The Daily Aztec 3/2/2022

Wed., March 2 - Tue., March 8, 2022 Weekly Print Edition

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

Vol. 108, Issue 19 www.thedailyaztec.com

2

News

The Daily Aztec

March 2 - 9, 2022 EDITOR: Katelynn Robinson • news@thedailyaztec.com

Engineering students promote their clubs

by Lucelis Martinez SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Under the light pitter-patter of President Day rainfall, multiple student organizations gathered under tents in the Aztec Student Union.

The College of Engineering Student Council (CESC) hosted a club fair to welcome old and new members of their student organizations. CESC is holding events all week, with the club fair being the first.

Kaylin Borders and Serenity Richardson were in attendance, as the founders of Women in Aeronautics and Astronautics (WOAA) at SDSU. Borders is a fourth year aerospace engineering major, while Richardson is a third year majoring in environmental engineering.

Borders has also interned in the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in the spacecraft engineering department, and is doing research in the computational, guidance and navigation lab at SDSU. According to Borders, WOAA is a national organization that promotes women and inclusivity in the aerospace world.

Three years ago, Border decided

From left to right; Serenity Richardson and Kaylin Borders from WOAA.

to start up a WOAA community on campus, with the cofounder.

“We thought why not start a chapter here at state to help promote an inclusive environment,” Border said.

Richardson said she wants to target freshmen, who may not know there

Photo by Lucelis Martinez

ACOSE teaches students how to manage a team, project or company within the engineering disciplines.

Photo by Lucelis Martinez

is a club on campus which promotes inclusivity in the aerospace world on campus.

“We’ve even told people several times, you don’t even necessarily have to have a huge interest in the aerospace,” Richardson said, “That’s why we have different types of majors. Obviously, I’m an environmental major now. You don’t have to have any experience, you can just come network, get to know people and understand that this is really about creating a community.”

Border said attendance at meetings and events has been better since being on campus, which is also true for another group at the club fair.

Roberto Montano Ramirez is a third year electrical engineering major and a part of Sigma Phi Delta. He’s been a part of the group since his freshman year, and experienced the club during the quarantine period of COVID-19.

Ramirez said Sigma Phi Delta is a tight group of guys. He said he wanted to join when he was invited to a tabling event pre-COVID. “The way we really cultivate this brotherhood comes down to staying connected to one another.” Ramirez said. “The things we learn, especially the workshops, doing things together, doing tasks together as a group has really cultivated us as brother (hood).”

Ramirez said he loves seeing people smile and is excited to bring more brothers in. He also shared he plans

to run for the executive board next semester to continue encouraging more brothers to come in.

Ramirez said the club fair was a slower day for recruitment but that members still showed up.

“That’s what makes a brotherhood a brotherhood,” Ramirez said. “No matter the turnout, no matter how the day is. Last week, it was busy during the tabling, we had guys being there.

Here, even if it’s slow and it’s raining, we still have guys being there.”

Therese Dela Rosa and Esteban Carrera serve as president and vice president of ACOSE which is the Aztec Council of Systems Engineering.

Rosa is a third year aerospace engineer, while Carrera is a senior.

According to Carrera, systems engineering is a subdiscipline of engineering which teaches students how to manage a team, project or company within the engineering disciplines. He said it forces someone to think of the logistics behind designing and making a product.

“Basically what we’re trying to do as a club is get students certified in systems engineering, those who are interested,” Carrera said.

He said they do a lot of networking events with professionals from companies like Northrop, and General Atomics among others, and that ACOSE is sponsored by the San Diego Chapter of System Engineers.

Carrera said that students from any major can join the organization.

ACOSE started up last semester according to Rosa who also shared she was excited about seeing people in person.

Carrera said he felt like people are interested in joining ACOSE in part because they’ve missed being social during the pandemic, but also do not want to join “bigger social clubs” like those within Greek Life.

They encourage both current students and alumni.

Another group in attendance at the fair was the American Society of Civil Engineers at State.

Alana Bentigue and Alex Fuller said they were there to promote, network and inform about an annual conference they are having at UCSD soon.

SEE ENGINEERING CLUBS PAGE 3

Professor provides insight into Ukraine invasion

by Katelynn NEWS EDITOR

Robinson

Russia invaded Ukraine on Thursday, Feb. 24. Ukraine’s capital city Kyiv has been littered with bombs and bloodshed for five days since the invasion.

Families have been forced to separate as Ukrainian forces form in an attempt to defend their land.

Zamira Abman is the Director of the Comparative International Studies Program and teaches Soviet and Russian history at San Diego State.

She explained the reason Putin made several requests of the United Nations before invading.

“This includes unheard of claims, to roll back the presence of NATO in East European nations and of course he directly demanded…Ukraine never be

allowed a membership with NATO… It is essentially an excuse to say ‘we negotiated, we made our intentions clear, you did not take us seriously’ hence, it gives this leader an excuse to possibly interfere,” Abman said.

According to the state department, the United States has been authorized to provide $350 million in defense support for Ukraine. This marks the third authorization of financial aid from the U.S. to Ukraine over the past year for defense support. However, NATO has taken no military action.

“His actions will then signal to the rest of the world that democracies don’t necessarily step in when…leaders like Putin are trying to claim territories of sovereign nations like he is right now,” Abman said.

Both Russia and Ukraine require their citizens to serve in the military for approximately two years.

“Innocent lives who have no say in this conflict but yet might lose their lives,” Abman said.

Abman speaks Russian and found when she visited Ukraine in 2004, Ukrainians preferred she speak Ukrainian to them.

“I simply could not get by Kyiv with Russian and Russian alone because many Ukrainians would simply insist I speak Ukrainian to them if I wanted directions or any kinds of answers,” Abman said. “And that gave this really interesting sense at a time for this newly emerging identity of a sovereign nation. Of being Ukrainian, detached from Russia…”

The former elected president of Ukraine and current President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have reflected many Ukrainians’ desire to align themselves with Europe, according to Abman.

According to Abman the spread of COVID-19, the election in France, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has created a significant amount of uncertainty in Europe.

“I think in this part of the world we have to remember the cultural shift these kinds of… authoritarian actions result in,” Abman said. “It essentially signals to other leaders who do have a nuclear arsenal available to them that you can take advantage of periods… similar to this kind.

Courtesy of Freepik

News

March 2 - 8, 2022 EDITOR: Katelynn Robinson . news@thedailyaztec.com

The Daily Aztec

3

Masks not Online classes may leave, required for eliminating their accessibility vaccinated people starting March 7

by Lucelis Martinez SENIOR STAFF WRITER

After two years of the pandemic, most classes are returning to in-person instruction, and on campus resources are mostly going back to pre-pandemic conditions. But, for San Diego State Open University student Charlotte Iradjpanah, her life will remain COVID-19 cautious.

Iradjpanah is 47 years old, is an SDSU alumni and has a disability which requires her to receive services and accomodations.

For Iradjpanah, being able to take classes from the comfort of her own home has been a “godsend,” she said.

“The comfort of a heated chair, quiet atmosphere and Zoom classes have allowed me the comfort to perform better,” Iradjpanah said.

Being able to complete her classes online also means Iradjpanah has been able to continue taking care of her mother and father, both of whom are also physically limited.

“I live with both my senior citizen parents, and we are all physically limited in some way. So, we are here to help each other out, and I don’t want to possibly catch something and bring it home to them,” Iradjpanah said.

Iradjpanah has been able to continue to take online courses for the spring 2022 semester, but the possibility of online classes for the upcoming fall 2022 semester remains unknown. Iradjpanah has received mixed messages from the advisors and administration she has reached out to.

“My counselor doesn’t think that they are going to continue that [offering online classes] for the 22-23 academic year. I am really concerned for those who may have a suppressed immune system or live with those with a suppressed immune system,” Iradjpanah said.

For Iradjapanah, the option to take online classes could decide whether or not she will be able to continue taking classes at SDSU. “For the upcoming academic year that [the absence of online classes] would mean that I am unable to do anything at my alma mater with you guys,” Iradjpanah said. “There are already courses that are going to be offered that I am really interested in to put on my academic resume when I apply to University of San Diego’s masters

by Eugenie Budnik STAFF WRITER

Photo by Lucelis Martinez

Online classes provided accomidations that are not available in and in-person environment.

program.”

The University of San Diego offers many of its masters programs via an online or hybrid format, allowing for flexibility among their graduate student population.

Title II of the American Disabilities Act of 1990 applies specifically to educational institutions to ensure that students with disabilities are able to receive accommodations which make it possible for them to receive an education. Title II also states public entities must operate in a manner that makes them accessible to individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, entities must also adhere to the reasonable accommodations requested by individuals with disabilities.

