SWTJC’s 53rd Annual NIRA Rodeo held Oct. 1-3
The Southwest Texan
The official publication of Southwest Texas Junior College
October 14, 2015
Vol. 79 Issue One
www.swtjc.edu
Fall
Enrollment
Up
Priority
Registration
begins Oct. 26
By Josue Carrazco
Southwest Texan Editor
Southwest Texas Junior
College has seen an increase in
enrollment this semester at all
campuses.
Accumulated, a total of 5,567
students
have
enrolled in
courses via
online or at
the various
Margot Mata
campuses
SWTJC
has to offer, a 2.5% increase
compared to last fall.
“People are discovering the
value of community colleges,”
said President of Student
Services Margot Mata.
“SWTJC provides a strong
foundation for a successful
career at an affordable rate.”
With the enrollment increase,
come numerous benefits.
“The obvious benefit is revenue
for the institution,” Mata said.
“Additionally, having more
students on campus allows
the instituion to deliver more
initiatives due to increased
participation. This allows us to
improve campus life and boost
prospective student interest in
college.”
Along with more students,
comes many more opportunities
available to the schools.
“We expect to see more
classes offered in all delivery
modalities,” Mata said.
Who knows? With more
classes, why not more
campuses?
“SWTJC is always looking at
ways to enhance the sevices
we provide to our students. As
we continue to grow, we will
continue to make adjustments
accordingly,” Mata added.
The more revenue, the more
opportunties this college can
offer.
With the low costs and
availability, getting an education
has never been easier at
Southwest Texas Junior College.
by Josue Carrazco
Southwest Texan Editor
Students at SWTJC are starting
a new form of registration at
their campuses starting October
26 to aid certain students
applying to school.
Starting October 26th, cetain
students can apply at an earlier
time in order to ensure their spot
in the classroom.
These student need to be
veteran students, in the Student
Support Services, or be close to
graduating.
If they aren’t in one of those
categories, students may still
apply in person or online on
November 2nd.
Director of Admissions and
Registrar Luis Fernandez
advises all new students to
check with the admissions office
to make sure all transcripts and
documents have been sent.
“I also strongly recommend
that students have completed
and finalized any financial aid
they anticipate receiving or have
a form of payment in mind,”
says Ferndandez.
He also advises students to
meet with an advisor to ensure
they know the classes needed to
take.
“I would suggest they set up
an appointment with an advisor
to go over thier degree plans
before registration begins so that
they may have an idea of what
classes to take.”
For any students re-applying
or graduating, they must be
sure their record is clean
before commencing with their
eduation.
“They would need to make
sure that they do not have
any pending tuition or dorm
payments due. Also if they
recieved any citations, those
need to be taken care of as
well.”
Make sure you have all
documents in, and all payments
taken care of in order to get the
best out of the Southwest Texas
Junior College!
Cross Country team members include: Bottom Row from Left to Right -- Luis Vielma , Diego Ruiz, Robert Riojas
Back Row from Left to Right - L. Fowler, Breanna Vasquez, Monica Rodriguez, Vanessa Valdez,, Shannon Gammill, Brittany
Keeney, Gabby Sandoval, Gladys Kalinchuk, Kim Cantu, Danielle Garza ( not picuted: Johnny Gonzalez, Valentin Limon,
Gabriel Villarreal)
SWTJC Cross Country Team hosts
Uvalde Meet
Invitational.
By Victor Ortiz
came in third place overall,
Southwest Texan Reporter
behind second place TexasEntry fee was $15 per athlete
The Southwest Texas Junior
Permian Basin and first place
in both College and Open
Texas A&M International.
College Kinesiology department Divisions.
The Texas A&M International
held its 3rd Annual Cross
“Five college and university
men’s team placed first overall,
Country Invitational Oct. 3
at the Uvalde High
The meet was a big success. It was an amazing sight to
School campus.
all the talented athletes take part in our event.
The SWTJC
Collegiate/High
School Invitational
Landra Fowler
Cross Country Meet
teams registered for the run as
while Texas Lutheran placed
drew approximately 638
well as 18 high school teams
second and Texas-Permian
participants from area schools.
from
5A
to
6A
schools,”
SWTJC
Basin followed in third place.
The events began at 8 a.m.
Kinesiology Department
SWTJC runners competed
Events included a 5K run
Coordinator
Landra
Fowler
said.
in
the 5K category in both the
for College Men and Women
men’s and women’s divisions.
divisions, Varsity Boys and Girls “We loved having spectator
support
from
our
students.”
In the men’s division, Luis
divisions and JV Boys and Girls
Proceeds go toward building
Vielma posted a time of 18:02,
divisions.
student
leadership.
putting him in 15th place,
The JH Boys and Girls
Custom dog tag awards were
while Johnny Gonzales came
divisions topped off the event
awarded to the Top 25 runners
in at 28th place with a time
with a 2 mile run at 11 a.m.
in each Division/gender.
of 19:55.9, and Diego Ruiz
Runners were able to register
online or the morning of the
The SWTJC women’s team
(22:22.3) and Robert Riojas
Emergency Messaging
Available
by Vincent Padilla
Southwest Texan Reporter
Unfortunately, schools across
the country have become the
target of violence.
Because of this, an important
feature is offered at SWTJC, the
Emergency Messaging System.
Students and faculty register
their telephone number and
recieve updates on anything
that happens in the school.
What the emergency
messaging app does
is allow students to
be connected to
the school even
easier than
before.
In the case of an
emergency, each campus
page has the listed numbers for
each emergency service.
There are even more features,
thanks to the addition of
Facebook and Twitter,
which give the student body
emergency alerts over for
certain situations if the need
arises.
W i t h
can send
this, the school
out mass
messaging,
such
as
a
reminder
that there is to be no school.
Another instance is if perhaps
the electricity at a campus goes
INDEX
Stay connected with SWTJC
out, or there is another problem
which causes classes to be
cancelled.
Perhaps on a brighter note,
students can get word of special
festivals and events, and the
best part is it is easy,
simple access.
With this, it
is a measely
text away from
learning events
and situations.
Messaging can
suit many needs such
as providing maps and
locations, and information
for faculty, dates of club
meetings, or even emergency
services.
SWTJC and all of its faculty
are here to help students.
