Volume 93
the Prairie
Issue I
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Presidential welcome Freshmen enjoy picnic with O’Briens
KATELYN GARRITY Assistant Editor
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reshmen walked the path to President O’Briens home August 31 for a free dinner and reception by faculty to welcome them to the University. Four years ago, President J. Patrick O’Brien approached Wes Condray, the Student Orientation Coordinator, to discuss creating a freshman picnic. During his time as a undergraduate student, O’Brien experienced a similar welcome and the experience stuck with him. “Events like the freshmen picnic give new students a connection to the University,” Condray said. President and Mrs. O’Brien joined a group of faculty as they welcomed the arriving freshmen with applause and cheers. It’s cool knowing that the faculty would get together to meet the freshmen,” said freshmen Jeffrey Norred. Not only did the freshmen picnic offer students a chance to meet the O’Briens, the President
Ambassadors attended the picnic and gave students tours of the President’s home. “I was expecting [the house] to be bigger,” freshman Gannon Williams said. “It was nice and
FRANKIE SANCHEZ
President O’Brien talks with new students.
there was a big yard for all of us to sit in together. I wouldn’t have everybody in my backyard like this.” The yard wasn’t the only thing big at the picnic. The Herdsmen brought Thunder X out to meet the newest batch of WTAMU freshmen. Senior Russell Brixley, a member of the Herdsmen, said Thunder X attended all the NSO’s and enjoys welcoming the new students. “He thinks it’s the best thing,” Brixley said. “He loves getting out and seeing people.” Thunder X was joined at the picnic by some of WT’s
STEPHEN INGLE
WTAMU students enjoy burgers and desserts at President O’Brien’s home during the Freshmen Cookout.
fraternities, sororities and a few other groups. “It’s cool knowing they came out to support the freshmen and try to get them involved,” Norred said. This event did not come together overnight. Condray said he spent about a month planning the freshmen cookout and was prepared for 500 people. Although they didn’t reach the 500 mark, Condray said he was pleased with the turnout. “It was an overwhelming success,” Condray said. “About 400 people attended.” A part of Condray’s preparations involved setting out t-shirts for the freshmen to take home with them after the picnic. Williams particularly appreciated this gesture because he did not have a University shirt yet. “I think [the shirts] were a good idea,” Williams said. “It helps to show other schools how much people here love this school.” Individuals at the picnic had the opportunity to enjoy the burgers, various desserts and buffalo cookies. Freshmen Sarah Edmiston wants to know the secret behind the buffalo cookies. “The food was the best part,” Edmiston said. “[The buffalo cookies were] very cute. I’m interested in how they made them.” KWTS, the One, provided the music for the event and introduced a few key individual. Both Williams and Norred said they enjoyed the food and the overall atmosphere of the picnic. “I like it,” Norred said. “I think it’s a good idea to get all the freshmen oriented and invited into West Texas.”
In our thoughts...
While driving to Austin, WTAMU student Kendrick Cutsinger and former student Julio Rada-Moya were in a severe car accident. Cutsinger, a former football player, died at the scene. He was a tight end for the Buffs. Rada-Moya, a WT alumnus and former soccer player, is in serious condition at a hospital in Austin.
COURTESY PHOTO
Cutsinger played for WT last year and was planning to red-shirt this year.
In a written statement, WT Head Football Coach Don Carthel said, “Kendrick was a fine person and a great teammate for all the Buffs. He was looking forward to red-shirting this year and getting bigger and stronger. He really liked his professors after the first week of classes and was very excited about this fall. He had a very close family that loved each other dearly and they really need our prayers at this time.” These Buffs and their families are in our thoughts. The Prairie Staff
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the Prairie
O’Brien welcomes students back Look for ward to positive changes, new student influences DR. J. PATRICK O’BRIEN President
Welcome back to a new academic year! I am pleased to welcome back to campus all you who are return-
ing from last year. I hope you had a productive but also rejuvenating summer break. I am especially pleased to welcome all of our new transfer, freshmen, and new graduate students. WT is your new home away from home. This is a very special year in the history of WT. One hundred years ago, on 20 September 1910, West Texas State Normal College opened its doors for the first classes of this newly established college on the Texas High Plains. Those students starting in 1910 had “Hearts as bold
News for decades Repor ting and writing since 1919 MARIA MOLINA Editor
On October 20, 1919, the Prairie was published for the first time. Initially, WTAMU was known as the West Texas State Normal College and the English department supervised the student newspaper. Ninety-one years later “the Prairie” staff wants to commemorate this historical event in which for the first time students where able to exercise their right of freedom of the press here in their University. As part of the retrospective we are working on this semester, we decided to include in this first issue the description of what the Prairie was created for.
