TCC The Collegian April 27, 2022

@tccthecollegian • collegian.tccd.edu Exploring the multiverse PG. 8

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 – Volume 35 • Issue 23 DISTRICT

Public transportation mask mandates lifted

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

An American Airlines plane descends onto the tarmac at the DFW airport April 21. As of April 18, masks are no longer required to fly in airlines in the U.S.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention looking to appeal decision made by judge AUSTIN FOLKERTSMA

senior editor austin.folkertsma@my.tccd.edu

A Florida federal judge struck down the mask mandate for public transportation April 18, and some students are looking forward to this change.

The mandate required people to

wear masks while riding in vehicles such as buses, trains and airplanes.

The Biden administration has appealed this decision after the Center for Disease Control and Prevention determined it’s still necessary to protect the public from the spread of COVID, according to a CDC press release.

NW student Jeffrey Muñoz

wonders if those banned from planes will be unbanned for breaking mask guidelines.

Videos of individuals not abiding by COVID policies and throwing temper tantrums went viral, which caused an uproar, and the airline staff wanted this mandate to be lifted to protect the staff, Muñoz said.

“I’m glad this was approved, but those individuals shouldn’t have caused so much drama in the first place.”

NE student Justin Rohm said the people that didn’t adhere to the rules set in place should still be banned.

“It shows that they can’t follow rules, and just because rules

change doesn’t mean that actions are ignored,” Rohm said. “I usually don’t wear a mask anywhere besides planes since you’re closed inside a white box with windows and seats.

It’s way easier to spread.”

NE student Patty Gamez is appreciative the mandate was lifted.

“It was very more conscious See Masks, page 6

SOUTH

SOUTHEAST

ToroTalks overshadowed by controversial guest speaker JUAN SALINAS II

senior editor juan.salinas465@my.tccd.edu

Joel Solis/The Collegian

SE student Rachel Heskett signs a poster promoting the Vía Libre Spanish magazine April 20.

Spanish magazine returns from hiatus

South ToroTalks Summit had controversy surrounding the speakers of this year’s event.

ToroTalks started in 2019 when three Black South Student Government Association members had an encounter with a campus police officer. This sparked a need for an event to discuss different cultural viewpoints.

The main speaker for this event was civil rights activist Shaun King.

He has been criticized by journalist Ernest Owens on Twitter, where he referred to King as a “grifter.”

South speech instructor Tim Matyjewicz said ToroTalks should have highlighted ordinary people like Wayne Lynch, founder of the Donovon-Wayne Lynch Foundation, instead. Matyjewicz said Lynch advocates for “reasonable and rational changes such as establishing citizen review boards to

review questionable incidents.”

“We have invited a panel to our campus and have included some charlatan race hustlers,” he said. “I don’t use that term as hyperbole.”

Matyjewciz said Tamir Rice’s mother criticizing King after meeting him back in 2021 is enough to justify that characterization.

He also brought up how Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett — also a speaker at ToroTalks — received a cease-and-desist letter for using Botham Jean’s name in her campaign.

Matyjewicz said faculty members that don’t go along with the “unofficial campus agenda” are going to be viewed by others as a “right-winged, racist nut job.”

South education professor Jeffrey Herr said he wants people concerned about the event to join the conversation because that is the only way progress occurs.

“There’s no question that some, more privileged members of our campus See Toro, page 6

the other is “Tulipanes Morados,” a short story inspired by a Middle Eastern folk tale.

The title of SE Campus’ Vía Libre magazine translates to “free way,” which is the guiding principle behind the primarily student-made publication.

“Having a free path in thought is important for inspiration, and that is what we want in the student, freedom to express themselves without obstacles,” SE Spanish associate professor Angel Hidalgo said.

Since 2019, the magazine was usually printed every spring semester, but COVID put it on hiatus. But, April 20, students and department of world languages instructors celebrated the release of its third volume.

“All the students that have participated in the previous volumes, and this volume, have brought so much energy into it,” SE humanities

instructional associate Anel Herrera said. “You have to have the passion and energy to do this. If you don’t, then you’re kind of forcing them to write something they don’t want, and that doesn’t translate well.”

The magazine compiles the work of students enrolled in SPAN 1411, 1412, 2311 and 2312. For those who want a copy, it can be grabbed at the SE Spanish labs.

It consists of short stories, poems, movie reviews and more, all written in Spanish. Hidalgo and Herrera serve as editors for all the content.

The language is the only consistency in the magazine. Each piece varies conceptually from one another.

SE students Emily Harbaugh and Nabaa Ali worked as a group to contribute two pieces to the magazine. One is a poem about spring titled “La tercera temporada,” and

News

Feature

Entertainment

Opinion

Editorial

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS Discussing importance of being educated. PG. 2

COFFEE WITH SIDE OF DRUMS NW Music Association put on a show. PG. 4

PUSHING THE LIMITS Pusha T’s legacy stays strong. PG. 4

NO SALVADORIANS IN COMICS Comics need to step up. PG. 9

SENTENCED TO DEATH Death sentence might not be the best choice. PG. 9

JOSÉ ROMERO

editor-in-chief collegian.editor@tccd.edu

“The Spanish language is one of the most beautiful languages.”

Hope Rohlin SE student

“There are seven purple tulips in a garden,” Harbaugh said, explaining the plot of the short story.

“There’s this gardener who happens upon the garden, which is right outside of the castle. These seven tulips are wives who have died and reincarnated themselves as tulips.”

One of the tulips is a witch. She See Magazine, page 6

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

Guest speaker Shaun King sits next to moderator Michael Russ during the ToroTalks event on South Campus April 21.

NEWS

2 • Wednesday, April 27, 2022 DISTRICT

Students provide tips for academic success ETHAN PLINSKY

reporter collegian.editor@tccd.edu

Students need to do many things to be successful and accomplish their goals.

Whether it’s studying hours for exams, waking up early to get to class or having a daily planner to stay ahead on due dates, students do different things to better understand the class material and come out ahead.

Students explained how using organizational tools to keep track of important test dates has been useful.

“I have a weekly planner that I write out every Sunday night, and that really helps,” NW student Trenton Swinford said. “A planner helps me keep everything organized and helps me be as productive as possible.”

Another student said she writes the due dates into her planner at the beginning of the semester, so she can see what assignments are coming up.

“I like to keep a planner with all the assignments I need to do,” NE student Laura Pearson said. “I also like to use the calendar on my phone, so I can have access that way as well.”

