Grayson College In this Issue Check out a fun MOVIE REVIEW on page 5.

Check out the creative prose and poetry pieces on pages 2, 7, and 8. The Viking Read “The Life of an EMT/ Paramedic” on page 3. Monday, April 3, 2017 Volume VIII, Issue III Get Involved Viking Deadline Spring Season Says, “Play Ball!” for Monday, April 17th Send all submissions to the Grayson Vikings & Lady Vikings editor, Anne Dering, at [email protected]. by Billy Teague Student Grayson College Veteran Outreach Leadership Series Specialist TBA 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. Community leaders are invited to discuss and share their philosophy on leader- ship in today’s competitive work environment. LA 101 Student and Employee Spirit Day Every Friday Wear your GC attire with blue jeans and celebrate the Viking spirit. Clubs & Orgs Baptist Student Ministries Wednesdays, 11:30 -12:15 p.m. BSM building Clay Club First Thursdays, 5 - 6 p.m. Ceramic Room, Arts & Com- All photos courtesy of Kyle Morman munications Student-athlete Seth Mullis demonstrates his love for the sport at a March game. Onlookers enjoyed the game despite the Cosmetology Club dreary weather. Mondays bi-weekly 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., CTC Cultural Diversity Club Rooting for the Vikings First and third Wednesdays 1 - 2 p.m., Int’l Student Office by Kyle Morman DAAC Staff Writer Vikings’ opponent, Vernon Fridays, 12:45 p.m. HS 202 College. The weather was dreary on By the end of the fourth, Delta Phi Delta (Art) First Tuesdays, 12:15 p.m. March 22, and the color of we were statistically up, Design Room the world reflected a melan- with two hits to their one Arts & Comunications choly gray. and zero errors to their Dental Assisting Club Atmospheric conditions documented two, but nei- Wednesdays, 11:30 - 12 p.m. seemed particularly cold ther team was capable of HS 205 after such a mild Texas securing a run. winter. The opponent was un- Student-athlete Tyler Ivey throws a pitch. Electrical Initially the drizzle made able to make any distinctive Technology Club the camera lens almost im- offensive way during the TBA Contact Aimee Flynn possible to focus, and I was 5th, 6th, and 7th innings, 903-463-8684 glad to have a sweatshirt in and Vernon repelled two of my 4x4. Grayson’s offensive attempts Eta Sigma Delta First Wednesdays, 2 p.m. Fortunately for me, in in innings 5 and 6 with Culinary Arts Building my late arrival, baseball a double play at first and turned out to be a ’s second. FCA TBA duel. A failed steal attempt and The first real offensive a caught pop-fly ended the Future Educators action I saw was a hit in the 7th inning for Grayson, and Every other Tuesday 12:20 - 12:50 p.m., CIS 200 fourth, which ultimately led in the top of the 9th, sh-- the first of several devastat- got real. Gamers Guild ing double-plays by the One of the first pitches of First Thursdays, 4:00 p.m.

Design Room, Continued on page 4 Student-athletes Jaycee Grimm (#30) and Jodie Hill warm Arts & Communications Read a great article about a baseball Viking alumnus on page 6. up before a game. Grayson Nursing Student Association Behind the Badge: How Grayson College’s Campus Police Wednesday or Friday 11:30 a.m. by Zachary Crow Keep Our Community Safe Viking Room, Life Center Student public institution,” says An- College community. Grayson community is rela- HALO (Hispanic- Campus Police officers drew MacPherson, Chief of “They are fully licensed tively low due to the student American Leadership aren’t very different from Police at Grayson College. police officers, so I feel safer population. Organization) local law enforcement of- “We have countywide knowing that they are prop- “The students that we get Second and fourth Tuesday ficers. jurisdiction, meaning that erly trained,” says Marlea here are typically a ruly 12:20 - 12:45 p.m., LA 108 Although not every col- we respond to calls and ser- Trevino, an English profes- bunch, and we don’t have History Club lege has fully-empowered vices throughout the county sor at Grayson. any major incidents,” Tre- Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m. police officers, Grayson is and can make arrests out- Grayson’s Campus Police vino says. LA 207, Liberal Arts an exception. “We have fully side of the college campus.” are trained to protect the “We don’t have a lot of Honors College Club licensed police officers of Knowing we have fully campus’ staff and students crime on campus, but our Thursdays, 12:15 - 1 p.m. the state of Texas, and what licensed police officers on against any potential threat Campus Police are great for Viking Room, Life Center many people don’t know campus is a form of security to their safety. Continued on page 4 about us is that we are a for people of the Grayson However, crime within the HVACR Club First Thursdays 5:30 p.m. Service Dogs Come to CTC Room 117 LEA Grayson College (Criminal Justice) by Tommy Ellis and “Trooper” from Sher- Tuesdays Project Coordinator man and Les Castro and 12:30-1:30 p.m. Center of Excellence for “Pepper” from Plano. Location TBA Veteran Student Success Their impressive canine Medical Members of the Grayson demonstration showed the Lab Technology College Student Veterans many merits of “service TBA Association (SVA) met with dogs” to military veterans Men of Distinction some very special guests at who have been declared Thursdays, 12 - 1 p.m. their Wednesday, March 1st eligible for canine compan- CWL Seminar Room A noon meeting in the Veter- ions. ans Hub. Richards, an Army com- Continued on page 2 Robert Medlar, President bat veteran and paratrooper of the SVA, welcomed and with extensive Vietnam Continued on page 3 Photo courtesy of Tommy Ellis. introduced Paul Richards (L to R) Les Castro wth Pepper and Paul Richards with Trooper Page 2 Inspiration April 3, 2017

Mu Alpha Theta 1st and 3rd Thursdays 1 - 2 p.m. LA204, Liberal Arts

Music Club Every other Friday 12 - 1 p.m., Band Hall, Arts & Communications

Phi Theta Kappa Wednesdays 12:30 - 1:00 p.m. Viking Room, Life Center

Psychology Club Tuesdays, 12:15 - 12:50 p.m. CIS 202

Radiology Tech Club The 15th of every month 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. HS 200

Rotaract Photo courtey of Jeremy McMillen 2nd and 4th Thursdays Spring is here! Dr. Jeremy McMillen beautifully captured this Oklahoma redbud. Photo was taken at Chickasaw Cultural 3 - 4 p.m. Viking Room, Life Center Center, Sulphur, Oklahoma. Science Club First Tuesday of the month I Write: A Collage 3 p.m. Contributed by Dr. S. Thompson’s INRW Students S 106, Science Building by Emefa Adjo Aziale • Melissa Blevins • Sandra Biyo Issombi • Khadka Bogati • Deondra Brickhouse Student Government Jackie Brown • Anna Chesley • Armando Dominguez Murillo • Traycee Flemmings • Micheal Green Association John Herold • Bobbi Hood • Rajina Karki • Irene Lujan • Avery Motley • Leah Paveloff • Ashley Stephens First Mondays (monthly) Jenisha Thapaliya • Heather Thompson • Kalea Thompson • Jesus Vasquez 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. Viking Room, Life Center Students Sigma Kappa Delta & A sunny, beautiful day It’s 6:00 am. I am cold trip with my husband on a I write for the homeless. Writers Unlimited with blue sky. because it is 18 degrees boat around the river. I write for the prisoner. Every other Thursday At noon I sat in my purple outside. Sam is shivering I put my head on my hus- I write for the Christian. 12:20 - 12:50 p.m. lawn chair, next to a muggy as the grass crinkles under band’s shoulder and began I write for the Muslim. Study Room 3, Library water pond, holding a cheap his feet. I am back in bed, recounting why I write: I write for the Jewish. Sisters of Destiny black fishing pole, waiting drifting off to sleep. My I write to live happily. I I write to inspire . . . . to Thursdays, 12:15 - 1 p.m. to catch the big one. mind starts to race. I start write to imagine my future. remind people how good Conference Room, Life Center I asked, “Why do I write?” writing: I write to test my abilities. life is despite its bad sides. Student Ambassadors I write because of the mo- I write ecause I can see the I write to explain my cul- I write at dawn to put Third Mondays, 12 - 1 p.m. tion of the clouds. silence around my house. ture. down my wildest dreams or Viking Room, Life Center I write because of the way I write because I like the I write to memorize the most horrible nightmares. TIPPS (Culinary Arts) geese make a V in the sky. peace and quiet. good and bad moments. I write to plan my days. First Thursdays, 3 - 4:00 p.m. I write so I can focus on I write because all I want I write to learn from my I write to say goodbye. 