10 13 06

Friday, October 13, 2006

NEWS 15TH STREET

Rose State College

6420 SE 15th Street, Midwest City, OK 73110 Learn about the new Broadcast Studio.

See story, Page 3.

Calling all volunteers: Help needed for Halloween Joshua Pace News Editor Ghosts and goblins will mingle with fairies and princesses during the college’s annual Halloween Festival, which will be held Friday, Oct. 27, student senate members said.

The festival will be sponsored by the student senate and will offer the usual fun activities for the community, Daniel McClure, student senate president, said.

Some of the activities this year will include free candy, games, inflatables and a haunted house that will be sponsored by various campus organizations, McClure said.

“The Halloween party [offers a] safe trick-or-treating opportunity for the whole community,” Zach Bridges, student senator and Halloween Committee chair, said.

McClure said he credits Bridges’ efforts with the planning and implementation of this year’s festival, as well as all of the other senators, clubs and organizations that worked to make the event happen. “[Bridges] has worked really hard coordinating this event and has had a lot of great ideas and also, we have had a great deal of input from [the various] clubs on campus,” McClure said. “The event is a great opportunity for the college to help our community and volunteers are always needed.”

To help round up those needed volunteers, McClure said the festival would present a chance for students looking to be more involved to get active. Those students might also be interested in taking part in the recently formed RSC Student House organization, which was enacted to help active students find a platform for their ideas, he said.

Students who choose to participate in either the Halloween festival or the Student House can earn club points (if they are club members) or have their service recorded on the Student Activities transcript, McClure said.

For more information, call 733-7376. jpace@rose.edu

Vol. XXXVI Issue 7

Revisit Global Oklahoma.

See spread, Pages 4-5.

Need help finding things to do on fall break?

See story, Page 7.

Just a drill ...

(Left:) A group of Emergency Medical Technicians assist Medi-flight crew members during an emergency scenario drill held to train Midwest City firefighters on Friday, Oct. 6. (Below) MWC firefighters remove an “injured victim” from a school bus during a mock accident scenario at Southeast 17th and Ocama in Midwest City.

Similar drills are held by police, medical teams and firefighters throughout each year to allow participants an opportunity to practice skills in a “lifelike” environment. Students from the Midwest City High School Drama Club, as well as RSC journalism and broadcast students, acted as victims and members of the press during the 2-3 hour drill.

Photos by MATT MONTGOMERY

Students assist in off-campus training exercise Julie Farris Contributing Writer The ability of Midwest City firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians to handle real-life emergencies was tested during an accident scenario drill held Friday, Oct. 6.

Students from RSC’s journalism and broadcast classes, along with Drama Club students from Midwest City High School participated as “victims,” members of the press and bystanders in the biannual, EMT basic-refresher course.

Eugene Sullivan, Emergency Medical System coordinator and instructor, decided that instead of a “stale,” written test, he would evaluate what trainees had learned through a more “hands-on” approach, which led to the drill.

“This way, [the trainees] would have something realistic and be able to utilize their skills,” Sullivan said.

The majority of the fire department’s EMT responders had never dealt with a mass-casualties accident before this drill. This type of incident could happen anywhere and at anytime in the city’s response area and a written test would not help trainees understand the level of patience and resources it takes to triage individuals from an ordeal of this magnitude, Sullivan said.

Although this training event was not timed, the variety of injuries, the ages and conditions of victims and the possibility that responders might know the mock victims personally, all helped to show responders how intense and stressful a similar real-life situation could be for them.

“It helps to show that realistic touch and they get to understand what’s going on in an incident like this,” Sullivan said.

The scenario consisted of 10 human actors and several dummies, including a dummy of an infant, with various injuries. The “victims” were spread out in three cars and a school bus. This particular scenario involved a careless driver who was not paying attention to the road and surroundings and included a downed power line – assumed to be “live” for the purpose of the drill – that had fallen across the front of the bus.

“This kind of accident can happen anywhere,” Debbie Sylvester, community volunteer, said. “You have to pay attention [while driving].”

At the beginning of the drill, Sullivan called dispatch, just as a bystander would do and trainees responded from different locations in Midwest City.

Each responder was assigned a specific

duty to perform, while Sullivan and a few captains from the fire department evaluated their skills and composure during each task.

“This is a drill that taxes the ability of triage, extraction and scene management,” Fire Station 2 Captain Alan Sanders said.

The fire department uses drills such as this to determine where the departments stand in their skill levels and what can be done to improve upon

those skills, he added.

While responders were tested on their skills and given an opportunity to use what they have learned in their training, RSC journalism and broadcast students also put their classroom studies to the test.

Susan Dawson-O’Brien, journalism professor, and Skip Leckness, broadcast professor, brought several of their

See EMERGENCY, Page 3.

Photo provided by ANTHONY EDWARDS Midwest City firefighters and emergency medical technicians respond to a mock, four-vehicle accident during a training procedure in Midwest City on Friday, Oct. 6.

The scenario’s theme this year was “careless drivers.”

Workshops prepare test-takers for college entry exam Julie Farris Contributing Writer In an effort to improve preparedness of students for the National American College Test, the Continuing Education and Community Services division of RSC is offering a series of ACT workshops.

The curriculum involved will enable students taking the ACT to develop and perfect test strategies. High school teachers and college professors well-versed in the test material will be instructing the courses.

It is possible that the Saturday workshops, to be held Oct.21 and Dec. 1, could overlap course information.

However, this repetition is

beneficial to most students, depending on their level of comprehension prior to entering the workshop, according to a pamphlet distributed by the division.

The first set of workshops is geared toward preparation of students taking the ACT for the first time. Students have the opportunity to take standardized tests in a quiet, stress-free environment during this time.

This setting allows students to concentrate on mastering the test and work toward alleviating any test anxiety.

Additionally, the ability to practice standardized tests will give students a “heads up” on where they stand before tak-

ing the national exam.

The next two workshops will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21 and will focus on problem areas students might be experiencing. Courses in these workshops include mathematics, English, science and reading.

Students who miss the National ACT testing date will have an opportunity to take a residual ACT on the third Thursday of each month.

Residual ACT scores differ from national scores because they are only good for RSC enrollment purposes, not other institutions, and the score report will only be given to the Admissions Office at RSC. In contrast, the National

ACT scores can be used at any educational institution.

These tests are administered

by RSC on every annual test date.

The next National ACT testing dates are just around the corner and will be held Saturday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Dec. 9.

The nearness of these national testing dates prompted RSC to offer the preparation courses.

Students interested in taking the ACT will need to contact the Testing Center one week prior to the testing date to register.

For more information, call 733-7392. farrisnj@yahoo.com

WORKSHOP HOURS*** ACT Preparation (Four-day sessions cost $30 each.)

1st Session Dates: Mon.-Thurs. Oct. 23 - Oct. 26 Time: 6 p.m.-8:45 p.m.

2nd Session Dates: Mon.-Thurs. Dec. 4 - Dec. 7 Time: 6 p.m.-8:45 p.m.

Saturday Workshops (Cost of each is $15.)

Oct. 21 Mega Mathematics Time: 9 a.m.-noon

Expert English Time: 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Scientific Savvy Time: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Right-on Reading Time: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Dec. 1.