Students should go to the
college’s portal to get more
information aboutthe emergency
messaging system and what they
do have to offer for the student
body.
(23:24.0) came in at 31st and
33rd places.
In the women’s division,
Gabriela Sandoval had a time
of 24:09.5 to land her in 16th
place,while Brittany Keeney
see placed 19th (25:32.0),
Vanessa Valdez placed
20th (27:21.3), Gladys
Kalinchuk placed 21st
(29:16.9), Shannon
Gammill placed 22nd
(32:05.9), Breanna Vasquez
placed 23rd (32:12.2), Kimberly
Cantu placed 24th (33:16.8) and
Monica Rodriguez placed 25th
(34:25.0).
A total of 34 area schools
participated in this year’s event,
according to event coordinator,
Landra Fowler.
“The meet was a big success,”
Fowler said. “ It was an amazing
sight to see all the talented
athletes take part in our event.”
SWTJC strives to RISE to the Top
Resources + Interactions = Student Engagement
Research and assessment data
show 92 out of 100 SWTJC
students are not proficient in
critical thinking skills.
Results of the CCSSE
(Community College Survey of
Student Engagement) show
SWTJC faculty and student
interactions need
improvement and that
more collaborative learning
would help with student
engagement.
Because of this deficiency,
the focus of the SWTJC
QEP is to improve the
quality of instruction by
implementing high-impact
educational practices
throughout the college
curriculum.
High impact practices
lead to greater student
engagement, which leads to
higher student success rates.
“RISE to the Top” provides
a student success-oriented,
campus culture ripe with
opportunities for meaningful
collaboration and engagement
between and among students,
faculty, and staff through
the development and
implementation of customized,
systematic high impact
practices.
These high impact practices
assist in cultivation of student
success outcomes including
grades, graduation, transfer,
employment, and lifelong
learning (Kuh, Kinzie, Buckley,
Bridges, & Hayek, 2006).
A comprehensive system
of well-developed lessons
and activities is utilized by
faculty and staff in order
to systematically engage
students with institutional
resources, build relationships
and partnerships that support
learning, and deliver activities
and experiences that provide
clear pathways to success in
college (Kuh et al., 2006).
Goals include: Improving
critical thinking through
high-impact educational
practices, improving student
engagement through highimpact practices, enhancing
student learning through
professional development
opportunities for faculty and
staff, and focusing on highimpact practices.
These major goals will
achieve four outcomes which
include: faculty and staff
will demonstrate inclusion
of high-impact practices in
the learning environment,
students will actively engage
in their course work, students
will demonstrate proficiency
in critical thinking and faculty
and staff will reflect on ways to
engage students through their
roles at Southwest Texas Junior
College.
Campus Views............................page 2 Campus Views.....................page 3 News......................................page 5 Creative Corner................page 7
Photo Page...........................page 4 News......................................page 6 News................................page 8
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facebook.com/SWTJC
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Page 2 • Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan • October 14, 2015
Campus Views
Who do you think is the best
Presidential Candidate?
“I would have to say Ben Carson. He believes in the faith he has
in America. He also has the same religious and political views as
I do.”
Abigail Taylor
Uvalde
“Hillary Clinton, because she is the smartest, wisest, and best
possible spokesman for America. She can handle incredible
criticism and stress with grace. She can bring this nation the
best possible care and is a woman of truth and integrity.”
Leilani McClure
Uvalde
Keeping Your Faith
by Shelbi Haynes
Southwest Texan
Uvalde Columnist
The word “wait,’ according to
the definition found in Webster’s
dictionary, is “to stay where
one is or a delay of action until
something else happens.”
This is something that we
are not all accustomed to in the
generation that we live in, and
is something that we definitely
don’t like to do anymore.
With the way that technology
has evolved, society’s desire
to get your wants faster has
brought us into a “microwave”
generation, where we all want
and expect instant results or
instant satisfaction.
With all the resources given to
us to help achieve our dreams,
we seem to always ignore the
fact these resources are meant to
help us, not soley just give our
prize in the palm of our hands as
if it was all that easy.
With that being said I am sure
that at some point and time in
your life, you have heard the
saying “Patience is a virtue,”
I never truly thought about
it until this past summer when
I was reading my Bible and I
came across Isaiah 40:31,
“Those who wait upon the
Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up on wings
like eagles; they shall run and
not be weary;
they shall
walk and not
faint.”
I have
heard, quoted,
and agreed
with this
scripture
thousands
of times in
my life, but
I never truly
knew what it meant to me
personally or the significance
of “mounting up on wings like
eagles.”
Dutch Sheets wrote a book
based on this verse, and it
opened up my eyes to a whole
new way of looking at it.
In his book he describes how
eagles were used in ancient
war times, giving a historical
approach to the verse.
They would train eagles and
warriors to run together.
They then would release
them on the battle field, and
as the warriors were running
to the battle and fighting, the
eagles would swoop down and
latch onto their armor and lift
them up, thus
helping sustain
the strength
and energy of
the warriors to
keep fighting
their battles,
no matter what
odds they seem
to be facing.
After
reading this
book that
goes into full detail about this
subject, it gave me a new-found
realization about when it says,
“Those who wait upon the
Lord; shall mount up on wings
like eagles.”
It was actually meaning that I
can take a deep breath, put my
trust in God, and know He has
the plans for my life and the
desires of my heart in his hands.
It also showed me that no
matter how big or how small
the battles I might be facing
are, they don’t have to bring me
down, because I’m not alone.
God is always going to
be there to lift me up and
strengthen me.
So, no matter what it is
that you might be facing, or
believing for, know that you
don’t have to go through it
alone, and you definitely don’t
have to lose your joy over it.
No battle is too small or too
big for God.
There might not always be
immediate results, but it is true
that the bigger the battle, the
bigger the victory.
He has a plan for you, and
sometimes that means He will
test your strength, and the
strength of your faith.
Just keep striving for your
passion, keep your head up,
your heart strong, and have no
fear, for the Lord will make sure
you will end up in the best place
possible for you.
So, I encourage you to keep
the faith, and wait on Him and
his timing.
Keep the joy and keep the
faith, for God will see you
through.
What Goes Around Comes Around
byKatie Whitaker
Southwest Texan
Uvalde Columnist
Do you know anyone who
always seems to have bad luck?
Nothing ever seems to go their
way?.
