11-11-2020

Wednesday, Nov. 11 - Tuesday, Nov. 17 Weekly Digital Edition

Vol. 107, Issue 7 www.thedailyaztec.com

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

Credit/no credit grading option extended by

Patrick Doyle

STAFF WRITER

In a Nov. 10 meeting, the San Diego State University Senate voted to extend the deadline to register for the credit/ no credit grading option to Dec. 10, and rejected a motion that would eliminate spring break for the spring 2021 semester.

The credit/no credit option allows students to change the grading system of certain classes to give credits for completion at a grade of C- or higher rather than a traditional letter grade. It is

File photo

different from pass/fail, as a D+ and below would not yield any credit.

The decision comes after a difficult fall semes-

ter which created many of the same challenges for students that appeared in the spring when the pandemic first began, which

caused the university to extend the credit/no credit option then as well.

These challenges include weak internet connec-

tion causing students to be dropped from Zoom meetings or exams, a difficulty focusing on the new online material, and a lack of clarity on how classes would function in an online environment before registering.

SDSU students of varying backgrounds voiced their support for the motion during public comment in the senate meeting.

“There have been scientifically studied detrimental effects faced by students who have been GRADING see page 2

ARC renovations progress; Crime Report: Petty operations at 10% capacity theft, burglary, trespassing

by Jeanette

Giovaniello

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Photo by Katelynn Robinson The expanded Aztec Recreation Center will open in 2022 and be LEED Double Platinum Certified.

by

Katelynn Robinson

ASSIST. NEWS EDITOR

As the Aztec Recreation Center begins operating at 10% capacity per county regulations, the ARC expansion and renovation entered phase three of construction and is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2022.

In March 2018 San Diego State students narrowly passed a referendum that

would increase campus fees in order to fund the new gym and recreation space, and construction began in Spring 2020.

The new ARC will boast state-of-the-art facilities while maintaining Associated Students’ commitment to sustainability.

A.S. Recreation and Wellness Commissioner, Kole Wellenstein, said part of his role is to ensure student voices are heard

throughout the planning, development and construction of the new ARC. “One of the big things that we have is the ARC will be the second LEED Double Platinum Certified building we’ll have on campus, which is one of the really really high sustainability goals that you can hit for a building,” Wellenstein said. “So that helps us ARC see page 2

Grand theft On Nov. 3 grand theft costing approximately $950 was reported at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Petty theft It was reported that someone shoplifted at the Starbucks at College Square around 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.

There were three reports of petty theft on Nov. 3.

On Nov. 3, it was reported that a bicycle was stolen outside of Cuicacalli Residence Hall at approximately 2:15p.m.

A bicycle was also stolen at University Towers Residence Hall on Nov. 3 around 1:30 p.m.

A petty theft report was taken at Plant Power around 1:30 p.m.

Burglary Three reports of bur-

glary were taken at Fraternity Row for Oct. 8. Each report stated that the crime occurred around 8:30 a.m.

On Nov. 1, a vehicle burglary was reported outside of Aztec Corner Apartments at midnight.

A vehicle burglary also occurred near University Towers sometime between Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. to Nov. 6 at 8:45 a.m.

Trespassing A suspect was arrested for trespassing into Villa Alvarado apartments on Sept. 29 at a quarter after 2 a.m.

On Oct. 16, there were four accounts of trespassing in the College Area.

It was reported that someone trespassed in the Chemical Sciences laboratory at around 4 a.m.

Around 7a.m., a suspect was advised by police after see

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News

The Daily Aztec

ARC continued from page 1 continue our A.S. values of sustainability.”

The Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union is also LEED Double Platinum Certified.

Another new and highly demanded aspect of the renovated ARC will be the incorporation of gender-neutral bathrooms.

“So previously in the ARC it was only male and female restrooms but now we are going to have gender neutral, which was a big talking point for a lot of students when we were discussing the construction of the new ARC so that’s something that will be incorporated,” Wellenstein said.

The new ARC will also boast an indoor track.

“Working on some of the other A.S. committees I’ve heard one of the complaints is kind of safety in the neighborhood surrounding SDSU and with it being really dark lighting and people wanting to go out especially around daylight savings time,” Wellenstien said.

Other additions to the

Grading

continued from page

1

affected by the isolation of the online learning environment.”

