. “Everyone loves the Houston Texans. Not all of us are bandwagons. Just because you don’t see jerseys all week doesn’t mean they aren’t around. If you are from Houston and don’t have a favorite team, you should choose your home town,” student Katie Rosinke said. There really is no defined line between the “true” Texans fans and the bandwagoners. “As long as we have fans, bandwagons or not, the Houston Texans will always have Alexis Davlin San Jacinto Times support!” student Marissa said, “Tell me how you can prove what team does or does not Michelle Clank (L) and Celeste Bishop talk about have bandwagons.” upcoming games.
Lady Ravens Volleyball Ramps Up International Recruiting Efforts
Alex Moore Staff Writer
Take a look at the volleyball team of San Jacinto College and something sticks out, San Jac is big on international athletes. San Jac has three international players on their roster this year, one from Portugal and two from Germany. Now the question is how does San Jac find these players? Simple. Networking. There are numerous recruiting websites community college coaches can visit and check out players from around the world. Thanks to the Internet, there is no stopping the recruiting process. Coaches have a field day looking through all the talent they can try to pull in. Hours of video and scouting reports are at the end of a coach’s fingertips. In addition, coaches from fouryear universities contact community colleges to let them know about players they find that are not ready to play at the necessary level, or to get them adapted to American culture. Head Coach of the Lady Ravens volleyball team Sharon Nelson said, "I'd love to tell you I get to travel the world looking for these
players, but I don't. It's really more of a networking thing. Fouryear schools contact us and place the players with us to get their basics done, get their associates degree and to make that transition into the United States. It really helps when you have built some respect so that these four year schools trust you to take care of their future players and get them ready for the transition not only competition wise but academically as well." Recruiting is a long and taxing process. It can start when players are really young, or may not happen until their senior year of high school. These players get a higher education while playing against top-tier competition. San Jac started the year off ranked number four in the nation, and have number one ranked Blinn College in their conference. They also finished their season last year with a third place finish in Nationals, so they are considered a contender every year and the international talent brought in has had an impact on that. "I think that when the players leave here they are more ready to lead when they go off as juniors and seniors at a four year because
of their experiences here," Nelson said. "Once you get a reputation that when your players leave they are better than when they came in more four year and recruiting services send some more players your way." "I believe that it is better for our player from the United States too because they get exposed to these different cultures. These international players don't always go back home either. We have quite a few that stayed in the United States and that have jobs, or are playing at four year colleges. These international athletes get a chance to get a feel for how things are here and see some of the talent that they'll be going up against possible for the next four years. There is some tremendous talent,'' Nelson said. When someone has the respect of those around them because of their record like Coach Nelson does, it is easy to see why four year colleges and recruiting services put her as one of the top names on their list. She has enjoyed a great deal of success and it looks like she will for quite a while thanks to these recruiting services that keep her posted on great talent around the world.
Upcoming Volleyball Games Lady Ravens vs.
Paris Junior College @ Paris, Monday, Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m. Lee College @ Baytown, Thursday, Oct. 10, 6:00 p.m.