August 21, 2024, TCC The Collegian

The Complete Package - Radio, TV and Film instructor Darryl Hoelting teaches from experience Page 3

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 – Volume 38 • Issue 1

@tccthecollegian • collegian.tccd.edu

DISTRICT

DISTRICT

TCC updates free speech policy HUDA QURESHI

managing editor huda.qureshi@my.tccd.edu hud a.qureshi@my.tccd.edu

TCC updated its free speech policies for students and staff to comply with the controversial executive order passed by Governor Abbot on March 27.

The executive order calls for higher education institutions to address anti-Semitism on campuses by updating their free speech policies to define anti-Semitism and enforce punishment for those in violation of the policy.

The order is in response

to campus protests due to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. It singles out two specific pro-Palestinian campus groups as students to face disciplinary measures. The order has sparked controversy as it questions the validity of students’ right to free speech.

District 2 TCC board member, Shannon Wood said she cannot accept an order she believes is unconstitutional.

“I don’t believe that the governor or any other government should dictate what First Amendment rights are for any citizen,” Wood said.

In a statement from the

Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, they said: “Statemandated campus censorship violates the First Amendment and will not effectively answer anti-Semitism, by chilling campus speech the executive order threatens to sabotage the transformative power of debate and discussion.”

TCC board of trustees Vice President Kenneth Barr believes that the best of course of action for TCC is to comply with the law. “ We n e e d t o m e e t t h e governor’s direction,” he said.

“Because I think hell and fury will come down on us, frankly, if we

don’t.”

Marybeth Wolter, a paralegal studies student at NE Campus, said free speech should stick to what the First Amendment says. Wolter believes that the executive order is not in line with the constitution.

“It’s not anything to do with anti-Semitism at all. That’s really just a blanket answer to appeal to his [Abbott’s] voting base,” Wolter said.

The motion to approve the recommended changes to the policy was carried with four votes. The policies were updated for students, employees and the general community.

Fall semester kicks off

Tuition increases in spring FOUSIA ABDULLAHI

editor-in-chief collegian.editor@tccd.edu

The TCC board approved a tuition increase of $5 per credit hour starting in spring 2025.

Chief Financial Officer Pamela Anglin presented the proposal to the board at the Aug. 8 meeting. The vote also included continuing the FAST program, which waives tuition for dualcredit students.

In 2023, Chancellor Elva LeBlanc presented a fiscal year plan for 2023-24 that included a multi-year tuition increase. In the spring of 2024, this increased district tuition from $64 to $69, and now, in the spring of 2025, it will be $74.

“A year ago, it was determined because we were quite a bit lower than the other schools that over the next three years, there will be a $5 increase each year to increase our tuition,” Anglin said. “And that’s kind of in line with the no-new-revenue rate for taxes.”

Tuition may be lower at TCC, but Dallas College has a program called IncludED, which provides access to educational materials such as textbooks, eBooks and other course-specific learning materials with the price of tuition.

While TCC doesn’t have a program like this yet, the school is actively looking for ways to improve students’ learning experiences.

“We are doing a lot, and we See Tuition, Page 2

New dining options on menu soon Fousia Abdullahi/The Collegian

On the first day of the semester, students walk to class amid extreme heat warning on NE campus. Students can find more information about resources and services districtwide on pages 4 and 5.

TRINITY RIVER

Panel highlights need for workforce readiness LeBlanc says prepared students, focused career learning can ‘supercharge the economy’ FOUSIA ABDULLAHI

editor-in-chief collegian.editor@tccd.edu

Three local members of the Texas Legislature spoke on TR Campus on Aug.15 about students’ readiness for the workforce.

The discussion hosted by The Texas Tribune centered on the importance of funding education with a focus on supporting students from underrepresented communities and ensuring housing affordability.

The panel included state Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, Rep. Salman Bhojani D-Euless, Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, and was moderated by James Barragán, a politics reporter for The Texas Tribune.

Chancellor Elva LeBlanc highlighted the importance of House Bill 8 during the event.

“The House Bill 8 legislation has tightened our focus to provide advanced, true career learning,” LeBlanc said. “And workforce development that prepares our students to stay in the region and supercharge the economy.”

Local ISD superintendents attended the event as they are work-

ing closely with TCC to prepare students for the workforce.

“We’ve added some additional programs at our CTE (career and technical education) center,” HurstEuless-Bedford ISD Superintendent Joe Harrington said. “We’ve added welding, which I added a teacher last year, and I need another one, which is a wonderful problem, but that’s directly getting them work ready. We’re working with TCC and hope to open up an early college next year.”

All three legislators attended community colleges and spoke about the importance of access and affordability in higher education, centering partnerships with local schools and workforce development.

