What’s old got to do with it?

   Boots and cowboy hats echoed the theme of the Country Hoedown for the South Campus Senior Education 2006 Spring Bash. Entertainment included the Roadrunner Square Dance Club, performing under caller Wayne Buchanan’s lead, and music from the Bill Richey Band. Members of Senior Education, who preferred to remain nameless, engaged in a rendition of Hee Haw Kornfield (sic) and told “corny” jokes. For the evening finale, Molly Lawrence led the audience through the chicken danc

Free money eases burden of college, counselors report

by Bitty Reilly
south news editor

   Students often can get a free ride through college if they apply for available scholarships, counselors told students on South Campus recently.
   Sandra Johnson, Altheria Gaston-Clark and Dr. Lonzetta Smith-Allen of the South Campus scholarship committee presented Want Free Money? March 29.
   Johnson, a South Campus counselor, said students work to have a car and pay for the insurance, but that same kind of time and effort is all it takes to apply for scholarships.
   “ Sometimes we see the “A” and “B” students, or we may have a little money and we think we won’t qualify,” she said. “That is not true. You have to have the confidence.”
   Through a survey, Johnson explained common misconceptions people who do not apply for scholarships may have.
   One myth is that scholarships will decrease financial aid. Other fictions include the requirement of a high GPA or a certain ethnicity.
   Johnson asked if students want to work to go to school or get paid to go to school.
   “ If you are not seeing a counselor regularly or if you’re not a part of organizations that promote going forward, you are missing out,” she said.
   Smith-Allen informed students about the places to look for scholarships including several Web sites.
   A few sites that offer services including e-mail reminders when certain applications are due include www.scholarships.com, www.collegeboard.org and www. finaid.org.
   Virtually every educational institution has a guidebook on financial aid and scholarships, Smith-Allen said.
“ A grant is free money given by the government or someone else you don’t have to pay back. A scholarship is free money given by an organization, society or whomever for specific reasons or purposes,” she said.
   Loans, on the other hand, are monies that a student does have to pay back although repayments might start after graduation.
   Smith-Allen advised against using people or services that charge a fee to provide a list of scholarships for which a student qualifies.
   Those people are going to get the same list that is available through simple research online.
   “ Scholarships aren’t just academic. They can be for tall people, short people, left-handed people and people with learning disabilities,” she said.
   “ Also, if your parents work for a large company, there are many scholarships available through them,” she said.
   Some scholarships offered through TCC have deadlines in May, including the Coca-Cola Scholarship, the Dr. Laura Smith Scholarship and the Carswell Military Wives Scholarship.
   Gaston-Clark, a South Campus English instructor, offered advice on scholarships that request an essay.
   The most important rule is to answer the questions in the scholarship application.
   “ If the application tells you to attach an essay, and they don’t tell you what to write about, just know that [the deciding committee] wants to get to know you,” she said. “They want to know what makes you deserve their money.”
   For students who need help writing an essay, Gaston-Clark has a suggested outline available in her office or by e-mail.
   “ Conclusions are important because that is the last thing they remember about you,” she said. “When they put your paper to the side, what it is that you will leave them to remember you by? The goal is to help them get to know you.”
   Gaston-Clark offered her editing services to students writing a scholarship essay.
   Students can reach her by e-mail at altheria.gaston@tccd. edu.
   “ I enjoy helping students get money for college,” she said. “Unless you are here for me to teach, I have no job.”

Best poems selected in Campus Slam
Winners receive gift cards

by Bitty Reilly
south news editor

   “A kept woman
   When I was growing up, this phrase sounded so mysterious and so glamorous
   I found out what a kept woman is for and not what she is kept from
   I decided, there needs to be a new definition ...
   I would like to be a woman kept from working twice as hard as a man and receiving only a fraction of his salary ...
   I would like to be a woman kept from being compared to the air-brushed women in the magazine because I choose to accept my natural beauty,” a student poetry contestant recited.
   These are a few lines from the winning poet, Maria Valdez, at the South Campus Poetry Slam last week.
Valdez won first place and a $50 American Express gift card for her poems, “A Kept Woman” and “Tell Me Tell Me.”
   Second place, a $25 Barnes and Noble gift certificate, went to Nicole Walker who performed her poem acting as Lady Blue in “I Gave Birth” and “Resolve.”
   Third place and a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate went to the performance by Alice Joy Eldridge as “The Rappin’ Granny.
   Eldridge read her poems “Go Ahead” and “When You Feel All Hope Is Gone.”
   More than 50 people crowded into a Rotunda classroom to watch the 13 participants perform in the slam.
   The theme of the event was Anything Woman, sponsored by Catherine Higdon, South Campus English instructor .
   Slam poetry rules include the participation of anyone who has something to say about any given topic.    Styles range from traditional rhyme to dramatic monologue. No props are allowed, and the body and vocals should do the work.
   Anyone interested in participating in the next poetry slam can e-mail Higdon at catherine.higdon @tccd.edu.

