mustang magazine volume 7, issue 3

volume seven | issue three | may 2012

GenTX DayPhoto by: Freddy Rodriguez, Desktop Publishing SpecialistStory by: Dave Ralph, CommunicationsWriter

A crowd ofTSTC students and employees clad in colorfulTSTC apparel gathered to support the second annualGenTX Day to increase college enrollment. For moreinformation, visit www.harlingen.tstc.edu/newsandevents.

LAYOUT DESIGNERSLLaauurraa AAmmaarrooDMDT

AAmmbbeerr GGuuttiieerrrreezzDMDT

EDITORSMMeellaannii ZZuunniiggaaCoordinator of Publications

CCaatthhyy MMaapplleessInterim Director of Marketing

STAFF WRITERDDaavvee RRaallpphhCommunications Writer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSCCrreeddiitteedd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSCCrreeddiitteedd

Credits

02 Mustang Magazine | May 2012

[email protected]

A PRODUCTION OF THE

JUNE DEADLINE:

MAY 18Want to be a part ofthis publication?Send us your creative work!FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoo:: 995566..336644..44226600pphhddcclluubb@@ggmmaaiill..ccoomm

TSTC Harlingen is a two-year higher educationinstitution emphasizing courses of study intechnical education for which there is a demandwithin the state of Texas.

1902 N. Loop 499Harlingen, TX 785501.800.852.8784www.harlingen.tstc.edu

Equal opportunity shall be afforded within theTexas State Technical College System to allemployees and applicants for admission oremployment regardless of race, color, gender,religion, national origin, age or disability. TSTC willmake reasonable accommodations for studentswith disabilities.

ON CAMPUS04 Campus Events Calendar05 MeetYour New SGA Officers06 Student Guide18 Learning Resource Center23 Intramurals

COLLEGE RESOURCES07 Campus Map08 Valley Metro Bus Routes09 Department Contacts10 Student Success22 The Military Shift

SPECIAL FEATURES12 SGA Banquet 2012

ENTERTAINMENT11 Sudoku14 Film Review:The Darkest Hour17 What’s New in Film and Gaming

06

12

14

05

Contents

CCoonnnneecctt wwiitthh uuss!!Read the magazine online at:www.harlingen.tstc.edu/mustang

Mustang Magazine | May 2012 03


Welcome Week

Memorial Day Flag Tribute

First Day of Summer 2012

01 Dual Enrollment Deadline(Summer 2012)

02 Payment Deadlinefor Summer ClassesGED Registration

03 Housing Move In Day (15-Week)

04 GED Registration07 First Day of Class (15-Week)

09 Begin No Show Entry (15-Week)

10 Housing Move In Day (12-Week)

14 First Day of Class (12-Week)

15-17 Welcome Week18 4 on 4 Indoor Soccer Rosters Due

21 11th Class Day OfficialRecord Date (15-Week)

HigherOne Refunds (15-Week)

Housing Begins Prorated Rent24 9th Class Day

Official Record Date (12-Week)

Pre-Loan SessionSGA Memorial Day Flag Tribute

26 Saturday Classes Meet28 Memorial Day Holiday29 HigherOne Refunds (12-Week)

30 Second InstallmentPayment Due (15-Week)

CAMPUS CALENDAR2012MAY


MEET YOUR NEW

SGA OFFICERS2012-2013

From left to right: Historian Priscilla Cano, Treasurer AngelicaCastillo, Secretary Jose Alaniz, Parliamentarian Alex Palacios(re-elected), Vice President Coretta Miles (former secretary),and President Ruth Treviño (re-elected).

From left to right: SGA Officers for 2011-2012 Coretta Miles,Alex Palacios, Shwaun Dizayee, Carlos De Leon, and Ruth Treviño.

Student ID Center | 956.364.4352Monday - Friday: 8AM - 5PM

Game Room | 956.364.4352Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM

Cool Room | 956.364.4352Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM

eSpace Cafe | 956.364.4352Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM

Cafeteria / Dining Area956.364.4450Monday - FridayBreakfast: 7AM - 10:30AMLunch: 11AM - 2PMCheck out the weekly menus in the Mustang e-Blast.

