October 18, 2023, TCC The Collegian

Self-image - How people see themselves based on societal standards Page 6

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 – Volume 37 • Issue 8

@tccthecollegian • collegian.tccd.edu

DISTRICT

Students learn to afford higher education Paying for tuition can be difficult HOPE SMITH

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

In the heart of college application season, students from both TCC and high school are starting to make decisions on their higher education future. Their

biggest question: Can they afford it?

TR enrollment coach Dirk Jackson said most students don’t understand how financial aid works.

“A lot of them don’t understand how financial aid works. They just figure, ‘Once I submit my FAFSA application, once I apply, I’m ready to go,’ and that’s really not the case,” he said.

“Especially when they’re planning on going to a four-year institution.”

Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans for 2023-24 have a fixed interest rate of 5.5% for undergraduates, according to Federal Student Aid. With President Joe Biden’s loan forgiveness plan on pause and loan payments

resuming, accumulating funding now might help sideline large debt in the future.

NE student Jamilet Costille said as a current college student, balancing school and financing a personal life can be hard. She said that affording everything depends on the living situation of a student and how they handle their money.

She has particularly seen this among her college friends.

“It’s a struggle trying to keep up with payments, like for their apartment, and then payments for their car insurance,” she said.

Jackson stresses that students apply for scholarships as early as possible. Since he works with high See Funding, page 2

Ariel DeSantiago/The Collegian

Director of Financial Aid William McMullen explains the college fees that can pile up onto first-time college students.

SOUTHEAST

SOUTHEAST

Event raises awareness about harsh realities of domestic violence KEYLA HOLMES

campus editor keyla.holmes@my.tccd.edu

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

The SE Jazz Band performs during their concert on Oct. 10. The concert featured not only them but also the Chamber Wind Ensemble and the Music Club.

Striking a chord SE Music department performs first concert NINA BANKS

managing editor nina.banks@my.tccd.edu

Regardless of major, many students wish to continue their music education in college.

For SE student Keila Baez, this meant playing the violin in SE Campus’ Chamber Ensemble.

SE Campus is home to the chamber ensemble and jazz band. The two groups performed their first concert of the semester on Oct. 10.

Both ensembles are open for anyone to join no matter their skill level. Music professor Gregory Dewhirst accounts for the various levels of experience in the group.

“I shaped and tapered the class to just about from beginners up to music majors,” Dewhirst said. “It pushes some students more than others.”

Because the groups are filled on a volunteer basis, instrumentation can often be

Fast fear Fast food linked to depression in college students Page 2

unbalanced. It can present a challenge when picking pieces for Instructor of Music William Pratt.

“In this case, we got really lucky because we have horn players, we have trumpet, I’ll be playing in the trumpet quartet,” Pratt said. “It actually worked out really well.”

The size of the Chamber Ensemble forced players to utilize skills they usually wouldn’t have to.

“The main focus has been playing with each other,” Pratt said. “Having a violin match with a trombone, which you don’t normally have to do unless you’re in the context of the full orchestra.”

Each ensemble holds two concerts per semester.

“Normally, we just get a bunch of pieces and then we sift through and see which ones we like, which ones work together for all of us, and see which ones we can all play together instead of just half of

Lotería NE Campus celebrates Hispanic Heritage through game Page 2

us,” Baez said.

Baez has played violin for around 10 years. Although she isn’t a music major, Baez knew she still wanted to play at TCC. “As soon as I graduated from high school, I wanted to look for programs within TCC that had music,” Baez said.

“That I could play music and still be able to play violin.”

SE student Gia Huy Ha is a vocalist music major and recently started learning the piano in jazz band.

“I just started jazz and [I want to] see if I can learn anything and start to write my own music and bring it back to my home country,” Ha said.

Dewhirst hopes that the groups have the opportunity to expand in the future. “ To g r o w, ” D e w h i r s t said. “The way enrollments work, and the way career plans work, it’s really difficult to get students here and enrolled simply because they have a lot of obstacles.”

Stitching together Artist explores minimalism in art exhibit Page 3

Trauma Trainer Chelsea Davis works with The Women’s Center in Tarrant County to educate and destigmatize conversations regarding violence in interpersonal relationships.

On Oct. 9 on SE Campus, Davis spoke to students and staff about Domestic Violence awareness. “ We c a n b e p r o a c t i v e in preventing violence, not just intervening, but actually preventing,” she said. “It’s not just the professionals, therapists or social workers that do that.

