Etera
Eastfield College
Monday, August 29, 2016
Volume 48, Issue 1
Pokemon Go! has taken over Eastfield. For insider info on the best locations on campus, See page 8
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NEWS
Monday, August 29, 2016
www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
KETURAH J. HILL/THE ET CETERA
Summer of grief
Shooter kills police, invades DCCCD campus The shooting deaths of five Dallas police officers during a peaceful protest July 7 shocked the community and the nation. The event hit home at Eastfield since the shooter, 25-year-old Army veteran Micah Johnson of Mesquite, entered sister college El Centro in downtown Dallas. He fired a fatal shot from a second-story window and was later killed by explosives delivered by a police robot. Dallas police Officers Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol and Patrick Zamarripa, Dallas police Sgt.
Michael Smith and Dallas Area Rapid Transit Officer Brent Thompson died during the ambush. Nine other officers, including two from El Centro, and two civilians were injured. El Centro remained closed until July 20, and the college held a ceremony July 27 to help the campus community heal. “I don’t feel less safe,” faculty counselor Vicki Wood said after the event. “I think our community, our college, has come together to try to make everyone feel as safe as possible.” — James Hartley
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Top left, President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush and Vice President Joe Biden joined Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Police Chief David Brown at a July 12 memorial service at the Meyerson Symphony Center honoring the five officers killed in a July 7 ambush during a peaceful protest. Above, Dallas police stand in dress uniform at a July 11 ceremony at City Hall.
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From left, a man holds a modified American flag honoring police before a July 11 candlelight memorial. Eastfield police Lt. Jose Hernandez hugs a participant in the moment of silence July 8 outside C building. Hundreds gathered at City Hall to light candles in rememberance of the five slain officers.
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NEWS
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Monday, August 29, 2016
Late El Centro intruder alerts spur concerns By JAMES HARTLEY Managing Editor @JamesHartleyETC
Students and faculty have raised safety concerns after the Dallas County Community College District emergency alert system failed to notify them of the July 7 Dallas police attack in a timely manner. While District Emergency Management Coordinator Brigham Wilcoxson said the average delivery time for text and email notifications is 15 minutes, some did not arrive until two or three hours after the attack. Other designated recipients never received notification. Wilcoxson said the district had not heard about the long wait time. English professor Michael Morris said he never received an emergency alert on July 7. He confirmed that he is signed up for email alerts through eConnect. Morris said emergency alerts are important for security. “When I’m in class, I keep my phone with me just for that reason,” he said. “When I’m not specifically working with students, my phone is in front of me in case I get one of those alerts.” Eastfield students Taylor Clay and Robert Pate never received notifications about the lockdown. “We both heard about it from Robert’s mother, and she was in
How to sign up for emergency alerts n Go to eConnect.dcccd.edu and sign in with your student or employee ID. n Select the menu that applies to you: current credit student, education/workforce training student, faculty menu or employee menu. n Under “My Personal Information,” select DCCCD emergency alerts information. DAVID SANCHEZ/THE ET CETERA
The DCCCD emergency alert system experienced delays and failed to deliver some alerts for the intruder lockdown during the July 7 attack on police in Dallas.
Oklahoma,” Clay said. “If I were on my way to school and something were to happen and the school didn’t send out a text or an email or a voice message until 45 minutes later or something, I could be caught in the line of fire. "I could be caught in a place I shouldn’t be at that time. … That poses a threat to my safety. That poses a threat to anyone going to one of the [DCCCD] schools.” Clay said that while the messages are typically reliable, it seems off to her that she heard about the lockdown from someone out of state in-
stead of from the DCCCD. “I get the texts all the time if something happens,” Clay said. “I get the messages that, whenever the school year starts back up, they send the testing message. … It’s a little concerning. Why didn’t we find out first?” The Et Cetera’s first notification came at 11:44 p.m. through district email. “We did have some issues with the emails on the district email side, where it was because of a rule that was in the system,” Wilcoxson said. “I remember there was one student
n Fill out and confirm your information for the alerts you would like to receive. n Select “Please Notify.” n Click submit.
who was written about in the Dallas Morning News, and she said she got hers around 9:20 [p.m.] or so. … That was about the time it was sent out.” Wilcoxson said a problem where some text message alerts were not delivered has already been fixed. He added that only 4.4 percent of students and 33 percent of staff are signed up for text message alerts. “Just about everybody is signed up for emails, but of course emails aren’t quite as effective for timely no-
tice,” Wilcoxson said. Michael Horak, chief of police at Eastfield College, said that emergency alerts are an integral part of campus safety. Since the alerts are the primary tool the DCCCD uses to tell off-campus students and staff about an emergency such as an intruder lockdown, any problems with the system could put those commuting to campus at risk. “The alerts are very important because if someone is coming from, say, El Centro, you don’t want them to come here [during an emergency],” Horak said. “If there’s an intruder lockdown, the last thing you want is people showing up here.” While students and staff can opt out, Horak urged them to make use of email, text and voice alerts. He added that the emergency alerts help officers do their jobs in any emergency. “The last thing we need is for people to be running around campus during a lockdown,” Horak said. “If there’s a lockdown, we need people to stay away and, if they are here, we need them to stay put somewhere safe. Those notifications help with that.” Emergency alerts are used to notify recipients of any problems on or around campus such as hazardous weather, issues with hazardous materials and intruder lockdowns.
