Paisano Plus — Fall 2015, Issue 1 by The Paisano

PLUS

PA I S A N O

INDEPENDENT STUDENT MAGAZINE FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO

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SKIN DEEP

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“Where there is love, there is life.”

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P.18

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MOM

Always.

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Group project despair “Study buddies” Unexpected friendship FALL 2015, ISSUE 1

Dodging debt

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LETTER FROM THE SPECIAL ISSUES EDITOR S

ince 1981, The Paisano Independent Student Newspaper has provided the UTSA community with a quality source of news for students, a weekly issue written for students by UTSA students. In recent years, we here at The Paisano felt that to best serve all UTSA students and cater to their diverse interests we should publish a special issue — enter the Paisano Plus. Twice a semester, Paisano Plus covers feature articles on the topics you want to read about to truly satisfy your news needs. In this magazine you’ll find the scoop on food, updates on local nightlife, spotlight student organizations and standout individuals, tell you what’s hot in fashion and much much more. Be sure to tune into to our cover stories, which will always spotlight topics relevant and significant to San Antonio college students. In this issue, we delve into the stigmas and stereotypes commonly affixed to people who have tattoos. We talked to students and consulted the pundits to find out what type of prejudices people with tattoos encounter as well as how the mainstream popularity of tattoos (looking at you, infinity tattoo) has affected the tattoo community. We also added in a few pointers from the experts, so sift through those if you’re thinking of getting some ink. Once you’re done with that section, go ahead and look through some other awesome content that was curated with your interests in mind: campus street style, college “study buddies,” a possible solution to escaping student loan debt — and that’s barely the half of it. So go ahead UTSA, take a gander, enjoy all Paisano Plus has to offer and then let us know what you think. Give us feedback, point out what themes and articles you liked most and inform us on the type of topics and trends you want to hear more of in future issues. This is a magazine for you, so feel free to make your voice heard. But first, simply turn the page and enjoy.

Jade Cuevas Jade Cuevas specialissues@paisano-online.com

Follow The Paisano /ThePaisano

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CONTENT S FALL 2O15

Campus Street Style

When teamwork doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make the dream work

Strike a pose

No need to groan about loans

Pill poppinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in club JPL

Skin deep

Found in translation

Uniting for a greater cause

Rumbling tummies and perseverance

Student submissions: creative writing

On the scene: football season

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Karla Estrada “My style is a mix of fashion and comfort. My favorite store is definitely Forever 21. ”

Devan Dilelio “I just felt like showing my Roadrunner spirit today.” Blessing Onwudede “Style, to me, is being able to express yourself. It describes your mood and expresses who you are.”

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Charlie Love "I am a business finance major, so I usually dress in a suit, but I chose not to today."

Eymahan Edomobi “Style is a form of expression. It’s a distinction of yourself from everyone else.”

Brandon Zaratti “Honestly, my style is anything within arms reach in the morning.”

Ronnie Young “Clothes aren’t going to change the world. The women who wear them will.”

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WHEN TEAMWORK DOES NOT MAKE DREAM WORK Two words: group project. Send any shivers down your spine? Love them or hate them, group projects are a part of college life. Here are eight types of group members that you may find yourself working with throughout your semester.

Sonia Mata

The Complainer

The Idea Machine

Everything being suggested simply isn’t good enough. The professor is out to get them; there’s not enough time to complete the project or it’s all just wrong. The Complainer isn’t satisfied with anything the group is coming up with and isn’t afraid to vocalize it. Complainers can bring the group’s positive energy to a screeching halt and can really make work sessions unpleasant. The group leader or another member should talk to a Complainer privately and make sure they are on task and partially satisfied with the group’s decisions.

You’re astounded how one individual can have so many ideas about one project. Some of them are good; some of them are awful and some of them aren’t half bad. The Idea Machine wants to make sure that the group knows they have something to offer. Maybe they’re trying to make sure they have the favor of the group for evaluations or maybe they’re just a good student. Either way, the Idea Machine doesn’t do much harm as long as the other group members are able to contribute their ideas, too. If they become overwhelming, ask other members for their thoughts in order to keep balance.

The Coattail Rider

The Silent One Are all your group members present but you aren’t hearing all the voices? You may be dealing with a Silent One. Often, they do what the group leader assigns them because they don’t want to use their voice to speak up for themselves. While Silent Ones aren’t toxic group members, they aren’t exactly the most productive either. Encourage them to speak up with ideas about what they want to do for the group project, or talk to them one-on-one outside of group meetings if they seem shy. If they feel ignored, they run the risk of becoming a negative presence.

They want to pair up with you to help you get the task done faster. They want to research for you so you can actually write the report. Wanting to do very little work, but just enough so they can say that they did something during group evaluations is an identifying factor. Some Coattail Riders can be sneaky by just seeming friendly. However, to make sure you’re not carrying the weight of another person, politely say that you want to manage your own part for the group. It will keep feelings from being hurt and you won’t be responsible for someone else’s grade.

The Dictator With great power comes great responsibility, and The Dictator is not afraid to use that power to the fullest extent. They elect themselves group leader and call all the shots: who will do what in the project, choosing which ideas are worthy of being used and how the project will be presented. Nothing ruins a positive group environment quite like The Dictator. If you have one in your group, form an alliance with your group members and firmly confront the person. Your time spent together will be a nightmare if it is not addressed.

The Perfect One They contribute ideas to the group without being too pushy or overpowering, they complete their work well and on time, and they respond to communications from the other group members. They are responsible, self-motivated and respectful to the group. Extremely hard to find, these individuals make group projects more fun and less of a class obligation. The Perfect One will definitely keep in touch after the project is completed — dare say even become your friend. Consider being a Perfect One yourself if you cannot find one in your group: it will make your college experience much more enjoyable.

ILLUSTRATIONS: Kayla Johnson

The Workhorse Whether the Workhorse is afraid of group evaluations or simply likes to keep busy, they’re the person who wants to do everything for the project. While this may seem like a good idea at first (less work for you to do, right?), it really isn’t fair for one person to take on the responsibility of an entire project. It will also make things difficult come group evaluations: you won’t receive credit if you let The Workhorse do everything. Offer to take some of the work off the Workhorse’s back, and have the group leader make sure the load is evenly distributed amongst all the members.

