October31 2012 Issue

2

NEWS

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

www.eastfieldnews.com

The Et Cetera

SACS visit deemed an ‘incredible success’

By Ginny Morris etc4640@dcccd.edu

Extensive preparation for the onsite visit from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation committee culminated in a nearly flawless visit, according to college officials.

During their Oct. 15-17 trip, SACS on-site committee members visited the main campus and the Pleasant Grove campus, as well as several dual-credit outposts, including Bishop Lynch High School.

Administration, staff and faculty members spent many months working hard to show that the college is better and stronger than ever, and the effort paid off even more than expected.

“It was an incredible success,” Vice President for Organizational Development Dr. Tom Graca said.

“Eastfield College was represented very well, and the outcome from the visit was fantastic. There’s no doubt that Eastfield’s accreditation is going to be reconfirmed.”

Every 10 years, SACS visits colleges to make sure they are in compliance with the rules and regulations of the association.

While on campus, the committee was checking to see how well Eastfield complied with its 98 standards of accreditation, which are divided into four main areas: core requirements, comprehensive standards, federal requirements and the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).

The committee gave Eastfield four recommendations for improvement

GRISELDA TORRES/THE ET CETERA

From left, instructors David Willburn, Ana Rodriguez and Jonathan Michelon were the creators of the college’s QEP.

in the comprehensive standards section. The members asked the college to better document the comparability of outcomes in distance-learning courses with the outcomes in its onsite classes. It also told college officials to better document community and public service activities.

The final recommendation was that Eastfield define its relationship with the Dallas County Community College District in a more effective way. This recommendation specifically deals with transfer credit, admissions and financial aid.

The college will send a follow-up report to SACS describing the changes it will make to comply with the committee’s recommendations.

The committee made no recommendations in the other areas, which

brought sighs of relief from faculty and administrators alike.

Core requirements and federal requirements are always areas of concern because compliance allows colleges to stay open and receive federal aid.

In December 2008, SACS found problems in the college’s five-year report and placed it on warning for noncompliance with core requirements. The issue was resolved, and the college was removed from warning status in 2010.

“We have really worked to make the mission be who we are and what we do,” President Dr. Jean Conway said. “We are about teaching and learning, and our goal is to provide excellence in that ... It’s not just faculty. Absolutely everybody is here to

provide excellence in teaching and learning.”

During it’s visit, the SACS committee also sat in on a learning community class, observed a tutoring session, visited an art exhibit and listened to Eastfield musicians performing.

Conway said the committee’s reaction to the college’s QEP, “Year One: Engage,” was extremely positive, an innovative presentation by Dr. Ana Rodriguez, Dr. Jonathon Michelon and David Willburn caused a committee member to remark that it was the best QEP presentation she’d ever seen.

The objective of the QEP is to engage first-year students in the college. The first component is to enroll students in learning communities, where the same groups of students take two or more classes together.

This approach allows students to get to know a large group of people relatively quickly. The second component is to provide mentorship, educational enhancements through the library and Academic Skills Centers, and cultural and social events for students.

Although he had been initially concerned about the practicality of pulling off such a unique QEP presentation, Graca enthusiastically applauded the team’s efforts.

“When they first described it to me six weeks ago, I was very skeptical,” Graca said. “It was so engaging, and there were so many people involved, and so many things that could have gone wrong. But they didn’t. Everything went beautifully.

The committee member’s statement that it was the best QEP presentation she’d ever seen, I think, is accurate. It may well have been one of the best QEP presentations ever done.”

Willburn said the experience of creating the QEP presentation was overwhelming at times, but extremely rewarding.

“I think one of my favorite quotes that has come out of this SACS visit came from [a committee member who said], ‘Your QEP is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. It is a transformative college experience, and that’s what it’s supposed to be,’” Wilburn said.

Rodriguez said the support from other faculty members was a key factor in making the program such a success.

“The team effort that we experienced was really amazing,” she said.

“What we feel is a great pride in representing this great institution and the people that make it so.”

Now, Graca said the focus will be on fully implementing the QEP program and making sure the college’s processes and procedures are well documented is another priority in making sure the college is prepared for the next SACS visit in 10 years.

“We want to continue to look forward, like with the QEP — to be proactive and not reactive,” Conway said. “[We’ll be] looking at what students need and what we can do to help students plan ahead to be more successful. So that’s what we want to do: We document, and we plan ahead for student success. And we think we’ll be fine for SACS next time.”

New honors program begins this spring for students

By Claudia Guerra etc4640@dcccd.edu

An honors program scheduled to start this spring will give students an opportunity to expand their college experience.

Honors courses are nothing new, but this is the first year the college is placing them in a larger, integrated program.

Applications are now being accepted for students who wish to enroll in the honors program. Space is limited, with just 25 students in each class.

The decision to implement the program came after 1,300 incoming students responded in a survey that

they would like to see the college offer some sort of honors courses.

In order to enter the new honors program, students will be required to have a minimum 3.5 GPA and two reference letters.

The required Accuplacer scores for reading and writing must be met before filling out an application.

Once in the program, students must complete 12 hours of honors classes and 30 hours of community service learning to receive an honors certificate.

“We want to develop their sense of community and encourage their leadership skills,” said psychology professor Marti Weaver, who is codirector of the honors program.

College officials are also attempting to reach an agreement with the University of North Texas that would allow students transferring there to enter its honors program with half the credits necessary to obtain a university honors certificate.

“We hope that it will prepare them if they transfer to another honors program at a university,” co-director of classes Kim Chandler said. “Also, it would benefit [students] because it would help them receive more scholarships that they are seeking.”

Phi Theta Kappa president William Ballard recommends the honors classes because he said they will challenge students who like to be challenged.

“It just shows that students are capable of doing more things, or performing better with high standards,” he said. “Some people don’t have their plates full, and they’re looking for new ways of improving themselves.”

Classes will begin in the spring, but only for History 1302 and English 1302.

Dr. Jerry Henson will teach the history class, but the English instructor hasn’t been determined yet.

The goal is to continue adding courses each semester.

“By next fall we hope to have four or more courses added,” Chandler said.

A mentor will be assigned to each

student in the program to ensure that the students are getting everything they need out of the program.

Applications are available online under the programs section of the college’s website. Students can also pick up an application from the offices of Weaver and Chandler.

Chandler believes the new program will benefit students who are motivated to achieve at a high level.

“I think imminently it benefits them in the sense that the honors courses will be designed to allow students to investigate or study the disciplines at a more advanced level, so they will be grouped with other students who are just as interested in learning as they are,” she said.

NEWS

3

The Et Cetera

www.eastfieldnews.com

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Students earn recognition for academics 19 T-STEM scholarships awarded

By Angel U Abarca etc4640@dcccd.edu

From break-dancers to Eagle Scouts, 19 very different students have one thing in common: They are recipients of the T-STEM Challenge Scholarship.

The Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship provides funding for high-achieving, eligible students pursuing degree programs in the STEM fields.

Although this year’s scholarship students come from different backgrounds, they all had to go through the process of applying and anxiously waiting for a response.

Software programming student Amy Etienne explained her applica-

ODESSA LEEPER/THE ET CETERA

Pictured are Valeria Lujan, Oghenoevo Edward, Judith Dumont, Keira Leslie, Joshua Barreras, Enrique Morales, Amy Etienne, Aaron Park-Stephens, Courtney Belcher, Salvador De Leon, Huong Trang, John Emery, Paula Martinez, Perla Rivera, Dr. Gretchen Riehl and Kaylyn Buhler.

tion process and reaction to receiving the scholarship.