Science Made Simple Time: 9 a.m.-noon Vivid Vocab & Great Grammar Time: 9 a.m.-noon Monster Math Session Time: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Right-on Reading Time: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Right-on Reading Time: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

***Information obtained through the 2006 A.C.T. Preparation classes and workshops pamphlet.

Page 2

Briefly Speaking Winter Concert to be held Kevin Welch, native Oklahoman singer and songwriter, is scheduled to open the Performing Arts Studio Winter Concert series at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 at the Norman Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., Norman, Okla. Seating is limited and admission is $10. For more information, call 307-9320.

Flu & pneumonia shots provided The Visiting Nurses Association, along with RSC’s Wellness Office, will provide flu shots for $25 and pneumonia shots for $35 to students, employees and community members 10 a.m.-5 pm. Monday, Oct. 16 in the Raider Room. For more information, call 733-7525.

Workshop continues An Interview Workshop will be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17 in the Student Services Building, Room 206.

Frisbee Golf begins The first Intramural Frisbee Golf game will begin at 3 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 23 and will be followed by a second game at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30.

All games will be played at Kiwanis Park in Midwest City.

For more information, call Wes LeFlore at 733-7376.

October 13, 2006 OPINION/NEWS 15th Street News Editor questions school safety issues in U.S. Johnna Ray Editor in Chief With all of the violence that has been occurring in schools across the U.S., Americans, even those who do not have children, are beginning to ask how this can be stopped and why it happened in the first place.

I am no exception.

The mere thought of killing someone is bad enough, to me. But when you add in the thought of killing a child, this goes far beyond my ability to comprehend. I am not even sure I would want to understand what would cause someone to think it was OK, or even the right thing, to kill another human being - especially, a child.

In an effort to curtail some of this violence, many schools now require that all enrolled students obtain an identification card that shows they belong at the school, but how often are these really

checked? And further, what good does this do when the shooter is an ID-carrying student or a “trusted” student who “happened to forget” their ID one day?

Other schools have begun using metal detectors to try to alleviate some of the problem. And a bill, HB2075, proposed this year in Oklahoma, requested that school principals and superintendents be allowed to carry firearms on campus. But what about these incidences we are seeing where a previously-trusted adult is the perpetrator?

I do not want to make it appear that we cannot trust our school officials. Instead, I am just saying, “What if?” I mean, do we really know who will and who won’t use guns against the very people they were meant to protect?

As far as the metal detectors, how does this protect those in the parking lots or at extracurricular events or those on

Jobs offered A Career Fair will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24 in the Main Dining Room. Interested participants are welcome to bring portfolios and resumes to the fair, but neither is required.

Speaker to discuss mental health The Non-Traditional Students Organization will host guest speaker Rita Crocket at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27 in the Social Science building, Room 123. Crocket will discuss the topic of how to deal with mental issues while attending college. Attendance is free.

Scholarship applications ready Applications will be accepted throughout Oct. 31 for the spring 2007 RSC Foundation Scholarships and may be picked up in each of the buildings on the main campus, online at www.rose. edu/commfriend/foundation/ applications.htm or by calling 736-0315.

Christmas referrals sought Special Services and Student Outreach is accepting referrals of families who need help for children during Christmas. Referred families must meet food stamp eligibility requirements and must not have been selected as recipients in 2005. For more information, call 7337373.

School needs help Douglas High School is seeking tutors in math, science, reading and English for the hours of 7:10 a.m.-2:10 p.m. For more information, call Sharland Deitz at 58874228.

even if locks, metal detectors or other tools were needed, would it not be worth it?

As with most of our society, I hope that this is something I will never have to face with someone I know personally.

Also like most of society, I do not have any real answers

for why these things occur or what is the best possible solution. All I do know for certain is that something must be done BEFORE another child’s life is taken in what is supposed to be a safe, learning environment. jray@rose.edu

The Raider Response question posed on Sept. 29 was: “What methods or routines do you use

when studying for exams?”

Raider Response

Raiders responded to the question as follows:

“I usually study really hard for 15 minutes and whenever I’m done I take five minutes off and just relax and get up and walk around for a minute. It’s not the quantity; it’s the quality of study that you do. I find this is most effective because when you first look at something, you remember the first and the last thing that you read in that little time frame. So, if you put it in little increments like that, you are more likely to remember what you read, instead of reading a whole lot.” Chance McCool, nursing major

“Study groups. Since I’m in calculus and it’s a hard class, there’s a lot of people who don’t always get it. So you get different people who get different parts and you put it all together.” - Travis Hays, electronic engineering major

Domestic Violence Awareness Month observed Joe Mendoza, intake specialist for Family Expectations, will speak to guests at 12:10 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23 in the Main Dining Room and at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 26 in the Social Sciences building, Room 207.

An opportunity to win $750 to spend on a child will be offered during the Oct. 26 event. Also, the Domestic Violence Poster Contest will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25 in the Main Dining Room.

college campuses? And who is watching the metal detector and all other, secondary entrances and exits? How hard would it be for a determined person who has been watching the activity around a school to enter a backdoor as a custodian was removing the garbage for the day?

I do not believe we should become a hysterical, panicstricken society. However, I do believe that our awareness should be heightened and that committees - comprised of parents, students and teachers - should be formed to examine each and every public, or private, school and their practices to see where they might be at risk if the unthinkable occurred.

If students, parents, teachers and possibly, law enforcement, conducted drills, even just once a year, many of the vulnerabilities could be found and corrected. This wouldn’t have to cost anything - but

“Study groups; study with people. Say it; write it; speak it; hear it.” - Debbie Howard, dental assisting major

“It doesn’t work to wait until the last day to study. I take notes throughout the semester and study groups; I like study groups.” - Michelle Wood, dental assisting major Responses to this week’s Raider Response question must be received no later than noon Monday, Oct. 30 Replies may be e-mailed to the editor in chief, Johnna Ray, at jray@rose.edu or hand delivered to FA110.

Raider Response Question No. 4: What characteristics or qualities should a “good” professor have?

Protecting homes, cars, pets in cooler weather

Julie Farris Contributing Writer As cold weather tightens its noose on Oklahoma, many people are wondering what steps they should take to weatherproof their homes, cars and even pets.

Freezing winter weather has the capacity to cause considerable damage to each of these.

Water damage can be one of the major issues with the onset of freezing temperatures, according to the Insurance Information Institute Web site.

In order to thwart water damage, homeowners should keep gutters free of debris so that snow and ice water can travel freely through them, the Web site stated. This is especially important since clogged gutters can cause water to build up and leak into the house causing mold or discoloration on walls, the site added.

It is also important to ensure that hot and cold water faucets are left to drip slowly to prevent the pipes from freezing.

“Keep the pipes well insulated so that they don’t burst and cause a mess,” Jason Phillips, business major, said.

Other important areas of the home to consider are entrances and walkways. Always keep these clear of snow and ice to avoid major injuries. If a chimney is present in the home, have it cleaned regularly and that the flue is closed when not in use.

Jaquelyn Kuhn, math tutor, also suggested that when it is necessary to travel in bad winter weather, it would be wise to assemble an emergency kit.

This kit should be placed in the trunk of the vehicle – or behind a seat or in a glove compartment if no trunk is available. Items for the kit could include road flares, an inexpensive blanket, a flashlight and batteries, bandaids and antiseptic wipes.

