April 1, 2022

April 1, 2022 | thewichitan.com |Real Students. Real Stories. | Vol. 86 No. 12

GAMING: Pg 4

MSU unveiled gaming lounge for esports team.

NEWS: Pg 3

10 mass communication students represented MSU Texas at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Conference. MSU won 11 live contest awards and 30 awards for previously submitted work.

ENTERTAINMENT: Pg 9

“Bridgerton” season 2 is a must watch.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: Pg 6-7

ESPAÑOL: Pg 10

STANG STORIES: Pg 12

The Wichitan highlights MSU women.

“Demon Slayer: Infinity Train” es emocional.

Sarah Fidler has a passion for helping people.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

@WichitanOnline

@wichitanonline

@TheWichitan

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April 1, 2022 Contest Winner | News | Gaming | Women’s History Month | Entertainment | Español | Stang Stories

E DI TOR I A L

Spring break The semester is coming to an end and

finals are getting closer. An important re-

minder for those returning next semester, get your advising done!

The dates to register for classes are as

follows:

April 4-5 – Graduates, Post-baccalau-

reates, Seniors and Honors

#WICHITANSPRING SPRING BREAK PHOTO WINNER The Wichitan hosted a Spring Break photo contest on our social media platforms from March 13-19. Congratulations to our winner:

Felix Bohn

April 6-7 – Juniors

April 8-11 – Sophomores April 12-13 – Freshmen

The time to register is approaching,

and you don’t want to wait. Make sure to get all your holds lifted for a smooth registration process.

—————————————————

El semestre está llegando a su fin y

los exámenes finales están cada vez más cerca. Un recordatorio importante para aquellos que regresan el próximo semestre, ¡hagan su asesoramiento!

Las fechas para registrarse son las

siguientes:

4 y 5 de abril – Graduados, Posgrados,

Estudiantes de último año y Honores

6 y 7 de abril – Estudiantes de cuarto

año

8 y 11 de abril – Estudiantes de segun-

do año

12 y 13 de abril – Estudiantes de primer

año

Se acerca el momento de registrarse y

no quieren esperar. Asegúrense de cumplir

todos los requisitos necesarios para un proceso de registro sin problemas.

Vol. 86 | No. 12 Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

PHOTO COURTESY OF FELIX BOHN

Finance senior and Tau Kappa Epsilon president Felix Bohn skiing in Taos, New Mexico.

Editor in Chief: Stephanie Robledo Design Editor: Omar Combie Photography Editor: Colin Stevenson Business Manager: Abigail Jones Social Media Manager: Rebekah Gardner Section Editors: Joseph Nelson, Thalía Doe Issue Staff: Felix Bohn, Javier Contreras, Natalie Cook, Lizbeth James, Keza Muvunyi, Nicole Vacío, Cecil Witherspoon Advisor: Jonathon Quam

Copyright ©2022.

First copy free. Additional copies $1.00 each.

The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication.

Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University.

The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

April 1, 2022 Contest Winner | News | Gaming | Women’s History Month | Entertainment | Español | Stang Stories

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AN IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE! MSU wins 41 awards at Texas Intercollegiate Press Association conference

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

The TIPA live contest competitors hold their awards alongside the director’s cup, March 26.

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Interim dean Jim Sernoe receives the director’s cup for MSU winning the most awards in the live competitions, March 26.

THE WICHITAN STAFF

From March 23-26, 10 mass communication students represented MSU Texas at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association conference. The students particpated in live contests, workshops and the award ceremony. MSU took home 41 awards including the Director’s Cup, a trophy awarded to the school who won the most points in the live contests.

Awards for Live Contests First place awards 1) Magazine Design: Omar Combie 2) Yearbook Design: Omar Combie 3) News Photo: Colin Stevenson

Second place awards

1) Television Sports Writing: Brandon Cerda 2) Television Advertising: Corby Chaney 3) Television Announcing/Spanish: Thalia Doe Bravo 4) Radio News Writing: Marissa Salinas 5) Critical Review: Stephanie Robledo

Third place awards

1) Television Advertising: Jennifer Estrada-Salinas

Honorable mentions

1) Headline writing: Omar Combie 2) Newspaper design: Omar Combie

Awards for Previously Published Content First place awards 1) Website Design: Omar Combie, Abigail Jones, Amos Perkins and Stephanie Robledo 2) Documentary: Gasmyne Cox, Randi Heaton, Alexis Martin and Jeromy Stacy 3) Newspaper Feature Page Design: Abigail Jones 4) In-Depth Reporting: Ellie Mahan and Bridget Reilly; 5) Video News Reporting: Dakota Mize 6) Video News Package: Miranda Salinas 7) News Photo: Colin Stevenson 8) Sports Action Photo: Colin Stevenson 9) Editorial Cartoon: Dallas Wabbington