On the other hand, have
“I think the best candidate has to be Jeb Bush. He comes from a you ever met someone who
family of two former Presidents. He also understands the Latino constantly ends up on top despite
whatever befalls them?
community, since his wife is Mexican.”
What makes these two types
Pedro A. Garcia
of
people so different from one
Del Rio
another?
Their attitudes, thoughts, and
actions are as different as day
and night.
Think of people as magnets.
Your attitude, thoughts, and
actions determine what you
attract to you.
We’ve all heard the term
opposites attracts, all though
this may sometimes be true for
friendships and relationships, but
when it comes to what you let
“Ben Carson because he has a humble background. He grew up control your mind, your energy,
and attitude, and what you put
in poverty, raised by a single mother. He still worked to go to
out will not only affect others,
an Ivy League School that didn’t have a political agenda.”
but will also affect yourself as
Angela Horne
Del Rio
well.
If you are negative, rude, and
inconsiderate, this is what you
will attract.
If you are positive, upbeat,
courteous, caring and
considerate, you will attract the
same.
The effects of your actions will
always come back around.
What goes around comes
around
is a very
cliché
quote that comes to mind, but is
so true.
How others
treat you
completely
depends on how
you treat others.
You never
know when,
how, or where,
but eventually
what you put
out will circle
back to you.
When you’re feeling bad, angry,
or frustrated you must try your
hardest not to treat others badly.
Everyone has issues of their
own that no one else knows
anything about, everyone deals
with their problems differently.
Their way of coping may
unfortunately be by taking it out
on others.
Although some people look so
well put together and without
problems, we all have our own
issues.
The difference is some are just
better at masking them, or better
yet treat these issues with a
positive attitude rather than with
negativity.
When you’re feeling down,
you feel worse when everyone
is treating you with disrespect,
so why not turn the tables and
realize that when
you’re kind,
people will be
kind in return.
So what should
you do if you are
treated poorly?
Do not
retaliate.
Simply
meet their
impoliteness
with
compassion, and remember that
what they put out will come back
to them as well.
Not only will treating others
well help them out, but it is
always good for you.
Have you ever helped someone
without expecting anything in
return?
An heir of contentment
overtakes you.
Negativity only makes you feel
down and even more negative.
When you let positivity take
over, you have more energy,
Get Motivated for Fall
“Hillary Clinton because she has good ideas and wants a better
future for every U.S. citizen.”
Carolina Ramos
Eagle Pass
“I think Hillary Clinton would be the best candidate for the
upcoming elections because she is ready to fight not only for the
country, but for the families for comprehensive immigration
reform. She is also willing to raise wages. ”
Rosalia Parra
Eagle Pass
by Vincent Padilla
Southwest Texan
Uvalde Columnist
Fall is back everyone; time
to go back to school with the
return of the official start of the
semester.
There is something to
say about the start of a new
semester, kind of like a magical
feeling.
But then, this feeling is
followed by a realization that
regular studying time and
making the proper grades is
needed to continue further into
your academics.
This isn’t meant to dissuade
any student, for it’s merely a
foreword to any returning or
new students.
SWTJC is one of the best
colleges in the area, but it goes
without saying that it is pretty
easy to get overwhelmed in your
classes.
I can say that personally as I
come back for a second year, it
has been a good summer, but
what I kept forgetting is how
crazy classes could get if you’re
not on top of everything.
Students have to get ready for
another year of
creating time
for your studies
as well as your
work schedule.
That was
something I had
to get used to
my first time
when I got a job
in the middle of
my second semester.
It was hard trying to balance
some of the days when I would
have to stay later some nights
than others.
Then I would have to try to
decompress and I sometimes
forgot that I had a term paper
due.
It was hard to balance school
and work.
If anything, I wasn’t
flourishing where I was, but
rather following in the footsteps
of many other students and just
surviving by the skin of my
teeth.
School is
a good way
to advance in
academics as
well in life, but
sometimes I
find myself in
the need for a
change.
There are
times when I
had drop things for my own
good, and take some personal
time away from school so I
would not burn out.
So as I continue my
education, I have to say a few
things for the students who are
attending class this semester:
those of you who are looking for
employment and wish to balance
work and school at the same
time, get ready for a surprise as
you’re happier, and when a
problem is set before you, you’re
able to work through it with
greater ease.
Smile regardless of how others
treat you, how you’re feeling, or
what is happening.
Treat everyone with respect
and always thank those who help
you; a simple thank you goes a
long way.
Always go out of your way
to help others when you have
the opportunity, and do these
things without the expectation of
anything in return.
A change in attitude and
approach always precedes a
change in any situation.
Many people think they can
wait out a bad time or situation,
which is false.
The only way to be on top and
stay there is to take charge. You
are in control of your life, never
let others or a bad situation
define who you are. To be
successful, act successful. To be
happy, act happy.
To be treated well, you must
treat others well.
So next time you see someone
who regardless of what they have
going on, smiles, is kind, and
remains successful in whatever
it is they do, remember that
you never know when, how, or
where, but what goes around
comes around.
you will quickly find out that it
is one of the most cumbersome
task anyone can do, especially
those students who are even
working parents.
There is a science to balancing
out a schedule for work and
school.
Simply give your boss or
manager your class schedule,
and hopefully they will
understand and begin making
the adjustments.
That is half of the work; the
other half is being prepared to
really crack the whip on your
end because that’s where things
are going to get really difficult.
If you don’t have any trouble
motivating yourself then you’re
good to go as you head on to
better pastures, but for some
who this may be your first
semester, it’s going to be really
hard to get yourself into shape
as you begin as a new student
here.
It’s going to be difficult, but
it will be worth it once you see
that first good grade.
Just keep at it, and you’ll do
well this semester!
Campus Views
Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan • October 14, 2015• Page 3
What is the most embarrassing
wardrobe malfunction you have
ever had?
“I accidentally marked my face with a pen. I didn’t notice the
mark until the end of the day.”
Angelina Leyva
Uvalde
“I was at a Rodeo competition and I was sitting on the fence. I
had jumped down and my jeans had torn.”
How Far Will You Go For Love?
by Josue Carrazco
Southwest Texan
Editor
We have all heard the term
“Love is Blind” at various point
in our lives.