“Sometimes, we need to have built those public-private partnerships to say, OK, can we teach the students exactly what this employer is needing so that way they can get work immediately,” Bhojani said.

Bhojani emphasized that higher education and the job market are not one-size-fits-all for students and that pathways that cater to their different needs must be created so that the needs of both students and the workforce industry are met.

Fousia Abdullahi/The Collegian

Moderator James Barragán facilitates panel discussion between state Rep. Salman Bhojani, Rep. Nicole Collier, Sen. Phil King at TR campus.

Collier, who is an alumnus of TCC, stressed the significance of prioritizing funding for public education.

“So, we do want to make sure that we have a ready workforce that have all the tools that they need to succeed,” Collier said. “And we can do that by electing people who share the same values to fully fund our public schools and invest in the future of our students.”

While the discussion mostly centered on preparing students for jobs, the panel also discussed barriers to students’ higher education needs, such as Senate Bill 17, which bans diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives in universities and colleges, including hiring employees on campus and student clubs.

Specifically, 131 scholarships See Workforce, Page 2

HUDA QURESHI

managing editor huda.qureshi@my.tccd.edu

TCC will be upgrading its campus dining options on the South, NE and SE campuses.

There will be an expansion of the menu options to include hot food such as quesadillas and eggs. The current setup has cold food options.

Pamela Anglin, TCC’s chief financial officer, presented the design proposal at the June monthly board meeting.

“One of our goals is to have food service available on all of our campuses,” Anglin said.

The project is estimated to cost around $3.5 million and be completed in 2026. The construction will start at the start of 2025.

NE student Marina Maranto works three jobs and expressed frustration with the dining hall closing early.

“Our food pantry closes at five, and a lot of our other facilities on campus, where you might find snacks or food do also close around five to six,” Maranto said. “It really feels like we’re not utilizing the cafeteria to its fullest potential.”

NE student Bryan Popp said students should have an option for dining on campus.

“I think having the option to have some food or some coffee would make things incredibly convenient, especially if you have a break between classes,” Popp said. “I think it would be good to fuel up and get some food in the stomach, especially if you got a bunch of homework that you have to do. Maybe you don’t have time to make lunch.

You don’t have time to make dinner or breakfast.”

NEWS

2 • Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Tuition

(continued from page 1)

did a lot this year and continue to help students be successful in trying to help students meet their basic needs and student support services,” Anglin said.

Because the board agreed to increase tuition for three years, the third increase is expected in the spring of 2026.

Students said they don’t anticipate that the increase will impact them immediately.

“It would probably be a concern,” said NE student Melody Rymer, “like when at the time when it’s needed for something.”

Due to the passing of House Bill 8 in 2023, TCC students enrolled in dual-credit classes pay no tuition. The bill provides funding for community colleges in Texas based primarily on student outcomes and is consistent with state higher education goals and state and regional workforce needs.

In an Aug. 15 meeting with stakeholders, LeBlanc highlighted the importance of HB-8 to the school.

“The House Bill 8 legislation has tightened our focus to provide advanced, true career learning,” LeBlanc said. “And workforce development that prepares our

Workforce

students to stay in the region and supercharge the economy.”

During the Aug. 8 board meeting, TCC’s continued participation in the FAST program (Financial Aid for Swift Transfer) was also voted on with the tuition increase. The FAST program allows any high school student who has been on free and reduced lunch for any of the last four years to be eligible to take dual credit free of cost, meaning no tuition, fees or cost of learning materials. The state gives TCC $56.82 per credit hour for these students.

TCC is also expanding its Student Empowerment Center to provide more vouchers for food and gas, and more guidance on outside community resources and services, such as housing, mental health and legal services.

At the upcoming board meeting on Aug. 22, more budget considerations and approvals, such as ratifying the tuition sc he dul e , cons truction, facility and technology updates, and a proposed tax rate, will be on the agenda.

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

Chief financial officer Pamela Anglin, addresses the board about tuition hike,

(continued from page 1)

Fousia Abdullahi/The Collegian

A panel of stakeholders discuss ways to prepare students for new job markets.

have been put on hold or modified so that colleges can comply with the law.

Both Bhojani and Collier agreed on the importance of DEI initiatives within higher education to promote inclusivity and equity.

“We have diversity, equity and inclusion because of the historical and systemic discrimination that has perpetuated in our society,” Collier said. “So, you need to have these spaces and continue to have them for any type of person, for our LGBTQ, for women, men, black, Muslim, all types of opportunities need to be available.”

Collier said she is concerned that these types of bans will continue in the next legislative session.