“Always carry jumper cables in the car, no matter what time of year it is.”

Kuhn added.

Having vehicles routinely inspected by a professional can also increase car safety. Properly functioning brakes and tires with good tread and adequate air

Info & policies Columns, commentaries and letters to the editor are personal opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of 15th Street News or other students, faculty or administrators of the college.

Editorials are written by the editorial staff.

Letters to the editor may be hand delivered to FA110; sent by mail to 15th Street News, Rose State College, 6420 SE 15, Midwest City, 73110; e-mailed to the secretary, [cbenefee@rose.edu] or recorded nights on PhoneMail at 733-7400 between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Letters must include the writer’s full name, ID number and telephone number.

Letters will be printed with full name and must be 500 words or less. Editing may be necessary for space, clarity or to avoid obscenity, libel or invasion of privacy, but ideas will not be altered.

Publication of all materials is at the discretion of the editor. Anyone having a complaint may call the editor in chief, 733-7400, or the Student Publications Board chairperson, Towry Barnard, 733-7379.

15th Street News, a student newspaper serving the RSC community, is published weekly, except school holidays, on Fridays

pressure are also important details to consider.

“To keep your car safe in the winter, take it into any auto shop and have them make sure your levels of antifreeze and, in some cars, Freon, are at the appropriate levels,” Wes LeFlore, assistant to the coordinator for Student Activities, said.

Antifreeze is an important staple in getting a vehicle ready for winter. However, improper disposal or use of this product can easily cause the death of a family pet because antifreeze smells and tastes sweet and can be mistaken as a treat. Once ingested, this “treat” can lead to the animal’s death. “[Antifreeze] causes [animals’] organs to shut down and kills them with a horrible, lingering death,” Kuhn said.

“It’s a horrible way for [an] animal to die.”

While it is important to make sure pets have plenty of fresh water during the summer, it can be even more important in cold weather. Often, pet owners tend to neglect this issue because they

N EWS

during the fall and spring semesters by the Office of Student Publications, 6420 SE 15, Midwest City, OK 73110.

15th Street News is a member of Oklahoma Collegiate Press Association, which has designated this paper top junior college newspaper six years, and Associated Collegiate Press, which has rated it All American 30 semesters.

This publication is printed by Edmond Sun, Inc., issued by RSC and authorized by the Coordinator of Student Publications. Cost to the state taxpayers is $301.81 for 4,000 copies per issue and $56.40 for spot color.

This paper is recyclable.

RSC, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Executive Order 11246, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

This includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services.

believe that water is not needed as much in cooler weather, although it can quickly become frozen and undrinkable.

Food safety concerning pets is also a topic to consider this winter. If a pet’s dry food is left outside, it should be checked for mold or other contaminants daily. Moldy food quickly becomes toxic to pets and can result in brain damage or death.

Holiday treats like chocolate or long turkey bones from the table can easily lead to a trip to the veterinarian. Chocolate is a heart stimulant to most animals and can cause a pet to suffer a heart attack and bones can tear the intestines or become lodged in the throat or teeth of a pet.

Although it is important to weatherize homes, cars and pets, it is also important to check on elderly friends, family members or neighbors.

“It is always important to check on your elderly neighbors and family when there’s weather extremes,” Kuhn said.

For more cold weather, home protection information, visit www.iii.org. farrisnj@yahoo.com

Staff Members Graphic Artist

Editor in Chief

Matt Montgomery

Johnna Ray

[jray@rose.edu] Assistant Editor

Shannon Hoverson [shoverson@rose.edu] Assignment Editor

Marae Leggs

[mleggs@rose.edu]

Chief Photographer

Stacey McEntire

[smcentire@ros.edu]

Assistant Photographer

Jennifer Wimer

[jwimer@rose.edu]

News Editor

Assistant Photographer

Jon Rollman

[jrollman@rose.edu] Contributiing writer

Julie Farris

[farrisnj@yahoo.com]

Tech Support

Scottie Seger

[aseger@rose.edu] Circulation manager Paul Kim [pkim@rose.edu]

Secretary

Joshua Pace

[jpace@rose.edu]

[mmontgomery@rose.edu]

Carol Benefee

[cbenefee@rose.edu] Coordinator of Student Publications

Julie Lesko-Bishop

[jlesko-bishop@rose.edu]

NEWS/WEATHER

October 13, 2006 15th Street News

Page 3

Broadcast, journalism majors to host newscast Shannon Hoverson Assistant Editor News, news and more news.

In addition to the 15th Street News – which is produced in print form and available on the RSC Web site – students, faculty and the community will soon be able to have prerecorded news, produced by RSC students, on television.

The RSC broadcast and journalism programs recently received a more than $51,000 grant from the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation that will be used to create a newscast and monthly television magazine for the campus and community. “[This] gives the students a chance to have an actual newscast with lead-ins from one story to the next and it gives our print students a chance to go out there and do the interviewing – the practical aspect of interviewing, the hands on interviewing – with an added bonus [to be] on camera,” Susan Dawson-O’Brien, journalism professor, said.

The bulk of this grant will go toward creating a professional set for the news program as well as purchasing updated digital equipment.

“We have already requested and bought two 3-in-1

recorders,” Skip Leckness, broadcast professor, said.

“They will record on mini DVD, DVD or hard drive.

We will be using one of those as a source machine and then one of them as the master recorder.”

Currently, the broadcast program has a working studio located on the second floor of the Humanities building, but this grant will allow them to modernize it.

Some of the other equipment Leckness is getting includes a dual CD player for the music and sound effects, a large presentation monitor, two new cameras with High-Definition capabilities, as well as standard and, possibly, a data video news switcher.

With an earlier grant, Leckness was able to purchase a boom for the studio.

Students from the advanced classes taught by DawsonO’Brien and Leckness will be heavily involved in creating the broadcast. Students who have already taken these courses are encouraged to come back and help; they are in the process of finalizing how these students will receive credit for their work.

“Having that practical experience, putting something like this together, it’s going to look so good on a resume and it’s going to look so

good to employers,” Dawson-O’Brien said. “There’s no better experience than working on the production line.”

She is willing to give internship credit for students who want to work on this project, she added.

“It will impact the Metro area, it will get out a lot further than we have cablecast before,” Leckness said.

It is hoped that this will attract students to both programs and RSC. There will be a “hard news” segment, as well as a news feature program, similar to “60 Minutes” or other such news feature programs.

“In the spring, we’re supposed to start on a monthly basis to do these programs and then we will need to do at least one program that incorporates both my video people and [DawsonO’Brien’s] print people – a combination,” Leckness said.

“That is what we are looking for, kind of a marriage of our programs.”

He added that he wants to try and get at least one news program produced this semester.

“We are just so grateful for the grant and so grateful for [RSC’s] support and so grateful for our student’s interest,” Dawson-O’Brien

Photo by STACEY McENTIRE Broadcast professor Skip Leckness (left) assists a broadcast student (right) in attaching a video camera to a boom that is used to record footage in the RSC Broadcast Studio.

said. “It is going to be a lot of work; it’s not always the easiest adventure. We all have a program we can be proud of and point to as something we all worked on.”

“We think this will be beneficial to each of us – the college and the students,”

Leckness said. “I’m really looking forward to it; this is my stuff.”

