THE
San Jacinto Times
Contraception and Peyton Manning’s big move. Page 2.
The voice of San Jacinto College since 1991
March 26, 2012
The Student Publication of the San Jacinto College District
Vol. 22, No. 16
Check out our staff blog at www.sanjactimesstaff.wordpress.com
Finale of Walking Dead scores big wih viewers. Page 3.
The Lorax is more than just entertainment. Page 3.
The assignment was simple. Reporters were told to comb the three campuses, find a total stranger and highlight them. The result was much like the school itself; a combination of talented students, hard-working staffers and a diverse look at all things San Jacinto. Meet some of the faces of SJC.
Some of the faces of SJC: top row: Adan Huerta (featured on page 5), Seargent Dan Masera (page 4), Heidi Walker and Jordan Hayes (page 6). Middle row: William Clark (page 1), Ivette Montalvo (page 6) and Magda Marroquin (page1). Bottom row: Klarissa Dehoyos (page 6), Kaye Moon Winters (page 1), Eleazar Arroyo (page 6), Rocio Garcia (page 1) and James Cook (page 6).
William Clark
Magda Marroquin
Each day, the streets are watched and guarded for our own safety. We may not notice it, but in every area/district, there is a police officer that is vigilant and patrols the surrounding areas. Have you ever wondered what does it take to become a police officer? Where does the motivation to become one come from? Tons of people have tried to figure out what makes a good law enforcement officer and what about law enforcement makes it a good occupation. Most young people state from the beginning of their career that they’ve “always wanted to be a cop”. Well, anyone who has a family member or loved one in that field, or who has attended the police academy, can attest to the palpable excitement and energy. There is just something about being a police officer that excites young people. Could it be driving at top speed trying to catch the bad guys, turning the sirens on and heading to the action scene, having a sporty cop car, putting the bad guys in the back seat, or maybe just visit the local donut shop? Whatever the reason, it’s not always like that. So why do people become officers and how do they maintain that fire when the realities of police work sink in? Meet William Clark, a parttime student at San Jacinto College North. Clark, SEE CLARK on PAGE 5
If you talked to her a semester ago she would seem to be just any other person without a degree working a nine-to-five job. She didn’t care much about going to school for a career she didn’t want. The only problem was she wasn’t happy not wanting a career. This semester is a different story. Magda Marroquin spends her Friday nights online talking about the latest in music to hundreds of listeners around the world, over a thousand to be more exact. “It’s incredible the number of people that give us their time on Friday nights to tune in,” said Marroquin about the number of listeners the show has garnered in less than two months. “We’ve been getting nothing but positive emails from people telling us to keep up the good work. We’ve especially get about 20 messages a week from people in Guadalajara alone.” During the week she’s back in school as a student at San Jacinto College South Campus. She’s more driven than ever to get a career in broadcasting after seeing the impact she can make over the airwaves to listeners ranging from anywhere in Houston to Mexico and Argentina. She does this through a streaming live broadcasting service called mixlr and her studio? A desk at SEE MARROQUIN on PAGE 5
By EDITH MANZANARES San Jacinto Times
INSIDE
Commentary................2 Around Campus..........3 Entertainment..............4 Front Page Jumps.......7
By VICTOR ARAIZA San Jacinto Times
Rocio Garcia By JANETH CERVANTES San Jacinto Times
Some people become doctors or nurses to help save lives. Saving a life is probably one of the most rewarding experiences. It is truly life changing and Rocio Garcia, a San Jacinto South student, is doing just that even before graduating from college. “My lifelong goal is to become a Registered Nurse. I've always been the type of person who likes to have things in order,” said Garcia, “I graduated from Galena Park High School Class of 2008. Along with my High School Diploma, I also obtained my License as a Certified Nursing Assistant, which is the current position I work in.” Garcia currently works full-time night shifts as a Patient Care Technician for Harris County Hospital District's Emergency Center. If that’s not commitment to a career, then what is? As a full-time worker and student, sleep, a college student’s best friend is but a stranger to Garcia. The lack of rest does not seem to affect her personal, work, or student life. Garcia continues to strive towards success. “It is very difficult for me obtain good hours of sleep,” she said, “However, this inconvenience does not keep me from studying, turning my assignments in on time, and obtaining good grades” Garcia, the third out of four children in her family was inspired to become a registered nurse by her preceding sister. “My second oldest sister, Jenny Luna, inspired me to choose my major. She currently works for Harris County Hospital District's Emergency Center,” said Garcia, “Back when I was a teenager, she would come home and tell me amazing stories in regards to the healthcare's setting.” SEE GARCIA on PAGE 5
Kaye Moon Winters By ANGELICA RODRIQUEZ San Jacinto Times
You go to San Jac and you probably know about six or seven people who you went to high school with or have made friends with from previous classes. There isn’t much time to socialize when you’re running late for your class. There is especially less time to go up to someone and have a conversation with when you only have ten minutes to get to your next class. Getting to really know someone like a student or staffer is difficult, but you’d be surprised of some things the guy across the hallway has done, or what the lady behind the desk in that office has actually been through in her life. Meet Kaye Moon Winters, the Educational planner/recruiter for adult learners. My approach towards Winters was mainly because I saw her a couple of times by the ILC and I sure was impressed to see her so well put together. Fixed hair nicely, outfits with matching accessories and matching shoes. I’ve seen many nice ladies all around but she stood out. Fashion, which was my main reason to meet Ms. Winters, was suddenly the least her story had to tell. Although her style came from seeing her mother always dolled up from head to toe and being a model herself, there was much more to that. Winters did choreography for seventeen years, fashion work and runway which she explains that’s where her fashion sense comes from. Not only was she a model, she later got licensed to open a personal developing center, SEE MOON WINTERS on PAGE 5
Opinion/Commentary
March 26, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 2
Birth control debate impacts all levels of society Pay now or much more later
Religious objectors have point
Recently, Obama has actually shown some brains. Requiring insurance companies to provide birth control at no cost to the patient is the best idea ever. Many organizations and companies however have decided to thwart the reform. Those who disregard the idea are either rich or cold-hearted. There are people in this world who genuinely need to be on birth control; not because they can’t be pregnant, but because if they weren’t they could die. Several health conditions existing in young women can be easily and inexpensively regulated, by using birth control. One of those conditions is called dysmenorreah. Dysmenorreah is a common condition in teenage girls. It causes the hormones to rapidly fluctuate in an unsafe manner and excessive to unbearable pain during menstration. I’ve had it since 9th grade. In some cases, symptoms can be so bad that it hospitalizes a person. When it first flared in my case, I fainted in the middle of health class and didn’t wake up until my mom was standing over me in the nurse’s office 20 minutes later. This and many other conditions such as cists or menorrhagia (a condition often paired with dysmenorreah causing excessive blood loss) can be treated and regulated by using birth control. Let’s say a young woman has one of these conditions and it seriously affects her life. She is on birth control to give her relief. What happens if she goes to pick up her prescription for the month and doesn’t have enough money to pay the co-pay? Does she just live in pain that month? Birth control is very specific. You must keep a precise routine
