October 4, 2023, TCC The Collegian

In increments, NW Campus has begun to rebuild itself with redevelopment. One of the newest buildings, NW05, was a promise of something more, an example of the future. For NW student Jimmy Chestnut, a wheelchair user, it became something else. He has run into various accessibility issues like limited access to outside entry ways, bathrooms, classrooms and hallways.

The building’s overcrowding, has increasingly set back his ability to navigate the halls among student traffic, too.

“They were supposed to make it better,” he said. “Maybe you have a lot of bugs to work out, I understand. But it should have been taken care of before the grand opening.”

Before NW05 was built, Chestnut said Student Accessibility Resources reached out to him to discuss with contractors what could be improved to make it more accessible for students. These recent issues made him disappointed because he always felt heard at TCC before this semester.

“I just want everything to be fair for everybody, not just because I’m disabled,” he said. “Say, if you were to hurt your ankle or something and you’re on one of those scooters, the doors are still not ac-

cessible.”

John Posch, the program director for TCC’s $825 million 2019 bond program including NW Campus redevelopment, said that NW05 is fully ADA compliant.

In an email response shared from Reginald Gates, vice chancellor of communications and exter-

nal affairs, on Sept. 21, Posch addressed the issue of elevator maintenance. He stated four of the five elevators currently work, and he expects the fifth elevator to be repaired soon. He also said the overcrowding will subside once other NW Campus departments move to the

NW01 building, expected to open this month.

He added that push buttons to open entry ways are not an ADA Texas requirement, though a problem was identified with the opening force of the doors. The problem was expected to be fixed once parts arrived. Chestnut was not made aware of these corrections and said he has not noticed a difference.

Chestnut was invited to meet with NW Campus SAR Director Deborah Schall after sending a letter to her about the issues he had been having since the start of the semester. He said they discussed making accommodations in his classes and looking at the facility’s elevator complications. He was also told an additional push button would be implemented to NW05 on See Access, page 6

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

Two TCC campuses have collaborated to breathe life into a tragic reunion between three sisters.

Students from the NE and NW drama departments have joined forces to take part in “Crimes of the Heart,” an adaptation of the 1978 Beth Henley original and a stage play that tackles the loneliness and trauma faced by a group of three southern sisters. The production has been in the works for some time and will run from Oct. 4-7 in the NFAB building.

“The play is about three sisters who have a traumatic past coming together in the small town of Hazelhurst, MS in 1974, after the youngest attempts to murder her husband by shooting him,” NE student Alexis Brown said. “It has that same feel as ‘Steel Magnolias’.”

Brown and the rest of the cast talked about their roles in the play and what their characters offered the story.

as well.

“I play Chick, the Magrath sisters’ noisy cousin who really needs to learn to mind her own business,” Nieves said.

TR students Antonio Mazzone and Miranda Hildner gave some details about their characters and their personalities.

“I play a young talented lawyer named Barnette Lloyd,” Mazzone said. “He is seen to be an intelligent person, who is very passionate and fanatical about this career and this case specifically. Lloyd has a lot of energy and is very ambitious.”

Hilder followed suit and said her character tended to provide a spark of comedic relief in tense situations.

“I play Meg Magrath, the middle sister,” Hildner said. “She is 27 and lives in Hollywood, California in hopes to pursue a singing career. She comes home to see Babe, her younger sister, because she shot her husband. Meg is sarcastic, fiery, witty and doesn’t take life too seriously. She can always find a way to squeeze in a joke to anything serious.”

NW01, the newest addition to NW Campus’ redevelopment plan, briefly opened its doors for a tour to show off its whatto-come features.

NW student leaders talked among each other, glancing around the NW01 lobby they stood in while construction quietly finalized around them. They were most excited about the promise of space.

“There’s just so many new spaces and such good areas to study and actually socialize with people,” Maria Rivera, NW student and Phi Theta Kappa vice president of public relations said. “I think it’s also a plus that its open space.”

She explained that prior to NW01, NW05 was the only example of what the development could change and

has experienced trouble since trying to find spaces that are not crowded. She appreciates that this building responds to the needs she saw students had and welcomes the change.

