Dec. 2, 2022

2 Dec. 2 2022

Editorial | Campus Voices | News | Christmas Playlist | Español | Entertainment | Therapy Dogs

BRIEFS Commencement around the corner As graduation approaches, this fall Senior Walk will take place Friday, Dec. 9 at 3:30 p.m. The Senior Walk gives graduating seniors an opportunity to be acknowledged and enjoy at least one more walkthrough of campus. College deans have details for each college’s participation and plans for the Walk.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY

According to Gallup, U.S. adults polled Oct. 3-20 estimate they will spend an average $932 on gifts for the 2022 Christmas season.

Have yourself a thrifty Christmas THE WICHITAN STAFF hristmas and Christmas shopping are right around the corner, but for college students, money can be tight this time of year. Seniors may be preparing to graduate and paying for robes, photos and more. Meanwhile the rest of the student body deals with expenses like food, holiday

travel or even activities to unwind during finals week.

Finding money in alreadystrained wallets for Christmas gifts can be difficult, but proper management of the holiday season budget can make for a happy, successful Christmas day.

The process starts with identifying what matters to each person on your Christ-

mas shopping list. If your relationship with someone goes back away, consider printing a photo of a beloved memory, picking up a discount frame and gifting that. If the person loves food, a cheap basket from a crafts store and a tastefully arranged selection of chocolate with a touch of decoration comes across as

heartfelt without being too wallet-felt. As long as you know each person you’re shopping for, you can bank on that oft-repeated but still true adage: it’s the thought that counts.

As long as you work to find them something that meshes with their personality, and maybe has a nod toward a shared memory

from your past, you’re capturing the Christmas spirit.

Remember that, for the most part, these people like you; as long as your gift has meaning, the actual dollars spent won’t mean as much.

Holidays can be stressful, but with the right mindset, budgeting for gifts shouldn’t have to be.

EN ESPAÑOL a Navidad y las compras de Navidad están a la vuelta de la esquina, pero para los estudiantes universitarios, el dinero puede ser apretado durante esta temporada. Los estudiantes del último año se están preparando para graduarse y pagar para las batas, fotos y más, mientras que el resto del alumnado se ocupa de gastos como comida, vi-

ajes de vacaciones o incluso actividades para relajarse durante la semana de los exámenes finales. Encontrar el dinero en carteras que ya están tensas para los regalos de Navidad puede ser difícil, pero el manejo adecuado del presupuesto de la temporada festiva puede hacer para una Navidad feliz y exitoso.

El proceso comienza con la identificación de lo que importa a cada persona en

su lista de compras para la Navidad. Si su relación con alguien ha durado muchos años, considere la impresión de una foto de una memoria amada, cogiendo un marco de descuento y dar eso de regalo. Si a la persona le encanta la comida, una canasta barata de una tienda de artesanía y una selección de chocolate arreglado con buen gusto con un toque de decoración le resultará muy

sentida sin sentirlo demasiado en la cartera. Con tal de que conozca a cada persona para quien está comprando, puedes contar con ese adagio tan repetido pero aún cierto: es el pensamiento lo que cuenta.

Mientras trabajas para encontrarles algo que concorde con su personalidad, y tal vez tenga un asintió hacia un recuerdo compartido de tu pasado, estás captur-

ando el espíritu navideño.

Recuerde que, por una parte mayor, le gustas a estas personas; mientras su regalo tenga significado, los dólares realmente gastados no significarán tanto. Los días festivos pueden ser estresantes, pero con la mentalidad correcta, no debería ser presupuestar para los regalos.

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Vol. 87 | No. 7 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

Editor in Chief: Stephanie Robledo Managing Editor: Anne Akpabio Design Editor: Omar Combie Photography Editor: Colin Stevenson Spanish Editor: Lizbeth Jaimes Business Manager: Tiffany Haggard Social Media Manager: Rebekah Gardner Section Editors: Cecil Witherspoon, Thalía Doe, Joey Arthur Issue Staff: Paige Crockett, A. Defore, Tyler Martin, Donovan Jackson, Abigail Jones, Gabriel Villadiego Advisor: Jonathon Quam

Unidos Commencement The Unidos Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Sikes Lake Center. The ceremony honors graduating Latinx seniors and shows appreciation for their work.