“When people of color have been

traditionally challenged, they don’t have those accesses,” she said. “These are small things that are still barriers for opportunity for everybody. And so yes, we want to include everyone, but let’s make sure we all have the same starting line before we do that.”

King, who is also a former TCC student, differed from the other legislators on the issue of DEI. “They can’t make those decisions based on race. They can’t make those decisions based on religion or on sex, and that’s what they’re saying,” King said. “They can make it on a bunch of other factors, academics, what you know, potential they see in a child, anything like that at all.”

Trailblazers scorching first day back FOUSIA ABDULLAHI

editor-in-chief collegian.editor@tccd.edu

Fousia Abdullahi/The Collegian

On the first day in classes students at NE Campus take in the sun in the outside courtyard area next to the chessboard.

Returning and new students walked it to classes amid 100-degree weather. Staff members where located in the buildings to help students navigate their way to classrooms.

Students were able to visit the different services on campus to such as the library to make their student ID cards, change their schedule and consult the financial aid office.

New student orientations were also taking place. There were also tables across each campus to help new students learn more about different clubs and activities for their campus.

Students were lined up at the Bookstore to make last-minute textbook purchases, school supplies and learning materials like scantrons.

All of this was happening during a multi-day heat wave that blanketed across the Tarrant County area, as well as the majority of north Texas.

The same temperatures are expected over the course of the next week.

Fousia Abdullahi/The Collegian

Dominick Martinez/The Collegian

The heat index for the first day of classes was 106 degrees. This was because of a state-wide heat wave that brought Tarrant County into the triple digits.

To beat the heat students were able to cool off in different buildings around campus, including the library and student buildings at South Campus.

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 • 3

The complete package Instructor goes from behind the camera to front of the classroom ELIJAH POILE

staff reporter collegian.editor@tccd.edu

All it took was one Texas-Oklahoma football game to make Darryl Hoelting want to work in the news media.

“After the game I saw the reporters and the videographers down on the field running around interviewing players and coaches,” Hoelting said. “I thought that is something that I really, really want to do. I thought I wanted to be a sports broadcaster.”

Hoelting enrolled in the Radio-Television Department at Amarillo College, which is similar to the RTF program at TCC, where he is now an instructor of Radio, Television, and Film. Hoelting learned how to shoot and edit videos. He decided that he preferred to work behind the scenes rather than being on camera.

Hoelting used these skills to become a commercial production manager at Fox 25 in Oklahoma City. He also worked for KSAT in San Antonio and the CBS and Fox affiliates in Amarillo.

His main job was as a newscast director, producing and shooting videos and editing upon completion.

“A lot of people think news is hustle, hustle,” Hoelting said. “I was more on the other side of it. You kind of had your routine and it was busy, but it wasn’t eight hours a day just blood, sweat and tears.”

Today, Hoelting uses his skills to teach field production classes and oversee the NewsFeed, a once-weekly, student-produced news broadcast. It is broadcasted on the TCC spectrum cable channel and is also on the TCC Radio Television & Film YouTube channel.

The setting of the NewsFeed resembles a news studio. There are cameras with teleprompters for the anchors to read their lines, a green screen and a video switcher to switch between cameras.

“You learn how everybody works as a team,” Hoelting said. “You listen and pretty much learn when the director wants the show to start. The director is in charge. Whatever he or she says, you just follow. It also helps you to prepare because you have scripts and a rundown.”

A lot of people think news is hustle, hustle. I was more on the other side of it. You kind of had your routine and it was busy, but it wasn’t eight hours a day just blood, sweat and tears.

Darryl Hoelting

Bob Score, an adjunct instructor on the NE Campus, teaches video production and has known Hoelting since last September. He believes Hoelting provides an ideal learning environment for students who want to work in the news.

“He brings this realistic, hands-on experience for the students to really get involved [and learn] what it would be like in a newsroom when going from here to the workforce,” Score said.

Photos by Alex Hoben/The Collegian

NE radio/TV/film Instructor Darryl Hoelting worked in the news industry before coming to TCC as an employee.

Several TCC students have used this NewsFeed experience to get jobs at CBS, CW 33, NBC 5 and Estrella 29, a Spanish language news station.

Hoelting transitioned to education and

Hoelting checks the power level on a portable light. Lights and other equipment are available to the broadcast students to check out.

moved back to Dallas-Fort Worth when he couldn’t get a job in the news. At first, the change was difficult.

“About the first six months, it really threw me off because this atmosphere is a lot different than TV, as you can imagine,” Hoelting said. “And it took me a little while, but I thought, ‘OK, I can do this. I can do this. It’s still cameras. It’s still editing and still audio.’”

During his many years of working in news production, Hoelting has covered some of the most important events in U.S history.