The Magician Now you see them, now you don’t. The Magician shows up to one meeting and then is never seen again. They don’t respond to texts or e-mails, yet still want the full credit for “helping” with the project. They can be the most aggravating member to deal with in a group project. Make sure that The Magician is held accountable for their actions. If they aren’t, the project will be missing pieces that you will probably have to fill. Don’t be afraid to let the professor know during group evaluations — go ahead, call them out.

STRIKE A POSE

“T

he whole philosophy of yoga is that it is not just about the physical part, rather it is of the balance of the mind and the body,” says Maya Sokovic, Advanced/Intermediate Yoga instructor at her studio, Yoga Arts San Antonio. She practices Yoga Therapy as well as teaches classes in yoga, art and photography. She is also 9 months pregnant. Originally from Serbia, Sokovic was 15 when she started practicing yoga. Since then she have been studying different yoga styles for 25 years. The past four has been teaching yoga at the UTSA Recreation Center. With many years of experience under her belt, Sokovic explains that the hardest posture of yoga isn’t physical but mental. The posture, called asana (or relaxation) Sokovic explains, “brings the mind and body to the same place.” Naturally as college students, the human mind is in a constant state of working, deciphering and planning. Trying to calm yourself to a point seems nearly impossible. Sokovic mentions the importance of “yoga sleep” during this relaxation period. Much like REM sleep (the portion of the sleep cycle in which you are closest to being awake) “yoga sleep” is the period between being truly relaxed and sleep. “There are Koshas — layers of the body — that we are

unaware of,” Sokovic says. “It isn’t until you practice yoga that you understand and become aware of your own body, self and achieve balance.” Usually, this incorporates meditation, a mental exercise that practices one’s breathing and focusing one’s mind. It’s a moment to take and clear the mind from all unnecessary thoughts. The common college student’s mind is filled with thoughts of deadlines, to-do lists and the future in general. In other words, stress is everywhere. Meditation allows one to take a few minutes to clear out this stress and put an emphasis on something as simple as breathing in and out and clearing the mind. This, mixed with the general challenge of yoga poses creates a true full body experience. Andrea Navarro, an experienced cardio and strength trainer, has a first-hand account of this experience: “Yoga is a great way to clear mind and challenge yourself in a way that you wouldn’t necessarily expect.” Though she was an avid dancer in high school, Navarro lost her flexibility when she dedicated herself to cardio and strength training. In order to restore her flexibility, Navarro decided to take up yoga. But mainly, Navarro found yoga as “a new challenge.” Challenge accepted and challenge completed. Navarro has now taught yoga for a year. She claims that since then, the

journey to becoming a yogi (one who avidly practices yoga) has broadened her horizons and challenged her to new levels. Which is why she laughs when people make the assumption that it’s “easy.” “I think when people see yoga, but don’t practice it themselves, they don’t consider it a workout because it looks easy,” Navarro says. “But it really isn’t.” Navarro explains that the hardest poses are called “inversion poses.” It takes extreme balance on one’s arms and lifting your feet off the ground. When in these poses, Navarro is more concentrated on other things than where her legs are. “In yoga, you find yourself in positions that make you question what you think you are capable of, and realize what you actually are.” Much like a classroom, yoga can act as learning experience for many. Throughout yoga, one is given the chance to take a deep breathe, evaluate, exhale, and become more connected to yourself and the world around you. “Day to day we change,” Navarro says. “It’s just about being comfortable in the moment and becoming at peace with self — wherever you are in life.” *If you would like to begin taking yoga, you can attend yoga classes at UTSA by looking up Group Exercise schedule or visit http://yogaartsanantonio. com.

Annette Barraza

GRAPHIC: Lindsey Revel

No need to groan about loans ...well not too much

“W

elcome to Uncle Sam’s. I’ll take your order when you’re ready.” “Ok, great! I’m going to have– Let’s do the Bachelor’s Burger all the way.” “Alright. Anything else for you today? “No, that’ll do it for me.” “How about a McMasters or large fries?” “Uh… You know what, I’ll take some of the large fries.” “Sounds good. Your total will come out to $40,001.08; please pull forward.” Parents beg, teachers plead, and older peers warn the college students to be financially cautious in their lives . Taking advantage of as much free money as possible, students who attend school use financial aid, scholarships, grants – these are what allow many college students to survive from one paycheck to the next. However, despite financial need and academic merit, there isn’t always enough funds to go around. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, “student loan debt has become the largest form of consumer debt in the United States other than mortgages.” The College Board® calculates the 2014-2015 college enrollment class to suffer, on average, $39,400 in tuition alone over its four - year stay, and that’s not calculating rent, bills, books, food and gas. Based on the current trajectory, researchers expect cost to be more than double within 18 years. Currently the cohort of 2033 is set to face paying $94,800 in tuition. Despite the price tag, college

PHOTO: Michael Turnini

acceptance letters seem like an invitation to one of Jay (the Great) Gatsby’s parties, making student loans seem more like an investment for the future. This investment is a double-edged sword though. A college degree tends to offer better job opportunities, but student debt may become the Ghost of College Past without financial planning. So how do you teach a college student to be smart with their finances during and after college life? Though one may have friends who’ve graduated or a family who offers tips - the well-intentioned advice is usefulbut they can only provide so much help to the more holistic financial problems that plague young adults today. Advice is useful, but it can only provide so much help towards the more holistic financial problems that plague young adults today. Tiphanie Mata, an accounting major and senior at UTSA, may have an answer. “[My friend and I] were talking about loans, and how students are stuck with this heavy debt after graduation, with no idea how to pay it off or handle it,” says Mata, “And there’s no guidance in how to actually handle debt effectively.” Mata challenges that universities – arguably the source of the issue – should step up and either encourage or completely require that students, at some point in their college career, attend a class that teaches financial responsibility. “[S]tudents who took the course wouldn’t have to guess or do research on their own from possible unreliable sources,” Mata says. “Advice is often an opinion, a course or seminar should have advice and facts.”

