MSU no longer "only public liberal arts college in Texas"
SABRINA HARRISON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
After almost 20 years of being the “only public liberal arts college in Texas,” MSU has pulled out of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC).
The conversation about this change came while MSU was balancing its $9.8 million budget deficit.
“So, when we were going through our budget challenge, and we were looking at every dollar we spent, and thinking, ‘How is that strategically moving the university forward, and what is the ROI (return on investment) for that?’” President Stacia Haynie said. “COPLAC was costing, between the dues to the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities, [...] the cost was between $15,000 and $18,000.”
COPLAC offered a variety of opportunities for students, including conferences, summits and awards.
However, Haynie claimed that not many students were making use of these opportunities.
“The primary benefit that the university received was our students were able to interact with some of their programming and our faculty in their leadership conference they had. And we would have between, I want to say three to six people a year that would leverage that,” Haynie said.
Instead, MSU has developed its own leadership program to provide similar opportunities for students. The Student Leader Development (Lead the Stampede) program was developed in order to offer students and faculty the leadership development opportunities they were making use of under COPLAC.
As for the other benefits offered by COPLAC like academic conferences and summits, the plan is to meet students where they are at. Haynie said that support will come in the form of helping students
in their individual disciplines rather than having an overarching conference like COPLAC does.
“Students who may want to present research papers with their faculty in their discipline, that we'll support those endeavors, again, working with colleges and working with the programs to identify what best supports the student in the discipline,” Haynie said.
Though MSU is no longer a “public liberal arts college,” the liberal arts will still be a key part of the university’s identity.
“I think that is the role of college, is that you're providing [a well-rounded education]. I think that's not done necessarily through being a membership of a particular association, but ensuring that you have strong academic programs across that spectrum,” Haynie said. “The liberal arts, I think, are integral to who we are as a university. That won't change and hasn't changed.”
COPLAC membership will now be used to support students in other ways, Dec. 2.
MSU's next steps in stadium build
SABRINA HARRISON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Now that the city of Wichita Falls owns the Sikes Senter Mall, both the city and MSU are looking towards the future.
Wichita Falls became the owner of the Sikes Senter Mall on Oct. 15, after announcing their plan to buy the property in July 2025. The city plans on demolishing the current building and constructing new shopping centers and a new stadium.
“On the university side, we are working with a group that has experience with Texas Tech, and so we are fortunate. Tech has, I think, a billion dollars worth of construction underway right now, so they have a great deal of experience, and especially with athletic facilities,” President Stacia Haynie said.
While MSU begins to plan for the future stadium, the university needs to secure finances for construction.
“We've got to secure the financing to move that forward, and so we are going to be having those conversations with our potential philanthropic investors soon, and the sooner we are able to secure that, the better,” Haynie said.
However, philanthropic investments will not be the only source of funds for the stadium. Athletic fees may also be
raised in order to help fund the stadium, though MSU plans on discussing this with the student government first. Haynie said that so far, the student government has been
open to the project and willing to push it forward despite graduating before the stadium is complete.
“Students here are agreeing, they want to see this in the future. But they're going to have to ‘plant that acorn,’ as our student government president has said,” Haynie said. “[and appreciate] that the shade of that tree will be enjoyed by other students.”
BY KASSIDI FERGUSON | THE WICHITAN
Within the next few years, Sikes Senter mall will close and be demolished to make room for a new shopping center, as well as a new football stadium for MSU, Dec. 2.other ways, Dec. 2.
Editor-in-Chief: Sabrina Harrison
Managing Editor: Sana Hussain
Photography Editor: Madisyn Butler
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Business Manager: Bernard Sasu Boateng
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Issue Staff: Alex Rhea, Astrith Alvarez, Carma Hulse, Kassidi Ferguson, Khloe Sullivan, Jay Prado, Anna Hull
Part of the reason MSU plans to build a new stadium is because of the current condition of the Memorial Stadium. However, Haynie believes that having the stadium will be beneficial to the campus because of its proximity to campus.
“I think that Memorial is 60, 70 years old, and it is needing upgrades, and to do that often can be as costly as a new facility,” Haynie said. “But I think it's also important for our campus, especially because of the location, to have our own [stadium].”
COVER BY KASSIDI FERGUSON
PHOTO BY MADISYN BUTLER | THE WICHITAN President Haynie said that the funds that were previously used for MSU's
PHOTO
SANA HUSSAIN MANAGING EDITOR
TFighting academic anxiety through Friendsgiving at TASP
he Tutoring & Academic Support Programs (TASP) office hosted its first "Friendsgiving Open House" this semester in an effort to break down the intimidation many students feel when seeking academic help on Nov. 21.
“This is our first annual Friendsgiving open house,” said Director Phyllis Bunch. “There are a lot of students who are reticent to come in, they’re nervous to come in… so we decided we would open up today and have some of the tutors here and just help students come in and log in and see that one little process is so easy.”
Bunch said the idea came from a growing need to counter misconceptions that TASP is a stressful or overly serious environment.
“We figured out this semester that we needed another way to get students to come in that was not scary,” Bunch said. “We’re just really looking forward to getting more students in, let them see the space. It’s not scary.”
