Vol. 97, No. 6 - 01/27/2010

rattler the

A St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925

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Vol. 97 Issue 6

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01-27-10

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NEW in this issue: Your Tweets PG. 8 Poetry Corner & The College Crossword PG. 15

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Residence Life plans to fix network issues

By Alonzo Mendoza Staff Writer Students who live on campus may have noticed in the last couple of months that some important changes in the residence halls have been made since last semester, including changes to the internet network.

Last semester, all residents were notified by e-mail about upgrades that were going to be made to the internet network in the residence halls. The dorms received the touch-ups in gradual sections beginning from late fall 2009 until the end of winter break.

James Villarreal, the director of Residence Life, explained the reason for the upgrades.

“The Information Technology Department and the Residence Life Department were trying to change the network [into] a single sign-in component. The purpose was to be quicker and simpler, so that every time you try to connect, it is a one-time connect and you don’t have to keep signing on (to the network).”

While the recent changes made it easier for residents to connect to the internet via their laptops, it was not as easy to connect video game consoles to the network. Many residents have complained that they were not able to successfully connect their video game consoles, such as Xbox 360 and PS3, to the school’s network using an ethernet cable, despite instructions that the IT department released to help students connect.

Villarreal said that the next step to take would be to let the head of the IT Department, Amado Cantu, know of the current situation.

Another change in the residence halls has been with Time Warner Cable, the university’s cable provider. Residents have received flyers in their mailboxes from the cable provider regarding service deals such as digital cable with HD and digital telephones.

Concerning the recent shut down of HBO and Showtime networks, Villarreal said, “We have a business account with Time Warner Cable. With our most recent contract that we signed last fall, we allowed Time Warner Cable to market upgrade opportunities to the students. In November, TWC came and offered HD boxes and upgrade packages. It is in our contract that we have Showtime and HBO. It was just addressed to me earlier this week that Showtime and HBO were turned off (to our residents). This morning I sent an e-mail to TWC. I have yet to hear from them. We are committed to this (situation).”

Inside:

Senior criminal justice major Stephania Oliver holds her son, Ayden Quinn, and remembers opening a hymnal in church to Psalm 38.

One line reads “I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.” Photo by Analicia Perez

The tremors of Haiti shake St. Mary’s

By Austin W. Newton News Editor On Jan. 12, 2010 at approximately 3:53 p.m. CDT, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit one of the poorest nations in the world — Haiti. The earthquakes toppled buildings, trapped civilians and the fallout has killed over 111,000 people thus far.

This inspired Americans and world citizens to donate up to $355 million to the island country and many are also volunteering for the American Red Cross, according to CNN. com on Jan. 23. But who would have known that the earthquake’s tremors would shake the lives of St. Mary’s University students?

Senior biology major Irene Pedraza has visited Haiti twice in the past, most recently dur-

Keep the change A proposed city ordinance hopes to ban handouts to panhandlers.

PG. 7

ing the 2009 Thanksgiving break. Her father, Robert, is currently an employee of the U.S. Agency for International Development and has been helping rebuild Haiti with U.S. government funds for the past year and a half. Pedraza’s father was in the U.S. embassy when the earthquake struck.

Irene’s father survived the earthquake.

“When [my family] first found out, we weren’t able to get in contact [with him] for an hour. He reassured us he was fine,” said Pedraza.

The embassy was built to survive earthquakes and other natural disasters. However, everything around the embassy was destroyed. Her father is unable to walk the streets anymore, as the pedestrians are getting more violent day

by day, she said.

“Everything the U.S. has done in Haiti, all the buildings they helped with, it is all demolished,” describes Irene Pedraza. “[My family and I] are calm. Our main concern is getting food to him. There isn’t that much food in Haiti right now. He always gets supplies when he leaves home. Since he hasn’t been home, it’s hard to get food over there.”

What Irene hopes the St. Mary’s community understands is this: “Haiti was very devastated before the earthquake happened. Now there’s more devastation. Even after the earthquake is gone from the news, the help shouldn’t stop. We should continue to help Haiti, because they need aid now more than ever.”

