Issue 6 Fall 2014

VOLUME 36 | ISSUE 6 hilltopviewsonline.com

HILLTOP VIEWS

OCTOBER 15, 2014 St. Edward’s University

Plus/minus grading system possible for Fall ‘15 Amanda Gonzales @amanda620DG

Infographic by Nicole Burg

Next school year, student's grade point averages could be compiled differently if St. Edward's University implements a plus/minus grading system.

In 2008, the Faculty Committee began investigating the different grading systems that other universities used, exploring the policy benefits and complications and then presenting the idea of the plus/minus grading policy to the Faculty Senate.

Initially, the Faculty Senate rejected the idea, but after some revision the proposal was voted on again, and passed. However, the grading policy was unable to be implemented until the academic

component of St. Edward’s central computer system Enterprise Resource Program was completed.

Now with the academic system aligned within the software and the proposal approved by the Faculty Senate, it has been sent to the Academic and Graduate Councils who will consider the final approval of the plus/ minus grading policy within the next couple of weeks.

Students were notified of the possibility of changing the grading policy at the first Student Government Association Public Forum in 2012.

“Initially I was nervous. But after having discussions and learning about what the actual policies were, I ended up GRADING|3

Fatal motor accident tightens travel safety for student athletes Luana Chaires @ledithchaires

After a recent motor vehicle accident that killed four North Central Texas College (NCTC) softball players, St. Edward’s University has made it priority to ensure safety for all their students.

The NCTC softball team was driving back after competing in Oklahoma, but tragically they did not make it back home to Gainesville, Texas. Their bus was hit by an 18-wheeler semitrailer truck around 9:30 p.m. The fatal accident left an entire town in mourning.

The accident has prompted discussion on whether the current travel policies are effective in protecting the safety of traveling athletes, so that the St. Edward’s community never has to endure such a tragedy.

Here at St. Edward’s, the athletic teams travel all over

the state and nation to compete. St. Edward’s travel policy consists of topics from eligible drivers, to travel times when coaches and athletes leave to and from competitions.

“Safety is always a priority for the department,” Director of Athletics Debbie Taylor

said. “There are a number of policies that are in place to guarantee the well-being of our athletes and staff.”

Every year, the policies are updated and drivers are recertified. Students are not allowed to drive in personal vehicles to competitions or any event organized by any

member of the St. Edward’s athletic staff.

“To become a certified driver, a driver must take a six hour online course, provide copy of their DPS driving record for the past three years a n d p a s s a n o n - c a mp u s CAUTION|4

LIFE & ARTS | 6

SPORTS | 10

VIEWPOINTS | 14

Common theme author answers students burning questions about book.

Volleyball team improves record from last year; dominates competition.

Bon Appétit should ease restrictions to let local food trucks serve students.

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

Flags on campus advocate for domestic violence awareness

Students encouraged to have ID cards on them at all times

Samantha Driscoll

Max Lillard

@samanthdriscoll

@maxirailius

This month marks National Relationship Violence Awareness month. Throughout October, the Health & Counseling Center is sponsoring a variety of seminars, tabletops, projects, guest speakers and panels to raise awareness about this growing issue.

One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, and an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year, according to the National Institute of Justice and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

Associate Director of the Health and Counseling Center Beth Charrier said that awareness needs to be raised as soon as possible.

“About a third of relationships at a college level have some sort of violence in them, so it happens a lot more than people are aware of — that’s part of why we’re doing awareness-raising,” Charrier said.

In 2013, there were four on-campus reports of dating violence, according to the Clery Crime Statistics in the university’s 2014 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

“Previously campuses didn’t have to report relationship violence incidents, but (the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act) actually made that a requirement for Clery reporting. It’s one of those things that campuses need to be more transparent about,” Charrier said.

With the recent events that have unfolded around the NFL, more awareness is be-

St. Edward’s University’s Recreation and Convocation Center (RCC) and University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) Alumni Gym are two buildings on campus that have policies which require students to swipe their student ID cards to enter.

According to Andy Lemons, director of campus recreation, these policies are in place for safety measure and are not a new protocol.

“Various instances of property theft, personal security and facility damage caused us to determine that the RCC and the UFCU Alumni Gym have spaces which need more security protocol in place,” Lemons said. “We have high risk management issues related to our fitness and recreational spaces, and as stalwarts of student safety we decided this policy was necessary to secure our students, faculty, staff and facility safety.”

Further, classes taught inside these buildings – like kinesiology – differ from traditional classes; something that anyone who teaches in these buildings are quick to confirm.

“I teach in the RCC and occasionally a student will be late because they had to run back to their room or car to get their ID. But students know the rules and generally don't forget their ID again,” Kristy Ballard, assistant professor of kinesiology, said. “Unlike a classroom where a student or faculty member typically keeps their belongings closeby, the active nature of the gym generally makes close

Photo by Michael Morse Red and green flags represent support for domestic violence.

ing brought to relationship violence awareness.

“Everyone needs to see this as part of their responsibility, and I think one of the things that’s happening in NFL culture is that they’ve sort of turned a blind eye often to some of these things, and so they’re getting busted for it at this point,” Charrier said.

“That’s bringing awareness, which is good, but it certainly needs to happen long before that.”

Hilltoppers Peer Health Educator Cheyenne Rohmann believes it’s important to get the information out there and to educate students about these issues.

“A lot of people think and have that mindset of, ‘Oh it will never happen to me. It will never happen to someone I know,’ but really you never know, and so it’s just so good to make students aware that these are things that happen and really just provide them with educational resources to help them,” Rohmann said.

As part of the “Red Flag Poster Series,” which began Oct. 1, red and green flags have been put up across campus to “encourage students to intervene when they see a warning sign of intimate partner violence in a friend’s relationship.”

“We want to reduce the number (of victims) by having people know what to look out for and paying attention to the signs and knowing how to get help when they need to,” Charrier said.

On Oct. 15, Relationship Violence Awareness Day, all members of the St. Edward’s University community are invited to wear a red article of clothing to show their commitment to creating healthier relationships.

Charrier is hosting an interactive simulation in Mabee Ballrooms A and B on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

This event will help participants better understand why leaving an abusive partner is not always as easy as it sounds.

A full schedule of the month’s events is posted around campus; look for the flyer with the red flag on it.

This information can also be found online on the Health and Counseling Center’s news blog.

For more information about Relationship Violence Awareness month, contact the Health and Counseling Center’s Wellness and Outreach Services Coordinator Pete Erickson at (512) 4648821 or petere@stedwards. edu.

supervision of one's items more difficult to do.”

Students and faculty can access all administrative and academic buildings without their ID until 10 p.m.

Students who have science labs in the John Brooks Williams North building need their IDs every time they enter the specific classroom, but not the building itself.

In the Munday Library, students always need their ID to check out materials and to access certain services after 11 p.m.

“Students need their IDs to access their residence halls, the RCC and UFCU Alumni Gym, and the 24 hour computer labs,” Rebekah Nagy, associate director of auxiliary services, said.

“Some of the computer labs have an external door (that requires swiping), but if the lab is housed inside a building, the students will have to swipe their card to access that building after hours.”

According to the Hilltopper ID Card Office, beyond being a key and a form of identification, a student’s ID can be used to purchase

food at dining halls and vending machines around campus.

Students can also use their ID at the university bookstore, the Quick Dip and select off-campus merchants, such as Cabo Bob's Burritos.

If a student loses their ID, they are able to stop by the Hilltopper ID Card Office to see if it has been turned in. If not, they can replace the card for $10. The office is located on the ground floor of Holy Cross Hall in room G3.

“Many found cards get turned in, and a student can check to see if we've recovered their card.” Nagy said.

