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www.southplainscollege.edu/ppress PLAINSMAN PRESS Levelland, Texas A bi-weekly collegiate publication Vol. 59 • Issue 12 • May 1, 2017 Six students selected for NASA scholars program by MATT MOLINAR rovers are presented, they are they are scored,” Worley ex- er performs, and the overall also selected as Engineer of to meet certain requirements,” Associate Editor placed on a test course. plained. “It’s kind of like a presentation, NASA selects the Week. We’ve had several Worley explained. “You must be a U.S. citizen. And you Every year, students who must be a student who is ma- show great interest in Science, joring in a STEM (science, Technology, Engineering and technology, engineering and Mathematics are selected by math) field.” NASA to participate in the When selecting partici- Community College Aero- pants, the organization looks space Scholars program. into the applicant’s back- This year, six South Plains ground, GPA, and participa- College students were select- tion in school activities and ed to participate in CAS. They clubs. will be able to participate in The scholars who were on-sight team projects, get selected from SPC this year a behind-the-scenes tour of include: Melanie Click, fresh- space centers and listen to and man Mechanical Engineering speak with NASA engineers, major from Sundown; Jim educators, and astronauts. Cook, sophomore Electrical “We have students go to Engineering major from Lub- one of NASA’s 13 space bock; Timmy Frieson, soph- centers,” said Alan Worley, omore Construction Engi- chairperson of the Math and neering major from Lubbock; Engineering Department at Ishmael Galindo, sophomore SPC. “What they typically Mechanical Engineering ma- do is work on a Mars rover jor from Brownfield; Adam prototype. They are put on a Martin, sophomore Computer team with people from across Science major from Little- the nation and have to meet field; and Osiel Valles, sopho- a deadline to present their From Left: Timmy Frieson Adam Martin, professor Shirley Davis, Jim Cook, and Osiel Valles more Mechanical Engineering rovers that will pick up water, Photo courtesy of Alan Worley major from Lubbock. sand and rock samples.” According to Worley, be- Worley says the students tween 350 and 400 partici- are given a budget in order “When the teams present sales pitch. After looking at the winning team to sign a students in the past who have pants were selected to par- to purchase pieces. When the their rovers in front of Nasa, the budget, the way the rov- contract with. One student is won that.” ticipate. NASA pays for the students Cook was selected to attend to make a trip to the space cen- the program from April 10 to Student joins campus police force ters. The only price students April 13 at the John C. Stennis are required to pay is for the Space Center in Mississippi. by HANNAH NELSON different types of personali- feel comfortable coming to. where you are just in patrol or application fee. Staff Writer ties,” she said. “For sure, I want to make just one thing.” “In order to apply, you have See “NASA” on page 2 She has learned a lot about them feel safe,” Hinojos said. Being able to get hands-on A South Plains College SPC’s dynamic and unique “I don’t want them to feel experience with everything is Lubbock Center set to student will be turning in her aspects of the college. afraid to come to me.” what drew her to SPC, and one textbooks for a uniform as “The school is more family Hinojos said that she wants of the main things she enjoys she becomes the newest about her position. accept students for fall member of the Campus “I am a very active per- by SARA MARSHALL struction trades lab. The con- Police Department. son,” said Hinojos, “and I struction trades lab will also Editor-in-chief Ada Hinojos is now a like to dip my hands into function as a rapid response very familiar face as she everything I can.” Just in time for the Fall training lab. joins the Campus Police Being the only female 2017 semester, South Plains “There will also be ad- Department. in the SPC police depart- College will be opening a missions, financial aid, advis- Hinojos graduated ment, Hinojos is excited new campus for college and ing and testing, tutoring and from the South Plains to be available for female dual-credit students seeking business services,” said Dr. College Police Acade- students. technical and workforce ca- Satterwhite. “These will help my in August of 2016. “There are some things a reers and certificates. support the overall needs of a For her, the SPC Po- female doesn’t want to tell “It’s a really exciting op- student, including registering lice Academy was both a male,” explained Hinojos. portunity for South Plains for classes, taking classes and challenging and fun. “I hope that it will help the College,” said Dr. Robin Sat- paying for classes. All the “South Plains has female students be able terwhite, president of the col- things you would need to do, amazing professors,” come to me and tell me lege. “We feel like it’s going to you can do right there at the Hinojos said. “They Ada Hinojos recently joined the Campus Police Department. what is wrong.” really reach out and meet the new SPC Lubbock Center.” helped us through ev- HANNAH NELSON/PLAINSMAN PRESS As for her personal life, needs of an expanded number For the past 20 years, SPC, erything. They helped Hinojos, 24, attended high of students in the Lubbock Lubbock ISD and other com- us even after we grad- school in Plainview. She area.” munity partners worked to- uated. They helped us find a oriented I have noticed,” said to ensure that students under- also is celebrating her one- In 2015, SPC purchased the gether at the Byron Martin job. They made sure we were Hinojos. “We all try to help stand they can come to her for year anniversary with her Shamrock Chevrolet automo- Advanced Technology Center set.” each other out. You don’t just anything. They should also husband. tive dealership on Avenue Q (ATC) to teach cooperative Hinojos has now transi- leave someone behind and just feel comfortable around her. “We don’t have any kids with hopes of converting the technical education programs. tioned from being a student at let them figure it out on their “They can call me or come right now, but we want to building into a new, stand- This cooperation has led to SPC to becoming an employ- own.” to the office,” said Hinojos. have a family later on,” she alone campus. The Lubbock the expansion of the program ee and officer. As time goes on, Hinojos “I am not here to scare them. explained. “We just wanted to Center has more than 77,000 and the shift to the Lubbock “It is different,” she ex- wants to learn and familiarize I am here to help them out. get our careers started.” square feet of instructional Center. plained. “Just because I see herself with the students on Even if it is just advice in here. Hinojos still attends classes space, with eight high-tech “We’re vacating the space the students and they knew me campus. I want them to know that.” at SPC. She is taking Law computer classrooms with we have at the Byron Martin as a student, and now I am an “I just want to know the Since the department is Enforcements classes, with the Internet access and 10 in- Center,” Dr. Satterwhite said. employee.” students more,” Hinojos said. small, Hinojos is able to work goal of completing her degree structional classrooms with “That’s owned by Lubbock One thing that Hinojos has “That is my goal.” hands-on with the chief, Nick next semester. multimedia capabilities. ISD, and we’re going to be learned so far since being a She says that she wants the Castillo. She is also able to The Lubbock Center will freeing up space for them. part of the police department students to be familiar with gain experience. house a millwork lab, metals It’s a very positive separation. is the different personalities her, and for her to be familiar “Here, I get to do a little bit lab, welding lab, automo- They needed more space, and around her. with them. She hopes that she hnelson3716@students. of everything,” Hinojos said, tive technology lab and con- See “New” on page 2 “I am learning to speak to can be someone who students “versus a big department, southplainscollege.edu Cover to Cover News Feature Entertainment Sports Spotlight Opinion... page 4 Dane Dewbre becomes Sexual assault victim finds Two SPC athletes find Track teams preparing for Local families producing Feature... page 11 president-elect of the Na- peace after suicide attempt. passion in producing rap NJCAA national meet. award-winning wine in Entertainment page 15 tional Council for Market- music. Levelland. Sports... page 18 ing and Public Relations. Spotlight... page 20 page 3 page 14 page 16 page 18 page 20 2 News May 1, 2017 Plainsman Press New Lubbock Center opening in time for fall semester Continued from pg. 1 including this new program at Arts center,” Dr. Satterwhite Restaurant and Hotel groups “Talented employees are compliment of our program, it’s an opportunity for SPC the Lubbock Center beginning said. “The growing number have reached out to all the edu- moving from restaurant to because they are only going to to have a stand-alone facil- Fall 2017. of restaurants, particularly cational facilities, and they are restaurant, and the restau- take a student up to a certain ity where we have more of level of proficiency, and that’s a presence in Lubbock. It’s when our program will take been a great relationship over.” with Lubbock ISD, and even Construction and renova- during the departure it con- tions on the Lubbock Center tinues to be a very positive began roughly a year ago, relationship.” led by the McCutchin Con- Most faculty and staff at struction Company based in the Lubbock Center will be Levelland. comprised of preexisting “They have done a remark- employees from the Byron able job of keeping us on Martin ATC, who will be time and on schedule,” Dr. permanently moving to the Satterwhite said. “They’ve Lubbock Center, along with enabled the project to move student support staff from the really smoothly. There have Reese Center campus will be been very few surprises during helping support the center. the process, and I attribute that Many of the programs largely to their work.” once offered at the Byron Dr. Satterwhite said he does Martin ATC in Lubbock will not believe that the Lubbock be offered at the Lubbock Center will pull away existing Center beginning in Fall students from the Reese Cen- 2017. Registration for fall ter, also located in Lubbock. classes began April 19. “[The Lubbock Center] “It’s going to be very is really going to take those heavily focused around the students at the Byron Martin technical education,” Dr. Sat- Center and shift them over,” terwhite said. “While we are Dr. Satterwhite said. “So I going to offer some transfer feel like it’s going to meet education within the facility, our existing needs we have in it’s going to be limited.” The new Lubbock Center, still under construction on April 26, is expected to be ready for the fall semester. Lubbock and some growing In recent years, Culinary RILEY GOLDEN/PLAINSMAN PRESS needs with the dual-credit stu- Arts has become a very dents. I think we’re going to high-demand field of educa- have a growing population of tion and occupation. SPC has “We’re very excited about in the Lubbock area, is just in desperate need of kitchen rants have a difficult time students who want to identify recognized this demand and is the new addition of a Culinary phenomenal. The Lubbock workers, cooks, managers.” filling those positions,” Dr. a career opportunity in one of This new culinary program Satterwhite explained. “The these areas.” will provide students with a Lubbock schools are also NASA selects SPC students to deeper understanding for the developing their own culi- culinary arts than what would nary programs, which are not be learned through on-the-job in competition to our own smarshall4759@students. participate in scholars program training. program. Really, they’re in southplainscollege.edu Continued from pg. 1 some very helpful informa- once because of the cost that He says that his time was tion.” NASA pays for. I would have well spent, interacting with Cook says that a few of absolutely no problem going noted engineers and re- the students who attended the back and doing it again.” searchers. Worley says the reason “I originally was told the program is so import- by a friend that I needed ant to STEM students is to apply,” Cook said. “The because it “splashes a re- experience was very much sume” and teaches the stu- worth it. There were 44 dent skills they could only students there from all receive while working at over the country.” a real job instead of in a Cook says he benefited classroom. most from the group rover “It opens all kinds of project and presentation. doors,” Worley added. “It “I had never really opens doors to different done a group project be- jobs, internships and other fore,” Cook said, “espe- opportunities. The main cially with students who thing they learn is how to are in the same or similar work as a team. They get major. That’s what I want a great dose of what to to do. I want to work with expect in the real world.” a team developing new SPC students have been technology.” participating in the CAS Cook says he wishes program since 2002. Wor- to dedicate himself to ley says that 10 students Jim Cook attended the CAS pro- working on a solution that have taken internships at could remove manpower gram from April 10 - April 13 in NASA. Ronny Baccus and from war zones. Mississippi. Brian Butcher are two SPC Cook will be graduat- RILEY GOLDEN/PLAINSMAN alum who currently hold ing from SPC this semes- PRESS jobs at NASA. A total of ter, with plans to attend 133 students from SPC Texas Tech University in have attended the CAS the Fall. He says he one day program were volunteers who program. hopes to work for Tesla. had previously been selected. “I’m proud of anyone who “I had the opportunity to Although he would like to set goals and goes for them,” speak to somebody who works return as a volunteer, he says Worley said. “Whatever it is. for Space X, which is a com- he simply just does not have We just want our students to pany owned by Elon Musk,” enough time. know that there is no ceiling.” Cook said. “I got to ask him “I really wish I could go exactly how I get into working back and do it all again,” Cook for an Elon Musk company, said. “But unfortunately, you emolinar0541@students. and he was able to give me are only allowed to participate southplainscollege.edu

PUBLICATION STATEMENT The Plainsman Press is published every two weeks during regular Editorial Staff Staff Writers & Photographers semesters by journalism students at South Plains College in Levelland, Charlie Ehrenfeld / Advisor Texas. Opinions herein are those of Sara Marshall / Editor-in-Chief Hannah Nelson Noell Luna the writer and not necessarily those Matt Molinar/ Associate Editor Mariah Deleon Vanessa Delgado of the staff, the administration, Brandi Ortiz/ News Editor Ryan Shanks Jordan Patterson Board of Regents, advisor or Brittny Stegall/ Opinion Editor Ryan Fitzgerald Shelby Morgan advertisers. Alex Perez/ Feature Editor Chanise Ray Riley Golden/ Entertainment Editor Steven Gehegan/ Sports Editor Tovi Oyervidez/ Photo Editor LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY Tyler York / Online Editor The Plainsman Press encourages Stacy Johnson/ Editorial Assistant signed letters to the editor. Sergio Madrid/ Editorial Assistant Published letters are subject Dominick Puente/ Editorial Assistant Plainsman Press to editing. Letters should be Desiree Mendez/Editorial Assistant South Plains Colege brought to CM 130 or mailed to 1401 S. College Ave. PHONE: (806) 894-9611 ext. 2435 our address at the college. Levelland, TX 79336 EMAIL: [email protected] News 3 Plainsman Press May 1, 2017 Texas House bill tightens leash on service animal fraud course for people who misrep- at least four other SD owners to react with anything but their fight to keep their (legal) ESA “Although, they don’t do as resent their animals as service with their fully trained SDs. handlers,” said Stearns. but end up paying a pet depos- much as doctors (SDs), they do animals. They have seen more. Since But Stearns also said she it and pet rent just so they can assist in the saving of others.” According to the bill, it I live about one hour north of wishes lawmakers would fo- keep the housing. The housing “Those that need ESA’s would be classified a misde- Houston and with the bullet cus more on helping protect lists are around two years don’t have a choice,” Stearns meanor “if the person fits an train moving in, I’m sure that those with Emotional long where I live.” added. “Just like those with animal with a harness, collar, I’ll see more issues coming Support Animals, or Ultimately, SD’s don’t have a choice. vest, sign, tag, or leash of the into town.” ESAs. Stearns says ESA’s and SD’s assist with type commonly used by per- Stearns gives some exam- “I think that the Emotional Sup- saving lives and should be sons with disabilities” in order ples of red flags when encoun- bill simply doesn’t port Animals are treated with respect. to receive special access or tering a person with a suspect help any legal often looked down Texas House Bill 2992 is benefits normally reserved to service dog. ESA,” Stearns said. upon, compared to currently pending in commit- service animal handlers. “This parent was claiming “I agree that fakes cause Service Animals, tee, and is set to go into effect This act, as of the current her 8 [month] old puppy that lots of problems, but so do and she thinks they September 2017, if passed. bill’s text, would be punishable she had to take everywhere and people that run the stores both deserve higher legal [Editor’s note: This story is with both a $300 fine and 30 had to carry—I never saw the or housing,” said Stearns. “I status. the third part of the three-part hours of community service poor thing touch the ground— know of people that finally get “I like to think of ESA as [email protected] series “Doggone It!” examin- in a position that serves those was her SD,” Stearns recalled. into housing and now have to equals to EMTs,” Stearns said. plainscollege.edu ing the differences between with disabilities or visual im- “She even had a play area for therapy dogs, service dogs pairments. it at her work place. With toys, and emotional-support ani- The bill is receiving mostly food and drink. Everyone was Dewbre serving as vice mals that begins with Issue #9 positive reactions, includ- welcomed to visit and play and concludes in Issue #12. ing that of Jeana Stearns, a with the pup. Several staff members took it Huntsville, Texas native and “She would carry it into the president of NCMPR upon themselves to interview, Emotional Support Animal school building and around the take photographs, and conduct (ESA) owner. halls,” Stearns added. “I never by VANESSA DELGADO er have to work a day in your he will become president. He research. The results of their “I liked most of it, but still saw a vest (which is OK) but Staff Writer life, because it won’t feel like recently attended the Ameri- combined effors follow.] have some issues,” said Stea- whenever anyone would ask work, according to Dewbre. can Association of Community There is no better job than by TYLER YORK rns regarding the bill. why, she would say that it was Dewbre received his as- Colleges conference to talk Much of the reason Stearns her SD. Everyone was allowed doing what you love. sociate’s degree at SPC in about Word of Mouth market- Online Editor supports the bill has to do with to pet it.” Dane Dewbre is currently telecommunications, before ing. He has been involved with Texas may soon be cracking her own experience seeing In many cases, petting a the vice president and pres- going on to attend Texas Tech NCMPR for almost 20 years. ident-elect for the National down on people attempting handlers try to pass off their service dog can cause the dog University. After graduating Dewbre explains how the Council for Marketing and to take their pets where they animals as service dogs, or to lose focus and miss involun- from Texas Tech, Dewbre got field of marketing and public Public Relations (NCMPR). don’t belong. SDs. tary signals from the handler a job at Clovis Community relations has been altered. In April 2017, the Texas “I have seen at least two that could potentially prevent He is also the Associate “Digital media House of Representatives cases that the SDs [were] a seizure or other dangerous Dean of Marketing has been one of the introduced House Bill 2992, questionable,” said Stearns. medical condition. and Recruitment at biggest changes in which would set up legal re- “I have seen and talked with “Fully trained SDs are not South Plains Col- the past few years,” lege. he said. NCMPR is Dewbre has made up of market- worked hard through Commencement ceremonies set for May 12 ing and public rela- the years to do what tions professionals by BRANDI ORTIZ Production Technology, and SPC, caps and gowns will be he loves. He has a Welding Technology. distributed for free starting who are particu- News Editor very obvious pas- The second ceremony will May 1 through May 11 from larly involved in sion for community community and There will be a change in begin at 1 p.m.. Students re- 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.. Students colleges and says he technical colleges. the ceremonies for this year’s ceiving a degree in the fol- at the Levelland campus can is privileged enough “I’m a big sup- graduating students. lowing areas will be recog- pick them up at the Admission to work for one and porter of commu- South Plains College will nized: Associate of Science, and Records Office in the Stu- with others. nity colleges,” said host the 59th annual Spring Associate of