NE student Christopher Hale said he tends to procrastinate when it comes to doing his assignments.

“I have three free days where I don’t work and don’t have school, so that’s usually when I get all my work done,” Hale said. “I usually start with the more important assignments that I have and then work down the list from there.”

Swinford said he tries to set aside at least an hour or two to study every night.

“I will typically read ahead in the book,

TR students Josie Nguyen and Vy Nguyen relax on bean bag chairs located in the TR cafeteria. so I have an idea of what is going to be discussed during class before I even go,” he said.

Pearson said the number of hours she studies per week depends on what is assigned for the week.

“Before exams, I like to study for 25 minutes with five-minute breaks in between until I feel like I have accomplished what I needed to for the day,” she said.

Hale said it depends on the class, but he’ll set aside a few hours to study per test.

“I usually just skim over the material for

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history tests because I have a lot of knowledge in that subject already, but for other classes, I usually go more in-depth,” Hale said.

Some students have non-academic goals they want to reach.

“My goal is to be a professional tennis player one day,” Swinford said. “I try to get at least three hours of tennis in per day. However, I put aside as much time as possible for studying because school is my main focus.”

Pearson’s goal is to become a music therapist in the mental health field, and she said she sees each class as a step to achieving

Ariel Desantiago/The Collegian

that goal.

“I look at the big picture when I am losing motivation in school,” she said. “I try my best to fully engage in my assignments and classes, so I am able to receive the most information out of them.”

Most students have academic goals that they strive for every day to achieve.

“My goals are to keep a 4.0 GPA and continue school until I get a Ph.D.,” Hale said.

“I achieve the former by simply working hard and paying attention in class. Taking good notes also helps out a lot.”

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Texas Rangers fans optimistic Sexual Assault Awareness about start of new MLB season Month brings understanding TREY FRANCIS

reporter collegian.editor@tccd.edu

When it comes to Major League Baseball, April usually means one thing, and that’s opening day.

Many fans, after waiting months from the end of last season, get excited and want to watch the new members of the teams as well as the veterans.

This year, Texas Rangers fans who are part of the TCC community have high hopes for the team after acquiring several new players this offseason.

“I enjoy going to opening day every year,” TR student Amber Walton said.

“My family has made it a tradition, and it’s a lot of fun. Besides the game, the food is what I look forward to the most because those stadiums have all sorts of goodies.”

The feeling in the stadium on opening day with a packed house is like no other, Walton said.

“Even though a lot of people hate on the Rangers for their recent struggles, they are still my team,” she said.

The Rangers have failed to make the playoffs over the last few years, and many questions surround the coaching staff.

“Last year, the fielding wasn’t too

great, but I believe the additions of shortstop Corey Seager and second baseman Marcus Semien will help tremendously,” TR student Cynthia Brown said. “Not only that, but their batting abilities will contribute nicely as well.”

Brown said she watches almost every game and is excited about their potential, but she sees one flaw that needs addressing.

“I think the Rangers should try and make moves to get pitchers because that is where they always seem to struggle,” Brown said.

After a large crowd at the home opener, many families were happy to have baseball back.

“There are so many things I love about baseball season,” TR student Emily Chastain said.

Chastain said she likes the long-time players as well as players who have been on the same team for many years.

“Teams and their fans across the league aren’t ready for what the Rangers have to offer this year,” she said. “I think our team is up there and can run with some of the better teams. It will be interesting to see how the standings are as the season progresses, but don’t be surprised if the Texas Rangers are up there.

RABBIA MOLAI

campus editor rabbia.molai@my.tccd.edu rabbia.molai @my.tccd.edu April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so students and faculty want to raise awareness.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, sexual assault is a crime experienced by 81% of women and 43% of men in their lifetimes. Of those people, almost 30% of the women and 7% of the men are undergraduate students.

Resources are available on campus for students who may experience sexual assault.

This is something that coordinator of health care services Crystal Martz takes great pride in.

“We want to create a protective environment for our students while speaking up — loudly and clearly — against any form of sexual violence or harassment. We want to sustain the dialogue surrounding sexual violence and wrap support and services around victims,” Martz said.

She spoke about the importance of TCC holding events such as the upcoming Denim Day seminar to show students that this is a matter the college takes seriously.

“Events such as Denim Day use relatable, real events to engage individuals in the movement to stop sexual violence,” Martz said. “The zero-tolerance approach and clear messaging stand in solidarity with victims.”

Martz said it’s important to acknowledge that sexual violence is not just a female issue,

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it’s a people issue. She said it’s also important to listen and be aware of the men that get assaulted and give them just as many resources and care as anyone else.

Keeping an open dialogue about the full spectrum of people who are affected by sexual violence seems to resonate with many students.

NE student Alana Thomson expressed her concern for people to be educated on these topics.

“I think a lot of people think ‘it won’t happen to me,’ and dismiss the problem,” Thomson said. “Raising awareness helps people to understand how big the problem is, how to protect themselves and how to help others.”

She said she believes many people write off issues such as sexual assault or violence for only women, and how a narrative like this can be harmful to people of other genders who experience these traumas as well.

“I think it being predominantly spoken about as a female problem is a factor in keeping victims of other genders silent,” Thomson said.

“For example, a man could feel that society would label him weak or less masculine for being a victim of sexual assault and choose to remain silent.”

NE student Grant Gargagliano was passionate about the need for sexual violence and assault to be kept at the forefront of human issue conversations.

“Female and male sexual assault is a bigger problem than almost anybody gives it credit for,” Gargaliano said.

NEWS

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 • 3

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Student presidents prepare for new term AUSTIN FOLKERTSMA

senior editor austin.folkertsma@my.tccd.edu

The mission of the Student Government Association is to be the voice for the student body across the district and that includes, but is not limited to, finding ways to improve the campuses and student life.

SE SGA President Matthew Jewell is excited for what’s to come in this next term.

“TCC has so much opportunity and resources to offer,” Jewell said. “I want to give students outlets to learn and be able to express themselves without any ounce of judgment.”

Jewell wants to create a safe space that’s provided by the inclusive environment at SE. “I want to make our events accessible to students and keep our students engaged in the spirit of TCC SE,” he said. “Student government gives a chance to be the voice of every student, and I plan to use the platform to make everyone’s voice heard.”

South SGA President Karina Calderon

said one of the main reasons she ran for president was because of a situation she experienced that she reported but saw no change.