Students can even make financial literacy appointments for one-onone meetings about their financial state. The program also encourages professors to send guest speakers in replacement of cancelling class in an effort to reach as many students as possible. Recent college graduate Daniel Vaughan was quick to point out that “finances are just as important, and there is just as much room for recklessness.” The truth of his statement is found simply by looking around at fellow university peers, where financial awareness fails to seem completely grasped. Vaughan reflects on one specific case he saw at the private university that he attended: students, in place of having a job or another source of income, would receive weekly allowances from their parents for whatever was needed or wanted. “My point is,” says Vaughan, “even parents aren’t necessarily educating financial responsibility.” College is only getting more expensive, and as it does, students and lenders and institutions are sure to come up with even more inventive ways to put that burden into the distant future – out of sight, out of mind – when instead that resourcefulness should be put toward solving what is an increasingly difficult financial landscape to navigate. Because if universities won’t, if parents can’t, and if peers don’t teach students to be financially aware, who will?

Elliott Harris

POPPIN’ PILLS IN CLUB JPL a quick look into college students’ notorious “study buddy”

rain-enhancement drugs, becoming a millionaire, living on a high — it’s the stuff only found in Limitless starring Bradley Cooper, right? Well, to an extent, college students throughout the U.S. have found their own brainenhancing pill: methamphetamines. When midterms and finals approach, hordes of students flock to the library to study. Some students pour over notes in an attempt to cram last minute before the exam, while others spend countless hours dedicated to mastering the material. Whichever strategy, many college students seek the help of drugs like Adderall or the more often prescribed Vyvanse. Both are often prescribed as a means to increase dopamine levels and norepinephrine in the brain for concentration and focus — a usual prescription for patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drugs usually activate within twenty minutes of consumption and last between four to six hours, sometimes even eight to twelve hours depending on the dosage amount and type

GRAPHIC: Jade Cuevas

of the drugs. UTSA junior John Lender* confessed that he would only use it for last minute studying or for tasks that required a long period of attention such as writing an essay. Taking an ADHD medication is an alltoo common practice among college students who think the medication will cause a more favorable academic performance or just keep them focused longer. The problem is that because many of these students are not prescribed this drug, leading to a new world of drug dealing. Instead of just saying “no” many students are asking who, what, where and how much? According to Dr. Steven Pliszka, a Dielmann Distinguished Professor and chairman of psychiatry at University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, “There is a misconception on the idea that [Adderall] would increase the quality of work for those who do not have the disorder. Rather, it is better to study all semester to understand the behavior of the subject.” How are students accessing Adderall? For some people, they simply go to the doctor’s office and lie. However, this method is not

foolproof. Dr. Pliszka explained that patients with ADHD are typically diagnosed as children, so when patients come into the office, it is easy to identify those falsifying their symptoms. In fact, it is a crime to provide false information to doctors to gain substances. Yet for those successful at illegally obtaining methamphetamines, they are able to provide access to everyone else via social media such as Yik Yak, Twitter and Facebook simply by advertising or answering inquiries for the drug. While some may use it for their own temporary enhancement, others use it for quick cash. A recent study by the National Institute of Health illustrates that approximately “213,633 tweets mentioned Adderall” from November 29, 2011, to May 31, 2012. The study showed tweets usually included multiple hashtags to garner attention. In another study conducted by National Survey of Drug Use and Health report, approximately 30 percent of students use stimulants nonmedically. The use of Adderall without a proper prescription often leads to short term

consequences that include difficulty sleeping, agitation, headaches, irritability, loss of appetite, anxiety, over-focused thoughts on a specific idea and much more. Though many become interested in the substance because of the misconception that it will help them academically or before completing a daunting task, in some cases it paves the way for addiction. There are cases in which individuals require larger doses to feel the drug’s effects and just to stay attentive to their surroundings. What starts off as a small dose in the early stages of substance abuse sometimes goes awry and leads to possible addiction. Dependence on Adderall does not deliver intellectual enhancement. Instead to set forth academic success is through hard work, perseverance, and time management. The consumption of Adderall, and other stimulants especially for nonmedical purposes, may be inefficacious and ultimately ineffective. * Name has been changed

Sushmita Gorantala

UTSA communication senior Roger Garcia knows a few heads may turn as he walks through campus. Instead of looking at his face, hair, or eyes people will be looking at his arms — or more likely — at the tattoo sleeves that cover them. “Older professors will be looking at my tattoos — not really my face or anything,” Garcia says. “I think Huh, I wonder what they’re thinking.”

N I K S EP E D

PHOTOS: Fabian De Soto

Though tattoos date back 5,000 years to Egyptian civilization as a mark of elite status of women, they have held a steady tabooed reputation in Western cultures. Historically, they have been associated with tough and rowdy communities like circus performers, sailors, bikers and gangs. Today, not much has changed. Those with tattoos are more socially accepted, but the stigma associated with tattoos is as permanent as the tattoo itself. For many people, being inked is linked to acts of defiance against societal norms rather than more positive connotations like art or selfexpression that people with tattoos attribute. Garcia is not bothered by the stigma. In fact, he has some fun with it. Every semester, on the first day of class, Garcia wears a long sleeved shirt — despite the heat. Then, on the second day of, he wears short sleeves. His little experiment garners some interesting, but predictable, results. “I kind of like having the professors form their own opinions of me,” Garcia explains. “On the first day I make sure I say something or get involved in the classroom discussion. Then when I go back with short sleeves you can kind of tell a little difference when they look at me.” In the past, professors have also told him to wear long sleeves when presenting in class. The same reaction applies to his classmates. “I guess it’s because I’m such a soft-talking, easy-going person. When I show up the next day they say, ‘Oh, I didn’t know you had

