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Writer leaves Commerce behind

Published: Thursday, April 29, 2010

Updated: Thursday, April 29, 2010 20:04

Jessica Rush

Becca Whitt

Jessica Rush

Last week I was in class looking out the window at a car that had burst into flames on the side of the highway. This scene was the final confirmation I needed to forever think of Commerce as “Disaster City.” From a shoot-out at Walmart, allegations of raw sewage being dumped in the river and the university’s attempts to squash free speech, I can’t wait to get out of here.

I’ve made the best out of the situation I was in – enough that I’ll be graduating Summa Cum Laude or with highest honors in a couple weeks – but I don’t know how proud I am of the place that’s handing me the diploma.

I was lured here under false pretenses. I was told I would be getting a big transfer scholarship if I left the Honors College at Texas Tech University with my 4.0 GPA. Nope. As I was moving my things in I found out they just didn’t have the money anymore.

I thought coming here would be the continuation of my high school relationship. It ended in a nasty breakup and the loss of all the friends I had made that first semester except for my most loyal, loving roomie Nicole. She is seriously one of the coolest, most amazing people you could ever know.

The campus looks like a recovering war zone, with its torn up walkways and a half-finished building at the front. I’m going to be kind of embarrassed when my whole family comes out here to see where I’ve been going to school, and that is what they’ll see.

That’s not to say there weren’t things to be gained from my time here. I’ve written in previous columns about my hands-on experience and the chance I had to be a leader on campus. The East Texan staff became more of a family to me than I could ever ask for.

We stayed up late together, ate together, cursed the terrible stories that came in, hard-core danced in the parking lot, invented Shaunabrella ball, and once even protested a layout night by lying in the grass in front of the Journalism Building. We made fun of each other, everyone, and anything – nothing was sacred.

Some inside jokes to follow: I’m in my office!, do the cop kow?, must get foked, the samurai music video, I’m gonna grape ya, historical librarian – talkin’ ‘bout history, pick up my poo, Lamar impressions, do we rub his nose in it?, the legit count and FOCUS! Some nicknames to follow: The Least Mexican, Bear Jew, Turd Ferguson, Silent Buffalo, Ramrod, Teegy, Staff Reports, Crazy Uncle Jared, Drug Eyes, Crazy Eyes, Chody Uggy, Thudbutt, and ole’ Five Cent.

I’m lucky to have known these guys despite the university I attended. I may not know exactly where my life is going after graduation, but with my Gilbowtron at my side, I’m pretty sure anywhere away from Commerce is the right direction.

“See, this is what you’re going to miss when you leave Commerce: getting hit in the head with a Nerf ball.”
 

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13 comments Log in to Comment