Black Graduation Ceremony The Black Graduation Ceremony is slated for Friday, Dec. 9 from 6-8:30 p.m. in Don Flatt Gym. The ceremony celebrates African, African American and Black students who are graduating with the bestowing of Kente stoles.

Mass communication seniors prepare to screen their documentaries As part of their senior production class, mass communication seniors will be screening their documentaries in the Fain Theatre on Friday Dec. 9. Mass communication seniors are required to produce a 12-15 minute documentary as part of their degree. The screening is open to everyone.

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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 an email address, telephone number and address.

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Dec. 2, 2022

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Goodbyes from graduating Wichitan staff

Mass communication senior Omar Combie.

Omar Combie Design Editor

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fter designing hundreds of newspaper pages, my time at The Wichitan is almost at an end.

My three and a half years with this organization have been filled with successes, laughs, struggles and plenty of lessons learned. Even in my final semester, I am still learning new tricks and tips.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OMAR COMBIE

A part of me wishes this wasn’t the end, but in my heart of hearts, I know I got to move on to the next endeavor. To any fellow graphic designers on campus, I hope you consider joining The Wichitan. Newspaper design may not be your passion, but the discipline and organizational skills that it teaches you are invaluable.

When I first joined, I just

wanted a place to hone my graphic design skills. The Wichitan gave me that and more: friends who I’ve made incredible memories with, opportunities to represent the university on the statewide level and skills, both technical and soft, that I can apply to the workplace. It’s been a blast. All the best to the next generation of Wichitan staff!

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHANIE ROBLEDO

PHOTO COURTESY OF THAILA DOE

Mass communication and Spanish senior Thalía Doe. Thalía Doe Feature Editor

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o the MSU mass communication department, to the Wichitan, to my editors and to my fellow readers, thank you for allowing me to share the past two years with you.

I’ve felt honored to be able to share and have students voices be heard for the community. I’m grateful for ev-

Mass communication and English senior Stephanie Robledo.

English senior A. Defore.

Stephanie Robledo Editor-in-Chief

A. Defore Graphic Designer

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joined The Wichitan during the second week of my freshman year. I didn’t think anything about it, I just knew that I wanted to write. As the years went on I got more involved. I went from reporter to editorin-chief.

When I first stepped into the newsroom I never thought I would spend most

of my time there. From office hours to late productions, you can almost always find me there. The Wichitan has been such a big part of my college life, it’s odd to think that in a week I will be packing up my desk.

I have enjoyed my time at The Wichitan and I’m so glad to have become a part of it my freshman year. As cliche as it is to say, The Wichitan did help me grow and step

out of my comfort zone. I’m thankful for all the opportunities The Wichitan has given me from participating in TIPA to having a Spanish section. I’m not a sentimental person but I would be lying if I said I won’t miss The Wichitan and all the people I have met through it. I wish everyone the best and I know they will continue making The Wichitan great.

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hank you to Cecil Witherspoon for drawing a turtle on every white board in the mass communication building. Thank you to Bradley Wilson for always erasing all the turtles and saying “they must have walked away.” Thank you to the person who stole one of Stephanie Robledo’s tamales on the last night of

ery experience The Wichitan has given me, it was here when I found my love to write again; Where I was able to be on the front lines of many games, events and have one on one experiences with so many students.

Where I was able to express my opinions freely. And lastly, but most importantly for me, to shine the light on the Latino community and Latin

artists, and help our campus become more integrated.

Thank you for all your love and support; and if I’ve interviewed you, thank you for allowing me to share your life and your story with the world.

PHOTO COURTESY OF A. DEFORE

production. PSA, you don’t eat the husk, you should go see a doctor and maybe a psychiatrist. Thank you to Omar Combie for being my gossip buddy and listening to all my rants and raves.

Thank you to Jim Sernoe for proving to me that I never want to go into law no matter how much I like to argue.

As my time here comes to a close I acknowledge those who have made an impact

on my time here. The Wichitan has given me skills that I will take forward into grad school for publishing. Even though I will be across the country in Portland, Oregon, I will always remember my time here.