Activities ready to bring in Spring

   South Campus brings in spring with a day of activities. Students can attend a career fair, health fair and festivities inside the Student Center and on the patio Wednesday, April 5.
   Students in the market for a new job should bring plenty of resumes to the career job fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Organizers request professional dress. Employers will speak about job openings within their companies.
   Companies will include Campfire USA, City of Fort Worth Golf Department, Dallas Police Department and the Disney College Program. Various campus departments will offer information.
   The South Campus health services is offering a health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
   Free confidential, anonymous HIV testing is available in the Bluebonnet Room.
   Other fair services will include chair massage, depression screening, hypnosis, body fat and strength measurements and cardiac and diabetes risk assessments.
   Participants can donate blood from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the SSTU Living Room or 5-9 p.m. in the mobile unit on the patio. T-shirts, blood typing and cholesterol checks are free to donors. Marrow and organ donors can register at the same time.
   The patio festivities, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., for the Bring on Spring celebration will include games and activities and information about joining student organizations.

Students aid community in service learning, teacher says

by Bitty Reilly
south news editor

   Students can make a difference, a South Campus instructor said during a presentation on service learning recently.
   Altheria Gaston-Clark, instructor of English, said The American Association of Community Colleges defines service learning as the instructional strategy that links course content with service to the community.
   “ Service learning has a direct correlation and … has to be connected with what you are doing in the classroom,” she said.
   In her March 7 seminar, “Women to Women International Supporting Women the Congo,” Gaston-Clark gave examples of what students can do to help.
   “ Having strong writing skills could bring about change in another part of the world,” she said.
   Last year, Gaston-Clark’s English Composition I and II students’ service-learning project, concerned women’s issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
   TV journalist Lisa Ling’s investigative reporting from Africa, covered on an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, moved Gaston-Clark to do something.
   Winfrey had said Africa is one of the most dangerous places on earth, especially for women.
   Ling’s presentation was meant to make people aware of the unimaginable suffering, gang rapes, torture, pillaging and violence in conflicts happening against women.
   “ As I watched this show, I cried as if I had known these women personally,” Gaston-Clark said.
   “ You can’t pretend you are ignorant if you know,” she said.
   Gaston-Clark found Win-frey’s aired stories again in “Post Cards from the Edge” in O magazine’s February 2005 edition and shared it with her students.
   “ My students wanted to get involved,” she said.
   Students began writing letters to government representatives and sent personal messages via e-mail to women in the Congo telling the women the students were aware and doing something to help.
   “ That meant the most to me,” she said.
   The students also solicited donations, created multimedia presentations, foam boards and flyers and displayed their exhibits in TCC’s annual women’s symposium.
   “ It is solely because of their efforts that I was able to send Women For Women’s International a $700 donation at the end of this project,” she said.
   Gaston-Clark credited her class for the success of the project.
   “ We got this because students used their writing skills, and the people [they wrote to] sent donations,” she said.
   The 19 students received responses from U.S. Rep. Kay Granger of Fort Worth and Kim Brimer, Texas state senator, among others. They raised donations and were exempt from a final essay.
   “ When you choose a project of this type, make sure you choose an organization that has a good reputation,” she said.
   Gaston-Clark said Women for Women International is an organization that helps support and educate women in war-torn regions of the world. Its Web site is Womenforwomen.org.
   “ Imagine what you can do,” she said.
   “ Don’t feel cowardly like I did at first and think ‘there is just nothing that I can do,’” she said.
   Dr. Janine Lund, South psychology professor, said students have the opportunity and the possibility to make a difference.
   “ You sure won’t make a difference if you do nothing,” she said.
   “ Don’t be cynical; be hopeful,” she said.
   Lupe Rosales, a South student, said her family did something to help people during the Christmas season two years ago. They sent money to an orphanage in Mexico so they could give presents to the children.
   “ [The orphanage] had a Christmas party. Each [child] got a present, and they sent us pictures,” she said.
   “ We have too much, and they don’t have what they need,” she said.
   South student, Elaine Kusiak, once visited a Gambian synagogue.
   Kusiak said the people there had to walk 10 miles for water.
   “ But the peace that these people have about the life that they live [is unbelievable]. We just take so much for granted,” she said.
   Students with ideas for another project for next year can contact Lund or Gaston-Clark for guidance.

News briefs

Seniors to get down at campus hoedown.
   South Campus senior education will hold a country hoedown for the 2006 Spring Bash Friday, April 9.
   The cost is $4, and tickets are available in the South Campus business services office.
   The country hoedown begins at 6:30 p.m. in the SSTU Cafeteria.
   The party festivities include dancing and a barbecue meal. Dress is denims, plaid shirts, boots and hats. Tickets are required.
   For information, contact Dorris Wilkerson at 817-515-4538.

Memorial fund established by seniors
   South Campus senior education has established a Memorial and Honorarium Fund.
   The fund will provide a means to memorialize a special person. It will also make a scholarship possible for impoverished children in grades three through eight who want to participate in TCC’s summer College for Kids program.
   For more information and donation forms, visit the senior education office in the South Campus Student Center or call the office at 817-515-4538.

Women’s History Month Calendar

South Campus
Today-March 31 The Embracing Empowered Women exhibit in the lobby area of the Jenkins Garret Library highlights the accomplishments of women.

March 30 Women’s Film Festival presents The Farmer’s Wife 2-5 p.m. in SRTA 1213.

March 30 A free musical concert will feature composer Hsin-Jung Tsai at 2 p.m. in the Recital Hall (SREC 1110). Tsai, who began her piano studies at age 5, will perform and talk. Cellist Hsin-Yi Wang, music instructor, also will perform.