tattoos. You don’t seem like that type of person,’” Garcia says. But can having a tattoo really make you a “type of person”? UTSA graduate student Lisa Oakes may have an answer. The psychology major surveyed 221 UTSA students, showing them four photos of the same woman with different tattoo scenarios. In the first photo the woman wears no tattoos. In each of the other three photos, the woman sports a single tattoo on her upper right arm: a butterfly, rose, or skull and crossbones. The respondents rated the four photos according to attractiveness, sexiness, intelligence and warmth. From the survey, Oakes found that respondents attributed the following qualities to the tattooed woman in each photo: more open to sex without commitment, having a higher sex drive and being less selective. “The big reason for doing this research was that findings of previous studies were inconsistent with each other,” Oakes says. “Some found perceptions of tattooed women as promiscuous and some did not. Future research will help with understanding whether women with tattoos are really seen as worthy of the label ‘promiscuous.’” Oakes continues to expand her work by adding more variables into

the study for her master’s thesis — a good idea considering the increased popularity of tattoos. According to a 2012 poll from Harris Interactive, a marketing research firm, 1 in 5 American adults has at least one tattoo with 86 percent of claiming he or she has never regretting it. Yet, despite the increasing popularity, the poll also found that 50 percent of people without tattoos perceive people with tattoos as rebellious. Although, one would wonder how anyone could ever think of Garcia as a rebel. Always smiling, joking and all around laid-back guy, it seems like he could barely hurt a fly. Pointing out his first and favorite tattoo — the eye of Ra — Garcia tells his story. “I was going to Afghanistan and heard a lot about things. And it’s (the eye of Ra) a sort of good luck charm because it means protection in the afterlife.” Garcia notes how his experience in the infantry was a major influence. Seeing his mentors, leaders and friends with tattoos made the idea of having one more appealing. “Everybody had tattoos. Everyone was working on sleeves and stuff,” Garcia says. “They would actually have parties where you’d pay a tattoo artist to come over to someone’s

Tattoos — in my eyes — help people...It has a meaning to everyone and a purpose.

house. It was clean and I thought it was cool.” His interest in tattoos intensified, moving him closer to getting his first one and — eventually — his sleeves. It’s a reminder that usually tattoos mean more to a person than their aesthetic appeal. The personal meaning elevates them to a form of storytelling. Ray Peña, a San Antonio native tattoo artist who owns Family Traditions Tattoo Company with his wife (), helps people tell their story through tattoos. When searching for his shop location, Peña faced many rejections. “Everything was ‘no, no, we don’t want that,” he says. “A lot of the anchor tenants have contracts that state a certain business won’t be opened next to them.” Peña gives the example of how one wouldn’t regularly see a tattoo shop next to a Starbucks. “Everyone has their own reason for getting a tattoo,” Peña says. “Tattoos — in my eyes — help people. I’ve covered a lot of suicide scars, reconstructed nipples for women that had breast cancer. It has a meaning to everyone and has a purpose.” On a calm Sunday afternoon, one of Peña’s frequent clients, Ashley, has an appointment for an addition to her growing collection of body art. She’s gotten most of her tattoos for the aesthetics, having two tattoos with intricately designed owls. But today she will be memorializing her girlfriend who passed away. Ashley’s

Tattoo Etiquette with Ray Peña, owner of Family Tradition Tattoo Co.

Research designs

Photorealism, surrealism, Polynesian tribal, Traditional American, Flash…the list goes on. Research what styles of tattoos speak to you. You don’t have to know exactly what you want, just an idea. “That’s actually what we prefer,” Peña says. “Because now I have the artistic ability and freedom to sit down and draw you something that’s unique — not something everyone can find on Pinterest.”

Make sure the shop is clean

tattoo is of a feather floating in the wind with birds in the distance along with the words “Your wings were ready to fly, but my heart was not.” Peña draws the tattoo twice as the two talk about the design and finalize details. When it’s time to begin the tattoo, the two sit quietly through the process, the hum of the tattoo gun and rock music fill the background. Ashley looks at her tattoo and smiles. Unfortunately, Peña claims something so meaningful to someone might still be frowned upon. But despite this additional permanent mark, Peña believes that the tattoo community will continue to thrive with more and more shops opening. Unlike the stories of regretted tattoos, most people know what they’re signing up for when they get a tattoo. Many shops refuse to tattoo a client’s face or give a tattoo to someone under the

Hygiene at shops is important. If it’s not a priority of theirs, beware. Puncturing the skin with a machine gun and needle is a pretty intense process. As well, make sure the artist follows a hygienic routine at their station with sterile packaging and equipment. “If the artist is giving you crap for asking a lot of questions than that should be a warning flag,” Peña says. “That’s not the place you want to get tattooed.” influence. Waivers are not uncommon, letting you know the seriousness of the process. As for the stigma — most people ignore it, sort of. “I’d say the majority don’t care (about the stigma) because a tattoo is very personalized; you do it for yourself,” Garcia says. “It’s generally easy to cover up if you feel you need to assimilate in a certain way.” “But if I’m on my own time and doing my own thing I’m going to wear whatever I want to wear.” And though Garcia and Peña have never met, they both live by the same philosophy on the judgment of people with tattoos: “To each their own.”

Jade Cuevas

Get your tattoo in sessions

If you don’t have the money to get the tattoo in one go, most shops will let you get it in sessions. This way the artist doesn’t have to make sacrifices and you don’t have to blow all your money in one day. Think of it as a body art installment plan.

Look at artists’ portfolios

Each tattoo artist has their own specialty skill or favorite style to design: calligraphy, shading, portraits to name a few. A tattoo — especially one with a deep personal meaning — should get done right with an artist who is as passionate about it as you. “Go online, look at an artist’s Facebook and website and see what reviews are out there,” Peña says.

Shop for quality, not price

When searching for a shop or artist, many people make the mistake of keeping to a strict budget and refusing to budge. If you’re going to get something permanently etched onto your body, you probably should splurge on it. If you want a $200 tattoo for $60, the artist is going to have to cut out details to the art. By doing this, Peña explains, “You’re going to be happy and the artist is going to feel properly compensated.”

Ask questions

Becoming knowledgeable about tattoos is the best way to get a fair priced, hygienic, and quality tattoo — especially if it’s your first one. “We’re here to help educate you in the process too,” Peña says. “So ask questions.” Not to mention, many who have tattoos claim they can become extremely addictive, so you might want to study up before. You may find yourself back at the shop again.