Campus carry starts at four-year universities in Texas Law delayed at Eastfield until fall 2017 Eastfield students won’t be bringing handguns to campus this year, but students at four-year Texas universities who are 21 years or older and have licenses to carry can now bring concealed handguns to public universities. Open carry of handguns is allowed in Texas, but it does not apply to school campuses of any kind. The campus carry law was passed in June 2015 and went into effect Aug. 1, 2016, the 50th anniversary of the tower shooting at the University of Texas in Austin. The law was passed by the Texas Legislature despite heavy pushback from Democratic lawmakers. Here are a few details you should know about campus carry: n It is illegal to carry firearms on
two-year college campuses such as Eastfield until August 2017. Firearms may be kept in cars on campus. n Campus carry is not the same as open carry, where concealed handgun license holders may openly carry handguns in shoulder or belt holsters. Guns on college campuses must be concealed. n Private organizations may prohibit open and concealed carry on their property. n All private colleges, except Amberton University in Garland, opted out of the law. East Texas Baptist University and Southwestern Assemblies of God University will allow qualified faculty and staff to carry concealed handguns. n Dallas County Community College District trustees may set some
ET CETERA FILE GRAPHIC
gun-free areas on campus. The Student Government Association held forums last year seeking suggestions, which included N building, where the early college high school offices are located, and the Pit in C building. The K building would remain gun-
free under the law because it houses a childcare center. Policies must be in place by Aug. 1, 2017. n Public universities are allowed to set gun-free zones on campus as long as they are “reasonable” and do not hinder the purpose of the law. Schools adopted a wide variety of policies. For instance, University of Texas professors may ban guns from their offices, but Texas A&M University professors may not. Some schools banned guns in dorms, but others allow them. n The fine for public colleges violating campus carry law is $10,500 thousand per day of violation. n Three professors at the University of Texas have filed a lawsuit against the state to have the law repealed. The suit claims the law is experimental and puts anyone on
campus at risk. Supporters of the law say these concerns are unwarranted, as the law has already been enacted in other states. A judge refused to put the law on hold while the lawsuit proceeds. n Students protested campus carry at the University of Texas on Aug. 24 by handing out free sex toys and carrying signs reading “Wangs not bangs” and “Guns boned our education.” The event was organized by the protest group Cocks not Glocks. n In 2004, Utah was the first state to allow handguns on college campuses. Since then, Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Kansas, Wisconsin, Colorado and Oregon passed similar laws. n Last year, California became the latest of 21 states to enact gun bans on college campuses. — Compiled by James Hartley
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NEWS
Monday, August 29, 2016
PUT IT ON YOUR
Calendar August/September
Mon
29
OSER Coffee & Connections, 7-9 a.m., Fireside Lounge and Admissions Lobby Pop Questions with Popsicles. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., outside C, S and G buildings
Tue
30
OSER Coffee & Connections, 7-9 a.m., Selfie Scavenger Hunt, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Fireside Lounge and Admissions Lobby
Wed
Wear-It-Out Wednesday Fashion Show, wear Eastfield’s colors of blue and orange and bring your old high school T-shirt to exchange for an Eastfield T-shirt, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Pit
Thu
Ask the Administrators, coffee, tea and sweets, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Pit
Fri
Fun Friday, luau dancing, sumo wrestling, mechanical surfboard, prizes, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Lower Courtyard
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Mon
Labor Day, campus closed
Wed
Club Fair, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Lower Courtyard
Fri
Male Initiative Panel: Bringing Perception into Reality, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., G-101
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www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
Candidates stumble toward November By DAVID SILVA Editor in Chief @DavidSilvaETC
The past few months saw populated party conventions, tight poll numbers and re-emerging controversies on both sides of the two major political parties. As we head toward general election debates and Election Day on Nov. 8, here’s a look at what grabbed the political headlines this summer. Both the Democratic and Republican conventions were overshadowed by party disunity. Moderate Republicans and those fighting tough congressional races have denounced Trump, and many prominent Republicans, including Mitt Romney and John McCain, did not attend the party’s convention. On the Democratic side, antiClinton protests were staged outside and on the floor of the convention, many led by die-hard Sanders supporters. Although Sanders had officially endorsed Clinton before the convention, many of his supporters refuse to get behind Clinton. The bad blood was amplified when emails from the Democratic National Committee were leaked. The emails exposed bias against Sanders’ campaign by committee members and its chairwoman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz. The emails and protests eclipsed the first day of the Democratic Na-
JONATHAN WENCES/THE ET CETERA
Donald Trump makes a visit to Dallas in September.
