TACHE SJC students to attend Fort Worth conference

e student publication of the San Jacinto College DistrictVol. 24, No. 6 February 17, 2014

SAN JACINTO TIMES

Krystina SalazarStaff WriterEnglish for Speakers of Other Languages

(ESOL) students will celebrate the first Inter-national Festival at the San Jacinto CollegeCentral Campus. Members from the ESOL program will jointogether Monday, Feb. 24 in the atrium of theStudent Center beginning at 11 a.m. to mix andmingle between classes. “There will be music, crafts, displays, food,traditional clothing, and demonstrations,” saidevent coordinator Rayna Shaunfield. Among the festivities, participants plan toshowcase several ethnic traditions from differ-ent heritages. “I believe that as we learn more about othercultures, we enhance our view of the world,appreciate the diversity, and recognize thecommonalities of all humankind,” Shaunfieldsaid.

According to the Office of Enrollment Serv-ices, thousands of international students havealready made San Jac their school of choice forpursuing higher education while focusing oneveryday vocal and college preparatory needs. “I’m pretty surprised to hear that our collegeis so widely known by international students,”student Ashley Trevino said. The competitive platform is offered to bothresident and non-resident students who want toimprove their English language skills. “I think the program is good because it givesstudents the opportunity to feel more confidentand acknowledged,” Trevino said. The organization plans on representing amultitude of countries around the globe thisyear including, “Viet Nam, China, Thailand,Palestine, Colombia, El Salvador, Bolivia, thePhilippines, Mexico, and Czechoslovakia,”said Shaunfield. “Let’s celebrate our culturaldiversity! Our ESOL students are excited aboutsharing their heritage and customs.”

Marlena PayneStaff WriterSan Jacinto College North Campus’s Men of

Honor group will sponsor a student panel to discussracial discrimination of the Civil Rights Movementand how it impacts male minority students today. The panel will discuss the question “Are the Strug-gles the Same?” “We decided that a panel discussion made up of

students discussing their view of racial discrimina-tion today might be interesting and provide for alively discussion,” Ronald Hopkins, Director ofMen of Honor said. He further added the main goalof the panel is to get students thinking about howthings have changed, or remained the same. According to Hopkins, Men of Honor was foundedby faculty, staff and administrators to increase re-tention, instill persistence, and motivate men ofcolor to graduate while supporting the mission and

values of the San Jacinto College District. “We help them try to understand,” Hopkins said,“how study skills and time and personal manage-ment is important in order to have success in col-lege. We also help them understand issues related tomoney management, manners and etiquette anddressing for success just to name a few.” Additionally, Hopkins said students benefit frommentoring relationships with deans, professors, ad-visors and staff throughout all of the campuses.

North campus professor Dr. Lamar McWaine said,“I consider it an honor to be in a position to be ableto serve as a mentor. I didn’t know anything aboutcollege when I started, but I was fortunate to findmentors on campus that provided sound advice andwould make strong suggestions if they saw medoing something that I could do better.”

The discussion panel will meet Feb. 17 at 11:30a.m. at the Welcome Center on the North campus.

Randi CrowderStaff WriterSan Jacinto College’s North Campus Career Servicesand the Healthcare Pathways Grant will host a HealthScience Job Fair on Thursday, Feb. 20. Job seekers can speak with employers from differenthealth care areas including hospitals, home health care,optometrists, long-term care facilities, EMT services,and more. Beginning at 11 a.m., employers will haveindividual tables set up inside of Allied Health ScienceBuilding Atrium. The Healthcare Pathways Grant is a U.S. Departmentof Labor healthcare occupations training grant. GrantTraining Coordinator Nancy Martin said the grant’s in-terest in the job fair is to train around 1,000 studentsover a three-year period and to have them all employedby the grant’s end date, June 20, 2014. “We hope for all of the job seekers to have an oppor-tunity to one: find employment; two: see what is avail-able in the job market; and, three: obtain valuableexperience in speaking, discussing the job market and

interviewing with employers in the area,” Martin said. North Campus Career and Employment CoordinatorDinorah Ramos said students will learn the importanceof how body language, wearing proper attire, and firmhand-shakes continue to be the upmost skills needed toland a job. “Get connected with real people,” Ramos said. “In anera where social networking is controlling the way wecommunicate, the job fair will provide an opportunityfor face to face interactions.” Martin said that job seekers who plan on attending theHealth Science Job Fair should bring resumes and dressprofessionally. “Plan, prepare and prioritize,” Ramos said. “Prepare

a plan of action. Plan the time you will spend visitingwith employers and bring plenty of resumes.”Martin said San Jac South and Central campuseshosted their own successful Health Science Job Fairsduring fall 2013. “The outcome of job fairs is typically pretty good,”

Martin said. “Student participation has been excellent inthe past.”

Black History MonthSan Jacinto College pays tribute

Stephanie JonesStaff Writer

Five faculty and seven studentmembers of the Texas Associa-tion of Chicanos in Higher Edu-cation (TACHE) San JacintoCollege Student Chapter will at-

tend the 39th Annual TACHEConference taking place in FortWorth Feb. 19 to 22. Both TACHE and the Confer-ence aim to promote shared suc-cess and prosperity amongHispanics through higher educa-tion. Saul Zarco, Co-Representative

of TACHE Gulf Coast Regionsaid students attending the con-ference can expect to find anumber of available resources. “There will be student confer-ence sessions, as well as net-working opportunities withstudents from various Texascommunity colleges and univer-

sities,” Zarco said. Furthermore, Adviser DinaCastillo said, “One of the topicsthat the TACHE-SJC StudentChapter students will be attend-ing is Latino/a: Fraternities andSororities Impact on College Re-tention and Graduation.” The Conference will feature sev-

eral notable speakers that sup-port the organization’s objectivesincluding Betsy Price, Mayor ofFort Worth, and Raymund Pare-des, Commissioner of the TexasHigher Education CoordinatingBoard. “TACHE SJC Student Group’sgoal,” Zarco said, “is to foster an

understanding of the importanceof higher education for advance-ment in one’s chosen profes-sion.” As a result, Castillo said,“TACHE offers the opportunityfor students to become leaders intheir community and within theirfamilies as well.”