691 Restaurant, Culinary Arts getting along with my co- to hear is the sound of my mistakes. I write to give a smile. workers. coffee beginning to brew, I write to face the world Veteran Nursing I write so people can hear a sound that breaks the with courage. It is just after 4:00 pm, I Student Association First Mondays, 12 p.m. what I must say. silence. got into an argument with South Campus Skills Lab I write to get an under- I write to express my feel- It is 9:00 am. I am in the my brother. I was feel- standing of life. ings so that I don’t wake Integrated Reading and ing frustrated and left his Vocational Nursing I write because of the lion anyone else in the house. Writing classroom, sitting at house. I took my stuff, Student Association and the lamb. Morning silence is often the my desk. and I was gone. First and third Wednesdays, 12 - 1 p.m. I write to follow the goals I only peace I have on a busy I write because Dr. Thomp- I write to maintain my Veteran’s Hub, Life Center have set in life. day. son asked everyone to write. anger. I write to become a better I write to discover what is I write because it is a Welding Technologies soldier. In the dark night at River- deep inside. kind of freedom. Association I write to watch the sunset walk in San Antonio where I write to conquer the I write because my words First and third Tuesdays, and know that I am watched all the Christmas lights were world. may one day change the 12 - 1 p.m. CTC Break Room First and third Tuesdays, over when times are rough. multicolored, I took a small I write for fun. world. 12 - 1 p.m. South Campus Continued on page 7 Please report incorrect I have heard it Anne’s Journal: listings to the editor: Anne Dering said that winter, Spring! [email protected] too, will pass, by Anne Dering and submit your best work. Editor Remember the prize at the that Spring is a Who else is end of your time here at excited that it’s Grayson: achieving a bet- sign that Spring? ter life. Summer is due The weather is not only For me, Spring is bitter- warmer, but it seems as sweet. I do enjoy the breath at last. See, all though the sun is not teas- of fresh air and the sounds ing us into sunnier days. and smells that accompany we have to do is He’s here to stay. the rebirth of our earth. hang on. Spring also marks the sec- Yet, this is also the season ond half of this semester. of the anniversary when my sister was killed in a car -Maya Angelo We may have lost an hour of rest a few weekends ago, accident. and we might still be groggy Twenty-eight years ago, from the rest (or chaotic fun, when she was barely six- Did you know? perhaps?) from our Spring teen months old, my little When you show your ID at Mooyah’s in Sherman you’ll receive Break, but don’t give up yet. sister quietly toddled out It was great to have a week the back door while follow- 10% off your meal! off to rest and spend time ing my father. with the family. He unknowingly pulled After a few days of not the van out of the garage Offer is good for both students and employees, having a routine, though, and struck her. and for dine-in, drive-thru, or call in orders only. it’s easy to fall into the rut of Days later, when my fam- sleeping in or be tempted to ily was making her final Must have your ID. skip a class or two. arrangements, the weather But, as a Viking, we need to was perfect. remember that these days of I remember longing to Thanks, Mooyah, for supporting kite-flying weather are not wish my sister back so we meant to keep us from our could be playing dress up ultimate goal. instead of my trying on Grayson College! Work harder than before the black dresses to wear to her break to finish this semester funeral. on a high note! Follow up On the day of her funeral, with your professors on how the sun was out, shining to improve your coursework brightly; the skies were the and your grades. perfect shade of blue. Continue to attend classes Continued on page 3 April 3, 2017 Veteran Services Page 3 Service Dogs Come to Grayson College Disclaimer riety of conditions ranging from nervous- Continued from page 1 Editorial Information: The Viking is pub- experience, uses Trooper as a service dog ness and PTSD to hearing loss or partial lished by Writers Unlimited and Sigma Kappa to help maintain balance and for support immobility. Delta as an ongoing service project to the college. when rising from a sitting position. Often, it is the company and compan- Participation in the production of The Viking is Trooper is a four-year-old cross between ionship of a trained and certified service open to all students, faculty and staff at GC. a White German Shepherd and a Blue dog that allows a veteran to attend movies, The newspaper is provided as a forum for public Merle Collie. shop in stores, attend classes, or just cope opinion, and views expressed in The Viking do He is trained to be a low-key dog to fit with life and life’s issues. not necessarily reflect the policy of Sigma Kappa with Richard’s personality and not only Due to the extensive time and cost to get Delta, the Board of Trustees, the administration provides balance and stability, but uncon- a suitable dog ready for service, often times or the faculty and staff at GC. Material for publi- ditional love and companionship as well. the price of the dog simply becomes too cation may be submitted through email to Anne A retired U. S. Marshal, Richards is quite great for a veteran-in-need. Dering ([email protected]). active in the local community and relies on Additionally, the trained dog and the vet- Trooper to accompany him to all of his ap- eran have to be 100% compatible in every pointments, meetings, and activities. way possible. Les Castro uses his seven-year-old Black Both Richards and Castro have options Anne’s Journal: German Shepherd in many areas of the available to ease the financial burden for Faithful Friend Ministry, where they work any veteran who really needs and wants a Spring! with troubled and incarcerated youth. service dog. Pepper, a high-energy dog, has been Any veteran experiencing issues that could Continued from page 2 trained to be an effective member of the possibly be lessened by having a service dog The slight breeze picked up the delicate scent of the lilies. ministry while maintaining her guard dog is encouraged to stop by the Grayson Col- Now, years later, the sun, the sky, the flowers, all still re- abilities as well. lege Veteran Services Office to get additional mind me of that tragic time. Both Richards and Castro are experi- information and details. But I push past the sadness and remember that these enced and respected canine trainers and The Veteran Services Office is on the 2nd elements were also all there in the happy days of her short work extremely hard for many hours get- Floor on the Bridge, next to GC Perks, or life. ting a dog ready for a veteran. call 903.463.8692 for additional informa- The sun warmed our faces the day my sister and I Veterans may need service dogs for a va- tion. danced on the lawn. The sky was just as blue and perfect the afternoon she and I walked hand in hand down our street. Grayson College Hosted Trauma Affected The smell of blooming flowers tickled our noses and made us both giggle the morning we went shopping for Veteran Training to Law Enforcement her Easter dress. by Billy Teague Commission on Law En- College Adjunct Profes- Of course, I long for a reality in which I can enjoy this Veteran Outreach Specialist forcement) credit hours. sor, Army and Combat Spring with her. Instead, I look to my own daughters, each GC Veterans Services Office Billy Teague, Veteran Veteran, and Tom Bean of whom resembles her in some way, and I am renewed On March 20th, 21st, and Outreach Specialist for the Chief of Police, who himself