Side tip: Make sure you eat and go to the

bathroom before getting a large tattoo that may take a long time. Sounds simple, but Peña says many make the mistake.

FOUND IN TRANSLATION A CLOSER LOOK INTO THE CONVERSATION PARTNERS PROGRAM

magine moving to a new country, attending a different university while trying to adapt to an unknown lifestyle. It sounds pretty intimidating, but UTSA’s English as a Second Language Services (ESL Services) has found a way to help these students at UTSA with The Conversation Partners Program (CPP). ESL Services is an instructional program for students whose dominant language isn’t English, offering different English for International Students (EIS) classes along with other programs like The Intensive English Program (IEP), the International Teaching Assistants (ITA) and — of course — CPP. CPP pairs international students with native English speaking students in order to help them better adjust to the San Antonio community. The formal partnership is semester-long arrangement in which the partners meet at

least once a week at a location or event of their choice (ie. seeing a movie, studying at the library, visiting La Cantera). During the event, the partners are free to talk and simply enjoy each other’s company. As a result, the program not only helps international students improve on their English speaking skills, but also gives native students to connect on an intercultural and global level. UTSA senior Alfredo Silva is one of the students from the CPP that found this connection. He joined the program his sophomore year after seeing an ad on campus. “I told myself ‘If I were in a foreign country, I would more than appreciate it if a local student wanted to help me learn the language on their own time,” Silva says. From there, Silva met Shicheng Zhou — an international student from China. By coincidence, Alfredo had been planning on

PHOTO COURTESY: Alfredo Silva

“...I was given the opportunity to make a new friend who eventually became one of my best friends.”

going to China the following summer. Upon explaining this to Zhou, the two struck a deal: if Silva taught Zhou English, then Zhou would teach him Chinese. Rather than the required once per week meeting for the program, Silva and Zhou decided to go beyond the norm, seeing each other almost everyday. This was the unusual start to a unique friendship. “Zhou learned so much English, he began to start asking me to teach him Spanish,” Silva says. Between teaching each other about their languages and cultures in addition to seeing each other on a daily basis, the two became best friends. Fast-forward two years later to August 1, 2015, and Zhou stands proudly as a groomsmen at Silva’s wedding. Side by side with Silva’s closest friends and family to watch his best friend get married, you’d think Zhou would have known Silva his whole life. “I am extremely grateful that I was given the opportunity to make a new friend , who eventually became one of my best friends,” Silva says. The program has truly given more than the two ever thought it would. As a result, Silva has even encouraged many of his friends to try the program as well. Considering the program is free, an easy way to learn about a different culture in your own backyard and the possibility of new friendships, why not try it out? For more information on the program and how to get involved, visit http:// education.utsa.edu/biculturalbilingual_studies/ESL_ Services/.

Alex Olivarres

UNITING FOR A GREATER CAUSE

NEW STUDENT ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHT

here are many things that cross students’ minds as they make their way through their college years and one of them is a legacy. The idea that when they leave their university’s campus, they made a difference and, in their own way, gave back to the institution that housed them for a few years. “We’re only here for three years so we were trying to think of something that we can do to impact this school in a positive way and leave UTSA better than we entered it,” said co-founder of Unite for Sight Sammar Ghannam. “Improve UTSA and help it become a top tier school and reach that level that we are working towards every single day.” Ghannam along with Anisha Guda have decided they’re ready to leave their mark. Both sophomores realized that their time at UTSA was short — shorter than most UTSA students. As part of the Facilitated Acceptance to Medical Education (FAME) Program, Ghannam and Guda only get to study at UTSA for a limited amount of time before moving on to continue their pursuit of a medical degree. It was this

PHOTO: Anelia Gomez-Cordova

shortened residence at the university that led both biology majors to actively search for something they could make an impact with. After scouring the web through different outlets as well as different colleges and non-profit organizations, Ghannam and Guda came across the Unite for Sight Global Health Organization. The pair immediately knew this is what they wanted to pursue. The organization will impact not only college students, but society at large. Founded in 2000 at Yale University by Jennifer Staple-Clark, Unite for Sight looks to fight blindness on a national and international level. After a very competitive process, UTSA was selected by the national organization to hold the newest chapter of Unite for Sight. Part of this involved finding an advisor. Enter professor Michael Reilly of Mechanical Engineering and Biomechanics in the College of Engineering — the perfect fit. “The mission of this organization — preventing blindness — is very important to me as a vision researcher,” said Reilly. “I’m very happy to have the opportunity to work with students to achieve this goal in my research lab and now

with Unite for Sight.” And battle blindness they will. One of the unique aspects to the organization is that each chapter has the opportunity to adopt a clinic abroad. With fundraising efforts they are able to provide eye care to patients in a different country. The UTSA chapter is currently looking into the adoption of a clinic in Honduras. For every $50 raised one person could get a cataract surgery. But the global reach of the organization is only one piece of multiple goals Ghannam and Guda have. “One goal is to leave an impact on the university and that is through helping students to reach out on a global basis,” said Guda. “The second, is to provide students with methods to enrich their education.” The second goal ties in with another aspect of Unite for Sight that sets it apart from other organizations. Available for members are different certifications that they can obtain at the end of their membership. When they graduate they are qualified in Leadership and Global Health. It is the different types of internships that give way to mul-

tiple fields to find a space within the organization. From business to English and health, Unite for Sight will help lead to the bigger goal Ghannam and Guda have. “We hope this unifies all UTSA students and finds a common interest,” Ghannam said. “Hopefully show them a path to success.” The visionary outlook that leads these two young women helps them shoot for recognition at a national level by hoping to fundraise enough to be recognized in the Global Health Initiative Conference at Yale later this year. It is the same visionary outlook that will continue to attract attention to UTSA, its students and studentlead initiatives. “These students are exemplary in their ambition and willingness to put in the effort to get things done.” Reilly said. “Many people have some vague notions about what they would like to achieve in life, but these young women took action to make their goals happen.”