In recent weeks, there has been a debate in Congress as to whether or not institutions must provide birth control to its employees, free of charge. Even if the birth control goes against the institutions moral character, such as the Catholic Church, which has been a big player in this story. This story has caused much controversy on the right, and on the left, including radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh being condemned for calling a woman proponent of this mandate a “slut”. Although many say that birth control is helpful to women, it is not essential to their health, nor should an institution have to provide this “service” to women free of charge. The left has slammed the Catholic Church, in particular, because of their moral beliefs. The Catholics base their beliefs off of their Holy Scriptures, the Bible. In the bible, the New International Version, in the book of Psalm chapter 139 verses 13-16 it states “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” The Catholic Church, along with most of the other “Christian” bible-based organizations believe
By CATY CHRISTY San Jacinto Times
when using birth control or it will not work correctly. Every time you pick up a prescription you pay a co-pay. But there is also a monthly payment that goes into health insurance. U.S. Citizens (for the most part) do pay for their own health insurance. This bill simply eliminates the co-pay at the pharmacy. The obvious next point is the fact that some people just do not want to have children. The obvious solution to that is simple: don’t have sex. But again, there are special cases. Would you expect a happily married couple not to have sex just because the wife can’t or won’t have kids? Yes there are other means of contraception, come on. They’re paying for enough already. You have to think about bills, car payments, mortgages, loans, groceries, insurance, and all other basic necessities in life. The businesses and organizations that go against this brilliant idea have left one major issue out of mind. Who’s going to pay for the kid once it’s here? By not providing birth control under an insurance plan, companies risk losing valuable Google Images employees to maternal leave, and then having to cover the child under the insurance policy as well. They don’t think of all the money they’d be saving by providing birth control. Not only are they losing money on the insurance plan, but the whole time their star employee is on leave they are still paying her and covering her medical bills. And on top of that, there’s one less person to be getting important things done around the office. Of course nothing in life is truly free, but this concept seems like it would work fairly well. Everyone keeps saying the government should stay out of it or that taxpayers are paying for the “free stuff.” When you really look at the concept of this bill it makes a lot of sense. Health insurance companies and their affiliated organizations are not the ones paying for the service. It is actually the patient paying for it.
By DENNIS TAGUE San Jacinto Times
that life begins at conception. Congress should honor this conviction; considering the First Amendment of the Constitution gives us freedom of religion. Another belief of Christianity is that premarital sex is morally wrong, and unless repented of, it can be damning. So why should they have to provide birth control to women and give them the opportunity to go out and sin. Women and men alike should have to purchase any form of contraception, and if they can’t afford it, or can’t deal with the consequences of a coital relationship, then don’t have sex. The taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill, because someone wants to have sex, but they can’t deal with, or afford, having a child. Nobody is paying attention to what is going to happen even if this bill is passed, with the option to opt-out of providing birth control. Everyone that pays taxes, whatever your faith or level of morality will still have to pay for all the other businesses that decide to opt in to the provisions. The real issue needs to be the passing of the whole bill itself. If the bill passes with the opt-out plan, that still is a loss for those that have moral beliefs against birth control, because they still in the end have to pay for it. The right and moral thing to do is not just protect your own religion, but to unite. To stand up to congress and say, no matter what we will not comply with this bill, if it becomes a law. We will follow our beliefs, as long as they do not harm anyone through terror or radicalism. After all, that is what the democratic process is about, right? Birth control is morally wrong, and therefore people and institutions that believe that way should not have to provide it, free or priced.
Tebow forgotten as Manning makes move to Denver
MCT Campus
By STEPHEN VALDEZ San Jacinto Times
The Indianapolis Colts recently unleashed a frenzy the likes of which the NFL has never seen. They released future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. After being released, Manning would go on a small tour involving several different cities and eventually he signed with the Denver Broncos. The contract Manning agreed to is potentially worth $96 million, with a few “security” clauses. Prior to each year, Manning will have to undergo a physical to ensure he is ready to continue his career in the NFL. In the short time that Manning was a free agent several teams made an attempt to sign him, whether they had their future quarterback in place or not. With their teams making an attempt to obtain Manning, some quarterbacks took it personally and sought to look to another team. Alex Smith, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers was one of those quarterbacks. Smith looked into a potential contract with the Miami Dolphins before
San Jacinto Times San Jacinto College Student Publications
CIRCULATION Cristal Calvillo
ADVERTISING Sara Quintana
ADVISER Fred Faour
MCT Campus
Peyton Manning (left), takes over for Tim Tebow in Denver. finally deciding to return to San Francisco. Kevin year before, and has been a career backup, probaKolb in Arizona, who had just been signed the bly felt the same way. EDITORS
Michael Deats, Maria Chavez
PAGE ONE EDITOR Nicholas Page
OPINIONS EDITOR Caty Christy
SOUTH CAMPUS EDITORS Vanessa Pina, Lori Brown NORTH CAMPUS EDITORS Edith Manzanales, Steven Tallas
SPORTS EDITORS
Brandon Hurley, Stephen Valdez
FASHION/LIFESTYLE EDITOR Angelica Rodriguez
MUSIC EDITOR Lindsay Floyd
The San Jacinto Times is published weekly 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.
Teams that didn’t have a starting quarterback in place like Miami and Seattle had to resort to plan B. Seattle would sign former Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn. The Dolphins, who were spurned twice by both Flynn and Manning had to sign David Garrard. Manning’s arrival in Denver has caused the team to search for trade offers for their former starting quarterback, Tim Tebow. Tebow was named the starter after his run of fourth quarter comebacks and playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tebow was immediately pushed aside to make room for Manning. The Broncos reportedly took calls from several teams regarding a trade offer for Tebow. He wound up going to the New York Jets, where he is expected to back up Mark Sanchez and be used in Wildcat-like formations. The immense popularity Tebow gained last year would be a sure fire boost for any team attendance wise, as there are sure to be Tebow Maniacs still following Tebow. Unfortunately, that popularity can also be detrimental to Tebow. Any team whose starting quarterback is in question, will be almost assuredly haunted by the chants of TE-BOW TEBOW, should their teams be in trouble. Although Tebow-mania may have run its course in Denver, it is sure to spring back to life once more in The Big Apple.
The staff reserves the right to edit the letters for accuracy without altering the general meaning. Letters can be e-mailed to fred.faour@sjcd.edu. Letters must include name and phone number for verification. The online 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 281-4782752.
