The Bridge Independent Student Newspaper May 2022 Issue

T E X A S

A & M

MAY 2022 Printed b y El Mañana in suppor t o f independe n t student w r i t i n g

The Bridge

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

U N I V E R S I T Y

I N D E P E N D E N T

S T U D E N T

N E W S P A P E R

F E A T U R E S

E D U C A T I O N

S P O R T S

Spring Fling ‘brings it’ to ballroom

Local study: preventing misinformation

Star pitcher returns to the mound

P A G E

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P A G E

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Commencement catapults students into future B Y D AV I D G O M E Z J R .

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Once again, TAMIU graduation candidates stepped across the stage of the Sames Auto Arena during one of two commencement ceremonies on May 12.

Texas A&M International University’s graduating class of 2022 experienced a shorter, cautious ceremony for attendees, while still holding onto the same message.

“A job well done today,” Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, said about the ceremony and graduates. “We have a very unique graduation today with well [more than] 800 grads in total.

“What also makes this very unique is that [more than] 500 of the graduates today are women. Congratulations.”

The first ceremony took place at 11 a.m. for the A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and University College candidates for undergraduate and graduate degrees with a total of 432 graduates.

The second commencement ceremony was held at 4 p.m. for the undergraduate and graduate degrees of the College of Arts and Sciences with 438 graduates.

Cuellar also told an inspirational anecdote about the 1968 Olympics runner who finished last.

“He said, I come from a very small African country,” Cuellar paraphrased. “My country sacrificed a lot to send me here. “‘And they sent me here not to start the race, but to finish it.”

The runner, named John Akhwari of Tanzania, actually said, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles away to start the race.

They sent me 5,000 miles to finish it.”

PNC Bank’s Regional President and Head of Commercial Banking for the Texas Border Market Susana Melendez-Valencia took the podium to say a few words, as the event’s commencement speaker.

DAVID GOMEZ JR. | BRIDGE

Faculty and graduates stand in celebration at the end of Thursday afternoon’s College of Arts and Sciences commencement at the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo on May 12.

“Because you are the top minds [who] will lead the charge of this city and the state’s success down the road,” Melendez-Valencia addressed the graduates. “And we are invested in your journey every step of the way.

“There are many things people can take away from you in life,

but one thing they can never take away is your education.”

Melendez-Valencia had many things to say, including advice along the lines of juggling and trying new things, and to do those SEE GRADUATION, PAGE 2

‘For whom the bell tolls’: Campus holds Celebration of Life BY D AV I D P E R A LTA B R I D G E S TA F F I N T E R N

Continuing the tradition of remembering the lives lost, TAMIU held another Celebration of Life event this month.

Texas A&M International University scheduled the ceremony for May 23 in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

“Celebration of Life is an event where we honor all alumni and current or retired faculty,” Vice President for Institutional Advancement Rosanne Palacios said. “What it is, is we have some very touching readings … and we recite the names [of the person who passed,] followed by a bell.”

With the passing of alumni, staff and law enforcement, their memories continue on through events like this. It also helps provide closure to those left behind, as well as to recog-

nize the life achievements of those who passed on.

Chief Fructuoso San Miguel III, who served and protected the campus for 12 years, accomplished many achievements at TAMIU. Among them was the recent recognition of TAMIU’s Police Department as a Recognized Law Enforcement Agency by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Recognition Program. The process took almost four years, which started in May 2017, with the award received in 2021.

Faculty who served on campus, such as former TAMIU President Billy F. Cowart, helped push TAMIU toward success.

“Each year, they select poetry that is indeed helpful, and that is indeed comforting to the families,” Palacios said.

Organizers expected to remember 62 members of the TAMIU community, listed alphabetically by last name: Don F. Armenta ‘06, Shryll

D. Avaritt ‘02, Rex Ball, Bettyann A. Baumgartner ‘82, Herb O. Best Jr. ‘77, Carlos Cabello Jr. ‘76, Stephanie D. Camacho ‘18, Jose E. Canales Jr. ‘86, Maria E. Carroll, Louis V. Cawley Jr. ‘76, Ana L. Click ‘97, Alan R. Collazo ‘13, President Billy F. Cowart, Arnaldo Elizondo ‘95, Emeterio Flores ‘80, Linda L. Galarza ‘98, Fernando J. Galvan ‘21, Orlando D. Garcia ‘93, Margarito Garcia ‘86, Ricardo A. Garza ‘16, James P. Geary ‘72, Maria V. Gomez ‘73, Maria Ilda Gonzales ‘04, Ricardo J. Gonzalez ‘78, Carlos Guerrero ‘17, Cordelia Gutierrez ‘90, August W. Herbeck Jr. ‘82, Maria de la Luz Hernandez ‘80, Donald R. Hill ‘94, Sylvia L. Hines ‘86, Elsa Ibarra-Valdez ‘78, Martha I. Izquierdo ‘78, Antonio C. Kazen ‘71, John P. Kohl, Ret. Major Phillip J. Lane ‘78 and ‘80, Kathleen A. Laurel ‘93, Martha S. Laurel ‘76 and ‘85, Ruben Lopez Jr., Juan R. Lozano ‘92, Elvia C. Maldonado ‘90,

COURTESY ALUMNI RELATIONS

Candles flicker during one of the previous Celebration of Life events at TAMIU. Jesus M. Martinez III ‘80, Olga Martinez ‘72, Rosa M. Medina ‘10, San Juana Medina ‘85, Selina Morales Lewis ‘18, Doris E. Pena ‘98 and ‘12, Javier B. Pena ‘07, Aaron Perez ‘20, Olinda M. Quintanilla ‘99, William Riggs, Idalia G. Rodriguez ‘85, Yolanda I. Rodriguez ‘76 and ‘85, Carlos

G. Rodriguez ‘78, Chief Fructuoso San Miguel III ‘92 and ‘02, Trinidad Sarmiento ‘88, Juan R. Sauceda ‘77, Harry W. Stege ‘02, David R. Stoker ‘84, Jerry Succa ‘88, Héctor Villarreal ‘78, Barbara A. Wherry ‘03 and Walter L. Winters Jr. ‘87 and ‘93.

Individuals or families may

contact the Office of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement for any additional information on this event at (956) 326-2171 or email gobeyond@tamiu.edu.

Additionally, persons may also visit the office in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, Suite 260, for information.

Discover TAMIU returns to campus

BY GABRIEL RODRIGUEZ B R I D G E S TA F F W R I T E R

The campus flowed with pop music and the chatter of students, faculty and families to celebrate Discover TAMIU. After being canceled in 2021 due to health concerns, the annual event returned on April 9 to offer more than 110 activities to showcase Texas A&M International University’s academics and student life.

