Embrace Your Beautiful Self at Any Age

WINTER 2021

EMBRACE YOUR BEAUTIFUL SELF AT ANY AGE

NEW YEAR, NEW HOBBIES LIFELONG LEARNING COURSES OFFER PLENTY OF FUN INVEST IN YOURSELF WITH LIFELONG LEARNING

San Jacinto College offers a variety of leisure learning courses to help you expand your horizons and have fun! Our short courses are held year-round and offer flexible schedules and easy registration.

SPRING 2021 • ARTS AND CRAFTS • CAKE DECORATING • DANCE • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT • FITNESS/WELLNESS

For more information and a complete list of courses, visit sanjac.edu/cpd or call 281-542-2020.

The San Jacinto College District is committed to equal opportunity for all students, employees, and applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. The following College official has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s non-discrimination policies: Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, 4624 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, TX 77504; 281-991-2659; [email protected]. CONTENTS

INVEST IN YOURSELF WITH 2 News & notes 3 Wintry recipes 4 Beautiful at any age LIFELONG LEARNING

Questions about San Jacinto College programs and services described in this publication should be directed to the Contact Center at 281-998- 6150. Comments or questions about the publication can be directed to the 2 News & notes San Jacinto College Marketing, Public Relations, and Government Affairs Department at 281-998-6152. SPRING 2021 Executive Editor: Amanda Fenwick, Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations 3 Wintry recipes to keep Editor: Torrie Hardcastle, Director of Public Relations • ARTS AND CRAFTS Contributing Writers: Torrie Hardcastle, Courtney Morris, Melissa Trevizo, you warm and Andrea Vasquez Contributing Photographers: Courtney Morris, Melissa Trevizo, • CAKE DECORATING and Andrea Vasquez Visit San Jacinto College online at sanjac.edu. Call us at 281-998-6150 4 Embrace your Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/SanJacintoCollege • DANCE and Twitter and Instagram @SanJacCollege beautiful self at any age

About San Jacinto College • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served 5 Fitness for seniors: the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. San Jacinto College • FITNESS/WELLNESS is among the top 10 community colleges in the nation as designated by Get moving the Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence, and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually, and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter 6 Legacy of leadership For more information and a complete list of courses, the workforce. San Jacinto College’s impact on the region totals $1.3 billion in added income, which supports 13,044 jobs. The College is fiscally sound, visit sanjac.edu/cpd or call 281-542-2020. holding bond ratings of AA and Aa2 by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. For more information about San Jacinto College, call 281-998-6150, visit 7 Donors making a difference sanjac.edu, or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. SeniorFocus is published three times a year by San Jacinto Community College District, 4624 Fairmont Parkway, Suite 210, Pasadena, Texas, 77504, in partnership with Academic Marketing Services. 8 Is it time to cross SM All rights reserved. No part of the material printed may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including motorcycle license off The San Jacinto College District is committed to equal opportunity for all students, photocopying, recording, or by any information storage retrieval system employees, and applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, without the permission of the publisher. citizenship status, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, gender, sexual orientation, your bucket list? gender expression or identity, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status ©2020 San Jacinto Community College District in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. The following College official has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s non-discrimination policies: Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, 4624 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, TX 77504; 281-991-2659; [email protected]. Winter 2021 SeniorFocus 1 Register for spring 2021 classes