Students were welcomed with caramel apples, hot drinks and a relaxed atmosphere, an intentional shift away from the typical image of academic centers.
Bunch emphasized that TASP is a supportive, lively community, not a silent study hall.
“This is the best place on campus. Other people say theirs is the best, but really and truly, we’re the best,” Bunch said. “We’ve got snacks, we’ve got candy… we’re a cool group of people. The problem that we have is if you come in, you may never want to leave.”
Some students who once visited for tutoring now work there.
“We’ve got students who just used to come in to get tutoring, and now they’re tutors,” Bunch said. “I don’t want to say the cult of TASP… but once you’re in, you’re in, and we got you.”
Accounting senior Avery Whitlow is a Tier 3 tutor who manages shifts and assists new learners. He said the open house reflects TASP’s commitment to reaching students where they are.
“We have a good system of going and talking into classrooms and going to some of the events on campus,” Whitlow said. “Some people don’t think they need it… like I’ve needed it before, and I tutor all these different subjects.” Whitlow said creating a welcoming environment is key.
“Any event that includes free food and free drinks, then probably people will come,” Avery said. For the future, he hopes for, “another open house… where all the tutors say you can experience and see what all we have to offer.”
Ultimately, TASP’s message is simple: academic support does not have to feel intimidating.
Sonshine House: Feeding the body and soul on Broad Street
JAY PRADO REPORTER
Nestled under the highway overpass at 912 Broad St., the Sonshine House might be easy to miss if driving too fast. But for hundreds of Wichita Falls residents, this unassuming building is a beacon of hope, a place where faith and service intersect every Tuesday afternoon.
What locals may remember as the site of a Pioneer Restaurant in the 1970s is now serving a different kind of daily special. Instead of burgers and fries, the menu consists of essential groceries, warm clothing and a helping hand, all provided at no cost to those facing food insecurity in the Texoma area.
“We do it to take care of the hungry,” president of the Sonshine House Lane Hogan said.
Sponsored by a local group of Churches of Christ, including Faith Village, Tenth and Broad, Edgemere and Welch Street, Sonshine House has become a critical safety net for the community. As the holiday season approaches and
temperatures drop, the need for their services is more crucial than ever.
The operation is powered entirely by volunteers. Every Tuesday from 1:30-4:00p.m., a rotating team of about 25 volunteers from
the supporting congregations swing into action.
The numbers tell a story of growing necessity. On an average week, the Sonshine House serves approximately 100 families,
totaling around 250 individuals.
“Many families include one or two children,” Hogan said.
The atmosphere is one of organized compassion. In the pantry, volunteers fill brown paper bags with nonperishables such as pasta, canned tomatoes and boxed meals. In the clothing area, racks are lined with donated coats, shirts and shoes, organized by size and style. Men and women are typically limited to two or three outfits per visit to ensure there is enough for everyone.
The Sonshine House operates as a true grassroots effort: donations of food, clothing and funds pour in from local residents and congregations, directly stocking the shelves and racks.
In a building that once served paying customers as a restaurant, the currency is now kindness and compassion. As the holidays arrive, the Sonshine House continues to prove that a community’s character is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members.
PHOTO BY SANA HUSSAIN | THE WICHITAN
Friendsgiving invites all students to learn more about the TASP center and feel more comfortable asking for help, Nov. 21.
PHOTO BY JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN Volunteers hand bags of groceries to a client at the service counter. The ministry aims to help those facing food insecurity during the holiday season and throughout the year, Nov. 25.
Fantasy of Lights
Not all displays withstood the
MADISYN BUTLER | THE WICHITAN
The Burns' Fantasy of Lights first opened in 1974. It currently holds 51 different displays that depict popular Christmas themes and pop culture scenes from the last 50 years, Dec. 1
MADISYN BUTLER | THE WICHITAN
Visitors are told to stay on the path so they can tour the entire area at their leisure, Dec. 1.
KASSIDI FERGUSON | THE WICHITAN
The Poinsettia is an orginal display. It is displayed right in front of the Hardin building, and many people take pictures in front of it, Dec. 2.
MADISYN BUTLER | THE WICHITAN Burns' Fantasy of Lights offers displays for community members of all ages. Young children enjoy the Toy Story Christmas display which was created and donated by the Ernst Family in 2013, Dec. 1.
People bundle up to stay warm as the Hardin lawn, Dec. 2.
illuminates MSU
through the
lawn to see many different displays, including ones that depict classical stories such as Humpty Dumpty, Dec. 2.
from 1974 and many more that have been added over the years. The
is an orignial display, Dec. 1.
MADISYN BUTLER | THE WICHITAN Families stroll
Hardin
MADISYN BUTLER | THE WICHITAN Displays in the Burn Fantasy of Lights are a combination of original displays
Robot
KASSIDI FERGUSON | THE WICHITAN they look at the various displays placed in
MADISYN BUTLER | THE WICHITAN Political science senior Emily Shephard and Gavon Brown, 22, stroll through the displays in the cold weather, Dec. 2.
