Hilltop Views Volume 41 | Issue 5

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VOLUME 41 | ISSUE 5 hilltopviewsonline.com

HILLTOP VIEWS

March 1, 2017 St. Edward’s University

BASEBALL CLAIMS MULTIPLE HONORS By AMANDA GONZÁLEZ @Amanda620DG

St. Edward’s University currently holds an 11-5 record, and has earned three Heartland Conference weekly honors since the start of the baseball season. On Tuesday, catcher Gable Whitacre was named the Hitter of the Week. On the pitching side, senior Stuart Springer claimed the Pitcher of the Week title Feb. 21 and sophomore Tanner Lawson

won Feb. 14. “I’m grateful for the honor, but it’s a team effort,” Springer said. “If I wouldn’t have had the defense playing behind me as much as they did, and obviously, the team hitting the ball and getting that lead, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get that complete game.” Across the board, this year’s team is composed of upperclassmen transfers and youngPAGE 6

AMANDA GONZÁLEZ/HILLTOP VIEWS

Senior catcher Gable Whitacre returning to home plate after a visit to the mound with freshman left-handed pitcher Joel Miller on Feb. 26.

Business school study leveraged in controversial ‘bathroom bill’ debate By VICTORIA CAVAZOS @viacavazos

The Bill Munday School of Business has found itself in the middle of what is one of the most contentious bills pending in the Texas Legislature: Senate Bill 6, informally known as the “bathroom bill.”

7 | SPORTS The women’s and men’s basketball regular season is coming to an end. Check out the tournament brackets!

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has made this bill a priority, arguing it will protect privacy and safety by requiring transgender people to use bathrooms based on biological sex in government buildings and public schools and universities. Opponents of the bill believe that it will harm the state’s economy, citing a similar bill that passed last year in North Carolina. This cost the state several events and hundreds of

millions of dollars in lost revenue, including the recent NBA All-Star Game, which was relocated to New Orleans. The business school came under fire after lobbyist group Texas Association of Business (TAB) published a study conducted by St. Edward’s graduate students and faculty that

10 | LIFE AND ARTS

13 | VIEWPOINTS

After seven years of being off-air, the serial drama sensation “Prison Break” will be coming back in the spring.

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Is there value in a liberal arts education? One student believes it does not prepare students for the real world.

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

‘No Ban, No Wall’ protest merits support of state representatives

On the road: Social justice road trips teach awareness, appreciation By JACOB ROGERS @jacob_rogers01

LORNA PROBASCO/HILLTOP VIEWS

Politicians, citizens and ACLU legal observers attended the ‘No Ban, No Wall’ rally Saturday.

By VICTORIA CAVAZOS @viacavazos

Thousands flooded the Capitol steps again at the “No Ban, No Wall” demonstration that materialized Feb. 25, in opposition to immigration policies imposed by both the state and national administrations. The protest was one of a stream of similar events that have been organized since President Donald Trump took office in January, marking nearly two months of weekly demonstrations in the city. Several notable politicians attended the rally, including Beto O’Rourke, D- El Paso, and Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, who both spoke at the event and assured the crowd that their concerns were being heard. “The border is under attack. Communities like El Paso are threatened by Trump’s policies, immigration round-ups, removal of our civil rights and the building of the wall,” O’Rourke said. “I know that thousands of people in Austin are gonna stand up for the

border and stand up for everyone and communities like El Paso. I was really moved and touched and I wanted to be here to say thank you and stand in solidarity.” Outspoken against Trump’s plans to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, O’Rourke’s attendance at the rally came a day after the Department of Homeland Security announced plans to implement construction plans. The areas where fencing will be replaced include El Paso, Tucson, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif. The congressman also recently told the media of potential plans to run for Senate against Sen. Ted Cruz, a considerable challenge for the lesser-known Democrat. Castro, who is also considering a run against Cruz, praised the crowd for showing up for the rally, saying that protests were a productive way to combat anti-immigration policies. “In every generation, there have been people like you, Americans who have stood up and said that’s not the kind of country we want,”

Castro said. “This is a time when we need to resist fear and paranoia and resist the politicians who would turn us against each other.” He also noted that Congress had recently recorded its highest call volume ever and expressed his gratefulness for getting to work in politics. “We stand for a different value. We stand for the values that make this nation great. And most of all we’re gonna stand up for each other no matter where we come from,” Castro said. “I feel blessed because I get to be on the frontlines representing you and fighting against this kind of bigotry.” Sarah Santillan, the daughter of immigrants and a St. Edward’s student said that she was glad people were getting together to protest racism. “We’re pretty much the generation that can support this change so if young people don’t come, then really what’s going to happen? Nothing. It’s going to stay the same,” Santillan said.

Ten students will be heading on a journey across the American South, connecting history with today’s social justice issues. The Office of Student Life created a week-long “Social Justice Journey” to take place during spring break. Students will take two vans and visit several locations of importance during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, said Joi Torres, associate director of Student Life and director of diversity and inclusion. “It’s a part of our mission to talk about and consider issues of social justice, but sometimes that can feel very distant,” Torres said. “How can we humanize important issues of social justice, and how to make a journey that isn’t tourism, but was really putting people in the shoes of activists and changemakers?” Students will be going to different locations across the South. They will be starting in Austin, then traveling to Little Rock, Arkansas, Memphis, Tennessee, St. Louis, Columbia, Missouri and Dallas. The idea of this, Torres said, was years in the making. She believes the conversation about politics and a community’s response to politics were not as intense just four years ago. “All of the conversations around police brutality, activism and around community organizing have happened in the past two years,” Torres said. “Combined with the political energy since this election.” In Little Rock, students will visit Central High

School, where nine African American students were denied entry by the state’s national guard, by orders of the governor, in 1957. President Dwight Eisenhower federalized the guard and had the military escort the students into the high school. Memphis was chosen as a location, in part, because it is the location of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Students will be in St. Louis and in the area of Ferguson, Missouri. In Ferguson, residents protested and rioted in August 2014, after an officer-involved shooting. The University of Missouri is another stop, as a lot of campus activism has occurred there in recent years, Torres said. The final leg of the journey will be to Dallas. Students will be meeting with Dallas police officers and community activists. “In a healthy community, these two groups of people work together to ensure the community is safe and engaged,” Torres said. The Dallas Police Department was deliberately cho-

sen for this trip, Torres said. In July 2016, five officers were shot and killed during a peaceful protest. The murders were in retaliation to past officer-involved shootings with African Americans. Students will visit the memorial for the officers. “Every police department has issues with the community, but [Dallas] had tried really hard in its training, and in its recruitment and in its positions,” Torres said. President of the Black Student Alliance Genevia Kanu is looking forward to the opportunity to do something purposeful with her spring break. “I have prepared to process some heavy emotions because of the content of this trip,” she said. “I expect that I will learn more about black history, but also how current social movements have impacted communities.” This is the first “Social Justice Journey.” Torres hopes that this will be done in the future on a larger scale, but adds lot will be learned from this first year.