Anelia Gomez-Cordova

SPONSORED

WOMEN’S HEALTH STUDIES: NOT JUST FOR OLDER WOMEN s a healthy young woman, you might not believe clinical research studies have much to do with you or your health. Cancer? Diabetes? Alzheimer’s? Those things don’t affect you. You may be surprised to hear that women’s health – and, specifically, areas that affect young women like yourself – is one of the more robust clinical research areas. Your sexual health, your weight, even your menstrual cycle are all areas that research sites are actively conducting studies on. In the area of contraception, there are new products on the market – and in clinical trials – such as vaginal rings. Vaginal rings, which are like a flexible, transparent, rubber band inserted into the vagina, have an advantage over oral contraceptives because you don’t need to remember to take it every day. Although vaginal rings are effective for contraception purposes, they do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Vaginal infections such as yeast or bacterial vaginosis are also prevalent in younger women. We do testing on treatments because vaginal infections cause vaginal itching, a burning sensation around the vagina, redness, vaginal swelling, increased vaginal discharge and even an unpleasant odor. Untreated vaginal infections may increase the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease and recurrent vaginal infections can travel upstream

to the pelvic organs where they can do even more damage. Treatment in clinical trials may include pills, gels, or creams. Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV) may also be a concern for the college population. Symptoms of gonorrhea and chlamydia include yellow vaginal discharge, painful or frequent urination, and/or vaginal bleeding between your periods. Certain STDs — such as genital warts caused by HPV – have historically used invasive treatments such as surgical removal of the warts or cryotherapy (freezing the warts.) Non-invasive treatments, like a topically applied gel, are treatment alternatives that are being studied. Another area of concern for younger women, is dysmenorrhea or painful periods. Dysmenorrhea can cause severe menstrual cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating. The problem with this medical condition is that it causes discomfort, and interferes with daily activities, sports, social activities and can cause lost work and school days. Clinical trials for this condition involve oral medication to alleviate the pain. Finally, obesity is a problem in the younger female population. Although some of the co-morbid health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may not manifest until later in life, there are some very real psychosocial impacts of being obese in late adoles-

cence and early adulthood. The main impacts of obesity at this age are social stigma, discrimination and a decrease in self-esteem which affects mood and social interactions. Different treatment options for obesity are also an area of clinical research.

Ayoade Avworo is a boardcertified family nurse practitioner at Clinical Trials of Texas Inc., a San Antoniobased clinical research facility. For more information on enrolling studies, visit SAresearch.com

PERSEVERANCE AND RUMBLING TUMMIES: THE FOODIES SOCIETY IS HUNGRY FOR MORE

ustin Cantu stands 5 feet 2 inches tall. He wears a faded navy blue UTSA baseball cap and carries around an oversized backpack with his lunch box in hand. He’s an electrical engineering major — but he also has a fondness for culinary arts. It all began in 2013 when Yuli Chang created the Foodies Society. Cantu has always been a member since the beginning, but this year he’s the president of the society. His goals are big for the semester. He wishes to recruit more members, define the group’s presence on campus and find the proper kitchen facilities to host his weekly meetings. Each goal comes with its share of difficulties; however, finding the proper kitchen has ironically become the Foodies Society’s most challenging hurdle to overcome. With limited resources, Cantu states that “being a food club at UTSA is kinda like an uphill battle.” UTSA does not have a culinary program, so finding available kitchen space on campus is limited. The UTSA Recreation Center offers demo kitchens for students, but at a cost. The kitchens are available for rent at $40 per session, and only hold a limited number of students. Because the Foodies Society hosts weekly meetings, the cost is too much for the organization. There are community centers that provide kitchen facilities for students in the dormitories on campus, however, they are off-limits for clubs or organizations to use. Despite this hurdle, the Foodies

PHOTOS COURTESY: UTSA Foodies Society

GRAPHIC: Urub Khawaja

“It’s something to get your mind off of the school work, work-work, and from reality.”

Society continues to push through. Justin, as well as the other officers, are looking at using community centers at off-campus dormitories. However, Cantu fears that off-campus meetings will negatively affect attendance since the average student prefers meeting on campus rather than off. “The Foodies Society is a really good idea,” Cantu explains, “and it’s really great because it’s useful for a lot of people. But the resources are against us.” The Foodies Society’s goals are challenges in themselves. “Increasing attendance is a

catch-22,” Cantu says. “Our kitchen can only hold so many people. Even though we want more attendance, we mainly don’t want to max out our capacity.” But without enough members, the group can’t participate in events because they lack manpower. With too many members, the group won’t have a facility large enough to host everyone. It seems Foodies Society continues to meet the same issues in an endless loop. But despite their unpromising options, the club remains hopeful because the members love it. Their meetings are chaotic. Stu-

dents shuffle in excitement around the stove as food sizzles. Others chat off to the side as the aroma from food takes over the room. The society is packed with self-proclaimed “foodies” who enjoy each other’s company. Member Andy Pham believes, “It’s something to get your mind off of the school work, work-work, and from reality.” Gaby Rico enjoys the Foodies Society because she simply likes food, happily exclaiming, “I like to eat!” However, Terralyn Wilburm has found a different reason to keep coming back. “It’s a great club that

makes you aware about different culture and a really great way to learn recipes from different backgrounds.” To top it off, the Foodies Society plans to volunteer at the San Antonio Food Bank sometime in the near future. Despite the struggles, the Foodies Society continues to remain at a steady rhythm. President Cantu will not stop until each meal is cooked and the foodies are left with full stomachs.

Amanda Camacho

STUDENT SUBMISSIONS: Creative Writing THEY KEPT THEIR JACKETS By Max Edman Orange cones mean men at work… I dreamt it was psychedelic witches buried in asphalt Victims of the modern hunt by mushroom addled mobs That did not realize / their pupils were dilated / because of the pizza Special Sauce the FDA delivered to Big Papa In addition, digital signals relayed through satellites Effectively sending messages no one was aware of Morse code / subtle flashes and pulses / upon mornings activation The more frequent the dose, the more the masses were convinced The Clan of the Fluorescent Hat were to be persecuted Delusional and scared of their magical mystical powers Although they never cast a single spell in their lives All over the news, a fresh terrorist for the patriot Their griot and some children found shelter in a bunker “We must preserve our legacy before we are all gone.” The government, after round up, sent them with road crews Only the night time third shifters used them and dug holes Leveling off / hot black / terror in screaming eyes And once it was known that automobiles would yield A single hat / was shipped to China / to be replicated in plastic

BLIND EYES OF FOURTUNE By Patrick Martinez With a smile that shines brighter than 1,000 stars, she shies away like an eclipsed heaven. Her humor compliments her capricious yet clever soul, which longs for, not acceptance, but for self-solace.