and refreshed that we are given another Spring to enjoy 22nd, the Military Veterans Grayson College VSO, wel- has experienced combat together. Peer Network (MVPN) and comed all the participants PTSD, opened the training the Veteran Services Office on Monday morning, and was assisted by Penny (VSO) of Grayson College March 20th with opening Poolaw, MVPN Coordina- sponsored training for local remarks. tor with the Texoma Com- law enforcement, who may Teague, a veteran of the munity Center. encounter a veteran expe- Marine Corps and Army, This three-day course was riencing a Post Traumatic and former law enforce- provided at no charge to all Stress Disorder issue. ment officer, discussed local law enforcement from This training, known how PTSD had personally Grayson, Fannin and Cooke as TCOLE Training 4067 touched his life and the Counties as well as to Bryan Trauma-Affected Veterans, actions he took to address County, Oklahoma officers. was provided on campus it, like receiving counsel- Photo courtesy of Anne Dering in the Center for Work- ing and going to nursing For more information on My smart and funny place Learning and offered school. local resources for PTSD, daughters (photo above sixteen hours of classroom He added that the VSO is please contact Penny Poolaw was taken a few years training and eight hours of here to assist veterans want- with the MVPN at 903-267- ago) remind me of my scenario training. ing to pursue an education 0166 or email at ppoolaw@ dear sister (left). All participants were award- and help change their lives. texomacc.org. ed 24 TCOLE (Texas Howard Day, Grayson Photo courtey of Billy Teague

Howard Day speaks to a class- The Life of an room of law en- forcement officers EMT/Paramedic last month. by Kelsee Nelson treat a patient before he Student or she reaches the hospital In the 1960’s, emergency came out of practices used medical care was much dif- in wars fought in Korean, ferent than it is today. Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghan- A community’s funeral istan. home transported emer- “It often surprises people gency victims, and patients when they are told what An Era That Won’t Be Forgotten didn’t start receiving care the EMS system used to be by Rolanda Bryant until they arrived at the like,” says Cory McMorris, a VSO Administrative Assistant The movie is a comedy. The storyline is silly. hospital. current student at Grayson It is basically about the lives the band According to an article County College enrolled in Recently, I was flipping through the TV members were actually living, with a little channels looking for something to watch. I fiction thrown in. in Prehospital Emergency EMT/Paramedic classes. always go to the TCM channel and this time, A lot of screaming girls followed them Care 10th edition, the Na- McMorris continues, “It’s they were hosting “31 Days of Oscar.” around, and Paul’s grandfather kept getting tional Academy of Sciences’ crazy to think that when I am a huge fan of that channel because in trouble (that was the fiction). National Research Council this started there was more they show movies in their entirety with no All of this went on while the band was published a report called deaths caused by car acci- commercials or cuts. trying to get ready for an appearance on a At this time they were showing It’s A Hard television show. the “Accidental Death and dents than on the battlefield Day’s Night featuring the Beatles. We were just mesmerized by these four Disability: The Neglected in the war.” For those of you in guys and the beau- Disease of Modern Society” All the knowledge that the the know, this picture tiful music they that highlighted the num- students learn to become wrote. was made in 1964, at ber of deaths and injuries this profession in the EMT/ the height of Beatlema- John Lennon nia, and was directed wrote the title song related to traffic crashes in Paramedic program comes by Richard Lester. in one day! That’s the United States. from the data that came When it first came amazing! It also identified “severe from the wars. out, my best friend And by the way, deficiencies in the delivery “I did not know until I that’s where George and I went to see it at of prehospital care in the was in the program that I the Rialto Theater in Harrison met downtown Denison. his first wife, the United States and made rec- would learn things that hap- We went with a fashion model Patti ommendations intended to pened in history,” McMorris bunch of other female companions and were Boyd. change ambulance systems, explains. screaming in the theater, just like the girls in She was an extra in the film. And for those training requirements, and Not only does an EMT/ who haven’t seen it, I do highly recommend the movie. the provision of prehospital Paramedic offer pre-hospi- I was a mere child of eleven and fell in it, not for its story, but for all the great music love - that’s what my friend and I kept saying that came out of that era. c are .” anyway - with Paul McCartney. The Beatles to me were great songwriters Everything that EMT/Para- Continued on page 6 It was filmed in black and white, but we and musicians. medics know about how to didn’t care. Today a lot of their music from so long ago All the songs they sang in the movie and is still heard on commercials and classic rock on the album were absolutely fabulous to stations. Read a great article on page 4 about a those two giddy girls back then, and, for me I’m so glad I lived through that time and at least, they still are. can still listen to all the music the Beatles service project you or your department As I watched that movie on TCM now, it wrote and enjoy it over and over again. was like being a kid again. If I were to rate this movie on a scale from What a wonderful time that was to live in! 1 - 10, it would get a perfect score. can do and give back to our community. Page 4 Campus and Community Service April 3, 2017 Rooting for the Vikings Continued from page 1 After another awkward set of the inning gave the Vernon pitches, another Grayson bat- Chaparrals (or “Chaps” as the ter was walked, and the game uniform displayed) a jarring solo was won after the man on third home run. strolled home. After a scoreless 8 innings, I Turning my attention to the Lady felt the classic sports-induced Vikings softball game against Tem- knot in my throat as the top of ple, I entered the field to find our the 9th continued. girls down by 6 runs, and shortly After one or two more hair- thereafter, a two-run homer by raising pitches, the top half of Temple ended what appeared to be the inning was swept up in the a bleak 3rd inning. same manner as the rest of the The Temple girls seemed vicious. game. Unlike the pitching duel that the Once again, and for the last baseball diamond was having, the time, the Vikings would take the softball field was locked in more offensive. of a mental battle, and the cheers and jeers of the rowdy Leopards Student-athlete Desiray Sausedia is ready for the opponent’s pitch.. Four double plays lost us sev- eral opportunities to score. seemed like they got inside the So, when the first few pitches heads of the quiet and focused The Sisters of Destiny Give Back led to a single for Grayson in the Vikings. by Shalene White bottom of the 9th, I was not as But, after trailing 14-0, the final Staff Writer & Library Aide jumpy as I had been earlier in inning may have sparked a po- On February 18, 2017, One of two licensed food managers the game. tential comeback for the Grayson students from the Nursing is on duty every day. But, when a hit batter and four girls. Program and Welding Program joined This much-needed program has over balls led to 2 walks and bases With bases loaded, a clean crack Sisters of Destiny to serve the com- 150 trained food handlers licensed by loaded, I will admit that I was brought the first of our girls home, munity by packing sack lunches to be Grayson County Health Department. once again, leaving the bases given to over 100 homeless and low- Over 200 volunteers have worked in gripping the camera, waiting for income residents in Sherman. the kitchen through the years that it the trademark home run that loaded. The Grand Central Station manager, has