There’s no better time than now to start • Hands-On HYBRID is for the technical thinking about your goals for the new year! and applied skill courses. Most class Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, instruction will be delivered online. thinking about a career change, or considering Students will come to campus in small a new post-retirement skill, San Jac has you groups to complete hands-on learning and covered. practical testing. Register now for San Jacinto College’s spring • The FLEX Campusoption allows 2021 classes, which begin Jan. 19. students to spend some time in the classroom with an instructor, in addition Students have multiple options for the to online learning. Small groups of upcoming semester with “San Jac My Way,” students in each class will have the option which offers five different ways to learn, both to attend in person, following all CDC in person and online: Online Anytime, Online and College health and safety protocols, on a Schedule, Face-to-Face, Flex Campus, and while the remaining students will access Hands-On Hybrid. the same coursework online. The small San Jacinto College wins • ONLINE Anytime allows students to groups will rotate so all students in a national award for take classes online at any time. This is class have multiple chances to attend in person, although it’s never a requirement outstanding STEM education the most flexible of the four options, allowing students to work on coursework to attend in person. whenever their schedule allows, without Student services will remain available to all The Aspen Institute College Excellence having to come to campus. students enrolled this spring, regardless of Program and the Siemens Foundation • The ONLINE on a Schedule option which course modality a student selects. awarded San Jacinto College the Excellence also delivers coursework online, but the Services include online tutoring and advising, and Equity in Community College STEM lectures and virtual instruction will occur on-campus document drop-off, and virtual Award for the College’s associate degree at specific times on certain days, just as a appointments for things such as admissions, nursing and process technology programs. typical face-to-face course would occur. career services, dual credit, financial aid, testing, veteran services, and more. Eight winning programs from seven community • FACE-to-FACE classes will take place colleges across the country received this award in person on campus, with reduced class Visit sanjac.edu/my-way to learn more for providing outstanding preparation for sizes and social distancing measures. and to register. high-demand jobs in advanced manufacturing, energy, health care, and information technology. Additionally, these community College delivers Promise program to Pasadena ISD students college programs are also being nationally recognized for their intentional outreach and support of diverse populations that typically San Jacinto College has partnered with are underrepresented in science, technology, Pasadena ISD and Good Reason Houston as engineering, and math (STEM) careers. San participants in the Harris County Promise Jacinto College is the only institution to receive program to advance degree and certificate the award for two programs. completion among students and to continue to create a college-going culture among Each winning program received $50,000, underrepresented high school students. with half of the funds allocated for program development and the other half allocated as High school seniors from Pasadena ISD’s scholarships for outstanding students, known Dobie High School, Sam Rayburn High School, and South Houston High School as Siemens Technical Scholars. High School) with partnerships with Lone now have an opportunity to have their tuition Star College and Houston Community “San Jacinto College utilizes a holistic approach and fees at San Jacinto College paid in full by College respectively. for equity in access and success to ensure that becoming Harris County Promise Scholars. all students have an opportunity to earn a San Jacinto College welcomed its inaugural The Harris County Promise program is higher education credential,” said Chancellor cohort of 500 Promise students in fall 2020. available to Texas resident high school seniors, Dr. Brenda Hellyer. “We are incredibly These students are pursuing a variety of degree regardless of GPA or family income. Eligible thankful and grateful to the Aspen Institute and certificate pathways with 34 percent seniors who become Promise Scholars receive and the Siemens Foundation for this award and studying areas within life sciences. Business, up to three years of guaranteed tuition and for recognizing San Jacinto College faculty and math, and engineering are next highest degree fees, assistance with books, and additional staff for the important work they do every day pathways. to ensure our students succeed.” support to help them complete their degrees. Other participating Houston-area school For more information on the Harris County For more information on San Jacinto districts include Aldine ISD (Aldine Senior Promise program at San Jacinto College, College’s nursing and process technology High School, Eisenhower High School, visit sanjac.edu/harris-county-promise- programs, visit sanjac.edu/nursing and Nimitz High School) and Alief ISD (Taylor program. sanjac.edu/cpet.

2 SeniorFocus Winter 2021 TOWintry KEEP YOU recipes WARM By Courtney Morris

The holidays may be over, but let’s face it: If you bought too many cans of pumpkin or These dishes are guaranteed to keep you We could all use that festive feeling spilling still have a butternut squash taking up kitchen warm and fill you up throughout jacket and over into January. counter real estate, check out these recipes by scarf weather! San Jacinto College culinary arts faculty.