Job Fair features healthcare industry employers

International Festivalcelebrates cultural diversity

National Archives/MCTMartin Luther King, Jr. speaks during the Civil Rights March on Washington,August 28, 1963.

National Archives/MCTWide-angle view shows marchers along the National Mall at the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument during the Civil Rights March on Washington, August 28, 1963.

North campus panel discussion asks, ‘Are the struggles the same?’

More Black History Month events on pages 4 & 5

Opinion/CommentaryFebruary 17, 2014 San Jacinto Times Page 2

The San Jacinto Times is publishedfive times a semester by the journalismstudents at San Jacinto College Central,8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX77505. Opinions expressed herein are those ofthe writer and not necessarily those ofthe staff, its adviser, the administrationor the Board of Regents.The Times encourages letters to theeditor. Letters must be in good taste, ac-curate, free from libel, malice or personalcontroversy. Letters must be limited to200 words in length. Letters submitted

without the author’s signature will not beaccepted. The staff reserves the right toedit the letters for accuracy without alter-ing the general meaning.Letters can be e-mailed to Hellen.Pa-padacos@sjcd.edu. Letters must includename and phone number for verification.The digital edition of the Times is avail-able at http://issuu.com/sanjacintotimes.Advertising space is available for $5.00per column inch. Special rates are avail-able. For news tips and information onadvertising, contact the Times at 281-478-2752.

PRODUCTION MANAGERSara Quintana

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFAlexis DavlinSan Jacinto

TimesSan Jacinto College Student Publications

DEPARTMENT EDITORSEfren DiosdadoKeili HarrisonGiovann Rosales

STAFF WRITERSBradley CromanRandi CrowderRobert Harris

Osiris HernandezSavannah JacksonStephanie JonesHannah KingMichael LeedyMarlena PayneBrandon PeñaKrystina SalizarRachel SmithEmily Wolfe

ADVISER Hellen Papadacos

CIRCULATION MANAGERMax Estudillo

PAGE DESIGNERSSara Quintana

ADVERTISINGSara Quintana

Ef goes ‘round town: Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack

Efren Diosdado Department Editor

Recommending a new place to eat isalways a difficult thing to do, but notwhen recommending a place likeBubba’s Texas Burger Shack. Despite the fact that it’s a hole in thewall that gets no respect from the City(judging by the number of highwaysbuilt around it), nothing has stoppedBubba’s from staying in business. This

diamond in the rough is a local favoritethat never seems to disappoint. Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack is fa-mous for their buffalo meat burgers.They have served buffalo burgers forover 25 years and were once the onlyplace in Houston selling buffalo meat.It’s one of the few places still sellingbuffalo burgers, but it’s the best out ofall the others. The buffalo burger at Bubba’s is

hands down the juiciest burger I’veever had. When my friend told meabout it, he not only recommended it -he vehemently vouched for it. Heswore on his life. He bet everything hehad that that burger, was the most deli-cious thing he has ever eaten. After trying it, I must say I vouch forit, as well. This burger did not disap-point from the first bite to the last.Since my first visit, I have upped mydosage to the double buffalo. Buffalo meat is not only delicious, butit’s also nutritious. Buffalo is leaner

than turkey and chicken. Compared tobeef, it has 70% less fat, 50% fewercalories, 50% less cholesterol, and 30%more protein. Also, according to Bubba’s BurgerShack website, their buffalo meat is100% natural meaning – grass-fed andnot injected with any man-made chem-icals or additives. It’s a good place forall the muscle bulkers trying to gettheir protein intake. Although it’s the best burger in thecity, it’s not pricey at all. It’s affordablefor any college student barely gettingby. A buffalo burger, a drink, and a bagof chips will run you about $10. Itbeats Jack in the Box’s munchie meal,and you don’t have to wait until 9 pmto buy it. If you’re not quite ready to try the buf-falo burger, there are other great itemson the menu like the quarter pound hotdog, regular cheeseburgers, chiliburg-ers, buffalo steak sandwiches andmore.

There’s not much to see when youpull up to it; just a toll road, a freeway,and a bunch of cars driving past you.It’s hard not to be judgmental whenyou first drive into the parking lot, but

the food speaks for itself. I kind of enjoy sitting outside and

watching the cars drive by. Most ofthem probably don’t know whatthey’re missing.

Keili HarrisonDepartment Editor

Turmoil surrounds the Texans’ turf,and no I’m not referring to their 2-14 train wreck of a season. This Houston havoc involves a

busty blonde claiming to have anAll-Star’s bun in the oven. Brittany

Norwood, 20, of Houston broke thenews to TMZ reps of her pregnancywith Texans’ running back, ArianFoster. Mind you, Foster is marriedwith two kids. Shocking, I know. Norwood further claimed Foster andhis brother pressured her into abort-ing the pregnancy. Her attorney fileda restraining order against bothbrothers, as well as a civil suit formonetary damages (for the emo-tional distress of carrying the babyof an NFL superstar, I would as-sume). In a titillating twist, audio clips re-leased to the press feature a phoneconversation between the two inwhich Norwood tells Foster shenever made the above accusations. To curve it right back, the beamingbaby mama and her mother spoke