“One of the first issues I plan to discuss is how to improve student advocacy and make the bridge between students and administration/faculty an easier, more comfortable process,” Calderon said. “I want the voice of my fellow peers to be heard, and I want to hear their opinions whether it be negative or positive.”

Another issue she plans to address is student engagement in their academics.

“I want to make sure everyone is aware of and has access to the resources we have available on campus and that they’re taking advantage of these resources, as well as get input on how we can better help students academically, such as getting newer equipment and better resources to help you achieve your personal goals while pursuing your education,” she said.

She said she wants to see more students

participate in events hosted by TCC. “If there isn’t an event that suits your interest, suggestions for new events are always welcome,” Calderon said. “I am in contact with our previous president, Jalisa Stovall, and hope she can enlighten me on some of the issues she was working on and hopefully will continue to resolve those issues.”

NW SGA President Sammy Jepsen plans on continuing his current plan for ensuring student success and bettering campus life.

“As president, I’ll work to provide new ways to give student concerns more of a voice regarding our new campus, policy changes and basic issues,” Jepsen said. “Students’ voices need to be heard by not only the SGA but the campus administration too.”

He said relationships are important among students, but they are meaningless if there is not a good relationship established between the students, faculty and staff.

“I plan on bringing back Christian student ministries into the limelight so that students all across the campus will have another

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Final Exam Schedule

Lots of stress, anxiety ensue as finals week approaches LILIANA BENTURA

reporter collegian.editor@tccd.edu

The countdown to the end of the semester has begun, and students are beginning to prepare for final exams and projects.

For many, stress and anxiety are inevitable factors that come up during this time, and students are sharing ways they are dealing with them to avoid burnout.

TR student Alexandra Hartman said she tries to prepare ahead of time to see what needs to be done.

“I figure out all that I need to do at the beginning, prepare everything beforehand,” Hartman said. “So, when the time comes, I can just do it without any stress behind it.”

Finals week can be not only intimidating but also draining and grueling for students having to study endlessly for an exam or assignment.

For TR student Justin Lopez, he said it’s important to steer away from studying once in

opportunity to participate,” Jepsen said. “I will continue to work with all TCC NW clubs in order to bring a better campus experience to all students.”

He said an important part of being in the SGA is standing up for the student body when others won’t.

“We are here to make changes and be the voice of the student body for the future of our campus,” Jepsen said. “I will not only care and work with TCC students, but I will make sure to develop a close relationship with students so that we can work together comfortably.”

He hopes that by the end of his term, the campus student body will be happy and willing to present concerns or suggestions to the SGA to better the campus for the future.

“You have to show them that you not only care but that you’re willing to shed sweat, blood and tears to make sure that they have the best experience possible here at TCC NW,” he said. “To treat people with honor and integrity is by far vital to the success of this campus.

People will see this and want to replicate it.”

Thursday, May 5

a while.

“It’s good to have a distraction or some kind of thing outside of whatever you are working on to help clear your mind,” Lopez said. “Doing things like chess and reading, being involved in theater, really helps me during those times.”

TR student Edith Flores also said taking a break is essential in doing well for finals week.

“I go out on walks on the wellness path, listen to music and paint on the weekends,” Flores said. “I try to keep a relaxed state so that I can be at my best.”

TR sociology assistant professor Theresa Schrantz told students that planning and preparation are important.

“Make a detailed record of what needs to be done and when,” Schrantz said. “Next, strategize and make a plan, then follow it.”

Schrantz also said students should make time in their day to engage in activities that bring them joy and comfort.

“Take a deep breath and just breathe,” she said. “Know you are OK and will be OK, no matter what.”

Exam Times

Tuesday/Thursday (TTH) Class Times

6:30-9 a.m.

All TTH classes that begin at 6:30 a.m. & 7:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.-noon

All TTH classes that begin at 9:30 a.m.

12:30-3 p.m.

All TTH classes that begin at 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

3:30-6 p.m.

All TTH classes that begin at 3:30 p.m.

6:30-9 p.m.

All TTH classes that begin at 6:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Monday, May 9 Exam Times

Monday/Wednesday (MW) Class Times

6:30-9 a.m.

All MW classes that begin at 6:30 a.m. & 7:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.-noon

All MW classes that begin at 9:30 a.m.

12:30-3 p.m.

All MW classes that begin at 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

3:30-6 p.m.

All MW classes that begin at 3:30 p.m.

6:30-9 p.m.

All MW classes that begin at 6:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 10 Exam Times

Tuesday/Thursday (TTH) Class Times

8-10:30 a.m.

All TTH classes that begin at 8 a.m., 8:30 a.m. & 9 a.m.

11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

All TTH classes that begin at 10:30 a.m.& 11 a.m.

2-4:30 p.m.

All TTH classes that begin at 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., & 2:30 p.m.

5-7:30 p.m.

All TTH classes that begin at 4:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.

8-10:30 p.m.

All TTH classes that begin at 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 11 Exam Times

Tuesday/Thursday (TTH) Class Times

8-10:30 a.m.

All MW classes that begin at 8 a.m., 8:30 a.m. & 9 a.m.

11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

All MW classes that begin at 10:30 a.m.& 11 a.m.

2-4:30 p.m.

All MW classes that begin at 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., & 2:30 p.m.

5-7:30 p.m.

All MW classes that begin at 4:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.

8-10:30 p.m.

All MW classes that begin at 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

Infographic by Abbas Ghor/The Collegian

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Students transferring to four-year universities share their end goals ETHAN PLINSKY

reporter collegian.editor@tccd.edu

Join us at our First Saturday event in Denton

College students have many things to think about before deciding to transfer.

Everybody’s educational path is different, and deciding to start a college career at a local community college instead of a university is what many people decide to do. From affordability, requirements for transfer and desired major, considering a transfer to a fouryear school should not be taken lightly.

NE student Kiahna Mickens said she was eager to transfer to a university for many reasons.

“The college I plan on attending following TCC is Texas Tech University,” Mickens said. “They have a phenomenal nursing program that I feel I would excel in.

I am super excited to see how many friends I make as well as becoming more independent.”

NE student Christopher Hale said he is excited to continue his education but is quite nervous to potentially be in school for roughly the next 10 years, including graduate programs.

“I plan on going to [the University of North Texas] because not only is the location convenient, but getting a liberal arts degree at UNT simply makes sense,” Hale said “However, if the opportunity presents itself, I would attend Rice. I’m excited to further my education and learn more about the subject I have an undeniable passion for. However, it is a lot to handle, and I could very easily be discouraged.”