March 30 Evelyn Wilson, associate professor of English, will present “Famous and Infamous Women of Fort Worth” at 8 p.m. in the SSTU Living Room.

April 12 All That WIN-R Jazzzzzzzzzz concert will feature the South Campus jazz combo, under the direction of Rick Stitzel, and WIN-R students from South Campus. Laveria Bogan, student chair, will serve as mistress of ceremonies 7:30-8:45 p.m. in the Recital Hall (SREC 1110).

South to hear resources speaker

by Bitty Reilly
south news editor

   South Campus will sponsor a lecture on sustainable development Thursday, April 6, in SRTA 1102 at 7 p.m.
   Professor Charles Hopkins holds one of the two chairs assigned worldwide to the education of sustainable development in the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization.
   “ He is an expert in the field,” Carolyn Carney, South associate professor of social sciences, said. “Sustainable development is essentially the idea that we have to use our resources today, in a way that satisfies what we need but saves some [resources] for tomorrow.”
   Carney said people need to assure the next generation has the resources to live in a style comparable to the present.
   Carney said this includes addressing environmental and social issues, quality of life, health care and poverty issues which make up what sustainability is all about.
   “ We are linking to the Salzburg topics,” she said. “Global education, globalization and environmental concerns to our students.”
   Hopkins has worked with people in governments and taught students about sustainable developments. Carney said this is like teaching the world to downsize so there will be enough resources.
   “ The United States is 6 percent of the world’s population, and we use 25 percent of its resources. Rich nations throw out so much that can be reused,” she said.
   The event is sponsored by South Campus student activities and social science departments and is in conjunction with the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.
   “ A lot of people are green. They hear about it but don’t know what they can do,” she said. “What does it mean that we are using all this oil up and wasting resources? We are not a sustainable society.”
   Hopkins will speak and follow-up with a question-and-answer session. The hour-long presentation is open to the community.

South library exhibit cites noted women

   Embracing Empowered Women, a display for Women’s History Month in the South Campus library closes Friday, March 31.
   The display pays tribute to the 12 women of the 114 recipients awarded the Nobel Peace Prize since its first presentation in 1901.
   The month-long exhibit notes each woman, beginning with the first, Bertha con Suttner in 1905, who “felt her writings should expound the doctrine of peace.”
   Included is Mother Teresa, “a diminutive Roman Catholic nun,” who once sat with a woman castaway being eaten alive by maggots.
   Mother Teresa established her “mission of caring for the human castoffs the world wanted to forget” and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
   The most recent woman recipient, 2004 Wangari Maathai, “was attacked while planting trees in the Karura Public Forest in Nairobi, part of a protest against continuing deforestation.”
   Anyone viewing the presentation can leave comments.

American dream becomes financial security
South celebrates women’s history with savings tips

by Bitty Reilly
south news editor

   Financial security should have begun yesterday, so students were recently urged to start now.
   During the March 9 Women’s History Month presentation, Mary Lynn Seebeck shared her tips for women. The author of American Dream Women: Insuring Women’s Wealth said women fall into three typical categories of financial states:
   “ There is the woman who knows she doesn’t know, the woman who doesn’t know she doesn’t know and the woman who is financially secure—the American Dream Woman,” she said.
   Seebeck said each woman is dealing with a different aspect in life and different financial goals.
   For the luncheon, which held a full reservation list and 65 diners, Seebeck contributed 72 autographed copies of her self-help book.
   “ I write by hand, and this book took 35 legal pads,” she said. “I sat on the dock by the water to write. I couldn’t do it all in the office.”
   The meeting opened with a PowerPoint presentation honoring South Campus women at work and contained quotes on women’s empowerment.
   “ The beauty in empowering others is that your own power is not diminished in the process,” quoted from Barbara Colorose, was the theme of the presentation.
   Dr. Janine Lund, South Campus psychology professor, who introduced the guests, said power is in communication.
   Dr. Lonzetta Smith-Allen, South Campus director of counseling, shared her personal sources of power.
   “ Know who you are and whose you are, and do what you do because it is right,” she said. “Remember to stay focused on goals and that power means nothing if you can’t share it with others.”
   Seebeck said becoming financially independent and getting that check in the bank takes time. Saving money is difficult.
   “ Write down your dreams on a dream sheet,” she said. “Don’t lose focus on the dreams because they help you remember what you are working for so hard.”
   Seebeck supplied booklets to document personal progress. They chart important information needed if a family member in charge of the financial matters can no longer continue tracking the finances. In that event, or if information is forgotten, each thing is written down.
   “ Get your financial fears in order,” she said. “If you are younger, make sure you’re aware of your family’s financial future.”
   Seebeck described a situation with her own best friend who wanted help charting her future financing for her and her children. Procrastination turned into disaster when the friend was diagnosed with lung cancer before her affairs were in order.
   “ You can’t change yesterday,” she said.
   Seebeck also described a situation in the past when women had pin money: a savings of the coins their husbands, who handled the finances, gave them. The women would put the pin money in their pin banks for the twice-a-year trip to the market to buy a hatpin.
   Seebeck described her era of the ’50s graduating class as the doers: those who saved their pin money, but also went out and made money.
   She said her daughter’s generation, those currently in their 40s, are the ones in danger. Overusing credit cards, living the right life, making money and balancing roles lead to debt and financial fears.
   Seebeck said the dream book begins with questions for those who are in debt: “Where do I want to be in the future and where would I stand if I had six months to live? Are my financial fears in order?”
   Triesha Light, South Women In New Roles coordinator, described Seebeck’s speech as the “bullet that hits you between the eyes if you are not prepared for the future.”
   Franklin Austin, South student, was one of the few men to join the presentation and spoke about his upbringing. He said he appreciated his parents for teaching him not to be afraid to confront women’s issues.
“ I came in honor of Women’s History Month,” student Ricardo Gonzalez said.
   “ I came to hear the speaker, and the presentation was informative,” he said.
   Lauren Cummings, a student, asked Seebeck for personalization of her copy of American Dream Women.
   “ I have some work to do to get income,” she said. “But I’m not personally in debt.”
   Marlene Reyes, a South student, admitted she was working on getting out of her debt and now is cutting up credit cards sent to her.