Arts in Teaching, dent Services Building, while “Sometimes it Dewbre. “That’s Commencement ceremonies Applied Rehabilitation Psy- students at the Reese Center, gets so busy it gets a what makes what I for the Class of 2017 on May chology, Child Development, Byron Martin ATC, and Plain- little difficult,” adds do fun.” 12 in the Texan Dome on the Emergency Medical Services, view Center can pick up caps Dewbre. One of the rea- Levelland Campus. Physical Therapist Assistant, and gowns at Reese Center’s Hard work is al- sons Dewbre loves Students who have earned, Radiologic Technology, Re- Admission and Records Office ways a must for any- community col- or will be earning, their asso- spiratory Care, Surgical Tech- in Building 8. one to reach his or leges is because of ciate’s degrees or certificates nology, Accounting Associate, All students graduating her goals. Some ad- their diversity. At of proficiency will be honored Automotive Collision Re- during the first ceremony must vice Dewbre offers most universities, during the commencement pair, Automotive Technology, report to the Physical Educa- is, “Believe in what there is typically ceremonies. Business, Computer Aided tion Complex by 8:45 a.m., your’re doing… only the stereotypi- Previously, the ceremonies Drafting & Design, Computer and those graduating during make sure you know cal college student. were split in two according to Information Systems, Diesel the second ceremony should what their mission But at a community the students’ last name. Now, Service Technology, Heating, report at 12:45 p.m. is and what they’re college, there is a ceremonies will be separated Air Conditioning & Refriger- Graduates with special Dane Dewbre, current vice president and pres- about, and bring that wider range, such by degree. ation, Industrial Manufactur- needs will have access to the ident-elect for NCMPR, in his office on the connection to your as parents, single The first ceremony will ing/Emerging Technologies, elevator located at the east end Levelland campus on April 26. job.” parents, grandpar- begin at 9:30 a.m., and will Office Technology, Paralegal of Texan Dome to get to the STACY JOHNSON/PLAINSMAN PRESS Dewbre’s son, ents, and many oth- recognize students graduating Studies, Real Estate, and all floor for the Processional. For Sam Dewbre, is al- ers. Each one has a in the following fields: Asso- dual-credit majors. arrangements, contact Linda ready following the different path and background. ciate of Arts, Associ- According to Robin Young at (806) 716-2577, great steps that his father has There is a wide variety of stu- College in New Mexico at ate Degree Nursing, Coler, graduation clerk at or Dawn Valles at 716- left for him. He is graduating dents and community colleges. the age of 21. He was in the Vocational Nursing, 4675. from SPC in May as well. Universities offer great bene- marketing department there Commercial Music, Guest in wheel- Dewbre will soon become fits as well, but Dewbre found for four years. While there, he Design Communications, chairs will have a the president of NCMPR and his passion at SPC. was introduced to NCMPR. Cosmetology, Electrical & designated area on the upper has big shoes to fill. But his Dewbre says that what he He started as a District 4 Power Transmission Tech- level of the Dome. experience has prepared him does is more than a job to him. director for NCMPR, and then nology, Fire Technology, Law for this great opportunity. It is what he loves to do, and later became an executive Enforcement Technology, [email protected] it shows in his work. He helps board member. Sound Technology, Video plainscollege.edu those who are also trying to Since he is now vice presi- do what they love. If you love dent and president elect, he is vdelgado8078@students. what you do, then you will nev- preparing for next year when southplainscollege.edu 4 Opinion May 1, 2017 Plainsman Press BackTalk: Airstrike on Syria fires up debate United States bombing pales in War declaration necessary to comparison to Syrian civil war prevent further Syrian attacks and destruction of chemical isn’t about whether the United But America retaliating world wars are on the same stockpiles in 192 states. States should intervene in only because of the chemical side, and they’re all against In 2013, the United Nations Syria. The problem is the warfare says that we are OK Assad and terrorism. discovered Syria had been act comes off as uninformed with everything else he is It seems, at first glance, producing and stockpiling righteousness. doing, and I am not. like it might be a cut and dry chemicals for warfare. Syrian That justification I am not disregarding the conflict, but it’s not. president Bashar Assad had completely ignores the years American lives, or other In January 2012, protesters allegedly ordered the Syrian of violence and terror wielded innocent lives that might be were marching in Aleppo military to use Sarin gas on by a leader on his own people. lost, if we went to war. But I when security officers fired civilian targets. It is, at once, too strong for an believe with the few hundred by RILEY GOLDEN the first shot, killing one by TYLER YORK Most recently, in April outsider’s butting in, and too lives that we might lose, Entertainment Editor man. The total death toll of Online Editor 2017, the attack on Khan weak for a global superpower’s we would stop Assad from the incident reached eight The atrocities committed Shaykhun is the deadliest righteous justice. President Donald Trump taking thousands more. And, people. The rebels began to in Syria should come to an chemical attack in the Syrian The United States has just ordered an airstrike on no one life is worth more organize and their society end. But random bombings civil war since the attack four already involved itself in the the Syrian base that launched than another. collapsed. To muddy things ordered by the United States years prior. war, with no positive results the chemical attack on Khan I understand that it is our up, Assad began releasing will only make the situation In 2011, the United States whatsoever. Sheikhoun, and liberals are duty as Americans to protect terrorists into the rebel worse. first became involved in the Without formal action, standing behind him. Americans. But, furthermore, groups to make it harder for Chemical warfare has Syrian civil war by providing running around the outside of Americans are coming we are all humans, and I other countries to back them. become an unfortunate staple aid to rebels in the form of a war that doesn’t involve the together for the first time believe that it is also our duty The insurgents and of war. But its roots run deeper food, water, and trucks. This United States can only ramp in support of President to protect humanity and keep terrorists broke off from the than the last few decades. Its evolved into cash, intelligence, up the already dangerous Trump’s decision to retaliate an entire culture from being rebels and formed the Islamic prohibition on the battlefield and later, full-on training of situation. Not to mention the against Al Assad’s use of wiped off the map. State of Iraq and Syria, or actually dates back to the 17th Syrian rebels. But this is not possibility that seeing the chemical warfare, but it was America already had the ISIS. Then, secretly, Under century. uncommon. United States getting involved not enough. If President highest military budget of President Barak Obama, the The Strasbourg Agreement, The Syrian civil war has in such a flippant way might Trump wants America to all the world leaders. Then United States and the CIA signed by France and the Holy become a proxy war. It has only encourage other nations be involved, we need to get President Trump increased began training the Syrian Roman Empire, was a treaty created an opportunity for to do the same. There is a real wholeheartedly involved. it when he got into office. rebels, and Russia started to prevent the use of poisoned many states and countries danger here of escalating the Assad has been assaulting Russia may be intimidating giving aid to Assad’s forces bullets in battle. to use tactical resources to Syrian civil war to a war of a civilian cities since the because they’re known to that were fighting the rebels. In 1919, the Treaty of oppose external enemies. much larger scale. conflict started in 2012, and be tough, but their military I think it’s time for the Versailles made poison gas A prime example is Russia, President Trump’s erratic he’s showing no signs of doesn’t stack up to ours. United States to declare war illegal in Germany. In 1925, which has been using its own bombing order is heavily stopping. Although President North Korea also on Assad, and the rest of the the Geneva Protocol set up a planes and helicopters to out of proportion with the Trump said that we couldn’t continues to demonstrate that major world powers will ban on chemicals in warfare, attack Assad’s enemies in the brutality of the Syrian civil let children being attacked they are not a threat to us, join in against the terror of including gases, liquids, war for several years. war. The United States should with chemicals go unnoticed, because they haven’t been Russia, North Korea, and devices, and biological In April, President Donald do something to stand up they are the same children able to successfully launch Assad. agents. Trump called for 59 missiles for the victims in Syria, but that he refused to let into this anything. Even as recently as 1993, to hit a single airbase in Syria not based on immature and country. He even attempted But if America wants to Syria had participated in the as a punishment for the recent misguided whims. to leave visa holders in the go to war, we won’t be alone. Chemical Weapons Prevention chemical weapons attack. Middle East to deal with the Major powers such as France treaty. This agreement created The question of President [email protected] conflict, instead of coming and Germany that were on [email protected] a timeline for the end of use Trump’s recent bombing order plainscollege.edu back to America. opposite sides of the first two plainscollege.edu Lowering renewal age of driving licenses reduces risks for elderly have their driver’s license driver’s license. Therefore, after that. There was an Amber requirements is they have to money, time, and even lives have been driving for quite my grandfather was their only Alert sent out, and cops were renew their license in person, down the road. some time. Most of them means of transportation. He out searching for his vehicle. and they have to do a vision I do not understand why have become more skilled insisted that he was perfectly He was later found hours away test. so many are against the idea throughout the years. But fine while driving. from home. After the age of 70, the when it has so many benefits. because of illness, To ensure his number of accidents goes up. We need to start making it a fading vision and safety and the This is no coincidence, and priority to protect the elderly hearing impairments safety of others, people need to start taking from others and themselves. that come with old his license was notice that this is a problem. Having to renew a driver’s age, after 70, the revoked. There are plenty of efforts license every 10 years driver should have to This is only one made to prevent drunk driving. will not be too much of an by VANESSA DELGADO retake the driving test example of how But hardly anyone recognizes inconvenience. It is better to Staff Writer every 10 years due to dangerous it can the risk with elderly drivers. spend this little bit of time Many people die from concerns involving be for the elderly Not only are they in danger, protecting people from others accidents involving a vehicle, safety. to have a driver’s but the people around them and themselves, than having to whether they were a driver, My grandfather has license if it is are too. They can have a pay the price later. passenger, or pedestrian. the early stages of on- not periodically slower reaction time, as well People have spoken up People are always looking setting dementia. He checked. as other problems that cause about it before, but not nearly for new ways to make our has loved to drive his entire But one day, my grandfather They might not be car accidents. enough. That needs to change. roads safer. Car accidents life. But soon after the effects dropped my grandmother off particularly happy about it, If they are fit to drive, then are almost always caused of his illness started surfacing, at a doctor’s appointment and but it will protect many people it won’t be that much harder by human error, rather than he started running into things then proceeded to head to the from possible accidents. to take an extra 30 minutes to mechanical malfunctions. when he was driving. My store. My grandma did not Currently, in Texas, after complete a driving test. It can vdelgado0878@students. Most senior citizens who grandmother has never had her see my grandpa for 36 hours age 79, the only additional prevent accidents and save southplainscollege.edu Man on the Street What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this semester?

“The most important thing “Sleep over looks!” “Don’t wait until the last “Study hard!” “I learned how to be re- “Show up to class.” I learned this semester is minute.” sponsible with attending how to reach out and meet Waiki Ornelas Trenton Jones classes and studying on my Jamien Day new people.” Freshman Mikayla Hoople Sophomore own time.” Freshman Physical Therapy Assistant Sophomore History Welding Alani Juarez Levelland Pre-Nursing Levelland Fabian Amalla Levelland Freshman Lubbock Freshman Education Computer Aided Drafting Anton Anton Compiled by Noell Luna and Mariah Deleon Opinion 5 Plainsman Press May 1, 2017 Legalizing prostitution may lead to positive outcome While humans deserve the rate. But we must take free will to sell their bodies into consideration how as they please, this can open brothels in Nevada doors for sex traffickers to run operate. Contractors underground businesses. The who work in Nevada current laws for the sex trade brothels are required to exist to protect and reduce the number of victims. In the state of Texas, it is a crime to even suggest that you may be buying or selling sex. If you are convicted more than three times for prostitution, you will serve jail time. So what happens to the girls who are stuck in the practice? Unless they’re lucky enough to live it were to become legalized. and how prostitution can who holds a bachelor’s degree somewhere such Legalized brothels would be operate. Decriminalization of in chemistry. This person is [Editor’s note: This story is as Lubbock, state regulated, just as those prostitution is what I would hard working, determined, the sixth part of the multi- which in Nevada are. consider a very bad idea. and excited about his career part series “Risque Business,” has a task Legalizing prostitution When a legal offense in the sex industry. Although examining the dangers of force that could help combat human becomes decriminalized, it may not be my cup of tea, prostitution that begins with is actively trafficking. In Germany, all laws regarding the act if somebody is that passionate Issue #7 and concludes in Issue involved prostitution was legalized, are eliminated and law and determined about a #12. Several staff members took in keeping which dropped human enforcement officials are no profession, why shouldn’t it upon themselves to interview, women out trafficking rates by 10 percent longer able to intervene. If they be able to do it? take photographs, and conduct of prostitution, during the first decade of 2000, prostitution were to become In the United States, research. The results of their they may be out according to a study done by decriminalized, the probability $1.2 million is spent each combined efforts follow.] of luck. Harvard Law. of somebody being forced into year on enforcement costs This is With prohibition laws in prostitution would become regarding prostitution arrests. by MATT MOLINAR why prostitution should be place, pimps can threaten much higher. The spending is not worth it, Associate Editor legalized. If the goal is to keep human trafficking victims So let’s say the United because prostitutes will pay The global sex trade has these girls off of the streets, with the prostitution laws, States legalized prostitution. their expenses or spend time become a big industry for we should start by opening making it less likely for them While the state is regulating in jail and get right back to it. prostitutes and a problem for up brothels outside of the to trust law enforcement. If brothels, law enforcement While I understand that the victims of the sex trafficking city limits for those who are the practice were legalized, can begin to focus on serious prostitution laws are in place epidemic. seeking a job in prostitution. a relationship can be formed sex trafficking crimes. People to protect children and reduce Prostitution is a taboo This way, we can increase tax between trafficking victims who voluntarily prostitute human trafficking, prostitution issue that has been debated in revenue while reducing the and law enforcement. themselves would be kept out should be legalized in order to many countries, including the number of those who might test for STDs and STIs at least According to Donna M. of jail, while illegal pimps truly combat human trafficking United States. Some countries conduct business with an monthly. Hughes, a researcher on and traffickers are charged for and reduce the amount of have legalized the practice, underage prostitute or human People who oppose also human trafficking from the enslaving people. dedicated prostitutes in jail and while others have simply trafficking victim. believe that the human University of Rhode Island, Morally, I think prostitution in the streets. decriminalized it. If regulated People who oppose the trafficking rate will increase. legalization of prostitution is wrong. But who am I to judge correctly, prostitution could be legalization of prostitution But there is no logic behind would mean the practice would somebody for his or her choice legalized while cracking down believe that legalizing it that. At worst, we may see the be regulated. These regulations of profession? I have had the emolinar0541@students. on human trafficking. would create a higher STD numbers remain the same if would determine where, when, pleasure of meeting an escort southplainscollege.edu Good mothers deserve more appreciation

sticks and soft drinks for all happens to me, I of us. immediately pick I don’t think I realized how up the phone to lucky I was to have a mom like call her and tell her then, when I would gripe her. She doesn’t at her for dancing in front of get annoyed my friends and complain when when I call her I didn’t get my way. But I 12 times in an definitely thank God for giving hour because I’m me the best mom I could ever trying to make ask for. chicken fried I’m immensely grateful for steak and have all the memories she made sure no idea what that we made growing up. She I’m doing. She’s would drive to my school when always patient I was in Kindergarten and drop with my brother, by SHELBY MORGAN off my bike, then ride her own sister, and I, and Staff Writer bike back to pick me up at the she is always Mother’s Day is a day out of the year for you to recognize the mothers around you. But for all they do for us, they deserve more than just esque world with this insane my son will think of me the one day. notion that when you become same way. I was blessed with one a mom you automatically The next time you see your of those moms who would gain super mom powers. But mom, give her a big hug and drive 30 minutes to Wal-Mart nobody tells you about the say thank you. You don’t know at 10:30 the night before a hard stuff, the yucky stuff, the the sacrifices that she has made project was due just to make hide yourself in the bathroom in order to make sure that you sure that we finished it, and for five seconds of silence have everything you need, and that it was perfect. She would stuff, the sleepless nights, or that you are happy and healthy. iron every piece of clothing the broken hearts that you And if your mom is anything my siblings and I wore, and just can’t fix when you have a like mine, she deserves all the she always made sure that we kid. I’ve learned the hard way praise every day of the year. never did without. that it’s not all rainbows and Flowers and presents are nice, She worked as a helper for butterflies. but nothing beats hearing that my dad, who is a welder, for end of the day so that we could the biggest supporter in our response is always, “Do it. One But my mom never let us all of her efforts through the almost 15 years, which meant ride our bikes home together. corner, cheering us on at any day you’ll be old and won’t know when times were tough. years didn’t go unnoticed. long hours in the sun and in She always had random crafts given time. She’s also the first have the chance.” If she was having a down day, So, hi Mom. Thank you for the cold. More often than for us to do, such as painting one to call us out when we’re When I had my own son, we didn’t know about it as every single thing you do for not, it also meant drive-thru popsicle sticks or finding sea wrong. I finally realized the love kids. If she made a promise to me. I am forever grateful for dinners. We never knew the shells to make picture frames She is constantly that my mom has for us, and us, she always kept her word, you, and I wouldn’t be who difference. After she stopped out of. These are memories encouraging us to not just the depths that she will go no matter how many obstacles I am, or where I am, without working with my dad and that I will cherish for the rest let life pass us by, but to