Around Campus/Reviews/Sports Espanol Norte
Lunes, Marzo 26 • No hay actividades
Martes, Marzo 27 • Junta de club culinario, 1:30 p.m., N12.215
Miercoles, Marzo 28 • No hay actividades
Jueves, Marzo 29 • Junta del club Rotaract, 1 p.m., N12.215 • Junta del club de Anime, 2:30 p.m., N9.133
Viernes, Marzo 30 • Junta del club de robotica, 1 p.m., N2.108
Sabado, Marzo 31 • No hay actividades
Domingo, Abril 1 • No hay actividades
Lunes, Abril 2 • Junta de los veteranos estudiantil de america, 1 p.m., N6.108
Central
Lunes, Marzo 26 • Junta del club de matematicas y ingenieria, 12:22 p.m., C1.142 • Exposicion Talking Pictures, 12:30 p.m., C4.119 • Junta del club de psicologia, 12:50 p.m., C3.211
Martes, Marzo 27 • Junta de TSEA, 1 p.m., C20.263 • Junta de Phi Beta Lambda, 1 p.m., C3.215 • Junta de GSA, 2:30 p.m., C3.204 • Exposicion Talking Pictures, 4 p.m., C4.119
Miercoles, Marzo 28 • Exposicion Talking Pictures, 12:30 p.m., C4.119 • Junta de la sociedad de Anime, 1 p.m., C20.253-255 • Junta del club de quimica, 2 p.m., C20.171
Jueves, Marzo 29 • Exposicion Talking Pictures, 12:30 p.m., C4.119
Viernes, Marzo 30 • Junta de Phi Theta Lambda, 10:30 a.m., C1.230 • Junta de LASO, 12:30 p.m., C2.210
Sabado, Marzo 31 • No hay actividades
Domingo, Abril 1 • No hay actividades
Lunes, Abril 2 • Junta del club de matematicas y ingenieria, 12:22 p.m., C1.142 • Exposicion Talking Pictures, 12:30 p.m., C4.119 • Junta del club de psicologia, 12:50 p.m., C3.211
Sur Lunes, Marzo 26 • Junta del club de tenis, 3:30 p.m., Pistas de tenis • Junta de Artes Marciales Mixtos, 8:30 p.m., S21.120
Martes, Marzo 27 •Student bible fellowship, 11:30 a.m., S11.109 • Junta del club de ajedrez, 1:30 p.m., S9.238 • game Enterprises Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • Junta del club de pre-medicina, 5 p.m., S7.128 • Junta del bloqueo del escritor, 6 p.m., S9.200
Miercoles, Marzo 28 • Dia del coyote, 10 a.m., pasto del centro estudi antil • Junta de Phi Theta Lambda, 2:30 p.m., S8.2014 • Junta del club de historia, 2:30 p.m., S7.156 • Writer’s block open mic night, 6:30 p.m., Atrio del centro estudiantil
Jueves, Marzo 29 • Game enterprise guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • Junta de los veteranos estudiantil de america, 3:30 p.m., Centro estudiantil
Viernes, Marzo 30 • Junta de artes marciales mixtos, 9 a.m.,m S21.105 • Junta del club de ajedrez, 1 p.m., S9.234
Sabado, Marzo 31 • No hay actividades
Domingo, Abril 1 • No hay actividades
Lunes, Abril 2 • Junta del club de tenis, 3:30 p.m., pista de tenis • GEO JACS, 6 p.m., S7.148 Junta de artes marciales mixtos, 8:30 p.m., S21.120
Walking Dead lives on By JENNY RAMOS San Jacinto Times
After much anticipation for Sunday, March 18, 2012 to arrive for those zombie-fans, it finally came. The season finale of this TV show blew the minds of millions all across the world. From the change of heart in the main character, Rick, to the endless horde of walkers everyone was hoping to see, it all was shown within this very last episode of The Walking Dead. Throughout the entire season, fans were complaining about the lack of zombies shown. They questioned whether or not it was for budget-purposes, but that’s exactly what writer Robert Kirkman had in mind for the show. “We do stories where there aren’t a lot of zombies,” “making it much more jarring and terrifying,” Kirkman stated in an interview by Michael Ausiello (TVline.com). However, that all changed when a horde took over Hershel’s farm, changing the entire setting of the episode. The dramatic sight of walkers overrunning the once “comforting home” all the characters cherished was a huge shock. And not only that, but also the important character, Shane being killed off was a jaw-dropper as well. The television show and comic set their own pace to events in the storyline. For example, Shane’s character was killed off much earlier in the comic than in the television show. The finale ending also revealed the prison, which is the same setting the group encounter in the comic. The season finale also surprised comic fans as the introduction of Michonne’s character appeared to save Andrea.
As many fans desired to have Michonne’s character the same as the comic, “I can say with full knowledge that their expectations are going to be met. They need not to worry,” states the executive producer in an interview by Anthony Ocasio (csmonitor.com). Thus, fans of the comic should not be disappointed. The huge question about “what exactly did Jenner whisper to Rick” was answered as well. After Shane was stabbed by Rick, that wasn’t truly what killed him. Carl’s gunshot to Shane’s head is what put him down entirely after being resurrected as a walker, proving the truth of Jenner’s information about everyone being infected. When the group was told about it, Rick was then looked at as the bad guy for keeping the secret from everyone. Although people’s line of trust for Rick thinned, Rick’s softness for everyone did the same. The importance of Rick’s character change at the end of the season finale also took a turn. His personality darkened a bit as the group argued against his decisions. However, Rick changed into a true leader, explaining to the group they could leave at anytime, including to his wife, and to see how long they would truly survive when on their own. “This isn’t a democracy anymore,” Rick states on The Walking Dead episode. This statement silenced the entire group as his words ended the season finale. The fall is still a few months away, and even though it’s a while until then, season 3 will be filled with more surprises. New characters will arise and many more intense scenes and secrets will be revealed. Until then, sit tight and be patient, the wait will be worth it.
Lorax more than entertainment By NICK PAGE San Jacinto Times
The wildly imaginative stories of Dr. Seuss have touched people’s lives and have been passed down to progeny for over fifty years. Seuss’ stories continue to inspire a new generation of children through film adaptation. The most recent of these inventive and colorful adaptations is Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. Surprisingly, there is more to the film than one would expect which is a pleasant surprise. The story begins in the town of Thneedville where there are no trees, bottled air is delivered like water and the townsfolk sing about why they like it that way. A young man named Ted, voiced by Zac Efron, embarks on a mission to find a real tree to give to the girl of his dreams. Her name is Audrey, voiced by Taylor Swift, and she longs to see a real tree. Ted encounters a mysterious man outside of Thneedville named the Once-Ler who
tells him the story of what happened to the trees. The Once-Ler is the main character of the movie and through him the audience meets all of the characters in the forest, including the Lorax. The story not only entertains viewers of all ages, but also gives the audience something to think about. The animation was fantastic and the voice acting superb. It’s a great film to see whether or not you have a child in your household. All of the character’s dialogue on the importance of trees and the environment translates into a form that the younger target audience can understand. Although the dialogue and humor are broken down for the sake of the younger audience, the film does not ignore the fact that adults will be watching. The topics of environmental preservation, greed, and right or wrong resonate with older audiences. In the end, the moral of the story is that although we are a progressive, capitalist culture and that is okay, there is a right way to conduct your business.