Whether or not students needs their ID to attend classes or purchase food, Nagy encourages everyone to keep their ID with them at all times.

“Not only do they allow students to access their residence halls and other campus facilities, but many local businesses give student discounts if you show your ID,” Nagy said. “It is always a good idea to have your SEU ID handy.”

Photo by Michael Morse Students have been told to carry their IDs around campus.

NEWS 3

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

Grading system awaits ‘yes’ from Academic, Graduate Council Continued from page 1 liking the system a lot more because it really seemed to benefit the student body,” Student Government Association Chief of Staff Michael Cimino said.

Should the policy be approved for the fall 2015 semester, the new grading system will not interfere with previous courses students have taken, and will only affect classes starting that semester.

One concern regarding the new policy is grade point average. Students need a minimum GPA of 2.0 to maintain scholarships and avoid

academic probation. With a plus/minus grading system, however, a numerical grade of 70-79 would no longer count solely as a 2.0, but be divided into three categories: a C- worth 1.7, a C worth 2.0 and a C+ worth 2.3.

Often students are told that their GPA is just one line on their resume. Freshman Delfina Barbiero does not approve of the new system for this reason.

“The plus and minus system encourages students to study more, but for the wrong reasons. This system enforces the idea that grades are far more valuable than learning itself,” Barbiero said. “Using this skewed grading system

will cause students to study twice as hard and twice as

intelligence,” Barbiero said.

Currently, graduate schools

GPAs students have.

“If someone gets an 89 in a class, they shouldn’t get lumped together with a student who barely “It’s a good way to reward students scraped by with an 80. for their quality of work and avoid That is a distinction worth grade inflation. Also, I won’t have to noting,” SGA Sen. Michael Haywood said. ponder and review a student’s work From a faculty member’s when deciding whether or not to give perspective, it benefits them in terms of their a particular letter grade.” marking system and delibHistory Professor Daniel Glenn eration over a grade.

“It’s a good way to reward students for their much. are concerned that grades are quality of work and avoid “The grading policy will inaccurate due to a single let- grade inflation. Also, I won’t make subject matter less en- ter grade representing such have to ponder and review a joyable and will only be a re- a large range of numeri- student’s work when deciding minder of the stress and pres- cal grades. Therefore, some whether or not to give a parsure that measures student’s programs may discount the ticular letter grade,” Daniel

Glenn, assistant professor of history, said.

In regards to professor’s forms of grading, they do not have to adhere to the grading scale being proposed and faculty members can still choose to give whole grades.

“Even though we have a full spectrum of grades, most of our students are great students and do good work. As a result, most of the grades are comprised at the top, so when you only have two choices to give, an A or a B, it is really hard to give meaningful feedback in terms of finer distinctions and quality of work,” Professor of psychology and President of the Faculty Senate Russell Frohardt said.

Freshmen, transfer students participate in service opportunity Amanda Markoe @amarkoepolo

The St. Edward’s University S.E.R.V.E. project – which stands for St. Edward’s, Reflect, Volunteer, Engage – is a series of one-day service projects for freshmen and transfer students that want to spend time with peers and give back to the community.

Students can sign up for as many service projects as they want throughout the semester and can choose between different sites to volunteer at.

S.E.R.V.E. one-day service projects started in 2008 and are run by the Office of Community Engagement (OCE) at St. Edward’s. The OCE had been hosting different service projects previously, but in 2012 the program was refurbished.

“The program seeks to bring together the community and university in order to tackle important issues affecting society through en-

gaging service opportunities,” S.E.R.V.E. Coordinator Cecilia Navarrette said.

The majority of the projects involve yard work, but Navarrette explained that students are still able to interact with people.

“Though most of the service we do entails pulling weeds or spreading mulch, we also get to interact with other student participants from universities such as UT, teachers, parents and children,” Navarrette said.

One past project Navarrette discussed was the beautification of an elementary school.

Participants spent their time planting flowers and sweeping around the school.

“They got to talk to parents who had taken time on their Saturday morning to beautify the school and children who were running around,” she said. “For future projects, we would like to continue to have the participants be able to interact with people in the

Courtesy of SEU Office of Community Engagement Facebook 78 students volunteered as part of the first S.E.R.V.E project.

community while helping them.”

The first S.E.R.V.E. oneday service project for this semester was on Sept. 27, where 78 students participated and volunteered throughout the Austin community.

There are five more projects left for this school year.

The next project is on Oct. 25, with subsequent dates planned for Nov. 22, Feb.

28 and March 28. All of the projects are on Saturdays and last from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Breakfast and lunch are provided for free.

Freshman Natalie Gomez participated in the project, where she volunteered at the River City Youth Foundation in the Dove Springs community. She said that she isn’t a big outdoor person, but she loved volunteering.

“A group of kids that the River City Youth Foundation serves volunteered along with us, and it was really fun to interact with them,” Gomez said. “They were so excited and willing to give back to their own community and it was so evident just how much the place meant to them.”

The projects also include an optional reflection at the end of the day.

“It is a great way to debrief at the end of the day and think about the ways that the service we do for each project relates to our humanity, faith and the impact we have on the communities we serve,” Navarrette said. “More importantly, reflection allows students to share an insight or two about their individual experience; we hope that this dialogue would light a spark that will incite a greater push for social change — especially outside of these projects.”

The reflection helps participants discuss social issues

that affect society. Freshman Jo Capetillo participated in the first project this year and mentioned that he felt accomplished at the end of the day.

“I liked the feeling after we finished the project. I had the feeling of accomplishment and I just felt good knowing we made a difference in a community,” Capetillo said.

S.E.R.V.E. one-day service projects continue to grow each year. The program is constantly reaching out to various communities in an attempt to get students more involved.

Navarrette also talked about how students are encouraged to keep being involved with the service projects as their college careers go on.

“Many students, including myself, become involved in doing these service projects and continue to do so throughout their college career,” Navarrette said.

4 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

Caution being taken to keep athletic teams safe on trips Continued from page 1

driving course,” Taylor said.

The larger teams, such as soccer, travel on charter buses with qualified bus drivers. However for the smaller teams, such as tennis, coaches are eligible to drive mini-buses provided by the school.

“It terrifies me as a driver because I have my students athletes’ lives in my hands,” Kendall Brooks, head women’s tennis coach, said. “It’s scary, but all I can do is become a safe defensive driver.”

Drivers have to follow strict guidelines while traveling with students. A driver must stop every 2.5 hours for a minimum of 20 minutes rest, or a second qualified driver must take over. Teams larger than 12 must utilize a charter bus for trips longer than 300 miles.

The athletic department

does not allow the use of 15-passenger vans since they are three times more likely to roll over. The department also does not allow more than nine passen-

rent out vans for travel to ensure that we have our vehicles running in great condition.”

Athletes travel extensively during their season depending on their conference region.

“It terrifies me as a According to sophomore socdriver because I have player Steve my students athletes’ cer Aoudou, it can lives in my hands. It’s be hard enough at times, but scary, but all I can traveling on top do is become a safe of that brings a whole different defensive driver. ” set of obstacles.

Women’s tennis Head Coach “Things can get pretty hectic Kendall Brooks with leaving to games on a Frigers in a 12 passenger van, day and being in class after as this also increases the a long bus ride on a Monchance of rolling over. day,” Aoudou said. “Being “We are so fortunate that busy on the road is hard, we have not had any ac- but we have to focus on our cidents,” Taylor said. “We academics and body, but lease out our vans so we ultimately it’s a rewarding don’t keep them for long experience representing St. and most of the time we Edward’s.”

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Are you a writer or photographer?

WORD OF THE WEEK This section brings you words from around the world that have no equivalent in English. Expand your global vocabulary and find new ways to say just the right thing.