Political science sophomore Robson Winter said. “There are so many very real life events that have occurred this semester that have a significant negative impact on students and their ability to learn.”

Other students recounted their disappointment in the lack of preparation staff exhibited in some classes.

“Although the university may believe they’ve done everything in their power to prepare faculty and to reciprocate teaching in a virtual environment,” political science and history sophomore Guan Liu said, “The reality is the quality of instruction is simply not the same.”

Nov. 11 - Nov. 17, 2020 Editor: Jadyn Brandt

expansion include going from two to five exercise studios including a mat room and yoga studio.

There will be a 40% increase in cardio and weight equipment as well as study spaces, eateries, and a renovated courtyard according to Wellenstien.

The ARC will shift from just a gym to a more inclusive and diverse center for several forms of recreation.

“For myself personally I think it is a really cool opportunity because in my opinion kind of like environmental wellness and physical wellness is a lot more than just working out, it is the environment you surround yourself with,” Wellenstein said. “It’s kind of just how you manage your self time everyday so that goes into mental.”

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, SDSU was forced to send the majority of students home and close indoor operations at most facilities, including the ARC. However, this did not impact the renovations.

A.S. Director of Recreation, Mark Zakrzewski,

said some of the larger construction operations were able to be pushed forward with the campus being largely deserted.

“The ARC construction project really hasn’t been affected at all because we’ve been able to continue with the project,” Zakrzewski said. “And with it being slower on campus and the ARC being closed for several months due to COVID we were able to pull some of the bigger stage work forward and make really good progress on the construction project.”

Although the university and A.S.’s budgets took a hit due to COVID-19, A.S. Vice President of External Relations, Armando Sepulveda II, said the project is financially stable.

“The ARC renovations actually come out of the A.S. budget, and financially speaking, it’s a town project,” Sepulveda said.

“There’s enough money that has been passed to complete the renovation and complete all the work within it. Our overall A.S. budget has taken a hit because the COVID-19

pandemic and the loss of revenue from outside sources such as the concert venues and the ARC use in general but overall this project is financially secure.”

The ARC construction can be watched on a youtube live stream at any time of the day.

“I think it is an amazing idea to have people look at the construction process as it’s going live,” Sepulveda said. “Because one; it shows the progress that is being made and two; it gives us a form of accountability. It lets you know like we are actually keeping on task and we are doing everything we need to do.”

At this time the ARC has cardio and weight lifting equipment in the basketball and volleyball courts and is allowing a limited number of students to use that facility.

The outdoor operations at the AquaPlex and at the ARC Express remain operational. Students can sign up for a time slot online at https://arc.sdsu. edu/membership/reservation.

The senate, which approved a similar credit/no credit extension when the pandemic first hit in the spring, similarly voiced their support, with several senators yielding their time for more students to speak.

The motion to push the credit/no credit deadline until Dec. 10 was passed with 56 yes votes, seven no votes, and six abstentions.

Additionally, the senate also voted on a motion to extend winter break by an additional week and eliminate spring break for the spring 2021 semester. The justification was that a week off in the middle of the semester may cause many students living on campus to travel and bring COVID-19 back with them to the dorms and on-campus residences.

“With them leaving for a potential spring break,” Director of Student Health Services Libby Skiles said, “There is great risk in terms of when they come back and the exposures that they’ve had, the significant testing that would be needed, and the potential risk that that poses both to other students as well as to our faculty/staff.”

Several senators echoed a similar concern, but students came to voice their opposition to this change.

“A student can currently travel anywhere... so this solution doesn’t really solve the problem of public health, and it actually creates a problem of mental health.” said Associated Students President Christian Holt. “This is not just a student issue.

Faculty and staff have felt the effects of this pan-

demic as well. Being overworked and overloaded, working from home. So it’s important that we see that this decision will impact the entirety of our campus.”

Some senators had reservations about the motion as well.

“Spring break often comes at a critical point where people are pretty exhausted,” Senate Vice Chair Nola Butler-Byrd said. “And since we’re already in heavy duty burnout mode from being online and being sequestered because of COVID-19, I have a real problem with just eliminating it totally.”