From movies to television
networks, we have heard this
phrase being used, probably for
something a little unorthodox,
like an older man wanting to
be with a teenage girl, or for
the social defiance of getting
in an interracial or same sex
relationship.
Perhaps what may make the
hardest type of love to fight for
is not the person’s class, or race,
but rather the distance.
When you get into a
relationship, the “goals” in
which you see most couples
want is to be able to cuddle up,
perhaps watch movies or go out
and “slay” with your partner and
look fashionably on point.
But what about the people
who aren’t in the same city, or
even the same country?
What makes love so
interesting is you cannot exactly
Albert Zamarripa
Del Rio
“I was walking to class and my side purse unbuttoned my shirt.
It was totally embarrassing because I had a presentaion that
day and didn’t notice it.”
Stephanie Alonso
Del Rio
and of course found me another
person I would soon take
interest in.
Someone who, after a few
simple messages, got to know
me and make me open up my
heart to various possibilities.
This person makes me so
happy, so proud of myself.
They make me feel like
maybe this is something I
can actually hold on to.
But here is the catch:
they live in another state.
You may think, “How on
Earth do they think this can
even work out?”
But something about my
partner makes me feel like I
need to go meet them.
They are so perfect. So kind,
so sweet, so different.
With my life in the shape it
is, with me almost done with
my Associates Degree and a
stable part time job that gives
me the ability to transfer in case
I do leave, it does not seem so
outlandish.
Perhaps one day I may be able
to meet my partner, maybe live
with them and finally get that
love you see in cliché romantic
movies, or hear in songs.
Maybe then I can actually
proudly say, “I am happy and I
am in love.”
So my ending note is this: Do
not be afraid to take chances.
College students are in their
prime, getting a good education
to make whatever dreams they
want to seek a possible reality.
Soon, maybe I can become
the writer I want to be, and
come home to my love after
our hard day’s work, catch up
with some old movies and eat
microwavable dinners with our
eight dogs and maybe three kids.
Perhaps love is blind, and
does not care about your
appearance, or even the state
you live in.
Do not be afraid to go the
distance.
If you really have it together,
and think maybe this is
something you can go for, take
that chance and see where it
takes you.
Life is too short to live with
regrets.
My Life As A Gamer
Cynthia Jaquez
Uvalde
“One day, I had a really tight shirt and I decided to flex. Next
thing I knew, the back of my shirt was ripped. I had to walk all
the way home with my back showing.”
control the emotion or just
suddenly turn off your feelings
despite the obvious obstacles
ahead of you.
I had partners in my
current town, or as far as the
surrounding places a measely
forty or so miles away.
The
longest
lasting one
I’ve had
is with
someone
at another
college,
hundreds of
miles from
here.
Some of my friends, of
course, have said I need to settle
for what I have here available
to me, but either lack of
interest in those I come across,
or maybe “fate,” I have yet to
find someone locally who has
caught my interest.
Of course, with my luck, I did
find someone, but not exactly
how I planned.
The almighty internet came up
by Bianca Vela
Southwest Texan
Eagle Pass Columnist
Do you remember the man
dressed in red suit who saved
the princess from an evil
monster- looking turtle?
Yeah, you can probably guess
who the characters are whether
you played the games or have
seen anything on t.v.
Even back then, I can
honestly still remember begging
my brother to let me play Super
Mario Brothers for our Super
Nintendo when I was four years
old, annoying him so much that
he eventually gave in.
I also remember my family
and friends getting together
to play Mario Party, as every
Saturday it brought us together
as a family, and we laughed
and teased each other for our
misfortunes in the game.
If you are a competitive
gamer like me, you will
know how much these games
impacted us, whether it was just
for fun, or for competition.
Video games can either make
you laugh and have all sorts
of fun, or make you so mad,
you throw the controller across
the room because you lost by
getting hit by the flying blue
shell.
According to HeraldRecorder.
org, in 2000, Iwata was named
the new president of Nintendo
after the retirement of Hiroshi
Yamauchi.
Since then, many gamers
play not only the Super Smash
Brothers, but also Pokémon,
The Legend of
Zelda, Mario
Party and
Mario Kart.
Iwata
also helped
create the
well-known
Gameboy and
Nintendo DS,
so that gamers can play on the
go, shocking everyone in the
world of gaming.
He has made many legendary
titles, but one of my favorite
games from Iwata was Animal
Crossing, a single player game.
It involves you being the
only human responsible for
taking care of a town of talking
animals.
You go through managing
the town, and have various
responsibilities such as paying
your house off, or being silly
and going on wacky miniadventures.
Another one of my favorite
games was The Legend Of
Zelda: Twilight Princess (and
no, it is not part of the Twilight
Book series).
It was originally supposed to
be for the Gamecube, but was
made for the Wii.
For a game that
was made in 2006,
the graphics are still
gorgeous, and the story
line was very well
written, ranking high
amongst games that are
still coming out almost a
decade later.
Throughout my life, Nintendo
has allowed me to escape my
stressful life, sit down, have
some fun, and bring my family
and friends together.
Here in SWTJC of Eagle Pass,
there is a T.V. in the lounge
room, and many student gamers
go there daily to play with their
friends.
The competitive games that
are played most in the lounge
are Super Smash Brothers and
Pokémon.
What I think would be fun
is if the Eagle Pass campus set
up an annual tournaments, so
we could really bring people
together and give gamers like
me something exciting to look
forward to.
With something like this,
you can invite all your friends,
and maybe get bragging rights
against your ultimate rival.
What I believe is so intriguing
about Nintendo is the fact that
most people come back to the
original games just to reminesce
in the nostalgia of it all.
Maybe that is how we get
hooked into gaming, because
of the memories it creates, the
story lines we braved through,
and the special inspirations the
characters may give us, breaking
across our electronics and into
our hearts.
So much has changed for
the company, with leading
innovations, various ways to
have fun with your family,
and your opponents in other
countries.
Maybe Nintendo has not
flourished like the Playstation or
Xbox, but it is still a force to be
reckoned with, then and now.
The
Southwest
Texan
T h e o f f i cial publication of S outhw est T exas Junior College
Uvalde | Eagle Pass | Crystal City | Del Rio
“I was walking around the mall with my zipper down.”
Karla Garcia
Eagle Pass
THE SOUTHWEST TEXAN, an official publication of Southwest Texas Junior College, is written
and produced by the students of the Communications Department. Students on THE SOUTHWEST
TEXAN staff are responsible for all aspects of the newspaper’s production.