with KHOU after the audio was re-leased. They both stood by the initialstory claiming Foster pressured Nor-wood for an abortion. Due to the questionable variationsof Ms. Norwood’s story, critics arecalling her behavior an attempt tomake Foster her meal ticket. “I feel as though she may have beentrying to get pregnant. Am I allowedto say that on the air?” a skepticalSports Radio 610 listener said duringa call-in show. After a photo of Norwood in a golddigger Halloween costume wentpublic, Houstonians jumped to takethe side of their beloved runningback. Foster is not denying the child ishis, but it is rumored he is preparinga countersuit against Norwood fordefaming his name in a quest for

money. Although in the public’s view, thebaby mama beauty seems to be inthis for the cash, she claims it waslove that brought the couple together. Whether it was a sought-out

scheme, an act of true love, or sim-ply an accident, Foster should haverespected his marriage and further-more, he should have expected therewould be consequences. With any luck, the two will get theirheads on, and their stories, straight,and a baby Foster boy will enter thisworld under peaceful circumstances;as we all hope (yeah right, we lovethe juice). The former lovers are scheduled tomeet in court Feb. 24 to discuss Nor-wood’s civil suit, but until then, thejudge has ordered the pair to refrainfrom seeing each other.

Resolutionaries. That’s what I call all the fitnessnewbies that roll into the gym every Januarywith the latest shoes and workout clothes only tobe gone by February. Why does this happen to Resolutionaries? Howdo we keep up the drive that was so fierce onJan. 1? I have worked as a Healthy Living Assistant forsix years at a fitness facility. My role is to givepeople a routine and a healthier way of living.So, I see this flood of people each and everyyear. Resolutionaries come in with willing heartsand so much enthusiasm they can’t even thinkstraight. Erica Barber, a member at the fitness facilitysays she used to be a Resolutionary until shefound a new trick to keep her going. “I would always make these crazy resolutionson losing weight and getting more fit,” Barbersays. “I always burned myself out. These pasttwo years I discovered taking classes and makingfriends made me more accountable for going.” Some can work out alone and hold themselvesaccountable, but I see that members work outmore efficiently and more often when they havea friend to work out with. It makes it more funand competitive instead of just going to a ma-chine and making up workouts to get through it. Central campus student Ashley Narvaez saysshe finally asked for help instead of doing italone and risking failure for another year. “I was too embarrassed to ask someone,” Nar-vaez says, “or admit that I needed help, but Ispoke with a girl in my class that seemed prettynice and could always be seen running on cam-pus. She gave me what I needed to go on myjourney to a healthier lifestyle.” The key is don't be afraid to ask questions andtalk to people. You either want a healthierlifestyle or not. There are people out there thatwill help you and guide you to your goals. So take that leap of faith. Make a resolution thisyear not to be a Resolutionary. Make your pledgea lifestyle.

Alexis DavlinEditor-in-chief

Keili’s Korner: knocked-up Norwood Davlin’s tips:‘Resolutionaries’overflow gym

Giovann RosalesDepartment Editor

Social media serves as a platformfor individuals to portray their every-day lives. Long before the arrival of social

media, artists of the nineteenth cen-tury succeeded in portraying every-day life in their paintings. Thismovement in art is called Impres-sionism. The Houston Museum of Fine Arts(HMFA) is showcasing works fromthat movement as part of The Age ofImpressionism exhibit. The exhibi-tion features over seventy works ofart including works from some of theera’s most famous artist such asEdgar Degas, Claude Monet, andCamille Pissarro. I visited the exhibition and was veryimpressed with the line-up. I con-vinced one of my San Jac classmatesto attend, as well. Lori Rodriguez is a part-time stu-dent with a full-time job. Work and

school take up most of her time, andduring her free time, she enjoys re-laxing at home. Her boyfriend is anartist, so she does not have much ex-posure to art other than what she seesat home. She enjoyed the exhibiteven though it was quite differentfrom the art she is accustomed to. “I’m not an artsy kind of girl,” Ro-driguez said, “but I have to admit thatI really enjoyed the exhibit. Myboyfriend is an aspiring artist, and Ilove his work. This was very differ-ent art than what I am used to seeingat home. It was very educational, andI felt relaxed just sitting there analyz-ing the painting that was in front ofme. I think I am going to make a tripto the museum a habit.” I appreciated her reaction because

most young adults are consumed bytelevision and social media. Eachmedium can be educational, butsometimes it is good to stray awayfrom both and stimulate our mindsthrough the fine arts. Students have a special admissionprice of $15.50 on weekends and$12.50 on weekdays. A valid schoolI.D. must be presented in order to re-ceive the discounted price. The exhibit will be on display

through March 23, so if you havesome free time, try and make yourway to the HMFA. Your visit will be an educational ex-perience that offers great material fordinner conversations. If nothing else,it will leave your dining companionswith a great impression.

Giovann’s quest for mind cultivation: learning to leave lasting impressions

Courtesy of Hellen Papadacos The deceiving shack sits quietly among Galleria highrises.

Visit our new website!www.SanJacTimes.com

Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/SanJacintoTimes

Lifestyle & EntertainmentFebruary 17, 2014 San Jacinto Times Page 3

EOI

Osiris HernandezStaff Writer

Recognized artists from across Texas will cometo San Jacinto College Central Campus onMarch 1 as a stop on the Resonance Brass ChoirConcert Series.