Self-help author to address South group
  An author of self-help books is the featured speaker for a Women’s History Month luncheon Thursday, March 9, on South Campus.
  Mary Lynn Seebeck will speak in the SSTU Living Room from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in coordination with the Women in New Roles program.
  The luncheon is free for current South Campus students, faculty and staff.
  Seebeck is the author of American Dream Women: Insuring Women’s Wealth, a self-help book describing plans for women in their financial future.
  In her book, Seebeck breaks the process into a 12-step plan for financial success with questions and solutions sections, including suggestions on becoming debt free and owning a business.
  Recognizing that women’s financial values are different from men’s, Seebeck focuses on teaching women how to gain financial freedom and offers advice for dealing with professionals, including insurance agents, accountants and lawyers.
  For reservations or more information, contact Altheria Gaston-Clark at 817-515-4615.

Students examine culture for understanding of India

South slams into spring with poetry fest
   Win $50. at South Campus’ first Poetry Slam.
   Catherine Higdon of the English department will host the Poetry Slam, Monday, March 27, in the SRTA 1201, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
   The event is free and refreshments will be served.
   Entrants are asked to bring three pieces along the theme of Anything Woman, in honor of women’s history month.
   Rules state each poem must be no more than three minutes. One 3-by-5 index card is permitted for each reading on stage. Topics can be from odes to inspirational.
   Judges are Evelyn Wilson, Bill Holt, Bobbie Nadal, Nicole Vallee and Higdon.
   Sign-ups are requested on a form at Higdon’s office, SFOE 1302, but last-minute readers are welcome.

Women’s History Month Calendar

South Campus

Today Young Women’s Leadership Track—Embracing Global Concerns will feature “Understand the Culture of India and the Role of Women” by Desiree Livingston in the SSTU Forum Room at 7:30 p.m. Livingston and her husband spent two years living in India studying culture and language.

Today-March 23 Homage: a Celebration of Women’s History Month, an art show, will be on display in the Carillon Gallery in the Rushing Center for Performing Arts, Monday-Thursday noon-3 p.m.

Today–March 31 The Embracing Empowered Women exhibit in the lobby area of the Jenkins Garret Library highlights the accomplishments of women.

March 2 Women’s Film Festival will feature Not for Ourselves Alone, 2–5 p.m. in SRTA 1213.

March 7 Women In New Roles presents “Women for Women International Supporting Women of the Congo,” a community seminar with speaker Altheria Gaston, English instructor. The session is 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in the SSTU Living Room.

March 7 Opera Divas, a musical event, will feature works written for women of the operatic stage 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall (SREC 1110). Performances by South Campus students and faculty will include compositions by American and international composers in a variety of languages.

March 8 The health center will present “Positive Self Talk” presented by Flo Stanton, health center coordinator, in the SSTU Forum Room 6-6:45 p.m.

March 9 The Women’s History Month luncheon in the SSTU Living Room 12:30–1:30 p.m. will feature Mary Ann Seebeck, author of American Dream Women—Insuring Women’s Wealth. The event is open to current South Campus students, faculty and staff only. Call 817-515-4615 for reservations.

March 9 Women’s Film Festival presents Salt of the Earth, 2-5 p.m. in SRTA 1213.

March 9-11 The South Campus drama department presents Crimes of the Heart, a play about sisters. Admission is $5 for general public, $3 for seniors and other students and free for TCC students, faculty and staff. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. in the Rushing Center for Performing Arts. The department allows no late seating.

March 11 Donna Darovich, TCC coordinator of public information, will present “You’re Never Too Late, Too Tired or Too Old to Make Your Move” 12:30-2 p.m. in Billy Miners Group Room at Sundance Square in Fort Worth.

March 15 A do-it-yourself field trip to the Women’s Museum in Dallas is suggested as a personal experience over spring break. For information, costs and directions, visit http://www.thewomensmuseum.org.

March 17 Entrepreneurial EXPO 2006: Success Is More Than Just Luck runs 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Enrollment services and WIN-R will sponsor a booth at this event. For costs, information and volunteer opportunities, e-mail Toni Booth, volunteer coordinator, at booth@fwbac.com.

March 21 The career center presents “Job Interviewing/Dress for Success,” a student seminar, 2-3 p.m. in the SSTU Texas Room.

March 23 Women’s Film Festival will feature 20th Century with Mike Wallace—Ourselves, Our Bodies: The Feminist Movement and the Battle Over Abortion 2-5 p.m. in SRTA 1213.

