The Bridge - March 2019

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MARCH 2019 Printed by E l Mañana in support o f independen t student wr i t i n g

The Bridge

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U N I V E R S I T Y

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My uterus, my decision

Consent Week’s bystander training prepares heroes

Dustdevils baseball sweeps Jaguars

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SPEAKER PELOSI VISITS LAREDO

VANESSA VALLARTA | BRIDGE

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., interacts with the crowd as she sits next to Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, during her TAMIU visit Friday, Feb. 22.

B Y M AT I L D A P E R E Z EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., spoke to students on her historic visit to TAMIU. Students from both local school districts, Laredo College, Texas A&M International University, and TAMIU employees

listened Friday, Feb. 22, as Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, asked Pelosi about important recent U.S. political events.

Cuellar, representing the 28th District, began by addressing border security and the lack of danger on the border.

“I see this area as a community with a border going through it. Yes, we have to have border security because there might be some people who will exploit the opportunity and that is why when we went forward with border security. We said ‘no’ to the

wall,” Pelosi said. “That is an obstruction to the community that we are trying to respect on both sides of the border.”

House Democrats would rather strengthen entries with personnel, infrastructure and technology to scan vehicles entering the country. This would address President Donald Trump’s concern, without violating the needs of people and commerce.

Cuellar then added, “We [would] rather build bridges than SEE PELOSI, PAGE 2

Graduate Fair helps students find career paths

BY KENNE TH JONES A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

YENSEY MURILLO | BRIDGE

Ramon R. Gomez, left, representing the University of Texas, speaks to students during TAMIU’s Graduate and Professional Job Fair on Feb. 12.

TAMIU students had the opportunity to prepare for life after a bachelor’s degree with the annual Graduate & Professional School Fair.

Organized by Texas A&M International University’s Office of Career Services, recruiters from schools across Texas arrived at campus on Feb. 12 to show students what their schools can offer.

In the Student Center Ballroom, there were numerous booths from various schools to get information on, including some within the Texas A&M University System.

One of these visiting schools was Texas A&M University− Corpus Christi. Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment Maggi Cano discussed what is available in the coastal city.

“We have business, nursing, science and liberal arts. … Pretty much everything,” she said.

Cano also mentioned what are the university’s most wellknown programs. “A&M Corpus is known for their marine biology … because of our location,” she said. “We also have the [Master of Business Administration] program online [which] is definitely one that a lot of students are looking at.”

Another school in the A&M system is Texas A&M University School of Social Work.

The admissions coordinator for the School of Social Work department explained how there are a lot of opportunities for students focusing on social work.

“One of the things we like to emphasize is that students al-

ways think that a social work degree is only for [Child Protective Services], so there is a big community market for social work students,” he said.

The admissions coordinator also discussed some of the other careers students in social work can pursue.

“You can work as a social worker in schools and institutions, in colleges, in hospitals, in juvenile detention with troubled youth, … [or] with the homeless community [such as] homeless veterans,” he said.

Besides the visiting schools, there were also several TAMIU booths at the fair, including the Office of Graduate Studies, TAMIU Alumni and the TAMIU Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

Schools from the University of Texas System also came to share what they offer. One of these was the University of Texas at Austin.

Ramón Gómez serves as the Director of Student and Community Affairs for the School of Social Work but came to TAMIU representing all of the graduate programs at UT Austin.

“We have several graduate programs to offer within different areas,” Gómez said. “Popular programs are usually business, natural science and psychology programs, as well as social work. So, it just depends on people’s focus but we have a lot of great opportunities for students.”

Gómez also mentioned the South Texas Graduate Fellowship, which students who attain undergraduate degrees from South Texas colleges, including TAMIU, and apply for a graduate program at UT Austin, have a chance of winning.

The total award is estimated to be around $39,000 a year.

‘The Vagina Monologues’ inspires feminisim B Y M AT I L D A P E R E Z EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

V-Day, is not only a shortened name for Valentine’s Day, but an entire global activist movement in February to stop violence against women and girls.

SCAN Sexual Assault Services and Information Program hosted “The Vagina Monologues” as part of V-Day to bring awareness in Laredo.

Tony Award-winning playwright, performer and activist Eve Ensler traveled the world interviewing women about their different experiences, with their femininity, with vaginas and womanhood leading her to write “The Vagina Monologues.”

“It’s really a celebration of womanhood and independenceSEE ‘MONOLOGUES’, PAGE 2

VANESSA VALLARTA | BRIDGE

A visual display declares “Viva Vagina” as attenedees listen to “The Vagina Monologues” on Feb. 14.

2 | News

March 2019

PELOSI

“Although $100 might not seem like a lot, there were those who wanted to decrease the amount of the Pell Grant--so this shows that we are taking a step in the right direction toward edFROM PAGE 1 ucation,” Pelosi said. “A Pell Grant is not all of the cost of education but it makes a difference as to whether families can afford for family members to go to college.” walls. ‘The Rio Bravo’ does not divide us as two countries, but Continuing the subject of education, Pelosi added that unites us together.”

House Democrats proposed the Aim Higher Act, which imPelosi then addressed the National State of Emergency set proves access to a quality degree, makes college more affordable

by President Donald Trump. She noted the illogical nature in and protects the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Trump using his power to shutdown the government over borStudents participated in a Q&A session with Pelosi, which der-wall funding and how she included topics such as abordid not allow him to deliver tion, preventing corruption “Yes, we have to have border the State of the Union address and taking on female leadersecurity because there might be until an agreement had been ship roles. reached.