4 Dec. 2 2022

Editorial | Campus Voices | News | Christmas Playlist | Español | Stang Stories | Entertainment | Therapy Dogs

“What’s your why?” is the key question for educators B

eing an education major, the main question everyone asks me is, “Why?” They want to know why I am choosing to go into a field plagued by terrible pay, potentially dangerous working Tyler conditions and a rough worklife balance. I always have the Martin same answer: I want to end my career knowing that I have made a difference in someone’s life, that I have impacted our youth in a way that they will always remember.

A pay stub or an easy nine to five job is not my goal - I want to make a positive influence in this world, no matter how big or small.

When I first came to MSU, I was eager to go straight to Dillard and become the most successful entrepreneur to come through the university. However I soon realized that business was not the place for me, and nothing against those at Dillard, but yearning to become a wealthy individual clouded my judgement on where my heart was truly leading me. I came to the conclusion that I was unhappy because my happiness comes from helping others in a heartfelt way, not from building a business and giving to charity one day. Therefore, my heart led me to the West College of Education, my home for the next couple of years here at MSU. Today on the golf course I was lucky enough to see my previous teacher and golf coach, and

while catching up he asked me what I was going to college for. After telling him about my hopes to become a teacher, he looked at me and said, “Tyler, are you sure that’s what you want to do? I’ve been doing this for a long time, and it only gets harder every year.” I gave him my usual response as stated previously, and I could tell that in that moment he was so proud of me. Oddly enough, he was one of the few teachers I had that made me want to pursue this career. He taught me about history and government and coached me to be the decent golfer I am, but he also taught me how to be a man, he was a second father to me and above all else, he was the guy I came to with everything. Without him, I don’t know how I would’ve turned out after high school.

Although teaching does come with belowaverage pay rates and, as sad as it is, the worry of having an active shooter in your classroom, it is also one of the most rewarding professions out there. As an educator, you are with your students more than your own family most of the time what other job puts you in a position that allows you to have such an impact on someone? That’s what I am passionate about: knowing that I can pour into my future student’s hearts and help them through their difficulties, just like my coach did for me. Those downsides are just an unfortunate aspect of the career, and thankfully many politicians on the state and national level are fighting for those things to change. However, I refuse to let

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS

According to Zippia, 79% of students say they’ve been encouraged to follow their dreams by a teacher. money or the risk of my own safety get in the way of educating, mentoring and giving my life to help the lives of our youth!

In shorter words, I’m trying to say that it is important not to lose yourself in your career choice. It’s okay to not know what you want

According to Zippia, the average teacher will impact more than 3,000 students throughout the course of their career.

to do, it’s a huge decision, but make sure that your heart is in it. Ask yourself, “What’s my why?” That one question will tell you mostly everything you need to know. Leading a happy life starts by doing something you love, but first you must find what you cherish doing.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS

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Dec. 2, 2022

Finals Frenzy: winter around the world

ANNE AKPABIO MANAGING EDITOR n Thursday, Dec. 1, MSU’s University Programming Board hosted a Christmasthemed event called “Winter Around the World” for the 2022 Fall Finals Frenzy. UPB hosted the event in the Clark Student Center at 5 p.m. and dedicated it to representing the celebration of Christmas around the world. The event entailed various organizations interpreting the theme based on what a regular Christmas would be for them and the sects they represent.

UPB co-coordinator Adrianna Brown described the event as an avenue for the recognition of various cultures around the world how they celebrate Christmas.

“This year me and Osiel Alvarado went to study abroad and you know we were so hyped when we came back and you know obviously we want to go back but then we started looking around and said like “Why don’t a lot of our events showcase other cultures?”... what we really wanted to do with this final frenzy is showcase what other cultures do around the world because we understand that not everyone has Christmas, not everyone celebrates Christmas, they do different things and so we really wanted this finals frenzy to put emphasis on that,” Brown said.

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Brown stated that this so I actually had one of these year’s theme and its expresand I couldn’t open it until I sion within the event was graduated from high school, solely dependent on the orgaand when I opened it I got to nizations involved and their look back on my second-grade desired interpretations. self and what I wanted to do.