“I wasn’t really expecting to get it,” Etienne said. “I was just hoping for the best. I did the application, came up here, and I was real excited when I got the call.”

Students who are selected as T-

STEM scholars receive an opportunity to intern and explore different careers and networks with other STEM students, faculty and industry professionals.

The scholarship award amount is $1,250 per semester for the academic year.

Eligible students must remain in good standing with the institution and fulfill all the obligations required by the program.

Incoming freshmen must have a 3.0 GPA in their high school math and science courses.

Graduating students must either

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be a STEM transfer student or be entering a STEM-related career.

The 19 scholarship recipients this year enjoy very different hobbies and have different ethnic backgrounds, but they have similar academic interests.

Computer science major Aaron Park-Stephens said he was excited to meet the fellow T-STEM winners when he went to the scholarship recipients meeting.

“I was eager to meet some likeminded people that are interested in the science and technology field,” Parks-Young said. “I think that oftentimes we show a unique mind-set compared to other majors.”

Associate Dean of College Readiness and Mathematics Judith Dumont has one goal in mind for the TSTEM scholarship students for this semester.

“I want to bring people together and create a sense of community,” Dumont said. “My favorite thing to do in this whole world is to help people find their potential, harness it and deliver it so they can get to the next level.”

4

NEWS

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

www.eastfieldnews.com

Student debators take slice out of politics

By Anjulie Van Sickle etc4640@dcccd.edu

The Et Cetera

PUT IT ON

Calendar November

Immigration is one of the most hotly debated topics around the country. Who is entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and what should that pursuit entail?

Two teams of students addressed whether undocumented students should receive financial aid during a Pizza and Politics debate on Oct. 23 in G-101. The event was part of the college’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

Mitch Bassett and Brittany Billington represented the negative viewpoint and spoke against undocumented students receiving financial aid.

Christopher Enriquez and Janeth Quintero were on the affirmative side, arguing that those students should be eligible for federal assistance.

The affirmative team pointed out that denying federal aid is penalizing students who come to this country as children and haven’t broken any laws.

“Citizens who want to go to college but don’t have the funds can apply for [federal aid],” Enriquez said. “The undocumented students can’t do that. They can get [state aid], which is a very limited amount of money that is rarely given, especially in community colleges.”

The negative team pointed out that illegal immigrants should not be able to benefit from an illegal act, whether conscious of the action or not.

“We are not keeping them away from an education,” Billington said. “We’re keeping them away from [federal funds], because there are plenty of people here who are looking for that same education. Now, if they came here with papers and documents, then funding them would be totally OK.” The affirmative team noted that the process of getting paperwork is very long and costly, some-

Thu

1

A student presidential debate will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the performance hall. Students will debate the positions of the Democratic, Republican, Green and Libertarian candidates.

A technology expo will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the T-building.

Mon

A veterinary assistant orientation will be from 4 -5 p.m. in W-117.

Fri

A “Fast” art exhibition will start at 9 a.m. in H-100. A reception will be held at 6 p.m. in the same room.

Mon

Locavore chef Sonia Cote and farmer Dave Barrow will speak from 12:301:30 p.m. in G-101.

Thu

The movie “Fast Food Nation” will be shown from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in C-135.

5 9

JUSTIN DAVID TATE/THE ET CETERA

Kat Cloer, left, moderates the debate as Chris Enriquez and Janeth Quintero make a point.

times taking as long as 10 years. They said many students who come to the country are bettering themselves through education.

“Why not use these students as resources and give them the opportunity to be all that they can be?” Enriquez said. “We want them to know that we are here and “Protecting America with a strong national defense and a rational foreign policy is our leaders’ most basic responsibility. But let us not confuse national security with senseless intervention where our interests are clearly not being served.” we are willing to work with them.”

As both sides went back and forth, the audience listened intently, nodding in agreement at times and groaning when they disagreed.

The opposition closed by stating that illegal immigrants who are constantly violating the law should not be eligible for federal aid. The affirmative closed by stating this country is based on immigrants and it should welcome the students who are here now, because without them, the country could face difficulties in the near future.

Judith Dumont, associate dean of college readiness and math, was in the audience and said the topic was especially releveant in Texas.

12

15 Fri

Dr. Joe Izen, contributor to the discovery of the Higgs Boson particle, will speak from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in S-100 as part of the Science Seminar Series.

Tue

“NoodleBIB: MLA, APA Citing Sources” will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in L-208. The workshop will be held again at 5:35 p.m. in L-208.

Mon

The Annual Eastfield Student Art Exhibition will start at 9 a.m. in G-219.

Tue

“Overcoming Test Anxiety” will be held from 11 a.m. to noon in L-208.

The workshop will be held again from 5:35– 6:35 p.m. in L-208.

Wed

“Obesity Crisis in Texas” will be presented by David Green and Beth Hallmark from 12:301:30 p.m. in S-100.

16

20

THE HOT TOPIC

What is your greatest fear in life and why?

26 27

28

Jasper Williams Business Management

Ann Fish Liberal Arts

Ann Hollis Kinesiology

Marshall Coronado General Studies

Diana Zuniga Nursing

“Spiders and going bald.

I try to take care of my hair so that my fear won’t become a reality. I have always had the fear of spiders since I was little. They creep me out.”

“I have a fear of ticks.

Knowing they bury their heads into you and then shed their bodies, leaving them to grow in your skin, is creepy and nasty. It makes my skin crawl.”

“Being in tight, small spaces. I’m claustrophobic.

I’m afraid of being suffocated and drowning or trapped somewhere where I can’t get out.”

“Being on an airplane. I’m afraid of the turbulence or mechanical failure happening and being trapped or even crashing.”

“I have the fear of trying my hardest to accomplish my goals and failing. It’s a scary feeling knowing that my best wasn’t enough.”

The Eastfield College Choir concert will start at 12:45 p.m. in the Performance Hall.

Thu

29

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” will premiere at noon in the Performance Hall.

NEWS

5

The Et Cetera

www.eastfieldnews.com

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

University-bound students find answers at transfer fair

By Braulio A. Tellez brauiotellez@dcccd.edu

Dozens of representatives from four-year schools sat at tables covered with pamphlets and information cards for the Transfer Awareness Fair.

The fourth annual fair, which was held Oct. 17 in the Pit, aims to assist students looking to transfer to instate universities.

“We are here to help the students make the best decision for their academic future,” said Carolyn Hardy, assistant director of admissions at Stephen F. Austin. “We want to make it easier for students and help them figure out what they need to know before they move on to a four-year school.”

The representatives answered questions about extra-curricular ac60 tivities such as sports, newspaper and student government. Transportation, Et Cetera pg 5.1 xdisabilities 5.25 services and financial aid were other topics of interest.

19 - 10/31/12 The district-sponsored event is held at all seven campuses in the DCCCD. There are 35 participating colleges and universities, and all have an articulation agreement

SIDNEY MURILLO/THE ET CETERA

Visiting college representatives discuss things such as credit hours and degree options with students at the fourth annual Transfer Awareness Fair.

with the district. This means that all credits taken at DCCCD colleges will transfer to their campuses.

Big-name colleges such as Texas A&M, UNT and SMU as well as

lesser-known schools like Excelsior College and Austin College helped students find the information they needed. Online colleges such as Ashford University and the University of

Phoenix also participated.

“The cool thing about it is that there are even schools here that students may not have heard of,” automotive student Damian Jefferies

said. “I didn’t know you could earn a whole degree online.”

Hardy said the event helps both the visiting colleges and students.

“It gives recruiters a chance to come to the student,” Hardy said. “It saves the student the trouble of having to drive dozens of miles to ask simple questions.”