tional Convention, and on the fourth day, Clinton tried to clean up the mess by addressing alienated Sanders supporters. “To all of [the Sanders] supporters here and around the country, I want you to know I’ve heard you,” Clinton said. “Your cause is our cause. Our country needs your ideas, energy and passion.” The Republican National Convention had its share of controversy as well. After the opening night of the convention, Melania Trump, wife of the Republican nominee, was accused of plagiarizing a portion of Michelle Obama’s 2008 Democratic National Convention speech. Trump’s campaign quickly denied the allegations. “To think that she would do some-
thing like that knowing how scrutinized her speech was going to be last night is just really absurd,” former campaign chairman Paul Manafort said to CNN. “There’s no cribbing of Michelle Obama’s speech. These were common words and values.” Trump had to handle a much larger controversy when the parents of fallen U.S. soldier Capt. Humayun Khan criticized Trump during the Democratic convention. His father, Khizr Muazzam Khan, declared Trump unfit to serve as president and asked the Republican nominee, “Have you even read the United States Constitution?” After Trump suggested that Khizr’s wife, Ghazala, was forced into silence during the speech because she is a Muslim woman, Trump attempt-
ed to counter Khizr’s claims that he has never sacrificed for his country. “I think I’ve made a lot Clinton of sacrifices,” Trump said during an ABC interview. “I’ve worked very, very hard. I’ve created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs.” With the slew of controversies hitting both candidates, polls were tight going into party conventions. However, Clinton has recently enjoyed a bounce in the polls following high DNC ratings and Trump’s scuffle with the Khan family. “The biggest mistake Trump has made so far is attacking the family of a fallen veteran,” government professor Cindy Castaneda said. “There’s one particular group of Americans you don’t mess with, ever, on either side.” However large any candidate’s lead is, voters most remember that this election cycle is one characterized by its aberrant nature, Castaneda warned. The FBI has collected nearly 15,000 new emails in its investigation of Clinton during her time as the secretary of state. This could possibly overshadow the rest of her campaign, and shows that anything can happen with less than three months to go.
THE HOT TOPIC
Which presidential candidate will you vote for in November?
Student Government Association, 12:30 p.m.
Mon
12
Intramural Sports and Recreation Week through Thursday, times and locations vary Voter Registration, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Pit 12th class day
Tue
13
Voter Registration, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., the Pit
ABOUT THE COVER ILLUSTRATION BY JONATHAN WENCES
Erica Castro Undecided
Arnando Casillas Electrical Engineering
Brad Kreeger Criminal Justice
Albamar Seguinot Education
Ashley Cox Science
“Originally I wanted to vote for Bernie Sanders. I really don’t like both candidates that are left. So I don’t think I am going to end up voting this year.”
“I’m probably going to end up voting for Hillary Clinton because her values are more reasonable than Donald Trump’s.”
“I’m voting for Gary Johnson. I want to vote for him because I just can’t see myself voting for Trump or Hillary.”
“Even though my preferred candidate was not elected to go to the general elections, I choose to vote for Hillary because I do not agree with voting [for] Trump.”
“I’m voting for Donald Trump, because I feel like he would be a great president.”
NEWS
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Calendar of election programs
Sept. 12-16 “Rock the Vote” Voter Registration Drive Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 11 a.m.-1:00 p.m., in the Pit and Fireside Lounge Tuesday/Thursday: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in the Pit and Fireside Lounge Sept. 15 Constitution Day 9:30 a.m. in C-295 Panel discussion on voter ID laws with faculty members Michael Noble, history; Cindy Castaneda, government; Mike Walker, history; Andrew Toelle, English; Katherine Reguero; history Oct. 3-7 “Rock the Vote” Voter’s Registration Drive Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 11 a.m.-1:00 p.m., in the Pit and Fireside Lounge Tuesday/Thursday: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in the Pit and Fireside Lounge Oct. 3 DACA Lecture 11:15 a.m. C-295 History professor Kat Reguero gives an overview of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, tuition policy and Latino voting patterns
Oct. 4-5 Voter Registration Drive 10 a.m. to noon, Pleasant Grove campus Oct. 6 DACA Workshop Noon-2 p.m., G-101 Workshop on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program Oct. 11 Voter Registration Deadline Final day to register to vote before the Nov. 8 presidential election. Oct. 17-21 Free Speech Week Media Panel on Elections, time to be determined Letter to the Editor Drive: Write to your student newspaper. Nov. 3 Student Presidential Debate and Mock Election 11 a.m., Performance Hall Nov. 8 Election day Watch party in the Pit
*All programs are subject to change*
Monday, August 29, 2016
President of SGA invites students to get involved
Q A &
A
Aaron Sustaita, a public affairs and global business major, was elected in May as president of the Student Government Association. He previously served as SGA secretary and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the Rotaract Club, the Science Club and the Communication Club. Et Cetera reporter Martha Especulta spoke with Sustaita about his plans for the upcoming year.
