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The lives of thousands of Sam Houston State students are about to drastically change.
Donning black gowns and tasseled caps, this large group will enter commencement as students, and come out as graduates. In two weeks, the 2011 class will graduate not only from college, but from a chapter in life. But the next part of the story may be the
toughest to get through.Millions of students
worldwide will be h a n d e d d i p l o m a s , acting as tickets to joining the workforce. T h e problem is the show is nearly sold out, and there are many tickets being handed out,
with limited seats available, and everyone fighting for a
spot. “There’s
always jobs out there, even when the economy is at its worst, you just have to work a little harder to find it nowadays,”
said Greg Monteilh, Employment Specialist with
SHSU Career Services. “I think it’s getting better, though. Reports definitely indicate there is more hiring. Things will continue to get better.”
With national unemployment hovering around nine percent, securing a job is far from easy today.
Business are closing, people are being laid off, and money is spent more reluctantly than in the past. Furthermore, soon-to-be graduates face stiff
competition, including other graduates from years past, laid-off workers, and anyone else who is suddenly seeking work because of difficult economic times. What’s more, less than half of employers, 46 percent, plan to hire college graduates for full-time positions, according to a poll on Monster.com last year. Finding work right out of college is as difficult now than ever.
MISS CINCO DE MAYO The Multicultural and International Student Services will celebrate a Mexico’s holiday for its victory over France tomorrow at noon in the Lowman Student Center Mall area.
The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University
Vol 117— Issue 29
Senior Goodbye Letters, Page 2 and 3
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Photo courtesy of SHSU Athletics
Viewpoints..................................page 2Special.........................................page 3
Entertainment....................................page 6
News............................................page 4 Special................................,........page 5
Special.........................................page 8
IndexJessica Gomez | The Houstonian
Most memorable moments, Page 7
So long, farewellToday’s issue of The Houstonian will be the final issue of the semester. We will resume printing during the first week of the Fall
semester. If you have stories or issues you would like to see covered in the Fall semester, please send your ideas to [email protected] or [email protected]. Thank you for reading The Houstonian and have a safe Summer!
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
Graduates ready walkJOINING THE WORKFORCE
JOB HUNT BEGINS.. Soon-to-be graduates face stiff competition, including other graduates from years past, laid-off workers, and anyone else who is suddenly seeking work because of difficult economic times. less than half of employers, 46 percent, plan to hire college graduates for full-time positions, according to a poll on Monster.com last year.
Seniors prepare for job industry after ceremonial walkBy Mike SilvaSenior Editor
NASA officials have said that the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour will not take place any earlier than May 10.
The launch was originally scheduled for last Friday, but was scrubbed due to an electrical problem.
President Barack Obama was scheduled to attend the April 29 launch, however, he still took the time to speak with officials at Kennedy Space Center and met with the crew.
The flight will be Endeavour’s final mission and is the second to last shuttle launch left in the fleet.
NATION AND WORLD
Mother’s DayGift Suggestions
Good ideas:• Flowers• Chocolate• Homemade
Cards• Jewelry• Breakfast in
Bed (as long as you are the one who cleans up!)
Bad ideas:• Cleaning sup-
plies• Deodorant• Scale• Live pets• Anything in an
informercial• Fake Flowers• Clothing (You
may end up getting the wrong size
Center gives parents relief
File Photo| The HoustonianSTUDY HELP. To help alleviate the stress for parents juggling a college career, the Student Advising and Mentoring (SAM) Center provided free childcare Wednesday night.
Commencement Ceremonies
— See JOBS, page 4
Only about 15 to 20 percent of all available jobs are ever publicly advertised in any medium and only about five percent of job-seekers obtain jobs through ads, according to nationally recognized career and job-search expert Randall S. Hansen, PhD.
By George MattinglySenior Reporter
— See CARE, page 4
With finals closing in students are starting to feel the pressure, especially when trying to fit children into study time. On Wednesday night the SAM Center did its part to help by providing free child care for student mothers as
a part of the Finals Relief Program.
Candi Harris, staff associate in the SAM Center, created the Finals Relief Program about a year and a half ago as a way to help young mothers to get in study time before finals.
“When students have children, they don’t have
time to participate in everything the campus has to offer,” she said. “I know from experience that it’s hard to keep up with studying when you have kids of your own,” she said.
The program was held in the SAM Center meeting room where toys
S t u d e n t s graduating in the
College of Business Administration will graduate at 2:30 p.m. on Friday while those graduating in the College of Education will graduate at 7:30 that Friday evening.
Criminal Justice majors will graduate beginning at 9:30 Saturday morning with students from the newly created College of Sciences.
Saturday afternoon will hold graduation ceremonies for students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication.
For more information on graduation ceremonies, visit the Registrar’s office website at http://www.shsu.edu/~reg_www/destination/destination_c o m m e n c e m e n t ceremony.html.
White House Press Secretary, Jay Carney, told reporters Wednesday that President Barack Obama has decided not to release photos of Osama bin Laden’s corpse.
The decision comes after many Americans are questioning whether or not Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks and leader of Al Qaeda, was really killed because of the lack of evidence provided.
Carney told reporters in the daily White House Briefing that Obama did not want to inflame passions or appear to gloat.
“There’s a long history of images like that being used to rally opinion against people,
to turn people into heroes,” Carney said.
The news wire service Reuters has published photos from the raid, conducted on Sunday afternoon Huntsville time, that were taken by a Pakistani security official and show three men lying dead in pools of blood and the wreckage of an abandoned U.S. Helicopter.
Obama holds raid photos
NASA delays shuttle launch again
Front page of the Chicago Tri-bune the day after Osama bin Laden was killed
Governor Rick Perry’s request for federal assistance following massive wildfires across the state has been rejected.
The declaration was requested in mid-April to help clearthe way for federal funding and assistance with state efforts to combat wildfires that have burned over 2.2 million acres of
land. “I am dismayed that this
administration has denied Texans the much needed assistance they deserve,” Perry said, in a statement. “It is not only the obligation of the federal government, but its responsibility under law to help its citizens in times of emergency.”