Wellness & Sports Center956.364.4340 or 956.364.4341Monday - Thursday: 8AM - 9PMFriday: 8AM - 2PM

Learning Resource Center956.364.4608Monday - Thursday: 7:30AM - 8PMFriday: 7:30AM - 5PMSaturday: 10AM - 4PMSunday: 1PM - 4PM

College Bookstore | 956.364.4441Monday - Thursday: 7:45AM - 5:30PM Friday: 7:45AM - 5PM

LRC

Cool Room

ID Center

Bookstore

Game Room

Student GuideIMPORTANT OFFICE HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION


C O L L E G E B U I L D I N G S

A Auxiliary

AG Agricultural Technology

B Corporate College Building

C Office Occupations Building

CAC Cultural Arts Center

CCP Central Chiller Plant

D Biomedical / Dental Lab

E Transportation Technology

ECC/HS Early Childhood Center / Head Start

F Autobody Collision Technology

FS Fuel Station

G Computer Science Programs

H Building Systems Technology

HO Housing Office

I Administration / Industrial Technology

J Chemical/Environmental Technology

K College Readiness and Advancement

L Health Information Technology

LRC Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center (Library)

M Advanced Manufacturing Technology

ME University Center

P Tech Prep Building

PM Engineering Center

PB1-8 Portable Building

R Early College High School

S George F. Young Engineering Technology

SC Student Center

SS Student Services Building

SSC Service Support Center

T Aviation Technology Building

U Senator Eddie Lucio Health Science Technology Building

W Representative Irma Rangel Science and Technology Building

WSC Wellness & Sports Center

Employee Parking

Student Parking

M

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N

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RAINTREE ST.

RAINTREE ST.

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27TH

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ST.

DORMS

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DOGWOOD ST

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29TH

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OLEANDER ST.ANAQUE ST.

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PECAN ST.PECAN ST.

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STUDENTAPARTMENTS

TEPEHUAJE ST.

RIO HONDO RD. RIO HONDO RD.


TSTC students have more public transportation options as the Lower Rio Grande ValleyDevelopment Council expands existing bus routes to directly service the college.

Extensions to the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council’s busroutes through western Cameron County and San Benito allow studentsoriginating in La Feria, Santa Rosa, Los Fresnos and San Benito to takedirect trips to the TSTC campus. The new system will improve students’ability to make bus connections throughout Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacycounties.

Students taking advantage of the route extensions will be able to boardbuses on any of the routes each day. The western Cameron County andSan Benito routes will use the new bus shelters in front of the college’snew University Center on Loop 499.

Students who present validcollege identification pay 75 cents and transfers are free; adults pay $1.50 per ride.Riders should pay with exact change.

Frequent rider discount passes are $10 for students, senior citizens, persons withdisabilities and veterans, and $20 for adults. Twenty trip passes can be obtained bycalling 800.574.8322, and the passes are sold in the TSTC Bookstore. All buses arewheelchair accessible and some are equipped to carry bicycles.

Bus route maps and bus stop schedules are online at wwwwww..llrrggvvddcc..oorrgg//vvaalllleeyymmeettrroo.. Brochures are available in the StudentGovernment Office in the Student Center. A large bus route map is located in the Housing Office on campus.

The LRGVDC phone number is 800.574.8322 and the e-mail address to send questions to public transit is [email protected].

Cost to Student:$.75 per ride

Cost to Adults:$1.50 per ride

*Riders should pay exact amount


TECHNICAL & ACADEMIC DIVISIONS DIRECTOR PHONEAllied Health Jean Lashbrook 956.364.4797Computers Dr. Edna Claus 956.364.4819Engineering Fernando Figueroa 956.364.4978General Education Nicki Cone 956.364.4820Industrial/Manufacturing Adan Gutierrez 956.364.4860College Readiness & Advancement AVP Javier de Leon 956.364.4530

PROGRAMS OF STUDY CHAIR PHONEAcademic Core Nicki Cone 956.364.4820

Field of Study: Business John Garrett 956.364.4760Field of Study: Communication Felicidad Balcos 956.364.4711

Agricultural Technology Armando Duarte 956.364.4639Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology Ruben de la Rosa 956.364.4667Associate Degree Nursing Prep Courses Paul Leonard 956.364.4678Associate of Science Degrees Nicki Cone 956.364.4820

Biology Paul Leonard 956.364.4678Computer Science Rene Garza 956.364.4783Engineering Fernando Figeroa 956.364.4978Health Professions Paul Leonard 956.364.4678Mathematics Fernando Figeroa 956.364.4978Nursing Preparatory Paul Leonard 956.364.4678