Vegan Butternut Squash Soup Instructions: with Coconut Milk and Ginger 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and reserve (can toast for topping). Drizzle cut side of squash with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and Submitted by Chef Sandi Pepper / Makes about 8 cups pepper. Place cut-side down on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Roast until squash is very Ingredients: tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 50 to 55 minutes. Let cool slightly, about 15 1 medium butternut squash (3 pounds) minutes. 3 tablespoons safflower or other neutral-flavored oil 2. In a 6-quart pot or Dutch oven, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper Add shallots and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook until shallots are soft and 3/4 cup thinly sliced shallots (3 medium) translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Add ginger and coriander. Cook until very fragrant, 2 minutes. Stir in broth, 1 cup water, and 1 teaspoon salt. 3 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled 3. Scoop flesh from cooled squash into pot. Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low 2 tablespoons minced ginger (from a 2-inch piece) and simmer, stirring a few times, 30 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes. 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander 4. Working in batches, puree soup in a blender until smooth. Return to pot; heat over medium. 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth Whisk in coconut milk. Cook until warmed through, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir 1/2 cup coconut milk, plus more for serving in lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve drizzled with more coconut milk 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1/2 lime) and sprinkled with toasted squash seeds, if desired.

Pumpkin Muffins with 3. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture. Easy Appetizer 1: Cream Cheese Icing Stir just until moistened; then add walnuts. Sweet & Spicy Meatballs Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, Submitted by Chef Andrea Huerta filling three-quarters full. Submitted by Chef Michael Schuster Warm these for a yummy midmorning or 4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until wooden Instructions: afternoon snack. pick inserted in centers comes out clean. 1. Make your favorite meatballs. Ingredients: 5. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. 2. Mix chili sauce (such as Heinz) and high-quality 3 cups all-purpose flour Remove to wire racks to cool completely. grape jelly in 50/50 ratio. The mixture should taste 1 tablespoon cinnamon Store muffins in covered container or evenly sweet and savory. resealable plastic bags. 1 teaspoon ground ginger 3. Precook the meatballs. Put meatballs and grape 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg Cream Cheese Icing jelly/chili sauce mixture in pot and heat. 2 teaspoons baking soda Ingredients: Easy Appetizer 2: 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Candy Kielbasa 3 cups granulated sugar 1 stick of butter, softened Submitted by Chef Michael Schuster 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree 4 cups powdered sugar 4 large eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Instructions: 1/2 cup vegetable oil Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 1/2 cup apple juice 2. Slice purchased kielbasa sausage into 1/4” rounds. 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts 1. Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer 30 seconds. Add butter and beat 30 Place rounds on a foiled cookie sheet. Instructions: seconds more. 3. Sprinkle light brown sugar evenly over sausage. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Use cupcake liners 2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Then sprinkle Sprite or 7Up over the sausage and or grease 30 muffin cups. Continue to beat until creamy. brown sugar — enough to wet the ingredients. 2. Stir flour, spices, baking soda, and salt 3. Frost muffins. 4. Bake in oven for 10-15 minutes or until sausage is together in a large bowl. In another large caramelized. Serve with toothpicks. bowl, combine sugar, pumpkin, eggs, oil, and juice. Beat until just blended.

Winter 2021 SeniorFocus 3 YOUR By Courtney Morris BEAUTIFULEmbrace SELF AT ANY AGE