SE student Savannah Rose spoke about how her family has always been Texas Tech fans, so it was always expected that she would follow in her family’s footsteps.

“Taking the jump toward independence can be scary sometimes because of the fear of failure, but I’m excited to take this jump and learn more about myself and the hospitality industry,” Rose said.

The accommodations the school provides can benefit students in completing their goals, Mickens said.

“Texas Tech will help me achieve my goals because of the nursing resources they have to offer,” she said. “I feel like there isn’t another school that provides the same number of resources that I need to excel.”

Different universities can assist in achieving goals, Hale said.

“Going to UNT or Rice would help me achieve my goals by first, giving me a good education, and second, they both have reputable programs that are highly sought after in my desired field,” Hale said. “Name recognition is also a huge factor, more so with Rice than UNT.” Four-year universities tend to provide programs accessible for different majors.

“Texas Tech has one of the best hospitality programs in the nation to teach students to meet current and future hospitality needs,” Rose said. “Obtaining this knowledge will help me reach my goals of exploring different parts of the world, meeting different kinds of people, and keeping the hospitality industry sustainable for everyone’s enjoyment.”

Saturday, May 7 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Learn more Alex Hoben/The Collegian

TR student Huda and student employees Hailee and Audrey dine in the TR cafe.

FEATURE

4 • Wednesday, April 27, 2022

NW Music Association revitalized after being stagnant for years Photos by Alex Hoben/The Collegian

NW Music Association President Gillian Johannesen performs at the Avoca Coffee Roasters April 16.

JUAN SALINAS II

senior editor juan.salinas465@my.tccd.edu

The NW Music Association was practically dead during the pandemic, but under new leadership, it has regained a beating heart.

NW Music Association President Gillian Johannesen is a music major. Her term began during the pandemic.

She was originally a mass communications major until the director of music Benson Lee noticed her passion for music during virtual classes.

“She has been a vital part to the growth of the music program after we returned to campus,” Lee said.

Lee appointed her to be the president of the club after getting to know her better. He believed she would be able to rebuild this club.

“He told me that nothing was going on with it during the pandemic and ever before,” she said. “This year was going to be a rebuilding year to get back on our feet, to bring people into the program.”

At the beginning of the f a l l s e m e s t e r, t h e M u s i c Association only had two members, Johannesen and a faculty member. But now, up to 20 people actively participate in meetings and events.

“That’s what really motivates me,” Johannesen

NW student Cristina Aleman sings April 16.

said. “I’m just throwing my ideas out there and people are running with it.”

She doesn’t take all the credit. She also praises all the members who have helped along the way.

“We are spreading the influence of music overall,” NW Music Association Vice President Danny Herrera said.

“We are pulling people who were always interested in music but didn’t know how to get involved in music.”

The club’s popularity has also increased numbers in the NW music department orchestra and choir.

“I like it a lot,” NW student Ronnie Cade said. “Everyone is very inclusive and inviting. There are so many talented musicians. It’s cool to see music bring so many people together.”

Cade said the Music Association has given him and others — including non-music majors — the opportunity to perform and just hang out and love music.

The club did a showcase at Avoca Coffee Roasters, their third event this year. Members of the club performed covers or original songs in front of a live audience.

“Everyone did really great and was a solid performance,” NW student Logan Pockrus said.

Edge Coffeehouse hosted the first one. The previous showcase had been a massive

success for the club and the coffee shop that hosted them.

According to the club, the first event had a full house, let the performers make connections, and the shop profited from it.

“Since that was our test run, we had another one for Valentine’s Day,” Johannesen s a i d . “ We t h e m e i t w i t h breakup songs and love songs.

It ended up going very well, even a bigger event [than the last] every time we do this. We have a couple of new people, so it’s exciting.”

N e x t y e a r, t h e m u s i c association’s primary goal is to host a talent show in the NW theater at the beginning of the fall semester.

Herrera said they’re working with the SAGE Club to help with their Lavender Prom, and the Music A s s o c i a t i o n w i l l p ro v i d e live entertainment.

“We are very fond of the SAGE Club,” he said. “They come to our performances and support us.”

The Music Association will address the logistics of the talent show during the summer, but they hope the SAGE Club will help promote the talent show and the running of the event.

“We want to connect with others,” Johannesen said. “To join [the Music Association] you don’t have to know anything about music. It’s just to make friends and bond over music.”

NW student Oliver Smith plays a guitar during a group performance at the Avoca Coffee Roasters April 16.

NW Music Association senator Logan Pockrus performs April 16.

NW Music Association officer Bryan De Haro performs April 16.

NW student Patty Gamez sings in her band Koinonia April 16.

FEATURE

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 • 5

Photos by Alex Hoben/The Collegian

High school students Hrithik Patel and Kabhi Patel practice routines in their kickboxing class April 19.

NE martial arts offers new fitness outlook RABBIA MOLAI

campus editor rabbia.molai@my.tccd.edu rabbia.molai @my.tccd.edu

NE Campus’ martial arts programs take a different approach to the familiar fitness course.

There are many different physical fitness courses offered at TCC, and although for most non-kinesiology majors only the generic health and wellness is required, many students are beginning to branch out and explore other options.

Along with basic and intermediate self-defense courses, basic and intermediate kickboxing courses are also offered. By taking the course, students will begin to understand the fundamentals of kickboxing, ranging from classic punch combinations and kicking styles to balance technique and conditioning training.

NE student Matthew Monson said he began taking kickboxing as a way to bond with his friends and focus on his fitness, but it has now come to mean much more to him.

He spoke about the importance of being able to defend himself and how being in a kickboxing course has made him feel more empowered and prepared if a dire situation may arise.

“I’ve learned a lot,” Monson said.

“It’s a great way to teach people self-defense and to get them in shape as well.”

The classes have a mix of students ranging from beginners who have never taken part in a martial arts course to more experienced students.

NE student Andrew Bowen has been studying the art of Wing Chun, a Southern Chinese kung fu style, since he was 15. He said his prior experience has given him insight into some of the techniques in the class, but he has still learned a lot.

“The program here is very wellrounded,” Bowen said. “It has really

good instructors. It starts off really basic, but it can grow pretty quickly if you put in the effort.”