The motion to eliminate spring break and extend winter break was rejected by the senate, with 26 yes votes, 47 no votes, and 11 abstentions.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Brenden Tuccinardi NEWS EDITOR Jadyn Brandt ASST. NEWS EDITOR Katelynn Robinson OPINION EDITOR Trinity Bland MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Daniel Guerrero ASST. MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Noé Sandoval ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Devin Whatley SPORTS EDITOR Kyle Betz ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Luis Lopez SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Catlan Nguyen PHOTO EDITOR Alexa Oslowski ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Amanda Orozco VIDEO EDITOR Angela Kurysh ASST. VIDEO EDITOR Mackenzie Stafford GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR Emily Burgess SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Jeanette Giovanniello Breven Honda Ryan Hardison STAFF WRITERS Patrick Doyle Aaliyah Alexander Lucelis Martinez Maya Rodriguez

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bryan Diamond MARKETING/PR DIRECTOR Roxana Becerril EDITORIAL editor@thedailyaztec.com ADVERTISING advertising@thedailyaztec.com PRINT The Daily Aztec publishes 5,000 copies of its weekly print edition every Wednesday thoughout the semester when we are not in a global pandemic.

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/thedailyaztec The views and opinions expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec.

Opinion

Nov. 11 - Nov. 17, 2020 Editor: Trinity Bland

The Daily Aztec

3

The struggle with Zoom fatigue is real by

Trinity Bland

OPINION EDITOR

For many of us, working from home or having to take part in online classes means we spend a lot of time on video meeting applications like Zoom. We are on video calls more than ever before — and honestly, it can be exhausting.

The first couple of times might have been fine. Even with the occasional technical difficulty, at least you could communicate with friends about how COVID-19 canceled your summer plans. Hopping onto Zoom with friends or family could have been a highlight of a vacant calendar, due to the pandemic, but now, it can be overwhelming after using the app several times for several things.

According to CNBC, Zoom users spiked to

Graphic by Emily Burgess

about 200 million in March from 10 million in December of last year. Applications like Zoom remind us that there are ways to stay connected with others while social distancing but there are downsides as well that play into the idea that “zooming” is exhausting. The thought of another meeting or class session may cause stress or a number of adverse emotions to arise.

Being on a video call requires more focus than face-to-face interactions.

We have to work harder to interpret non-verbal cues and delays. We can’t just indulge in conversations as if we were communicating with someone in person.

Any silence makes us anxious that there is a problem with our technology. In this way, we are constantly on the edge of our seat, hoping our internet connection is strong enough to prevent any technical difficulties.

We are aware of being watched, which comes

with social pressure. Often, we are self-conscious about the way we look in general. However, with Zoom and turning on our web-cameras – even though this is optional – we are even more focused on how we look and how we present ourselves to others in a virtual setting.

Aspects of our lives that used to be separate are now all happening in the same place. This makes us more vulnerable to negative feelings. Nowadays, people are going on virtual dates, meeting professors in office hours and celebrating events through a screen. The fact that all of these contrasting occurrences now happen over Zoom can be exhausting to comprehend.

The video calls remind us of all that we have temporarily lost. We should all be in a classroom together but we are not. We should

be networking in person but we are not. We should be celebrating birthdays and engagements with loved ones but we are not. Zoom offers us the option to do this virtually but there isn’t always a positive feeling with having to sign in with a meeting ID and password to do the things that were once in person.

Socialization, especially in larger groups, feels more like an obligation and a performance rather than a time to relax.You are not alone. People, no matter their age, occupation or location, are experiencing the exhaustion that comes along with constantly using Zoom in place of in-person contact.

We are living through a global pandemic and that reality can trigger a number of emotions. Limit see

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Imposter syndrome is more common than you think and needs to be validated by

Aaliyah Alexander

STAFF WRITER

There are a lot of things young people in this generation deal with in increasing numbers — anxiety, depression, peer pressure and more. Although previous generations dealt with these issues, our generation’s openness to these problems is what set us apart.

We validate these issues and find solutions instead of suppressing them, but there is one issue that isn’t talked about enough in conversations surrounding what young people deal with and that topic is imposter syndrome.

As defined by Harvard Business Review, imposter syndrome is “a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. ‘Imposters’ suffer from chronic selfdoubt and a sense of in-

tellectual fraudulence that override any feelings of success or external proof of their competence.”