In 1995, he was working at the Fox affiliate in Amarillo when Timothy McVeigh blew up the Oklahoma City Federal Building. The bombing occurred on April 19, killing 168 people.

Amarillo was only three hours away from Oklahoma City. Hoelting was shocked, angry and sad that he couldn’t help in the way that he wanted to. However, he knew that it was important to tell people what was happening.

“We were hustling and preparing to go live, doing whatever we could to get as much coverage out there as possible,” Hoelting said. “It’s not like we were right there on top of it, but just preparing all of our viewers for what was happening.”

Hoelting also filmed an open-heart surgery in Lawton, Oklahoma. He was allowed into the operating room fully garbed and sterilized. He couldn’t use a tripod, so he had to carry all his equipment.

“Everything I had to put on my shoulder got overheated, and I had to step out and almost passed out,” Hoelting said. “But I was in there for about 45 minutes.”

He has met many interesting people throughout his career, such as Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, and William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk on “Star Trek.” Hoelting also spent time shooting video for the Dallas Cowboys when quarterback Troy Aikman and running back Emmitt Smith were with the team.

Hoelting’s journey has inspired many students, including NE student Deja Burt.

“I found out that he got his associate degree, and he didn’t have to get his bachelor’s degree, and he’s [worked at] Fox and NBC,” Burt said. “All of the things I wanted to do. It really motivated me.”

Hoelting has some advice for students who want to work in the news media.

Hoelting teaches students how to use a variety of broadcasting equipment, both in class and in the field.

“Don’t be afraid to go to a smaller TV market,” Hoelting said. “That’s where you get all your experience. Build that experience up and then start moving to the top. Don’t be afraid to learn.”

NEW

4 • Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Multiple resources available for stude

Campus gyms help relieve class stress KENNEDY BLACK

Staff reporter collegian.editor@tccd.edu

File photo/The Collegian

A student lifts weights at the NW Campus gym. The gym is open to all students.

On-campus fitness centers are open to all current students, faculty and staff, including dual credit and Connect campus.

These facilities are free and provide different amenities depending on which campus students visit.

Depending on the campus, hours of operation and check-in procedures differ.

One difference is that the SE Campus fitness center is closed on weekends.

“I think the hours are decent enough,” TR student Kayla Thompson said. “I’m here all throughout the week and could never see myself here on the weekends, so that’s convenient enough for me.”

TR Campus fitness center are locked 30 minutes before closing.

“I just have to make sure I make it in before that 30-minute mark,” Thompson said.

“I can see that it helps prevent students from staying over closing time.”

Out of all the campuses, NE has the most outdoor recreational activities, such as a sand volleyball court, six tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a basketball court and a hammock park.

Since these activities are popular among students, the center requests that students make a reservation to receive priority when using the courts.

NE, NW and South Campuses locations have swimming pools, the SE Campus pool is closed until construction is complete. Since

pool hours change from semester to semester, students can check with these facilities about their hours of operation.

“The swimming pool and gymnasium are the only portions that have designated hours,” South campus fitness center support staff Bill Nyx said. “Due to class schedules, we have to keep the times specific.”

Students must check in with fitness center employees when attending the pool or gym to ensure safety and compliance with the campus’ rules.

All that’s needed when attending any of the fitness centers is a valid student ID. “If you need to check anything out, you just leave your student ID card with us,” Nyx said. “We have multiple things like tennis rackets, volleyballs and towels.”

Fitness centers have different uses and objectives depending on each student.

“A lot of students come in with their friends to play games like pickleball and tennis,” South fitness center student employee Taber Utterback said. “That can be good for them to catch a break from classes and actually have downtime.”

Having multipurpose gyms, weight rooms, jogging trails and different equipment may allow students who want to become active to do so on campus without paying additional fees.

“Some benefits that students can receive while using the fitness center are, of course, wellness, the opportunity to decompress from classes and overall healthiness,” Utterback said.

Veterans receive additional services, advising GRACIE FABELA

staff reporter collegian.editor@tccd.edu

Students who are military veterans are provided extra resources across all TCC campuses.

Veterans’ counselors and career advisers are available to cater to their needs.

Keegan Alley, the veteran’s counselor at NW campus, said the Veterans Resource Centers help students access their benefits and put them to use.

“We also provide career advising, mental health counseling and connections to the

community resources,” Alley said.

Alley said mental health is essential to all students, especially veteran students.

Veterans can find a sense of community to help them become more comfortable with the college environment. There are many clubs and organizations, such as Student Veterans of America, where they can connect with one another. Each Veterans Resource Center provides study lounges that give the students a safe space to hang out and relax between classes.

