April 24, 2024 TCC The Collegian

The TCC board of trustees have addressed feedback made by the police department concerning pay and security, starting with a study.

In the April 18 board meeting, trustees reviewed the study done by Evergreen Solutions, which covered other complaints stemming from being off duty. However, it primarily concerned pay, Gloria MaddoxPowell, chief human resources officers said.

A session was held at every campus which allowed all the officers, no matter the campus, to speak their mind which benefits the college, Maddox-Powell said.

“Hearing their wants and needs and the majority of what they asked for they got, to me that benefits the college and the fact that happier employees typically are more engaged in their work, their outlook on their work is more positive,” she said.

Each day differs but many begin with family calls that inform the client’s loved ones of their well-being. Then, Hinojosa spends time researching the topic she will be teaching a class on the following day. A licensed therapist accompanies her as she runs group therapy sessions and completes one-onones with clients for the rest of the day. Rinse and repeat.

What ailed NE student Haley Southers’s family is the reason she’s at TCC. Depression, anxiety, substance abuse and bipolar disorder affected her family in the ‘80s and ‘90s where mental health wasn’t talked about much, Southers said.

Seeing this growing up made her want to obtain a license for chemical dependency counseling and with it came the class called Ethics for Social Work.

She, along with a group of classmates and a number of NE’s mental health personnel, had the opportunity to listen to the Grand Prairie Police Department’s Crisis Support Unit on NE April 17. In a presentation, the unit educated the students and department of mental health personnel about the ties between mental health and police work. How they make it work to slowly eliminate further violent escalation, especially with mental health crises, being the center of it.

The goal — reduce the stigma of mental health, the fear of law enforcement and provide a response and follow up to those in need.

Victor Allen, the professor of Southers’s class, said he organized the presentation to let his students

Hinojosa is in recovery herself. She has been clean for almost four years. Her experience with recovery drew her into the field, telling her story to clients allowed her to connect to her work on a deeper level as she noticed the positive impact it had on them. “That’s when it hit me,” Hinojosa said. “This is exactly where I’m supposed to be and exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.”

and fellow personnel know that this type of program exists. He also said that as a veteran, his community is often misunderstood. Allen hopes that after the presentation people know to notify the police, should they be contacted, of any mental health challenges a person may have history with.

Hinojosa is part of the Mental Health & Human Services practicum class on NE Campus, which she says can be both challenging and rewarding. As these students navigate applying their coursework to real-world See

The following was recommended; a new pay plan that aligns more closely with market rates, spreading the ranges of pay between its minimum and maximum, more space between active policing ranks and following the Hybrid Parity Model.

The Hybrid Party Model ensures employees are placed in their new pay range and considering experience as it comes to promoting officers. In closed session, former NE Campus president

See Board page 3

He is hopeful the next generation of social workers, or maybe even his students can take that into play.

“Destiny is not an accident, and my students bring up very thought-provoking topics, which makes you want to take academia to a higher level by being more creative in your teachings and exposing them to arenas that they probably would have never encountered,” Allen said. “So, they can go ahead and pass the baton to future generations.” The crisis support unit is made up of three co-responder teams. They partner a master’s level licensed mental health professional with a specially trained and law enforcement certified mental health peace officer. Together they ride patrol vehicles to assist in a number of ways, including responding to calls about individuals who are experiencing mental health crises.

This is something Southers is definitely interested in, she said. In fact, she is especially glad she can become a part of a new generation of social workers that can change the stigma around mental health.

“It feels really good, it’s really rewarding,” Southers said. “Even though I’m just getting into it. It still feels good to know at some point I’m going to be able to give other people the kind of help and

resources that some of my family members weren’t able to get or just weren’t willing to accept.”

When Greg New, a crisis support officer, first started working as a police officer 35 years ago, he said mental health wasn’t really talked about in the police community. Back then it was an assumption that a person was simply disgruntled. New said that the space See Crises Care page 3

Hope Smith/The Collegian

Crisis Support Unit members Officer Greg New, Emily Mourik and Courtney Runnels at NE Campus giving a presentation on the importance of crisis management in law enforcement.

Melinda Hinojosa spends her day at Greenhouse Treatment Center in Grand Prairie learning what it takes to guide clients to a successful recovery.

Author speaks to student about writing

Dungy is an award winning poet, writer and editor

In her book ‘Soil; The Story of a Black Mothers’ Garden,’ Camile Dungy hopes to take steps to reverse deep rooted developments and begin reconnecting those around her with their seemingly distant, but inherently maternal earthly ties.

To promote her latest book, she made an appearance at the NE campus on April 10 to discuss her mindset while writing. She also shared lessons she had picked up during the process and gave context to her editorial decisions.