“We really gave them the And I ironically wanted to be a freedom to choose what they turkey hunter and now I defiwanted to do we just said... nitely don’t want to do that, ‘honestly just do something but it was fun and it just gave that you normally do around me a piece of mind see how it this time of year.’” was, you know, like 10 to 12 In honor of the theme, the years in the past. And so this is Residence and Housing Asjust, it’s not that far along and sociation hosted a Christmas but it’s something you know, ornament-making session. when they start their career, “So with the theme being they could look back and see Winter Around the World, how their undergraduate was we decided to go with a traand they can reflect on that ditional Christmas theme PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN to help them like going forof a Christmas ornament ward in the career,” Moore Pre-medical junior Shea Jarvis and nursing making... it’s traditional said. but it’s probably something senior Taniqua Pennerman try out a The Global Education Ofthat a lot of the students revolving camera at the Fall 2022 Finals fice was also represented at would have done maybe in Frenzy, Dec. 1. the event and presented an 3rd grade or kindergarten,” expression of the theme via Hunter Moore , RHA presithemselves a note for five years in the countries available withdent and business management juthe future and then they can open it in the study abroad program. nior said. five years from now or 10 years from “For our inspiration behind the RHA’s interpretation of the now to see something to reflect back design of the table, we chose all of theme allowed students to make use on this year,” Moore said. our study abroad locations and did of their creativity and the various Moore spoke of the significance trivia behind each of those, just to supplies at their disposal to make of the ornament making session to one bring international trivia to the the Christmas ornaments. him and his team at the RHA. table, but also make students aware “They just take the fillable orna“I feel like it primarily came on of the countries that they could go ment and they decorate how they nostalgia because a lot of my team and study in as an MSU student. want and then they can leave them and myself did this in kindergarten And then we also wanted to include

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some snacks because we know students love snacks and so we have international snacks as far as little coconut international cookies, Brazilian candies and Italian cookies,” Rhiannon Barnett, assistant director of student immigration of the Global Education Office, said.

At the event there were multiple forms of entertainment present for students. There was a bouncy house, a 360 photo booth, a mechanical bull, a live drawing booth and a table of free exam materials. The event was centered on relaxation during the final period.

“This is the heat of finals frenzy right now, final season, and honestly how we promote this is, “You’re stressed, I’m stressed, everyone’s stressed, but it’s always good to just take a moment and just enjoy your last few weeks here at college,” you know? Some are graduating, and for some this is their first semester, and we want to make sure that you know you don’t only just come for academics. You also make sure you make memories and these last few weeks are going to come by or have flown by because everyone’s preparing for finals, and so we want to put this little event on so that everyone has a chance to either destress, debrief, just be able to breathe for a second and not just think about finals,” Brown said.

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Biology freshman Ethan Kelley falls off the mechanical bull at the Fall 2022 Finals Frenzy, Dec. 1.

Computer science freshman Jadyn Dangerfield, business administration freshman Rosie Reyes Perez and nursing freshman Alissa Monsibais show off their painted pieces, Dec. 1.

Wichitan staff share the

6 Dec. 2 2022

Editorial | Campus Voices | News | Christmas Playlist | E

ADRIAN ROBLEDO’S PICK:

JOEY ARTHUR’S PICK:

“El Burrito Sabanero”

“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”

“‘El Burrito Sabanero’ is my favorite Christmas song because it was one of the songs I sang with my family during posadas.”

“The first time I heard this song, it perfectly reminded me why I love The Grinch and Christmas.”

by La Rondallita

by Tyler the Creator

REBEKAH GARDNER’S PICK:

“Christmas Song”

by Phoebe Bridgers

“It’s a sadder twist on Christmas, but I love how earnest the lyrics are.”

OMAR COMBIE’S PICK:

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” by for KING & COUNTRY

“It’s one of the Christmas songs I grew up with.

It reminds me of what Christmas is truly about.”

ABBY JONES’ PICK:

“White Winter Hymnal”

by Fleet Foxes

“Fleet Foxes is my favorite group, and I love how they turned a winter vibe into something fresh.”

eir favorite holiday songs

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Dec. 2, 2022

TIFFANY HAGGARD’S PICK:

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THALÍA DOE’S PICK:

“Carol of the Bells”

“Pa’ La gente Panameña”

by Trap City

by Cheo Feliciano

“It is the best Christmas song of all time. It is a great combination of a classic and straight fire.”

“This is my favorite Christmas songs because it brings me memories of my country and my family when I’m away from them.”

CECIL WITHERSPOON’S PICK:

STEPHANIE ROBLEDO’S PICK:

“Christmas Eve (Sarajevo)”

“Hoy Vi a Santa Claus Besar a Mamá”

by Savatage

by Los Mier

“This is my favorite Christmas song because it doesn’t have annoying Christmas lyrics.”