LaConna Looney, Eastfield’s transfer liaison and a member of the district committee that organized the fair, said there are other sources available to students who are considering transferring.

“There are pages you can navigate to through the college’s website to find transfer info,” she said. “It’s full of info on Texas colleges, all the credits that transfer to their schools and a list of degrees they offer.”

Looney wants to make sure students receive the information they need so they can continue their education.

“The most important thing for us is getting students to attend Eastfield and then getting them on to their four-year school,” she said. ”We don’t want them to be uninformed and unprepared, so getting these resources to them is my main priority.”

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6

NEWS

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

President and Vice President � M. Romney / P. Ryan Rep. � B. Obama / J. Biden Dem. � G. Johnson / J. Gray Lib. � J. Stein / C. Honkala Green U.S. Senator � Ted Cruz � Paul Sadler � John J. Myers � David B. Collins

Rep. Dem. Lib. Green

U.S. Representative, Dist. 5 � Jeb Hensarling Rep. � Linda S. Mrosko Dem. � Ken Ashby Lib. U.S. Representative, Dist. 24 � Kenny E. Marchant Rep. � Tim Rusk Dem. � John Stathas Lib. U.S. Representative, Dist. 26 � Michael Burgess Rep. � David Sanchez Dem. � Mark Boler Lib. U.S. Representative, Dist. 30 � Travis Washington Jr. Rep. � Eddie B. Johnson Dem. � Ed Rankin Lib. U.S. Representative, Dist. 32 � Pete Sessions Rep. � Katherine S. McGovern Dem. � Seth Hollist Lib. U.S. Representative, Dist. 33 � Chuck Bradley Rep. � Marc Veasey Dem. � Ed Lindsay Green Railroad Commissioner � Christi Craddick Rep. � Dale Henry Dem. � Vivekananda Wall Lib. � Chris Kennedy Green Railroad Commissioner, Unexpired Term � Barry Smitherman Rep. � Jaime O. Perez Lib. � Josh Wendel Green Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2 � Don Willett Rep. � RS Roberto Koelsch Lib.

www.eastfieldnews.com

The Et Cetera

Dallas County Ballot November 6, 2012 Justice, Supreme Court, Place 4 � John Devine Rep. � Tom Oxford Lib. � Charles E. Waterbury Green Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6 � Nathan Hecht Rep. � Michele Petty Dem. � Mark Ash Lib. � Jim Chisholm Green Presiding Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals � Sharon Keller Rep. � Keith Hampton Dem. � Lance Stott Lib. Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7 � Barbara P. Hervey Rep. � Mark W. Bennett Lib. Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8 � Elsa Alcala Rep. � William B. Strange, III Lib. Member, State Board of Education, District 11 � Patricia Hardy Rep. � Jason Darr Lib. Member, State Board of Education, District 12 � Geraldine Miller Rep. � Lois Parrott Dem. Member, State Board of Education, District 13 � S.T. Russell Rep. � Mavis B. Knight Dem. State Senator, District 2 � Bob Deuell

Rep.

State Senator, District 8 � Ken Paxton � Jack G.B. Ternan Jr. � Ed Kless

Rep. Dem. Lib.

State Senator, District 9 � Kelly Hancock Rep. � Pete Martinez Dem. � Dave McElwee Lib. State Senator, District 16 � John Carona Rep. State Senator, District 23 � John Lawson Rep. � Royce West Dem. State Representative, District 100 � Eric Johnson Dem. State Representative, Dist. 102 � Stefani Carter Rep. � Rich Hancock Dem. State Representative, Dist.103 � Rafael M. Anchia Dem. State Representative, Dist.104 � Roberto R. Alonzo Dem. State Representative, District 105 � Linda Harper-Brown Rep. � Rosemary Robbins Dem. � Saul Arechar Green State Representative, District 107 � Kenneth Sheets Rep. � Robert Miklos Dem. State Representative, Dist.108 � Dan Branch Rep. � Jarrett R. Woods Lib. State Representative, District 109 � Helen Giddings Dem. � Dexter Jackson Lib. State Representative, District 110 � Toni Rose Dem. State Representative, District 111 � Yvonne Davis Dem.

State Representative, District 112 � Angie C. Button Rep. State Representative, District 113 � Cindy Burkett Rep. � Angela K. Sarlay Green State Representative, District 114 � Jason Villalba Rep. � Carol Kent Dem. State Representative, District 115 � Bennett Ratliff Rep. � Mary C. Fabishak Dem. � Preston Poulter Lib. Chief Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District � Carolyn Wright Rep. Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 2 � David Evans Rep. � Dan Wood Dem. Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 5 � Jim Moseley Rep. � Penny R. Phillips Dem. Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 9 � David Lewis Rep. � David Hanschen Dem. Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 10 � Molly Francis Rep. Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 11 � Douglas S. Lang Rep. � Tonya J. Holt Dem.

Justice, 5th Court of Appeals Dist., Place 13 � Elizabeth L. Miers Rep. District Judge, 14th Judicial District � Eric V. Moyé Dem. District Judge, 95th Judicial District � Ken Molberg Dem. District Judge, 162nd Judicial District � Mike Lee Rep. � Phyllis Lister Brown Dem. Criminal District Judge, Court No. 2 � Lisa DeWitt Rep. � Don Adams Dem. Criminal District Judge, Court No. 3 � Gracie Lewis Dem. Criminal District Judge, Court No. 4 � Tom Nowak Rep. � Dominique Collins Dem. � Kirk Launius � Lupe Valdez

Sheriff

Rep. Dem.

County Tax Assessor � Andrew Marcontell Rep. � John R. Ames Dem. County Commissioner, Precinct No. 1 � Larry Miller Rep. � Theresa Daniel Dem. County Commissioner, Precinct No. 3 � Charles Lingerfelt Rep. � John Wiley Price Dem.

Scan QR code for an Election 2012 LibGuide:

Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 12 � Robert M. Fillmore Rep. � Lawrence J. Praeger Dem. PAGE DESIGNED BY CHADNEY CANTRELL

NEWS The Et Cetera

7 2012 Voter’s Guide • Presidential Candidates

On education: Obama has focused on greater funding for public education, including increasing Pell Grant awards from $4,730 to $5,550. He has helped push through an educational tax credit that is worth $10,000 over four BARACK OBAMA years and has also supported a cap of 10 perParty: Democrat cent of income for federal Age: 51 student loan repayments. barackobama.com “I want to hire another 100,000 new math and science teachers and create 2 million more slots in our community colleges so that people can get trained for the jobs that are out there right now,” he said during the first debate.

On the economy: Obama plans to continue investing in domestic businesses and encouraging the return of manufacturing to the U.S. “I think it’s important for us to develop new sources of energy here in America, [and] that we change our tax code to make sure that we’re helping small businesses and companies that are investing here in the United States,” he said in the debate.

On the budget: Obama said during the first presidential debate that he had cut 77 programs during his first term. “We went after medical fraud in Medicare and Medicaid very aggressively, more aggressively than ever before, and have saved tens of billions of dollars — $50 billion of waste taken out of the system.”

On taxes: Obama has pushed for tax cuts for middleclass Americans but not for the upper class. He plans to reinvest tax money into education, infrastructure and manufacturing. He hopes to make the American Oppor-

tunity Tax Credit a permanent fixture in the tax system to help families paying for higher education. “For [incomes] above $250,000, we can go back to the tax rates we had when Clinton was president,” he said during the second presidential debate. “We created 23 million new jobs.

That’s part of what took us from deficits to surplus.”

On foreign policy: Obama hopes to keep the country in good standing with the rest of the world by withdrawing troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.