Bellanca Wilson
Tue May 11 2010 20:22
May 11, 2010The Commerce Police Department recognizes its responsibility to protect the lives and property of the citizens in our community. We strive to be as active as possible in anticipating and preventing unsafe conditions and protecting individuals from the violent acts of others. We are committed to being responsive to our community and recognize our responsibility to maintain order while affording dignity and respect to every individual. We strive to obtain these objectives through Professionalism, Leadership, Service and Performance. – Commerce Police Department Web site. http://www.commerce-tx.com/police_dept.htmI know this statement is taken seriously at times. I was in my science college class one Summer at Texas A & M University-Commerce, and a campus police officer came in and arrested me. When I got down to the campus police station he informed me that I had outstanding warrants in Dallas County from two unpaid tickets. One for no seat belt, and one for speeding. I had to call my mother that resides in Garland, while she was at work at UTD to come out to Commerce Texas and pick my daughter up from Elementary School. I then call my Uncles, one in Arizona, and one in Dallas to make a plea of financial help to get me out of jail. I was out by 6pm that evening. I called a friend from Frisco Texas to come pick me up to take me to my vehicle that was left on the TAMU-C campus so I can go to Garland and bring my daughter back home. I had no idea that my semester was going to be ruined due to embarrassment and unstable finances. I asked the officer; why did that happen? Why was hunted down in my classes at TAMU-C like some criminal and handcuffed in from of my peers? He told me that the Commerce Police Department sent him a listing of warrants and he was doing his job. I live off campus and have done so every since I moved to commerce to attend college. I am a Commerce resident, and citizen, and vote within Hunt county. I then learned to make sure I don’t get any more tickets. I promised my daughter she wouldn’t have to experience a break in her daily routine due to irresponsibility like that again. A year later I meet a man by the name of Christopher Len McMurray. I met him in front of his mother’s house with a beer can in his hand. I didn’t think much of that and decided to allow him into my life, due to extreme boredom. I was invited to his mother’s house many times to end up in fights because he couldn’t handle his liquor. He not only would drink beer but he would mix it with brandy or vodka. I saw him drinking it straight out the bottle. He would then get in his car and make more runs to the beer store. I began to realize Chris and I have different values and expectations for life. After the last incident where we physically got into a fight, I pressed charges. All I wanted was for him to leave me alone, and not show up at my door step or call ever again. I was over him, after seeing he was an alcoholic. I dropped the charges on the family violence case against him due to threats. I was hoping that the State of Texas would pick it up as it states in policy about domestic abuse reports.I found out three months later the District Attorney threw the case out. Stating: Christopher Len McMurray didn’t have a violent history to even bring him in to court. Six months later Chris shows up at my door step, and appears sober and said he said he needed to talk. So I take a risk on me and my daughter’s safety, and I let him in and he discusses how we parted and how it affected his family. After a few more sentences he began to slur and couldn’t stand straight anymore. Chris was indeed drunk, and as soon as I questioned his alcohol level, he left to a neighbor’s house to bring back a beer to finish his conversation.He informed me that he was in jail two years ago and was currently on probation for Driving under the Influence, (DUI). I did a background check on Christopher Len McMurray through a public records search inquiry. Social Security # XXX-XX-XXXX, TX Drivers License # 18027593 class c, and DOB: 0X/XX/19XX.I found that he was on probation for Hunt County for DUI from 2006 to 2007. He then was picked up for Federal imprisonment 10/2008 for violation of probation. After his release he was placed on probation with supervision on his condition. His TX Drivers License # XXXXXXXX is now suspended and he has a current active warrant in Everett, Washington on the case # CR49501 for violation of the conditions of probation. He missed a court date and the Honorable Judge Odell issued an arrest warrant. I saw Chris for the first time in six months this last Thursday, May 7, 2010. He has the smell of alcohol on his breathe. I asked him to rinse his mouth out with mouth wash and the smell could not be removed. This man is an alcoholic and I know this first hand. He is a threat to the citizens around him because he drives under the influence. He even has a warrant and no valid license for DUI.What happen to...
M Rhodes
Mon May 10 2010 12:45
I appreciate the fact that Ms. Rush can exercise her right to free speech even though I believe it to immature and misguided. As far as me exercising mine, I'm glad she is leaving.
Joel T
Sat May 8 2010 13:23
Also: the third paragraph is not aimed at you, but rather at students at the university as a whole.
Joel T
Sat May 8 2010 13:22
When I first set foot on the A&M-Commerce campus roughly 5 years ago, I wasn't that impressed, to be blunt. The "walkways" were small side walks, there was hardly any development and it didn't look like there would be. I'm very appreciative of what the University has done to make this campus a first-class environment. If looking like a "war zone" is what it takes, then I will happily accept that. Nothing gets built overnight, and I'm sure that if and when you return to campus after construction is complete you'll think the campus looks far better than it did when you too first set foot on it.

As far as some of the negative ramifications you speak of: those are prevalent on all campuses across the country, and some of it simply can't be helped. I'm not exactly sure what the city or University could have done to have stopped the shoot-out at Walmart. There simply are things that happen in life that will occur that you as an individual have no control over. And when a person decides to do something incredibly stupid in a town miles away, I'm not exactly sure how the city or University could have prevented it.