At SDSU, individuals with a disability must register with the Student Ability Success Center (SASC) in order to receive accommodations. SASC offers academic support, mobility assistance and employment assistance to disabled students who are in need of such services.

The Student Ability Success Center did not have anyone available to comment on the status of online class accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

SDSU students who are interested in receiving information about accommodations from the Student Ability Success Center can visit their website here.

The office of San Diego State President Adela de la Torre sent out a campuswide email regarding updates to the university’s mask update on Feb. 25.

On March 7 masks will become recommended, but not required, for fully vaccinated individuals when gathering for events or meetings in non-instructional spaces.

Unvaccinated persons will still be required to wear a facial covering in these situations.

Unvaccinated persons or those who are not up to date with a booster shot, are still required to wear their masks in all indoor campus spaces.

For those who are fully vaccinated with a booster shot, a facial covering is still required in all indoor and outdoor instructional settings, and while visiting the Love Library.

All students and staff coming onto campus to receive COVID-19 testing, utilize Student Health Services, or visit the SDSU Children’s Center must wear a facial covering at all times, regardless of vaccination status.

The email also included an announcement about the expansion of the use of the app Bindle, for nonSDSU community members attending SDSU affiliated events.

The app, which was first used by SDSU in the fall of 2021, allows for the verification of the vaccination status of members of the general public wanting to attend SDSU events.

Previously, non-SDSU community members had to fill out a self attestation form declaring their vaccination status.

Non-SDSU community members will still be allowed to use paper or digital copies of their vaccination card to gain entry into university events, but use of the Bindle app is highly encouraged.

Engineering clubs: continued from page 2

Roberto Montano Ramirez stands in front of an open Ping Pong tournament sign at the fair.

Photo by Lucelis Martinez

Bentigue is a third year civil engineering major and has been part of the group since her first year.

She said they look for engineers to be a part of their technical and sports teams, as they often have sporting events for the club members.

Fuller is a fourth year civil engineering major and part of the group for six months. He said he has made a lot of friends and had a lot of fun.

“Even at our general body meetings, it is really easy to get a foot in the professional world,” Bentigue said.

She also shared she has gotten leadership and internship opportunities while in the group.

“It is also just a great way to know people at school,” Bentigue said.

“Finding study buddies and honestly just a great group of friends to have a support system.”

Photo by Noelani Sapla

Masks will be recommended but not required for fully vaccinated students and faculty starting March 7.

4

Opinion

The Daily Aztec

March 2 - 8, 2022 EDITOR: Aaliyah Alexander • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

Beloved classic Disney movies are flooded with racist content

EDITOR IN CHIEF Catlan Nguyen MANAGING EDITOR Trinity Bland NEWS EDITOR Katelynn Robinson OPINION EDITOR Aaliyah Alexander MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Noé Sandoval ASST. MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Karina Bazarte ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Ryan Hardison ASST. ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Cristina Lombardo SPORTS EDITOR Jason Freund ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Finley SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Sara Rott PHOTO EDITOR Noelani Sapla MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Mackenzie Stafford ASST. MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Jayne Yutig

STAFF WRITERS Eugenie Budnik Morgan Ray Brenna Martinez Morgan Prickett Jaden Hanzy SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Lucelis Martinez Flower Smith Jenna Meyer Graphic by Emily Forschen

While watching the classic movie “Peter Pan,” many people fail to recognize the racism within the storyline towards particular communities of color. This needs to be talked about more.

by trinity bland MANAGING EDITOR

Growing up and watching the 1953 classic Disney film “Peter Pan,” I always connected with Wendy.

She was an older sister like myself and remained confident in herself despite the film’s chaotic story arc. Her character was strong, smart and beautiful — naturally enticing Peter Pan and the Lost Boys to like her... not to mention causing Tinker Bell to be envious of her for attracting Peter’s attention.

I thought the fantasy film accurately reflected who I was in real life through Wendy’s character. However, I understand that not everyone, particularly the Native American audience, shares similar feelings.

The film exemplifies racist sentiments that afflicted 20th century culture and its portrayal of Native Americans is embarrassing. It showcases these individuals speaking in an unintelligible language with other characters repeatedly referring to them as “redskins.” The chief and the older women are ugly, fat and some have missing teeth. They

also participate in stereotypical practices like drumming, living in teepees, saying “how” to greet each other and using a tribal call.

Peter and the Lost Boys engage in constant mockery and appropriation of Native American culture and imagery by dancing, chanting, wearing headdresses and other exaggerated tropes.

This blatantly supports “What Made Red Man Red?” — the film’s absolute highest point of abomination. The attempt to answer this question posed by the airheaded Lost Boys and juvenile Peter Pan in nearly three minutes comes with exceptional ignorance, shameful stereotypes and a hardly amusing story that is highly derogatory.

Although the portion of the film featuring and exploiting Native Americans is brief, its dehumanizing power is more impactful than Tinker Bell’s pixie dust. It’s sickening to digest now that culture has progressed and there is no way anyone would get away with such caricatures today.

White characters in the film even use racial slurs in reference to the Native Americans. Captain Hook says, “These Redskins know this island better than I know my own ship,” when

reading his map of Neverland — a place of everlasting youth where no one wants to grow up — in hopes of finding Peter Pan’s hiding place. Hook represents a European explorer planning to exploit Native Americans in order to defeat his fellow white adversary.

Wendy’s younger brother John chants, “We are off to fight the Injuns because he told us so,” — a statement that summarizes why white soldiers disrupted Native American cultures, because someone of higher power told them to. In this case, it was Peter Pan. John later refers to the Indians as “quite savage,” and elaborates by saying “the Indian is cunning but less intelligent…” right before they are captured.

These descriptions are common assumptions about Native Americans, even today.

None of these things reflect the authentic cultural traditions and rich diversity of Native American people — and Disney knows it.

The film was removed from child profiles on streaming platform Disney+ as a recent example of Hollywood’s reckoning with racism, along with a short advisory graphic encouraging

Courtesy of Freepik

You can still enjoy Disney classics, but taking the time to acknowlege and condemn racist scenes is neccessary, especially around children.

viewer discretion.

“This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures,” the graphic says.

“These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.”

Disney and the children’s movie industry are not immune to the widespread nature of racism and prejudice against Native Americans. The inaccuracies in this film are plentiful and viewers should consider more than just discretion. They should be encouraged to join Disney in their goal of creating a more inclusive future.

As a child, I felt seen through Wendy, but as an adult, I am disgusted by the film’s lack of sensitivity toward Native American culture. But for those who may identify as a “Lost Boy” more than a “Wendy,” it’s time to grow up.

CONTRIBUTORS Jazlyn Diguez ________________________________

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Brian Arnold ________________________________

GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST Luis Valenzuela EDITORIAL 619.594.4190 editor@thedailyaztec.com ADVERTISING 619.594.7807 advertising@thedailyaztec.com PRINT The Daily Aztec publishes 3,000 copies of its weekly print edition every Wednesday throughout the semester WEB Daily content is available at www.thedailyaztec.com QUESTIONS/COMMENTS letters@thedailyaztec.com The views and opinions expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec.

Trinity Bland is a senior studying television, film, media and Spanish. Follow her on Twitter @ trinityaliciaa.

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March 2 - 8, 2022 EDITOR: Aaliyah Alexander • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

Opinion

The Daily Aztec

5

Editorial: Acknowledging Kumeyaay history should not be up for debate

Photo by Aaliyah Alexander

Photo of San Diego State University’s Hepner Hall.

by the editoral board

The act of acknowledging and paying respect to a community for its contributions to society isn’t rocket science. In fact, it’s the least we can do for the various communities and cultures who’ve been mistreated throughout history.

Unfortunately, this simple act has turned out to be an atrocity to some San Diego State faculty who recently complained after administration suggested making a small addition honoring the Kumeyaay people to class syllabi.

The debate for having the Kumeyaay Land Acknowledgement cited and stated as a requirement for syllabi at SDSU was discussed at the university senate meeting on March 1.

Since 2019, it has been a requirement for SDSU professors to include the land acknowledgement in their course syllabi.

This sparked concern in some professors as they did not want to feel imposed to follow through with language forced upon the university.

During the meeting, this requirement was voted to be removed from the syllabus policy, making it optional for professors to require the acknowledgement. The senate voted for this revision during the meeting with 44 votes for the revision, 38 against and 7 abstained. This revision means that the acknowledgement clause will be

removed from the syllabus requirements.

The voters and attendees at the meeting varied from Associated Students officers, faculty and students.

Steven Barbone, a SDSU professor from the philosophy department, was one of the proponents of this revision and expressed the acknowledgement infringed upon professors’ rights.