The first ‘Prairie’ introduced itself in 1919.
as western breezes, Souls as pure and free!” As we start our second 100 years, I am confident you are just like your predecessors. Freshmen, Class of 2014! You are a unique group. You represent the first new class of the second 100 years of WT. That is a truly distinctive designation. Your task now is to take all of your God-given talents, learn all that you can, AND graduate from WT in four years. As you walk around campus, you will notice a tremendous amount of new construction and renovation
activity. The new facilities include Buffalo Sports Park, a new residence hall, and a new parking lot on 23rd Street. We are also renovating the science laboratories and classroom spaces in the ANS building, the Activities Center, and the Palo Duro Research Center, and we are converting the old science building into a new engineering building. We are essentially building for the next 100 years, and YOU are very much a part of that building process. Welcome Back and Go Buffs!
Prairie retrospective
Publication sets new goals and standards MARIA MOLINA Editor
After going through the Prairie’s archive, I realized that we have a long history as the Student Newspaper. We have gone through so many changes, from “The Prairie” in 1919 to the “West Texan” during the 1960’s. We went from a black and white newspaper to a colorful magazine. There was so much to read and see, so much history to be discovered. As I flipped the pages, I realized that our archives record the past, the present, and soon the future of WTAMU. I questioned myself and thought…what would we be without the past? What would the Prairie be without the past? And that is when I understood: we are what we are because of the past. Why not remember previous years and celebrate them? Celebrate our development and our evolution. Celebrate what we are and what we will become. That is the goal of the Prairie this semester: commemorating our
establishment in 1919 and celebrating the future without foresaking the past. In the future, we will be better than ever. In the future, we will be closer to you, the readers. When I talk about the future the first thing that comes to my mind are freshmen. They are the ones that will be here when we graduate and the ones that will improve what we have done. They are the future leaders of WT and that is why we, the Prairie staff, want to dedicate this first edition to all incoming freshmen. We hope you enjoy this first edition of the Prairie.
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the Prairie
Campus Life
Walking towards greatness Projects enhance University, education KATELYN GARRITY Assistant Editor
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Parking zones are closed for construction.
FRANKIE SANCHEZ
‘Free’ for all Organizations offer lunches
HAN HSU
Staff Writer
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here are many students live far away from home, and do not have a chance to eat some homemade meals, and they probably feel lonely sometimes. However, there are several organizations on campus that provide students a free meal and a great networking opportunity. Wesley Foundation The Wesley provides free lunch every Tuesday at noon and enough to feed 150 to 200 students. The foods are usually supplied by Methodist churches, which provide a variety of food including pizzas, hot dogs, sandwiches, and homemade dishes. The purpose of free lunch is to help students to meet new people and get involved. Brandon Upton, a student at WTAMU enjoys the service and he says “fulfill” will be the word to describe the atmosphere at the Wesley.
Baptist Student Ministry The Baptist Student Ministry established free lunch during the late 1960’s. Most of the time, meals are provided by different churches around the West Texas area. The BSM currently hold two lunches every week, which are every Wednesday and Thursday at noon. On Thursdays, the International free lunch seeks to provide students an environment in which they can exchange culture differences and learn proper English. “People at free lunch are very nice, and it is a great experience to learn another culture,” says Hsiang-Ting, Huang. However, students are encouraged to cook their home dishes and share with everyone. The BSM provides the ingredients needed and drinks for everyone. Buffs for Christ Buffs for Christ provides meals the second
Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. For their event, is known as “Stuff the Buffs.” Meals are provided by the University Church of Christ. Most of the meals are homemade; however, they serve hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizzas as well. Buffs for Christ also provides a place for students to hang out. For example, the game room, which includes game systems and a pool table. These three organizations do not only for the free meals but also to help students to get involved. The organizations offer some field trips and special events. All students are welcome to join. “If it is free, it is for me” says Kent Mereness, the director of Buffs for Christ. Don’t hesitate to get involved and enjoy the free meal with everyone. These organizations are willing to help students to get what they needs, and stand by their side throughout the school years.