Second place awards 1) Literary Magazine Design: Ashton Bayliss, Meredith Berend, Jane Browning and

Stephanie Robledo 2) Environmental Portrait: Ryan Clayton 3) Video News Reporting: Omar Combie 4) Overall Newspaper Design: Omar Combie and Abigail Jones 5) Video Advertising: Gerrant Guiste and Miranda Salinas 6) Breaking News Photo: Abigail Jones 7) Video Feature Reporting: Miranda Salinas 8) Sports Feature Photo: Colin Stevenson 9) Newspaper Sports Page Design: Omar Combie 10) Overall Excellence - Newspaper: The Wichitan

Third place awards 1) Sports Action Photo: Lauren Colpitts 2) Advertising Design: Omar Combie 3) Literary Magazine Cover Design: Hallie Diehl 4) Podcast: Jennifer Estrada-Salinas 5) Sports Reporting: Brayden Headrick 6) Newspaper Editorial Page Design: Abigail

Jones 7) Feature story: Khirstia Sheffield

Honorable mentions 1) Feature Photo: Ryan Clayton 2) Sports Reporting: Brayden Headrick 3) Advertising Design: Alexis Martin 4) Video Advertising: Jennifer EstradaSalinas and Marissa Salinas

Other notable achievements 1) Frank Buckley Scholarship: Stephanie Robledo 2) TIPA Logo Design Winner (2021): Omar Combie

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GAME ON

April 1, 2022 Contest Winner | News | Gaming | Women’s History Month | Entertainment | Español | Stang Stories

NEW GAMING LOUNGE OPENS IN LEGACY

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Gamers play “Rocket League” at the newly opened lounge, March 28.

JAVIER CONTRERAS REPORTER SU unveiled a new gaming lounge for the esports program and Stangs Gaming Club on March 28. MSU community members gathered in Legacy’s multipurpose room to celebrate and watch MSU’s varsity esports team play Rider High School’s varsity esports team in a game of Rocket League. Serious online gaming of this nature requires high-speed computers like the ones found in the new lounge.

Computers like these sell for a high price, and that can be a deterrent to students who want to game but can’t afford it. Zachary Zoet, esports and gaming coordinator, said that the gaming lounge is for students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to play.

“The gaming lounge is to help support our students that game either competitively or casually, to have like a hub to reduce those barriers because some students might not own gaming systems but are really into and interested in gaming but they’ve just had those barriers, whether that’s financial, or social or otherwise. Now they are going to have access to those things to explore different worlds of gaming and make friendships and connections,” Zoet

M

said.

In order to keep up with competitive gaming teams, MSU’s esports teams needs quality equipment.

That’s exactly what the gaming lounge consists of, 13 Alienware PCs and two televisions for console play or VOD, video-on-demand, review.

Obtaining this kind of expensive equipment is the financial barrier that Zoet mentioned. Up to 20 gamers can play at once and the Wi-Fi connection in the gaming lounge is exclusive, meaning only those using the gaming lounge have access to it.

“These are some beasts of computers up there with a dedicated internet connection and so that’s really to support our varsity teams in competing against other universities and representing us,” Zoet said.

MSU’s esports program and Stangs Gaming Club are relatively new to campus, having both been established only last semester. Zoet said the gaming lounge will provide an area in which the esports teams can hopefully flourish and will show people that MSU is as serious about its esports program as it is about any other program on campus.

“It lets us walk the walk of really supporting our varsity teams and also walking that walk of supporting all kinds of gamers,” Zoet said.

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON

Although this is only the second semester since the esports program and Stangs Gaming Club have been established, that doesn’t mean they haven’t grown. David Salinas, vice president of MSU Texas Esports, said even though the programs are still in their early stages they have already established themselves as legitimate campus organizations. Salinas also said that for him, gaming has always been a safe place and he is glad to finally be able to share that with other people.

“Gaming for me is kind of like my own little safe haven. It’s my escape from personal responsibilities whenever I need it. It’s my safe place, my safe haven and so getting to share that with other people means a lot to me,” Salinas said.

The gaming lounge is located on the fourth floor of Legacy Hall in the Esports and Gaming Living Learning Program. Esports team members and Stangs Gaming Club students have access to the lounge for free-play all day, but they do have to abide by a set schedule so that each team gets equal practice time. The team that has a scheduled time slot is the team that has rightful access to the lounge. Any student that wants to use the lounge can join the Stangs Gaming Club at any time. Kris Berry, computer engi-

The ribbon cutting was livestreamed on Twitch to allow those not able to attend in person to see the event, March 28.

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Head of the esports and gaming clubs Zachary Zoet talks before the ribbon cutting, noting the work made by many around MSU to bring the organizations to there they are today, March 28. neering freshman, said he is ecstatic for the new gaming lounge to be open. He also said that he thinks it is important for MSU to have things like the gaming lounge so that students can have more activities to do.