And in the midst of self-destruction, she recedes into peace from within. And though she can be caged, her soul implodes into an eyeful bliss of magnificent aura. Sinking, she has nowhere to go, for she can’t foresee because of her blind eyes of fortune.

The bright sun shines on this dark being as a blanket to comfort her emotions as a sense of beatitude. She will see, as her murky clouds disperse and the painful rain of tears dry; her long, gloomy winters will be greeted with warm days.

SILENCE AND RAGE By Susan Miller My birth was a silent uneventful affair with no one there to make a large fuss over me. . I was brought to life simply through the process of a #2 lead pencil being scrawled across a piece of paper by a little girl as she wrote her note, “My name is Aulani and I live on Lanai. Our state fish is the humuhumunukunukuapuaa.” She then rolled me up, put me inside my vessel, a clear, label-free bottle, and stuffed a cork in the opening. Walking out to the beach with the moon hanging high in the night sky, Aulani then dropped me into the evening’s rolling surf. It didn’t take me long to adjust to the flow of the ocean. I learned early on that I just had to let the ocean do all the work while I kicked back for the ride. This left me able to enjoy the view. During the day I would look up into the fluffy white clouds of the sky. Beautiful they were but I found my favorite time of day to be the nighttime. I never tired of looking up at the star-filled skies plentiful with shooting stars and meteor showers. The daytime skies just didn’t compare in my opinion. I had all night to gaze upon the beauty of the stars high above and dream of endless travels. I never felt lonely. The sea

GRAPHICS: Randi Gilmore

was always a hub of activity at least according to life as I knew it. Pods of dolphin kept me company quite frequently. Once a sperm whale gave me the thrill of my life when it was blowing water out its blow hole and I got to go along for the ride. Shot high in the sky along with the ocean water released from deep within the whale’s insides, my vessel and I turned end over end in the air experiencing the thrill of the ride. What a blast…literally! Sea lions with their soulful black eyes and bewhiskered snouts, loved to frolic and play with me and my vessel, tossing us about from sea lion to sea lion. Fish, so many fish, all shapes, sizes, and colors, swam below me, some occasionally nipping at my vessel, others just running into it outright, yet others swimming by ignoring me and my vessel altogether as if they didn’t even see us. Then there were the birds which slowly started flying overhead when we were near land. The closer we got to land, the more plentiful their numbers got. Often they would sit on my vessel, catching a free ride if only for a short while before once again taking flight into the skies above. One morning, early enough that it was still dark

out, I finally rested in the sand, just as the fishing poles that stretched the length of the beach did. In my new found home, as the first light of morning sun rose on the horizon, it gleaned off of my vessel. Soon enough someone spied me and my vessel, pulling us from the moist sand and wiped us clean. Removing the cork from my vessel, they tried to reach their finger inside to pull me out but to no avail. Reaching into a tackle box next to them, after a quick rummage, a pair of needlenose pliers appeared. Within a quick moment, I was extracted from my vessel. I know not if they could read what was written on me. Heck, I didn’t even know what was written on me, only that it had breathed life into me for which I would be forever grateful. Reaching back into the tackle box, they searched until they found a graphite pencil and wrote the following on me, “Mi nombre es Cristóbal y vivo en Manta, Ecuador. Soy un pescador.” Rolling me up, they nestled me once again within my vessel and put the cork tightly in place. Going out into the morning surf, with a great heave, my vessel was tossed out into the warm ocean waters. Ah, to be home again upon the beautiful blue ocean!

Ah but the beautiful blue ocean wasn’t always a tranquil, peaceful home. Occasionally, the serene waters were broken up by the violence and ferocity of a storm. Thunder booming, lightening flashing, rain pelting, and swells rising and crashing in discordant opposition. One evening not long after my vessel and I were returned to our home upon the ocean, we were floating carefree, in and around a small group of islands and rocky outcroppings, when a rather aggressive storm began to brew. Without warning, it struck out and brutally dashed my vessel against a rock, shattering it and exposing me to the elements of the storm. The rain pelted me harshly while the wind blew and battered me against the rough and uneven rock beneath me. The merciless beating by both the wind and the rain upon the rock began to create small tears in me. It went rather quickly from there, the small tears becoming larger ones, until the first piece of me washed away in the turmoil that swirled around me. I would lose my life soon enough, lose what was left of me within moments. In the end, I went out as I could only dream of, with the wild fury of nature raging around me.

THORN By Isaac R. Serna Sunlight bursts through the windshield on rides to El Paso. The steering wheel beneath Jackie-Boy’s grip was hot to the touch. His upper-back grew damp against the seat. He wiped his brow with one thing in mind, relief from it all was near. Monica had been surveying the GPS throughout the journey west and gleefully shouted, “Five more miles!” in his ear. “Mhm.” Jackie-Boy responded. Jackie-Boy’s distant attitude was unusual. Monica took his hand. Its affirming grip helped console her of any worry sprung from his disposition. The red Tundra chugged on. The sprawling plots of lifelessness soon took a turn as the music festival drew into vision. Monica was on her phone, texting her brother Miguel for directions. “Where to?” Jackie-Boy asked. Beyond the music festival grounds lied a plot of campers and tents blooming from the barren ground. An uproarious flame was ablaze at the center. The sound of electronic dance music blared throughout the desert, the noise swallowed by emptiness, as soon as the ears of the crowd had their fill. The crowd was a rag-tag bunch, exploding with color and energy. Jackie-Boy moved at a crawl cutting through the mass of them. Miguel’s electric blue camper was somewhere in the mix of people, tin and nylon. “There.” Monica said, recognizing the camper’s cactus companion looming a hair higher than the door latch to its left. 30