onstruction brings joy to my heart. Limited parking puts a spring in my step. Freshly painted crosswalks thrill me. Because I am a pedestrian. If I hit a car, the car will survive. If a car hits me, I might not survive. The fewer available parking spots, the fewer people driving to the University. By decreasing the ease of finding a parking spot on campus, the University is reminding students that they have feet. Although WTAMU is traditionally considered a commuter school, a lot of students live off-campus within walking distance of the University. Walking may not
seem convenient, but it is not like driving around campus for 15 minutes looking for a parking spot is convenient. Walking can save money, save time and make for a
FRANKIE SANCHEZ
Construction zones are off limits to students.
healthier lifestyle. Construction signifies growth on campus. The better the University looks in the future, the more my degree will be
worth in the long run. Recently U.S. New and World Report ranked WT 30th among Regional Public Universities. If WT is going to continue gaining more prestige, the University must continue to expand and make positive changes. There is no such thing as a university with good parking, but there are schools that are safe for pedestrians. WT is becoming one of those Universities. With the recent addition of bike lanes and the end to parking on Russell Long, pedestrians are no longer faced with rows of cars that make it impossible to look both ways before crossing the street. I feel safer because of the parking “problems” at WT. I feel like the construction on campus is increasing the value of my education.
the Prairie
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Sports
Senior duo ready to lead WT volleyball in 2010-11 Evan Grice Staff Writer
It’s a new era for WT volleyball this season. Gone are the likes of Melissa Harper, Natalie Johnson, Katie Rickwartz and Laura Prinsen. But, stepping up to the plate are familiar faces. Teresa Dunn and Lauren Thedford are the only seniors on a WT squad that last year was the national runner-up. While being thrust into a leadership position might feel like a lot of pressure, that doesn’t seem to be the case for these veterans. “I am really enjoying it so far,” Dunn said. “It’s nice to share my experience with the younger kids and sort of help them to become better every day.” For Thedford she says her experience has prepared her for this moment and she has enjoyed the challenge. “I have enjoyed stepping into the role as a leader,” Thedford said. “I have worked hard to be on the court for my first three years, and I hope to
show those under me the hard work it takes to attain such great levels like we do here at WT.” Now being a senior means much more than playing time, it means developing the underclassmen, which can be difficult at times. “Our biggest challenge has been developing so many new and young players,” Thedford said. Not only have new freshmen been introduced to the team, but also upperclassmen. “We only have five upperclassmen, two of which have never played here before, so it has been difficult trying to get everybody on the same page as us,” Dunn said. Apart from developing skills as a player, it’s also important to buy into the system. WT has created a new style throughout the years that has helped them be successful. “We have to get everyone working in our system and doing the little things right,” Thedford said. “When you come to WT you have to
change and do things the WT way, the right way. We have to get everyone doing our defenses, our plays, our sets, everything, to ensure that the game runs smoothly.” Second year head coach Jason Skoch added that it’s important to exercise team unity. “If the seniors get frustrated and put themselves off on their own separate island, then we’re not going to be unified,” Skoch said. “The seniors aren’t going to win by themselves they need everyone around them to win and be successful.” Most important however, at least to these senior standouts, is the lasting memories they will take away from their time as West Texas A&M volleyball players. “I will always remember the girls,” Dunn said. “They have made me the person I am today. We have been through so much together on and off the court.” For Thedford she remembers the serious and the funny things as well. “From broken down
buses and scary hotels at 4 a.m. to playing in the national championship, those experiences are nothing without the people in them.” Thedford said. For Coach Skoch, the memories of these two standouts will be from the character they have shown on and off the court. “The thing I will remember the most about Teresa is that she stayed with the team to develop as a player, even though she wasn’t getting a lot of playing time,” Skoch said. “She is one of the few players that gutted it out and stuck with it, when there are a lot of players that would have left in that situation.” As for Thedford, “I’ll remember Lauren’s ability to play and adapt to any situation and style no matter who were playing,” Skoch said. “This year is a little different for her because she is having to help the underclassmen out and I think she’s done a good job of that so far and that’s important for us this season.”
FRANKIE SANCHEZ
Seniors Lauren Thedford and Teresa Dunn pose during practice.