COURTESY OF STUDENT LIFE

A map of destinations to be visited for the spring break trip.

NEWS 3

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

Neighbors vent concerns about impact of future university development By ANDREA GUZMAN @dreuhmarie

As master plan projects come to fruition, the neighbors surrounding St. Edward’s are continuing to express their uneasiness with the new Operations Building and students’ parking in the area. Sasaki Associates, master plan coordinators and university officials, led a meeting at the library Feb. 22, to address their concerns with conversations centered on streetscape, the master plan and parking. Moving forward, the university plans to enforce changes that will acknowledge neighbors’ grievances. To do so, the university plans to follow up on speed bumps that should have been installed on St.

ANDREA GUZMAN/HILLTOP VIEWS

Neighbors broke up into stations to discuss streetscape, master plan and parking issues.

Edward’s Drive in January, ticketing illegal parking and speeding and possibly adding a sidewalk. The neighbors expressed disdain about deliveries that will be made to the operations building once a week by an 18-wheel truck, requiring it to pass through St. Edward’s Drive to its destina-

tion near the Fine Arts building and soccer field. Joe Farley of the Sherwood Oaks neighborhood stands in the street and motions for his wife while she backs her car out of their home since students’ parking interferes with visibility. “The concern is that St. Edward’s Drive will become

the back alley for St. Ed’s,” said Farley. “The Operations Building first, then some other stuff that wouldn’t be too desirable.” The Operations Building is set to open in April with a $4 million budget, and will house the University Police Department, the post office and other facilities.

The possibility of more than one delivery a week to the building in the coming years has not been ruled out. Illegal parking is also an issue that the neighbors are looking to UPD and APD to handle by giving tickets for parking too close to intersections or fire hydrants. Students have attributed overcrowding and the price of a permit as a reason that students park off campus, as the cost for a year of parking is $250. University officials noted that they’re aiming for a “park once” approach in which drivers don’t feel an urge to move their cars. The presenter also said, “we actually have enough parking. The problem is, we don’t have the parking where we need the parking.”

Ideas for more flexible student parking were provided, such as a pay as you go system or cheaper options. “The vast majority of students that are driving do buy permits. But there are a number of them that aren’t,” said Scott Burnotes, assistant vice president of campus safety. Neighbors were instructed to write questions they have on notecards while university officials gave a presentation at the start of the meeting, though some wished to speak during the presentation. Attendees also desired a group question and answer format as opposed to discussion stations. Updates on master plan projects will be discussed during the next neighborhood meeting March 23.

Study conducted by graduate business students labeled ‘mostly false’ FROM PAGE 1

stated Texas could lose up to $8.5 billion in GDP if SB 6 were passed. Several groups, including the all-Republican Texas Freedom Caucus, denounced the study as “bogus,” calling on TAB to “stop efforts to block women’s privacy bill.” A Politifact article called the findings of the study “mostly false.” Politifact defines “mostly false” as: the statement contains some element of truth but ignores critical facts that would give a different impression. The dean of the business school Nancy Schreiber responded in a letter to Rep. Matt Shaheen, R-Texas, stating that the research project “was not intended to be, and should not have been used as, the platform for a political advocacy campaign.” According to the letter, the

2015 economic impact study was intended to provide a learning opportunity for students. TAB’s President Chris Wallace said that he stands by the university’s findings. The Politifact article took

“They’re very bright and capable students,” Wallace said. “They were very proud of their work as they should be.” Wallace added that “benchmarking” figures would be difficult because it is a relatively new issue on the national and state level, but “THEY’RE VERY BRIGHT maintained that AND CAPABLE STUDENTS. the bathroom bill would have negaTHEY WERE VERY PROUD tive consequences regardless. OF THEIR WORK AS THEY “There will be detrimental ecoSHOULD BE.” nomic impact if SB 6 were to move forward,” Wallace said. CHRIS WALLACE, TAB The univerPRESIDENT sity’s Director of Communications issue with the study’s num- Mischelle Diaz confirmed via bers and methods, but Wal- email that TAB had the right lace said several experts and to use the study based on the economists “liked the find- contract between the univerings and were very supportive sity and the association. of how they were derived.” “There was no violation of

terms,” Diaz wrote. “There is a difference of opinion about how the study was represented and how it was positioned to the media. It was student

research and the university will not participate in defending the student research.” Schreiber referred Hilltop Views to Diaz, who declined

to comment further, saying that the dean’s letter would function as the university’s “official statement on the issue.”

JOEY HADDEN/HILLTOP VIEWS

Graduate students are under fire for conducting what some consider a misleading study.

4 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

Out with New College, in with Office of Adult and Continuing Studies the School of Education. New College Interim Dean Ramsey Fowler will lead the new office. Four New College majors will be discontinued

elle Diaz said. “There was significant re@jacob_rogers01 search in looking at market New College will be distrends to come to the decisolving after 43 years at St. sion,” Diaz said. Edward’s University. In the fall of 2012, there The board of trustees were 684 voted and approved the students changes to New College enrolled wrote Donna Jurick, exin New ecutive vice president and College. interim vice president for T h a t Academic Affairs, in an ann u m nouncement sent to faculty ber was Feb. 24. down to New College is a program 309 in for adults with full-time the fall DONNA JURICK, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT jobs or family responsibiliof 2016, ties to take courses. a cco rd “New College was revoing to lutionary when it was after this semester: human the university’s Fact Book. created in 1974,” Jurick services, public safety man- A saturated market lead to wrote. “Over the years, the agement, public adminis- declining enrollment, Diaz competitive landscape and tration and interdisciplin- said. enrollment patterns have ary studies. These majors “There are dozens of difchanged, prompting St. account for less than 30 ferent adult undergraduEdward’s to change our percent of New College ate programs both on the approach to serving these students. The remaining ground, online — the marstudents.” programs will move to the ket changed,” Diaz said. While New College is appropriate schools. Fowler said the program going away, a new strucWhile there will be no was the principle place for ture will be created to help “change in headcount,” people to come for years, adult students — the Of- there maybe changes to job but it got harder to comfice of Adult and Continu- descriptions, Director of pete, adding that many ing Studies. It will be under Communications Misch- faculty members retired, which made it more difficult. “It makes me very sad, but I understand the reasons why we got to this point,” Fowler said. “It probably is the correct moment to cut our losses since enrollment has been declining.” A letter was sent out to students enrolled in New College. There should not be worries from students, Diaz said. “They will be supported through the conclusion of their degree, especially for those programs that will be discontinued,” COURTESY OF ST.EDWARD’S UNIVERSITY Diaz said. By JACOB ROGERS

“NEW COLLEGE WAS REVOLUTIONARY WHEN IT WAS CREATED IN 1974.”