J.K. Rowling keeps rolling
J.K. Rowling more than makes up for it. By JOSE ALEJANDRO No release date for the book has yet to be San Jacinto Times If you’ve been living under a rock for the last announced but in a statement released by Little, decade or so, you might not have noticed a very Brown and Company it is noted that this time successful book series titled Harry Potter by the around her new book will have a target audience of incredible writer J.K. Rowling. You might have adults. This makes sense because it is easy to see also not noticed an extremely successful movie how the kids who grew up reading Harry Potter are series of the same name. In addition, if you all adults now. Even though Harry Potter was considered to be aimed at a younger remained under that rock in audience, it did an extraordinary February, you might have job of attracting people from all missed the announcement that ages, which resulted in huge sucwill make every Potter-head cess. So even if her new book is on the planet scream targeted at adults, it shouldn’t Expelliarmus at the top of have a problem attracting an their lungs…J.K. Rowling is audience of different ages. writing a new book. Although no news on the On February 23, 2012 books plot has yet to be released, author J.K Rowling Rowling added“…My next book announced her new publishwill be very different to the ing deal with the Little, Harry Potter series, which has Brown and Company. This been published so brilliantly by means she’s leaving behind Bloomsbury and my other pubher old publishing companies lishers around the world.” She of Bloomsbury Publishing in added that the new publishing the United Kingdom, and Photo by MCT Campus team, “…will be a great partner Scholastic in the United States. Rowling said, in this new phase of my writing “The freedom to explore new territory is a gift that Harry’s success has brought me, and with that life.” There have been rumors that the new book is a new territory it seemed a logical progression to follow up to Harry Potter and although every fan of have a new publisher.” You’re probably wonderthe series would love her to write new books that ing where you’ve heard the name Little, Brown branch out of the world she created, from what and Company. Well it’s the same publishing comshe’s said it seems that her new book will be somepany responsible for getting the Twilight series thing entirely different. out into the world. I guess signing a deal with
Sports update: Good news all around By BRANDON HURLEY San Jacinto Times
Shannon Millman, sophomore pitcher for the San Jacinto South Campus softball team has been recognized as Region 14 pitcher of the week for her efforts against Lamar State-Port Arthur on March 7th. She is the fourth player in a row on the team to earn either a conference player of the week or pitcher of the week honors. The team spanked the Seahawks 11-0 and Millman posted seven strikeouts. Millman is a graduate from Pasadena Memorial High School in Pasadena, TX. In her freshman year pitching for San Jac, she had a team best 21-8 record and a 1.68 ERA. Millman has already signed a letter of intent to saddle up with Lamar University after this season. Jaclyn Becthle and Ashley Noak lead the team in hitting and both have a batting average of .474. Noak is 16th in the nation with 40 RBIs and Bechtle is ranked 18th with 10 home runs. The team is really on fire. They’re sitting pretty at
22-5 and they’re on an 11 game winning streak, mopping the floor with most opponents. It’s about time for sports fans at San Jac to recognize that these girls are the real deal. To learn more about the team, visit www.sanjacsports.com. All stats and records current as of 3/21/12. Meanwhile, according to their Facebook page, The San Jacinto Gators baseball team took the series against Wharton County Junior College last weekend. The Gators won 2 of 3 games against the Pioneers and boost their record to 18-15 overall and boast a 13-6 conference record. The Gators won the first game on Friday by a score of 4-3. Daniel Stumpf, who currently has a 1.83 ERA got the “W.” The team split the double header on Saturday. The Gators have won 9 of their last 12 and are really starting to come on strong. After a somewhat shaky start, the Gators are beginning to look like the dominating team that has been to the JUCO World Series seven times since 2001. For more information, you can visit www.sanjacsports.com. All information current as of 3/19/12.
March 26, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 3
8 DAYS A WEEK North
Monday, March 26
• No Scheduled Activities
Tuesday, March 27 • Culinary Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m., N12.215
Wednesday, March 28 • No Scheduled Activities
Thursday, March 29 • Rotaract Club Meeting, 1 p.m., N12.215 • Anime Club Meeting, 2:30 p.m., N9.133
Friday, March 30 • Robotics Club Meeting, 1 p.m., N2.108
Saturday, March 31 • No Scheduled Activities
Sunday, April 1 • No Scheduled Activities
Monday, April 2 • Student Veterans of America Meeting, 1 p.m., N6.108
Central
Monday, March 26
• Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 12:22 p.m., C1.142 • Talking Pictures Art Exhibit, 12:30 p.m., C4.119 • Psychology Club Meeting, 12:50 p.m., C3.211
Tuesday, March 27 • TSEA Meeting, 1 p.m., C20.263 • Phi Beta Lambda Meeting, 1 p.m., C3.215 • Gay Straight Alliance Meeting, 2:30 p.m., C3.204 • Talking Pictures Art Exhibit, 4 p.m., C4.119
Wednesday, March 28 • Talking Pictures Art Exhibit, 12:30 p.m., C4.119 • Anime Society Meeting, 1 p.m., C20.253-255 • Chemistry Club Meeting, 2 p.m., C20.171
Thursday, March 29 • Talking Pictures Art Exhibit, 4 p.m., C4.119
Friday, March 30 • Phi Theta Kappa Meeting, 10:30 a.m., C1.230 • LASO Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C2.210
Saturday, March 31 • No Scheduled Activities
Sunday, April 1 • No Scheduled Activities
Monday, April 2 • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 12:22 p.m., C1.142 • Talking Pictures Art Exhibit, 12:30 p.m., C4.119 • Psychology Club Meeting, 12:50 p.m., C3.211
South
Monday, March 26
• Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 p.m., S21.120
Tuesday, March 27 • Student Bible Fellowship, 11:30 a.m., S11.109 • Chess Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m., S9.238 • Game Enterprises Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • Pre Med Club Meeting, 5 p.m., S7.128 • Writer’s Block Meeting, 6 p.m., S9.200
Wednesday, March 28 • Coyote Day, 10 a.m., Student Center Lawn • Phi Beta Lambda Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2014 • History Club Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S7.156 • Writer’s Block Open Mic Night, 6:30 p.m., Student Center Atrium
Thursday, March 29 • Game Enterprises Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • Student Veterans Association Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Student Center, Top of Stairs
Friday, March 30 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 9 a.m., S21.105 • Chess Club Meeting, 1 p.m., S9.234
Saturday, March 31 • No Scheduled Activities
Sunday, April 1 • No Scheduled Activities
Monday, April 2 • Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts • GEO JACS, 6 p.m., S7.148 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 p.m., S21.120
Faces of San Jac
March 26, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 4
Sergeant Daniel Masera By JENNY RAMOS San Jacinto Times
Charles Peters