Lady Buffs go 3-1 at BritKare Classic Evan Grice Staff Writer
The #7 ranked WT Lady Buff volleyball team opened the 2010-11 season this past weekend at the Lady Buff BritKare Classic. On Friday the Lady Buffs played UTPermian Basin and St. Edwards, beating them 3-0 and 3-1. Against UTPB redshirt freshman Ashley Davis
recorded 11 kills, while Junior Erika Dupree recorded a near tripledouble with 9 kills, 18 assists and 12 digs against the Lady Falcons. Junior Libero Lauren Beville also accounted for 15 digs in the game. Defense played a huge part in the win as the Lady Buffs held UTPB to a .011 hitting percentage on the day. The win was the 16th straight season opening win for the Lady Buffs. WT has not lost a home
opener since 1994. In the nightcap, WT lost the first set but rebounded to defeat St. Edwards 3-1. Davis would once again record 11 kills and Erika Dupree would get a triple-double with 11 kills, 29 assists and 14 digs. Not to be outdone, senior Lauren Thedford recorded a double-double with 13 kills and 19 digs. Beville would also have another outstanding game as she recorded 12 digs. WT outhit SEU
.254 to .184 and had 59 kills to SEU’s 57. For the first time since August 2007 and for only the 11th time since 1989, the Lady Buffs lost a home match. Lubbock Christian was the culprit, snapping the Lady Buffs 46-game winning streak with a 3-2 victory. Thedford had 13 kills and 18 digs in the match while Junior transfer Keidra Williams recorded 12 kills in the match. WT would rebound
in the nightcap of day two, defeating Dallas Baptist 3-1. Thedford would record a team high 15 kills. Davis also had 15 kills and a .444 hitting percentage for the game. Williams was close behind with 12 kills and a .478 hitting percentage. The Lady Buffs held the Lady Patriots to a .096 hitting percentage for the match. Davis and Dupree would be named to the All-tournament team with Thedford gain-
ing honorable mention accolades. WT volleyball will hit the road this weekend for the Colorado Premier Challenge hosted by Metro State and Regis University. WT’s first game is Friday afternoon against #15 Southwest Minnesota State at 1 P.M. (CST)., followed by a nightcap against #10 Metro State at 8 P.M. (CST).
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the Prairie
Sports
Buffs open new sports complex in style Upset bid falls short Buffs lose in four th quar ter after turnovers
Evan Grice Staff Writer
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he #11 ranked WT men’s soccer team kicked off its 20th season on Thursday against University of the Southwest at the brand new Buffalo Sports Complex. Freshman Martin Fuentes made history by scoring five goals en route to a 12-0 shutout. The five goals scored by Fuentes are the most scored in a single game by a player in WT men’s soccer history. The goal-fest got started in the 8th minute when Ben Everson would fire home a close range effort with the assist being credited to Alfredo Chavez. Four minutes later, Everson would play provider for debutant TJ Eaton who would net his first goal as a buff making the score 2-0. Everson would make the score 3-0 moments later, with Abel Olivas adding another to make the score 4-0. In the 26th minute, Everson was brought down in the
box for a penalty and Captain Nicki Nielsen converted the penalty to make the score 5-0, this score would stay until halftime. Dominic Furness would get the second half started with a bang just six minutes in. His powerful blast made the score 6-0 in the 51st minute. Martin Fuentes would then carve his name into the score sheet earning a hat trick, scoring 3 goals in the 61st, 62nd, and 63rd minutes. Just 30 seconds later, Olivas would make the score 10-0 giving him his second goal of the night. Fuentes would then cap off his historic day by scoring in the 82nd and 86th minutes. West Texas hit the road for two games in Colorado. They played defending national champions Fort Lewis this past Sunday and will play Colorado School of Mines on September 7th. WT will return home on September 14th when they play UT-Permian Basin. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 P.M.
Lady Buffs earn first victory under new coach Soccer team achieves shutout win against Rollins College Evan Grice Staff Writer
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he #6 ranked WT lady buff soccer team got their first victory for new coach Chad Webb on Saturday defeating #13 ranked Rollins College 3-0 at a neutral site game in Denton, Texas. WT didn’t get on the board until near the end of the first half, in the 42nd minute when Becky Hewson converted a corner kick off a Rollins defender to make it 1-0.
Just nine seconds later, Samantha Cameron scored her first goal as a Lady Buff thanks to an assist from Hewson to make the score 2-0 at halftime. Kendal Kitchens would seal the game in the second half scoring in the 77th minute to make the score 3-0. Kelly Skehan made three saves, picking up the victory in goal for the Lady Buffs.