The New College has been dissolved in favor of new office.

SGA application opens, elections set for first week of April By AMANDA GONZÁLEZ @Amanda620DG

“It’s an election year at St. Edward’s University, as it always is,” Student Government Association Elections Commissioner Jonathan Edwards jokingly said, as he took the podium to debrief the senate on the upcoming election season. SGA will hold election info sessions over the next few weeks. The application link to run for a SGA position will be available until March 24 at 8 a.m. In addition to a 2.5 GPA requirement, Edwards is mandating that prospective candidates must attend and sign in at a formal senate meeting either March 9 or 23 at 7 p.m. in Fleck 305. This is done so candidates can be familiar with how SGA operates. Campaign week starts March 29, and voting week will take place the first week of April. “For those of you who have been in SGA before, you’ll notice something slightly different,” Edwards said. “The debates will open voting.” In the past, presidential candidate debates and senator platform speeches would take place once ballots were already casted. Edwards said this change will maximize the amount of exposure candidates will have before students head to the polls. The only piece of legislation introduced at the Feb. 23 senate meeting was S.R. 7, “Bike Rack Relocation Act.” Sen. Miguel Escoto used pictures to aid his proposal that Residence Life should relocate an underused bicycle rack on the southwest side of John Brooks Williams-South ( JBWS) to the Village residence halls where there are

JOEY HADDEN/HILLTOP VIEWS

Applications for elected and cabinet positions are now open.

overcrowded bike racks. Sen. Carlos Alpuche mentioned there is a different bike rack on one side of JBWS that “was built a little too close to the building” and doesn’t allow bikes to be locked on properly, suggesting that this one could be moved instead. Sen. Jade Patterson asked, “What if the day we go to move that bike rack, one person’s lone bike is on that rack?” Escoto responded in saying SGA can simply place a notice informing bikers the rack will be relocated. The resolution was approved through first passage. President Jamie Cardenas thanked the senate for their involvement at homecoming festivities, and gave a reminder that university President George E. Martin will have a State of the Campus Address in Jones Auditorium April 5 at 6:30 p.m. Cardenas said the address will be followed by a panel that will focus on Title IX and sustainability. Cardenas said that her and Vice President Carlos Martínez have addressed the four pillars their campaign promised, which include student accessibility to SGA, student unity, campus safety and sustainability. “As you all know, Carlos and I set four pillars that we

wanted to address in the very beginning of the year, and so we’re kind of closing out on those,” Cardenas said. “We hit two of them last semester at the State of the Campus, and we’re taking care of the other two now.” Community announcements included a social media challenge to SGA from sophomore Lilli Hime, also the former Hilltop Views Life & Arts editor. Hime introduced her newly-formed organization “America, I Will,” which promotes discussion of social justice issues and participation in community service projects. Junior Katie Dube, a special education major, was inducted to SGA as the ambassador for the School of Education. Dube also serves on the Dean’s Leadership Council and is president of St. Edward’s Educators. SGA Advisor Carey Mays introduced graduate student Megan McBride to the senate, as she is assisting and learning about the role of an organization advisor. “This is always an exciting time for student government with elections coming up,” Mays said to close the meeting. The next SGA meeting will take place March 9 at 7 p.m. in Fleck 305.

GAMES 5

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

GAMES PAGE Check out next week’s issue for answers!

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6 SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

Sixty feet between: Pitching-catching bond drives team pretty nice. That’s what I’ve been spoiled with for four years here,” Whitacre said. er players, with Whitacre “Ever since my freshman year, and outfielder Miles Wright pitching has always been the being the only seniors to have real strength of this team — played on Lucian-Hamilton and this year, I think we have Field for their entire careers. a chance for that too.” Strong offense is key in Springer, Lawson and outscoring opponents 134freshman Joel Miller are the 72, but so is smart defense. only left-handed pitchers in a And in front of each domibullpen of 18. nant pitcher, there is a steady Most opposing batters are catcher doing their best to right-handed. Whitacre says frame throws in their pitchthis contrast is advantageous er’s favor. because LHP tend to use Crouched behind home more change-ups. plate, Whitacre is armored This also adds another level in gear with his back towards of concentration for Whitathe crowd, assuming his quiet cre, as he uses hand signals to role as a catcher. coordinate which variation of fourpitches they will throw at him next. An avid baseball enthusiast, Whitacre grew up in Austin appreciating the selfless style Grady Sizemore showed when playing for the Cleveland Indians. He was a standout ballplayer at James Bowie High School, where LORNA PROBASCO/HILLTOP VIEWS he graduated in Whitacre has 10 multi-hit games and five homeruns. FROM PAGE 1

“The No. 1 priority as a catcher is making sure your pitcher is doing well,” Whitacre said. “As a pitcher, you play the hardest position in the game. To be the guy with the ball in your hand, really controlling what happens, is a lot to have responsibility over.” Whether his pitchers are succeeding or struggling on the mound, Whitacre tries to make sure they maintain confidence to throw strikes, stay ahead in the count and have easy innings with quick outs. “Whenever I can put up a target and the pitchers hit it, and most of them do, it’s

2013. He wears jersey number 55 like MLB All-Star catcher Russell Martin, who is known for his strong arm and hitting consistency. Also like

right fielder Romeo Cortina, Jr. have hit home runs in twostraight games. Whitacre also has a .431 batting average, and leads the team in multihit games (10).

“EVER SINCE MY FRESHMAN YEAR, PITCHING HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE REAL STRENGTH OF THIS TEAM — AND THIS YEAR, I THINK WE HAVE A CHANCE FOR THAT TOO.” CATCHER GABLE WHITACRE Martin, Whitacre defeats the stereotype that catchers are slow runners. Prior to taking on the primary catching position, he was a starting left fielder and designated hitter. “He’s easy to joke around with,” Head Coach Rob Penders said of Whitacre’s personality. “You can give him a hard time, and he’ll give it right back to you — and it’s always just a good time. He knows how to have fun, and when to turn it off and get serious, so guys respect him. Both Whitacre and senior

The reigning Hitter of the Week leads the conference in RBIs with 24 and has a 14game hitting streak. His five home runs have him tied for the most in the conference. Whitacre says some situations call for “hitting the ball hard,” while others require “passing the at-bat to the next guy” or a “sacrifice for the team” with a fly-ball, ground ball or bunt. “Batters 1-9, that’s what we try to do – and so far, it’s been working.” In the classroom, Whitacre is studying marketing – and his negotiating skills also help behind the plate.