KASSIDI FERGUSON | THE WICHITAN displays are extragevant. Some, like Flipper, are simple machines that have test of time, Dec. 2.
Students have a shopping spree at the free pop-up thrift shop
PHOTO BY CARMA HULSE | THE WICHITAN
CARMA HULSE REPORTER
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, MSU's Student Engagement Center held a free pop-up thrift shop that offered MSU students and faculty free clothes, shoes, popcorn and school supplies.
The shop had a variety of clothes that welcomed people with different styles. For the students who did not have appropriate clothing for professional settings, this was a place where they could find an outfit.
Books and school supplies were another big part of the shop. Getting essential supplies through it helps
students prepare with less stress.
The pop-up thrift shop is an event awaited by many. Students had lined up before the "opening" of the shop to get the best picks. A week leading up to the event, posters and calls for donations were put out into the community. The Student Engagement Center put out donation boxes all around the campus and accepted through Nov. 14.
The organizers held the event in the CSC from 10a.m. - 3p.m.
Assistant director of student engagement Ruby Garret said that the student workers were one of the driving forces for the event.
"They helped wash the clothes, picked up the clothes for donations, they organized everything," Garrett
said. "A lot of the stuff was donated by faculty and staff, the student volunteers donated a lot of the clothes too.”
Biology sophomore Gisele Ramsey attended the event and shared their thoughts about what makes a pop-up thrift shop successful.
“Maybe like customer service or things like that. You can find anything anywhere, it's just how you bring in the people,” Ramsey said. “I think donations make a big part of it. When there are a lot of donations that come in, I think it makes it come together."
Any items that were not picked out by students did not go to waste. Instead, they found a new homes at Goodwill and Faith Resale.
Penny for your thoughts on a greener planet
SANA HUSSAIN MANAGING EDITOR
The US Mint has pressed its final circulating penny, marking the end of more than two centuries of one-cent coin production. While the penny remains legal tender, its discontinuation could carry meaningful environmental implications and that perspective is gaining traction among economists and environmental advocates.
According to official data, producing a penny cost about 3.69 cents in 2024. That is nearly four times the coin’s face value. The higher cost stems from rising metal prices, manufacturing costs, and distribution expenses tied to zinc-centered blanks plated with copper.
The economic inefficiency had long been criticized. CNBC reported the Trump administration directed the Treasury to halt penny production on the grounds that it was wasteful. The Mint expects to save roughly $56 million per year by ending penny production.
shipments across the country.
“Each penny costs more to make than it’s worth,” Treasury officials told Forbes during the final penny striking.
For decades, billions of pennies were minted annually even though many never circulated. Coin distribution reports show that much of the copper-plated zinc alloy ended up hoarded in jars or slowly filtered back to banks. This forced continuous new production cycles.
Producers and environmental analysts argue that the savings are about more than money. Scaling down coin production reduces demand for raw metals, lowers energy consumption and emissions tied to mining and metal processing, and diminishes fuel use in transporting heavy coin
With production halted, the heavy burden on raw-material extraction and metal supply chains may ease. Over time, reduced mining and smelting activity could lower pollution and landscape degradation associated with metal mining. A small but tangible benefit particularly if other lowvalue coins face similar scrutiny.
Still, some experts warn that ending penny manufacture does not reverse past environmental damage.
The “bill” has already been paid. But they call the phaseout a symbolic first step. As observers noted during the penny’s final strike: halting pennies might cost cents, but it could save Earth.
The pop-up thrift shop held a variety of clothes for students to choose what best fits their need, Nov. 18.
COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA
Pennies from the San Francisco mint with an "S" mint mark
produced for collectors and have a proof finish.
Celebrating culture and connection
SANA HUSSAIN MANAGING EDITOR
International Week was a full schedule of events this year, aiming to highlight global cultures on campus and create space for international students to feel represented and connected.
Throughout the week, students picked up “passports” and visited different events to collect stamps for a prize drawing. The challenge included a photobooth hosted by the Graduate School, a trivia-style Jeopardy event by the Office of Student Engagement and much more at various locations around campus.
The week had two days of international sports activities. A performance festival showcasing multicultural art and music was scheduled but had to be canceled due to rain. The week was wrapped up by a serene gala night.
For many student organizations, International Week served as a chance to share culture through food and community. African Student Organization's (ASO) event coordinator Chibusonma Chijioke said the week highlights the visibility of international
students.
“I think that there's a good representation of African students on campus,” Chijioke said. “I like the fact that we are given the opportunity to showcase our culture, do events and come together with other organizations.”
ASO brought puff-puff, a sweet, deep-fried dough snack, to its table during the cultural showcase. Chijioke said the dish was prepared by ASO’s head event coordinator.
Beyond cultural visibility, she hopes MSU expands its support for African students specifically.
“They could give us more opportunities,” Chijioke said. “More opportunities for scholarships, more opportunities through admissions for more African students to get an opportunity to go to school here.”
The week concluded with an international gala coordinated by MSU’s international retention and recruitment specialist Chapel Deaton. Deaton revived the gala after hearing about its past popularity among students.
“I think they enjoy getting recognized,” Deaton said. “Each group got to make their own food and share with us, those of us who maybe haven't tried some of that food.”