“What would be the some people who will exploit ...”

“There is no emergency on advice you would give to a —Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. the border,” Pelosi said. “He woman in a political field said, ‘I’m coming anyway [for hoping to run for office one the State of the Union address],’ and I said, ‘No, you’re not.’” day--because you’re the first female speaker in the House?” one Typically, the State of the Union address is given in early to student asked. mid-January. This year, Trump’s address did not occur until Feb. “First of all, please do,” Pelosi said, followed by a loud cheer 5 due to the government shutdown. from the crowd. “Right now this Congress has over 100 women The discussion then turned to the topic of higher education members and we still want more. We really need women to take and student debt. Cuellar and Pelosi spoke of achievements in on the responsibility to show their purpose, their knowledge, bringing back the summer Pell Grant and a $100 increase in the their plan of how to attract others to their cause and to make a Pell Grant under Pelosi’s leadership. difference for our country.”

VANESSA VALLARTA | BRIDGE

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., shakes hands with Student Government Association President Pedro Rivera during her visit to TAMIU on Feb. 22.

Rivera invited Pelosi for the campus visit while she attended the George Washington Birthday.

NEW MR., MRS. TAMIU RECENTLY CORONATED

BY DALIL A FLO RES B R I D G E S TA F F W R I T E R

MELVA VILLARREAL | BRIDGE

Ms. TAMIU Michelle Ochoal and Mr. TAMIU Roberto Novido pose for pictures during their coronation.

Dustdevils decided on their representatives, who were announced Feb. 14, during a basketball game. The 2019 Mr. and Ms. TAMIU are Roberto Novido and Michelle Ochoal.

“I feel ecstatic,” Novido said. “I am proud to not only represent the University, but to serve them and to serve the students that are here at our University and make sure they fulfill their purpose here at the University. To make sure that they fulfill their ‘why.’ Why they came here to the University. I’m just ecstatic to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard, everyone is represented and everyone is served.”

To them, these positions are more than titles to be put on a resume. They plan to take action and make a difference for TAMIU students. Once announced, attendees quickly rushed to their side to take photos and congratulate them.

“Right now, I honestly think that it’s a dream,” Ochoal said.

‘MONOLOGUES’

more. That’s one thing we never got when we were young. You want to see people think outside the box,” attendee Daniel Duran said.

FROM PAGE 1 “I think more men should be coming, definitely.”

Guerra also said “The Vagina Monologues” and V-Day are not only for women, but also for brothers, fathers, husbands, friends and everybody should be involved with this. and bravery, but above all, it’s obviously associated with the “It doesn’t matter what connection you have to a possible V-Day movement,” Director San Juanita Guerra said. victim, the odds are whether you know it or not, you know someThe event sold paintings by artists from local and surroundbody. And so everybody should be involved,” Guerra said. “Eving areas, cupcakes from Pink Box bakery and heart stickers to eryone should at least be edraise money for Laredo’s only ucated on the subject so that rape crisis center, SCAN “Everyone should at least be if, God forbid, you’re ever SASI. touched by somebody like “Our community is educated on the subject ...” this, you know where to gogrowing rapidly. Sexual vio-you know what to do--you lence is an epidemic and yet —San Juanita Guerra know how to refer someone we only have one crisis center to assistance.” in Laredo,” Guerra said.

Being educated in The play took the audiwhat to do can help those in need. The Sexual Assault Services ence on an emotional rollercoaster with the storytelling of a powand Information counseling program provides victims with a erful message portraying the movement.

“I love the different representations of the different stories safe place to go for support.

“Whatever they are going through, there is a way out and and it’s great to show the diversity of the different woman that were interviewed for the production but it shows the mix of the whenever they are ready because it’s up to them,” Guerra said.

“We are here to support them and guide them through that prodrama and comedy. I really loved it,” attendee Vanessa Almaraz cess, which is obviously a very difficult, scary and painful prosaid. cess.”

Although the play is geared toward women’s femininity and Persons who know, or are, a victim of sexual violence may womanhood, there was not a shortage of men present. contact SASI, which provides services to survivors free of charge.

“I thought it was great. I would love to see Laredo growing

“It’s a dream come true. I’m so speechless. I don’t have any words to describe how I’m feeling right now. I’m very, very thankful.

I know that for this to have happened it’s for a reason. It’s for a great purpose, so I really do believe this is the start of something new.”

Their gratefulness came with their ideas on how to utilize their position and how they will be good representatives for TAMIU. “We’re planning to establish a scholarship for one Dustdevil and one student organization, so their purpose can be fulfilled,” Novido said. “So they could go to a conference and put TAMIU on the map. So they can go and buy new materials; so people can take them seriously or so they can get new marketing materials or public relations--so people can know who they are.”

With these new plans in mind, they expressed their endless thanks for their peers believing in them.

“Our platform during our campaign was to fundraise and establish a scholarship that will go to any student who applies [for] it, or any organization,” Ochoal said.

VANESSA VALLARTA | BRIDGE

One of numerous paintings on display during “The Vagina Monologues” event.

March 2019

Opinion | 3 B Y M AT I L D A P E R E Z EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITOR’S VIEWPOINT

In 2019, House Bill 1500—known as the Heartbeat Bill—is threatening to revoke the efforts of past feminist movements by not allowing abortions to proceed after a fetus gains a heartbeat.

