My alarm is screaming at me; the bright lights penetrate the darkness as I search for an absolution from the torment. I fumble about eventually stopping the infernal noise and lights and begin my daily preparations. By the time I haul my sorry carcass to the Student Center it is 6:27a.m. I search the Atrium, noting all my fellow students, some in dresses, others in suits, but their situation is like mine: they would rather be in bed. However, by 2 p.m. we would all know that it was worth it to leave.

On Tuesday February, 5, a group of students from Blinn College Brenham went to Austin for the Fifth Annual Community College Day. Also attending were groups from Blinn Bryan and Brazos and hundreds more like the students from Blinn.

“It was pleasing,” said Blinn sophomore Victoria Arriaga. “There was an overwhelming amount of students representing their respective community colleges.”
The proceedings began at 10 a.m. with a welcome by various people, including state senators, representatives, and the Texas Junior College Student Government Association. All speakers welcomed the crowd and gave words of encouragement. They also let us know that we are the future and that it is time for us to seize our destiny.

“It was neat to hear the representatives and senators talk,” Said Blinn freshmen Amanda Borys. “It was also neat to learn how many of these state officials began their education at a junior college or community college.”

One of the main points of the day was the argument over a concealed handgun license rule that would allow colleges to either allow or deny the possession of concealed firearms on school grounds.

“They (the state government) should let the schools decide whether or not to let students carry a weapon,” said Arriaga. “They are the ones who know how best to protect their students.” Others did not share the same view point as Ms. Arriaga. “While it has a noble goal,” said Borys, “we have a campus security force to handle our defense, and it should be left to them.”
After the morning welcome the students were free to roam the capitol and take in the sights and sounds of the state government. The majesty of the capitol building was overwhelming, and most people stared straight up at the dome and the seal of Texas.

“The Capitol was amazing,” said Borys. “The architecture, the art, the history is all just overwhelming and awe-inspiring.”

After enjoying their free time and lunch, the Blinn students were given a special treat a meeting with a State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst from Brenham. It was at this time the students were given the chance to ask questions of Rep. Kolkhorst. The students did not waste this opportunity as they were able to pick the brain of our local representative.
“It was such an honor to meet her,” said Boyrs. “She is a woman in a male-dominated field, and not only does she meet the challenges of her field, she rises above it. Washington county could not ask for a better representative.”

Rep. Kolkhorst delighted the students in her office with tales, and she stressed that we all need to pitch in and help and that even though we may have our differences, we must learn to work together.

Blinn College’s top academic students celebrated their membership into Phi Theta Kappa, the Junior College Honor Society when this spring’s new Beta Alpha Chapter members are inducted on Community College Day, February 5. This semester has provided Blinn with more smart cookies.
The special day was shared with current members with an increase of new members who brought their friends and families to honor their achievements.
The event’s special guests were Blinn College President Dr. Harold Nolte and the PTK’s District V Vice President of the Texas Region, Daniel Chitty. Both spoke at the Induction Ceremony. Dr. Nolte opened the ceremony with remarks regarding Community College Day and welcomed them on the behalf of Blinn College. Chitty inspired the members by discussing his experiences in the organization and how they made a positive impact on his life and the lives of others.
The new Beta Alpha members plan to continue this influence in our community this semester.

To celebrate African American History, The Blinn Times conducted a night of creativity. Blinn students and facility gathered to not only share written poetry but to observe the artwork displayed by Ms. Ebony. Soulful music was provided to soothe the ears of those who attended while patiently waiting for others to perform. Audiences clapped with gratitude as each performer left the stage. The magic came from the spoken of each poet and will forevermore remain significant.

It is April 15, 1947. Brooklyn is abuzz with news that the Dodgers are debuting a player they acquired from the Montreal Royals. He will be making his major league debut at first base, and has been assigned the number 42. There hadn’t been a player like him since 1880. His name is Jackie Robinson, and unbeknownst to him, he is changing the game forever. Yet, what would of happened had their never been a Jackie Robinson and the color barrier never been broken in any sport?

According to historical sources, Jackie Robinson had been a baseball player long before he was a major leaguer. Jackie was in the military as a second lieutenant. He was discharged after he refused to move to the back of a bus, and was charged with being a drunk despite the fact that he had abstained from drinking beer. After getting a taste of the culture of the time, Robinson decided to pursue a career in the Negro Leagues (an all black baseball league), where he signed with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945. However, his Negro League career would only last one year as the following year the Montreal Royals would sign Jackie to a minor league deal. After it was clear the Royals would not integrate, Jackie was traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers. From there he would go on to great success, and by 1959 the major leagues would be integrated.