Perhaps you’ve heard some of • Choose a moisturizer with SPF or apply dermatologists, your face is one of three “faces” these beauty myths: The damage sunscreen after moisturizing. on the body. The hands and neck/décolleté is done by 18. Acne goes away • For more advanced help, consider facial (upper chest) are just as exposed to common aging elements. with age. Oily skin resists wrinkles. treatments to prevent/correct damage, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce Treat your neck and décolleté to the same discoloration, sunspots, and vascular marks. cleansing and skincare routine as your face to Or you’ve seen magazine covers selling the idea prevent premature aging. that only a certain look, shape, or age is beautiful “This way, we can maintain a smoother, younger- or handsome. looking complexion for longer by giving our skin Use moisturizing creams that contain exactly what it needs,” Angelle said. antioxidants and SPF to protect your hands Maybe you’ve also heard beauty is more than skin from pollutants and UV exposure. Keeping nails deep, so why even focus on appearance anyway? The skin’s natural cycle is 30 days, so try new healthy is also the perfect excuse for a manicure! products at least six weeks to see the effects once It’s OK to focus on both: beauty on the inside new cells generate. Use anti-aging serums and “Regular manicure routines are good,” Perez said. and outside. Here are some ways to embrace creams at least four months to see whether they “An oil manicure especially will be nutrient-rich, your beautiful self no matter what your age! boost the skin’s natural collagen and elastin cycles. keeping the nails looking beautiful and young.” Beauty starts on the inside Perez encourages getting regular facials. Facials Get pampered cleanse the skin by bringing impurities to the Cornellia Angelle, San Jacinto College North Sometimes you need an opportunity to unwind. Campus program director of cosmetology, surface. If you do them only before special events, If you have room in your budget, get pampered encourages you to start cultivating what’s inside you’re more likely to experience breakouts. for an entire day at a spa. A hand or facial before enhancing what’s on the outside. “A regular routine is always a good idea,” she said. massage gets endorphins flowing and can help “Don’t get over-obsessed with beauty,” Love those locks you feel better mentally. Angelle said. “If you feel you need It’s no surprise your hair ages with “Pampering can help you feel relaxed and some enhancements, do what you can you. Because your scalp produces focused and even reduce pain,” Angelle said. to make yourself feel better. But beauty less oil, your hair may become dry. has less to do with physical appearance. Or pamper yourself at a fraction of the cost at Try a conditioner for mature hair. It’s about being kind and humble.” San Jac! The North and South Campuses’ new If your hair is thinning, you can salons occasionally offer discount days for senior Embrace patience, gratitude, and also trim it shorter so it looks fuller, citizens. forgiveness toward self and others. but this doesn’t mean chopping Savor and share the good things in life. Because of COVID-19, both salons may still be everything off. Work with your stylist to closed. To check on hours, services, and prices, Self-conscious about your appearance? Culture explore flattering cuts for your hair texture. Or contact: has started redefining beauty to accept all shapes, download a phone app that lets you test different • North Campus: [email protected] sizes, and qualities. hairstyles with your face shape. or 281-459-7108 “Especially as we age, a misconception is that “The basic rule of finding a great haircut is to • South Campus: [email protected] we’re trying to stop the aging process,” Diana highlight your best feature,” Angelle said. “The or 281-922-3406 Perez, South Campus cosmetology instructor, last thing you want is to get a haircut that makes said. “Now more than ever, we’re trying to age you feel unlike yourself.” beautifully and gracefully.” Perez has seen more people — even in their 20s Due for a new ‘do? While beauty starts on the inside, how you look and 30s — embrace gray hair, dyeing everything Check out our salons at the North and can affect how you feel. Angelle and Perez share gray to match their roots. Also, longer hair and South Campuses! Advanced cosmetology tips to highlight the beauty that’s already there. perms are trending. students offer many services, including… Embrace that face “Textured hair is making a big comeback,” she • Haircut said. “Now we do a bigger, looser curl for volume • Straighten/iron curl Balance your skincare regimen with products and body.” that sustain health and protect from everyday • Manicures and pedicures pollutants. Ultimately, how you feel about yourself trumps • Reform curl what the beauty industry considers flattering. • Permanent wave Some things to do: With the right attitude, you can rock any haircut. • Foil or cap highlighting • Cleanse, tone, and moisturize in the morning, Show those hands • Temporary or semi/demi color evening, and after exercise to remove pollutants from your face. Have you ever heard you can tell someone’s • Brow, lip, and chin waxes age by his or her hands? According to

4 SeniorFocus Winter 2021 FITNESS FOR SENIORS: By Melissa Trevizo

Looking for a way to get moving this spring?Get Fitness for Seniors is a great wayMoving to start a healthy new chapter in your life. Students will learn basic fitness routines and gain an understanding of how personal fitness benefits the entire body. This class is especially designed for seniors to help build and maintain strength, agility, and flexibility. The course is offered in two sessions beginning Jan. 12 - Feb. 2 and Feb. 16 - March 9 and meets each Tuesday from 12-1 p.m. at the San Jacinto College Central Campus. To learn more, contact San Jacinto College Continuing and Professional Development at 281-542-2020 or visit www.sanjac.edu/cpd.