“With the umpires, it’s just give and take,” Whitacre said. “You don’t want to come off too strong at the beginning of a game, if say you think you caught a strike and he calls it a ball. But at the same time, you’re fighting for your pitcher out there.” If he disagrees, Whitacre politely asks the umpire to tell him specific mechanics adjustments he can make to maximize strikes for his pitcher. This way, he and the umpire “are on the same page, rather than butting heads.” During Whitacre’s tenure, the baseball team has reached three-straight conference championship titles and postseason appearances at NCAA Regionals. As one of the few four-year starters, Whitacre says he finds it important to serve as an example to his team, because the goal of reaching the College World Series will require lots of hard work. “He’s been an outstanding player for us for four full years, and it’s not always that you get guys to do that,” Penders said, noting his athleticism as a utility player. “He’s a guy that comes in with the right attitude, and everyone on the team likes him.”

Weekly Calendar from March 2-7

SPORTS CALENDAR MEN’S TENNIS

WOMEN’S TENNIS

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MEN’S BASKETBALL

BASEBALL

Austin Tennis Academy

Austin Tennis Academy

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Palm Beach, Florida

March 2 | 11 a.m. vs. Oklahoma State Univ.

March 2 | 11 a.m. vs. Oklahoma State Univ.

March 2 | Noon vs. Texas A&M-Intl. Univ.

March 3 | 5 p.m. vs. UA-Fort Smith

March 3 | Noon & 5 p.m. vs. Winona State Univ. vs. Palm Beach Atlantic

Midlothian, Texas

Lakeway World of Tennis

March 4 | 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. vs. Jacksonville College vs. Seward County CC

March 4 | Noon vs. Tarleton State Univ.

March 4 | Noon HC Semifinals (TBA)

March 4 | 7:30 p.m. HC Semifinals (TBA)

March 5 | Noon HC Championship (TBA)

March 5 | 3 p.m. HC Championship (TBA)

March 4 | 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. vs. Palm Beach Atlantic vs. Palm Beach Atlantic

CLUB LACROSSE

SEU Lower Rec. Field March 4 | 1 p.m. vs. UT-San Antonio

SOFTBALL

SEU Field - Home Opener March 7 | 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville

SPORTS 7

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

HEARTLAND CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT 2017 woMEN’s basketball # 1 st. edward’s vs tx #8 a&m international game 1 - march 2 at 12 pm

game 5 - march 4 at 5 pm

championship

game 4 - march 3 at 2:30 pm

March 5th at 12 pm For the first time in school history, the St. Edward’s women’s basketball team has closed its regular season with a the Heartland Conference (HC) regular season title, and has compiled a 17-8 overall record with a 13-3 HC record. Now the women’s program is advancing to the HC Championship Tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma as the No. 1 seed. No. 1 St. Edward’s will play No. 8 Texas A&M-Internatonal University on March 2 at noon.

#4 ua fort smith vs #5 oklahoma christian

#2 st. mary’s vs #7 rogers state

game 6 - march 4 at 6:30 pm

game 2 - march 2 at 2:30 pm

#3 lubbock christian vs #6 newman game 3 - march 3 at 12 pm

MEN’s basketball #1 Dallas Baptist vs # 8 newman game 1 - march 2 at 5 pm

#4 rogers state vs #5 lubbock christian

game 5 - march 4 at 5 pm

game 4 - march 3 at 7:30 pm

#7 st. Mary’s vs tx # 2 a&m international game 2 - march 2 at 7:30 pm

#3 ua fort smith vs #6 st edward’s game 3 - march 3 at 5 pm

championship March 5th at 3 pm

game 6 - march 4 at 7:30 pm

The St. Edward’s men’s basketball team has managed to claim to the No. 6 seed heading into the Heartland Conference (HC) Championship Tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The regular season featured six games where the team lost by five point or less, which led to a 17-14 overall record with a 9-9 conference record. No. 6 St. Edward’s is set to play No. 3 University of Arkansas-Fort Smith on March 3 at 5 p.m.

8 LIFE & ARTS

R A M

I D

G

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On Feb. 22, St. Edward’s celebrated Mardi Gras by hosting a Masked Ball. There was plenty of food, photos and festivity to go around. Costumes ranged from creative masks to full fledge French clothing. Students had the chance to enjoy the rich traditions of Mardi Gras, as hosted by the French section of the Languages, Literatures and Cultures Department.

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Local Austin restaurant serves mouth-watering, authentic Italian courses By MAIA SAMBOY @maiasamgirl

Whether it be for an anniversary, birthday or a visit from your parents, if you’re in search of some delicious fine dining, look no further than Vespaio. Located right here on South Congress Ave., Vespaio Ristorante is a ‘SoCo hot spot’, even after 18 years of operation. As soon as you walk into the restaurant, you are met by dim lighting, an enthusiastic host, and the soft murmur of voices mixed with clinking glasses in the background. The restaurant itself is not small and is split up into three rooms, making it feel cozy and intimate. The decor is simple, yet tasteful. A large wall of wine

MAIA SAMBOY/HILLTOP VIEWS

Vespaio is in walking distance of St. Edward’s on SoCo.

bottles sets the rustic tone of the restaurant and helps to display their extensive wine selection. A chandelier hangs in each room and several pieces of modern hand from the walls. The first thing that stood out to me about Vespaio was the extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff. The

wait staff was very easy to talk to and knew the menu inside and out. I had never experienced truly authentic Italian food before, and our waiter helped us through the entire menu and even explained to us which soft drinks would go best with each menu item. This thorough knowledge was

especially impressive because each day, Vespaio feature an new and extensive list of specials. Much of the food at Vespaio is made to order, so expect to spend around two to three hours dinning here. Although this is longer than your typical dinner stop, the food is well worth the wait. As soon as you are seated, you are brought bread with Italian bean dip. This bean dip is very similar to hummus and highly addictive. The combination of the fluffy bread with the creamy bean dip was so delicious, my table of two ate around six baskets of bread before our appetizers arrived. For our appetizers, we ordered the calamari and the fresh mozzarella. While we

were originally brought an appetizer we did not order, the wait staff apologized profusely and brought out the correct appetizers as quickly as they could. We really didn’t mind the wait, we were busy eating bread. Once they arrived, the appetizers were delicious. While the calamari was good, the mozzarella was by far my favorite. It just doesn’t get much better than a huge ball of cheese. It was filled with a creamy tomato sauce, and you were given toasted baguette pieces to spread it on. For my main course, I ordered the lobster pasta, which was on the list of daily specials and cost $35. As a rule, I usually only eat seafood when I am near the

coast, but I had never had lobster before and was dying to dry it. I can easily say I was not disappointed. The lobster was buttery, and the whole dish was bathed in a light, garlicky sauce. If you are a fan of seafood, I highly recommend this dish. Naturally, I had to finish off this decadent meal with a decadent dessert. We ordered the chocolate hazelnut cake, which was gone in about one minute. While Vespaio Ristorante is pricier than the average restaurant most college students go to, it was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. It is the perfect place to go for a very special occasion, or if you’re able to weasel someone into treating you to dinner.