“Most of my generation makes friends on the internet due to CO-

VID and the fact that a lot of hangout places in small towns like this one, there are none. Half the mall is closed so you can’t go do that, like you know, stereotypical teenagers.

So yeah, this is going to help out a lot of people,” Berry said.

April 1, 2022 Contest Winner | News | Gaming | Women’s History Month | Entertainment | Español | Stang Stories

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STANGS GAMING CLUB CREATES MINECRAFT SERVER

BU I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y O N E BLO CK AT A T I M E CECIL WITHERSPOON REPORTER he Stangs Gaming Club has brought an opportunity for students to connect with one another through one of the most popular games of all time: Minecraft. The Club recently completed a monthslong process of gauging interest, surveying students and ironing out technical aspects to produce a Minecraft server designed to both attract new players and intrigue veterans of the game.

The server uses a modpack to enhance the regular or ‘vanilla’ Minecraft experience, which increases the server’s appeal to veteran Minecraft players like computer science sophomore Payton Cox. “Personally, I’ve been playing Minecraft for over 10 years now, so modded Minecraft was something somewhat important to me because I’ve played a lot of vanilla. I’ve ran multiple servers, and in vanilla, most people will play until you kill the Ender Dragon, and then they’re done. So, with a modpack, there’s more stuff to do, more enemies, more bosses, so it keeps people playing for longer,” Cox said.

T

The Gaming Club worked with university IT staff to set the server up and customize it to what students wanted from the server. Students voted at each stage of setup on options for modpacks. Rebekah Jones, PC and network lead technician, detailed the process.

“They knew they wanted a modded server. So, initially they were worried about Java versus Bedrock.

Well, you can’t really do Bedrock with modded right now, so that made the decision there. And then I kind of narrowed it down. I took suggestions on what they wanted, and nobody had a pack in mind. So, they just kind of listed mods that they wanted to play. So, I found a few that kind of fit that, and they voted on one and we got it up. But, it was a bit buggy,” Jones said.

After using the initial modpack the student community voted for, newer players to the game were struggling. At that point, another adjustment was in order.

“I think it wasn’t very accessible.

So, some of the newer players were having trouble with it. After that, they kind of took it back and found another one that they liked, and

that’s the one that we’ve stuck with,” Jones said.

With players settled into the current configuration of the server, Zachary Zoet, Esports and gaming coordinator, said he hopes to see the server connect students.

“More so than necessarily growing the gaming community, it’s finding people that are already in the gaming community that are a little bit adrift and haven’t quite found their friends here at MSU. Because chances are in any given classroom there’ll be two to three to four to five people that know Minecraft, have

PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY

played Minecraft, but have no idea that in this very classroom there are people that share that same passion for gaming or that game specifically.

And people can be in a classroom, go to class, go back to their dorm and experience a very isolated experience here at MSU. And that’s kind of regrettable, and we’d rather people find other students who share those passions, make those relationships with, so that their university experience is everything that it should be,” Zoet said.

Cox echoed Zoet’s hopes for the server, and said it could potentially bring together students who might not otherwise know they had a love of Minecraft in common.

“With the server, for people who do enjoy Minecraft, if we didn’t have a school-based server you would never really meet each other. Because of how Minecraft is and servers, there’s a lot of them to choose from. So the chances of you being on the exact same one and finding out you’re from MSU is not likely,” Cox said.

Zoet said the server has given students the opportunity to expand their connections.

“I think it’s really empowered

some students that are really into Minecraft to kind of find themselves in a community building role, which is very interesting because if you’ve kind of been doing your own thing, not very connected with the campus community etc. and all of a sudden ‘Oh, Minecraft server, I know Minecraft,’ and then you’re literally making videos about how to play Minecraft, everybody is messaging you, you’re getting in the voice coms with them. I think it’s been really cool to find people stepping in to these like quasi-community-organizing roles, so that’s been cool,” Zoet said.

Jones said seeing students share their in-game achievements and enjoy themselves is what is most important.

“I think the fact that they’ve got one that they’re comfortable with and they like, I think that will help, especially once they start really getting into building. Because they like to go on the Discord I know, and they’ll post lots of pictures of stuff that they’ve done. As long as they’re enthusiastic about the stuff that they’ve built and they’re proud of it and they’re having a good time, that’s what matters,” Jones said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY

The server uses a modpack to enhance the regular or ‘vanilla’ Minecraft experience, which increases With players settled into the current configuration of the server, Zachary Zoet, Esports and gaming the server’s appeal to veteran Minecraft players like computer science sophomore Payton Cox. coordinator, said he hopes to see the server connect students.

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April 1, 2022 Contest Winner | News | Gaming | Women’s

WOMEN’S HIS

IN HONOR OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, THE WICHITA

Sarah Cobb

Professor of Costume & Makeup Design

rom Salt Lake City, Utah, Sarah Cobb is the chair of the math department at MSU. In addition to an extensive knowledge on mathematics, Cobb can share about any Elvish fact as she has read the Lord of the Rings trilogy around 15 times.