By DENNIS TAGUE San Jacinto Times Walking through the Student Center at San Jacinto College’s Central Campus, you can see the diversity of culture, interests, and even fashion. You look to your left, and your eye is caught by a man, who not known to you yet, goes by the name of Charles Peters. He is wearing a long black trench coat that wraps loosely around his frail body. The only other garment you see is his olive green pants. He has his brass framed eyeglasses on, with a discerning look that is more noticeable than the glasses. He is a ginger, with his big bushy orangish/red hair that almost overshadowed the freckles on his face. You hear him laugh as you catch the backend of his conversation with his friend at a nearby table in the Raven Cafe, which happens to be about slaughtering a dragon, and ripping his soul out, as blood
Swearing to protect and serve, an endless number of police officers join the force each year in Texas. Police officers pursue this career at many different ages, each going through the training required to do the job. Every police officer has their unique background and story to tell with the adventures and experiences they had. A great example of one is a police officer that protects the students of San Jacinto College Central Campus every day. Sergeant Daniel Masera, a police officer for San Jacinto College has led quite the interesting life. It all started out in Galveston, TX where he was born, later moving to Texas City, TX where he attended high school. His school activities included Scouting and Theater. After graduating high school, Sergeant Masera worked in construction until enrolling in the U.S. navy in 1970 for four years. While in the U.S. Navy, he worked in a communications station, traveling even overseas to conduct his job. From North Africa to Iceland, Masera continued to work in the locations the Navy stationed him in. After the U.S. Navy, Sergeant Masera moved back home to Houston, TX, where he worked in the telecommunications field still in the 1970’s. Employed by Southwestern Bell and an interconnect company for 19 years, Masera installed landline connections in buildings repeatedly. Not only was he a worker for telecommunications, but also had become the Assistant Director of Telecommunications for Herman Hospital. As he took on the work of managing many telecommunications workers, Masera realized the position of working at a desk and watching others wasn’t suitable for him. He preferred working hands-on for his job instead. Later on, Masera joined the field of arson investigating and then, what he is today, a police officer. In 1989, Masera was a police officer for the
streams out of the mighty beast of legend. Then you find yourself intrigued. Who is this Charles Peters? What might he have to say if you had a conversation with him? You ask yourself these questions as you approach the trench coat clad man, and begin to converse with him. As he opens up to you, this is what you find out. Charles Peters is no stranger to life. Born in 1982, and at 30 years of age Peters is attending to college to obtain his degree in Psychology. The reason being is that he has a great interest in helping people. He says that he has been helping people his entire life. Peters says that he likes to counsel people and help them with decisions that they make in life. Currently, Peters works as an attendant at a Valero service station. Before that, Peters spent eight years in the U.S. Navy. He was sta-
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Pasadena Independent School District, retiring in 2008. After retirement, Masera made the decision of working as a police officer for San Jacinto College. He first landed a part-time position at the college, and then later became a full-time Officer, insuring the safety among all students. Masera has enjoyed being a police officer, explaining, “There’s always something different in this field, nothing is ever the same.” From investigating accidents on the road on the campus, to helping cars out on the road, Masera is always ready to help students. And although Sergeant Masera enjoys the life of being a police officer, that is not the only thing he enjoys. Spending time with his wife he has been happily married to for 15 years and his three kids is his favorite. All in all, Masera has so far lived an exciting life. He has worked hard throughout the years and has achieved many goals. Whether it was serving the U.S. Navy to protecting citizens as a police officer, Sergeant Masera will continue to pursue what he does to the best of his ability.
tioned in Jordan, where a couple interesting things happened to him. One of the things that happen to Peters was shot at by enemy forces. Another thing that happened to Peters was he was on bay security, and his partner pulled his gun on him. His partner claims it was a joke to see how he would react, but a Peters put it “It’s kind of hard to take a joke, when you’re staring down the barrel of a 9mm pistol”. When Peters is not working or going to school, he likes to play video games. He grew up with video games and plans to continue to play them as technology becomes more advanced. His favorite game is Mass Effect, and he says that he cannot wait for Mass Effect 3 to come out on March 6. Charles Peters is a very interesting man. He has so many things to share that if you never took the time to talk to him, you would never have a clue.
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Faces of San Jac/Jumps CLARK
continued from Page 1 20 years old, is a major in criminal justice and is expected to graduate in 2015. Clark graduated from John H. Reagan high school and has always had an interest in the criminal justice field. When asked why he chose that field, he simply stated, “I like helping people in need”. With a huge smile on his face, Clark was asked what all does he like to do on his free time and he gladly mentioned how he loves to play video games on his PS3 like Call of Duty, he loves to visit clean beaches, snorkel, taking vacations, camping at Brazos Bend State park and he listens to classic rock bands such as Van Halen and Led Zeppelin. While Clark was being interviewed, something about him stood out. He didn’t open up right away, and he felt as if he had nothing much to say, but the story played out and developed slowly right before my eyes. You see, Clark is just another student who is trying to get ahead as well; he is a student who is trying to be someone. The cool thing about Clark is that although he felt as if he had no story, the story was right before his eyes. A future cop in the making, he is someone who will protect the community and defend the rights of the people. Clark has witnessed a crime, and he believes that is where his passion to become a Houston police officer developed, and right after graduation he plans to attend the HPD Police academy.
MARROQUIN
continued from Page 1 her friend’s house that consists of a mac computer and a mixer device, but you wouldn’t notice it through the quality of sound. Over the air she sounds like a professional radio personality in a top-notch studio. The Spanish talk show “Radio Eclipse” features Marroquin and her co-host Edith Rodriguez every Friday from 7-9 p.m. on the online mixlr station “Pulso 90”. The station was started in January with the help of her friend Dorian Valenzuela, a sports anchor on KYAZ 51 Azteca Houston and former San Jacinto College student who is currently taking his upperlevel courses at University of HoustonClear Lake. Valenzuela was the motivator in getting Marroquin back on the right track. “He asked me what I wanted to do with my life and I told him I had a passion for music from the nineties (the genre of the station),” said Marroquin about her conversation with Valenzuela in December. “He agreed to help me start this project with the condition that I go back to school and work on my degree, so I did.” Now you can tune in to listen to a local San Jac student every Friday night at mixlr.com/pulso90. You can message them through their Facebook page as well. We may be looking at a potential local radio personality for years to come in Magda Marroquin, but you wouldn’t have imagined that the way her life was headed six months ago.