Q
What is the role of the Eastfield SGA?
SGA is responsible for representing the student body, to be a bridge between the students and administration, for students to be able to communicate with administration. SGA is also here to encourage students to get involved on campus.
Q A
From your experience, how has SGA benefited students?
SGA has benefited not only me but many students in learning new leadership skills. The Student Government Association will benefit students because it will allow them to grow professionally and establish connections by getting involved in student life.
Q A
What is the platform for SGA in the fall semester?
My vision for the Student Government Association this upcoming fall semester is to have a diverse group that can represent
NEWS
Briefs Dive into new common book
The 2016-17 common book is “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by journalist and teacher Rebecca Skloot. The award-winning book explains how the cells of a poor black tobacco farmer, taken without consent, led to medical advancements such as the polio vaccine, cloning and gene mapping. The common book experience is designed to encourage the college community to share a book by reading it, studying it and participating in activities connected to it. Faculty will
DAVID SANCHEZ/THE ET CETERA
SGA, for them to have equal opportunities and be able to represent the student body. Also, to be recognizable and an engaged organization that enhances the students’ success by improving their personal experiences and preserving their rights.
Q A
Why is it important for students to join organizations like SGA?
It is very important to join student government because they will not only gain social and networking skills, but they will build friendships and have great experiences. They are going to be able to communicate more effectively, learn how to manage their time and how to build themselves up. Students can hold leadership roles as part of the Executive Body of the SGA, the House of Representatives or the Senate or serve on committees. SGA holds meetings at 12:30 p.m. every other Friday. For more information, visit the Office of Student Engagement and Retention at eastfieldcollege.edu/SSI/ StudentLife/Govt/ or in C-237. use the book in their classes, including English, journalism and science. Events such as guest speakers, discussions and an art show will reinforce the book’s message. Members of the Lacks family will speak on campus Sept. 27.
Student guide hits newstands The “Eastfield Experience” guide to college is a tool for students, faculty and staff to get acquainted with Eastfield College. Produced and published each summer by The Et Cetera student newspaper with support from the Office of Student Engagement and Retention, this 48-page guide covers academics, clubs, services, graduation and more. Pick up a copy on Et Cetera newsstands. View a digital version at eastfieldnews.com.
Life &Arts
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Monday, August 29, 2016
Campus art collection creates ‘mini museum’ By JASMINE OLIVA Special Contributor @TheEtCetera
As you walk the halls of campus buildings, art surrounds you. Paintings, drawings, photos, mixed media, textiles and sculptures decorate walls, display cases and corners. Over the years, the campus galleries have hosted professional artists and art students. But the college’s permanent collection of 142 pieces spills out of the galleries into the entire campus. The collection originated in 1971 with Raffaele Martini Pandozy’s sculpture “Solar Magnet No. 29,” commissioned to the artist just after Eastfield opened. The large spherical sculpture was installed in the upper courtyard of the F building in 1974. According to Eastfield’s archives, the sculpture was transported via helicopter from the artist’s studio in South Dallas. Now standing stationery, “Solar Magnet No. 29” originally rotated freely and reflected the sky like a mirror, galleries director Iris Bechtol said. Not long after Pandozy’s piece was installed, Eastfield acquired six works donated by philanthropists Eugene and Margaret McDermott to the Dallas Country Community College District. These pieces include paintings by abstract artist Michael Tyzack and surrealist pop artist Ernest Trova. “This diverse collection of contemporary
DAVID SANCHEZ/THE ET CETERA
Martini Pandozy’s “Solar Magnet No. 29” was installed in the upper courtyard in 1974.
work encourages scholarly engagement and integrates visual arts in the college environment,” Bechtol said. “It serves as an instrument for activating critical thinking, personal social reflection and creativity.” Music major Jennifer Graham regularly sits in the F building surrounded by some of the
pieces in the permanent art collection, which she said help “bring color and life to the campus.” “It sparks conversations,” Graham said while viewing a painting in the hallway. “You might see it one way. But if you’re with a friend, they might see it differently. It’s the same piece, but
everyone sees it from a different perspective.” The galleries and collection also provide a service to the surrounding community: “a mini-museum here in Mesquite,” Bechtol said. “The community is able to access art without going very far,” Bechtol said. “For those that don’t have a lot of exposure to the visual arts, we’re giving them a place to come to see it.” About 70 percent of the works in the permanent collection are from professional artists and 30 percent have been purchased from current and former Eastfield art students, Bechtol said. If work is purchased by the college, she said, it helps students build their professional portfolios and resumes. “It’s a huge boost to their confidence,” art professor Kathy Windrow said. “Students come back to see their work, so I think it makes them feel even more like a part of the school when their work is bought. And it certainly makes them proud.” Since Bechtol started working at Eastfield seven years ago, the gallery exhibit space has seen an expansion with its addition of the H Gallery. The galleries, located in F-219C and H-100, host many free exhibitions throughout the year. Past exhibitions include installations, paintings and sculptures. Viewings of the permanent collection and the galleries are free. Visit eastfieldcollege.edu/ Gallery219/ for information.