“In most of her writing, she considers history, landscape, culture, family and desire,” said Lynda Davis, a professor in the NE English department. “As we dipped into this book in my classes, my students were startled to discover how slopes of snow could be a metaphor for strenuous efforts and real hope for racial harmony.”

Dungy is an award-winning poet, writer and editor with over 40 titles attributed to her name, seven being entirely authored by Dungy herself.

“I let [my] critical brain be active,” said Dungy. “It helps to keep my frontal cortex really occupied, my brain can wander and take risks and do things that don’t necessarily appear like they’re going to pay off right away.”

In a similar light to her past books, ‘Soil’ takes a personal journey throughout her experience as a black woman and mother moving to a predominantly White area. As she settles her family into their new home in Fort Collins, she is met with heavy restriction to the plant life she’s allowed to keep in her garden. She uses these restrictions as both a comparison and a metaphor for her struggles with respect, community and belonging in her new surroundings.

“I knew that a poem was finished if when I was editing, I could see it fulfill each See Soil, Page 3

Texas is among eight states that have been affected by the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1. Bird flu has been found in 26 herds of cattle, 12 of which are in Texas.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported the first human case of the avian flu on April 1. The patient experienced symptoms of pink eye after working with dairy cows.

Not all influenza strains are the same. Each strain has a different transmission rate and levels of damage that it can do to a host.

“The one that’s currently showing up in humans in North America, the one that’s transmitting from wild birds, occasionally to humans is relatively nonvirulent,” said NE biology professor Marius Pfeiffer. “It’s not particularly aggressive. So, the symptoms are not of concern currently, — not as a grave concern.”

This strain that is affecting dairy cows is the same one that has been infecting wild birds and poultry farms. The American Veterinary Medical Association is asking that all veterinarians and producers start taking protective measures such as testing cattle before moving them between farms and testing unpasteurized milk.

“What we’ve seen with this strain is that it has it has killed quite a bit of wild bird populations, especially more recently,” said NE microbiology professor Jennifer Smith. “We’ve known about this strain of influenza for well over 20 years now, and it’s actually very well researched.”

H5N1 is a strain of influenza that typically affects wild birds. Since 2022 there has been an increase in cases across the globe in the wild bird population. Tests are being conducted to check for any changes in how the virus is mutating and its transmissibility.

“Influenza does mutate in every host [and new species] it infects,” Smith said. “So

this recent development is significant for that reason. It’s one reason the flu is so fascinating and frustrating.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus has jumped from wild birds to wild mammals such as foxes, bears, seals, sea lions and domesticated pets such as cats and dogs. To date there are no known cases of human-to-human transmission reported.

“There’s only been really, really sporadic infections from wild birds or domesticated birds into humans,” Smith said. “This is only the second case of H5N1 transmission from animals to humans in the U.S.”

Because the virus has been well researched for an extended amount of time, there are already stockpiles of vaccines and anti-viral medications that can be used if there is an outbreak.

In a news release the Texas Department of Agriculture said Cal-Maine, the largest producer and distributor of shelled eggs, had an outbreak of H5N1 and had to kill 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 young chickens.

“For effects on food supply, it’s also worth monitoring whether there is increased cow-to -cow transmission,” Smith said. “I would expect that to have an impact on

The place where parents send their children to learn academic-related topics has now become the place where parents send their children to learn active shooter drills.

The NE Campus Social and Human Sciences Division held a panel discussion April 11 to discuss the impact left behind by the Columbine school shooting 25 years ago.

On April 20, 1999, 13 people died and 20 were wounded at Columbine High School in Colorado. This marked a turning point for stricter school safety protocols.

Lockdown drills are now routine for children as young as 2 years old at the NE Children’s Center, early childhood education instructor Lisa Self explained.

“They know if the bell rings it’s a fire drill,” she said. “But if it’s a different signal – which has no sound – then it leads to immediately going to the bathroom, locking all the doors and having to be quiet.”

Since Columbine, there have been 175 deaths from school and college shootings reported by the School of Criminology & Criminal Justice at Northeastern University.

Among these shootings is the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde in 2022, serving as a reminder of the volume of mass shootings in schools since that day.

Post-Columbine, school security measures have increased. Personnel now receive training, and there is a debate about whether teachers should be armed. In most cases, security check-ins have become a requirement.

“I don’t want to say this is the 9/11 for schools, but it kind of was,” Self said. “It really changed everything.”

Wisely said that living the reality of having to take active shooter training has started to affect the way she navigates her surroundings. She said that she can become wary and makes mental notes of how she might be able to escape if necessary.

“Even people who have never been in-

volved in a school shooting are traumatized by it because of the effects of it,” NE associate professor of history Karen Wisely said.