Clark recalls hanging out with a couple of friends in the downtown area a few years ago. As he drove down the street, he witnessed a mugging. A homeless man stole the belongings of another person on the street, and the homeless man took off running. Clark at that instant reacted and decided to block the homeless man with his car. Clark was successful at blocking him with his car because, the man hit the car, dropped all the belongings he had stolen, and took off limping. It was at that moment that Clark felt great; he had helped someone in trouble and was able to stop a crime from taking place. And that’s where his passion to become a cop was born. “I don’t like to see people get hurt at all, but when bad people get what they deserve, I’m for it”, stated Clark. When Clark was asked why he wanted to become a police officer he answered, “Because I stand for truth and justice”. While he spoke of his passion of becoming a police officer, the excitement in his voice could be heard and the glimmer in his eyes shone brightly. Without a doubt, it made me feel safe to know that a future cop was in the making and would one day soon patrol the streets of our dear Houston and care for the safety of everyone. It’s people like Clark who become great officers. Clark’s inspiration also comes from his great grandmother, being that she was the first woman officer in Houston. Although Clark’s motives of becoming a police officer are all for truth and justice, on the side he is a fun,
GARCIA
continued from Page 1 Like many of San Jac’s nursing students, Garcia wanted to become part of the nursing program because of both the economic and educational convenience. “The school’s setting is very placid and professors seem to have a passion for teaching.” Garcia, like the many future nurses, wants to change the hospital experience and make it easier on patients. Garcia mentioned, “People who work in the healthcare set-
MOON WINTERS
continued from Page 1 modeling school and even a modeling agency. She produced big fashion shows as well as events for charity such as the “American cancer Society” to raise money. Winters also did some film producing and had her poetry published. “How did you get started, did you go to college for this?” I asked very amazed. “No honey, I did not go to college until I was fifty-five years old” she said with laughter. You’d expect someone who has been doing several things at this point in life have some kind of degree. “I had this life that was about dressing up and strutting your stuff, but that’s not how I want to be remembered” Winters stated. Ms. Winters, founder of N2L, was very emotional and compassionate about what she had achieved at San Jacinto College Central and from working with N2L. N2L: Never Too Late, N2L is for people who want to go back to school and get their degree. It’s for any person whether 20 or older, nontraditional students, who need an extra boost to feel comfortable in college. Though she wishes N2L could be in all three campuses, she explains how deserving the students are and that they need all the support they can get. The N2L stu-
energetic young person. When he’s not thinking of his future as a cop, he finds himself hanging out with friends on the weekends, traveling to states such as Florida, Colorado, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Cozumel, and Monterey. One of his talents, as weird as it may sound, is balancing chairs, ladders, and tables on his chin. He was inspired to try it and act it out by a peasant at the Renaissance Festival. But is Clark able to balance chairs and catch criminals at the same time? That would be quite a show. Meeting Clark was interesting and no coincidence at all. Clark will definitely do a great job when he becomes a police officer. It made me realize that those who are in the criminal justice field, they simply have to do the job because one believes it’s the right thing to do. It is only a matter of looking for the good that can be done each day when officers show up to work, noticing what good they will be able to do, trying to actually help people and make a difference in people’s lives.
A hero isn’t just someone who saves lives, but someone who stops the crime, cleans up the mess, and all the while putting their own life at risk for the sake of someone else’s life. I am honored and glad that Clark will serve as a police officer in the future, his motives, heart, and goals are all on the same page and his determination is unwavering. Good luck in all of your endeavors William Clark.
ting make a positive difference in people's lives. That is exactly what I wanted to do; provide healthcare services to the community” Garcia should be an example to all of San Jac’s nursing students. “I've had to overcome moments of frustration and stress due to my sleep deprivation and large amounts of responsibilities,” said Garcia, “I am now an optimistic person, eager of acquiring my Nursing degree.” No matter the hardship, she overcomes it and continues to reach her goal. dents have volunteer tutors and workshops. Winter states “We’ve spread goodness, love and help” for charity in some Houston areas such as Pasadena and Pearland. She mentioned that the reason she decided to recruit and help adults return to school was simply out of her own intimidating experience when she decided to start college at age fiftyfive lead by the hand of her daughter Kelly, in 2002. Winters started out sitting at a table in San Jac Central and acted as the greeter, she also observed the body language of people who were like her, terrified to walk into a college to ask questions to better their future. She explained how she felt this job was meant for her “I can be the helping hand like my daughter was for me”. N2L celebrated their birthday on Friday, March 2, 2012. Though she will retire in six years she knows N2L will grow and become stronger. “This is the work of my life” Winters says. I’m making less money than I was in the 80’s, with a college degree, but the feeling is no comparison.” You can find Winters in the N2L at San Jacinto College Central or e-mail at kaye.moonwinters@sjcd.edu if you, or anyone you know, have any questions. And remember “It’s never too late to be who you might have been.”
March 26, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 5
Adan Huerta By BRANDON HURLEY San Jacinto Times
Former San Jacinto College employee and current student, Adan Huerta, has a lot in common with most college students. He’s busy, he’s broke, and he has goals, but Huerta prefers to call them dreams and with every day comes progress. Huerta’s dreams are suddenly becoming very real. If Huerta thought he was busy before, just wait until the world ends this December. Huerta will probably be asleep in the back of some extremely used van, touring the country to promote the album his band recorded back in March. Ethreal is a hardcore metal band that has been a powerhouse at local clubs in the Houston area for four years now. Huerta has been with the band since its inception in 2005. His dream of recording a full-length album came to fruition just two weeks ago. “The band has been the biggest project of my life.” Huerta says. “It’s literally shaped my entire life since we started it. Finding a balance between work, school, and Ethreal is an ever going challenge, but one that I don’t know how to live without.” With the album dropping in May, Huerta is busy planning tour dates, getting price quotes on the band’s first music video, and trying to come up with artwork and decent prices on duplication services for the cd. He’s also taking classes at San Jac and works full time at Eyemasters. He is also a devout Christian. Ethreal is not a Christian band, per say, but according to his Facebook page, Huerta was “saved” in August. He now attends church regularly. If it’s not impressive enough that this man can prescribe you a pair of Ray Bans and serenade you to sleep with beautiful guitar riffs, then what might impress you is that there’s two of him. Well, not necessarily, but he does have a twin. Adan’s brother, Ivan Huerta plays guitar for Ethreal as well. So look out for big things from Adan and his band, Ethreal, this year.If you want to check out Ethreal, you can find them on facebook, reverbnation, or you can purchase their music on itunes.
The Faces of San Jac
Ivette Montalvo By VANESSA PiNA San Jacinto Times
Life is always faced with changes sometimes good and sometimes bad. It doesn’t matter what we try or want to do, we always come across a challenge to defeat in order to achieve any goals. Of course this doesn’t mean that we always hold on to our dreams without complaining, the truth is that at many times complaining it what we do best. After a lot of complaining we end up quitting or giving up. For Ivette Gauna Montalvo the biggest obstacle became the day her parents told her they were moving to the U.S. Ivette was born on February 22nd 1993 in the small town of Santiago N.L., Mexico where she lived all her life until her family decided to move. In 2009 her mom decided she was going to retire from teaching and therefore along with her father decided they needed to look for better opportunities for her and her younger sister. After a difficult conversation between her family her parents decided they were moving the following year, she felt devastated. Leaving friends, memories and even her old house behind Ivette at 17 years old moved to Houston in 2010 unable to finish her last semester of High School. Not knowing what to do or who to ask she began visiting different High Schools in the city, trying to enroll but every single one of them told her she would have to be pushed back to 9th grade. “It is supposed to be the American dream but what people don’t know is that for us it starts off as the worst nightmare.” She says as she remembers how difficult it was leaving her entire life behind. Almost at the edge of giving up, Ivette decided to get her GED at San Jacinto College South, she took her exam in Spanish since it was her first language. After taking nothing but esl courses her first semester, she was contacted by the honors society Phi Theta Kappa to join the honors program. It took a lot of effort and commitment, while asking class mates to translate school work for her and visiting the writers center 2-3 times a week she managed to get through her first year as a honors college student. “At first it was very difficult, I felt rejected and unable to communicate, and sometimes I wished I could go back to Mexico.”