These events included musical performances from student groups like Allegro and Mariachi Internacional, athletic activities like kickball games and obstacle courses, and more literacy-focused activities like read-alongs hosted by TAMIU alumni and local children’s literature authors.

Different academic departments from the University held their own activities.

For instance, the nursing department ran a series of activities including a loteria with nursing terms, a simulated surgery and a guided tour through the nursing labs.

“The visitors [were] amazed and impressed with the state-ofthe art simulation lab nursing has on this campus,” College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dean Marivic Torregosa said.

TAMIU’s STEM program, featuring DustyMOTOR and DustyTRON, also offered a few activities to allow visitors to test out cars and robots, and a real-world re-creation of the popular MIRIAM SALINAS | BRIDGE

Unidentified children look at 2-liter bottles filled with water during Discover TAMIU on April 9.

SEE DISCOVER, PAGE 2

2 | News

May 2022

GRADUATION FROM PAGE 1

things with the importance of teamwork.

“To be successful, nowadays, you need to be able to work with others [so] you may be able to grow and meet your goals,” Melendez-Valencia said. “Participate in anything that you can, volunteer on new projects and have something unique that some other people don’t have.”

Student respondent Maritza Y. Garcia, representing the College of Arts and Sciences, spoke to the graduates as well.

She offered a student perspective rather than the administrative and keynote speakers.

Her words may have been what some graduates needed; a few grins turned into smiles when she made a few light-hearted jokes.

DAVID GOMEZ JR. | BRIDGE

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Thomas Mitchell, center, and President Pablo Arenaz welcome Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, to the stage during Thursday afternoon’s College of Arts and Sciences commencement at the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo on May 12.

“I know I’m not the only one who has spent countless hours crying over assignments, grades and wondering ‘Per-

haps this isn’t for me,’” Garcia said. “Nonetheless, we persevered, and our struggles in and out of the classroom have

helped shape us into the individuals we are today.”

Garcia made sure to honor a late actor with their words of

wisdom that fit the ceremony.

“As the late actor, Chadwick Boseman said, ‘Whatever you choose as a career path,

remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose,’” Garcia said.

Laredo College chooses lone finalist B Y D AV I D G O M E Z J R .

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

TAMIU’s own Vice President of Student Success Maria Minerva Ramirez becomes Laredo College’s lone finalist during the late evening of April 28 during LC’s search for a new president.

“We congratulate our longtime colleague and friend, Dr. Minita Ramírez, on her selection as sole finalist for the position of president of Laredo College,” TAMIU President Pablo Arenaz offered the following morning in an email.

Arenaz continued about her lengthy career on campus and how much of an impression she left on it.

“The arc of her 21-year career here at TAMIU has been truly impressive, student-centered and mission-affirming—and so we are delighted with her selection by the Board of Trustees to lead LC’s continued growth and development,” Arenaz added.

Come May 19, and currently pending negotiations, this would mark LC’s eighth president in its history, but first woman to take up the mantle.

She advocates for students and faculty in her current job as vice president of student success. One of the most tested moments in her career occurred during the TAMIU Flex scheduling in Fall 2020.

As head of the organization in charge of preparing for the safety of students and faculty during the height of the pandemic, she led the charge to ensure that every classroom, study room,

restroom and much more were up to standard in only five weeks.

Due to Ramirez’s situation, she cannot make public comments of any kind about her new job until after she officially becomes president; she can say a few things about the one she is leaving.

“I am a proud graduate of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), class of 1983,” Ramirez emailed The Bridge. “It is because of the academic foundation that I received here, coupled with hard work, patience and dedication that I have been able to fulfill my goals.

“I am grateful for all of the opportunities that have come my way, and equally grateful to the people who I have had the privilege of working with.”

She is a glass half-full individual, as it shows in the gratitude she expresses.

“Each experience is a cornerstone of the administrator, educator and leader that I am today,” Ramirez emailed The Bridge.

“I look forward to the future with optimism for our community of educators and learners.

“I am grateful to the many professors, supervisors and colleagues who have shared their insights and lessons, and to the many who have opened the pathways for the rest of us to walk through and continue to support the learning of others.”

Arenaz ended his letter in support of Ramirez’s future.

“We look forward to Dr. Ramírez’s leadership, and are eager to continue to work with LC on our shared mission focused on amplifying and expanding the life-changing importance of high-

ROLANDO SANTOS | TAMIU PUBLIC RELATIONS

er education in Laredo, and throughout our dynamic region,” Arenaz said.

Ramirez understands that her success was not accomplished alone and to keep supporting anyone who may be having a difficult time achieving their goals.

DISCOVER FROM PAGE 1

Angry Birds video game.

“I hope to get more people involved in engineering and into the engineering field as well … to spread the word about what it is we do,” senior system engineering major Alexander Huntington said.

He was involved with the DustyMOTOR and DustyTRON events.

Discover TAMIU offered more than just activities. It also featured services to help families with taxes, areas to receive information about TAMIU’s programs and an opportunity to participate in a focus group study led by Assistant Professors of psychology Mary Komoski and Angélique Blackburn.

Directed by the Psychology and Communication Department, the study aims to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic locally

impacted parenting.

“Discover TAMIU is a great time to connect with the community,” Komoski said.

“We thought this would be a cool way to let people participate in real social science research and also a chance for us to get some input for our study from the community.”

Huntington said the pandemic recovery, seen in events like this, is important.

“It feels very open and fresh, especially coming from COVID … and unfortunately a lot of my past friends who were a part of DustyMOTOR and DustyTRON weren’t able to experience Discover TAMIU like this, so it’s a very refreshing feeling.”

The dean also acknowledged the program.

“It feels great to see the community back on campus once again,” Torregosa said.

MIRIAM SALINAS | BRIDGE

Unidentified children paint during Discover TAMIU on April 9 on campus.

That Laredo community turnout helps grow the TAMIU community.

“I hope the takeaway from the Discover event is just a stronger relationship between TAMIU and the Laredo community,” Komoski said.

“It was great to have peo-

ple come and experience the TAMIU campus and for kids to get excited about all of the cool things we have going on here.”

In 2021, Discover TAMIU held its more than 55 events virtually.

“We’ve all been through

some challenging times recently, so we are thrilled to once again share our beautiful campus with you,” TAMIU President Pablo Arenaz said in a letter on the Discover TAMIU web page prior to the 2022 event. “We’re ready to help you explore your con-

nection to a place that changes hearts, minds and futures every day.”