JAYUS

(JAI-OOS) // INDONESIAN a joke so poorly told and so unfunny one cannot help but laugh

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6 LIFE & ARTS

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Author answers burning questions on sickness Samantha Driscoll @samanthdriscoll

Susannah Cahalan, author of “Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness,” spoke to nearly 800 people in the Recreation and Convocation Center on campus on Oct. 8 about her experience with the medical community and mental illness.

“Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness” is a critically acclaimed, number one New York Times bestseller published in 2012.

It was selected as the common text for this year’s Mental Health and Wellness Freshmen Studies common theme, which was selected by a committee made up of 25 students, faculty and staff.

Alex Barron, assistant professor of University Pro-

grams and the director of the Freshmen Studies program, is happy with students’ reactions to the book.

“We wanted a story that students could relate to... (one) that would really get you inside the mind of somebody who feels like they’re unraveling and makes you feel (it) if you’ve never felt it before,” Barron said.

Cahalan, who since the book’s release has been attending various publicity events across the country, began her lecture Wednesday night by thanking the audience for picking such an important common theme.

“What a worthy theme to pick. I feel really honored that you’re letting me talk to you about it. It’s amazing, and I’m very thankful right now,” she said.

Calahan’s now 10-year-long career as an investigative reporter for the New York Post almost ended back in 2009 when she first began experiencing the symptoms of what would later be identified as encephalitis, an inflamation of the brain.

During the lecture, Cahalan read several vivid passages from her book while outlining the events of her life before, during and after the onset of the rare autoimmune disorder.

She made sure to specify that she is, in no way, a reliable narrator of her month spent in the NYU epilepsy ward, during which she “became a different person.”

“I have no memory. I have a false memory,” she said.

Cahalan spoke about how she, using her journalistic

skills, compiled all of the evidence — including medical records; interviews with doctors, nurses, friends, and family; notebooks; journals; and video footage taken by hospital cameras — to help piece together this period of forgotten time.

“There are things that I write about that are dark, that are blank, that are imprinted in me somewhere,” said Calahan.

“They’re there somewhere — the experience is somewhere in my marrow. So maybe it’s gone, but maybe it isn’t...Maybe, even though 'I’ was not there to experience it for the first time, some part of me nevertheless was maybe (present) for that entire lost month.”

Cahalan’s lecture was met with positive responses from

Photo by Samantha Dricoll Calahan stayed on campus until 11 p.m. signing books.

students.

“I really liked coming to the event to hear her actually speak. Reading the book,

you get details, but whenever you’re hearing somebody actually talk, you get so much more from it — you get her facial expressions...and you can just really feel more of her emotion towards it,” Senior Bekah Hohl said.

Following her lecture, Cahalan opened the floor to questions from the audience.

She then spent over two hours signing books and posing for pictures with the audience. Making sure she had the chance to sign everyone’s books, she stayed on campus until nearly 11 p.m.

“This is the most lovely, smart, intelligent, passionate group of people, and I’ve been so blown away by their response. I’m just really grateful and really honored — I love Austin, and I love this university,” Cahalan said.

Richard Linklater takes 12-year risk to make movie, it pays off Cassie Cotton @cassie_cotton

A project 12 years in the making, “Boyhood” follows a boy as he grows up and discovers himself. The film leaves little out incorporating details anyone could relate to.

The extensive project used the same cast for the entire 12 years, showing not only the maturing of the characters but also the natural aging process. The unique concept created a stir among filmmakers; however, the execution proved the risk to be worth it. “Boyhood” is a film that incoming college freshmen, or any millennial, should be required to watch.

“Boyhood” follows Mason, played by Ethan Hawke, as he develops from a silly child to a mature young man

Dennis Van Tine/Abaca Press/MCT Richard Linklater directed ‘Boyhood,’ a 12-year film project.

ready to embrace his future.

It highlights all the significant events in his life, from the family’s move to Houston to his mother’s remar-

riage and divorce to his high school graduation. The film also makes stops throughout his rebellious teenage years, which earned it the R rating,

and at every romantic relationship.

The director’s decision to incorporate every aspect of Mason’s life, including the bad parts, allows “Boyhood” to be the most honest portrayal of “growing up.”

“Boyhood” was truly a cinematographic portrayal of childhood and adolescence.

Richard Linklater’s fantastic piece of art is revolutionary in its concept, honesty, and pure brilliance. The idea to devote twelve years to one project is absolutely baffling, although genius.

Through this, the integrity of the story is maintained and a sense of inclusion is formed as the audience is able to watch the characters age before them.

This concept should be explored by more filmmakers so to extend the reaches of

film itself. “Boyhood” created a true interactive experience.

Although a brilliant film, it does have flaws. The length, in particular, became cumbersome as the story dwin-

Although it ended nicely at the end of his childhood, it did not bring closure to any of the issues posed throughout the film. The ending was not disappointing, however, as life rarely has closure.

“The extensive project Overall, “Boyused the same cast for hood” is a film that will be rethe entire 12 years, membered for its showing not only uniqueness and honesty. the maturing of the Hawke’s percharacters but also the formance and natural aging process.” Linklater’s innovative directing created a threehour masterpiece dled down. However, the that everyone can relate to. length was necessary to in- “Boyhood” will become a way clude the details of Mason’s for our children to see exactly life without leaving out sig- what it was like for our milnificant moments. lennial generation to grow up Another problem with the and how we became who we plot is its lack of conclusion. are.

LIFE & ARTS 7

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

‘American Horror Story’ opens with clown, carnies, carnage Amanda Markoe @amarkoepolo

The fourth season of “American Horror Story” premiered on FX on Oct. 8.

Since “American Horror Story” changes its plot every season, fans of the show only know the overall theme of the new season before it airs.

They can only guess the plot through small teasers and tweets from the creator of the show, Ryan Murphy. Fans know minor things about the show to begin with, but they don’t know that much about the plot.

There was a lot of hype about this season because of all the information that Murphy was putting out the Internet.

Murphy released cast interviews with new actors and, for the first time ever, he released the main title sequence before the show actually began. The sequence included a change in the theme song to make it sound more like a

carnival.

He even told Twitter that Jessica Lange will eventually sing a song by Lana Del Rey. This made fans of the show extremely excited for the new season to begin.

There were many great things about the first episode such as Elsa Mars’ ( Jessica Lange) shocking surprise ending and the multiple scenes involving Twisty the Clown ( John Carroll Lynch).

With all the excitement and energy people had about this season, there still seemed to be downsides to the first episode.

Murphy stated in an interview that “American Horror Story: Freakshow”was going to be really similar to “American Horror Story: Asylum.”.

Since “Asylum” was probably the scariest season from the show, viewers expected to be more frightened than they actually were.

“The episode was more gory than scary,” freshman Ayanna

Edwards said.

The pilot also didn’t give that much insight to the story.

“The episode didn’t really tell us about the plot, it just kind of introduced the characters,” freshman Benjamin Cook said.

However, the episode didn’t even mention the entire cast.

It failed to bring up certain stars of the show such as Angela Bassett or Emma Roberts until the very end when they showed a preview for the next episode. This gives fans more of a reason to watch next week’s episode, but it’s kind of annoying to watch the first episode of a show when certain promoted stars aren’t even featured.

Sure, the episode was extremely twisted and exciting, but it didn’t meet everyone’s expectations. Of course, dedicated fans to the show know that “American Horror Story” always surprises its audience, so people cannot wait to see what next week’s episode has in store.

Used under Creative Common The newest season of “American Horror Story” is characterized by a creepy carnival theme.