just so that we could always she had to jump through or go you. I love you more. began working in the school of my life. actually live. Whether that have everything we could over to get it done. I pray that cafeteria, she would pick me Now that I’m an adult, means jumping out of an need or want. Society paints a if I can just be half the mother and all of my friends up from she is one of my best friends. airplane at 11,000 feet in the picture of moms who have it that she is, I’ll be alright. And smorgan9504@students. school with hot, fresh cheese Anytime that anything air, or returning to school, her all together in a Mrs. Clever- one day, maybe, just maybe, southplainscollege.edu 6 Opinion May 1, 2017 Plainsman Press Graduating student gives insight to college experience after military such as Sonny Borba and semester, and decided to drop contemplated becoming an the Newsroom, talked with math, but sometimes juggling Ed Marsh, had some very a few classes and look for English major, as I wanted some pretty cool people, and everything I do outside of SPC interesting classes, which I and my class loads attributed mostly to the way were a bit much. But they deliver the information. it showed me that I Though, after a certain am the type of person amount of time, music theory who can handle a and the way some of the multitude of tasks, instructors taught was causing though sometimes me to become disenfranchised with help. with music. Being older, more There are so many rules mature and having and regulations some have many grown-up in regard to music and how priorities, it is hard to it’s meant to be played. Also, connect with younger most of the students there are students whose biggest worry is by SERGIO MADRID worried about learning music whether their parents Editorial Assistant rather than making music, which was my end goal. are going to buy them College is a whole other I didn’t want to move around something. You want beast than the military, but the “structure” of music, but to hang out or meet one I needed up at a party or bar, to switch my but something always brain back to seems to come up. normal as I That’s not to say I was in a state don’t enjoy myself or of constant to do more than just read and acquired some new skills to vacation, but there is a culture worry in the write. help me through the rest of my change I want to install within military. During this time of changing college career and possibly in my family. Most people in my Seriously, majors, I formed a band with my professional career as well. family are uneducated and it seemed a few old friends from high The paper allowed for me to lack motivation to change anytime I was school who were jamming a lot write about concerts, festivals, their hardships. They don’t relaxed in the while I was in the Navy. bands, dogs (mainly my dog) want to do more than they Navy, I would We were hanging out one and other things I took an need to get through the work get in trouble. night and I told them how I interest in. But it also allowed week. I started my picked up the guitar in the me to get out of my comfort I grew up differently, not time here at Navy and would write songs zone and explore other aspects wanting to be like them. South Plains from time to time. I played a of media. I didn’t want to follow in College in the song for them, and we haven’t Other than music and their path of early-unwanted Commercial looked back since. journalism, I came across a few pregnancies and low-income Music In my search for a new other classes I enjoyed, such as jobs. Burning the Midnight Oil band photos near the east side of Lubbock. major, someone told me about Geology. I became a member Leaving Lubbock to join Building TOVI OYERVIDEZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS where I the journalism program they of the “Rock Whisperers,” the the military was the first step. studied music. offer at SPC and how good geology club led by professor Finishing college was my The more I learned about rather let it move around me, another major to pursue. it was. I looked into it and Aaron Greene. There is also second, and now I look toward music, the deeper I wanted to the way I write and the way I Knowing that becoming decided to give it a shot. sociology, studying people, continuing education, making explore it. play. I came to this conclusion a song writer was my goal, I After a rough first semester, society, and doing interactive a name for myself to honor my Some of the instructors, a few weeks into my second looked toward literature and I decided I could really get into projects, taught by Brant late grandfather, and setting journalism if I applied myself Farrar. a positive example for my a bit more. Though most of Some classes took a lot out younger cousins, my niece and the people who are pursuing of me and were focal points nephew, and someday kids of Journalsim still very much alive journalism are not what I of some of my semesters. my own. consider my kind of people. Chemistry and college I found some comfort in my algebra were two among [email protected] despite technological advances final two semesters at SPC in those classes. I’m good with plainscollege.edu credible and great journalists. Journalism will always be The internet is the fourth evolving, just as it did in the medium of journalism, so years before any of us were New sound causes rift how can journalism be dead born. It’s up to us to adapt just if the internet is considered to as the journalists before us among Paramore fans be just that? did, if this a career path you This generation of wish to pursue. The world will pieces of the album artwork. True music grows with the journalists and the ones who always need journalists who This turned out to be a really artists. As people change, the will come after us need to are trustworthy and credible smart move. Instead of hyping music is going to change like embrace this evolution instead just as much as the world up the release for weeks and it should. The band is smart to of fighting it. Just like we learn needs policemen and doctors. weeks, they just shocked change their music to fit who to ask the right questions and The world will always need their fandom. This caused an they are now as individuals. how to format our stories, we journalism. So if you’re a immediate freak out between If the band kept releasing the need to learn how to use the journalist or wanting to major “ParaWhores.” Every music same style of music, it would internet, different mediums, in journalism, do not ever let news outlet quickly had stories become boring. and gain experiences in someone tell you that your about Paramore, and fans were As for the album set to posting all over the internet release on May 12, it is hard by BRITTNY STEGALL career field is dying. Just as journalist and about it. Paramore ended up to know exactly what fans can Opinion Editor professor, Samuel G. even trending before noon. expect. Obviously, the album Just as the world evolves, Freedman said in his book, The single, “Hard Times,” is going to be different than so do the things around us. “Letters to a Young Journalist”: is a completely different previous releases. After the Journalism, to some people, “Personally, I have no direction from their previous album cycle of “Paramore,” the may be dead. But to this music for most fans. The song band lost their bassist Jeremy doubt that journalism has as by HANNAH NELSON journalist, it is only evolving. much of a future as a past,” has old-school styled vibes and Davis, leaving Williams and Staff Writer I hear all the time as a he said. “Human beings a unique funky rhythm. When York as the only remaining journalism major, “Why will keep wanting to know Fans around the world are first listening to the song, old- members. did you choose that career. what’s news. They’ll keep freaking out about Paramore’s school fans have to take a step For a while, the future for You know its wanting to hear a good story. newest release. back. This isn’t the normal Paramore seemed bleak. No dying, right?” They’ll keep wanting to have As this new era approaches, style that is expected from one knew if they were going to To some of a lucid explanation, a smart everyone is eager to see what Paramore. The song starts out continue as a band or separate. you, that might analysis of the events the future holds for the band. with a very joyful intro that However, the band is be the case. But around them. That The last time that Paramore completely contrasts with the back and ready to face the there is one thing stuff will never, released a new album was lyrics. Williams begins the music world again with everyone who agrees ever go out of in 2013 with their self-titled song with, “All that I want is their new style. One of the with that statement style.” album, “Paramore.” However, to wake up fine, tell me that biggest announcements was fails to realize. While There is Paramore is now back with I’m alright, that I ain’t gonna that drummer Zac Farro was print newspapers and no doubt that their new single “Hard die.” The song really reflects returning to the band. This nightly news might disappear journalism Times.” Information was also a dark time for the band and seems to be a big topic for this with the years to come, there will continue to evolve, just announced about their new getting through the “Hard new album. is a rise in the internet and different areas to the best of as it has done in the years prior. album, “After Laughter.” Times.” They are not the same This new era is going to be social media. our abilities. But storytelling will never go Paramore completely Paramore as they were for a very exciting time for the No one can say journalism We need to learn to make the out of style. And storytelling dropped the ball with the news “Brand New Eyes” or one of band and fans. Even though is dead. Journalists may die, best out of a sticky situation. is what keeps journalism alive. of their new album and release their most popular releases, not every person is a fan of the but journalism never will. It The journalism field has But in order to keep ourselves of a single. The band really “Riot.” new music style and direction, is alive and well, and it will come a very long way, from alive as journalists, we need didn’t promote anything up Paramore has been a band Paramore is definitely going to continue to be. It might just the 1830’s when a penny press to embrace the change in our until the day before the single for more than 11 years and be the band to watch out for be in a different form than was made to now when you career field and take it in full release. All that fans ever have created five albums. this summer. you would expect. There will have major newspapers such stride. received were very strange and Their first album was released always be a bright future for as the Boston Globe and The vague Twitter posts. in 2005, when the lead singer myself and other journalists, New York Times. Then there A few days before the was only 16. It wouldn’t no matter the year or what is the internet, where you have release, band members Hayley make sense for the band to be technology they create. The everything at your fingertips [email protected] Williams, Taylor York, and creating and writing the same [email protected] world will always need with the touch of a button. plainscollege.edu Zac Farro teased bits and music. plainscollege.edu Opinion 7 Plainsman Press May 1, 2017 Experiences in Newsroom inspire student to seek new path Fall 2016 semester, I was in full of such talented people For this article, I had to hangout. Even if I didn’t to and be around. We now Publications 2. For me, this come together and create an take my own pictures that need to work on a story, I message on Snapchat and semester was a completely amazing paper. Plus, thanks night at the concert. One could always just go and geek out over tarot cards different situation than to the paper, I can now write thing I have my first. I was so excited to start writing again. I really started to venture out of my comfort zone with stories, taking on more stories than I normally would. The experience by HANNAH NELSON that I have Staff Writer gotten from the Plainsman Press The summer before has already helped starting at South Plains me tremendously. College, I went to You learn to be orientation and met my confident in your advisor. writing. You don’t At that point in time, I know who is going was a Journalism major to read one of your and was assigned to Charlie articles, so you have Ehrenfeld as an advisor. to trust your own I went in and randomly writing, especially decided to change my major when it comes to to advertising. This wasn’t opinions. When I the best decision that I write an opinion, I made in my life. I should am putting my own have definitely stuck with personal thoughts journalism. However, I’ve out for people to changed my major more agree or disagree than the weather in Texas with. I’ve learned changes. Poor Charlie had be confident with my own 500 words about anything. always tried to deal with changing my thoughts to share with any My favorite experiences to avoid is major for me and putting reader. The Newsroom also from being a part of the pictures. I me into classes he isn’t even an advisor for. While making sit in the Newsroom at the and colorful hair. She is now my schedule, there back table. my go-to hair stylist after is one class that I can normally always helping me get the orange Charlie put me in: find Sara in there playing hair I had been wanting all Publications 1. It music, and I could never semester. wasn’t until my complain about the station This semester, I also met first day in class choices. The best music, Ryan, who will talk about that I realized that in my opinion, was always Paramore and “Rupaul’s I would be writing playing in the room. Our Drag Race” with me during for the campus Editor-in-Chief, Sara, is class. We will sit down newspaper. I spent every Tuesday most of my first and talk about semester learning the latest “Drag and improving my Race” episode. writing. If I ever We predict who looked at one of we want to win my articles from and go home. my first semester It has been in the Fall of 2015 really fun to and compared it find someone to to my writing share things I now, it would enjoy with. be completely As for different. I ended up teaches you how important Plainsman Press are from will write Charlie, I always taking a break from the each individual is to the my concert reviews. My anything but loved joking paper that spring semester. final publication every two review about the I Prevail avoid taking around with him However, I learned during weeks. It is about my pink, that break how much I so cool to and now orange, missed writing. As soon as see a whole hair. I am so registration opened for the classroom thankful that I was put in that Publications 1 class my first semester. My life would have been completely different if it wasn’t for the Newsroom. Who knows what I would be doing if I didn’t someone in the Newsroom find my love for writing. I know I can always talk Being a writer for the to. Whether I need help Plainsman Press for three with sources, writing, or semesters has been one of concert is one that I will pictures at all costs. I faced the printer, she has always the best parts of my time always be proud of. This a huge fear, and was able been able to help me. She at SPC. I didn’t even know article gave me the ability to take pictures during the is someone I can just go how much I loved writing to write about something I concert in the photo pit. The and hang out with in the before this last year on the was very passionate about pictures didn’t turn out that Newsroom during my off staff. I will be continuing to and enjoyed. Regardless bad, if I do say so myself. I period. write at West Texas A&M, of writing a story or not, had one of the best times of This semester, I have met but it can never replace I was going to the concert. my life during this concert, so many friends through the the Newsroom. I’ve loved I Prevail has been one and I am able to remember Newsroom. Dez has been being a part of it. I want of my favorite bands for it forever with my article. such an amazing person in to thank the entire staff a while. I spent weeks The best semester, by my life this semester. We for being such incredible before the concert talking far, has been this spring. I met at the back table of the people. I will miss walking to I Prevail’s publicist have had so many amazing Newsroom, which is my into a room that welcomed to get a press pass for experiences and formed normal spot. Throughout me every day. the event. It was sure relationships with so many the semester, I have learned an amazing experience great people. I could go a lot of things that Dez and to cover and review a into the Newsroom at any I have in common. She is [email protected] concert as a fan. time during the day and just a really cool person to talk plainscollege.edu 8 Opinion May 1, 2017 Plainsman Press Friendships, experiences give student everlasting memories to be there that late, but a you held me to that pinky editors: First, there is Sara for what she has done for me, have with you both on the certain pinky promise made promise. So, plain and simple, Marshall, editor-in-chief. not only on the staff but in staff. Brandi had my back me change my mind. thank you. My first semester, I did not my life. at times when I might have Charles Ehrenfeld, a.k.a. Friendships are something think I wanted to get to know Unlike many on the staff, needed it, and you both always “Charlie” to us all, is truly special and on this staff. You her. There was nothing against Steven keeps to himself most gave me a laugh. Thank you one of the best advisors and gain many. Many of these her, I was just hesitant. If of the time. We did not do for being you. friends to all at SPC. Fate friendships I hope will hold anyone ever gets the chance to much on the paper together, Let me just say how scared, did not land me Charlie as an through the years, no matter meet her, do it. She will change but he was always there to nervous, and out of place I advisor, but my career field how far apart we are, or the your life. I got to know her this talk to. I do enjoy talking was while taking my first did. Near the beginning of my different paths we take. You semester, and it was too short and anyone who likes to photograph for a teacher first semester, I made a pinky may not like some people, and to say goodbye. She is by far listen. He was always there feature I wrote my first promise to him, a promise I you may get angry for people my best friend on this staff. to enjoy a conversation with. semester. I barely knew how fulfilled this year. I promised I not turning in a story, but it is She is always there to give a Steven always kept a calm to even work the camera, but would become an editor before like a family. It is a family; it smile, hugs, a helping hand, composure, and he always had Tovi was there to help. She is by BRITTNY STEGALL a left. I want Charlie to know is the Plainsman Press family. or words of encouragement. my back and made sure I was one of the best photographers Opinion Editor how thankful I am I know, and to him, for holding she gave me Just like many great me to that promise. the confidence adventures, mine must come All the long Tuesday to take my first to an end. and Thursday photograph. She Journalism is not just a nights were helped me with career. To me, it is a way of life. worth it. Through the Man on the It is my way of changing the the struggles, Street pictures world. I joined the journalism arguments, and all and taught me field in the hopes of one day the victories, I loved how to grayscale changing the world. I believe every bit of it. It was and get the there is good in this brightness and world, but someone has contrast just to be out there to find right. She gave it. My love for writing me many laughs goes beyond just diaries and smiles by and journals; it is part OK. Thank just talking to her. If someone of my life. Without it, you for being were the light in a dark room, I believe I would be a friend that I it would be her. lost. I did not decide to could always There are many more pursue journalism until count on. people on the staff, but they my junior year Computers are just a few who really of high school. It and me do not changed my life. But there is one of my best really work are a few people who changed decisions in my well with each my life and helped me on this life. other, but Tyler journey before I began it. Joining the showed me the My parents and brothers Plainsman Press ropes a bit. I are always there for me, and has also been know so much they never fail to always tell one of my best more than I me how proud they are. They decisions I have did a semester are my number one fans, and made since ago, and it is my mom has every one of graduating from because he my papers. They are more high school. It has took the time to than just my support system; been my second show me how they are my family. Without home at South Plains and teach me. family, I believe you would go College. My first nowhere in semester in college life. Whether was the fall of 2016. To they’re blood say I was nervous was or not, it is an understatement. still a family. My second day of I always class, I walked into knew I could Publications. This do anything was my first of many because of steps towards the them, and I career path I chose. am forever The Plainsman Press thankful staff welcomed me. for that. I They welcomed every love you all single one of us with for being open arms. the support My first semester on system I the staff, I was only a need. staff writer. You could To my say I was just testing wonderful the water, before diving boyfriend, Timothy, thank straight in. It was rocky you. Thank you for always in the beginning, with having a part in my journalism late stories, nervous life. Thank you for listening to interviews, and long countless stories and giving nights. But I would not me your feedback. Thank change a single thing, you for believing in me that I minus a late story could be an editor when I was here and there. I scared to become one. You learned what it was always have faith in me, and like to essentially be you never doubt that I can do a journalist. I know anything I set my mind to. You when I graduate and are one of my biggest fans, actually get a real and I know you always will job in journalism be. I love you and thank you. that it will be very So this is why my journey different. It will as an editor for the Plainsman be longer nights, Press has come to an end. stories, and hard- In the fall of 2017, I will be headed people…. at Angelo State University, More than there are majoring in Mass Media in this Newsroom. Whatever you New staff members joining with a specialization in But I would not needed, she was next semester are very lucky journalism. I plan on making trade a single thing there, even if to have Tyler. He is not only the newspaper there a home. for a different she had a page a good I.T. guy, but a good I’m not sure if I will have the chance. or a story she overall person. same relationships I have on This semester, had to finish. I A friendship that is the Plainsman Press, but I will my second, I would sit and probably one of the strongest treasure every moment that I became the Opinion talk to her for in the room, I had more had here. I’m beyond excited Editor. That was not hours after than just publications with to start my new journey, and in my plans. I heard about tough, and I wanted to pull my I know I have not been on the class, and she kept me sane. Miss Brandi and Alex, and cannot wait to see what the how hard it was, and the hair out and cry sometimes. staff as long as some, but I Checking to see if I was OK, I am very pleased that I did. future holds for me. late nights from 2:30 p.m. to But it was worth it. I learned so believe the experience is just and just stopping to say hello Goofing off during Paper possibly sometime the next many new things this semester as good. are among her best qualities. Night talking about anything morning, every other Tuesday that I never thought were And these are my She deserves so many thanks, and everything are some of [email protected] and Thursday. I had no desire possible, and it was all because experiences with a few of the and I cannot thank her enough my favorite memories I will plainscollege.edu Opinion 9 Plainsman Press May 1, 2017 Student reflects on friendships made in newsroom