Perry added that he is
considering an appeal.“We will immediately
look at all of our options, including appealing the denial, so Texans can receive the resources and support they need as wildfires continue to threaten life and property across our state,” he continued.
Obama administration denies Texas disaster declaration request
If convicted, Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak could face execution for ordering the killing of protesters, according to Egypt’s justice
minister. “If the crime is proven,
then the court will not hesitate to issue the death sentence,” Mohamed Abdelaziz al-Juindy said.
Mubarak resigned in February after Egyptian citizens took to the streets in January to protest against the government.
Egypt’s Mubarak potentially faces execution
Baseball coach prepares to retire
BEARKAT SPORTS
FINAL RUN
Sports...........................................page 7
Page 2Thursday, May 5, 2011Viewpoints
houstonianonline.com/viewpoints
The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is published semi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a news publication of Sam Houston State University, a member of the Texas State University system, and is produced by students. It is self-supporting and welcomes all advertisers. Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call (936) 294-4864. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.
Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni:
The Houstonian would not survive were it not for the continued involvement and dedication of the SHSU student body. We welcome all column submissions and letters to the editor. If at any time you feel the need to express an opinion, please do not hesitate to email your thoughts or drop by our office in the Dan Rather communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.
Stephen GreenViewpoints [email protected]
Letter to the Student Body
I remember when I first arrived at Sam Houston State University.
Throughout high school, I was exceptional at math. I scored a 740 out of 800 in math on the SAT, almost all of my family had studied accounting and, believe it or not, I actually like math. The pieces were in place for me to pursue a math-based career.
But writing was another thing I loved to do, what I really wanted to do, and covering sports was my specialty. I would watch sports religiously, since I was seven years old, and I used to make a three-page football “magazine,” made of notebook paper, pencils and crayons. If I played my cards right, I could write for a real magazine, or some sort of publication.
Looking at some places close to home, SHSU stood out. The school had a pretty good journalism program, I’d heard, and after all, Dan Rather went there. I applied to the school, and of course, was accepted.
At orientation, my first stop was the mass communication building. I walked into the Houstonian newsroom, hesitantly, as I was the new kid on the scene.
Talking to the soon-to-be students was Brad Basker, who you should probably remember if you’ve read the newspaper at all over the last couple of years.
I approached him and asked what it took to get involved with the Houstonian. He told me to come by during the year and see about getting some assignments. I told him to remember the name Mike Silva, as I’d be with the paper for sure.
Of course, August came a few weeks later, and so did September, and October, and I was yet to go into the newsroom. I guess you can say I was living “the college life” for a while. Translation: Shenanigans, the Fox, and lack of responsibility.
Ironic enough, I was at a party one night and I noticed Brad. So again, I approached him and said what’s up, and he responded, “Mike…
wait. Mike Silva, right?” I was surprised he remembered me, and even more surprised by how many times he said the word “like” in a sentence, but we continued to talk and he again tried getting me into the newsroom.
Fast forward a few semesters, and I had yet to step foot into the Houstonian newsroom. I think a lot of it was fear, more of it was laziness, and some was doubt. I wasn’t myself (except the lazy part, that’s consistent). I needed to get back to the confident, witty Mike Silva everyone knew me to be.
I also needed some experience. I couldn’t afford to go on to my junior year with nothing to show for it. So I finally walked into the newsroom, got an assignment, and had some pieces published before finishing my sophomore year.
It felt good. I finally had some clips, but I had to keep going. So I applied for sports reporter. When the next year came, I surprised myself again by earning the position.
I was kind of upset at first, seeing as my immediate “boss” would be this annoying dude from my intro to mass communications class that would never shut up. Lotis was his name, and I’m confident whoever is reading this has become accustomed to reading his socialist, outlandish materials. Wait, I mean “democratic” socialist. He’s adamant about the differences.
Surprising enough, we actually got along. He kind of took me under his wing, and polished my skills. I was a talented writer, but I was raw. After he showed me the ropes, I knew I would make it.
He always hung out with Joe Buvid, our former photographer, also a good mentor. He was probably the only person who saw eye to eye with me from a political standpoint, which was good. And I’ll never forget the sandwiches we had at McNeese. Joe knows.
So the three of us, the “sports” guys they called us, would go on the road with the football team and cover all the games together. We got close, business relationships turned into strong friendships, and the two of them taught me a lot about journalism and life.
The next semester, I was brought up to sports editor, exactly where I fit in. I needed a sports reporter, though, and I had a good person in mind. I already pretty much decided Brandon Scott would be the one, and after he gave me his “dude, I’m about to have a kid” speech, it was a lock.
Over the next year, Brandon, Lotis, and I had SHSU sports covered like a blanket on a baby. As the new “sports” guys, we became great friends, as our crazy trips and stories can attest to.
There was the Baylor trip, where we scared our new, devout Mormon photographer, John Rudolph, into thinking we’re total “jerks,” as he
would say, by taking him to Hooters, having a few cold ones, then parking in the VIP Baylor alum lot, only to march up to the press box reeking of sweat and cigarettes (Brandon smokes Kools).
There was the UT-Austin trip, where four grown men shared a one-bed hotel room. Don’t worry, we didn’t all sleep in the bed. Only our other photographer and “vectors/graphics” extraordinaire Jared Wolf, who slept fully clothed in a vest, tie, and loafers, and Lotis, who slept almost in the buff, sprawled out with just boxers on, shared the bed.
As the minorities, naturally Brandon and I slept on the floor, where we somehow had to share one pillow.
There was TIPA, which was also an experience to say the least. Some of the conversations included, “does this bar have wells beers,” “is this place Italian or Mexican?” and details of things I can’t share in this publication. Now that I think of it, that was all Jared.
And who can forget our stories? Mexico mode, the Mariah story, the “is it broke?” story, the LAN party sister story, the “ATX girls unattended” update, “Oh!” “ready,” Snuffaluffagus, the Fort Worth Convention Center, “I’m from Houston!” our fantasy league. The list just goes on and on.
It wasn’t just the sports guys and photographers I interacted with. “Hey” Stephen Green and iKolby iFlowers showed me how I should’ve handled my freshman year by being involved and overactive in news reporting.