MOVIE REVIEW
Intensity of ‘Don’t Breathe’ shines in quiet moments By DAVID SILVA Editor in Chief @DavidSilvaETC
Director Fede Alvarez takes audiences on a deadly game of cat-andmouse in his new horror-thriller “Don’t Breathe.” Alvarez, director of the 2013 “Evil Dead” remake, scales back the blood, gore and shock horror that characterized his breakthrough film by delivering a simple, yet stirring, premise. Jane Levy stars as Rocky, a young delinquent who plans to run away from her neglectful parents with her boyfriend Money (Daniel Zovatto) and her younger sister, Diddy (Emma Bercovici). The couple plans to break into the home of a blind veteran (Stephen Lang) with their friend Alex (Dylan Minnette) to retrieve a large sum of money rumored to be in his possession. Once they’re inside the house,
COURTESY OF GHOST HOUSE PICTURES
Dylan Minnette stars as Alex, one of the teens that breaks into the house of a deadly blind man, played by Stephen Lang.
however, the group discovers that the blind man is much more dangerous to them than they are to him. The ensuing action takes the characters through intense hold-your-breath moments and many dark twists. With its run time at 88 min-
utes, “Don’t Breathe” is a relatively lean picture. However, I wish it was trimmed down just a bit more. The biggest problem I had with the movie was that the first 20 minutes or so seemed completely unnecessary. We get Rocky’s over-saturated
background story and then get a monologue that restates what we just watched. I understand that as a delinquent who’s about to rob a blind U.S. veteran, the filmmakers have to do the best they can to make her a sympathetic protagonist. However, they completely miss the fact that Levy does a phenomenal job portraying her character and that throughout the film we get a nice balance of both compassion and criminal ambition from her character. As good as this movie is for its premise, it fails when it tries to be anything else. There are moments in the movie that do diverge in an attempt to awkwardly develop characters or add psychological motives. This slows the pacing down and contributes to eye-roll worthy moments. Once the group is inside the
house, however, we get jam-packed suspense the rest of the way through. This suspense is delivered through the movie’s loudest moments and amplified in it’s quietest ones. To represent how eerie and effective the movie is during its quiet moments, I made an observation of the audience every time there was a still, tense scene. The audience, no matter how hard they tried, could not help but break the silence. Every time the characters had to hold their breath or carefully calculate their next step, someone in the audience would laugh nervously, cough or talk out to the characters on-screen. No one could sit through it. The tension was real, and every twist, jump scare and brutal act of violence was extremely devastating. The film works very well for its premise and its genre and shows that Alvarez is a legitimate player in the horror world.
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The Et Cetera
www.eastfieldnews.com
Monday, August 29, 2016
#ETCshootout
The Et Cetera held an Instagram photo shootout in April and asked students, faculty and staff to submit shots that represented their “Eastfield Experience.” Submissions covered a variety of people and places on campus. First place winners were Early College student Isabel Espinoza in the student category, graphic designer Lauren Shafer in the faculty/staff category and David Silva in the Et Cetera staff category.
A light in L building.
COURTESY LAUREN SHAFER
A downward view of a stairwell on campus.
Students in a biology class dissect a frog.
COURTESY LAUREN SHAFER
COURTESY ISABEL ESPINOZA DAVID SILVA/THE ET CETERA
The Performance Hall in F Building.
COURTESY VENUS SELPH
A student sits in the photo and video studio in L building.
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LIFE&ARTS
Monday, August 29, 2016
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The Et Cetera
Pokemon invade Eastfield Eastfield students and staff explore campus, try to ‘catch ’em all’ By BRIANNA HARMON Managing Editor @BriannaHarmonETC
The “Pokemon Go” craze has come to Eastfield College, and with four Pokestops and one full-fledged Pokemon gym on campus, you don’t have to go far to “catch ‘em all.” The latest in the “Pokemon” video game series, “Pokemon Go” is a free-to-play phone app that encourages users to explore their surroundings in search of collectible monsters to catch and train. Players can enter team-based battles in virtual gyms and visit Pokestops to heal their Pokemon and replenish their supplies while interacting with other players in the real world. “Pokemon Go” has become a cultural phenomenon. About 15 million people downloaded the app within the first week. In Taiwan, thousands of people sprinted through the streets to catch a Snorlax. Players have stumbled across dead bodies in overgrown areas, been robbed by thieves using the game to lure victims and been arrested for trespassing. National historic sites, cemeteries and
BRIANNA HARMON/THE ET CETERA
A Pidgey wanders near the elevator on the second floor of C building.