Within our St. Mary’s com-

No Car? No Problem?

Read how to get downtown, without personal transportation, for about a dollar.

PG. 10

munity there is also a native of Haiti who walks among us.

She is a student, an employee, sister and a mother. Her name is Stephania Oliver, a criminal justice major. Oliver, along with her sisters and grandmother, call Haiti their home.

Here in the U.S. they spend most of the evenings together at their apartment watching television or reading articles on the computer. The earthquake has devastated their home lives, but they continue through their daily routines?.

“The day it happened, Jan. 12, was my mother and grandmother’s birthday. My mother was in Haiti when it happened.

It took about two days to talk to my mother [on the phone].

When I did, I was on the floor crying,” said Oliver as she Cont. on PG. 3, SEE “Haiti”

Go Team!

Cheerleading team brings home first place trophy from first its competition in years.

PG. 18

Commentary

6 The Rattler

01-27-10

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Editor-in-Chief Sarah Mills

Sports Editor Veronica Martinez

Managing Editor Denice Hernandez

Photo Editor Analicia Perez

Layout/Design Manager Amanda Rodriguez

Assistant Photo Editor Felix Arroyo

Copy Editor Alexis Alvarez

Advertising Manager Leo Reyes

News Editor Austin Newton

Assistant Ad Manager Katie O’Donnell

Commentary Editor Lorna Cruz

Web Editor Sara Cornejo

Features Editor Stephen Guzman

Staff Cartoonist Oscar Maguregui

Entertainment Editor Luis Miguel Macias

Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

STAFF WRITERS Azhmir Acosta Daniel Aguilar Amanda Cano Jessica Carillo Chris Childree Jasmine Garcia Lena Scalercio Cristina Gonzalez Joe Guerra Mirella Guerrero Kenneth Howell Robin Johnson

Andrea Magallanez Alonzo Mendoza Sean O’Kelley Nina Olivera Nancy Perez Dania Pulido Matthew Rodriguez Paul Saldana Alex Salinas Caitlin Skelton Annie Swenson Danielle Torres

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Nicholas Alfaro Ashley Arnold Nicholas Campana Adam Casiano Alejandra Diaz Liliana Espinosa Paulina Fernandez

Caitlyn Geraci Robin Johnson Guadalupe Molina Emily Scruggs Michelee Vasquez Jenny Wendover

Standards The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy.

The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

Contact Us The Rattler St. Mary’s University One Camino Santa Maria Box 83 San Antonio, TX 78228 210-436-3401 / 210-431-4307 (fax) rattlernews@stmarytx.edu

Letters to the Editor Policy The Rattler welcomes letters to the editor.

Letters should not exceed 500 words and must include writer’s name, classification, major and telephone number.

Editors reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar, spelling and content.

Letters may be delivered to Room 258 in the University Center, faxed to (210) 431-4307, mailed to The Rattler, St. Mary’s University, One Camino Santa Maria, Box 83, San Antonio, TX 78228, or e-mailed to rattlernews@stmarytx.edu.

For more information, call the newsroom at (210) 436-3401.

STAFF EDITORIAL

U.S. gives Haitians temporary legal status The first thing that comes to mind when we hear about earthquakes, like the one that hit Haiti, is how we can help.

The U.S. has aided by donating money, supplies and medical and military personnel. It is important that these actions are taken as the initial effects of the disaster are still surely being felt, but before any sort of clearing and rebuilding can be made, there are millions of people who are still waiting to be rescued and treated.

Something that many still do not know about, though, is a different kind of assistance that the U.S is providing for the people of Haiti. Recently, U.S. officials said that special measures would be placed to give temporary legal status for the Haitians living in the U.S. This might actually be a very effective way to help those Haitians who cannot return to their country for now and who are willing and able to work in the U.S.

in the meantime. Those who do not have criminal records in the U.S. will be allowed to stay and work, so that they can send money to their families and the island in need.