This six-week abortion ban quickly gained support among Texas Republicans, nearly gaining 44 co-sponsors, three of which are women, and can be expected to grow rapidly.

Texas is only one out of the 11 state legislatures attempting to pass this type of bill. All women and pregnancies are different--some women might not notice pregnancy during the first six-weeks.

It is not the only bill passed in an attempt to stop abortions and it certainly won’t be the last.

In Laredo, there are currently no abortion clinics available to women. This takes away their right to choose what to do with their own bodies and restricts the options they have regarding bearing children.

My ut erus, my d ecisio n

Since Laredo is a highly religious Mexican border city, it can be difficult for women to find support in obtaining an abortion.

It can even be more difficult for a single mother to provide a stable home for her and her child.

“As women, we should acknowledge the importance of the power struggle over a woman’s body.”

There is a strong negative public view of single mothers and it becomes, for many young Hispanic women, difficult to finish their education and maintain employment while raising a child.

This has led desperate women to consider different alternatives and cross the Mexican-American border to find someone willing to help.

It is not unheard of for women to cross the bridge to obtain medication and abortion care. This can be extremely dangerous and can lead to a higher risk of receiving incorrect medical advice, and not getting the proper care.

As women, we should acknowledge the importance of the power struggle over a woman’s body.

No one should have the right to tell someone what to do with their own body, especially not Anglo male politicians.

The traditionalist views our society holds should not stop modern generations from adapting to contemporary views based on one’s self freedom and wellbeing.

While abortion is not for everyone, it should be a fundamental right for women to choose what happens to their bodies.

Black History Month honoree treated inequally During this month where we recognize important events and achievements from black people of all professions, there is one person who many people believe is not worthy of being recognized.

This person is Colin Kaepernick, a former quarterback in the National Football League, playing for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016.

In 2016, Kaepernick began kneeling during the U.S. national anthem as a form of protest of racism in the country. This then led to many other players doing the same, as well as players from other sports outside the NFL. Understandably, people have divided thoughts on these protests, some finding it respectful and others unpatriotic; some even reacting extremely to the protests, such as President Donald Trump, calling for protesting players to be fired.

While a grievance Kaepernick filed against the NFL, believing the NFL was purposefully keeping him out of the league due to the controversy, was recently settled. Some are unwilling to give Kaepernick any form of praise.

“However, the Republican Party has since forced Kaepernick’s name out of the resolution due to the controversy ...”

In his home state of Wisconsin, a Black Caucus created a resolution recognizing Wisconsin-born African-Americans during Black History Month, including Kaepernick.

T E X A S A & M I NT E R N AT I O N A L U N I V E R S IT Y I N D E P E N D E N T S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R

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A R T I C L ES , S T O R I E S A N D I N T E RVIEWS HEREIN ARE THE S O L E L Y W R I T T E N E X P R E S S I O N OF THE STUDENTS AND D O N O T R E F L E C T T H E C O R E I N STITUTIONAL VALUES OF T E X A S A& M I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I VERSITY.

BY KENNE TH JONES A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

EDITOR’S VIEWPOINT

However, the Republican Party has since forced Kaepernick’s name out of the resolution due to the controversy surrounding him, and his trend of athletes kneeling during the national anthem as protest. The main reason for his removal was because Republicans believe he is too controversial to be included.

Somehow, people think a person protesting for the right of black people is not worthy of recognition on a month where we are supposed to honor those who have made a difference regarding racial injustice, or at least those who have brought attention to it, like Kaepernick.

Every African-American standing up to racism can be considered controversial. People like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and many others have protested against racism, even when it cost some of them their lives.

Laredo in need of more sidewalks, bus stop

BY R ICARD O FLO RES BRIDGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Driving along a busy street leading to Interstate 35, I came upon a woman walking on the lane I was driving on.

Since the car next to me had no reason to move to the other lane, I slammed on my brakes to avoid hitting her. The poor lady, at no fault of her own, is the subject of a deadly debate the city of Laredo has avoided regularly—sidewalks.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to speak with a retired public official, who shall remain anonymous, and asked why Laredo was lacking sidewalks and why some new roads are built without sidewalks. I was informed that building codes do not enforce those specifications and sidewalks are not a matter of concern for the folks who create our infrastructure.

Once the city budgets for sidewalks, they will be added; however, the unfortunate reality is they seldom are built and pose a risk to anyone caught in the traffic lane, simply because there is no sidewalk.

Surprisingly, a recent story in The Laredo Morning Times informed the community of the city’s hiring of a new bicycle-pedestrian coordinator to oversee a proposed citywide cycling agenda. The article reports on the city traffic department, which hired Alec Martinez, a recent Cornell University graduate. Martinez earned a degree in urban plan-

ning and is a lifetime Laredoan.

“Nobody wants to bike or walk,” Martinez told The Laredo Morning Times. “We need to make it safe and enjoyable. That means building better sidewalks—actually building things at the human scale.”

Furthermore, I do not agree with his proposal to limit vehicular traffic and introduce bicycle lanes, at least not yet. If you do not live in Laredo, Martinez’s proposal may be a sensible solution but since he is a Laredoan, he should know—all too well— that it’s too hot to do either of these.

Laredo bus stops are a thing of the past and most, if any, do not have proper roofing. I have seen too many

ing winds and rains, when they arrive. Buses have been equipped with bicycle caddies to help those who must walk or bicycle great distances to their “local” bus stop. Once they arrive, most are faced with a lack of shelter from the elements, let alone a bench to rest on. In my opinion, these two topics are the ones Martinez needs to come to terms with before introducing his bicycle agenda.

