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March 18, 2014 • Vol. 96, No. 21
Jones and Cross Hall could become co-ed
Preston Thomas Reporter
eginning next fall, West Texas A&M will be expanding and moving its Living Learning Communities. Focused on improving the experience of incoming freshmen, the program involves each group of students living in the same dorm, taking the same classes and working with mentors. The originally announced plan involved making both Cross Hall and Jones Hall co-ed dorms exclusively for students in the LLC program. Students displaced from their rooms in those halls would have been given priority over empty rooms in other dorms, though no other concessions to the move were announced.
According to an email sent out to students on March 11, Jones and Cross will remain single gender dorms. Two floors on Jones and three on Cross will have rooms reserved for the LLC program, though no mention was made of whether this would impact any other dorms. “Specific to the suggestions you made, we have distributed learning communities more broadly across the residential inventory and have opted to not co-locate them by gender.,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Donna Eddleman in the email. “This is not ideal, but establishing more closely aligned and diverse communities is something we can aspire to do in the future; therefore, this letter serves to make you aware that both Jones and Cross Hall may
be used exclusively for learning communities and first year students beginning in academic year 2015-2016.” Students who will still be displaced will get priority on picking empty rooms in other dorms in the form of an earlier application date from March 21 through March 25, which comes
SPORTS
ENTERTAINMENT
FEATURE
OPINION
Block and Bridle raises funds for convention.
Lady Buffs compete in South Central Regional.
Review: Hunger Games “Catching Fire”.
WTAMU is home to a military nursing professor.
Skipping Spring Break or extending Spring Break?
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after applications for students staying in the same room. On March 4, a Q&A meeting was held in the Cross Hall lobby to answer the questions students had about the decision. Vice President of Student Affairs Donna Eddleman, Assistant Director of Residence Life David Wilson and Area Coordinator Lindsey Eggleston met with 50 to 60 WT students to discuss the choices as well as take notes from the students input. “The institution had concerns about the number of students graduating and the persistence rate,” Eddleman said. PRESTON THOMAS/ THE PRAIRIE Cross and Jones residents gather at the Q & A meeting. “We’ve embarked on
an initiative to change that. We are going to focus on being more intensive with Living Learning Communities. Our goal has been to have 400 students enrolled; the hard decision was where to put them.” The collective attitude of the gathered students was one of disgruntlement. Many suggestions for alternatives or compensation were suggested, such as distributing the communities across more dorms, providing a discount for students moving to more expensive dorms or relaxing the requirements for moving off campus.
CO-ED LIVING CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
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NEWS
Nursing Program to host Integrative Nurse Coaching presentation
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r. Lisa Davis and Dr. Heidi Taylor, associate professors of Nursing at West Texas A&M University, will conduct an Introduction to Integrative Nurse Coaching and Nurse Coach Self-Development program Saturday, March 29 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. at Chalice Abbey in Amarillo. The one-day presentation will focus on the art and science of Integrative Nurse Coaching. Integrative Nurse Coaching offers nursing professionals the opportunity to help patients achieve greater health potential by identifying goals and supporting behavioral and lifestyle changes. Davis and Taylor hope to inspire nurses to become more effective in motivating as well as supporting patients in those goals to improve their well-being and health out-
STAFF EDITORS
Tyler Anderson Megan Moore
ASSISTANT EDITOR B.J. Brittain
ADVISOR
Dr. Butler Cain
Buff News Briefs
comes. For additional information about the program, contact Davis at 806-651-2641 or ldavis@ wtamu.edu.
One Sessions wins 12 awards
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he One Sessions won 12 awards in this year’s annual Telly Awards competition. Produced by the broadcasting/electronic media program at West Texas A&M University, The Ones Sessions is an acoustic music show all done by WTAMU students. The show won six bronze in the categories of education, entertainment, live events, music/concert, student and videograhy/cinematography, and five bronze and one silver in the online category. The winning show, featuring Zac Wilkerson, was produced in April 2013 by WTAMU students and shot entirely in high definition in the University’s AT&T High Definition Studio. It was simultaneously multi-
DESIGN EDITOR Kati Waston
AD MANAGER Connor Woods
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Christopher Brockman
LAYOUT ASSISTANT Cheyenne Black
track recorded in WTAMU’s state-of-the-art recording studio. Camera, audio, set design and lighting for The One Sessions programs are all done by WTAMU students. The WTAMU program will host its next One Sessions at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3 in the AT&T High Definition Studio.
