Vol. 107 Issue No. 5 1/30/19

rattler A S T. M A R Y ’ S P U B L I C AT I O N S I N C E 1 9 1 9 Vol 107 | Issue 5 | Jan. 30, 2019 | San Antonio, Texas

the Government Shutdown

and its effect on St. mary’s students

LOUIE DIAZ NEWS EDITOR

Amidst growing concern from students across the nation, the government shutdown will not have a significant impact on students’ financial aid. The Department of Education, which has oversight on Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is unaffected by the shutdown. However, there are still questions that can be answered.

Federal student loan services are still running, so students can still make payments and receive customer service from them, if needed. The shutdown will not have major impact on students’ financial aid, however, there are special cases that have been reported.

Some have reported having trouble receiving documents from the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, because the offices are closed. Specifically, USAToday reported

on a woman, who was recently married, having this issue. However, this was a special case that dealt with a change of status and is not the case for the majority of the student population.

“There are some concerns in two areas submission of FAFSA’s and verification paperwork,” said Dr. Rosalind Alderman, vice provost of enrollment management.

According to Alderman, there is less of a chance for students being selected for

verification by using the IRS data retrieval tool. If a student is having verification issues, they may run into problems retrieving necessary documents. The government revised a provision so now FAFSA is accepting signed copies of tax returns.

Emergency funding is available for students, which deals with non-direct university expenses, meaning events that students conclude may impede there progression in school, should prompt them CONTINUED ON PG. 2

OPINION

LIFESTYLE

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

PG.6

PG.11

PG.12

PG.14

City’s pick for manager rooted in controversy

Fad diets may affect health negatively

Student art exhibit features diverse pieces

St. Mary’s Athletics partners with Nike

2 NEWS

EDITOR: LOUIE DIAZ | @STMURATTLERNEWS | JAN. 30, 2019

Julian Castro announces his presidential bid SAMANTHA RUVALCABA STAFF WRITER

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Former mayor of San Antonio, Julian Castro officially announced his candidacy for president of the United States eariler this month. “Embrace your own unlikely journey.” These are the final words in Julian Castro’s book, “An Unlikely Journey.” Castro embraced his words as he announced his bid for presidency at Guadalupe Plaza, just 15 minutes away from St. Mary’s. By throwing his hat into the presidential race, Castro is the first Mexican-American to announce his candidacy this election cycle in either party.

Dr. Sonia Garcia, professor of political science, was streaming Castro’s announcement on several channels, focusing on the Spanish broadcasting networks as they seemed to have greater coverage of the event.

“

I decided to attend because the thought of a San Antonio son was provocative.”

Daniel Reyes senior, political science major

“I just thought that it was pretty amazing,” Garcia expressed. “He was one of the first to announce his candidacy while getting a lot of national coverage. That has a lot of implications, not just for his candidacy, but for the state of Texas and San Antonio.”

A few St. Mary’s students also attended Castro’s announcment.

“His impact on San Antonio would be dynamic a son of San Antonio would receive much support from the Latinio support,” said Daniel Reyes, senior politcal science major.

In addition to Castro, Sens. Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as Rep. Tulsi Gabbard announced that they would be running for president in 2020—making for a diverse ballot of Democrats. According to Garcia, however, Castro’s politics represent

FROM “GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN”

to contact the dean of student’s office or the office of student retention for more information.

“Good news about emergency funds is that, if approved, the aid is dispersed immediately,” Alderman continues. “That is

the Mexican American collective in Texas, distinguishing him from other Latino candidates, such as Ted Cruz, who ran for president in 2016.

“In terms of his politics, he’s a strong advocate for Latino rights,” Garcia affirmed as the professor for Latino civil rights courses on campus. “You have a candidate like Ted Cruz, for instance: Does he reflect the interests of the Latino community—especially for Mexican Americans, the largest proportion of Latinos here in Texas?”

Castro entered the national stage when he gave his keynote speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention as the Mayor of San Antonio. During President Barack Obama’s second term, Castro was appointed to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Castro succeeded Shaun Donovan, who was nominated to the Office of Management and Budget at the same time of Castro’s nomination.

“Julian ha vivido el sueño Americano, and it’s precisely because he’s lived out the American dream that he’ll work his tail off to make sure more people travel that same

Julian Castro made his bid for presidency in front of the Guadalupe Center.| Photo by Daniel Reyes

our big goal, if it’s allowable and we can do it, we don’t want any red tape holding us back.”

Although, the shutdown may prove to be more detrimental than anticipated, down the line, especially due to the extent of this shutdown. Many federal offices are closed, so, when workers return, there will be a back logs of items that will require their attention.

There are a few things that have been

EDITORIAL STATEMENT The content published in the Rattler is the responsibility of each respective writer. The views expressed in the staff editorial reflect the views of the majority of the editorial staff.

MISSIONS Grounded partially in the Marianist values of family and community, we maintain an open forum for discussion. We strive to produce quality content that informs, not inflames; encourages, not discourages.

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path,” President Obama proclaimed in 2014.

Regarding the American dream President Obama is referring to, Castro makes sure to pay attribution to his grandmother. In his public appearance and his book, Castro recounts the story about his grandmother’s journey to creating a better life for Castro’s mother, Rosie Castro, and provide better opportunity for Castro and his brother, Rep. Joaquin Castro - a journey that began, and continues, to take strides in San Antonio.