For more information about the Student Broadcast Studio contact Leckness at 7330272 or Dawson-O’Brien at 733-7518. shoverson@rose.edu

Investment strategies outlined for retirees Shannon Hoverson Assistant Editor The second edition of the “Lunch-N-Learn” series was presented Oct. 6, on the second floor of the Tom Steed Center.

Photo by JON ROLLMAN Gary McCoy, a representative of Edward Jones Investments of Midwest City, provides participants with investment tips and ways to “beat” inflation.

This workshop covered “Financial Strategies for the Retired Investor.” Gary McCoy, a representative of Edward Jones Investments of Midwest City, taught the one-hour course.

The “quick course” was specifically designed for the retired investor and provided strategies on how to manage money.

McCoy began by telling the class that they need to have a strategy when it comes to investing.

He showed, over the course of the hour, how each step of the stock market could be navigated if the investor was “in the know.”

“The goal of this class is to give you a few ideas and simple terms, I [will] try to take all financial terminology out of it and talk in terms anyone can understand,” McCoy said.

Taking a hypothetical situation of an investor who had invested $100,000 in various parts of the stock market, he showed the class how they could “beat” inflation by being willing to take risks.

The first “Lunch-N-Learn” was “How to Protect Yourself from Scams.”

A police officer from the Midwest City Police Department spoke to the class Sept. 8.

“We are planning all of these on or near the first Friday of the month,” Brett Wood, dean of Continuing Education, said.

These kinds of classes are being presented as a one-hour workshop rather than holding them in a standard eight- or 16-week session.

“People are asking for these kinds of classes,” Wood said.

These workshops are scheduled

during the lunch hour to allow not only seniors to attend but also other people from the community.

On average, the classes have attracted 18-20 people per session, which is a good turnout, Wood said.

All “Lunch-N-Learn” workshops cost $1 and light snacks are provided. The next workshop in the series is a book review of “Someone Cry for the Children.”

The author of this book, Dick Wilkerson, will be present to discuss his book on Nov. 10.

The book is about the unsolved murder of three young Oklahoma Girl Scouts in the ‘70s and Wilkerson was the investigator on the case.

For more information, call 7337392. shoverson@rose.edu

EMERGENCY

continued from Page 1 students to the drill for some practical application.

“Being here in front of all these people, you have to be careful what you do when you are a reporter,” Dewitt Roland, broadcasting major, said.

“Whenever you’re going to be on the scene, make sure you are doing your job; get it done quickly and accurately. That way, you get your information out [to the public] faster.”

Through a mock press conference with Fire Marshall Spokesman Jerry Lojka, student reporters, photographers and camera crew, learned the details of the accident. Also during the mock press conference, Lojka told student reporters that the families of victims could visit the Midwest City Community Center for information on the accident and the names, condition and locations of patients. This would be true if the accident had been a reallife, mass-casualty incident, as well, Sullivan said.

Lojka “reported” that the accident produced two (mock) fatalities – a 16-year-old girl and a 7-month-old infant – and several (mock) injuries – one resulting in a need for a Mediflight helicopter and another involving a bus driver in her eighth month of pregnancy – made more believable with the use of a pillow stuffed under the volunteer’s shirt.

“This teaches you what happens when you’re not paying attention while driving,” Taylor Thomas, 16, who is a junior at the high school, said. “It’s scary [when] you don’t know what to do in a wreck. When it happens, everything just seems to slow down.”

Thomas said she had participated in a similar Midwest City police department drill two years ago with a scenario involving a drunk driver.

Both times, she was selected as the victim who was taken to the Medi-flight helicopter for transport and received a short ride around the area near the drill scene.

“Once you get in there and once they get up, they let you sit up,” she said. “I knew that my part or [a fellow Drama Club student’s] part was going to get to [ride in the helicopter].” farrisnj@yahoo.com

Campus ‘In the Know’ regarding Student Activities transcripts Marae Leggs Assignment Editor In today’s highly competitive society it is increasingly important that individuals who want to get ahead be well-rounded in both academic and real-world expertise; this is where participation in extracurricular activities comes in.

According to the RSC Web site, the “Student Activities Transcript provides college documentation of a student’s extracurricular experiences at RSC,” and can be created by the student as they progress in their education.

In fact, a majority of higher learning institutions, and even many prospective employers, will utilize this

chronological profile of a student’s involvement to find those individuals that do more than “just get the grades.”

As well, the sited stated, “the Student Activities Transcript allows students to include as part of their recognition: • Student organizations of which they are a member, • Student activities in which they have participated, • Leadership roles they have achieved, • Varsity athletics in which they have participated, and • Academic honors the have received.”

Student involvement in activities and the required documentation is considered

to be so useful to students that Wes LeFlore, assistant to the coordinator for Student Activities, held an “In the Know” meeting Oct. 3. The meeting discussed upcoming student activities and events and contained an additional emphasis on the how’s and why’s of creating and maintaining a Student Activities Transcript.

LeFlore spent the first part of the meeting focusing on the steps involved in creating and maintaining a Student Activities Transcript using only the forms provided online. Students can locate this form and other useful information by selecting the “Student Activities” link located on the

RSC Web site.

Once on the Student Activities page, students should choose the link labeled “Student Activity Transcript.” By choosing this tab, students are sent to the transcript information page where they will find two submission form links.

One is for the Professional & Educational Experience Awards form and the second is for the Club Entry form.

The first form is an opportunity to submit any special expertise or honors received, while the second is only to submit information regarding club involvement.

“The main thing to remember [about submitting activities] is that you must have a

supervisor’s approval to get any [information] added to the transcript,” Wes LeFlore said. “And if you are in need [of a supervisor’s approval] you can call me or Towry Barnard [coordinator for Student Activities].”

There are a few other things to keep in mind when submitting an activities form.

First, it is the responsibility of the students to update records for all student club membership and professional and educational experiences or awards. Second, if a student would like to receive credit for attending an extracurricular activity, he or she is required to sign in at the designated event.

This way Student Activities can readily verify a student’s participation in an event, Barnard said.

Also important to remember is that all information must be submitted or updated for all RSC activities within one year of completion. And once the information has been submitted, it typically takes 48 hours for the request to be approved and added to the transcript.

Scholarship information, Service-Learning participation and varsity athletics are all automatically entered onto the transcript, so there is no need to fill out the online form to verify participation. mleggs@rose.edu

5-day weather watch FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

HIGH:

66

HIGH:

71

HIGH:

73

HIGH:

77

HIGH:

75

LOW:

46

LOW:

52

LOW:

55

LOW:

55

LOW:

52

Day: Patchy frost before 9 a.m.; mostly sunny.

Night: Mostly clear.

Day: Partly cloudy.

Night: Partly cloudy.

Day: 20% chance of showers, thunder- Day: 20% chance of showers, thunder- Day: 20% chance of showers, thunderstorms; partly cloudy. storms; partly cloudy. storms; partly cloudy.

Night: 20 % chance of showers, thunder- Night: 20 % chance of showers, thunder- Night: 20 % chance of showers, thunderstorms; partly cloudy. storms; partly cloudy. storms; partly cloudy.

Forecast provided by: WWW.SRH.NOAA.GOV

FEATURES

Page 6

October 13, 2006 15th Street News

New Reading Center open in LRC Joshua Pace News Editor As students near the middle of the semester certain things might come to mind: Midterms, term papers, the halfway mark for the class grade – and for some students that could mean crunching, additional studying, or even the need for tutoring.