WEEKLY ‘FLIX FIX Fox to bring back T.V. drama ‘Prison Break’ this spring after 7 year hiatus By ELIZABETH UCLES @elitheplatypus

After seven years of being off-air, the serial drama sensation “Prison Break” will be coming back in spring 2017. The crime thriller will return as a 10-episode limited series on FOX, similar to what FOX did with “24” in “24: Live Another Day.” So before you get ready and excited to watch the “Prison Break” sequel, it’s only right to revisit what made the show so dynamic in the first place. The series revolves around two brothers. One of the brothers, Lincoln Burrows, played by Dominic Purcell,

has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit — the murder of the Vice President’s brother, Terrance Steadman. Burrows’s, Michael Scofield, played by Wentworth Miller, devises an elaborate plan to break his brother out of prison before Burrows’s clock runs out. This first season revolves around Scofield developing his intricate plan to break his brother out of Fox River State Penitentiary in Illinois. This plan involves a tattoo that covers Scofield’s entire torso and arms designed in a code that only Scofield can decipher. Without revealing too many spoilers, the series revolves primarily around the premise

of breaking out. The consistency has come off as repetitive to critics, however, producers and writers find a way to make the next three seasons different in their own way by adding even more pieces to the puzzle. The consistency in plots, characters and focal point are what make the series golden; it is the reason audiences fought so hard for it to come back. The main characters throughout the show present another strong suit — helping develop the audience’s attachments to a variety of personalities. Throughout this journey, Scofield and Burrows come

across vital characters like the prison doctor, Sara Tancredi, played by actress Sarah Wayne Callies of “The Walking Dead,” who acts as an important love interest throughout the series. Other notable characters include Scofield’s cellmate from season one, Fernando Sucre, played by Amaury Nolasco, who offers comedic relief and ingenuity that makes the series accessible to a wide range of audiences. Fellow inmate Theodore “T-Bag” Bagwell, played by Robert Knepper, gives the show the consistently malevolent villain that keeps the audience intrigued and grimacing at the same time. The dynamic brotherly

duo between Scofield and Burrows rocks viewers at the core. It is a focal point in the series that keeps viewers drawn and devoted. The mechanics of Scofield’s brain intrigues viewers as more foils enter his plans. It is exciting to watch a charac-

ter of such intelligence react to the curveballs that come at Scofield. It is now up to the writers and producers to make the 10-episode sequel as encapsulating and binge-worthy as the four seasons before it has been.

COURTESY OF FOX

Dominic Purcell and Wentworth Miller play two brothers.

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The Lemon Twigs ‘wanna prove to you’ that they know good music By ALDO MARTINEZ @amarti8

When Spotify first recommended The Lemon Twigs, my first reaction was to not listen to them. Not because it wasn’t my type of music, but mostly because the band name did not sound appetizing. But someone, or something was out there looking out for me because when I finally decided to play the first song on their album “Do Hollywood,” I was transported into the baroque pop-rock era that ruled the ‘60s. Brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario from Long Island, New York have been able to revive a genre that I honestly believed could not be executed by young artists. Especially since they are only 17 and 19. It goes to show that you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover right? Though young, these souls are able to project feelings with the help of amazing drums, constant guitar slaying and keyboards. The brothers are accompanied by Megan Zeankowski and

Danny Ayala, who provide backup vocals for the band. But even with instrumental knowledge, the Twigs also alternate in leading vocals, giving them more credibility as artists. After listening to the album about 10 times in a span of two weeks, I knew exactly that songs “These Words” and “I Wanna Prove to You” perfectly reflect the art that the album as a whole carries. “These Words” starts low and smooth, and with a lullaby type chorus, they gently carry you into the rising of vocals and instruments. Then the keyboard takes you through a stroll and in the background you hear admiring like screams as if it were recorded live. With a final touch of both drum snares and guitar, the band finishes lyrically with “These words serve only to fill up a hole.” After constantly listening to this album, my roommate also became a fan of The Lemon Twigs, and we were able to see them live at Stubb’s BBQ. My other friend also fell in love with them with the assumption

that not a lot of people knew who they were, we figured she could buy her ticket at the door. Unfortunately it sold out and it was then and there I was grateful to have bought the tickets ahead of time. The Lemon Twigs executed the performance with confidence and spontaneous dance moves that compliment the personality and aesthetic of the band. At times, Michael would high kick and slide through the stage. These moves not only energized the crowd, but also reminded us that they were young and free-spirited. With many shows ahead of them as the headliners for a European tour, The Lemon Twigs bring something to the table that hasn’t been seen in awhile. The taste for baroque-type rock in the industry is alive. If they stay loyal to their music, I believe they will shine. After all if this band was able to grab my attention, a mostly top chart music listener, then I’m almost certain that The Lemon Twigs can take people by storm and rekindle an era like the ‘60s.

ALDO MARTINEZ/HILLTOP VIEWS

The Lemon Twigs preforming at Austin’s famous local music venue Stubb’s BBQ Feb. 14.

‘Turn Right at Machu Pichu’ stumbles as it reaches new heights

CREATIVE COMMONS

Adams’ “Turn RIght at Machu Pichu” explores the life of the man who found Machu Pichu.

By GABRIELLE WILKOSZ @g_wilkosz

Marked by writer Mark Adams’ clear voice and gentle spirit, “Turn Right at Machu Pichu” is a stunning narrative that parallels the stories of two unlikely explorers — one, a restless university professor named Hiram Bingham III, the other, Adams himself, a magazine editor living the high life in New York City. After becoming fascinated with Bingham's life, Adams decides he needs to follow in the footsteps of the “real-life Indiana Jones,” who is also the credited discoverer of Machu Pichu. Though the two men are separated by nearly a century, Adams’ account draws from his and Bingham's similarities. Like Bingham, Adams was also a middleaged white man who became

bored with the everyday, a boredom that prompted an expedition into unknown Peruvian territory — unknown to westerners, that is. Bloodthirsty mosquitos, an Australian guide from the outback and vibrant Peruvian customs conspire to fill pages upon pages with vivid descriptions as well as a working knowledge of extreme hiking. Still, history is at the account's core. Adams’ approach to Bingham's highly contested travel journals is well-researched and empathetic. The book also divulges Bingham's wacky personal life and darkly humorous financial torment. Between chapters of rigid socialite hierarchy and Yale University happenings, Adams’ modern trek incites youthful daring and personal growth, leaving readers wanting to tag along. Where the narrative faters,

however, is Adams’ fear of taking poetic and lyrical risks. “Turn Right…” drags its heels at the midway point, causing readers to question, “What’s the payoff? How many more miles until we get there?” Here, Adams seems uncertain of himself, a trait that, at first charming, becomes tiresome. Luckily, moments of comedic relief (like when the westerner gets a buzz from chewing cocoa leaves or when the spirited Peruvians tolerate Adams' western foolishness during riverbathing) make up for the author’s unfortunately arid personality. Still, as history and modern experience collide in the story, the book is experiential living documentation of one of the 7 wonders of the world — and the tumultuous path history has taken to arrive there.