Marcie Keating, the veteran career adviser at South Campus, said there is a lot of peer support that comes from the VRC. “The students support each other through

The students support each other through talking about classes, getting through things like applying for disability ratings and just adjusting to civilian life.

Marcie Keating South student

talking about classes, getting through things like applying for disability ratings, and just adjusting to civilian life,” said Keating.

Veterans are also able to qualify for

learning accommodations to aid in their educational journey. This includes course credit for military experience and academic options if a veteran is ever called into active service to aid with absences.

Keating said counselors ensure a veteran’s classes and degree plan match with their benefits. Veterans qualify for military tuition assistance or deferral, and these benefits often extend to their dependents.

There is an upcoming military and veterans breakfast event on SE campus to thank veterans for their service on Wednesday, Sept.

4. from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The event will be held at ESCT, The Hub.

Campus libraries encourage student learning, research OLIVIA ALVAREZ

staff reporter collegian.editor@tccd.edu

Every TCC campus library has a variety of resources for students on and off campus.

Academic support resources, such as checking out books, calculators and laptops for the semester, are available as well as hundreds of electronic resources including databases, eBooks and streaming videos.

Lore A. Guilmartin, TR Campus director of library services, mentioned other library resources such as DVDs and craft kits. She wants students to know what the library can offer to them.

“I love any opportunity I get to connect with students about how the library can help support them,” Guilmartin said.

NW student Brandon Lynch said the library is a helpful resource.

“As soon as you walk into the library, people are willing to help you in any way

they can, and no matter what subject you need help on, there is a tutorial session for it,” he said.

The libraries are interconnected so students can check out material from any campus and return it to any campus. Students can even request material to be sent from other campuses to be picked up at the campus of their choice.

One-on-one research help is available for students. Students can walk in or make appointments for online support 24/7 on the TCC website or through text. It doesn’t matter which campus students choose to take courses.

Alexis Potemkin, NW Campus director of the Walsh Library, highlights the importance of libraries on campus.

“The services and resources available at Walsh Library vary and are meant to address and support the whole student — both academically and also in their personal lives,” she said.

File photo/The Collegian

Library hours vary by campus, visit library.tccd.edu for more information.

WS

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 • 5

ents across district as classes kick off

District provides mental health services for students in need MEGAN DIAZ COMPANY Staff reporter collegian.editor@tccd.edu

The Counseling Services Office and the Health Services Center have a team of professionals working to ensure the mental and physical well-being of students.

Students can schedule appointments online or walk in during operating hours. Counseling services are free for most students, ensuring accessibility regardless of financial status.

“Our role is to create a safe space for students to navigate academic pressures, personal struggles or anxieties,” said Nicole D’Alesandro, licensed professional counselor on South Campus. “The counselors on all the campuses provide free, short-term personal counseling to currently enrolled students, 18 years or older.”

Student Jacob Saldana struggles with anxiety and has found the services helpful.

“I never thought I’d need therapy, but the counselors here have helped me navigate

some really tough times,” he said.

At NE Health Services, registered nurse Tammy Etters dispenses over-the-counter medication and answers student inquiries.

“We handle everything from routine checkups and immunizations to addressing minor illnesses and injuries,” she said. “We want students to know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

Student Valerya Velasquez said she has benefited from the health center resources.

“It’s comforting to know there’s a place on campus where I can get immediate medical attention without having to navigate the complexities of off-campus health care,” she said.

Juan Olivera, mental health counselor on TR Campus, emphasized the importance of accessibility to mental health resources.

“Personally, I became a counselor because of my own struggles with depression and anxiety as a teenager,” Olivera said. “I sought help through counseling, and I was able to overcome and manage those challenges. While it can be a stressful career at times, the rewards are worth it.”

SONIA BITAR

Staff reporter collegian.editor@tccd.edu

File photo/The Collegian

Students can make an appointment with their advisers for help.

Theater performers take spotlight ANDREW BOBE

staff reporter collegian.editor@tccd.edu

The theater programs at NW, NE, SE and South campuses allow students to develop their talents under professionals.

Opportunities range from on-stage performances to backstage work, inviting students to immerse themselves in the world of theater.

Under the guidance of Brent Alford, director of theater on NW Campus, students can explore their potential.

“I’ve seen a lot of young adults come

and go,” Alford said. “I couldn’t ask for more from these students.”

Scarlett Jobe is a NW student drawn to theater. Midway through college, she realized this is what she wanted to do.

“The best thing I did was join the program,” Jobe said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life.”

NW student Victoria Wilde, whose love for theater ignited in seventh grade, envisions a future on Broadway.

“Theater gives me hope,” Wilde said.

“I’m going to give it my all.”