Today with a gpa of 3.6 and continuing to practice English as her second language Ivette volunteers in different community events with the honors society, works part time as a cashier where everyone around her speaks English “ I Like my job because it helps me push myself more and understand the language better.” Although she admits that taking honors classes that “you can’t really understand” is difficult and very stressful, she gives many the example of hard work and dedication. Ivette takes advantage of the tutors San Jac offers and attends SI reviews for some of her classes in order to keep up. “One of my greatest accomplishments was passing my history test with an A even though it is not the history of my country.” Ivette is just another college student with the difference of not letting any obstacle overcome the best of her. She is an inspiration to many, and lets us realize no matter how hard something seems at first it will eventually get easier as long as you don’t give up.
James Cooke By LINDSAY FLOYD San Jacinto Times
Roaming the halls of San Jacinto College it’s easy to see there are a lot of interesting students. I was challenged to interview a student or teacher I have never talked to before. It was in the student center between classes where I found James Cooke catching up on the weekend sports and drinking a coffee. As I started to ask Cooke some questions I learned about a great person that I have way more in common with than I first thought. James Cooke was born and raised in Sarasota Florida and attended Wilkinson Elementary School until the middle of second grade. Cooke then transferred to Hyde Elementary School when his father accepted a job at NASA and moved to Seabrook in 1996. Being the new kid can be tough sometimes, and for Cooke it was traumatizing. When his father accepted the job at NASA, they didn’t tell Cooke ahead of time and was forced to leave all his friends behind in the middle of second grade. Looking back “It was probably for the better, you know, so I didn’t throw a fit every day.” Cooke recalls of his parents telling him the day before they moved. “I was hanging out with my friends in Sarasota catching snapping turtles one day, the next day I’m the new kid in town with no friends.” Throughout grade school and some of high school Cooke played a variety of sports. He played for the non-profit league, Bay Area Texas Baseball. Though he played baseball for over 6 years he decided not to play for Clearview High School. Cooke graduated from Clearview High School in May of 2006. The fall of ’06 was Cooke’s first semester at San Jacinto College. Cooke, like many of us, has gone through a few different majors,
Klarissa Dehoyos By NICK PAGE San Jacinto Times
There are over 20,000 students enrolled in the San Jacinto Community College District and each person has a story to tell. Think of all the classes of all the semesters you have taken. Now think of all the people you have met during that time. How well did you know them? Did you speak to one person, many people, or no one at all? Sitting alone in the sunlit commons area of San Jacinto College Central’s ILC is a young woman with curly, dark hair and glasses. Her head down and eyes riveted to her phone screen there is nothing to break her concentration. Her name is Klarissa Dehoyos and chances are you have seen her sitting in the same area every weekday before class. She and her family hail from the Rio Grande Valley, or The Valley, located at the southernmost tip of Texas. The most popular spot in this location is undoubtedly South Padre Island. While she lived in The Valley, Dehoyos attended high school in Edinburg. She has only been in Pasadena for a short period of time and has attended San Jacinto College Central for two semesters. When asked why she moved to Pasadena, Dehoyos simply replied, “my father.” Her father works in refineries for a living and was able to land a job in one of the local plants. She moved from The Valley to be by his side. Dehoyos is majoring in Biology with aspirations to hold a career in the medical field. She is not yet certain of what specific field of medicine she would like to work in but is confident that she has plenty of time to think about it. We are amongst a student body that is an athenaeum of stories. Don’t be afraid to pull a book off of the shelf and turn a few pages.
Photo by Vanessa Pina/San Jacinto Times
Rabih Sheikh By KARINA ARGUETA San Jacinto Times
Your heart is beating fast, your mind is racing with thoughts of what to say or do, your nerves are taking you to the point of fear to talk to this person. You can’t back down now! You’re almost there. Yes, this is what we all feel when we have the sudden urge to commence a conversation or just a trusting relationship with a random person you don’t know because they seem interesting to you. Why you may ask? Well, sometimes we feel as if this person will judge or reject us for having a random conversation with them to begin with. Yet, what you may find out about them can be very interesting indeed. In fact, you may find that this person has an inspiration for something that can change the world or make a difference in our community, or in some circumstances, you. Look around you and you will notice that there is much more than your eye can see. Rabia Sheikh, a former San Jac student, was in the N2L (Never To Late) room across the computer lab on Monday when I first saw her as I passed by. She was sitting at a round table with a couple of her friends and studying for what seemed a major exam. She caught my eye and raised my interest quite a bit. She was wearing a black Burka with lose fitted black pants and had next to her a backpack with wheels and a lot of books in it. I figured that if I talked to her, she might think that I’m crazy or disturbing. I walked away to what seemed impossible but then I asked myself the question that may trigger many of you to begin a journey of a good story, “Why not?” I paced back and walked in the room. Glares and stares were forced upon me as I made my way to the table. Of course, since I had directed my eyes to Rabia, she immediately gave her attention to me. “ Hi!” I said nervously, “ I would like to talk to you for a minute and ask you a couple of questions if you don’t mind.” I smiled to comfort the awkwardness a little. Smiling yet startled at the same time she answered assuredly, “Of course!” I was surprised so, I began asking her the basic questions about her career and family. A wife and a mother of a three year old, with her
ranging from culinary arts, business, to marketing. Cooke is still studying at San Jacinto College where he is undecided of his major. While talking to Cooke about what he wanted to do after college I was instantly re-assured that it’s ok to be in school and not know what you want to do. After San Jacinto, Cooke plans on attending UH like his father. In recent years Cooke has developed a passion for traveling. With family living in Winchester England, Cooke has been fortunate enough to travel overseas a couple of times. And this summer he will be traveling to France, Italy and Switzerland. “I’m most excited about going to Italy because I love Italian food.” Cooke says of his upcoming trip to Europe. His favorite part about traveling is experiencing different cultures and trying new food. With a big trip planned over the summer, spring break is just another work week for Cooke. As a lead cashier at the Kemah Boardwalk, Cooke takes on extra responsibility and has to work a little bit later than the regular cashiers, making it impossible for him to maybe get off a little early one day of spring break. “At least I work at Kemah though; I would hate to be stuck in an office all of spring break. It’s cool because at Kemah I get to work outside sometimes.” When Cooke is not studying, working or traveling you can find him at home hanging out with friends and family. Cooke is the middle of three kids with and older sister and younger brother. Cooke also has a seven year old dog named Max, or as his family calls him, Bear. “Bear is special to us because we had another dog Tucker, which was bears brother, who passed away from heart worms. Bear took it pretty hard as did the rest of us. But we see a little bit of Tucker in Bear everyday and we are thankful for that.”