On healthcare: In his first term he signed into law the Affordable Care Act (“ObamaCare”), which he plans to expand so that, by 2014, no individual will be charged more or denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

He has also helped secure health care for many young Americans by guaranteeing that they can stay on their parents’ health insurance plans until the age of 26.

On immigration: Obama endorses the DREAM Act, which would allow many students who came into the country illegally when they were young to continue their education without fear of deportation. “If we’re going to go after folks who are here illegally, we should do it smartly and go after folks who are criminals, not after students.

Not after folks who are here just because they’re trying to figure out how to feed their families,” he said during the second debate.

On energy: Obama plans to increase American energy independence by investing in domestic crude oil and gas production as well as investing in cleaner forms of energy.

He supports the development of a cleaner burning coal as well as investing in wind and solar energy.

On social issues: Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which guarantees women equal pay for equal work. He endorses the Respect for Marriage Act and signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

On education: Romney supports reforming underperforming schools and replacing them with charter schools. He told National Public Radio that Pell grants should be refocused on students through a need-based program. Advisers say he MITT ROMNEY does not plan to reduce Party: Republican the maximum Pell grant Age: 65 award of $5,550 per year. mittromney.com On the economy: Romney pledged not to reduce taxes on wealthy Americans. He also plans to eliminate overseas tax breaks, according to a bbcnews.com report. In his five-point plan, he aims to reduce taxes, increase trade and energy production, human capital, and labor flexibility.

On the budget: “Having spent 25 years in business, I know something about taking waste out of enterprises,” he said in an interview published on the website ontheissues.org. “I’d love to do that to the federal government.

And there is massive waste. We’re going to have to cut spending.” He also said he favors having a balanced budget amendment. “That’s essential to rein in the scale of the federal government,” he said.

On taxes: “I’m going to bring rates down across the board, simplify the tax code, I want the middle income tax payers to have lower taxes,” Romney said during the town hall debates on Oct. 16. “I want to get some relief for middle income families, that’s part one.”

On foreign policy: “I recognize the world continues to be dangerous, and the decisions we make now about our military will determine our ability to defend ourselves in

the future,” Romney said in a speech in Leesburg, Va. On healthcare: A campaign spokesperson said Romney would “maintain continuous coverage” and extend the federal HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations to others who, for example, buy their own insurance and do not get the same protections under HIPAA. On immigration: “I am a great proponent of legal immigration,” Romney said at the Republican National Hispanic Assembly Convention. Many of you are living proof of the unique strength of America that is constantly renewed by new Americans. The promise of America has brought some of the best and brightest to our shores.” He said he intends to enforce existing immigration laws and provide the resources needed to enforce them, according to an official press release from his campaign website.

On the environment: “With regards to our developing more energy, I want to see us use more of our renewable resources: bio-diesel, bio-fuel, ethanol, cellulosic ethanol,” Romney said in an interview published on thepoliticalguide.com. “I want to see us developing liquefied coal if we can sequester the CO2 properly. I want to see nuclear power. I want us to develop all the sources we can to provide for our own energy needs and free ourselves of independence on Ahmadinejad, and Chavez and Putin and others that have that oil today.”

On energy: Romney supports maintaining the Renewable Fuel Standard, the fastest-growing industries in Iowa in the past decade, which provides a demand in ethanol.

He believes it is an important step in America’s future of energy dependence, according to www.kcrg.com On social issues: When Romney was governor of Massachusetts, he signed a ban on assault weapons. He signed a pledge promising to support an amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

JILL STEIN Party: Green Age: 69 jillstein.org

On education: Stein wants to provide free tuition through college. She aims to end high-stakes testing, stop denying diplomas and punishing teachers based on tests.

On the economy: Stein told National Public Radio the economy is not working for everyday people.

“We’re calling for a Green New Deal that will create 25 million new jobs that will jumpstart a green new economy and put an end to unemployment — and that will call a halt to climate change and make wars for oil obsolete.”

On taxes: Stein wants to rewrite the tax code and be progressive with tax cuts for working families, the poor and middle class. She wants to raise taxes on the rich and reject cuts to Medicare and Social Security.

GARY JOHNSON

Party: Libertarian Age: 59 garyjohnson2012.org

On education: Johnson wants to put an end to the Department of Education because he believes schools should have the authority to choose how they want to spend their money.

States that accept federal funding Johnson believes that will drive student choice and competition.

On the economy: Johnson believes in cutting spending, decreasing taxes and reducing federal involvement. He wants to eliminate military spending in Iraq and Afghanistan and to revise Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

On taxes: Johnson said replacing the federal tax with the Fair Tax will reboot the economy by eliminating corporate tax and creating jobs.

On foreign policy: “Protecting America with a strong national de-

On foreign policy: Stein said she will end the use of assassination as an instrument of U.S foreign policy. She wants to restore the National Guard as the main form of defense.

On healthcare: Stein wants to provide affordable, quality healthcare for Americans through her improved Medicare-for-all insurance program.

She would allow full access to contraceptives and reproductive care.

On immigration: Like Obama, Stein wants to grant young undocumented immigrants who are already residing and working in the United States legal status, which includes the chance to become U.S citizens.

On the environment: Stein wants to create green jobs like weatherization, recycling and public transportation and to promote conversion to sustainable, nontoxic materials, the use of closed-loop, zero waste processes and organic agriculture.

On energy: Stein wants to create a binding international treaty to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide to levels deemed safe by scientific analysis to reduce global warming.

She will phase out coal power plants to end any more harm to the climate, health and economy.

On social issues: Stein wants women to have easy reproductive rights. fense and a rational foreign policy is our leaders’ most basic responsibility,” Johnson said in an interview with The Washington Times. “But let us not confuse national security with senseless intervention where our interests are clearly not being served.”

On healthcare: Johnson wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act because he believes government-run health care does not work, but competition and price transparency will.

On immigration: Johnson wants to adopt two approaches: simplifying legal immigration and tackling illegal immigration. He said willing workers should be able to easily obtain a work visa and, after passing a background check, get a Social Security card that will allow potential immigrants to pay income and payroll taxes. For illegal immigrants, a two-year grace period should be issued to obtain a temporary work visa. This would allow them to gain citizenship and bring their families to the U.S. Johnson believes legalizing marijuana will reduce border violence and illegal immigration by 70 percent.

On social issues: Johnson believes in a woman’s right to choose regarding abortion. Johnson also believes that stem-cell facilities should be completed and funded by private laboratories and not by the government.

8

NEWS

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

2012 Voter’s Guide • U.S. and State Representatives

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

The Et Cetera

STATE REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 107

DISTRICT 5

KEN ASHBY

Party: Libertarian Age: 60 kenashby.com

ROBERT MIKLOS

KENNETH SHEETS

lindaforcongress2012.com

Party: Republican Age: 55 jebhensarling.com

On education: Mrosko believes education is key to helping Americans in other aspects of life.

On the economy: “I believe providing education and job training are the keys to helping people whose jobs have evaporated in this economy,” Mrosko said in an interview with the Dallas Morning News.

On taxes: “I support a tax that is not an additional burden upon the middle class or lower wage earners in this country,” Mrosko said.

On immigration: “We need to adopt a better policy on who can come in this country and who can’t,” she said in the Dallas Morning News.

On education: Hensarling said public education should be left to the state. He voted against $84 million in grants for black and Hispanic colleges.

On the economy: Hensarling favors the Keystone XL pipeline, which would allow oil and fuel to be accessible from Houston to Canada.

On taxes: Hensarling wants to avoid hitting the middle class with taxes, but doesn’t want to tax the rich.

On immigration: He doesn’t believe in giving amnesty to people who came into the country illegally, but he also doesn’t believe illegal immigrants should repay back taxes.