TR instructor of kinesiology Melanie Rose welcomes students of all skill levels to take the course. She is currently an amateur fighter specializing in both Muay Thai and Boxing. For her, the most important thing was that her students understand the importance of learning to defend themselves, as well as picking up a love for the sport.

“It’s a great way to teach people self-defense and to get them in shape as well.”

Matthew Monson NE student

“I was doing kickboxing outside of TCC as well, specifically Muay Thai, and then I got more into boxing because I hurt my hip,” Rose said. “I want to inspire other people to use it for weight loss, for a confidence booster and for more strength and courage.”

Many of the students were more inclined to take these courses because of the passion the professors have for them as well. Both Monson and Bowen had taken the basic health and wellness course with Rose and said a big reason they chose to take another course was because of her teaching style and ability to keep students of all levels engaged.

“I’m able to modify the workouts to make them easier or more challenging for a big variety of people,” Rose said. “In this class, there are people who have never done this before, and there are people who have lots of experience, so they may have the same workout, but everyone will feel like they’re getting something out of it.”

NE student Matthew Monson warms up for his kickboxing class April 19.

NE students Alex Garcia and Kayla Hernandez practice their kicks.

NE student Andrew Bowen practices with TR instructor of kinesiology Melanie Rose.

NEWS

6 • Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Masks

(continued from page 1)

than it should’ve been, and with everything being lifted now, I didn’t understand why transportation had to be like one of the more serious ones,” Gamez said. “As much as I don’t like masks, I still know that if a rule is set there, it’s not there because we want it to be there, it’s there because we want to keep everyone safe.”

If there was a rule, Gamez said she’d respect it and would wear a mask, maintaining accountability.

“Rules are in place for a reason, and if people couldn’t follow them in the first place, then they would have consequences because they did wrong,” she said.

South student Paige Elmore feels some businesses’ punishments went too far.

“I think it was harsh to ban

Magazine

them entirely, but revoking their tickets and canceling their transaction would’ve been a better disciplinary action,” Elmore said. “It’s not hard to wear a mask, especially in crowded areas specifically designed for transportation.”

My body, my choice, Elmore said.

“What others do with their body is their choice,” Elmore said. “I’m vaccinated, and if they aren’t, then I shouldn’t have a say in their autonomy.”

NE student Bella Norris said she’s a frequent flier.

“It’s gross being next to someone who doesn’t respect personal space and will fall asleep mouth breathing onto me or spit on me while trying to get a drink from the flight attendant,” Norris said. “I

think in open spaces, it doesn’t matter. It should be at the owner’s discretion in a business at this point, but when everybody is forced to be close to each other, I think it makes sense to have everybody mask up.”

Norris said if someone is in an open space like Target, she doesn’t care if they’re wearing a mask or not because she can give the person space to roam around.

“I feel like, especially on planes, everyone is so close together and traveling from place to place, usually taking a few flights in close quarters with people, and a flight is so expensive that it’s the kind of thing most people won’t reschedule because of cold-like symptoms,” Norris said.

A plane flies near the sculpture at Founder’s Plaza, which is located close to the DFW airport.

can speak to the gardener, so she explains to him how he can bring the wives back to life.

“It gets a little bit dark,” she said. “We really enjoyed writing it.”

Since the magazine relies heavily on students to contribute material, Harbaugh did the illustrations for the poem and story.

Most of the imagery used in the magazine was provided by students. The front cover was made by SE student Ryan Wong and depicts a tropical sunrise with the title “Vía Libre” in Mexico’s green, white and red color scheme. The design of the pages is minimalistic, usually adorned with the text of the piece and one or two images that connect with the subject.

The imagery that coincides with SE student Mellisa Brown’s poem “El Morado” is particularly personal.

“Morado” means “purple” in English, a color important to Brown for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it was

her childhood nickname, and secondly, it reminds her of the late artist Prince.

“When I see the color purple, it just makes me happy,” she said.

The page has an illustration of Prince below her poem that was drawn by her brother. Prince’s story inspires Brown, so she wanted to pay homage to him.

Crafting the poem was a difficult process for her. She used to write poetry when she was younger but, as she got older, she stopped.

SE student Hope Rohlin wrote “Los Tres Ojos de Cristal,” the longest piece in the magazine and one of Hidalgo’s favorites.

“I’ve written a lot of short stories,” Rohlin said. “Creative writing is something I’m interested in. I also play a lot of role-playing games like [Dungeons and Dragons] and whatnot, so that inspires a lot of ideas for stories.”

Rohlin also illustrated the art

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

(continued from page 1)

Joel Solis/The Collegian

SE humanities instructional associate Anel Herrera speaks at the SE Spanish magazine Vía Libre launch event April 20.

Toro is now hiring for

Fall Semester • Campus Editors/Reporters: Must have taken or currently enrolled in Media Writing (COMM-2315).

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surrounding her story.

“Los Tres Ojos de Cristal” was originally written in English but was translated by Rohlin’s partner Marian Ramos.

Initially, Rohlin was concerned that some parts could get lost in translation, but after both Ramos and Hidalgo looked at it, she was confident it translated well.

“The Spanish language is one of the most beautiful languages,” Rohlin said. “It’s very succinct, very precise, and I really like that about it. It’s just not like that with English. In Spanish, it’s very clear what you’re saying.”

Hidalgo raised his hands to his head, motioning outward, making the sound of an explosion, and said that’s what happens when his native English-speaking students think or do something in Spanish.

“If [students] want to do something, they can do it,” he said. “Don’t put obstacles in your life. Do it.”

(continued from page 1)

and district community will question the summit’s line-up, its focus and ToroTalks’ mission and vision altogether,” Herr said.

Herr said ToroTalks is still a work in progress, but that “it’s gritty, reflective and provocative.”

He hopes it will give students the confidence to push back against dominant and inequitable policies.

“The students in attendance will dictate the direction these future talks and summits will take,” Herr said.

“It’s that potential confidence that I believe will serve as a catalyst for moving our programming forward.”

King discussed various things at the summit, such as how students can influence change in their community to the legislator and activist dynamic, but he also addressed the criticism.

“I think that some of the people that started telling that lie hoped that I would stop raising money for families, and I won’t,” King said.

King said he did an experiment and saw that when he didn’t show up to support a family, no one stepped up to take his place.

“I’m more committed to the work than I am to my own reputation,” he said. “If people expect me to curl up into a ball and not do this work anymore, it’s just not in me [to do that].”

South Student Ricardo Miller Jr. found the summit insightful.