“As a professor, we value academic freedom,” Steven Barbone said. “There is a clause from the acknowledgement too close to a prayer.”

Barbone compared the clause for the acknowledgement, “We find inspiration in the Kumeyaay Spirit…,” to a symbol of worship exchanging the last words to “the Hail Mary” and “S atan.”

This outraged many voters and attendees.

“It is inappropriate and extremely disrespectful to compare a section of the Land Acknowledgement to Satan,” A.S. President Ashley Tejada said.

Frankly, stating the land acknowledgement is the bare minimum

— especially after SDSU has paraded a dehumanizing and racist monolith in many spheres of campus life.

In SDSU’s diversity statement, it is the university’s goal to “attract students, staff, and faculty members who are capable of working hard and making meaningful contributions outside and inside of the classroom.”

While faculty members have the right to include what is in their syllabi, if our university pledges to value diversity and inclusion, no one here is exempt from that promise. We should all actively work hard to highlight the culture that exists right here on campus grounds instead of taking bits and parts of it for our own use.

What we don’t talk about enough is how educators have the power to strengthen campus communities and transform individual lives as our world constantly evolves. Including land acknowledgement in their syllabi could make all the difference students need to further the conversation surrounding change.

It’s the very least we could do.

U.S. Supreme Court lacks representation for people of color by brenna martinez STAFF WRITER

Following the announced retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer, President Biden announced that he will be selecting a Black woman to replace the empty seat of the Supreme Court.

Of the 155 justices that have served in the Supreme Court, a meager two have been African American — both of these justices were also men. This push for a Black woman to finally be nominated into the Supreme Court highlights the stark inequities that exist in the American legal system.

While it is clear there are great gaps in the representation of women and Black individuals in the Supreme Court, the fact that many ethnic groups have not had even a moment of representation in the nation’s highest court can sometimes be overlooked.

There has never been representation for Asian, Pacific Islander or Native American communities in the Supreme Court, a disheartening reality considering the diversity of the United States population and the amount of qualified professionals that are in practice.

The issue of unequal representation does

not only exist in the nation’s highest court but persists throughout the legal system nationwide. A 2019 report from Center for American Progress reported that 80% of federal judges are white, and 73% of federal judges are men. Other populations, such as the LGBTQ+ community only composing around 1% of judges, are also severely underrepresented in the legal system.

What can be done to ensure that the people who are shaping the laws and legal decisions of our country are reflective of the diverse population that they serve?

It starts with ensuring that institutions of higher education are accessible to all.

People of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of low-income and disabled individuals should all be able to access the education that can propel them into a legal career.

The reality of higher education is it still remains inaccessible to many groups of people. High costs deter capable individuals away from furthering their education. People have families they need to provide for or even just for themselves, and the high costs associated with pursuing a higher education can make it nearly impossible for lower-income people to go to school. Additionally, the high costs of attendance can deter people with certain disabilities from attending, as certain

conditions requiring costly medication or treatments can put a strain on the flexibility of an individual’s finances.

Even when students of different backgrounds are able to make it to these higher institutions despite the financial aspect, they are subject to discrimination and inequity that is built into the system of academia itself.

The inaccessibility of higher education has closed doors for marginalized individuals, thus closing doors for opportunities to hold prestigious positions.

Education needs to be reformed to be more accessible to larger groups of people, which would in turn allow a more diverse pool of educated people to fill positions of prestige. Student debt forgiveness, a higher minimum wage and part-time schooling pathways would allow more people to pursue their higher education.

For now, it’s great that President Biden is using his white privilege to uplift a woman of color so she is able to fulfill a role she is more than qualified for. However, this privilege should more so be used to change the system into one that is accepting of all individuals. Marginalized communities should not have to rely on the privilege of white individuals in order for them to be heard.

The system must change so that all

Graphic by Aaliyah Alexander

Diversity in government is crucial to our country’s future.

voices are heard, valued and accepted on their own.

Brenna Martinez is a junior studying linguistics and English.

6

Arts & Culture

The Daily Aztec

March 2 - 8, 2022 EDITOR: Ryan Hardison • arts@thedailyaztec.com

The mostly harmful history of Native representation in popular video games

By Eugènie Budnik STAFF WRITER

Representation for those who identify as Native or Indigenous can be extremely hit or miss, and video games are not exempt from this.

Often, video games can portray harmful or dangerous stereotypes surrounding certain racial and ethnic groups. Many retro or classic video games have portrayed Native characters as “savages” and have disregarded the actual depth of many different Native cultures.

Arcades in the 1980s and 1990s were usually lined with video games such as “Laws of the West” or “Indian Attack,” which depicted the Native characters as enemies and the white characters as heros.

Even the cult-classic video game “Oregon Trail” reinforced the idea of the “savage” Natives fighting against settlers for land.

In “Mortal Kombat,” the character Nightwolf is identified as a Native historian and shaman. Nightwolf utilizes an ax and bow and arrow as his primary weapons, and is able to manipulate “spirit animal powers” to attack his enemies.

This portrayal of a Native character contributes to the “Mystic Warrior” which has been a Native archetype for years. This archetype trivializes and exploits many Native beliefs, and many games which employ this archetype lack the necessary research to truly honor the beliefs they are portraying.

The Cree nation spoke out against the portrayal of the real Chief Poundmaker in the popular strategy game “Civilization.” “[Civilization] perpetuates the myth

that First Nations had similar values that the colonial culture has, and that is one of conquering other peoples and accessing their land. That is totally not in concert with our traditional ways and world view,” current Poundmaker Cree Nation elder Milton Tootoosis said in an interview with CBC Radio’s Saskatoon Morning.

Some game-developing studios have demonstrated there is a correct way to depict Native cultures in a respectful and authentic way.

“Assassin's Creed III” takes place in Revolutionary War era America, and the game’s primary character is a halfMohawk, half-English man named Connor. Noah Watts, an actor who is a member of the Blackfeet and Crow Nations, voices the character.

For the role, Watts learned how to pronounce Mohawk with Mohawk consultant Thomas Deer. The “Assassin’s Creed” development team hired Deer to ensure all of the details of Mohawk life were correctly portrayed.

The first-person horror game “The Raven and the Light” tells the story of the horrors of Canada’s residential schools.

Residential schools were notorious in both Canada and the United States for stripping Native children of their culture, and often abusing Native children. In July 2021, news of over 160 unmarked graves were discovered at a former residential school on the west coast of Canada.

“The Raven and the Light” takes fictional characters and a fictional story and places them against a backdrop of extremely real historical events. The game also brings to light the dark history of these residential schools, and forces both Canadian and American citizens to reflect

Graphic by Emily Forschen

Video games have a history of perpetuating harmful stereotypes of Native Americans, this includes classic adventure games like "Oregon Trail" but more recent games like "Assassin's Creed III" have provided better representation.

on their countries’ histories.

The root of the issue of a lack of representation or misrepresentation lies in the lack of Native peoples working in game development studios. A survey conducted by the International Gaming Developers Association found that more than 83% of game developers identify as caucasian. Only 4% of respondents identified as Aboriginal or Indigenous.

Concordia University in Montreal, Canada strives to increase Native representation in game development studios through their “Skins Workshop” program. The program strives to teach

Native youth the skills necessary for game development, while also learning how to preserve their cultures and values through the use of digital media such as video games. The program’s aim is to show Native students that they can be both the producers and consumers of media.

Native and Indigenous peoples are not the only groups who have been severely underrepresented and misrepresented within the video game industry. The video game industry has been white and male dominated ever since its beginnings, and it still has a long way to go until all groups can feel represented in interactive media.

Squishmallow mania has cuddled its way onto campus

By Eugènie Budnik STAFF WRITER

Photos by Kaylani Cayabyab

(Top) Fifth year applied mathematics major Kaylani Cayabyab's Christmas tree completely covered by Cayabyab's extensive squishmallow collection. (Bottom) Cayabyab gleefully laying on top of her squishmallows.

They are squishy, colorful, come in a variety of sizes, can be found all over TikTok, and people will line up in the early hours of the morning to score them.

What are these comforting plushies you ask? I’m talking about Squishmallows, the increasingly popular line of stuffed toys created by Kelleytoys.

The toys were created in 2017, but their popularity skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of the social media platform TikTok. Each stuffed toy comes with a tag featuring the plushie’s name and unique backstory. Sinclair is an avocado toast Squishmallow who loves discussing outer space with his cousin Austin. Barb is a lavender colored dog with floppy ears who loves all things gymnastics.

The toys have become so huge that major brands such as Sanrio, Disney, and Sesame Street have collaborated with Kelleytoys to create limited edition licensed plush toys.