been open. makes baseball America’s pas- But with 2 outs, the effort was Ben Merrill, directed their service in It is a 501C-3 organization and has a time. too little, too late, and a the warehouse used by this non-profit tax identification number. In an unconventional manner, would end the game amidst the organization to store food and supplies Grand Central Station serves ap- a wild pitch was thrown, and excitement. when the packing was done. proximately 130-150 area residents per I had a great time regardless. home plate and first base were Grand Central Station serves approximately 130-150 stolen, tying up the game, once Go Vikings! area residents per day with food prepared from scratch by again leaving the bases loaded. the volunteers. Debi Martinez, secretary of the Sisters day with food prepared from scratch Getting Stuck for Love of Destiny, has been working with by the volunteers. Grand Central Station for over two It is a happy place where people can years and is providing the chance for come and spend the morning. There with Convenience clubs or individuals to make a differ- is much socializing by visitors as they by Kendra Scott The [uncomfortable] physical ence. also help one another. Student factors afterwards could drag me Local churches and Austin College The organization is open Monday- down at times with dizziness and students/faculty presently volunteer Friday, 9:00 a.m. and serves lunch 11-1 In the United States, when a light headedness, but the side hours to this organization. p.m., closing after cleanup. patient needs blood, the doctor effects all go away and become Martinez said volunteer hours are Saturdays it opens at 9:30 a.m. and writes a prescription for a pint or irrelevant after I realize the good vital to the survival of this facility. serves brownbag lunches from 9:30 more. deed I did,” Don adds. “Giving a few hours a month is a small a.m. until the 280 bags are gone. In other countries, it is common Convenience is key for most po- price for such a wonderful service to These sack lunches can be picked up for medical personnel to ask a tential donors, but Francis Camp- our community,” said Martinez. and taken or eaten at Grand Central family member or loved one of the bell, director of Texoma Regional Grand Central Station (GCS) is the Station until 11 a.m. patient to replace the blood used Blood Center (TRBC), states, “We dining facility located at 110 Throck- The menu varies according to dona- in the blood bank. offer just that convenience with morton in Sherman, Texas. This soup tions and recipes submitted by the “Give a little take a little.” Some- our mobile units to hold blood kitchen first opened on October 11, volunteers. thing to think about.. . if that law drives.” 2010 and has served 118,096 meals as Showers are available for the guests, was in effect here in the United However, some donors actually of April 2015 with 32,854 volunteer and toiletry items are provided as States, would you have a loved do go to the blood bank to donate hours. needed. one or family member willing to blood. TRBC is the smallest bank In late 2012, GCS was able to hire GCS also has a washer and dryer donate blood for you? in the Texoma area with a total Ben Merrill as the Dining Car Man- that guests can use to do two loads of Consider that donating blood of 25 employees and covering the ager. laundry per week. These services are is much more than just a blood counties of Texoma to Ladonia The rest of the workers are all volun- utilized on a daily basis. donation. and a few small towns in between teers, many regular teams being from The organization has worked with “Euphoria: that’s the state my the counties. churches and businesses in the com- Grayson County Health Department body experiences after I donate It may be hard for some people munity. to provide breast exams and free mam- blood,” says Amber Don, a student to get out and drive this way to The exception is the daily presence mograms for those who qualify, blood at Grayson College main campus the blood bank in order to donate of two paid workers from Experience cholesterol, and blood sugar testing, and a successful blood donor. blood, so, Campbell says, “TRBC Works, a local organization that hires blood pressure checks, and flu shots. “I have a sense of importance will gladly set up a mobile unit ata the older population who want to con- A local dentist sees to emergency knowing I will help and even save convenient location.” tinue training and working. Continued on page 7 three lives every time I donate Continued on page 6 blood. Behind the Badge: How Grayson College’s Campus Police Keep Our Community Safe Continued from page 1 The ratio of students and staff to Campus Po- “Students with concealed carry permits won’t ‘just in case’ situations.” lice at Grayson College is quite high. make me feel safe. When they come in my class However, there have been a few occasions Several thousand students and staff populate in the fall, I will not feel safe because I do not when the police have been needed. the campus at any given time, but there are only feel that they will be trained as a private citizen Chief MacPherson has been at the college 14 a handful of Campus Police on campus to keep the way police are trained,” says Trevino, who years, and during that time there were fortunate- watch over them. believes that accidental discharge is a major con- ly no major incidents that occurred on campus, “We only have four full-time officers and four cern that should be taken into account. only minor, such as tornadoes and a student or five part-time officers to keep watch over Grayson’s Campus Police share a similar per- who had a mental break spective on the subject, believing but was able to get the help that students who participate in she needed. concealed carry should be mind- When an incident oc- ful. curs on campus, one can “I’m big on the Second assume that the Campus Amendment, so I’m fine with Police will resolve the situ- it, but common sense should be ation, but the more im- used,” says Wilder. portant question is “how “The people that do have con- fast”? cealed carry permits and have The response time of Grayson College Campus somewhere between four to five thousand stu- a weapon need to understand that if there is an police is much faster than any local law enforce- dents and several hundred faculty and staff,” says active shooter or other threat on campus, they ment could provide, due to the fact they are MacPherson. should not go hunting for them because it will stationed on campus and have officers patrolling “We can’t do it by ourselves, so we have to rely make our job a lot harder… if they are actively the college at any given time. on our campus community to help us out… I moving, they could easily be mistaken for the “We can normally be there within three to four think that something we need to do more as a shooter.” minutes, depending on where we are located, campus community is to be more aware and Students with concealed carry permits should but the response time is pretty quick,” says Clay- more proactive when reporting crimes.” exercise extreme precaution and safety and stay ton Wilder, a Campus Police Officer at Grayson Awareness by students and staff alike is highly in the room and protect that classroom because College. valuable to the Campus Police because it helps their concealed gun is for self-defense purposes, “If an incident occurs, we are in the area, so it’s them to keep our college a safer place. adds Wilder. not a long drive.” Chief MacPherson was able to “If teachers or students notice an incident, Grayson’s Campus Police can’t protect the prove that statement by displaying a fast re- they need to call us immediately so that we can community by themselves; however, with help sponse time when a student accidentally clicked handle the situation,”says Wilder. from the community’s showing awareness of a button on a classroom computer that alerted The open carry policy that will take effect on potential crimes and reporting them, as well as the Campus Police. August 1st of this year at Grayson College has practicing safe procedures when handling a con- Chief MacPherson was on the scene within