Gun laws have also become a hot topic as school shootings has increased. Texas is among the 26 states where having a license to carry a handgun is not a legal requirement.

Wisely said people thought that gun laws would change after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, but the focus shifted toward prevention and preparation for a mass shooting.

“If you can’t do something when kindergarteners are being shot, I think they assumed that nothing’s going to be done now,” said Wisely.

Lacresha Moore, a student at NE Campus, said she recalls a time when drills did not have the level of intensity that they now have.

“We really didn’t have drills like that growing up in my time,” she said. “My parents didn’t think, ‘My daughter may go

See Anniversary, Page 3

NE student Colton Rayl is in between jobs. He is struggling to buy groceries for himself and his father. This is why he is grateful for the food pantry at TCC.

“This food pantry allows me to get ingredients that otherwise I have to pay a lot of money for,” Rayl said. “And it allows me to learn how to cook as well, which is a lot cheaper than buying a microwave pizza. It gives me an opportunity to not only grow my skill set, but also to feed me and my dad.”

The food pantry allows anyone who is a part of TCC to get food or supplies at the NE, South and SE campuses. There is a wide variety of foods such as fresh foods like strawberries, lettuce, cauliflower, onions and potatoes.

Crises Care

They also provide frozen items like pizza and quesadillas. There are also canned goods such as soups, veggies and broths. Baby food is also available.

Courtney Matthews, coordinator for student activities, has noticed a rise in people using the food pantry due to increased grocery prices. Around 400 to 550 people visit the pantry per month.

“It’s because students and faculty and staff are hungry on campus,” said Matthews. “The cost of everything is increasing. We try to make sure that we outsource donations where possible and coordinate these fresh food market events to try to offset some of those concerns.”

The food pantry offers school supplies and financial assistance. The workers at the pantry can connect people with the Supplemental Nutrition Program [SNAP] and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for

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around mental health is better now that training is mandated for new police officers. “Younger officers are seeing something and being able to change some of their perspectives on what’s going on. I think it’s a better change for the future,” New said.

Though there is a disparity in this field, New is hopeful that with more training and the help of the public it is possible to fill it. Currently more police departments are recognizing this and implementing it in their respective cities, he said. They are also beginning to recognize how educating the officers in mental health and dealing with their own can make them better equipped for the public.

“It’s also recognizing changing the eyes of a long generations worth of the way we do things,” New said.

Before, if a person was in a manic stage he would probably see them as more aggressive and not realize that they were having a mental health crisis. Now he recognizes some of that, learned to slow down, take a step back and maybe learn to deescalate and then try to start working on them. “We’re always going to make mistakes because we’re human. It’s how can we mini-

Board (continued from page 1)

Kenya Ayers-Palmore’s complaint was discussed following her termination Oct. 27, 2023. The General Council for the college, Antonio Allen, Brad Dowell, an attorney at Naman, Howell, Smith & Lee as well as trustee Laura Forkner Pritchett declined to comment on any questions regarding the progression of the complaint.

Women, Infants and Children [WIC].

SNAP is a program that provides food benefits to low-income families. WIC helps infants and children under five-years-old. They help women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have recently given birth. WIC provides nutritional foods, health care opportunities and assistance.

Food insecurity is when someone has a lack of access to food. Around 40% of students at two-year colleges experience food insecurity, according to Matthews.

NE, South, SE and NW Campus offer fresh food markets and clothes closets once a month. NE Campus has this event open every second Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. NW and SE Campus have theirs every third Friday.

Matthews said TCC partners with the Tarrant County Area Food Bank for this event. There are extra food options like dairy

and vegan products. People can get eggs and different kinds of cheeses. Zeyad Tawfik, a NE student, volunteered at the fresh food market. Tawfik enjoys these types of events because he gets to meet all kinds of people.

“You do get to meet some new people that you didn’t expect to meet while just walking around being in your own bubble or less,” Tawfik said.

There are casual and business options at the clothes closet. Scrubs may be available for those in the medical field. People can get linens and jewelry too.

Matthews said people shouldn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed of getting help.

“We try to remove this stigma away from it,” Matthews said. “letting people know that there’s no shame in coming in to receive assistance at any point in your life ... because we all need help in some way.”

The board also moved to approve a $555,310 fund for 500 additional wireless access points, or network devices meant to connect wireless devices to the internet. Additionally, a new adult high school program and a response to police employee complaints Aug. 2023 was addressed in a police compensation study. Todd Kreuger, chief information officer, said an additional 500 access points are to be placed for better coverage. The challenge was that the college already had many that were old and had complaints about students using the wrong TCCD Wi-Fi networks, disrupting their connection.