The program implemented by the U.S. administration has very strong potential to be an alternate sort of aid for the devastated country of Haiti.

Even though much work has to be done on the island to stabilize it and return it to productivity, the fact that Haitians living in the U.S. can apply for legal working status and begin to create even a small amount of income for their families is a great way to help.

Despite the fact that this measure will not be able to completely assure that every Haitian in the U.S. gets a legal status, or that their income will go toward the island, it is definitely a good way to provide that extra aid option, which can go a long way if used appropriately.

Help Haiti— with your cellphone texts!

Red Cross “HAITI” to 09000 for $10

Salvation Army “HAITI” to 52000 for $10

Clinton Bush Haiti Fund “QUAKE” to 20222 for $10

World Vision “GIVE” to 20222 for $10

MTV Telethon “GIVE” to 25383 for $10

UNICEF “HOPE10” to 20222 for $10

Oxfam America “OXFAM” to 25383 for $10

Yele Haiti Foundation “YELE” to 501501 for $5

Your paper, your opinion Should San Antonio enable the proposed law that will fine those who give money to homeless?

Be on the lookout; you never know when The Rattler will want your view!

Audrey Avila

Mariah Villareal

Elena Vasquez

Veronica Gallegos

Freshman Biology

Freshman International relations

Sophomore Marketing

Sophomore English

“They have a right to make a living, as long as they don’t harm anyone it should be ok.”

“They have families, so it wouldn’t be right to deny them a way to earn a living.”

“If you want to give money to people it’s your choice; I give money if asked. ”

“Some people have no choice but to beg; it’s not fair to take away what they survive on. ”

Letter to the Editor

Graduating senior is angered by change in venue used for commencement ceremony Looks like I finally made it to my final semester here at St. Mary’s. For me, this is a big deal. Let me explain why graduation is so important for me beyond the obvious reasons. I am a nontraditional student. When I graduated high school in 2001, I went to San Antonio College for four years and took no more than nine hours a semester. It wasn’t until November 2005 that I drove to St. Mary’s and walked into the admissions office for information on becoming a student. I started my first year here in January 2006 and four years later, at 27, I am finally graduating.

I would like to assume that 100 percent of students who attend college have every intention of graduating. That is the plan for me and my fellow Rattlers, I’m sure. I’ve been looking forward to walking the stage for four years now but more importantly, I wanted to share that moment with my family.

I could have graduated in December 2009, but I arranged my schedule and hours so that I can graduate in May 2010 for the sole purpose of being able to invite my rather large family.

Since I have been a student here, the spring commencement ceremonies have been at the Freeman Coliseum. This is good news for graduates who have large families because they are not limited to a set number of mandatory guest tickets to invite guests to see them walk the stage and to share this pivotal moment in a student’s life.

I am a first generation college graduate in my family. I was planning on inviting my parents, my four big brothers, their wives and my fourteen nieces and nephews. I wanted to share that moment with my family and I wanted the kids in my family

to see what the ceremony would be like. I wanted to inspire my family members and to share that experience with them. To me, my journey here at St. Mary’s is their journey too.

Although I have no idea why the commencement ceremony was moved to the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center for this spring’s graduates, I do know how I feel about it.

When I graduate, I will be in debt by at least $50,000. That number multiplied by the student body would surely be more than enough to rent out a larger facility for a few hours on May 8, 2010. I realize this is beyond my control and maybe those with large families who find themselves in similar situations will

“I wanted to share that moment with my family and I wanted the kids in my family to see what the ceremony would be like.” sympathize. But my goal, wish, and hope is to find a way to get my family to the commencement to see this moment.

I feel so disappointed by the scheduling of the facilities and I am frustrated that there has yet to be an explanation for the change. I know there are reasons for the location change, but I just wish those who organize graduation would consider the situations and families of the graduates. For now, I will enjoy my final semester here and try not to let this issue get to me, but I will indeed be looking for a solution to my problem.