stirred up mixed feelings within the campus cealed firearm, Grayson can remain a safe place. minutes and resolved the situation. community. April 3, 2017 Page 5 © Reviews Disney Delights Moviegoers in 3D Tell Us by Lauren Aleman Student What You Last month I saw Beauty and the Beast in 3D, and Think! I can honestly say--it was incredible! What would you While many recent live- action Disney remakes like to see in The have differed tremen- Viking? dously from their animated inspirations, director Bill Condon managed to bring Email your the original story to life. suggestions to The plot mostly falls Viking staff writer in line with the Disney animated classic-- Belle, Morgan Bryant at played by Emma Watson, Belle begins to see a different side of the Beast - a mobryant@vikings. becomes a prisoner of grayson,edu. the Beast, played by Dan kind and gentle side that may be capable of love. Stevens. She wants to save fantasy romance, writ- lage, to the dark and cold, It stays with the original her father, Maurice, who is ers Stephen Chbosky and cursed castle, every detail storyline while bringing Include a headshot played by Kevin Kline. Evan Spiliotopoulos added was pleasing to my eyes and new insight to the charac- of yourself so we Once she befriends his scenes that brought a new even more so in 3D. ters. enchanted servants, how- emotional depth to the two I was drawn in from the Also, it delivers a “tale as can include your ever, Belle begins to see a main characters. start and I kept wanting old as time” in a completely comments and different side of the Beast - more. The transitions of the new way that you will want photo in the May a kind and gentle side that scenes were smooth and Overall, this is one of the to experience again and may be capable of love. beautiful. best Disney remakes I’ve again! issue. In an effort to refresh the From the small French vil- seen. April 2017 Baseball Schedule April 2017 Softball Schedule

Come out and support our Athletics Program! To see the full schedule of all athletic events for Grayson College, please go to http://grayson.edu/athletics/index.html

Review of Infinite Black Suitcase Tell Us What You by Morgan Bryant all viewers. Think! Staff Writer As for the performance, it was done quite well. E. M. Lewis’ Infinite Black Suitcase, For very emotionally loaded scenes— How is President Trump doing? presented by the Grayson College Theater and even comical moments—the actors Department on February 24, focuses on conveyed them superbly. the devastation of losing a human, featur- The actors made the play real, and by Email your responses to Viking ing mostly—if not entirely— emotionally the end of the play, the audience was staff writer Morgan Bryant at charged scenes over death and the living moved. characters’ grief and struggle. I especially enjoyed the bar scene in [email protected],edu. However, the scenes were lightened with which the character Frank Harper (James comical moments and lines. Berggren) drunkenly fell off a bench, The play was a good choice for the which broke some tension of the scene. Include a headshot of yourself so Grayson College Theater company for the Overall, the play was a good choice for we can include your comments simple reason that it featured diversity in our college and was executed well, al- situations; for example, the play presented though it contained some arguably un- and photo in the May issue. LGBT characters. necessary explicit language. I find these factors as bold and relatable, I look forward to attending the next expressing the true meaning of the play to production! Juggling School, Work, and Family by Matt Trevett Those who return to to school, whether it’s due to the pressure of when they’re just waiting to pick up their chil- Student school after starting finances or to set an example for their children. dren from school. a family understand For Justin West*, a current Grayson College Harris said, “I have no idea how I did it. I just the struggles of trying to juggle school, work, student, both of these were reasons for going to know that no time was wasted. I studied at prac- and family responsibilities. school. tices, [and] sitting in my car in the pick-up lines The sacrifice, hard work, and late nights study- He still has many of the same struggles as Har- at school.” ing are sometimes overwhelming, and some ris, though West stated, “Sometimes I will sac- For most students with families at home, the students cannot handle it and end up hardest part is being away from their chil- giving up school. dren so much, sacrificing time with them But for those who keep going, they to go to classes or to do homework, which must find that special balance between becomes a real struggle. the three. Some conflicts that arise are Laura Daniel, another former Grayson scheduling, time for homework, work, student with a family at home who has family time, chores around the house, gone on to have a successful business of her and so on. own, said, “The hardest part of going back Holly Harris, a former Grayson College to school for me was splitting my time up student who was a single mother while between my little boy and school.” attending school, said, “The pull of being Splitting the time between family and a single mother was all on me. classes seems to be the hardest part for most I had work, family, housework, school, Photo used with permission from www.pexels.com students with families at home. homework, my girls’ homework, all while keep- rifice homework to be able to spend more time West stated, ”While taking 4 classes this se- ing the girls feeling like they were the main with my family, as well as putting in late nights mester to hopefully obtain my degree faster and priority in my life.” to get homework done.” working full time at nights, finding time to give For Harris, it was a constant struggle to bal- The constant act of juggling family, work, and to my family has become a real struggle.” ance the three, especially being a single mother. school is never ending while attending school. Is all the juggling worth it in the end? For some students, though, it takes having a Lots of times parents will take their homework Most say, Yes! After all the struggling, it pays off family for them to get the motivation to go back with them to children’s sports practices or even Continued on page 8 Page 6 Alumni News April 3, 2017 The Life of an Where Are They Now? by Shalene White EMT/Paramedic Staff Writer & Library Aide Continued from page 3 that will fill him/her with tal care to people in need, many different types of Grayson College has a flourishing “They gave me an opportunity to see baseball but aside from the physical stress, emotions, and feel- athletics program, and the success at a higher level. care that is provided, there ings, so it is important that of this program can be seen as many of our Basically, they pushed me to expect more is a lot emotional care that he/she is following the cor- graduates move on to become professional and reach for higher heights.” athletes. Mock also said that Grayson was a stepping comes with being an EMT/ rect steps to stress manage- In this issue, The Vikingis recognizing an- stone, a very integral piece of himself and his Paramedic. ment. other amaz- career. There are times when There are three basic ing alumnus Mock credits the coaching and Even though types of stress reactions that an EMT/Paramedic can- who went on Mock loved the the EMT/Paramedic may teaching staff of Grayson College for mak- not always save the person to play base- baseball life, whom they are taking care experience as a result of a ball profes- ing him the player he is today. the game took a of, regardless of how much high-stress incident or from sionally. backseat when he they try. constant exposure to stress- Garrett Mock got married. However, even though the ful situations. attended Grayson Mock transitioned patient has been lost, their The first is Acute Stress College during from baseball man care does not stop there. Reaction which results from the 2001-2002 to family man al- If the patient has family exposure to a high-stress school year. most seamlessly. on the scene, then the fam- situation that can be