Arenaz also said, “We’ve designed this event to welcome people of all ages, their families and friends ... and to open doors and minds to what TAMIU means.”

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May 2022

Opinion | 3

Editor unlike light bulb

Degree earners seek knowledge, beauty, truth

BY D AV I D G O M E Z J R .

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITOR’S POINT OF VIEW There are days I just stop what I’m doing and do nothing. It never feels by choice and it just happens.

Trying to make sense of it, honestly, I think I just burn myself out—like a light bulb.

I remember when it first started happening—the third grade.

It was mid-fall in Mrs. Maldonado’s class at C.L. Milton Elementary and I was a little slow doing my math homework. She told me to take it home to complete, but I didn’t.

I knew what I had to do as I looked at the few questions looking back at me. The moment lasted, for what seemed like forever.

I didn’t do it.

I went to school the next day. The teacher told us to separate into a small group.

That small group also took their assignment home to complete and they did, except for me.

She sat down in front of us, told us to pass down our assignments to the person to the left of us. We did.

Then I thought I had an amazing idea. “Mrs. Maldonado?

May I go to the restroom, please?”

She told me I could as they proceeded to grade each other’s homework. My stomach was in knots. Trying not to throw up, I could still smell the thinner from the restroom walls as they were about to paint them the next day.

I stayed for as long as I could until one of the teacher aids came looking for me.

I dreaded each step I took toward the classroom. I counted every crack in the concrete on the way over—29 cracks.

As I went into the classroom, she immediately confronted me and wondered why I hadn’t done my homework. I couldn’t give her an answer.

Some sort of lethargic demon just took over. I felt so much shame. I still do. I watched wrestling the night before, my favorite thing at the time; I didn’t enjoy it at all.

Now that I’ve told you all that, I’m currently on hour four writing about this.

Today may be one of those days where I’ll burnout pretty soon. People tell me I should organize myself a little more and that it should help a lot with my dilemma. Honestly, I think I may thrive on it.

Is it good for my mental health? Not at all, but it keeps me on my toes and fills my day with surprises. It’s like living on the edge, but not as cool. A rock-n-roller with no history of drug abuse.

School? Work? The paper? I like burning out. I just hope I don’t run out of light bulbs.

GUEST POINT OF VIEW BY O S VA L D O D E L E O N GUEST COLUMNIST

A letter to future graduates: If you are reading this, it is because you are or will be a future graduate from a university. Let me begin by saying congratulations

on your accomplishments in your academic career.

Not everyone gets to have such a privilege like you.

In fact, your unique attainment is not common in the history of the world. Degrees were given to the few intelligent and curious-minded, like yourself.

Throughout your academic career, you majored in a discipline that made you happy, and eager to pursue knowledge, beauty and truth.

These transcendental ideals made the University a place where the individual cultivates his/her mind and soul.

Let me say why.

First, knowledge is only acquired by learning it and keeping it in one’s mind.

Beauty is the quality that

gives pleasure to the senses or exalts the mind.

And finally, truth is the

“... truth is the aspiration to know right from wrong through the civil discourse in great books and ideas ... ” —Osvaldo De Leon

aspiration to know right from wrong through the civil discourse in great books and ideas, which thus shape your

mind and soul.

These three words represent what you are, not just as a graduate, but as a human being.

Never forget the people who helped you in your academic career. That is, always give thanks for having professors who enlightened your intellect and shaped your thinking about different aspects of life.

Your family is the first and foremost important institution of a free society; be thankful for having parents or guardians who supported you throughout these years because without the family, there wouldn’t be a society of great persons like yourself.

With all this being said, I congratulate you on this unique moment of your life.

ALEJANDRO CARBAJAL | BRIDGE ILLUSTRATION

Once again, federal student loan repayments and interest are frozen up until Aug. 31, as announced by Biden’s administration. Though it benefits the average individual, providing relief from repayment, the negatives fall upon the government and economy, which must bear the financial burden.

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

The Bridge EDITOR-IN - C H I E F / D E S I G N C H I E F . . . . . . . . D A V I D G O M E Z J R .

ASSISTANT E D I T O R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G A B R I E L L E P R A T H E R SPORTS ED I T O R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G L E N Y S M A L D O N A D O DIRECTOR O F P H O T O G R A P H Y . . . . . . . . . . . . L E O N A R D G O N Z A L E Z ILLUSTRAT O R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A L E J A N D R O C A R B A J A L COPYEDITO R / I L L U S T R A T O R . . . . . . M E L I S S A G A R Z A - R O D R I G U E Z CIRCULATI O N M A N A G E R / P H O T O G R A P H E R . . . . . . . . . . J O Y D A V I S STAFF WRI T E R S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C A R O L I N A C R U Z , ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G A B R I E L R O D R I G U E Z PHOTOGRAP H E R S . . . . . . . . . . . K A R L A D E L E O N , Y U L I S S A D I A Z ......... . . . . . . . . . . M I R I A M S A L I N A S , M A R C O V I L L A R R E A L STAFF INT E R N S . . . . . D A V I D P E R A L T A , E L I S R E Y E S - S A N C H E Z ......... . . . . . . M I R E I L L Y G O N Z A L E Z , S A M A N T H A G O N Z A L E Z OMBUDSMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M A T T H E W B A L D E R A S LEAD FACU L T Y A D V I S E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T . R O B B R O W N FACULTY D E S I G N A D V I S E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M S . A N A L E E P A Z FACULTY A D V E R T I S I N G A D V I S E R . . D R . A R T H U R S O T O - V Á S Q U E Z PSYCHOLOG Y & C O M M U N I C A T I O N C H A I R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D R . J O S É C A R L O S L O Z A N O BRIDGE AD V S I S O R Y B O A R D M E M B E R S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B R O W N , L O Z A N O , P A Z , ......... . . . . . S O T O - V Á S Q U E Z , D R. A R I A D N E A . G O N Z A L E Z

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EDITORIAL

Biden loan forgiveness plan unreliable, previously failed

About 43.4 million people hold federal student loans, according to the studentaid.gov website. Let’s let that sink in for just a moment.

About 92% of most loans, according to a July 2021 report by academic data firm Measure One, remain with the Department of Education.

President Joe Biden offered a plan to help 3.5 million people get out of that debt, or at least some relief.

Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-N.H., and Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., voiced for canceling student debt. Biden needed campaign support and took on student loan discussions.

In office, he committed to work with Congress to solve student loan debt.

Biden wasn’t as passionate, or forthcoming as other candidates who pushed for wiping out student loans all together, or at least canceling a majority of the borrowers’ federal loan debts.