March 23 Women In Music: A Celebration, a lecture recital, will feature South Campus students and faculty in a performance of music by women composers. Compositions by both American and international composers in a variety of languages will be presented at 2 p.m. in the Recital Hall (SREC 1110).

March 23 “Women In Jazz: The Celebration Continues” will feature Jazz Singers Vocal Ensemble. Instrumental support will be provided by the South Campus jazz faculty, 7 p.m. the Recital Hall (SREC 1110).

March 25 TCC’s Fifth Annual Women’s Symposium Empowerment! is a free educational event featuring more than 30 exhibits and displays. Registration and continental breakfast start at 8:15 a.m. Exhibits, silent auction and networking begin at 10 a.m. Opening session will be at 9 a.m. in the SSTU Living Room and feature “Empowerment Through Education” by speaker Elizabeth Lutton, attorney. General Session at 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. in the SSTU Living Room will include speaker Mable Ngalande-Fuller, author of You Can Destroy Your Defiant Giant.

March 27 Women’s History Month Poetry Slam begins at 4:30 p.m. in SRTA 1201. This event is open to men and women who have something to say about women’s issues.

March 27 Velocity Dance Company will perform in concert 7:30 p.m. in the Rushing Center for Performing Arts (SPAC 1211).

March 28 “Text To Song!” will present an exploration of the musical settings of poems by women at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall (SREC 1110).

March 30 Women’s Film Festival presents The Farmer’s Wife 2–5 p.m. in SRTA 1213.

March 30 A musical concert will feature composer Hsin-Jung Tsai at 2 p.m. in the Recital Hall (SREC 1110). Tsai began her piano studies at age 5.

March 30 Evelyn Wilson, associate professor of English, will present “Famous and Infamous Women of Fort Worth” at 8 p.m. in the SSTU Living Room.

April 12 All That WINR Jazzzzzzzzzz concert will feature the South Campus jazz combo, under the direction of Rick Stitzel, and WINR students from South Campus. Laveria Bogan, student chair, will serve as mistress of ceremonies 7:30–8:45 p.m. in the Recital Hall (SREC 1110).

NE Campus

Today Student activities and the English department will present “Echoes of the Past” featuring Maxine Maxwell 12:30 p.m. in the NSTU Center Corner. Maxwell explores turning points in the lives of five African American women of remarkable strength and courage. Maxwell is a graduate of Webster University Conservatory of Theatre Arts. Lunch will be provided. Contact student activities at 817-515-6644 for reservations.

March 6 Women in New Roles and student activities will sponsor the Discipline for Life Luncheon 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the Center Corner (NSTU 1615A). Madelyn Swift, president of Childright, will present “Practical Parenting Skills and Raising Self-Esteem.” Swift, the author of Teach Your Children Well: A Parent’s Guide to Encouraging Character and Integrity, will discuss raising self-esteem in children and identifying skills parents need.

March 29 Student activities will sponsor a high tea luncheon at 12:30 p.m. in the Center Corner (NSTU 1615A). Bonnie Kurtz will present “Organizing Your Closet (and your life),” followed by a style show by C’est Chic Boutique and Linda Unterberger. Call 817-515-6688 for reservations.

SE Campus

March 10 Valerie Baston Young, currently running for Justice of the Peace in Precinct 7, will present “Women in the Law,” in the North Ballroom, 10:40-11:35 a.m.

March 22 Motivational speaker Elaine Mayes will be in the North Ballroom, 10:40-11:35 a.m. For more information, call 817-515-3595.

March 30 Everyone Has a Story, will feature SE Campus women faculty and administrators sharing their life experiences and inspirations 11:30 a.m. in the North Ballroom.