Letters to the editor are welcomed. Letters should be signed and contain no more than 150 words to
be considered for publication.
THE SOUTHWEST TEXAN is published monthly. Ad rates are $2 per column inch. The newspaper
does not reflect the views and opinions of Southwest Texas Junior College Administration or staff.
THE SOUTHWEST TEXAN newsline number is 830-591-7350.
The Southwest Texan Staff
“In elementary school I put my shoes on the wrong feet.”
Daniela Galindo
Eagle Pass
Uvalde
Editor: Josue Carrazco
Vincent M. Padilla, Chase L. Pierre, Kathrine A. Whitaker
Del Rio
Luis F. Garcia, Zechariah James
Eagle Pass
BeatrizA. Gomez, Albino Hernandez, Darien K. Long, Victor J. Ortiz, Julio Rangel, BiancaV.Vela
Terrie Wilson - Advisor
2401 Garner Field Road Uvalde, Texas
swtexan@swtjc.edu
2401 Garner Field Rd. - Uvalde, Texas 78801-Terrie Wilson-Adviser
Page 4 • Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan • October 14, 2015
Photo Page
SWTJC
Days
Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan •October 14, 2015 • Page 5
News
Del Rio campus starts STEM Club Instructor Interview: Kathryn Santos
for fall semester
by Luis Garcia
Southwest Texan Reporter
The Southwest Texas Junior
College in Del Rio Texas has
started a STEM Club this
fall semester to encourage
undergraduate students to
pursue careers in the science
and engineering fields.
“The STEM club is to
encourage all students to
pursue higher career aspirations
in the Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) fields,” said STEM
Outreach Coordinator Oscar E.
Gaytan.
In a meeting held Sept. 22,
Professor Richard Davis and
Professor Hector Rivera were
discussing future plans for the
club, and thinking of exciting
things to do for the students.
“We want to know what
the students are interested in.
There is no point in going over
information that the students
don’t want to learn,” Professor
Davis said.
This is a club where the
students come first, the club
members decide what is going to
be done with the budget.
In past years, Eagle Pass and
Uvalde have gone on field trips
where they met the Dean of
Engineering of the University
of Tyler, and the Chair of
engineering of Angelo State
University.
“This is good for the students
who get to meet people who
they might run into, if they
were to transfer to any of those
schools,” said Oscar Gaytan.
Big things are set to happen
for the STEM club, such as
talks of completing a brand
new 3D printer at the Eagle
Pass campus, and having dual
meetings with Del Rio and
Eagle Pass.
If this seems intersting to
you, visit your SWTJC STEM
club today!
Advice for College Students on
Personal Finance
hand you, so it’s important
to largest and make minimum
by Albino Hernandez
to prepare for possible
payments
on
all
the
big
ones,
Southwest Texan Reporter
emergencies down the road,”
but attack the little ones with
SWTJC students need to
Driskill said.
full payments,” said Ramsey.
study more about personal
Driskill gives advice for
finance because money is
Baby step four is the step where
an important topic and it is
college students need to set aside college students who do not
something everyone will use for 15 percent of their income into
know how to start saving
the rest of their lives.
money. “I would tell students to
retirement.
It is extremely significant for
take it one step at a time. The
“Now it is time to graduate
college students to learn about
and maybe some college students general rule is that you should
saving money
be saving
because half of Saving money is very important at all stages in
20 percent
college students
of your
life. You never know what life will hand you, so
income
in the United
it’s
important
to
prepare
for
possible
emergencies
for your
States save less
savings,
down
the
road
.
than 1 percent of
retirement,
their income.
and other
Financial expert
Trish
Driskill
financial
Dave Ramsey
goals.
came up with 7
have
several
kids
at
this
point,”
Write
out
your
income
and
baby steps all college students
Ramsey
said.
expenses
on
paper,
that
way you
need in order to start saving
Baby
step
five
is
to
start
saving
know
where
to
start,”
Driskill
money. “Our generation is
said.
for future kids college.
not interested in saving money
Then, start allocating some of
If
a
college
student
has
a
while others do not know where
your
income to your savings,
home, baby step six means that
to start,” Ramsey said.
even
if it is only a little at a
they need to pay for their home
Baby step one is to start an
time.
early.
emergency fund with $500
“At first, saving will be hard
Last but not least, baby step
dollars. “This emergency
because you are not accustomed
fund should only be used for
seven is when a college student
to setting aside money;
emergencies because difficulties gets to build wealth and give
however, practice makes
always happen and college
away money.
perfect,” added Driskill.
students need to be prepared for
Trish Driskill, business
According to Driskill, life does
them,” added Ramsey.
professor of the SWTJC Uvalde
not
go as planned, so by saving
Baby step two is the snowball
campus, explains some of the
money college students will
of debt. Baby step three is
reasons how and why it is
have the money to pay for these
to make the emergency fund
important
for
college
students
to
unexpected expenses instead of
bigger so that college students
save
money.
going into debt and maxing out
have 3 to 6 months worth of
“Saving
money
is
very
expenses in savings.
a credit card, which will in turn
important at all stages in life.
“College students should list
cost you countless late fees 20
You never know what life will
all of their debts from smallest
percent plus interest
by Darien Long
Southwest Texan Reporter
Kathryn Santos teaches
psychology and sociology at
the Southwest Texas Junior
College in Eagle Pass, as
well as an online and video
conferencing course.
She was born and raised in
Uvalde, Texas and still resides
there. She travels to Eagle
Pass from Uvalde.
As a high
school student,
she attended
dual credit
courses
accepted by
the Eagle Pass
Southwest
Texas Junior
College.
She then
attended the
Southwest
Texas Junior
College here
in Eagle Pass
to earn an
Associate’s
Degree in General Education.
During this period of time,
she then traveled down South
to Texas A&M University
in Kingsville (TAMUK) to
receive her Bachelor’s and
Master’s degrees, both in
Human Sciences, along with
minoring in psychology and
sociology.
It feels like only yesterday
that she began teaching here
in Eagle Pass at the Southwest
Texas Junior college.
Do you see yourself as
an easy- going or strict
instructor?
“ Haha. I should probably
be asking you this question!