“It was amazing, and he gave so much great knowledge,” Miller said. “He spoke to me personally on what we can do for activism and how to see change.”

The newly elected South Student Government Association President Karina Calderon found it helpful to understand the different struggles that Hispanics and Black people face in today’s society.

“It was so enlightening to hear Shaun King’s story and how students can help make a difference in their own lives and community,” Calderon said.

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Guest speaker Shaun King speaks during the ToroTalks event held on South Campus April 21.

FEATURE

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 • 7

South student kickflips on a skateboard outside of the common area on South Campus Feb. 10.

Joel Solis/The Collegian

Best unused photos from throughout the semester

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

NE students Evan Isense and Suzanna Oommen play chess outside on NE.

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

Guitarist Marcus Seaton practices in the portraiture studio on NE Campus.

Joel Solis/The Collegian

A baby turtle rests on the hands of David Marineelli in the SE veterans center.

Senior education students John and Gerda Feenstra park their car outside of the NSTU building on NE Campus April 14.

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

ENTERTAINMENT

8 • Wednesday, April 27, 2022 MOVIE REVIEW

Visuals take audience on multiverse ride

Evelyn Wang, played by Michelle Yeoh, and Deirdre Beaubeirdra, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, sit outside of the Wang family’s laundromat.

Photos courtesy of A24

CAMERON WEBSTER

campus editor cameron.webster@my.tccd.edu

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” is akin to the boat scene from the original “Willy Wonka,” if the ride was extended out over two hours.

The film is hilarious, deep with its messaging, offers trippy visuals and could possibly induce sickness for those with a weaker constitution, but staying on board and making it to the end is well worth the acid-triplike ride.

Anyone familiar with A24 productions will have some idea of what to expect once they step into the theater. Their unique style can be seen all over the screen.

The film centers around Evelyn Wang, played by Michelle Yeoh, as she deals with the everyday issues currently impacting her life.

Evelyn’s father, Gong Gong, played

by James Hong, is visiting from China. Her husband Waymond, played by Ke Huy Quan, has filed for divorce, and their daughter Joy, played by Stephanie Hsu, has a girlfriend.

The worst crisis of all is the family business is being audited by the IRS. An appointment with IRS inspector Deirdre Beaubeirdra, played by Jaime Lee Curtis, is where the film goes from straightforward to topsy-turvy.

Waymond suddenly goes from a weak, squeaky-voiced husband to a strong soldier of war, Alpha Waymond. Alpha Waymond explains to Evelyn that he is from a different universe and only she can save life as they know it.

He tells her she must stop Jobu Tupaki, a villain with the ability to experience all realities in all known universes simultaneously.

Tupaki can freely control all matter at will and has built a device that threatens to destroy the fabric of the multiverse.

Joy, Evelyn and Waymond Wang take cover from an assailant. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” released only in theaters.

All hell breaks loose as Evelyn gains the ability to jump between universes. Each successful jump introduces her to an alternate version of herself.

The film proceeds to take the viewer on a multiverse of madness — no relation to Dr. Strange — type of journey. Evelyn gains more power and learns lessons from the versions of herself that have come to exist based on decisions she did or did not make in her life.

These universes include a real-life “Ratatouille,” except with a raccoon. There’s one where apes with hotdog fingers killed the apes with regular hands, resulting in humans evolving to have giant hotdog hands. There is even a barren wasteland world where life

never came to exist, and Evelyn is just a rock with sentient thought.

The result is that Evelyn becomes a multiverse-existent being like Tupaki.

The knowledge gained gives her a better understanding of what the antagonist has been through and drives her toward finding her way to stop Tupaki and save everything from being destroyed.

By the end of the film, if you are not still too dazzled by the visual throw-up just witnessed, you will hopefully have been able to decipher that the film addressed some pretty big topics.

It discusses things like nihilism and questions a person’s place in the universe. It

even shows the nuances of life in an immigrant family with the idea of the multiverse being used as a place to become more understanding.

The wacky insane backdrop might distract some viewers from these important messages, but the performances are so well done that once everything comes together, the movie becomes a nearly perfect mess.

This film is a must-see for A24 fans. It fits right into the type of movies they are famous for creating and nestles itself among the best they have to offer.

ALBUM REVIEW

‘Vengeance is mine,’ said coke rap connoisseur MICHAEL FOSTER-SANDERS

senior producer michael.foster-sanders@my.tccd.edu

War is a funny thing.

What is a person to do once they defeat their opposition after a 14-year battle against Cash Money Records, which started from nonpayment for music production, verses, style imitation and ended with the popstar rapper Drake’s secrets being exposed? That’s the position Pusha T, or Terrence Thornton, finds himself in, leaving him at a crossroads in his career.

Does Pusha double down on his stance or try to stay relevant and chase trends?

Pusha’s 2018 masterpiece “Daytona” pissed off teenyboppers and radio rap listeners with its declaration of preferring respect over clout chasing among the double and triple entendre of coke rap.

Four years later, a more fine-tuned and defined Pusha T released “It’s Almost Dry” to disrespectfully spit in the face of his detractors that say his niche style of rap sounds dated, and he’s only known due to dissing the Canadian heartthrob. It’s still about respect for Pusha.

Let’s get this out of the way, listening to the album for the first time will have some listeners jarred due to how the sequencing of the tracks are, but once the listener realizes the sequence of the tracks is for organized chaos, then it will make sense.

The first track is “Brambleton’’ which is an ode to the neighborhood he sold drugs

in. It also serves as a testimony to anyone who questions his past as he throws a shot at his former drug-boss-turned-federal-informant Anthony “Geezy” Gonzalez.

Next, Pharrell delivers a sonic boom of noise and horror with a minor note choir sample with “Let The Smokers Shine the Coupes.” It’s a celebration of the success of ill-gotten gains. Here Pusha goes into trans rhymes about the spoils of being a drug dealer.

People who reminisce about how old Kanye West used soul samples for his production will be glad to hear “Dreamin Of The Past.” Over a Donnie Hathaway sample, Pusha spazzes out on rappers who lie about their riches. West channels his “The College Dropout” rhyme flow while talking about his publicized family and mental health issues.

The shining jewel of this album is Pharrell and West’s production. It gives Pusha the floor to express his thoughts, especially on the last track of the album which reunites the Thornton brothers as the rap group “Clipse” once again. No Malice drops the “No” from his name to become the lyrical destroyer he once was before his religious hiatus to warn anyone who chooses to mess with his little brother that the lord can’t save them now.

