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PTK honor society offers leadership, service and fellowship
By Destiny Montes Pulse Staff Writer The American Association of Community Colleges recognizes Palo Alto’s Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges. PTK, founded in 1918, has a distinct mission to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation…
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West Villaret improvements causing headaches
By Stephanie Rodriguez, Pulse staff writer The West Villaret construction project continues to create dust and noise for students, faculty and staff of Palo Alto College this Fall 2013 semester. The City of San Antonio approved the project in April 2013 to provide traffic congestion relief for Palo Alto College and the surrounding community. The…
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Advising taken to a whole new level
By Katherine Menchaca, Pulse staff writer Palo Alto College has implemented a new breakthrough advising program this semester for first-time college students. Palo Alto College advisers recognized that students often seek academic advice from other students, which is why the new Peer Advisory Program was put into place this fall to support and encourage new…
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It’s all about the Benjamins
By Desirae Gonzales-Moreno, Pulse staff writer Because of a lack of funds at Palo Alto College, the title Student Athlete no longer exists, leaving some students in despair. Palo Alto received less than half the funds it needed to continue with club sports because approximately 80 percent of students are attending school only part-time, according…
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Ozuna unveils innovation and technology
By Javier Canales Vargas, Pulse staff writer After nearly two years of renovation, the Ozuna Library and Learning Center reopened its doors this fall with many changes for students. “People come and they look and they go, ‘Wow, it’s so different,’” said Christopher Delgado, director of Information and Communications Technology at Palo Alto College. Delgado…
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Financial Aid changes affect students
By Diana Castro, Pulse staff writer Choosing a major is crucial if you want to graduate on time and if you want to save money. If you don’t have a major chosen, don’t worry. Not everyone knows when he or she starts college, but don’t wait too long as the new rules for Financial Aid…
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Palo Alto College supports sustainable projects
By Bianca Del Conte, Pulse staff writer One of the earliest science concepts that we learn as children is that the Sun provides energy to plants on Earth to initiate the cycle of life. Sustainability is the more mature term used to explain a similar principle: Everything we need for our survival depends, either directly…
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Students prepare for transfer and workforce
By Marilyn Robles, Pulse staff writer Former Palo Alto College students agree that they were prepared for university life and future careers. “Top universities have no mercy on students,” said Hector Alaniz, a civil engineering graduate of Texas A&M-College Station. “Either you get it or you don’t! Either you study hard to pass the course,…
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Students find ways to stretch their paycheck
By Bobby Martinez, Pulse staff writer A student’s life is not easy, but knowing where to find the best deals for your everyday needs and cutting back on spending can help students reduce their stress. “It is hard living on a budget, but you still have to live it,” said Roseann Trujillo, a Computer Technician…
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Students take advantage of world experience
By Hailey Angulo, Pulse staff writer During the school year of 2011-2012, approximately 274,000 U.S. students made the decision to study abroad. According to the Institute of International Education, the number of students who study abroad has nearly doubled since 1993 and continues to increase. Next summer, Alamo Colleges will once again host a study…
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Million-dollar Fitness Center makes exercising fun and convenient
By Ronald Silva, Pulse staff writer Palo Alto’s Aquatic Center/Gymnasium is now home to a 5,000 square foot, $1.4 million Fitness Center that had its grand opening on Sept. 4. Students, staff and faculty were introduced to its exercise equipment, which includes a variety of cardio and strength-training machines. Sergio Rivera, Facilities superintendent at Palo…
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Students must find balance in age of technology
You can find Richard Valdez, a sophomore Psychology major, like you do most students in the Student Center: finishing homework in the loud cafeteria, hunched over a small screen, while scarfing down his meal. Valdez carries around homework for classes, music, apps and contact information on his iPad and other devices. Despite the convenience of…
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Students experience life outside of academics
By Destiny Montes, Pulse staff writer The clubs and organizations of Palo Alto College have grown over the years. With more than 25 to choose from, the activity spectrum is wide. “We allow students to create clubs built on their special interest,” said Carmen Velasquez, director of Student Engagement and Retention. “These clubs will…
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Bilingual students’ futures look bright
By Felicia Palomo, Pulse staff writer The future looks bright for students here at PAC, but it looks even brighter for bilingual students for a number of reasons. “Being bilingual opens up one’s horizons and perspectives to other cultures and opens your world to others,” said Evangeline Velez-Cobb, an Instructor of Spanish in the Foreign…
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Students’ images reflect fashion trends
By Rosemary Rodriguez, Pulse staff writer Fashion is everywhere. It saturates the world with style, which is defined as one’s individuality and uniqueness. Fashion fades, but style is eternal. “Fashion is how someone expresses themselves to other people through the things they feel represent them,” said Elissa Perez, a freshman Liberal Studies major at…
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College students preparing for graduation
By Carla Galindo, Pulse staff writer On April 24, students signed a pledge to graduate, promising to be dedicated to their education and finish their associate’s degree. This first-time event was sponsored by several organizations, including Phi Theta Kappa. The “Commit to Completion” signing was held in the Student Center Annex, and all students were…
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Palo Alto Theater re-enacts “Of Mice and Men”
By Denise Johnson, Pulse staff writer The Palo Alto Theater Production Group is re-enacting John Steinbeck’s 1937 classic novel, “Of Mice and Men,” and the students involved are delighted with this experience. “The friends that you make become a part of your circle that can last for a lifetime,” said Caley Richardson, a sophomore majoring…
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PACfest unites the South Side community
Story by Elizabeth Ledesma, Pulse staff writer Photos by Armando Padilla, Pulse staff editor PACfest 2013, an official Fiesta San Antonio event, was the site of colorful papel picado strung between trees and booths, live music, and the sweet, mouth-watering smell of funnel cakes, turkey legs and aguas frescas. PACfest is a free, non-alcoholic,…
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