Fortunately, RSC’s Learning Resources Center provides most everything a student might need for that last minute push to make the grade, Sharon Saulmon, LRC director, said.

“Any library’s main purpose is to serve their public,

so that’s really what we’re for: To serve the college’s faculty, staff and students,” she said.

The LRC sports a number of useful items to assist

Photo by JENNIFER WIMER Sherry Dennison, biology major, (left) and Micah Meeks, art major, (right) share study time in the quiet atmosphere of the Learning Resources Center. The LRC is a popular hangout for many students who need a place to review coursework.

students with research, including 16 general use computers downstairs in the main library area, as well as a computer lab upstairs that has 36 additional computers.

Many of these computers are loaded with specialized software tailored to enhance the college’s curriculum, which covers anything from math and multimedia software, to diet and nutrition topics.

The upstairs of the LRC also provides Distance-Learning materials for students enrolled in those subjects, as well as the college’s Audio/Visual Center.

The AV center offers more than 1,800 videos and CDs that cover a variety of topics for students, including a vast assortment of music ripe for studying.

Additionally, the LRC has also compiled a new Reading Center that boasts multiple periodicals, including 425 subscriptions to various journals that many students, faculty and staff might find either interesting or useful, Saulmon said. “[Our subscriptions] run the gauntlet from the kind that people can just come and browse through, to the journal of the American Medical Association – from the really fun things to the really technical things,” she said.

Additionally, for those students who need help other than just materials for further study, the LRC also houses the college’s tutoring area.

Free tutoring is available for all RSC and area

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h i g h s c h o o l students for most general education courses.

Students who think they might need this service are advised to visit the tutoring center to arrange an appointment.

However, an unfortunate reality is that some students might not be able to make their schedules mesh with that of an available tutor – although that does not mean those students are completely out of luck, Saulmon said.

Each day from 2-11 p.m., online tutoring is offered to students at two hours per week, per class, Saulmon said. The online tutoring page can be accessed at the LRC page or the RSC Web site.

For more information, call 733-7322. jpace@rose.edu

Sexual harassment not a joking matter Julie Farris Contributing Writer He did this before, several times in fact. Others had quit because of it and now here he was, rubbing her shoulders, placing his hands lower and lower each time on her back. She had told him she was married and that it was inappropriate. He just laughed it off and continued to do whatever he wanted. He was the boss of this small company and she couldn’t afford to lose her job.

This is a hypothetical situation, but one often experienced by victims of sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome attention or behavior of a sexual nature that makes someone feel uncomfortable in a professional environment. This can apply to both genders and to any age. “[Sexual harassment] is probably started by seeing a joke or an email that falls into this category, but the reality is laughter that’s at someone else’s expense is not healthy, and it’s not right,” Janet Griffith, RSC counselor and coordinator for Services to Students with Disabilities.

There are a variety of steps that can be taken to deal with sexual harassment. However, ignoring it is not advised, as it could suggest encouragement to continue. Telling the offender what he or she did wrong should be the first step.

When someone feels they are being sexually harassed, he or she should speak up at the time of the incident and voice the problem strongly and clearly, leaving no room for doubt.

Personal issues and emotions should be left out when addressing the specific problem, as this could cause the harasser to believe it is the victim’s problem, not his or her own.

“It would be hard to stand up to someone, but knowing that I could stop being degraded or stop it

from happening to someone else could help,” Lyn- report a claim does not delay in doing so, especially sey Mathews, nursing major, said. if it is serious and continuous. The EEOC will evaluVerbal confrontation is not the only method that ate all claims and notify the victim with information can be used; writing an unemotional letter to the regarding what steps to take next if they find the transgressor could also be effective. If it is necessary claim to be valid. to file charges later, it’s helpful to have documentaAll forms of sexual harassment are illegal and tion that objections to the behavior were clearly giv- charges should be taken seriously. If a person is en. It is also best not to smile, apologize or become accused of sexual harassment, every detail of the emotional during the confrontation, as the harasser incident must be examined and investigated. could take it as encouragement and continue with If the charge is informal, the person addressed the behaviors. about the claim should make every attempt to under“They keep [harassing] because [he or she has] stand the point of view of the one making the combeen allowed to do it for so long and gotten away plaint and to not repeat the behavior or comment. with it,” Julie Rice-Rollins, regional geography pro- It is important to remember that even a joke can fessor, said. seriously offend someAs a campus community, we need one and be considered Also, an attempt to keep a written account of each harassment. to encourage [victims] in taking sexual incident of harassment All complaints of sexthe stand that degrading someone ual harassment should should be made. Any evidence of continued taken seriously, but is not funny [and] victims should be harassment following the no one has the legal confrontation can help to seek counseling, right to personally reprove that a problem does taliate against the perJanet Griffith indeed exist. son who committed the Additionally, it is important Counselor and coordinator for offense. to be specific when writing If the charges were filed Services to Students with Disabilities down the incident by listing formally, an Affirmative times, dates, places, what happened and any wit- Action office should be contacted. These offices are nesses to the offense. responsible for investigating charges and resolving It might be helpful to find an advocate or, in some issues of sexual harassment and to do so fairly and cases, seek counseling, as well. And counseling confidentially. Cooperation with these offices will could be helpful for those who have been the object expedite the process because the offices are typiof a complaint. cally interested in resolving situations as quickly as The final step is to file a complaint with The Equal possible.

Employment Opportunity Commission, if the situa“As a campus community, we need to encourage tion is not properly handled or resolved during the [victims] in taking the stand that degrading someone initial steps. The EEOC is a federal agency that is not funny [and] victims should seek counseling,” enforces federal anti-discrimination laws.

Griffith said.

Due to strict statutes of limitations for filing For more information, call Griffith at 733-7549. claims, it is important that anyone who wishes to farrisnj@rose.edu

“

”

Little hands, big futures Child Development Laboratory Center offers hands-on learning experience for family relations/early childhood development students

Photos provided by JAMIE KENDRICK (Above:) Children from the Child Development Laboratory Center, located on the RSC campus, shield their ears while awaiting the shrill siren on Midwest City police officer Donnell Smith’s cruiser.

(Left:) Clarence Smith, Midwest City mailman, answers questions regarding mail and mail delivery that were posed by Gabrielle Hodgin,4, during a recent visit to the CDLC. The CDLC opened as a hands-on learning environment for family relations and early childhood development majors in 1983, nine years after these degree programs began at RSC. The center offers activity rooms, playgrounds, classrooms and observation windows for students and children. Children enrolled in the center range in age from 3 months-5 years. The center has received a Three-Star rating from the Oklahoma State Department of Human Services and received accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. For more information, call 733-7411.

Campus says: No drugs, alcohol

Julie Farris Contributing Writer The common stereotype regarding college life is that it is a time to party with a lot of heavy drinking or drug use involved; however, this could not be more wrong, Janet Griffith, counselor and coordinator for Services to Students with Disabilities, said.

“One of the most common mistakes is the societal attitudes that if a student wants to have fun, they have to drink,” she said.

The RSC Student Code of Conduct states that “All students are expected to conform to all local, state and federal laws,” regarding the use of drugs or alcohol. Further, it states that bringing alcohol or drugs to any campus function is not allowed and will lead to disciplinary actions by the college.