Elizabeth Peña Speech communication major

Commentary

01-27-10

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OPPOSING VIEWS

Spare some change?

A law proposed by John Clamp, San Antonio City councilman, would make it illegal for people to give money to panhandlers; should the city try to push homeless away or continue to support them?

Better solutions can be found for the homeless, other options would help.

Preventing citizens from using their money to help the homeless goes against rights.

The city of San Antonio, oft plagued by a variety of plagues and threats, is finally taking action against one of our greatest Kenneth Howell common threats – panhandlers.

Panhandlers come in many forms and varieties from the ragged; down-on his luck bearded fellow to the would-be soccer moms to the ex-military vet with the distant eyes piercing you as you sit in your car.

The city is on the verge of going on the offensive against a perceived increase of panhandlers. The plan is to issue a fine to individuals who give money to panhandlers and starve the panhandlers right out of the Alamo City. That is the story the city wants you to hear, anyway.

The plight of the homeless and unemployed is particularly stark. The Great Recession is still taking its toll on America. In the lazy afternoons as the sun gazes down upon the Alamo City, it is far too easy to find someone begging. Drive along the access road of I-410 and hit Vance Jackson, Babcock, Callaghan, or Bandera Roads and I would bet you have seen at least one panhandler, if not more. It is a sad observation that in one stretch of road so many people need our help.

By cutting off the hand that feeds, the city of San Antonio plans to limit the increasing migration of panhandlers into San Antonio. Our generosity and graciousness is well-known. The friendliness of our community is not something that should be punished, but instead should be focused on other ways that we can help. This legislation should be combined with an effort to provide aid for the homeless or unemployed.

Instead of simply punishing citizens, we should make sure that the people we wish to help have access to facilities for food, shelter and employment training. To simply outlaw panhandlers does little to rectify the situation beyond shooing them away. Is it really an unpopular idea to consider redirecting the outpouring of help to reinforce our existing shelters, soup kitchens and otherwise? Or is it easier for our city to simply come down on our citizens?

From there, what about our country as a whole?

Examining it on a national level, is there not more that could be done to support these people? As it is, are we not caught watching cities and townships take efforts to stem the tide while no one with the power to address these issues on the federal level takes action?

Invisible walls continue to go up while no one seeks to address the issue, leaving it up to local governments to shrug their shoulders in a ‘wish I could help’ way when we CAN help. Take these people off the streets, get them some food and shelter and get them into job training; don’t just give them some spare change and a dollar, give them some real help.

There is an issue beyond San Antonio, one that demands action, action that should alleviate the necessity for cities like ours to punish citizens for being too gracious. The idea that we have come to that as a community is pitiful, a pity that only grows deeper when thinking of all the other ways that we could address our issues as a country. www.stmurattlernews.com

Check it out!

Share your view and vote on our online poll.

Cartoon by Oscar Maguregui

Recently, San Antonio City Councilman John Clamp has proposed an ordinance that will fine individuals who give money Azhmir Acosta to panhandlers. The fine could go up to $500. The ordinance is an effort to keep the city safe by ridding the streets of panhandlers badgering motorists for money. Councilman Clamp has stated that he has received complaints from his constituents that have felt harassed by panhandlers. Also, motorists who linger to give money are endangering other motorists by interfering with the flow of traffic.

As a member of the local community, it is my belief that the city would be interfering with the rights that we, as citizens, have to give our money to whom we see fit to receive it, such as those individuals who are homeless. This ordinance will limit what I can do with my own money, and will remove my right as a citizen to be a good samaritan by giving to someone in need at that moment. To punish the giver criminalizes the giving hearts of this city.

In my opinion, the streets of San Antonio will not be safer without panhandlers because they do not pose a serious threat to the citizens of the city. They are not attempting to disrupt the peace or put people’s lives in danger. The panhandlers should not be seen as the issue. Yes, they may be an eyesore at times, but do not forget that they, too, are individuals just trying to make it through the day. Giving them a dollar or two while sitting at a stoplight does not endanger other motorists, unless you choose to do it at the very second the light turns green.