San Jac music professor Dr. KarenMarston will perform with the group,under the artistic direction of StefanSanders. According to Marston, the small cham-ber ensemble will play music of allstyles ranging from classical traditionaltranscription overtures by GiuseppeVerdi, to an arrangement by Pop StarBjork and Sten Kenton Tunes. “There will be things on the program

that appeal to everyone,” Marston said.“General music enthusiasts will find areally wide variety of styles to listen to.The program moves pretty quickly inbetween styles so if you don’t likesomething the next selection will bedifferent.” Furthermore, the artists will work

with San Jac music students duringtheir stay here as part of their educa-tional outreach efforts. “Chamber Music is a really great op-

portunity for kids to learn about music.It’s mobile. We can go anywhere andso were able to match educational out-reach mission with a performance mis-sion,” Marston said. Additionally, Marston said her goal

for this concert, as for every other per-formance, is to captivate the audience. “I mean, I always like when I’m fin-

ished performing,” she said, “thateverybody in the whole room, the au-dience and the musicians are all veryexcited and very engaged in what’sgoing on.” Marston said, she feels this concert isone that will appeal to a wide range of

musical tastes. “It’s not just for the brass players,” she said,

“it’s not just for people who already listen toclassical music. It’s so that anyone could findsomething that they enjoy.” The Resonance Brass Choir will perform in theJan Corbin Recital Hall on Central campusMarch 1 at 7 p.m. There is no charge for admis-sion.

The San Jacinto College CentralCampus Department of Theatre andFilm will raise its curtain for the debutperformance of “Young Frankenstein”Feb. 19. The production is a retellingof Mel Brooks’ 1974 classic comedyfilm of the same name. According to the play’s director

Ralph Ehntholt, the story is relativelythe same, but there are some new fea-tures. “It was a great film that the young

people like,” Ehntholt said. “And nowthey’ve added music to it which addsto the humor of it. It’s a comedy fol-lowing the classic horror movie style,à la ‘Dracula’, ‘Frankenstein’; theoriginal where there’s nothing grizzlyshown, but the sense of danger is al-ways there.” Sophomore Sandra Meza believes

the shows produced by the College’stheater company play a significantrole in students’ lives. “It’s what most societies are based

on,” Meza said. “I think there is a lotto learn from theater. A lot of thetragedies relate to people.”

Productionon “YoungFrankenstein”began lastschool yearwith a brain-storming ses-sion in latespring of2013. The de-signs were dueat the end ofthe year, and

the actors were cast at the beginning of this semes-ter. Even though the weather has proved a problem

for production, Ehntholt remains optimistic aboutthe show and assures that the show’s run dates withnot be affected. “We’ve had the freezes… We’ve lost about five

nights of rehearsals,” Ehntholt said. “We’re goingto end up with a great show no matter what.” “Young Frankenstein” will run Feb. 19 through

Feb. 23 in Slocomb Auditorium. Performancesbegin at 7:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. for the Sunday,Feb. 23 matinee. Box office information is avail-able at (281) 476-1828.

Monster comedy comes aliveon San Jac Central’s stage

Top Brass comes togetherfor music concert

Photo Courtesy of Resonance Brass ChoirThe Resonance Brass Choir will perform at Corbin RecitalHall March 1.

Photo Courtesy of San Jacinto College Department of Theatre & Film

Photo Courtesy of San Jacinto CollegeDepartment of Theatre & Film

Theater veteran Ralph Ehntholtdirects horror classic at SJC.

Around CampusFebruary 17, 2014 San Jacinto Times Page 4

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11:09 AM

Giovann RosalesDepartment EditorAnyone walking into a class-

room, whether it is morning orevening, will usually see bever-ages sitting on desktops. Amongthe most common is coffee. Many students drink coffee to

help them stay awake. However,drinking too much coffee tokeep from dozing off in classcan be harmful and contribute toan unhealthy lifestyle. According to Mark Hyman, a

practicing physician and bloggeron www.huffingtonpost.com,coffee is very harmful. “It is addictive. It requires you

to drink more and more to getthe same ‘high’ and eventually isneeded just to feel ‘normal’.Headaches, exhaustion and otherbiological signs of withdrawalput it clearly in the camp of ad-dictive drugs… It stimulates therelease of dopamine, whichhelps us focus, pay attention andremember. But it depletes thoseneurotransmitters over time andloses its effectiveness,” Hymansaid.

San Jacinto College studentVictoria Tovar attends classes atnight because she works duringthe day. She said she knows cof-fee is not the healthy way to go,but it helps her muster energy forher three hour class. “I usually stop by McDonald’s

and buy a cup of coffee. I knowthat once I put the creamer andsugar in my coffee it becomesunhealthy, but it really, reallyhelps me stay awake during mythree hour course. I work all day,and by the time I get off of work,I’m drained. Coffee gives me en-ergy for just the right amount oftime. I guess I could find ahealthier alternative,” Tovarsaid.

There are healthier alternativesthat will provide students theboost of energy they need to stayawake during class. One is to re-duce the consumption of coffee.Coffee becomes harmful when itcontributes to elevated levels ofcaffeine intake. According to Dr. Michael J.

Brues, a clinical psychologistsand blogger on www.huffington-post.com, the recommendedamount of coffee is no more than24oz. a day. “Don’t kid yourself about how

much coffee you’re really drink-ing. Some coffee places sell 16,20, 24, or even 28-ounce ‘cups’of coffee. With one of these bev-erages, you can meet or exceedthe recommended maximumdaily amounts of caffeine. TheNational Sleep Foundation rec-ommends no more than three 8-ounce cups of coffee per day,”Breus said. Tovar said she did not know hercoffee intake was well above therecommended amount. “I drink about two 16 ounces ofcoffee a day. That’s twice asmuch as the recommendedamount. So it sounds like I justneed to reduce the amount of

coffee I consume,” Tovar said. Another alternative is green tea.If energy is what’s needed, greentea has the answer. According to Ashley Walton’s

article ‘Homemade Drinks for aNatural Energy Boost’ publishedon www.livestrong.com, greentea combined with other ingredi-ents is a natural energy booster. “Green tea gives a natural caf-

feine boost, but the additions ofpomegranate juice and chiaseeds both pack antioxidants andnutrients that will also rev thebody's engines,” the articlestates. Green tea has many health ben-efits. It contains catechins, anantioxidant that helps reduce therisk of strokes, heart failure, can-cer and diabetes. It also helpswith weight loss and preventstooth decay. In light of all the potential ben-

efits, San Jac student BrittanyHarris said she is a green teaconvert. “I turned to drinking green tea,”Harris said, “because I knew itwas better than drinking coffee.I only drink green tea in themorning or if I feel like I need apick-me-up.”