“This song is the Spanish version of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” This is the version I grew up listening to. I like it because it’s nostalgic.”

COLIN STEVENSON’S PICK:

“The Pie Carols: VI. Rhubarb Pie”

A. DEFORE’S PICK:

“Utae Jingle Bell”

by One Piece

by The Texas Boys Choir

“I was in the Texas Boys Choir and it was one of the few Christmas songs we would often perform that didn’t get old quickly.”

“For all those anime fans out there, or those who are sick of the same old Christmas music. This one’s for you.”

8 Dec. 2 2022

Editorial | Campus Voices | News | Christmas Playlist | Español | Stang Stories | Entertainment | Therapy Dogs

¿Sobrevivir o morir? La reseña de “El Hoyo”

FOTO CORTESÍA DE BASQUE FILMS

El actor principal, Ivan Massagué, interpreta a Goreng, un prisionero atrapado en el escenario de la película, 2019. Foto cortesía de Basque Films.

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Qué harías si te pusieran en una posición donde necesitarás tomar las decisiones más duras para sobrevivir? ¿Podrías tomarGabriel las o morirías? “El Villadiego hoyo” es una película original de Netflix que salió en 2019. Es una película sangrienta, dirigida por Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, esta fue su primera gran película. Él dirigió otras películas pequeñas antes, pero esas nunca avanzaron como esta película. La primera vez que ví el avance, instantáneamente oí la música y la voz ronca, yo tenía la piel de gallina.

La puse en ese momento y la disfruté de principio a fin. La película hizo un buen trabajo de mantenerte alerta de lo que iba a pasar después, mientras te mostraba las escenas espantosas.

La historia es oscura y espantosa con una trama simple pero también única. El protagonista es un hombre que se llama Goreng, quien se despertó en una celda en una prisión con un compañero de celda, que se llama Trimagasi. La prisión tiene la forma de una torre. En cada celda

de la prisión hay hoyos en los pisos Como cualquier persona a quien escalofriante con una voz ronca que por los que pasa una plataforma que le pase esto, Goreng se enfrenta a ha estado allí por mucho tiempo y ha va de arriba a abajo. Esta platafor- muchos miedos y dudas de confiar vivido en muchos pisos en muchos ma tiene una cantidad limitada de en el otro. El actor Zorion Eguileor niveles diferentes. Cuando se ve, se comida. Todos comparten esta plata- representó a Trimagasi, el compañe- puede sentir la tensión entre los dos forma con los pisos arriba y abajo de ro de la celda. Trimagasi es un viejo como si estuviera allí. Se puede senellos. Cada mes se despitir el humor del proerta en un piso diferente. tagonista, la soledad y Todo está bien cuando se la ansiedad. está en los pisos de arriba, La producción de pero cuando se está en los esta película es fanpisos de abajo, no tiene tástica. Está llena de mucha comida y a veces suspenso y muestra no hay nada. Esto causa este con la música inque la gente de abajo tome quietante y los ruidos decisiones duras para soaterradores en cada brevivir. escena. El director, Un actor que se llama Galder, retrató el susIvan Massagué representó penso de la película al protagonista, Goreng, perfectamente con en “El Hoyo”. Él es más colores oscuros, una famoso por el papel pequepoca iluminación, y ño “El Tarta” en “Pan ‘s con los movimientos Labyrinth”, una película rápidos de las cámamuy aclamada de 2006. ras. Él te hace sobre“El Hoyo” es la primera saltar cada vez con los película en la que Ivan es sobresaltos durante el protagonista y él lo retoda la película. Los trató increíblemente. Puefectos especiales de sieron a Goreng en una la sangre y las heriFOTO CORTESÍA DE BASQUE FILMS das parece que son reprisión con un compañero de celda que nunca Los actores Emilio Buale e Ivan Massagué ales, esto es diferente había conocido antes. interpretan a Baharat y Goreng en “El Hoyo”, 2019. de las otras películas

de miedo. Galder hizo el marco de la película bien, las celdas parece que están frías y solitarias. Se puede notar que ellos pasaron mucho tiempo pensando e intentando muchas cosas diferentes para crear esta película maravillosa.