seen Mock played “When I became ily is now considered “the not only in the patient, but baseball for Gray- a husband and a fa- patient,” and the EMT/Para- also in the EMT/Paramedic son in the spring ther of 3 kids, all my medic now transfers patient and other emergency per- of 2002. priorities shifted,” care to the family. sonnel. After leaving said Mock. Cody Nelson, a Paramedic Delayed Stress Reactions Grayson, Mock He currently re- at Murphy Fire Depart- are signs and symptoms enrolled in the sides in the Houston ment, says, “High-quality that may take days, months, University of area with his family. patient care is a key quality or even years to experience, Houston. In his career, Mock for any EMT/Paramedic to the most common of which Mock eventu- pitched 94 mph, had h av e .” is Posttraumatic Stress Dis- ally signed with a vicious curve ball, the Washington and was noted for Nelson goes on to say that order (PTSD). Nationals, then Photo courtesy of Shalene White his change-up pitch. “in this field, we deal with The third, Cumulative the Toronto Blue Garrett Mock pitching for the . Being able to play a lot of people, people that Stress Reaction, is the Jays, the Boston professional baseball result of constant exposure look for us to save their Red Sox, and the . was the icing on Mock’s proverbial cake. to stressful situations that injured family member or Ultimately, Mock signed with the Arizona “Playing professionally was an absolute friends.” build over time in the EMT/ Diamondbacks, where he held an 11-2 record dream come true,” Mock said. When there is nothing Paramedic. and eventually retired. “However, becoming a husband and a that the EMT/Paramedic Callie Ramer is a wife of a Mock credits the coaching and teaching father was my ultimate dream, and I accom- can do to save a loved one, EMT/Paramedic. staff of Grayson College for making him the plished it all.” they immediately do every- Ramer explains, “Certain player he is today. thing they can to help them ideas that an EMT/Para- “The coaches were awesome,” Mock said. through their difficult time, medic can do to manage regardless of what it is. stress are to take a look at HR Consultant & Author Shares Interview Tips diet and cut down on the Nelson then explains, “I By Rache’l Terry amount of sugar, caffiene, One special tip came in the form of remember a time where I Student & Rotaractor asked if I could do anything and alcohol consumption.” encouragement to know five key strengths for the family member Another way to help with The members of Grayson College’s Rota- about oneself. of the deceased, and he the stress is to exercise more ract met in early March to welcome Hu- Having those five strengths always in said that he was hungry, often, Ramer continues, man Resources consultant and “Genera- mind helps with creating the right posi- so I went and made him a “which allows the release of tional Guru” Sherri Elliott-Yeary. tive emphasis at every stage of job seeking, sandwich and got him some built-up emotions that ac- Elliott-Yeary presented last autumn in from the initial application to the final water.” company many crises.” Grayson’s Student Leadership series. interview. It’s the little things that The EMT/Paramedic can Her presentation then emphasized her Elliot-Yeary called these five points the the EMT/Paramedic can do also learn to relax by prac- published work helping employers under- connector used to create a compelling to make the patients’ hor- ticing relaxation techniques, stand millennial employees. story. rible situation just a little bit meditation, and visual As her latest audience, Rotaractors were In this way, people interviewing create better. imagery techniques. privileged to hear her insight on the chal- their “brand,” making themselves the can- Nelson finishes with, “I Finally, avoid self-medi- lenges of seeking work and interviewing didates that are memorable and hired. want to be able to leave a cation, such as taking pills with prospective employers. For those struggling with finding a job, scene knowing that I did ev- and consuming alcohol. Our guest shared advice to beat the Elliott-Yeary recommended taking a posi- erything I have been trained When an EMT/Paramedic competition in interviewing: the upkeep tion with a temporary agency with the to do. can control his/her stressful of social media profiles, the cultivation of hope that it could both build skills and lead “Knowing that I did emotions, this will allow the a unique display of personality and skills, to full-time employment. everything I could makes EMT/Paramedic to perform and the use of various Thank-You’s to fol- Drawing upon her years of experience everything that I see and do to the best of his/her ability low up an interview. as a VP at Snelling Staffing, International, in the job a little bit easier”. and be able to provide the These were mentioned among many oth- Elliot-Yeary shocked her audience when An EMT/Paramedic will emergency care that is best er practical interview habits that are sure to she shared how quickly initial applications encounter a lot of feelings for the patient. set a candidate apart from the crowd. Continued on page 8 Getting Stuck for Love with Convenience Continued from page 4 According to Courtney Love, a Grayson College When Grayson main campus had a blood drive Students on campus at Grayson also agree with student who was unsuccessful at donating blood, about six months ago, Love tried to donate blood, Campbell about convenience. Don states she has she was able to find out about a medical condition but she failed the blood mini test in order to do- donated blood several times in her 24 years. she never knew she had until she did the pre- nate. She would donate more, but finding the time is screening for blood donation. Love says, “At first I’m sure the phlebotomist hard with being a full-time mom and having a full The pre-screening before one gives blood is thought, ‘Oh, routine blood check, then hook her time job, and being a full-time student she doesn’t mandatory and takes about 45 minutes. up to a machine.’ Nope! I had to be the one they have a lot of extra time. turned down to donate blood due to my low he- She does, however, make it a point to stop every moglobin numbers. I was shocked and scared!” six months to donate. In the same week that Love tried to donate Don also states she loves the blood drives held at blood, she went to the doctor and had blood labs campus, and she definitely takes advantage of the drawn. convenience and wishes TRBC would hold more When the results came back, they confirmed blood drives at campus. that Love had low iron development. Grayson College is not the only place Texoma “I’m so glad I chose to try to donate blood that Regional Blood Center holds blood drives, day because I never would have known about my though. Campbell states TRBC holds drives at iron deficiency,” states Love. several business in the Texoma area, as well as Don says, “I am a firm believer in paying it non-profit organizations. forward. I would absolutely donate blood over and There are several blood drives held throughout over again. I want to give back to the community the year. Approximately every 60 days, there is a in ways physical labor cannot. drive going on at Austin College. “To be a part of saving someone’s life, a human There are at least two held in the spring and two being, a soul – yes, I will step up to save them time held in the fall at the Grayson main campus. and time again, and I will encourage my family TRBC also holds 3-4 blood drives per year at and peers to not only donate blood but to also each local high school they cover in Texoma. save lives.” Research through the TRBC web page and Face- Donating blood helps yourself as well as others book page helps students stay informed on when and goes much further than just drawing blood. Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott It means love, compassion, hope, and faith that and where blood drives will take place. Grayson student Amber Don is an experienced blood donor. Campbell advises students not to donate blood in this time of uncertainty, people still stop to give when they might be feeling ill or if the student has The process includes a personal information sheet back and help people in need, believes Don. not eaten that day. to fill out, a questionnaire to answer with the phle- She encourages everyone who can to donate botomist, and a blood mini-test. once every few months. The blood mini test measures the amount of hemoglobin in the body. April 3, 2017 Inspiration Page 7 like these, I tend to relax self and others. with music and reflect on I write to be myself. life. I write to hear the sound of I write when I’m angry, the earth’s core. when I’m sad, when I’m I write to feel and breathe. lonely. I write to explain, to dis- It is midnight. I am lying tort, to destroy. awake, staring at my grav- I write to learn, to think, to elly white ceiling, imagining enchant. myself on a park bench with I write to laugh. nothing but the sound of I write to cry. birds chirping. I write to organize. I write to speak my I write stories, to make thoughts without opening worlds, to play god. my mouth. I write to others and for I write to confess love. myself. I write to stop a suicide. I write because of my ad- I write to help the hurting. diction. I write for myself. I write to that last cigarette I write for everyone else. Photo courtey of Jeremy McMillen Dr. Jeremy McMillen discovered this lovely Dogwood tree in full bloom while on a hike with that I had years ago. I write to fill a void. his son, Gabe, and his son’s scout pack. Photo was taken at Waterloo Lake, Denison. I write to my future wife I write to open a closed and children. mind. knows. I write to my enemies. I write to grant others I Write: A Collage I write to slow the storm I write for order, to shape, strength. to organize. I write for my own ambi- Continued from page 2 I write because my brain that brews inside me. cannot hold all the things in my I write to remember my I write to the fantasy that tions. I write when there is only mind. dreams. could be reality. I write to make my family paper to listen to me. I write because it makes my I write to know it doesn’t I write to those who are leg- proud. I write because it is a good work real. have to be only a dream:“I ends and to those who stand I write because I love writ- I write not to be forgotten. way to fight. If I could not can see my unicorns run on forgotten. ing. write, I would be mute, con- I write to crowds of people I write because it is impor- It’s 10:00 am. I am lying the paper.” demned to the violent dictator- and to those who are alone tant. down, thinking about what I I write to see others explore ship of the secret. their imaginations. in the crowd. I write because it changes I write never to forget. am going to do with my life. I get up and write about being I write to have numerous lives. I write to put a face to my It is 10:00 am. I am sitting I write so that more ideas regrets and my hopes. successful. beginnings and endings—not by the river, watching as the come to my mind. I write because I do not need I write to follow my dreams just one. more than a pen and paper. and goals. I write because like a chilly sun goes up. The birds sing I write to fall asleep. I write to denounce injustices. I write to always take control day with the sun on your as the wind blows through I write to settle differences. I write because it is a good of my life. back, it’s warming. the trees. I begin to write: I write to design my dream way to fight and face oppres- I write to make peace of I write because paper doesn’t I write not to be scared. game. things. sors. Writing is its own form judge me. I write to see the world for I write because I have to. I write to be open-minded. of innovation and helps me to I write because sometimes good and bad, as the war relax, breathe, and forget my I write to always remember goes by. where I came from. I’m afraid to say it out loud. problems. I write to change people’s I write to be a better person. I write because I believe in Stay tuned! I write to make better choices. what I say. minds. I want to write to leave some- I write for others who are The “I Write: A thing behind that my son can I write because I am not I write because “it is what angry, hurt, and sad. be proud of. afraid to face my weakness. it is.” Collage” column I write because there are I write to push myself to reach I write to enter another di- I write to show that I am many untold stories inside me. my dreams and goals. mension. beautiful, the way I am. will conclude in I write to find out what I am I write because sometimes I I write to show others that thinking. Sitting at my desk, I see only feel like no one is listening. they are beautiful, the way the May 2017 the paper in front of me in I write to change. I write to prove things will they are. the light from the lamp. I can publication of The I write to begin my studies. change. I write for power and I write to motivate a friend. hear my son breathing softly strength. while he sleeps. Viking. I write when I am trying to I write to understand my- I write to tell a story no one The day seems tinted grey know. with somberness. On days I write when I cannot speak. The Sisters of Destiny Give Back Inspiration/Secondhand Secrets “This faith-based endeavor has brought Continued from page 4 by Gabrielle DeMay together visitors and volunteers from all dental needs, and the organization is grate- Staff Writer & Assistant Editor ful to all the dentists who donate tooth- over the Texoma area,” Martinez said. paste and brushes for toiletry bags. “It is a ‘safe’ place for those who are hun- GCS holds a Free Coat Day (1 coat per gry for food and need support of all kinds. visitor) once or twice in the winter, and It has been a blessing for those of us who when extra food is donated that cannot be s e r v e .” Inspiration used, it goes to visitors. A food handler license is not required to I breathed in the ocean- Every other Friday, toiletry bags are serve, but it helps the process run smooth- handed out with donated travel-sized er if two people from each group have one Crash, spray, runaway sand products. and would ensure there are enough volun- Delicate seafoam gone with a touch Sisters of Destiny has encouraged mem- teers in the kitchen. bers to attend GCS the first Saturday of For a free certification, just go to http:// Shells, souls, bottle-glass green every month for 5 semesters. graysoncotx.foodhandlerclasses.com/vol- Memories, feathers, voice of the gulls The club’s initiative has opened the door unteer.aspx. for clubs on campus to make an impact as Applications to volunteer may be picked Driftwood, wind, salty lips well. up at GCS or from Jeffri Hodge in the Test- Rope, tie it up in a bow The goal is to begin a Grayson Col- ing Center. lege student/faculty presence at the soup Certificates of Completion of Food I released it- kitchen. Handlers exam and forms may be given to The tide went out If more interest from clubs develops, it Jeffri Hodge or dropped off at GCS during may mean that each club can run a 3rd Sat- business hours, Monday - Friday, 8-1 pm. For more information, contact Debra urday alone as a team once during a school Secondhand Secrets year or semester. Martinez at 903-271-1040 or Jeffri Hodge at [email protected]. Serving at GCS is a great opportunity to I’m standing in an aisle, in a room, in a bookstore, volunteer one Saturday a month to be able This faith-based endeavor has brought Where a thousand titles wait at my command; to give back to the community. together visitors and volunteers from all The different spines, though silence fetters, The GCS specifically needs volunteers the over the Texoma area. Catch my eyes with screaming letters... 3rd Saturday of each month, from 8 a.m. to Grand Central Station is a “safe” place for Captivated, I wander the floor 11 a.m. those who are hungry and need support of With fingers on binding, and cover in hand. Martinez said GCS is a good place to feel all kinds. close to one’s fellow man and woman. It has been a blessing for those of us who I’m standing in an aisle, in a room, in a bookstore, serve. With a thousand stories waiting to be told; The many copies’ lives are shown, The unique tales that are their own... I feel the life in thread and pore That draws me in to unknown worlds.