museums have requested that visitors refrain from hunting Pokemon on their
grounds. Catching a Pokemon is as simple as throwing a Pokeball on your phone screen, but you must visit a Pokestop once you run out of Pokeballs if you don’t want to pay for them with real-world currency. Pokestops are landmarkers where you can collect Pokeballs, potions, eggs and revives. Potions are used to heal your Pokemon while they are still conscious, and revives are used to revive your Pokemon after entering a gym to battle. Eggs can be caught and incubated as you physically walk around in the real world. Once you walk a specific distance, a random Pokemon will hatch from the egg. Eastfield has four Pokestops on campus: the windmill in front of T building, the soccer fields, the Motley cemetery and the Dr. Mark W. Presley Memorial in front of S building. There is also a gym on campus located near a permanent art piece in the upper courtyard called “Solar Magnet No. 29,” which the game identifies as “Balls in balls art.” Digital Media Program Coordinator Dave Danforth said he isn’t worried that the game will be a problem in the classroom.
“’Honestly, there is nothing around, so there won’t be a distraction in class,” he said. “I also think it is a good thing to help students explore the campus.” In Danforth’s experience, Eastfield is a “desert” when it comes to Pokemon. “I don’t find a lot of cool things on campus,” he said. “You really have to wander around. I think we should request more stops and then campus would be more fun to play on.” Early college student Danielle Trejo said she caught more than 40 Pokemon in one day on campus, most of them being common species such as Pidgey, Rattata and Spearow. “I really want to catch an Eevee,” she said as one appeared on her screen. “I also caught an Abra, which is set to be really hard to catch, but I caught it and it didn’t even run away.” Undecided major Carina Salcedo said it seems that S building, where she caught a Pikachu, is the best place to catch them. She also has caught multiple Meowths above the Pit. “It’s fun to go exploring,” Salcedo said. “We [Salcedo and friends] try to find out who can find the Pokemon we are looking for first. It’s kind of like a little competition.”
‘Star Wars’ theme fights to give convocation new flair Eastfield convocation took on a different tone this year, opening with a “Star Wars” themed text crawl and a lightsaber duel on the Performance Hall stage. President Jean Conway encouraged staff to “awaken the force within” and dedicate themselves to practice Eastfield’s 12 core values. Conway said enrollment is up, with Eastfield 9 percent ahead of the rest of the Dallas County Community College District in contact hours and 13 percent ahead in headcount.
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Dave Danforth, digital media program coordinator, announces annual award winners dressed as Kylo Ren.
DAVID SANCHEZ/THE ET CETERA
DAVID SANCHEZ/THE ET CETERA
President Jean Conway and BB-8 address employees. Computer science professor David Kirk built the droid.
A Jedi and Sith duel during the opening ceremony for the fall 2016 convocation. The theme was "Awaken the force within you," encouraging staff to embrace Eastfield's core values.
LIFE&ARTS
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Monday, August 29, 2016
www.eastfieldnews.com
There’s an app for that
Five must-have apps that will help you make it through college College can be tough, especially when you have to juggle it with the demands of everyday life. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were something to make it a little easier? Well there is, and it fits in your pocket. With tons of apps to help you through school, your smartphone can become your new best friend. Help is just a tap away. Here are a few of my personal favorites to get you started. — Compiled by Tanya Uhrich Cost: Free (in-app purchases) For iPhone and Android Size: 15.67 MB
→ Symbolab
Cost: Free (in-app purchases) For iPhone and Android Size: 31.62 MB Having problems with your math courses? This app is a scientific calculator in your pocket, capable of handling problems for algebra, trigonometry and calculus as well as creating functions, graphs, matrices and vectors. The buttons for things like square roots or exponents are easy to figure out. Just plug in your problem and it will walk you through step by step for a small in-app fee, usually $1.99. Symbolab is useful because of its simplicity. With scientific calculators, you have to hit a series of buttons to get one function. With this app, the buttons are right there. It will not only show you how to solve the problem, but also how to graph and where to place your lines. The only downfall is that you are not allowed to use your phone on most professors’ tests and therefore may not be able to use this app in class. So make sure you have a general idea of how to work your problems with Symbolab’s step-by-step guides. Each professor is different, so make sure you are allowed to use this in class before you try.
→ Quizlet Flashcards
Cost: Free (in-app purchases) Google Play and iTunes Size: 7.59 MB This app is good for studying because it provides sets of electronic flashcards at your fingertips. The subjects covered include vocabulary, chemistry and biology as well as GRE and SAT prep. There are 18 foreign languages covered including Spanish, German, Chinese and French. Quizlet works offline and has subjects JONATHAN WENCES/THE ET CETERA ranging from grade school to college level and continuing education. Quizlet Flashcards is beneficial for all students looking to study. Not only does this app have millions of its own flashcards, but it also allows you to create and customize your own. Quizlet covers a huge spectrum of subjects, so there is something for everyone.