“They’ve been so receptive to student needs, and I think this building is a really good example,” Rivera said. “Because like I said, they brought back so many of the things that we’ve needed that we felt we lost.”

Set to be open to all students this month, NW01 will be for students There are wider, larger areas of seating and waiting, and a grand staircase that extends to the second floor. Along with this, student services like Student Accessibilities and Intercultural Network will be moved into this building.

To ensure that accessibility for students is maximized, Vice President of Student Affairs Jan Clayton told the group that

she and a team are working on accessibility mapping NW01.

“One of the things that we hope to have ready to go in the next couple of weeks: you’ll be able to see a sign that says, ‘Most accessible route,’” she said. “Hit the QR code, and it’s going to show you the most ideal points of entry or place to travel and navigate the building.”

Clayton also said that the building will continue to be assessed for accessibility and emphasized creating a “universal design” that will address the needs of the students.

“What you’re going to see is an ongoing effort to continue to respond to what we hear students telling us and then what we know as best practice opportunities to integrate that into our buildings as we go along as well,” she said. Read more about this story online at collegian.tccd.edu

“I play the role of Lenora ‘Lenny’ Magrath,” she said. “She is the oldest sister. She is the one who takes care of everyone but herself, and she thrives off of having her sisters around her and longs for companionship but lacks the confidence to reach out for it.”

NE student Darolynn Nieves shared details about her character

Each of the cast members found intrigue and depth in the story in their own ways, but all of them agreed the tone and writing style was a big draw for them.

“I found the play to be very well written, and how these characters feel is so real and different,” Mazzone said. “This play is character-driven rather than See Crimes, page 6

Hoben/The Collegian

students Darolyn Nieves, who plays Chick Boyle, and Alexis

love

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SE Campus club tackles college hazing

DASHH Prevention Squad help discuss hazing and how to prevent

NINA BANKS managing editor nina.banks@my.tccd.edu

On SE Campus, the DASHH Prevention Squad created several in-person and virtual events during September to inform students about hazing.

TCC’s website defines Drugs, Alcohol, Sex, Harassment and Hazing, abbreviated to DASHH, as a “prevention initiative that promotes healthy behaviors through comprehensive and intentional educational programming.”

According to Hazing Prevention Network, 47% of students who come to college already experienced hazing. SE student Calvin Pham who is also a DASHH Prevention Squad Member attributed students not talking about hazing to the potential consequences.

“It’s horrifying,” Pham said. “When it comes to hazing, not a lot of people like talking about it because if you say something your friend will talk about it. Because you might lose a friend. You might be reported. So, it’s hard for a person to talk about whether they are being hazed or not.”

SE student Alondra Sanchez is aware of

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hazing but hasn’t witnessed it firsthand.

“I’ve heard of it,” Sanchez said. “You usually see it in frats and gang-related stuff.”

South student Karla Olivera attends classes at the University of Texas at Arlington and believes hazing is more likely to be found at four-year universities.

“Because the universities are way bigger,” Olivera said. “So, I feel like for community college, a lot of people are trying to [take their classes]. While if it’s very young people in the universities, I feel like they just want to experiment.”

Sanchez also believes community college students would be less inclined to fall subject to hazing than university students.

“If you’re going from community college to universities in general, you’re gonna be more inclined to do your work,” Sanchez said. “You might go around and explore and stuff, but you’re not going to be as inclined to because you realize there is more to lose.”

For students transferring to universities after TCC, Olivera warned students to be careful of whom they associate with.

“You never know who could be your friend and who could not be your friend,” Olivera said. “So, if you transfer and they’re

being nice, don’t just do everything because they’re cool or whatever. It ain’t about that in life. Just get your studies and go live your life.”

While the stigma around victims of hazing continues, Pham urged students to

lend an ear to their peers. Talk about hazing and percentage Pham said. “I’s your job to try and talk to them about it and make them feel comfortable around you to talk about whether they are being hazed or not.”

Students struggle to balance work, school, life

KEYLA HOLMES campus editor keyla.holmes@my.tccd.edu

Work-life balance can look different for everyone. For NE student Myleare Mclaughlin, it means juggling school, working as an on-campus Starbucks barista and parenting her 5-year-old son.