Cornette Library to Host Sixth Session in Muslim Journeys Series
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ornette Library will host the sixth session of Let’s Talk About It: Muslim Journeys series with a discussion on Amin Maalouf’s Leo Africanus. It will begin Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Southwest Branch of the Amarillo Public Library in Amarillo. Dr. Bryan Vizzini, WTAMU associate professor of history, will lead the discussion on the book. Cornette Library is one of 125 libraries and state humani-
REPORTERS Abbey Spruill Alyssa Bonner Cheyenne Black Jacob Helker Jessica Malacara Jose Robledo Kyle Coulter Laci McGee Preston Thomas
March 18, 2014 | theprairienews.com
ties councils across the country selected to participate in the project, which seeks to familiarize public audiences in the United States with the people, places, history, faith and cultures of Muslims in the United States and around the world. Funding for Let’s Talk About It: Muslim Journeys is provided by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA). Cornette Library is hosting the free series in eight different reading/viewing and discussion sessions. Maalouf’s book is a fictional account of the true-to-life Hasan al-Wassan, a 16th century traveler and writer. The book, full of adventure and history, tells the story of young al-Wassan’s exile from Granada to Morocco and his travels across North Africa to Cairo and beyond before being captured, sold into slavery and ending up as a prisoner of the pope in Rome. Maalouf, a native
SPORTS REPORTERS Jose Robledo Tanner Sims Wyatt Miller
of Beirut, has traveled the world as a journalist. He settled in Paris and eventually became editor-in-chief of the weekly Jeune Afrique. He now dedicates his time to literature and is the author of novels, essays and opera librettos. His works, written in French, and have been translated into more than 40 languages. The remaining programs in the series will look at one more DVD and one more book that explore the theme of connected histories. The library hosts one program per month through May. The next book is In an Antique Land: History in the Guise of a Traveler’s Tale on May 15. Copies of the book will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 25 participants at the meetings prior to each book discussion. For more information about the Let’s Talk About It: Muslim Journeys series, contact Mary Jarvis at 806-651-2225 or at mjarvis@wtamu.edu.
PHOTOGRAPHERS Jasmin Ruiz Natalia Molina Thomas Koeing
WEB ASSISTANT Georgia Romig
WEB SHOW ASSISTANT Haylie Ornelas
The Prairie is a student-operated newspaper at West Texas A&M University. It functions to inform, educate and entertain readers accurately and responsibly. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration, faculty or staff. The Prairie verifies the legitimacy of the advertising appearing in The Prairie, but cannot be held liable for any advertising claim made in this publication. The Prairie has a circulation of 1,500 and is printed by the Amarillo Globe-News. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. -- First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
March 18, 2014 | theprairienews.com
Educator’s Expo to be held on March 26 Alyssa Bonner Reporter
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he Educator’s Expo hosted by Career Services will take place on March 26 in Legacy Hall from 9 a.m. to noon. The Expo is a job and career fair held each spring semester and is targeted toward students interested in a career in teaching. “The Educator’s Expo brings a large number of representatives from a variety of school districts to our campus,” Kim Muller, Assistant Director of Career Services, said. When new graduates are beginning their job searches, it can be difficult to find the right person to discuss specific opportunities within an organization. The Expo allows employers to come to the students and spend their morning ready and willing to answer questions from students about their school districts and teaching opportunities. “It’s really good because it gives us the chance to meet people from the schools and ask questions about them if we have some,” Madison Parkey, senior Elementary Education major, said. “It also helps you as the student to impress the school and really get your name out.” The Expo can also benefit students in a number of other ways. “They know that professionalism is expected of them and how to conduct themselves in order to market themselves,” Dr. Elsa Diego-Medrano, assistant professor of Education, said. “They have the opportunity of interviewing with potential schools, and ultimately they have an overall understanding of the process as a whole.” The Educator’s Expo is also beneficial to employers who may be seeking out potential future teachers. “They might have some openings and are ready to hire anyone who has already passed their certification tests and completed the requirements for their degree plan,” Diego-Medrano said.