No one answered the door. Jackie-Boy withdrew two cigarettes. Popped one between his girl’s lips with care and put the flame to it first. They drew slow drags and surveyed the scene. They said nothing. Monica sat at the picnic table beneath the camper’s canopy. “Sit with me.” Jackie-Boy took a seat beside her. A tall man, who shared the same bright smile as Monica came staggering by. Jackie-Boy jumped up ensuring he greeted Miguel first. He thrust his hand out solemnly. “Jack.” He said. “Miguel.” Miguel answered. The two sized one another up. “I’ve heard lots about you.” “I too.” Jackie-Boy said. The two continued shaking hands, eyes burning. “Okay, what about me?” Monica said in jest. The two men looked her way, smiling warmly in unison. A girl whose beauty had gone unnoticed, enchants a boy when it’s too late. She’s gone before he ever guessed what he missed. It’s not so difficult for the boy to get over it, because when he looks back, he realizes he never had a chance. Still, it rubs him wrong. What burns him up is he wasn’t burning over her then... Monica looked like that girl. Even under the festival’s barrage of chaos she looked like her. Sweat glistening on her brow, a crown of flowers on her head, a bra covered in plastic gems, no matter the circumstance, she was a spitting image of this girl then. Jackie-Boy wasn’t the boy who lost his chance. It wasn’t too late for him. He was well aware, and he was ready to

do anything to keep it so. Her existence stirred every atom that made him. With her he was forever in a frenzy and he loved it. Blind in unrelenting bliss, Jackie-Boy almost had his perfection. Only, he was consumed by a lone thorn in his side, its pierce hindering that perfection. He reasoned that before he can realize happiness, he must overcome it. Monica stared into the scattered stars dissipating. Sunlight hadn’t made its appearance, but it was peaking from below. She was on her back in the bed of Jackie-Boy’s truck. They came prepared for a night of camping in the desert. Bed linen, never-ending pillows and a mattress were stuffed in the back before their leave. JackieBoy was raising a canopy over the bed, still bobbing his head to music that ended hours ago. When done he joined her on his back. The stars were now out of sight, dissipating without Monica’s eyes for company. “Do you still feel it?” Monica asked. “Yeah.” He said. He rested his face on the blade of her shoulder, falling asleep as she ran her fingers through his hair. “You’ve been acting different you know?” She finally said, when she thought he was asleep. In the desert, all is exposed. It’s a fight or flight scene, only asking for a motive. JackieBoy sat in the front seat of his truck. His concentrated stare burned into the ground. Monica was saying her farewell to her brother. Monica left him

at the door and sauntered over in the truck’s direction. Every step closer was a missed chance drawing near, and with that in mind, Jackie-Boy hopped out. He blew past Monica, bee lining to Miguel. “Listen man. I know what you did to her.” “Jackie-Boy.” Monica said. “Don’t.” Miguel released the latch to his camper and gave him his attention. Jackie-Boy moved in on him. They were a single pace from one another. “That was a long time ago. Monica and I are passed that, okay? Jack, it was different then.” “Don’t talk for her! Yawl are passed that?” “Jack!” Monica shouted. She hustled to them. The sound of her feet scraping on the rough ground was the go-ahead. The time to make a move was upon him. Miguel’s stutter step in retreat couldn’t save him. Jackie-Boy placed a well-aimed fist into his jaw, and then his forehead against Miguel’s. “Oh my God!” Monica yelped watching her brother’s fall. Steady thumping of JackieBoy’s fist against Miguel’s face ensued. His blood soaked into the dust. “I know what you did.” Thwap “I know what you did.” Thwap “I know what you did.” Every jolt of pain in his breaking hand, was another pull at the thorn, but there’ll never be enough punches to wedge it free, and now it bleeds, and bleeds, and bleeds.

PAST PRESENT FUTURE By Hannah Sargent My hair was shorter And my eyes were duller But that was all During last summer.

My hair’s now long And recovery is hard And boy do I wish I could go back to last summer

Summer nights were Filled with bonfires And fooling around And breaking the law.

But now it’s winter And school is prison And this is what I get For breaking the law.

I would snort cocaine And smoke cigarettes To stay awake and To feel alive.

Now I am sober And sobriety hurts And recovery sucks I hardly feel alive.

My hair will be longer And I’ll be recovered But that will be Sometime in the future Every season is a good one Filled with love Love for myself And love for others. I will still be sober And it will no longer hurt Recovery will be great And I’ll feel alive.

TEMPTATIONS By Patrick Martinez I can’t believe it found me I can see it all around me With what’s in the middle of the ground, The needle from this feeble hound’s soul lies within the misuse and abuse. How can one be so obtuse? Maybe death is close, finally, But temptations lies to me. As the paper burns through my fingers, The brain gets foggy and paranoia lingers I can’t shake it and it’s taking its toll. trying to pay rent with no coins to roll.

Feeling all lonely smoking with the homies. I gotta reject it, but temptations hold me.

It’s a struggle every day with a tight grip firmly; gotta stay clean, but temptations hurt me.

Getting weak and I drop back Getting high, I can top that, which is fine. I’m hoping you’d pay attention, and listen to the words that I try to mention: don’t ever lose your focus and start slipping or watch your dreams and your hopes start ripping

Hurting with the nose bleedin,’ I cry like a baby teethin’. Feeling like the bottom of an ashtray In a cold sweat, always moving fastpaced. In a gamble, like I’m rolling my dice, I can’t help but think my life as finite. Gotta leave the senseless sensations, I’m good without it, but temptations…

A FALL RIDDLE By Colton Hveem

Amongst characters from every story and book.

Disguises aiding the ambition of being a successful candy

Though impostors they’d be,

one might look,

for identities were took.

crook. ANSWER: Halloween

Scary faces all around where

ON THE SCENE: FOOTBALL SEASON PHOTOS: Shabazz I. Dawkins

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Buttercup with Chris Sauter

October 23 – 24, 2015 Contemporary Arts Festival San Antonio, Texas | LuminariaSA.org