Regarding my own
perspective, I would say I’m
“structured and systematic”
regarding assignments and
attendance policies. Within
the classroom, this method is
essential for keeping the flow,
along with my sanity. Aside
from this, I would definitely
consider myself personable,
approachable and ready to
engage with students.”
What is the overall
outcome form teaching
college students?
“The opportunity to teach
higher education provides a
good sense of flow, along with
a great sense of achievement
when students succeed. One
of my greatest experiences is
when I succeed in reaching
Kathryn Santos
out and capturing the attention
of those who may be “at-risk.”
The adult-to-adult approach
in a college setting allows for
the teaching experience to be
possible and pleasant. While
the hugs and kisses delivered
a preschool teacher make
that job joyous, the lasting
impressions and relationships
with college students make
this experience joyous.”
What do you and your
colleagues discuss about
students?
“Great question! We share
the joys, along with concerns
regarding mutual students.
We communicate matters
with one another in order
to construct a plan to help
those who are “at-risk” be
able to improve and succeed.
We discuss techniques used
within the classroom that
were found to be effective in
receiving participation and
critical thinking.”
What do you like the
most about your students?
“I enjoy when they bring
their authentic selves into
the classroom. It allows
for a more comfortable,
yet diverse environment
in which everyone is able
to recognize and respect
individual differences.
I enjoy witnessing each
student’s uniqueness
regarding personality,
viewpoints, style of
learning, challenges, and
goals. I especially enjoy
when “the learner”
enters the classroom in
an objective manner and
expresses their intrigue
by asking the “right
kinds of questions.”
What has been your
favorite moment in
teaching?
“I have a few favorite
moments. I enjoy seeing
the “back-row” student
voluntarily relocating
to the front. I enjoy
hearing about students’
fascination of the field
and becoming interested in
majoring within the area. I
also enjoy when they bring
to my attention that they’ve
shared their knowledge
in the subject matter with
their family members and
friends. It really hits home
for me when the students
recognize their ideas have
shifted. I feel accomplished
when students are able to
apply a psychological and /
or sociological perspective
when analyzing situations in
their everyday lives.
Who are your favorite
movie stars and why?
A couple of my favorites
would definitely have to be
Vince Vaughn and Owen
Wilson. Rarely do I sit to
watch television. However,
when I do I prefer to be
entertained with humor.
These two deliver every time,
and when starring together,
the duo has me experiencing
a rush of endorphins. I
appreciate a good comedy
and the “medicine” it
provides.
D.C. Press Conference held for college newspaper reporters to discuss the
Affordable College Textbook Act
[WASHINGTON, D.C.]
With textbook prices
skyrocketing at four times the
rate of inflation, U.S. Senators
Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Al
Franken (D-MN) held a press
call with reporters and college
journalists to discuss legislation
to help students manage costs by
making high quality textbooks
available for free.
According to College Board,
the average student budget for
college books and supplies
during the 2014-2015 academic
(830) 279-3001
year was $1,225.
The Affordable College
Textbook Act would create a
grant program to support the
creation and use of open college
textbooks—textbooks that are
available under an open license,
allowing professors, students,
researchers and others to freely
access the materials.
Textbook costs are one of the
most overlooked costs of going
to college, but they can be
substantial and can be a barrier
to attaining a college education.
Page 6 • Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan • October 14, 2015
Halloween Originated by Celtics
October 31 is one of the most
anticipated party days of the
year.
Everyone dresses in their
favorite costumes, and children
run from home to home trick-ortreating.
But where did this
holiday begin, and how
did it make its way to
America?
Halloween is
derivative of the
ancient Celtic festival
Samhain.
It was held on or
about October 31 to
November 1.
Druids believed that on
October 31, the dead souls of
people who were in limbo could
come to Earth.
Feasts were held and were
invitational to loved ones who
had passed.
However, it was believed that
evil spirits and fairies would
appear as well.
Many people would take steps
to ward off evil.
This inspired many modern
Halloween traditions such as
trick-or-treating.
They would dress in costumes
of animal skins and face masks
and dance around bonfires to
welcome their relarive’s soul,
while offering sacrifices to the
evil spirits, either it be food or
humans!
The Druids would go to any
house sayting “trick-or-treat,”
expecting food or they would
take a person by force.
News
If anyone didn’t give the Druid
anything, the priests would
curse the house by painting a red
star where the evil spirits would
come and kill the home owners.
Rome demolished the Celts,
and adopted their religious
traditions such as
apple bobbing to
worship Pomona, their
goddess of fruit and
trees.
According to former
occultist Doc Marquis,
apple bobbing was
the only chance the
Druids gave to the
human sacrifice to
save their lives.
They had to get the apple from
a boiling cauldron with their
mouth on their first try in order
to save their life.
If they succeeded, they would
be freed, but burned from the
face; if they faild the Druids
would cut their throats.
Depression requires Medical Attention
by Albino Hernandez
Southwest Texan Reporter
Depression is a serious mental
illness normally noticeable by
sad or anxious feelings.
Depression is commonly found
in college students, and if it
is not treated immediately it
can cause severe disorders and
mental issues.
SWTJC students need to know
how to avoid this illness.
Symptoms of depression
are guilt, sadness, emptiness,
anxiousness and irritableness.
College students who have
depression lose interest on
activities that they used to
enjoy and also have a hard time
resting or falling asleep.
In 2011, the American
College Health Association, a
nationwide survey of college
students at 2 and 4 year
institutions found that about
30 percent of college students
reported feeling “so depressed
that it was difficult to function”
at some time in the past year.
College students get so stressed
out that sometimes they do not
know how to handle it. Maybe
having a job and having to go to
school full time is too much to
handle for several young adults.
People with depression tend
to abuse alcohol and engage
in unsafe sex, or even get
so wicked that it can lead to
suicide.
In order to avoid depression
college students should do
various activites, such as
excercising, for it is a great
stress reliever and it helps clear
the mind from daily problems
people phase.
College work sometimes
makes students study all day
and do homework all the time.
Career consultant Claudine
Vainrub explains that this is not
a good idea.
“Colleges are not all about
studying; they are also about
networking and balancing life,
extracurricular activities, and
leisure,” said Vainrub.
Students should go out and
have a social life, since a lot of
the times depression happens
because college students feel
lonely.
Students need to take
advantage of technology so they
can call family members and
keep in touch with their loved
ones.