There are also some school districts that want others to know they are a great school district to work for. This is their opportunity to sell themselves to potential prospects.” Students who are currently student teaching are encouraged to attend the Educator’s Expo. There will be about 70 school districts ready to visit about opportunities for the 2014-2015 school year. For Education students who are not yet ready to enter the classroom, attending the Expo is a way to gather information and begin their job search early. “Often, students have a pre-conceived idea about where they want to begin their teaching careers,” Muller said. “Visiting school districts at the Expo as a sophomore or junior can provide them with a wealth of first-hand information about these communities and school systems that may change the students’ mindsets.” Attending the Expo as an underclassman will also give students insight on what employers are looking for so they can stand out as an upperclassman. “The Expo is open to all of our Education candidates, so in a sense, they have to stand out if they are going to be noticed,” Diego-Medrano said. There are currently 61 school districts registered to attend the Expo. Local districts that will be in attendance include Amarillo, Canyon, Bushland, River Road and Highland Park. There will also be districts from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the Houston area, Oklahoma, Kansas, other districts from around the state of Texas and one from California attending this event. A complete list of school districts attending can be found by logging into BuffJobs. “The Educator’s Expo is a great place to get a lot of reliable and accurate information straight from the employers themselves, in one place at one time,” Muller said.
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NEWS
March 18, 2014 | theprairienews.com
WTAMU’s Block and Bridle raises funds Cheyenne Black Reporter
or any club to be put on the map competitively or academically, the club must participate in events and have a strong relationship with its members. The Block and Bridle club is one of those groups. “We want to help the next generation of agriculturalists break into future careers and interests,” Emilie Thomason, a senior Animal Science major and committed Block and Bridle member, said. On March 23, the club will be putting on a horse show that
and the show starting at 10 a.m. Registration fees are five dollars and classes are seven dollars apiece. The Block and Bridle club does encourage those who participate in speed events that helmets are required. The concession stand will be run in company of the Pre Vet club. There are 43 classes, three classes per event and ages ranging in all different areas. The silent auction will end once the last class is judged. The items for the auction are being donated by the community and club members. Prizes for high point English, Western, and Speed will include rosettes and equestrian related prizes.
will help fund the club’s trip to Springfield, Mo., where the national convention for Block and Bridle is being held. “We went to our first Block and Bridle convention last April in Ohio and it was amazing,” Amber Wyler, senior Animal Science major and vital member of the Block and Bridle club, said. For the past 94 years, Block and Bridle has honored the animal agriculture world by promoting hands-on education, intensifying professionalism, and sculpting young men and women for the animal agriculture industry. The show will be located at the WT Horse Center with registration opening at 9 a.m.
“Block and bridle is an organization that tries to get the word of agriculture out,” John Osborne, a junior majoring in Ag Business and Economics and an active Block and Bridle member, said. According to the convention’s website, “the Convention and Industry tours create a unique atmosphere, bringing together around 500 animal science students and professors spanning across the nation.” Each year, the event tries to provide and build ties with its members across the nation, with professionals within the industry who are avid about getting the word out to the public.
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“Block and Bridle is a national organization made of university clubs from around the country.” -Emilie Thomason
“Getting the correct information and facts out is important to keep our industry strong.” -Amber Wyler
“One main goal we try to do it get correct information to the public about what is going on in the industry and help fight the bad information that is being leaked out,” Wyler said. “It is mainly an Animal Science club, but all majors are welcome,” Thomason said. “We focus on promoting agriculture in the community and on campus.” Some qualifications for becoming a member of Block and Bridle are being an enrolled student at WT, paying $20 for the annual membership, which covers their chapter and state dues, and attending the events and meetings held by the club. The meetings are conducted every other Thursday in room 201 in the ANS building at 12:15 p.m. The next meeting will be on March 20, where the club will be discussing the final details for the horse show. “Every year, we help put on Little International,” Osborne said. Little International is a mock stock show that allows WTAMU students to engage with animal life. Between hosting the horse show, the club also participates in Agri-Olympics, helping with the local FFA livestock contest, helping with the junior livestock judging contest and the junior agricultural contest last year alongside the other agriculture oriented clubs on campus. In future events, the club
will be traveling to the national convention in Lubbock, Texas, which will be held next spring. The club will also be volunteering at local animal shelters and try to help their community. “Our members have grown since we first started this year and we are very proud of that and hope to continue to grow,” Wyler said. Block and Bridle is an animal science club and works closely with the Pre Vet club. Students take various chemistry and other science classes together because the Pre Vet and Animal Science majors are basically identical. Because of this, both clubs share a majority of classes together and have grown to
know the Pre-Vet members and officers. “We are lucky enough to share some of the same members and events through the university,” Thomason said. “We are very thankful for the Pre Vet Club. They have given our members a broader experience through their involvement with us.” Each club makes it a point to help the other club when they can and vise versa. Both are going for the same goal – to further agriculture, whether that’s as veterinarians or industry leaders. The Block and Bridle club is also selling WT Agriculture hoodies that will be combined with the money earned at the horse show to fund the convention trip. The sale has no dedicated end date and will be sold until the club’s inventory is out, which at that point the club will start looking into future orders.