Now, back to my point what would have happened had the Dodgers never let Jackie play and had he ended his Major League effort going back to the Kansas City Monarchs. The landscape of sports would go from a lush forest to a desert. Just look at the major league record books. The home run king would still be Babe Ruth, and he is currently fourth on that list behind Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Barry Bonds. The Baseball Hall of Fame would lose more than half its members. Some of the greatest characters and people of the game like Ozzie Smith, Willie Mays (my favorite player of all time), and Roberto Clemente might have been near unknowns. That is just baseball. Could you think of an NBA without Michael Jordan’s playoff heroics, or Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game, or Kareem Abdul-Jabber’s records? Just look at the All-Star team roster and think of how many of those players would be there if basketball was segregated. You would not be able to field a team. The NFL, would be without some of its most beloved figures like Mean Joe Green, Reggie White, Jerry Rice, and so many other icons. Also, how would the Super Bowl have been had Joe Flacco not had Anquan Boldin, or Jacoby Jones to throw to? Would there have been as dominating a defensive performance without Terrell Suggs, Ray Lewis, or Ed Reed? It is unfathomable to see a dominating defense without them.

To put it simply, black athletes have transformed sports. Without these individuals, modern day sports would be a husk of what they are today. It is funny to think that sports would become a launching point for the civil rights movement and how it was over 14 years ahead of the nation. Yes, I believe firmly that the number 42 is deservingly retired from the game, for not only did Jackie Robinson change the face of baseball, he changed the world of sports forever.

Lance Armstrong’s eyes seem to sink into his skull. He is baring his soul to Oprah Winfrey as he confirms the suspicion of many people that he had taken performance enhancing drugs and tells of the court cases where he lied as he animatedly defended his name.

A few days after that, another sports figure was getting grilled by day time television as it was revealed that Leni Kakou, Manti Teo’s Internet girlfriend, was actually several people imitating a female. Soon the perpetrator of the scheme, Ronaiah Tuiasopo was on Dr. Phill and confessed that he fell in love with Teo. This highlights the trend of sports stars going from the sports section to the tabloid section, begging the question, is this good for sports?

The answer is a mixed yay and nay. There was once a time when the stars could be all kinds of crazy, but if they played well it was okay. Take for instance Ty Cobb. He was the definition of a jackass. He spiked players with his cleats, he single handedly held back the integration of baseball, and he had many drunken moments off the field. Speaking of drunk, the most famous Yankee ever, Babe Ruth, would play the game drunk at times and was known to scream profanities during the game. However it was okay. These were great players. That is why I am happy that we keep a bit of a guide on our players. Yet now it seems like we are actively seeking out their flaws and have border line attacked the people that entertain us.

It seems like sports stars must be watching over their shoulders just in case a member of the paparazzi is watching them. Johnny Manziel, or as some fans call him Johnny Football, is known for his play on the field. However, he has started to develop a reputation off the field due to the hounding of the media. It all started with Johnny sitting on the sidelines at a Mavericks game. An announcer took the chance to lambaste Manziel by claiming, “There is no way a college kid can afford those kinds of tickets.…”
As time progressed the claim was proven to be a false concern, but the flood gates had opened, and soon every move Johnny made was second guessed. He posted casino pictures and other party pictures, wild but legal. Yet it did not stop the media from ripping the Heisman winner. Other stars like Giants’ third basemen Pablo Sandoval were also accused of doing things he did not and many other players became the victims of the paparazzi.

As a journalist and a sports fan, I am appalled that we demonize some players for minor incidents, or at times completely innocent gestures. I understand that stars are subject to a microscope, but literally everything they do should not be scrutinized, and libel should not be spread as it damages a reputation and has a deep impact on lives. It is time to shut up about every little detail in a sports figure’s life and let them play.

Blood flows through my veins

My heart jumps

My eyes are dry

While it continues to rain

The warmth of my blanket

Wrapped around my skin

Life is what you make it I’ll run outside

Wash away my sins

Value the truth

As much as despise a lie

You determine if you lose

It’s part of fate

Only if you try

Whether you lose or gain something

You’ll see if it’s meant to be

Open up your mouth

Your soul is what God can see

Question yourself

Who are you as a person?

Are you becoming better?

Or have you worsened?

Are you proud?

Or are you put to shame?

The real question is will you change?

Your soul can uplift from your body

At any given moment

Judgment day is coming

Have you repented and learned

Otherwise you are not chosen

So fight away your demons

And do what’s right

Make the wise decisions

Or suffer regrets and consequences

Later on in life

Written by: Destiny Green