Evan Grice Staff Writer
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he #8 ranked WT Buffs almost pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the year against #2 Grand Valley State on Thursday night. But, thanks to some late heroics in the 4th quarter by the Lakers, GVSU kept its long winning streak at home alive by winning 34-31. The Lakers have not lost at home since October 2004. At the end of the first quarter the buffs were trailing 10-0. But in the second, they responded with big plays at both ends of the field. After a missed field goal by GVSU, WT would capitalize. On his first carry as a Buffalo player, Tommy Hampton would explode for an 80-yard touchdown the very next play from scrimmage, after the extra point the score was 10-7 with 13:13 left in the second quarter. After a fourth-and-one stop on their own 15 yard line, the Buffs would drive down and tie the game thanks to a 40 yard field goal by Sergio Castillo with 6:52 left to go before halftime. West Texas would get another defensive stop on the next Laker possession and the ensuing drive would deliver. A 6-play 61-yard drive would culminate with an 11-yard strike to Brittan Golden from Quarterback Taylor Harris for the touchdown making the score 17-10 Buffs with 3:18 left in the first half. GVSU would get a late field goal and make the score 17-13 Buffs at the half. The second half started just as the first one ended, with a GVSU field goal making the score 17-16 with 10:53 left in the third. WT would respond on their next possession, finishing the drive with a 17 yard touchdown pass to Kelvin Thompson making the
score 24-16. Neither team would score again in the third quarter setting up an exciting finish. WT would start the fourth quarter going for it on fourth and one but would not convert. GVSU would capitalize on this and score on the ensuing drive, but miss the two-point conversion keeping WT in the lead 24-22. Costly turnovers and miscues would eventually doom the Buffs in the late stages of the fourth. A bad punt would land GVSU with field position at their own 35 yard line with 9:23 left in the game. GVSU QB Kyle McMahon would find Greg Guy for the go ahead score, after another failed two point conversion it was 28-24 Lakers. Turnovers were costly in this game for WT, and one of them would rear its ugly head on the Buffs next possession. An interception deep inside Buff territory would lead to another touchdown from McMahon making the score 34-24 with 8:40 left in the fourth. GVSU would get yet another interception on the Buffs next drive, but WT would strike one last time with a 15 yard run by Kelvin Thompson with 1:53 remaining to make the final score 34-31. WT QB Harris ended the game 37-53 throwing for 421 yards and two touchdowns along with four interceptions. Tyson Williams led all receivers with 14 receptions for 182 yards. Golden had seven receptions for 103 yards. Hampton accounted for 99 yards rushing and one touchdown while Thompson had 59 yards rushing and two touchdowns (1 receiving, 1 rushing). West Texas will play next in Weatherford, Okla., Sept. 11th when they face Southwestern Oklahoma State. The Buffs will play their home opener Sept. 18th against Southeastern Oklahoma State.
the Prairie
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FLO-ing towards better leadership
News
New leaders hope to improve membership
Dino Griego Staff Writer
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our years ago, the Freshman Leadership Organization (FLO) was equipped to help first year students familiarize themselves and adjust to campus. In 2010, Katie Perkins, a junior history major and co-director of FLO, decided to change how the group works. Differences in FLO consist of helping students understand the professional world around them, providing cornerstones for success, and showing the fun side of WTAMU Student Government. Through their hard work and constant vigilance, FLO is hoping to
see an increase in student participation compared to previous years. “For the fall semester we are expecting a lot of people,” Perkins said. “We have eighteen dedicated students already on Facebook, and we have another sixty on an e-mail list. We will see a high turnout.” While sharing a common thread with Student Government, specifically Student Senate, FLO is completely independent and has its own agenda. “FLO is an organization on campus which acts as a little sister to Student Government,” Perkins said. “But we’re not just Student Government oriented. We want to do some of our own
projects, teach some of our own systems, and change little things that can make a big impact.” One major problem many organizations face are dues. If too costly people might not want to join. “Our dues are only fifteen dollars, and that covers the cost for t-shirts, snacks, drinks, silly bands and other community serviced base projects,” Perkins said. In the past, FLO members promoted coherence, unity, and a desire for excellence when seen around campus. This year we have an overarching theme,” Perkins said. “Basically we want to help showcase the ease of communicating with the top three officers.” Workshops help provide
New building, new opportunities
students basic building blocks for success. Possible workshops for FLO include public speaking, civic leadership, and stress management. “During the academic year,” Perkins said, “students will be volunteering at Work-A-Thon and Campus Cleanup, and around midterms, we want to sponsor a coloring contest to help decrease stress.” Dr. Don Albrecht, Vice President of Student Affairs, has been the advisor for FLO since its start. “FLO is a very effective organization that allows students to be leaders throughout their community,” Albrecht said. “When we first adopted this program, we wanted