El Metro Transit should post its system map at every pick-up point, since riders can benefit from viewing the information while waiting to decide on an appropriate route.

Laredo already has bicycle lanes on San Bernardo Avenue heading north and south.

They seem to work well for the location they serve.

This is something I cannot envision for congested streets like Guadalupe, Clark, Del Mar or Springfield—just to name a few. Having traveled to Europe recently, I have seen the urban designs Martinez envisions for our city but, in reality, I have also seen the vastly improved transportation systems those countries take pride in. I know we can learn from these concepts, and with time incorporate them to benefit the ones who use them on a daily basis.

The difference between the European cities and Laredo is that European infrastructures are made to work and benefit all pedestrians and travelers alike.

“Laredo bus stops are a thing of the past and most, if any, do not have proper roofing.” placed at a slope without sidewalk support. The local bus service has been growing, yet it only includes 24 routes.

El Metro Transit has always failed to provide its riders with benches and shelters to ward off the blistering sun overhead or bone-chill-

4 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

March 2019

An ‘American Epic’ unfolds

BY JULI AN M ARTINEZ BRIDGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

From Pennsylvania to Texas, he has crafted his own version of the “American Story” as he furthered his career in the artistic field of printmaking.

“I took my first art class and I felt at home in that department,” Assistant Professor Jesse Shaw said.

Taking a single step into the printmaking room, one can clearly see that Shaw has begun making his mark on Texas A&M International University.

The walls of the room are covered in current students’ work, as well as Shaw’s personal collection.

“Where I’m at and where I’m going feeds into my work,” he said.

During his time as artist and teacher, he traveled the U.S. Each

location played a part in each decision leading him to TAMIU. “I like the community and that there is a lot of collaboration,” Shaw said.

As a kid he was very interested in comics and cartoons, he said.

This art form really suited what he was looking for out of each

“Where I’m at and where I’m going feeds into my work.”

—Assistant Professor Jesse Shaw other medium he tried.

With his extensive background in printmaking, it was clear to the TAMIU administration he was needed to fill the roster.

Following his work for Durham Press in Pennsylvania to currently trying to push for collaboration between TAMIU’s print-

making department and visiting artists, Shaw hasn’t paused in his pursuit to further his own networking and artistic endeavors.

“I’m an artist first, before anything,” he said.

In the fall of 2018, which was his first semester at TAMIU, Shaw returned from the Gallery at Penn College where he showcased his aptly titled “American Epic” series.

In the artist biography for the gallery it mentioned how this series has spanned over 10 years.

“I feel more at home teaching than anything,” Shaw said.

As a first-generation student, he wanted to find a university that reminded him of where he attended.

One student came up after Shaw’s job candidate presentation and told him he wanted to grow here as an artist and he now knew “This is the right place.”

With TAMIU, Shaw says, “I want to create more of a community and a space.” He wants people to hear “TAMIU” and say, “Yeah, their printmaking department is doing great work.”

COURTESY JESSE SHAW | SUBMITTED

(Above) Assistant Professor Jesse Shaw speaks about his print-making work. (Top left) One of his class’ group projects. (Top right) A sample of Shaw’s work.

Laredo’s music scene grows, thrives B Y M AT T H E W B A L D E R A S DESIGN CHIEF @MBBALDERAS

The Laredo music scene is thriving and sparking interest from “the live music capital of the world,” Austin.

Boogaloo the Rooms, an arts venue that describes itself as, “a space dedicated as much to the creation process as it is a place for culture seekers to be entertained” on its Facebook page, hosted Austin band Futon Blonde.

Janson Summers, the band’s creator, posted an ad on Craigslist asking if anyone was interested in starting a band. Four years later, the group members embark on what they call their “Texas Tour” making Laredo one of their stops along the way.

“This might not be your first, though, of a whole lot of bands, but what is here is really starting to thrive,” Summers said regarding Laredo’s growing music scene.

Native Laredoan Arbenly Orozco returns home to see the growth of Laredo’s music scene and of Laredo as a city, as well.

“There’s a lot of different music that you don’t expect; that if you’re open-minded you might really enjoy,” Orozco said. “[Futon Blonde has] been here before, so they like Laredo. They want to come back and I think that’s part of the city growing.”

MATTHEW BALDERAS | BRIDGE

Futon Blonde of Austin performs at Boogaloo the Rooms, a Laredo arts venue, during one of the band’s “Texas Tour” shows.

March 2019

Features | 5

YENSEY MURILLO | BRIDGE

Fans, several in costumes, scour an art vendor’s booth during the 2019 STCE’s Comic Con in TAMIU’s Student Center on Sunday, Jan. 27.

Number of celebrities increase at Comic Con B Y M AT T H E W B A L D E R A S CHIEF DESIGNER @MBBALDERAS

The 2019 STCE’s Comic Con at TAMIU hosted its largest number of celebrities yet.

“We always want to try and bring bigger celebrities and more celebrities,” Rebekah Kawas said. “This year we had the biggest amount of celebrities, we had 12.”

With more celebrities also came higher ticket sales. One celeb that drove sales was Christopher Sabat for the Jan. 26-27 event.

“VIPs were crazy because we had Chris come from ‘Dragon Ball Z,’” Kawas said. “He’s the voice of Vageta and everyone wanted to see him.”