Meagan Ellsworth, Erin Peterson and Jessica Priest were good at showing me the non-sports side of news reporting. Oh, and most importantly, the ethics of it all.
E. Jay Miranda set an example for how you should do things on a daily basis: with full effort and enthusiasm. I learned some things about running websites from Thomas Ma-Ma-Ma-Merka, who was our web editor for what seemed like years.
Our advisor, the “Boy Wonder from Down Under” Dr. Robin Johnson (not really from Australia) taught me a lot about multimedia and online journalism. Maybe because of the class he taught, but his teachings gave me really practical lessons to pick up from.
All of my professors taught me a lot. Strait, Kosuowei, Edge, Herskowitz, and so on. I don’t think I’ve had one that I truly didn’t like in my time at SHSU.
Contributors, like Hugo “DIDYOUSAYPABLOESCOBAR” Lopez and Cheval John, it’s on y’all to fill in for us graduates to keep this paper afloat.
For anyone I unintentionally forgot to mention, I’m sure you too played a big part in helping me grow throughout college, and I apologize for not giving you credit for it.
The reason for this letter is to show those reading it that you can achieve what you want to achieve. It’s in you, you just have to bring it out, and the friends and relationships you develop as you go on will help you out.
A semi-wise man once said, “Take advantage of the opportunities that are given to you.” He’s right. So freshmen, sophomores, whoever reading this, if you haven’t gotten involved yet, now is your time. Once you get your feet wet, they will not dry. As you can see, you’ll have fun along the way, too.
‘It’s what I love to do’Mike Silva reflects on his decisions, accomplishments at SHSU
Mike SilvaSenior Editor
- Silva is the Houstonian sports editor and a May graduate with a mass communication degree with an emphasis in broadcast journalism.
PHOTOGRAPHERJessica Gomez
COPY EDITORApril Sanders
PRODUCTION MANAGERChanel Montgomery
FACULTY ADVISERRobin Johnson
(936) 294-1499
EDITOR-IN-CHIEFMeagan Ellsworth
(936) [email protected]
ASSOCIATE EDITORErin Peterson
VIEWPOINTS EDITOR
Stephen [email protected]
SPORTS EDITORBrandon Scott
SENIOR EDITORMike Silva
WEB/MULTIMEDIA EDITORJessica Priest
A&E EDITORThomas [email protected]
SENIOR REPORTERKolby Flowers
GRAPHIC COORDINATORJared Wolf
SPORTS REPORTERLotis Butchko
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVEChelsea Boyd
COMMUNICATION SPECIALISTChrystal [email protected]
STAFF LISTING
ADVERTISING MANAGERGurpreet Singh
[email protected](936) 294-1503
BUSINESS MANAGERBrittany Hampton
[email protected](936) 294-1500
AD DEADLINESTuesday’s Issue Friday 5 p.m.
Thursday’s Issue - Tuesday 2 p.m.
Houstonian Staff 2010-2011FAMILY. (Left to right) Bottom row: Jessica Gomez, Chrystal Golden, Jessica Priest, Lotis Butchko, Mike Silva. Top row: Brandon Scott, Kolby Flowers, Meagan Ellsworth, Stephen Green, Erin Peterson.
Jessica Gomez’s camera | The Houstonian
Page 3Thursday, May 5, 2011Viewpoints
houstonianonline.com/viewpoints
Someone famous long ago put it best when he (or she!) said, “The only constant in life is change.”
When I graduated from high school in 2007, my life was turned upside down. My parents had just drug my sister and I through an ugly and bitter divorce. My friends had abandoned me to go to what I thought were far off, esteemed colleges like Texas Tech, University of Texas and Texas A&M. The future was vague and unknown, and the decision as to where to go to college was just one more inconvenient thing I needed to check off my long, laborious to-do list.
I settled with Sam Houston State University. It had pretty trees, I reasoned.
As a freshman, I continued on this path, spending most of my days locked in my tiny Elliot dorm room to either sleep or study. I got the best sleep of my life and a 4.0 GPA my freshman year, but I wouldn’t say it was necessarily my best year of college.
I didn’t embrace the change, although a bit scary, that was happening around me. I hid from it.
But two years ago, I decided enough was enough. I finally mustered up the courage to approach then viewpoints editor Bryan Honeycutt in the Dan Rather Building Room 210.
“I want to write news,” I said in front of a room full of strangers, a feat I had yet to accomplish.
I wrote columns instead.And my how times have changed since
then.As a reporter at The Houstonian, I
have not only cast off my normally soft-spoken demeanor, but also conquered my fears. Oct. 22 is a prime example of this. While most sane students were running away from the danger that was an alleged gunman on campus, I, along with several other reporters, ran towards it, which is something I’ve since been told is common occurrence among my chosen field.
I guess I chose the right one then.The staff survived off salvaged pizza and
warm soda from a vending machine down the hall. I didn’t leave the newsroom until 10 p.m. that night.
It turns out the culprit responsible was actually a student group ignorant of the repercussions of their actions. The only gun they’d been toting around campus was made out of plastic.
It was a moment I will never forget - and
probably laugh about a lot later.
These days, I often don’t go to sleep until 5 a.m. (I’ve shaved years off my life with this job!) I spend most of my time either cursing the editorial staff’s tardiness and pretending to be sane (and failing). But whether I’ve been tirelessly working on The Houstonian or indulging in something a little less studious, like watching marathons of Law and Order (What did you think I was going to say?!), I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Overall, I’m proud of all I’ve accomplished at SHSU and as a staff member of the Houstonian. My only real regret is that I could not do more.
I owe A LOT to the following people:Amanda Priest- What can I say about my
sister? While we may fight and bicker over childish things, you are and always will be my other half. You’ve rooted me on when I was feeling low, you picked me up from school whenever I was stranded and cooked me countless meals without hesitation. You and I both know I seriously would’ve starved without you.
I hope you know how amazing you are. Even as a child, I recognized this when you beat me at nearly everything. You were the first to drive our Barbie car, and, well, we all know how upset I got when you could sing the Pledge of Allegiance and I could not at the tender age of five.
I may always be subconsciously jealous of you, but I think we both each have our individual strengths and talents.