Pregnant?
NEWS
March 18, 2014 | theprairienews.com
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Buff Print to install printers in the FAC Jasmin Ruiz Reporter
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ith the technology fee that students at West Texas A&M pay for, they receive 1,500 free copies of paper to print out assignments and projects every semester. However, most students have to go to the Hasting’s Electronic Learning Center (known as the HELC) and print out papers using their Buff Gold Card. Now, there is a new way for students to print. Students can have access to printers that are around campus known as Buff
Print. Information Technology at West Texas A&M University has started to place printers around some of the buildings on campus. The Fine Arts Complex will now be one of the buildings on campus to have these printers installed. “The printer is something that IT is providing for the Fine Arts Complex,” Dr. Trudy Hanson, Department head of Communication, said. “The Fine Arts Complex is one of the buildings that [IT] have not yet installed [a printer] in.”
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These printers will allow students to print documents from personal laptops or through an Internet drop box. The new printer will be located on the side hallway, off of the main hallway in the Fine Arts Complex. IT has also put in the Internet drop box and will be putting up the printer soon as well. The Fine Arts Complex does have an existing computer lab in the Mac Lab. However, the Mac Lab is only available for Mass Communication students. Students can only use the Mac
Lab for schoolwork and projects. Therefore, any other usage of the Mac Lab is strictly prohibited. In having the new printer installed, it can be an advantage for students, who can use the printer for other classes as well. The new printer will be helpful for those to who need something printed before class without having to go all the way to the HELC or to any of the other Buff Printers that are provided in other parts of the campus. “I think it’s an awesome
idea,” Jackie Phommahaxay, a freshman Ad/PR major, said. “As long as it’s used and not abused, as in people printing off personal things vs. school work or assignments.” For many of the students who have classes in the Fine Arts Complex, these printers will be convenient because the Mac Lab isn’t available due to classes. “I haven’t seen any on campus yet,” Abdikani Jama, a freshman majoring in Biology, said. “But I would like to see more around.”
A primary concern of the students was that they felt like they were losing their middle ground. A large number of the attending students said that the reason they had originally chosen Cross or Jones was the balance between price and amenities such as air conditioning. Many also expressed an attachment to the dorms and the communities they had become a part of during their residence, and feared that the decision
would split up those groups. “Cross is my home,” said sophomore Wildlife Biology major Kim Cory. Another concern was raised about how Resident Assistants would be affected, and whether or not they would be able to keep their jobs. According to Assistant Director of Residence Life David Wilson, the RAs already working in Jones and Cross would be able to keep their positions. “That’s the plan. The logistics
are in the works but yes you still have a job,” he said. Throughout the meeting, Eddleman highlighted the importance of communication between the students and faculty. “The student voice is the most powerful voice on campus,” said Eddleman. “We’re here and listening. I’m not sure I can satisfy all your concerns but I can try to minimize them. Ultimately I’m responsible.”
CO-ED LIVING from page 1
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SPORTS
est Texas A&M Unviersity may be located in an unknown city to most, but the NFL definitely knows what Canyon, Texas is about. On March 14, 22 NFL scouts gathered to watch 15 senior Buffalo football players (including myself), as we chased our dreams towards a professional career. The teams in attendance included the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks, this past season’s Super Bowl representatives, along with “America’s Team”, the Dallas Cowboys, as well as the team with the first overall pick, the Houston Texans. While the number one pick may not be a Buffalo, there are a few WT standouts with a chance to have their name called on draft day. Quarterback, Dustin Vaughan, and defensive end, Ethan Westbrooks, brought the biggest draw of NFL attention. However, with nine All-Americans, it’s easy to see why the scouts were evaluating the Buffalo talent. Torrence Allen, an All American wide receiver, may have solidified himself as a late round draft pick with his explosive workout. Allen posted a 40 inch vertical and a broad jump of 129 inches, which would have put him in the top three of the
March 18, 2014 | theprairienews.com
Slaughter’s Sports Talk Prairie Sports Columnist Nathan Slaughter weighs in on any and everything sports each week.