Violation of the code could also include attendance in classes by those “under the influence.”

Although the campus does not have dorms, problems with drug and alcohol abuse still exist, especially when holidays or exam times draw closer. These added pressures often cause students to feel heightened levels of anxiety or depression and drug or alcohol abuse can intensify these emotions.

“Young students do not acknowledge that alcohol is a depressant,” Griffith said.

“There are a lot of people on this campus - because it mirrors our society - that battle depression … Some people are even taking antidepressant medications and drinking alcohol [and] they might as well throw their pills away, for truly all they are doing is becoming their own worst enemy.”

A variety of methods may be used to reduce anxiety, stress or depression, but an affected student must first admit there is a problem.

This is also the first step in recovery from alcohol or drug use. Students who find themselves with a drug or alcohol addiction or who feel stress or depression, may call one of RSC’s counselors for a free, confidential appointment at 733-7373 or 733-7407.

For more information on drug and alcohol restrictions on campus, students may obtain a free Student Handbook in the Student Center, the Student Services Building and several other buildings on campus. farrisnj@yahoo.com

FEATURES/PUZZLES

October 13, 2006 15th Street News

Asthma sufferers breathe easier Joshua Pace News Editor Perhaps one of the most frightening things that can happen to people is to suddenly find themselves unable to draw their next breath.

From the moment a newborn enters the world, each breath follows the next seamlessly, to the extent that, most everyone might agree, no one even thinks about it – no one, that is, except for those who suffer from asthma.

According to information compiled by Yahoo, which is composed from a variety of sources and made available at http://health. yahoo.com, asthma is a condition where the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs, begin to close due to inflammation that can cause a blocking or narrowing of a person’s airways, making it difficult to breathe.

Experts say that if the inflammation is not controlled, asthma could lead to permanent changes in the bronchial tubes and harm a person’s lungs – sometimes permanently.

Acute asthma episodes can range from mild to severe and can occur rarely or often, depending on the person it affects.

No one knows what triggers it, but some have speculated that asthma could run in families.

In addition to heredity, other factors that may contribute to the condition are environmental, which seems to affect those with allergies more often than not – though not all those with allergies get asthma, experts state.

For those people, their immune system cells release chemicals that cause inflammation in response to certain substances – allergens – that cause allergic reations. Additionally, some experts believe that there are more cases of asthma because of pollution and less exposure to certain types of bacteria or infections. As a result, they say, certain children’s immune systems might develop in such a way that it becomes more likely they will develop allergies and asthma.

Common symptoms could include – in varying levels of severity – wheezing, coughing, a general tightness in the chest, shortness of breath or rapid and shallow breathing. Those who suffer from asthma may also have trouble sleeping or might tire quickly during exercise.

Though there is no cure for asthma, doctors say there are a number of things a person can do to help treat the symptoms. These include: • Take medications, especially inhaled corticosteroids, which prevent or control airway inflammation, and beta2-agonists, which can help to make the airways larger.

• Identify and treat early symptoms of episodes.

• Avoid things that make symptoms worse, such as cigarette smoke or allergens.

• Know when emergency help is needed.

For more information, visit the American Lung Association Web site at www.lungusa. org. jpace@rose.edu

on a 48-hour basis. Not turning materials in on time could result in a loss of checkout privileges. “[The Math Lab] helped me get to calculus four.” Justin Greer, physics major, said.

“The one-on-one interaction really helps out.”

Lab assistants are available to help with specific problems or aid in using lab equipment.

They operate on a first comefirst served basis, so appointments are not available. If math help is needed for an extended period of time, the student can contact the LRC for tutoring.

“This is refreshment for me and I can do what I like,” Hyunjoo Seok, physics major, said.

Also located in the Learning Resources Center is the multimedia lab on the second floor. Students can use computers for any college purpose from writing a paper to work-

ing with Adobe Photoshop.

Specific computers are available for nursing students with special programs to aid them in their coursework, as well and some computers are set aside for multimedia graphic students.

For more information on the LRC, call 733-7541.

According to the RSC Writing Lab’s Web site the RSC Writing Lab is staffed with “qualified lab instructors, adjunct professors, and faculty.”

They provide free one-on-one help with any writing assignments for students.

No referral is needed from a professor to attain help from the lab. The lab instructors will not grade or proofread students’ submissions, but they will answer specific questions.

Students can utilize a variety of software tutorials that guide students through the process of writing.

The Writing Lab is expand-

CAMPUS CHAT by jennifer wimer

Free tests, screenings offered The college will offer free screenings and breathing tests to students, faculty and staff from noon-2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23.

The screenings will be held in the Health and Environmental Sciences building, Room 305 and will be conducted by Respiratory Therapy students in recognition of Respiratory Care Week, Oct. 22-27.

Because the screenings will use “portable devices,” the whole process should only last a few minutes and will measure a person’s oxygen saturation, lung volume and air flow, Kathe Rowe, Respiratory Care director, said.

“This would be good for people who have a history of asthma; anyone who is thinking about quitting smoking or anyone who is just curious about whether they have normal lung function,” she said.

For more information, call 733-7571.

Labs assist students with coursework

Julie Farris Contributing Writer Students who are experiencing chills at the thought of writing an essay or are ‘freaking out’ due to algebra assignments might benefit from one of the various labs at RSC. The Math Lab, located in the Science and Math building, Room 121, offers logicchallenged students a step-bystep process to understanding mathematical concepts.

The Math Lab also offers students the opportunity to check out calculators, textbooks and videos, provided they present their student ID. While software can not be checked out from the lab, there are many computers located there. Students can also watch programs in the Math Lab covering the majority of math courses offered by RSC. Textbooks can be checked out for one week, while calculators and videos are released

Page 7

ing its services to the Internet. Students who post questions should wait 24-48 hours for instructors to answer. For more information call Sandra Keneda at 733-7384. farrisnj@yahoo.com

Effective lab hours fall 2006 Writing Lab Humanities building, Room 104.

Hours: 8 a.m.-11 a.m. and noon - 4 p.m. Mon.–Wed. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Thurs. * Closed finals week Math Lab Science and Math building, Room 121.

Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat.

Sarah Mako

Major: History Hobbies: I like to hangout, play video games and watch anime.

When did you first start at RSC? Fall ‘06 What are your goals while at RSC? Get my associate degree so I can go to a 4year college.

Micha Dickson

Major: Web Design Hobbies: I like hanging out, playing my guitar and playing with my band, “Devotion.”

When did you first start at RSC? Fall ‘05 What are your best moments while attending RSC? I like all my friends that attend RSC and making Kalea [see below] laugh.

Jennifer Burnett

Major: Commercial Marketing Hobbies: I love music, to draw and anything dealing with art and literature.

When did you first start at RSC? Fall ‘06 What are your goals while at RSC? I would like to pass my math class, possibly get a grant and then graduate.

Kalea Moniz-Bray

Major: Journalism Hobbies: I love music- I play guitar.

When did you first start at RSC? Fall ‘06 What are your goals while at RSC? Not to “kill” Micha [see above], and to graduate.

Sudoku

Multimedia Lab LRC, 2nd floor. * Hours vary between semesters and during holidays.

Hours: 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Mon.Thurs.

7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fri. 1 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Sat.