Although Comic Con is identified as a comic book convention, there are other facets for attendees to enjoy.

“If they’ve never done a con before … I would say just try it out,” Kawas said. “If they are cosplayers and they enter the con-

test--that is a $1,000 prize you can win.”

Jerry Lerma, a previous cosplay contest winner, entered into this year’s Con as well.

“I went in as Banshee Moira,” an “Overwatch” video game character that Lerma genderbent. “I did get an applause, so that was fun.”

First-place winner received $1,000; however, there were still bragging rights to be earned.

“I got an honorable mention from the judge that obviously has a darker aesthetic,” Lerma said. “She was in her [“World of Warcraft”] Dark Elf costume also from Blizzard,” the same company that produced Overwatch.

The Con offered big-name celebrities, such as actor Doug Jones, who was Kawas’ favorite part of the Con, it also offered a variety of personalities some attendees might not expect.

“One very different actor-celebrity that we had, that was very nostalgic, I think not just for me but a lot of Con-goers was Jim Cummings, who’s the voice of Winnie the Pooh,” Kawas said.

“He brought a very different touch to the Con.”

YENSEY MURILLO | BRIDGE

Arturo Alvarez, in ‘Dragonball Z’ costume, plays a video game at Xtreme VR’s booth at Comic Con.

First TAMIU Latina dean brings research, grants

BY JOSE VILL AGRAN BRIDGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Dean Claudia San Miguel is the first Latina dean in TAMIU history. In her tenure as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, she has launched several programs and obtained a mixture of state and federal grants which have contributed to the growth of the program and the University, all while gaining admiration from students and staff alike.

In her research as an associate professor of criminal justice, San Miguel delved into several topics: human trafficking, neighborhood watch, domestic violence and the death penalty. Her passion for her field transcended her own studies as she helped broaden opportunities at TAMIU’s criminal justice program through the acquisition of state and federal grants.

San Miguel helped acquire more than $1.9 million in grants for TAMIU. These funds aided in the expansion of the criminal justice program which is now ranked fifth in the nation and continues to grow.

“The growth [of the program] is remarkable,” San Miguel said. “I started here around 13 years ago and we had about 500 students and now we have over 800 just at the undergraduate level. We currently offer a bachelor’s and master’s program and we hope that eventually we can add a Ph.D. in criminal justice so students can then earn a pro degree and become professors themselves. At the undergraduate level, we hope to add maybe a concentration in forensic science or cyber security or other specialty in which students might be interested in.”

Besides the program expansion, San Miguel expressed her feelings on the growth of women, such as herself, in positions of authority on campus, “I love it.”

“Dr. San Miguel has been one of the more influential professors I’ve had,” student Javier Espinoza said. “I enjoyed going to lecture because she was an extremely bright person and had a personality to match. She lit up the room with her words.”

Not only are students like Espinoza impressed with San Miguel but so are TAMIU colleagues like Administrative Associate III Gloria Villagran.

“Knowing Claudia for 13 years of my career, she has not failed to amaze me,” Villagran said.

ROLANDO SANTOS | TAMIU PUBLIC RELATIONS

Dean Claudia San Miguel

6 | Education

March 2019

Campus nurse provides student care, education

BY CHRIST IN A VILL ALO N BRIDGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CAROLINA MARTINEZ | BRIDGE FILE

Director Claudia C. Beltran, Student Health Services, works at her computer in this file photo from 2018.

TAMIU Director of Student Health Services Claudia C. Beltran is experienced as a registered nurse in different medical settings and says there are obstacles nurses can encounter.

Beltran obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at TAMIU before eventually returning to take a leadership position in Texas A&M International University’s Health Services Department. Her master’s is in nursing administration.

She worked in various health professional settings, including different hospitals and a middle school before joining TAMIU. Her prior work experience includes Doctor’s Hospital in Laredo and St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital in San Antonio.

“The hospital in Laredo was much more difficult to work at because of the staffing ratio,” Beltran said.

The staffing ratio for her assigned position was 20 patients for every two nurses. Beltran explained how she was always very

busy making sure her patients were doing well so she could divide her attention and care evenly among them.

Her following position at St. Luke’s held a maximum patient to staff ratio of four patients to every nurse.

“It was a drastic difference,” Beltran said. “I had a lot of free time on my hands to really interact with the patient.”

Her work experience in school setting includes a middle school in the Laredo Independent School District and TAMIU. “Nursing is so much more than what meets the eye,” Beltran said.

She said nurses do more than just aid the physical needs of patients, especially in school settings. Often, she had to take on the role of being a counselor, in addition to caregiver.

However, transitioning from a middle school nurse to working at a university was a difficult change for Beltran.

University nurses are responsible for educating students about the importance of safe sex, provide sexually transmitted disease awareness, give input on prevention and offer STD testing. These aspects of her job were not part of being a middle school nurse.

Study abroad students return to TAMIU, reflect

BY ANGELICA RAMIREZ BRIDGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Seventeen students studied abroad for a full semester in spring 2018 in seven different countries.

The major difference they noticed was between their host country and U.S. educational systems.

Hong Kong student Alejandra Ramirez said the classroom setting and expectations were different at City-U. “Usually, lectures last three hours and classes are once per week,” Ramirez said. “I only had one exam throughout the semester and it only counts for half the grade, which made it harder to get an A--especially since the students over there are more competitive.”

France student Gerardo Cardenas said the French culture impacted him.

“Family is very important to them,” Cardenas said. “That is something I could relate to as a Hispanic.”