MSU distributed 125 tickets for the gala,
though Deaton said turnout across the week could be stronger. Participation in the passport challenge was lower than anticipated, and she plans to revise the format next year to make it easier for students to complete independently.
Despite cancellations and varying turnout, Deaton said the week reinforced the
importance of supporting MSU’s international community.
“Congratulations that you're here,” she said. “There are probably many back home who can’t do what you’re doing… We’re proud of you, and we’re here to support you as much as we can.”
Coming together through world sports
MIRANDA CUNNINGHAM REPORTER
International week is held the same time every year on Nov. 17 through Nov. 21. International week is a national event held throughout the United
States to honour international students by planning events to highlight how important they are to their colleges.
On Tuesday, the Global Education held an event where international students and students can play a game of soccer together. This gives them
a chance to get to know each other through the sport. This was also a great opportunity to have their skills challenged and to learn how to work with each other.
There were two games played with teams chosen each game. Although the games were very competitive, it was a warm and welcoming environment. Throughout the game, laughter and chatter were heard on the field.
Industrial tech senior Vincent Peter is from Dominica said that international week makes him feel represented on campus. Peter says MSU was advertised on his island and he decided to join his friends when they decided to come to MSU.
Finance and business analytics sophomore Julian Meneses is from Ecuador and he said he loved the opportunity to play with students from other countries. Meneses said that he was a part of an education program that places students in colleges.
PHOTO BY CARMA HULSE | THE WICHITAN Criminal jusitce sophomore Kamune Mrisho particpates in the International Day of Sports by playing soccer, Nov. 18.
PHOTO BY ASTRITH ALVAREZ | THE WICHITAN MSU students attend the Global Gala and converse before getting food from around the world, Nov. 21.
PHOTO BY CARMA HULSE | THE WICHITAN Students gather to play sports that are popular outside of the United States, like soccer, for International Day of Sports, Nov. 18.
MSU Soccer goes
PHOTO BY KASSIDI FERGUSON | THE WICHITAN Forward (34) Jimena Rodriguez running to capture the ball from midfielder (26) Marie Hannedouche, Nov 10.
PHOTO BY KASSIDI FERGUSON | THE WICHITAN Defender (33) Mable Pruterkicks the ball down field, Nov. 10.
PHOTO BY KASSIDI FERGUSON | THE WICHITAN Defender (24) Leeci Snyder steals the ball from St. Edwards forwards to (24) Isabella Ruiz, Nov. 10.
PHOTO BY KASSIDI FERGUSON | THE WICHITAN Defender (3) Bella Rose competes againist Annie Rocha(35) forward for the ball, Nov. 10.
goes to Playoffs!!
PHOTO BY ANNA HULL | THE WICHITAN Dereck Espinal (9) tries to dribble the ball past the Lubbock Christian midfielder Joao Catafesta (6), Nov. 15.
PHOTO BY ANNA HULL | THE WICHITAN Parker Plaxco (19) attempts a header into the goal after the team's corner kick, Nov. 15.
PHOTO BY ANNA HULL | THE WICHITAN Skyler Krchnak (5) falls after a Lubbock Christian player slide tackles him to gain possesion of the ball, Nov. 15.
PHOTO BY ANNA HULL | THE WICHITAN
The men's soccer team celebrates while holding the Lone Star Confrence trophy after winning the LSC championship game for the fifth time, Nov. 15.
"The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" Season 3 review
MADISYN BUTLER REPORTER
Can MomTok survive this? Will MomTok survive this?
These are common asked questions that the moms of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" (SLOMW) ask themselves every season. With constant drama and backstabbing, season three of SLOMW showed just how far the women will go to protect MomTok from each other. At the time of writing this, the reunion has not aired. At the end of season two, much of MomTok’s future was unknown. Demi walked out after saying she would not be in the group if Taylor was there. Jen left to take care of her mental health. Miranda was not voted back in. Jessi was accused of having an affair, and three of the wives were pregnant. Season three picks up almost right where season two left off, and it is juicy. I was invested from the beginning. The drama, the intrigue, the plot twists.
I think my favorite wife this season was either Taylor or Miranda. Taylor has gone to therapy, and it showed this season. And Miranda was just funny because she did not know what was going on during parts of the season, and I was laughing so hard at her.
I feel like this season had less petty drama. Like last season, Taylor was upset that MomTok did not support her on social media, and then Demi got mad that Taylor called them out. But this season, I feel like the drama, and the moms, were calmer. It felt less like teenage girls who were fighting for no reason and more like adults who are in different stages of their lives, learning as they go.
Now, that is not to say that there is not petty drama, but the focus of the season was not on that. Overall, I love this show, and I would recommend it to anyone who does not mind watching grown women fight with and for each other.
Review: "Eternity" plays with death in a comedic way
CARMA HULSE REPORTER
Have you ever wondered what happens after death? Spent nights hoping that your significant other wants to spend eternity with you?