I’m standing in an aisle, in a room, in a bookstore, With a million pages waiting to be turned; Photo courtey of Shalene White I unfold the leaves, breathe in a scent Debi Martinez, Tiffany Moser, With more notes than an accompaniment... and Julia Kennedy taking a I abandon my frame on some far-away shore break from volunteering at And dive into a Universe…Will I return? the Soup Kitchen at Grand Central Station in Sherman. Page 8 Inspiration April 3, 2017

by Morgan Bryant The Austrian Symphony Staff Writer I stroke her curved nape down to her smooth, only the knives that are my nails. Gentle paeans years I’ve suffered in this state will be in vain; untouched back, riddling her gloss with the will cease to be your song; short screams will it’s time to commit stalemate. A new horror fills dragmarks of my callused fingertips. My eyes become you. me with this defiance. I’m sorry. I dig my claws begin to cloud over before a rain; a brief abey- No, no. I cannot do this. Instead I produce a into her beautiful mouths and apply a forceful ance of sound fills us. I reach her end and slide wretched wail against you. Better me than you; pull. I screech in agony as I hear the crack of her ever so lightly up her lined sides as my coryban- how long I can hold this maimed animal in, I do skin and sudden lurch of her ripping in half. I tic tears stain her shoulders. This nodus begins not know. I am a composer dying of the strain of slam my eyes closed; if I saw her terror I could to slip my mind for the agony erupting commits composure. Oh the irony, my love. Your strings, not finish. I then feel for her wet strings and an unforgivable putsch against me. I grip the so gentle yet powerful, but not generous to me-- drown them as I break them one by one to an indentation of each side of her waist and throw your stubbornness will kill us both, dulcea. Love indescribable sound. Her beautiful crest, like a my head to sob silently into her, the scent of her me now, pacify the beast, play the piece or I will galaxy, I tear off with my claws. fresh finish intoxicating me. God, why must I break the lock to the cage! God cursed me to My lips go deaf and I drop her from my arms have this chord in my pulverulent heart? No this madness, don’t you see? Poēna Dei! to the cold floor and stare. Murder. She’ll never matter what we do, every vagarious attempt, we make another sound. The corpse before me is lead stentorian tunes farther from the ambrosia She never replies. The silence-- could it be no longer the glory that was her; a pile of oak is of all sounds. the soundless acceptance of what I must do my love. She cannot think of me as her torturer, I mustn’t lose it! I’d never breathe again! to her? Is it the trembling timor of me? I wail but only as her broken lover. You know death is Beautiful darling, please let me come to a peace and scream to fill us. My fingers run back over superior to the unforgivable alternative, dear. from this torture! I let out a small whimper and her chest, textured and elegant with her tender she says still nothing. Composure. I must force strings and elongated, broken cordate mouth The inevitable truth blares as I stare. The beast her to speak my mind. Yes, I must become the reflecting on either side of them, her ancient has broken out of his cage but what he sought merciless imprisoner. I’ve been gentle; loving. I Austrian features, brown stature. I fall silent and is gone. Hungry, hungry monster, devour me. I must sacrifice my own meaning and purpose to stare down at her. This composition God wishes cannot live without her. find what I seek. My dear you must forgive me. me to play to appease him would take my very My silent dear, I will make you tell the truth. soul. I will not do it. To mollify the madness that -Franz The soft hairs may brush your skin no more- was His will forever? I can do so no longer! The HR Consultant & Author Shares Interview Tips Juggling School, Work, Continued from page 6 is truly grateful to Elliott-Yeary for her and Family are rejected for errors and simple mistakes time and career-savvy advice. Continued from page 5 in spelling. Grayson College students are welcome in the end, whether it’s a better-paying job or even a job She emphasized the research skills used to join Rotaract every second and fourth that one enjoys going to. to learn about potential employers. Thursday of the month from 3-4 p.m. in the Harris stated, “[It’s worth it] not only to meet my goals, By learning about the company, the Viking Room of the Life Center. but the girls got to learn and see what all it takes to make it potential job candidates are prepared and to your goal. able to have good questions about the I didn’t hide the struggles or victories.” Daniel agreed, “Af- company. ter working a couple jobs that helped me get some experi- She spoke on resume preparation and ence, I was able to get a job in the field that I was aiming for emphasized the importance of having a in school. business card ready for networking. And now I have been able to venture off and start my own Her advice about participating in volun- business, which is growing exponentially.” teer opportunities as part of building the So, the struggle of working, raising a family, and going to resume and the social network made sense school seems to be well worth all the hardships in the end to Rotaractors. with many students going on and working in the field that As an organization that emphasizes the they have studied in. development of professionally and philan- Photo courtesy of Jean Sorenson The ability to take better care of one’s family or setting an thropically involved individuals, Rotaract Sherri Elliott-Yeary spoke with the Grayson example for their children comes from setting the goal and College Rotaract. waving us down. The sun starts to fall just behind one of the great The Boonies Tracker He graduated a year before us and has not dunes, resting before the night’s reign begins. been doing a whole lot since then. With a long sigh, Amani goes to work, digging Part 2 “So,” Mike starts, “Sheba tells me you’ve got through her pack to look for something to stop the by Hunnington Sloan some sort of story you want to make into a mov- bleeding and to keep the wound from going bad. Staff Writer ie, right?” he begins, extending his hand as we sit She still has a long way to go. Setting aside tools down. “Hand it over and let me flip through it.” to cut up the beast, she finds some unused cloth Editor’s Note: This is the My stomach tightens. My palms go clammy. and extra water for such a wound cleaning. second part of an ongoing serial Sheba hasn’t even read it yet herself. All she Resting on the large tail of the basilisk, Amani story. Part 1 can be found online knows is what I’ve spit-balled at her. pours the water over her wound and binds up her in the March 2017 issue of The Viking. -AD “Uh yeah, yeah,” I gulp hard. “Tell me what arm tightly with the cloth. ‘This will do for the you think. . .” I mumble, passing my worn-out time,” she thinks. The drive itself is rather quick. Sheba maneu- notebook over. “I haven’t actually finished it Looking around her surroundings, Amani lifts vers her rickety Buick like an old-timey pirate on up yet. You know, a work-in-progress, right?” I herself up and grabs her tools for the task of carv- a ship cutting through tough waters. squeak as my voice cracks and my face flushes. ing the basilisk for the vital components that were The whole time, I sit quietly while Sheba flicks “Mhm. . .” Mike intones , leafing through the requested of her. through the radio stations, landing on a jazz sta- first few pages. Assessing the light she has left, she carves only tion. Sheba is talking about menu items she thinks I a portion before she has to start setting up camp She taps the steering wheel to the beat until would like, but my mind is on Mike. for the night, something she especially enjoys in we halt in front of a small tracking--the moments taken to building near a four-way make camp, each task something stop. that she has done repeatedly, rel- “Here we are. Mike ishing each step. should be inside waiting As she finishes up with her tent, for us,” Sheba informs me, a familiar presence creeps from slamming her door shut. the stretching darkness. “Okay. Is he still cool “It took you long enough to take with actually helping out?” that thing out. Looks like it was a I ask, holding up my jour- bit testy that you were in its lair, nal with my story in it. eh?” suggests the melancholy voice A feeling of nervousness floating in the air. nags at the back of my gut. Amani’s gaze shoots directly to Sheba stops in front of the place her fire would go, where the restaurant’s door. a lean figure stands cloaked in “Trust me, Sebastian. dark robes. “And it took you long Mike really is wanting to enough to show up to even con- get into film making, and if sider helping, right Hermes?” she this is something that can fires back. get him some experience, Hermes chuckles. “Hey, I’m just he’ll totally jump on it. Or Photo used with permission from www.pexels.com the runner. All I do is make sure I’ll punch him in his bits!” all went well… Or not so well.” she jokes, raising her fist with a wicked grin. Amani breathes heavily, for below her lies the He removes the hood of his cloak and sits down As we walk in, the smell of Chinese food as- now-broken body of the basilisk, twisted in its on the sandy ground. “And looks to me, went bet- saults my nose, burning and making my eyes final moments of anger and pain, infusing Amani ter than well,” he adds with a large smile and light water. with the thrill of success. laugh. “No way! Why didn’t you tell me we were She spits at it. Looking to her left arm, she sees meeting him here?” I demand. blood dripping from her hand, pooling with the “What? Thought you liked Soba Cup,” Sheba basilisk’s own dark blood. The fight wasn’t as per- retorted, flashing a fake smile at me with the big- fect as she would’ve liked. Stay tuned. The saga will conclude in the May gest hint of smart-assed intent. The beast had made its life something Amani issue of The Viking. Special thanks to author Hun- I heave angrily and fall in behind. had to struggle to take. nington Sloan for contributing his work. “Yo dudes, over here,” Mike barks, haggardly