Similarly, student Antonia Martinez, who traveled with Cardenas to France, said the people of Marseille share a spiritual connection to their religion—as strong as most Hispanics in Lar-

edo to with their own.

While the students worked to acclimate to their new surroundings, they engaged in activities during their free weekends.

Cardenas and Martinez both said they were satisfied with Marseille, since it was close to many surrounding countries.

Together, they visited a total of 15 other European countries, including Sweden, the U.K., Scotland, Italy, Greece and Germany.

Ramirez said she faced some hardships that came with adjusting to Hong Kong student life.

“My biggest challenges were school related,” Ramirez said.

“The system over there is so different that I just couldn’t get used to it that easy. I also struggled to manage my time at first.”

Although these students traveled to two different continents, all three gained knowledge of the cultures into which they integrated.

“I can honestly say I learned so much from the French culture and their approach to living life,” Martinez said. “Here in the U.S., everyone is so in a rush to get the latest technology and make money. In France, they actually take the time to smell the roses. That is something I take with me since I have returned.”

Martinez mentioned that although the application process was a bit lengthy, it was worth the wait.

Lack of student, faculty library usage creates mystery

BY KARL A LOZ ANO BRIDGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When it comes to the use of the library, there is a mystery about students who do not visit the library often.

Getting more in-depth on this mystery, students voiced their experiences at the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.

“I visit the library for information retrieval, to study, read and do research,” Texas A&M International University sophomore Dariela Galindo said. She also added how she visits the library at least three times a week.

On the other hand, TAMIU junior Nicole Flores says she only visits the library once a week, “I rarely go to the library. I mainly just go to print.”

TAMIU Associate Special Collections Librarian Jeanette Hatcher considers why students are not using library services as often as expected.

Hatcher disagrees with the mystery of students not visiting the library often.

“I would disagree with the statement,” she said, “because I’m seeing so many students using library sources, and using library resources. Our statistics are telling us something completely different.

“I have noticed that the question is usually posed by people who don’t use it that much themselves.”

Hatcher then began discussing what kind of library

YENSEY MURILLO | BRIDGE

Student Luis Avila studies in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library on Monday, Feb. 25. incoming freshmen through [signature courses] and we do library instruction sessions with UNIV,” she said.

Regarding the library-usage mystery, she said a specific library source is rarely used.

“Interlibrary loan is a very cool service where, say you look in our catalog, you look for a specific item and notice we do not have it here,” Hatcher said. “You can hit a ‘request it for me’ button and we request it from a different library and they send it to us. It is at no —Jeanette Hatcher, extra cost to the TAMIU associate special student.” collections librarian She has her own idea why people do not visit the library.

“What I found is, not tion, and we offer regular refeverybody is aware of all the erence services,” she said.

Hatcher said library staff different resources,” Hatcher said. “I would also say people members teach freshmen get used to using a particular about library resources in resource so you don’t explore classes. the rest of it.”

“We try to catch all of our resources were offered and how students, faculty and staff are not just limited to what the library has to offer.

Without hesitation, she said there are many services offered at the library.

“We have library instruc-

“What I found is, not everyone is aware of all the different resources.”

YENSEY MURILLO | BRIDGE

Ginelie Botello, left, and Yared Rodriguez, share a hashtag at the study abroad booth during TAMIU’s Volunteer and Service Fair on Feb. 2.

March 2019

Campus | 7

Green Dot bystander training held on campus, Consent Week

BY DALIL A FLO RES B R I D G E S TA F F W R I T E R

JULIANA MEDRANO | BRIDGE

A presentation is given on “Why Cheaters Cheat” as one of the Consent Week events.

Sometimes people witness a person being threatened and that makes them a bystander. The need to help the victim will arise in most but there will always be a barrier preventing wouldbe heroes from taking action.

Whether for curiosity or interest, a group of 19, including two males, attended the Green Dot Bystander Training on Feb. 4. This event was one of several held in conjunction with Consent Week at Texas A&M International University. “[Green Dot is an international program] designed to equip our participants with connections, knowledge, skills and tools so they can increase their proactive and reactive bystander behaviors,” Compliance Coordinator Nayeli Lopez said.

A proactive bystander is someone who tells others they are not okay with violence, which in turn promotes Green Dot. A reactive bystander is when a choice is made to act the moment someone comes to harm. Many find it difficult to intervene when a person is in danger.

“[I learned there are] three ways to intervene,” participant Esperanza Lopez said, “and it’s not just standing by but you can be direct about it, you can delegate or you can distract.”

These methods were taught in consideration that not everyone is okay with directly stopping a situation. “[This program not only] sends a message to the community that … we do not tolerate violence,” Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator Lorissa Cortez said, “[but also] teaches you how to make a change; how to be the change.”

She believes this is important because there are those who want to make a difference but they expect that big actions are needed. It can be the numerous small actions that change the perception of a bystander, which will help create a safer community.

In all, the event was informational with scenarios that left participants questioning the correct reaction to a given situation.

The signs given off by someone in need are not always obvious—attending a session could aid a would-be hero.

Other Consent Week events: Cardio kickboxing class, TLC’s “Why Cheaters Cheat” session, Set the Expectation men’s basketball game, Tea and Consent informational table, Safe Zone Workshop and a two-part R.A.D. with TAMIU Police Department.