receiver category if he would have participated in the NFL combine. Allen also pressed 225 pounds 15 times which would have placed in the top 15 of all wide receivers at the combine. Prior to March 14, Allen’s biggest question mark was his speed. He quickly answered all questions with an unofficial time of 4.41, which again would place him as a top performer at the NFL combine. Ethan Westbrooks improved on his 40 yard dash from the combine by .1 of a second with an unofficial time for 4.8. As far as my workout, I had some personal bests which also would have placed me number one for receivers at the NFL combine. Baylor wide receiver, Tevin Reese, had the number one vertical jump at the combine with 41 inches. On Friday, I posted a 44.5 inch vertical crushing his mark by 3.5 inches. I’ve always been blessed with great jumping ability, and I improved on my personal best by 1.5 inches. Donte Moncrief from Ole Miss and Tevin Reese tied for the number one overall broad jump at the NFL combine with 132 inches. Once again, I topped those numbers, this time by six inches with a jump of 138 inches. You may wonder, “What does
jumping have to do with football?” The NFL measures the vertical and broad jump to give them a baseline of how explosive an athlete is. My leaps show how explosive and powerful I am which usually equates to fast times in the 40 yard dash. Brandin Cooks from Oregon State, was the top performer in the 40 yard dash and the winner of the $100,000 Adidas 40 yard dash challenge, with a time of 4.33. While I believe I ran much faster, currently it has been reported that my official time may be 4.32 seconds which tops his number by .01. Anyone else think Adidas should send me the $100,000 instead? I sure do. Nonetheless, I enjoyed a prolific performance and had talks with a number of scouts after the pro day was over. Dustin Vaughan stood on all his numbers from the combine and only threw for the scouts. As expected, Vaughan should have his impressive arm strength, and a Vikings scout complimented on the throwing script being “the most coordinated pro day script workout he has seen thus far.” The Vikings scout was also impressed with the urgency and business mentality that Vaughan, myself and fellow
wide receivers had throughout the entire 21 play script. The Buffalo special teams unit also enjoyed great performances with kicker, Sergio Castillo, and punter, Kevin Van Voris, booming the football long and far. I lined up to catch punts from Van Voris and the first punt soared over my head by at least 40 yards. Keep in mind, I was already 45 yards away from him to start with. Van Voris showed great hang time and distance
with all his punts, and had me running all over the field to catch them. Castillo also wowed scouts with his accurate and powerful leg. Castillo made field goals from lengths up to 50 yards and showed great hang time and distance in kickoffs. The pro day for the Buffalo Football standouts was a success and I believe there will be a few Buffs from this senior class joining the elite in the NFL.
SPORTS
March 18, 2014 | theprairienews.com
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Lady Buffs reach NCAA regional final Tanner Sims Sports Reporter
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n March 14, the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament kicked off with the top-seeded West Texas A&M Lady Buffs advancing past the St. Edward’s Hilltoppers, 90-72. On March 15, the semifinal game of the tournament regional saw the Lady Buffs come out of the gate in the second half with a bang while tying together several runs to defeat the St. Mary’s Rattlers, 79-66. The Lady Buffs were led junior forward Chontiquah White, with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard Casey Land chipped in 23 points and had three steals while fellow senior guard Sally Higgins scored 13 points coming off the bench
and senior forward Devin Griffin had 12 points. On the other hand, St. Edward’s had five players in double figures, led by Mileka Loydrake with 16 points. Erika Rousculp added 15 points and Stephanie Dekkers had 12 points and eight assists for the Hilltoppers. WTAMU went 32 of 57 from the field for 56 percent in field goals and St. Edwards was 43 percent field goal shooting for the game. St Edwards started off with an aggressive offense, scoring 12 of the first 18 points in the game. From there, the Lady Buffs settled down and used an 18-2 run to counter the Hilltoppers. St. Edwards cut the deficit to four with 7:45 left, giving the Lady Buffs a 26-22 lead. WT
would go on a 10-1 run for a 3623 lead with 4:49 left and finished the half up with a 41-30 advantage. The Lady Buffs extended the lead to 20 throughout the second half, but St. Edwards continued to fight back. The Hilltoppers cut the deficit down to 11 with 2:51 left in the game, but WT would close out the game with a 9-2 run, effectively ending the contest. On the following day, WT struggled offensively and found themselves down 33-30 at half. The Lady Buffs started their comeback as Land hit a threepointer with 16 minutes left in the second half with St. Mary’s up by two at 43-41. The Lady Buffs would then go on a 14-3 run, going up 57-
n i w o t t Wan card t f i g a ? t e k s a b For more information, contact: Tyler Anderson at tsanderson1@buffs.wtamu.edu
48 with 10 minutes left in the game. St. Mary’s didn’t go away without a fight, cutting the deficit by five with two minutes left in the contest. WT was able to close out the game by hitting several clutch free throws down the stretch, winning 79-66. The Lady Buffs had four starters in double figures led by 21 points from Griffin. Land contributed 16 points and six rebounds while senior guard Raven Gerald had 15 and White scored 11 points for the Lady
Buffs. Three players in double figures led St. Mary’s as Dezirae Elias and Jackie Woods each had 20 points and Morgan Pullins scored 16. With the win, the Lady Buffs improved to 24-19 all-time in the NCAA Tournament and 28-2 on the year. The Lady Buffs will meet No. 2-seed Colorado Mesa on March 17 at 7 p.m. at the First United Bank Center for a trip to the NCAA Women’s Elite Eight in Erie, Pa.