In other news, chancellor Elva LeBlanc announced a new adult high school was ap proved by the Texas Education Agency. The adult high school is meant for adults needing to finish their high school diploma who have aged out of public schools. Students in this program can also obtain certificates or asso ciate degrees, she said.

Soil (continued from page 2)

pillar in some way,” she explains, “if I could hold the poem in my head [continually] and build on it, I would know that it was finished.”

The threat of homogeneity within both wildlife and humankind is placed under a spotlight throughout her book, cautioning readers and bringing attention to future destructive possibilities that may arise if efforts towards diversity are not made.

“We are our surroundings. We are made of what we see and the things around us inspire our mindsets,” said Simon Shepherd, a NE student and seasonal member of the Colorado Wildland Firefighters. “If you’re surrounded by sameness outside, you’ll likely want sameness inside.”

Soil was written in solitude during the initial COVID lockdown of 2020, leaving Dungy with a unique challenge. Throughout her presentation she explains that one of her largest interests and main source of inspiration is other people.

Bird Flu

Being forced into seclusion, she had to figure out a different approach to continue her story. She opted for the flora and fauna surrounding her home, which could be seen from her office window.

“I include the greater than human world in my list of others who matter to me and my reflections.” she says, “There are snowplow drivers, but there’s also the snow […] I think about putting a natural element of our planet into a human context.”

She concludes with a lesson about human connection and the overarching mo tivation behind her career as a writer; that everybody has a story and everybody knows something that others don’t.

What may feel like common knowledge to one is most likely unheard of to others, sharing these beliefs or tidbits from life is the only way to spread information, form a con nection and plant a seed that may just grow into a healthy, thriving, diverse community.

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supply and prices of cow-related products.”

The AVMA is advising people not to drink raw milk or eat unpasteurized cheese due to H5N1 being found in raw milk samples. “If a student here at the college does work at a cattle ranch, bovine processing plant, chicken hatchery or poultry processing plant and they have not been told precautions to take, they can find that information from the CDC or USDA website,” Smith Said. Farms often have many animals that roam freely together. Because of this and evidence that other animals like goats and cats have already been infected on some farms, this could lead to more viable hosts being infected. “A swine host is able to get infected by more strains of influenza than a host like a cow,” Smith said. “Because there are so many farms and ranches that have both types of animals, it could happen at one of those larger places. It could happen at a small family-owned farm and it’s kind of hard to predict if that’s going to happen.”

The risk of pigs getting sick is concerning because the virus might evolve to transmit human to human like the swine flu (H1N1) pandemic in 2009.

“Cows have more common contact with other farm animals (like pigs) and more contact with humans compared to wild mammals that we know have resulted in sporadic infections,” Smith said. “It’s likely that in the future this event will be viewed as a milestone.”

The thought of this happening after just experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic has made some students pay attention to the new human case.

NE student London Boyles is concerned that another pandemic could happen.

“It was a really hard time for me, I already had enough mental health issues,” said Boyle. “I was 14, and basically, I don’t want that happening to either me or anyone else again.”

A fight to find herself

Student overcomes addiction, aims to help others

HUDA QURESHI campus editor huda.qureshi@my.tccd.edu

When she was 21, Erin Roth was introduced to methamphetamines. The following years were a fight to prevent addiction and abuse from getting in the way of her goals. Roth has faced substantial obstacles in her life, from an emotionally abusive relationship to high-impact relapses. Roth plans to follow a career path focused on mental health. The passion stems from her struggles in the past. Her goal is to use her experience to help others. As a student on NE Campus, she works toward her goals with relevant coursework.

“If I got to have the exact thing that I want in the future, I would want to either be a psychologist or a licensed therapist,” Roth said. Roth initially got clean at 23 because she went through a state of paranoia regarding her family. She said that she struggled with being in tune with reality. "I was able to step back and zoom out and realize that OK, something's wrong.’” Roth said. “This is not gonna work.”

She said she realized that the paranoia was drug-induced and became involved in recovering, she found the stability to pursue a Psychology degree on NE Campus.

“From 2004 to 2018 I was essentially clean,” Roth said. “I still had some hiccups but … I was in the [recovery] program, I was an active member. I had spon -

sees. It completely changed my life and that's when I got my first degree.” Roth did not graduate high school and found the process of starting college intimidating. The push to go for her first degree came from an event in her 30s in which she had to put a child up for adoption. She said it was one of the hardest things she ever had to do.

“I got to this point in my head where I was like … if I just walked through this and survived, it would give me the courage to do other things,” Roth said. “Going to school didn't seem so hard anymore after what I had just gone through.”

She graduated with an Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in psychology in 2017 from TCC.

Shortly after completing her degree, an emotionally abusive relationship resurfaced in her life and led to a harsh relapse.