Sure, there’s hesitancy on even blanketing student loan debt because even if the Executive Branch went through it with the stroke of a pen, it can be taken to court and end up not even falling through.

Currently, there are not enough Democratic Party members to pass the bill.

The other issue is that of self-responsibility, which most Republican Party members argue to avoid ruling over the blanketing of student loan debt.

The argument of “Well, I paid off my debt. Why can’t you?” made by those whose college credit hours were significantly cheaper. And how it should not be the responsibility of the taxpayers to pay for these individual loans.

According to the educa-

tiondata.org website, the average 2022 cost of tuition per credit hour in a U.S. public four-year institution is $390, which means that most college courses—at the most typical three credit hours—cost about $1,170, not counting room and board. Private colleges cost an average of $1,365 per credit hour, or $4,095 per course. By comparison, Texas A&M International University is currently $593.14 per credit hour, or $1,220.33 per course, including fees, for Texas residents or non-residents with a waiver.

“Factoring in student loan interest and the cost of lost income, the ultimate cost of the average bachelor’s degree exceeds $2,132 per credit hour, or $6,397 per course,” according to educationdata. org’s Cost of College Class or Credit Hour report from March 31.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics on nces.ed.gov, the cost of in-state tuition and required fees at four-year institutions was $20,492 in 2006-’07, $15,470 in 2000-’01, $10,294 in 1992-’93, $4,632 in 1982’83, and only $2,534 in 1976’77.

Most of the people in Congress earned their degrees when education costs were significantly lower and easier to pay off.

There’s a game show about student debt called Paid Off on TruTv. They ask educational questions about students’ own majors. Obviously, if they get them right, they get their student loan debt–Paid Off. Also, Biden’s new student loan plan is actually an old one.

According to a Forbes on-

line article, Income Driven Repayment programs allow some borrowers to repay their loans based on their income, and remaining in the program can ultimately result in student loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years, depending on the plan.

Some of these plans are for people in public service jobs, such as state and federal employment. The Department of Education automatically adjusts the number of qualifying payments a borrower has toward loan forgiveness, and officials indicated borrowers who were in repayment for 20 or 25 years may see automatic student loan forgiveness.

There is a problem with this approach. During the Clinton Administration in the ‘90s, a similar, if not same, plan only paid off student debt for 157 borrowers, according to the Government Accountability Office last June. Out of the millions who signed up— only 157.

At this point, I don’t think anyone should expect any student loan forgiveness to do what it is supposed to do, but rather go into school with the mindset they may owe more money than what they can possibly make once they have a bachelor’s degree.

Searching for a school that offers an accredited degree at an affordable price is what I believe to be the better alternative. Unless the individual can’t afford to leave their city, then please be cautious and pass those classes, because right now, nothing is set in stone. The sooner you can graduate, the less the debt.

Biden’s plan is just a reminder that some of these programs are unreliable and that going to college, to better one’s life, is a fleeting American dream.

4 | Arts & Entertainment

May 2022

Daniella Delgado, center, and Aaron Gonzalez, right, race through the course for Mario Karts during the Dusty Cup event at TAMIU’s Recreation Center on April 24.

Organizations face off in Dusty Cup B Y CAROLINA CRUZ B R I D G E S TA F F W R I T E R P H OT O S B Y SAMANTHA GONZALEZ

Get Ready. Set. Go! Texas A&M International University student organizations went face-to-face with one another in this year’s annual Dusty Cup. TAMIU organizations participate in a series of competitions, called Dusty Cup, for the opportunity to win prizes which benefit their organizations. It was held on April 24 this year.

“We do a physical portion, academics and social media,” Traditions Committee Chair Monserrat Garza said. “So, all the orga-

nizations compete for a chance to win between three grants.”

TAMIU Pre-Law Chapter, Sigma Delta Lambda, and the A. R. Sanchez School of Business Dean’s Student Advisory Council competed for first place with a $500 grant, second place with a $400 grant and third place with a $300 grant.

Junior political science major José Eduardo Alvarado participates as a member of the TAMIU Pre-Law Chapter. He also competed in the Dusty Cup games.

“We participated in the Dusty Cup today and honestly it was pretty fun in the first challenges, which were part of the physical portion,” Alvarado said on the day of the event. “We did lose some, but in the end I think we still prevailed.”

In the physical portion of the games, each organization com-

Katherine Rocha balances a ball on a spoon during a race for the Dusty Cup event at TAMIU’s Rec Center on April 24.

peted in a set of activities at the TAMIU Recreational Center, which ranged from blind dodgeball to basketball, and even to a Mario Kart-inspired obstacle course.

The event also tested participants’ knowledge on a variety of subjects, including TAMIU history, in the form of trivia questions for the academics portion of the competition. The organizations documented the event on their social media for the last category of the competition.

The University Life Awards ceremony announced the winners on April 30 with the TAMIU Pre-Law Chapter winning the first-place prize of $500. Second place went to Sigma Delta Lambda and third place went to the A. R. Sanchez School of Business DSAC.

Students compete in a blind dodgeball game for the Dusty Cup event at TAMIU’s Rec Center on April 24.

Isamary Martinez, left, guides Daniella Delgado, center, in a blind dodgeball game for the Dusty Cup event at TAMIU’s Rec Center on April 24.

May 2022

Features | 5

TAMIU holds second Lavender Graduation B Y D AV I D G O M E Z J R EDITOR IN CHIEF

A group of 13 Dustdevils took pride in receiving their purple stole and cord at the University’s second Lavender Graduation hosted by SOLE. At 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, the LGBTQ+ cording ceremony, also known as Lavender Graduation, was held in the Texas A&M International University Student Center Room 236, hosted by the Office of Student Orientation, Leadership & Engagement.

“Today celebrates our Dustdevils and the ceremony focuses, and honors, students who identify with the LGBTQIA+ community,” Assistant Director of SOLE Nayeli Lopez said.

“It is a ceremony celebrated across the United States to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied students to acknowledge their achievements and contribu-

tions to the University.”

The commencement also provided treats at its entrance.

Attendees could also take an array of goodies when leaving, as well as leftovers. Cupcakes and different colored pride flags and stickers were some of the treats given away to attendees.

For one proud graduate, she previously believed she would not attend.

“I was actually debating on coming here because I’m not really like ‘out’ yet, but just like how that keynote speaker [had] said,” new alumna Angela Carranza said. “It’s very comfortable to be out around people that love me for who I am.”

She added, “I know there are people who are in for the time being, but it’s very comforting knowing there’s a community [who] loves you for you also, and shares the same values as you.”