→ Unidays
→ My Study Life
Cost: Free (in-app purchases) For iPhone and Android Size: 2.30 MB
This app is great at keeping your assignments organized by class, which are color-coded for easy identification. You can store your exam dates and homework deadlines and even get due date reminders. One of My Study Life’s best features is that it uses cloud storage, which allows you to access or edit information from any synced device. Another great thing about My Study Life is that it’s not only for students. Teachers can use it to store study plans, classes and lectures. And developers are working on a feature that will allow teachers to share their schedules with students.
Unidays is perfect for college students who are strapped for cash and need that extra help. The app lets students know where they can get discounts with their student IDs on food, clothing, books and lots more. Some of the top discounters are McDonald’s restaurant, Urban Outfitters, Apple Music and Uber. There is a mini-game that lets you spin once a day to win prizes like extra discounts or free deliveries. Other content includes recipes, inspirational messages, student tips and playlists. Unidays is up-to-date on all its discounts and locations. Users can get information on launch parties for new stores and hear about student-only events. Another added benefit is receiving added discounts just for referring your friends.
Cost: Free (in-app purchases) For iPhone, Android, Windows phone, online and desktop Chrome Web Store, Microsoft Store Size: 11.26 MB
MOVIE REVIEW
‘Hands’ makes great addition to sports genre By WINSTON EASY Staff Writer @TheEtCetera
→ Blackboard
The same online classroom you access from your personal computer is now on your phone. It lists all of your courses and the assignments you need through an accessible interface. You can also contact technical support through this app. Basically anything you can do or see on the desktop version can be accomplished on this app. The Blackboard app is useful for when you’re on the go. If you’re at the bookstore, you can just open the app, click on the course and find the book you need that easily. Want to know your test score while you’re out with friends? Simply go to My Grades and put to rest any fears you had of failing.
The Et Cetera
“Hands of Stone,” directed by Jonathan Jakubowicz, is another good addition to the boxing film genre. Telling the story of Roberto Duran, known as one of the greatest boxers of all time originating from Guarare, Panama, the film is full of Panamanian culture and shows us his rise to greatness. Venezuelan filmmaker Jonathan Jakubowicz takes us to the root of Duran’s passion, pride and fighting spirit, showing us what life in Panama was like during Duran’s rise. Actor Edgar Ramirez is likeable as Duran, showing off the flair and flavor of a man who rose from rags to riches. Duran is full of pride for his country and has ego for his own boxing ability. Robert De Niro and Ana De Armas are good support for the film. De Niro’s character, Ray Arcel, brought a nice balance to Roberto’s more aggressive and outward attributes as his boxing trainer. De Armas as Roberto’s wife, Felicidad Iglesias, was a sexy match to Ramirez and held her own with quick rapport. Stephanie Arcel (Ellie Barkin), though only seen a few times as Ray Arcel’s wife, does a good job of bringing the strength and comedy of a stern but compassionate wife. As for the technical things: the movie has a great pace, moving quickly between dialogue to the more action-filled boxing scenes. The boxing sequences had great moments, although a few matches can be seen as lackluster while waiting for those moments to happen, similar to real-life boxing matches. It was true to the sport, but I came for a film, not an actual contest. Luckily, they move along fast enough that the more impactful hits come in like a knockout. The movie never felt slow at all, even in the quieter scenes. My only real criticism of the film is that I wanted more. Though balanced and well-paced, the film left me feeling unfulfilled. It needed more of Duran and more boxing.
opinion
10 www.eastfieldnews.com
Etera
‘Get out and vote’ not just a catchy slogan
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
In the final months of one of the most controversy-laden presidential races in United States history, the average American is unfortunately becoming less and less motivated to vote. Amidst the litany of scandals and relentless mudslinging, many are finding it pointless to visit the polls, much less choose a candidate. We’re sure you’re tired of hearing the same old phrases every four years. Get out and vote. Your vote matters. People have died for the right. But just because they’re overused doesn’t make them wrong. A mere few hundred votes would have put a President Al Gore in the Oval Office. One vote per voting precinct would have given us a President Richard Nixon eight years sooner. And who could forget the infamous “Dewey Defeats Truman” blunder of 1948, where an erroneous headline would have become truth with just a few votes more? A common concern raised in this election is that an alarming number of prospective voters believe they have no choice but to “settle for” a candidate, that modern politics are so polarized that they may as well not show up to the voting booth at all. People shouldn’t be guilted into a vote, but they also shouldn’t feel that refusing to vote at all somehow helps the system. You’re fully within your right to choose not to vote for a candidate, but a refusal to participate in any part of the elective process doesn’t take power away from that candidate; it only takes power away from you. Even if you don’t like what the Democratic or Republican parties have to offer for this presidential election, a third party is always an option. And there is more on the ballot than just one race. You have 72 days left to learn about what’s at stake. Do your homework. Read and watch media reports. Talk to your professors. Make use of nonpartisan voters’ guides, such as the one from the League of Women Voters. Register to vote. Registration drives will be held on campus the weeks of Sept. 12 and Oct. 3. Participate in pre-election events on campus, such as lectures and a mock debate. Nov. 8 marks the next Election Day. Regardless of your political affiliations, you have the right and responsibility to make your voice heard.