It is also important for young
adults to make new friends and
adjust to their new environment.
Most importantly students
need to know that sleeping
is the greatest way to avoid
depression.
“Not only is maintaining a
regular and sufficient sleep
pattern important for avoiding
depression, but recent learning
research strongly suggests
that sleep is key to learning
and memory formation,” said
Michael J. Daine, director of
CORE Psychological Services.
College can be a busy
and stressful time for all,
but students should always
remember to try and take it easy,
and make sure their health and
happiness comes first.
Deadline nears for SWTJC Halloween
Short Story Contest
by Josue Carrazco
Southwest Texan Editor
Students at SWTJC can submit
a short story by October 23 for a
chance to win various prizes.
It’s that time of the year again,
writers!
If you think you can spook the
pants off some judges, give it
a shot at the 5th Annual Short
Story Contest held at each
campus.
The story cannot be longer than
six pages, with 1.5 spacing, and
must be written in Times New
Roman, Calibri, or Cambria at
size font 12.
It must be a Horror story,
Murder-Mystery or a Thriller,
either psychological or
paranormal.
If you wish to parcticipate,
contestants must be a student
either at a Southwest Texas
Junior College or at a Rio Grand
College.
If you
are a Dual
Credit
student,
you may
still enter,
if you
dare!
With all
this, no
faculty
or staff
members
either at
Southwest
Texas
Junior
College or at the Rio Grande
Colleges is allowed to enter.
Make sure you make the story
the best it can be, because
students are only allowed to
submit one story.
To get more information and
emails to submit your stories,
go to the Writing Center and ask
about the contest.
Some might ask, but what’s
in it for me?
Each year, depending on the
place you may win, you have
a chance at various prizes!
So, students can put their
spooky story skills to
use, and have a chance at
something fun to win!
Make sure to sign up today.
Plagarism is against college policy,
against the law
by Bianca Vela
Southwest Texan Reporter
What is Plagarism? It is
the act of stealing and not
acknowledging someone else’s
work for what it is.
“According to SWTJC student
handbook, ‘Plagiarism’ shall be
defined as the appropriating,
buying, receiving as a gift,
or obtaining by any means
another’s work and the
unacknowledged submission
or incorporation of it in one’s
own written work,” said Anna
Saucedo librarian of Eagle Pass
S.W.T.J.C.
The college provides policies
that every student must follow
or discipline will be in order.
Punishment for plagiarism is a
bit different in every college or
university, however Southwest
Texas Junior College has
specific procedures for it.
The procedure S.W.T.J.C
policy reads,” Reprimand - A
verbal or written warning to
the student following a rule
violation.”
If the situation continues, there
is to be more punishment.
“The SWTJC policy continues
by saying, ‘Restitution Reimbursement for damage to
or misappropriation of property.
Reimbursement may take the
form of appropriate service to
repair or otherwise compensate
for damage. Scholastic penalties
The assignment of a failing
grade on an assignment or
examination or in a course by
an instructor based on scholastic
dishonesty; including cheating,
collusion, and plagiarism;
committed by a student,’” said
Saucedo.
In some critical cases,
plagiarizing can become a legal
issue. Charges can go up to $100
and $50,000 and can go up to
one year in jail.
In some states, if a student
copies and earns more than
$2,500 from copyrighted
material, he or she may face up
to $250,000 in fines and up to
ten years in jail, according to
Plagiarism.org.
“Academic integrity is
highly valued in our campus
community. It directly concerns
ethical behaviors which affect
both the academic environment
and the civic community.
Academic dishonesty seriously
violates the integrity of the
academic enterprise,” said
Saucedo.”
Activities
honor Hispanic
Heritage Month
by Josue Carrazco
Southwest Texan Editor
Hispanic Heritage Month is
currently taking place, and
SWTJC is allowing students to
participate and celebrate their
heritage.
From Sept.15 to Oct. 15,
Hispanics celebrate the art and
lifestyle of their culture and
customs.
Beginning in 1968, President
Lyndon B. Johnson began
“Hispanic Heritage Week.”
In 1988, President Ronald
Reagan expanded it to a full
month, until it was made a law
in August 17, 1988.
This month applies to all
within this vast minority, from
Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto
Ricans, to all deriving from
South American ancestry.
All campuses are holding
special seminars and events in
order to showcase students their
heritage and ways of life their
ancestors have lived.
Along with this, SWTJC is
having various speakers at
differnt campuses to let students
know that no matter what race
or color you are, you have a
chance at whatever dreams and
goals you wish to reach.
Speakers such as State
Representative Alfonso
“Poncho” Navarez have taken
time out of their schedule
to come visit the college’s
students, to inspire and
enlighten students about the
vast opportunities available to
them.
Creative Corner
Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan • October 14, 2015 • Page 7
In the Meantime
by Juan Campos
These fantasies must be bottled within
To preserve them for a future date,
Phantom visions felt on a later skin
Till then we must suspend and wait
Futurity is away, the present I must allow
That knowledge stood like a Titan;
Sentient, between the borders of now,
Anticipating the coming horizon
Dispel this wait with substance
Fill our divine time with purity
As the phase beyond glows with radiance,
Refrain from now rotting into dull obscurity
How easy it seems to go stagnant
To let the delay exude its weight
Bruising beyond our soul’s ripe fragments
All for the sake of a blank future slate
When repressed fantasies transform into reality
And the cornucopia of abundant time expires,
Suppressed desires riot with jovial lethality
But only after a dewy newborn reality transpires
Color Scheme Exercise
by Kathryn Fitzpatrick-2
When I Was Five
by Margo
Whines and coughs from the air
compressor filled Daddy John’s
filling station. Inside, the general
store provided staples for families
on the cattle ranches or for the crew
from the railroad. Post office boxes
roosted in one corner where Mamaw
worked as the Post Mistress.
On my daily visits, I spied the
goodies for sale: Fig Newton and
sandwich crème cookies neighbored
packages of Fritos and sleeves of
Planters peanuts. Sundry items were
Value Translation exercise
by Shannon Gammill
canned meat, vermicelli, and cigarettes.
In a tin ice box, Orange Crush and
Delaware Punch chilled under the
crank style wall phone and tire patches.
“There are two
kinds of teachers:
the kind that fills
you with so much
quail shot that you
can’t move, and the
kind that just gives
you a little prod
behind and you
jump to the skies.”