According to the Human

DAVID GOMEZ JR. | BRIDGE

Part of the Class of 2022 poses for a group photo following Wednesday afternoon’s Lavender Graduation on May 11 in the Student Center.

Rights Campaign website, the Lavender Graduation Ceremony was created by Jewish lesbian Ronni Sanlo, who was

denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her biological children because of her sexual orientation.

Through this experience, she came to understand the obstacles these students underwent and still experience.

SOLE hosted TAMIU’s Inaugural Lavender Graduation on May 12, 2021, virtually, with free stoles and cords.

Spring Fling night brings in full house for dance

Students dance the night away on the ballroom dance floor during the traditional Spring Fling hosted by TAMIU on April 30.

BY SAMANTHA GONZALEZ. B R I D G E S TA F F I N T E R N

Another of TAMIU’s traditions made a recent comeback after spending time on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

From 9 p.m. to midnight on April 30, Texas A&M International University hosted its Spring Fling event at the Student Center Ballroom.

The event followed the Student Life Awards and includ-

“I got invited by a friend and I’m so glad I ended up coming.”

—Elkin Cortez TAMIU alumnus ‘21

ed free drinks and food, as well as a photo area for students. The free event encouraged students to celebrate the end of the semester.

“I had no idea that we were even having a Spring Fling until the night of,” TAMIU alumnus Elkin Cortez said. “I got invited by a friend and I’m so glad I ended up coming.”

Students dressed in formal clothing for the event, many wearing long gowns and formal suits.

“Everything was set up so nicely–the decor, lighting,

photo booth and snack table all looked really nice and organized,” TAMIU student Tanya Ramirez said. “Honestly, I was surprised so many people came.”

Students busted out their dance moves as they stomped, swayed and strutted on the dance floor. The DJ played many fan-favorites for students to dance to. The ambiance of celebration and fun filled the room. Many saw it as an opportunity to destress before finals and danced the night away.

SAMANTHA GONZALEZ | BRIDGE

“My favorite part of it all was enjoying the night with my friends dancing.”

—Tanya Ramirez

“My favorite part of it all was enjoying the night with my friends dancing,” Ramirez said. “We all worked so hard this semester, so it was nice to celebrate with them–especially since some of them are graduating after this. It was kinda like a nice farewell party.”

Groups of friends and partners filled the dance floors. While many also gathered around taking photos with their significant others, friends and classmates to remember the night forever.

Theater professor shares career highlights at TAMIU BY VIVIANA TELLEZ BRIDGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

COURTESY GILBERTO MARTINEZ

Instructional Associate Professor of theater Gilberto Martinez stands behind the curtain on stage in this undated submitted photo.

A local thespian discovered his passion early, but little did he know he would play the roles of a theater professor, director and playwright.

Instructional Associate Professor of theater Gilberto Martinez Jr. is in his 12th year at Texas A&M International University. Recently, he furthered his education by completing his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Idaho He also holds a doctorate in education from Texas A&M University–Kingsville. His goal is to instill confidence in his students as better communicators and to help them understand the human experience.

“I would like to teach until my last breath,” Martinez said.

Since Martinez embarked on his theatrical journey, traditions serve as a means of teamwork.

“My favorite part is when we move into that [main stage] theater two weeks before the show opens,” Marti-

nez said. “I walk in with them and just seeing the looks on their faces when they see that [set design] … they’re all ex-

“... I just want to be remembered as someone who cared about every student who walked through the door...”

—Gilbert Martinez

cited. They take pictures and post on social media—that’s always a highlight of mine because it’s evidence of their hard work.”

Martinez’s confidence activated soon after a professor

shut down his screenwriting dreams. Laredoan actor Rogelio T. Ramos became one of the first students Martinez admired for their focus.

“I just want to be remembered as someone who cared about every student who walked through the door,” Martinez said. “I want to be the type of professor who is going to tell students, ‘OK, well let’s give it a try,’ as the forever optimist.”

TAMIU alumnus Jorge Salinas worked as an actor under the director. “[Martinez’s directorship] is relaxed, in the sense that he lets us do things wrong first before trying to tell us what to do right,” Salinas said. “So, we understand why it works or why it doesn’t work.”

Martinez called himself the “creative liaison” for TAMIU’s partnership with the Laredo Theater Guild International.

His showbiz experiences extend beyond on-campus theater and into the community.

“My favorite plays are not the ones that I’ve directed,” Martinez said. “It’s fulfilling to see people from Laredo [who] are very successful actors in Hollywood.”

6 | Education

May 2022

Local study shows: preventing misinformation BY M I R E I L LY G O N Z A L E Z B R I D G E S TA F F I N T E R N

Two TAMIU professors discovered a possible key to battle local misinformation.

Texas A&M International University Assistant Professor of communication Arthur Soto-Vásquez and Assistant Professor of social sciences Wanzhu Shi worked together on a research article on COVID-19 misinformation.

“We found a lot of interesting stuff,” Soto-Vásquez recalled of their joint research.

One of their key findings revolves around the idea of preventing misinformation through better intergenerational communication.

A couple of Soto-Vásquez’s most recent studies include: “‘Not A Monolith!’ Media Narratives of the Latina/o/x Vote after the 2020 U.S. Election” and “Coup with a Q: Misinformation, the U.S. Capitol Insurrection, and Perspectives from the Field of

Communication.”

A couple of Shi’s most recent publications include: “Implementing Social Media: Practical Reflections from Country Governments During Hurricane Matthew” and “Block the COVID-19 Transmission, but not the Global Intellectual Flow.”

Both professors previously conducted qualitative research on COVID-19 misinformation together. Their first study, “COVID-19: Contextualizing Misinformation Flows in a U.S. Latinx Border Community (Media and Communication During COVID-19)” focused on intimate interviews with their subjects. Unlike their previous research, however, their current work is a quantitative study focusing more specifically on subject demographics.

“People here are generally hesitant to do it online, but they are willing to do it in some circumstances with family members,” Soto-Vásquez

said about correcting others when misinformation occurs.

Shi said their research also revealed two more things: younger generations were more likely to break the “pattern of misinformation” and that, when it comes to younger people correcting older people, a softer voice was preferred. This might be due to Hispanic households’ greater respect for elders.

But in the U.S., research suggests that older people may be more likely to spread misinformation. According to a recent study published in the journal “Science” regarding misinformation during the 2016 election, shows that, while the spread of fake news articles on Facebook was much less than some may think, people older than 65 were seven times more likely to spread news than people that were 18 to 29 years old.