Everybody has a role to play in preventing violence.”

Davis made it clear that The Women’s Center offers free services to anyone in need.

Pamphlets and cards with contact information covered the table at the front of the room.

Providing resources for those who may be experiencing violence or know someone who is can send the message that they’re not alone.

“It’s important for students who may be going through domestic violence but don’t know how to speak out,” SE Admin.

Assistant Sequoia Boyd said.

SE student Brooke Staley was invited by someone in the Drugs, Alcohol, Sex Harassment and Hazing program to come and watch the presentation. She said that she’s known people who have experienced such violence and her heart aches for those who have or are currently living through it.

“It’s comforting to know that these things are being spoken about, and provisions are made

for people struggling in silence,” Staley said.

Davis said educating young people is important because for adolescents, young adults and those in early adulthood, there’s a high risk for sexual assault and interpersonal violence.

“It’s important that students are knowledgeable and can recognize the signs of domestic violence,” she said. “This way they can know how to get help for themselves or for someone else, and hopefully there will be a new wave of informed, safe, healthy relationships for younger generations.”

Kecia Baker-Morris, SE director of Student Conduct and Prevention Education, said that TCC has been doing programs to raise awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness month for years. In 2021, the college took on a new way to show support.

“We started Go Purple TCC,” she said. “That was sparked from a statewide initiative that on a particular day in October the whole state of Texas would highlight or showcase Domestic Violence Awareness, and we adopted it for TCC.” Oct. 19 is Go Purple TCC day and Morris encourages students to show support. She said this issue impacts not just one person, but the community.

“It’s as simple as just wearing purple that day,” she said.

“Because then it just kinda sparks awareness. It’s not only the people involved in the domestic situation.

It also impacts the community.”

For any students in need of campus or community resources, Morris said TCC is here to help.

Read more about this story online at collegian.tccd.edu

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

“Go Purple TCC” is an initiative shedding light on domestic violence. Purple is the color for domestic violence awareness.

Love is not blind Participants explore pettiness and unrealistic expectations Page 4

Student debt Student loan forgiveness is necessary Page 5

2 • Wednesday, October 18, 2023

NEWS

DISTRICT

Fast food is convenient, but at what cost?

Students agree that meal decisions can affect their mental health consumption of “comfort food” leads to a habitual spiral. The more ultra-processed foods consumed, the more a person would want it.

UPFs increase the risk of cancers, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, Liew-Newville said.

In addition, various food additives and artificial sweeteners may negatively affect the presence of good bacteria and lead to the development of depression.

Healthy food promotes good bacteria, and UPFs fuel harmful bacteria, she said. Good bacteria affect people’s mood by influencing the production of serotonin and protecting from the toxins and effects of the harmful bacteria in one’s gut.

William Brown, professor of psychology at South Campus, said that veering away from UPFs can be difficult as people are often at the mercy of whatever is available and affordable.

“The best thing I can suggest is to know what is conveniently available and what the options are, and take the initiative to supplement those if necessary by creating your own stash of healthy alternatives,” he said.

As a Type 2 diabetic, NE student Jerry Proctor had to eliminate UPFs and fast foods from his diet.

However, before getting diagnosed, he ate UPFs 3-4 times a week.

“Whenever I was diagnosed with diabetes, I knew the consequences of not taking care of yourself,” he said. “You can go into a diabetic coma and even get amputations to the toes, feet and legs. So that alone scared me into giving it up and going healthy. Even now, I

OLLA MOKHTAR

campus editor olla.mokhtar@my.tccd.edu

Go to school, go to class, go to work and repeat.

In the time between, many students find it difficult to have a home-cooked meal, so the convenience of snacks, chips, soda and fast food takes its place.

The effects of eating it so much have detrimental effects, namely depression.

According to a study published Sept. 20 by the Journal of the American Medical Association, there is a link between ultra-processed foods, particularly sweeteners and artificially sweetened beverages, and an increased risk of depression.

This study only included women. However, a similar study by the National Library of Medicine indicated similar findings.

Christina Liew-Newville, SE dietetic technician program director, said that serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that affects mood, and 95% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract.

“Many people are emotional eaters,” she said. “They eat when they are stressed, sad and depressed. They usually eat sugary items or ultra-processed foods such as candies, cakes, cookies, chips or ice cream at that time. These sugary items will negatively impact the microbiome [the bacteria] in the intestine and further affect an individual’s mood.”