“Since he’s still young, he has a lot of needs and wants,” she said. “I am trying to break generational curses, so I want to give him what I didn’t have. I want him to be happy.”

Mclaughlin is doing a transfer degree. She knows attaining her bachelor’s paves the way for potential pay raises and an overall improved lifestyle.

Without a plan, she said showing up for herself and her son would be even more challenging.

“As a mom, your whole schedule, your whole life, revolves around your kid,” she said. “If your schedule doesn’t fit your kid’s schedule, then it’s not going to work.”

Learning what strategies are most helpful can create room for students to not only flourish academically, but have time to de-stress.

SE student Arelia Limon is a part time Chick-fil-A employee. Ever since fall semester started, she changed her availability at her job so she could work less.

“This is the time where I prioritize my school work more than my job,” she said. “I had all summer to get my money up.”

Now in her second year, Limon said she has a better idea on how to be successful in her classes.

“I can’t procrastinate at all,” she said. “I learned the hard way that it’s better to get all of your school work done ahead of time to have free time later on.”

For those wanting to improve their work-life blend, creating a schedule can be helpful.

“You really need to structure your life,”

NE Student Development Associate Tyler Rhoden said. “Whether that’s planning out your day, hour by hour, or just having a general idea on some study time.”

Rhoden said planning out study time

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the south side.

Jan Clayton, NW vice president of student affairs, was able to confirm this as well. She explained that one of her and the college’s top priorities is listening to the needs of the students and taking ADA concerns seriously.

“Always as a college, we should be looking for opportunities to increase access for students and support and resources, and

so hearing that feedback lets us know that we have to really prioritize and hear that and respond to that,” she said.

She advises students to go to their SAR director with accessibility issues that need to be address.

“If we need to develop a specific accommodation plan for that student, we will do that, and if we need to develop a specific accommodation plan for an employee,

Crimes (continued from page 1)

vibrant. This story is told only through these characters and their experiences, and the history of these characters are very rich.”

Mazzone said every character in the story had a defining moment that would help characterize their personas.

For Nieves, the genre and acting style behind the characters was what drew her in.

“It’s a dramedy set in Mississippi,” she said. “Anything to use an accent on stage.”

The most interesting aspect of the play to Brown was the sense of humor injected into the story.

“Dark humor is tricky because if it is not done right, it can just come off as tactless or ridiculous, and I had never done anything like this before,” she said.

enables students to learn information more effectively.

“You don’t need to study for hours,” he said. “Just study for 30-45 minutes, take a 15-20 minute break, and then jump back into it.”

Choosing a study environment that’s right for one’s needs, can help with focus and motivation.

“Putting yourself around people that are like minded, goal driven, and have the same ambitions that you do - that’s really going to benefit you,”Rhoden said.

Currently pursuing his master’s degree and working full-time in Student Activities, Rhoden said it’s challenging to navigate.

“I think so many of us when we’re in school feel like we’re missing out on our lives because other people in their 20s are traveling, or going out to clubs, and we can’t really do that because we’ve got to go to bed and be up early in the morning for school,” he said.

Mclaughlin not only has to prioritize being a student, but the added daily pressures of motherhood.

For childcare, she leans on her family and depends on the YMCA program at her son’s school.

“I really needed that because it was really hard on my mom to have to work, help my sister, and then help my son and I,” she said.

While her village is small she said, without her family, she wouldn’t be able to have any time for herself.

“They don’t mind taking him for the weekend,” Mclaughlin said. “This weekend my dad is taking him so I have that time for myself. Especially since I only have one day off a week.”

For those who may struggle to cultivate time for themselves, she said you’ve got to just do it.

“Girl, go get your nails done,” she said. “It won’t happen if you don’t plan for it to. It’s more of whenever you have that time, you capture it.”

we will do that,” she said. “And if there’s something for a guest to the building or a community member that we can address in the immediate, we will do that as well.”

Chestnut said what he wants is for people to listen to him and others with accessibility needs. He believes it is important to be able to that space to express concerns and be heard.

“I mean, you gotta open somebody’s

eyes to get change to happen,” he said.