Even though Squishmallows were initially designed with children in mind, teens and young adults alike have taken a liking to the stuffed toy brand.

Kaylani Cayabyab, a fifth year applied mathematics major, has over 200 Squishmallows in her collection.

Immediately prior to her interview, Cayabyab had just bought a new Squishmallow to add to her collection.

“My first one [Squishmallow] was actually from my boyfriend, and I actually didn’t know what they were at the time,”

Cayabyab said.

After Cayabyab received her first Squishmallow in 2019, she started to collect more and more. Cayabyab had collected popular stuffed animals such as Build-a-Bears and Webkinz as a child, and says Squishmallows allow her to relive that part of her childhood.

“I’ve always collected stuffed animals,” Cayabyab said, “But now that I have adult money, nothing is stopping me.”

Squishmallow TikTok, or “SquishTok” as it is more commonly known, has become a huge online community for Squishmallow collectors.

“I have connected with other Squishmallow fans online. It’s lowkey embarrassing. I rarely use Facebook, but then I found a San Diego Squishmallow Facebook group and joined that,” Cayabyab said.

Cayabyab has also recently started making TikToks featuring her Squishmallow collection, as well as her journey hunting down specific Squishmallows.

Despite the cuddly cuteness of Squishmallows, the “SquishTok” community has come under fire for the actions of money hungry scalpers who resell Squishmallows for hundreds of dollars. Price gouging has become such an issue in the Squishmallow community that Change.org petitions have been made to stop scalpers.

This may seem like a lot of drama and tension for stuffed animals, but for many students, Squishmallows bring back memories from childhood.

“They [Squishmallows] really are like healing your inner child and allow me to

reconnect with things I used to do as a little kid,” Cayabyab said.

Cayabyab does not agree with the actions of resellers, but understands that for some it is a significant source of income.

“When one [Squishmallow] retails for fifteen dollars and then someone resells it for over one hundred dollars, it’s kind of ridiculous,” Cayabyab said. “Especially since I’ve seen some people cave into that…and bite the bullet because it’s one that they really want.”

The drama surrounding these plushies parallels the “Beanie Boo” craze of the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Similarly to Squishmallows, adult Beanie Boo collectors would often spend hundreds of dollars on rare or unique Beanie Boos with the idea that they would make a great investment.

Whether or not you think Squishmallows are just the new stuffed animal craze, SquishTok has proven that the desire for these toys is here to stay.

Photo by Eugènie Budnik

Squishmallows come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, including rare collectibles for loyal fans.

Arts & Culture

March 2 - 8, 2022 EDITOR: Ryan Hardison • arts@thedailyaztec.com

Syrup and self-care: students relax at 'PJs and Pancakes'

By Morgan Ray STAFF WRITER

On a chilly evening on Feb. 24, a crowd of students gathered at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union Courtyard for Associated Students’ inaugural “PJ’s and Pancakes” event, “because who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner?”

Aztec Student Union Board Union Nights Chair and event mastermind Lars Ecklund said he came up with the idea by taking cues from previous events.

“We did this a few years back and I actually didn’t get to take part because… it was the year before I was a freshman or like the very start of my freshman year, so I kind of wanted to throw it back to that… event that I knew went well,” Ecklund said, “But then also I mean, who doesn’t like free food? Everyone’s chilling in their pajamas, eating breakfast!”

Fluffy buttermilk pancakes, tangy orange juice, crisp bacon — you name it, it was there! As students lined up to pile up their plates and unwind in their comfiest get-ups, some gathered around the photo booth to snag a snapshot in their sweats (and/or onesies) or kicked back to watch the accompanying magic act. Several of these students reflected on the event’s significance at this point of the semester.

Communication studies junior Tasha Brechtel said the occasion came right on time.

“We’re getting into midterms, so it gives us a good break to come out and just be social… Honestly, (the event) gives us some food power to…get our study on tonight,” Brechtel said.

Finance senior Raymond Southall noted the event’s similarities to another on-campus banquet.

“I think it’s a good time, but I know also (that) the Afrikan Student Union has a midnight breakfast so I feel like they kind of stole that idea from them, but other than that it’s good. It’s a good turn out,” Southall said.

Engineering senior Xavier Leasau added these events are likely used to relieve students from the stress of upcoming schoolwork and tests.

“I know that the ASU midnight breakfast uses events like these to kind of help students de-stress, so maybe it’s kind of like along those same lines of giving

Photo by Morgan Ray

The poster for PJ's and Pancakes advertised the main draw for Thursday, Feb. 24's event: breakfast.

people an opportunity to get together and destress and not think about classes as finals and everything are coming up,” Leasau said.

When asked about the parallels to the ASU event, Ecklund said the event’s inception wasn’t inspired by anything else happening on-campus and it was planned weeks ahead of time.

“We didn’t have inspiration on that necessarily only because we plan these events way ahead in time…I still have events coming up so they’re kind of interchangeable in that sense just because of the timeframe, but I mean I’m sure if I was thinking about looking for inspiration from that source I totally would have,” Ecklund said.

Ecklund continued, saying these events are all put on with the students' best interests in mind.

“We’ve had events like last semester we had ‘Treat Yourself’ event which was obviously overtly selfcare and about that, but all of these events are meant for the well-being of students,” Ecklund said.

Noting how high the student attendance was only 40 minutes into the event, Ecklund stated, “In a way, it could be a recurring event. If I’m the chair next year…I would definitely consider this (again).”

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Digital stories hold special place in Indigenous homes

By Flower Smith SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Digital storytelling is a way to explain concepts, reflect upon personal experiences and bring narratives to life.

Dr. Lorena Sekwan Fontaine, presented a community-based study in a virtual event cosponsored by San Diego State's Department of American Indian Studies on Feb. 23, discussing the importance of digital storytelling and the power that it holds.

The main topic of the night focused on the heart health of Indigenous peoples in Manitoba and the historical trauma along with the current discrimination and racism that is often silenced.

"Mite achimowin is loosely translated in English as ‘heart talk,’ but conceptually, mite achimowin encompasses complex cultural teachings integral to caring for the mind, the physical body, the spirit as well as to living healthy lives," Fontaine said during the presentation.

Fontaine is a distinguished professor at the University of Winnipeg and an SDSU Fulbright Scholar in American Indian Studies. She is also a lawyer and researcher emphasizing the legacy of residential schools and Indigenous language rights in Canada.

When discussing heart health in Indigenous communities, Fontaine said it was important to hear from Indigenous women within the community who knew about heart health based on being heart health patients themselves or from caring for others who have had heart problems.

In her research, Fontaine had three objectives: create a space for Indigenous knowledge to emerge, explore culturallyrooted Indigenous knowledge and oppressive mechanisms influencing heart health, and create a space for Indigenous knowledge to be heard and understood by students in the healthcare field.

The research project's objective was to honor the traditions of oral history and storytelling as a means to elevate Indigenous knowledge and wellness practices amongst Indigenous women and heart health. Other objectives included initiating dialogue between Euro-western medical students to extend understanding of heart health amongst Indigenous people.

There was an emphasis on the Cree teachings of mite. Throughout the presentation, it was acknowledged that everyone is gifted a heart and the health of this heart requires an understanding of how to take care of one's psychological,

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physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, according to Fontaine's research.

"The reason why we engaged in this research was primarily because research done in the medical field has been done primarily on Indigenous peoples without often consent, but also without our knowledge in the research engaged in," Fontaine said.

Two of the digital stories showed shared knowledge from women in the Indigenous communities. They were first-person narratives of their experiences with heart health along with family relationships and lifestyle habits.

During the presentation, questions and comments from the audience were encouraged. SDSU student John Mollet spoke up and expressed how his public history education has made him think about criticism of oral history because of academic value. Mollet's further question involved how to persevere through the criticism of oral teachings being used as historical evidence.

"The courts in Canada have recognized oral evidence as valid testimony, so that is a positive direction for looking at our oral history as a valid way of doing research," Fontaine said.

Fontaine communicated how this is a positive step in using digital storytelling as a way to decolonize further research in this area.

"It really speaks to the power of storytelling, even when someone doesn't want to share their story beyond their particular people. It's important that we honor those choices just because it's digital and can be shared easily doesn't mean it needs to be," Pam Lach, digital humanities librarian at SDSU, added to the conversation.

"We're still on a journey about talking about these experiences, but we still have a long way to go," Fontaine said.

Screenshot courtesy of Department of American Indian Studies

Fontaine's powerpoint presentation centered on "Indigenous Digital Storytelling" and it's importance in being recognized in the academic sphere.