Some may argue that giving a panhandler money is not helping, but rather hurting them because they will continue this lifestyle. However, we must understand that sometimes this is the only type of lifestyle they may want.

Each panhandler’s circumstances are different. We are unable to know what came to bring them to our streets, but why should we not try to lend a helping hand?

San Antonio continues to have a large amount of panhandlers, and there is already an ordinance in place that cites them. If panhandlers have been cited, and nothing changes, then it is a sign that this ordinance needs to be adjusted. If panhandlers spend their days asking for a bit of money, it is most likely not for the purpose of paying their citations. If the city wishes to rid the streets of panhandlers, then they should find another method of approaching this issue, such as directly approaching panhandlers and asking them if they require assistance.

Councilman Clamp claims that the ordinance would also be directed towards enhancing services for the homeless. As of right now, the city has programs such as SAMMinistries, Sanctuary: A Place for the Displaced, and other church sponsored organizations, which provide assistance to the homeless for a temporary time. If the ordinance will intend to help panhandlers receive long term help then a solution can be to have money donated directly to these organizations. However, the downfall to this is that many people will not go out of their way to find these organizations, which is why giving money directly to a panhandler is oftentimes more convenient.

This ordinance may help the city of San Antonio, but in a way, it may take away from it. Without panhandlers, this city may not be as generous as it currently is.

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EDITORIAL CARTOON

Google vs. China: Censored searches?

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Radio show incites violence, shut off in U.K. A U.S. radio host of “The Savage Nation,” Dr. Michael Savage, has been banned from broadcasting the show in the United Kingdom after making on-air remarks promoting violence against Muslims and making Alex Salinas multiple anti-gay statements.

The U.K.’s security minister, Admiral Sir Alan West, has made it clear that Savage’s actions have warranted his ban due to his promotion of hatred, terrorist violence and serious criminal activity that can potentially lead to civil and community violence.

However, Lord Pearson of Rannoch, U.K. Independence Party leader, claims that not only has Savage donated a rare botanical collection to their Kew Gardens, but has won an award in the U.S. for freedom of speech, and that his ban is an example of an incident perceived in isolation as opposed to the “context” of his show.

Savage also denies the accusations, claiming that he never specifically incited acts promoting violence. What is troubling is not necessarily Savage’s content, for those who are

outspoken and opinionated are numerous in our country, but instead it his incessant abuse of the First Amendment that changes freedom of speech from a defensive protection on our rights to an offensive tool to push his agenda.

Savage’s ban from the U.K. is based on his failure to recognize fault in his commentary that, for better or worse, is a public issue.

The U.K. has made it very clear since 2005, when ban listing began, that certain unacceptable behavior can result in a cutoff of relations with them. Savage’s ability to share his opinions on air, his blessing and his curse, has gone against their standards and he must apprehend his consequence.

Savage’s audience is about 8 to 10 million people, making “The Savage Nation” the third-largest radio show in the U.S. With that big of an audience on a weekly basis, he must at some point realize that his beliefs can offend those who listen. I assume he does not realize this because the majority of times I have heard him, he delivers his messages with a mean streak that includes cruel assumptions about whole groups of people coupled with name-calling to those who he does not agree with. While he intends his comments to be

understood as satiric pieces of truth, many are far-fetched and fueled at someone’s expense that cries out hypocrisy and bigotry.

Our Founding Fathers would want us to cherish the freedom of speech as a defensive mechanism that we can use to progress social standards and promote equality. However, using it as an offensive tool to freely talk about the notion of killing millions of Muslims or ignoring the homosexual community altogether is certainly a step back in the quest for progress. Those statements represent the opposite of freedom; they represent a flaw in mankind that has plagued the pages of history.

When Savage is willing to avoid turning discussion into a shouting match, he is quite brilliant in his reasoning abilities and is no doubt an expert in many fields.

However, considering his strong and abrasive personality, Savage may be a lost cause.