College life is what you make of it. If you never attend any events (sporting, student-based, recreational, etc) how do you honestly expect to be happy with your experiences? Sure, there's not a bustling city located in Commerce, Texas, but there's quite a bit to do if you even take a small amount of initiative.

While I disagree that the University is on a bad path, I do agree that there are certain people on this University that can really ruin the experience. There are some high-ranking staff members on this University that I hope leave, but sometimes people like that only help you realize the obstacles you're capable of overcoming.

I'm sure you've made more friends here than you realize, Jessica. Some things don't always work out, but you'll be better for it at the end of the day. I'm not writing to say you're wrong, I'm just writing to say I disagree with a lot of what you wrote. I still enjoyed reading your articles and columns (including this one), though... you're an excellent writer.

James Bright
Thu May 6 2010 16:29
Forever Lions,

Recently there has been some concern as to why we do not use bylines with our editorials.

There is a difference between editorials and columns. An editorial is a consensus of the editorial board of The East Texan and intends to represent the views of the staff. This is written by one of the editors, but does not carry a byline. Columns convey the opinion of one writer, which is why a byline is carried. Every major newspaper - and smaller ones as well - use this policy.

I hope this clears up any confusion and thank you for your comments.

James Bright
Editor
The East Texan

Forever Lions
Thu May 6 2010 14:26
"PS: Ms. Rush had the stones to actually post her name next to her opinion, which makes her far more courageous than people who take potshots behind psuedonyms. Grow a pair."

Psuedonyms like "The Editorial Staff of The East Texan," rather than the name of the writer?

I think I agree.

Ashlie Nicole
Tue May 4 2010 11:36
I can't believe some of the negative comments on this article. I think what people have a problem most with is having some stand up and point out the bad. This campus does look like a "war zone" and considering we are paying out the wazoo to attend this small town college campus, I think we have a right to complain that this campus looks disgraceful. My first semester out here there was no construction, I could truly walk across campus and didn't have to worry about torn up side walk or not being able to drive through certain streets. Yes we are getting new buildings, the campus is growing. Yadda yadda yadda..... It is still shameful to invite family out here to see our campus in such a chaotic mess!
I don't see anything wrong with the article at all. I look forward to reading the different stories that come through and the unsensored opinions. And to some who say this paper is negative, news is generally negative. This University is not perfect, it is seriously flawed. Considering we pay tuition to attend, I think anyone who wants to complain has the right. I've been personally burned by this campus many many times and it IS the University's fault. But it looks like she made the best of it and graduating Summa Cum Laude is an amazing honor, it is better than most who attend this university and barely makes a C average. She has a right to her opinion and if anyone has a problem with it, then maybe they shouldn't read it.
P.S. I also can't wait to graduate and leave this town!!
jared smith
Mon May 3 2010 18:04
Caleb,
Why are you in this? Shouldn't you be stealing something? Your association with the East Texan tells me all i need to know. The East Texan has no morals or ethics anymore. I hope you all go away with the crappy journalism program.
Aida Murtazina
Sun May 2 2010 09:47
Sounds like Ms. Rush wants to fault the University instead of taking the blame herself. Isn't she the one who also complained about not being able to find a job or an internship in the previous issue? Well, good luck! That attitude will get you far! There are things worse than "war zone" community out there.
Fadhl Al-Matari
Sun May 2 2010 04:59
Hello,

First, I want to comment on the appearance of this community. Commerce is a small town and it's limited financially, however, we can change it to the better. It's really hard when a person or a small group of students try to fix the surroundings of the University. It needs the entire University to act as one and be proud of where they live. Comparing to where I come from, this town isn't the place any of family would want to be, but I stayed here for the people I met just like you did. I think we can make the difference in this town and lead the change. I might sound cheesy, but this is the positivity that will make this place, or any other place change for the best.