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The Daily Aztec

Mundo Azteca

March 2 - 8, 2022 EDITOR: Noé Sandoval • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com

Canciller del sistema de Las Universadades Estatales de California Joel Castro resigna

por Catlan EDITORA JEFE

Nguyen

Esta historia fue traducida por Noé Sandoval, editor de Mundo Azteca.

El canciller de la Universidad Estatal de California, Joseph I. Castro, presentó su renuncia a la Junta Directiva el jueves pasado.

La junta aceptó la decisión de Castro después de que un informe reciente de USA TODAY revelara que Castro manejó mal las denuncias de acoso sexual contra un ex empleado durante el mandato de Castro como presidente en Fresno State.

Castro se ha enfrentado a reacciones negativas y críticas del público desde la publicación del informe junto con otros presidentes de la CSU que le han pedido que renuncie.

“He tenido el honor de servir a la Universidad Estatal de California durante más de ocho años, incluso como su octavo rector, y la decisión de renunciar es la más difícil de mi vida profesional”, dijo Castro en un comunicado de prensa el jueves por la noche.

El mandato de Castro como canciller duró solo 13 meses después de asumir el cargo del excanciller Timothy White el 4 de enero de 2021.

“Aunque no estoy de acuerdo con muchos aspectos de los informes recientes de los medios y los comentarios posteriores, me ha quedado claro que renunciar en este

Cortesia por CSU Newswire

Joel Castro resigna de su puesto como canciler de las Universidades Estatales de California.

momento es necesario para que la CSU pueda mantener su enfoque de lleno en su misión educativa y el trabajo impactante que aún queda por hacer”, continuó Castro en el comunicado de prensa.

La Junta de Síndicos está trabajando actualmente para encontrar un reemplazo para Castro. Steve Relyea, el vicecanciller y director financiero de la CSU, intervendrá como reemplazo interino de Castro hasta que se nombre al nuevo canciller.

“Apoyo la decisión del canciller Castro

de renunciar”, dijo Shawki Moore, miembro de la Asociación de Estudiantes del Estado de California. “Las acusaciones de acoso sexual y las quejas del Título IX son asuntos muy serios, y conozco a muchos estudiantes que se sintieron extremadamente decepcionados y perturbados al enterarse de los detalles del acuerdo y la carta de recomendación que el canciller Castro le había dado al exvicepresidente de asuntos estudiantiles del estado de Fresno”.

Moore también enfatizó cómo Associated Students en San Diego State no tolera el acoso sexual y toma el asunto muy en serio”.

“Me entristeció porque también sientes por los sobrevivientes, y sientes por todas las personas que se quedaron calladas y luego tuvieron las agallas, la energía y la voluntad de decir algo”, Fabiola Moreno Ruelas vicepresidenta de Asuntos del Sistema de la Asociación de Estudiantes del Estado de California dijo. “Y luego, después de decir algo, no pasó nada”.

El presidente de CSSA, Isaac Alferos, dijo en un comunicado que le gustaría ver una investigación independiente sobre los malos manejos de Castro. También instó a las víctimas de acoso sexual a tomarse el tiempo para sanar.

“Agregaré que apoyo una investigación independiente y cualquier esfuerzo para comprender mejor lo que sucedió”, dijo Alferos en el comunicado. “Sin embargo, más importante para mí que la atención del artículo o los méritos de la justificación es la salud y el bienestar de los muchos sobrevivientes en la comunidad de CSU”.

Ruelas también dijo que esta situación es un recordatorio para que todos reevalúen las políticas existentes del Título IX de CSU e instó a más CSU a ofrecer servicios de apoyo a los sobrevivientes de agresión sexual.

SDSU tiene el Defensor de víctimas de agresión sexual para ayudar a brindar servicios personalizados a los sobrevivientes de agresión sexual.

Asociacion de Periodistas Hispanos hablan de Afrolatinidad en el país y en la profesión de media

Cortesia por Anissa Durham

Periodistas, reporteros y productores participaron en una discusion virtual sobre afrolatinidad en California para concluir el mes de la historia negra.

por Noé Sandoval EDITOR DE MUNDO AZTECA

El 28 de febrero, la Asociación de Periodistas Hispanos, NAHJ por sus sigla en inglés, en Los Angeles tuvo una plática virtual sobre afro latinidad en los Estados Unidos y en la profesión de la media.

Esta discusión se llevó a cabo a través de Zoom donde hubo panelistas

de periodistas, productores y artistas musicales. La discusión fue administrada por la presidente de NAHJ-LA, Dunia Elvir y Anissa Durham.

Durante la discusión, hubo los invitados como Christine Devine de la estación en FOX 11 y Pedro Rivera de KTLA 5.

La discusión se puse muy informativa y introspectiva hablando sobre la intersección entre los afro latinos en Los

Estados Unidos.

Uno de los panelistas, Thurito Martinez, es un productor para la estación nacional de Univision basada en Nuevo York.

Martinez habló de sus orígenes garifuna de Honduras durante la discusión y siempre quiere encontrar historia de afro latinos en el país.

“Es importante de conocer tu historia” dijo Martinez. “No hay que explicar, hay

que educar”.

El rapero de Los Angeles, Mellow Man Ace, habló de como él pudo reunir dos comunidades en Los Angeles con su musica. A través de su musica el pudo unir las comunidades afroamericanas y latinas en Los Angeles.

Mellow Man Ace, se identifica como afro-latino y tiene raices de Cuba. Él explicó que él se siente incluido en ambas comunidades debido a su identidad única.

Pedro Rivera, reportero de KTLA, también se identifico con muchos de los panelistas siendo afro latino de Republica Dominicana.

Rivera mencionó que el ambiente en Los Angeles es muy diferente en otras partes del país. En la comunidad latina en el sur de California, hay una gran mayoría de inmigrante de Mexico en el área. Las otras nacionalidades de América Latina que viven en Los Ángeles pueden sentirse invisible dentro la comunidad.

Christine Devine es una reportera para FOX 11 y ella hablo sobre la importancia de tener diversidad cultural en estaciones de noticiero y periódicos.

“Hay una gran significancia cultural en una estación tener su diversidad” dijo Devine. “Abre las puertas para un intercambio civil en la comunidad”.

Estudiantes que asistieron la plática apredieron mucho sobre la diversidad y representacion que puede haber en la profesion de perdiosmismo y comunicación. La importancia en afrolatindad viene de la intersecionalidad entre dos comunidades y es importanrte destacar los injusticias y desgualdad en ambas comunidades. NAHJ-Los Angeles pretende continuar la discusión cada mes virtualmennte ofreciendo mucha información para estudiantes.

March 2 - 8, 2022 EDITOR: Noé Sandoval • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com

Mundo Azteca

The Daily Aztec

Clubes de ingenieria organizan una feria academica en la universidad por Lucelis Martinez ESCRITORA PRINCIPAL

Bajo el ligero repiqueteo de la lluvia del Día del Presidente, múltiples organizaciones estudiantiles se reunieron bajo carpas en la Unión de Estudiantes Aztecas.

El Consejo Estudiantil de la Facultad de Ingeniería (CESC) organizó una feria de clubes para dar la bienvenida a los miembros antiguos y nuevos de sus organizaciones estudiantiles. CESC está organizando eventos durante toda la semana, siendo la feria del club la primera.

Kaylin Borders y Serenity Richardson asistieron, como fundadoras de Mujeres en Aeronáutica y Astronáutica (WOAA) en SDSU. Borders es estudiante de cuarto año de ingeniería aeroespacial, mientras que Richardson es estudiante de tercer año de ingeniería ambiental.

Borders también ha realizado una pasantía en el Laboratorio de Investigación Naval de EE. UU. en el departamento de ingeniería de naves espaciales y está investigando en el laboratorio de computación, orientación y navegación en SDSU. Según Borders, WOAA es una organización nacional que promueve a las mujeres y la inclusión en el mundo aeroespacial.

Hace tres años, Border decidió iniciar una comunidad WOAA en el campus, con el cofundador.

“Pensamos por qué no comenzar un capítulo aquí en el estado para ayudar a promover un entorno inclusivo”, dijo Border.

Richardson dijo que quiere apuntar a los estudiantes de primer año, que pueden no saber que hay un club en el campus que promueve la inclusión en el mundo aeroespacial en el campus.

“Incluso le hemos dicho a la gente varias veces, ni siquiera necesariamente tiene que tener un gran interés en la industria aeroespacial”, dijo Richardson, “Es por eso que tenemos diferentes tipos de especializaciones. Obviamente, soy un estudiante de medio ambiente ahora. No tienes que tener ninguna experiencia, puedes simplemente venir a la red, conocer gente y entender que esto realmente se trata de crear una comunidad”.

Border dijo que la asistencia a reuniones y eventos ha sido mejor desde que está en el campus, lo que también es cierto para otro grupo en la feria del club.