Experts suggest that older age groups may share more misinformation due to their diminished ability to recollect

KARLA DE LEON | BRIDGE

Assistant Professor of communication Arthur Soto-Vásquez looks at screen in his office in the Academic Innovation Center on Apr. 27. information, while others suggest it could be a digital literacy skills concern.

But aside from challenges with intergenerational communication, Shi and Soto-Vásquez also mentioned other possible factors for misinformation in Laredo.

Shi suggested that another significant contributor to mis-

information is the language barrier.

“Official accounts like the local government or the … hospital … barely publish their social media information in Spanish,” Shi said.

This might be a problem, due to more than 90% of Laredo’s population is Hispanic.

“That’s why when we con-

duct our surveys here, or even when we do the focus groups, we always try [to offer] bilingual … Because in our community, or any community with a lot of minorities, you have to figure out a way to speak the local language, which I think a lot of public sectors—government or experts—[do] not realize that,” Shi said.

Asteroid lecture impacts TAMIU BY ALEXIA RODRIGUEZ BRIDGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

TAMIU received a special lecture on the Chicxulub asteroid that might have caused the death of the dinosaurs.

The special lecture occurred on March 30, at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall, presented by Sean Gulick, who is a co-chair of the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas–Austin.

“In 2016, Dr. Gulick and

his team of researchers drilled into the floor of the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula to collect core samples from the brim of this crater,” Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium Director Peter David said. “And it’s called Chicxulub because it’s the name of the small town that the rim goes through that’s on the land portion.”

The samples Gulick and his team collected revealed previous unknown details that changed the history of Earth.

At first, no one knew where the crater’s location was, so the same theory by two

different research groups that an asteroid caused the extinction of the dinosaurs caused disbelief.

“Of course, it turned out the crater actually had been discovered in Mexico by the Mexican oil company back in the ‘50s and then put on a shelf, because they tried to drill it,” Gulick said. “They found weird rocks. They said,‘There’s no oil here, forget about it. Move on.’”

Mexican geologists in the late ‘80s rediscovered the crater.

Looking at gravity maps, to the northeast, they noticed a weird lump and in the center

there was a bump toward the southwest of the crater. These uplifts and shifts led to a conclusion about the impact.

“So we now think we can make a statement that the impact came in at 60 degrees roughly from the east-northeast, so toward the west-southwest, which is a key observation,” Gulick said.

An important part of the lecture covered the impact of carbon dioxide. Compared to the asteroid impact, the human population has created much more carbon dioxide.

“Unfortunately one of the tradeoffs that’s occurring is that we’re now in our own

JOY DAVIS | BRIDGE

Co-chair of the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas–Austin Sean Gulick speaks about the asteroid which allegedly killed the dinosaurs during his March 30 lecture in TAMIU’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. extinction event,” Gulick continued to address the crowd.

“We are now on our way to the sixth extinction event and the estimate is that we may get to 25% extinction of mam-

mals, 12% extinction in the birds, which by the way are the dinosaurs, so the ones that didn’t get killed off last time– 12% of those are in danger in the new regime.”

Creating their final show 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

The Bridge SAMANTHA GONZALEZ | BRIDGE

Featured art pieces by Tiffany N. Castro from the series the Garden of Sleep set on April 26 in the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts gallery.

BY HERON CARRAMAN BRIDGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Before they said goodbye to the University, the visual arts seniors put on one last show: the Nine Divines.

Nine Texas A&M International University students presented their work at the senior exhibition. The show presented works from various visual arts seniors ranging from paintings to drawings. “[We had] a wide range of techniques and content,” Assistant Professor of art Jesse Shaw said. “This year, many students are interested in installation art and mixed media. [There were] works with many components displayed in three-dimensional space.”

With an art show, organizers believe it is important to not restrict the artist on the subject matter of their work.

While they did not have to follow a theme, Shaw did set one parameter for the students participating in the show.

“There is no theme, as each student has a very specific interest and subject matter,” Shaw explained. “The

students do have to collaborate to title the show and produce their own poster for the show.”

Of course, Shaw did not organize the entire show by himself. He received help from the students participating in the show, along with their faculty mentors.

“The art works in the show reflect the students’ independent creative research and application of the chosen medium: painting, printmaking, ceramics, digital media, sculpture, drawing and/or photography,” Shaw said. “I facilitate the show and teach professional practices within artistic fields.”

One of the students participating in the senior exhibition was senior Oscar Mata.

For his artwork, he made sure to use as many materials as he could to add some variety to his work.

“The art mediums I used for both drawings and paintings include oils, acrylic paints, colored pencils and inks,” Mata explained.

Seeing as he had to decide on a theme for the art showcase, Mata chose a widely appealing theme that would resonate with mostly everyone.

“The paintings and drawings I’m working on consist of objects that are either used every day or during the pandemic,” Mata said. “The reason I chose to cover everyday objects revolves around an object’s significance in our everyday lives and how they helped us at the start of the 2020 COVID pandemic.”

What made him choose the COVID-19 pandemic as inspiration is how heavily it affected everyone’s lives.

Many people acquired a newfound appreciation for everyday objects.

“One reason I chose to cover everyday objects has to do with how important they are to our daily lives as we use them to do homework, communicate with others, consume, and entertain ourselves,” explains Mata.

When people look at his artwork, Mata hopes it had a lasting impression on them after they left the art show.

“After taking a look at the artwork, I hope the viewer realizes how beneficial the objects we use are to our lives,” Mata said.

The Nine Divines art show ran from Thursday, April 14 to 27.

Interested in learning the business of advertising?

Send us your resume. thebridgenews.tamiu@gmail.com

May 2022

Campus | 7

Dallas Black Dance Theatre visits campus

“And being here at TAMIU, this is our third time here, but it’s been eight years since we’ve been here,” Young said. “I remember when we were previously here, it felt like home. Everyone here on campus is so warm.

“Even in the community, I feel the sense of togetherness, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre brought the creative dance blends being here on campus really makes it feel like a second home.” of modern jazz and African spiritual dance to TAMIU. Founded in 1976, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre is the “We are celebrating our 45th season and we have performed all over the world,” DBDT Artistic Director Melissa M. Young oldest, continuously operating professional dance company in the metropolis. The ensemble, a contemporary said. modern dance company, consists of many proFor a dance school that performed for the fessional, full-time dancers performing a mixed late, first President of South Africa Nelson variety of modern, jazz, ethnic and spiritual Mandela, the Queen Elizabeth of England, works by nationally and internationally known and held performances in 32 states, 16 counchoreographers. tries and on five continents, Young still beFor Young, and the rest of the company, lieves it is more than just dance, but a human she says the performances, no matter whether connection. they’re for the majesty herself or a small college “How can we bring something to a comcampus, the dancers always want to give it their munity?” Young asked. “How can we awaken —Melissa M. Young all. their spirit and offer them something they’ve DBDT artistic director “No matter where we are, we’re going to never seen before?” bring the best because everyone who has the This is what Young believes the DBDT is opportunity to see us deserves the best,” Young about. To inspire and provoke thought within said. the community. Whether at home or on the DBDT includes a second company, celebrating its 20th searoad, such as DBDT’s April 8 visit to Texas A&M International son, under the direction of Artistic Director Nycole Ray, DBDT: University’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts theater.