As we become adults and go our separate paths in life, that will only become more defined. Unfortunately, not many people can say their siblings are their best friends, and I’m happy that even after torturing you for 20 years, you still kinda like me.
Kevin Jukkola - You were my first friend on staff. Thank you. I was intimidated by the loud personalities at the Houstonian, and your voice of reason often kept me sane during the hardest semester of my life. I’m sorry I never got the chance to go to one
of your baseball games or even read what I don’t doubt was a perfect movie script. Please know that I sincerely wanted to and that you are one of the smartest, nicest individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I can’t wait to see your movies on the big screen one day.
Meagan Ellsworth- You have a real talent for making everyone on staff feel welcome. Perhaps I benefited from this the most when I joined staff as associate news editor.
Ignorant of newsroom policies, I went to go see a movie with my roommates on my first-ever deadline. I thought I was done, but my page was riddled with errors.
Instead of jumping down my throat, you worked tirelessly to illustrate to me the error of my ways. Your patience (and, really, forgiveness), a quality I envy and unfortunately do not possess, prevailed and that’s probably why I stuck around in the first place.
Since then, you’ve become one of my best friends, often offering an empathetic ear when I had no one to listen. Thank you. I can only hope that one day I can be just half as great of a friend to you as you have been to me already. P.S. You did not start the fire. Your mom did.
Erin Peterson- I’m so sad to be leaving just as I’m getting to know you. I hope we can reunite one day after graduation to enjoy our favorite Tex Mex spot, La Hacienda, in Houston. I’ve never told you this before, but I truly admire your dedication to the Houstonian.
You are not a Mass Communication major, and, for most people, that would discourage them from participating in the newspaper, where one must acquire an extensive knowledge of not only how to write for news but do so ethically. You’ve done a superb job carrying on what I’ve started by covering the Student Government Association, despite surmounting opposition to it, such as people saying it’s boring and what not.
Please do not be discouraged by these individuals. What you’re doing, what
you’re working towards is important, and it does not go unnoticed. I’ll be excited to see what direction you take the newspaper in next semester. I’m confident that I, as an alumnus of SHSU (Ah, it feels so great to say those words), will not be disappointed.
Stephen Green and Kolby Flowers- Even though ya’ll can be party poopers (I’m sorry, but no one should go to sleep at 10 p.m. during TIPA!), I have always been really impressed with how involved you both are at SHSU - even as freshmen. How can two people do so much?
As I previously stated, I was not really very involved my freshmen year, and I sincerely regret it. You guys are the future of the newspaper, and I think we are leaving her in great hands. Your innovative ideas have brought a lot to the table this semester, and I urge you to continue on this path. Change is not necessarily a bad thing. Good luck guys.
Joe Buvid and Lotis Butchko- It really saddens me that you both think I hate you or have any ill will towards you. As I approach the end of my collegiate career and reflect back on all that I’ve learned, I want you to know that that is not true.
While I may have disliked you both as some point (I will certainly not lie about that), it was only because you both challenged me so much as a journalist to fight for what I believe in and stand up for myself. In fact, out of all the people I’ve met while working at the newspaper, I’m perhaps most indebted to you both. Thank you for pushing my buttons.
Thank you for showing me that settling for “just good enough” is not good at all. Lotis, I’ll see you in Esquire one day. Joe, you are an amazing photographer. I can only hope that I’ll be as successful as you both will undoubtedly be.
If I’ve left anyone out, I assure you it was not done out of malice. I tend to be long-winded, and at more than 1,000 words, I think I’ve given Stephen, our viewpoints editor, a sufficient enough challenge with his page design.
Please know that I love each and every person on staff. You guys are my family. I may be embarking on a new chapter of my life, but I’m only a phone call away. This time, I will embrace the change. Promise.
Embracing a new chapter in lifeJessica Priest is proud of her time at Sam Houston, confident in the future
Jessica PriestWeb/Multimedia Editor
- Jessica Priest will graduate Magna Cum Laude in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications. She has an emphasis in print journalism and is an English minor.
Not many people have heard the birds singing at 3 a.m. in front of the Criminal Justice building, nor have they seen a full moon illuminate a rather eerie Peabody Library at that hour. Every Monday and Wednesday since fall 2008, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this campus from a different angle. I’ve experienced sickening mistakes, awakening moments and heart-warming stories. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to sit in the same room as a former president and a Navy Cross recipient. I’ve seen a great man step down from his role as our university’s president and great woman step up. I’ve watched freshmen transform into young professionals. I’ve seen buildings demolished and raised. But of all the sights and sounds of this university, the greatest of these moments has been the conversations held and laughs shared with the Houstonian staff and alumni. As I prepare to leave my cluttered desk, I would like to share a few words with those who have seen me for better or worse.
STOLBY:Stephen Green—you are by far the best
and worst thing to have walked through room 210’s door. Whether it’s your awkward behind the desk kick, sneak back into the room move, or random expressions—you have managed to distract me every single deadline night and have hindered my production capability. For this I thank you. While you have managed to remind me why I love the Houstonian family so much, you also have demonstrated the importance of being a tough journalist who stands their ground on ethics without being a pansy. I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, as well as your recent appointment as a Texas Intercollegiate Press Association officer, and I can’t wait to see the direction you take from here. POW!
Kolby—a human being should not be as technologically compatible as you are, in fact, I wonder if your biological father is actually a Mac. I can never thank you enough for implementing the Houstonian App and taking us in such a beautifully progressive direction. But, as much as I admire your quick skills to post breaking news immediately on our social media sites to let the world know about events such as a campus gun scare, I also must once again threaten your life if you post another video of me without makeup on. Although, as much as I hate it I constantly find myself re-watching the videos and laughing just as hard. I know once I leave that I will forever cherish and appreciate the times you captured on camera. I truly meant what I said the other day, you have remarkable insight into politics at such a young age and no matter which way you go with your career for politics, journalism or freaking rocket science, I am positive you will put us all to shame and also provide a great service to society. Oh, and I still think you’re the next Anderson Cooper.