Bryson Coffey, NE Campus student, highlights the dedication behind each performance.

Tutoring offered in many areas

“We really put the time and effort to get better each week,” Coffey said. “No one knows what goes behind each play.”

The theater program beckons the TCC community to witness the artistry and dedication of its students.

“Through theater, we discover the extraordinary in the ordinary,” Wilde said. “It’s a journey worth taking.”

NE and NW’s Fall production “Tigers Be Still” by Kim Rosenstock and directed

by Brent Alford, a comedic tale about an art therapy major struggling to find a job, is playing on the evening of Oct 2–5 at 7 p.m. and the Matinee is on Oct 5 at 2 p.m.

All six TCC campuses have tutoring resources for students who need extra help throughout the academic year.

Each campus has a lab center for at least five subjects with multiple services are offered.

The labs open at 7:30 a.m. MondayFriday and 10 a.m. on Saturday. They close at 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.

Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday.

All campuses have a math center equipped with tutors who can assist students with the math courses offered. The labs may provide calculators and other related supplies.

Connect students also have Brainfuse online tutoring available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students also have access to the Hispanic Educational Technology Service, which supports Hispanic and Latino student success and opportunities in higher education.

The NW Math Center is located in the newest building of the campus NW05.

“I’m so glad they’re open late during the week,” NW student Letticia Maldonado said. “I walked in at 8 p.m. needing help with my statistics homework that was due the next day and a tutor was able to help me.”

NE offers a CISCO lab that provides assistance with cybersecurity, computer programming and Microsoft Office applications courses.

TR has an American Sign Language center, while the other TCC campuses offer a language center that provides assistance with Spanish and French.

“I am a native Spanish speaker, so I decided to take the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) to skip having to take the language courses,” student Sonia Ward said. “The staff at the language lab was very kind. I’m grateful this is offered.”

Aside from tutoring, the science centers on each campus offer services such as assistance with practice tests, microscopes and anatomical models. The science subjects include biology, anatomy, chemistry, geology and physics.

Each campus has a writing center available for students. Periodically, each campus hosts workshops to assist students with plagiarism, thesis statements, citations, and other topics. They also provide reference documents to assist with writing techniques. Tutors are available to read student essays and offer improvement critiques.

South and SE campuses offer accounting labs. South also offers a business support lab, and SE offers an economics lab.

Supplemental instruction labs are scheduled sessions where students help students.

“I always went to the writing lab alone to get my papers checked but my creativity was lacking,” NW student Rosa Aguirre said. “Participating in a supplemental instruction session was so fun, and I was able to come up with new writing ideas during conversation.”

File photo/The Collegian

File photo/The Collegian

Students Haley Fergusen and Ethan Melendez rehearse for a play at the NE campus theater. The duo played mother and son.

Language labs are offered on all campuses.

NEWS

6 • Wednesday, August 21, 2024 CAMPUS LIFE

CAMPUS VOICES The Collegian asked various students on multiple campuses why they chose to go to TCC. Q: “Why did you choose Tarrant County College?”

Alexys McFadden

Amh Tran

Sherrieon Bauer

Noah Zuniga

“I feel like it’s a good introduction into the major that I want to go into. [Medicine]”

“It’s definitely more affordable”

“I think it’s a nice campus. I think that the classes will be easy to find, and it’s pretty big.”

“I plan on getting prerequisites here, and then some towards my associates in music. And then I’m either transferring to UTA or UNT”

NE Campus Medicine

SE Campus Surgeon Technician

S Campus ECHs Major

Adriana Victor

Axel Amigon

SE Campus Nursing Major

“TCC has made it so easy for me, especially because I am 36 years old and deciding to come back to school. ... [it] motivates you to actually finish a career.”

Aug. 7

A car hit an unattended vehicle on NE Campus on Aug. 5 and was later reported to police on Aug. 7. The case was closed on Aug. 14 with no suspects or witnesses.

Aug. 8 •

There was a report of theft of property up to $2,500 on South Campus. The case is currently active.

Aug. 9 •

A report was made of a public servant being threatened at NE campus by language intended to scare them. The case is cur-

Aug. 13 • • •

• •

A car hit an unattended vehicle on NE Campus without checking to see if the owner was around. The case was closed on Aug. 13.

There was a report of theft of property up to $2,500 on NW Campus. The case is currently active.

There was a report of theft of materials up to $20K on an off-site center. The case closed on Aug. 14 due to no suspects or witnesses.

Multiple stalking cases were reported on NE Campus, NW Campus and TR Campus. All of which were closed and referred to Title IX. A domestic violence case was reported on South Campus.

The case was closed and referred to Title IX.