staff. But that changed when I she remained around the about videogames from. Riley person to me. While I did not I got to know during my last became an editor for my final Newsroom. I was always was always with Matt Molinar, get to spend as much time semester here, starting with years, when I met many people happy to have all the classes a great person who was always with her, something looking Tyler York. Tyler is probably who I will remember for the together and being there to help there to help me when I needed back on now I would change, one of the nicest guys I have rest of my life. each other with school work, it this semester. I got to know she always seemed like a kind ever met. It is always nice Of course, I will start off even if it felt like I helped Matty even better. person who enjoys her life. meeting someone else from with the man who has been my her more than she helped me Then there was another Despite not being as close to Florida. While we did not mentor for the past two years, (especially with math). But I person I went to Frenship with, her as some of the others, I spend a lot of time together, Charlie Ehrenfeld. While it still enjoyed working with her Tovi Oyervidez. may seem like at times he was the longest out of all the people While I never got tough, he always cared about I met at the Newsroom. She a chance to meet me, and all of what he did is an extremely quirky person her in high school, made me a better sports writer. who I will miss. I got the honor to I am the writer I am because Then there are the people meet her in the of his blue pen, and I will take who I had the honor to meet Newsroom, and I everything that I have learned when I spent my first semester am sure she is the by STEVEN GEHEGAN during the past few years and as an editor, and got to spend nicest person that Sports Editor carry it with me for the rest some extremely long and I will ever meet in my entire life. It has been a long, She was always memorable two years, as I there when I have discovered what it is I needed something want to do with the rest of and was always my life. doing things to After graduating from help me out. I Frenship High School in always wished I 2014, I thought I had a plan could have done in mind. I was going into the more for her, and field of computer science. was glad I got to I had always been good at spend some of math and was able to work my 21st birthday with her. always enjoyed the time we I enjoyed getting to know well with computers. I spent Thanks again for the present. spent together and will miss you through the videos you my first year at South Plains It made the night better. I her when I am gone. posted, and the time we spent College as a computer science always have enjoyed seeing Then there where the two in Dallas. I enjoyed sharing major. After a year, I had her, because, no matter what, guys who I am close to. The a room with you and getting discovered that might not be she was always happy and will first is Sergio Madrid, who I to know you. I am happy you what I want to do. And after were nice enough to put up thinking things over during with me on my 21st. that summer, I had decided Then there are two non- that I wanted to try to be a editors, Jordan Patterson and sports writer, and work for a Desiree Mendez, who I got university. the privilege to get to know. I So, at the start of my second was happy to spend time with year, I enrolled in several of my life. I will always be fun nights with. There is Jordan when we competed journalism classes, including thankful for all that he has Riley Golden, someone I together in the sports event Publications, which is where taught me. knew from Frenship, but at TIPA and helping prepare for that. Also, I was happy to spend a longer amount of my free time in Dallas with her, especially since we share the same opinions about most of what happened in Dallas. Then there is Desiree, who was always nice and friendly. She seems to think about everyone else but herself, and I will miss her a lot. Then there is the very loud Brittny Stegall. She always says what she thinks to me, and she is always willing to listen to me. I enjoyed the time we spent getting to know each other this semester. She always seemed so pure, and the more be hard to ever meet someone got to know during the past time I spent around her seemed like her again. few years with the classes to make me a better person. I Then there is Brandi Ortiz, we had together. Then there’s wish you the best of luck with who I got to know when we Dominick Puente, the only your life in San Angelo. had a science class together person I can talk sports with Then I saved the last person with Tovi. I had fun eating and all the things that I did for the one who I will miss the most from the Newsroom, Sara Marshall. During the past year, I got to know her, my life changed. The first year I will start with the first got a chance to get and I am not the biggest fan I spent mostly writing sports real friend I made at the paper. to know him even of why we became close. opinions and whatever else During my second semester, I better. Riley is a great But I will always be happy was needed. At first, I was shy made a great friend in Haiden guy who I always that it happened. I always and was not real close to many Hawkins. While she was only enjoyed getting to enjoyed being able to talk to of the people on the newspaper a writer for one semester, know and learned you about what was going on in my life, and you being able to help me with all my problems, no matter what they were. I always felt that we were good friends, even though I spent a lot of time giving you hell, while you would relate me to a female dog. I will always remember you as one of the best friends that I have had in my life, and will miss you the most lunch with her every other outside of class. I enjoyed the when we go our separate ways. day before class while we all time that we spent between Thanks again for all that you tried to get though geology. I class together sharing stories have done for me, and I wish enjoyed working through long of the things that he has done you well in the future. nights with her because she and what we are going to do I will miss all of you, and was funny and always made with our lives. It was always the Newsroom, with all the me feel better. I got to have lots nice to talk sports with you, time I put in there. I will miss of fun celebrating her birthday since most of the others knew it all when I am gone. with her. very little about any kinds of I also met Alex Perez, sports, and passing on what someone who always knowledge I have to help you expressed her emotions, while out next semester. sgehegan2284@southplain- being a kind and friendly Then there are the people scollege.edu 10 Opinion May 1, 2017 Plainsman Press Newsroom changes life of journalism student by SARA MARSHALL I’ve told so many stories. I’ve Everyone in the newsroom determined as her. Some may hair color she wants each lot (especially at 4 a.m.). But, Editor-in-Chief encouraged voices which had becomes a family, in a way. only see a pretty face, but I month. Though her exterior at the end of the day, he’s still once been unknown to be Though we can be a bit know that she has equal parts seems rough and Some of the first words I heard by the world. I’ve told dysfunctional at times, there’s smarts and sass. Matty and unapproachable, ever heard in the newsroom happy stories about beautiful nothing I would change. I love Riley sometimes drive me this girl has were “The newsroom will puppies and their hard work all my staff so very much, and crazy, but they’re wonderful been the most change your life, if you let it.” helping people. I’ve painted I wish I could recognize all and hard workers when they dependable, At the time, I just laughed. breathtakingly painful scenes of you. But, unfortunately, I want to be. I know that Matty trustworthy friend They were such unassuming of a young girl’s repeated only have so much room on will be a fantastic heir to the I’ve had in a while. words, innocent and empty. sexual assaults. I’ve shown my page. editorial throne. Lastly, there’s Or so I thought for a very that SPC isn’t as small a town One of the first people who Then there’s Brandi. Oh Tyler and Des, short time. as I had once thought (thanks, was nice to me in the newsroom my gosh, this girl has been the two ‘adultier I began my academic career Banner Boy!). I’ve toured the was Jenny. Oh goodness, this my rock this year in the adults’ in the at South girl has been there for Newsroom. She’s a girl after newsroom. Tyler Plains everything I’ve had to my own heart, trying to be is an absolute College deal with since joining tough when the world feels nerd who has shown me that there, encouraging me in my during the the paper. She has seen like it’s crashing down around technology is a lot cooler than personal life and my writing. Fall 2014 me cry at the dumbest you. She’s taught me that I had thought, though I’m Then there’s my third dad, semester, things, and she has it’s OK to be upset and that still learning about it. I don’t Billy. He’s never taught me, right after laughed with me for sometimes a hug is the best know if I’m friends with him but he’s always watching out graduating the best moments. She cure for anxiety. Sometimes because of how awesome he for me and trying to encourage from taught me that it’s OK you just need me. Though Andrews to brag about all the a hug. he teases me High animated films you More relentlessly, School watched last weekend recently, I’ve I know he that while you were home befriended means well. spring. alone. several Whenever I Despite Jenny proved to me other staff have a serious being in that you shouldn’t be members. problem and journalism afraid to be yourself, There’s Charlie isn’t all three even when there’s Steven and around, he years people who dislike Dom, crazy always lends of high who you are. Even sports writers an ear and school, though we don’t go to who know gives me for some advice, which reason I typically fixes thought everything. it would is, or because of how awesome My actual dad is just as be a good his wife is. And then there’s encouraging of my journalism idea to pursue an Agriculture Federal Law Enforcement Des, journalist, cosmetologist, career. All of my family has Communications-type of Training Center in Artesia, full-time mom, Cub Scouts been so supportive of my degree. New Mexico, and was able Leader, and soon-to-be Girl writing and photography, After a semester of trying to make lifelong connections Scouts Leader. She has proven always reading my stories and to do that nonsense, I realized to federal agents there. the value of never giving up calling me when they love (or my heart and what you want, even if you had hate, if it’s politics) something soul was still I’ve written. in journalism. My parents are I desired to the first people write stories I call whenever that would I get an award, move people the first I share to heartbroken school together that I know my new stories tears, or want to right now, she absolutely with. My little laugh with sheer still tries to nothing sisters are joy. I yearned to help me with about sports. the reason I capture photos assignments and They totally push myself that not only stories. She tries love when so hard to be told the subject’s her best to give I struggle to a good writer, million-word me photography explain the especially my story, but added tips, even if sports section youngest, Rea. depth to my they don’t stick. as we’re going I want to prove many words I don’t know over the paper. to her that even inked on the what I would do They’ve though she’s a pages before without Jenny by become the brothers I’ve to put it on hold for a while. girl, she can do anything, me. my side the past always wanted, and I’m She never gives up, and she’s be anyone. My family is my It was time two years, and seriously going to miss the seriously one of the strongest biggest inspiration in my I got back into I’m so happy to random, and occasionally people I have ever known. writing. the world of have her in my Lastly, if it weren’t for the journalism. life. I cannot wait newspaper, I probably never Two years, until I get to go to would have started dating my several awards school with her fiancé. We started dating the and multiple again. summer before I became photo positions later, Another group editor, and I’ve been with him I’m realizing the weight This past year, I have been of people I’ve become friends ever since. Devon has been of those very first words I the editor-in-chief of the with is ‘the squad.’ This there for every breakdown heard in the newsroom. I Plainsman Press. What a ride it ragtag group of people are and struggle I’ve dealt with. quickly realized my dad was has been. I’ve learned so much absolutely crazy, but they’re But he has always encouraged right; I should have stayed in as a writer, photographer, great. They’ve all taught me me to keep going, despite all journalism all along. In two editor and person. Some of to chill out, and that I need to those moments. Even when short years, I’ve lived the my best and worst, moments worry about personal health I wanted to quit, he pushed good, the bad and the seriously of my last me to keep going because he ugly. But I honestly don’t year at SPC knew I would regret it, and regret a single moment. have occurred he was right, like usual. If it Journalism can be absolute during this weren’t for Devon, I probably blast. But for me, it has also time and wouldn’t be where I am right been extremely physically, within the now, winning awards and mentally and emotionally Newsroom ridiculous, talks when And the professors, kicking butt. And I’m so happy taxing. walls. But waiting between goodness. Well, being the I get to share the rest of my life I’ve lost copious hours of every moment classes. We can level oldest of three girls, I’ve with this crazy dork. sleep while staring at empty was worth it. with each other and be gotten used to my dad always So, the newsroom really did Word documents, trying to Being real, and I appreciate pushing me to be better than I “change my life,” as Charlie force some type of coherent in the that friendship so was yesterday. I had absolutely once promised me it would. thought on to the blank newsroom, much. no idea that when I entered So thank you to everyone pages before me. Seriously, I’ve met some Next there’s Brittny, those doors to Room 130 in the who has made me who I am writer’s block is the stuff real of my closest beauty queen and Communications Building, I today. You’ve all helped me nightmares are made of. And friends. Each occasional sass queen. was going to inherit two more realize my full potential as a being a perfectionist with newspaper She’s an absolute dads to watch out for me. journalist, student and friend. a procrastination complex staff member delight, and too sweet First, there’s Charlie. This I’m going to miss this life, but makes it a million times harder has touched for words. I have no man drives me absolutely I’m so happy I have all of these on my already fragile college me in some idea where she puts crazy, but I love him so wonderful memories. student mental and emotional way, even all the sarcasm and much. He’s one of my biggest state. those who attitude in her little cheerleaders and tries to give But those many, many lost were here body, though. It will me every opportunity to put hours of shut eye have led me only for a short time. I guess more than deadlines. Alex be a mystery for always, I’m myself out there and go farther to some of the most moving, that’s the problem with having is a seriously hardworking sure. And there’s Hannah, who in my career. We’re both so smarshall4759@students. brilliant stories. In two years, such a big heart. girl, and I wish I could be as never seems to know which stubborn, so we butt heads a southplainscollege.edu Feature 11 May 1, 2017 Plainsman Press Geology club takes weekend trip to explore Southwest by SERGIO MADRID caverns, Greene allowed for This is a fascinating sight, back up top near the place you inside the information center Terlingua, now a “ghost- Editorial Assistant the students to check the Gift as it takes thousands of years entered the caverns from. that displayed the wildlife town,” has some rich history Shop, where a multitude of for these structures to form, After the caverns, the group within the park, and headed that mostly involves the The Rock Whisperers handmade goods, such as usually at a pace of less than 10 gathered back on the buses for the next campsite in Big mining that took place there. explored some of the pottery, colored rocks, and centimeters every 1,000 years. and headed to Guadalupe Bend. The ride was long and But it also has a great view Southwest’s most beautiful small animal sculptures were By the time you make it Mountains National Park. dreary, filled with desert sand, of the canyon and a famous and interesting sights, applying sold. restaurant. classroom knowledge during On the way inside the That restaurant is a much-needed weekend caverns, there is a scale model the Starlight Theater, getaway. map of the caverns, with famous for being an old The geology club is one information about different movie palace but now of the more intriguing groups regions of the caverns. offering the infamous at South Plains College. We There is a theater right “Diego Burger,” a can agree studying the Earth outside the main entrance to pound of beef from hell. is fascinating enough, but to the caverns, and a point-of- Four club members actually experience the Earth no-return spot where a park attempted to finish the is what draws students to it. ranger explains the basic do’s burger, but only three Aaron Greene, geology and don’ts of the caverns, as were victorious. We professor at SPC, has led the well as to spit out your gum, paid the price though, group for quite some time and for whatever reason. There is as it weighed heavy in with much enthusiasm. He a spit bucket specifically for our stomachs for quite has made an impact on many gum. some time. students, such The group then as geology club headed back to camp and president, Garret waited for an arriving Fowler, who says meteor shower. As we Greene’s class laid under the stars, deep is the reason he conversations began, is now pursuing and the group shared geology as a stories back in forth, profession. pointing and counting A trip of a Upon arriving mountain scape, and winding every shooting star we saw. lifetime, or at at the park, the roads. The following morning, least one worth group set up camp. On the bus, students passed Fowler and I woke up before remembering, By that time, it around a spiral notebook to everyone else and got a good definitely helps was late and time write a story with everyone look at a bunny that seemed leave a mark on for dinner. Ryker contributing a sentence. In our like it was being hunted by a students. This Allison, a geology epic, a mean man named Bjorn low-flying vulture. year’s geology major at SPC, and came across a shell named Also, a roadrunner worked club trip was just a couple of other Marcel, and I hesitate to tell