Coffee: helps or hurts?

Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune/MCTExperts warn favorite pick-me-up is ‘addictive.’

Savannah JacksonStaff Writer

The Student Government Association (SGA) of San Jacinto College Central Campus ishosting the second annual San Jac’s Got Talent competition on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7:00P.M. in the ballroom of the William M. Newton Student Center. The contest will showcase the talents of students from all three campuses who were selectedfrom auditions held Feb. 5. The panel of judges will include a student, a faculty member, and local professional singerArabella Jones. SGA Central campus President Jay Banisham said the proceeds from the event will benefita good cause. “As far as tickets go,” Banisham said, “anyone is welcome to come. We are going to makeit a donation event and all proceeds will go to the Aids Walk Foundation.” Contest winners will receive first, second, and third prize trophies. Student Deidre Nash said she is excited about the show. “I will most definitely attend to support my fellow students,” Nash said. Fellow Lara Nell said she did not know about the talent competition, but now plans on

attending. “I’m glad you told me about the event,” Nell said, “I would love to go to that.” Meanwhile, the SGA hopes many students will get involved and attend. “We really hope that the students of San Jac will come and show their support,” Banishamsaid, “not only for this great foundation, but also their school.”

Competition showcasesSan Jac Talent

Michael LeedyStaff Writer

ThinkFast Interactive Audience-ResponseTrivia is in its third year at San Jacinto Col-lege Central Campus and will take the op-portunity to feature content based on Blackhistory in honor of Black History Month fortheir February game. The first round of the two-round game

starts at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 25 in the StudentCenter. Student Life Coordinator Amanda Rose

said this event has multiple objectives. “It is to benefit students and educate them,”Rose said. “It brings awareness to Black His-tory Month and informs the students whileletting them have fun.” Student Stewart Wynegar said this particu-

lar trivia game is “a valuable opportunity.” “It’s a chance to not only learn a very

unique part of American history,” Wynegarsaid, “but to learn more about myself in theprocess.” The event is open to all San Jac students.Participants can compete individually or ona team.

Central’s ThinkFast Trivia game spotlights Black History Month

Around CampusFebruary 17, 2014 San Jacinto Times Page 5

8 DAYS A WEEK8 DAYS A WEEK

Monday, February 17• Tennis Club Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Tennis Courts

• Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 p.m., Gym

Tuesday, February 18• College Community Day - No Classes Held

Wednesday, February 19• Think Fast Event, 10 a.m., Student Center

Atrium

• Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S12.234

• Writer’s Block Meeting, 3:30 p.m., S9.214

Thursday, February 20• SGA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S6.152

• Student Veterans of America Meeting,

2:30 p.m., S8.2066

• 17 and Under Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m.,

Tennis Courts

Friday, February 21• Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 10 a.m., Gym

• Auto Body Club Meeting, 11 a.m., S14.102B

• Phi Theta Kappa Meeting, 1 p.m., S8.1010

Saturday, February 22• No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, February 23• No Scheduled Activities

Monday, February 17• Psychology Club Meeting, 12 p.m., C3.209

Tuesday, February 18• College Community Day - No Classes Held

Wednesday, February 19• Saakumu Dance Troupe, 11:30 a.m.,

Student Center, Lounge A

• Student Veterans of America Meeting,

3:30 p.m., Student Center 212 A/B

• Psi Beta Bake Sale, 5 p.m., Tech Building

Thursday, February 20• GSA Meeting, 3 p.m., Raven Cafe’

Friday, February 21• SGA Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C1.155

• Phi Theta Kappa Meeting, 2 p.m., C1.238

Saturday, February 22• Gaming Society Meeting, 10 a.m., Student

Center

Sunday, February 23• No Scheduled Activities

Monday, February 17• BHM Panel: Are the Struggles the same as

before?, 12 p.m., N6.108

Tuesday, February 18• College Community Day - No Classes Held

Wednesday, February 19• No Scheduled Activities

Thursday, February 20• Temple University Transfer Recruiter, 9 a.m.,

N12 Lobby

• Health Science Career Fair, 11 a.m., N17 Lobby

• Saakumu Dance Troupe, 11:30 a.m., N12.200

• Webb Society Meeting, 1 p.m., N7.164

Friday, February 21• 3rd Annual Symposium on Gerontology-

Geriatrics Awareness and Education, 7:30 a.m.,

N1.103

• Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m.,

N8.201

Saturday, February 22• 3rd Annual Symposium on Gerontology-

Geriatrics Awareness and Education, 8 a.m.,

N1.103

Sunday, February 23• Financial Aid Sunday, 2 p.m., N6,104

N o r t h

S o u t h

C e n t r a l

8 DAYS A WEEK8 DAYS A WEEK

Monday, February 24• Tennis Club Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Tennis Courts