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@hilltopviews OUR VIEW Current state of American journalism requires your help Each week the editorial board reflects on a current issue in Our View. The position taken does not reflect the opinions of everyone on the Hilltop Views staff. This week’s editorial board is composed of Viewpoints Editors Sully Lockett and Kenny Phipps. In the words of our fourth President James Madison, “popular government without popular information” can only lead to farce or tragedy. Any political science textbook describes “alternate sources of information” as a foundational tenet of democracy. Former President George W. Bush recently described the press as “indispensable to democracy.” Why then, does our current president and his administration insist upon labeling rep-

SULLY LOCKETT/HILLTOP VIEWS

Citizens gather to protest at the Capitol.

utable, established organizations such as The New York Times, Washington Post and

CNN, among others, as “fake news?” Or, more alarmingly still, “enemies of the people,” a phrase much loved by governments in places where autocracy thrives. This isn’t a partisan issue. This is a conflict pitting the very citizens of the country against an administration that seems intent on acting against the wishes of many of its constituents at best and in a manner that will bring direct and lasting harm to the country at worst. The actions and rhetoric of the Trump administration concerning the news media in past weeks should be very troubling. Bush is absolutely correct in saying that independent journalism is crucial to the survival of democracy. No administration should be granted this power. A re-

striction of access to alternative sources of information is not only undemocratic but also contrary to the very notion of what it means to be American. Without a government that can be challenged by the media when it goes against the wishes of the people, we run the risk of becoming the very sort of corrupt dictatorship so many Americans have given their lives fighting against for centuries. The freedom of the press is the single most important institutional check on tyranny. Without it, the American people will be left in the dark, unable to hold those who wield power accountable. As the Washington Post’s new slogan states, “democracy dies in darkness.” The most recent infraction

on this most American of values came Feb. 24, when Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary and professional Melissa McCarthy doppelganger, barred journalists from the Times and other supposed “fake news” organizations from attending a press briefing. At the same briefing, the White House allowed access to ‘news’ organizations which have proven willing to kowtow directly to the whims of the administration, justifying its excesses and making up information to support the president’s claims. This is a very slippery slope that the administration is embarking upon. Today, journalists are labeled “dishonest” for reporting accurate information that reflects poorly on the president. Tomorrow,

their work is outlawed or they are jailed, a tactic used by every authoritarian in the name of national security, patriotism or any other number of vague terms that are almost impossible to dispute. One of the most direct and visible indicators of the intentions of a government is how it treats its media, as we see every day across the world in countries whose aspirations lean toward direct, undemocratic and uncontested control of their citizens. The truth matters. Facts matter. Facing the adversity of the federal establishment, journalists and the news media are going to have a difficult task ahead of them: continuing to uphold American values. Especially when the President seems intent on directly contradicting them.

Women shouldn’t be required to change last name, despite popular opinion By TAYLOR HORNEDO Marriage, an age-old tradition of a binding, lifetime covenant between two lovers. It’s a big deal. Getting married comes with many traditions. One such tradition is taking your husband’s last name. A recent scholarly article published in Gender Issues, a scientific journal, found that, among other things, 70 percent of Americans believe a woman should change her last name following a heterosexual marriage, and roughly 50 percent of believe that the law should require her to do so. Personally, I’d rather my tobe life partner, either take my last name or keep our respec-

tive surnames or find some other compromise. I’ll be damned if anybody expects me to sacrifice my heritage and family name in order to join in a “holy union.” It’s abhorrent that, in 2017, any woman is expected to take her husband’s last name. It’s more abhorrent that half the population thinks a woman should be legally forced to give up her last name in the event she marries a man. Though given the current political climate, I’m not shocked this is what the public thinks of heterosexual marriage. I get it, it’s a tradition. But you should realize that it is a tradition deeply rooted in patriarchal values. It is a tradition that comes from the

idea that when a man takes a wife, her family is to pay him a dowry, essentially meaning that a wife is to be traded off.

your property. A woman is not property. She is not an object. She is a human being with the right to make decisions about her own body, her own re“IT’S ABHORRENT THAT, lationships and her existence. No IN 2017, ANY WOMAN IS own other man or woman should dictate or legislate that. EXPECTED TO TAKE HER A man’s heritage not have any HUSBAND’S LAST NAME.” must more importance than his female counterpart’s. Relationships It is a tradition that comes must be on equal grounds. from the concept that women On top of that, being reand wives are property, and quired or expected to take once you marry, all her legal your husband’s last name rerights, her property rights inforces gender roles. and her politics, are suddenly It reinforces the idea that

men and women are meant to play specific parts in each others lives in determined way, without any wiggle room. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to insult millions of women who have taken their husband’s last name. Taking your husband’s last name doesn’t have to reinforce gender roles and patriarchal values. I’m attacking the concept that it must be codified or required in order for a marriage to be valid and acceptable. It should be a choice you make with your partner. Women in heterosexual relationships shouldn’t have to automatically default to the hetero norm. Predetermined socialized

gender roles don’t have to apply to you simply because you’re in a heterosexual relationship. Besides, isn’t love more lovely when you make decisions as a couple? So, if you’re a woman and you marry a man and want to take his last name, please, feel free to do so. I do not condemn you for making that choice — if it’s a choice. If you’re a man and you marry a woman, also feel free to take her last name. Feel free to hyphenate, combine, swap or whatever you and your partner’s heart desires. Make the choice on how you combine your two lives. Choose how you express your love, but don’t expect or enforce others to make the same choice.

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fg FACE OFF: Is there value in liberal arts? Current liberal arts curriculum leaves students unready to work By SULLY LOCKETT @sullywonkenobi