Pusha has made his point that he’s one of the best to ever rap. Now give the world another Clipse album so he can take his place on hip-hop Mount Rushmore.

Photo courtesy of G.O.O.D. Music/IDJ

Pusha T returns after four-year hiatus with “It’s Almost Dry” to declare the state of rap music is horrible, and he’s here to ensure he’s among the greats.

OPINION

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 • 9

EDITORIAL

More thought should go into death penalty The death penalty is a controversial topic that’s difficult to grasp.

The Melissa Lucio case is one of those death row cases where there’s not enough evidence in the trial. Lucio is on death row for allegedly pushing her two-year-old daughter down the stairs 15-years ago. She was initially planned to be executed April 27, but it was delayed to allow for further investigation into her case.

This speedy conclusion, unfortunately, happens far too often, especially with minorities, religious groups and people of low-income households, according to human rights organization Amnesty International. Since 1973, more than 184 death row cases in the U.S. have been exonerated because these individuals were later proven to be innocent. By 2020, the death penalty had been abolished by 108 countries.

The justice system has proven time and time again that it’s all but functional, but what isn’t? No one and nothing is perfect, but we as a society have to work together to make it better, but it can’t be done if people are just standing idly by.

Why does the death penalty even exist? Is it to stop the overpopulation of prisons, or is it just people playing God? On one side of the argument, the answer is that the death penalty exist to seek justice for victims and their families. On the other side of the argument, people think a life sentence without parole is just as good.

These people on death row decided to play God when they dis-

Jimmy Arca/The Collegian posed of a life with no remorse.

Humans are a controlling bunch and like to take the easy way out because it simplifies things. Actions reciprocate the same amount of reactions, and every choice has a consequence whether good or bad.

Arguments could be made that it’s appropriate for the major crimes such as rape, murder, torture and

anything involving causing harm to children, but that’s the last resort.

Guess it would be one less mouth to feed and have a bed for, and sentencing people to death would be cheaper than sentencing them to life in prison. But have we degraded these people so low as to only think of them as tax dollars?

They’re human beings too. Inmates

already live in these inhumane conditions since prisons are overcrowded.

If a person has a crippling mental disability that causes them to not have any control over their actions — kind of like Lenny from “Of Mice and Men” — should they receive the death penalty? The simple answer is no.

They should be sent to a mental institution or a mental health care facility to get the care they need.

According to the Equal Justice Initiative, 20% of people on death row are said to have some kind of severe mental illness.

All too often when someone commits a crime, they are thrown in this tiny room with four walls and then forgotten about, leaving them to carry out the rest of their sentencing, and once released, oftentimes they’ll just do it again, not learning their lesson.

According to the World Population Review, the three-year recidivism in Texas — a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior — is 21.4% which doesn’t seem high, but that’s only in one state.

Prisons shouldn’t treat prisoners like animals and lock them in cages.

Prisons should be used for rehabilitating and making the lives of these individuals that once slipped up in society better.

According to Cornell Law School, the death penalty doesn’t violate the Eighth Amendment, but it should. The Eighth Amendment states, “Excessive bail shall not be required nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”

Some people view the death penalty as an eye-for-an-eye, but some others view it as excessive punishment. The justice system itself is flawed in more ways than one, and it doesn’t seem to be improving anytime soon.

VIEWPOINTS

Salvadorian representation in It’s time to move on from COVID. comic books is heavily lacking It’s caused too much division.

JOSÉ ROMERO editor-in-chief

collegian.editor collegian .editor@tccd.edu @tccd.edu

DC has over 10,000 characters, and Marvel has over 70,000, yet Marvel only has 149 Hispanic characters and DC 64.

Even worse, there is no Salvadorian character in either major publisher’s stories.

When researching, I couldn’t find a single Salvadorian character in comics whatsoever. The comic industry has wholly ignored an entire ethnicity. It hurts to see a medium I treasure so dearly not acknowledge that my people exist.

It’s not like El Salvador isn’t a thing in comics. It has a database entry in Marvel and DC, but it’s just a playing field for characters to fight in.

Recently, Sony has made some pretty great strides toward Hispanic representation in its films. “Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse” introduced Miles Morales, an AfroLatino, to wider audiences, and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” will do the same for America Chavez, a LatinAmerican LGBTQ hero.

The influx of Hispanic representation in big-budget movies is inspiring. It demonstrates that companies are willing to allow people of color some time in the spotlight. But it certainly feels drip-fed.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe began in 2008, and there are still currently no plans for a Hispanic-led solo film. Fortunately, next year DC is releasing “Blue Beetle,” which will star Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes.

Originally, DC was going to release the movie solely on HBO Max, demonstrating a major lack of self-awareness.

“Blue Beetle” is a pretty big deal to the Hispanic community. Just like “Black Panther” did for the Black community, it’s going to give Hispanic kids and adults a hero to look up to. It would’ve been a disservice to strip that of a theatrical release.

I’m beyond thrilled for these communities to have such strong characters representing them, but, as selfish as it sounds, as a Salvadorian, I feel left out.

As a kid, I would see that characters didn’t have a similar background as me, and I hoped that would change as time went on.

It, unfortunately, hasn’t. That feeling isn’t just isolated to comics either. It’s something I feel daily when watching a show, reading the news or playing a video game. Makes me feel unwanted in the public eye.

Whenever I do see Salvadorians represented, it’s usually as violent gang members, reducing a whole culture into one disgusting stereotype. We’re never doctors, journalists or superheroes.

I want my little brother to grow up in a world that represents him. I want him to know that he can be a hero if he wants to, even if he can’t fly.

That’s what comics do. They show people that what makes a hero isn’t the ability to stop a bus with their bare hands, but the motivation to help someone in need, putting yourself aside.

JUAN SALINAS II senior editor

juan.salinas465@my.tccd.edu

A federal judge in Florida lifted the mask mandate for public transit April 18, making the last domino fall of COVID-era policies.

While some might cheer for joy at this announcement, others might remain fearful. Regardless of the culture war idiocy surrounding this, it’s time to face the reality of the political discourse on the matter. The majority of Americans are ready to move on.

Only 3% of Americans see COVID as an important issue facing the country right now, according to a Gallup poll.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has asked the Department of Justice to appeal the decision, but if the Biden Administration was smart, it would silently let this pass.