According to the study, the

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

Bookstores across the district provide fast food options to college students. Ramen, a popular ultra-processed food, is an example of a low nutritional but accessible option. don’t even drink pop.”

While students are going about their busy days and see fast food restaurants around them, Proctor said they are influenced to buy out of convenience.

“To me, that’s their goal. I mean, location, location, location, right?” he said. “The marketing people behind fast food restaurants know exactly what they’re doing because it’s what they’re supposed to do. It does influence whether somebody eats from these places or not around campuses.”

NE student Ethan Savell said that he also ate UPFs in the form of fast foods at least three times

NORTHEAST

Hispanic heritage honored with classic game of chance XAVIER BOATNER

campus editor xavier.boatner@my.tccd.edu

NE campus celebrated Mexican culture by gathering students to play a beloved game of chance.

Lotería, a game not unlike bingo, has been a staple in Spanish history for generations. In wake of National Hispanic History Month, TCC has organized various events to celebrate and appreciate the culture.

Among the wide range of events, NE student activities held Trailblazer Lotería, in which students could go to the NSTU building on Oct. 12 between 12 PM and 2 PM to play Lotería. Those who attended played a handful of rounds and had a modest selection of Mexican foods available to choose from.

Ana Contreras, NE student activities coordinator and event host, said the key inspiration behind this event came from the love of playing the game.

“I always love to share Lotería,” she said. “Being Mexican, that was such a big part of my life growing up, so I like to try and share that with students. I try to have the event every year as a fun way to learn a new cultural tradition for a lot of people for Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Contreras felt the game would be a good way to bring joy to others, as well as bring them together.

“For me, I think it brings families together,” she said. “I mean, a lot of folks will tell you that they play this during family gatherings.

During Christmas and the holiday season is when my family and I play a lot. When we’re together and

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

Specially made Lotería cards were provided by student activities.

There were two sets, one traditional and one TCC-themed. we’re celebrating we usually have a game of Lotería lying around. So, for me, it brings the family together and is about sharing fun with each other.”

Some students who attended the event shared a similar opinion regarding the game as Contreras.

Throughout the event, many students were on the edge of their seats, awaiting the completion of their game boards. NE student Megan Garcia was one of those students.

“Sometimes I get a little bit too into it because really – I just want to win,” she joked.

However, one criticism she had of the event was how it deviated from traditional Lotería in some minor ways.

“My only thing is that I wish they brought the frijoles, since that’s usually how it’s played traditionally,” she said.

South student Heriberto Perez felt the representation at the event was handled well and thought it was beneficial for students who attended.

“It brings some of the culture here and sharing culture is what it’s all about,” he said. “I think it’s something people should experience. I think it’s fun.”

Perez said some of his favorite aspects of Lotería were its unique personality and potential educational value that could come from playing it.

“In a way you’re kind of learning a little bit of the language and what this means or that means. People who play do get to learn Spanish words and what they mean in English, and they basically learn what to do and how to write these things that are in Spanish.”

Contreras hoped students would walk away from the event with a newfound perspective and appreciation of Lotería and Mexican culture overall.

“Learning what it is that makes us different but also what connections and what similarities are there,” she said. “I think that brings a sense of empathy and understanding, and I think to learn that is super important.”

a week. Now, he only eats it once every couple of weeks.

“It was just not healthy,” he said.

Savell said that he suspects he eats too much, he’ll catch himself eating a snack. He said that he tries to eat healthy but that not everything today is.

“It’s a quick meal, so I’m happy about that,” he said. “It just doesn’t feel good to eat. I know all the calories and grease that’s probably in it and how they process most of the food.”

Some alternatives he’s found for snacks include peanut butter crackers, cereal, granola bars too.

Funding

Liew-Newville recommended TCC classes that train in nutrition and dietetics that could to an Associate of Applied Science degree in the dietetic technician program.

She also suggested habits like meal-prepping and packing meals, involving family and making it a group activity or trying out new recipes. She said to choose lean meat, fish and adding an extra serving of vegetables and more.

“Once you learn how to eat healthier, you can teach others to eat better and have better health,” she said.

(continued from page 1)

schools to encourage spreading application information, he said starting early makes a difference in affording college. “ Yo u k n o w, I c o u l d n ’t imagine someone who submitted scholarship applications from eighth grade all the way through their senior year, how much money they could possibly accumulate during that time,” he said.

In a presentation to students at TR campus on Oct. 12, Director of financial aid William McMullen explained the brokendown costs included in paying for university.