Miembros de Sigma Phi Delta en la feria del club.

Roberto Montaño Ramírez es estudiante de tercer año de ingeniería eléctrica y parte de Sigma Phi Delta. Ha sido parte del grupo desde su primer año y ha experimentado el club durante el período de cuarentena de COVID-19.

Ramírez dijo que Sigma Phi Delta es un grupo compacto de muchachos. Dijo que quería unirse cuando lo invitaron a un evento de presentación antes de COVID. “La forma en que realmente cultivamos esta hermandad se reduce a mantenernos conectados unos con otros”. Ramírez dijo. “Las cosas que aprendemos, especialmente los talleres, hacer cosas juntos, hacer tareas juntos como grupo realmente nos ha cultivado como hermanos”.

Ramírez dijo que le encanta ver sonreír a la gente y está emocionado de traer más hermanos. También compartió que planea postularse para la junta ejecutiva el próximo semestre para continuar alentando a más hermanos a entrar.

Ramírez dijo que la feria del club fue un día más lento para el reclutamiento, pero que los miembros aún asistieron.

“Eso es lo que hace que una hermandad sea una hermandad”. Ramírez dijo. “No importa la participación, no importa cómo sea el día. La semana pasada, estuvo ocupado durante la presentación de la mesa, teníamos muchachos allí.

Aquí, incluso si es lento y está lloviendo, todavía tenemos muchachos allí”.

Therese Dela Rosa y Esteban Carrera se desempeñan como presidente y vicepresidente de ACOSE, que es el Consejo Azteca de Ingeniería de Sistemas.

Rosa es ingeniera aeroespacial de tercer año, mientras que Carrera es senior.

Según Carrera, la ingeniería de sistemas es una subdisciplina de la ingeniería que enseña a los estudiantes a gestionar un equipo, proyecto o empresa dentro de las disciplinas de la ingeniería. Dijo que obliga a alguien a pensar en la logística detrás del diseño y la fabricación de un producto.

“Básicamente, lo que estamos tratando de hacer como club es que los estudiantes se certifiquen en ingeniería de sistemas, aquellos que estén interesados”, dijo Carrera.

Dijo que hacen muchos eventos de networking con profesionales de compañías como Northrop y General Atomics, entre otras, y que ACOSE está patrocinado por el Capítulo de Ingenieros de Sistemas de San Diego.

Carrera dijo que los estudiantes de cualquier carrera pueden unirse a la organización.

ACOSE comenzó el semestre pasado

Foto por Lucelis Martinez

Foto por Lucelis Martinez

Serenity Richardson and Kaylin Borders from WOAA.

Miembros de ACOSE en SDSU para la feria academica de ingenieria.

según Rosa, quien también compartió que estaba emocionada de ver a la gente en persona.

Carrera dijo que sentía que las personas están interesadas en unirse a ACOSE en parte porque extrañaron ser sociables durante la pandemia, pero tampoco quieren unirse a “clubes sociales más grandes” como los de Greek Life.

Animan tanto a los alumnos actuales como a los antiguos alumnos.

Otro grupo que asistió a la feria fue la Sociedad Estadounidense de Ingenieros Civiles del Estado.

Alana Bentigue y Alex Fuller dijeron que estaban allí para promover, establecer contactos y también informar sobre una conferencia que tendrán pronto en UCSD. Bentigue es una estudiante de tercer año de ingeniería civil y ha sido parte del grupo desde su primer año.

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Foto por Lucelis Martinez

Dijo que buscan ingenieros para formar parte de sus equipos técnicos y deportivos, ya que suelen tener eventos deportivos para los socios del club.

Fuller es un estudiante de ingeniería civil de cuarto año y parte del grupo durante seis meses. Dijo que ha hecho muchos amigos y se ha divertido mucho.

“Incluso en las reuniones de nuestro cuerpo general, es realmente fácil poner un pie en el mundo profesional”, dijo Bentigue.

También compartió que ha obtenido oportunidades de liderazgo y pasantías mientras estuvo en el grupo.

“También es una excelente manera de conocer gente en la escuela”, dijo Bentigue. “Encontrar compañeros de estudio y, sinceramente, solo un gran grupo de amigos para tener un sistema de apoyo”

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The Daily Aztec

Sports

March 2 - 8, 2022 EDITOR: Jason Freund • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Bradley goes off as Men’s tennis splits Aztecs beat Wyoming

weekend matches

By Morgan Prickett STAFF WRITER

Photo by Noelani Sapla

Senior Matt Bradley put up a career high 30-point game against Wyoming to lead the Aztecs to victory. Bradley also announced that he would be returning to SDSU for the 2022-23 season.

By Jason Freund SPORTS EDITOR

Coming into Monday night’s game, the Wyoming Cowboys (23-6, 12-4 Mountain West Conference) were undefeated at the Arena-Auditorium in Laramie. So feared is their home arena that it has been dubbed “The Dome of Doom.”

San Diego State (19-7, 11-4 MWC) was undaunted in the Dome of Doom. By the looks of it, the Aztecs looked comfortable at 7,200 feet in elevation.

For what is a Dome full of Cowboys when a team regularly plays in front of a student section that can match and even surpass entire arenas in volume by themselves?

After Monday night’s game, Wyoming now has to put a “1” in their home winloss record as SDSU — led by senior Matt Bradley’s career-high 30-point performance — sent the Cowboys running back to the stables with a 73-66 victory.

“It was hard-fought. This is a hard place to play - Altitude, they have a great environment, they are well-coached, their players play hard, they play the right way,” head coach Brian Dutcher said to goaztecs.com. “It was just a hard-fought Mountain West game, just like they all are.”

A road win over the Cowboys is just what the Aztecs needed to get them off the NCAA Tournament bubble and into an at-large bid for the big dance. SDSU fields an impressive resume with victories over the PAC-12’s Arizona State and West Coast Conference’s Saint Mary’s, who are currently ranked No. 19 by the Associated Press and just defeated No. 1 Gonzaga.

More importantly, it puts SDSU in a virtual tie for second place in the Mountain West with Wyoming and Colorado State, meaning that — should the season end today — the Aztecs would receive the No. 2 seed in the Mountain West Tournament and would face either the No. 7 seed or the No. 10 seed.

Of course, it wasn’t all Bradley’s doing that got the Aztecs the victory, despite the guard dropping 20 points in the first half and making five 3-pointers (including two long range Curry-esque shots).

No, it was senior Trey Pulliam who pulled (no pun intended) his team ahead in the crucial final moments of the game.

The Cowboys had shaved an 11-point SDSU lead to just a single point with a little over two minutes to spare in the game. Senior Nathan Mensah sank two free throws to extend the lead to three but senior Aguek Arop’s foul put sophomore Jeremiah Oden on the line, who also sank both of his free throws as well.

Then came Pulliam, who had been on a two month skid and had been struggling to generate offense. With minutes to spare, Pulliam knocked back two jump shots in the paint to pad SDSU’s lead to five. Two more free throws by Mensah were enough to ice the game for SDSU. “Just like last year, Trey Pulliam was making big plays down the stretch. All of these games, Trey’s playing better and better. That is what he did last year,” Dutcher said. “If you have any kind of memory at all you know that he carried us at the end of last year. He played a really solid game and hit really meaningful shots.”

Pulliam’s 14 points was the second highest total on the team but the rest of the team struggled as a whole. After lighting up ten three’s in the first half, SDSU only made two in the second half. Sophomore Chad Baker-Mazara — who had been shooting the lights out recently — went cold and didn’t make a single point.

The bench as a whole made 11 points as Dutcher relied mostly on his starters throughout the game, a tough ask of any team even when they aren’t playing in elevation.

Not even a triple-double from Wyoming senior Hunter Maldanado (13 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds) could help the Cowboys come out on top as SDSU’s defense held the team as a whole to 39.7% field goal shooting.

However, there is no rest for the wicked as SDSU has a quick turnaround match against Fresno State at Viejas Arena on Thursday.

“I am proud of our team and proud of our effort. We will enjoy this on the flight back but we play Thursday and play Saturday so no rest,” Dutcher said. “We have to get back to work tomorrow.”

On Saturday, Feb. 26, the San Diego State men’s tennis team (3-5) split their pair of home games, falling 4-3 to No. 46 Gonzaga University (7-1) before winning 6-1 versus Pomona-Pitzer College (2-2) later in the day.

With the win against Pomona-Pitzer, the Aztecs ended a tough five-game losing streak.