“I gave up so much of myself in regards to the things inside of me like my confidence. I destroyed my life logistically.” Roth said. “I had a phenomenal credit score, I took out all these loans for credit cards and stuff to get high and pay rent because I ended up getting fired from my job. It was just crazy. I messed up my credit and I have an eviction on my record.”

She got clean again toward the end of 2020 but was left to deal with the ramifications.

“I was such a mess. I ended up being diagnosed with PTSD, and I had a level of anxiety that I had only ever seen other people experience. Most of that had to do with the trauma

from the narcissistically abusive relationship.”

Andrea Scheid met Roth in 2011 and has seen Roth’s struggle with addiction and her journey to recovery.

“It was really inspiring to see her overcome addiction and create a new life for herself,” Scheid said. “During our friendship…she was very loyal friend and very encouraging.”

Richard Brown is also a longtime friend of Roth. He met her in 2005 at a 12-step meeting. He said he instantly gravitated towards Roth’s sense of style and humor. Brown emphasized Roth’s consideration of others, including her dogs.

“She really wants to be that giving caring person toward others,” Brown said. “I can see it, not just with their family members but in her friendships and also in her animals. She's a huge animal lover. I've never seen her dote on anybody more than her own animals like her dogs. They're her life.”

Roth said she found a community with recovering addicts and leans on them to maintain her recovery. She said people have the power to choose to manifest a life that goes in any direction that they'd like, whether that be positive or negative.

“We're all in recovery staying clean, you know?” Roth said. “What we’re talking about in recovery, you're not talking about surface stuff, like ‘Oh, I like your shirt’. No, you go really deep and you do it with other people. You build intimate connections that are not typical for most people to have. So there's a level of intimacy that actually makes you stronger.”

Mental Health

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situations, they begin to understand what they can offer to the world.

“I’ve been doing the practicum since January,” Hinojosa said. “I have seen a lot of people come and go. When people walk in they’re normally at their rock bottom. One of the most empowering moments is the day they’re leaving. You can see the color and the happiness in their face. They come in, they hug you and they’re like, ‘Thank you so much for everything.’” The last semester of the program is made up of two courses: Current Issues and the practicum. Each course is designed to prepare students for establishing a career in the field. The practicum course requires students to complete 300 hours at a rehabilitation site of choice. The Current Issues course allows students to debrief what happens at their practicum site.

Lauren Jerner, another practicum student, is also in recovery. She has struggled with substance abuse in the past and has been clean for six years.

“I just had a really hard life,” Jerner said. “My mom committed suicide when I was 9. She and my dad were both alcoholics. And then I grew up without a parental figure.”

When Jerner went to treatment she was inspired by the therapists there and chose to pursue a career in mental health. Today, she balances being a mother of two young children while getting her degree.

“I want to do this degree so I can give back and help people who are struggling like I was,” Jerner said. Hinojosa said the program coursework guided her as she worked on-site. She was

hesitant at first, but later gained confidence. “I was extremely terrified to walk into a practicum because I just felt like I hadn’t learned anything,” Hinojosa said. “It’s nothing against teachers. That’s just how I felt. But once I got in there, and I started actually doing the work, I’d be like, ‘Oh my God, yes. Shindoll taught me this.’ ‘Oh, Professor Starr, I learned that from him.’ ‘Mr. Hunt, I got this from him too.’”

Another practicum student, Christopher Mouton, said he grew up in a similar situation to the population he serves.

“I wish I’d had somebody who understood and was able to relate with me,” Mouton said. “I feel like that’s a call to help these people who don’t know where to get help or how to get help or how to ask.”

Nathan Starr, the faculty coordinator of the mental health program on NE Campus, said he is proud of his students.

“These are people who have dedicated their lives to this field,” Starr said. “Their major concern is not how much money they can make. Their major concern is how can I become the best clinician so that they can solve some of the problems that are so pervasive in our society. I think that’s the most honorable thing.” He said that many students in the program have been affected by substance abuse issues themselves and use their experiences to help people.

“They have made a decision to turn their pain into their purpose,” Starr said. “That’s why I think the story is important because what they’re doing is remarkable. It’s purposeful and it’s life-changing.”

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

TCC NE student Christopher Mouton is a part of the practicum class for the mental health program. He studies at Clearfork Academy, a youth recovery center.

Photo Courtesy of Erin Roth

Former NE student Erin Roth, left, enjoys a sight-seeing trip to Sedona, Arizona with her close friends: Kat and Richard.

Sunbaked sequels are hitting center stage

Impactful film franchises will see new installments this summer

Last summer’s main event was the battle of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” This summer’s main event is a battle of sequel supremacy. Sequels to franchises such as “Bad Boys,” “Despicable Me” and “A Quiet Place” are enroute which is bound to keep audiences on their toes and keep fans either entertained or enraged. It’s perhaps too early to conclude decisively, but there’s no doubt the slew of summer sequels will at least get people talking.