Well, "Eternity," starring Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller and Callum Turner shows you all the possibilities of what eternity could be. This hilarious movie starts with an elderly couple, Larry (Miles Teller) and Joan Cutler (Elizabeth Olsen), on their way to one of their children's baby showers, talking about death and the discussion of where their dream vacation should be.
When Larry dies choking on a pretzel, we are then introduced to this area where he has seven days to pick his eternity. Joan Cutler
spends those seven days slowly dying of cancer and when it is her turn to find her eternity, she is put in a predicament. She sees her husband, Larry, who she has been married to for 65 years, and her other husband, Luke (Callum Turner), who died in Korea 67 years ago.
Now Joan has to choose her current husband, who she has lived life with, or her dead husband, who she did not get the chance to live life with. I know that
if I had to choose between two very attractive men, I would be struggling to choose too.
Even though this was about Joan’s decision, Larry and Luke made sure that they would be the one she chose. The bickering between Larry and Luke was extremely amusing. You could see how both characters wanted to “win” Joan.
An actress that stood out to me in this movie as well was Da’vine Joy Randolph who plays “Anna”, Larry’s Afterlife Caretaker. She knew exactly how to make her character's comedic timing perfect. Her chemistry with Joan's Afterlife Caretaker Ryan (John Early) is immaculate and makes the entire movie funny.
Elizabeth
Overall, the chemistry that each actor had was very impressive. Because of how well everyone worked together, the emotions and comedic deliveries were ten times funnier. As soon as you think you know the ending it turn.
COURTESY OF AOL
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives first premiered on Hulu in Sept. 2024 and follows the lives of Mormon mom influencers, Dec. 3.
SANA HUSSAIN MANAGING EDITOR
If a person was constantly telling you, “You will fail,” “It will not end well,” “Give up," “It's over," you would unfollow, unfriend, block and ignore them.
This "person" is your inner voice. Why did we normalize being this person to ourselves?
It may sound dramatic when I take a meme and use it to prove that our generation has fatalistic thinking. However, the popularity of this meme itself tells me about the pessimistic mentality of this generation.
The meme being referenced here is an image of the white rabbit from “Alice in Wonderland” pointing at a pocket watch. It is paired with the phrase “All roads lead to Rome.”
The phrase means that all different paths lead to the same outcome. Negative outcome or a positive outcome? That is your choice.
The phrase originates from the Roman Empire’s road network. All its major routes were paved to connect to the capital city. “Millarium Aureum” was considered the beginning of all roads, and distances were measured relative to it.
The rabbit is what initially brings Alice into Wonderland. In the story, it represents curiosity and the urge to discover. The image of the rabbit pointing at a pocket watch
All roads lead to rome
represents urgency. As if it is saying, “It is about time.”
This image and caption put together become the face of the “expect nothing” mindset. The following is how we have started to think: "Whichever path I take, I will end up doomed anyway. The bad ending is inevitable. Opportunities will fail. Relationships will collapse. Hard work will not matter. Good things are temporary."
Another concept that I believe goes with this meme is “Memento Mori.” This Latin phrase means “Remember you must die.” A similar Arabic phrase, “Kullu Nafsin Za’iqatul maut,” means “Every soul shall taste death.”
The phrases are not to promote nihilism. They are asking us to live life fully but not recklessly. I believe it is essential for us to understand these concepts.
Pessimism has become a preemptive shield. “If I expect nothing, nothing can hurt me.”
This mindset is silently destroying us. What we think is our protection is sabotaging us.
The Rabbit and Rome meme revealed something deeper. We normalized hopelessness. We see negative outcomes as inevitable. Our brain turns anxiety into prophecy. Then your prophecy manifests into reality.
Let us break out of the clutches of
“doomed” mentality.
Name the Voice
Remember our friend from the beginning of this article? Name them. Paulo Coelho calls it “The Other”. The hardest part is blocking them. You need to actively fight the negative thoughts.
Ask yourself, “Is this fear a fact or is it a habit?”
Usually, it is the latter. Flip that habit. Always believe that it can go right. Choose curiosity over catastrophe
As adults, we tend to stop exploring. We follow the paths that have already been paved. Choose small experiments over big expectations. TRY before you conclude.
Expect effort, not outcomes
Expect that you will have to put in the work regardless of failure or success. Effort is controllable. Outcomes are not. So, give it your all and hope for the best.
Mortality is not a deadline
You are not late. You just need to live intentionally. Stop comparing yourself to others. Live life at your own pace. Do not try to catch up with others.
“All roads lead to Rome” was about possibility. Memes twisted their meaning to fatalism. Let us reclaim the original meaning. Choose curiosity. Take the various paths and explore. Stop assuming that it all ends up being the wrong way.
The white rabbit, "All roads lead to Rome," meme has been used as an expression of pessimism.
Review: "Wicked: For good" Watching two best friends say goodbye changes you
KHLOE SULLIVAN REPORTER
As someone who has always loved musicals to movie adaptations and theater in general, seeing the first “Wicked” was so emotional and riveting.
Adapted from the 2003 musical “Wicked,” which itself is based on the 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire, the story is also inspired by L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
The movie adaptations, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thrope and Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland, began with “Wicked,” which came out on Nov. 22, 2024, and made approximately $147 million at the North American box office. Its sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” released on Nov. 21, 2025, has already surpassed it, making approximately $150 million. Luckily enough, I was able to see the movie early on Nov. 19, and thank Oz I did!