Her love of being a teacher stems from her joy of math. She also loves the opportunities that being at a university provides. She greatly appreciates her students, colleagues and the collaborative atmosphere she shares with them. Cobb finds value in the time that is spent highlighting the accomplishments and experiences of women.

“Every year during this month, I read or hear something about a woman that I knew nothing about—it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to encounter their stories,” Cobb said.

A woman that she admires is eighteenth-century Italian mathematician, Maria Agnesi.

“She was also the first woman to be appointed as a mathematics professor at a university. [...] I find her inspiring in her insight into mathematics, her determination to follow her own path and her work in helping others.”

Cobb wants to emphasize the importance of genuine listening in order to build a community.

“This is true for anyone of any gender, and many women are particularly good at it,” Cobb said.

lizabeth Lewandowski’s family settled down on a family farm in Metamora, Illinois after moving around when she was younger. Though she successfully looks after numerous students every day, Lewandowski claims she does not have as much luck looking after potted plants. She is not the first one in her family to teach.

“I’m a third generation teacher. My grandmother taught K-8 in a one room schoolhouse [...] My mom was a botanist and high school science teacher. My dad is a retired college professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences,” Lewandowski said.

Lewandowski loves to use Women’s History Month as a time to read about the history of Black women’s hair and the women’s liberation movement. The woman that inspires her most is her mother, who had the motto, ‘Some people are put on this earth to comfort the afflicted. I’m here to afflict the comfortable!’ Lewandowski admired her mother’s perseverance and willingness to challenge others.

“Until the end of her life, Mom pushed everyone she met to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I try to live up to her example,” Lewandowski said. “Society has trained women to suppress our emotions in the professional world which sometimes leads us to avoid any form of conflict, especially when the stakes are high. All people should feel safe to speak and be heard.”

F

Jenny D

Elizabeth Lewandowski

Chair of the Math Department

E

Bookstore

W

ichita Falls born, Jenny book store for 23 years. S High School and gradua secondary education. She contin she has been a part of for 40 year Bailey, who is also an MSU alum police force.

One of the aspects Dennings en needed in everything and one bel learn from that management styl retail, because you never have eve have enough help, so I think wo cient in every step that you take.

While Dennings values a smoo lieves foremost in the interperson really about following the golden like to be treated... treating everyo She loves the Midwestern Sta family environment and its ability ally feel like work.” She values the connection she’s made with their they bring into the book store.

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s History Month | Entertainment | Español | Stang Stories

STORY MONTH

AN FEATURES SOME OUTSTANDING WOMEN ON CAMPUS

Denning

Hillary Coenen

e Manager

y Denning has managed MSU’s She graduated from Wichita Falls ated from MSU with a degree in nued her career in retail, which rs. She has a son named Matthew and serves the community in our

njoys about retail is the efficiency lieves everyone has something to le, “I think everyone should work erything that you need, you never orking retail makes you very effi-

oth sailing book store, she also benal dimension of retail: “Retail is n rule: treat others as you would one like family.” ate University community for its y to provide a job that “doesn’t ree Midwestern State people and the diverse and wide range of stories

Marcy Brown Marsden

Assistant Professor of English

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riginally from Vernon, Texas, Hillary Coenen began her master’s degree in 2009, connecting her with MSU. Coenen worked in the english and honors department before she went to Oklahoma State to earn her Ph.D. in english focusing on feminist rhetoric and composition. In 2019, she was offered a position as a visiting assistant professor in the English department.

“Much of the reason that I study feminist rhetoric is that it makes space for the exploration and prioritization of intersectional aspects of identity. The reason I got so passionate about feminist rhetoric specifically was that it informed me, prepared me to try to do anti-racist work. Feminist rhetoric isn’t just reclaiming rheteric from a gendered perspective and reclaiming it for women,” Coenen said.

Women have been excluded from history for years, which is why women’s history month is important, according to Coenen.

“Women have been actively excluded from history for the majority of our history, particularly in the eurocentric historical narrative,” Coenen said. “Women’s History Month, while it might seem not as powerful now as it used to be because we have many more narratives of strong powerful influential innovative women in our public discourse now. That’s because of the efforts of primarily women to reclaim the narratives of women who have helped to shape the world, society, policy and science.”

Dean of McCoy College

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arcy Brown Marsden is the dean for the McCoy College of science, math and engineering. She was inspired to explore the science field after getting to see the first U.S. space shuttle landing in Edwards, California. As a first-generation college student, Marsden earned a Ph.D. at Purdue, going on to teach for 18 years at a private university, then coming to MSU in 2015. She has worked her way up from faculty to chair and now to dean. Marsden was inspired by two Sally’s along the way. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space and an advocate for women in STEM, and Sally Hicks, a physicist who acted as a mentor and friend to Marsden. Marsden tries to help her students by being present in decision-making moments.