Just imagine walking onto a new campus or into the building of a new job feeling like you don’t belong where you are, even though your resume was phenomenal and your college application was anything but subpar. That is a feeling many people amongst you feel and are battling each and everyday and they oftentimes don’t even know how to describe that feeling because imposter syndrome isn’t talked about as much as other mental health issues.

I know this feeling all too well. Being an out-of-state student coming all the way from Mississippi to California, I was propelled into a new world of smart and talented individuals. I began to experience imposter syndrome as early

as the second month of my freshman year in college, but I didn’t know what the feeling was or how to express it to my friends who could have possibly helped me through it.

So what did I do? I went months feeling like a fraud.

I felt my “cover” would be blown at any given moment and I would be embarrassed amongst my new peers, but eventually the topic of imposter syndrome came up in a class I was taking one day and the dots began to connect.

Not only is imposter syndrome a very real and valid thing, there are also different types of imposter syndrome, which means it can manifest itself in many different ways.

As categorized by Dr. Valerie Young in her book,The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer From the Imposter Syndrome and

How to Thrive in Spite of It, there’s the perfectionist, the superwoman/man, the natural genius, the soloist and the expert.

The perfectionist sets unreasonable high goals to attain and then feel inadequate when they don’t achieve those set goals.

This is what creates selfdoubt within themselves.

The superwoman/man are seen as workaholics who find validation in working hard and believe a heavy workload validates their position. Self-doubt

creeps in when they don’t have seemingly hard work to back up their status.

The natural genius measures their competence on how easily and fast they can “get” things. They see having to put in effort to grasp and understand something as a failure.

Therefore, self-doubt arises when things are harder for them to work through or understand.

The soloist feels “as though asking for help resee

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Graphic by Emily Burgess

4

The Daily Aztec

Mundo Azteca

Nov. 11 - Nov. 17, 2020 Editor: Daniel Guerrero

Columna: La experienia de votando por primera vez en un eleccion presidencial por

Lucelis Martinez

ESCRITORA

Mi primera vez votando me abrió los ojos a lo que está pasando en los Estados Unidos.

Siendo una estudiante en la Universidad Estatal de San Diego, me hace responsable por las decisiones que hago en este condado.

Para votar a lo mejor de mi habilidad, en esta elección tan polémica, cree un documento de 28 páginas y este documento me trajo muchas revelaciones sobre los candidatos y las candidatas y sus proposiciones.

Comencé mis investigaciones con las personas que yo tendría que elegir.

Decidí votar en orden, entonces comencé con escoger una representativa para el distrito 53 que fue una carrera entre Georgette Gomez Y Sarah Jacobs.

Las dos parecían candidatas con sus dones, pero me sorprendí al ver que

File photo Casi 2 millones de votantes se registraron en el condado de San Diego durante las elecciones presidenciales de 2020.

en la página oficial de campaña de Jacobs, ella se dirigió a algunos comentarios controversiales hechos en su contra.

Su página oficial dictó, que su oponente, “Está difundiendo mentiras sobre ella y aceptando dinero de 30 desarrolladores quienes quieren que ella cambie su posición en un proyecto

de ley”.

Al otro lado de la moneda, están las quejas de Gomez en contra de Jacobs.

Mientras más leía, más comportamientos interesantes veía y me di cuenta de que el votar desarrolla la práctica de pensar críticamente.

Con cada candidato, quedaba investigar no solo

lo que decían sus páginas oficiales, sino lo que se hablaba sobre ellos y sus propuestas.

Mientras más investigaba, mis decisiones empezaron a formarse y note, que preferí muchas de las propuestas hechas por demócratas sin embargo, hubieron propuestas mejores hechas por republi-

canos también.

Si hubiera simplemente votado por una campaña sobre la otra sin pensar o basándose en los argumentos superficiales, entonces me hubiera perdido la oportunidad de aprender sobre mucho de lo que está pasando en San Diego.

Algunos de los problemas evidentes son: el nivel alto de personas sin hogar, accomodaciones en el sector de educacion y problemas de raza, sexo, religion, y clase social.

Sin embargo, cada proposición también tomó su tiempo de investigación.

Las palabras en las propuestas dadas a votantes, son confusas para un votante de primera vez o con poco conocimiento.

De esta misma manera, son engañosos.