• MMA Meeting, 8:30 p.m., Gym

Tuesday, February 25• Student Bible Fellowship Meeting, 12 p.m.,

S6.196

• Anime Club Meeting, 2 p.m., S12.234

• Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062

• 17 and Under Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m.,

Tennis Courts

• ProMusica, 4:15 p.m., S15.115

Wednesday, February 26• Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S12.234

• Coyote Future Teacher’s Club Meeting, 3 p.m.,

S6.196

• Writer’s Block Meeting, 3:30 p.m., S9.214

Thursday, February 27• Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062

• 17 and Under Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m.,

Tennis Courts

• PTK Induction Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., S11.250

Friday, February 28• MMA Meeting, 10 a.m., Gym

Saturday, March 1• No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, March 2• No Scheduled Activities

Monday, February 24• International Festival, 8 a.m., Student Center,

Lounge A

• Psychology Club Meeting, 12 p.m., C3.209

Tuesday, February 25• TSEA Student Program, 3 p.m., C20.261/263

• SVA Meeting, 3:15 p.m., Student Center 212 A/B

• Thinkfast Trivia Game Show, 11:30 a.m.,

Raven Cafe’

Wednesday, February 26• Black History Month Closing Event, 9 a.m.,

Student Center Ballroom

Thursday, February 27• San Jac’s Got Talent, 7 p.m., Student Center

Ballroom

Friday, February 28• SGA Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C1.155

Saturday, March 1• Gaming Society Meeting, 10 a.m., Student

Center

Sunday, March 2• No Scheduled Activities

Monday, February 24• No Scheduled Activities

Tuesday, February 25• No Scheduled Activities

Wednesday, February 26• Webb Society Bake Sale, 10 a.m., N12 Courtyard

• BHM: “Fruitvale Station” Movie and

Discussion, 12 p.m., N12.200

Thursday, February 27• Ladies of Integrity Meeting, 12 p.m., N12.215

• FYE: So You Want a Scholarship?, 3 p.m.,

N6.108

Friday, February 28• Food Pantry Distribution, 8 a.m., N12.101

• Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m.,

N8.201

Saturday, March 1• No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, March 2• No Scheduled Activities

N o r t h

S o u t h

C e n t r a l

Efren DiosdadoDepartment Editor

“GEOLOGY, it rocks,” reads thepromotional poster featuring di-nosaurs with lasers attached totheir backs. That is just one ex-ample of the humor students getfrom Professor Dzuryak and hislectures. San Jacinto College North Cam-pus Geology Professor John-Franklin Dzuryak seems to bepart of a new wave of professorsthat teach outside of the box.From his “techie” Apple Keynotelectures, to his Geology memesand “Bill Nye the Science Guy”video clips, his lectures are morerock star than rocks. Dzuryak said his passion for ge-ology surfaced when he wasyoung, and his parents took himWest to see Yellowstone NationalPark. Amazed by geysers like OldFaithful, he began to wonderabout them. In high school, he

took a geology class which healso found very interesting. “Geology rocks,” Dzuryak ex-claimed when trying to explainwhy he enjoys the subject matterso much. He said if he wasn’t teaching

today, he believes his master's de-gree in geology would have ledhim to work in the oil and gas in-dustry. “Or maybe NASA,”Dzuryak added, “NASA seemslike an interesting place to work”.

Originally, when he wasyounger he wanted to become aPark Ranger but the fact that it isa part-time job changed his mind. “It seemed like fun interactingwith people and working some-where beautiful,” Dzuryak said. In addition to teaching, Dzuryakis involved with STEM days atSan Jac. “It’s a science, technology, en-gineering, and mathematics pro-gram where basically I just getkids excited about science,” hesaid. “A lot of kids start out really

liking science and eventually theyget scared of it. I try to get themto like it again.” Dzuryak enjoys making his lec-tures interesting by adding enter-taining clips. “I think I’m a funny person,” hesaid.” “We’ve all sat throughmonotone lectures, so if there’sanything I can do to make it inter-esting or keep you awake, I do. Idon’t want to be boring, I want tohave fun too..” He said he enjoys his videos fea-turing Bill Nye because he feelsthat it’s a fun way to learn. “It’s like bringing in a celebritythat everyone knows and can re-late to,” Dzuryak said. He also enjoys giving lectureson volcanoes. “Biology has frog dissecting,

and we have volcanoes,”Dzuryak added. “I also like inter-acting and using the texting pollsto get feedback from the stu-dents.” Texting polls are polls he sets upduring his lecture and lets his stu-dents’ text in what they think theanswer is; then they discuss thecorrect answer in class.Dzuryak’s lectures are set up onApple Keynotes, and he sets upan answer key on his iPad. “I used to work at an Apple re-tail store outside of Chicago,” hesaid, “so I’m pretty tech savvy. Ihave all the Apple products.” This is Dzuryak’s second semes-ter teaching at San Jac since mov-ing from his hometown inNorthern Illinois. He’s still warm-ing up to Houston. “The summer is hotter than I’mused to,” Dzuryak said, “the win-ters are quite tolerable. The driv-ers are crazy, the people arefriendly, and the BBQ is good.”