Winter 2021 SeniorFocus 5 OF LEADERSHIP Legacy By Andrea Vasquez It’s not easy saying goodbye employees she has mentored to people and places you have over the years her greatest dedicated most of your personal achievement. and professional life to. San “One of the most rewarding Jacinto College provosts Dr. aspects of my job has been personally serving as a mentor William Raffetto (North Campus) to some of the brightest and Dr. Brenda Jones (South students and employees at San Campus) are experiencing this Jacinto College,” she said. “It’s after recently retiring. been a great joy to have been a part of their success, and I consider all of them legacies, Raffetto and Jones have contributed more than not only for me but for our 55 years of leadership, counsel, and expertise to College, which will benefit the College. Serving on the strategic leadership in them to do their job, and assisting them with from their knowledge and leadership for years team, they helped pass the College’s 2015 their professional development has been one of to come.” $425 million bond referendum, which funded the most rewarding things in my administrative renovations, technology, and new facilities. career.” Jones holds a doctorate from Texas A&M Under their leadership, the College also received University and a master’s and bachelor’s from the His retirement plans include attending his the 2017 Aspen Institute Rising Star Award University of Houston-Clear Lake. two grandsons’ soccer practices and games and and its third consecutive nomination as a top reading, which has always consumed his Jones and her husband look 10 finalist for the Aspen Prize for Community free time. forward to the adventures College Excellence. ahead in this retirement Raffetto holds a doctorate and master’s chapter. While they have Raffetto began his San Jac career in 1984 as from Texas A&M University-Commerce postponed globetrotting the South Campus dean of student services. and a bachelor’s from Duquesne because of COVID-19, they During his 36 years at the College, he also University. served as vice president of both student services are taking a few domestic and enrollment services. Renowned for his Jones has also left her mark on the trips. storytelling, he has also built high-functioning College. In 2001, she began as an Both Raffetto and Jones share teams through his knack for coaching others on adjunct professor in the Central Campus these tips for aspiring, new, their strengths. business management department, then Dr. Brenda Jones later served as the program and veteran leaders. “I hope people will remember me coordinator for corporate “Be willing to compromise as the administrator who had the education in the Continuing on processes, but never compromise your courage to tell people what they and Professional Development principles. Never lose sight of the mission of needed to know rather than what Division, dean of business and your organization,” said Raffetto. they wanted to hear,” he said. technology, and the interim vice president of learning before being “Know when to lead and when to follow,” said In 2015, Raffetto created the Read named the South Campus provost Jones. “Acknowledge when you are wrong, and Across North Campus program after a national search in 2012. know that you don’t always have to be right. to inspire love of reading and Never get so big that you forget to be humble. “Being a part of the remarkable provide access to interesting books. Show others you appreciate them and the work leadership of this phenomenal Coinciding with Read Across Dr. William Raffetto they do.” America/Dr. Seuss Day, the annual organization has been one of book drive provides all kinds of the greatest achievements of my According to Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, free books to students. To date, North Campus career,” said Jones. “We have the very best Raffetto and Jones’ impact will continue to move faculty and staff have donated more than 7,000 forward-thinking board of trustees and strategic the College forward. books for the program. leadership team leading the College. These innovative leaders — along with our faculty, “Bill and Brenda have been profoundly Raffetto says his professional service comes staff, and administrators — truly understand the instrumental in establishing San Jacinto College down to the people. importance of putting our students and their as a leader in higher education,” said Hellyer. “Throughout their tenures, they have built new, “I am very grateful to have worked with very success at the heart of everything we do.” innovative College programs, committed to smart people who are dedicated to student Throughout her 19 years at the College, steadfast student success, and created a culture success and to improving the lives of others,” he mentorship remained at the core of Jones’ of transformational and servant leadership. We said. “Hiring good people, having confidence leadership DNA. She calls the students and wish them both a wonderful, happy retirement.”