There are multiple small costs that end up accumulating to a substantial number in payments to a university, like parking, IDs, medical services and student service fees.

Most university applications also require a fee, however, McMullen said there are ways to bypass it.

“If you do certain activities, they’ll waive those fees,” he said.

“For some of you that are Pell Grant eligible, they’ll waive those fees for you. But guess what, you have to tell them.”

It’s also important that when taking classes at TCC, Jackson said to be mindful of the classes to take. This is because too many unnecessary classes could end up using all the funding a student might have.

McMullen is a firstgeneration college student, and he understands the struggle of learning student financial aid for the first time by figuring it out on his own. He urges students to take advantage of the resources at TCC because he and others are there to help.

“We want to see you get your degree, we want to help you and help you find your money to help you pay for that college,” he said.

“We want to be able to help you build your financial aid package so that you can afford some of these additional costs that you’re going to have.”

• In Texas, the average student debt is $26,273

•

52% of Texans have debt related to student loans

• The average annual in-state

tuition in Texas was $11,718

for the 2021-22 academic year Information gathered from collegecalc.org and TICAS.org.

Keep up with •

Print editions on stands every Wednesday •

E-newsletters released every Friday

• •

Find us on all platforms @tccthecollegian Check out our website at collegian.tccd.edu

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 • 3

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

Farrelly’s work features images with stitching over its entirety. Additionally, he created his own stitch to use in his work.

Irish artist exhibits installation at Carillon Gallery NINA BANKS

managing editor nina.banks@my.tccd.edu

The Carillon Gallery on South Campus doesn’t usually house art from across state-lines, much less country borders.

Irish artist Gary Farrelly displayed his exhibit “Sentimental/ System: You Mean Everything to Me” in the Carillon Gallery from Sept. 28 to Oct. 26.

Farrelly and department chair of fine arts Joshua Goode met in 2010 when Farrelly was an International Artist-in-Residence at University of Texas at Dallas’s Central Trak Program.

“From the beginning of a residency that I did years ago, we stayed in touch,” Farrelly said.

“And this kept me very much in the life of the Dallas art scene.”

Four years later, Farrelly was a Visiting Artist during South Campus’ Summer Student Residency in Hilmsen, Germany, and formed many long-lasting relationships with students on the trip.

“It is uplifting to see students that he mentored while there remain in contact with him,” Goode said. “Many of these alumni, such as Charles Gray, Contine Penick and Megan Verna, are now successful professional artists and they returned to campus to visit him and connect with our current students as new professional mentors.”

In addition to creating art, Farrelly is also involved in art academia. He teaches a Master of Arts Course in Brussels, where he is based, and interacted with nearly 300 students while at TCC. “I think that I enjoy art education because I see it as being something quite reciprocal,” Farrelly said. “I don’t only feel like I am sort of downloading

information into people. I tend to learn a lot about their experiences and the methods of making they have developed themselves.”

Finding a unique area of expertise helped hone in Farrelly’s teaching. He settled on a field he

more contemporary things like decolonization or queer theory,” Farrelly said. My catalogue sort of looks like it could be a brochure for a bank. And the works are stamped and there are lists.”

Farrelly’s exhibit is inspired

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

Farrelly visited South Campus from Sept. 28-Oct. 12. calls “self-institutionalization” where artists behave like they are institutions.

“I was never going to be the person who knew everything there is to know about, you know, the Renaissance, or even

by his interest in architecture and repetition. An element of his work includes stamps. They vary, but Farrelly’s signature print contains his name, a space to write the current date and “1983-2077,” his birth year and predicted death year.

The repetitive element of his art is manifesting in stitching. Even going as far to create a new stitch entirely for his work.

“I am inspired by how he blurs the lines between performance and art and interweaves them seamlessly in his exhibition—which was transformed into an office-esque space where he would meet with students to provide professional advice and guidance,” Goode said. “He helps expand what the possibilities of art can be and how each student artist can develop an art practice that is a true representation of themselves.”

Assistant professor of Art Humna Raza was very impressed with the exhibit.

“It’s hard to take something as ordinary as a post card or like the document he is using and present them in this cool way,” Raza said. “I feel like the installation really helps portray that as well.”

Raza brought her students from her art appreciation classes to the exhibit and did a writing assignment afterwards about their thoughts.

“They were fascinated, but also wildly confused at the same time,” Raza said. “It’s a good source of creative culture for them.”