Techie Geo professor entertains like rock star

Brandon PeñaStaff Writer

The shooting death of an unarmed 22-year-oldman during the early morning hours of NewYear’s Day 2009 by Bay Area Rapid Transit(BART) police in Oakland, California sparked na-tional outrage. San Jacinto College North Campus Criminal Jus-tice Professor Jermaine Johnson will examine thetragic death of Oscar Grant III through a film, andsubsequent discussion on Wednesday, Feb. 26, aspart of a series of events paying tribute to BlackHistory Month. According to IMDb.com, the Ryan Coogler film,“Fruitvale Station,” brings to life the hours leadingup to Grant’s untimely death as he “crosses pathswith friends, enemies, family, and strangers.” North campus Event Coordinator and Black His-tory Month Committee member Charlotte Jacksonsaid the film and discussion are a way to explorecertain social injustices. “Too often people end up in bad situations be-cause of the friends they keep, as well as beingheld down by past mistakes.” Jackson said. “Sooften, convicted criminals serve their time, pay the

fees and yet society keeps a ’jacket’ on them,which prohibits them from moving on and becom-ing successful.” Jackson said Johnson was once a police officerin New Orleans and “has a heart bigger thanTexas, (aimed) at helping to reach young peopleand guide them in the right direction to makehealthy choices.” “Fruitvale Station” does not just tell the story ofa young life taken too soon, but of a father whowill not see his daughter grow up. Student Danielle Tran said it is a subject shesadly knows all too well. “That man had a daughter,” Tran said. “She hasto grow up with no father, which is very hard‘cause I had to do the same thing. My dad diedwhen I was two.” Ultimately, Tran said she feels the film’s mes-sage, “Tomorrow isn’t promised,” is key and uni-versal. “Anything can happen at any time, no matterwhat the situation is,” Tran said. “Fruitvale Station,” starring Michael B. Jordan,

Melonie Diaz, and Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer,will be shown at noon in the Monument Room ofthe Student Center at North campus.

Fruitvale Station: tomorrowis never promised

Robert HarrisStaff Writer

The Saakumu Dance Troupewill perform African dances atSan Jacinto College North Cam-pus as part of the campus’s tributeto Black History Month. The Troupe hails from Ghana,West Africa and is dedicated tointroducing audiences to tradi-tional and contemporary Africandance and music. Student Life Coordinator KarynJones said this is the Troupe’sfirst appearance at the College. “The Saakumu Dance Troupe

will be an event to see.” Jonessaid. “Each year in February, theStudent Life Committee brings a

variety of events so this eventwill be a new event this year.”

According to Saaku-maDanceTroupe.com, the award-winning ensemble performsacross the United States by invi-tation as part of Black HistoryMonth celebrations. They alsoperform throughout Ghana andacross the West African sub-re-gion. North campus Event Coordina-tor Charlotte Jackson said the cre-ative arts are very important inthe context of Black History. “In order to celebrate Black His-tory Month,” Jackson said, “wehave to look at the wide variety ofhistory that comes from manyareas such as dance, music and

literature. (They) have all playeda huge part in shaping the AfricanAmerican culture.” “Erin Lewis, Coordinator of

Student Life at North campus,presents options to the committeeso that we as a team, can bring avariety of events in February tohelp our students, employees, andcommunity appreciate the his-tory,” Jackson said. The Saakumu Dance Troupe will

perform at North campus Thurs-day, Feb. 20 in the MonumentRoom of the Student Center at11:30 a.m.

They will also perform at Cen-tral campus Wednesday, Feb. 19in the Student Center at 11:30a.m.

Saakumu Dance Troupecomes to San Jacinto College

Photo Courtesy of John-Franklin DzuryakJohn-Franklin Dzuryak poses on the rocks at Matthiessen StatePark in Illinois.

FEATURE

Sports & FitnessFebruary 17, 2014 San Jacinto Times Page 6

Keili HarrisonDepartment Editor

New experiences can make evenseasoned coaches nervous! Just like building a new home, astrong foundation must be inplace before structuring the restof an athletic team. In this case, astrong San Jacinto College Bas-ketball tradition served as a solidbase while Men’s Head Basket-ball Coach, Scott Gernander, tookon the challenge of rebuilding histeam. The 2012-2013 Men’s basket-ball team consisted of mostlysophomores who transferredfrom San Jac, leaving Gernanderwith quite a challenge. In a matterof months, he had to recruit anentirely new team of Ravens. “There is always some uncer-tainty when rebuilding a team,”Gernander said, “I think coachesfeel a little more comfortablehaving returners. But, I was defi-

nitely optimistic about startingover and thought that some of ourtransfers we signed would helpwith the leadership that is usuallyprovided by returners.” Despite trepidations, a brandnew team in sharp jerseys tookthe court Nov. 1 in their seasonopener at home ending with animpressive Raven win againstLone Star College – Tomball. Furthermore, along with the newplayers came a fresh face on thecoaching staff. Jeffrey Mailhot, aSan Jac alumnus, obtained the as-sistant coaching position along-side Albert Talley who is in hissecond season with the San Jacbasketball team. “He’s a great recruiter,” Gernan-der said of the newest hire. Prior to signing on at San Jac,Mailhot coached at Midland andHoward Colleges. The HowardCollege Hawks won a nationalchampionship under his leader-ship. He also had the opportunity

to recruit and coach now DallasMaverick, Jae Crowder. “Since we (Mailhot and Gernan-der) played here over ten yearsago, we both spoke of the possi-bility of working together downthe line at San Jac, and when theopportunity presented itself, Ijumped at it,” Mailhot said. Gernander also said he admiresMailhot’s passion for San JacBasketball and knowledge ofwhat it takes to be successful. The Ravens are currently 19-4,9-2 in conference play. Three oftheir losses are to nationallyranked teams. “I felt that we would take a

while to find our chemistry, andwe had quite a few early tests inour non-conference schedule thatmade us better as a team,” Ger-nander said. And better they are. With justtwo conference losses, theRavens are sitting at the top of theConference, which, if continued,will lead to the regional tourna-ment qualification. Because of aseries of injuries and foul outs,last season’s team ended their runwith just four court-ready playersin the regional semi-finals. Since the home stretch is now insight, the Ravens must stay at thetop of the conference to securetheir position at the RegionalTournament. With the player’s talent and anexperienced coaching staff inplace, Mailhot said the Ravenshope to continue their success in2014 and “for another 30 years.” “I want to help my team go asfar as possible,” Ravens freshmanAnthony Livingston said. Six foot eight Livingston leadsthe team in rebounds and is a topscorer for the men’s team. When asked if nervous about thepotential success of an entirelynew team, Livingston confidentlyreplied, “Nervous? Not at all.”