Break need not be dull; ideas suggested

Shannon Hoverson Assistant Editor Fall Break is just around the corner and many students will be taking some time off to relax before starting the second half of the semester.

Oklahoma has many places that offer a “relaxing” retreat from the hustle and bustle of college life.

Robbers Cave Robbers Cave, believed to once be the hideout of local outlaws, is located near Wilburton, Okla. It is set in the San Bois Mountains and offers a variety of views that many would say are “spectacular.” Campers can choose from six campgrounds and either pitch a tent or hook up a recreational vehicle.

The park also has 26 cabins,

complete with a fireplace and kitchen, for those who don’t like to “rough it” and there is a 20-room lodge, Belle Starr View Lodge, that comes highly recommended by TravelOK.com and the park has many trails for hiking or horseback riding.

Lake Wister State Park Lake Wister State Park is located near Wister, Okla. and is known as the “Gateway to the Ouachita National Forest,” according to TravelOK.com. This park offers seven campgrounds for tent or RV as well as cabins that are available to rent.

Balloons over Hugo For those who want something a little different, there is the 3rd Annual Hot Air Bal-

loon Festival in Hugo, Okla.

This festival, which will be held Friday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 22, will feature more than 20 balloons in addition to other activities for all ages. Cost to attend is $4 for adults and $2 for children.

Visit www.balloonsoverhugo.com for more information.

Bricktown Haunted Warehouse This is Oklahoma City’s “premier” Haunted Warehouse. The warehouse has three stories with scenes such as the Junkyard Mayhem, The Mind Altering Black Hole, Evil Laboratory, Alligator Swamp, Butcher Shop, Haunted Graveyard, Possessed Bedroom, Chainsaw Castle, Nuclear Fallout and many more new shockers.

ACROSS 1 Speak hoarsely 5 Burn a bit 9 Sloughs off 14 Creative flash 15 Green moth 16 Falco and Brickell 17 Out flat 20 Spot of land 21 TV adjunct 22 Comes to terms 26 Along the ocean 30 Is of use to 31 Puffins and guillemots 32 Bard’s before 33 Syrup source 34 Ultimatum word 35 Type of lily 36 In an advantageous position 39 Life stories, briefly 40 Herbal drinks 41 Manicurist’s interest 43 Mythical bird

Admission is $10 at the door for Haunted House, $10 at the door for Haunted Dark Ride or $17 for both.

Tulsa Oktoberfest Oktoberfest offers entertainment, shopping and food. The festival begins Thursday, Oct. 19 and continues through Oct. 22. Cost of the festival is $3 per adult, daily, and children 12 and younger are admitted free. There will be free admission for all until 4 p.m.

Oct. 20.

For more information, visit www.tulsaoktoberfest.com There are many more events and activities scheduled for late October. To find more activities visit www.TravelOK. com or LOOKatOKC.newsok.com shoverson@rose.edu 44 Topmost spot 45 1850’s war zone 46 Lawlessness 48 Most reasonable 49 Pass easily 50 Harrow part 51 Acting uppity 59 Lessing or Day 60 Be sore 61 Put one over on 62 Put on apparel 63 Hoses down 64 Strike to the ground

Answers from Oct. 6 puzzle

Each smaller square, called a cell, is to be filled in with a numerical figure from 1-9. These numerals are not to be repeated within horizontal or vertical rows or within a large square, referred to as a 3 X 3 block.

Logic and the process of elimination are key to solving these puzzles.

10 Smells 11 Lucy of “Charlie’s Angels” 12 Sawbuck 13 Booming jet 18 Boneless cut 19 Summoner 22 Playwright Shepard 23 Dodging maneuver 24 Cassava dish 25 Fights with lances 26 Crescent moon features 27 Appointment at the links 28 Fancy socks 29 August sign 31 Pond scum 34 Hostile force 35 Flight between stories 37 Prickly feelings 38 Improve in quality 39 Bikini bandeau 42 Plopped 44 Way in 45 Converts to currency

Crossword DOWN 1 Free (of) 2 Small ruckus 3 Put in stitches 4 Woodlands deity 5 Goes out of business 6 Flings 7 Deal prelude 8 Cheering word 9 Attractive places?

47 Indian royalty 48 Hostile engagement 50 Casino cubes 51 Peculiar 52 And not 53 Mineral matter 54 Hem’s partner 55 __ and running 56 Beluga product 57 Scale note 58 Architectural add-on

Answers from Oct. 6 puzzle

FEATURES

Page 8

October 13, 2006 15th Street News

How to...

Increase chance of scholarship receipt Shannon Hoverson Assistant Editor Scholarships. The idea is great – somebody gives you money to go to college and you don’t have to pay it back.

But before you can receive this, you need to do the paperwork, which includes filling out an application and the most anxiety-causing part, writing an essay.

Winning a scholarship can be made easier if you follow my simple guidelines. It is worth your time and effort to find all the scholarships you can apply for. Not having to worry about funding your college experience is a heavy load off your shoulders.

First, you need to start early.

If you want to apply for a scholarship for the spring semester, you need to get going.

RSC has a number of scholarships available for students.

The office of Financial Aid will have more information

on these.

You also need to look at what type of scholarships best fit you. If you are a member of a minority, in financial need or interested in certain fields of study, there could be a special scholarship just waiting for you to apply.

Read over the scholarship rules carefully. Some only offer to pay part of your tuition, others are only for books and some will give you a full, all-expenses-paid trip to your diploma.

When you have read and fully understood what the scholarship is about, you can fill out your application. This is the easy part.

You will need to have basic information such as name, address, Social Security number and date of birth. You may also need financial information from your parents if you are less than 25 years of age.

Otherwise, you will need your

own.

Make sure you follow directions for filling out the application form. Some say you must type the answers in the spaces provided; some say to use a black or blue ink pen.

Always pay attention to these directions; not filling out the application correctly can put

How to...

you out of the running before the race starts.

Now comes the hard part.

Most scholarships require you to write an essay about a certain subject. Sometimes it will be who most influenced your life or why you decided to major in a specific field.

No matter the topic, you need to write a powerful essay that will grab the attention of

the scholarship committee.

You need to be personal and specific. You need to be able to back up your opinions with facts as well as concrete details that make your essay stand out from the crowd.

Remember, you are not the only person applying for that scholarship, so you need to have an essay that says, “Here I am, choose me.” The most basic incident can become colossal if you say it with sincere honesty and show how it affected your life.

When you are finished with the essay, have someone read and critique it. Tell them to be very thorough. You will have some tough judges on the committee, so whomever you have read your essay, should be almost harsh with their criticisms.

Once you have written your essay and filled out the application you need to send it off to the organization. If it is an

RSC scholarship, you simply need to take it to the pertinent person on campus.

Now you get to play the waiting game – it takes several weeks to process the application and read all the submissions. Have patience and don’t spend all day waiting by the phone or camp out next to your mailbox. You will usually be notified by mail if you won the scholarship.

Applying for a scholarship does not have to be a stressful experience if you follow my simple rules. You should also check out “Briefly Speaking” on Page 2 for RSC Foundation scholarships available now through Oct. 31.