Culture provides clues to communication

by Bitty Reilly
south news editor

   Communication issues or problems getting along with coworkers can create trouble in the workplace, the South Campus career center coordinator said.
   Monica Carrasco-Bettle presented “Communicating in the Cultural Diverse Workplace” Feb. 21 for students.
   “ The workplace is changing,” she said. “We are seeing more women, more ethnic minorities and more immigrants entering the workplace and with that come cultural differences.”
   Bettle checks with employers who run job fairs or who hire students to find out what they are looking for in the people they hire.
   “ [Employers] are looking for people who are good communicators and can demonstrate interpersonal skills … team player type people,” she said.
   During interviews, employers want to see how someone responds. They may even ask a question about handling conflict, Bettle said.
I   n the ethnically diverse seminar, Bettle said separating personal culture from the working culture in workplace and in schools is hard.
   “ Culture shapes who you are,” she said. “Culture is a set of learned attitudes.”
   Bettle said leaving culture at home is not going to happen, so the idea is to adapt in the workplace.
   The main challenge facing the workforce is that employers, when they hire, make sure there is diversity.    Doing so makes the staff representative of the people they serve, Bettle said.
   Different dialects, different mannerisms and language barriers require understanding. Some people find it normal to stand very close when they speak or to speak very loudly.
   “ Miscommunication is a major source of intercultural conflict and discomfort,” she said. “The person offending is not aware.”
   Bettle used an example to illustrate her point.
   If one person is loud and another is quiet, the quiet one will be submissive and let the loud one speak. However, the loud person might be offended because the other person is not providing feedback, Bettle said. Often, however, the quiet person is trying to avoid conflict in the first place.
   Bettle said students should recognize warning signs by becoming aware of personal actions. Jokes with racial or religious backgrounds are a big no-no.
   Some people may understand a listing method of their tasks. For example, an employee should do A, B, and C, then get D done before the weekend. This method often applies to men.
   Women often like to get more feedback before a set list. The list may come across as being harsh or demanding.
   Bettle said some cultures consider it rude when women’s behaviors are assertive or fall into the A personality.
   “ Neither is right or wrong,” she said. “The straight forward person may be considered rude. We can’t change that.”
   Solutions Bettle offered include working with people, being courteous and taking an objective stance to change. She also suggested openness, tolerance and flexibility.
   Everyone should recognize the existence of age barriers, gender barriers, language barriers and culture barriers.
   Then, Bettle said, people can avoid prejudging others or falling into peer circles, which causes further estrangement to learning other cultures.
   “ Respect differences,” she said. “My mom used to say ‘We can agree to disagree, but I’m still right.’ I am thankful for her point of view.”
   Alfre Lina, a nursing major, labels herself assertive and a no-nonsense type personality.
   Lina just finished an exam on corporate cultural diversity and wanted to get more education on the issues.
   After moving to Texas from Florida, she found things different. Lina said she had some troubles with coworkers and went through the chain of command without feeling as if anyone was taking her seriously.
   “ Maybe I shouldn’t have been so emotional when I spoke to the supervisor. I could’ve been more calm,” she said. “I was just frustrated. If I would have thought about body languages, I think I would have had better results.”
   Deborah Stone, in her first semester at TCC, transferred with her husband’s work and is trying to adjust to college diversity.
   “ I’m taking two psychology classes in the WIN-R program,” she said. “This [seminar] seemed like something I could relate to my class. From the discussion we had, it is easier to relate to what the textbooks are saying.”

Speaker defines black culture, consciousness

by Bitty Reilly
south news editor

   Cultural rhythms opened the South Campus presentation on black culture and consciousness, followed by a quick language lesson. Jambo means hello and habari gani means what is the news—both Swahili words.
   Dr. Pamela Hill, a local educator, said the majority of the audience proved a theory that black people are conditioned not to be noticed.
   The front tables were occupied by two whites, one Asian, one black ... 18 blacks sat in the back.
   Although invited to move to the front, students hesitated until Hill said to “do so in the name of Rosa Parks,” producing front row success.
   Hill, director of education at The Act of Change, Inc., Institute of Cultural Arts and Scholars Academy, spoke Feb. 16.
   Defining black culture and consciousness was the format behind the event.
   “ We came here. We aren’t going anywhere,” she said. “We need to learn while we are here, assume the position of our ancestors.”
   Volunteering as a visual aid, four men lay on the floor side by side, bunched together almost overlapping each other with their arms down by their sides.
   Using her tambourine, elevated about eight inches over the men’s faces to represent a platform, Hill demonstrated the next level above the men, which held more men and more on a level above that, in the holds of captivity on a ship.
   “ You speak different languages. You can’t communicate. You were separated from your people and put on this ship,” she said. “You need to go to the bathroom. Go.”
   Hill meant they would stay there while they “go” and lie in their waste. She replayed the events of the history of African slaves brought to America in ships on journeys that lasted many months. The prisoners would lie in this fashion most of the trips.
   “ You are here because your ancestors survived this journey of passage,” she said. “You were chained together at the feet, at the arms and at the neck.”
   Anthony Vaughn, one of the student volunteers, said the experiences transported him in time.
   “ I was not aware. I was thinking ‘this was how they really did it back then,’” he said. “I want to know more about history. I would like to get more information about my heritage.”
   After the demonstration, the audience sat in silence.
   “ Culture is important,” Hill said. “It is in everything we do. Singing and dancing is part of that culture. It’s who we are. Black culture is, was and will be.”
   Three students from the Act of Change Academy played music and recited. Hakimra Haslering, 10, played the wood drum.
   “ I’m in the Shantae Nation,” she said. “I know my culture.”
   Issa Ruh, 6, played the samba, another type of drum, and Safisha Himm, 6, played the bell.
   Music, food (such as sweet potato pie) and communication (the way of walking and animated body language) are part of educational tradition passed down through black heritage, Hill said.
   “ Be aware. Educate yourselves in the difference between slavery and heritage,” she said. “What is popular may lead you astray.”
   “ A word of warning,” she said. “Baggy pants mean, ‘Baby I’m interested in you.’ That came from the prison.”
   Annie Dobbins, South Campus counselor, said people who leave prison wear their pants that way because they are going back. The life of “three hots and a cot” (three square meals and a bed) is appealing.
   “ That is how the man knows you are his woman,” she said. “The style [these men] bring out [of prison], with their butts hanging out of their pants, means ‘you can be my fresh meat.’ During slavery, men didn’t have belts to keep from hanging themselves.”
   Hill said sagging is not culture. And, she added, tongues are not meant to be pierced.
   “ Tongue rings mean ‘anything, any time.’ We do things and don’t know why we do them,” she said.
   Hill told the audience to read, learn what their actions say and comprehend their heritage.
   In answer to a question posed from the audience, Hill said churches are sleeping rather than teaching.
   Hill recommended Sankofa, a film by Haile Gerima, that recaps the Maafa, an African holocaust.
   “ Get your tissues ready,” she said.
   The film teaches consciousness. Sankofa is an African term meaning “We must go back and reclaim our past so we can move forward so we understand why and how we came to be who we are today.”
   Passed-down education may not be present in today’s black society with elementary schools’ racial gaps, Esudele Fagbenro, executive director at the Act of Change Institute of Cultural Arts, said.
   “ What happens is that we don’t have the community that we used to. A lot of mothers work, but [the difference is] our elders had community,” he said. “So a common unity of neighbors and friends helped to raise children. We are moving further away from the source that has given us what we need.”
   Fagbenro suggested a book about education of blacks in America from times of slavery to the Civil War: The Education of the Negro Prior to 1861 by Carter Woodson. Although no longer in print, it is free on ebook at www.gutenberg.org/etext/11089.
   One member of the audience wanted to know why television and newspapers show blacks only playing football, playing basketball or rapping, but not as astrophysicists and doctors.
   “ If you read about someone, you may dismiss the John Swartz and John Connors and assume someone’s white because you don’t see a little picture of him.” Fagbenro said. “There are brothers behind the scenes that are doing a lot of great things.”
   Hill said the media has a strong influence on black culture.
   “ The media wants you to be a rapper,” she said. “We allow the media to dictate who we are.”
   Ryan Harris, a second semester student, attended to learn about the cultural experience. Hill said Harris’ features indicated he may have Nigerian heritage, but he was not aware of that. Harris said he is very interested in his family history.
   “ I have a big family tree, started and passed down by one of my slave [ancestors]” he said. “We have lots of copies, but I have the original at my house.”
   Harris said the detailed family tree adds to his education.
   “ It was started from a runaway slave, Adline Rheams in Cherokee County, Texas, in 1840. The history is a culture experience,” he said. “I was aware the way slaves came over, but I didn’t know it was quite like that.”
Hill encouraged the audience to learn black history.
   “ Talk to your elders, to the facility and staff if you are not doing so; become mentors, she said. “When you know who you are and your purpose in life, you can do it.”