I am disappointed in Dr. Savage because he is a man who has studied humanities and nutritional medicine. He should understand the human condition and what it should strive to be. Until he realizes his mistakes and apologizes to those affected, the ban is beneficial.

Palin safeguards her name as FOX News contributor

Kenneth Howell

After the spotlight dims for whatever reason, it seems natural for public figures in America to wander for a time. Some of them drift away into the numerous lobbying firms that whole-heartedly represent the American people’s interests in Congress for our benefit.

Others decide to write to try to protect and shepherd the lost minds and hearts of America. You can flip the television channel to CNN, FOX, or any other major cable network to find numerous advisers, analysts or

specialists, etc.

Sarah Palin quit her job solving all of Alaska’s problems when she resigned as governor in July 2009. This resignation confused the American media. Since being John McCain’s running mate, it seemed plausible that Palin would attempt to get into the White House again in 2012 under her own ticket. Her decision to leave the governorship early seemed counter-productive – she essentially abandoned her post without good reason.

Looking closely since then, we find that Palin had a focused mind on two things – money and attention. After bailing on being governorof-Alaska, Palin went on to write a successful memoir detailing experiences from the campaign trail and beyond. The book fattened her

wallet while keeping her relevant to the U.S., a one-two strategic move that she repeated recently by signing on to be a commentator for the only fair and balanced news station in the U.S.A., FOX News.

Yet, could Palin be purposefully moving away from the Presidency?

Perhaps she decided to sit on FOX News letting the cash roll in while standing on her red soapbox, preaching to the masses. It seems like a safe job, one where you can stay relevant to your base while feeding the family.

It is hard to say how sly or greedy Palin is. Having that FOX News soapbox keeps her alive and well in the American mind. She could find herself going up against opponents to flesh out her capabilities as a candidate and show that she is not so dull as some of her critics contend. The contract she signed did not give her a full-time show as Glenn Beck or Sean Hannity, but gave her an enigmatic role with no requirements or responsibilities.

However it works out, Sarah Palin moved on from the governorship and tasted success. The year 2012 remains open for her possible candidacy. The years between now and then are an open road, giving her room to maneuver one way or another. Her stock seems to be incapable of disappearing, even in the face of continued criticisms and complaints.

Google is faced with a challenge that has put many of its business interests in perspective; their operations in China have Lorna Cruz been paused because of the decision made to stop abiding by the government’s censorship laws that apply directly to search engines such as Google.cn. The company has threatened to shut down the local enterprise if talks with the government do not finish in favor of uncensored searches.

I am very impressed by Google’s willingness to end an important account in order to take a stand against the censorship that has historically applied to companies in China, even if they are foreign companies. Google has gone as far as holding off the release of two mobile phones as part of their stance to possibly stop operations in China.

Even though shutting down their China base would cut down jobs and income in the country, I agree with Google’s proposition; being an international company, it is very important for them to keep their search engine uncensored. Complying with the Chinese government’s laws would go beyond a simple business compromise to allowing the government to keep having their citizens under tight restraints with simple things such as what outcomes their searches produce.

Google is risking many things by standing firm on their threat to end operations, from losing their estimated $400 million in business in China or having to watch their employees switch to their search engine competitors, such as Baidu or Microsoft. The probability that the Chinese government decides to even give Google an exception is very low, because the Chinese government has been censoring and keeping tabs on information outlets for 2,000 years, essentially.

Whether or not Google reaches its purpose of being an open search engine with no government censorship laws or influence, they are taking a very important step by pressuring the Chinese government into, at the very least, rethinking their censorship laws.

This is definitely a good way to achieve awareness of the fact that Chinese citizens have to live under such restrictions in their day-to-day lives. If more companies take a stance like this, or even condemn the sort of laws that they are restricted to, China may slowly begin to change their laws.