Inicialmente, la Proposición 16 parecía algo que yo quisiera apoyar, viendo como a esta proposición le sige el nombre, “Permitir Diversidad Como un see

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El voto Latino aumenta durante la elección presidencial de 2020 por

Noè Sandoval

ASSIST. DE MUNDO AZTECA

La elección presidencial de 2020 resultó en una cantidad significativa de votantes en toda la nación.

Entre esos votos, los latinos tomaron una gran parte en que sus voces sean escuchadas. Aquí en el estado de California, hay una gran mayoría de Latinos elegibles para votar debido a la gran población latina.

El registrador de votantes del condado de San Diego reportó más de 442,000 votantes registrados en la elección general de 2020 quienes se identificaron como Latino

o Hispano. En el condado de San Diego, hay alrededor de 1.9 million votantes registrados, quiere decir que 25% de los votantes se identifican como Latino o Hispano.

Según el Centro de Investigación Pew, solo California tiene aproximadamente una cuarta parte del electorado latino del país, con 7,9 millones de votantes latinos elegibles. La mayoría de estos votantes votaron por el partido demócrata. En el país, son 32 million de votantes latinos elegibles.

Aunque la mayoría del voto latino ha sido demócrata, este año ha

habido una cantidad de votos para candidatos republicanos especialmente en el estado de Florida.

En esta elección presidencial, Trump ganó más de la mitad del voto latino en la Florida que Biden.

Según un artículo de CNN, el voto latino en Florida es debido a la población inmigrante cubana y venezolana en el estado.

“Algunos latinos conservadores en el sur de Florida, particularmente cubanoamericanos y venezolanos, asociaron Biden y otras figuras del Partido Demócrata con los regímenes socialistas latinoamericanos a los que

Foto por Brenden Tuccinardi Viejas Arena, cerca de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego, se usó como uno de los muchos sitios de votación alrededor del condado de San Diego para votar.

temen” dice el artículo de CNN. Estos votantes en Florida ven el partido demócrata como socialistas, algo sim-

ilar a lo que ellos tuvieron que huir de sus países natal.

California es uno de see

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Sports

Nov. 11 - Nov. 17, 2020 Editor: Kyle Betz

The Daily Aztec

5

Aztecs squander second-half lead, fall to 2-1 after loss to San José State by

Kyle Betz

SPORTS EDITOR

Entering Friday, San Diego State football held its first two opponents to just 13 points combined, and had won eight straight games when scoring first.

That streak was snapped however, as San José State walked into Dignity Health Sports Park to defeat the Aztecs 28-17 on Nov. 6.

The Spartans (3-0) found themselves down 10-7 at halftime but stormed back in the second half to hand the Aztecs (2-1) their first loss of the season.

Head coach Brady Hoke said the Aztecs did not play the way they anticipated.

“Obviously, we’re very disappointed as a football team,” Hoke said. “We didn’t play our best football. (We) had some penalties that hurt us, got to

take care of the football better and we just didn’t play as well as we need to.”

Mistakes and turnovers factored into SDSU’s lack of success on both sides of the ball.

Sophomore quarterback Carson Baker was hit while he threw a pass with 11:44 left in the game. The pass was ruled a lateral by the officiating crew and the ball was recovered by the Spartans, who would begin the ensuing possession in their red zone.

That turnover set up a 3-yard rushing touchdown from senior running back Tyler Nevens to give SJSU the lead at 21-17 with 11:10 to go.

Hoke said the backwards pass was played well by the Spartans, but he’s unsure of the decision.

“We had a screen set up and they did a nice job of

Photo courtesy of Colleen Humel, SDSU Athletics Sophomore quarterback Carson Baker elevates to score a 1-yard rushing touchdown during the Aztecs’ 28-17 loss to San José State on Nov. 6 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

diagnosing it,” Hoke said. “(Baker) was trying to get it out there as close as he could with making it a legal throw. There was some momentum when the guy pushed him. I don’t know if that forced him the ruling of a backward pass.There’s some plays we need to look at you know tomorrow and get some clarification on a couple of them.”

Enough time was left

at that point for the Aztecs to come back, but another miscue gave the already-leading Spartans the ball with six minutes to play. The Aztecs cruised down the field as part of an 11-play, 47-yard drive, but Baker turned the ball over again — this time, on the opposite side of the field.