The first film was so astounding that I was left wondering how it could get more wonderful, but the second film, “Wicked: For Good,” did not disappoint whatsoever.
As Galinda said, I was completely “obsessulated” with this film.
This film truly embodied the epitome of love in a female friendship and how people we meet can have long-lasting effects and cause deeply impactful changes throughout our character and lives in general.
There are many underlying themes throughout both films that are expanded and elevated in “Wicked: For Good.”
The movie starts with Elphaba still on the run as she continues her goal of trying to expose the Wizard so people can see all the wrong things he has done and continues to do in the Land of Oz.
Meanwhile, Glinda has become the new public figure of good in Oz. She is trying to raise the people's spirits as they look to her for encouragement during the “trying times” they are facing.
On the outside, Glinda lives a seemingly perfect life as her status rises and she becomes engaged to Fiyero, the man she loves. Who would not be happy?
Fiyero only agrees to marry her because he knows it will make her happy, even though she is not the woman he truly lost his heart to.
Though happy to an extent, Glinda is also struggling; she misses her best friend, must pretend to fear her and faces new pressures under Madame Morrible.
In the film, Elphaba delivers possibly one of the most important messages in the film, “We can’t let good just be a word. It has to mean something.” Then Elphaba and Glinda exchange their "I love you’s" and goodbyes as they part.
The song “For Good,” performed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, captures the heart of the film beautifully, showing viewers that deep and true loving relationships outlast any hardships and tragedy, even death.
To say this film will change viewers for good is an understatement. Maybe I am biased, as I have now seen the film three times in the theater but I can truly say I have been changed for good.
My future relationships and friendships will be deeply affected by the loving and complex relationships explored and beautifully executed in this film.
COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK TIMES
"Wicked: For
COURTESY OF LUZ TAPIA
★"Dancing with the
MADIYSN BUTLER REPORTER
Season 34 of "Dancing With The Stars" had a resurgence with the younger generations online, and let me tell you, I am here for it. This season received some of the highest voting turnout in the 20 years it has been on the air. In multiple episodes, the hosts shared how the voting records were broken.
If you are unfamiliar with the show, the concept is one celebrity and one pro dancer are paired together and compete a new ballroom dance every week. They are then judged by the judge’s panel on a scale of one to 10. The twist is that America also gets a vote in who stays and who goes home each week, but they only get 10 votes per couple per voting method (online or text).
This year’s celebrity panel included Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, Andy Richter, Elaine Hendrix, Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, Baron Davis, Corey Feldman, Lauren Jauregui, Hilaria Baldwin, Jen Affleck, Whitney Leavitt, Scott Hoying and Danielle Fisher.
Now if you do not recognize some of these names, that is okay. They probably left in week two because they did not have the popular vote (former NBA player Baron Davis and actor Corey Feldman).
Week three and four Lauren Jauregui from Fifth Harmony and Hilaria Baldwin, Alec Baldwin’s wife, were sent home. I personally did not care, but I do know that some people were upset about Jauregui’s early elimination. Jauregui was also upset, she because when she was asked right after the fact, she said she was “pissed.”
Week five sent Scott Hoying from Pentatonix went home (just in time for him to go on tour but do with that information what you will). Jen Affleck from the "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" went home week six, which made me sad because
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★Pro Mark Ballas and reality star Whitney Leavitt were sent home in the semifianls, but they were still allowed to perform their freestlye on a independent podcast, Dec. 1.
I was rooting for her, but she did not have the popular vote.
I do feel like this is a good time to point out that Andy Richter, a popular comedian and voice actor, is still in the competition, and he has been deemed the “People’s Princess” because he was only there by the popular vote. He was consistently receiving low scores, and yet, the people saved him every time. Every time his name was not called during elimination, that man was shocked. I will say that I did vote for him once or twice.
Week seven was when Danielle Fishel went home. And if you don’t know who she is, yes you do. This is Topanga from Boy Meets World. I was not surprised by her elimination, but I was sad about it. She was getting better, but it just was not where the top contestants were in their dancing abilities.
Week eight, the quarterfinals, finally saw the People’s Princess Andy Richter go home.
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Pro Val Chmerkovskiy and influencer Alix Earle placed second overall after earning the only perfect cumlative score of 90 on the final night, Dec. 1.
I watched this with a group of friends and the excitement in the room with this elimination was off the charts. I thought he was a silly old man learning something new. I love that people kept voting for him, but it was his time. He was not performing at the same level as the other contestants.
Week nine was a controversial one. Whitney Leavitt, the other Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star on the show, was sent home. And this is a good time to talk about contestants with
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Each week, the couple face elmination. The couple with the lowest combined judges score and audience voting is sent home, Dec. 1.
the Stars" Recap★
prior dance experience.
There was a lot of discussion online about Leavitt and the fact that she has a degree in modern dance from BYU. Many people said that she should not be there because of that reason, and she was too good for the show because the show was about learning to dance not already knowing.