Intramurals allow students to destress, share sportsmanship B Y M AT T H E W B A L D E R A S DESIGN CHIEF @MBBALDERAS

College students who have a love for sports, but are not college athletes still have a chance to remain in the game. The intramurals program offers an opportunity for college students to play sports on a non-varsity level.

“A lot of people don’t take it seriously,” Intramurals Specialist Ivan Cano said. “They just come out to have fun.”

Texas A&M International University recreational sports staff’s goal is to make sure the games offer an opportunity for students to destress and leave with a smile on their face, despite their team’s final score.

“We do stress sportsmanship a lot. That is our No. 1 priority,” Cano said. “If we have one team that is super good and they are making fun of the team that is not good, I’ll kick them out.”

“A lot of people are scared to try it because they don’t have a team,” Cano said.

However, those new to TAMIU or who may not yet have a firm footing, have the ability to register as a free agent for open team positions.

Skill ranges vary from those who have played sports throughout high school, or recreationally, to those who want to try sports for the first time.

To that, Cano says, “Try it; come watch the enjoinment that we have.”

In an effort to inform students of the services provided by the rec, the department hosted a marketing event.

“We are promoting intramurals and passing out flyers to anyone and everyone,” Cano said. “We just want to get the word out that we have these services for the students.”

Cano also said students pay for these services through their tuition and he hopes more students utilize the rec in general and all the services they provide, like their fitness classes and intramurals.

For additional information on intramurals, interested persons may contact Cano via email, ivan.cano@tamiu.edu, or by phone at (956) 326-3013.

MATTHEW BALDERAS | BRIDGE

Ivan Gonzalez tries one of the rec sports new intramurals games.Wednesday, Jan. 30.

Parking lots lack cameras, students concerned

VANESSA VALLARTA | BRIDGE

Students leave the Student Center parking lot near the end of Tuesday, Feb. 26.

B Y D AV I D L O P E Z BRIDGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A lack of parking lot cameras may leave TAMIU students with scratched, crashed or robbed cars—without witnesses.

Texas A&M International University Officer Ricardo Rios mentioned that campus parking lots lack cameras.

The only place where cameras are found is inside academic buildings.

He said the reason there are no cameras on campus is because of budget constraints.

He also said the University is not able to implement cameras because of new building construction.

“Wow,” TAMIU senior Erika Gallegos said. “It makes me feel unsafe, especially because I have class at night.”

Her dance class lets out at almost 11 p.m. She said she would feel safer if she knew there were cameras in the parking lots.

Not all students are aware of this.

“I did not know they did not have cameras in the parking lots,” TAMIU senior Bryan Lara said.

“What if my car gets crashed into or scratched?

How would I be able to find out who did it if there is no one around to see it?”

He also asked, what if someone would rob him and how would he be able to find the perpetrator?

Rios mentioned how having cameras in TAMIU parking lots would be a good and helpful idea.

He also said it would be a good way to find whoever was responsible for any car damages or any crime such as thief, burglary, sexual assault, etc.

Although having parking lot cameras could be helpful, it does not necessarily erase all crime. Cameras can malfunction due to weather, electrical or other damages.

TAMIU senior Juan Aguilar said he found it strange there are too many cameras in classrooms, which are typical-

ly full of students, faculty and staff members.

He believes this acts like some sort of supervision but would rather see cameras placed in parking lots, which usually have a heavy flow of people with little-to-no supervision.

Aguilar also suspects that if cameras are added to all TAMIU parking lots it would take contracting a third-party company for installation. This could result in higher tuition for students.

Gallegos said she feels unsafe about being on the campus parking lots at night or when there’s low visibility.

She assumes this would be the same for the entire female demographic.

Rios described the ease to supervise campus activity through the use of closed-circuit cameras, allowing the University Police Department to have a more in-depth analysis of offenses occurring on campus.

Thus, he encourages the introduction of cameras into TAMIU parking lots.

8 | Sports

March 2019

Dustdevils take series away from Jaguars in doubleheader S TA F F R E P O R T S TA M I U AT H L E T I C S

The Dustdevils exploded for a big-scoring 26-2 rout of their series against the Jaguars Friday, Feb. 15.

The offensive fireworks would kick off in the top of the first when back-to-back-to-back singles from juniors Andrew Holsey, of Port Lavaca, and Anthony Handel, of Corpus Christi, and senior Jorge Napoles, of Brooklyn, New York, would put TAMIU on the board 1-0 over Houston-Victoria.

A sacrifice fly from sophomore Nate Campos in the next at bat would score another run. A two-RBI single from junior Adrian Castillo put the Dustdevils up 4-0 after one inning.

TAMIU would strike again for six runs in the third as a twoRBI single from Holsey would get the scoring started, bringing home juniors Obi Obinwa and Hunter Trinidad. An RBI single would score junior Daniel Espinosa, of Mission.

The biggest hit of the inning came courtesy of a three-run bomb from Napoles, which pushed the lead to 10-0.

The hits just kept coming in the fifth as TAMIU tacked on two more runs off RBI doubles from Napoles and junior Phillip Sanchez, of Houston, stretching the advantage to 12-1.

The killing blow came in the sixth inning as the Dustdevils sent 17 batters to the plate, almost turning the batting order over twice, and scored 11 runs.

TAMIU racked up eight hits before the first out was recorded, including a grand slam from senior Matthew Rosales.

The Dustdevils continued the scoring party in the seventh as they added three more runs to the scoreboard.

Freshman Andrew Pavon, of San Antonio, was beaned with loaded bases, bringing Trinidad across the plate.