Young said that an invitation to a city, or community, where Encore! performs contemporary modern and lyrical works indance is not highly appreciated, means her performers will give cluding world premieres and revivals of Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s repertoire. them quite an experience.

BY D AV I D G O M E Z J R .

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“Everyone here on campus is so warm.”

DAVID GOMEZ JR | BRIDGE

A member of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre performs a creative blend of modern jazz and African spirtual dance in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts theater on April 8.

Earth Day Fest brings donations BY ALEJANDRO GARCIA IV BRIDGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Thousands of dollars in resources and goods were donated to TAMIU’s Environmental Health and Safety Department for this year’s Earth Day Festival.

Schneider Electric donated more than $2,500 in materials, such as the bicycle repair station, gardening supplies, stickers, T-shirts, reusable tote bags with goodies and more.

The Environmental Health and Safety Department unveiled the new bicycle repair station to promote bicycling and energy conservation. The new bicycle repair station is

located near the Recreational Center.

This year, the Kingsville Citrus Center donated three ruby red grapefruit trees and three Valencia orange trees for TAMIU’s Earth Day event.

Additionally, TAMIU’s Student Government Association donated a Mexican olive tree.

Most were planted in TAMIU’s Community Garden by students and staff.

“In Texas, only eight universities are [bicycle] friendly,” Environmental Health and Safety Officer Jessica Perez said. “Texas A&M in College Station is recognized as the only [bicycle-]friendly university in the A&M brand, and now TAMIU is the second to join the movement.”

Students earned community hours and resources

for their contributions in the Community Garden. During the Earth Day Festival, students played games, received goody tote bags, won environmental prizes, ate free food, received educational material and other free gifts.

“I wanted to also thank the volunteers [who] assisted at the Community Garden Beautification Event,” Perez said. “They didn’t donate monetarily, but they donated their personal time, which does not go unnoticed–and is greatly appreciated.”

Shovels, gloves, water and more were distributed to students and staff who worked together to plant and nurture new and existing vegetation in the garden.

“Planting trees that provide fruit can really knock you

SAMANTHA GONZALEZ | BRIDGE

Students, from left, Miranda Galvan, Giselle Figueroa and Melanie Mastin pledge to be green to celebrate Earth Day on April 22 at TAMIU. out,” administrative associate Eva Sanchez said, “but the fruit from the trees will be donated to Bethany House Homeless Shelter and the Dusty Pantry, so it’s a great

cause.”

Vice President of Finance and Administration Juan J. Castillo donated bicycle locks to the Environmental Health and Safety Department,

which are free for students to use for bicycle security.

The Coca-Cola Company donated 13 large cases of water for the event and the plastic bottles were recycled.

TAMIU Film Club, Dusty Visions merge

Lissette Montemayor Tristan, acting president of Dusty Visions at TAMIU.

BY SAM ANTH A GONZALEZ B R I D G E S TA F F I N T E R N

Through the union of the TAMIU Film Club and Dusty Visions, comes a new organization called LFS TAMIU. The new organization partners with the Laredo Film Society.

“I think these changes will be beneficial to LFS TAMIU quite a bit,” Texas A&M International University Film Club Acting President Lissette Montemayor Tristan said.

“A new chapter has unfolded for us as an organization and I remember I was a member of LFS TAMIU, formerly known as Dusty Visions, when the pandemic hit.”

They worked on producing a movie that took place in a completely online world, but ended up scrapping the project due to a lack of actors and general scheduling conflicts.

The pandemic was a difficult time for their organization, but officers believe the change helped them overcome it.

“With the help of [Assistant Professor of communi-

cation Arthur] Soto[-Vasquez] and LFS TAMIU president [at the time] Alysse Benavides, we decided to rebrand into a chapter of LFS,” Montemayor Tristan said. “I believe this change will aid LFS TAMIU in terms of resources, funding, and events.”

Montemayor Tristan is also a current intern for Laredo Film Society.

As part of both organizations, she believes she sees both sides vividly.

“I believe the rebranding benefits both parties greatly [and] as both an intern of LFS and the acting president of the TAMIU chapter, I see both sides pretty clearly,” Montemayor Tristan said. “On the LFS side of things, we can get more promotions for our

“We did have a screenplay that was written during the pandemic [and] the idea of producing films was the original intention of this organization.”

—Lissette Montemayor TAMIU Film Club Acting President

non-profit as well as get more people involved.

“Most importantly, the LFS TAMIU chapter will get access to LFS’s equipment, building and workshops.”

As acting president, Montemayor Tristan plans to clean up and restructure some of the previous aspects of LFS TAMIU. She plans to set up some meetings for the group, either via Zoom or in person and expects to screen some movies on campus, as well.

“What lies ahead is more events and movie screenings,” Montemayor Tristan said.

“We will have at least one public movie screening next semester [and hope] to also plan to have an election, once the dust clears.”

Future film projects on the organization’s wish list are expected to occur on a waitand-see basis.

“We did have a screenplay that was written during the pandemic [and] the idea of producing films was the original intention of this organization,” Montemayor Tristan said.

“We will not make everyone participate in these projects, but we will definitely have some film projects in the future.”

Currently, Laredo Film Society resides in front of The Plaza Theater historic landmark in downtown Laredo where they may be contacted of any questions at 510 San Agustin Ave or phone number 956-441-0200.

For students, interested persons may join LFS TAMIU by contacting Montemayor Tristan at 512-6603593 or through her dusty email, lissettemontemayortr@tamiu.edu, to join the group chat.

8 | Sports

May 2022

Esports: not just for guys

BY GLENYS MALDONADO S P O RT S E D I T O R

While some might think video games rot people’s brains, the TAMIU esports team demolishes competition nationwide.

Esports at Texas A&M International University includes teams for Rocket League, League of Legends, Valorant, and Call of Duty.

Additionally there is a Super Smash Bros. team operated through the Smash Club.