Lotis—at this point we know where we stand. As journalists we disagree on just about everything and we’ve been completely, verbally honest about that. But, after all of these years you have been like a big brother to me and I know that every challenge you have thrown my way has helped me grow as a journalist, to question
why things are done the way they are done, so that I no longer follow a pattern of behavior, but actually make decisions that are of my own will and direction. And as much as you’ve made me want to pull out my hair, I have to admit, it was sometimes nice to hear your brutal honesty speak out loud what everyone else was thinking. Thank you for forcing me to think outside the box and to step outside of my comfort zone. I wish you all the best in both your career and engagement.
Mike—whether it’s with jokes, layouts or podcasts, you’ve really brought an edge to the Houstonian. Any given time that you were in the newsroom we were guaranteed a much-needed laugh. You always have the best stories and such an interesting take on things. I admire your cool hat, perfect grammar and determination to not have junk food during lent—I would never be able to accomplish such a sacrifice. Best wishes as you prepare to walk across the stage and step into your career.
Brandon—what I can say, I mean, we have a ‘Houstonian Kid’ together. And even though it’s one ugly kid, it’s ours. All kidding aside, you’ve always brought a little sanity to the newsroom, often pointing out when we were overanalyzing, and bringing us back down to earth from our ‘stressosphere’. You are such a gifted and hardworking writer with a voice that speaks to everyone from all walks of life. No matter what the issue or debate is, you always seem to have the best insight and the most common sense. Not to mention, you have the best cup in the world. Keep the content rolling my friend, I’ll be reading it, and good luck with all that you do.
Jared—you’ve added so much color and life to the Houstonian with your creativity and out-going personality. I respect your ability to produce such beautiful graphics, even when it was a last minute request. Beyond the art on the page, I still can’t believe you made a basketball court and airplane out of pizza boxes, as well as a colorful Houstonian “H” out of straws. I will never forget the day you and Lotis had an epic battle in the newsroom. Thank you for adding a little fun to the staff and don’t work yourself to death. Take the time to enjoy the world around you just as it is.
E.Jay—look at our website, look at our social media sites. You have helped us go in a new direction and have opened our eyes to who our audience is. I’ll never be able to thank you enough stepping up to the plate and aiding us in realizing our vision. It’s been great having you as a part of the Houstonian staff and experiencing the Red Bull lifestyle with you. You’ve already done so many remarkable things with your life and I can’t imagine what’s next. Best wishes, swag.
Merka—you have such a great personality and really launched the Houstonian’s facelift. Thank you for building our
confidence. I admire your ambitious ability to take on so many projects and excel in them all. I had so much fun doing your make up for Miss Relay and our “clubbing” experience in Fort Worth. We definitely all need to get together again soon.
Jessica—you are by far one of the hardest working students I have ever met. I remember back when I was the viewpoints editor and you came in to write columns for me. You’ve grown so much as a writer, journalist and
especially as a strong woman. I have the utmost respect for you and appreciate all the times that you’ve came through—not only as a member of the staff, but as an incredibly great friend as well. I’m going to miss our tropical sunrise lunches, but I’m so proud of you and I can’t wait to see the work you do next.
Erin—we danced, we ran, we edited, but most of all we shared some really great jokes, stories and future plans for the Houstonian. I can’t say that I know who the next Editor will be, officially, but if you do become chief I know I will finally be able to go to bed before 3 a.m. You are a strong editor, a great teacher and a true friend. I know this publication will be safe in your hands and that’s the only reason I am willing to leave that old, blue broken chair. Besides, you’re far more organized than I could ever be. I’m excited to see what you will assign and design. If you ever need anything, just know that I’m here for you.
Robin—I’m so happy to have been the editor when you became the Houstonian’s adviser, but I wish you would have arrived sooner. You have pushed us to realize our potential and have made us aware of the areas where we need to improve as well as the more modern technologies and sources we need to utilize. You have provided tremendous guidance to me this semester for which I am eternally grateful. You are a great mentor and I take great comfort in knowing that the staff will be in your hands when as I wave goodbye. Thank you for all of your support, your jokes and especially for pizza night. Good luck with the future staff and 326 class. I’ll be sure to leave the water guns for you.
Chrystal, Cheval, and Hugo—thank you all so much for your enthusiasm and willingness to sacrifice your time to the Houstonian. It is people such as you that keep the Houstonian alive. Chrystal, we had a tent at Relay for Life…you did that! Cheval…you have kept the Houstonian’s first consistent blog and have really reached out to the university community to share such unique stories. Plus, you always are there to help. Hugo, you’re going to make a damn good investigative reporter. I love your passion to dig deep within the issues that most weak-minded journalists shy away from. Be careful in your bravery and remember what I said about being humble and mastering the basics. Good luck, my
friends, and thank you for everything.Mad Brad, Brittany Hampton and
Pawpaw Price—if it was not for each of you last spring there’s no way we would be where we are now. The Houstonian faced some truly troubling challenges, but you came back to us and made way for stability as well as a future for the Houstonian to continue its wonderful service to the university. Thank you so much for allowing this great opportunity to continue our traditions.
Ms. Mary and Rex Harding—I know we didn’t make it easy on you. We were messy, we were late, and we were simply a wild bunch of hooligans some nights. Thank you for your unwavering patience and kindness.
Dr. Edge, Dr. White, Professor Eschenfelder, and Professor Ziegler—without each of you I would have been completely lost. Thank you for your lessons and guidance.
Houstonian Alumni-when times were tough, when you could have thrown up the peace sign and ran, you called, you wrote letters, you shared advice and provided a long-distance shoulder for me to lean on. Not to mention, you trusted a student with no experience and a ton of ambition to become a reporter, opening the door for me to become the editor. Without you Bryan, Rachael, Christi and Jenny I would not be prepared for a career as a journalist, I would not have ever built these relationships, shared these experiences or written these words. You created a monster, one that will continue to follow you and look up to you even after I walk across the stage. Thank you for always being there for me and I look forward to our next reunion dinner.