Goode said Farrelly is always welcome to return to TCC. “He has proven to be a long-term champion of our students and continues to professionally support them,” Goode said. “He is an ideal mentor who helps b r i n g out the best in our students. He is also a celebrated artist in the broader DFW art community, and it allowed us to host many local art professionals and introduce them to our students and program, which is already generating new student opportunities.”

4 • Wednesday, October 18, 2023

ENTERTAINMENT

MOVIE REVIEW

Love is Blind ‘season 5’ is back on Netflix

Emotional immaturity at an all-time high in this sensational season

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Stacy Snyder, expiriment participent cries hysterically after reality sets in with wedding cries and wedding goodbyes

OLLA MOKHTAR

campus editor olla.mokhtar@my.tccd.edu

For five seasons I have watched “Love is Blind” participate in an experiment where people date through a wall. The entire premise is that “Love is Blind,” like the title suggests.

And after watching the fifth season, I am even more grounded in the fact that love isn’t blind and the people on the show are hilarious for thinking so.

I started reading romance books at the age of 12. I noticed liking them in the Harry Potter series when I would skip the pages to find a Ginny and Harry scene, so I have high standards when it comes to media and

romance.

The first thing I noticed is that overall, the couples this season were very disingenuous. Though there were other couples, I primarily saw this with Stacy, Johnie and Izzy.

The experiment involves people dating multiple people, and usually they have more than one connection, which is fair. Personally, I think human emotions are more complex than being able to connect with just one person. In other words, a person can have multiple soulmates. Whether that is romantic or platonic depends on the connection.

Izzy had a romantic connection to both Stacy and Johnie, but he was, for lack of better words, undeniably unrealistic and selfish for a myriad of reasons. The first was

that he didn’t like that she had been in a relationship with someone who died from drug abuse seven years ago. He didn’t appreciate that she waited until the second date to tell him.

The dating process lasts 10 days. Ten days, people. How is anyone supposed to be comfortable enough to open up about trauma when she doesn’t really know you?

She felt it was appropriate to tell him since she was falling in love.

His response was to say that he was overwhelmed, and eventually they stopped seeing each other. I didn’t respect the fact that he didn’t acknowledge that everyone has baggage, including him.

He, more or less, stripped her of her humanity, and it was very disingenuous when

he claimed to believe that everyone deserves love but ended the connection based on her experiences.

He is old enough to know better. Izzy, you’re 31. Start acting like it.

There were many instances and situations like these where people either lied, cheated, stalked or had heated arguments about the intentions and integrity of other cast members, namely Johnie because she ended up with someone she previously rejected.

Another drama filled scenario was that of Lydia, Milton, Uche and Aaliyah’s. In the experiment, the men and women live together in a large condo-like apartment. This is where Lydia and Aaliyah became close friends, however Aaliyah didn’t know that Uche and Lydia previously dated.

Because Uche was dating Aaliyah he decided to tell her, and all hell broke loose.

And her obvious jealousy seeped in.

The director really knew how to position and portray the cast in a way that engaged the audience, which I really appreciated. Most people watch reality TV for its intrigue and insight into other people’s lives.

I noticed that this season was more intimate as well. Shower and sex scenes were included, and even though they blurred out the nudity and sex scenes, I abhorred that part.

Sure, glancing into other people’s lives was interesting, but trust me when I say I do not want to see what you do in the bedroom or bathroom. I’m not joking.

It was weird and made me uncomfortable, but I understand they did it for the views. It was a change from the previous seasons I thought was unnecessary.

If you find watching TV shows about a bunch of adults being hypocritical, immature and rude to each other entertaining, then please watch “Love is Blind” Season 5.

It’s a show that I will probably be rewatching because it was interesting, intriguing and peculiar. However, it wasn’t enough to convince me that love is actually blind.

Drake’s new album is pretty OK HOPE SMITH

BOLDLY GO Pioneer Preview Day Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Learn more about Admissions, Housing, Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Preview Academics and Student Services.

Tour the campus.

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

I don’t often tell people I listen to Drake.

I’m a casual listener, hardly ever needing to mention it. But, when “For All The Dogs” was released this month, the attention it got from the internet was too much not to write my own input and join the bandwagon.

I don’t hate the album. In fact, I enjoyed it. Most of that had to do with Drake literally assembling the Avengers of popular artists – in my opinion – to make this 25-track album.

I knew it was going to be good when I saw SZA in the track list. If SZA is cool with it, I’m cool with it.

