Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio
Volume 53
{SINCE 1981} /thepaisano
Issue 5
@ThePaisano
February 9 - February 16, 2016 www.Paisano-Online.com
@paisanomedia
#WordChoiceMatters
UTSA UTSA alumni, Wayne Gonzales (‘11) is putting his criminal justice degree to use combatting whitecollar crimes. In December, Gonzales and his colleagues traveled to New York City to ring the bell at NASDAQ, commemorating the initial public offering of their company, Patent Data System Inc., which aims to track stock traders and prevent instances of financial fraud.
UTSA junior James Ghiden remembers the first time he became aware of race: “I was in the third grade,” he said, “I was playing basketball at a Boys and Girls Club, and some kid called me a ‘nigger.’”
Texas The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education recognized four Texas universities — Texas Tech University, the University of North Texas, the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of Texas at Dallas — for reaching a major milestone in their quests to join the top tier of the nation’s colleges.
Adriene Goodwin Contributing Writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com
U.S. President Obama is seeking a 1.8 billion dollar budget to research and combat the spread of the Zika Virus. The virus, which is currently without a vaccine and linked to birth defects, is predominantly spreading throughout in Latin America and the Caribbean. Thus far, there have been 50 confirmed cases of Zika in the continental United States, among people who traveled to affected areas, according to federal health officials. The White House said on Monday “there is no reason to panic over the mosquito-borne virus.”
Science Scientists at UC Berkley have created a small robotic prototype for search and rescue missions taking inspiration from an unlikely place: cockroaches. These researchers say that although they “feel strongly that cockroaches are one of nature’s most revolting animals, they can teach us important design principles.” In circumstances when human lead rescue missions are not logistically possible, the “ability of cockroaches to squeeze through tiny crevices” makes them ideal mechanical models for cases “where navigation through rubble to find survivors after natural disasters or bombings” is required.
The talk with Ghiden’s parents came soon afterward. He thinks of that moment even today; this is why , for Ghiden, Black History Month matters. “I feel like people like to imagine that Martin Luther King solved racism in America,” he said. “It’s important to realize the struggle continues.” Black History Month began as Negro History Week in February 1926. Historian Carter G. Woodson deliberately selected the week between the birth-
days of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, because both men were revered by the black community. The week was expanded into Black History Month during the revolutionary 1970s, and continues today to recognize and celebrate the achievements of African Americans. However, a dialogue has gained attention. With the existence of #BlackLivesMatter, Black HisSee tory Month is now Shift, experiencing a transpage 2 formative moment.
The Creative Kindness Project aims to spread positivity around campus
JPL revovations to include IHOP Katelyn Wilkinson Staff Writer
Alyssa Gonzales News Assistant
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com David Molak was only 16 years old when he took his life in response to relentless cyber bullying. Molak was a sophomore at Alamo Heights High School and an Eagle Scout. After hearing his story, the Introduction to the Creative Literacy Arts class at UTSA decided to start The Creative Kindness Project. “David Molak’s death was caused by hatred and could have been avoided,” freshman communication major Gabrielle Hernandez said. “I hope to shed light on the power of words and let people know what impact they have on others.” The project’s objective is to spread kindness around campus by acknowledging and thanking people for their positivity. The idea is simple and the gesture is small; however, the message received is powerful. “One of the goals of this class is to explore the role of a writer in greater society—for example, writers raising awareness for a particular issue or giving back to their communities in some way—and when I read the story of David Molak, I wanted to do something,” said Dr. Cynthia Hawkins, (Department of English) who is the leader of the project. “The idea was that whenever we spotted someone being kind or positive in big or small
ways, we’d write down a little note of acknowledgement and pass it on to that person. We printed up very simple ‘kindness cards’ with an explanation of our project on the back and an invitation to ‘pass it on.’” The goal of this project is to expand beyond the limits of the creative literacy class’ reach, explained Hawkins, who wishes that the recipients of the kindness cards will continue to pass along the uplifting acknowledgements. “We just started the project, but one of the things we’re hoping for is that the people receiving kindness cards will print out some of their own from our blog and hand them out to others as well,” Hawkins said. “We’re hoping they might report back on their experience so we can get an idea of how it’s rippling out.”
The kindness cards are not limited to the UTSA campus. Students can share posts with loved one. Sophomore biology major Valeria Rodriguez, did just that and sent cards to her parents. “They both really appreciated it and it felt good to give it to them,” Rodriguez said. “It was the best seeing my mom get emotional over me noticing the little things she does for us.” Along with ability to show people that their kindness is appreciated, the cards will continue to encourage positivity. “When I was buying food at a Whataburger, two young women didn’t have the money to pay for their food, but a man who was waiting for his order covered their charge,” class member Albert Montanez said.
“He sort of looked at me funny after I gave him the kindness card, but I think he really deserved it.” The most important message that the Creative Kindness project is trying to convey is that any small act of kindness is important and it is appreciated. “It’s so easy to feel like there’s nothing but vitriol and ugliness in the world around us all the time, so it’s been really refreshing to actively focus on the good through this project instead. Someone making someone else laugh, someone throwing something in the recycling bin, anything. It doesn’t have to be an earth-shattering event,” Hawkins said. For more information on the Creative Kindness Project, including how to get involved, go to creativekindnessblog.wordpress.
The project aims to spread kindness by acknowledging small acts of positivity.
Fabian De Soto, The Paisano
@katelynmarie11 news@paisano-online.com Renovations to the JPL food court will include the installation of an IHOP Express. This renovation will include the entire JPL food court and will bring other new restaurants as well as upgraded seating and lighting. Lauren Beaver, the communications coordinator of Business Auxiliary Services, said, “Ultimately, the decision to bring an IHOP was the result of student feedback and the ability to meet all criteria necessary for installation and implementation.” New dining options on campus have to go through several steps before they can be built. Business Auxiliary Services (BAS) received and reviewed feedback to guarantee the JPL food court remodel would meet students’ needs. “I think it’s a great addition to the food options already there. It will provide more breakfast options for students who may not have time to grab some before heading to school in the morning,” said Caitlin Chambers, a senior Early Childhood Education major. “Plus, breakfast food is great at any time of the day!” The JPL food court renovations and the new IHOP Express should be completed in August.