Now, I have always shared this opinion, but if this was such a huge problem, why was it not a problem with Jordan Chiles, an Olympic gold-medal gymnast? Do we not think that her dance and gymnastic experience gives her a leg up on the competition? And anyone who says “Well, ballroom dance is different from gymnastics.” I raise the point that as someone who has done modern dances before, modern dance is very different from ballroom dancing.
There have been many people on DWTS who have had dance experience. Two recent competitors were Chali D’Amelio, who won season 31, and Jojo Siwa, who placed second on season 30.
I do not think people with dance experience should be on the show, but Leavitt is not the first and she will not be the last. She is just the one that got the most backlash for it.
Also, hate is never the answer. After their elimination, Leavitt and her partner Mark Ballas went on the CallHerDaddy podcast and they shared the amount of hate that they got. Ballas read a DM he received, and I was disgusted. We do not know these people. We have no right to send hate to people over a dancing reality TV show. Please stop using social media to share hate.
Week 10 was the final week of the competition. There were five competitors left. Dylan Efron, yes that Efron except he was on Traitors and not Disney Channel, Jordan Chiles, as I mentioned earlier, Elaine Hendrix, from the Parent Trap, Robert Irwin, Steve Irwin’s son, and Alix Earle, a TikTok influencer.
Each competitor prepared two dances (one ballroom and the freestyle) and prepared for an instant dance challenge where they did not find out the style until a few minutes before they had to perform. There have been a lot of people who have said the freestyles this season are the best ever, and I do not agree. I still watch Stephen Nedoroscik’s freestyle from the previous season and still get chills.
Ultimately, Hendrix received fifth, Efron received fourth, Chiles received third, Earle
received second, and Irwin placed first on the same day his sister won the show a decade prior. I personally was voting for Earle because I do feel like she improved so much, but Irwin was great. I can not be too mad about it.
We should talk about the judging. There are three judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. Inaba was probably the toughest judge, and the amount of boos she got was insane. I felt like she was the only judge that gave feedback sometimes. She is not perfect, and she played favorites, but at least she tried to give constructive feedback. Sometimes it felt like Hough and Tonioli did not really give any feedback, but rather, just said how great everything is and then took points off.
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OF ERIC MCCANDLESS
The judging panel consists Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. Each judge is known for their unique personalities and critiques, Dec. 1.
My thoughts for this season: people need to be kinder online. It is insane to me how cruel people are when we do not actually know these people. Also, I loved Andy and I am very glad he went as far as he did. He was not the best dancer, but he was there for a good time. With this new rise of viewers, we all need to remember that this is a reality TV show. We hold no stake in the outcome of this. I enjoyed this season very much. I have not watched a full season of DWTS since I was young, and this brought me back to the days of my youth. I can not wait to see what next season holds.
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Pro Witney Carson and zoologist Robert Irwin took home the Len Goodman Mirrorball trophy after
Dec. 1.
No rom-com does wit and teen angst like "10 Things I Hate About You"
KHLOE SULLIVAN REPORTER
As someone who loves romantic comedies, especially ones built around the teenage experience, “10 Things I Hate About You” was one of the first rom-coms I watched and immediately fell in love with. The humor and emotional impact drew me in from the start.
Writing partners Kirsten Smith and Karen McCullah took inspiration from William Shakespeare’s "The Taming of the Shrew" and turned the classic into a modern teenage story.
The rom-com, starring Heath Ledger as Patrick Verona and Julia Stiles as Kat Stratford, came out in 1999 and made approximately $60 million worldwide.
The writers, producers and directors thought of many people when trying to cast, but as soon as they met with Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, they knew the roles were theirs.
Unlike most teen rom-coms based around humor and the teenage experience the film goes deeper than that. The film does not just rely on humor to carry out the plot.
It shows the trials of being a teenager and figuring yourself out in a difficult setting while also changing some of your views and in Patrick and Kat’s case, falling for someone unexpectedly and how quickly that can happen.
“10 Things I Hate About You” follows a charming outsider who people are afraid of and a previously popular girl who is now seen as shrewd and, as Ms. Perky would say, a “heinous bitch.”
The movie starts with Kat in her car blasting "Bad Reputation"
by Joan Jett, setting her apart from other girls and showing how she does not give a damn about her reputation.
After arriving at school, Kat shines in the classroom, where we learn how strong-willed she is and how she embodies feminist ideals. She is not afraid to speak her mind either, to the teacher or to her father.
Kat and Patrick are not the only relationship developed through the film.
We also see her popular, romance longing little sister Bianca struggle with being sheltered by their father when it comes to dating.
When their father suddenly implements a rule that she can date when her sister does, it seems impossible since Kat does not intend to date. This becomes a problem for the new transfer who falls for Bianca instantly. With the new rule, he sets out to find someone to date Kat so he can date Bianca.
After looking at multiple unusual candidates, Cameron finds Patrick, the charming bad boy that might be able to convince her.
After putting the plan in motion and paying Patrick to get Kat to date him, he takes a shot at her and gets shut down several times, which makes him work harder at getting to know her.