David Meraz Staff Writer
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alo Duro Research Facility is a new addition to WTAMU that will house many research projects. It is located where the old Canyon hospital used to sit. Dr. James Hallmark, Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs said that with the support of a grant, WT matched 1.5 million dollars to help renovate the old hospital. The new facility will give students and faculty new roles to experience and work with. “We attract students and great faculty because of those facilities,” Hallmark said. According to Dr. Angela Spaulding, Dean of Graduate School, Chief Research Officer, Research Compliance Officer, the first phase of the PDRF will provide many research outcomes. Some of them include protecting and adding to the future of agriculture, developing the economic potential of wind energy, and providing research opportunities to both undergraduates and graduate students. This will give the students hands on experience enabling them to enter new fields towards the workforce industry. Currently the building holds “Agro-Security for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations on the High Plains,”“Public Heath and Food Safety Initiative,” the Alternative Energy Institute (AEI), and the University Research Alliance (URA). “Future phases of the Palo Duro Research Facility will include commercial research labs that will be available to the private sector and will facilitate interaction between
regional business and university researchers,” Spaulding said. There is still a lot to finish at the research center because not of the entire building has been renovated yet. “Just renovating 1/3 of the building cost a lot of money,” Hallmark said. Students and faculty will both benefit a lot from this new project. “What a great opportunity for students to get the experience to work in their field,” Hallmark said.
STEPHEN INGEL WTAMU research facility
to see individuals excel in government. Now we‘re wanting people to excel in all parts of academia.” Students who are interested in joining FLO do not need to be exceptional students, just willing to learn and get involved. “I really like being a leader and helping people,” Alexandria Gruhlkey, freshman mass communications major, said. “I want to be apart of FLO so I can keep being an active student transitioning from high school to college.” If interested in joining FLO meet at JBK 11, which is downstairs, at 4 p.m. on Sept. 8.
the Prairie
News
Healthy body, healthy mind
WTAMU offers services to help students succeed
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
hile getting back into the groove of college and independent living can be fun and exciting, there will be some moments that are stressful. This is where the programs and student resources that WT has developed come into play. Healthy Body With stress, tends to come sickness. This is why students need to know the services that the Student Medical Services can provide. SMS offers free services. Well, technically not free because the fees have already been paid through students’ tuition under the health fee. However, if X-rays, diagnostic tests, injections or procedures are needed, there may be a small charge that students will have to pay. The reason that SMS can’t offer these for free is because the money given to them from the Students Medical Fee only covers office visits, not testing or other lab work. If a student has a cold, he or she can go in to see the doctor for free and be told that he or she does in fact have a cold. If a student wants medicine to help alleviate the symptoms, he or she can ask for a prescription that will cost extra money. The student will then have to go to Wal-Mart or some other pharmacy to pick up the prescription. The prescriptions provided by the SMS are usually available at a low price, lower price than if prescribed at a regular clinic. Additionally, crutches, splints and other medical equipment can be loaned or purchased through SMS. The staff at SMS includes a boardcertified family physician, a part-time orthopedic surgeon, two certified nurse practitioners, two registered nurses, and an X-ray technician. Nursing and medical students may also work in the clinic, but if the student feels more comfortable with a certain professional, he or she can request that person when they schedule their appointment. SMS prefers that students schedule an appointment ahead of
Area hotspots Places to visit in the area Dino Griego
Cecile Charles