University Community-- After reading this letter, I hope you have some idea as to how much I love and support the Houstonian program. I can’t say that I always the best editor, but I promise that I have loved every waking moment of my experience. When it comes to the Houstonian, there are just some things that can’t be taught from a book. But this program provides the opportunity for us to build a portfolio and have a fighting chance in a competitive industry. It is vitally important it is for students in the Mass Communication field to take advantage of this hands-on program and help it to continue to grow. Please support this publication with news tips and feedback. Let the staff know when they print a good story and hold them accountable when they make a mistake.
After the surge from Hurricane Ike I lost my home, but I had the Houstonian. It has been my sanctuary through this crazy college experience. Now that deadline is creeping up on me again, and the time ticks closer for me to bring this letter to a close, I find it harder to walk away from my second home and family. I’m sure I’ll slap my head as soon as the pages are sent for forgetting a ton of people and notes, so for those unmentioned and the words unwritten let it be known that I will always take pride in my time here and hold these moments dearly to my heart. Thank you for it all.
Thank you for your criticism, supportMeagan Ellsworth prepares to leave the editor’s old, broken chair, shares memories
Meagan EllsworthEditor-In-Chief
- Meagan Ellsworth is a mass communication major with an emphasis in print journalism.
Social media is here to stay.
With the number of members reaching into the millions, including celebrities, politicians, major companies and organizations, no one can doubt the apparent popularity of social networking sites. Facebook alone has 500 million active users from all over the world, 70 percent of those users being outside the U.S. Twitter has gained 106 million users since 2006 who contribute a collective 55 million tweets a day. Although social media websites were originally intended for fun online socializing, they have had far more reaching impacts on how people communicate.
Social media has allowed people to connect faster across distances. Long gone are the days when it took days or even weeks to hear from someone and to respond to them, or traveling long distances to see someone. Today, through social media, contacting someone is as simple and quick as the click of a mouse or typing on a keyboard.
“The world has shrunk in terms of how fast we can communicate,” Sujey Vega, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociology, said. “Because of social media, time and space are imploded. People can communicate almost instantly.”
The lightning-fast power of social media has kept
people in communication in times of crisis. According to USA Today, social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and others were instrumental in mobilizing aid for those affected by the recent earthquake that struck Japan. People were able to communicate with U.S. ambassador John Roos via Twitter in order to get troops to a hospital within an hour of tweeting him. In a gun scare last September at Sam Houston State University, the power of social media was at work. Several students were warned by their friends on Facebook and Twitter about the presence of the alleged gunman before being notified by the university.
But, as Robin Johnson, Ph.D., professor in the mass communication department, points out, speed of communication can lead to “a loss of message control.” There are times when, because of the speed of social media, false information can be spread quickly. The ability of people to share vivid, unedited photos and videos gives them the power to leak certain information before traditional media or governments can officially release it. This power of social media can be dangerous because it can cause much confusion and hurt reputations in the public eye.
Despite of the dangers of social media, employers, businesses and organizations have grasped onto the power of social media to communicate with
their constituents. Entrepreneurs and
developers from more than 150 countries build with a Facebook platform while at least half of Twitter users follow companies, brands or products.
“Before the internet, there was mass advertising through TV, radio and newspaper,” Johnson said. “Now, the environment is fragmented. Companies are targeting certain populations they want to purchase their products.”
The speed of communication in social media allows for quick feedback on goods and services. Companies can immediately see the reaction from consumers, and the ability of people to introduce friends and relatives to products helps expand businesses through influence. Social media also allows for a close personalization between companies and consumers by allowing consumers to actively participate in business. Employers have also utilized the power of social media to view pictures, updates and other information about their employees and potential employees. Although this can cause people to lose their jobs or not be selected, Johnson says that it benefits companies because every employee represents an investment for that company. On the flip side, people can also research companies through social media and decide if they want to be part of it. According to him, having a presence online is becoming
important for employers. “Having an online
presence is a selling point for employers and will become very important for future employees in the next 2-5 years,” he says. “People just have to learn how to manage their public personas.”
There are several reasons why social media attract so many people, but, as Vega says, it all comes down to the need for people to feel connected to the world around them.
“I like to stay connected with friends and events,” said sophomore Olivia Jaramillo. “It helps me to stay up to date on things.”
Vega agrees that social media has increased the speed of communication between people and groups but points out that the need to feel connected can sometimes become obsessive.
“The idea of ‘Facebook official’ has created another reality for some people because the focus becomes less about staying connected and more about being involved in everyone’s business,” she said.
While some people use social media to stay connected to others, some use it as a tool for self-promotion, and that can lead to distraction, says Vega. She says people have become obsessed with the need to share everything about themselves. It raises questions about whether people do it for attention, or if it will truly affect them if someone does or does not communicate with them.
As more people begin
to utilize social media, some concerns are that they are taking away from traditional media such as TV, radio and even face-to-face communication.
Johnson argues that social media have not caused other media to suffer but helps them.
“In terms of TV and radio, I don’t think it has suffered; it has enhanced them,” he said. “According to recent statistics, people are not watching less TV because of social media. In the age group between ages 18-29, they are watching more online TV.”
Vega disagrees and says that social media has caused communication, particularly writing and basic grammar, to become too casual because of the constant use of text messaging and online chat. However, both Johnson and Vega agreed that face-to-face communication has suffered due to social media, because more people rely on their presence online to communicate with others. It’s all a matter of perspective, according to Jaramillo, who says social media has helped her contact with people more than hurt it.
“I think of it as I get to stay in touch with more people at the same time, and now it is really easy to stay in touch with them,” she says. “I think without Facebook I wouldn’t be in contact with a lot of people.”
Johnson says the biggest danger of social media is that they “often hide some of their real motives” because
most people can provide information without even knowing it and thus become robots in a sense. Vega says the real danger of social media is that they have the potential to perpetuate bullying and stereotypes. She says that when people engage in social media, they are always at risk of coming under attack for their personal views or lifestyles because information is public and people are quick to react without thinking. The ability for people to remain anonymous through social media adds to this problem because people are more willing to discuss things online rather than speak about it.
“Just because it’s not said out loud, doesn’t mean someone can’t post about it,” she said.
Although social media has already displayed its power within a few years of appearing on computer screens, the long-lasting effects remain to be seen. Johnson says that although social media is popular, people are too quick to move on to the next big thing to make a long-lasting impact like that of TV when it was introduced in the 1950s.