its way through the campsite that. students began you the rest. just as we were taking it down. On April 22, cooking fajitas Nonetheless, this was a It was cool to see how these the geology marinated by, Sean great way to get everyone animals unassociated with club, better Kyle Ewing and Ryker Allison do their best ‘Titanic’ impression over the Big Bend “Rader” Reilly’s interacting with each other people tend not to mind or known as Rock River during the geology club’s stop at Big Bend Canyon in Terlingua. wife. Reilly was while also passing time. stray from humans in that Whisperers, set SERGIO MADRID/PLAINSMAN PRESS one of a couple Upon arriving at Big Bend, matter. out for a weekend student-veterans in the group once again set up On the way back to Lubbock, exploring the group. camp, and a few students the spiral notebook got passed Carlsbad Caverns, the Inside the caverns, you through to the other side of As the sun was setting, I went down to the river to look around. This time, each of us Guadalupe Mountains are continuously walking at a the caverns, your feet hurt and broke out my guitar and played at Mexico. It looked just like added to a drawing, dealing National Park, and Big Bend. downward angle for a couple your neck is cramped from a few songs until Fowler set the United States side, but with Bjorn and Marcel, and, The first stop was at a of miles. The deeper you go, looking every which way, as up his telescope and everyone there was something about of course, professor Greene. local BBQ joint in Carlsbad, the cooler it gets, and there there is something to see at peeked at Saturn and its four knowing you were staring into It was quite the masterpiece. (N.M.) Danny’s BBQ, where are a multitude of forming every twist and turn. moons. It was hard to see but a completely different country. some students filled up a little and broken stalactites and Another amazing feat they still very much intriguing. After resting a bit, the next too much before the long hike stalagmites. Some have even managed was building an In the morning, the group step was an old mining town through Carlsbad Caverns. reached points of contact with elevator inside the caverns to broke down the camp, took inside of Big Bend National [email protected] Once we arrived at the each other. get people from the bottom to a look at a small museum Park called Terlingua. plainscollege.edu Wallace Theater entertaining new generation of audiences by DESIREE MENDEZ Broadway in New York City,” support the second story, and and art shows featuring local the company of their friends project is working to preserve Staff Writer said Alycyn Keeling. “This is additional steel work was done artists. The Wallace team and neighbors.” and retell the history of the where they would like to take in the loft to reinforce the roof. is continuously working to “The Wallace will be a Wallace,” said Keeling. “We Once upon a time, in a the theater back to currently.” Alycyn Keeling recalled, increase our programming and cultural institution in the are still working to identify small West Texas town, provide more entertainment community where patrons people in photos and are there was a man who wanted experiences for Levelland and will have the opportunity looking for more old photos to open a movie theater in the surrounding communities. to find new and exciting and news about the Wallace. Levelland. The Wallace is starting to entertainment,” added Keeling. This is an area where we The Wallace Theater show movies once a month, “It will revive the nostalgia need a lot of help from the was created in 1928 by and they are starting a Kid’s and wonderful memories community. We’ve had a Wallace Rose Blankenship. Club on the second Saturday that so many members of great response so far, but we Blankenship had owned more of the month. The Wallace the community cherish, but still need help with more of than 30 theaters in the West recently showed “E.T.” to will also seek to create new the pieces.” Texas region. Bob Hope and kick off their movie nights at memories and nostalgia for How can you help and get Walt Disney wrote letters to the Wallace. this generation.” involved? Follow updates and Blankenship congratulating “The goal for the Wallace, The Wallace is a non- “Like” their Facebook page, him on his success in the other than just reopening, is to profit organization, and all sign up for their e-mail list to theater business. once again be a source of great donations to the Wallace are be notified about upcoming The original Wallace pride and inspiration for the tax deductible. Proceeds from events, and visit the Wallace Theater was built in 1925 community,” said Keeling. “ every event held at the Wallace Theater website at www. across the street from its It will be a gathering place for goes toward the remodeling of wallacetheater.com. current location. He saw the community, where people the theater. potential in Levelland, and can find entertainment in “In addition to developing that great potential is still Levelland without having to the programming at the [email protected] thriving today. go to Lubbock and can enjoy Wallace, a large part of the plainscollege.edu On October 5, 1949, the The historic Wallace Theater in downtown Levelland pro- Wallace Theater reopened vides monthly showtimes for the local community. as “West Texas’ Finest. The SARA MARSHALL/PLAINSMAN PRESS Wallace was fully renovated to the theater that Blankenship George Keeling purchased “We had to hire pigeon catchers had been dreaming of since the Wallace in the early to catch all the pigeons we kept 1926. At the time, the Wallace 2000s. The Levelland resident finding in the theater area from Theater was a state-of-the- wanted to be able to bring the damage on the roof.” art theater that boasted E-7 the Wallace back to life and In 2015, they established Simplex projectors, 4-star bring entertainment back to their non-profit organization, Western Electric Sound, fully Levelland. His daughter, “Levelland Wallace Theater.” upholstered opera chairs, Alycyn Keeling, is currently The Levelland Wallace Theater and, most impressively, fully the executive director of the Organization now owns the automatic air conditioning. Wallace. theater. They have a board of The renovated theater When George Keeling directors of five people and an included deep carpets to hide purchased the building more advisory board of 15 people to foot traffic sounds, a cry room than 10 years ago, there were help grow this project and help and a smoking room. significant structural concerns it become what the community “The lights of the marquee with the second story and loft. needs it to be. were described to be as bright Steel beams had to be installed The Wallace currently hosts as any you would envision on in the ceiling of the lobby to live music concerts, films 12 Feature May 1, 2017 Plainsman Press Law enforcement student wishes to pursue career in Border Patrol by SARA MARSHALL his degree to pursue a career Law Enforcement program. Browne realized how much cool. Something you don’t like the variety of choices Editor-in-Chief within the United States He quickly made several he wanted to pursue a career get to do every day. And the Border Patrol offers.” Border Patrol. friends, participating in with the U.S. Border Patrol. that’s kind of the perk of law As he will be graduating “I’ve wanted to do Law intramurals and the Law “It was an experience you enforcement and the college from SPC this month, Enforcement since I was a Enforcement Club regularly. don’t get to do in your daily here; you don’t usually Browne plans to look into kid,” Brown said. “My dad get to do that the Border Patrol after wanted to be a trooper, but type of stuff taking care of college and he never got an opportunity. as a regular student loans. So it’s been kind of a whole person.” “If I don’t get into family thing.” Browne the Border Patrol, then I Prior to attending SPC, has a personal would like to be a detective Browne lived in Snyder, friend who has some day,” Browne said. attending and graduating worked with a “Investigation kind of law [Editor’s note: This story is from Hermleigh High Border Patrol enforcement is where I’d the sixth part of the multi- School. Agent who like to end up. But, for sure, part series “Protecting Our The family business lived in Fort in the next couple years, Homeland,” showing the life has helped Browne make Davis and was I’d like to start within law of U.S. Border Patrol Agents, several Law Enforcement later stationed enforcement. I ask a lot of trainees that begins with Issue connections through the in Idaho, where questions, so investigative #10 and concludes in Issue #12. years. Seventeen years he is currently law enforcement makes Staff members took it upon ago, Browne’s father began serving on sense.” themselves to interview, take Texas Rustic Metal Art. the Canadian Browne says one of his photographs, and conduct Though he’s in school full Davis Browne stands in front on the law enforcement sign border for the biggest goals in pursuing research. The results of their time, Browne tries to find that he and his dad made for the Levelland campus on April Border Patrol. Law Enforcement is combined efforts follow.] time to help in the business, 27. “There’s changing people’s minds. since it has been such an Davis Browne has a SARA MARSHALL/PLAINSMAN PRESS just so many “Not everybody is influence in his life. passion for law enforcement, options to bad,” Browne said. “The “When we started doing with hopes of seeking a move around stigma of law enforcement metal art, we started talking career in the United States “SPC has had a great life,” Browne said. “It helps the nation,” Browne said. is they’re just out to get Border Patrol. about Law Enforcement impact on my life,” Browne that I know Chief (Dan) “And then there’s so many everybody. You know? Like “For law enforcement more and more, because we not everybody’s bad. There did a lot of work for them,” said. “I’ve made new Harris, and I’m friends with jobs you can do. There’s the now, it’s kind of criticized his son. So we got to go talk marine unit. They have their are bad apples, but most of and looked down on,” Browne said. “In 2014, we friends that I wouldn’t have them are good.” made the sign in front of the if I hadn’t come here. It’s to him. It was nice to get his own SWAT team. It’s kind Browne said. “But you just viewpoint on things, and we of like taking all the law have to look past that. Don’t Law Enforcement Building helped me figure out life on at SPC. We did all the work my own, and to rely less on got to tour the center. We enforcement jobs you can take someone else’s word were able to shoot some do and putting it into one smarshall4759@students. for it. If you want to do Law through Dr. Lance Scott, my parents.” automatic guns, so that was federal career. I just really southplainscollege.edu Enforcement, then do it.” and he started talking to me After touring the Federal A sophomore at South about the Law Enforcement Law Enforcement Training Plains College studying program at SPC.” Center in Artesia, New Law Enforcement, Browne In Fall 2015, Browne Mexico during the Fall Interest in medical field says he hopes to one day use began taking classes in the 2016 semester for class, sparks career for alum Student participation keeps by SHELBY MORGAN radiology program came easy said. “Most of us completed Staff Writer to her. She has always had a the program together and fascination with being able to became very good friends. I psychology professor motivated [Editor’s note: This see what’s going on with the also worked at the Bookstore story is part of an ongoing internal organs and bones. at Reese while I attended by RYAN SHANKS the last few weeks of the children gave Dr. Barr more project in conjunction with “I like the reward of getting SPC, and I met my best friend Staff Writer semester.” insight into class discussions the South Plains College to help people,” said Ipson. “I there.” When Alicia Barr was Dr. Barr says she enjoys on child development. Her Alumni Association. The always knew I wanted to be in She thrived at South Plains sitting in Dr. Daniel Gilbert’s the diversity in terms of the family, to their chagrin, has project highlights former the medical field. But I knew College because she is from class at the University of students at SPC in terms also provided her with more SPC students and their I didn’t want to be a nurse.” a small town, and the smaller Texas at Austin, she realized of their personalities and personal examples of various achievements.] When Ipson isn’t working, campus and class sizes were her passion for psychology. demographics. phenomena that she can share Following her heart and her familiar to her. Because the “My most influential “In the classroom, I truly with students. she enjoys hanging out with interest in the human anatomy classes were smaller, she was experience in college was appreciate the extroverts who However, Dr. Barr says her coworkers, friends, and led D’lena Ipson able to get to know taking a class with Dr. Daniel are willing to participate in she thinks the main influence to her career as a her instructors one- Gilbert, at UT,” “He was such discussions,” Dr. Barr says, her personal life has on her radiology tech. on-one, which made it a fantastic and enthusiastic “but I equally appreciate the professional life is that she quiet, more reserved students.” understands that all of her An Andrews easier to communicate professor, and being in his with them. class convinced me that I Dr. Barr said she appreciates students are individuals with native, Ipson is the students who stay a few lives and challenges of their a 2014 graduate “I like the small feel wanted to pursue a Ph.D. of SPC,” explained in Social Psychology” own, just like those of the South in her own family. Plains College Ipson. “It was nice Dr. Barr earned a how people are there bachelor’s degree in “I think my Radiologic parents had the most Technology to help you if needed psychology at Texas, anything, or had any significant impact on program. She before going on to questions.” my career choices,” currently works attend Arizona State She encourages said Dr. Barr. “My at University University for graduate anyone considering mother was a middle Medical Center school. She obtained her entering the Radiologic school and high in Lubbock as doctoral degree in Social Technology program Psychology. school math teacher, a Radiologic and my father was a to go for it. There Upon completing her Technologist. will always be a degree, her parents and history professor. I Every day, she always thought I’d need for the health in-laws were still living works alongside care field, and there in Lubbock. Also, by the like to be a professor, physicians to so that I could have are job opportunities end of graduate school, help pinpoint across the country she and her husband of my summers off. and diagnose But obviously they for radiological 18 years had a daughter. patients by technologists. Barr had always wished both influenced producing 2-D my choice of being Radiology techs can she lived closer to her and 3-D images in academia and find employment in a grandparents (who lived of tissue, teaching.” variety of institutions, in Austin), so Barr wanted organs, bones, If she wasn’t a such as hospitals, her daughter to live near and vessels of Dr. Alicia Barr lives her passion for professor, Dr. Barr D’lena Ipson uses state-of-the-art dedicated imaging her grandparents. That is the body using centers, or a clinic or connecting with students by teaching suspects that she the main reason Barr and some of the most equipment such as this portable x-ray private doctor’s office, psychology at South Plains College. would be working her husband returned to technologically machine at University Medical Center. depending on one’s Lubbock, she says. JORDAN PATTERSON/PLAINSMAN as a laboratory scientist. advanced SHELBY MORGAN/PLAINSMAN education, abilities, Dr. Barr has been a PRESS equipment in the and interests. professor at SPC since Her advice for PRESS students is, “Work medical field. “My only advice is 2001, having taught “I enjoy to stay ahead, and pay minutes after class and share hard and understand that General Psychology, Social working with patients and boyfriend. She also really attention,” Ipson said. “You their impressions and insights real learning and exemplary Psychology and American being a part of helping them enjoys traveling, having just can never be too prepared for Minority Studies. about class that day. She says grades take effort. But also feel better,” Ipson said. recently returned from a trip the kinds of cases you will get, “Some days are great, her favorite part about teaching recognize that if a class does “Sometimes we’re the first line to Copenhagen, Denmark, a because each one is different.” and other days are more of a at South Plains College, is not seem easy, that does not of defense in helping doctors trip she took with her brother In the future, she hopes challenge,” explains Dr. Barr. “When I can actually see mean you are not capable of diagnose patients when they and sister-in-law. She often to continue working in the “Often, this is related to the insight or the proverbial “light succeeding. Research tells come into the ER, by getting has dinner with friends and radiology department and topic for the day. Students are bulb goes on” in a student’s us that the individuals who excel in any area are the ones a better look inside of their cook-outs at home, as well as hopes to have the opportunity inherently more interested expression.” to travel more. in dreams than in research When Dr. Barr began who put in the most effort and body.” weekly Bible studies with her methods, and the time of the working at South Plains practice.” She always knew that she roommate and Bible study semester students are more College, her children were wanted to be a part of the group. energized is at the beginning very young (5 months and 2 [email protected] medical field to help people. “My co-workers are like smorgan 9504@students. of the semester, rather than 1/2 years old). At that time, her plainscollege.edu So the decision to go into the my extended family,” Ipson southplainscollege.edu Feature 13 Plainsman Press May 1, 2017 Mermaid makes splash at Lubbock Arts Festival by DESIREE MENDEZ into her long blue hair. When Moon did mention that she They Staff Writer Moon is not entertaining or doesn’t like all the pollution reconnected braiding wishes, she loves to in the water, especially plastic [EDITOR’S NOTE: at a resort in search for treasures and enjoys because the poor sea turtles This story contains some Arizona where creating beautiful, magical get caught in them or end up “nontraditional” answers.] he was teaching items to wear. eating them, which makes kids to be A long time ago, in the Moon provides a wide range them very sick. pirates and she mystical blue waters of the of entertainment, from reading “I did find out that Austin was teaching Mediterranean Sea, a mermaid with kids to swimming in kids to be was born of the moon and sea. a 40-foot tank. Moon has mermaids. Moon Mermaid (her lots of magical friends, “Our legal name) first surfaced including mermaids and goal one in 2003, when she began pirates. One special pirate day is to be her adventures. Moon began is Captain Jack Sparrow married,” to perform and entertain as impersonator, Janty said Captain one of the world’s first solo Chattaw. Sparrow. performing mermaids. She Moon loves to be able “My first Moon Mermaid goes for a swim in her 40-foot tank at the Lubbock was the first mermaid spotted to share her magic with and only Arts Festival in the Lubbock Civic Center. in Arizona, where she is from kids and adults love used to DESIREE MENDEZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS because she loved the warm “Everyone is so be the sea. swimming weather that is excited to see us, and But now my breathing apparatuses in parties, music festivals, year-round. bring magic into their first and only love lives in the tank. Captain Sparrow corporate events, meet and When Moon first started, lives because they don’t the sea.” is trained in CPR and was greets, photo opportunities, she started entertaining Moon has a children’s a lifeguard. Her pirates are company parties, conventions, for children’s parties book out called, “Moon trained and certified as well. grand openings, hotel and events. It was tricky Mermaid and entertainment, bookstore for Moon when she first the Treasure of readings, hospital visits, started, because no one Friendship.” She zoo and aquarium visits, had heard about hiring a no longer uses plastic reads it to the kids who festivals, fairs and mermaid. They were only bags, yay go Austin,” come to see her, and weddings. seen in aquariums. said Moon. she gives them treasure Moon also sells Once Moon started Moon is currently and loves talking with pictures, mermaid jewlery performing for larger engaged to Captain her little friends. She and mermaid tails for events and worked hard Sparrow. is currently working adults and kids. at promoting herself, Captain Sparrow on her second book Moon Mermaid and her business began to says he was fascinated called, “Moon and the Captain Sparrow were grow. Moon now has a with pirates when he Pirates.” recently in Lubbock to whole crew of pirates and was really young. He Moon says that appear at the Lubbock Arts mermaids. She also has a started 10 years ago, keeps up her mermaid Festival, which was held 28-foot mermaid lagoon, a when people would tell figure by swimming a on April 21- April 23 at 40-foot traveling tank. him that he looked like lot. Her bottom half the Lubbock Civic Center. “I look back and can’t Jack Sparrow or Johnny weighs 65 pounds, and You can contact believe how far and how Depp. While performing teaching kids how to her on