Congratulations to Lady Buffs Basketball on their hard work and success this season!
The first 50 students, staff and faculty to submit their NCAA tournament brackets will be entered to win a gift card basket! Rules:
1. Only one bracket may be submitted per person. 2. The bracket must be submitted by March 20 at NOON to The Prairie Newsroom (Room 268 of the Fine Arts Complex) or to theprairiewt@gmail.com. 3. Winner will be based on highest points, one correct prediction will equal one point. 4. In case of a tie, the winner will be determined by closest score of the NCAA tournament championship game.
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ENTERTAINMENT
March 18, 2014 | theprairienews.com
Review: Hunger Games “Catching Fire”
Kyle Coulter Reporter
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The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” leaves the audience with arguably one of the biggest cliffhangers ever. People who have read the books still get caught up in the combat, anticipation, and plot twists even though they knew it was going to happen. Director Francis Lawrence’s two-anda-half hour film ends with an enormous tease, leaving the audience wanting to see the trilogy immediately. Francis Lawrence replaces Gary Ross, who directed the original “Hunger Games.” Lawrence keeps the action lively while also delivering a
more severe sense of scarcity and terror among the people of the districts. Due to the special effects the Capital appears way more over the top, while the visuals of the districts are unwelcoming and occasionally bloody. However, the title hints at foreshadowing with the courageous spark among the districts to rebel ignited by Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence). It is clear that Katniss can do just about anything, but in this film she is a representation of hope and provides optimism for the revolution. Which are accountabilities she is unwilling to accept at first. After Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson)
beat the system and both earn the title of victors in the first Hunger Games, they are required to tour the withered republic on a champion trip giving speeches that their mentor Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) creates. Katniss and Peeta must fake their love to convince President Snow (Donald Sutherland) that it is real because their love was the reason for victory in the prelude. However, Katniss’ heart seems to go to life-long companion Gale (Liam Hemsworth). Just when the nightmare seemed to be over, Snow pulls Katniss and Peeta back into the fire. For the third Quarter Quell, or 75th Hunger Games the tributes are selected from the
current pool of victors. Plutarch Heavensbee (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) guarantees that the games will be much more challenging this time around. Hoffman serves as an excellent example of how supporting roles can improve the quality of a movie. Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) provides a much needed comedic relief yet again, but he barely exceeds the usual flamboyancy among the Capital in terms of liveliness. Cinna (Lenny Kravitz) like in the first “Hunger Games,” offers kindheartedness to Katniss as her artist and friend. Katniss’ wedding dress was truly a striking instance on live television for the entire world to
witness. The actual games virtually relief the audience because the initial “Hunger Games” were so tense, even though 24 lives are at risk. Toxic fog, heavy bloody rains, and rioting baboons are tough encounters the tributes face. The tributes’ comprehension to outwit Plutarch Heavensbee conveys the opportunity of assurance for more quivers to arise.
TYLER ANDERSON/THE PRAIRIE
GAMES
March 18, 2014 | theprairienews.com
Can YOU finish first? We are giving away $10 iTunes gift cards. Finish the three puzzles with the correct answers and turn it in at FAC room 103.
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March 18, 2014 | theprairienews.com
WT home to military nursing professor Alyssa Bonner Reporter
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est Texas A&M University is home to more than 200 student veterans. These students can receive benefits through Veterans Services and can network with other veteran students in the WTAMU
COURTESY OF NANCY TURRUBIATES Nancy Turrubiates participates in a 6-mile ruck march with the Army.