6 SeniorFocus Winter 2021 DONORS MAKING By Andrea Vasquez A Paying it forward is often how education,” saidDifference San Jacinto College Chancellor Legacy Award recipient. The Niday family has people describe a way to thank Dr. Brenda Hellyer. “Each year, our generous endowed two scholarships; the Joy Ruth Niday and continue the same generosity, donors change the course of so many students’ Scholarship for nursing students and the Capt. lives. While the scholarships and emergency John B. “Jack” Niday Jr. Maritime Scholarship. mentorship, and caring that leads funding they provide mean less stress for our “When my mother passed away in 2003, to possibility. Whether it’s time, students, the support also motivates them to I gave thought to how I could honor her,” talent, or treasure, those who want persevere. Thanks to you, our students are said Joy Niday, local business owner and San achieving their educational and career goals.” to make an impact find ways that Jacinto College Foundation board member. “I they can support the people and Having a number of giving options also helps decided to set up a scholarship in her name for causes that mean the most to donors budget and plan for their financial gifts. nursing students. The students who receive the them. Matching donors to student With general giving and regular scholarships, scholarship will become caregivers and will do donors can give a set amount each year, so much good in the world. My mom had the needs is something the San desire to become a nurse but couldn’t afford to Jacinto College Foundation can knowing that their funds will be used based upon the criteria they set for their scholarships achieve it. It is rewarding to know we are helping do for their donors, showing them or recurring gifts. Scholarship endowments someone else make that journey.” how their gifts are making a direct provide scholarship funding to students in After her father’s passing in 2018, Niday also impact on students’ lives. perpetuity. Endowments are larger amounts established the Captain John B. “Jack” Niday donated to the College which it manages and Maritime Scholarship in honor of him and his The Foundation matches donors to various distributes the earnings from the endowment. longtime contribution to the maritime industry programs, initiatives, and student needs. This Like regular scholarships, donors still have to working on the Houston Ship Channel. specify how they want their endowment to be allows donors several giving options such as “The Captain John B. ‘Jack’ Niday Maritime general recurring giving, regular scholarships, used. However, the principal of the endowment is untouched, so the scholarship will remain Scholarship is dedicated to supporting San scholarship endowments, and planned giving. Jacinto College maritime students in honor of Since so many facets of accessing and completing a consistent source of aid for students that produces funds from the endowment earnings. four generations of Niday men who have served a college credential are even more difficult on Houston’s Ship Channel,” Niday added. now, the Foundation also provides donors with Planned gifts allow donors to incorporate the opportunities to donate directly to emergency College into their will as a recipient of the To date, the Niday family has funded more than funding for students. These funds help students planned amount they specify after their passing. 48 student scholarships. with any emergency needs that arise, such as This is yet another option donors have to leave an additional educational legacy to ensure that For more information on giving to the utility bills, child care, and other immediate San Jacinto College Foundation, visit essential needs. San Jacinto College students exceed their goals thanks to their generous gift. sanjac.edu/foundation/giving. “The San Jacinto College Foundation helps our students by shouldering some of the financial In 2019, the San Jacinto College Foundation burden that comes with pursuing higher honored the Niday family as its annual Lifetime

Winter 2021 SeniorFocus 7 IS IT TIME TO CROSS

OFFMotorcycle YOUR BUCKET LIST?license By Courtney Morris / Photos by Melissa Trevizo