“I’ve been in a lot of rooms where I’ve been the only woman leader and it requires coming forward and really, really standing up,” Marsden said. “It’s as much as a vulnerable position as it is a strength position.”

Marsden says Women’s History Month is important for recognizing the different ways women can lead. She finds it celebrates progress made for and by women while still addressing present issues.

“With the recognition of all the good that’s happened, we also have to recognize some of the challenges still being faced by women in terms of pursuing their path,” Marsden said. “It takes a moment to say ‘what do we need to do?’ to remove those barriers to progress and achievement for women.”

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April 1, 2022 Contest Winner | News | Gaming | Women’s History Month | Entertainment | Español | Stang Stories

The Oscars slaps another ceremony onto film’s history M

any probably don’t keep up with the Academy Awards, and for good reason. While the Golden Globes invites comedians like Ricky Gervais to completely roast everyone at the event, Joseph ranging from calling out their Nelson elitism to straight-up insinuating that they are pedophiles. At the Oscars, however, a comedian delivering a simple bald joke could result in them being assaulted on live television with little to no consequences.

From John Travolta’s ‘Idina Menzel’ gaffe to outright announcing the wrong winner for best picture, the Oscars take themselves way too seriously and reads like an over-the-top, selfaggrandizing mess, resulting in a show with many cringey jokes and mishandled moments.

Despite the qualms many have with the Oscar presentation, winning an Academy Award is still a prestigious and coveted status, and this Oscars definitely represents a turning point for the industry.

With “CODA” winning best picture, Apple+ becomes the first streaming company to win the grand prize, a feat that will have other streaming services like Amazon Prime and Net-

flix kicking themselves for not beating the competition in this category. As for the movie that took home the most awards, “Dune” swept most of the technical categories like Sound Mixing and Video Editing and even won a Best Original Score award with Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack impressing the Academy with its alien sounding, pulsing orchestra and ‘Gladiator’ inspired vocals. If you have seen “Dune,” you know how great its special effects are, and the Academy didn’t miss the chance to award them. If we are talking about talking about missed chances, the very competitive category of Best Actress left Kristen Stewart’s spot on performance of Princess Diana in “Spencer” without an Academy Award, but Jessica Chastain, who also had a transformative performance this year as the evangelist and singer Tammy Faye, took home the gold.

As for Best Screenplay, talented actor Kenneth Branagh impressed the 94th award slate with his

script for “Belfast,” telling the story of a boy growing up in the midst of sectarian violence talking place in Northern Ireland. Branagh won the Oscar with a story very personal to him, as he was also born and raised in Belfast, which seems especially significant since he’s been nominated an impressive eight times by the Academy for other categories before winning this year. As for a first time winner, Troy Kotsur won for best supporting actor and delivered his speech in sign language. He impressed the academy with his performance in the film, “CODA,” which depicts the lives of a deaf family. As for other noteworthy winners, Billie Eilish is now the youngest Oscar winner and is just 20 years old and halfway to the very prestigious EGOT status (an artist winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award). Her song “No Time To Die” took home the Oscar for Best Original song, which you should give a listen if you haven’t already.

So, we should address the elephant in the room. Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Smith starring in a “G.I. Jane” sequel, a snide and insensitive reference to Jada’s alopecia and bald cut hair. In response, Will Smith went up on stage and slapped Chris Rock with the confidence you could only find from a person who is, as Will Smith said in his off kilter acceptance speech for Best Actor, “a fierce defender of his family.” I’ve genuinely been shocked and second-hand embarrassed for people going out of their way to defend this type of behavior. Imagine if Will Smith had alopecia and Chris Rock made a bald joke about him, and Jada went up on stage and slapped Chris Rock. She would be escorted out by security. It’s kind of amazing how much leeway we give for men “defending their families.”

All in all, the 94th Academy Awards represented a pretty boring year in film. The only Oscar-winning movies I’m interested in investigating further are “CODA” and “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.” Aside from the Smith slap, people would have been surprised Oscars were given out this year. Hopefully, the 95th Academy Awards will fix some of the cringey jokes and self-aggrandizement the Oscars have become known for.

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April 1, 2022 Contest Winner | News | Gaming | Women’s History Month | Entertainment | Español | Stang Stories

BRIDGERTON SEASON 2 FR O M “ I LOATHE YOU ” TO “ I LOVE YOU ”

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX, INC.

Simone Ashley, Jonathan Bailey and Charithra Chandran co-star in Netflix’s “Bridgerton,” 2022.

T

he classic enemies to lover’s trope has always been a fan favorite, and season 2 of Bridgerton took full advantage of this, Natalie Cook crafting an incredible storyline once again.