Facebook at much I’ve grown,” said as Captain Jack at a be mermaids isn’t easy, TheMoonMermaid, Www. Moon. “I never would have resort, he met Moon, she says. Themoonmermaid.com, thought I’d be a full-time and they fell in love. Moon and Captain or check out her mermaid or a children’s “Captain Sparrow Sparrow live apart store at http://store. book author. You really can and Moon met roughly currently. She is from themoonmermaid.com. be anything you want when see a mermaid every day,” around 300 years ago when Arizona, and he is Captain Jack’s website you grow up.” said Moon. “They are just as he was a young pirate, the first based in Southern Some of Moon’s pirates are is www.PiratesForHire.com. During full moons, Moon is excited to see me as I am to time,” Captain Sparrow said California. But they do work her mermaid handlers. known for braiding wishes see them.” jokingly. a lot together, and Captain Moon Mermaid and her Sparrow will be moving to enchanting friends have Arizona. Local churches come been hired for events such dmendez2933@students. Moon doesn’t use any together to honor Christ as children’s parties, celebrity southplainscollege.edu by DESIREE MENDEZ Levelland resident and English you to understand what Christ instructor at South Plains Staff Writer went through, especially being College, participated in the whipped and beat and then spit St. Paul Lutheran Church, event with his wife and son. on while dragging his cross. St. Luke Episcopal Church, While growing up, Sanders It was a much more profound wasn’t very religious. So St. Michael Catholic Church and moving experience than I being able to experience the and others ministries from ever thought it would have.” Stations of the Cross with his the Levelland Ministerial This was the first time that family was very touching and the churches gathered and put Alliance, hosted a Stations of meaningful to him. this type of Stations of the the Cross service downtown “I wanted to be able to Cross event on. It was very on the corner of Houston carry the cross with my son beautiful and meaningful. It Street and Avenue G on April and have a very meaningful showed that no matter the 14. experience,” explained religion or background that we The Stations of the Cross Sanders. “When you have can all gather to praise Christ. were represented by the that weight of the cross on The Levelland Ministries is confirmation class of St. your shoulder, you begin to planning on having this same Michael’s Catholic Church. feel what Jesus felt. If I am event next year. The community gathered getting tired with this five- around to experience the pound cross on my shoulder, Stations of the Cross. It was I can just imagine what Christ a very touching experience. felt carrying a 100-pound dmendez2933@students. Steven Sanders, a cross. It makes it easier for southplainscollege.edu DESIREE MENDEZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS 14 Feature May 1, 2017 Plainsman Press Childhood trauma causes depression same hope and fight. Duran was shackled by depression, mother, mentioned there’s just heart, or the molester had no peace. No doctor can bind by DESIREE MENDEZ begged and pleaded for days anxiety and suicidial thoughts. no sugarcoating the trauma conscience. her wounds. Nothing you say Staff Writer at a time. It was then that She lost her spirit, and worst that disables your child’s life. Duran said she was sexually is comforting. You can’t tell Duran saw herself through of all, her hope. “Years passed and by now assaulted by family members her to forget it and move on, [EDITOR’S NOTE: This her friend, and it hit her hard. It was all boiled up until you become numb to the when she was 12. She says she for it is impossible to purge contains true stories about “I had finally felt what it she tried to take her life. haunting memories, just when was molested by a different a memory of a grave trauma. the affects of suicide and was like to be on the other “I was devastated and you thought you had done family member when she was Everything you do will never sexual assault. The article side of the road,” said be enough.” maybe a trigger for some Duran. Duran then met Andrea who have experienced or On July 21, 2015, (Dre) Corrales, her longtime are experiencing similar that person who friend. situations. No names had come to mean “Since the very first day I have been changed. These so much, who had met Ashley, I felt a connection are real people sharing helped Duran through to her,” said Corrales. “It their experience to raise one of the darkest was in that moment I knew I awareness.] times in her life, wanted her in my life.” Suicide is a serious topic decided to take her As they got to know each that tends to be only talked own life. Duran says other better, it was very about behind closed doors, or that she will never be apparent to Corrales that her not talked about at all. able to explain the friend had a rough life. “I’ve been dealing with pain and anger she “I don’t know if I would’ve suicidal thoughts since I was felt that day. had the strength she was able 13 years old,” said Ashley “Pain that I still to muster, and at such a young Duran. “I’ve never felt like I feel to this day,” said age,” said Corrales. “As time belong, like I was never good Duran. “For the first went on, our friendship grew enough.” time in my life, I saw stronger.” Duran has a past filled things not from the Corrales tries to educate with physical, sexual, mental, inside, but rather from herself, so that she is able to and emotional abuse. She the outside – from the help Duran when she has one always tried running from other side. I will never of her bad days. her memories, whether it be be able to express “Duran was dealt a horrific through drinking, abusing how sorry I am, sorry hand, but she has managed drugs, self-harm, and even for everything I have to do her best with what she attempting to take her own put my loved ones has,” said Corrales. “That’s life. Duran says she has through.” true strength to me, and in attempted suicide more times Duran has been Ashley Duran, husband Andrew and their kids enjoying an afternoon at the Lubbock Arts Festival. the midst of all the craziness, than she can count. married to Andrew Photos by DESIREE MENDEZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS she also managed to bring The last time was on Duran for 14 years. awareness and educate me July 21, 2013. She doesn’t He has known her about mental health issues.” remember much of what since she was 12 Despite all the odds that happened, except that she years old. heartbroken that I could do everything in your existence 11. She also said she was were stacked against her, was too tired to care. Duran “I’ve been with her since nothing to make her feel to protect molested Duran finished Cosmetology says she was too tired to live the beginning, through all the happy enough to want to your own when she school in December of 2014, and face the pain of her past good and bad,” said Andrew live,” said Andrew. “Even our child, you was 5 or 6, and graduated from SPC that and present. Duran. “At first, I didn’t know children had no effect on this learn that but doesn’t following May 2015. “I was tired of being how emotionally torn she was. outcome.” the giant has remember If anyone you or anyone a burden, tired of people It was a typical high school To this day, it is a daily attacked her the age you know have thoughts about constantly looking over relationship.” struggle. They are not a in the worst because she suicide, please seek help. their shoulder, because they Even after they got married normal family. They live life possible blocked the There are many resources out were worried,” said Duran, a and finished school, things to try make it the best for way,” said memory. there such as, National Suicide Levelland resident. Ashley. Duran. “My Prevention Lifeline Phone She began to Some “It has pain cannot Number, 1-800-273-8255, shut down because things will entertained compare to Crisis Text Line Text 741741, of depression. trigger her with the mental http://www.crisistextline.org, Because of Ashley’s suicidal debilitating or the Health and Wellness her depression anxiety or thoughts.” thoughts Center on the SPC campus. and suicidal depression, Smith that my thoughts, she made and all they lives day by daughter the choice to be can do is day wondering if it’s the day has to deal with every day,” admitted into a try their her daughter will take her Smith said. “No amount of dmendez2933@students. psychiatric unit in best to be life because the rapist had no therapy can bring back her southplainscollege.edu 2013, because she supportive knew if she didn’t and that she would make the continue to attempt situation taking her life until better. she succeeded. “Things This cycle are better,” is vicious. Even said though even after Andrew, almost four years, “but I will sometimes suicide never be still crosses her able to get mind. Every day, the thought Duran deal with out of my ups and downs. mind that Sometimes she I could doesn’t want to possibly get out of bed, and come feels like dying. home and “I just want the find Ashley emotional pain to dead. It’s a end,” said Duran. seemed normal. He knew daily struggle, and I take “I take medication. I talk to about her past. But at the it as is, one day at a time. my friends, and family. I try time, it wasn’t something that Tomorrow is not promised, to work through it. That is all came out openly as a problem. and the fact that she is still I can really do.” Andrew knew that she had here gives me hope.” When Duran was in the tried to kill herself before, and One of the things that hospital in 2013, she met one he witnessed her inflict self- Andrew lives by, and truly of the most loving people, harm on herself. But it wasn’t believes, comes from his who became one of the most tying into what would later be favorite movie, “The Crow.” important people in her life. a bigger picture. “Love Never Dies” When She was someone who was Then they had their son, someone dies, you remember facing her own battles, and, to Drayvin. After a few months, the things they loved and say the least, understood what Ashley was suffering from when you lose someone or it was like to be at such a low postpartum depression, yet something -that love you point in life. things seemed normal. It have for them will never die,” However, she would never wasn’t until they had their said Andrew. “If anything, it let Duran do the same for her. daughter, Atavynn, that she will only grow stronger. For She was a lost cause; her mind actually broke. Something people who are struggling had already been made up. As inside her broke. with suicide, what better gift Duran started to recover, she Andrew watched helplessly can you give to them than became worried. She wanted as the young woman he loves love? Who knows? It just this person, who had given so much, who was so caring, might make a difference.” her so much hope, to find that loving and free-spirited, Sandra Smith, Duran’s Entertainment 15 Plainsman Press May 1, 2017 ‘Lego City’ delivers fun, smashing gameplay by RILEY GOLDEN The player then unlocks the fun laser pistol. Later on in the that will open gates or turn the get distracted in “Lego City The most noticeable and Entertainment Editor Miner disguise. This disguise game, Chase also acquires a jet power on to something. Undercover.” But even then, most hilarious pop culture gives Chase access to dyna- pack that can only be used with With all of the tools that it only takes about 15 hours to reference in the game is when Fast cars, pretty women, mite vending machines which one of the astronaut and beautiful views that have can be found all over the city, disguises. one thing in common. They’re as well as a pickaxe that allows Chase is then all built out of Legos. Chase to break up piles of sent to assist an “Lego City Undercover” is rock that could be blocking an old farmer, and he a third-person action/adven- entrance or hiding something tells Chase to put ture game in which the player valuable. on some overalls takes control of Officer Chase Next before he can get McCain to chase down the is the to work. This un- criminal known as Rex Fury. As- locks the Farmer The city is in the grips of tro- disguise. With the a crime wave, and it’s up to naut farmer disguise, Chase McCain to bring it to dis- Chase can water a halt. To do so, he’s going to flower pots that need to take advantage of all will grow into a of his undercover outfits. giant sunflow- The player starts er that works out in Chase’s ci- as a platform, vilian clothes but or one that shortly gains access grows vines to a police uniform. up a building Photo illustrations by RILEY GOLDEN/PLAINSMAN PRESS It’s really a blast that the player can to hop behind the climb. The farmer wheel of a police disguise also gives Chase a Chase gains with each dis- run through the story once. I Lego versions of Starsky and car, chase down a bad chicken that the player can use guise, there will be a circle on would’ve really appreciated a Hutch fly onto the scene in guy, and slap some cuffs to shoot eggs at people or glide the ground indicating which 20 to 25-hour-long story mode. their classic red-and-white car on them. from one spot to the next. tool can be used where. There But I digress, because there is that’s made out of Legos. Next, the player gets Next, Chase is sent to a fire will be parts of the game and still a lot of fun to be had in My favorite part of “Lego a very typical-looking station to acquire something story mode that the game. City Undercover” is all of the robber outfit, wearing . To do so, he has to don a can only be ac- There are a lot of re- different Lego vehicles the a black beanie, black fire fighter disguise. This cessed later on, al-world and pop culture player can drive. There are eye mask, and a black- disguise gives Chase a refer- ences in the cute little smart cars, awesome and-grey shirt. This is handheld water-sprayer game race cars, a Lamborghini-es- under the criminal disguis- that the player can use to que car called the Drakonas, es. While wearing one of the guise, which gives Chase put out fires, and an axe that and one similar to an criminal disguises, the player access to these little white can be used to chop down old school Cor- has access to a crow bar and a cubes that open up to reveal a wood that is nailed across a vette called the color gun. The crowbar is used satellite dish that beams down door. Cetan. There to break open doors, lockers, an object, broken legos that Lastly, the player gains ac- are dirt bikes, or hatches, and the color gun need to be assembled, or even cess to a construction worker lifted trucks, can be equipped with different an alien for the player to chase disguise. This disguise gives utility vehicles, colors that will help the player down and cuff. The astronaut Chase a jackhammer and the and a wide range complete certain objectives. disguise also gives Chase a ability to fix electrical breakers once the player unlocks of cop cars. I really the disguise. love that they’re all made With all other Lego out of Legos. ‘Belko’ leaves social issues games that I have played, that play on the “Lego City Undercover” the player is accompanied by typical goofy comedy that is “Grand Theft Auto” meets one or more companions that accompanies the Lego games. Legos, and it makes for a great behind for kills, spectacle all have different abilities, so The player can visit The Fu- mashup. The game is available I like that the player is able sileani Tower, an obvious on the PlayStation 4, Xbox by TYLER YORK The first is the one known increasingly abusive and ag- to flip through the different reference to the Leaning Tower One, and I played it on the Online Editor as the Milgram Experiment, gressive. The students acting disguises, instead of having of Piza, and the post card hi- Nintendo Switch, which made a series of tests conducted as prisoners became more four other companions, which lariously points out that it’s, pulling out both sets of my Joy The best part about working by Stanley Milgram at Yale distressed and submissive to makes for a much less clut- “A real pizza history and an Con controllers and playing a thankless, corporate office University in 1961. This ex- acts of psychological torture tered experience. experience that’s worth every anywhere with a friend even job is going home at the end periment involved a researcher carried out by the guards. Although there aren’t usual- penne.” better. of the day. instructing a “teacher” partic- Both of these experiments ly any extra characters hanging There’s a reference to Lib- I give “Lego City Under- That freedom vanishes in ipant to give a memory test involve troubling questions around, a friend can still seam- erty Island on which the Statue cover” 4.5 out of 5 stars. an instant when the employees to a third “learner” in another about blindly following au- lessly drop into your game via of Liberty is a giant green of “The Belko Experiment” room (actually an actor in on thority. “Belko” seems to splitscreen coop at pretty much Lego woman. There is also find themselves locked in their the study). With every wrong want to feature that as its main anytime. Albatross Island, a reference building. A mysterious an- answer, the “teacher” would theme. My least favorite part about to Alcatraz Island, and hi- nouncer pits them against one administer electric shocks to In reality, the movie’s the game is how short the story lariously labeled a “federal rgolden3411@students. another in a violent game, spots of intelligence and is. There are a lot of ways to correctional retreat.” southplainscollege.edu and the result leaves the thought-provoking symbol- audience wanting. ism are unfortunately over- In one of the most shadowed by its celebration brutal films I’ve ever of primal savagery. seen, “Belko” paints an The grim situation at the interesting portrait of start of the film only be- yielding to authority. But comes increasingly darker it’s covered in a liberal and more ruthless. There is coat of gore that will turn a brief moment of bitter- an enormous number of sweet catharsis, followed people off from its un- almost immediately by more derlying message, myself hopelessness through the included. conclusion. The horror of In the desolate inner the acts these former friends city of Bogotá, Colom- carry out on each other gives bia, a group of office the viewer very little payoff workers inhabit a build- beyond being a witness to a ing that looks like a ster- corporate bloodbath. ile monument to the cor- For those who are consid- porate world. It thrusts ering watching “Belko” to itself past the barren, see a thoughtful social com- crumbling surroundings mentary, the time is better and safely into the skyline the “learner.” These increased spent with a documentary. For above. The coworkers leave in voltage, until the “learner” those wanting a fiesta of blood, their bubble of security when fell silent and unresponsive. guts, and white collar cruelty, massive metal plates cover The results showed that many Quentin Tarantino films every escape route. A voice most people will go to great do it better. For those who are on the intercom then informs lengths to continue complying standing in front of the box them they are now participants with authority, when doing so office because the film they in a social experiment. seems to be harmful, or even wanted to see is sold out, this The rest of the film plays fatal, to others. movie will fill a spare hour through the employees’ social The second is the Stanford and a half. breakdown, their fight for mo- Prison Experiment, infamous- I give “The Belko Experi- rality, and the violent rampage ly led by Philip Zimbardo ment” 3 out of 5 stars. that follows. in 1971. This was a test per- There are two real-world formed on college students experiments that mirror the placed into randomly-assigned themes present in “Belko,” roles of authority. During the and it’s clear the film’s cre- course of a week, the students rgolden3411@students. ators studied them well. assigned to be guards became southplainscollege.edu 16 Entertainment May 1, 2017 Plainsman Press Student athletes explore interest in rap music by CHANISE RAY However, toward the end of mother realized Baty’s talent raised in the suburbs of Dallas, whatever I wanted, I got. to show through his music Staff Writer the basketball season, Baty’s right away. Texas. The only difference with that the popular topics that he has life took a slight turn. Dealing Rapping about everyday Despite the sound of that, was I had to work for it. It’s known all his life. Two South Plains College with her depression, she turned life experiences, she hopes she says her life wasn’t easy. a different type of work, like “When it comes to putting students have led amazing doing good in together sentences, there’s a athletic careers so far and school, and sense of real into it,” Bethea continue to impress. taking care of explained. “I grew up in However, they have my business.” Philadelphia, so that was just also shown that they are Baty says around me. It was nurtured.” very talented in another she has always “When you speak about area. had a passion topics on what you want to Dabrasia Baty and for music. write about, it’s not too many Saahir Bethea are “I used to things you can say that you proving to be more than always have a experience,” he added. “So average with their artistry mic, a piano,” drugs, money, sex, all that of making music. It is she said. “I was just in my childhood of rare to catch an athlete had every growing up.” who plays a sport and instrument, Being so far away from has music as a hobby. almost every home while pursuing his Unless you’re Master instrument, education and competing P, or for some of you you can name. in track, Bethea has found who do not know who But I never