ise t r e v d A ! with us
Veterans Network, a student organization. In addition to the many veteran students, WT is home to a military professor, Nancy Turrubiates. Turrubiates is an instructor in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at WT and is an officer and a nurse for the United States Army. Turrubiates, a Hereford, Texas native, has been a nurse for 21 years. She worked on an Indian reservation in North Dakota for 13 years, caring for the people of the Sioux tribe. She was sworn into the Army in 2008 by the medicine man of the tribe, who was a Korean War veteran. “That was a real honor for me,” Turrubiates said. “He presented me with an eagle feather, which is a very honorable thing to receive from a Native American tribe.” Turrubiates started as a first lieutenant and has since been promoted to captain. Her first job in the military is to be an officer. “Part of my duties as an officer is to make sure the junior officers, that are a lower ranking than me, are progressing in their career. The other part of that is to help mentor the enlisted individuals,” Turrubiates said. Her second job is to be a nurse. She was mobilized for three years, and while she was active,
she did a case management of medical profiles. “I worked together with a team of physicians to review medical records of injured soldiers,” Turrubiates said. “These were all reservists that had been called to active duty and were injured, and we reviewed their medical records to assess whether they would be able to stay in the Army.” Turrubiates is currently attached to a reserve medical unit in Lubbock, and they do drills to get ready for deployment. “My unit is coming up for deployment in September, so we may get deployed either as a unit or individually to go wherever they need us,” Turrubiates said. “Let’s hope not, because I’m enjoying what I’m doing here…but it’s not if you’re going to go, it’s when.” WT was named one of the 2014 top military-friendly universities by Military Advanced Education and G.I. Jobs magazine. The magazine produces the “Top MilitaryFriendly Colleges and Universities Guide” annually to provide pertinent
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information about academic programs available for prospective military students. WT’s inclusion in the guide provides information about the many opportunities available for military students. Opportunities that mark WT as militaryfriendly include scholarships, waivers and exemptions for dependents, tuition assistance, transferability of credits and online degree offerings. “Veterans have their own G.I. bills that the government provides that pay tuition,” Bonnie Cryer, sophomore Equine Industry and Business major, said. “They still have to pay fees, but it really helps them out.”
Aside from financial benefits, the WTAMU Veterans Network offers veteran students the chance to network with other veteran students. There is also a veterans lounge located in Old Main. “It is a place where they can go to relax and hang out,” Nune Perez, junior Political Science major, said. Perez is the president of the Veterans Network. The Veterans Network is currently waiting on a grant approval to improve the veterans lounge. Upon approval, the Network will host an open house at the lounge to showcase what they have.
OPINION 11
March 18, 2014 | theprairienews.com
Spring break, skipping vs. extending Skipping Spring Break
Megan Moore Co-Editor
M
ost college students live for spring break, counting down the days until swimsuits and vacations, but not me. Spring break is not something I look forward to. I know I’m not a normal college student in thinking this but it totally throws me off my game. By the time spring break rolls around, I have a schedule and I have it down to an art. I know exactly how long I can put off homework assignments and when I have time to squeeze in last minute study sessions into my day without having to nap. My sleep schedule is on point and I can almost wake up without an alarm. Almost, as in, I know exactly how many times I can hit snooze without being late to class. Then spring break comes and I wind up staying up way too late, sleeping in way too late, and forgetting what day it is altogether. I put off my to-do list from the week before of things I know I can get done during spring break until the Sunday night before Monday’s class and I wonder why I even took a break in the first place. I’m not only more behind than I was before the break, but all the time I took de-stressing was all for nothing. The first day back from spring break is just like the first day of school all over again, except you know
exactly what assignments you aren’t turning in and what extra credit projects you’re hoping the teacher assigns. It makes more sense to me to just let school out a week early at the end of the semester. Add a few extra four-day weekends into the mix and there would be enough of a break throughout the long semester to make up for the weeklong break that students take for spring break. Four day weekends aren’t as hard to come back from as a weeklong break is, and students don’t have to readjust to early morning classes, skip out on homework assignments to stay on vacation longer, or only have one break to look forward to through the semester. Four-day weekends allow for short weekend trips or simply an extra day to catch up on class
work without having time for procrastination that a weeklong break allows for. For all classes to remain balanced in class time, the four-day weekends could vary from class cancelations on Thursdays and Mondays. Besides, who doesn’t want an extra week of summer?