We are in an odd era with Drake right now. I can’t quite pinpoint where it came from, but suddenly he was “the typa guy” – something I hope to never write or verbalize again – and so, so sassy. Trying to understand the complex Drake lore would be like chasing waterfalls.

Having said all of that, Drake has always stayed true to his style regardless of what the internet dubs him, and I can respect that.

I don’t think I’ve ever stopped one of his songs and thought, “Who is this?”

The energy in this album is considerably hype, an exciting team-up of R&B and hiphop rap. Listening to it while working in an office was admittedly an odd choice, but the energy was there if you can imagine what it’s like to read emails really intensely.

This new album is potent with bass and confidence. It’s moody and a little arrogant, too. If you enjoy a little kick to your music, I would consider a listen.

It’s not so much an office classic unless

Register

Photo courtesy of Instagram @Champagnepapi

Drake annouced his new album with caption “FOR ALL THE DOGS IS YOURS NOW” on Instagram Oct. 6.

All in all, it’s a solid album with artists that work well with Drake.

you are into headbanging in your swivel chair, however if you cherry pick some of the songs for the gym, you’ll have a successful workout.

I say cherry pick because there’s variety in this album. It makes sense, there are multiple artists with the same vibe yet different styles so it’s going to be a party mix.

I would recommend “First Person Shooter” and “IDGAF,” personally.

Just don’t play that last one too loud.

In my experience, it made me levitate out of my car seat in fear. At that point, I had only known “IDGAF” for that silly, goofy Drake lyric everyone had been talking about.

I didn’t know there was a viscous beat drop only a minute in.

And hey, maybe I’m dramatic, or maybe for a moment my soul actually departed from my body after being deceived into believing the angelic singing was innocent. Either way, be wary of the volume.

I’m a “Passionfruit,” “Let’s Call It Off” and “Feel No Ways” kind of girl. While I appreciate high energy music, I want a little peace in my life too. That’s why in “For All The Dogs,” I took a liking to “Bahamas Promise,” “Members Only,” and “8am in Charlotte.”

That moodiness I mentioned earlier is really clear in those three, and I just love a song or two with that kind of tempo and emotion. Something about the drama of it all makes it so interesting. If there’s one thing Drake knows, it’s how to express forlorn feelings without it being sappy.

All in all, it’s a solid album with artists that work well with Drake. I look forward to seeing what he releases next year, and maybe a new form of corniness to pair with him, because who is Drake if not “the typa guy.”.

OPINION

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 • 5

EDITORIAL

Student loan debt relief helps Americans Biden announced on Oct. 4 that his administration has recently approved $9 billion in student loan forgiveness. While his administration faces opposition from conservatives and those who feel student debt forgiveness is unfair, the pursuit of debt relief continues on.

Keeping up with changes being made regarding debt relief plans is important for students currently pursuing higher education and those interested in continuing their educational journey.

Many students are considering where they will attend college or university their senior year of high school. Being knowledgeable about the negative impact of student loan debt in America is imperative.

Knowing what resources are available can have a significant impact on decision making when it comes to where someone chooses to attend school and what aid they’re interested in applying for.

Making financial choices that best suit one’s situation can play a big role in their overall experience of higher education. According to Education Data, 46.3 million borrowers have federal student loan debt.

On June 30, Biden’s initial plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loans was struck down by the Supreme Court. There is currently a new forgiveness plan, the SAVE program, that is an income driven

Markus Meneses /The Collegian

repayment program.

For many Americans, the cost of colleges and universities place many in a position where pursuing education after high school may feel sacrificial. There shouldn’t be

a “choice” of college or debt. Student loan debt has a big impact on people’s lives. There are already many financial obligations people already have. The added stressor of having to not only pay off one’s

initial tuition but interest, burdens a large part of the population. The federal government and private institutions shouldn’t be profiting off of educating the public. A lot of career paths require a degree, yet

getting a degree for many isn’t a feasible option.

Incentivizing those to continue learning should be the goal. Considering the current cost of living, the stress of unpaid student loan debt can be overwhelming. The efforts being made by the Biden administration give Americans buried under debt the opportunity to breathe.

While some argue that people should be held accountable for their own economic decisions, in regards to student loan debt, it’s important to consider generational wealth, as well as people’s socio economic make-up.

In response to Biden’s announcement of $9 billion in debt relief, Republicans have criticized Biden’s policies by saying that the money is “wasteful spending” and have questioned whether or not he’s exceeded his authority.