Aug. 14

• • •

TR Campus Nursing Major

“The campus is just gorgeous, and the classes are really good and I’ve heard amazing things about the professors, so I’m excited to get started.”

“I chose TCC because it’s really affordable to me and my family, because we’re living off of six family members in a house, and it’s kind of hard with the money.”

CRIMES ON CAMPUS •

Mollie Williams

SE Campus Animation/Video Game Design

POLICE LOG

A report was made on TR Campus of an online impersonation.

This case is currently active.

A report was made that there was possible fraud on TR Campus.

The case is active.

There was an aggravated assault on TR Campus with a deadly weapon in February. it was reported on Aug. 14. The case was closed on Aug. 14 and handled by another agency.

SE Campus Music Major

CAMPUS EVENTS Northeast

Northwest

Aug. 21

Aug. 21

Welcome Week Carnival

Toro’s Float on the Go

Food and festivities to celebrate the start of the academic year.

Student activities gives free ice cream floats to all students.

12:30 to 2 p.m.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

South

Southeast

Aug. 21

Aug. 26

“Hyperlocal IV” Art Exhibit

Advising Avenue

Exhibit showcasing the vibrant art scene of Dallas/Fort Worth.

An opportunity for students to learn how to navigate registration and more.

6 to 8 p.m.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Trinity River

Connect Campus

Aug. 27

Aug. 21

Cafe Music Series

Virtual Club Rush

Listen to musician Jacob Furr perform in the cafeteria.

Find out about clubs available to Connect Campus students.

11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2 to 3 p.m.

For more details about these and other events visit: https://calendar.tccd.edu/

OPINION

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 • 7

EDITORIAL

Gold medal in cyberbullying goes to haters The internet is a place that can easily speedrun hateful comments into a cyberbullying campaign. It creates an environment without room for meaningful conversation or critical thinking. Facts become irrelevant in the face of discourse made up of conflict, insults and anger.

For example, Imane Khelif won a gold medal in women’s boxing during this year’s Olympic games despite the intense cyberbullying she was put through. She is currently filing a lawsuit against some prominent figures such as Elon Musk, Donald Trump and J.K. Rowling, who instigated the attacks.

The attacks escalated when Rowling implied that Khelif is transgender to her millions of followers. The remarks were hostile and led to further hostility from her followers. Musk tagged along and further promoted the transphobic cyberbullying.

There seems to also be an element of racism. White athletes like Caitlyn Jenner get praise for coming out as transgender. Black and brown female athletes with hormonal or even just a masculine physique get bashed or accused of being men, transgender or on steroids. All it took was someone with a decent-sized following to start a bullying storm against Khelif.

“I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects,” Khelif said during an interview on SNTV. “It can destroy people. It can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people.

And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.”

Rowling, Musk and Trump used their influence to cause significant harm to an athlete without taking the responsibility to fact-check. The internet spreads rumors in a way that inhibits critical thinking while promoting bandwagoning.

Cyberbullying goes beyond just celebrities and is a growing concern for teens. According to the WHO, 1 in 6 adolescents have experienced cyberbullying. In a time where we should be teaching kids about internet safety and protecting them from cyberbullying, we are subjecting them to also

TJ Favela/The Collegian

seeing cyberbullying online between adults.

One answer is in the way the internet has created personalized echo chambers for its users. When something pushes back against people’s narrow views, we see discourse pop up.

The limited scope of understanding that the internet encourages allows people to take sides. Often, each side cannot look past their ego, which

means arguments are simple, without nuance. The aim is to stay divided instead of developing strong morals and media literacy, things that would bring us together.

How do we get back to a baseline of mutual respect?

Students should make an effort to engage with literature, art and problem-solving. Reading and pursuing education are ways to create distance from the echo-chambers the internet

traps us in.

Taking a critical thinking classes gives students the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information.

A speech class can also teach students to how to organize their arguments clearly, back up their arguments with credible evidence and cater to the needs of their audience.

TCC offers an Information Literacy Certificate Workshop through Canvas. The workshop teaches stu-

dents how to research information and find credible sources. It is a resource that teaches students how to avoid misinformation online and think for themselves.

Moral clarity has been decreasing as online usage continues to ramp up.

The incentive to push out hateful rhetoric is becoming immense. Moving forward there needs to be an emphasis on engaging critically with media and texts as well as practicing empathy.

VIEWPOINTS

We’re risking life, liberty, pursuit of happiness 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.