Forum to address politics
Speakers to answer party line questions
   Question-and-answer sessions about political parties in Texas will continue for two days next week on South Campus.
   The political forum for South Campus students will feature several speakers and the new South Campus Young Democrats chapter. Christi Dayley-Carroll, South Campus social sciences department government instructor, will serve as host.
   Speakers include Thomas Wilder, Tarrant County district clerk, elected official; John White, 324th family district court judge and attorney; Mark J. Green, former U.S. congressional candidate, public interest author and lawyer; Cass Calloway, Tarrant County Young Democrats president; and Todd Hill, Mid-Cities Young Democrats president.
   The South Campus Young Democrats chapter also will participate.
   The first session is Wednesday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in the SSTU Living Room. The forum continues Thursday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the Rotunda Auditorium.
   Scott Young, South Campus Young Democrats vice president, said he would like to see a Democrat back in office and the Democrats take back the House and the Senate.
   “ Living in a very Republican county, I would like to see the Democratic platform and the planks of that platform be put out there so people will understand exactly where the Democrats are coming from,” he said. “We’re real good about saying the other party is bad or their beliefs are wrong.”
   Young said the club represents younger Democrats. He said the forum would help young people see the party has a platform for them and give them an arena to express their political beliefs.
Students interested in signing up for the South Campus chapter can contact Dayley-Carroll at 817-515-4638.

Local group to honor women’s endeavors in South production
   Black History Month celebrations, continue on South Campus with a play devoted to the honor of influential women in the black community.
   In a play for families, designed for children, the Delta Silhouettes 2 will feature the interactive renditions of four women.
   The play is Saturday, February 25, 6-9 p.m. in the South Campus Recital Hall SREC 1110.
   “ The purpose of the play is to highlight women in history who made a contribution to black society,” Ayoka Gay, Fort Worth alumnae chapter, said. “This year’s performance is going to be more interactive.”
   Delta Silhouettes 2 artists will pay homage to Aretha Franklin, recognized as the “Queen of Soul”; Ruby Dee, civil rights activist and actress; the late Shirley Chisholm, first black woman elected to U.S. Congress, and Judith Jamison, dancer and artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
   The evening will begin with a silent auction and reception.
   The evening also includes recognition of the group’s annual Jabberwock Scholarship Pageant, a program that honors and awards academic achievement.
   “ Full proceeds from admissions and auction go toward scholarships for the participants in the 2006 Jabberwock court,” Gay said.
   Charlene Ayers, playwright and director, leads Delta Silhouettes 2 in its second year of performances.
   The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority originally began in 1913 and has active chapters around the United States.
   The Fort Worth chapter began in 1938 as Beta Rho and is still active as the renamed Fort Worth Alumnae.
   Tickets cost $5. For tickets, contact Ayers at 817-798-7464.