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time so that the student can be seen as soon as possible and not have to wait for an available moment if they are a walk-in. Appointments can be schedule online at www.wtamu.edu/ appoinments or by calling the office at (806)651-3287. If a student has a cold and the appointment isn’t immediate, he or she can swing by the SMS office located in the Virgil Henson Activities Center, Room 104, to pick up a cold pack that will supply the student with Tylenol, a tea bag, and antihistamines to help until the scheduled appointment. Healthy Mind Stress also affects the relationships people have, lifestyle choices, and the way they choose to study or not to study. WT offers a counseling program that will help students with temporary issues or career choices. The Student Counseling Services offers a wide variety of programs that can be fine-tuned to help a student. The most basic is personal counseling. Students are offered a maximum of 10 free personal counseling sessions through the school year. In these sessions, students sit with a certified counselor to discuss any issue bothering them from sexual identity issues to academic stress. The SCS also provides bio-feedback, couples counseling, pre-marital counseling, substance recovery group and other group sessions. Personal counseling sessions are scheduled as needed. If students feel that after one session, things have been resolved, then they do not have to return for another session. If students and counselor agree that more sessions are needed, then future appointments can be planned. During bio-feedback, students sit in a chair that monitors different aspects of the student’s behavior and nervous system. The feedback that is received is to be used to help a student learn to relax and ease out of stressful situations. “Bio-therapy is a computer program that teaches you
relaxation,” Leann Gables said, an SCS professional counselor. “It takes some measurements like temperature and heart rate from your body to tell you how your body is handling stress. It then teaches you some skills to lower your stress and anxiety. It is unlimited sessions, in fact, you could come do it every single day, you don’t have to schedule an appointment.” For couples counseling, only one member of the couple has to be a registered student at WT for the couple to be eligible for sessions. SCS also helps students to save money by providing them with the pre-marital counseling necessary in the state of Texas to waive a marriage license fee. “The state of Texas has decided that if couples attend 10 sessions of pre-marital counseling, they can get the marriage license fee waived,” Gables said. “We offer that Thursdays at noon and at least once a semester we have an eight hour seminar to get it all taken care of.” “This semester we have a new group session called “Healthy You” just to show students that they aren’t the only person with anxiety, depression or whatever transitional issues they have,” Leo Reid said, an SCS professional counselor. “This is just to get a group of students together so they don’t walk around the hallway by themselves thinking they’re the only one with problems. It’s an open group and you can come as many times as you want.” To become involved with “Healthy You”, just come in to the SCS and sign up for it. The groups will meet Tuesdays from 3 to 4 p.m. To schedule an initial session call SCS at (806)651-2340. Missed appointments without prior notification from the student are counted as one of the 10 free sessions that students receive. The SCS is a confidential office that will not release any information to anyone, including a parent if the student is 18 or older, unless the student gives written permission.
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very year, the same question circulates around campus: what is there to do in the Canyon/ Amarillo area? Well, with such a rich culture and historic community, the sky is the limit when it comes to the Texan Panhandle. Whether visiting Route 66, or heading over to ‘the square,’ there are many opportunities to experience a good time. THE BIG TEXAN: Location: 7701 E Interstate 40 Amarillo, TX 79118 (806) 371-7469 Legend: Mr. R. J. Lee, the owner of the time, had a cowboy enter his restaurant and order the biggest steak Lee could find. After serving up the 72-ounce piece of meat (along with a baked potato, salad, dinner roll, and shrimp cocktail), the gentleman left. The owner wasn’t impressed with the size of the meat, but by the amount of time took to complete it. To this day, if you can repeat the cowboy’s actions and wolf down the meat in less of and hour, the food is on the house. Fun Fact: The fastest time to eat the “Steak challenge” is in the single digits. PANAHNDLE PLAINS HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Location: 2503 4th Avenue, Canyon TX, 79015 (806) 651-224 History: Hattie Anderson moved to Canyon, Texas, in 1920 to teach history at West Texas State Normal College. She was captivated by what she found. It was a historian’s dream - a bustling city on the grow, eager young college students preparing to be teachers and a significant number of the area’s original settlers still actively involved in ranching, farming, and business. Miss Anderson knew she had to act quickly. Time was already beginning to claim many of the pioneers whose stories she wished to record. Immediately she began formulating a plan and recruiting interested volunteers. In early 1921, Miss Anderson, L.F. Sheffy (the head of the college’s history department), seven other faculty members and about thirty students organized the PanhandlePlains Historical Society. Their goal was to collect and preserve the history, both human and natural, of the region. They also began soliciting support for their efforts in the form of society memberships. (Story provided by the PPHM website). CADILLAC RANCH: Location: Off of Soncy. Relevance in pop culture: Cadillac Ranch has a notable history throughout the nation. Ever watch the movie “Cars?” In the behind the scenes documentary, the writers, produces, and story board artists travel to Cadillac Ranch and paint on the cars while drawing inspiration for the hit. Disney movie. Bruce Springsteen has a song called Cadillac Ranch on his album “The River.”
In memory of Kendrick Cutsinger