comfort in his music. He says that is, then let’s just say really got a he plans to continue his music Troy Bolten from “High chance to go do career when he transfers to the School Musical.” as much with University of Kentucky, the Baty was a point guard it as I wanted school he committed to on a on the SPC women’s to because of track scholarship. basketball team who was basketball, Back home in Philadelphia, seen as a floor general. because that Bethea has a group that make Despite her fierce was what was music together. The group first.” presence on the court, Dabrasia Baty working in the South Plains College music studio in April 27. named themselves Grind 4 a Baty claims to be very Baty says Purpose. Bethea hopes to get CHANISE RAY/PLAINSMAN PRESS shy. She says her mom she’s new to his music out there with a free was hesitant at first to rap and had no music streaming application hear about this new journey to her music. Eventually Baty to help people going through “I grew up a little bit idea this would be how she called Soundcloud, which she was taking into her music shared one of her songs with some of the same things. Baty, different,” said Baty, “Not contributed to music, but she is very popular for aspiring career because of her shyness. her mother, and, of course, her also known as D Babi, was to say I had everything, but says she is thankful. amateur musicians. Baty takes classes in the Both students show a lot Commercial Music Building of passion for their music, ‘Free Fire’ unique take on crime genre hoping she found her nitch. spending hours a day in a She doesn’t leave studio. by RYAN FITZGERALD as the idea of honor among than by design, contribute same old Boston warehouse anyone out in her “We be in here, got Staff Writer thieves is thrown out the to particularly clear visuals, – no change in location or music audience. She class the next day early in window. which perfectly captures the scenery. Yet Wheatley stands says her music is for the morning, it don’t even “Free Fire” was different. At this point, the film mayhem of bullets ripping firm with his creative vision, everyone. matter,” said Baty. “We It is puzzling, yet in some odd becomes an extended shootout through the shoulder pad of with equally imaginative “It could help getting to it. This is what way, surprising. that resembles the final act of someone’s suit, or flinging camera angles to make the everybody,” said we love to do.” In a surprisingly snarky and any gangster movie or western about dirt and debris, as they film feel fresh throughout. Baty. “I don’t Bethea and Baty even dark way, the film seems to film. This is what the story ricochet off concrete columns “Free Fire” is generally wanna just have a few songs reflect a mash up of Quinton becomes – a narrative spun out in every direction. entertaining, a bit cynical, limit together. “What Tarantino’s and offers an myself You Up To” “Reservoir exchange of the to one is the newest Dogs,” juxtaposition of genre, song the two with a wit between two or one have made bastardized factions. The group of together. stage characters are people.” Using the production all portrayed as The quality of some an egocentric, style of equipment the new “West rag-tag group music SPC Creative of morons who Baty Arts program Side Story” Saahir Bethea spinoff. have no clue makes is offers, the two “Free how to conduct what is generalized as rap are able to record, mix, and Fire” is business as music. Baty says she doesn’t edit all of their songs for free centered responsible want to put out any of her because of their participation around a adults. music unless it is perfect. The in classes. 1970s-arms Instead, young artist explains she is just Another student works with deal gone audiences could going with the flow and seeing the duo and actually mixes the awry. Irish rejoice in the where her music takes her. songs. separatists fact that each Bethea, a sophomore on the They continue to show intend character’s SPC track team, is known as their passion and do what they to buy a lifespan in the “Sah” for short. He says his seem to love, which is make truckload of film ends as a cousin inspired him to start music. The three seem very automatic result of the age- making music. knowledgeable on the process weapons from a South African of the comedic aspects of the “Free Fire” expresses a old mantra, “he had it coming.” “I looked up to my cousin it takes to create music. If any gun-runner named Vernon violent calamity that ensues. new level of irony, in that I give “Free Fire” 3.5 out . . . ,” said Bethea. “He was other students want to show (Sharlto Copley), who can’t The film, in and of itself, being an organized criminal of 5 stars. just my inspiration to start their talents, the artists are help but continually suffer is a bit of a satirical piece – is far from the under-the- doing it, you know, putting always looking to collaborate from the emotional fallout of exploiting the stereotypes radar, clandestine, espionage- words together and the fancy with fellow students. being misdiagnosed as a child associated with a modern esque operation that many rhythm. It was cool, and at that genius. Hollywood shootout and think it is. Rather, it’s really moment, it just made its way Vern, accompanied by making fun of the most just a mess of misinformed, into my heart.” Ord (Armie Hammer), his boisterous of the crime noir particularly shallow agendas rfitzgerald@ Bethea, who grew up in cray9246@students. American go-between, agree genre. There are bullets flying among individuals who do not southplainscollege.edu Philadelphia, Penn., seems southplainscollege.edu to meet at a Boston warehouse everywhere. No one ever know how to communicate, or as the site for a classic seems to need to reload a really play well with others. exchange of guns for money, weapon. Everyone gets nicked, The story ends predictably, Bring your grades back to life with their Northern Irish bullet wounds snowball, and as someone watching this contingent of Chris (Cillian then each character over reacts film through the eyes of Murphy) and Frank (Michael in response to the severity of exaggeration and ridicule Smiley), in addition to Justine the situation. Still, members would expect. Director Ben (Brie Larson), the lady who have time for the occasional Wheatley offers what would facilitates the whole deal. cigarette, the over-dramatic almost be considered a parody, As the exchange is set to hunt for more ammo and with a film that exposes a conclude, anarchy abounds. even time to worry about the preposterously elaborate plot Based on a prior confrontation, destruction of their new suits, that looks past motive and plan two worthless bums, one hired all the while poking fun at one for something reactionary and muscle by the Irish and the another throughout the entire unrefined. Visit the South Plains College Library other by Vernon, are just in incident. The film keeps viewers If it wasn’t for the cast’s vested in the players, and attendance to serve as paid Levelland Campus Reese Center Plainview Center charisma and smooth play off the mysteries as to why each labor for moving the weapons. 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Mon-Thur Librarian on Duty But they rekindle a personal one another, the film would character is reluctant to just 7:45 am - 8:30 pm Mon-Wed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Fri Noon - 6:00 pm Wed-Thur grudge from the night before, have fallen flat. Moreover, call a truce or step away from 7:45 am - 4:00 pm Thur & Fri Closed Sat & Sun plunging the entire arms deal the export use of lighting the action. The movie seems Closed Sat into chaos. After one opens and flamboyant colors may to reach a point when movie- fire on another, the entire have contributed to the goers forget that the entire film situation gets out of hand, stylistic choices of the 1970s, occurs on the main floor of the Entertainment 17 Plainsman Press May 1, 2017 ‘Preacher’ brings controversial questions to niche series by RYAN FITZGERALD future lineup of shows. AMC, adaptation of a classic graphic preferred an approach Staff Writer most notably, locked down novel to television audiences. that was faithful to, and “The Walking Dead” first, The first season of in the spirit of, the original Pulling from comics and bringing the original 2003 “Preacher” was introduced series that would include the graphic novels as source comic series to life in 2010 last year, bringing the same troubled best elements of the 1990s material for new television and making the title one of adult-themed content that beliefs who Genesis, run of the comic, yet translate series and movies has reached the most watched series in the viewers have come to expect is trying to God has to a television adaptation an all-time high. history of television. from AMC. make good on abandoned that would contain fresh and Film-goers will recognize Following the success of “Preacher” began its run life by saving heaven. various storylines. several titles associated with “The Walking Dead,” the CW in the comic world under the fictional, The series Despite exceptional writing the more famous properties and Warner Bros. Television the Vertigo imprint in 1993. yet eerily sets up and a narrative that can’t help of the comic world, which established its stake in this Vertigo was created by DC relatable, West Custer’s but drag you into the story span the past two decades, new adaptation of comic- Comics as an outlet to publish Texas town of journey head first, the cast is truly what including 1994’s “The Crow,” centric television by bringing new stories that contained Annville from across sets this show apart. Dominic the “Blade” trilogy, and newly- a collection of superhero series more graphic content, explicit Odin Quincannon the United Cooper brings a sense of depicted origin stories of focused around several of DC violence, profanity and other (Jackie Earle States to grizzled charm, with the right several Marvel and DC staples Comics’ more underdeveloped controversial subjects - all Haley), the literally find balance of bad boy, to the such as “Daredevil,” “Elektra,” characters, such as the Flash, of which did not fit into the demented God and screen to keep viewers vested “Ghost Rider,” “Hellboy,” Green Arrow and Supergirl. restrictions originally set forth corporate help Jesse in his spiritual struggles. Ruth nut job who overcome Negga (now an Academy undoubtedly the Award-nominated actress suffers from internal thanks to her performance the most paradox in ‘Loving’), brings grit and severe and violent case of angel and spunk to the reckless spitfire of Napoleon syndrome devil, believer of that is the character of Tulip. known to man. God and lover of sin. Other characters from the But what makes the series He attempts to settle series make their appearances, (and graphic novel, for that the confliction he feels including the gay angels, Fiore matter) so intriguing, is that between follower and and DeBlanc, Sheriff Hugo at the beginning of the series, apostate. Root and his disfigured son, as Jesse is stumbling in his Throughout the season, Eugene (known as Arseface). faith of God, he becomes viewers are introduced Overall, the series will possessed by a supernatural to a plethora of interesting continue with its second creature named Genesis. characters, including Cassidy season in June, as Jesse, Tulip Genesis is an otherworldly (Joseph Gilgun), the wild, and Cassidy set out to answer offspring of the coupling of party-friendly, Irish vampire, the question set up through an angel and a demon…a love and Tulip, Jesse’s former everything that happened child of sorts. Genesis, as an lover and partner in crime during the first season: If entity, has no individual will from a past life that Jesse is these is no God, does life but is composed of goodness continually fighting to forget. have meaning? The end of the “Green Lantern,” “Hulk,” the Still, these shows are designed by the Comics Code Authority and evil, a power that rivals “Preacher” was brilliantly first season, and presumably “Punisher” and, of course, to appeal to a larger national (CCA), which attempted only God himself. It makes delivered by creators Seth beginning this June, the quest “Batman,” “Superman” and audience, as they don’t feature to self-censor the industry. Jesse the most powerful Rogen and Evan Goldberg. to find God and get answers their affiliated adversaries. the more gruesome, and Thankfully, publishers broke individual to walk the Earth. Both producers, who have for the big man’s abandonment During the past several arguably, more memorable with the CCA’s regulation of Upon housing Genesis been longtime fans of the of heaven and his supernatural years, cable networks such storyline associated with “The comic books and their related within his body, Jesse is original series, initially responsibilities will finally as AMC and the CW have Walking Dead.” materials in the late 2000s. serendipitously granted a holy considered an unwavering, begin. begun taking hold of rights More recently, AMC has “Preacher” chronicles the tongue, with which he garners faithful translation of the to a new mature, independent reached deep into their bag of story of smalltown Texas the ability to command others, source material, but was talked string of characters and purchased material to bring a preacher, Jesse Custer. He is a using his words. To complicate out of that idea by original rfitzgerald@southplainscol- properties to work into their new, uncanny and unearthly man of questioning faith and matters, upon the creation of writer, Garth Ennis - who lege.edu Suicide mystery handled with care in ‘13 Reasons Why’ by HANNAH NELSON get heavier and heavier with you uncomfortable, hurt, Reason Why” has. Not many Show that you care about possibly save a life, just as it Staff Writer each episode. angry, and confused. Most of shows discuss issues such as someone who needs it. It could could have saved Hannah’s Possibly the most forceful all, it is going life. For many people, this is A new Netflix series turns a part of the series is Hannah’s to make viewers their real story, whether they tragic tale into a hard-hitting suicide scene. The episode understand that are suicidal, have been raped, show full of heartbreak, actually shows Hannah in her suicide can’t or don’t see their potential. Let devastation, and guilt. bath tub slitting her wrists with just be ignored. “13 Reasons Why” spark the “13 Reasons Why” covers a razor. This was a defining It is a real issue change for hope, support, and the story of high school teen moment for the show. It makes that needs real awareness. Hannah Baker, who comitted the story real and painful. This support. If you are looking for a binge suicide. You follow Clay is something most producers Since its worthy show to watch during as he receives and your free time, this show may listens to 13 tapes that not be for you. However, If Hannah recorded before you want to educate yourself killing herself. These about a tragic issue within our tapes are delivered to world, please watch this show. every person who was involved in Hannah’s [email protected] death. plainscollege.edu On them she describes what each person did to be on the tapes. Most suicide and rape. From start of the people who have to finish, every episode is listened to the tapes are forceful. not even aware of what There is a problem with they did until Hannah all the attention this show tells them. has received through social You see Hannah media. The message portrayed experience high school in “13 Reasons Why” is through flashbacks worth so much more than to tell her story. She just a tweet or Facebook experiences many post. Even though the show typical high school may be fiction, it showcases drama scenarios. real-life occurrences. The However, as the series issue of suicide deserves to continues, situations be acknowledged and spread build and escalate. farther than a social media Hannah goes from page. dealing with small After watching “13 Reasons problems that every Why,” take emotions that you person typically felt and let them empower experiences to you to make a difference. That traumatizing situations is the real message behind that completely unravel this show. The show is not her life. meant for entertainment. Each This show doesn’t try episode is going to make you to sugar coat these issues uncomfortable, make you cry, presented. Even now, suicide would be hesitant to show, release, “13 Reasons Why” and make you think. While is still a delicate situation because it is a hard concept has exploded on social media. watching, realize that you to talk about, especially for to grasp. Everyone is talking about could be someone’s Clay or media purposes. However, this But “13 Reasons Why” this show on Facebook and Jessica. You have the potential series completely changes the is focused on pushing Twitter. It is easy to see why, to save a life that you didn’t game. The content seems to boundaries. It’s going to make as no show has done what “13 even know was in jeopardy. 18 Sports May 1, 2017 Plainsman Press Track teams prepare for nationals with dominating performances by DOMINICK PUENTE 1:53.42, while Dekaryea Free- Laquan Nairn placed second Abrocquah placed third with a In the 400-meter hurdles, In the shot put, freshman th Editorial Assistant man finished 16 with a time with a jump of 7.70 meters, time of 3:45.95. Williams placed first with a Mclendon Hill placed first of 1:56.08. while sophomore Saahir Bet- In the women’s long jump, time of 50.90. Holmes placed with a throw of 15.85 meters. The South Plains College In the 1500-meter run, fresh- hea finished fourth with a jump freshman Cha’Kaylin Gilbert second with a time of 51.11, In javelin, Williams placed track and field teams have man Felix Kosegi finished 18th of 7.40 meters. Sophomore finished 10th with first with a throw continued to post dominating with a time of 4:02.91. Derrick Monroe finished sixth a jump of 5.70 of 63.57 meters, results as the end of the season In the 100-meter hurdles, with a jump of 7.27 meters. meters. and sophomore nears. freshman William Watson In the shot put, freshman The SPC track Zach Hancock The Texans, have gathered placed fifth with a time of Patrick Johnson finished eighth teams also com- placed second 35 national qualifying marks, 14.49, while freshman Mason with a throw of 11.30 meters, peted in the David with a throw of while the Lady Texans have Weh placed eighth with a time while sophomore Adrian Wil- Noble Invitation- 39.61 meters. gathered 38 national qualify- of 14.87. liams placed third in the javelin al in San Angelo, In the women’s ing marks. In the 400-meter hurdles, with a throw of 58.99 meters. which unfolded 200-meters, Prieto April 6 - April 8. placed first with In the men’s a time of 23.86, 200-meter run, and Abolaji placed Charles placed third with a time of first with a time 24.27. of 21.20. In the 400-me- In the 400-me- ter run, McDonald ter run, freshman placed first with a Montel Hood time of 53.46. placed third with In the wom- a time of 47.16, en’s 10,000-me- while Atkinson ter run, freshman finished sixth with Leslie Romero a time of 47.50. placed first with a In the 800-me- time of 19:23.07. ter run, Freeman Sophomore Poro finished fifth with Gahekave placed a time of 1:57.10. second with a time In the 1500-me- of 19:29.16, and ter run, Downs Jr. freshman Lydia finished sixth with Laquan Nairn practices his long jump form to Mancillas placed a time of 4:08.80. prepare for Nationals at the SPC track on April third with a time of 23:07.27. In the 12. TOVI OYERVIDEZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS Candace Thomas gets her practice throws in for javelin at the SPC track on April 12. 