The CDC hasn’t been using science for some of its decisions during COVID. At the beginning of the pandemic, the CDC didn’t recommend using face masks to help prevent the spread.

Months later, it became public that the CDC’s decision to advocate not wearing masks was made to help ensure that health care workers would have enough N95 masks

to protect them, according to U.S. chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci’s emails.

This just shows how little establishment elites think of the working-class Americans.

While the intention was noble, it was a lie that formed a foundation of distrust in the institution during COVID. Every time the CDC updates its recommendations, people wonder if the decision was based on science or due to a hidden agenda, such as corporations wanting Americans to return to the office.

The previous administration’s handling of the pandemic is also to blame. This issue should have been bipartisan and brought us closer together as a nation, but it turned into the hottest culture war issue until Ukraine took our attention.

Maybe it would have turned out differently if the federal government had taken the threat seriously and provided actual support for the working class.

Due to the polarization of COVID, we have two extremes. Millions of Americans will never take a widely available vaccine and refuse to wear a mask, and the others will forever wear masks and berate anyone that won’t and will advocate for lockdowns at every turn.

It has dissolved into an issue where there is no in-between.

Local governments will still have a say in COVID policy depending on the population’s needs, but there is just not enough political capital in COVID anymore for national discourse. It’s doubtful that the 2024 presidential election or midterms will focus on COVID policy.

At this point, it is up to the individual to do what is best for them and their families.

Correction: On the April 20 issue, the dancer in the front page photo was incorrectly identified. It is company member of Texas Woman’s International Dance Company Krista Carson.

Letter Policy The Collegian is a weekly student publication serving the Tarrant County College District. Editorial statements and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the TCC administration.

Letters to the paper should be 150 words or less, free from libel and poor taste and include the writer’s Colleague ID or telephone number (the numbers will not be published). Letters may be brought to The Collegian

office (NCAB 1124A, NE Campus),or mailed to:

The Collegian 828 Harwood Road Hurst, TX 76054

LEAD DESIGNER Abbas Ghor SENIOR PRODUCER Michael Foster-Sanders

SENIOR EDITORS Juan Salinas II Austin Folkertsma CAMPUS EDITORS Cameron Webster Rabbia Molai

TCC is an equal opportunity institution that provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination because of race,

Office: 817-515-6391 email: collegian.editor@tccd.edu

Meet EDITOR-IN-CHIEF José Romero

@tccthecollegian • collegian.tccd.edu

the

color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status or disability.

Staff

DESIGN & WEBSITE Hannah Seese Shelby Gatewood ILLUSTRATORS Tj Favela Jimmy Arca

PHOTO EDITOR Alex Hoben PHOTOGRAPHERS Joel Solis Ariel Desantiago

Professional Staff ADVISER Chris Whitley PRODUCTION MANAGER Stacy Luecker

FEATURE

10 • Wednesday, April 27, 2022

As the spring semester comes to a close, some of The Collegian staff prepare to say goodbye to the publication for the last time. This page is dedicated to our advisers.

Abbas Ghor, Lead Designer

José Romero, Editor-in-Chief

Michael Foster-Sanders, Senior Producer

What a ride it’s been. I’ve learned a lot during my time at The Collegian. I must thank my advisers Stacy Luecker and Chris Whitley, former editor-inchiefs Jill Bold and Michael Foster-Sanders, and I can’t forget the MVP of 2021, José Romero. I thank him for all the advice and faith in my design work which enabled me to produce some award-winning pieces. I’ve worked through quite a bit of adversity, and still managed to produce some award-winning papers. My stint at The Collegian will be one of my proudest moments ever.

The Collegian has given me an avenue to grow as a journalist. The advisers and staff have given me a lifetime’s worth of knowledge, and I couldn’t be more grateful. It’s a little somber to think of this as the last paper I’ll ever do for the publication, especially because of how much working here has meant to me. It feels like a part of my life is about to end, but that’s not entirely a bad thing. The Collegian has allowed for the next chapter to even exist. I cannot express enough how appreciative I am to have been a small part of the paper’s history.

What a ride. I started at the Collegian in 2017 after getting the foundation for writing under Eddye Gallagher. But under Chris Whitley’s guidance is where I learned how to finesse my words and form my style of writing, which, by the way, won me two critical review awards. I’ve had some great times in the newsroom that helped shape me into the person I’m evolving to be. To all my fellow friends, no, family, that I’ve come to know and cherish in the newsroom, thank you for the memories. I’m excited to see what everybody does next.

Juan Salinas II, Senior Editor

Austin Folkertsma, Senior Editor

Cameron Webster, Campus Editor

As the first person to be hired after The Collegian came back from virtual learning, it was rough at first, but it has been a wonderful experience working here. I have learned so much from being thrown into the field than I would have learned from just the classroom. José Romero and Chris Whitley have been such a tremendous help in my career as a journalist, and I’m lucky to soak in as much knowledge from them as possible. Both have opened so many doors for me.

I came out of high school trying to get a job that paid the best, but I quickly discovered I was never satisfied with that. I was sitting in my media writing class one day when my instructor Jocelyn Tatum was like, “The Collegian is hiring, who’s interested?” My hand had never raised so fast. From writing about something José Romero had to unwillingly research to our adviser critiquing us, making me a better writer, this staff has become more than just co-workers.

I am a bit sad my time at The Collegian will be a “one and done” scenario, but it has been the most fun semester of college I have had by far. I still do not believe I am even that good at writing, but if José and Chris say so, I guess I will trust them. Thank you to my Collegian co-workers for all of the lessons and amazing conversation. I had a great time working with everyone. The experience has been wonderful, and I am sure I will see some of you in the future.

Staff returning for Fall semester

Hannah Seese, Designer

I am excited to continue here and see what the future holds.

TJ FAvela, Illustrator

Alex Hoben, Photo Editor

Joel Solis, Photographer

This has been my first job in the field, I can’t wait to get started on my work and it has been amazing. at The Collegian next semester.

Rabbia Molai, Campus Editor I can’t wait to see all the great things we are going to accomplish.

Shelby Gatewood, Designer

The friends I’ve made and the instruc- I’m excited to work here next semestion I’ve received has been fantastic. ter and make new friends as well.

Design by Abbas Ghor and Hannah Seese/The Collegian

JIMMY ARCA, Illustrator

I look forward to seeing where this position leads me in the future.

Ariel Desantiago, Photographer I have enjoyed my short stay here and look forward to returning.

Illustrations by Tj Favela/The Collegian