Editor in Chief David Silva Managing Editor/Sports & Features Brianna Harmon Managing Editor/News & Opinion James Hartley Copy Editor Caitlin Piper Presentation Editor Jonathan Wences Photo Editor David Sanchez Staff Writers Winston Easy Jennifer Sanmiguel Staff Photographers Ahmad Ashor Isabel Espinoza
Emily Martinez
Jasmin Jimenez Alejandra Rosas
Editorial Assistant Martha Especulta Contributors Jasmine Oliva Diane Solis
Alejandra Salcedo Tanya Uhrich
Advertising & Marketing Keturah Jones Student Publications Manager Elizabeth Langton Faculty Adviser Lori Dann 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. The Et Cetera is published every two weeks—except December, January and summer months—by a student staff. Each member of the college community is entitled to one free copy of The Et Cetera. Additional copies are available in Room N-240. 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 considered for publication must be 250 words or fewer. Letters may be delivered to Room N-240 or sent 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
Monday, August 29, 2016
Campus involvement offers fun, rewards Welcome to the new school year, especially those of you attending college for the first time. I am pretty sure many of you are nervous, excited, doubtful, scared and experiencing so many more emotions. It will be OK. College can be overwhelming, but getting involved in clubs and organizations can be rewarding and help alleviate the stress. You have already made the initial step, and Eastfield is willing to help you on your journey. I did not originally plan to attend Eastfield. As a recent high school graduate, I thought I needed to attend a four-year university to be successful. Once I realized I could not afford the four-year university I
Alejandra Salcedo
wanted to attend, I felt like my wings had been clipped. I had two options then: go straight into the workforce or attend the community college located 15 minutes away. I decided that going to school now would be the smartest decision. My first semester at Eastfield, I went straight home after class every day. It wasn’t until my second semester in speech class that Profes-
sor Mary Forrest told me about the Communication Club. For me, this was the ultimate stop. It offered community service, fellowship, friendship, a group that helped you grow as a leader, not to mention they had free lunch every Monday at 12:30 p.m. It wasn’t long until I became vice president of administration, then president. Later, a passion to do more sparked inside of me, and I joined the Student Government Association as a representative of the Communication Club. I joined the HarveSTARS and became president in the organization. I also became a campus ambassador and a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
I mention all this because these organizations have pushed me to grow professionally and personally and encouraged me to explore areas outside of Dallas. I have traveled to Minnesota as a representative for service learning and recently returned from Austria as a representative for Phi Theta Kappa. I paid nothing to go to Minnesota and only $100 to go to Austria. It’s easy to get involved on campus with the 26 recognized clubs. And if there is nothing there for you, there is always the option to create a club. The choice is yours. Stepping into Eastfield College was not my initial choice, but I now know it was the best choice for me.
Wrapup The Et Cetera
11 www.eastfieldnews.com
Soccer, volleyball reload rosters By BRIANNA HARMON Managing Editor @BHarmonETC
The volleyball team won its season-opening match Aug. 22, but the soccer team lost it first game – an exhibition – on Aug. 25. Both teams play again today. Volleyball hosts Dallas Christian College at 7 p.m., and soccer travels to Paris Junior College. The soccer team has only a few girls returning because most graduated or transferred last season. The team’s season ended last Aug. 29 Aug. 29 Sept. 2 Sept. 2-3 Sept 6.
year in the championship game of the Metro Athletic Conference Soccer Tournament, finishing with a 9-0 conference record and 14-2 for the season. Eleven of their wins were shutouts, the third-best shutout record in the nation. They also made history by winning their first Metro Athletic Conference title and beating Richland twice. “A lot of coaches in the conference think this year will be a rebuilding year, but this isn’t a rebuilding year, it’s a reloading year,” coach Dustin Stein said.
Soccer at Paris Volleyball vs. Dallas Christian College Soccer vs. Angelina Volleyball at Clarendon College Invite Soccer at Jacksonville
4 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m.
Sept 7. Sept 9. Sept. 9 Sept. 10 Sept. 12
Sudoku
“We are bringing in a bunch of freshman, but these girls can play. This will be the most talented group I’ve ever brought in.” The Harvesters volleyball team finished with a 16-13 overall record and an 8-3 conference record. The team had 15 academic awards at the end of last season, three of them academic All-Americans. They will bring back six athletes to propel them through the upcoming season. “We are getting stronger every year,” coach Brandon Crisp said. “The girls have been working hard in the off-season.”
Volleyball vs. Southwestern Adventist Soccer vs. Western Texas Volleyball vs. Southwestern Christian Soccer vs. Paris Volleyball vs. Navarro
Monday, August 29, 2016
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 11 a.m. 6 p.m.
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The Et Cetera
Monday, August 29, 2016