On education: Ashby does not support requiring states to have education reform in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants.

On the economy: He wants to decrease and ultimately eliminate federal spending on all programs not authorized by the U.S. Constitution and to cut taxes across the board.

On taxes: He believes that once cuts are made in federal spending, cuts can be made in federal taxes.

On immigration: Ashby supports a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants, and he does not want to decrease the number of legal immigrants allowed in the country.

On education: Miklos wants to roll back and freeze state tuition.

He also wants to restore and rebuild schools by funneling the state surplus into education.

On the economy: Miklos believes creating high-wage jobs and an improved education system will produce “job-ready” citizens.

On taxes: Miklos wants to give tax breaks and incentives to businesses in West Texas in order to develop alternative sources of energy such as wind and sun farms to reduce foreign oil dependency and tax rates.

Other: He wants to bring DART to Mesquite and Balch Springs.

On education: Sheets believes in strong accountability for school administrators and teachers, and is willing to spend more on resources to produce top-level students.

On the economy: He wants small businesses to have the opportunity to expand.

On taxes: Sheets promises to decrease taxes, regulations and legal burdens placed on small businesses.

On healthcare: Sheets supported a bill allowing the state to join the Interstate Health Care compact to regulate healthcare.

On energy: He wishes to expand new nuclear and natural gas power.

LINDA S. MROSKO Party: Democrat Age: 60

JEB HENSARLING

Party: Democrat Age: 46 robertmiklos.com

DISTRICT 30

Party: Republican Age: 36 kennethsheets.com

DISTRICT 113

EDDIE B. JOHNSON

TRAVIS WASHINGTON, JR.

Party: Democrat Age: 76 enjohnson.house.gov

Party: Republican Age: 42 traviswashingtonjr.com

Party: Libertarian edrankinforcongress.com

ED RANKIN

CINDY BURKETT

ANGELA SARLAY

On education: Johnson wants to spent $40 billion on public schools to create high-performance classrooms and facilities. She supports the College Cost Reduction Act and the reduction of student loan interest.

On the economy: She believes in tax cuts for working families and small businesses and manufacturers to create more jobs.

On taxes: Johnson believes in equal tax treatment for domestic partners and other non-spouse couples. Johnson also supports a payroll tax cut for families.

On immigration: Johnson voted against the Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006 and the Undocumented Alien Emergency Medical Act.

On taxes: Washington believes raising taxes on small businesses can lead to higher cost and outsourcing.

He supports any legislation that will promote jobs and an improved manufacturing base in Texas.

On the economy: Washington supports reducing the size of the government and balancing the budget.

On foreign policy: Washington supports military spending and wants a strong military defense. He wants to deploy men and women of the military only when all efforts in diplomacy have been exhausted.

On energy: Washington wants to increase the use of renewable energy, lower the need for foreign oil and perfect efforts in nuclear energy production.

On the economy: Rankin believes Americans should be able to opt out of Social Security and invest money in personal retirement accounts.

On taxes: Rankin believes the government needs to stop bailing out corporations. The government should also sell airlines, power plants, housing and factories to private ownership.

On immigration: Rankin said the American immigration system offers no legal channels for a sufficient number of peaceful, hard-working immigrants to legally enter the U.S. On social issues: Rankin supports protecting the rights of crime victims and believes the private ownership of firearms is part of the solution to America’s crime epidemic.

On education: Burkett wants to keep education a top priority throughout the budget process.

On the economy: Burkett emphasizes that the government does not create jobs, but small businesses do.

On the budget: Burkett plans to balance the state budget without raising taxes.

On taxes: Burkett knows higher taxes make it harder for people to live, and she promises that she will vote against any state income tax.

On immigration: Burkett believes Texans can’t afford the current illegal immigration situation.

On social issues: Burkett strongly supports the 2nd amendment and has a concealed handgun license. She is also pro-life.

On education: Sarlay opposes tuition increases at public universities.

On the budget: Sarley wants to increase spending for all education, the environment, health care, transportation, infrastructure and welfare while maintaining the spending level for law enforcement and corrections.

She also wants to leave Texas’ “Rainy Day” fund untouched.

On taxes: Sarlay wants to increase cigarette and sales taxes greatly and alcohol and gas and oil taxes slightly while maintaining property taxes.

On immigration: She advocates immigration reform and opposes enforcing federal immigration laws by state and local police. She opposes checking of an individual’s immigration status while in custody.

Party: Republican Age: 54 cindyburkett.org

Party: Green Party Age: 39 angelasarlay.com

NEWS

9

The Et Cetera

2012 Voter’s Guide • U.S. and State Senate • County Sheriff

U.S. SENATE

STATE SENATE

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

COUNTY SHERIFF

PAUL SADLER

JOHN JAY MYERS

ROYCE WEST

LUPE VALDEZ

KIRK LAUNIUS

On education: According to Project Vote Smart, Sadler encourages private or corporate investing in public schools, as well as increasing state funds to hire more teachers.

On the economy: Sadler believes the only way to rebuild the economy is to create jobs and increase statefunded programs to train workers.

On taxes: Sadler opposes implementing state taxes and wants to greatly decrease property taxes.

On immigration: According to ontheissues.org, Sadler is in full support of the DREAM Act. On the environment: He wants to create funding for recycling programs in Texas.

On energy: Sadler believes in creating clean, renewable energy.

On education: Myers believes parents and teachers should decide how to educate their children and the government should be included in the decision-making process.

On the economy: Myers believes people should have the right to use currency through normal market competitive forces.

On taxes: He thinks the income tax system should not be used to give favors to certain groups.

On immigration: Myers believes there should be no limits on visas.

Immigration candidates should be given criminal background checks.

On energy: He believes the government’s involvement in major oil and energy businesses has created monopolies and limited competition.

On education: A member of the education committee, West promotes college admission opportunities for all students such as providing grants or financial aid. He helped set up the University of North Texas in Dallas and found a law school in Dallas.

On the budget: West feels too much money was cut from the budget on education and financial aid as well as juvenile prevention programs.

On immigration: West believes this is a federal issue.

On the environment: West wants Texas to comply with EPA regulations, but also thinks those regulations deserve scrutiny.

On energy: West feels providing power must be balanced with maintaining environmental protection.

TED CRUZ

DAVID COLLINS

JOHN LAWSON

On Sheriff Department morale: Valdez promises to continue leading the Dallas County Sheriff Department through her integrity and determination.

On jail improvements: Valdez led the Dallas jail system in meeting Texas jail standards, which they had previously failed, and she vows to continue to meet the jail standards during her term as sheriff.

On jail budget: Valdez will continue to support the jail through different fund raising events and other revenue-producing activities.

On taxes: Valdez will continue to expose the fraudulent spending of taxpayers’ money.

On jail overcrowding: Valdez has significantly decreased the amount of people in the jail system during her terms as sheriff.

On jail operation: Under Valdez’s leadership during the past eight years, the jail has sped up criminal processing, hired more workers and improved the level of sanitation.

On social issues: Valdez will provide educational options for detainees as long as they meet very strict guidelines and are not detrimental to the taxpayers’ dollars.

On Sheriff Department morale: Launius plans to lead by example with zeal and diligence.

On jail improvements: The DCSD has failed jail standards in the past, and Launius said he will improve jail conditions, monitor inmate disruptions and make weekly maintenance inspections.

On taxes: Launius wants a prudent budget cap and said he will battle corruption and expose fraud to save taxpayer dollars.

On department budget: Launius will work with the Commissioner’s Court to increase DCSD funding and reestablish revenue-generating activities.