Auto Collision Technology Jose Vargas 956.364.4659Automotive Technician/Ford MLR Abel Castillo 956.364.4576Aviation Maintenance Technology Tom Cross 956.364.4787Biology Paul Leonard 956.364.4678Biomedical Equipment Technology Robert Rivera 956.364.4674Building Science Technology Hugo Ortega 956.364.4770Business and Behavioral/Social Science John Garrett 956.364.4760Business Management Technology Elvia Silva 956.364.4650Chemical/Environmental Technology Robert Hernandez 956.364.4717Communication and Humanities Felicidad Balcos 956.364.4711Computer Drafting & Design Technology/GIS/GPS Hector Yañez 956.364.4695Computer Networking and Security Technology Cesar Ibarra 956.364.4799Computer Systems Management Technology Alex Alcoser 956.364.4685Culinary Arts Carl Eads 956.364.4753Dental Assistant Eva Euler 956.364.4704Dental Hygiene Raquel Rico 956.364.4702Dental Laboratory Technology Randy Bauer 956.364.4726Developmental English Billie Becker 956.364.4710Developmental Math Michael Murphy 956.364.4878Digital Media Design Technology JJ Vavra 956.364.4721English Nicki Cone 956.364.4820Game & Simulation Programming Tony Lozano 956.364.4686Health Information Technology Deborah Woods 956.364.4768Machining Technology Ricardo Limas 956.364.4632Math/Physics Fernando Figeroa 956.364.4978Mechatronics Technology Adam Hernandez 956.364.4982Medical Assistant Melissa Nieto 956.364.4879Medical Information Specialist/Transcriptionist Deborah Woods 956.364.4768Nurse Assistant Jean Lashbrook 956.364.4797Spanish Mariano Gonzales 956.364.4837Surgical Technology Robert Sanchez 956.364.4805Education & Training Dr. Tony Desjardins 956.364.4747Telecommunications Technology Juan Villarreal 956.364.4843Vocational Nursing Susann East 956.364.4751Welding Technology Kenny Moore 956.364.4814Wind Energy Technology Enrique Carrillo 956.364.4733

instructional &departmentcontacts

Admissions & Records ................................................................................956.364.4320Student Services ...........Monday - Thursday 8AM - 6PM | Friday 8AM - 5PM | Saturday 8AM - 12PM

Adult Continuing Education.......................................................................956.364.4606University Center .........................................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Bookstore ..................................................................................................... 956.364.4441Student CenterFall/Spring Semester ............................Monday - Thursday 7:45AM - 5:30PM | Friday 7:45AM - 5PMSummer Semester (hours may vary)...............Monday - Thursday 8AM - 5PM | Friday 8AM - 1PM

Student Receivables.................................................................................... 956.364.4409Student Services Building .........................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Cafeteria .........................................................................................................956.364.4450Student Center ....................................................................Breakfast 7AM - 10:30PM | Lunch 11AM - 2PM

Career & Placement Services................................................................... 956.364.4106Student Center ..............................................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Cashiers......................................................................................................... 956.364.4414Student Services ...........Monday - Thursday 8AM - 6PM | Friday 8AM - 5PM | Saturday 8AM - 12PM

College Information Office (New Students)......................................... 956.364.4117Student Services ...........Monday - Thursday 8AM - 6PM | Friday 8AM - 5PM | Saturday 8AM - 12PM

College Housing .......................................................................................... 956.364.4235Dorm G-2.........................................................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

College Police ............................................................................................. 956.364.4220Auxiliary Services Building.......................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

College Police, Emergency ( After 5 PM & Weekends) .......................... 956.364.4911

Counseling & Testing................................................................................... 956.364.4310Student Services Building .....................................Monday - Thursday 8AM - 6PM | Friday 8AM - 5PM

Curriculum Office ....................................................................................... 956.364.4604Administration/Industrial Building........................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Dual Enrollment .......................................................................................... 956.364.4188Corporate College Building....................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Financial Aid.................................................................................................. 956.364.4330Student Services Building .........................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM...........Monday - Thursday (Counter Only) 8AM - 6PM | Saturday (Counter Only) 8AM - 12PM

Help Desk (Technical Support)................................................................ 956.364.5000.............................................................................................Monday - Thursday 7AM - 6PM | Friday 7AM - 5PM

Human Resources....................................................................................... 956.364.4042Service Support Center ...........................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Intramural Sports ........................................................................................ 956.364.4340Wellness & Sports Center................................................................................Monday - Thursday 8AM - 9PM.......................................................................................................................................................................Friday 8AM - 2PM

Learning Resource Center........................................................................ 956.364.4608Monday - Thursday 7:30AM - 8PM | Friday 7:30AM - 5PM

..................................................................................................................Saturday 10AM - 4PM, Sunday 1PM - 4PM

President’s Office ........................................................................................ 956.364.4021Industrial Technology Building ................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Marketing Department .............................................................................. 956.364.4111Service Support Center ..........................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Student Health Services Student Center ...............................................................................................................................................956.364.4305.......................................................Monday - Thursday 8AM - 10PM | Friday 8AM - 12PM | 1PM - 5PMStudent Housing Office..............................................................................................................................956.364.4235...........................................................................................................................................Monday - Thursday 5PM - 9PM

Student Life Office ...................................................................................... 956.364.4304Student Center ............................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 12PM | 1PM - 5PM

Support Services ......................................................................................... 956.364.4520Student Services Building .....................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 12PM | 1PM - 5PM

Student Success ........................................................................................... 956.364.4109Corporate College Building .................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