With the crisis of student loan debt only continuing to accumulate, debt relief is bringing aid to those who’ve carried the weight long after earning their degree. It’s a plan to help many people who can’t just “pull themselves up by their bootstraps”. Just because the taxes people pay don’t go directly back into their pockets doesn’t mean it’s wasted or unfair. This isn’t Survivor where the focus is survival of the fittest. Supporting those who need relief is called for.

VIEWPOINTS

Society might be tired of typical superhero storyline

XAVIER BOATNER campus editor

xavier.boatner@my.tccd.edu

Superhero stories are like the modern equivalent of Greek myths. Fantastical, inspiring and timeless – so why does it seem like people are sick of them?

There’s been an explosion in mainstream superhero media in the 21st century. Though, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when superheroes as we know them now began to hit their stride. They’ve been around for a long time, of course, but I’m mainly referring to the big blockbuster style of superhero ala “Spider-Man” (2002) or “The Dark Knight.”

I feel as if some may argue that the “modern-day superhero fatigue” started sometime near the end of the pandemic, maybe even earlier after the monumental cinematic hits “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame,” but that’s not what I had in mind.

The fatigue I’m thinking about isn’t tied entirely to success and many people go to see superhero movies or whatever, but I mean fatigue with the types of stories being told. I can’t speak for everyone, but personally, I’m getting a bit fatigued with the quippy “MCU” dialogue and the whole “interconnected universe and/or extended

universe” shtick. It’s just a bit predictable I suppose.

It’s why movies like “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” are so refreshing.

They take established superhero properties and twist them in ways that seem to not only respect the source material but add a fresh element that makes them stand out from their predecessors.

Reinvention is often a bit of a touchy subject. I mean, I’ve had my fair share of digs and taken my fair share of jabs at reboots, but when all is said and done, if these ongoing properties want to remain as that – ongoing – then shaking things up for the sake of reaching new audiences is usually a must. Retreading old ground can only take you so far, but I think it’s important to still find balance in maintaining the sanctity of the brand, superhero or otherwise.

Like, if a new Batman movie is made and he’s running around committing “BatHomicide” and “Bat-Arson,” then yeah, that’d be not very great – at all.

I feel trying to step outside of what audiences know and subverting expectations while also staying in line with the essence of the thing in question is a good way to avoid the dreaded superhero fatigue. Give people stories that challenge their perception of these icons while staying true to what the icons represent.

Let’s aim for more Spider-Verses and Mutant Mayhems and less of whatever the heck “The Flash” was is basically all I’m saying.

Struggles of having to meet lofty academic standards

OLLA MOKHTAR campus editor

olla.mokhtar@my.tccd.edu

“Have you done your homework yet?” is a question I have dreaded since the first grade.

I’m a child of two very strict immigrant parents, so making good grades has always been important. And I understand. If I crossed the Atlantic Ocean for my family’s well-being and education, I’d hope my children were doing well in school.

But because the pressure to do well overwhelmed me, I did the opposite. I would plan and dedicate certain days for certain assignments and classes, but I failed to succeed, especially in high school, a pivotal part in anyone’s education.

Many of my friends and family members excel academically. So, when I, the youngest of six children, didn’t do so well in my classes, it raised some eyebrows.

I had all of the inspiration around me, but somehow it didn’t eleavate me.

They say you are who you surround yourself with, and in any other situation I would agree.

But for me, the pressure from my family made it harder to be successful.

If a person doesn’t have the desire or courage to admit they failed and want to do

better, then nothing will change, and no one can change it for them.

It seems like it just comes so easily to other people. I believe it’s because people who excel aren’t facing as much pressure from home to begin with.

I have a lot of friends who are better at school than I am and that really impacted my self-esteem.

There was even a phase in my educational journey where I just stopped trying because it was too hard.

It was too hard to put in effort. Too hard to believe in myself. Too hard to thrive.

It took so much effort that doing one assignment a day was an accomplishment.

The only way I stopped that loop was to give up on giving up. I eventually looked at my friends and how accomplished they were and asked myself why that couldn’t be me.

So of course, I went on TikTok and searched for videos about academic comebacks. Classic Gen Z behavior, I know.

I found out that if I romanticized my lifestyle enough, I would gain back the longing for success.

And like the hopeless romantic I am, I looked up local coffee shops, got some noise-canceling headphones and hoped to God my soulmate was there. At first, I would act busy, watching Netflix and YouTube videos, but eventually I actually started doing my work.