After a truly intriguing first season, the second did not disappoint. Creator Chris Dusen has again caused a buzz in the entertainment world with this new season, full of emotion, violin covers of famous modern-day songs, pent-up tension and lots of chemistry.

Unlike the previous season, this one focused on the eldest of the Bridgerton siblings, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey, on his quest to find a wife- and nothing more. During his quest for a wife, he stumbles upon Lady Kate Sharma, played by Simone Ashley, who has also decided love is unimportant. After going through a list and marking off several ladies

based on the most absurd reasons, Anthony then meets Kate’s younger sister Edwina (Charithra Chandran), and is determined to have Queen Charlotte’s (Golda Rosheuvel) diamond of the season as his wife- but Kate isn’t about to allow that. Our enemies in this classic story act as if they hate each other. Kate seems to despise him while Anthony loathes her. And everyone believes it... except for Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh)- nothing slips past her. While Anthony pursues Edwina, the sexual chemistry between him and Kate is never-ending. At least four different times I was on the edge of my seat expecting them to kiss, only for something to interrupt them. Every episode I would start to think ‘They have to kiss now, surely they won’t delay it another episode.’ And then they did, again and again.

Then, on her wedding day, Edwina figures out what is going on, and promptly ends her relationship with Anthony. And just as you think everything has crumbled and that their

love is hopeless, Anthony and Kate finally kiss. Navigating the family and the ton prove to be challenging, as rumors and disapproving glances fly their way. But they finally give in, and we are given one out of the two sex scenes in this season.

“The way they built up the tension was incredible, the chemistry was amazing, and I love how this show truly allows each character to develop in major ways over the course of the season.”

NATALIE COOK This is something that really had people talking after last season had more sex scenes than one could count, thanks to the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) and Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor). People

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX, INC.

Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey dance together in “Bridgerton,” 2022. will disagree, but I liked that they didn’t include sex in every episode.

The way they built up the tension was incredible.. The chemistry was amazing, and I love how this show truly allows each character to develop in major ways over the course of the season. It felt very natural for the storyline. Nothing felt forced, so I really dont understand why there were so many complaints.

But how rude of me, I almost missed one of the most important characters: Lady Whistledown, who we now know to be wallflower Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan). Penelope is a boss to be able to accomplish this practically all by herself, all while avoiding exposure.

At the same time, I don’t appreciate how she has written about some people, especially Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), her best friend. Unfortunately, Eloise’s interest in finding Whistledown in season one ends up hurting her as the Queen begins to suspect she is actually Whistledown. In a completely screwed-up at-

tempt to save Eloise, Eloise and her newfound crush, Theo Sharpe (Calam Lynch), find themselves the subject of the latest edition of Lady Whistledown. When you really think about it, Penelope is pretty messed up to do all of this. Spreading rumors, gossip, and painful truths around only benefits one person: Penelope.

In my opinion, Bridgerton is a show that easily trumps other period dramas, and even other shows as well. The plot is clear, easy to follow, and just makes sense. It constantly engages the audience through the use of passion, subtle comedy, beautiful cinematography and excellent writing. The actors and actresses were all talented and perfectly represented the roles they were given.

I honestly can’t say enough good things about season 2.

Natalie’s Series Rating: 5/5

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April 1, 2022 Contest Winner | News | Gaming | Women’s History Month | Entertainment | Español | Stang Stories

“Demon Slayer: Infinity Train”

UN GOLPE EMOCIONAL QUE DEVASTA E INSPIRA

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uando cerraron los cines por la pandemia, muchas películas no tuvieron mucho éxito por falta de gente. Esto cambió durante el estreno de “Demon Slayer: InNicole Vacio finity Train”, después de una espera de varios meses por muchos retrasos debido a la pandemia.

La película es la continuación de la serie del mismo nombre. La historia existe basada en la época de 1920 en Japón en donde hay demonios que salen por las noches y devoran a los humanos para sobrevivir. Seguimos al protagonista Tanjiro, que se inscribe en el grupo de cacería de demonios tras la trágica matanza de su familia. Aparte de su gran pérdida, su hermana Nezuko, la única sobreviviente del ataque,

fue convertida en demonio. Tanjiro se unió al grupo para buscar al sujeto que convirtió a su hermana en demonio y con la intención de convertirla en humana otra vez. La película sigue la misión del joven y su hermana y otros dos cazadores, acompañados por un cazador experimentado y de alto rango en el grupo, para investigar una serie de desapariciones a bordo de un tren.

El arte y la animación son del nivel maravilloso. Durante las escenas de pelea entre los demonios y los cazadores no puedes moverte de tu asiento. Aparte de los efectos visuales, la banda sonora era fantástica. La música de ambiente era apropiada para los eventos en la pantalla. Pero la canción que ganó la atención de la audiencia fue la canción que tocó durante los créditos finales de la película. La canción “Homura” de LiSA que sirve como un moño para la

FOTO CORTESÍA DE IMDB

Zenitsu y Nezuko luchando contra demonios en el tren Mugen.