A youngster in the hippie era, John rider courses in 2006. At 56, he still enjoys both can’t balance on the Jackson still remembers the image riding and teaching. motorcycle, manage of bikers then: leather-clad, rough, the clutch, or maintain “I like the challenge -- want to help grow the stamina for the and rebellious. A lot has changed. motorcycle community,” he said. “The neatest physical demands of a thing about being a motorcycle instructor is you motorcycle. Or they meet people from all walks and professions.” “In the ‘70s, you saw hard-core people,” don’t take Texas heat into account. Jackson said. “Now you see professionals riding Class M 101 “Conditions outdoors can really affect you,” he motorcycles.” San Jac’s course takes place in 15 hours over a said. Not only does the San Jacinto College Saturday and Sunday. Those two days include If you have an underlying health condition, Continuing and Professional Development five hours of classroom instruction, bike choose a spring or fall class over summer. (CPD) motorcycle instructor want to change exercises, and occasional breaks. the biker stereotype. He also wants to appeal to No substitute for safety senior citizens who have dreamed of riding into Classroom activities introduce the skill set a the sunset on a motorcycle and now have time rider needs -- from critical thinking to safe Who is the ideal candidate for a motorcycle? to learn. decision making. The riding sessions include 14 Someone who commits to safety, Jackson said. range exercises in the parking lot using provided All ages welcome motorcycles. Students practice basic control, “It’s more dangerous than driving a four-wheel including clutch and throttle coordination, vehicle,” he said. This spring, CPD will offer eight sessions of straight-line riding, stopping, turning, and the motorcycle basic rider course (BRCu) at Think about it: In a vehicle, the engine, trunk, shifting. the South Campus for community members to and door serve as buffers between you and get their Class M license. Enrollment is eight In Texas, motorcycle license seekers must take an another driver. In a motorcycle, that cushion students per class. in-person class and pass written and skills tests.* doesn’t exist. Think motorcycles are for the younger crowd? The San Jac class includes both tests, and passing Riders also must be aware of road hazards and While some 20-somethings enroll looking for students receive a certificate to take to the Texas unfavorable driving conditions -- from potholes a cheaper transportation option, Jackson has Department of Motor Vehicles to get the Class and texting drivers who drift across lanes to rain taught his share of senior citizens looking to M endorsement added to their driver’s license — and sizzling Texas heat combining with bike heat. about a $16 fee. cross off a bucket list item. Road trips and riding buddies Jackson started riding dirt bikes at 13 and street While many students pass the class, Jackson said the biggest issues happen when people Despite road hazards, Jackson says nothing beats bikes at 20. He got certified to teach motorcycle the experience on two wheels.

Get Your Class M “I think it’s very relaxing,” he said. “Most people say that when they talk to me: ‘I have a stressful This spring, CPD offers eight sessions of week. Then I get on my motorcycle on the the Motorcycle - Basic Rider Course at weekend.’” the South Campus. Cost is $250. Students must wear/bring: The community aspect is also a draw. Some riders have standing weekend breakfast rides: • Long-sleeved shirts and pants Every Saturday they hit the road together to • Over-the-ankle leather shoes or boots try eggs, bacon, and biscuits at a new hole-in- with heels the-wall. If you’re a motorcyclist, you’re never without a riding buddy, Jackson said. • Gloves • Glasses or face shields “That’s the neat part about it,” he said. “You can go to a store that sells motorcycle apparel and Motorcycles (125 and 250cc) are provided. exchange numbers, and next thing you know, Because of COVID-19, students may you have a new riding friend.” also have to bring their own helmets. To register, call 281-542-2020. *Note: Anyone without a driver’s license or under 18 must still take a DMV road test.

8 SeniorFocus Winter 2021 All times and event schedules listed are subject to change. EVENT LIST For more information, visit sanjac.edu.