Feminist show has rap music, Cyndi Lauper covers, equality Jackie Schicker @365photopoems

Magna Carda rapping to an excited crowd, satirical commentary, late night covers of Cyndi Lauper’s anthem, and storytelling: the V to Shining V Texas Party, hosted by Jo’s Coffee on South Congress was a free Saturday evening that featured a feminist line up.

The show’s audience resembled a typical Austin crowd, but the stories told were the valuable part of the night.

V to Shining V in Austin was one of over a hundred events nationwide put on

by Lady Parts Justice. LPJ was founded by Lizz Winstead, co-creator for “The Daily Show,” when she realized that her satirical voice could tell the story of reproductive rights issues in a new way. The pro-abortion rights organization has used the event to better educate people nationwide about the political and legislative concerns surrounding birth control, abortion laws, and other reproductive issues.

Magna Carda, perhaps the youngest performers at the show, drew one of the biggest crowds for the night. The band’s rapper, Megz Kelli, discussed why the group decided to do the event.

Known to the St. Edward’s community as Megan Tillman, a 2015 graduate from the writing and rhetoric program, Kelli says Magna Carda is “all about the cause.”

“It’s important to us. We’re all part of the community,” said Kelli. “We’re all human beings and believe in something. Trying to uplift, fighting for fairness.”

When asked to play V to

Photo by Jackie Schicker Julie Gillis, the emcee of the show, closes with comments.

Shining V, Magna Carda already had another gig lined up for the weekend at Weird City Fest, but chose to open the night anyway. Of the first ever Weird City Fest, Kelli said she was pleased to see the growth of the Austin hip hop scene in the last few

“V to Shining V in Austin was one of over a hundred events nationwide put on by Lady Parts Justice.” years.

While most of the organizations tabling at the event were geared toward women, there were a good number of men in attendance at the event. Julian Praxis, with The Bridge Collective, a reproductive health provider, said he was there to help “ensure that every pregnant person has safe legal options.”

The movement is referred to as “reproductive justice”

by supporters, not merely reproductive law. HillaryAnne Crosby, editor-inchief of the zine Vagina, explained why.

“Obviously Vagina is trying to be supportive of women and Texas, but also supporting access, otherwise rights are just rights, not justice,” Crosby said.

The last words of the night went to emcee Julie Gillis, and she read a story about discussing sexual health with her son. As she tells it, he would sometimes randomly ask her questions that she had a hard time answering: “Do girls ejaculate?”

“Does the whole uterus come out when a woman has her period?”

Gillis explained that it is because of questions like that that she works within sexual education, because she considers the Texas public education on sexual health to be seriously lacking. Whether you went out Saturday night for poems, stories or the rapping styles of Megz Kelli, at V to Shining V, you got an earful of ideas mixed in with all the music.

8 LIFE & ARTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

‘Maze Runner’ action-packed but lacks book’s strength of plot Amanda Markoe @amarkoepolo

“The Maze Runner” was published as a book in October 2007 and was released in theaters Sept. 19.

The film stars Dylan O’ Brien as Thomas, a boy who gets sent through a box to a strange place known as “the Glade.”

All the boys in the Glade cannot remember anything about who they were before the Glade or how they got there. The Glade is surrounded by a giant maze, and specific boys run through the maze every day in order to find a way out of the Glade and back to the real world (hence the title). The story essentially focuses on Thomas and what he experiences in the Glade.

Courtesy of 20th Century Fox “The Maze Runner” stars Dylan O’ Brien as Thomas Glade.

For everyone out there that automatically hates this movie because it’s another “dumb teen series movie,” you will be surprised. The movie is filled with action-packed scenes

and suspenseful moments that will make you jump out of your seat. Plus, the movie does not feature romance, which is something that teen authors always seem to add

in their very first book of a series. This gives the movie a new twist compared to other teen movies that can sometimes make on-screen romances look like Anna and Hans in the beginning of “Frozen.”

Yet, the movie’s suspenseful moments and dramatic scenes take away some of the plot and make the film’s pace a lot faster than the pace in the book. Of course, this makes sense because it’s nearly impossible to make a film 100 percent true to the book, but the pace seemed too rushed. This makes the film a tad confusing because of all the terms the boys use and the characteristics in the glade that people might not understand unless they read the book.

It all comes down to the

fact that usually dominates movies made from books: if you have not read the book, you’ll enjoy the movie a lot more than someone who has.

more suspense and drama to the movie. However, the film does keep the majority of major events that happen in the book; it just makes them out of order and more rushed.

Since the series is a “The movie is trilogy, one can assume filled with actionthat they will continue to make more movies. packed scenes The ending does lead and suspenseful up to a sequel, and it moments that will will be interesting to see make you jump out if they make the entire series last that long, and of your seat.” if they do, will the last book be split in two like almost every teen series If you’re someone that loves since “Harry Potter”? Dylan “The Maze Runner” series, O’ Brian does do a great job then the movie might make of looking attractive throughyou angry. (Spoiler Alert!) out the entire movie, but it all The film changes everything comes down to the box office from the grievers to the end- numbers and the fans of the ing itself so that it can add series.

Local music hotshot does it all in his new project, Silver Ships Jessica Salazar @jsalaza1

Chazz Bessette writes, sings, plays piano, guitar and bass, and is the heart and creator of the musical project Silver Ships. Silver Ships, like a lot of music now, is hard to place in one category. Bessette calls his music independent, local rock.

Bessette lives in Austin and has gained much experience both playing in different bands and at different venues.

Bessette is inspired by The Beatles, Harry Nilsson, Zeus and The Band. The influence of these musical favorites clearly comes across in the songs. Silver Ships seems a perfectly appropriate name.

The music of Silver Ships flows smoothly. It is never jarring or disruptive but rather comforting and melodic. Sil-

ver Ships is easily listened to while driving or at home.

The music of Silver Ships is a simple combination of guitar, bass, piano and drums.

With Silver Ships, Bessette

music is that it’s timeless and so full of heart, the songs are easily relatable, irresistibly catchy,” Naomi Cherie, a member of Lucy The Poodle productions, said.

“The music of Silver Ships is a simple combination of guitar, bass, piano and drums. With Silver Ships, Bessette has got the combo just right; the music is memorable and leaves you humming for days.” has got the combo just right; the music is memorable and leaves you humming for days.

Listening to the debut LP “Songs From A Room that Never Moves” is relaxing and enjoyable.

“What I love about Chazz’s

Some song lyrics have simple messages about friendship while others move into deeper emotions. The song “I Believe In Love” speaks not just of believing in love but seeing love in the world.

There are numerous ways to

become familiar with Silver Ships music, such as through Youtube, Facebook, or Twitter. The music video for “I Believe in Love” can really give people a feeling of who Chazz Bessette is.

Watching the video lets people see Bessette’s skill with many instruments and his deep passion for music.

Silver Ships will be playing soon at the official CD release party. Everyone will be welcome to come 7:30 p.m. at Holy Mountain, located at 617 East 7th St. The music is all written and recorded by Bessette; however, during live performances, he will be accompanied by Patrick White, Robert Willis on bass, Josh Johnson on keyboard and Jason Morris on guitar.

“He makes great music, he writes it and then they work so well together. It’s wonder-

Photo by Naomi Cherie Chazz Bessette of the Silver Ships calls his music local rock.

ful to watch,” Suki Moler, a University of Texas graduate who has been to a few shows, said.

Whether Silver Ships is new listening or familiar, this band is definitely worth adding to the playlist.

LIFE & ARTS 9

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

First lady justifies, celebrates fashion through education Johana Carrizales @prabalyjohana

Fashion continues to be an industry that is not taken as a serious profession.

There is a misconception that trying to pursue a career in this area is “unattainable” and a “waste of time,” but on Oct. 8, the White House sponsored the first ever Fashion Education Workshop hosted by first lady Michelle Obama as a form of advocating higher education and establishing fashion as a real business.