FOTO CORTESÍA DE IMDB

Tanjiro llorando por la muerte de Rengoku. conclusión y trae una profunda emoción a los espectadores al final de la película.

Desafortunadamente pero igual, también hay aspectos negativos. Por ejemplo, el ritmo general de la primera mitad de la película era un poco...lento. Claro que había partes de comedia que llenaban las ausencias de acción, pero con poca energía, llegando a estos momentos en que varias peleas no llegaron a su potencial porque fallaron en preparar a la audiencia, y parecía que se esperaba que la animación compensará por esa falta. Otro problema posible que otros han observado es que la película fue continuación de la serie original y muchos que fueron a ver esa película sin ver la primera, no sabían la trama de la historia en general. Muchos padres llevaron a sus hijos por la película siendo animada, pensando que era específicamente para niños.

En total, pienso que esta película fue fenomenal, con sus fallos y todo. La historia con su

música y arte sirve como un escape creativo para la audiencia sin importar si uno habla japonés. A pesar de que es una película extranjera, la película se comunica también en otros idiomas universales como la música. Cualquier audiencia puede conectarse por la música, la animación, sus personajes relacionales, y por la montaña rusa que te lleva al fin en que no habrá ni un ojo seco en el público; todo sin tener que hablar japonés. Sé que muchos tienen sus reservas sobre series de anime de japón, y que muchos lo asocian con algo infantil, pero si piensan verla, yo recomiendo a todos que la vean porque esta película es una experiencia única. ¿Quién sabe?, tal vez también te convencerá de ver la serie después.

Evaluación de Nicole: 4.5/5

April 1, 2022 Contest Winner | News | Gaming | Women’s History Month | Entertainment | Español | Stang Stories

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“GOOD WILL HUNTING” UNA PELÍCULA CLÁSICA

FOTO CORTESÍA DE MIRAMAX, LLC

Robin Williams interpreta a Sean Maguire, quien actúa como mentor del personaje de Matt Damon, Will Hunting, 1997.

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FOTO CORTESÍA DE MIRAMAX, LLC

Ben Affleck y Matt Damon interpretan a Chuckie Sullivan y Will Hunting en “Good Will Hunting”, 1997.

a es tiempo de echar un vistazo a la película que nos ganó en el cine y también ganó un premio Oscar “Good Will HuntLizbeth ing.” La película que Jaimes fue escrita por Matt Damon y Ben Affleck en 1997, se trata de un muchacho que está contra la ley, pero por su pasado turbulento y gracias a la ayuda de un profesor que ve su potencial intelectual; su único castigo es asistir a terapia con un psicólogo. Era él único castigo que no quería; pero así es la vida.

La película empieza con la introducción de su vida simple. Espera a su amigo para ir al trabajo juntos.

Trabaja. Toma. Y repite la lista otra vez. Will, interpretado por Matt Damon, es un hombre joven, empezando sus veintes, en Boston, Massachusetts. Parece que esta, es la rutina de su vida. Si no trabaja, toma y sale

a divertirse con sus amigos. Will, el protagonista, trabaja en una universidad como limpiador. Un día en el pasillo donde está limpiando, mira una fórmula matemática escrita por un profesor en el pizarrón. Aquí la audiencia no puede ver lo que está escribiendo. Sólo podemos ver que se atrevió a escribir en el pizarrón.

Después, en uno de sus paseos, Will y sus amigos deciden pelearse con un grupo de hombres. La policía llega pronto y por esto Will se encuentra en la corte. En el último segundo del caso ante el juez, el profesor de la universidad entra a defender al muchacho. El profesor de matemáticas, interpretado por Stellan Skarsgard, había visto la fórmula en el pizarrón (y que era la más difícil para los estudiantes) y alguien la había calculado correctamente. Después de una búsqueda por el estudiante quien había completado la fórmula, descubrió que en realidad fue el limpiador, Will, lo había hecho. Al descubrir al

muchacho va a la corte a ayudarlo.

La mayoría de la película trata del personaje de Will en la escena de terapia con el psicólogo Shawn Maguire, interpretado por Robin Williams.

Will es una persona que ha pasado por muchos eventos traumáticos, entonces como adulto le gusta divertirse. Will no es como los demás, él no es simplemente otro joven de la cárcel. Es un genio con el poder de hacer lo que quiera con su inteligencia. Y lo que pasa en la oficina del psicólogo es un ejemplo de que todos tenemos que recorrer nuestro camino.

La película Good Will Hunting es una historia con humor y tragedia, y últimamente es un cuento de la belleza de sanación. Pero sobre todo contiene la moraleja de que necesitas a otra persona para sanar.