However, there’s a set of sequels to special films that struck a chord with showgoers all around. Movies that had a spectacular influence on minds young and old.

“Inside Out 2,” “Deadpool 3,” “Alien: Romulus” and “Twisters” have been chosen as the primary talking points for being followups to culturally impactful cinematic sensations.

In order of the new films’ release, let’s step foot into each of these and explain both what made the originals so great and what audiences can expect to see from their upcoming sunbaked sequels.

”Twisters” storms into theaters July 19

Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures’ “Twister” released in 1996 with a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and box office estimate of $495.7 million which equals $986.7 million today.

Before its release, storm observation and chasing were left to scientists and not viewed highly. But after witnessing the devastation on display, the field exploded in popularity. People’s interest in the science behind natural disasters was on the up-and-up, and there was a notable increase in the amount of people pursuing meteorology degrees. Not to mention, the public’s views on these devastating occurrences changed completely, which inspired many of the meteorologists we have today.

And the film’s upcoming sequel, “Twisters,” is looking to show the world the devastating power of natural disasters once again. The film will not feature any returning actors and will be focused on a completely new cast of characters experiencing the horrors of the titular windstorm. The film will see thrillseeking storm chaser Tyler Owens, played by Glen Powell, and the fearful, yet analytic meteorologist Kate Cooper, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, partner up to conduct studies and create new technologies to monitor tornado activity.

“Inside Out 2” works its way into theaters Jun. 14.

Disney/Pixar’s “Inside Out” released in 2015 with a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and box office estimate of $858.8 million.

The film’s exploration of emotional concepts made it accessible for both audiences –both young and old – to grasp. It helped

many to embrace their emotions and acknowledge mental health management as a real and integral part of what makes people – people. It’s a powerful movie that allowed a generation of people to feel comfortable expressing themselves.

“Inside Out 2” is working to preserve the emotional core of the first film. The plot of the first animated movie saw 11-year-old Riley and her personified emotions struggle to adjust to major lifestyle changes after moving to a new state. The sequel, however, will focus on Riley and her emotions struggling to adjust to high school. Alongside their struggle comes a cast of anxious new faces. New emotions, Anxiety, Ennui, Envy and Embarrassment join the group to try and help the other emotions keep Riley in check. “Deadpool and Wolverine” hit the silver screen July 26.

Marvel Entertainment and 20th Century Fox’s “Deadpool” released in 2016 with an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and box office estimate of $782.8 million.

Prior to the film’s releases, R-Rated comic-based films akin to 2009’s “Watchmen” were often viewed as unprofitable risks that weren’t worth taking in the metaphorical eyes of Hollywood. However, despite this, Deadpool beat the odds and became a smash hit. Some attribute this success to its reverence for the source material. A reverence lacked in Deadpool’s previous on-screen depictions in the “X-Men” films. The film paved the way for a new era of R-Rated comic-based movies such as “Joker,” “The Suicide Squad” and “Logan.”

The post-Deadpool era has also made way for sequels to the original film. The latest sequel being “Deadpool and Wolverine,” previously referred to as “Deadpool 3.” The movie will see the return of Ryan Reynolds’ take on the crimson comedian as well as the hotly anticipated silver screen comeback of Hugh Jackman’s take on Wolverine. The two will set off on a multiversal adventure through Marvel realities to face off against a common enemy. “Alien: Romulus” invades theaters Aug. 16.

20th Century Fox’s “Alien” released in 1979 with a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and box office estimate of $184.7 million which equals $794.5 million when adjusted for inflation.

The cultural impact of Alien transcended the entertainment industry at large in a way many likely would have never predicted during its prerelease. The leading lady, Ellen Ripley, is often cited as one of the greatest fictional heroines of all time and escaped the hypersexualized stereotype commonly associated with leading ladies in film. Additionally, the movie inspired the creation of two iconic video game franchises, Microsoft’s “Halo” and Nintendo’s “Metroid.”

TJ Favela/The Collegian

The specific details are being kept close to the chest, but the film stars a host of young actors taking part in a twist on the tried-and-

The newest sequel in the long-running film series is on track to set things back to basics. The movie’s plot takes place between “Alien” and the original sequel, “Aliens.”

true “Alien” storyline. The movie will follow a small group of spacefaring young colonists that cross paths with not only an abandoned space station in ruin but the most horrifying life form in the galaxy.