Galder hizo un buen trabajo en retratar el concepto de “El Hoyo”. La película representa a la sociedad en la vida real. La gente en los pisos de arriba no tiene preocupaciones de nada, puede comer lo que quiere y la cantidad que quiere sin preocuparse de esos abajo. Mientras la gente de abajo se está enfrentando todos los días para sobrevivir. En la vida, la gente común lucha día a día para sobrevivir mientras los ricos pueden hacer lo que quieren sin consecuencias y sin importarles la gente de abajo.

Esta película demuestra cómo es difícil tomar decisiones cuando se está presionado al límite. El director hizo esto perfectamente con una historia que es tan oscura y sangrienta que no se puede olvidar. Tiene increíbles habilidades de producción, sabe cómo crear los escalofríos por tu espalda. Y con la ayuda de los actores, la película salió perfecta. Por eso “El Hoyo” es una favorita mía.

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Dec. 2, 2022

9

El humor, el romance y los detectives ¿Qué más podrías desear?

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a serie “Brooklyn 99” es una serie de comedia que sigue al personaje Jake Peralta, interpretado por Andy Samberg, Paige y sus compañeros Crockett de trabajo. Todos los personajes son únicos en su manera cómica. Cuándo quieres ver la televisión, ¿qué te gusta ver en la pantalla? Si tú piensas que quieres algo cómico, con detectives y eventos desafortunados, y al mismo tiempo estar entretenido entonces te puede gustar “Brooklyn 99”. Descubrí que “Brooklyn 99” tiene humor y detalles más allá de mis expectativas.

Yo tengo muchas razones por las que me gusta y pocas que no me gustan.

“Brooklyn 99” es sobre nueve personajes principales y lo que sucede en sus vidas, ambas, en la oficina y en el campo. Los escritores hicieron un trabajo excelente con los detalles de los personajes porque todos ellos tuvieron sus propios defectos y cualidades especiales. Me gusta mucho cuando los programas de televisión expresan la individualidad de los personajes. Yo siento que muchas veces todos los personajes en la televisión tienen personalidades similares. El programa de la televisión tiene un contenido consistente. El espectador ve cambios a lo largo de la serie en las vidas de los personajes desde eventos de vida mayor, hasta encuentros tontos que tienen. Creo que el trabajo de los detectives es muy interesante, así me gusta cuando Jake y sus compañeros van al campo. El programa de televisión tiene ocho temporadas desde 2013 hasta el 2021. También tiene episodios cortos lo cual es perfecto para la estudiante ocupada como yo.

Creo que los programas con episodios cortos son mejores porque mantienen la atención del espectador.

Personalmente, me aburro cuando los episodios son largos porque creo que son más lentos.

Yo dije anteriormente que no me gustan algunas cosas. Por ejemplo, no me gusta el personaje de Charles Boyle. La perversión del personaje Charles Boyle y los comentarios

FOTO CORTESÍA DE FREMULON

Los actores Terry Crews y Andy Samberg interpretan a Terry Jeffords y Jake Peralta en un episodio del Cinco de Mayo en “Brooklyn 99”, 2019. que hace a sus compañeros de trabajo me hicieron encogerme. Otra cosa que no me gusta es como los personajes Scully y Hitchcock les falta inteligencia. Sus personajes son extremadamente asquerosos y muestran poco conocimiento sobre lo que están haciendo. Yo no sé cuál es la razón porque los personajes están en el programa porque los personajes sólo están por un periodo de tiempo. Cuando los veo actuar asquerosos, voy a la siguiente escena.

Algunas cosas me hicieron hablar con la pantalla de la televisión

porque no podía creer mis ojos. El programa puede ser demasiado gráfico y extraño cuando es innecesario

“El programa de la televisión es diferente de otros que he visto.”

PAIGE CROCKETT CLASIFICACIÓN: 5/5

para la trama.

El programa de la televisión es diferente de otros que he visto. Creo que los escritores y los actores ponen sus corazones y almas al hacer el programa y lo aprecio. Con demasiada frecuencia, parece que los actores no hacen más. Otra cosa que les falta a los programas de televisión es que no tiene diversidad. Brooklyn 99 tiene mucha diversidad. Tiene diferentes etnias en el programa que el espectador puede ver. Por ejemplo, el capitán es un hombre negro, también el sargento del precincto 99.