He invites those in charge of the building development to spend a day navigating the building in a wheelchair or on crutches because they may come to realize how many problems he encounters in a day.

“I’m sure they’ve gone through everything with a fine-tooth comb,” Chestnut said. “But if you’re not in a chair, you’re not gonna get my point of view.”

true family means,” she said. “That means resentment for certain things aside, we all have each other’s backs in life – no matter the situation.”

Mazzone’s takeaway from the theme was quite similar in that the experience helped him to truly value those in his personal life.

“I learned more about myself and who I am and when I should stop holding on to such grudges,” He said. “Because in life, there can be other important things than holding on to the past.”

Brown believed the theme of the play is all about the strength in relationships and found that the play allowed her to do so selfreflection on the importance of keeping those relationships nice and healthy.

Like the need to keep bonds tight, especially with those who love you – warts and all.”

The sisterly story that is “Crimes of the Heart” could leave many with unique interpretations.

The idea of the play is to provide viewers with an entertaining and self-reflective experience that gives them a glimpse into the varied works of the drama departments.

The reaction of the audience was one Mazzone thought was important, and he hoped in the end viewers would also be able to reflect more on who they are as people.

a plot-driven play, and so we get to uncover more of this story through these characters. That is what makes these characters so

Hildner felt the theme was more about the familial connection between the three sisters and said the theme has opened her eyes to the way she views that type of connection.

“The theme has shown me what

“As the middle of three girls, I resonate with it. When my sisters and I are together – life feels better,” she said. “I don’t think it has opened my eyes to anything per se, but confirmed things I may have forgotten about.

“I hope the audience will love these characters and their stories, and I hope they have some laughs because it is an entertaining show,” he said. “But I also hope that they learn a bit about themselves. I hope that we, as the actors, allow for the audience to understand and feel for these characters and bring to life the amazing writing from Beth Henley.”

Alex Hoben/The Collegian SE student Calvin Pham educates a fellow student on hazing during hazing prevention week.

Alex Hoben/The Collegian NE student Myleare Mclaughlin rings up drink order at Cafe Noliz at NE Campus.

Alex Hoben/The Collegian Alexis Harrison, Liana Flores and Miranda Hildner practice on set.

Ennter a world ter wiithout Judgment

NE Neurodiversity Club expands outreach efforts

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

Finding comfort in a judgmental world isn’t easy, but the passionate members of the NE Neurodiversity Club are doing everything they can to create judgment-free zone for autistic minds far and wide.

The Neurodiversity Club holds their meetings every Thursday from 3:30 to 5:00 in NSTU 1506. During meetings, club members lend their attention to NE speech communications department instructor Amber Meyers, for information and plans on upcoming club activities like club collaborations, fundraisers, field trips, scholarship opportunities and more.

As discussed during the club’s recent meeting, not only are there many special activities to look forward to, but there is also a mission – a goal – that the club has set out to accomplish this semester.

This year’s freshman class were previously identified by the CDC as autistic at a rate of 1 in 54 students, which has resulted in more students with accommodations now than ever before, Meyers wrote.

“The CDC released new numbers this year,” she wrote. “The new estimate is based on current 10-year-olds in American public schools. That number is 1 in 38 students diagnosed with autism! Additionally, ADHD students are more likely to attend community colleges than universities and the rate of diagnosis of ADHD continues to grow as well. Are colleges ready for that new kind of student?”

The ambitious minds behind the club are working to make TCC the place for all neurodivergent students to blossom into the best possible version of themselves and thrive in new and imaginative ways.

“When students are connected socially to a campus, the research proves that GPAs go up, retention rates improve and graduation rates increase,” Meyers wrote. “Thus, we believe that every college campus needs a neurodiversity social club to support the needs and viewpoints of neurodiverse students.”

One of the most prolific goals the club is aiming to achieve is to branch out and take social clubs like it beyond what currently exists in the state.

“I want to duplicate this club and take it statewide,” Meyers said during the

meeting.

TCC’s Neurodiversity Club is currently the only neurodiversity social club in all of Texas. Every other district and campus across the state has programs and support groups spearheaded by school disability accommodations departments.

“Students need a place where they can be themselves - a judgment-free zone,” Meyers said.