Leaders learn recruitment strategies

by Bitty Reilly
south news editor

   A seminar at the new RadioShack headquarters in downtown Fort Worth last month offered students advice on group and club recruitment techniques and retention methods.
   Club presidents and members from the four campuses attended the luncheon and three-hour speech.
   David Kelly, speaker, humorist and trainer, provided a few ways to increase enrollment.
   Clubs and student activities are synonymous with the college life. To make students and faculty aware of the various programs, the organizations often have recruitment activities, which was Kelly’s primary focus.
   “ Some methods for successful club days and activity fairs include properly set-up booths,” he said.
   Booths, to organize sign-up lists and informational materials, should be pushed against tri-fold signs, posters or a wall, Kelly said. This placement provides a more unrestrained meeting area, which should not have chairs.
   “ Try to have three recruiters,” he said. “One recruiter should be a door person.”
   That person should bring potential members to the other recruiters in the recruitment area and continue greeting potential new members at the door, Kelly said.
   “ This recruitment area should be in a high traffic place and offer give-aways,” he said. “It is good to play music, and offering food and candy is a must.”
   During his presentation, Kelly encouraged audience participation and used props to capture and hold the campus representatives’ attention. Kelly demonstrated the influence of music by having the students dance to “YMCA” and other songs.
   The Rotoract Club, which does humanitarian work and community services, is planning to implement some of Kelly’s techniques, Wednesday-Thursday, Feb. 8-9, from noon to 2 p.m. in the NTAB lobby.
   Jonathan Vincent, vice president of the Rotoract Club, attended the workshop.
   “ [Kelly’s] lecture wasn’t boring,” he said. “Instead of using references from childhood and skits to give us a way to relate, he gave good examples making the information he was trying to convey easy to remember.”
   Vincent said he took away useful information.
   “ I like the idea of give-aways that have something with the club contact and name on them.    That is a good promotion method for others to remember us,” he said.
   Luis Aleman, president of the Latino Student Union, plans on using the music and free food at the Cinco de Mayo celebration. LSU has had an increase from three to 10 members since Kelly’s seminar.
   “ We are planning a big celebration May 3 for Cinco de Mayo. The celebration is early to work around finals,” he said. “We are using flyers for promotion and are already planning for the budget.”
   The May 3 celebration will be on the SSTU patio from noon to 2 p.m.
   “ LSU is selling carnations for Valentine’s day in the SSTU Dining Room Monday-Tuesday Feb. 13-14. During the celebration and scholarship fund-raiser, we will have a meet and greet educating members and faculty,” he said.
   Kelly’s methods of retention, which can be useful to student and faculty groups and even in new friendships, are to have “inclusion by a buddy system and to encourage active participation in projects and activities.”
   Kelly shared his mistakes and embarrassing moments as examples of trial and error.
   “ Volunteer and get out there and join activities,” he said.
   His favorite quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe appears on the backs of his business cards and sums up his theory on success.
   “ Whatever you can do or dream, you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it,” it reads.
   Kelly offers a monthly newsletter offering advice on groups and retention. To sign up, visit his Web site at www.gonzospeaks.com.

Blood donors could win car

by Bitty Reilly
south news editor

   Participants could win a new car or a $1,000 gas card for donating blood on South Campus.
   Prizes for blood-donating winners include a 2006 Saturn VUE from Metroplex Saturn dealers and a $1000 gas card from Carter Blood Care.
   Those who donate by Friday, Feb. 11, are entered into a weekly drawing.
   The final drawing Feb. 18 will determine the winner of the Saturn VUE from the six finalists. The runner-up wins the $1,000 gas card.
   The Carter Blood Care mobile unit will be on South Campus in front of the Student Center Monday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Each donor also receives a free Carter Blood Care T-shirt and a free mini-physical.
   “ [The mini-physical] includes testing for red blood cell count, body temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, total cholesterol, Hepatitis B and C, HIV type one and two, HTLV type one and two, syphilis, cytomegalovirus (selected donors only) and West Nile virus,” Gloria Irvin, South Campus health services senior office assistant, said.
   Gail Wilson, Carter Blood Care donor recruit consultant, said donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.
   Additionally, to be eligible to win the car, entrants need a current driver’s license and auto insurance.
   According to the Carter Blood Care Web site www.carterbloodcare.org, approximately four million people need blood each year—one patient every 12 seconds.”
   The most needed types are O positive and O negative.
   “ Nearly 50 percent of patients are group O, and group O red cells can be transfused to all other blood types in emergencies,” the Web site reports.
   To find out more about the Saturn promotion, contact Wilson at 817-343-1186.
   For information about the blood drive, call Irvin at 817-515-4531.

Students to relay for life, research

   Student teams are needed to represent TCC and participate in a relay for cancer research.
   “ Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs. [Competing teams] take turns walking or running laps … trying to keep at least one team member on the track at all times,” according to The American Cancer Society’s Web site at www.cancer.org.
   An eight to 15 member team can hold campus fund-raisers, like car washes and raffles.
“ Now is the time to start getting teams together,” Nanette Rix, Relay for Life of Northeast Tarrant County event chairperson, said.
   The 2006 Northeast Tarrant County Relay is 6 p.m.-6 a.m. April 28-29 at Trinity High School. Cancer survivors can participate in the relay’s opening Survivor’s Lap.
   The kickoff party is 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Harris Methodist HEB Hospital in the Edwards Cancer Center West I and II conference room.
   “ The goal for this year’s relay is to raise $100,000 with 100 teams participating, from the 13 NE Tarrant County cities,” Lisa Orr, MBA public relations coordinator Harris Methodist HEB Hospital, said.
   Call Rix at 817-685-4960 or Jolene Schnider at 817-685-4949 to sign up or for questions.