TSTC Operator........................................................ 956.364.4000 or 1.800.852.8784



College Readiness & Advancement Building B, Room 101 | 956.364.4163 | 1.800.852.8784 | www.harlingen.tstc.edu/oss

Office of Student SuccessP RO G R A M S

TutoringTutoring is available each semester to help students improve theiracademic performance. Our tutors participate in classroomobservations and then conduct tutoring sessions outside theclassroom. Students in the observation classes who receive tutoringon average earn a 2.0 GPA or above in the course. Keep in mind thatto avoid going into financial aid or academic suspension, studentsmust maintain at least a 2.0 GPA or above for the semester. All tutorsare required to have earned an “A” in the course they tutor and arealso recommended by instructors. We offer tutoring in academic(including developmental courses) and some technical courses.

You can visit our Web site for more information or to view ourtutoring schedules atwww.harlingen.tstc.edu/oss/Tutoring_Information.aspx. Ifyou have any questions or need additional information, pleasecontact Linda Barron at 956.364.4170.

General Studies in Technology ProgramThe GST Program offers advisement forstudents in college for the first time and who areenrolled in a technical program; students whoare in the “Pre-Requisite” phase of an AlliedHealth program like Surgical Technology andDental Hygiene; students beginning the semesteroutside of the program cohort start date, andstudents entering college with a GED.

This program consists of the following advisement components: • Assisting Transfer EA students who have an AssociateDegree and are working toward a Bachelor degree

• Assisting Allied Health (pre-dental hygiene and pre-surgicaltechnology) students in scheduling, career preparation andexperiential learning opportunities

• Assisting GED recipients who wish to major in a technicalfield of study

For more information, contact Jennifer Porras at 956.364.4181.You can also visit our Web site at www.harlingen.tstc.edu/oss/GST_GeneralStudies.aspx.

Mentoring Access to Success: Career Discovery Through MentoringThis program was created for local middle school students to exploreinformation about technical education and careers. Activities arecentered around college and technical education and are conductedas part of the after school programs at middle schools, as well asduring our Summer Tech Camps.

Access to Success Peer MentoringPeer mentors are available to help students who may have a littledifficulty adjusting to college life or students who are just in need ofsomeone to guide them through the college experience. If you arenew to the area or new to college life and need a little guidance, comeby the Academic Achievement Center in Building D, Room 138, orthe Student Success Office, Room 121, and find out how you canreach your full potential! For more information on any of the Accessto Success Mentoring Programs, please call Jorge Alanis at956.364.4164 or visit our Web site atwww.harlingen.tstc.edu/oss/Mentoring.aspx.

HATSSThe HATSS program provides academic support and guidance forstudents that are on academic and financial aid suspension at TSTC.This program aims to improve academic standing through mentoring.For more information on the HATSS Mentoring Program, pleasecontact Norma Salazar at 956.364.4557, Shannon Mette at956.364.4163, or visit our Web site atwww.harlingen.tstc.edu/oss/HATSS_Program.aspx.

Achieve Texas ProgramThe Achieve Texas program is designed to enable students to achievesuccess by preparing them for secondary and post-secondaryopportunities. Achieve Texas advisors help local high school studentswho have an interest in a technical program by providing them withinformation on 6-year college plans.

For more information, contact Alfredo Espinoza at 956.364.4569.You can also view college plans by visiting our Web site atwww.harlingen.tstc.edu/oss/AchieveTexas_new.aspx.

GSTGeneral Studies in Technology

All Student Success services are free!


Solution:

Sudoku puzzles are providedby www.sudokuoftheday.comVisit them and get a newpuzzle every day!

Check out what the Mustang Magazinestaff is currently listening to!

The Academy Is“Checkmarks”From the album:

Almost Here

Death Cab for Cutie“I Will Follow You into

the Dark”From the album:

Plans

Death Grips“Cuture Shock”From the album:

Exmilitary

Sudoku

Students Honor Top Clubs & Individuals

Story by: Dave Ralph, Photograph by Freddy Rodriguez


and excitement tingled in the CulturalArts Center (CAC) as student leaders

and volunteers arrived on the red carpet for the StudentGovernment Association (SGA) annual awards.

Paparazzi targeted Texas State Technical CollegeHarlingen (TSTC) stars and guests as they entered the CACwhile belly dancers symbolized the Arabian Nights theme forentertainment before the banquet April 19. The surprisingresults did not disappoint the sophisticatedcrowd nattily attired for the formaloccasion. Lissete Zavala Muñiz,supervisor of Student Activities,provided the first breath-takingmoment as hushed gasps emanatedfrom the crowd after she announcedthat student volunteers performed 5,056 hours of communityservice during the past three semesters.

“It’s because of you that we have such a vibrant collegecommunity that has a tradition of social, cultural and learningopportunities,” she told more than 200 students, staff, faculty,administrators and guests.

