Commencement Issue Fall 2016

SINCE 1981

volume 54

ISSUE 15

Fall

Fall 2016

Cl

as s

of

20

16

Graduation Edition

Congratulations 'Runners!

Meet a Roadrunner who’s making moves in local politics

An alumna’s account from the frontlines at Standing Rock

Winter break reading recommendations

Page 3 Page 5

Page 4

GRADUATION

2

The Paisano Editor in Chief: Caroline Traylor Managing Editor: Brady Phelps News Editor: Alex Birnel Arts & Life Editor: Annette Barraza Sports Editor: Anthony Suniga Web Editor: Ricardo Rodriguez Photography Editor: Photo editor

Fall 2016

5 things you MUST do before graduating from UTSA Raquel Simon Calderon Magazine Assistant @ThePaisano

December is here, and with it comes cold weather, a million assignments due, finals and, for some very lucky people, graduation. With that in mind, I invite everyone to take a step back.

If you are graduating, congratulations! Reflect on your journey, remember those who made your experience at UTSA memorable and give thanks for those not-so-good moments you can now look back on and appreciate how they made you thrive. If you are still a long way off from graduation, don’t lose hope. Keep working because it will be worth it.

Here are some recommendations to help you to relax and create some lasting memories at UTSA:

Magazine Editor: Jade Cuevas Business Manager: Will Stransky Senior Copy Editor: Katelyn Wilkinson

Have coffee by the sombrilla

Advertising Marketing Liaison: Jenelle Duff

Or tea, or some nice hot chocolate. Just take a moment and breathe.

ASSISTANTS News Assistants: Gaige Davila

Arts & Life Assistant: Raquel Alonso

Sports Assistant: Frankie Leal

Photo Assistant: Tristan Ipock

Magazine Assistant:

Raquel Simon Calderon

Managing Assistant: Justice Lovin

Attempt to play the piano There are two pianos—one in the UC above the food court and one on the first floor of the HEB UC. Once you see one, it is almost impossible to resist the urge to play a key…so go for it!

STAFF Justice Lovin, Christopher Breakell, Chris Herbert, Ashlee Morales, Aidan Watson-Morris, Isaac Serna, Benjamin Shirani, Danielle Throneberry, Abby Sharp, Kat Joseph, Sam Cabello

Sleep in the library Whether you need a 15-minute power-nap or you are just afraid you won’t make it to class the next morning, sleeping at the library is something every student should do at least once during their college experience.

MARKETING TEAM Valery Assad, Kristy Olsen, Ray Hagimoto, Mikayla Cooper

ADVISOR

Diane Abdo

ADVISORY BOARD

Steven Kellman, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Stefanie Arias, Diane Abdo, Red Madden The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization.

The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tri-point and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations.

Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to: 14526 Roadrunner Way, Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)-690-9301

Get your feet wet at the sombrilla fountain According to legend, the fountain carries special powers that can help students with their finals and overall GPA. Whether you believe the myth or not, there is no harm in indulging the impulse, and it will be a good story to tell.

Swing one last time There is a swing on a tree in front of the MS building; it sits there waiting for someone to notice it. Sometimes we get so caught up with school deadlines, work and our everyday lives that we tend to miss a lot in our environment. Make some time to hang by the swing and relax.

GRADUATION

Fall 2016

3

From UTSA to the Dakota Access Pipeline:

An alumna’s account from the frontlines at Standing Rock

Photo courtesy of KXMB-TV

Shelby Rose Contributor @ShelbyRoseTV

If you would have told me six months ago that I would be a reporter in the middle of a high-profile national news story, I would have called you crazy.

My footage and interviews have made it on CBS national news. I’ve interviewed Shailene Woodley, Mark Ruffalo, Joan Baez and the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

While it’s incredible that I have been given this opportunity, the job hasn’t been easy.

Reporting isn’t easy.

The national news story to which I’m referring is one you’ve surely seen all over social media: the controversial topic of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) in North Dakota. I work for KX News, the CBS affiliate in Bismarck,

Conflicts between law enforcement and pipeline protestors, who refer to themselves as “water protectors,” began in the summer of 2016 and have become violent at times.

which is the closest news market to the protests at a little over an hour away. Many of the protests have also made it into town because Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota.

The conflicts are not an easy topic to cover.

So much information is being thrown at me by both sides, and my job is to decipher the facts and decide how to cover them.