NE student Sebastian Rodriguez said it was important to explain to neurotypical people what it means to be neurodivergent and erase the stigma that has surrounded autistic people.

“I want to bring light on neurodivergence, kind of spread the word on what neurodivergence is and kind of bring the fun out of it,” he said. “Because in society nowadays, a lot of people don’t have a general idea of what being neurodiverse is, or having Aspergers, or being autistic, or having ADHD A lot of people seem to be very misinformed on what it means to be neurodivergent. I wish to show people what a neurodivergent person could be instead of having people say how it’s a disability or an obstacle or something like that.”

A core aspect of the club’s appeal is found in its atmosphere. Rodriguez, who prior to becoming a club member found it difficult to find people who he could relate to, found value in the club’s accepting sense of community.

“Having a community helps because it allows people to be more open and

free to express themselves or who they are rather than just wear a mask to appeal to somebody else’s interests,” he said. “I feel like when people wear those masks, it kind of drops their self-esteem a lot and rids them of the confidence to be who they truly are rather than to be something for someone else.”

NE student Marina Maranto said the club is an inclusive space that lends a helping hand to neurodiverse minds in need.

“A lot of us don’t make it through college,” Maranto said. “There’s just not enough support, help or resources for us and we get shut off from what little community we had back in high school or those early school days. We’re kind of just thrust into the world where most of us, even if you’re neurotypical, get thrust into the world without that help or support, but even more so with us. We are just completely out of depth and out of our zone. A lot of our routines have been changed. Our whole life has been upended that isn’t as distressing for someone who is neurotypical.”

Marina said getting to be themselves, getting to help each other, getting to continue moving forward with academic research and just continuing to strive in their education is what mattered most to her.

To learn more about the Neurodiversity Club, reach out to club advisor amber.myers@ .

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

NE speech communications department instructor Amber Meyers, the adviser of the club, presents to club members their plans to expand in the future.

This page was designed with the neurodivergent audience in mind. Pale pink helps to evoke peace of mind. Sans serif fonts can appeal to neurodivergent people to better read and keep their attention. Information is from Pheels.com.

Illustrations by Markus Meneses/The Collegian

Film on fate highlights familial influences

Protagonists learn valuable life-lessons that pave the way to love

Fate is an important theme within the movie, ‘Love at First Sight’, and love is the result of simply choosing to align with one’s fate. The narrator explains that this sentiment is the reason behind two people falling in love, however, I think it’s more about the influential people in the future couple’s lives.

meet Oliver, played by Ben Hardy. Oliver is from London, but has been studying data statistics and data science at Yale. His character is described as someone who hates surprises and dislikes mayonnaise as well. Their interactions are cute and filled with sarcastic commentary, but it’s clear from the beginning that they’re two different people.

Of course, once they board the plane Oliver’s original seatbelt at his assigned seat is broken and ends up being seated next to Hadley. They spend the rest of the flight opening up to each other a little, or at least

tions with their family members that cleared the path for them to come together.

It may have been fate that they met at the airport, but the scenes of them actually in London once their flight had landed seemed to be all about learning how to navigate major life changes and being open to not only accepting the present moment, but finding the beauty within it.

Turns out, Oliver’s mom has cancer and has chosen not to receive any treatment. She’s having a memorial for herself so that she has the opportunity to say goodbye to

doesn’t make them anymore valuable.

Oliver realizes that weighing the likelihood of things and keeping count of experiences doesn’t accurately reflect them. Similarly, Hadely comes to her own revelation due to a conversation she has with her dad. Due to both of the parent’s perspectives about choosing to live and adjust as it changes, brings a sense of closure to two characters who desperately want to understand life and love.