Versus Gonzaga SDSU started off strongly with the duo of freshman Alexander Mandma and senior Joe Tyler winning a hard-fought 6-3 battle over sophomore Sasha Trkulja and junior Matthew Hollingsworth. Aztec junior Victor Castro and sophomore Johannes Seeman would clinch the doubles point for the Aztecs, where they also won 6-3 against juniors Leon Roider and Oliver Andersson. SDSU’s duo of sophomores Jules Auffray and Judson Blair were winning their matchup, 5-4, but the match did not finish.

Unfortunately, unlike doubles, singles didn’t go the Aztecs’ way.

Tyler started the Aztecs off with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Trkulja. The Bulldogs would then go on to pick up the next four singles points.

Seeman battled Hollingsworth but eventually fell 6-4, 6-0. Castro took Andersson to three sets but also fell 6-3, 3-6, 1-6. Mandma then gave the Bulldogs their third singles win after losing 6-0, 6-4 versus freshman Arthus De La Bassetiere.

The Bulldogs clinched the match when graduate student Tom Hann defeated Auffray 6-0, 6-4. The Aztecs eventually won their third point as Blair took down Rodier in two sets 6-2, 7-5, but it was too

little too late.

“We were knocking on the door of winning that match, we won the doubles point and half of the first sets in singles.

We had enough points to close the door and I still felt like even in our matches where we dropped the first set we had opportunities to climb ourselves back into matches,” head coach Gene Carswell said. “So definitely disappointed with not getting that one. I felt that that one would have been a nice win for our group.”

Versus Pomona-Pitzer Yet again, the Aztecs swept the doubles point. Tyler and Mandma combined for their second win of the day with a 6-0 win over ​​ Jansen Comadena and Owen Kelley. Castro and Seeman again clinched the point with a 6-2 win versus Mukund Madabhushi and Charlie Stark.

Sophomore Roni Rikkonen and Blair were also up in their doubles match, 5-2, before, yet again, the final doubles match was stopped before it finished.

For singles, Tyler continued his solid play winning every single one of his matches after he dominated Hayden Snyder 6-2, 6-0.

Madabhushi won the Sagehens’ only point of the day after defeating Castro 6-3 in the first set before Castro was forced to retire in the second set.

The rest of the Aztecs did a good job to close out the match, winning every remaining singles game.

Seeman won 6-4, 6-2 to put the Aztecs back on top. Mandma then won, 6-3, 6-2.

Blair won his second singles match of the day 6-2, 6-4 and Rikkonen wrapped up the day with a 6-1, 6-2 win.

The Aztecs will next take part in the prestigious Pacific Coast Doubles Championships set for March 4-6 at La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.

Photo by Morgan Prickett

Men’s tennis split it’s weekend series against, losing to Gonzaga and defeating Pomona-Pitzer. The win against Pomona-Pitzer broke SDSU’s five-game losing streak.

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March 2 - 8, 2022 EDITOR: Jason Freund • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Sports

The Daily Aztec /

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Aztecs make a splash winning Mountain West

Courtesy of SDSU Athletics

San Diego State seniors went out on top on their senior day, and in the Mountain West Conference. It’s the team’s third MWC title in the last four years, and third in as many seasons.

By Jayden Hanzy STAFF WRITER

Following a historic season, the San Diego State women’s swim and dive team were crowned the Mountain West Conference champions. The dominant victory serves as the sixth championship in the last twelve years for the Aztecs.

During the meet, the Scarlet and Black set a new Mountain West record with a score of 1,541.5 team points beating UNLV’s former record of 1,349.

During the four day championship tournament, the Aztecs placed first in

three out of the four days they competed in while the swimmers and divers collectively excelled throughout the entire tournament. Specifically, senior diver Ximena Lecuhga González was crowned diver of the meet by the Mountain West Conference. Freshman breaststroke and freestyle swimmer Meredith Smithbaker also earned the freshman of the meet award.

During the 200-yard backstroke, sophomore Alex Roberts earned second place with a time of 1:55.67, barely losing to the first place winner. In the 100-yard freestyle senior Mia Ryan also placed second with a time of 49.71, falling short

of UNLV senior Kristina Schneider’s time of 49.65. In the 200-yard breaststroke, seniors Klara Thromalm and Kristina Murphy took up the second and third positions with respective times of 2:09.73 and 2:11.07.

When it comes to the diving portion of the tournament, senior Aztec Ximena Lechuga Gonzalez recorded second place with a score of 305.10.

Moving forward to the 400-yard freestyle relay, the Aztecs’ concluded their successful tournament and season with a time of 3:17.45. The relay race and the season as a whole is a perfect example of how cohesive of a unit the Aztecs are.

The Mountain West Conference championship is definitely one of the highest points of the Scarlet and Black season this year. They had a great season and have the potential to have an even better season next year.

As the season is winding down, the Scarlet and Black have a few more tournaments before their legendary season comes to an end. On Mar. 7 the Aztecs will be traveling to Seattle to compete in the NCAA Zone E Diving Championship. On Mar. 16, they will travel again to Atlanta for the NCAA Swimming and Diving. To cap off their season SDSU goes against USD on Apr. 15 at the Aztec Aquaplex.

Aztecs go 2-1 in Tony Gwynn Legacy Tournament

By Jenna Meyer SENIOR STAFF WRITER

San Diego State (3-4) opened their seventh annual Tony Gwynn Legacy tournament on Friday night with a dominating 7-1 win over the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (2-3).

While a brisk night under the lights, loyal Aztec fans returned to Tony Gwynn Stadium for the first time since the 2020 season prior to COVID-19 in support of their team.

The first three innings ensued a pitcher’s duel between sophomore LHP TJ Fondtain and junior RHP Cade Helemanu.

Fondtain secured his first win on the mound for the Scarlet and Black with a career-high of seven strikeouts in six innings pitched.

The Aztecs struck first and took an early 1-0 lead in the third after a single to right from sophomore Caden Miller before making it home on sophomore Poncho Ruiz’s hit to left-center.

The Scarlet and Black tacked on another in the fourth after a triple to right from sophomore Johnny Giannola and an RBI groundout from sophomore Cole Carrigg.

Hawaii eventually connected bats to balls in the top of the fifth after a fielding error and scored on an RBI single from junior Dallas Duarte, taking the score to 2-1.

After a pitching change for the Rainbow Warriors, the Aztecs wasted no time loading the bases and scoring with the help of sophomores Tino Bethancourt and Max Foxcroft.

The scoring did not stop there after Miller’s single up the middle brought Foxcroft and Rodriguez home, adding to the score 7-1.

Sophomore RHP Ricky Tibbett closed the game out, securing his first career

Photo by Jenna Meyer

The Aztecs stand as one after taking down Pac-12 opponent Utah 4-3. The Scarlet and Black went 2-1 in the Tony Gwynn Legacy Tournament at Tony Gwynn Stadium.

save after two strikeouts in three innings pitched.

The Daily Aztec Player of the Game goes to Fondtain for his dominating performance on the mound and a careerhigh of seven strikeouts for his first collegiate victory.

After their 7-1 Friday night victory over the University of Hawaii, the Aztecs closed out the 2022 Tony Gwynn Legacy tournament with two back-to-back contests against the University of Utah (41-1) on Saturday and Sunday.

Game 1 - Saturday, Feb 26, 2022 In a pregame ceremony, 14 alumni of the 1983 and 1984 Aztec Baseball teams — who advanced to NCAA regionals — were honored including Utah head coach, Gary Henderson.

In addition to this, all players and coaches donned the No. 19 with ‘Gwynn’ across the back of their jerseys in honor of the late Tony Gwynn and his legacy and continuous impact on SDSU Baseball.

Head Coach Mark Martinez shared in a

press conference earlier in the week that SDSU celebrates Tony every day. They work to match his character within the program and the tournament now works to educate kids who may have never seen Tony play.

With a 6 p.m. first pitch, sophomore RHP Kelena Sauer took the mound for the Aztecs for his second career start.

His career-high of seven strikeouts was not enough to push the Scarlet and Black towards victory.

Redshirt sophomore Randon Hostert and the Utes stunned the Aztecs with a complete game shutout.

Utah plated two runs in the fourth after a double from graduate student Chase Anderson and an RBI single from redshirt junior Jayden Kiernan.

The scoring did not stop there for the Utes going into the fifth inning. Sophomore Kai Roberts sent a ball flying resulting in a two-run home run and bringing redshirt freshman Dakota Duffalo back home.

Junior RHP Robert Brodell took over on

the mound, relieving Sauer and providing four scoreless innings with four strikeouts and allowing two hits and one walk.

Game 2 - Sunday, Feb 27, 2022 In Sunday’s matinee matchup, the Aztecs handed Utah their first loss of the 2022 season in walk-off fashion resulting in a 4-3 win.