-Robert Frost
Outside, the gas pumps stood ready
for business as travelers buzzed past.
Nearby cabins housed my friends and
relatives. Their back doors opened to the
cow pasture and pens, where Mamaw
hobbled and milked that mean Jersey
named Suey. Afterward, she gathered eggs
from the wire coop, trudged to the kitchen
and checked the simmering pot of stew.
Smiling, I waved and walked across
the highway to the safety of the
one-room school house.
Joy Stick
by Tyler Treviño 2
Value Translation Exercise by
Tyler Treviño
Page 8 • Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan •October 14, 2015
Sports
SWTJC women, men rank fourth at Uvalde
rodeo; Reeves finishes first in barrel racing
by Shelbi Haynes
runners.
The men’s team had Chase
Southwest Texan Reporter
Wharton County Junior
Pierre placing 4th in the men’s
SWTC rodeo team member
College took the men’s team
tie down calf roping as well as
Rozlyn Reeves led the SWTJC
title, while McNeese State
placing 10th in the men’s steer
women’s team to a fourth
University won the women’s
wrestling. The women’s team
place finish
was well
by taking
I want to thank the staff, faculty and especially Dr. represented
top honors
Hector Gonzales and the SWTJC board members by Rozlyn
in barrel
Reeves who
racing at the for all their support.
ended up
53rd Annual
taking top
SWTJC
honors in
Roy Angermiller
Rodeo.
the women’s
Over
barrel
division at this year’s SWTJC
300 collegiate athletes in the
racing.
rodeo.
southern region from some 13
SWTJC’s rodeo teams continue
SWTJC rodeo coach, Roy
plus colleges and universities
to compete throughout the
Angermiller thanked sponsors
competed.
and volunteers of this year’s
semester, with their next stop
event.
In the men’s division Cole
being in Pittsburg, Texas at the
“I want to thank the staff,
Currie and Tyler Wojciechowski
college rodeo, which was held
faculty and especially Dr. Hector
placed second in team roping,
by Northeast Texas Community
Gonzales and the SWTJC board
while Joe Strickland Reeves
College on Oct. 9-10.
members for all their support, “
placed eighth in saddle bronc
Rodeo results were not
Angermiller said.
riding, and Chase Pierre placed
available at press time.
seventh in steer wrestling.
SWTJC coaches and team
Panola Rodeo
The SWTJC men’s team
members are striving to make
finished in fourth place.
the cut to compete at the College
SWTJC rodeo teams kicked
The women’s team was stoked off their season at the Panola
National Finals Rodeo in the
to have teammate Rozlyn
summer of 2016.
college rodeo in Carthage, Tx
Reeves and her horse, Ranger,
on the weekend of the 24-26 of
Reeves has competed in barrel
win the 2015 SWTJC barrel
September. Both teams were
racing at national finals for the
racing title out of over 120
successful in making points.
past two years.
SWTJC Girls Rodeo Team Members: Left to Rt. Top Row:Madison Poe, Shelbi Haynes, Crystal
Wetz, Rozlyn Reeves. Courtney Meyers,Suade Furr, Grace Cleaver, Courtney Bailiff, Morgan Harper,
Katie Whitaker. Left to Bottom – Bottom Row: Shelbi Haynes, Minda Cordova,Shay Hudson, Allison
Pfeiffer, Brooke Hester, Michaela Stefan and Emily Weeks.
Cowboys win ConferenceOpener against SAC
by Chase Pierre
Southwest Texan Reporter
The SWTJC men’s basketball
team played the first conference
game at home on Oct. 7 against
San Antonio College.
The men’s basketball team
racked up a win with a score of
84-69.
SWTJC Cowboys Coach
Phillip Botello says that his
team this year has a great chance
to go all the way and win the
championship title.
The team has been practicing
hard.
The men’s team was successful
in winning their first game and
are striving to keep the winning
streak going.
They have a lot to prove and
are planning to show everyone
what they are made of.
The roster for the men’s team
includes: Khalil Howard, Brian
Denson,Nick Talamantes, Matt
Rivera, Kiri Bryant, Rudy Ortiz,
Luis Padilla, Deishawn Anderson, Joshua Burlerson, Zachary
Adair, James Sanchez, Danuel
Piles, Johnny Gonzales, and
Desmond Lozano.
by Chase Pierre
Southwest Texan Reporter
The ladies lost their preconference game held Oct. 7
against Our Lady Of The Lake
University with a score of
120-48.
High point scorer was Daysha
Roberts with 18 points.
The ladies team played int
a pre-conference tournament
Oct. 2 and 3 at University of
Incarnate Word.
The ladies team beat St.
Edwards with a score of 49-40;
lost to Palo Alto 39-30 and beat
Northwest Vista 33-32.
SWTJC Cowgirls Coach Jesus
Garcia says he has a lot of faith
in his team this year.
Garcia has new recruits for
this year’s team and believes
his team is capable of winning a
championship.
“We have a good mix of
experience and new players
that should really help us get to
the championship game in our
conference this year. They will
continue training and workng
hard with their eyes set on the
championship,” Garcia said.
This year’s SWTC Cowgirls
team include: Daysha Roberts
2nd year from Killeen, Texas;
Kellie Faison 2nd year from
Copperas Cove, Texas;
Randi Crumblin 2nd year from
Copperas Cove, Texas; Maryia
Garcia 2nd year from Lasara,
Texas; Maria N. Lara 1st year
Uvalde, Texas; Brenna Vasquez
1st year Nueces Canyon, Texas
Orlanda Hill 1st year St.
Louis, Mo; Danielle Irwin 1st
year Nueces Canyon, Texas.
Cowgirls basketball season
is underway
SWTJC rodeo team member Rozlyn Reeves took first place in the ladies barrel
racing event. The 53rd annual SWTJC rodeo took place Oct. 1-3.
SWTJC Boys Rodeo Team: Left to Right – Top Row: Tyler Wojciechowski, Logan Currie, Ernesto Castellanos,
Luis Santos, Joe Reeves, Dalton Brown, Ricky Guerra, Caleb Blandford, Chase Pierre, Cody Hines. Left to RightBottom Row: Gus Rodriguez, Sackett Hohman, Logan McCasland and Leroy Munoz.