It’s through the lessons that Hadley and Oliver learn that enable them to open their hearts to one another. The narrator says the film isn’t about love, but is about fate. However it is the love of family that opens up the hearts of two characters who feel deeply conflicted about what’s happening in their

and making peace with others. It’s a good

taining for the most part and have some semblance of depth which did catch me off guard. Not that I’m complaining, but I didn’t expect it. There are some trust issues between the lead family that get resolved by the end in the most “Disney Channel/Hallmark” way imaginable, but

Thankfully, this movie dodges the “main characters split up during the third act” cliche, and the two remain (mostly) likeable throughout. Well, the son, Antonio “Tony” Torrez-Tango played by Connor Esterson, was a bit of a brat. The daughter on the other hand, Patricia “Patty” TorrezTango played by Everly Carganilla, was far

While it was nothing groundbreaking, the music and visuals were nice, and the message of the film is a valuable oneation. It’s a simple, feel-good, cheeseball spy flick that kids and some parents will

Photo courtesy of Netflix

“Love at First Sight” scene depicts main characters Oliver, played by Ben Hardy and Hadley, played by Haley Lu Richardson eat a meal together before boarding flight to London.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Everly Carganilla and Connor Esterson pose for the new ‘Spy Kids’ movie released Sept. 22.

Kids are still struggling because of COVID

America’s adults weren’t preparing America for a post-COVID world, and our children got the brunt of it.

According to the government’s Nation’s Report Card, the reading level for fourth graders in 2022 was lower than all previous assessment years going back to 2005. It also takes the average eighth-grader 7.4 months to catch up to pre-pandemic achievement levels in reading, 9.1 months for math.

Although COVID-19’s public health emergency ended May 11, the need to help our education system hasn’t.

Reading and basic math won’t seem like a hurdle for a lot of college students but to a 9-year-old, that’s the hardest thing they’ve had to do in their life up to this point.

The concern isn’t that they’ll “take over.” It’s that they won’t have a good quality of life because they missed out on the initial building blocks of education, and quarantine took that away.

Again, the intention isn’t to say, “Woe to us, those kids are going to replace us and ruin America.” It is “Woe to us. How can we help our children who had an unorthodox way of growing up.”

Older students were either nearing graduation in high school or in college already. This gave a bit of an advantage because they already had study habits in place. They’ve learned how to interact with others

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in public. They understood what it meant to be a student in the most “normal” way. Our kids simply didn’t.

We need to address the fact that these kids went through a trau-

matic event that tremendously affected them and are having to come back to in-person learning as if it was just a summer break. Right now, we’re failing our kids. A universal answer to respond

A lot of things that are girl aren’t as lighthearted, like carrying pepper spray. However, girl always finds a way. Yes, we have to carry pepper spray. Why not let’s bedazzle it while we’re at it? Safety and style are not mutually exclusive.

NINA BANKS campus editor nina.banks@my.tccd.edu

The word “girl” is no longer a noun. Thanks to TikTok, it’s an adjective and a verb too.

Women on TikTok have gathered and coined several phrases to explain how we rationalize certain ideas. Most notably “girl dinner” and “girl money.” For example, “girl money” means that buying something in cash doesn’t cost anything because it doesn’t come out of your checking account.

It’s definitely not precise, or fiscally responsible. But to me and many girls, it makes complete sense.

I don’t think twice about walking out of Sephora with a $30 concealer. But as soon as it comes down to buying groceries, suddenly $20 is an arm and a freshly waxed leg.

Though girl is a gendered word, using girl doesn’t necessarily mean the individual completing the action is a girl. I’ve known many guys who can and are capable of girl.

But to girl is not to be forced. You either got it or you don’t.

Unlike other trends, guys can’t just slap on a pearl necklace to appeal to the “female gaze.” No, being girl is innate. It’s primal even.

True girl cannot be faked.

With “Barbie,” we were given the ultimate girl content. Not only was it nurturing for many girls and women to witness feminism in this format, the culture created around the movie was so heartwarming.

Walking out the theater with my friends, we waved to every girl wearing pink and greeted them with a cheery “Hi Barbie.” Seeing women and girls of all ages alike dressed in pink was emotional in and of it itself.

Though it’s silly, girl math and “Barbie” makes me feel so lucky to have a place inside of girlhood.

The community you have and the immediate comradery I can feel with another woman is unmatched.

My female friendships are something I have come to depend on and hold dear to my heart. No matter what my friends do, I wholeheartedly support my fellow girl, even if I’ve never met them before. Who doesn’t love a random compliment from another gal?

Embracing the girly things in life with genuine female friendships is an experience like no other. Who else can I go to when I need to know if an event is for standing up or sitting down jeans?