Eleazar Arroyo By STEVEN TALLAS San Jacinto Times
“To grow in love with God, one needs to get to know Him. He has revealed Himself in nature” (Romans 1). To sophomore, Eleazar Arroyo, the passion to know Jesus Christ is much more than he can ever expect in life. Being a Campus Christian for San Jacinto College, Arroyo studies the bible on a routinely bases and often ask compelling questions to classmates and even strangers. With a slight smile, a soft spoken voice, a loose long sleeve shirt and blue jeans, he comes off as an average teen. His casual look makes him seem open for a deep conversation and easily approachable. His love for Christ is often recognized from his peers, family, and many others. “I study the bible so that way I can know God and therefore believe in him, obey him, and please him,” Arroyo explains. Determined to spread the word of Christ, he often walks up to students on campus and ask them about their stance and their religion. More often, he gains an acquaintance relationship with those he interviews. Campus Christian member, Don Doedlo, says, “He’s enthusiastic about what he does. He’s humorous, and very thorough.” On free days Arroyo plays soccer with his friends and sometimes plays the drums. Other days he’s back to school spreading the word of God. He is usually found hanging out with friends or walking the halls. He explains that the reason behind his actions is because he wants others to follow in the Christ’ footsteps as he follows in today. “It’s really the lack of obedient Christians and people’s hypocrisy,” Arroyo explains. Arroyo is trying to major in theology that way those courses can lead him into fulfilling his passion. His goal is to one day be a pastor for a church. Whiteny Haley, friend to Arroyo, states, “He’s a very natural leader. He’s one of those leaders that people want to listen to.”
March 26, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 6
second semester here at San Jac, Mrs. Sheikh has set herself to succeed in what she loves best; nursing and helping people. When asked why, she answered honestly and truthfully, “I’d like to be in a field that can make a difference and help people.” I asked her where she was from and if that had any relation with her choice of career. She explains, “ I am from Kenya Africa where I studied Business Accounting and worked in a legal firm for 10 years. My mind set changed while coming here to the U.S.” she said, “ special services were introduced to me through nursing and I found inspiration from my three year old daughter.” I was touched by her story and at this point I was very glad that I made the decision to talk to her. I learned that she is also involved in the Pi Kappa Lambda society,(which is for leadership) and she will be participating in a class trip to Moody Gardens in Galveston on the 31st of March to study cadavers for a project they are working on. She hangs out in the N2L room where she spends most of her time studying, spending time with friends, drinking coffee, and most importantly for counseling. “They treat me like family and so I love coming here,” she shares, “I’m home.” “ What has been your toughest obstacle so far?” I asked. “ Trying to learn English. To cope is very different,” she explains, “It is very difficult for people to understand me. But I kept going and just started getting better at it.” Indeed, she speaks perfectly and has achieved what seemed impossible for her. This helped me realize that we can achieve anything if we try our hardest and give it all we’ve got. Rabia is just one of the many students here at San Jac that have hopes and dreams to succeed in life. Our initiative is to talk to different people and interacting with them even if you feel nervous or scared to do it. You never know what seed that person may plant in your heart that may inspire you. Maybe YOU will plant a seed in their heart by just saying hi or introducing yourself as their friend. In this case, Rabia Sheikh has planted one in mine and I’m glad she did.
Heidi Walker By COURTNEY MOUTON San Jacinto Times
Heidi Walker a future RN and devoted dancer graces the San Jac Central campus five days a week as she devotes most of her time and effort to her studies. The blue scrubs she wears have become more than just a uniform but a symbol of her dedication to take care of and serve human lives. The 20 year old nursing student looks forward to the job opportunities that her time at SJC has prepared her for. The future RN spoke with passion as she expressed not only her future aspirations but what has given her the drive to get there. “I’ve been dancing literally since before I can remember, it’s a passion of mine that has taught me to work hard and go after what I want,” commented Walker. “I liked performing, it was my time to incorporate another love of mine, music into something beautiful through dance.” said Walker. When asked why she chose this profession Walker couldn’t help but
laugh. “I love hospitals, I know that’s weird but it’s true. Blood and guts? I can handle that. But really, it just doesn’t bother me,” said Walker. “I’ve always just enjoyed helping people and nursing allows me to turn that into a profession.” Dreams of Vegas vacations and trips to Switzerland filled Walker’s mind as she reminisced on family trips and memories of loved ones. “My aunt lived in Switzerland all of my life and she would always send us such cool and interesting gifts from there, that stuck with me,” said Walker. “Since I haven’t made it to Switzerland yet…Vegas is my absolute place, no one sleeps there, it’s crazy.” As Walker excels in her second semester in the SJC nursing program she remembers where her drive, determination, and passion come from and continues to press on. Whether it’s a dance class or a clinical Walker plans to continue applying what she’s learned to every aspect of her life.
Krysten Stockdale By LAUREN MOTLEY San Jacinto times
Anxiety the displeasing feeling of fear of concern.What if you had these feelings everyday, constantly looking over you shoulder fearing what is behind you. Well that is what Krysten Stockdale has to go through everyday thanks to the two boys who grabbed her late one night and changed her life forever. In 2007 Krysten’s life was going great she was a single mom with a great job a 4.0 GPA and a nice apartment she couldn’t have asked for anything more. Late one night she was on her way home from work. she stopped to get food at Whataburger and drove home exhausted. She remembers driving through the gate of her apartment complex, and into her detached garage, but before she could even put her left foot on the ground she had a gun to her left temple. She begged the man to just take her belongings and leave her alone. That did not happen the other man on the other side of the car told her to open the car and to start to drive. Terrified with both guns to her head she drove out of the apartment complex. They threated her if she did not drive right they would shoot her. They kept her for two hours and she would like to leave the details out of what happened in the car that night. She was lucky they let her go and did not kill her. Worried for her safety, she called the cops and they caught the boys later. Seventeen year olds John and Antoine were charged with aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon as well as aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. They were sentenced to prison in 2007 until 2016 but are now up for parole because they were 17 and the lawyers got them tried as minors. Krysten tried to block out the night she feared leaving her house for months and would not seek help. Finally she went to a psychologist and realized she needed to move on with her life and to embrace the event that occurred. She is now married going to school at San Jacinto majoring in psychology hopping to get her PHD to be a psychologist. Going through what she did she wants to help other victims know there is a way past the fear and anxiety you wake up everyday with. She has come along way from 2007 when it happened and she grows stronger everyday knowing she will be okay.