The concept of the liberal arts is, on paper, a fantastic thing. The idea of wellrounded students becoming informed citizens, moving democracy forward into a utopian future as we dance hand-in-hand with strangers in well-choreographed and spontaneous routines in the streets? Outstanding. I was born ready for this. But is that what the liberal arts does for its students? I don’t believe so. St. Edward’s motto is ‘take on your world,’ and I’m at a bit of a loss as to how our assortment of required random electives is making that happen. Classrooms full of students staring bovine-like as teachers lecture, voices trailing awkwardly into silence as their questions fall on deaf and uncaring ears doesn’t feel like it’s making me a better citizen or inspiring me to form lasting friendships with my classmates. It feels like I’m wasting my time and the teacher is wasting their effort, which could be better spent teaching practical skills for a rapidly evolving future. However, what kind of complaining malingerer would I be without offering alternatives? The very worst kind. We can take a page here from the military, of all places. They’re short on liberal arts, but very keen on teaching specific jobs very quickly. For example, a military journalist and public affairs spe-

cialist, my old job as Marine, goes through a three month course to learn their trade. At no point are they taught how to be better citizens; the military assumes by and large that you are an adult and you can figure that out on your own. All they were taught was the mechanics of photography, videography, interviewing, writing, public affairs, social media management and editing. And they teach this not by talking about something or learning the ancient history

accountable for the tasks you are given. There is no ramp-up, there is no training wheels, there is the job, and how to do it. I think a liberal arts curriculum could benefit from such a set-up, learning by doing. Want to make valuable and long lasting relationships? Get ready to make them with people you’re going to work in a field with, not some kid you happen to sit next to you in your underwater basket weaving class. Want to be inspired and innovate and things? Sit down with people who “COULD WE BUILD work in the inSOMETHING THAT TAKES dustry, see what they have to say, STUDENTS AND TURNS not students. Of course, is this THEM OUT AS PEOPLE extreme likely, or even beneficial for READY TO SEIZE THE a college? WORLD BY THE THROAT?” I don’t believe it is. I feel like I’ve spent half my life in one history class or another, of writing or the historical and I gladly learn more every implications, but by push- time. ing you into the deep end I think the cultural underfrom day one, giving you as- standing classes are more signments in the morning important today than they and giving you hours to turn ever have been. I even think them around before they tear Capstone has merit, as much your work apart, ruthlessly wailing and gnashing of teeth grading and critiquing. as it engenders. Failure resulted in your beCould we re-examine a curing dropped from the course, riculum bloated by tradition which could lead to you being and the urge to try and make assigned a significantly less better people? interesting or attractive job. Could we build something And it’s all necessary, be- that takes students and turns cause you’re expected to be them out as people ready to capable of doing the job the seize the world by the throat, second you graduate. people with experience and You will go from this school contacts and work to show to a billet in a unit some- for it? I absolutely believe we where, and you will be held could.

Liberal arts education creates well-rounded students By SOPHIA UTRIA There is a single, common cliche that students hear when they apply for college: be a well-rounded applicant. But should the same thing be expected of students when they get to university? In a world that is increasingly focused on technology, harder-science fields such as engineering and math and their corresponding majors in universities are arguing for more focused degree plans. By having the student take less and less classes outside of their major, they are meant to become stronger in the field of their choice, but I don’t believe that is the case. A comprehensive liberal arts education keeps a student aware of the many perspectives the world has to offer both in and out of the major of their choice. Many schools offer conservatory style education in the fine arts, limiting what students take to only within the arts, and one or two classes outside of that as graduation requirements. For students of the arts, this can be detrimental to their ability to create. Having classes in science, math, history, writing, etc. bring students of all disciplines together in ways that simply aren’t possible anywhere else. They are able to share ideas and opinions that can

inform and inspire each other’s work. Interdisciplinary learning is key to having a campus with students who are connected to each other. Many students form valuable relationships in classrooms, and the more varied the kind of students they meet, the wider the reach each of their work has. Liberal arts education ought to remain a normal part of university life. There are people who believe that students should not be taught this way in higher education. Technology is becoming such a prominent part of daily life, it is seen as beneficial to have students who are studying elements of

technology to be kept focused on that. Students will advance faster in their studies and be able to participate in the industry much faster. This plan is meant to bring about more groundbreaking research, discoveries and ideas from younger people. Those students are meant to study the things that have the power to change how they see the world, and nothing else. That kind of intensity won’t work for every student. I think most find it incredibly helpful to have a class, not just an activity or student organization, that has nothing to do with their major.

CREATIVE COMMONS

Does a liberal arts education really prepare students?

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Austinites still proud of city despite recent changes, population growth By CARLYE COOK @carlyecook Austin today is the land of liberals, congested traffic jams and a strange mix of slackers and yuppies trying to fit the “Keep Austin Weird” vibe. But, news flash, that “Austin vibe” was almost completely obliterated about five years ago. Austin developed the weird, funky lifestyle during the 1960s. Starting as a mere state capital and becoming known as the live music capital of the world, Austin has been the home to many artists, musicians and other creative know-hows. This group of like-minded people, the good music and the beautiful city itself heightened the regional narcissism of Austin. In other words, this city used to be so

divine in its own funky way, and Austinites were highly proud to call Austin home. It was not until the early twenty-first century that the eccentric and kooky presence slowly started to dissipate. As more and more people poured into the city, the weird and homey vibes became seemingly less present. The worst blow to Austin was when Forbes named Austin one of the best places to live in the nation. Businessmen began tearing down iconic music halls and replacing them with highrises. Property taxes began rising so high, and forcing people to move, and, well, Austin just became like every other city. Why yes, thank you for recognizing the pure excellence of Austin. However, inviting everyone and their mom to live here is one way to really

kill something good. However, before I get too far ahead of myself, let us forget the type of people that live here. Forget the traffic they bring, forget their ideology and focus on why Forbes named Austin one of the best places to live. For starters, the weather in Austin almost year around is 75 degrees or higher. Yeah, the spring, summer and part of fall are sweltering, but Austin offers a ridiculous amount of watering holes. Barton Springs, Barton Creek, Deep Eddy, and Hippie Hollow, are just to name a few. With the hot weather, and the surplus of swimming areas, living in Austin practically leaves you with unlimited options for free outdoor activities. I don’t know about you, but free and outdoors are two of my favorite words.

CREATIVE COMMONS

The city of Austin has changed a lot from what made it such a “weird“ palace, but still has its charm.

More of a food person? Austin offers a wide range in exquisite cuisine. Options for meat lovers, vegetarians, vegans and whatever else lies in between. From the fabled food trucks to more indoor eating options, Austin has you covered, with options you’ve never even heard of. Let me not forget though what makes Austin stand out from everywhere else in

the world, live music. Austin is the live music capital of the world. With festivals like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest happening every year in addition to the abundance of music venues present in the city, bring world class acts to the city every month. So yeah, we are still proud to call Austin home. We still love living here, and we still

have a pretty high sense of regional pride, for a few very good reasons. Is it as weird and wild as it used to be during its heyday? No, it isn’t. It can’t possibly be, with new residents from other places moving to the city every day and diluting the unique Austin atmosphere. However, is it still a wonderful place and somewhere we’re proud to live in? It sure is.

On-campus ROTC program would broaden student perspectives By ASHLEY WATKINS WALKER

CREATIVE COMMONS

The concept of the ROTC in the U.S. began in 1862, with the Morrill

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is a foreign concept for most students on campus. St. Edward’s University does hold a ROTC program, though most of its operations are done at the University of Texas at Austin. Cadets, someone enrolled in ROTC, are allowed to major in whatever they so choose. When they complete their undergraduate degree, they do not have to fret with finding an entry-level position. They are required to serve a certain amount of time in whatever branch of the armed services they choose. It purely depends on the contract per individual.