The five-hour event brought world-renowned American fashion designers, magazine editors, industry leaders and fashion technologists to mentor, motivate and create a network between college and high school students from New York, Washington, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

According to an online Lucky Magazine article, White House Social Secretary of State Jeremy Bernard said, “the purpose of this event is to bring members of the fashion industry to the White House and enlighten, educate and mentor the next generation of fashion leaders.”

Students will be able to see what it takes to succeed in the fashion industry as well as how important it is for this generation to commit to their education.

The Fashion Education Workshop consisted of a variety of workshops on design, marketing, and networking as well as a panel discussion with Prabal Gurung, Reed Krakoff, Maria Cornejo, Bibhu Mohapatra, Jimmy Choo and Naeem Khan.

Gurung said in a interview with Fashion Times, who has

TOPPER TATS Handwritten lyric represents flexible definition of ‘home’ Cassie Cotton @cassie_cotton

Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT Michelle Obama speaks of the worth of fashion education.

personally designed for the first lady, said "The Fashion Education Workshop being held at the White House is definitely exciting, aiming to lift up the opportunities for education within the fashion industry it goes to show the level of prestige that American design has accomplished, both as an art and as an industry."

Obama has been a huge support for the fashion industry.

The first lady spoke about the importance of education in the business of fashion at the new opening of the Costume Institute for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The institute is named after Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, concluding that “fashion is a business and an art.”

More recently, as her sixth year as the honorary patron

for the National Design Awards on Sept. 30, Obama honored Narciso Rodriguez for his work in womenswear .

She even mentioned how grateful she was that he choose design as his career path instead of a becoming a doctor or a lawyer.

Greatly admiring the creative minds of women and men, Obama also hosted A Celebration of Design dinner after the Fashion Education Workshop.

She did this to honor some her favorite designers like Jason Wu, who has designed her inaugural gowns, Thom Browne, Diane von Furstenberg and Thakoon Panichgul.

With events like the Fashion Education Workshop and the support of Obama (and future first ladies), fashion is slowly becoming a more open environment for new designers and creativity.

Tattoos are the rawest form of human expression; they are the physical representation of a current state of being.

Although the beauty of a tattoo is extremely important, the meaning behind the piece is the most significant aspect. No matter how ugly it is, if a tattoo has meaning, each time you look at it, you will be filled with the memories of the tattoo.

That is exactly how I feel about my first tattoo. I got a geometric cat on my ribs in June as a sort of spur-of-themoment decision.

It would appear strange to a lot of people, but to me it brings up memories of my best friend and I driving home after a weekend away.

On the drive home, we came to the realization that we would both be leaving for college in a few months and didn’t know when we would see each other again.

We had discussed getting our tattoos together since we first met doing a project over the chemistry of tattoos, so we did. That night, we both got geometric tattoos.

My silly cat tattoo may not mean anything to anyone else, but to me it’s a reminder of our friendship and all the fun we had in high school.

Three months later, I got the itch to get another tattoo. Many people can attest to the fact that tattoos are addicting. Once you have one, all you’ll think about is your next, and anything could be a potential tattoo idea. In my case, however, I put more thought into my second tattoo than the first.

The two lines on my back read “Home is wherever I’m with you” in my mother’s handwriting. This tattoo means more to me than I could ever say in words. The line itself comes from the song “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic

Zeros; it epitomizes my struggle with being an expat kid and never having a set home. The band is one of my favorites, “Home” being my least favorite song however. This tattoo reminds me of how hard my mom worked to make sure each new house felt like home.

The process of getting a tattoo is what I get asked about the most. “Did it hurt?” is the common question. Of course it hurt.

Some people with tattoos will lie to you and say they didn’t feel it, in which case they should see a doctor for potential nerve damage, because getting a tattoo is literally having a needle stab you millions of times to create a beautiful work of art.

Every second of pain is worth it in the end. Tattoos allow us to customize our skin to tell the unique stories of our lives. We already customize everything from cell phones to hair to cars; why not customize our bodies?

Photo by Amaia Valley Cassie Cotton shows off her new tattoo that symbolizes her struggle with moving around.

10 SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

Volleyball continues to dominate against competition James Stukes @stukeyy

Last season, St. Edward’s University’s women’s volleyball team started off sluggish with a 4-8 record in their first 12 matchups. This season has been a completely different story.

Coming off one of their best starts in the past few years, the Hilltoppers have an impressive record of 12-2, including a perfect 9-0 start.

The team captured a championship in Alaska at the Flint Hills Resources Nanook Classic.

A big part of the Hilltopper’s success thus far comes from the stellar play of junior Hannah Rauch. The 5’11 outside hitter, leads the

Photo by Amanda Markoe The volleyball team has been impressive so far this season.

team in points with a total of 169.5; 158 being kills. She also won the tournament

MVP at the Nanook Classic.

Invested time on the court this summer has played a pivotal role in Rauch’s success thus far.

“I worked a lot this summer on increasing my shots and getting better technically,” Rauch said. “I think those extra reps have given me a new confidence and if I get a set, I will put the ball away. Confidence is key for me.”

Rauch isn’t the only player on the team that feels confidence is key. Teammate, Kelly Jimenez, who leads the team in digs with averaging almost close to six per set (5.74), feels the same exact way.

“This year we have this confidence on the court that keeps us going steady towards our team goals,”

Jimenez said. “It is a huge factor in our wins this year. Not many teams have the luxury that we do. You can look to any of our players to carry us through a game. We expect a lot from each other, and expect a lot from this season.”

Head Coach Sean Donahue couldn’t be more proud of his team’s effort this season.

“We are half way through and (12)-2,” Donahue said.

“So I feel we are off to a great start. The team’s ability to focus on what’s important now has sparked the great start.”

As for his team’s strengths and weaknesses, he feels it can play an important role in how the team will finish.

“Our strength is we have a lot of experience,” Donahue said. “The only thing that can

be a weakness is we have to stay healthy.”

Seniors Mary Koehler and

battling a lower back injury.

As for other injuries, freshman outside hitter Madison McClurg tore her ACL while playing “The attitude of this against Newman University. Prior to her team has changed injury, McClurg was also a major factor in radically to a the team’s success. In more positive and just six games played, she managed to have confident one.”

47 kills.

But injuries will not Junior Hannah Rauch alter the goals for the team.

“The attitude of this Amy Jones, who are second team has changed radically to and fourth in points, respec- a more positive and confident tively, bring experience and one,” Rauch said. “Our main are factors of the team’s suc- goal this year is to make it not cess. As for the players stay- just to the conference tournaing healthy, Jones is one of ment but the NCAA tournathe players who is currently ment as well.”

ATHLETE PROFILE

Leib wins third straight award, leads team in shutouts, saves Caitlin Laughlin @cnlaughlin

St. Edward’s University’s men’s soccer goalie Kevin Leib has been a standout player for his team, earning his third consecutive Heartland Conference Defensive Player of the Week award.

As a goalkeeper, Lieb has proven himself more than worthy of these honors with a season total of six shutouts, nine saves alone against tough regional competitor Midwestern State, helping lead the team to their current record of 9-21, and a perfect 4-0 in the Heartland Conference.

Leib attributes his prestigious awards to his teammates.

“The defense has done a fantastic job and they are the main reason why I have (six) shutouts,” he said.

He also concluded that the award is not only his success, but one that required the whole team.

“I feel like this is more of a team award because without the handwork of every individual on the field, I don’t think I could have won this award (three consecutive weeks),” he said.

His teammates share in his accomplishments this season and are equally as happy to see that the hard work Lieb put in over the summer has allowed him to step up and fill an important position that was left by their previous keeper.