Vega argues that social media will last in the long run because people will always have a need to communicate and interact with others.
“[Social media] will change and evolve of course, but we have to evolve with it,” she said.
Page 4Thursday, May 5, 2011News
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May 1, 2011
- Officer was dispatched to the CHSS Building, located at 1901 Avenue I, in reference to an altercation in a computer lab. Officer identified two female university students who were involvoed in a verbal dispute. Information was obtained and a incident report was completed. A copy will be forwarded to the Dean of Students’ Office for review.- Officer responded to the area of Wall Unit to assist the Huntsville Police Department in reference to a reported Aggravated Robbery report. Upon arrival, officer located three suspects and detained them until the Huntsville Police Officers arrived.- Officer was dispatched to Spivey House (1925 Avenue I) to assist with a medical call.
April 29, 2011
- Officer was dispatched to Belvin Buchanan Hall (1008 17th Street) to assist with a medical call.- Officer responded to the the Psychological Services Center (919 Bearkat Boulevard) to assist with a student who was seeking medical help.- While providing police services at student social funcition located at the Walker County Fairgrounds (3925 SH 30 West) officers had to break up a fight. During the fight a male university student detained. A report was completed and a copy will be forwarded to the Dean of Students’ for review.
UPD Update
By George MattinglyContributing Reporter
From JOBS page 1
“You’re told all growing up that if you get a college degree, it makes it a lot easier to get a job,” 2010 SHSU graduate Thomas Martel said. “To constantly apply and hear nothing was kind of discouraging.
“But I continued to apply for jobs everywhere, and I finally got a call back. The key to it all was persistence. I just kept going, I got an interview, and the rest is history.”
To cope with the times, there are alternatives students can follow to alleviate the job searching pressure.
A good way to get feet in the door in any industry is with internships. Though many are unpaid, the experience attainable is unmatched. Many employers could use the extra help, so even if they invite unpaid help, the opportunity should be seized.
Pursuing higher education is another means students take to cope. First-time enrollment of U.S. graduate students grew six percent from 2008 to 2009, according to the Council of Graduate
Schools. Not only does school
provide shelter and a sense of familiarity, it also increases job marketability upon graduation. People with a master’s degree earn about $400 thousand more in a lifetime than those with a bachelor’s degree, according to About.com.
Another option for graduates hit by the job market is to start their own business. Though the risks are high, and capital may be needed, the reward is well worth it should success come. Phillip Emenogu, junior at SHSU, founded PNE Online Staffing, LLC to help students find work out of school.
“I was motivated to start my own business, because of the economy. Because it’s so hard to find a job, I decided to use my savings to go ahead and start my company,” he said. “Our focus is on helping people get jobs, stay with the company, and grow within that company.
“Our motto is ‘helping individuals discover their potential.’ Not only are we trying to help the corporations, we also want to help prepare individuals
to work in their areas of expertise and to grow.”
While finding work out of school may be difficult, it isn’t impossible, and there are common misconceptions about the process.
Something that discourages job seekers is not seeing a want ad for a specific business. Just because an employer doesn’t post a wanted ad doesn’t mean they aren’t hiring. Only about 15-20 percent of all available jobs are ever publicly advertised in any medium and only about five percent of job-seekers obtain jobs through ads, according to Randall S. Hansen, PhD.
Probably the biggest misconception about interviewing is that the most qualified person will automatically be hired. Actually, the job-seeker with the best mix of qualifications, interviewing skills, and rapport with his or her interviewer will receive a high consideration, Hansen said.
Another thing to avoid is jumping at the first job offer made available. A better offer could come along, and it may be best to hold out for the job offer that best fits the
direction they want to move in, Hansen said.
“It’s good to be flexible in this particular job market,” Monteilh said. “If you grab the first thing available, you may regret it. But again, it may be an opportunity where you can get experience, and you can build from that.
“Your dream job may not be the first you come across, but the first job you come across may help you get that dream job.”
There is light at the end of the tunnel. Though unemployment remains relatively high, the number continues to decrease.
Monteilh advised to use all resources available to gain an edge on the competition, including using career services. He also stressed the importance of networking, and maintaining aggressive in job seeking.
“If you’re going to job hunt, treat it like a job,” he said. “Do it for eight hours a day. Get up in the morning, and finish in the evening.
“The more you look, the more interviews you get, the more likelihood there is that you’ll find a job, and quicker.”
Social media leaves impression
Would you like to write for the Houstonian? Do you have an story idea? E-mail Associate News Editor Erin Peterson at [email protected] to become a contributor.
GOT NEWS TIPS?
and games were provided for the children while the mothers worked and studied at nearby work areas. McDonalds also helped by sponsoring free kids meals for the children.
“It’s a huge relief,” said senior business major Lindsey Picone, who registered for the program after seeing it on the SHSU website. “It’s very hard to balance everything because I work full time and go to school full time,” she said.
It’s not just about the young mothers said Harris. According to her, when students have children while going to school, they often rely heavily on family members to help them with child care and Finals Relief was a chance to give them a break also.
Picone encourages other mothers on campus to take advantage of the program because “we need all the help we can get.”
Harris hopes to expand the program in the future if more mothers take advantage of the opportunity. Each semester, only four to six mothers register for the program and this semester was no different.
“If there are students
on campus who know of the program, but cannot participate for any reason, we would like to know so that we can cater to their needs,” she said.
Until then, she plans to stick to the program’s motto: “as long as one student benefits.”
From CARE page 1
File photosTAKE BREAK. Parents’ Finals Relief gives back again this year to those students with children for two hours of study time in preparation for finals.
The Huntsville Community Theatre will share a bit of fairytale magic with their production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” beginning May 13.
The production is a massive project that has pulled many talented people from the community together. The cast totals upward of sixty people.
The main characters include: Chelsea Dunivan as Cinderella, Angela Towler as the Fairy Godmother, Rebecca Cobo as the Stepmother, Mandy Colwell and Erin Moerbe playing the stepsisters Grace and Joy, respectively, Jack Coughlin as Christopher or Prince Charming, Doug Mullins as the King, Michelle Ray as the Queen, and Jeremy Mitchell as Lionel.