On department operation: Launius plans to speed up criminal processing, upgrade computer/data systems and get more officers back into the community.

On jail overcrowding: Launius plans to have extra capacity for inmates, cooperate with other county officials to house inmates, enforce the law and arrest people accordingly.

On social issues: Launius wants to increase awareness through educational programs that jail is an institution for punishment.

On education: During the Wedgewood Church Debate, Cruz stated that the Department of Education should not exist and that the federal government should go back to its constitutionally defined role. Cruz believes that student aid should be given to the states for block grants.

On the economy: Cruz believes the way to stimulate the economy is via tax reform and that many new jobs come from small businesses.

On taxes: Cruz is against repealing the Bush-era tax cuts and supports slashing corporate tax rates.

On immigration: Cruz wants stronger border security and opposes deferred action. He supported giving police more power in questioning citizenship status.

On education: Collins believes in making education free, whether it be for children or even skilled trade certifications.

On the economy: Collins wants to build the post-fossil fuel economy and get Americans back into livingwage jobs through candidate Jill Stein’s Green New Deal.

On taxes: Collins wants to end the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy and close loopholes that allow big corporations to pay little in taxes.

On immigration: Collins believes in helping immigrants who are already in the U.S. gain citizenship. He wants to eliminate double standards on immigration policies and develop the economies of Latin America to meet the needs of their people.

On education: Lawson wants to provide alternatives to higher education like trade schools. He promotes school vouchers to give families the choice of which school their taxes go to. He supports an incentive program for teachers.

On the budget: Lawson wants to reduce government waste.

On taxes: Lawson wants to keep taxes as small as possible and reduce taxes for small businesses.

On immigration: Lawson opposes government incentives for illegal immigrants.

On the environment: Lawson is in favor of pro-business choices regarding the environment and he finds EPA regulations to be overreaching.

Party: Democrat Age: 57 sadlerforsenate.com

Party: Republican Age: 41 tedcruz.org

Party: Libertarian Age: 43 johnjaymyers.com

Party: Green Age: 49

Party: Democrat Age: 60 roycewest.org

Party: Republican Age: 66 lawsonfor23

Party: Democrat Age: 65 lupevaldez.com

Party: Republican Age: 46 kirkfordallas.com

E OTER’S GUID V E H T T U g the staff of O in B lv A invo joint project s Gath-

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10

The Et Cetera

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

TWU

TRANSFER CONNECTION

I N F O R M AT I O N S E S S I O N

11 The Et Cetera

www.eastfieldnews.com

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Shakespeare with a twist

ODESSA LEEPER/THE ET CETERA

Fairies, lovers and royalty meet in a splash of light, color and imagination. The show balanced eclectic ideas with slapstick physical comedy.

Theater department modernizes ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

By Sergio Leon etc4640@dcccd.edu

Fairies, love potions, royalty and young lovers can all be found in the Theater Department’s unique adaptation of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” But they are not as you remember them from your ninth-grade English class.

As promised, director Lori Honeycutt delivered an edgier take on the classic.

The Theater Department did a fantastic job of modernizing one of Shakespeare’s most mythical plays with the use of techno dubstep.

Dubstep was played in a number of dance numbers throughout the show. These dance numbers gave the old play a very contemporary feel.

The show began with a projector screen playing a video of a series of apocalyptic explosions with — you guessed it — dubstep playing in the background. This really set the mood for the rest of the play.

After the video a group of fairies made its

way down to the stage through the audience, climbing and rolling over chairs. This added an element of interactivity to the show and seemed to make many of the audience members uncomfortable as fairies invaded their personal space. Some fairies were more graceful than others and made their way to the stage with elegance and ease, while others were quite clumsy.

The performances in “Midsummer” were well delivered by a group of seasoned Eastfield actors and a couple of new faces.

In the role of Lysander, Samuel Galindo once again achieved greatness with his powerful voice, much like he has in previous productions such as “Dracula.” Galindo stands out among the cast as one of the actors with true vocal projection.

Brianna Lewis also drew the audience in with a strong performance as Helena. Lewis successfully embodied the frail mind-set of her character, who is torn apart by love.

In the role of Nick Bottom/Pyramus, Jerome Phillips was a natural at providing comic relief.

His comedic timing and mannerisms helped

ease the tension of previous scenes and gave the audience many laughs.

Shakespeare’s works are always challenging to perform. However, I commend the cast on its work.

While the dialogue was a bit rushed at times, it was still delivered in a manner that was understood by the audience.

Much of this production is a joint effort between staff and students alike. The impressive work onstage and off can not go without mention.

Blayze Carter undertook the role as Helen’s father while also being the master carpenter for the production.

Stephanie Carroll had a big role in the show as Puck, and she still managed to do the makeup design.

Theater Department head Dusty Reasons designed the costumes, which were all unique and appropriate for each character.

The amount of talent in the college’s Theater Department really shows in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

ODESSA LEEPER/THE ET CETERA

Hermia, played by Lauren Stevens, and Lysander, played by Samuel Galindo, are a couple whose love is challenged by mischevious fairies.

12

LIFE & ARTS

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

www.eastfieldnews.com

pre-Columbian era,” she said.

Later, she challenged with the audience with a little trivia. She showed pictures of exotic fruits and asked if anyone recognized them. She also asked for the origin of some of the foods, like peanuts.

“Most people won’t guess where peanuts are from,” she said. “They are from Peru!”

Gonzalez Welch showed a green fruit with a white center and black seeds that she called a “chirimoya,” or soursop in English.

She explained how farmers markets are usually well stocked with obscure produce, and by buying them, you can have a broad palate while still supporting your local businesses She explained that Mexican ingredients and Latin dishes are the fastest growing concept in foodie culture.

“How many of you have a favorite street taco place?” she asked. “Street tacos have basically taken over. You have high-end chefs who work in restaurants recreating the street taco with complex ingredients.”

Gonzalez Welch also touched on

the ways traditional food mixes with modernized kitchens.

Students such as physical therapist major Kyerra Polk, who also dabbles in the kitchen, enjoyed the presentation.

“She gave us a lot of details about Latin American food, and learning about the ingredients was pretty cool too,” she said. “It was cool learning about the Aztecs and their customs with chocolate.”

Students who run to class, then work and keep up with their studies rarely have the time to properly marinate a chicken and sauté fresh vegetables. However, Gonzalez Welch stressed that cooking healthy doesn’t have to be difficult. It can be done with simple ingredients like salt, pepper, lime and cumin.

“I encourage people to mix up their own spices,” she said. “I hear everyone say, ‘Oh, I don’t cook with salt,’ but if you look at all their premix spice rubs, you will see so much sodium that it can really affect your health.”

ESL professor Maria Caratini-Pra-

The Et Cetera

Tasting Latin culture with Chef Gonzalez

By Sidney Murillo etc4640@dcccd.edu

Avocado green, bright tomato red and soft, earthy brown peanuts. Adding color to dishes is important to any chef and foodie.

As Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi says, “you eat with your eyes first.”

Adding color to dishes is a sure way to add aesthetics and nutrition to a meal.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and in conjunction with the common book, “Fast Food Nation,” Latin Culinary Art Institute, Chef Lydia Gonzalez Welch visited the campus on Oct. 17 to talk about the importance of eating healthy by using such colorful fresh fruits and vegetables.

Gonzalez Welch began the presentation by explaining the importance of including Latin fruits and veggies in dishes.

“The culinary institute was really founded to be able to share the secrets of these delectable, very complex ingredients gathered from the

SIDNEY MURILLO/THE ET CETERA

Chef Lydia Gonzalez Welch deconstructs a caprese salad and adds a spicy salsa to give it a Latin spin.

do spoke highly of the presentation and the institute.