Angelica Castillo of San Benito, founder and president ofthe Paranormal Research Club (PRC) and newly elected SGA

treasurer, earned the Student of the Year award. The PRC alsogleaned recognition as New Student Club of the Year and oneof its members, Jackie Chaqueño, received the title RisingStar.

“We want to capture videos, photos or voice recordingevidence that there’s something out there beyond humanlife,” Castillo explained.

Potential evidence of paranormal activity and storiesabout the quest to find such intelligence or life are shared at

club meetings. The PRC assisted withcampus activities and the ServiceProject of the Year, Rockapalooza,organized by the Role Play GamersSociety (RPGS).

“The ideas behindRockapalooza were to put together a charity concert bybringing together the best local talent,” an RPGS membersaid.

“We thought that all the music talent would inspire moretalent and unify people to make a big effort toward a worthycause,” another RPGS member added. A band from SanAntonio joined several local bands for the concert that raised$562 for the Rainbow Room, a resource center for Child

It’s because of you thatwe have such a vibrantcollege community. . .

“ “

GLAMOUR


Protective Service case workers to obtain supplies foryoungsters removed from their families due to abuse orneglect.

Hector Hernandez, a co-founder of RPGS who has servedthe club as an officer in numerous capacities, stood with hispeers to celebrate the achievement. “I didn’t know anybodyat TSTC when I first came here,” he recalled, “but on that firstday here I made a ton of friends. The club has grown becauseeveryone shares their interests and their strengths.”

The RPGS Club studies and performs the roles ofcharacters in games such as Magic: The Gathering, HeroClicks, Pokemon, Star Wars and more.

Vice President for Student Development Cathy Maplesadministered the oath of office to SGA officers President RuthTreviño (re-elected), Vice President Coretta Miles (formersecretary), Secretary Jose Alaniz, Treasurer Angelica Castillo,Parliamentarian Alex Palacios (re-elected), and HistorianPriscilla Cano. Officers leaving the SGA include Jose Gonzalez,treasurer; Shwaun Dizayee, vice president, and Carlos DeLeon, historian.

Results for the club participation competition duringthree semesters were announced. The semester and rankingsincluded Summer 2011 – 1. Vocational Nursing, 2. Auto

Collision Technology (AUB) SkillsUSA, 3. Students PromotingAnime and Manga (SPAM); Fall 2011 – 1. AUB SkillsUSA, 2.Dental Explorers, 3. SPAM; Spring 2012 – 1. RPGS, 2. AUBSkillsUSA, 3. SPAM. The AUB SkillsUSA Club achieved StudentClub of the Year honors and its advisor, AUB instructor DonaldWilt, was Club Advisor of the Year. The SGA set newattendance records for its meetings, too.

Treviño handed special recognition certificates to StudentCenter custodians Jose Chapa, Marta Lumbrera and MiloRodriguez, who received a standing ovation. Presidentialawards also went to the Marketing Department, NarcisoZapata, Jose Padilla, Jose Gonzalez (outgoing SGA treasurer)and Zavala Muñiz. Guests of honor were Maples and TSTCgraduate Aline Zamudio.

For more information about SGA and studentorganizations, please contact Student Life Director AdeleClinton (956.364.4302 or [email protected]) or go tohttp://www.harlingen.tstc.edu/studentclubs/index.aspx.


“The Darkest Hour” is a science fiction, post-apocalyptic themedfilm directed by Chris Gorak. It revolves around the story of twobest friends Sean, and Ben, who travel to Moscow in hopes ofselling awesome social networking software. Unfortunately forthem, an invisible invasion was about to take place all over theworld. The film then kick starts the panic-filled, suspenseful ride ofthe night.

I honestly don’t understand why the movie did not fare well withcritics. In my opinion, I believe that people have grown toodemanding for what they see on film; it will be impossible toplease everyone. I feel that the audience focused too much onthe “budget” of the film, hence calling it “mediocre” in its specialeffects. **SSPPOOIILLEERR AALLEERRTT**The concept of having invisibleinvaders that appear to be manifestations of biometric energy(but really aren’t) is completely original. **SSPPOOIILLEERR EENNDD** I seemore and more films about invaders taking the traditionalapproach: They come from outer space and try to annihilate thehuman race for whatever supposedly logical reason. We’ve seenit in “Independence Day,” “War of the Worlds,” and this summer’s“Battleship,” only here they use another commonly used place tostart – the ocean.

The Darkest Hour““Panic-filled, suspenseful ride...”