Soulmate or not, I had finally garnered a want to excel too.

I realized that being a successful student isn’t about living up to your parents’ expectations. It’s something you have to want for yourself.

Correction: Page three of issue 7, volume 34 misspelled and cut off Amber Meyers name and email. The correct email is amber.meyers@tccd.edu.

Letter Policy The Collegian is a weekly student publication serving the Tarrant County College District. Editorial statements and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the TCC administration.

Letters to the paper should be 150 words or less, free from libel and poor taste and include the writer’s Colleague ID or telephone number (the numbers will not be published). Letters may be brought to The Collegian office (NCAB 1124A, NE

Campus),or mailed to:

@tccthecollegian • collegian.tccd.edu

The Collegian 828 Harwood Road Hurst, TX 76054

TCC is an equal opportunity institution that provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national

Office: 817-515-6391 email: collegian.editor@tccd.edu

origin, veteran status or disability.

Meet the Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CAMPUS EDITORS

MANAGING EDITOR

NORTHEAST Xavier Boatner

Hope Smith Nina Banks

PHOTO/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Alex Hoben

ILLUSTRATORS Tj Favela Markus Meneses

SOUTHEAST Keyla Holmes TRINITY RIVER Olla Mokhtar

DESIGNERS

Professional Staff

PHOTOGRAPHER Ariel DeSantiago

Chris Whitley Lori Dann

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Jerry Swinney Dominic Martinez

Nathan Hailu

ADVISERS

Stacy Luecker

6 • Wednesday, October 18, 2023

FEATURE

Navigating self-worth in society HOPE SMITH

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

Young people are increasingly experiencing an uptick in struggling with body-image.

TR Campus counselor Juan Olivera says he has seen students struggle with eating disorders and knows that it is hard for both men and women to open up about their mental health. For those with negative selfimage, it can start with physical appearance.

“College age is when eating disorders really start coming out in both men and women, and other individuals in general,” he said. “So, I just think it’s something that really needs attention because it can be minimized, brushed to the side or even encouraged by some people.”

Olivera ran a workshop Oct. 10 on TR Campus about self-image. This workshop for him was personal, as well, because he struggled with an eating disorder when he was a teenager.

“I think today, it’s more prominent than it’s ever been,” Olivera told the group. “Before social media, you would watch things on movies, on TV, you would have to go out and buy magazines and things of that nature to see these things. But now, they’re just a tap away.”

NW student Karissa Mayorga Pina has also struggled with an eating disorder and feels that social media had a role in influencing her.

“So before social media celebrities, I never actually had body images issues before,” she said. “My body image issues started when I was in high school right after looking to celebrities. And then suddenly, I became so self-conscious.”

Mayorga Pina thinks people around her typically have a negative self-image. When it comes to men and women, it seemed like society is more focused on marketing weight loss to women even though both

suffer from body dysmorphia.

Olivera advised that it is important that someone struggling with disordered eating have social support, whether it be from family, instructors or mentors.

“Staying hydrated is extremely important as well and drinking water. And at least eating something,” he said. “Eating a small snack is a lot better than skipping an entire meal, and not having any type of nutrition.”

He says that one of the key components of bad self-image comes from body dysmorphia, which is the negative view of a person’s own appearance that can become extreme and obsessive.

“Body dysmorphia can come to a point where it becomes a psychological disorder, a mental health disorder,” he said. “Just depending on the severity of that and how it goes, how someone takes care of these thoughts, when they begin to arise, can really determine how the course of this goes over time.”

NW student Aidan Garcia has noticed self-image struggles at the gym he goes to.

“When I go to the gym, people are always on the scale trying to make some type of difference,” he said. “And then same with me. I’m trying to get bigger, but also leaner at the same time. So it’s like, constantly trying to go between different self-images that I have for myself.”

TR student Johana Trejo has started to take her mental health more seriously since noticing how she needed to take more time to care of herself. Since addressing it, she has changed the way she presents herself.

“I stopped wearing makeup, I stopped wearing tight clothes, I did not feel comfortable,” she said.

“So, I wear loose clothes, active clothes because you never know what the day brings. I take it day by day now.”

Mayorga Pina urges people who are developing an eating disorder or currently have one to ask for help before it gets worse. “t’s definitely a difficult thing to do,” she said.

“Because in your head, you’re thinking, ‘Oh, you’re fine,’ but in reality, you know you’re not.”

Illustrations by TJ Favela/The Collegian