“This institute serves as one of the leading institutions in the nation,”

she said. “[Gonzalez Welch] creates dishes ready for the U.S. palate to try out. It’s an honor to have her on campus.”

Black and Latino men unite for positive change

By Justin David Tate etc4640@dcccd.edu

Half of African-American and Latino males never finish high school.

That’s one of the first statistics quoted at the beginning of the film “Bring Your A+ Game,” which kicked off an Oct. 22 event to promote the new African-American Latino Male Initiative (AALMI) club on campus.

Speech professor Courtney Brazile showed the film to more than two dozen male students at the meeting, which introduced students to the new club that is scheduled to start in the spring. AALMI is a district-wide network of individual clubs that helps males attending DCCCD colleges strive for better lives and careers.

“Though it’s called the African-American Latino Male Initiative, we want to be sure that what we do here as it relates to leadership is inclusive of all male students in regards to race,” Brazile said A panel discussion after the film included guests such as Cedar Valley Dean of Retention Management Russell Haynes. Haynes is the club adviser of Cedar Valley’s branch and the chairman of the district’s AALMI. Though he finds the statistic about black male high school dropouts alarming, Haynes believes the college dropout rate is even more disturbing. He said only one in four minority males graduates from college. According to

JUSTIN DAVID TATE/THE ET CETERA

Carlos Ojeda speaks to students about his life-changing experiences in college.

Haynes, the world has changed and a certain mediocrity is no longer acceptable.

“The days for the low-end jobs that will pay decent money are pretty much over,” Haynes said. “Six years ago, you could’ve gone out with a high school diploma and gotten a job at a call center and been paid $10-$11 an hour ... Technology has allowed all the different companies to be able to take those same jobs and pay an employee $2 an hour.”

One of Haynes’ pupils, Toni Medford, was also a guest on the panel. Medford finds the number of minority graduates disturbing, but

is optimistic his message will reach many.

“What we’re doing is gathering our brothers and showing them that there are better options than [those] we already have,” Medford said.

Carlos Ojeda, an instructor at Eastfield’s automotive technology department and also a member of the panel, stressed the importance of back-up plans.

“Pick a game and give yourself some backups. That way, you have something to fall back on,” Ojeda said. “I’m pretty good with my hands. I wanted to become an architect. I actually came here [to Eastfield] and learned how

to do [auto] paint and body, and it’s been good to me ever since. I studied it in ’92 or ’93, and I came back in about 2000 and became a faculty member.”

The Eastfield chapter of the AALMI will hold its first meeting in the spring semester and will meet every first and third Monday of each month.

The first meeting of the month will be about setting the agenda for what the club will attempt to accomplish.

The second meeting will consist of skillbuilding activities such as basketball, dominoes and card games that are meant to create and strengthen a bond among the club’s members.

Brazile, who is one of the club’s advisers, would like to organize a three-on-three basketball tournament on campus as the club’s first major event.

“We can have cash prizes,” Brazile said. “I would like to maybe involve 97.9 The Beat.

I had [radio personality] J Kruz come for a program in February [during] Black History Month.”

The club’s president and vice president have been selected for next semester.

Haynes, Ojeda and Medford stated their willingness and full commitment to helping the program in any way they can.

“Caucasian males, Latino males, any male possible that is in the struggle and feels like he can’t make it, we’re here to reach out to you,” Medford said.

13 The Et Cetera

Anjulie Van Sickle

Award-winning member of: • Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • Associated Collegiate Press • Texas Community College Journalism Association

Eastfield College 3737 Motley Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 Phone: 972-860-7130 Fax: 972-860-7646 Email: etc4640@dcccd.edu

Girls are growing up too fast today

Editor In Chief Justin David Tate Managing Editor Claudia J. Guerra Design Editor Chris Guerra-Yanger News Editor Keturah Jones Opinion Editor Anjulie Van Sickle Life & Arts Editor Sidney Murillo Sports Editor Kevin Cushingberry Jr. Online/Social Media Editor Danyelle Roquemore

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Copy Editors Caitlin Piper Enrique Morales Staff Writers Angel Abarca Jimmy Ambassa Marimar Lazaro Sergio Léon Ginny Morris Miguel Padilla Braulio Tellez David Valderas Photographers Odessa Leeper Griselda Torres Cartoonist Jonathon Wences Graphics & Layout Chadney Cantrell Student Publications Manager Lori Dann Faculty Adviser Caitlin Stanford Editorial Policy The views expressed on the opinion pages and other opinion pieces and cartoons in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of The Et Cetera, Eastfield College or the Dallas County Community College District.

Letters to the Editor Letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number. Letters will be edited for profanity and vulgarity, Associated Press style, grammar, libel and space when needed.

The content will remain that of the author.

Letters must be 250 words or fewer. Letters may be delivered to Room N-240 or e-mailed to etc4640@dcccd.edu First Amendment Right Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

OUR VIEW

Your vote is vital, no matter which candidate you support With the presidential election just around the corner, your vote matters now more than ever. In just a matter of days, the nation will choose its leader for the next four years.

While several million Americans will cast their vote, a considerable percentage of the population will choose to do nothing.

Many people believe that their vote has no meaning.

What difference does a single ballot make in a sea of votes?

We say that it makes a huge difference.

Think about it. If you choose not to vote simply because you believe it will have no effect, consider how many other people think like you.

A few hundred votes could make a significant impact on any potential election. Remember the Kerry-Bush debacle in 2004?

There are also those who believe every candidate is exactly the same. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. No two people hold the same opinions on every issue, and just as you cannot support everything a candidate stands for, you cannot oppose everything either.

The voter’s guide in this edition was designed to help potential voters like you learn more about the candidates.

Get informed and get out to vote.

If you cannot make it to the polls, there are organizations created specifically to help you make your voice

heard. The League of Women Voters, for example, has been offering rides to prospective voters for years.

There is also the option of requesting an absentee ballot. If you qualify, your ballot can be mailed or handdelivered to your early voting clerk.

The deadline to complete the application has already passed in Texas, but you can still request an Emergency Absentee Ballot Application, which will be accepted up until the closing of the polls on election day.

If neither of these apply to you, early voting can help you avoid the election day chaos.

With these options available, there is no excuse not to vote.

Every election, whether it’s for the president of the United States or an SGA class president, has an impact on someone, somewhere.

Voting is a privilege, and too many Americans have been taking it for granted.

Consider how many people have died for the right to vote, and how many people around the world are currently fighting to make their voice heard.

Think of what it would be like if you weren’t given a choice.

Think of what it would be like to fight for women’s suffrage, or to live under the Jim Crow laws.

Ours is a country built on democracy.

Exercise your right.

Get out there and vote.

Innocence is something that is to be cherished and protected. However, in today’s society, young girls lose their innocence faster and faster.

I see 9-year-old girls on their iPhones, wearing mini skirts, makeup and high-heeled boots. Little girls who are not old enough to even think about making an impression on people are walking around looking like made-up Barbie dolls.

Sometimes children don’t have strong family foundations, so they automatically look up to something that is ever-present: T.V. Shows like “Jersey Shore” and “Pretty Little Liars” set a certain standard that girls feel they must live up to.

Music and television shows that promote immoral behavior, from premarital sex to something as simple as gossip, are too “mature” for such young eyes and ears.

However, these are the character traits of some of the people they look up to. These role models include people like Britney Spears and Nicki Minaj.

The media puts out the wrong image of what young children, girls in particular, should be like.

Television shows and movies imply that girls are supposed to be “sexy” by the time they are 12.