TAMIU student Celeste Herrera, the only female currently playing esports on campus, plays on the League of Legends team.

“I just feel like this is an opportunity for everyone to understand that just because we are sitting down on a computer doesn’t mean it isn’t competitive,” Herrera said.

“We are not here just wasting

LEONARD GONZALEZ | BRIDGE FILE

An unidentified esports player live streams in this file photo taken on Nov. 2, 2021, at the Dusty’s Den Game Room near the Student Center. time. Video games have always understand and maybe even so we can improve our skills.” just been discouraged. get into it.”

Just like other sports, es“For example, my parents Esports involves a lot more ports features competition, would get mad at me for al- than others might see at first which requires long and hard ways spending time [on] my glance. Like other sports, hours. This also applies to computer. Well, here I am, I teammates need to make sure Rocket League, managed by work for esports. I get paid to they continuously grow and Ethan Garcia. play games now. Not only do improve overall.

“Honestly, the culture, the I compete for the league of “We do put [in] a lot of time energy, long practices—literlegends team, but I also stream and dedication,” Herrera said ally everything any other athhere for the rec. I stream twice of their preparations. “Let’s lete does to train for any other a week playing my games. So say we are eating; we will sport is what we have to do,” maybe they can see and maybe watch videos about the game Garcia said. “My players tell

me the most difficult thing is the time and being able to have the mental capacity and mental state to be able to play for long periods of hours because it’s very difficult to do that.”

The TAMIU esports program thrives in its recent performances and remains determined through a tight bond and resilience.

“Esports is a brand new system we just started having,” Garcia said. “It’s going to be here forever. It is just the start of it and although we don’t get enough recognition, we don’t need it though, because we are still going to keep going.”

The competitors manage their own practices and continuously work to improve.

Their coordinators help things run smoothly and keep the team alive through growth.

“He’s very helpful, super

supportive with my ideas, but any of my coworkers’ ideas,” Garcia said. “He’s always pushing for us, always fighting for us and that is what I really respect about [Rec Center Assistant Director Ivan] Cano.”

Aside from his time as a former soccer player at TAMIU, Cano currently serves as esports coordinator with many experiences to understand the type of values and priorities needed to be held first as a competitor. He tries to use the core values of the Rec Center in the esports program as well.

“I understand gaming and esports, as a whole, has a stereotype: ‘Oh, it’s the people [who] never like to do anything,’” Cano said. “And if you look at the people [who] we have for esports, these individuals are not only doing esports, but they’re doing their classes. They are working at the Rec, they are in organizations, they are streaming ...”

Women’s soccer looks forward to season

BY JORDAN M ASE BRIDGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Fall 2022 women’s soccer season kicks off Aug. 25 when the Dustdevils attempt to bring down the Griffins. Missouri Western State University visits TAMIU for the 8 p.m. game.

After a tough first season back from COVID-19, the TAMIU women’s soccer team ended with a record of 3-14-1 overall with 2-10-1 in the Lone Star Conference. The women brought in some new recruits who have been successful at their previous junior colleges.

Especially after a challenging previous season, the positivity is a credit to the team and coaching staff. Creating a positive environment for the players to thrive can be challenging.

Graduate student Jessica Simental continues to play soccer.

“I have recently had surgery on my knee due to an ACL injury,” Simental said. “I am rebuilding and getting myself prepared for my final season.”

Simental recently made recovery progress. Just three weeks after her operation, she returned to the weight room with the team, putting in work on her road to recovery. Simental’s mentality is a common theme of the team, having a challenging time yet staying positive and focusing on the goals ahead.

“Underachieving is the word that best describes our season,”

coach John Hussak said. “We were playing good soccer; we just lacked some killer instinct in many of the goal-scoring opportunities we had. We competed and we were in every game. “[We are] spending a lot of time [practicing,] making sure we are recruiting the specific types of players we need to build on what we’ve started last season. With our returning players, we’ve shifted their focus to a new system of play, on top of just fine tuning some of the more technical aspects to their game.”

The women and the coaching staff look forward to their next season and continue to put in the work to achieve their goals.

“We are looking forward to next season, we underachieved and that in itself is motivation for us as coaches and for the players as well,” Hussak said.

“Simply feeling like you were right there in terms of pulling out results in many of the games, can really light a fire under the players.”

Following the Griffins game, TAMIU plans for two more home games before hitting the road. Their second home game is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sept. 2 against the Regis University Rangers. Their third home game is planned for 11 a.m. Sept. 4 against the Felician University Golden Falcons.

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ALEJANDRO CARBAJAL | BRIDGE FILE

TAMIU women’s soccer competes at home in this October 2021 file photo.

Star pitcher returns BY K AT H E R I N E A L E M A N BRIDGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After being out for the season, star pitcher Erika Cortez is back on the softball field.

Cortez, a criminal justice major with a minor in kinesiology, experienced a respiratory condition that made her unable to play.

“I’m happy to be able to play back on the field,” Cortez said. “Not being part of the game has been hard.”

TAMIU softball coach Scott Libby said, “[This season] it’s been a little bit challenging just for the fact that a player of ours last year was so valuable to us as a pitcher.”

During the last week of April, Cortez was given the all-clear by her doctor to start practice again.

“It was super exciting to see her,” teammate Nyomi Moncivais said. “It was like if my sister went away for college, and she finally came back.”

Since Cortez was out for this season, her upcoming season will be a redshirt season.

While Cortez was on leave, pitcher Darrian Smith stepped up to the responsibility and pitched in her place.

Cortez attended Rio Hondo High School, where she also played softball.

During her time at Rio Hondo, Cortez earned several recognitions, such as the All-Area Player of the Year, Outstanding Pitcher of the Year, 2019 All-Star Softball Pitcher of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year and District 31-6A MVP. Before Cortez transferred to TAMIU, she attended

DAVID GARCIA | BRIDGE FILE

TAMIU junior pitcher Erika Cortez warms up before taking the field in this Spring 2021 file photo.

“It was like if my sister went away for college, and she finally came back.”

—Nyomi Moncivais student athlete

the University of Texas–San Antonio for a year and was awarded the Conference USA Academic Honors when she played for their program.

“She made history just last year,” Moncivais said, recalling Cortez’s perfect game.

“When they said it on the speaker after the game, people got emotional because that’s something hard to do,” Moncivais said. “At least one person is gonna hit the ball, but nobody hit the ball.”

Moreover, the team was playing in the Lone Star Conference and had to place in the top 10 to advance to the NCAA Regional Conference, hosted in May. However, in their last games against Texas A&M– Kingsville on April 30, they lost both games and did not place in the top 10.