Photo by Bruce Leib Kevin Leib recorded his sixth shutout of the season in conference game on Oct. 13 against Rogers State University.

“Kevin has been great for us this season; he has done exactly what has been expected from him and more,” teammate Coleton Stymiest said. “I have no doubt that Kevin will continue to get the awards he has been get-

ting and will eventually become a leader of the team in the future.”

While Lieb has helped the team to make strides this season, it has been no easy task for this double finance and accounting major

who is currently enrolled in 18 hours. However, while traveling for games may be taxing on all of the players, balancing school and soccer is something he has been able learn over his years as a player.

Part of this balance comes from strong preparation in the off season, which Head Coach Brian Young attests to.

“He took the summer to get himself in very good shape and has sharpened his game in several areas,” Young said. “Kevin prepared himself well over the last two seasons and it is paying off for him now."

As the team looks towards the playoff season, Lieb believes his main role will be

in making big saves to keep them in the game.

However, it is the guidance of the seniors who will carry their momentum forward.

“I firmly believe that the leadership of our four seniors (Coleton Stymiest, Andrew Fox, Sam Burns, Danny Riley) will play the biggest role in helping our team advance to playoffs,” Lieb said.

Having an overall balanced team as well as a strong goalkeeper will only help, according to teammate Sam Burns.

“It’s great for the team to have a good goalkeeper and defense, as it allows us to win more games,” Burns said.

SPORTS 11

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

St. Edward’s tennis duo finish seventh in national tournament came up just short of a comeback attempt on Oct. 9. @Amanda620DG Bake and Pineda were takJunior Felix Bake and reding on the second-seeded shirt freshman Ricardo Pinedoubles team from Lynn da were the first St. Edward’s University. Lynn would won University tennis duo to win the final three games of the the Intercollegiate Tennis first set, winning 6-3.

Association (ITA) Regional Rallying in the secChampionship title since ond set, Bake and 2005.

Piñeda found their The two were down 4-1 stride and dominated, “It’s really exciting in the start, but caught fire, finishing with a 6-1 for us. It (was) the making multiple clutch shots set win. It set a showfirst time for me to that led to an 8-5 victory. down for a super set With that win, Pineda and tiebreaker. go to nationals...”

Bake earned the ITA RegionIn the tiebreaker, al Championship title and a the first team to reach Junior Felix Bake spot at the 2014 ITA Small 10 points would be College National Championdeclared the winner. ships held Oct. 9-12 in SumLynn quickly took a ter, South Carolina.

4-1 lead, but the HillBoth men played competi- players in the country and toppers battled back, bringtive tennis for over 10 years, has a great sense of position- ing the score to within one, training all throughout their ing himself. Ricardo is a re- 7-6. However, their rally teenage years at various acad- ally good freshman who is would fall short, and Lynn emies and sessions. very energized. I think they took the set 10-8, winning “It’s really exciting for us. It will do great in the upcoming the game. (was) the first time for me go- spring season as well.”

The two competed in a coning to nationals, and only the During the first round of solation semifinals on Oct. third team in (St. Edward’s) nationals, the doubles team 10, against Lewis University.

Starting slow, St. Edward's ended up losing the first set 6-2. However, another rally occurred as Bake and Pineda secured three-straight wins to even the match at a set apiece.

However, in the tiebreaker, St. Edward's lost, 10-7.

In the end, Bake and Piñeda earned the team a national seventh place finish.

With the fall season officially over, the men’s tennis team will play next on Feb. 7, when they host Texas Lutheran.

“My number one goal is to maintain St. Edward’s as a top team in the nation and a top team in the conference,” Strecker said. “Other team goals are to win conference and be in the top four of our Region to advance to NationCourtesy of Felix Bake The team finished their fall season and don’t play until Feb. 7. als.”

Amanda Gonzalez

history to go to nationals,” Bake said.

Head Coach Estevam Strecker is proud of the teamwork both players show.

“They complement each other very well,” he said. “Felix is one of the best doubles

Rugby team looking to win state, national championship Julian Chicoine @julianchicoine

This year’s rugby team looks to grow on last season’s success, which included winning a state championship.

“We have achieved so much as a team these past four years and that is because we have always expected the best out of ourselves.

We set high goals and spend the whole season working towards those goals,” Junior Club President Richard Alanis said.

The team is already off to a great start, beating notable Division I schools.

The rugby team is coming off a successful outing as they defended their title at the Heart of Texas Tournament, going 4-0, including beating Baylor University in the championship game by a score of 19-12. It was extra sweet to some players because Baylor handed the team a tough loss in a friendly scrimmage earlier this year.

One of the reasons for the rugby team’s success is because they stay loose before games and try to enjoy it as much as possible.

“We have a chant before games where we are in the middle of the pitch and we all chant ‘SIEG BOCK’,” sophomore Pablo Nasta said.

When a team is competing for a national championship, it takes strong leaders to keep that goal on track. This year’s squad is led by Captain Luis Zaragoza and Vice Captain Alec “Wisconsin” Forrer. With enough experience to compete with the best of the rugby teams in the nation, this team looks

Courtesy of Club Rugby SEU’s Facebook The rugby team won the Heart of Texas Tournament, again.

to compete to win it all.

“This year we have a lot of newcomers who want to contribute to our rugby team’s recent success. Coming off of a deep playoff run last year, we want to return to the playoffs and leave as the best in the nation this

ing it everything he had just like you. The bonds I have built with some of the guys the past couple years has been the most worthwhile aspect of being a member of this club,” Alanis said.

This team is able to stay so close because they are able to have a good time while playing well “This year we have a against oppolot of newcomers who nents.

“As a team we want to contribute all have differto our rugby team’s ent methods of getting ready recent success.” but we all have a good time.

Sophmore Zac Silverman I listen to my favorite Red Hot Chili Peptime around,” player Zac pers song, Californication. I Silverman said. then proceed to watch funny Besides winning a cham- youtube videos to lighten pionship this team’s main up. On the way to the game, goal is to become closer as a I always listen to Three Days team while also continuing Grace,” Nasta said. to grow as a team.

As a unit this team looks “You play better when to make all it’s opponents you can truly trust the guy fear the goat. To see more standing next to you on the about this year’s team check field. You play harder for out their Facebook page or someone when you know he follow them on Twitter @ was out there in practice giv- SEURFC.

12 SPORTS SPORTS CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

When life handed him lemons, Lemons made life Rachael Hyde @rachael_hyde

Weekly sport events for: Thurs. 10/16 - Tues. 10/21

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Thurs. 10/16 | 7:00 p.m. vs. St. Mary’s University @ San Antonio

SOFTBALL Fri. 10/17 | 5:00 p.m.

Texas State University @ San Marcos, TX

RUGBY Fri. 10/17 | 7:00 p.m. vs. University of Texas at Austin @ Austin

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Sat. 10/18 | 1:00 p.m.

Texas A&M Int’l @ Laredo, TX

MEN’S SOCCER

Andy Lemons, director of campus recreation, was one deposit away from being a lawyer.

In the midst of completing his BA in History at the University of Texas at Austin, Lemons had various law school options around the country. However, he had spent 30-40 hours per week working at UT RecSports as an intramural official and building supervisor. Before accepting admission, his boss asked him: “What have you done in your free time to prepare for law school?

And how much time have you spent in the Rec Sports program?”

“I had never considered Campus Recreation as a career, but having my boss take

the time to ask me and present collegiate recreation and student affairs as a viable career path really opened my eyes to this career,” Lemons said. “I never could be a coach, and certainly wasn’t going to be a professional athlete. However, providing recreational and fitness programs for the students at the college level was something that appealed to me.”