Don’t get me wrong, I love and appreciate all my male friendships too. I have made a commitment to myself to surround myself with Allans instead of Kens.

The Allans in my life know how to girl, and it’s truly all I can ask of them.

Strive to do something girl today. I’m sure it’ll make you feel better.

Tj Favela/The Collegian

to a child’s deficit doesn’t exist.

There is a problem in the education system now, so we need to work on it now. The government has a law for education, but it needs to do a better job so that America can actu-

ally tell there is one. America needs to do better.

If we target it early and see that the student has a deficit in the first grade or freshman year, then we can ensure our younger students have a better quality of life because their education system cared enough to change it.

Sure, older students missed out on prom, graduating less than 6 feet away from each other, senior sendoff, but they had that foundation.

Where were the preparations for a version of America and the world we’ve never seen?

It seems like schools, for both younger and older students, care more about certifications and statistics than actually preparing their students for the real world. And now that the statistics aren’t impressive - no, just sad - is when we see our education slightly change.

Addressing problems isn’t enough. We need action.

This may be harsh to say, but it’s not like our politicians, governors or school boards were held at gunpoint or forced into these jobs. No, they willingly took them despite knowing they’d be held accountable for answers and changes Americans can’t do themselves. The pandemic may have ended, but it has obviously altered our lives, including our younger ones — especially our younger ones.

empathy to grow.

The library is supposed to be a place where people can utilize resources they may not have access to. It’s a place where someone can learn about anything they’d like because the information is accessible to them.

KEYLA HOLMES campus editor keyla.holmes@my.tccd.edu

I was in the car earlier this week with my grandma when we heard a story about books being removed from the shelves of Midland County Library. However, the books weren’t banned, but simply made inaccessible to young readers.

According to the Texas Standard, the news organization that reported on the incident, Midland County Commissioner Dianne Anderson had led a group to go through the children’s and young adult sections and take books off of the shelves that they found offensive or inappropriate. I find their actions to be offensive and inappropriate.

When I heard the story I was immediately confused by why they felt like they could be making the best decision for all children and young people. How did they know what should and shouldn’t be on the shelves? Some of the titles of the books they removed are “An ABC of Equality” and ‘My Two Dads and Me.”

I don’t see how potentially encouraging children and young adults to value diversity and consider the ways in which families can look different is inappropriate or offensive. It allows for students to practice considering perspectives different from their own, which I believe creates room for

For Midland County Library, this isn’t the case. The commissioner and her group are censoring, not because of the public’s request to remove a book, but because they for whatever reason don’t want to see it in the children’s and YA section.

When I was younger I loved the library. I liked that it was filled with so many different stories and the idea that I could pick whichever one I liked the most. I enjoyed the feeling of limitlessness.

The large, open space with books everywhere. As a child who didn’t have control over much in life, the experience of choosing what I liked and wanted to know more about, was everything.

While the kids and young people may not know it, there’s a book that may have been truly perfect for them. Maybe there’s something they’d be able to deeply resonate with. A situation or lifestyle that reflects their home life.

Because of the Midland County Commissioner they’ll just never know.

Although parents may be concerned about what’s accessible to their children, the consideration of how some kids may be able to relate to the stories being removed is necessary.

It’s in books that we can sometimes find comfort in the life experiences we’re going through. You never know what will have a long lasting impression on someone.

You never know what they need to hear or see.

Girl is no longer just a noun, it’s an adjective too

Selective censorship should not have a place in libraries

Hispanic Heritage Month honored during annual event

desire to build his life in a way that was his own. When he chose to leave his job at 48 and pursue his own financial firm, he did so because he believed he could do more.

For 14 years a TCC campus has taken a turn at celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting the Abrazando Al Exito event. It’s packed full of food, art and music.

This year was Connect Campus’ turn, and this year’s event included a panel discussion with three special guests who shared success stories about growing up Hispanic and Latino, as well as what it took for them to get where they are now.

Panelist Maria Mason is one of the top producing realtors in Dallas-Fort Worth and started Camino Real Estate with her husband Sam. She said she faced hardship sometimes being the only Latina in a room but was able to overcome it.