Meet the Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Fousia Abdullahi

MANAGING EDITOR Huda Qureshi

ILLUSTRATORS TJ Favela

DESIGNERS

Jerry Swinney, Jr. Elliot McWilliams

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Dominick Martinez

Professional Staff ADVISERS

Chris Whitley Lori Dann

PRODUCTION MANAGER Stacy Luecker

Letter Policy Letters to the paper from members of the TCC community 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) E-mail:

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

@tccthecollegian • collegian.tccd.edu

As a society, we have decided that the continued spread of a highly contagious pathogen is OK as long as people go to work and we keep the stores well-stocked.

I vividly remember going into my kids’ school in late December 2019 for their class holiday parties and seeing that there were more people than usual sick. Many kids and teachers were out sick, and some were visibly ill that day. It made me wonder if it was just the regular cold and flu season or if the new virus was already spreading here undetected.

When I think about the timeline we didn’t do anything to stop the spread until March when lockdowns began, my mind is blown away by how the government, institutions, and we as a society have failed the 7,010,681 people who lost their lives since then.

I saw chunks in the American federalism with the federal, state and local governments scrambling and putting together their plans and recommendations instead of a nationwide plan with mutual support between all levels of government

FOUSIA ABDULLAHI editor-in-chief

fousia.abdullahi@my.tccd.edu

like we saw in other countries like New Zealand, Germany, China and South Korea.

Fast-forward four years, and COVID-19 is still a part of our lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wastewater data in the U.S. shows that more than half of the country is experiencing high levels. Last week, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana’s test positivity rate was 24.1%, the highest in the country.

There are no mandates. Some places like Texas have banned mask mandates with few exceptions in some settings like government living centers, jails and

government-run hospitals.

The latest FLiRT strains and LB.1 strain have caused a surge this spring and summer, which we would have typically expected in the winter.

Some Taylor Swift fans even labeled their post-Eras concert infection a souvenir.

We need to ask ourselves how many COVID-19 infections we need before our health is irreparably damaged. Do we need to risk it so theaters, concerts and the Olympics can make money?

A recent National Institutes of Health study concluded that the risk of heart attacks, strokes and breathing problems can increase with each new infection.

“Therefore, the number of long COVID cases is expected to remain high in the future,” the study said.”

Researchers are also researching what COVID-19 does to people’s brains.

A study conducted by the Imperial College of London this February with 140,000 participants found that COVID-19 was associated with multiple cognitive prob-

lems including memory. People also “showed small deficits in some tasks testing executive and reasoning abilities, such as those that require spatial planning or verbal reasoning.”

A deficit in spatial planning and verbal reasoning makes you wonder if that’s what’s wrong with all the crazy driving on our roads.

More virus are becoming more rampant. So, what did we learn that worked, and where is there room to improve?

Lawmakers and scientists need to work together to create better policies and education programs to help people who are on the fence about the need for health precautions.

On Aug. 14, the WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern for mpox. Already the conversations around this are around fear and propaganda and not based on facts.

Now is the time for the CDC and the WHO to start educating people before the narrative around this virus and others becomes even more politicized.

Quietness can be key to learning about our world The delicate balance of being quiet but not shy, a good listener but not in your head, is a tricky one to achieve.

A meaningful conversation is a commitment. The person speaking trusts you with their thoughts and by extension, their feelings.

They also trust you to be understanding of things that cannot be controlled in speech such as cadence and stumbling words.

The person listening commits to being respectful, patient and curious. Being able to listen is where learning happens, a vital part of being alive. Without being able to learn, there’s no hope of going anywhere worthwhile.

To truly listen, and thus being

HUDA QURESHI managing editor

huda.qureshi@my.tccd.edu huda.qureshi @my.tccd.edu

able to truly learn, there needs to be a level of putting aside our own problems and developing a curiosity for other people. Listening as closely as you’d like to be listened to is a way to bridge the gap between isolated thoughts and having them be understood.

The process of learning and listening requires being comfortable with being quiet. The charm of staying quiet has been getting lost in the flashiness of loud opinions and words used to simply fill up space.

When speaking, it’s important to commit to honesty. The words you use should be reflective of what is important to you, they should be sincere and intentional. Not every space has to be filled with language. Being careful with the words you speak allows for deeper thought. Cutting out filler language is where direct and clear communication thrives.

This is not an endorsement of being shy. I find shyness quite det-

rimental. Conversation is a skill just like any other, a rather important one. It’s about combining intentional speech with quiet learning.

It’s easier said than done. I keep the phrase “Kill your timid notion” in my head. The definition of timid is to lack courage or self-confidence. To kill your timid notion is to be sure in your words and actions. It’s also to be brave enough to own up to those words and actions.

The things you say have an echo. It’s important to be conscious of this to understand the importance of quietness.

Practicing the discipline of saying what you mean and meaning what you say will help you grow into the best version of yourself.

8 • Wednesday, August 21, 2024

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