“Brooklyn 99” es un programa de televisión que creo que tú podrías ver. Tiene todos los elementos necesarios para crear un programa excelente. Fue tan cómico que me reí hasta que no pude respirar algunas veces. Creo que todos los personajes que participaron en la fabricación del programa lo hicieron muy bien y le ponen su tiempo. Espero que más directores y escritores lo hagan. No tiene muchas cosas que cambiaría, pero tiene muchas cosas que me encantaron y creo que también te encantarían.

10 Dec. 2 2022

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Michael French: shooting for more

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Sport and leisure senior Michael French plays billiards regularly to stay sharp, Nov. 30. While he doesn’t have any real challengers on campus, he keeps an eye out for students who are interested in the game.

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port and leisure senior Michael French’s main aim was to become a personal trainer after college. Now, his aim has been diDonovan rected to the sport of Jackson pool, where he travels across the country to compete against the best for cash prizes while building his brand.

French started out playing pool for fun, as he would go to bowling alleys and skating rinks to casually play with his friends. French’s introduction to competitive play started on his second day on campus. After French saw people playing pool, he joined them and started playing. He heard there was a tournament coming up in the next two weeks and chose the play in it. French said the tournament was, “12 players. 1 game, single elimination,” which French described as “pretty brutal for a tournament.” Despite the challenge, French won the tournament.

Soon after his first tournament, French gained a second tournament win. But this one came with some added adversity “I broke my pinky knuckle in my right hand, which is my backhand.

And a second tournament came up.

I had a wrap around my hand before I had my cast on and I played in that second tournament with the wrap

on and I got first in that one too. So I just figured I had a pretty good head start as far as a natural talent for the game and that is all she wrote I just became obsessed with getting better,” French said.

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Pool player Michael French stands at a pool table with a cue ball and his custom cue, Nov. 30. French has hopes to one day coach a college billiards team.

At this point, French figured out he had a head start and a natural talent for the game. French would spend hours and hours on YouTube and online learning about the game. After participating in local tournaments, French flew out to South Carolina to compete in the Diamond Open which featured 128 players and some of the best pool players in the world.

“I didn’t do quite as well as I wanted to in that tournament, but I got a ton of experience. I got to get a lot of great advice from a bunch of different pros from all around the world. So it was honestly a really great experience overall,” French said.

French has had opportunities to travel to various locations to play pool. French has gone to Houston, San Antonio, South Carolina, Oklahoma City and even Las Vegas to play pool for eight consecutive days. His best experience playing pool was during a local tournament in Wichita Falls at Fast Eddy’s pool hall. The tournament is named Addy’s Avengers.

“It is a fundraising tournament for a little girl named Addy and she has cystic fibrosis so all the money gets raised at that pool tournament gets given to her and her family to help Addy,” French said.

French is dedicated to the game of pool and said it’s something he

wants to do long term. French originally planned to do personal training until he realized it wasn’t really what he thought it was going to be.

Now French has aspirations to teach

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Sport and leisure senior Michael French sends the cue ball towards a yellow striped ball, Nov. 30.

French utilizes social media and tournaments to grow his brand as a pool player.

or coach a billiards team for a D1 or D2 college.

“It’s something I want to do for the rest of my life,” French said. “It kind of shifted my focus to potentially teaching or coaching a billiards team for a D1 or D2 college and I looked into it. There’s quite a few D1 colleges that have billiards teams and I would love to coach one so we compete against other colleges and stuff. And I think that would be a really awesome story,” French said.

French also has a social media dedicated to the sport, where he creates pool content for all kinds of audiences.

“I’m gonna continue with my social media and continue putting pool content out there. Whether that’s for beginners or all kinds of audiences out there that love pool,” French said.

With balancing school and participating in tournaments, French makes it a priority to get all of his school work done before he heads out to a big tournament, which could last up to 15 hours.

As soon as French enters a pool hall, he said he tries to find the best player to play so that he can measure his game to them. If they are better than him. French asks them for advice and if French is better he gives them advice.

“It’s always fun, it’s always a good time,” said French.

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Dec. 2, 2022 11

“Wednesday” is the series Netflix needs to save its streaming service

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t is not news to anyone that Netflix has been failing as a streaming service. From their discontinuation of “Julie and the PhanJoey toms,” an extremely popular show that Arthur brought them very much needed revenue and viewership, to them having to raise their streaming prices and having ads for their lowest price plan. Netflix’s doom has been looming but with the release of “Wednesday” it looks like they are taking steps to the salvation of their streaming service.