Jan. 14, 12-1 p.m. Your Health Matters Webinar Series: Live an Active Lifestyle Email [email protected] to register Jan. 15, 12-1 p.m. Learn@Home Crafts Webinar: Custom Valentine Mailbox Email [email protected] to register Jan. 19 Spring classes begin. All campuses and online Jan. 20, 2-3 p.m. Career Info Session: IT Tech. Email [email protected] to register Jan. 21, 12- p.m. CPD Community Webinar: Stress Management and Anxiety During the Pandemic: Coping Skills Email [email protected] to register Jan. 22, 10 a.m. Maritime Information Session. Online; Register at sanjac.edu/form/maritime-information-session-registration Jan. 28, 12-1 p.m. CPD Community Workshop: Conversational Spanish Email [email protected] to register Feb. 5, 10 a.m. Maritime Information Session. Online; Register at sanjac.edu/form/maritime-information-session-registration Feb. 9, 12-1 p.m. Texas Recovering Together Webinar on Self Care with the Harris Center Email [email protected] to register Feb. 10, 2-3 p.m. Career Info Session: Advanced Manufacturing Email [email protected] to register Feb. 16, 12-1 p.m. CPD Community Workshop: Conversational Spanish Email [email protected] to register Feb. 18, 12-1 p.m. Your Health Matters Webinar Series: Understand and Prevent Cancer Email [email protected] to register Feb. 19, 10 a.m. Maritime Information Session. Online; Register at sanjac.edu/form/maritime-information-sessionregistration March 5, 10 a.m. Maritime Information Session. Online; Register at sanjac.edu/form/maritime-information-session-registration March 15-21 Spring Break holiday- College closed. All campuses and online April 2-4 Easter holiday- College closed. All campuses and online April 16, 10 a.m. Maritime Information Session. Online; Register at sanjac.edu/form/maritime-information-session-registration San Jacinto College NON PROFIT ORG. 4624 Fairmont Parkway US POSTAGE Pasadena, TX 77504 PAID DALLAS, TX PERMIT # 3328

Donate Now to SAN JAC MY WAY Help Our Students

SPRINGW 2021A CLASSLA OPTIONS During these unprecedented I G circumstances, the T H San Jacinto College Foundation A invites the community to participate in its TW 2020 Gala with a Twist fundraiser, IS assisting students by providing T vital resources. ONLINE Anytime ONLINE On A Schedule Take your classes online, at any time! Our most flexible option If you like the structure of a routine, this option is for you! allows you to work on coursework whenever your schedule 100%All coursework of proceeds will be completed will online, but the lectures allows, and you won’t come to campus at any point. benefitand virtual San instruction Jac will students happen at specific times on certain days, just like a typical face-to-face course. Donations will help students who are now in unexpected 2020 - MEETING STUDENT NEEDS circumstances and need assistance during these uncertain times.

Sponsors and individuals are invited to donate online, by phone, Hands-On HYBRID FACEor by mail.-to-FACE Technical and applied skill courses will follow a hybrid format. Most class In-person classes will occur on campus with social distancing measures in place. instruction will be delivered online. Students will come to campus in small Face to Face Transition to Online Face to Face Transition to Online groups to complete hands-on learning and practical testing. on a Schedule - Take DONATEyour classes in NOW Anytime - Take your classes in person, person, on campus.THROUGH If there is JUNE a need 1, on 2020! campus. If there is a need to to transition to online learning, these transition to online learning, these classes will stay on a schedule. classes will allow for flexible schedules. Visit sanjac.edu/twist or call to donate. Just think – your 281-998-6104 donation will directly URGENT NEEDS Studentfund the urgent SUPPORT needs Regardlessof our of students, the type and of course you choose, all students have access to the same resourceshelp themand support: to complete TUITION FLEX Campus their higher education • Onlinecredential. Tutoring SM BOOKS This unique option will allow you to spend some time in the classroom • Online Advising Chat with your instructor, in addition to online learning. Small groups of • On-Campus Document Drop-off students in each class will have the option to attend in person while HELP FOOD the remaining students access coursework online. The small groups will • Virtual Appointments for: - Admissions Advising - International Student - Food Markets Sign-up rotate so all students in a class have multiple chances to attend in person, - Career Services ServicesCLOTHING - TSIA Testing although it’s never required when it’s your turn. - Dual Credit - Mental Health/Personal - Veteran Services - Educational Planning TRANSPORTATIONCounseling - Financial Aid - Recruiting/Outreach No matter which type of course youCHILD choose, course CARE materials and lectures will be Classes start Jan. 19 available on Blackboard.

An Equal Opportunity Institution sanjac.edu/my-way | 281-998-6150 An Equal Opportunity Institution