Extending Spring Break
Tyler Anderson Co-Editor
W
hile my good friend and co-editor Megan Moore has expressed
that spring break needs to be shortened or extinguished for the sake of saving, one’s schedule, I’m the polar opposite when it comes to Spring Break. I want it to be two weeks instead of one. First off, when I work on something, I give 110 percent into that particular project. The downfall of this is that I tend to burn out way too easily. By the time Spring Break rolls around, I am nearing exhaustion and just about fed up with everything altogether. I have a schedule as well, but mine is rather loose. It’s so I can adapt quickly should something important come up. Although I do work and study on my designated hours and days, I feel that I don’t get enough sleep. In essence, I’m the typical yet nontraditional college student. I used to have a full time job
and kept to that schedule and I had plenty of vacation time. Two weeks paid, to be exact. So why am I going in the opposite direction when it comes to Spring Break? Other than recharging the batteries, this also lets me focus on other things, things such as my internship, time to partake in family activities and a nice few days to go about and travel. Also, this may give others some extra time at their jobs to make more money, or allow folks to simply relax and kick back without the looming worry of assignments or exams. I know that this is merely a pipe dream of mine, but it’s bad when I feel like a weeklong break isn’t long enough. The first week could be dedicated to having a good time in South Padre, in Panama City, or simply sticking at home and kicking back, while the second week could see myself and other individuals finish up on a project or study for an upcoming exam at a leisurely pace. This idea may be unpopular, but I don’t mind an extra week of class. But this extra week could be dedicated to finals, rather than having to take a Friday and Saturday final exam. Also, for those are student workers, wouldn’t be it nice to get paid for one more week before having to search for a temporary summer job?
Tell us what you think about Spring Break using #ThePraireAsks on Twitter or Facebook!
12
PHOTOS
March 18, 2014 | theprairienews.com
Student Body president has runoff vote Tyler Anderson Co-Editor
O
n March 4 and March 5, students voted for individuals to be student senators and esteemed representatives for West Texas A&M University. Among those who ran for their respective positions, there was one that had the most candidates and was most talked about among students: the student body president position. “It was no big surprise for those of us in [student government] public relations when we heard the results and knew we would have to start preparing for a runoff,” Kathryn English, a freshman Political Science major and head of the public relations committee for student government, said. “With four amazing candidates, it was expected, but we did not expect the large number of voters. We greatly surpassed the total number of voters from our last election.” “Considering the amount of actual runners during the primary elections and the caliber of runners, I honestly foresaw that it would be a runoff election,” Nune Perez, a junior Political Science major and senior student senator, said. “There are some very influential leaders, definitely ones that will make an impact at WTAMU.” While the elections ushered
in new officials, a plurality in votes will be asking for students to return to the voting sheet once more. The candidates for the student body president are Edward Akinyemi, a senior biology major and Benton Allen, a senior engineering major.
go back to the voting sheet for a second time. “I believe I have to try even harder due to how hard it is to get voters to vote once but now we are asking the students to vote twice,” Akinyemi said, addressing the challenge. “So my
“Edward and Benton would both make spectacular student body presidents,” English said. “I just hope as many students as possible exercise their voice on campus and support their choice in voting.” The student body president is also the student spokesperson for the university. The work that has been put in by the candidates to entice students to choose a new student body president on March 5 and March 6 must now face a new challenge in enticing students to
work will have to match mine as before or even surpass it in order for me to win [the election].” “As far as the upcoming election goes, I’m going to do the same thing I did before but hopefully use the extra time to reach a few more people and share some of my ideas and who I am as a person,” Allen said. “I would like to focus on some issues and some opportunities for improvement that I found.” As one of the more active student organizations on the campus of West Texas A&M, student
“[Student government] has definitely taught me a lot, especially being a political science major, on what would be the meaning of ‘true representation’. It is sitting down and talking to constituents and getting what they need to know and what they need to succeed at WT .” -Nune Perez, student senator
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government addresses issues that can affect the student body and work alongside the faculty and staff to express the point of view of students to the school administration. While the student body president runoff takes place, those who are seeking to be elected and those who have held elected positions have expressed how much student government has impacted them as both a student and an individual. “Before student government, I knew quite a bit about the school,” Allen said. “I really enjoyed school and I saw the effects of the decisions that were made. By being in student government, I have been able to see the root of the tree and what causes the fruit and seeing how things work and move rather
what most students see in the end.” “Student government has taught me how to be a leader on campus,” Akinyemi said. “Without student government, I wouldn’t be the student I am right now.” The runoff election will be held soon, with the set dates of March 31 and April 1. For more information on where to vote and how to participate in the upcoming election, student government has a Facebook page that one can like and follow for updates concerning the organization, located at www.facebook.com/WTAMUsg. “As we prepare for the runoff, we are excited and hope to see another great turnout,” English said. “[The student government public relations committee] is going to dig out the paintbrushes and glitter again this week to get the word out in the short two weeks before the voting period.”
FLYERS COURTESY OF EDWARD AKINYEMI AND BENTON ALLEN Akinyemi and Allen are the two candidates in the runoff election.
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