MOVIE REVIEW

Dev Patel’s directorial debut is an intense must-watch

Dev Patel’s “Monkey Man” packs a punch. Fast-paced and unapologetic, the experience is almost dizzying. Revenge thrillers are a cinema staple and Patel’s take on them is refreshingly bold. “Monkey Man” drags you headfirst into India’s underclass. The viewer witnesses the restless energy of the people neglected by India’s most powerful. The odd jobs, the violence and the buzz of getting revenge one day. The premise, a man on a vengeful mission, has been done many times. “Monkey Man” follows the tried-and-true formula in many ways, but there’s a freshness to it.

The film attempts to draw attention to the state of Indian politics, with the rise of the Hindutva ideology. This is the weakest aspect of the film. The message feels jumbled and unclear, but it’s risky and admirable of Patel to broach the topic at all. Viewers who are not informed about Indian politics will look for context they will not find provided in the film. However, the film holds strong despite this. If the film is viewed through the lens of being a revenge thriller, the visuals and action make it an enjoyable watch.

The film’s cinematography is energizing, the high-contrast neon colors build up the city’s atmosphere. The film uses color, lighting and shifting angles to depict the moods and feelings that define a revenge thriller. The anger, the betrayal and the need for justice are clear in the visual elements.

One of the most impressive parts of “Monkey Man” is the action. The fight scenes are exciting, jam-packed and brutal. Looking

away isn’t an option as we watch our protagonist become more and more dangerous. The film was originally not set for a theatrical release, but Jordan Peele came on as a producer after seeing it. “This is a film that simply demands to be seen in a theater with a huge, raucous audience,” Peele said.

The film was well-received with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 88% and a Headliner audience award at the SXSW film festival. Patel has received praise from critics and audience members alike for his gutsy performance and directing. “Monkey Man” is a must-watch for action lovers. The film pays homage to many action films that come before it like “Rocky” and “Oldboy.” The action sequences manage to be unique yet familiar.

Amidst the violence typical of a revenge thriller, “Monkey Man” makes space for the people of India who are often left in the shadows. The LGBTQ+ community is given a spotlight as well as the working class. The film treats these characters with dignity and respect and allows them to play a role in achieving justice.

“Monkey Man” also pulled off an impressive character arc. As the viewer follows the transformation of Patel’s character, the emotions range from exciting to tragic. Patel’s character follows many hero tropes, but it doesn’t feel overdone or boring.

The film is Patel’s passion project through and through. He worked on the film as the lead, director, producer and story writer. His effort is crystal-clear, the dedication adds another layer of appeal. The heart is there, and it’s a thrill to see.

HUDA QURESHI managing editor huda.qureshi@my.tccd.edu

XAVIER BOATNER campus editor xavier.boatner@my.tccd.edu

Photo courtesy of Universal

Many of our staff members are moving on after this semester and we cannot wrap up this academic year without reviewing about our time at TCC.

But don’t worry, this is not a scathing review. Every institution has its ups and downs. TCC is no different, and we love the college for its differences. That said, let’s discuss the good and the bad.

We have found that TCC’s strongest suit is providing the necessary tools and resources that students need.

In fact, with all the free food readily available for students around every corner, we can see just how much TCC cares about the wellbeing of students.

Resources like the free food can help feed a student who can’t afford a meal, but of course TCC does so much more than that.

It is clear the college cares about student success from the professional headshots offered, the job fairs on every campus and the persistent, almost redundant number of notifications we get from the transfer center about university visits.

The college also understands the financial situation some students have. It is telling that the college has met us where we are at when they can offer a suit and tie to a student in need of professional dress wear for an interview.

Paired with resources that also benefit a student’s personal life, it makes school much easier. It was a great idea for TCC to start offering child-care services that both help stu-

VIEWPOINTS

Leadership

dents who need it, as well as students who are looking to join the childcare field.

Trinity Metro, as well, has bridged the gap between campuses and made it easier for students to access their classes across the district.

My biggest lesson learned is that becoming a leader is to be forged like iron. I would have been entirely lost if I did not do my research, attend leadership workshops and ask a million questions leading up to the first production day. However, practice made the difference.

You are not going to get it right the first time. Maybe even the second or third. One of the biggest goals of leadership, I have come to understand, is to learn. Stagnancy gets nothing done. You are wrought by the experience leadership gives you. There is discomfort, pressure and intensity that comes with it but that is better than refusing to grow.

Nobody is perfect, and I am not the best there ever was. I have made my mistakes, stumbled and thought over and over about what I could have done differently. Unfortunately, that never stops. As it turns out, when you’ve spent the day thinking about those mis-

The point is students can achieve success if they know where to go. However, this raises our set of concerns. Do students know where to go? Do they know who to talk to?

The thing is, all of these resources and attempts from the college can

takes, you can just go to bed and conjure up dreams about it to fill the time.

However, all that strife can lead to the most rewarding experience when you use what you have learned to be better for your team.