When I walk around the mall, I see girls who look like they’re supposed to be 18, but they’re really only or 12.

Young girls idolize things they shouldn’t. They are pressured into feeling that they have to have a boyfriend to feel they are of worth.

They believe they have to wear makeup to feel pretty. They believe they have to watch certain movies and television shows to be “cool.”

Some people claim we must “protect the innocence” of the young.

But who follows through with these actions?

The media shouldn’t put so much pressure on young girls because youth is precious, and once lost, it cannot be regained.

VOLLEYBALL TEAM FINISHES 2ND

The Lady Harvesters finished second in the conference after advancing to the MAC volleyball championship. They also won their Dig Pink game against Richland, which helped raise money for breast cancer research.

The Et Cetera

14

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Harvesters’ hopes are high for new season

By Kevin Cushingberry Jr. etc4640@dcccd.edu

SCHEDULE

Basketball coach Anthony Fletcher is hoping to take a little vacation to New York in March. His dream destination is Loch Sheldrake, N.Y., site of the NJCAA Division III national championship. “It’s a place where we’re trying to get every year,� Fletcher said. “I took this job because I knew we could get there and win the national championship.�

In the past, Fletcher coached a team loaded with six future professional basketball players, but he believes this year’s unit is one of the best he has had at Eastfield. “This year’s team is competitive,� he said. “We have some good pieces.

We have a lot of depth this year. Like I told them the other day, right now I feel comfortable starting nine different guys.�

Point guard Semar Farris, who

Nov. 2 Nov. 3 Nov. 5 Nov. 7

Northwood El Centro Paul Quinn Texas Wes.

7 p.m. noon 7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

stands 5-foot-5 and weighs 131 pounds, is small in stature but makes up for that with his leadership. Farris is back after a five-year break from basketball, and his teammates and his coaches will look to him as the anchor on defense this season. “He can go right up there with anybody blow for blow,� Fletcher said.

In 2010, Eastfield won a conference championship with seven capable starters. Although this year’s team may not have a superstar like former point guard Marcus Brister, who won the MVP and earned a scholarship to Southeast Missouri State, the Harvesters are a deeper team.

“With Semar, he’s a totally different type of player,� Fletcher said. “His defense is crazy. This season he can put up similar numbers to Marcus.�

Power forward Dimari Porterfield, a 6-foot-6 freshman from Plano East, could give the Harvesters an offensive boost. “He has a strong knack for scoring,� Fletcher said. “He’s a really good back-to-the-basket scorer, probably one of the best we’ve had.�

The roster is close to being finalized, although other players may join the team as redshirts. Players who separate themselves from the pack will earn the most playing time. “I want to know who is going to go out and compete, not say ‘Coach, I got fouled,’ Fletcher said. We don’t have time for that. We’re trying to win. When you hit that floor and you get in between the lines, you’ve got to go out and compete.�

One motto that Fletcher is trying to impress upon his players, both on

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the court and in the classroom, is “pass the test.� “We want to win the national championship, play the best we can and make history while building a foundation for our players for the rest of their lives,� he said.

Athletes only have four or five years of college eligibility. At Eastfield, players have two years of eligibility, then they can earn a scholarship to a four-year university. “If you do the math, four years is a small piece of life, a slim opportunity to play college basketball,� Fletcher said. “When you’re young you think ‘Man, four years. I’ve got all the time in the world.’ But it goes by like that.�

The laying of that foundation begins in the preseason. The team’s first scrimmage was at the Mullins Mitchell Jam on Oct. 5. “It went real good. We’ve got a lot of chemistry,� sophomore shooting guard and captain Brock Hunter said.

Other newcomers include sopho-

more Mike Love, who started his college career at Kansas Wesleyan but has made a return to his hometown, where he played high school basketball at West Mesquite. Love redshirted last season but is excited about the future. “It’s good to be back home,� he said. “I’m here to get that ring.�

Sophomore David Bonner said the Harvesters’ unselfish attitude is encouraging. “This year it’s more about team success, less about scholarships,� he said.

The season begins on Nov. 2 when the Harvesters host Northwood University, the first in a string of four home games in six days to start the season.

Fletcher is not the only one who believes the team can make it to the top. “We want to go to New York,�

Hunter said. “We want to win the championship.�

15 The Et Cetera

www.eastfield.com

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Disney levels up with new film Felix and Calhoun must find Ralph and return him to his game before the unimaginable happens.

This film has something for the whole family. The younger generation will love the quirky comedy as well as the vibrant, over-the-top characters. The older generation is in for an even better treat.

With endless cameos from retro games and inside jokes only gamers will understand, Disney successfully created a movie which mixes movie magic with the equally majestic video game world. The music is also very well done and fits the movie’s video game theme and setting.

“Wreck it Ralph” is a must-see.

By Sergio Leon etc4640@dcccd.edu

A 1-up from recent releases, Disney’s new movie “Wreck-It Ralph” is an instant classic.

“Wreck-It Ralph” is set in a busy arcade where games old and new actively interact with each other after closing hours through “Game Central,” a surge protector that acts as a train station connecting all the games.

The unlikely protagonist is named Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly) who is tired of his life as a bad guy after 30 years on the job.

Ralph sets out to change his stars

and obtain a medal at all costs so he can finally be regarded as a hero.

Through his adventures, Ralph teams up with an unlikely ally in Vanellopy Von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman), a racer in a candy-inspired racing game. Together they both set out to change their fortunes in their respective games.

By leaving his game, Ralph puts the entire arcade at risk, and his mess must be cleaned up by old school hero Fix-It Felix Jr. (Jack McBrayer) and ruthless new-age video game hero Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch).

COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY PICTURES

Wreck-It Ralph is ready to change his life in Disney’s latest animated film. The throwback video game-inspired “Wreck-It Ralph” is due in theaters on Nov. 2.

Jonathan’s World By Jonathan Wences

GAMERZ By Armon Reynolds In the Challenge Room...

Hey Jiaying, you’re not still mad that I put a few scratches on your sword, are you?

No, of course not! In fact, I have a game we can play. It’s called “Rock, Paper, Fatality.” It’s like “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” but with a kick to it!

...Okay...I guess one game won’t hurt.

GAME CHALLENGE! Rakhan vs Jiaying

GO!

READY...

Rock, Paper, Scissors!

Rock, Paper, Scissors!

Rock, paper, scissors...

Ouch!! Ow! Ow! I don’t like this game at all...

If you

EVER

touch my sword

again, your nose won’t be the only

thing broken next time! Do you hear me?

*sniff*.....Yes, ma’am...*sniff*

level complete!

16

The Et Cetera

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Class of 2014

MEET PRINCESS

P

rincess, a math major from Fresno, Calif., transferred to A&M-Commerce because she wanted more from her education.

Here, she’s found her niche in the math department thanks to Calculus professors like Dr. Dorsett who encouraged her to put her best into the class, as well as the other classes she was taking at the time. “I would love to use math everyday I’m at work,�

Princess said. “I don’t know exactly what I plan to do with my degree but I’m confident I will find a career path that’s best for me.�

Outside of class, Princess is a member of the New Beginnings Multicultural Gospel Choir where she’s made several new friends that help keep her grounded. “At A&M-Commerce, I’ve become more disciplined and well organized. I’ve gotten better at prioritizing my time and separating social time with studying time. I’m really trying to obtain and keep a high GPA,� she said. “Looking ahead, I hope to get involved in more math and academic-based organizations on campus, and just have a fun college experience.�

SCAN THIS QR CODE To learn more about Princess, watch her video profile and learn how Texas A&M University-Commerce can change your future.

888 5".6$ &%6 t PS A Member of The Texas A&M University System