After many tries he finally gets her to see him differently. He takes care of her after she gets drunk at a party, but it is short lived when he rejects her kiss at the end of the night.
He makes it up to her in one of the most iconic rom-com musical gesture, sliding down a firepole and singing Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” as he dances and runs
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from the police.
Their relationship continues to develop. He asks her to prom where she says no but changes her mind after seeing how desperately her sister wants to go.
At prom, the bet comes to light, and Kat and Patrick break up after he becomes someone she did not think he was.
Back at school Kat delivers my second favorite monologue ever in the form of a poem, listing the 10 things she hates about Patrick then revealing she really does not hate him, not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.
The movie ends with Kat opening her car to the guitar Patrick saw her playing in the store as an apology for everything while confessing he has fallen for her.
Not only is the story perfect for the time period it portrays, but the way it is shot gives a raw and emotional feeling from closeups, while the use of wide shots helps establish the characters and settings. The music choices are perfectly picked.
The use of Semisonic’s “F.N.T.” captures exactly what the characters show, letting viewers see how love can simply be discovering who someone is and watching it grow into a fascinating new thing.
Needless to say, this film is full of humor and witty dialogue when exploring romantic relationships and rich and deep when exploring family dynamics, which is why it ranks second on my top romantic comedies of all time list.
The writers Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith were inspired to write "10 Things I Hate About You," after watching "Clueless," Dec. 3. COURTESY
Fátima Bosch Fernández: Entre la corona del Miss Universo 2025 y la tormenta mediática
JULIETTE SALTOS MOLINA
SPANISH
EDITOR
La actual Miss Universo, Fátima Bosch Fernández, abrió una de las ediciones más comentadas y revolucionarias del certamen Miss Universo 2025 con una de sus frases que ha generado más impacto: “Lo que Dios tiene destinado para ti, ni la envidia lo para, ni el destino lo aborta, ni la suerte lo cambia”.
Dicho evento se llevó a cabo el viernes 21 de noviembre de 2025 en Tailandia donde la mexicana hizo historia al ganar la edición número 74 del certamen. Por otro lado, Miss Tailandia, Praveenar Singh, fue elegida primera finalista y Miss Venezuela, Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser, segunda finalista. Bosch, de 25 años y originaria de Villahermosa, estado de Tabasco, es la cuarta mexicana en llevar este triunfo a su país, después de Lupita Jones en 1991, Ximena Navarrete en 2010 y Andrea Meza en 2020. Por medio de sus redes y entrevistas, Bosch exclama haber tenido un arduo desempeño a lo largo de todo este proceso. A través de la pregunta que se le realizó en la noche del certamen, “Si ganaras Miss Universo, ¿cómo usarías esta plataforma para empoderar
a las jóvenes?”, dejó en claro que su misión se enfocará en inspirar a todos para que cumplan lo que más anhelan al responder: “Crean en el poder de su autenticidad, crean en sí mismas; sus sueños son importantes, su corazón importa”.
Con su ya emblemática frase “Porque los sueños se convierten en realidad y, porque Dios así lo quiso, hoy estoy aquí”, que se ha convertido en su marca personal, muchos comparten la felicidad de un país entero.
Sin embargo, a pesar de ser un concurso lleno de brillos deslumbrantes, sonrisas perfectas y emoción por saber quién se llevará la corona, se ha desatado un sin número de opiniones y protestas por el resultado emitido por los jueces.
“La cuestión de si Miss México, Fátima Bosch, debería haber ganado ya no se trata de su desempeño en el escenario, sino de acusaciones de fraude electoral, secretismo y favoritismo” menciona CNN en su página web.
Uno de los jueces del concurso, Omar Harfouch, ha hecho numerosas acusaciones en redes sociales desde que renunció a su cargo, días antes de la final. Al mismo tiempo, aun cuando la Organización Miss Universo ha negado incriminaciones
como la “votación secreta” que se rumorea haber tenido, Harfouch afirma que la victoria de Bosch también fue prescrita, influenciada por los vínculos comerciales entre el copropietario del certamen y presidente de la Organización Miss Universo, Raúl Rocha Cantú, y el padre de la reina de belleza mexicana.
Entre dramas y acusaciones, Bosch ha respondido a los constantes ataques y firmemente expresa que ella sí se merece la corona y banda que hoy en día porta, pues realizó el mismo esfuerzo que todas sus compañeras y atravesó las mismas pruebas.
De igual manera dice que, mientras ella pueda encender una luz de esperanza en los demás y empoderar a las mujeres, todo habrá valido la pena.
"Por eso hoy mi misión es clara: convertirme en ese modelo a seguir, no solo para las personas que se identifican conmigo, sino para todos aquellos que en algún punto sintieron que su autenticidad era mucho o
era poco” (Fátima Bosch Fernández, 2025).
CORTESÍA DE THE NEW YORK TIMES Fátima Bosch Fernández representando a México en Miss Universo 2025.
CORTESÍA DE CNN
Fátima Bosch Fernández junto a sus compañeras del certamen luego de ganar Miss Universo 2025
CORTESÍA DE AOL Olivia Yacé, representando a Costa de Marfil en Miss Universo 2025