I am in awe of the success The Collegian has brought for themselves. National and statewide awards become the physical representation of just how talented the staff is, and it was a constant reminder that I wanted to be someone they could also be proud of.

You are sharpened and strengthened by the day, and that is fulfilling. The start can seem like hellfire, but I look at where I am now, and I am all the wiser.

I feel more confident, I understand a little more what power is and the responsibility to not just The Collegian and the TCC community, but to myself. I practiced balance and flexibility in the pillars of my life.

This job is not easy. It is true that you never really know what it’s like until you are standing in front of the entirety of staff on a production day as everyone stares expectantly at you. The final decision stress is palpable.

Feelings of fear, distress and anxiety are going to be a part of the work. However, I don’t think I have ever felt more confident in the decisions I make now and the things I believe in. Being tested so much really does afford a newfound sense of confidence, if at least a little bit.

To those who might be moving on to a position of leadership, know that you can and should accept the help that is offered. The guidance and support make the bad days easier, and it’s important you let people know that just as you can be a crutch, they can help hold you up too.

Take every day as it comes. It goes by fast, so don’t let any of it go to waste because one day – like I am now – you’ll look back on where you started and know that you came out of it with a few cool scars and many good memories.

only go so far if the college is not reaching the students the way they should.

We are worried that communication between the college and students is not as strong as it should be.

We’ve said it in a previous ed-

itorial, but it’s worth saying again. Students must know what important changes are occurring at TCC. Being informed is vital for student success, and that seems like a back burner issue for the college.

Students are going to ask questions, can the college answer?

The Collegian can and will continue to do our part to keep the college informed in the best way we can, but how can we, if the information is only accessible to select parts of the college?

It also leaves a burden on faculty when they are the only ones to know anything about the state of things. The expectation of them to share this information is unfair over the rest of their workload.

We also hope that the new assigned adviser system will give an opportunity to better understand the degree plans and how they transfer to four-year universities.

It is far too easy for a student to unknowingly sign themselves up for a class that does not transfer to a university. Can they be blamed for not wanting to spend one to two hours of their day waiting for an adviser appointment each time they have a question? Hopefully, the next semester will show a greater success for students.

All in all, we are very fortunate to have the support of TCC because they understand their student needs. Moving forward, we recommend that the college continues to look for these chances to give students an opportunity for success.

documentary, “Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion.”

I don’t tend to shop at the popular clothing store, but I do occasionally buy tops and other accessories. My friends and I often touch the fabric in disbelief because of how soft it feels.

“This is such good quality,” we agree. According to the documentary, the luxurious feel of the clothes is one of many illusions about the brand. Unfortunately, I can’t say I was too surprised to learn about yet another problematic company. Though what I wasn’t ready for were the comments made by young women on TikTok.

Content creators set up their phones to summarize the information laid out in the film and give their takes. I’d watch their videos and head to the comment section. I’d scroll and scroll, but there just seemed to be this overall attitude of apathy. After repeating this process for multiple videos posted, I realized I felt a bit disturbed. It was disheartening to see so many people agree to not care about something important in one place. I can’t say that I don’t contribute to the issue of Fast Fashion, because I do. I shop at clothing stores like PacSun, Cotton On and H&M. These stores are constantly updating

their items based on what’s in, contributing to the social norm of tossing out clothes to buy the new trendy item.

I don’t think enough people consider where their clothes go after they decide to get rid of them. Whether it be throwing them out or hulling them in a donation box. Because the documentary explained the harm of the Fast Fashion business model and the role Brandy Melville plays in it, the nonchalant attitude expressed online was disappointingly the argument those involved in the film were making.

The experts and sources interviewed to talk about Fast Fashion recognized the fact that people buying into the harmful system don’t know or understand how they make an impact, or they simply don’t care. For those who regularly shop at Brandy Melville, there’s a similar sentiment. The store only offers clothes that are one-size fits all. The documentary explained that complaints have been made over the years since it opened in the U.S. in 2009, but the store’s CEO, Stephan Marsan has refused to make changes.

I’m not interested in shaming anyone for continuing to purchase clothes from the store, and I understand if a number of people aren’t going to stop shopping at certain places because they’ve learned how the company contributes to Fast Fashion. I get it, and I honestly have no room to judge. I just hope people can remember to be empathetic and open to new ideas and ways of doing things.

You don’t have to decide to stop wearing your favorite tops from Brandy Melville, but I don’t think that means you can’t consider the points made in the documentary seriously. When a social issue is presented to you, I think the least you can do is listen and reflect on the points made.

There’s something gross and off-putting about dismissing something that negatively impacts other people and joking about the fact that you just don’t care.

We’ve got to do better.

Tj Favela/The Collegian