Released Nov. 23 on Netflix, “Wednesday” is a coming-of-age series that follows the titular character, Wednesday Addams as she navigates her life at a new boarding school all while trying to solve a series of monster-related murders and master her newly found psychic abilities. Directed by Tim Burton, “Wednesday” is an eight-episode supernatural horror comedy that serves as a sequel to the 1991 movie, “The Addams Family.” Much like

previous Addams Family works, “Wednesday” has received a lot of good reviews from critics and Netflix viewers.

A week after its debut, Netflix reported that the series broke the record for most viewed TV series with 341.23 million hours in a week, a record previously held by one of Netflix’s most popular series, “Stranger Things.” With this, “Wednesday” sits as Netflix’s most viewed TV series, a position that is totally deserved. I have had the pleasure of watching the show and it is a fantastic addition to Netflix’s series category. As stated earlier, it is a show that follows Wednesday Addams and the new adventure she embarks on. It begins with her moving to a Nevermore Academy at the request of her parents after her expulsion from her previous high school. Almost immediately after her admittance, she is pulled into a murder mystery while trying to master her new psychic abilities.

The series is great for a number of reasons. It is a perfect sequel to the 1991 movie because it doesn’t just give an origin story to Wednesday

Emma Mayers plays Enid Sinclair, a werewolf friend of Wednesday, 2022.

but also Gomez and Morticia Addams. The series also explains the ancestry of the Addams family. The series also perfectly depicts the familial relationship between Wednesday and her parents. The series emphasizes the tense relationship she has with her mother, Morticia and the trust lacking relationship she shares with her father, Gomez, but despite all that, we also see how very protective she is of her parents and they of her. Finally, the series does a great job of illustrating the issues between different social groups and the definition of self-identity.

Casting for the series PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX began May 2021 and I would Lead actress Jenna Ortega portrays the eccentric Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s like to note that Netflix did new show, “Wednesday,” 2022. an amazing job with the main, recurring and guest mayhem normally to protect her isodes just how smart, powerful and casts for the series. Jenna Ortega family and friends. Ortega’s portray- independent but nurturing and fun plays our protagonist, Wednesday al of the character is one to remem- Wednesday Addams can be. Ortega Addams. Wednesday is a 16-year-old ber and, in my opinion, deserving of also make history as she is the first goth girl who is extremely anti-soan Oscar. Ortega tells us in eight ep- Latina to portray the character. cial and loves to cause mischief and Hunter Doohan plays Tyler Galpin, a troubled but nice barista at a coffee shop. Doohan portrayed Tyler Galpin better than people give him credit for, and I can’t wait to see him in future projects. Luis Guzmán and Catherine Zeta-Jones portray Gomez and Morticia Addams, parents of Wednesday Addams. Guzmán’s and Zeta-Jones’ on-screen chemistry is one for the record books. They perfectly captured the intense but extremely romantic relationship between Gomez and Morticia. Every cast member gave their very best to the characters they portrayed, and their hard work showed.

From the mind of Tim Burton, “Wednesday” is a dark but comedic coming of age tale. It is a multilayered series that hits on various key themes like societal differences, self-identity, familial relationships, parental expectations, independence and the importance of staying true to oneself. It is also a murder mystery that forces its audience to utilize their brainpower to solve the mystery alongside Wednesday.

But most importantly, “Wednesday” is an eight episodic series about PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX Wednesday Addams.

12 Dec. 2 2022

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Therapy dogs lift students’ spirits

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Students pet Koda to help deal with the stress of finals, Nov. 29.

Organismal biology freshman Grace Pfaffle pets Misha the borzoi to help with upcoming finals, Nov. 29.

PHOTO BY A. DEFORE | THE WICHITAN

Visitor Tanner Willis pets therapy dog Ian, a border collie who has won many ribbons in agility competitions across Oklahoma and Texas.

PHOTO BY A. DEFORE | THE WICHITAN

Chemistry freshman Abigail Simbana takes a break from studying in the library with therapy dog Woodrow.

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Jasper the corgi helps comfort students before finals, Nov. 29.