FIL

MREVIE

W

by Patrick Rodriguez, CSMT

» DirectorChris Gorak

» ActorsEmile HirschOlivia Thirlby

Max Minghella

» Release Date25 December 2011

» GenreActionHorrorSci-Fi

» Running Time89 minutes

» Parental RatingRated PG-13

(for sci-fi action violenceand some language)


“The Darkest Hour” has its faults. The characterdevelopment was minimal and didn’t let you trulybond with any character. Hence, when certaincharacters were dealt with, I could have cared lessand sometimes even rooted for their demise (ascold hearted as it may sound).

“The Darkest Hour” is not by any means themovie of choice for those who only watchacademy award-winning material with great, in-depth character development and mind-blowingvisuals and a solid script. No, this is a film thatmoviegoers will love, especially if you’re very proneto having get-togethers at a host’s house to watcha handful of movies on the weekend, like I do. Iknow what you’re thinking – having most of thefilm in peril by invisibleenemies sounds pretty lazyon the visuals department. Iunderstand. I thought this,too, when I started towatch the film. There wasinitially an outcry in ourgroup due to this, but hereis where the movie makesup for its faults.

The film presents several life-threatening situationsthat conveniently allow the characters to slowlybut surely discover the “limitations” of theseinvaders; thus, it allows them to determine whatthe invaders can and cannot do which, of course,gives the survivors a bit of an edge as far assurvival is concerned. It sounds like Arnold’s firstmuddy encounter with his buddy Predator in 1987.The concept of why the invader appears to beinvisible is heavily explored during their journeyhome and I must say it was exciting to finally makeuse of the things I learned in school, particularlyelectricity, biometric energy, and grounding. Mindyou, by no means am I saying this knowledge isgenerally useless, but I am saying that it felt nice for

once to finally have a movie that engages theaudience in a rather intellectual manner byconstantly having the audience ask, “Why did thishappen?” “Why didn’t that happen?” “Why?” Youalways find yourself trying to figure out theinvaders just as much as the characters are tryingto resolve their dilemma. This was probably thestrongest point of the movie.

The script is actually not too bad. There are someidiotic moments that merit a face palm. Whatstrengthens the script is that the DVD has a mock“survivors” video in the special features thatprovides an extension of the story beyond themain characters. The bonus material was veryentertaining to say the least – yes, the least.

Honestly, even though thisfilm was released in 2011 itwasn’t until this year I wentagainst the critics anddecided to give the film thebenefit of the doubt. Let’sjust say I hope there will bea sequel with a largerbudget and bigger all-starcast. So, by all means I sayrenting the film won’t hurt

anyone. I just don’t see how some people claim toonly have watched it halfway through the film. So,go ahead and play the devil’s advocate like I did.You can check out this film at one of those prettyred kiosks around town. What’s it going to hurt?

JUNE DEADLINE:

MAY 18Send us your [email protected]

“What strengthens thescript is that the DVD has amock ‘survivors’ video inthe special features...”


Graveside: The Cemeteriesof Brownsville Photography ExhibitTuesday, May 15 | 10:00AM - 4:00PMOld City Cemetery Center | Brownsville

Rainbow Room ZumbathonSaturday, May 19 | 5:00PM - 7:00PMSun Valley Mall | Harlingen

Movies in the ParkSaturday, June 2 | 8:00PMArcher Park | McAllen

2nd AnnualMid Valley Literacy FairSaturday, June 2 | 12:00PM - 4:00PMWeslaco Public Library

TraptMonday, May 14 | 7:00PMPharr Event Center

Tracy LawrenceFriday, May 18 | 7:00PMPharr Events Center

God Module The Seance Tourwith Mordacious and Twitch The RipperSunday, May 27 | 7:00PMChapas Bar : The Pit | Brownsville

Family/Art

Music/Comedy

EVENT CALENDAR2012MAY

Trapt

Tracy Lawrence

God Module


What’s New?THIS MONTH IN F ILM AND GAMING

04 | The AvengersFILM | Unrated | Action, Sci-fiNick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. brings together Iron Man, The IncredibleHulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow to helpsave the Earth.

09 | MinecraftX360 | Rated RP (For Rating Pending)Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition brings the global phenomenon toconsole gamers for the first time. Play alone or play with yourfriends. Explore, build and conquer! At night monsters come out,so make sure to build a shelter before that happens.

11 | Dark ShadowsFILM | Unrated | Fantasy, ComedyA gothic-horror tale centering on the life of vampire BarnabasCollins and his run-ins with various monsters, witches, werewolvesand ghosts.

15 | Game Of ThronesX360 | PS3 | PC | Rated M (for Mature)Created in partnership with author George R. R. Martin, this role-playing adventure is inspired by the author's award-winning,international best-selling A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy series(better known under its first book's title, A Game of Thrones.)

15 | Max Payne 3X360 | PS3 | Rated M (for Mature)Still haunted by the memories of his traumatic past, Max Paynebegins a new life working private security protecting a wealthyfamily in Sao Paulo, Brazil. When gangs target the family under hisprotection, Max is forced to fight to save his clients and rid himselfof the demons that have tortured him for far too long.