Evaluación de Lizbeth: 4.5/5

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April 1, 2022 Contest Winner | News | Gaming | Women’s History Month | Entertainment | Español | Stang Stories

SARAH FIDLAR Passionate about helping people

THALÍA DOE REPORTER orn and raised Wichita Falls native, Sarah Fidlar, in Iowa of 1996 was asked if she would like to start teaching fitness classes. That’s when she learned how much she enjoyed being around people and it led her to be assistant coordinator of the Lifelong Learning Center in Wichita Falls.

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HOW IT STARTED

“When my second son was born, I was asked to start teaching classes and although it was just fitness classes, I just really recognized how much I enjoyed being around people and helping them in that way. Fitness is a big deal to a lot of people. It was really fun being in that environment and the creativity of planning out what I wanted to do for each class.

My favorite part was the people and getting to know my clients. I learned how personal of a person I am,” Fidlar said.

Fidlar, who moved back to Texas from Iowa so that her children were able to grow up in proximity to their family, said she was able to make her own schedules and also spend time with her kids, while partaking this job she absolutely loved. Fidlar was a fitness teacher for 26 years.

“I could go really early in the mornings and teach or in the afternoons and teach, all while doing this job that was just so fun

for me. I also didn’t have to put my kids in daycare. I was able to homeschool both of my boys until they both continued their education at Midwestern State and graduated, both with engineering degrees,” Fidlar said.

Fidlar went on to become a personal trainer which gave her of a responsibility of the individuals she was training. Fidlar said she was able to establish stronger and more intimate relationships with her clients.

“After being a personal trainer for a while, I was then offered to be the coordinator for the ‘LIFT STRONG’ program through the YMCA…it’s a fitness program for cancer survivors. it’s a three month (12 weeks) free program for them and I loved working with that population. It was extremely rewarding and emotional and fun overall. A lot of these people had been through the worst thing in their life and came out of it stronger and just continued to push forward, and I just loved that,” Fidlar said.

Despite loving the program and the population Fidlar worked with, during the time as a coordinator, her own father was diagnosed with cancer and ended up passing.

“I worked there for two years. It was hard to maintain my schedule because I wanted to be with him as much as possible. It was also emotional because here I was training with cancer survivors and

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH FIDLAR

Sarah Fidlar stands with her family for a group picture.

HOW IT’S GOING

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON

Coordinator Sarah Fidlar is a Wichita Falls native, and is now happy working with people back where she was raised, Mar. 31. my father was not going to survive cancer. It was tough for me, so I decided to take time off that specific program but continue to teach fitness classes,” Fidlar said.

Fidlar landed her first job at Midwestern State at the MSU Credit Union and worked there for two years, through the beginning of COVID-19. Fidlar was a teller, and again, her favorite part was interacting with students and people who worked on campus.

“While working at the Credit Union was when my friend told me about the Lifelong Learning Center.

She had told me that I should do the interview and then see if I wanted to take this job. I really feel like the center has taken everything I’ve ever done and learned and put it into one. Being in the fun environment surrounded by people who want to better themselves and enjoy learning…I think really resonates

with me and what I enjoyed about my fitness career; I love people who keep pushing forward and don’t want to give up, especially within this age group. All of our clients are senior citizens, from the age of 50 and up… we even have some people in their 80’s come, and my mother joins us as well and she’s 91,” Fidlar said.

Fidlar began working at the Lifelong Learning Center, just this past September of 2021, after working at the Wellness Center teaching a HIT and SPIN class. She says she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“I wish more people knew about us. We have such a wide range of people that come and speak, and they are all volunteers that are all just so knowledgeable. I’ve never been disappointed in any presentation given. It’s really just the opportunity to be a resource for this specific population and help them expand their knowledge,” Fidlar said.

The mission of the Lifelong Learning Center is to be a memberdriven community of learners dedicated to inspiring and enriching the minds and spirits of Texomans over the age of 50. Fidlar says the center has everything from a songwriter circle, university professors that teach classes, and field trips that take place in the summer.

“We go to Dallas, Oklahoma City…it’s a day trip so nowhere too far but we try and go visit museums and parks etc. It’s always a good time, and we actually haven’t done a trip for two years but are starting up again this summer, and I can absolutely not wait,” Fidlar said.

Fidlar says what gets her through the day, are the people and her relationship with them. Even within her short time at the center, she has already formed strong bonds.

“The relationships I have with them, throughout my short time here, I have met such remarkable people who are just kind, selfless, care about the community and each other. Their stories and lives are incredible… every day, I walk through the doors at peace because my job is to be here for the people and that’s what I love about it. I hope what people would say is that while I was here, they felt that the center was warm and cheerful. I hope I make everyone feel like they belong here and that this is their home,” Fidlar said.

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON

Coordinator Sarah Fidlar introduces Lifelong Learning Center students to Robert Palmer, the speaker for the class, Mar. 31.