“Knowing your foundation, knowing what kind of person you are, how strong you are despite of all those things, you can persevere through the fact that you’re Latina [and] you might be one of the few – or only one there,” she said. “You know, the Latino community is a beautiful, beautiful community. Having pride in that is important.”

Mason grew up in poverty in the Las Vegas Trail area of Fort Worth with her parents, who were migrant farm workers. She started her higher education at TCC, moving on to TCU. Because of her upbringing, she learned early to be the spokesperson for her family, and that gave her the ability to be outspoken.

She explained that every day she experiences her heritage. She found, however, that she could uplift her community in everyday life by serving them in her work.

“I think I celebrate my Latino community, my Hispanic heritage, by serving my community and helping them build generational wealth through the purchase of their homes,” Mason said.

Her determination allowed her to be in the top 1% of realtors in DFW and a successful entrepreneur.

Panelist Adrian Galvan grew up with a

“I am you,” Galvan told the audience. “I grew up in ESL, and I didn’t learn English properly until second grade. I am you guys, because my parents are hard-working people, and they instilled in me a hard-work ethic.”

Now he is the managing director, CFO and CCO of Tijerina, Galvan & Lawrence, LLC. His firm gives financial advice to institutions in the Fort Worth area like TCC and the City of Fort Worth.

He is the first generation in his family to be born in the U.S. His father was a welder and his mother worked in food service. Together, they taught him community, love, sacrifice and hard work.

While he considers his family and church community a major stepping stone in his life, he said his second phase of life started with his education. He said having grit made the difference, and he encourages others to learn the same.

“It’s setting yourself on a long-term goal and putting a track together to get to that goal without having to get affirmation from anybody else and not stopping until you hit that goal,” he said. “Learned that in my house. Education was a vehicle that got me there.”

Now, he is able to celebrate his heritage by striving for excellence every day at his firm.

“I get into rooms and people do a doubletake like, ‘How’d this guy get in here?’” he said. “Let me tell you how I got in here, and let me tell you how we’re gonna do this financing. And next thing you know, they just saw something that they’ve never seen before. That’s how I celebrate my heritage.”

The Abrazando Al Exito hosts were excited to share this experience with TCC and uplift Hispanic heritage. Chancelor Elva LeBlanc addressed the audience, explaining the importance of the month because it’s representative of the communities in and around TCC.

“It’s for our students to see the different roles that Hispanics have in our community, and the different opportunities that each and every one of you have,” LeBlanc said. “Our community outreach is sending the message that TCC is here for everyone.”

According to TCC’s district profile for this fall semester, 37% of TCC is Hispanic/Latino, making it the highest ethnicity next to white at 26%.

“It’s just very exciting that the Hispanic heritage is celebrated,” Jaqueline Garica Munoz, Connect Campus supplemental instruction manager and event host, said. “I know a lot of our community here at TCC have Hispanic students, so It’s just a time to celebrate this heritage.”

The third panelist, Jason Abreu, is vice president of student affairs at TR Campus. Born in Miami, his parents migrated to Florida from Cuba during the war during the Bay of Pigs invasion. Abreu started working at 13 in his neighborhood, where he learned work ethic early on.

He said finding a mentor and taking the help that is offered through TCC makes a world of difference, something he experienced in his own life.

“One of the first things that really impacted me is there was someone there that believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” Abreu said. “So all the students that have stood up this evening, everybody that works here at TCC, everybody from the community, everybody from outside of TCC –we believe in you.”

Abreu acknowledged that life has challenges, but he affirmed that there is more that unites people than separates them. Because of that, he knows it is important to support each other in the community despite what differences people may find.

“This event is called ‘Abrazando al Exito.’ And ‘Abrazando’ can also translate to hugging. Give each other a pat on the back,” he said. “Make sure you embrace each other because as we go through these challenges, we just want to make sure that there’s two arms that can hold us and carry us forward.”

HOPE SMITH editor-in-chief hope.smith393@my.tccd.edu

Photo Illustration, Illustrations by Alex Hoben/The Collegian

Different leaders of the DFW Hispanic community came to present at Abrazando al Exito as well as a samba performance done by United Dance Academy.