An error by the Houston-Victoria first baseman would allow Castillo to score.

The final run came as they walked Campos with the bases loaded, bringing in Espinosa.

When it was all said and done, TAMIU took the win 26-2.

Freshman Andrew Hernandez (2-1, 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO) earned his second win of the season with the decision.

During Wednesday’s game, Feb. 20, TAMIU won 5-3.

MATTHEW BALDERAS | BRIDGE

TAMIU’s Kenneth Saena pitches against HoustonVictoria on Wednesday, Feb. 20. TAMIU won 5-3.

Holekamp wins Jack Brown after 4-under tournament S TA F F R E P O R T S TA M I U AT H L E T I C S

MATTHEW BALDERAS | BRIDGE

Parker Holekamp hits from the fairway during the Jack Brown Memorial Invitational, Monday, Feb. 4.

Junior Parker Holekamp won the 2019 Jack Brown Memorial Invitational after finishing 4-under after three rounds of play on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Holekamp carded a 212 for the tournament at the par 72, 7,054-yard Max. A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course.

The Kingwood native played excellent all tournament, turning in 2-under par rounds, including a course record 65 in the second round. He was also named Heartland Conference Men’s Golfer of the Week, the Conference office announced on Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Among his golf achievements, he was the first TAMIU student in Laredo Country Club’s Border Olympics, 2017 to 2018.

As a team, the Texas A&M International University men finished tied for fourth with UT Permian Basin, turning in a 40over-904 after three rounds.

SCOREBOARDS

Junior Justin Kim, of Sachse, was the second golfer in for TAMIU, finishing 20th with a 9-over-225. Freshman Santiago Garcia, of Brownsville, followed with a 15-over-231, tied for 31st.

Next in was junior Yannik Alexander, of Austria, in a threeway tie for 36th with a 21-over-237.

Sophomore Jacob Serna, of Raymondville, rounded out the pack in a tie for 40th with a 23-over-239.

The Dustdevil women finished in fourth, as well, with a 123over-987.

Juniors Debora Orieta, of Bueno Aires, Argentina, and Natchawan Serisamran, of Bangkok, Thailand, paced the squad, both turning in a 30-over-246 in a tie for 15th.

Junior Daniela Mendez, of Laredo, was next in a tie for 21st with a 33-over-249 performance.

Senior Stephanie Gonzalez, of Norwalk, California, rounded out the pack in a tie for 26th with a 36-over-252.

TAMIU men’s golf went on to finish 11th in the St. Mary’s Rattler Invite Feb. 25 and 26. Both teams are scheduled March 16 to 20 for the Rogers State Invitational in Owasso, Oklahoma.

Schofield named Heartland Conference Hitter of the Week

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Senior outfielder Maddison Schofield knocks out a ground ball during a recent game. She was named the Heartland Conference Hitter of the Week.

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MATTHEW BALDERAS | BRIDGE

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Join us at the next game!

WWW.GODUSTDEV ILS.COM

TAMIU softball senior outfielder Maddison Schofield was named the Heartland Conference Hitter of the Week for games played Feb. 4 to 11, announced Tuesday by league officials.

The 2019 Preseason All-Heartland Conference selection produced four multi-hit games to slug 1.000 while batting .529 (9-for-17) throughout the George & Ola McCorkle Challenge. Schofield also smacked a home run in each of the final two games of the Challenge.

Schofield went 2-for-2 with a pair of walks and runs in a 7-3 victory over Adams State on Feb. 11.

Only a few hours later, she followed by putting together a 2-for-3 performance at the plate, including three RBIs and one run in an 11-5 setback to Angelo State.

She went 3-for-4 with an RBI single but the Dustdevils dropped a 16-8 road decision to Angelo State on Feb. 10.

The Perth, Australia, native is batting .385 on the season with nine RBIs, nine runs and two home runs in 12 games.

She also ranks among the Heartland Conference leaders in hits (2nd, 15), home runs (T-2nd), RBIs (T-7th), runs (T-6th), and walks (T-4th, 6).

Schofield leads the Dustdevils in home runs, RBIs and total bases (25).

Schofield is no stranger to Heartland Conference athletics achievements. In 2018, she earned the Heartland Conference All-Tournament Team, Newcomer of the Year (the second player in program history to earn that) and First Team All-Heartland Conference (.311, 10 doubles, six home runs, 34 RBIs, .467 slugging percentage) honors.

In addition, she collectively received the Hitter of the Week recognition twice.

Back in Western Australia, she played Premier League Softball for Twin City Lakes from 2012 to 2016.

According to her Godustdevils.com biography, she dreams of playing softball all

over the world after finishing her degree. She chose to attend TAMIU because of the opportunity it gave her in both softball and academically. She is a senior kinesiology major.

Schofield and the Dustdevils opened their home slate on Wednesday, Feb. 13 with a non-conference doubleheader against Texas A&M University-Kingsville (then 10-0) at the Dustdevils Softball Field.

Upcoming games include a home doubleheader at noon and 2 p.m. March 8 versus Newman University and rounding out that series with a solo game at noon March 9.

At noon March 12, they face off against St. Edward’s University at home. On the road to Oklahoma Christian University, the women will compete back-to-back at 5 p.m. March 15 and 1 p.m.

March 16.

Returning home, the softball team hosts Rogers State at noon March 19 and St. Mary’s University (Texas) at noon March 22, continuing with a noon and 2 p.m. doubleheader against St. Mary’s March 23.