Helen Farrar is the
assistant director, Cindy Rohe is the music director and Judé Lee Routh is the production’s choreographer.
“People tend to miss the point, and think that they story of Cinderella is all about living happily ever after,” said Marjean Creager, director of Huntsville Community Theatre’s upcoming production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. “…but it’s really about telling an honest story well and striking a chord in all of our hearts.”
With Creager’s vision, the HCT’s production of “Cinderella” will be updated and humorous, without losing the spirit of enchantment and make-believe.
“Impossible things can happen everyday,” said Marjean Creager, director of Huntsville Community Theatre’s upcoming production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. “We just have to believe it, then work for it.”
HCT’s “Cinderella” opens on May 13th at 7:30 pm. Other performance dates are: May 14th, 20th, and 21st, all at 7:30 p.m.; May 15th and 22nd, at 2:00 p.m. at the J. Philip Gibbs, Jr. Centre for the Performing Arts (Old Town Theatre), 1023 12th St., Huntsville, Texas. For Cinderella tickets or for information on HCT’s upcoming 2011-12 season, call (936) 291-7933 or go to HCT’s website at www.Huntsville-CommunityTheatre.org.
Page 6Thursday, May 5, 2011Arts & Entertainment
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Sand, sun and summer fun
Photo courtesy of mhowry | flickr.com
The Kemah Boardwalk is located in
Kemah, TX, which is about two hours from
Huntsville. The boardwalk has all kinds of
amusement rides and games that overlook the
water. The boardwalk is also home to a wide
range of unique shops and dining experiences.
Photo by Thomas Merka | The Houstonian
Galveston, located about two hours from Huntsville, is a great
place to spend a day or two. Galveston has many attractions
and activities that appeal to a wide array of tourists. Some of the
hot-spots on the island include the Moody Gardens theme park,
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, a vibrant night life, tons
of shopping opportunities and dining experiences for any palate.
Another big tourist attraction is, of course, Galveston Beach.
Photo courtesy of Theodore Scott | flickr.comHouston is right in Huntsville’s backyard and is full of fun and exciting things to do during the summer.
From shopping at the Galleria to attending a play in the Theatre District, this town has something to offer to everyone. Downtown Houston is also home to a thriving nightlife with a wide variety of clubs to choose from.
Quick summer trips that save you time and money
By Thomas MerkaEntertainment Editor
HCT to bring fairytale to Old Town TheatreLive
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Final ThoughTs: FavoriTe sTories oF The YearSports Reporter Lotis Butcko reflects on women’s basketball season as most memorable
In part due to the return of redshirt sophomore Britni Martin and part by a new attitude the Bearkats women’s basketball team flourished this year, finishing the season for only the third time with a winning season.
The team blew through a tough non-conference schedule, beating the likes of Grambling and North Texas. They were primed for a season that would not disappoint any fans. The team won its first five conference games and went 11-5 in conference.
Britni Martin and Sequeena Thomas helped lead the team through both hard times and good, being pushed by Head Coach Brenda Nicholls.
“This whole year the one thing I kept preaching was mental toughness,” said Nichols in an interview from March. “This team had to develop toughness about it and get through those mental blocks. That’s what
we did this year, we were mentally tough.”Though they didn’t lead any categories
throughout the year the team was thorough on teamwork. At some points passing the ball five or six times before they ever got a shot off.
Unfortunately the team did not finish in story book fashion. Pitted against University of Texas – San Antonio, the team was pushed out from a win by some favorable calls and a lack of an outside shooting game.
However the brightest point seems to be the future, as the team will return every starter from this year.
“When you ask me what the best part about this team is, I can say that my entire team will be back next year,” said Nichols. “That is a good luxury to have.”
Sports Editor Brandon Scott pays tribute to retiring baseball head coach Mark Johnson
On Feb. 5, when Mark Johnson told his players he’d be retiring at the end of the 2010-11 season, the initial shock wore on a lot of players.
Seniors couldn’t help but be happy to hear Johnson would still be around for their final year. But for the younger players - the one’s who still have aspirations of maximizing their college careers with one of the best coaches to ever do it, the announcement came as an unpleasant surprise.
“There goes my senior season,” said one junior Bearkat relief pitcher to his then-girlfriend (and Bearkat softball pitcher).
It immediately became a tribute season to a man who dedicated more than 40 years to baseball.
The first noteworthy point of the season was SHSU winning 11 straight games after losing two of its first three.
Bearkat senior and all-time hits leader Braeden Riley (which really ties for my favorite story of the year) said the team wanted to send Johnson out the right way.
Who could blame them really?Last season Johnson became the 44th head
coach to win 1,000 games at the NCAA Division I level.
He started at Texas A&M as an assistant in 1982 before taking over the program from
1984 to 2005. Johnson won Southwest Conference
championships in 1986, 1989, and 1993 and Big 12 league titles in 1998 and 1999. He is a member of both the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and Texas Baseball Hall of Fames.
But what’s most impressive about Coach Johnson lies in his humanity - focusing on developing his players into productive men of society.
During Johnson’s tenure at Texas A&M, 93 percent of the 272 baseball players who competed in the baseball program earned their college degrees.
All of this explains the crowd of 3,560 when the Kats visited the Aggies earlier this season.
The Olsen Field crew put grass behind home plate into the shape of a number 7. It was done subtly to the point you had to look for it to see it, according to Larry Bowen of The Eagle in College Station.
But there should be nothing subtle about how we celebrate Johnson’s five seasons as the Bearkat skipper, even though it will be (students won’t be here May 20). The next coach will be honored to call himself a replacement.
Photo courtesy of SHSU Athletics
LEGACY. Johnson became the sixth head coach in Sam Houston State University’s modern baseball history on July 16, 2006. His four seasons at the helm of the Bearkat program can best be described as “record breaking.”
Jessica Gomez | File photos
A NEW BEGINNING. Both Sequeena Thomas (left) and Britni Martin (right) were the top two scorers and rebounders for the squad. Martin ranked third in the Southland in scoring, sixth in assists and ninth in steals..
Page 7Thursday, May 5, 2011Sports
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