Cadets have the benefit of still living a civilian life. They can hold part-time jobs, join fraternities and sororities and join sports programs or community service programs. Military life is purely part-time until graduation. Cadets will still have to participate in programs such as morning formation and physical fitness, but that’s a small part of anyone’s day. Cadets will need to commit some weekends to ROTC too, but that seems a small sacrifice in coming out of university debt free. The culture of this campus is incredibly diverse in everything but its politics. The conservative view is often attacked viciously in discussions by students aiming at generalizations. People are

quick to criticize military spending and the concept of war when soldiers are seen as shadow figures rather than actual people. If there were more student-soldiers in the classroom, we might have a more visible representation of conservative and moderate views. In an environment where we are led to believe the liberal view is the only right view, it is hard to offer dissent. People are often comfortable in groups where they are in the majority or have a others agree with them — the echo chamber effect is a prominent one. They don’t venture off into views they disagree with. The students and sometimes even faculty here are guilty of this. Have we actually taken

the time out to listen to the other side? The majority of politics in service members tend towards a moderate or right wing view of the world. Our university and our students could benefit from listening to the other side. Instead of stone walling any discussion you disagree with, sit down and listen. We need to allow ourselves to understand why people see things a different way than us. It would help us prepare for the world outside of university, where hiding ourselves from those with a different opinion isn’t always an option. To ‘take on our world,’ we need more than just our own point of view.

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fg

FACE OFF: Do we neeD spring break?

Spring break disruptive to student’s Spring break provides necessary academics, longer summer needed diversion from studies, workload By SAARIM DAMANI @saarim_d

A full week’s break after just one and a half month of studies? I think that’s too much freedom provided by the tradition. I don’t agree with letting students take that long off for spring break. There are several benefits of not having spring breaks, or, in other words, some problems we students face when we get back into our college routine after a week off. No matter what you do over spring break, whether it’s hang out with family or go somewhere with friends, the result is that you’re doing something you like that distracts you from the smooth routine of school. And once you get back to school, it can take an entire month to adjust back to the schedule and living an orderly life, away from family or friends outside the school environment. While not everyone might require this time to re-adjust, there are certainly students who benefit from order and

CREATIVE COMMONS

No spring break would be a good idea if summer break was longer.

a consistent schedule. Thus, getting rid of spring break could be a prudent option, increasing stability in a student’s studies and life. A better alternative could be to end the term by the end of April and then prolong the summer break for students to spend some extra quality time with their families. Yet another benefit of long summer breaks would be potential internships – where students would be allowed to spend three long three good months in associating with the corporate

world. In such a case, some parents might be pleased to see an early arrival of summers and seeing their children again. College students are also known for going wild in spring break rather than utilizing it usefully. We hear a lot about accidents and injuries and a sharp jump in traffic fatalities in this one week spring break vacations, due largely to the excessive intake of drugs and alcohol, perhaps because students feel compelled to jam too much fun into their one week of ‘freedom.’ It’s supposed to be a break to enjoy and not to harm ourselves because of some negligence, but it has become an impediment to student’s academic progress and focus, instead of a help. Hence, I stand up for eliminating spring break and increasing the summer break. People say, “summer breaks should get a speeding ticket.” I’d rather enjoy a longer summer where I’m not coming back to a half-finished semester.

hilltopviewseditors@gmail.com 512-448-8426 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Jacob Rogers Rosemond Crown

NEWS EDITORS Victoria Cavazos Andrea Guzman

LIFE & ARTS EDITORS Gabrielle Wilkosz Dustin Gebel

DESIGN CHIEF Paula Santos

SPORTS EDITORS Amanda Gonzalez Bridget Henderson

VIEWPOINTS EDITORS Sully Lockett Kenny Phipps

By SHAZIYA DAMANI sdamani1@stedwards.edu

This dawn when I was sitting at the breakfast table, sipping my tea, relishing my toast and reading my emails, I got a call from an old friend. As I facetimed with her, I heard a thump off-camera. When I asked her what happened, she rotated her camera towards her baby, and I observed a four-yearold lying on the ground with bowl of Cheerios upside down on his chest, tittering maniacally — he just fallen off the chair. And then a thought crossed my mind — spring break is merely another occasion for students to become a giant toddler! But should spring break be eliminated? I don’t think anybody desires to eliminate the fun of spring break — the time of the year when birds are beginning to return, the first blossoms of spring are blooming and packs of college students are stooping on the beaches, which rapidly become a combination of sunburns, margaritas

HILLTOP VIEWS PHOTO EDITORS Sabrina Rohwer Lorna Probasco DESIGNERS Adrian Gonzalez Carmen Viloria

COPY EDITORS Laura Irwin Colette Guarnier Hayley Bell Jack Leon

and wet T-shirt contests. Once students return after the winter holidays for the back half of the academic year, spring break is often the most eagerly anticipated break of the semester. Though it comes once a year, it comes with a renaissance of flora, livelier weather and couple of days dedicated to relishing the new season. While spring break might

“THERE ARE AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH TODAY TO GET THEIR HANDS DIRTY” have been intended to be a break where people admired the arrival of spring and relax, things change. Now, the perception of it is less relaxing and more parties with abundance of alcohol and college students drinking on beaches. But despite that change perception, I don’t think it should be eliminated. Few students devote their first two months of the new

year to preparing an itinerary for the spring break with their families and friends in a trendy manner. Taking a break from studies and spending some quality time with their families, or volunteering the time to benefit a cause, can be on their bucket list. There are ample opportunities for youth today to get their hands dirty and make a difference, or just step back and catch their breath. Not everyone is a beach bum and spring breaks are an opportunity for them to get a few things done apart from having a sluggish day routine and relaxing for a bit, while others use it to keep their mind off of college admission decisions. This is ultimately last big break until the summer months from then, which may be taken up by another job. Yes, it is another chance to live life like a giant toddler again, no matter how it is being spent. It can still turn out to be a precious moment of one’s life.

3001 S. Congress Ave. #964 Austin, TX 78704 VIDEOGRAPHER Rashad White

ADVERTISING MANAGER Brian Celis

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS Lauren Ibarra Myrka Moreno

FACULTY ADVISOR Jena Heath

Hilltop Views is the student newspaper published by the School of Humanities and serves the St. Edward’s University community. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the university, whose mission is grounded in the teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church. Hilltop Views welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters may be edited for space, grammar and clarity. Letters will be published at our discretion and anonymous letters will not be printed.

16 PHOTO ESSAY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

NO BAN, NO WALL

LORNA PROBASCO/HILLTOP VIEWS

Austinites gathered at the Texas Capitol Feb. 25 to speak out against Donald Trump’s travel ban and developing plans to build a wall along the U.S.- Mexico border. Among the attendees were City Council member Greg Casar, and Dance Azteca’s perfor mance closed out the event.

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