18 | BattleshipFILM | PG-13 | Action, Sci-fiBased on Hasbro's classic naval combat game, Battleship is anaction-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and overland as our planet fights for survival against a superior force.

18 | What to Expect When You're ExpectingFILM | PG-13 | Romance, ComedyThe story follows the relationships of seven couples as theyexperience the thrills, terrors, surprises, aches, and pains ofpreparing for parenthood.

25 | Men in Black 3FILM | PG-13 | Action, Sci-fi, ComedyAgent J will have to travel back in time to save Agent K, the agency,and the future of humankind.


The LRCDR. J. GILBERT LEAL LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER

Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974,the following is designated as directory information andmay be made public unless the student desires to withholdall or any portion of it: name, local address, classification ofcoursework level, enrollment status, major field of study,participation in officially recognized activities and sports,weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates ofcollege attendance, degrees, certificates and awardsreceived and most recent previous educational agency orinstitution attended by the student.

A currently enrolled student may prohibit the release ofdirectory information by completing an appropriaterequest form in the Office of Admissions and Recordsduring registration or within the first five (5) class days ofeach term. Under the Privacy Act of 1974, official recordsare not open to the public and will not be divulged withoutconsent from the student.

Minors attending the college have the same rightregarding their records as adult students. If a student isstill a legal dependent of a parent or guardian, the parenthas the right to access the records of the dependent

student provided the parent can establish thisdependency as defined by the Internal Revenue Code of1954, section 152. This request must be made in personat the Office of Admissions and Records by providing acopy of the most recent federal income tax return andrequired picture identification.

TSTC Harlingen complies with the Family Educational Rightsand Privacy Act and informs students of their rights underthe act. Student’s rights covered by the act are as follows:

1. the right to inspect and review the academic record.

2. the intent of TSTC Harlingen is to limit the disclosure ofinformation contained in a student’s academic record underthe following circumstances:

a. with the student’s prior written consent;b. as an item of directory information which the student

has not refused the college to disclose; orc. under the FERPA provisions which allow a college to

disclose information without the student’s prior writtenconsent.

3. the right of a student to consent to the release ofsemester credit hours taken at other institutions to theTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

4. the right of a student to petition TSTC Harlingen toamend or correct any part of his/her academic recordwhich is believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violationof the privacy or other rights of the student. When thecollege decides it will not amend or correct a student’srecord, the student has the right to a hearing to presentevidence that the record is inaccurate, misleading, or inviolation of the privacy or other rights of the student.

5. the right of any person to file a complaint with the FamilyEducation Rights and Privacy Act Office, Department ofEducation, Family Policy Compliance Office, 400 MarylandAvenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605, if TSTCHarlingen violates the FERPA.

If you have any questions concerning disclosure ofinformation, contact the Office of Admissions and Recordsat 956.364.4320.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

LRC Hours:Mon. - Thur.: 7:30AM - 8PMFriday: 7:30AM - 5PMSaturday: 10AM - 4PMSunday: 1PM - 4PM


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to complete your TSTC ScholarshipApplication for the Fall 2012 – Deadline June 22, 2012.Need assistance with the application process? Attend theJune 6th Scholarship Workshop from 3:00pm to 5:00pm –Financial Aid Office, Student Services Building. Begin nowto gather information of honors, awards, activities andachievement you have received. Work on gathering yourthoughts for the 200 minimum word essay that willaddress your personal background, academic plans, andcareer goals. Review available scholarships:http://harlingen.tstc.edu/FinancialAid/Scholarships.aspx

is pleased tobe able to continue offering scholarships to motivatedstudents to help in the furthering of their education!Deadline is October 5, 2012. Students submit essay of nomore than 1000 words for the following question: Whatare your dreams for your future? When you look back onyour life in thirty years, what would it take for you toconsider your life successful? Submit essay to:[email protected] . For additionalinformation: http://aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm

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the 2012-2013 Academic Year, a PellGrant recipient’s maximum terms of eligibility will bereduced to 12 semesters, from 18. In 2008, DOE changedthe lifetime limit for the 2008 and future recipients to 18semesters. Now, we are down to 12. Why is thisimportant? Students need to graduate, before theyexhaust their eligibility.

BBeeggiinnnniinngg The Departmentkeeps track of your LEU by adding together thepercentages of your Pell Grant scheduled awards that youreceived for each award year.

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need to review their degree plan and stayon track. The goal is to graduate before exhausting PellGrant eligibility. A scheduled award is for one academicyear.

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the new Financial Aid Director, Mr.Federico (Fred) Pena! Mr. Pena is returning to his home,the Rio Grande Valley. For the past 6 years, he was theFinancial Aid Director at Temple College.