SJSU sophomore defensive back Tre Jenkins came

up with the interception in the Spartans’ end zone.

The Aztecs had yet another opportunity to score after forcing a punt, but junior running back Jordan Byrd muffed a punt with 3:32 left.The Spartans took over at their own 20yard line and didn’t look back.

SJSU sophomore quarterback Nick Nash ran the ball in from 14 yards to seal the victory for the Spartans after what could have been a comeback win for the Aztecs.

A dual-threat quarterback, Nash entered the game during the first quarter after second-leading Mountain West Conference passer and graduate transfer quarterback Nick Starkel went down with an injury. see

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Q&A: Ryan Donovan discusses alumni, memories heading into 18th year as men’s golf coach by

Breven Honda

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

A couple of weeks ago, San Diego State men’s golf increased the amount of holes they play (doubled from nine to 18 holes due to COVID-19 regulations) during practice — a couple months before tournament action can begin.

The Daily Aztec talked to head coach Ryan Donovan about how the program is doing while also addressing SDSU men’s golf alumni and memories as a student-athlete.

The Daily Aztec: How are you and the program doing right now?

Ryan Donovan: “We’re doing well, despite not being able to compete. I was fortunate enough to have my whole team come back to campus at the beginning of the school year and it has helped build our

chemistry during this fall season.”

DA: How have you been able to connect with your players during the stay-athome orders?

RD: “We’re allowed to practice our 20 hours a week for eight weeks.

Right now, my assistant will take half to a course and I will take the other half. It’s been really good because we’ve been a lot more hands-on, one-onone. And again able to connect with our players

during these times.”

DA: During the pandemic, how much more time have you had to recruit or watch film?

RD: “Luckily, golf’s a numbers game, so we’re able to watch a lot of scores, do a lot of face time activities, touch back with our recruits over Zoom and build that relationship, where it’s more than just a phone call. We’re a couple years our recruiting fortunately, so it’s not too stressful.”

Photo courtesy of Derrick Tuskan, SDSU Athletics SDSU men’s golf head coach Ryan Donovan walks the course during the Lamkin San Diego Classic on March 10 at San Diego Country Club in Chula Vista, Calif.

DA: Back in May you were one of few schools to promote your program on The Golf Channel’s Back on Campus.What was that experience like?

RD: “It was amazing to see how much time and the energy the crew spent with our team and how it’s broken down into a short amount of time. I give a lot of credit to The Golf Channel and their staff for all of their hard work. I think it was a cool experience to get recognized. Definitely helps with recruiting. All in all, it was a positive experience.”

DA: You’re entering your 18th year as the head coach at SDSU. What does it mean to you that you’ve been here for that long as a head coach, in addition to as a student athlete from 1997-2001?

RD: “I live for red and black and for the Aztec

family. I feel the connection and the foundation we’ve created over the years, the relationship of our donors, the players and the community. It’s just been a dream of mine. Overall, it’s been a great experience.”

DA: What does it mean that this program has three alumni members on the PGA Tour in Xander Schauffele, JJ Spaun and Scott Piercy?

RD: “That’s your end goal. There’s an opportunity for you to take your game to the next level.

Our goal is to give them all the opportunities possible to get better and improve and we know the stepping stone to get to the tour and we obviously have great facilities and great weather. It’s a dream that is possible.”

DA: What was it like to play with Scott Piercy at see

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6

Arts & Culture

The Daily Aztec

Quick Take: Music to ease your mind during exam season by

Ryan Hardison

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Midterm season is upon us, and though many students have already braved through the storm of exams, essays and Zoom lectures, there’s a lot of work left to be done.

With this increased stress on top of the already jam-packed school workload, students may look to escape through art, more specifically, music.

Sometimes, it’s difficult to keep up with the newest releases and search for songs to take your mind off things, so we’ll do it for you.

Here are some projects to help distract from the scourge of never-ending assignments: 21 Savage and Metro Boomin “Savage Mode II” In 2016, 21 Savage, then relatively unknown outside of his native Atlanta, Georgia, had a breakout year for the ages.

After being named one of the XXL Top Ten Freshmen a month prior, he released a spectacular EP with Metro Boomin, who was fresh off earth-shattering collaborations with Drake, Future, and Lil Uzi Vert. Together, they crafted a chilling masterpiece that catapulted Savage into stardom and added more platinum plaques to Boomin’s already illustrious collection.