I graduated from UTSA this year, and this is my first reporting job.

I have been forced to put on my big-girl pants and do my job right.

I have learned so much about being a great reporter over the last two months, and I wouldn’t change my situation for the world.

It’s stressful and scary at times, but the experience I’m getting is what many reporters won’t see in a lifetime.

Believe it or not, one of the hardest lessons I’ve learned about being a reporter is to remain unbiased.

I have to be unbiased, not only in my reporting, but also in my everyday life.

I see a lot, and trust me, I have a lot of opinions on the DAPL, but I am forced to practice self-control and refrain from commenting and sharing my opinion at all times.

And with unbiased reporting, I have to share both sides of the story—the protesters versus law enforcement. People are furious with me on both sides.

I know I’m doing my job right when everyone is mad at me

about something, as crazy as that idea sounds.

Nasty social media comments or phone calls are not the only problems.

I have been yelled at and called a liar in person on multiple occasions. I have to use more of that self-control and take whatever people dish out to me.

During these confrontations between protesters and law enforcement, things can get out of hand quickly.

I want to get the closest, most detailed footage during protests.

I want to be right in the middle of everything, so I can accurately report on what’s happening.

Some of the confrontations aren’t friendly, though. Toxic

smoke from burning tires is everywhere, police are pepper spraying and shooting rubber bullets—and I’m right there.

I have had to learn to take care of myself first and do my job second.

I’m not invincible just because I’m neutral. It’s all very real, and it’s all very scary.

I would have never imagined that I would be in this position as a first-year reporter.

In two short months, I have met some incredible people and have made memories that will last a lifetime.

I can’t wait to see where my career takes me, and I can’t thank UTSA enough for setting me up for success.

Since beginning reporting on the events at Standing Rock, UTSA alumna has interviewed notable figures such as the Reverend Jesse Jackson and actor Mark Ruffalo (pictured above), among others.

Over 500 arrests have been made at Standing Rock since August, and according to CBS news, over 90 percent of those arrested were not North Dakota citizens. Dissenters are being tried in both local and federal courts, and some are suing local entities for alleged civil rights vilations.

All photos by Shelby Rose, KXMB-TV, except where noted.

4 Fall 2016 GRADUATION Paisano staff reading recommendations Jade Cuevas Magazine editor

Brady Phelps Managing Editor

Do Cool Sh*t

by Miki Agrawal

SuperYou: Release Your Inner Superhero

by Emily V. Gordon

Meet Miki Agrawal. At 37, this social entrepreneur has opened her own restaurant and established a sustainable underwear company (yes, it’s a thing) and a bunch of other cool sh*t. Agrawal shares her experiences on everything from getting out of your comfort zone to becoming a professional soccer player (sorta).

While you may not be looking to start your own business straight out of college like Agrawal, her witty and casual writing style will leave you inspired to go out and do cool sh*t too.

Emily Gordon—former therapist and current writer, producer and hipster-comedy icon—combines self improvement and entertainment in this superhero-themed self-help book. SuperYou is a guide to making the small changes necessary to transform yourself into what you see as the best version of you.

Raquel Alonzo Arts & Life Assistant

Isaac Serna News Assistant

Milk and Honey

by Rupi Kaur

Less Than Zero

by Bret Easton Ellis

Rupi Kaur’s first published book, Milk and Honey, is divided into four chapters to help heal the hurt that lives within yourself. This New York Times bestseller is perfect for every woman’s coffee table.

Detached from where he once called home, Clay returns for winter break and comes to grips with why he left in the first place. Reflective and devoid of feeling, Less Than Zero is a cold novel written by a young Ellis.

The narrative is shockingly vulgar yet familiar to the average college student who is making their return home for the holidays.

Ethan Pham Photo Editor

A Tale for the Time Being

by Ruth Ozeki

Sam Ceballos Magazine Assistant

A Tale for the Time Being Brings, by Ruth Ozeki, brings together two people, who are separated an ocean apart, with a diary. The diary of Japanese-American Nao Yasutani and the diary’s finder Ruth. The novel is an interesting tale that witnesses the convergence of two people and is a unique and tantalizing dual narrative. It explores the connection between the writer and the reader through the bond that can develop by the writings itself.

The Bell Jar

by Sylvia Plath The Bell Jar is a coming of age story that tells the life of poet Sylvia Plath.