Senior LHP Jacob Flores got the start for the Scarlet and Black, with a career-high of seven strikeouts in five innings pitched.

SDSU struck first in the third after sophomore Poncho Ruiz plated freshman Shaun Montoya.

Utah quickly responded in the fourth with a plated run after a bunt from redshirt senior Matt Richardson.

SDSU tacked on another in the bottom of the fourth, maintaining the lead at 2-1.

The Utes came roaring back in the top of the fifth, bringing in two runs after redshirt junior Carter Booth sent a two-run homer out of left-center field, giving Utah the 3-2 lead.

Following Utah’s scoring bout, sophomore RHP Johnny Guzman took over on the mound for Flores and prevented any additional scoring from the Utes.

After 1.3 innings pitched, sophomore RHP Jadon Bercovich came in to close out the game for the Aztecs and nailed down his first collegiate win after securing the final two outs in the seventh.

Junior Brian Leonhardt brought the energy back to Tony Gwynn stadium after smacking a two-run single in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win for the Scarlet and Black.

The game was cut short to seven innings due to travel conflicts and time constraints within the Utah program.

The Aztecs are back in action and continuing their nine-game homestand at Tony Gwynn stadium against Hawaii on Monday with a 6 p.m. first pitch and Tuesday against UC Irvine.

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The Daily Aztec

The Back Page

March 2 - 8, 2022 Editor: Ryan Hardison • arts@thedailyaztec.com

‘Pocahontas’ has many inexcusable flaws but a soundtrack for the ages

By Trinity Bland MANAGING EDITOR

While Disney’s 1995 animated film “Pocahontas” may be morally heinous due to its numerous historical inaccuracies, the soundtrack is worthy of praise as it is one of the most glorious collections of music to exist.

Fans of genius composer Alan Menken, who is no stranger to the world of Disney feature film music, will find this soundtrack to be in line with his majestic resume of film scores, a casual finesse for the man, the myth and the legend himself.

After the first trilogy of films featuring his original music dating back to 1989 with “The Little Mermaid,” 1991 with “Beauty and the Beast” and 1992 with “Aladdin,” Menken had plans to remain at the top of the Disney feature film score game with “Pocahontas.”

With the help of songwriter Stephen Schwartz, Menken gave birth to one of Disney’s largest and most complex soundtracks. Receiving critical acclaim and winning multiple awards for both the score and the film’s main title song “Colors of the Wind,” this was nothing out of the ordinary for Menken or Disney feature films, both of which were at their historic peak during this era.

“Pochahontas” epitomizes Menken’s style at the time – signature songs of simple harmonic construction and a score rich in light orchestral flavor. However, due to the story’s much more balanced and steady tone compared to the previous films in his repertoire, Menken had to refine his routine to connect to what Pocahontas herself embodies: grace, delight and awe.

Graphic by Emily Forschen

Pocahontas is one of Disney’s most iconic animated characters, with a legendary stoundtrack to match.

Taking that a step further, the film’s dark coloration with a more serious, dramatic stance influenced the score’s overall demeanor, resulting in a beautiful collection from top to bottom.

Most fans will hold “Colors of the Wind” and “Just Around the Riverbend” as wellknown favorites, as they both feature Judy Kuhn’s phenomenally unstoppable vocal range paired with lush instrumentation.

Plus, who doesn’t love a Disney ballad?

“Colors of the Wind” helps John Smith break free from his shallow ignorance and understand how the cultural differences between him and Pocahontas can make the world a brighter place

rather than a darker one, despite what the Englishmen and Native Americans proclaim throughout the entire film. The soundtrack includes the just as powerful Vanessa Williams version as well.

“Just Around The Riverbend” embodies the excitement and anxiety the future can bring – something many college students can find relatable. Similarly, Grandmother Willow (Linda Hunt)’s “Listen to Your Heart” serves as the film’s spiritual centerpiece and is a message all 20-somethings can use when confronted with making difficult decisions at the start of adulthood.

Disgustingly offensive anthem “Savages”

is sung by the Englishmen as they plan to invade Native American territory while Disney regular David Ogden Stiers takes lead vocals as villain Ratcliffe in greedfueled “Mine, Mine, Mine.”

Mel Gibson proved himself as Smith with his triumphant feature on “Mine, Mine, Mine” but his range in the originally rejected love song “If I Never Knew You” with Kuhn is impressive. The song possesses extravagant emotion and contributes an extra layer of richness to the romantic narrative of the film. The soundtrack’s heartfelt version recorded by Jon Secada and Shanice is noteworthy.

Menken’s dreamy instrumentals which soundtrack pivotal scenes in the film, namely the beautiful evolutionary sequence of Pocahontas and Smith meeting and becoming acquainted with each other in the midst of their budding yet forbidden love, signal the necessary romantic aspects of the “historically based” film. Arguably, these are the most perfect points of the soundtrack.

If flaws reside at all here, the film’s extremely fast pace denies each song the equal opportunity to exist in the form of the regal ballads they probably should have been. Even still, the soundtrack itself remains an enjoyable experience for people of all ages, transcending the course of time and history.

After Disney’s disgraceful interpretation and shameful attempt at a history lesson, the story of Pocahontas deserves so much more from the world. At the very least, Menken had the maximum talent to compose a score not only fit for a desirable Disney princess but a virtuous historical figure whose tragic story has been unfairly romanticized.

Student excels in fashion design with results to match

By Cristina Lombardo ASST. ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

Sometimes things work out for the better, even if one has no idea what they’re going to do with their life, or at least it did for Faith Schneider-Reuter.

Schneider-Reuter is a senior studying Interdisciplinary studies, business marketing, communications, and graphic design at San Diego State. She is originally from Humboldt, California, and moved to San Diego to attend SDSU. When she was a senior in high school one thing was for sure, she developed a love for fashion like no other.

“I made my senior prom dress out of fabric that I found at a thrift store. After that, I was like ‘Oh I really want to do this’ so after that, I kept making clothes,” Schneider-Reuter said. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do so I decided not to do fashion school and I ended up at SDSU.” This path wasn’t always something Schneider-Reuter knew she wanted to pursue. When she was 16 years old, she graduated high school with no plan in mind.

She had a lot of interests, but wasn’t certain if she wanted to go to fashion school. Sometimes she wished SDSU had a fashion degree, but ultimately she’s glad they don’t because being self taught when it comes to fashion and sewing makes one well versed in the fashion industry.

“You learn certain techniques of how to make clothing a traditional way, and I feel like I want to go about it isn’t traditional,”

Couresty of Faith Schneider-Reuter’s Instagram

Schneider-Reuter has taught herself fashion skills.

Schneider-Reuter said. “So, I feel like I’m glad I didn’t get that traditional learning skill set and even though I mess up sometimes and it’s not right, I kinda like that.”

Schneider-Reuter’s time at SDSU has allowed her to expand into many different areas of interdisciplinary studies and helped her decide the path she wants to take with fashion.

In one of her marketing classes, an assignment of hers was to reach out to someone she admires, and this turned into a great opportunity.

“There was a lady named Riza Clave. I reached out to over Instagram DM (direct message) I think my sophomore year… and she’s a custom clothing designer for artists in L.A.,” Schneider-Reuter said.

“I reached out to her on Instagram as an informational interview.”

The stars aligned for SchneiderReuter when Clave reached out to and mentioned an internship program for

college students – and the rest was history.

She started a mentorship program under Clave where she learned the ins-and-outs of the fashion industry and pursued her interests.

Through the internship, SchneiderReuter was able to show her designs at San Diego Fashion Week.

“So, that was my first big showing of my designs and kind of coming out as a ‘designer,’” Schneider-Reuter said.

Learning under Clave was a good life lesson for her because now when she approaches anyone in the fashion industry she always goes up to those she wants to learn from.

In the last year since San Diego Fashion Week, Schneider-Reuter waited to release anything but still created new items.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, she started selling masks and gave out 500 masks to Black students in Humboldt.

After spending all that time creating masks, she felt a little burnt out. This year she’s focusing her time thinking about her next step on how to gradually enter the fashion industry.

“Just because there are so many problems with it. With fast fashion and like the buy and giveaway consumer mindset we have,” Schneider-Reuter said.

“So I’m trying to intentionally move into that space, with consciously shifting that mindset somehow through my clothing.”

At the end of the day, she is still figuring things out and trying to pursue something she loves while hoping to make it even better.

“I want to change the idea of what fashion is,” Schneider-Reuter said.

Photos courtesy of Faith Schneider-Reuter’s Instagram

(Top) Schneider-Reuter designed all of the clothing for her desert photoshoot. (Bottom) Schnieder-Rueter designed her own senior prom dress out of thrift store fabric, solidifying her interest in fashion.