5000-meter run, In the 4 x 100 TOVI OYERVIDEZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS Kosgei placed first with a time while Watson placed third with relay, a team of Abolaji, Prieto, of 15:24.00, while sophomore a time of 51.95. Taylor Hill and Safia Bright The NJCAA Outdoor Na- freshman Rayan Holmes In the women’s 100-meter Omero Rodriguez placed sec- In the men’s 4 x 100-meter placed second with a time of tional Championship will be placed third with a time of run, freshman Omotayo Abo- ond with a time of 15:30.37. relay, a team of Roje Jack- 45.14. held in Hutchinson, Kansas 52.11, while freshman William laji finished sixth with a time Sophomore Nicholas Rotich son-Chin, Charles, Watson and In the 4 x 400 relay, a team from May 18 - May 20. Watson finished sixth with of 11.82. placed third with a time of Atkinson placed second with a of Smith, McDonald, Prieto While preparing for the Na- a time of 52.86 and sopho- In the 200-meter run, fresh- 16:12.72. time of 40.87. and Abrocquah placed first tional meet, the teams compet- more Robert Dunning finished man Safia Bright finished ninth In the men’s 10,000-meter In men’s high jump, McGee with a time of 3:42.21. ed in the John Jacobs Invita- eighth with a time of 53.47. with a time of 24.73. run, sophomore Jose Silva placed first with a jump of 2.10 In the discus, freshman Jan- tional on April 15 in Norman, In the 4 x 400-meter relay, In the 400-meter run, placed first with a time of meters. nia Price placed second with a Oklahoma. a team of Charles, Atkinson, freshman Natassha McDon- 34:01.74, and sophomore Con- In the pole vault, freshman throw of 42.30 meters. In the 200-meter run, fresh- sophomore Okeen Williams ald placed first with a time nor Hughes placed third with a Jonathan Witt placed first In women’s javelin, Kate- man Jordan Atkinson placed and freshman Montell Hood of 53.94, while sophomore time of 35:20.96. with a vault of 3.97 meters, lyn Clarkston placed second sixth with a time of 20.98, finished second with a time of Mauricia Prieto placed fourth In the 110-meter hurdles, and Collin Rodriguez placed with a throw of 36.78 meters, while freshman Junior Charles 3:10.04. with a time of 55.77 and fresh- Weh placed first with a time second with a vault of 3.82 and Candace Thomas placed placed third in the 400-meter In the high jump, sopho- man Agnes Abrocquah finished of 14.55. Freshman Patrick meters. third with a throw of 36.07 run with a time of 48.03. more Kwaume McGee fin- ninth with a time of 56.96. Johnson placed second with In the long jump, Derrick meters. In the 800-meter run, ished eighth with a jump of In the 4 x 400-meter relay, a time of 15.40, and freshman placed first with a jump of 7.63 sophomore Robert Downs 2.00 meters. a team of sophomore Latriceia Marcus Weeks finished fourth meters, and Bethea placed sec- dpuente3388@students. Jr. placed sixth with a time In the long jump, freshman Smith, McDonald, Prieto and with a time of 17.41. ond with a 7.53-meter jump. southplainscollege.edu Love for fighting leads student toward Taipei Summer Olympics fantasy has become a reality SPC as he goes to compete in Since three fighters were ei- him. In the second round, he only has three fights in Wushu by ALEX PEREZ for Bruce Wang. his home country and fight in ther injured or could not do it, came back with a vengeance but has been successful in the Feature Editor Wang, a freshman who at- a style called Wushu. Wushu is Wang stepped up to the chal- and ended up winning by TKO sport. His event will be from Honor, dedication and prac- tends classes at South Plains new to the Universaide Olym- lenge. After deciding to take in his first fight. Aug. 26- Aug. 30. tice is the life motto of one College’s Reese Center cam- pic Games. It is a mix of all the fight, it was later revealed “I told myself, I have to Wang is a very humble student fighter. pus, and many other students Chinese traditional martial Most of the world has been from around the country were arts, and soon, Wang will a spectator for multiple MMA selected to try out or and com- get the honor of competing fights, but imagine training pete at the 2017 29th Summer in the sport for Team USA. for half of your life, and now Universaide Olympic Games Wang is an experienced being able to compete in the in Taipei. fighter who says he is ready Taipei 2017 Olympics. This Wang will be representing to take on the new challenge in Taipei. In order to be a part of Team USA, Wang and seven other fighters performed to their best ability and were judged by a panel of six, who then chose the final four. One was Wang. The young fighter moved to the United States in 2008 with his uncle. He played basketball in high school for a bit, but soon began his training in martial arts with his uncle. “I kind of don’t like do- ing team sports, so I chose fighting,” said Wang of his introduction to martial arts. Wushu fighter Bruce Wang prepares himself for the 2017 Taipei Olympics with Coach Wang’s uncle runs his own Lee on April 25 at the United Martial Arts Training Center. gym in Lubbock, the Unit- ed Martial Arts Training Center, and is a USA national to him that he was going up finish this round,” says Wang fighter who keeps to himself team coach. With his past against a 27-year-old black about his fight. and trains hard to get the experience, Wang’s coach and belt in Tai Quan Do. At the With the Universaide championship. He has been uncle is an excellent source for time, he was still being intro- Olympic Games coming up, he given the opportunity to go training. duced to the fighting scene. trains with his coach for about to the Universaide Olympic Wang’s first big fight being “My uncle told me to just three hours a day and as much games before, but let a senior coached by his uncle was one take the fight, because I had as he can on weekends. A full- teammate go before he did. of his interesting fights. nothing to lose,” said Wang. time training schedule would Wang says he holds himself to “I was nervous and kind of “I tried to throw some crazy be six hours a day. But since a high standard, but does not freaked out a little bit, but still punches, but the guy got me Wang is a part-time student at believe in flaunting his talents. really calm,” recalls Wang. with a lucky punch,” he added. SPC and has a part-time job, “Everybody has to lose at Martial artist and SPC student Bruce Wang will Wang was 17 at the time “So I got knocked down, in the he has a dedicated schedule to some point,” says Wang. represent the United States in the 2017 summer when a promoter came to his first round.” fit everything in. Olympics. PHOTOS BY ALEX PEREZ/PLAINSMAN uncle and asked for a fighter Fortunately, the bell saved Wang, who plans to pursue [email protected] PRESS to go against another fighter. Wang, and his coach talked to graphic design in the future, plainscollege.edu Sports 19 Plainsman Press May 1, 2017 Fining NBA coach for opinion hurts league image

Leonard, Leonard had more the league commissioner and coach who states a positive turn, will bring better results in even the most experienced free-throw opportunities than office know what needs to be response, then burn another and more people to the sport officials. the entire Grizzlies team. fixed. player for expressing his con- of basketball. The difference in the num- The league fined Fizdale As for Fizdale, he should cerns, is not just. Instead of fining individ- ber of free throws does indi- $30,000 after his rant, which have every right to express his As for the idea of utiliz- uals thousands of dollars for cate that maybe the officials I believe is unnecessary and concerns. The league office ing criticism from coaches their own opinions, the league were not partial to the Griz- hurts the league overall. demands players and coaches and players to help build the should consider the criticism zlies. While it might not be Whether Fizdale was right have press conferences after NBA, I think, as a collective as advice or hints to work on about pedigree, Fizdale had about his team being treated games and throughout the whole, the league office is not what needs to be fixed to create every right to be upset and unfairly because Spurs coach season. If the NBA sets those comprehending how well that a better system and cohesive should have been able to voice Gregg Popovich and his team guidelines, coaches and play- could benefit the league and organization. his concerns without receiving have pedigree, while Fizdale ers should have the right to allow more positive outcomes. I do understand that Fizdale a fine so the NBA could save and the Grizzlies are rookies, express their feelings on any Allowing coaches to talk was fined for ranting about the face. or just lack the experience, is issue, even if it is expressing about the concerns of players officiating, while all three offi- another topic for debate. disgust toward officiating or with the NBA and the overall cials have officiated more than However, fining coaches the NBA overall. system should be allowed to 400 playoff games combined. dpuente3388@students. and players for speaking their Although the NBA is a busi- better the league, which, in There is still room for error southplainscollege.edu by DOMINICK PUENTE mind is idiotic. Coaches and ness, the coaches and players Editoral Assistant players should have a voice should be able to utilize free- in the organization to express dom of speech without having MVP race heats up with Westbrook, Harden Having the ability to speak their thoughts about how they to be fined or punished. out about problems within dif- are seeing things and what they Throughout the years, the recently broke Oscar Robert- me, Westbrook’s triple-double ferent sports league has son’s NBA record with his 42nd feat shouldn’t be taken lightly. should not fined countless triple-double. However, that Regardless, I do believe that be hindered coaches and may not secure his chances of if either one of the amazing by league players for ex- winning the MVP. I recently athletes that I have mentioned offices with pressing their saw a stat that the Thunder do win the MVP, they will fines or other thoughts on the have won just 55 percent of be very well deserving of it. punishments NBA. Yet when their games, and no player Both Westbrook and Hard- to maintain the league has since the NBA-ABA merger en have shown incredible their image. something to in 1976 has won the MVP strength during this season The NBA say, whether award on a team that had a while playing similar roles recently it be good or winning percentage less than for their teams. With the OKC fined Griz- bad, no one is .561. Reading this made my Thunder recently losing their zlies coach looking over opinion change about who star player, Kevin Durant, to David the league’s should be the MVP. Golden State, you can tell they Fizdale af- actions. by CHANISE RAY Typically, the MVP is, of have suffered from that loss. ter he ranted The league course, the most valuable play- Pushing forward, Westbrook about the of- is made up of Staff Writer er. But he should be the most continues to carry his team on ficiating after their first playoff feel about the league and the fully-grown men and women Russell Westbrook is one valuable for the winning team. his back. game against the San Antonio officials. who are educated enough to of many obvious picks for the Harden is currently another Harden, on the other hand, Spurs. Having these things said process situations and come 2017 MVP award in the Na- obvious pick for the MVP this has always been the go-to After comparing the num- can improve the overall shape up with their own responses. tional Basketball Association. year. Some say he is having player for the Rockets. His size ber of free throws the Grizzlies of the league to suggest im- For an organization to glorify However, Westbrook, the one of the best offensive sea- and structure remind me of had with the Spurs’ Kawhi provements, or simply let a response from a player or star guard of the a shooting guard. Oklahoma Thun- However, the way der, has people he handles the bas- thinking what ketball is graceful Sports organizations have right to boycott N.C. bill will happen if and effective. He he doesn’t win. uses his speed to their funding to the University ball conference championship Russell West- attack the basket. of North Carolina and North games from Greensboro, N. C. brook has had an Also, he is seen as Carolina State University if the While moving sporting events amazing season a threat behind the ACC ever boycotted the state out of a state might not seem so far, which is 3-point line. of North Carolina again. like a big deal, it cost these the reason he is Westbrook’s This just seems like a des- cities millions of dollars in even in the run- game is quite sim- perate move from a group of lost revenue, because of all the ning for MVP. ilar. He also uses angry adults. The ACC has people who flock to the state A rival player his speed to create every right to protest a bill for the games. on the Houston shots for himself. that is as unjust as that one. It seems strange that it took Rockets, guard However, West- This bill only effects those North Carolina so long to re- James Harden, brook seems to be a two university because they peal the bill, because the NBA has shown he is well-rounded play- are state funded. It would have and the ACC gave the state not someone to er, being one of the no effect on Duke University. plenty of time to change the mess with as well. first players to al- Since it is privately funded, the bill. The NBA waited so long Although there is already talk sons in NBA history, scor- most average a triple-double. state cannot do a thing to them. that it was starting to get bad of Westbrook taking the MVP ing more than 2,000 points, Amazing enough as that This just seems like a petty by STEVEN GEHEGAN press for not moving the All- home, Harden hasn’t shown a grabbing 600 rebounds, and sounds, I wonder who will move that other sports organi- Sports Editor Star game fast enough, which hint of dismay and continues contributing 900 assists. The receive the 2017 MVP. It will zations need to do something seems unfair. Changing bills to show his dominance early Rockets superstar is giving truly be a surprise, whoever Sports can play an instru- about. While it may seem takes time in our system of in the playoffs. Westbrook a run for his money wins. mental role in social change, like the state has the ACC’s government, and it was fair for Westbrook has continued to in the race to the 2017 MVP. and right previous social in- those organizations to give the hands tied, and the ACC is amaze me as he breaks records Although the race still cray9264@students. justices. state time to change the bill, moving its championships in and shows his versatility. He seems pretty neck and neck to southplainscollege.edu The state of North Carolina unlike what the National Foot- football and basketball back to has made news lately for its ball League did when moving Greensboro in the near future, other leagues can help them out. Robinson, Boren earn chance to For one, the ACC may not be able compete in National Finals Rodeo to move the play- off games, but by STEVEN GEHEGAN was held April 20 – April 22 freshman Alex Odle posted a time of 15.75 seconds in the the National Col- Sports Editor in Stephenville. legiate Athletic In the breakaway roping long run and 15.74 seconds in Association can. The South Plains College event, freshman Lariat Larner the short run, scoring 40 points But they seem to men’s and women’s rodeo posted a time of 2.7 seconds in and tying for sixth. care more about teams capped a strong spring the long run and 100 seconds In the men’s steer wrestling money than help- season by advancing two in the short run, scoring 30 event, sophomore Coy Surrett ing others, so that athletes to the National Finals points and placing seventh. posted a time of 4.4 seconds seems the least Rodeo. In the goat tying event, in the long run and 4.6 sec- likely to happen. Sophomore Rainy Robin- freshman Jenna Dallyn posted onds in the short run, scoring But the NBA and son and freshman Chet Boren a time of 7.4 seconds in the 175 points and placing first. the NFL can pull will represent SPC at the Col- long run and 8 seconds in the Freshman Riley Hayes posted their All-Star and lege National Finals Rodeo, short run, scoring 125 points a time of 5 seconds in the long Super Bowl out which will take place June 9 and placing third. Freshman run and 14.3 seconds in the of the state for as – June 17 in Casper, Wyoming. Megan Burbidge posted a time short run, scoring 35 points long as the bill Boren, from Vernal, Utah, of 8.1 seconds in the long run and placing sixth. unjust bathroom bill that has the Super Bowl out of Arizona remains in place. claimed the title of Southwest and 9 seconds in the short run, In the team roping event, recently been repealed. While serval years ago. The state of North Caro- regional champion by earning failing to score any points. freshman Kade Sherwood and there were many reasons for With all the bad press that lina does not seem to learn the most points in men’s steer Freshman Baylee Henderson freshman Stefan Ramone post- the change, one was sports North Carolina got for that its lesson from the past bill. wrestling with 585 points. posted a time of 8.1 seconds in ed a time of 6.8 seconds in the related. In a smart move by the bill, you would think that they It needs for other people and Robinson, from Caldwell, the long run and 100 seconds long run and 6.3 seconds in the National Basketball League, would learn their lesson. But organizations to help the ACC. Idaho, won the Southwest re- in the short run, also failing to short run, scoring 130 points the All-Star game was moved it just seems that the state is gional championship in barrel score points. Freshman Avery and placing second. out of Charlotte, N. C. Also, bitter. There was a new bill just racing with 530 points. Gonzales competed but did not the Atlantic Coast Conference passed that said that the State sgehegan2284@students. The teams competed in the score as well. sgehegan2284@students. pulled its football and basket- of North Carolina would pull southplainscollege.edu Tarleton State Rodeo, which In the barrel racing event, southplainscollege.edu 20 Sp tlight May 1, 2017 Plainsman Press Fine as Wine Local vineyards thrive in West Texas climate, soil by SARA MARSHALL Being the only U.S. Mal- kind of mushroomed. We from right here. The problem fermented. The fermented help at all. Now we’re glad Editor-in-Chief bec to win a gold medal at weren’t exactly planning on is, you have to adjust for the grapes are then aged in ei- to have him here, and he’s TEXSOM offered those at opening a tasting room when climatic conditions here; it’s ther wooden barrels, for got more experience than we first started making our red wines, or stainless steel As high quality, artisan Trilogy Cellars the valida- not California, not Italy. It’s anyone here. We’ve learned wine, but we came across tanks, for white alcohols become more popu- tion they were seeking. But not France. Growers here a lot of things the hard way. the building at a good price wines. lar in the United States, local the winery’s success would usually adjust pretty eas- We would do it wrong the and thought ‘Hey, why not? growers are taking advantage not have happened had three ily. But I mean, we pretty first time and then figure Let’s do it and see how it of the booming market in West friends not come together much give the soil what- out in time how to do it cor- goes.’ And so far it’s gone Texas. with an idea to change the ever it needs. We don’t rectly. And with Pierre, real well.” Beating out international face of wine- have a lot of organic I think we’re going to, Bal- wines and the top wines in the making. matter. Pretty much especially with new ancing United States, Tril- anything the plant growers, skip that trial the ogy Cellars of needs, we have to and error period and vine- Levelland supply.” go straight to the right yards According to way to do things.” and Bolen, in April, the After successfully the winery vines have a bud growing wine grapes, has been the break, which rep- the families came to- family’s favorite resents the first gether to open the part of the busi- leaves that begin Trilogy Cellars ness. growing. In May, on the downtown “I’ve always the clusters begin Square in Level- wanted to be to flower, but due land on Nov. 17, part of the wine to heavy rains and 2016. Hill says that business and unusually warm the most import- take it from spring weather, this ant thing a person the field to the may be as early as seeking to be a part bottle,” Hill brought the end of April. of the West Texas said. “I think home gold, In June, the grape wine movement it’s really neat silver and clusters are formed. can do is become that we can do bronze In July, veraison involved in the that. There aren’t many medals occurs, which is the business as soon industries that you can grow from the changing of grape as possible. like we have, and it’s great. 2017 TEX- color from green to “There’s a need When I was farming cotton, I SOM In- Rowdy Bolen, Chace Hill purple. By August for people in the never got to see a t-shirt that ternational and Newsom each have vine- and September, the vineyard, but not my cotton made.” Wine Awards at the Irving yards growing premium wine grapes are ready necessarily those Growing premium grapes Conven- to harvest, which who are college tion Cen- may even occur as educated,” Hill ter on early as July this said. “I mean there are Feb. 22. year. When the first vineyard managers, “It frost occurs, typical- but that’s not some- was a ly in late November, thing you’re going to little bit the plants go into get into right out of shock- dormancy until the college. You’d have to ing,” said next growing season. be a hand for a while.” Steve Once the grapes According to Newsom, Newsom, are harvested, they must “Usually, in your fourth both sides of the business co-owner be crushed, pressed and or fifth year, you’re finally at require patience. If you rush of Trilo- gy Cel- lars. “We were against some of the best wines in the U.S. The in West Texas is not an easy toughest wine competition grapes. Originally, the three task for all growers, but these in the U.S. is the TEXSOM, had only been producing three families are confident and they bring in the absolute Malbec for their friends and in their vineyards. best judges in the world. We family for fun, but it quickly “This is a really good place were kind of nervous about evolved into so much more. to grow anything,” Newsom TEXSOM.” “We started making wine in harvest of 2015,” Hill said. “We’ve proved that. said, “and it just Some of the best quality cotton, and the highest yields in the world come

a mature production bloom,” in, you will rush out just as Bolen said. “This all depends quickly. on how well the plants have “As in anything in agri- grown, and if you’ve had culture, business is number any crazy weather condi- one,” Newsom said. “The tions, bitter colds, freezes, work ethic is the same be- hail. All those things kind of tween the vineyard and the set you back.” winery. You have to be very Whenever the three vine- personable, and you want yards encounter a problem, your customers to be enter- Dr. Pierre Helwi, the West tained when they come in. Texas regional viticulture They want to be entertained.” extension program specialist, Trilogy Cellars plans to is there to help. Viticulture release new wines later this is the study of grapes and year and enter more wine grape growing. Helwi’s job competitions. is to take scientific projects, which tend to be extremely complicated, and make it practical for local grape PHOTOS BY SARA MAR- growers. SHALL/ PLAINSMAN “It’s been really helpful,” PRESS Hill explained, “because in the past, we’ve had people in his position that didn’t have any experience growing smarshall4759@students. grapes, and it wasn’t much southplainscollege.edu