Four years later, the duo paired back up and released one of the best rap albums of the new decade, “Savage Mode II” on Oct. 2.

Major rap features on the album catch immediate attention, but one aspect which stands out is the various interludes – featuring narration from the extraordinary Morgan Freeman. As the go-to actor for “God” and other prominent voice-over

roles, this is the first time Freeman has lent his voice on a studio album, and he adds a sophisticated presence rarely seen on any musical work.

From the get-go, Savage is eager to prove he’s back.

Starting strong with “Runnin,” Savage knows he’s on top and uses this runtime to brag about terrorizing his rivals and how he walks down his block like he’s Omar from “The Wire.”

On “Mr. Right Now” and “Rich N***a Sh*t,” he boasts about anything luxurious in his sight including brands such as Chanel, Goyard and Prada, to entice women into his lifestyle. Savage goes back and forth with Drake and Young Thug on these tracks respectively, showing off their chemistry and an abundance of charming rhymes.

However, it doesn’t take long for him to tap back into his intimidating demeanor, in particular, on “Snitches and Rats.”

On the skit preceding the song, Freeman intricately breaks down the difference between a snitch and a rat, creating one of the most intriguing segues in music history.

On the track itself, Savage and his cousin Young Nudy demonstrate their hatred for snitches and explain the importance of loyalty and trust in their cliques, or else face violent retribution.

Though Savage likes to show his toughness, there are many times where he shares his greatest fears and regrets. Overall, his finest moments are on the album’s final two songs “RIP Luv” and “Said N Done.”

On “RIP Luv” he’s reminiscing about an unknown person in his life who’s passed away, and even though he’s suffering on see

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Nov. 11 - Nov. 17, 2020 Editor: Devin Whatley

Student artists create home art studios with COVID-19 moving classes online by

Maya Rodriguez

STAFF WRITER

COVID-19 has affected the lives of students in many ways, and some are student artists.

Tyler Young is a fourthyear Applied Design Major with an emphasis in jewelry, and minor in Philosophy at San Diego State University. Rianne Magbuhat is a third-year Studio Arts Major.

For both of them, one of the frustrations with switching to an online platform is that they don’t get time in the studio.

At an earlier point in the semester, art studios on-campus were open to certain majors, but that quickly changed due to rising COVID-19 cases. Now, art students have to adjust their work to individual circumstances. In many cases that means learning

Courtesy of Avia Ramm Mental health, specifically anxiety and depression, are recurring themes in Avia Ramm’s artwork.

to make do without the same space and fine equipment or materials.

“I live with my parents so I have a garage space to work in, but I hear other students are working from

closets or have to go to a friend’s house everyday,” Young said.

This is the case for Magbuhat. She turned half of see

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The Bite: New vegan recipes with a fall twist

Photo by Aaliyah Alexander A look at the maple coffee smoothie.

by

Aaliyah Alexander

STAFF WRITER

Fall is the time for cool weather, colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, lifetime movies, and most importantly, delicious food.

To honor this special season, here are five vegan-friendly meals and snacks that bring all the

cozy vibes to your home.

All the ingredients can be found at Trader Joe’s or Walmart.

Pumpkin Pie Oat Cookies This treat can be enjoyed for breakfast or for an evening snack. The main ingredients are pumpkin chocolate chunk oatmeal cookie mix, plant-based butter, a banana and coconut whipped cream.

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. From there, simply follow the instructions on the cookie mix – but replace eggs with half of a mashed banana.

Bake for about 16 to 20 minutes and let cool. This treat can also be topped off with a swirl of coconut whipped cream.

Taco Soup For fans of “Taco Tuesdays,” this dish is a perfect way to jazz things up for the fall season.

For this dish you need taco seasoning, tomato sauce, corn, kidney beans, onions, vegan cheese, plant-based ground beef (optional) and pumpkin tortilla chips.

Add the tomato sauce to a pot with one can of water and then combine corn, kidney beans, chopped onions and taco seasoning over medium to low heat.

Stir soup occasionally until heated.

Next, place in a bowl of choice and top with vegan cheese. Enjoy this soup with a side of pumpkin see

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