For more information on scholarships or to apply for an RSC scholarship, visit the Financial Aid Office located on the second floor of the Student Services Building or call 733-7424. shoverson@rose.edu

Spotlight On: Kuhn accomplishes lifelong goals Joshua Pace News Editor This week, the RSC Spotlight falls on Patsy Kuhn, di-

rector of the Child Development Laboratory Center, who came to the college nine years ago in July of 1997.

Kuhn, who has one son, Jacob, 20, who is currently working in the RSC Physical Plant Warehouse, said that preparing students for work with children is a dream come true.

Kuhn brings a wealth of experience to her role in the CDLC. Currently, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Oklahoma State University; a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and has received a Montessori 3-6 certification and Montessori Birth-3 training.

Additionally, Kuhn has

worked for the Oklahoma City School District as a second grade teacher and also founded the non-profit Pathways Child Development Corporation, where she also served as a teacher, center director and executive director for 22 years.

She has also worked for the Oklahoma State Department of Education and at SoonerStart Early Intervention where she served as resource director.

Kuhn is active in the community through volunteer work with the Oklahoma Civic Center and serves on the Board of Deacons and sings in the choir at her church.

Ninteen years ago, she even sang at the Vatican with her choir.

Though she sports many accomplishments, Kuhn said one of her biggest career accomplishments is working at RSC, and her greatest life experience is being a mother.

“This has been a long time dream of mine, which has been fulfilled with my teaching in the [the RSC child development program] … [but] the biggest fulfillment of my life was realized in 1986 when I adopted my son, Jacob. It has been an utter delight for me to be his parent [because] he’s the light of my life.” jpace@rose.edu

Mid-semester stress relief provided Shannon Hoverson Assistant Editor For many RSC students, the fact that the semester is half-over is glaringly obvious and throughout the campus, students are gearing up to take their midterms.

“I’m kind of relieved that [the semester] is almost over but yet it just seems like it’s just all getting started,” Brandy Barnett, respiratory major, said.

Many students are visiting the various labs around campus for help.

“I can tell that many people have come in [to the Math Lab] for help in homework or to [take] test reviews,” Kathy Seok, Math Lab assistant, said.

Many of the students are just looking for help, she added.

Another place students are visiting is the Learning Resources Center, as it offers a quiet place to study and tutoring, which is available in the Tutoring Center, located on the first floor.

“When it gets to be close

to midterms or finals – more people come in,” Katy Blan, tutoring supervisor, said.

“The number of students increases during those times.”

There are three different ways a student can receive tutoring.

They can visit the Tutoring Center and get a tutor – if they arrive at the top of the hour, they can be placed on standby in case someone didn’t show.

They can go to www.tutor. com from 2 p.m.- 11 p.m. everyday and get help. Or

they can pay for a private tutor for help in any subject not offered by the Tutoring Center.

“We encourage them to come in,” Blan said.

Students can also form groups with their classmates to study for midterms or other exams.

Students should study only when they are well rested and alert, according to www. adprima.com.

“The results of poor study skills are wasted time, frustration and low or failing

grades,” Dr. Bob Kizlik, author of “How to Study and Make the Most of Your Time,” said on adprima. com.

If students are feeling stressed, they can relax in the Game Room in the Student Center before they return to their studying.

Whether students have midterms or not, the middle of the semester can still be a stressful time for them.

For more information about tutoring, call 733-7417. shoverson@rose.edu

Counseling Tip No. 7

Aries March 21April 19... Your e-mail shall be flooded with messages from evil fuzzy wuzzies. Be sure to buy the latest Norton’s defuzzer before this happens.

H

Taurus April 20May 20... Your creative side will get a boost this week, be sure to take advantage of the sales at Hobby Lobby. I hear yarn is half-off.

o

Gemini May 21June 20... You need to be careful; you are ready to play but aren’t thinking of your previous commitments. Take stock of the situation and judge your priorities correctly. Unquestionably, sunning on the beach is more important than cleaning out your garage.

r

Cancer June 21July 22... The moon is bumping into your key planet of Neptune because Pluto is no longer a planet. You should write a letter about that – I am serious here. Your whole horoscope is in jeopardy because of this.

o

Leo July 23-August 22... I see a long trip in your future. I don’t know when, but just to be on the safe side, you should start preparing now.

s

Virgo August 23September 22...

Bunnies shall overrun your bedroom and take you hostage until you agree to give them all the carrots they can eat.

c

Libra September 23-October 22...

The stars say that someone is trying to reach you. You should listen to your voice mail more often.

Scorpio October 23-November 21...

Beware the flying whatsits, they are in season and looking to eat your stash of Halloween candy.

o

Sagittarius November 22-December 21... You have tons of information to support your point of view, but I doubt the scientific community will listen to your theory that mice are the superior race on Venus.

p

Capricorn December 22-January 19... Your sense of the ridiculous will overcome you suddenly while you are sitting on your kitchen floor.

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Aquarius January 20-February 18...

When life gets you down, don’t fret or frown – just become a clown.

Abused individuals often have difficulty preventing or escaping abuse.

They stay in abusive relationships for many reasons. Some stay because they blame themselves, believe the abuse will stop, are emotionally dependent or fear they will be seriously injured if they attempt to discontinue the relationship.

Pisces February 19-March 20...

The stars said you will finally find the missing eye of your teddybear – you know, the one you have had since you were seven. Rejoice and be happy – now if only you knew how to sew.

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You have a right to be safe. You are not alone with the problems you face and help is always as close as your telephone.

For assistance with problems related to domestic violence, call 917-9922.

Reviewer finds box sets welcome bargains, substitutes for theaters Julie Farris Contributing Writer Sometimes, midterm exams and time restraints prevent us from doing the things we truly enjoy, like watching the Robin Williams’ movie premier, “Man of the Year.”

As I sat grumbling about tests, time and life in general, I started to wonder when and where the boxed set phenomenon came to pass. Television shows, such as “Dallas,” are being released in their entirety to a waiting and surprisingly, adoring public. But what makes people flock to buy them?

As I look at my own DVD collection, I realize why.

I own all five seasons of “Smallville,” the first two seasons of “Desperate Housewives,” and no true Trekkie can feel com-

plete without having all of the seasons of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and just like the fans who are going to wait until Nov. 14 to buy the next season of “NCIS,” I

WANT MORE.

The reality is that busy fans, such as students like me, tend to miss several of the episodes only to wonder why Clark Kent broke up with Lana Lang for the umpteenth time.

By purchasing the complete seasons, fans can enjoy every exciting moment of the series at their own pace. No commercials, crying kids

or midterms will interrupt the virtual fantasy.

Other than their favorite shows being blissfully uninterrupted, fans seem to be judging box sets by their season-specific DVD extras. We are fascinated to hear the directors’ commentaries regarding decisions to cut particular scenes, how they made Clark Kent fly or how Captain Picard’s immortal phrase, “Engage,” came

to pass.

These sets seem to lend fans a virtual backstage pass that allows them to see much more than what was aired on television. Deleted scenes, featurettes, cast and crew interviews and in-depth documentaries show the continuing evolution of the series.

These features tend to bring admiring fans to a different level of entertainment, which the original series lacked. Outtakes make for good laughs on serious seasons, such as “Lost” or “NCIS.” I realize now that I don’t have to wait until Monday, only to miss my favorite new show, “Heroes.” I, like many others, will go out and buy the entire first season because I know that it will have much more than just the episodes. farrisnj@yahoo.com