This novel, though dark in nature, can help others out of a dark place. It shows that people with mental illness can achieve their dreams and this speaks volumes, especially to those who suffer from depression and such. The Bell Jar gives hope to those who need it. There is no hero in this story, just the story of a young woman going through real life.

Caroline Traylor Editor-in-Chief

Missoula : Rape and the Justice System in a College Town

by Jon Krakauer

Gaige Davila News Assistant

The Elephant Vanishes: Stories

by Haruki Murakami After finishing this collection, I bought nearly everything Murakami ever wrote.

I’ve yet to understand why I enjoy his work so much, but it may lie in his ability to turn the mundane bizarre. I think about these stories and their characters often, as they’ve become a standard that I apply to any fiction writer after his.

Book jacket photos courtesy of amazon.com

Missoula, Montana is a typical college town with a prestigious university and beloved football team that inspires a passionately loyal fanbase. Over a four-year period, hundreds of students reported sexual assaults to local police (many allegedly committed by athletes) but few were taken seriously or resulted in charges, much less convictions.

Written through a journalistic lens, these stories are thoroughly investigated and dispassionately reported. This nonfiction will first sadden you, but then enrage you enough to make change.

Fall 2016

GRADUATION

5

Student spotlight: Chris Stewart Meet a Roadrunner who’s making moves in local politics Interview by Caroline Traylor

• When did you graduate from UTSA? What was your major?

Were you involved in any student organizations?

I graduated from UTSA in December 2015, just a few months before starting my current job. I was lucky enough to be involved in some great student organizations. I was Executive Senator of the SGA, involved in the Public Administration Student Organization, MOVE UTSA and FTK Dance Marathon for a little while there. I definitely had the opportunity to be a part of some of the best student organizations on campus, and I’m sure there are some that I’m forgetting.

• What are your aspirations for the future?

• What have you been up to since graduating? What is it like working in local politics?

Well, three months after graduating I got my current job as Chief of Staff to City Councilman Ron Nirenberg, who represents UTSA. He’s such a big supporter of the university, it’s cool to get to work on behalf of my alma mater in a professional environment. Local politics are interesting because in Texas they’re supposed to be non-partisan. So we try to get things done without thinking about partisan hang-ups, which is very different from other levels of government. And most of the things we work on are the basics of people’s lives.

Streets, sidewalks, public transit, police and fire. It’s a cool level of politics to work on because we have an impact on what regular people see day to day.

• Did you have mentors during your time at UTSA? Who are they? What did they say or do that made an impact?

I had several mentors in my time at UTSA, but the one that really stands out is Dr. Ann Eisenberg. As the Associate Dean of the Honors College, she pushed me towards some really important experiences in my life. In particular, she helped me to apply for the Archer Fellowship program, something I’d recommend for any student involved in politics and policy. Dr. Eisenberg has such incredible knowledge of UTSA and truly had a desire to make sure that my student experience was unique and suited for me. I can’t begin to thank her.

“You will only get out of something what you put into it, so invest your time. Invest your heart. Invest your whole self in whatever it is that you’re doing, and it will serve you better over the long term.”

Chris Stewart, UTSA alumnus, Chief of Staff to City Councilman Ron Nirenberg

• How did your time at UTSA prepare you for challenges (career, or otherwise) you’ve faced since graduating?

UTSA gave me an incredible network locally.

I still work with former professors and people I met in classes every day. Mayor Ivy Taylor was one of my professors. That’s one of the things that I think makes UTSA and San Antonio unique. San Antonio is such a small town in some ways, but when you form a tight-knit network you can get a lot done. So that’s one of the ways I think UTSA prepared me for the challenges I am facing in my career and otherwise. It gave me a great network.

I was born and raised in San Antonio. I’ve been involved in local politics because I love this city and there are so many big challenges I want to help fix. We have low rates of social mobility and low rates of civic engagement. But San Antonio is made up of fundamentally decent, hard-working people, and I think we are a city with so much potential. I want to make a difference in my city. I don’t know what that looks like—from the public, private, or non-profit sector—but I think no matter where I go, I’ll always come back to my home city and aspire to help lift it up. Other than that, I kind of want to open up a restaurant/ karaoke bar some day.

• What advice do you have for the class of 2016? What are some ways they can prepare for entering the workforce?

My best advice would be to throw yourself into whatever you’re doing. What I mean by that is, do whatever you’re doing to the fullest extent that you can do it. You never know what benefit you’re going to get out of an experience, so no matter what it is that you like to do, do it full out. You will only get out of something what you put into it, so invest your time. Invest your heart. Invest your whole self in whatever it is that you’re doing, and it will serve you better over the long term.

• Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?

Elmo is the only non-human to have testified before Congress.

$10 OFF!

CODE: PAISANO

San Antonio - Dallas

chocoholicfrolicrun.com

6

ADVERTISEMENT

Fall 2016

What are your plans after graduation?

Do the unexpected.

Connect with a recruiter: peacecorps.gov/recruiters

GRADUATION

Fall 2016

7

Congratulations to our Paisano grads!

Raquel Simon Calderon Magazine Assistant Brady Phelps Managing Editor

Katelyn Wilkinson Senior Copy Editor

Ashlee Morales Staff Writer

Kesley Smith (not pictured) Social Media Coordinator

San Antonio

210.877.1975

8

ADVERTISEMENT

Rome’s Pizza

Now hiring Kitchen staff, Delivery drivers, day time busser.

Apply in person or call for more details!

5999 Dezavala Rd, San Antonio,TX 78249 210 691-2070

Fall 2016

Interested in writing?

Photography advertising

Video

graphic design

social media podcasts

marketing

copy-editing

JOin the paisano!

TORTAS AHOGADAS

no previous journalism experience required

CHILAKILLERS

CRISPY TACOS

Meetings every wednesday at 6pm AT the Paisano media arts center 14526 Roadrunner way - right behind the block Looking for three roommates 2,033 sq. ft. house with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, & 2 garage doors.

Located 6 miles from UTSA. Prices begin at $400 per month.

ORDER TO GO: 210-800-3487 RO-HOPORKANDBREAD.COM TUE-SUN: 11AM-4PM CLOSED MONDAYS 623 URBAN LOOP, SA, TX 78204

Contact Donna @ 512-784- 7899 OR Daniel @ 512-573- 2396

GRADUATION

Fall 2016

graphic by Tristan Ipock

College Expecations

.S V

College Reality

Ethan Pham Photo Editor @ethan_bethan

C

ollege is a sanctuary for learning, both academically and personally. When we arrive on campus as freshmen, we have expectations of how our college experiences will go. We envision our hopes for the future and what we want to happen over the course of our college careers.

After countless steps across campus and (for many students) changing our majors a few times, we realize that our time at UTSA reveals more of what the future holds.

We more clearly see what we want in life and the direction we want to take.

Our expectations change, and reality begins to set in. Change is by no means bad. College allows us to mature, and many graduating students can see the changes in themselves.

Continue to grow in your life after college. College teaches us to teach ourselves, to figure things out on our own and learn about who we are.

When we grab that diploma, we will, once again, have expectations of the future, and just as they did in college, our plans will change. We will grow, we will learn as we move forward.

Our future will have its obstacles, but if we stay on the paths we pave for ourselves, our future will continue to be bright. Allow your journey to be flexible. Know that expectations for the future don’t always become reality, which is okay because that is a part of the journey of life. Overcoming obstacles is what college taught us to do!

9

10

GRADUATION

Fall 2016

Who Run the World?

Squirrels!

Sam Ceballos Staff Writer @sambina95

Graphic by Tristan Ipock

UTSA offers students a vibrant and playful squirrel culture to participate in.

After scurrying around cramming for finals, the time has come to for UTSA squirrels to scamper across the stage for a picture with a diploma place holder.

This year’s squirrel class at UTSA proves to be the largest group to participate in the fall commencement ceremony. The graduation squirrel population continues to grow, and like the average student, the inevitable question was posed. What happens now?

Communication major AJ Nuttington laughed as he responded to the much feared question: “There are a lot of things that can happen out there after college. I could end up working for NSR (National Squirrel Radio) or, if things go south, I’ll end up working for the mushroom jerky factory in my hometown; it’s a skill

I already have. I guess I just have to see where this degree takes me.”

Other students aren’t as optimistic. Many fear not finding a job that deals with their degrees. Many students have polished their portfolios of (stolen) goods in hopes that employers will be impressed with their cunning and innovative ways to supply their company.

With many students heading to grad school or entering the work force, the issues of reality are about to set in. The comfort of the Sombrilla dorms will no longer be their dwelling.

Most future grad students will be moving to prestigious state parks to continue to climb up the educational tree.

Others may move back home with their family for some time to scavenge,

while others plan to travel the country and maybe save some trees and terrorize people along the way.