10 The Rattler

DOWNTOWN

on a dollar (...and a dime)

By Jennifer Jones and Anysa Gonzalez Graphic Illustration by Amanda Rodriguez

The Rattler 11

Walking in endless circles, headlights staring us down at every corner, the hustle and bustle of the inner city seemed to swallow us whole. Riding the VIA bus, San Antonio’s public bus system, was supposed to be easy; walking down to the bus stop on Camino Santa Maria, a fresh crisp Washington and a shiny new dime in hand, reluctantly passing your money through the money feeder, but knowing that a ride downtown for $1.10 would be worth it.

Open seats were hard to come by as we first got on the bus, but after five stops along Culebra Road most of the occupants had gotten off. We enjoyed the bus ride watching the scenery transform from neighborhoods to buildings outstretched and reaching for the sky. We arrived fifteen minutes later at the bus stop on Pecan and Soledad Street, a few streets away from the Alamo. Eight hours later after exploring downtown San Antonio we walked back to the bus stop on Pecan and Soledad Street, with the help of one of the “green shirt” guys who help guide local tourists to their next destination, and keep downtown San Antonio looking clean and beautiful.

We waited for almost 20 minutes, until a nice gentleman had told us that the bus had stopped running, and then our panic set in; what had gone wrong? We had planned it out carefully, didn’t we?

We printed out a map of the bus route (from www. viainfo.com) that had the time we should be at the bus stop for the last pickup. So we then began to walk reading each bus stop sign that indicated where it was going, yet it seemed to lead us nowhere. We finally stopped at the bus stop on St. Mary’s and Houston, the bus driver looked at us, catching our dazed and confused looks.

“Where ya’ll headed?” the bus driver asked.

We told him we were trying to get back to St. Mary’s University and we were looking for a bus to take us to Culebra Road. He smiled kindly and said, “Here, get on and I will take you to the right stop.”

As we dug into our pockets for the last bit of change we had, the bus driver shook his head.

“Don’t worry about it just sit and relax,” he said.

He took us to the bus stop on Navarro and Villita. We were so glad that the kind bus driver helped us; this made our experience even more enjoyable.

Our experience on the VIA Bus trip was great, being without a car never felt better. However, as we learned more about different students’ experi-

ences with the VIA Bus system, we found that not all people found it as enjoyable, and you can encounter many situations when traveling on public transportation.

Sophomore international relations major Corrie Pittman, from San Antonio, told us she would not take the bus often mainly because she had a car, but also because “the people on the bus can be scary. My sister used to ride the bus a lot, she kept getting hit on by an old drunk man.”

These situations can happen, so when riding the bus be aware of your surroundings, but do not immediately judge the people on the bus.

Stephanie Guerrero, freshman English communications major, however, had a different experience.

“The VIA is good, it is a lot different from Corpus, the people on the bus are friendly,” Guerro said. “I met a nice old man and a friendly security guard who helped me find my way to River Center Mall.”

St. Mary’s University Alumnus Louis Tovar had a big discrepancy with the VIA. “What’s with the ten cents?” Tovar said. “I always have dollars, but ten cents hardly, because I am always riding the bus, so I put twenty-five cents in — a bad idea since you don’t get change back.”

If ten cents is hard to find, and you are a frequent traveler on the VIA Bus, look into a VIA Semester pass. It gives students unlimited rides on the regular, express and street car services, even the trolleys downtown, for only $35. A month of traveling on the bus would total $77.50, but if you purchase a semester pass you will save at least $42.50! If you ride the VIA Bus, but not as frequently, start a change jar keeping nickels and dimes, so whenever you need to take the bus you always have some spare change.

The VIA Bus has its pros and cons just like any other form of transportation, but to make your trip on the VIA more enjoyable here are a few tips: Plan out your trip a few days before you go. Go to www. viainfo.net for a “Quick Trip Planner” that will help you find the quickest way to your destination.

If you are only spending an hour or two at your destination, request a transfer slip which allows you to transfer to a second bus without paying.

Keep in mind that only the first transfer slip is free; after that they are fifteen cents each. In addition, the transfer slip can only be used two hours after its purchase.