Lemons, born in the Blue Ridge Mountains in rural Virginia, moved to Texas in fifth grade, where he grew up playing every sport he could think of, including basketball and baseball.

“When I was in fourth grade, I was pitching and hit my best friend in the face with a wild pitch,” Lemons said. “When I saw his face gushing blood, I decided baseball wasn’t for me.”

Arriving to St. Edward’s University in 2009, Lemons saw an opportunity to build a Campus Recreation program from the ground up.

Both an exciting but challenging task, Lemons has helped grow the program.

Intramural offerings includes numerous leagues and tournaments per semester, GroupX Fitness classes offers 28 fitness classes per week and personal training over 50 clients per year.

There are now over 20 club sports, which have over 200 students participating. The revitalization of the UFCU Alumni Gym offers more room to conduct these activities, as well as just recreation for the St. Edward’s community. The student staff has also grown from six to over 60.

“Andy is a great boss and

Courtesy of St. Edward’s Campus Recreation Lemons enjoys listening to Pearl Jam when not working.

is so passionate about this school and program,” Recreation and Convocation

Center staff worker Lauren Zambrano said. “He really cares about the students.”

For Lemons, the motivation is raising awareness of an active lifestyle.

“Studies show that students who are physically active perform better in the classroom, graduate on time and retain in the institution at a higher rate that those who do not,” he said.

Though students come to St. Edward’s for education, education is not limited to the classroom. Rather, education can come through taking care of physical fitness for the rest of one’s life.

“If someone’s first yoga class was in our GroupX program, and they fall in love with yoga, then we hope they will continue to practice yoga for the rest of their lives,” Lemons said.

Sat. 10/18 | 1:00 p.m. vs. Midwestern State University @ Austin

NBA season set to tip off, Lebron on mission to win

WOMEN’S GOLF

Lauren Zambrano

Mon. 10/20 | All Day Sonoma State Invitational @ Rohnert Park, Calif.

@lozambrano

MEN’S GOLF Mon. 10/20 | All Day Midwestern Invitational @ Wichita Falls, TX

WOMEN’S GOLF Tues. 10/21 | All Day Sonoma State Invitational @ Rohnert Park, Calif.

MEN’S GOLF Tues. 10/21 | All Day Midwestern Invitational @ Wichita Falls, TX

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Tues. 10/21 | 7:00 p.m. vs. Tarleton State University @ Stephenville, TX

Mark your calendars toppers, the big tip-off for NBA 2014-2015 season starts on Oct. 28. Defending champion, San Antonio Spurs will host in-state rival Dallas Mavericks.

After big trades were made throughout the offseason, there’s much debate as to how the NBA season will start out.

The Western Conference and Eastern Conference teams are preparing hard to reach one goal in which they all want, that NBA championship ring.

LeBron James recently went back to his home state of Ohio, after playing on the Miami Heat for four seasons. In Miami, he went to the NBA Finals all four

Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon Journal/MCT The San Antonio spurs kick off the new season on Oct. 28.

years, winning two championships. He certainly stirred up a lot of commotion when he left the Cleveland Cavaliers to go to south beach.

Between the media and so many fans either loving the change or hating it, he made

most headlines on all sports shows this past summer.

Then there are teams like the San Antonio Spurs.

Regardless of the media, and fans, as viewing them as old, they had one heck of a year. Small recap of this

past summer includes them going up against the Miami Heat in the finals, one of the biggest rematches for all fans viewing.

The only difference between this past summer is the final outcome in which the Spurs defeated the Heat in an intense series 4-1.

Now they have their whole team back together plus new additions like Austin Daye.

Junior Scott Hammel predicts the Spurs will do a repeat and win this year.

“We added Becky Haman who was the first female assistant coach into the league, plus the (current) great coaching staff, leading to another Spurs championship,” Hammel said.

However, sophomore Dominque Pearson thinks the Warriors will take the victory because of players

like Stephen Curry.

“They’ve improved a lot, some of their players have made the USA team and their techniques will be different due to the new coaching this year,” Pearson said.

With even more teams improving and coming back better than ever, it’s not easy to tell who will take next year’s trophy. Junior Mike Rubbo is with Hammel on the Spurs.

“The Spurs are the favorites since the only team that could beat them was the Heat, but the Heat no longer exist,” Rubbo said. “The Cavs are going to need a season to get comfortable playing with each other.”

Plenty of students will be watching the NBA season, and only time will tell who is standing alone in June with a championship.

VIEWPOINTS 13

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

OUR VIEW Students rightfully upset with St. Edward’s escalating tuition Every 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.

Tuition increase is a necessary evil for St. Edward’s University. While it is unfortunate that tuition will be higher next year, students should celebrate that the tuition increase will be 6 percent — 2.5 percent lower than the previous year’s increase.

The price of living in Austin in general is rising; therefore, it makes sense that the price of attending St. Edward’s, which is located in a popular area of the city, is also rising.

Because of the high demand for housing in Austin, neighborhoods are developing and property is becoming more valuable. This means higher property taxes and a higher cost of living.

It only makes sense that the cost of services the university utilizes should rise.

Students, along with the whole Austin community, must pay higher bills for utilities, food and housing.

As students at St. Edward’s, we enjoy manicured lawns, unlimited printing, clean residence halls and free visits to the Health and Counseling Center.

Professors here are enthusiastic and passionate about teaching, and they sincerely care about our educational and personal lives. Frequent free campus events like Hillfest also serve as perks of attending an expensive university.

These perks of attending a a private university come at a cost, but students should expect this when they choose to attend St. Edward’s.

Much of the tuition rise can be reasoned, and while many students are not satisfied with the yearly tuition increases, the rising cost should

Another example is the Recreation and Convocation Center. Students need a place to be active. The Alumni Gym renovations have given students a place for intramural games and practices, but not to lift weights or use other gym equipment.

With a record number of new freshmen admitted, it is questionable that the Board of “While it is Trustees is acknowlunfortunate that St. edging what the stuEdward’s tuition will dents need. Campus Ministry has been increase next year, given a new home secstudents should ond only to the Munday Library. However, celebrate that the diversity is a large part rise in tuition will of St. Edwards and no be 2.5 percent lower talk of a new campus Mosque has come than the previous about.

The Board of Trustyear. ” ees is meeting needs; focusing on buildings like Andre and the RCC, students often be expected. question whose needs are beWhat many students have ing met. advocated for is a four-year To deal with the necessary locked-in tuition rate. rising cost of tuition, stuMany students have also dents should seek financial requested more transparency assistance through scholarso they can see exactly where ships and grants. To meet their tuition dollars go. those requirements, the enStudents look at places like dowment must increase. the Recreation and Convoca“The larger your endowtion Center and Andre Hall ment, the less pressure there and question if their money is on tuition,” Vice President is being put to good use. of Financial Affairs Kim Andre Hall has asbestos Kvaal said. and no drinkable water.

Kvaal also serves as the “I’ll do anything to keep staff resource to the Board of parents from coming to An- Trustees. dre,” Bill Kennedy, a profesIn 2013, St. Edward’s ensor of photocommunications dowment was $82,658,955, whose office is in the Arts according to U.S. News and Building, said.

World Report.

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14 VIEWPOINTS

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Goucher College’s admission offers step in the right direction Rachael Davari @RachaelDavari

Goucher College, a liberal arts university located near Baltimore, is experimenting with a new admissions tactic.

Rather than requiring applicants to send high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores, they are only asking for “two pieces of work.”

One of these must be a graded writing assignment from high school, the other a two-minute video. The university hopes that this will open opportunities for students who were unable to express their true potential through standardized testing and academic competition.