Ravens ready to rock regionals

Jeannie Peng-Armao San Jacinto College Marketing DepartmentLivingston (front) lights up the court with 9 rebounds and 29points against Odessa, helping his team achieve regional tour-nament qualification status.

Photo Courtesy of Hannah HoffmanCentral campus flag football participants pose for a team photo.

Sports Day encourages student activityRachel SmithStaff Writer

May the odds be ever in your favor. San Jacinto College is offering students a free way to get fit while having fun and making new friends. The College’s biannual Sports Day will take place on all three campuses Thursday, Feb. 27 where students,faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate on a team of any sport regardless of experience. The goal is to promote fitness and friendship with no added pressure; just friendly competition. Sportsplay begins at 8:00 a.m. and continues with tournaments throughout the day. Past events have drawn asmany as 250 students. Campus Recreation (Rec) Staff Assistant Mary Shelley said, “It’s a way to get students involved, let themtry something new.” Meanwhile, even seasoned athletes like basketball player Willie Magnum plan to participate in SportsDay. “I will definitely be attending Sports Day for the extra practice,” Magnum said, “and the opportunity tobetter my performance as a basketball player.” Student Monica Hughes said she did not realize the College offered opportunities for non-athletes to par-ticipate in a team sport activities. “I had no clue San Jac had a sports day,” Hughes said. “I thought in order to play a sport, you needed totry out. I’m really excited to go check it out.” Campus Rec offers a variety of sports including volleyball, flag football, soccer and many more to playon a weekly basis with no tryouts needed. Further information can be found at www.sanjac.edu/campus-rec. There is no charge for participation.

NFL season finishes; flag football beginsHannah KingStaff WriterFlag football season, sponsored by the CampusRecreation (Rec) Department at San Jacinto Col-lege, is finally here. Central campus Rec Director and Physical Educa-tion Instructor, Butch Sutton along with Staff As-sistant Mary Shelley oversee Flag Football. “Flag football is a very popular event,” Suttonsaid, “that has students always asking about it. Ithas been around the central campus for 34 years.” Similarly, Shelley said she is happy to see the startof a new season. “Pretty much every semester,” Shelley said, “everyevent that we have is pretty exciting to be a part of

because you never know what kind of student isgoing to walk through the door, or what kind of dayit’s going to be.” Meanwhile, Sutton said in addition to offering fun,flag football serves students in other ways. “You need an outlet from work and study,” Suttonsaid. ”You’ve got mental stress, emotional stress,and physical stress with school, work, and jobs.This is a great outlet for not only stress but healthylife styles.” Along with flag football, Campus Rec offers ac-tivities ranging from volleyball to kickball. Theonly requirement for participating in any activity isregistering on the Campus Rec websitesanjac.edu/campus-rec. Games are held every Monday at 3:00 p.m. from

now until March 3.

Alexis DavlinEditor-in-chief

Yoga pants seem to be in style!All around San Jacinto College,it looks as they are the hot thingto wear during any season. Is this a trend, or do all thesepeople really take yoga classes? I scoured the Central campus tofigure out why students, and evenfaculty, wear these pants every-where and all the time. Central campus yoga professorDr. Patti J. Pierce stressed the factthat it is very important to wearthe correct clothing when actu-ally taking a yoga class. “Yoga postures require bending,twisting, reaching, stretching,lengthening, opening in all direc-tions. It is imperative to havecomplete confidence in yourclothing during all this activity,”Pierce said. Likewise, fellow student JaciePullig said yoga pants are a mustwhen taking the class. “Yoga pants are great for theclass,” Pullig said, “because it al-lows you to move in all direc-tions without worrying about

pulling your pants up or adjustingyour clothes while you’re tryingto work out. No one wants to beconstantly paranoid about theirclothes moving in the wrong di-rection.” San Jac student LaPortia Hallsaid she didn’t try yoga pantsuntil recently, but she can nowsee their value. “I love yoga, but when you haveto pull up and move your pantsaround during the class, it notonly slows you down it distractsyou. After my first few days inmy new yoga pants I could reallyfocus and be more at ease,” Hallsaid. Fellow yoga student Illian Gar-cia said yoga pants are almost allshe wears – even when she’s notin class. “I have been wearing yoga pantsfor a while now even before theclass. It’s plain and simple. Theyare comfortable and very mobileno matter what workout you aredoing,” Garcia said. Similarly, Pierce agreed they arepopular because of the pure com-fort. “Many Americans find yoga

pants to be quite comfortable foreveryday wear as well….even ifthey are not participating inyoga,” Pierce said. Student Darian Reddington saidshe wears yoga pants to schoolbecause they are comfortable, butare a step up from pajamas. “I never like getting ready forschool, so yoga pants allow me toat least look somewhat cute with-out trying hard. It also doesn’thurt that they are super comfy,”Reddington said. Student and yoga pant skepticLauren Thomas said she doesn'twear yoga pants, but she won'trule them out either. “I never really thought I shouldwear them. They are not mystyle, but I might give them a trybecause I am one of those peoplealways moving my pants up anddown,” Thomas said. So, everyone has their own takeon yoga pants, and it’s probablya good idea to wear them if youare actually taking a yoga class. If you happen to look down andyou are one of the many wearingyoga pants, you are definitely ontrend at San Jac.

Yoga pants trending on campus