“I looked at my student loan balance and flipped out,” environmental science major Squirrelton Fluffernut said. “I didn’t realize how expensive college is. I come from a small farming community, and even though I have some acorns saved, they aren’t enough to start paying back my loans. Hopefully the next six months prove fruitful, and this degree will help make it rain acorns.”

However, many students look forward to finding a job with their hard-earned degrees.

“The tourist industry is huge right now,” senior Fluffia Scampire commented, regarding her hopes and experiences.

“I get a real kick out of

Lovers of UTSA’s squirrel culture, go follow @rowdy_squirrels. Here are a few gems from their hilarious and endearing account.

seeing people enjoying themselves around the city,” Scampire continued. “The best part about it is when I’m able to snatch some snacks or some paper they have in their hands. That’s a skill I learned here at UTSA that I am proud of.”

The commencement ceremony speech will be given by Presidents Squirrelmo followed by special guest, Scrat of Ice

Age, who is set to inspire the graduates with his speech about perseverance.

Graduates look forward to hearing riveting speeches as they sit through two-anda-half hours of name after name. The Alamodome is ready to house friends and family of the graduates.

The future holds many unknowns for this graduating class. Life will change, friends and

acquaintances will lose contact as they go their separate ways, and the time to pay back all the acorns borrowed has finally arrived. Capsquirrels and internships have been completed. Memories of swinging on trees and avoiding being caught in the Sombrilla fountain will stay with them forever.

Congratulations to the class of 2016! Go Runners!

11

Fall 2016

GRADUATION

LOCATIONS ALL OVER SAN ANTONIO PALLADIUM IMAX IH10 at La Cantera (The Rim) CASA BLANCA Alamo Ranch Parkway at Loop 1604 SILVERADO SI Loop 1604 at Bandera Rd. EMBASSY Embassy Row near 281 at Bitters MAYAN PALACE Hwy 35 and SW Military Dr. RIALTO Loop 410 and Perrin Beitel NORTHWEST IH10 West Near Callaghan Rd. BIJOU CINEMA BISTRO Loop 410 at Fredericksburg Rd. TWO HOUSTON LOCATIONS

VISIT SANTIKOS.COM

for tickets, showtimes & more information!

PROUD SPONSOR of

11

12

GRADUATION

Photo Poll Photos and interviews by Ethan Pham

What are you most looking forward to about graduation?

“I am actually planning on going to dental school, so I am looking forward to more schooling.”

Morgan Spaulding Psychology major

“I am looking forward to starting my career in marketing with sports specifically, building up experience to move up to a more professional team, and then doing graduate school in the summer.”

Victoria Vazquez Marketing major

“Not having to go to class anymore.”

Zachary Rodriguez Computer science major

“I am looking forward to having my evenings free, I teach full-time, so just being able to live life, go on, and share my experiences from UTSA.” Megan Swisher Music education major

“Probably, most looking forward to not writing anymore research papers.”

Robert Ferreiro Master’s in Education

Fall 2016

12

Advertise with us!

The award winning independent student publication at UTSA

Reach the nearly 30,000 students and faculty at UTSA! Frequency: Published weekly on Tuesdays, except during holidays and exam periods.

Deadline: Artwork and space reservation by 5pm on the Thursday prior to publication date.

Rates as low as $25 per week!

Online advertising also available!

Ask about our Magazine publication!

Email us today at ads@paisano-online.com or call us at 210 690 9301 for your advertising needs.

We’ve got UTSA covered!

I’ll just sit here by Christopher Breakell

GRADUATION

Fall 2016

13

In Memoriam - Dominiq A. Castillo Porterfield The Roadrunner Memorial Garden project, spearheaded

by UTSA Student Government Association (SGA), is a studentled initiative in memoriam for UTSA students, staff, alumni and the families of those who have passed away.

The memorial garden will be located near the entrance of Main Campus with park benches, three flags and shade.

Students will be able to bring engraved pebbles or flowers to the site on behalf of deceased loved ones.

Dominiq was a junior in the Honors College at UTSA when he experienced a tragic accident and died while wake boarding on Sept. 3.

“I wanted to thank you for all the work you and others put into the UTSA Memorial Garden so that students will have an opportunity and place to remember classmates like Dominiq.

Dominiq loved UTSA! Dominiq is from Virginia, so during his first semester at UTSA in 2014, I asked him how he liked it down there in Texas. He said, ‘I love it!’