In addition, things happen for a reason. Maybe these negativities are to attract attention to the city of Commerce. Many people I know have never heard of Commerce. Most of these people are from Dallas. Maybe these events are not the most favorable events, but people will now search this city and find that it has made more positives than negatives. It is from this city that Engineers, Business Managers, CEOs, Accountants and much more have started. It is in this city that students who worked 2 to 4 jobs to make it through university, now have a single job that pays for everything they dreamed of.

Finally, I think the East Texan has done a great job in delivering the news. Some people argue about the opinions that are added to the facts, but nevertheless, these articles have opened our eyes to things that happen around campus that we are not aware of. You are a huge part of leading the change. You have the weapon to fight anything wrong. Your pen can help this town become the best place in Texas if not in USA. Lead the change and invite students to make this town a better place. I'm sure we can make this place, the place everyone is proud of.

Thank you East Texan for all the hard work you put in, and I hope the best for everyone before and after their graduation.

Fadhl Al-Matari
Industrial Engineering major
Improving Processes

Caleb Slinkard
Sun May 2 2010 02:03
First of all, for those of you who feel that it is your duty to defend the thriving metropolis of Commerce, this is an opinion piece. People have a right to their opinion, just as much as you have the right to think that a podunk, boring East Texas town possesses an "amazing community." Seriously? Do you live in Comerce? What community are you talking about? Most exciting thing to do on a Friday night is play the games at McDonalds. A&M-Commerce and the city of Commerce certainly have their high points, but let's not get carried away.

Secondly, if the East Texan is so terrible, don't read it. No one is making you. Read the fantastic publication from your "amazing community," the Commerce Journal. They NEVER have "filler" and are never "negative."

If you really think that the East Texan is "negative," perhaps you're missing the point of a newspaper: to report the news. If Commerce weren't such a negative town, filled with city council problems, drug dealers, Wal-Mart shootings, car wrecks and newspaper theft, then such stories wouldn't exist. It's Commerce that is negative. Besides, if you actually read the newspaper, instead of trolling the online site, you would recognize that 90% of the articles are positive stories about the university and city that no one else covers. Do you read other newspapers? News is often negative. The East Texan is not a PR rag... sorry.

If you really had a good grasp on the situation, you would be proud that Ms. Rush went to A&M-Commerce, one of the college's alumni that this city and school can be proud of.

PS: Ms. Rush had the stones to actually post her name next to her opinion, which makes her far more courageous than people who take potshots behind psuedonyms. Grow a pair.

Phil Clark
Sat May 1 2010 23:29
When I read this article it was the last straw for me. Myself and everyone I know have felt the pain of reading The East Texan for this past year. It has become a truly awful amalgamation of complaints, unfounded criticisms of the school, and pointless filler. It is as if the staff of this monstrosity wants to drive away any actual writing talent and hire complete morons. I really hope that for the sake of the student body, The East Texan work to improve itself. Perhaps a cleaning of house is in order.

As for Miss Rush's article itself I have to agree with the previous poster on every point and add to it by saying GOOD RIDDANCE. We don't need or want you or people like you here either. This is a fine academic institution and an amazing community that you are too ignorant to appreciate.

Lion Alum
Thu Apr 29 2010 22:59
Let me get this straight:

- A car that caught fire on the side of the road is the university's fault because.......?
- A car chase and shootout that ENDED in Commerce after starting starting somewhere completely different, and had nothing to do with Commerce is Commerce's fault because......?
- Dumb kids taking newspapers is the "University squashing free speech" how......?
- You broke up with a boyfriend in Commerce and that's the university's fault because.....?
- The "War Zone" of construction is something that alumni from the last 50 years would have DIED for while they were on campus. A growing campus that is going through massive upgrades is a negative thing because.....?

Good lord...this seriously might be the worst year of the East Texan I've ever seen. Nice way to end things.

You guys need to seriously step back and figure out why this paper has turned so insanely negative. This is unbelievable.

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