This will really open doors for those with dyslexia and ones who are simply not competitive by nature. Something

Courtesy of Don Bartletti/Los Angeles Times Goucher College now provides more options than standard SAT and ACT scores for admission

the current education system seems to neglect is the fact that people learn differently.

Whether they are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners, we tend to only cater to one

learning style at a time.

This new process of admissions is a step in the right

direction towards personalizing the education system.

This provides a face-to-face interaction between the applicant and counselor which is much more like real-world job interviews. If this new form of admissions ends up admitting equally or more capable students, then this could really change the way universities admit applicants nationwide. However, this tactic is not suitable for all universities, as it benefits the arts the most (communication majors, for example).

Sciences and mathematics tend to require a more standardized precision.

In the past, students have complained that they were dealt an unfair hand compared to those who attended easier high schools and those who made it into the top 10

percent of their class because fewer people attended their school. Each high school has its own difficulty level; it may be more difficult to make the top 20 percent in a certain school than it would be to make the top 10 percent at a different school.

The top 10 percent law in Texas creates a competitive environment among students, sometimes granting admission to the less qualified student.

Allowing students to truly express themselves and what they are capable of in the form of schoolwork and a video makes the admissions process more personable.

After all, the SAT and ACT only test how good students are at taking those tests. They are not accurate representations of one’s intelligence.

Students fight for fast food in a push for more dining choices Rachael Davari @Rachael Davari

The workers of Bon Appétit are constantly striving to satisfy student’s wants. But maybe they need to try a little less hard by serving more traditional dishes that everyone is comfortable and familiar with.

While there is a pasta bar that serves the same pasta every night, they could serve pasta as the main dish some nights. For example, one night they could have fresh spaghetti with meatballs, and cheese tortellini or pesto pasta with sun dried tomatoes for vegetarians. If you have a suggestion of your own, don’t hesitate to fill out one of the comment cards located in the dining halls.

Bon Appétit tries to imple-

ment feasible ideas, especially when they receive enough comments about it. The reason we have bean and cheese

food or franchise restaurant like many other universities have would be ideal. Even having food trucks come

“As the student body has expressed time and time again, opening an on-campus fast food franchise restaurant like many other universities would be ideal. Even having food trucks come to campus would be great.” tacos is because it was suggested by one student.

As the student body has expressed time and time again, opening an on-campus fast

to campus would be great.

Many have argued that we should both support and utilize alumni-owned restaurants such as Cabo Bob’s and

Hey Cupcake! by having one on campus in replacement of The Huddle.

The issue with this is the contract Bon Appétit has with the university, which restricts anyone (student or business), from selling food, even candy, within a certain perimeter of the dining halls.

This does leave some room for food trucks to come to campus as long as they remain a certain number of yards away from Ragsdale Center and Hunt Hall.

There have been kolache food trucks on campus before, which have parked next to the Main Building on weekends. However, having third parties come to campus and compete with Bon Appétit would create competition and cause Bon Appétit to lose business. This is the

biggest reason the university hasn’t jumped on the idea of having food trucks or res-

taurants come to campus, as business offers have been rumored.

Courtesy of Jason Jiron used under Creative Commons

Wes Hurt, a graduate of St. Edward’s, founded Hey Cupcake! in 2007.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM

Close-knit culture of Sierra Leone sacrificed to combat Ebola Rosemond Crown @RosemondCrown

The rapidly increasing death toll in West Africa is horrendous, but the emotional effect the Ebola epidemic is having on people in the nation of Sierra Leone and on Sierra Leoneans living abroad is almost equally horrifying.

One woman, Alakeh Osei, a bank teller in Freetown, described the nation’s capital as a ghost town.

“Everyone is scared to be out of their houses. No one is going to church or mosque, no one is going to work, the kids are not going to school, people are not even going to the market place. I don’t know how we are surviving.

The city looks like it has been abandoned. I miss the old Freetown,” she said.

For a nation with a culture that is heavily reliant on physical contact and very close interaction, having to follow the “no touching” rule that medical personnel are promoting is extremely difficult.

Growing up in Freetown, Sierra Leone, I was part of the close-knit culture typical of Sierra Leone and of West Africa in general. I was born in the Port-Loko province of Sierra Leone toward the

end of the brutal civil war in 1995. Both my parents were police officers, which made them targets for the rebels that were ravaging the country. When I was 4, my parents won an immigration lottery for two and moved to Texas without me. It was necessary that they do this because it was the only hope of getting our family out of the country in case of another civil uproar.

I stayed in Sierra Leone’s capital city of Freetown with my aunt for the next nine years.

During those years that my parents were in the U.S., they took every chance to bring me over.

In 2008, I was finally awarded a visa by the United States. I moved to live with my parents that summer at the age of 13. This move was the scariest thing I have ever done in my life. I had never felt fear and excitement in such equal amounts before.

I was excited to finally meet these people that brought me into this world, but I was scared because essentially, I was flying across the globe to live with complete strangers.

For about three months, I refused to make myself at home. What I felt was true fear.

My parents had two sons in Texas before I moved there.

They had been anticipating

culture made me yearn for the African culture I grew up in, a culture where your problem is everyone’s problem, where every woman is your mother and every man your father, where your neighbors share in the burdens of your heart, where you are never alone, because everyone is family and family is all around you.

There was never a time growing up when I was alone. There were always cousins, neighbors and friends around. Everyone was family and personal space was unheard of.

Courtesy of Robyn Dixon/Los Angeles Times/MCT This is the Sierra Leone The U.S. may send up to 4,000 soldiers to help with the crisis. that I know and love. the arrival of their big sister I was called monkey, preAs I call family members and, when I finally arrived, historic and uncivilized. I still living in Freetown, where they treated me like they had was asked extremely ignorant the virus is not yet rampant, I known me all of their lives. and offensive questions like sense the difficulty that they I spent that summer getting whether I was getting used to feel. adjusted to living with my wearing shoes since we don’t My aunt tells me that it new family, but I experienced wear shoes in Africa. People doesn’t feel like the same the greatest shock when I even spread rumors that I place. She says that people no finally started eighth grade had AIDS and was an AIDS longer share food or spend that fall. It was absolutely orphan. time at each other’s houses terrible. Teachers tried to be Besides all the cruelty of or even stand close to each extremely nice and consider- middle school children, other. ate of my obliviousness of the culture in America just Seeing this country that I American culture, but their seemed extremely cold to me. am madly in love with being niceness and consideration People were protective of turned into an isolated ghost quickly became insulting as their property and their space town is heartbreaking. they underestimated my in- and their time. The society “People are scared. They telligence because I was the seemed extremely individu- are really afraid. They are not new kid from Africa. alistic. sure what actions could put The kids were even worse.

Experiencing this type of them at risk. Freetown has

HILLTOP VIEWS Print Editor-in-Chief Jacob Sanchez Online Editor-in-Chief Lyanne Guarecuco Copy Chief Jenna Jaco

become Fear-town,” Osei tells me.

Though the government has put in place a lot of measures to educate its citizens about the disease, how it is contracted, preventative measures to take and the medical help available, the people of Sierra Leone believe it is insufficient.

There are 16 to 20 different languages in Sierra Leone, but the sensitization seminars and advertisements that the government has been putting in place have mostly been in English or the main traditional language, Krio.

That leaves a huge portion of Sierra Leoneans feeling uninformed.

As a result of feeling in the dark, the people have turned to isolation to stay Ebolafree.

The government implemented a three-day lockdown to combat the virus.

After the lockdown ended, terrified people are asking the government for a longer lockdown.

Seeing how people are willing to sacrifice such an important part of their culture to combat the virus shows how desperate they are.

“It’s very sad,” Osei says.

“Ebola has turned us into prisoners in our own country.”

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