I asked him if it was the city, the school, the people, the weather, the independence or the food that he liked so much. He responded that it was all of it.

A week before he died, I was congratulating him on completing week one of his junior year and asked him how it went. He texted back, ‘Super fun, I love school.’

He really did. Thank you to everyone at UTSA whether you were a classmate, friend, professor, advisor, teammate or roommate for being his home away from home. We wish you all the best!”

-Amy Lagasse, mother of Dominiq A. Castillo Porterfield

Thank You!

“The Memorial Garden is a way to say ‘we’re here for you; we love our family.’”

Our community came together to raise over $34,000 for the Roadrunner Memorial Garden. Special thanks to the people and organizations below who donated $1,000 or more.

Pat Clynes UTSA Interfraternal Council Dan Karam UTSA Panhellenic Council Amy & Josh Lagasse UTSA Office of the President Alison Morris UTSA Office of the Vice President UTSA Alumni Association for Student Affairs

Lauren Lopez, multidisciplinary studies major

Thank you for your generous donation!

UTSA Student Government Association

I didn’t graduate in four years...

Commentary

...and that’s okay

Ashlee Morales Staff Writer @ashleeemegan

We begin college aiming for the ever-elusive four-year graduation. We get our degree plans all mapped out and start working towards a degree and, ultimately, our future.

It’s supposed to only take four years, right? From the time we’re capable of riding the elementary school bus alone, we’re programmed with the idea that only one correct path in life exists.

In elementary school, we are taught to do homework and pass tests.

In middle school, we are taught to prepare for high school and put grades and studying before all else.

In high school, we are taught to take on as many responsibilities and extracurriculars as possible to become desirable to universities because failing to attend college immediately after high school is still stigmatized.

Not all university students go to college because they feel they have to or because they don’t know what else to do.

Many high school graduates continue their education in the personal pursuit of knowledge and success, but even those students are bombarded with expectations that older generations never faced.

It’s no secret that tuition prices have skyrocketed in recent years. According to national statistics, U.S. public university graduates average about $30,000 in debt by the time they graduate.

The mere idea of starting a new chapter of life with that much debt is crippling and holds many students back.

Previous generations graduated with little or no debt—often paying tuition with income from summer jobs, and had the luxury of focusing solely on coursework throughout the school year.

A 2015 Georgetown University study found that, over the past 25 years, more than 70 percent of college students have held at least a part-time job while in school, with 25 percent working full-time while also attending university full-time.

Like many who attend UTSA, I am a first-generation college student.

While I haven’t had much first-hand guidance from experienced college graduates, I knew how devastating the price tag for a Bachelor’s degree could be.

For that reason, I didn’t go the “standard route.”

Although I began college with a semester’s worth of credits, I took five years to reach graduation day.

Excluding the spring, summer and fall semesters of 2016, I haven’t been registered for a full school year since my freshman year in 2011.

I’ve avoided school loans my entire college career but in my last year I took out a loan because I started to feel stagnant and was ready to graduate.

I decided it would be more beneficial, in the long run, to register for classes only one semester a year, so I could spend the rest of the year saving to pay for tuition.

I still had to work while I took classes, but that’s the

approach that worked for me, and because of my decision, I will graduate with less than one-third of the debt of many of my fellow graduates.

Earning a college degree is not a race. There is no deadline for the number of years it should take, nor is there any rule stating you must earn your Bachelor’s in your 20s.

If I have learned one thing in my time at UTSA, it is that you

will not be the same person in four, five or six years, and you may not want the things you were certain you wanted.

Life is a series of decisions, and the consequences of those decisions are ultimately yours and yours alone. Just because something is typically done one way doesn’t make it the best way to get it done.

14

ADVERTISEMENT

Fall 2016

The Most Spacious and Most Affordable Apartments Near Campus!!!

Alpin Park Apartments Located just 1 block from UTSA & La Cantera Mall

Special Student Pricing!!!

Lease by December and pay ZERO Fees!

SHUTTLE SERVICE AVAILABLE ON CHASE HILL

Visit www.Alpinparksa.com or stop by

15726 Chase Hill Blvd San Antonio, TX 78256

210.691.5746

Fall 2016

GRADUATION

15

UTSA through the years We dug through The Paisano archives and found these retro UTSA photos to invoke some nostalgia.

We’ve kept you covered since 1981.

16

GRADUATION

Fall 2016