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will be transferred to pay for tuition 10 daysprior to the start of the class. Enrollment status willdetermine how much is released.Example: Student registered for 6 credits at thebeginning of May and 6 credits at the beginning of June.Student will have only half of Pell Grant released 10 daysprior to the May start date. The other half will bereleased for tuition payment 10 days prior to June startdate. The release of funds is only to the TSTC studentreceivable account, NOT to the TechOne account

FFuunnddss who do not attend class will lose financialaid eligibility. Class participation is required to remaineligible for financial aid programs. Students areresponsible for dropping classes that they do not need orwant.

Students flagged as a “No Show” in one or all theirclasses will not receive a refund until the “No Show” andenrollment flag is cleared.

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Financial Aid Information


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Direct Loan borrowers will need to attend a pre-loancounseling session before you can complete the loanprocess. First time TSTC loan borrowers will need toregister and attend a pre-loan counseling session. Formore information and registration visit:http://fas.harlingen.tstc.edu/moodle/

for the Summer 2012 loans is May 31,2012. Disbursements for new borrowers are scheduled30 days after the semester first class day. Funds will betransmitted to the students Student Account, and then tothe Student Receivable Department will transmitremaining funds to the TechOne accounts, after paymentof tuition and housing.

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will be processed if a student is registeredfor mini-sessions only. Students should be enrolled in a 15or 12 week term for loan processing.

2012 TSTC candidates for graduation, whohave borrowed a Direct or FFEL loan, are required tocomplete a loan exit counseling session beforegraduation. http://www.nslds.ed.gov

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EExxiitt LLooaann CCoouunnsseelliinngg MMeeeettiinnggwho have received a Federal Student Loan at any time during their enrollment at TSTC must complete

a student loan Exit Counseling session before leaving TSTC if:

•The student is graduating• The student drops below 6 credit hours (half-time enrollment)• The student withdraws completely• The student does not plan to enroll for the following semester• The student is transferring to another school

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students who have received a Federal Student Loan must complete the Exit Counseling requirement. Notcomplying with the Exit Counseling requirement can cause a “hold” to be placed on your academic transcript. Thestudent can go to www.nslds.ed.gov to complete the Exit Counseling requirement. Please stop by the financial aidoffice if you have any questions.

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borrow a Federal Student Loan, you are required to complete an Exit Loan Counseling session. OnJune 13th there will be a live, in-person Exit Loan Counseling meeting.

• When: June 13, 2012• Time: 3:00 – 5:00 pm• Where: Service Support Center, conference room

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DDaayyss OOppeenn CClloosseeddMonday - Thursday 8 AM 6 PMCustomer Counter 5 PM 6 PM

Friday 8 AM 5 PMSaturday 8 AM 12 PM

(Closed hoiday weekends)

Texas State Technical College HarlingenOffice of Financial Assistance

[email protected]

TSTC Harlingen Federal School Code:009225

Types of VA Benefits ThroughTSTC’s Financial Aid Office• Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30)• Veteran's Educational Assistance Program (VEAP or Chapter 32)• Post 9/11 G.I. Bill (Chapter 33)• Dependent's and Survivor's Educational Assistance Program

(Chapter 35)• VA Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)• Post 9/11 G.I. Bill (Chapter 33)• Montgomery G.I Bill for Selective Reserves (Chapter 1606)• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607/REAP)• Hazelwood Act

For more information: http://harlingen.tstc.edu/FinancialAid/veteranaffairs.aspx


Attendance Verification Form

Are you a veteranin emotional distress?Visit veteranscrisisline.net to chatonline one on one with a counselor,take a distress self-check. You can alsocall 1-800-273-TALK and press 1 for aconfidential toll-free hotline.

An attendance policy is required for institutionsoffering courses for veterans or other eligible personsenrolled in undergraduate/certificate degree programsapproved under Title 38, United States Code, 3676.Veterans enrolled in undergraduate degree/certificateprograms will be interrupted for unsatisfactoryattendance when accumulated absences, tardiness, andclass cuts exceed twenty (20) percent of class contact

hours or 5 consecutive class days. Enrollmentinterruptions will cause an overpayment and theveteran will be responsible for repayment to the VAEducation Department. Students are required tosubmit a Veterans Attendance Verification Formsigned by their course instructors by the lastbusiness day of each month.

Hours of OperationMonday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday | 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

ContactJose Garza, Intramurals SupervisorPhone: 956.364.4340E-mail: [email protected]

Come Join Usat the Wellness and

Sports Center


WSC Sports DayChoose your sport!May 16 | 10AM-1PM | Student Mall AreaSign up for 4 on 4 Soccer, 5 on 5 Basketball, and 4 on 4 Volleyball!For more information: 956364.4344.

INTRAMURALS

mustang magazine volume 7, issue 3

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