“I thought it was very symbolic and purposely that he decided to announce his candidacy here in San Antonio and on the West side,” Garcia considered.

Secretary Castro stands next to eight other Democratic candidates for the Nov. primary election, however, many are likely to enter the race.

“I decided to attend because the thought of a San Antonio son was provocative. I thought it would be interesting to see the dynamic of a former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the Obama Adminstration and how it would play out with people of San Antonio,” said Reyes.

SHUT DOWN

Graphic by Victoria Valle

directly affected by the shutdown that do affect students. Consolidation loan applications are on hold. Pending FedLoan Servicing applications will not be completed nor are they accepting new applications.

People will not be able to receive customer service from the Department of Education.

Most aid is already allocated, and grants have been approved. There should not be any problems for students regarding receiving their aid. Some federal grants may be impacted, depending on the source; however, there are not many projects here at St. Mary’s that have voiced concern.

According to a statement made

by FAFSA, “Federal Student Aid is not directly impacted by the partial government shutdown. Our federal offices are open and all of our federal student aid processors, contact centers, and websites remain operational.”

There are a few other cases where students may have trouble getting aid.

If students haven’t signed for loans then they won’t receive aid or if an individual is a part-time student who intends to be full-time, some of the aid will not be dispersed.

“Anyone who has registered, aid is dispersed,” said Alderman.

NEWS 3

JAN. 30, 2019 | STMURATTLERNEWS .COM

St. Mary’s district election to be held in the coming weeks JULISSA CANTU COPY EDITOR

St. Mary’s is within the district where a special election is taking place for the Texas Legislature this month. Besides the city council, state legislature makes policy that most directly affects the people of Texas, including St. Mary’s students. However, as our previous Representative from Texas House District 125, Rep. Justin Rodriguez, has been appointed to the Bexar County Commissioners Court, the position is available for an individual who can garner up enough votes from the district – a decision St. Mary’s students can participate in as the school is within the confines of District 125.

Five candidates have filed to be on the ballot for this special election – which is set to start early voting on Jan. 28. According to a sample ballot published by the Bexar County Elections Department, the only decision on the ballot is going to be the race between the five candidates in House

“

It is important for students to input their vote, as the election is underway”

Julissa Cantu copy editor

District 125.

Art Reyna is the only individual in the race that has a history with the school as well as in the Texas Legislature. Of the five

POLICE BLOTTER JAN. 2019 JAN. 7 Stalking reported in Dougherty Hall.

Case is active.

JAN. 8 Harassment and stalking reported in Dougherty Hall.

Case is active.

JAN. 9 Bicycle theft of $100<$750 at the bike rack outside Andrew Cremer Hall.

Case is closed— administratively.

JAN. 9 Theft reported in Marian Hall.

Case is closed—referred to Dean of Students Office.

candidates, Reyna is the only one to graduate from St. Mary’s with his undergraduate and law degree. During his tenure in the Legislature, Reyna has shown consistent support to fund Texas’ public school and insuring children as he voted in favor of the Children’s Health Insurance Program. With three terms in the Texas Legislature, Reyna has seniority in the House established that the other candidates do not. He is the only candidate to consistently reach out to the youth with his appearance at a town hall St. Mary’s students attended on Jan. 22 and an interview he made at a Millennial Happy Hour hosted by MOVE Texas, a nonpartisan, nonprofit devoted to engaging the youth in civic education.

Coda Rayo-Garza is the youngest in the race at 33 years old, however, she has experience in education. She has been elected to the school board of SAISD and has shared her expertise on education with the city council of San Antonio throughout the years. In the Texas Legislature, RayoGarza wants to find another way to fund our schools that is not the Rainy Day Fund, which is quickly depleting after continued exhaustion.

Steve Huerta is a strong believer in second chances and believes that society does not hand them out. Huerta has worked for the past 15 years in family court and closely with Child Protective Services. He has stated he is fully committed to raising the minimum wage to 20 dollars an hour and to mend the gaps of insecurities he sees prominent in District 125. He stated he has 15 years experience in the SAISD schools teaching government at the town hall.

Steve Huerta and Coda Rayo-Garza among other candidates spoke at Lisa’s.| Photo by Julissa Cantu

Ray Lopez is a prominent businessman within the district and has close ties with the Westside’s Chamber of Commerce. He served on the city council in San Antonio for eight years and NISD for three terms. He has stated he is fully committed to fixing the public school system and hopes he can find a solution to funding without raising taxes for Texans.

Fred Rangel is the only registered Republican in the election and, while he may not have made many public appearances, he faces a real challenge seeing that a Republican has not held the seat since before 1992. However, as a businessman and strong proponent of SB 6 from the 2017 Legislative session, he is confident he can win with

the help of Matt Mackowiak, who helped Republican Pete Flores win a state Senate seat that had been held by Democrats since the late 1800s.

Rangel’s running in this may have something to do with the record low voter turnout in special elections, a turnout that is lower than Texas’ notoriously low voter turnout. With the leadership in Texas stating an agenda with priorities including school finance it is important for students to input their vote, as the election is under way. The closest voting location will be at Memorial Library on Culebra. Election day will be on Feb. 12.

Traffic soon to be restored around the Pub after repairs LOUIE DIAZ NEWS EDITOR

At the end of 2018, repairs to the pipeline near the Pub began and have slowed foot traffic in that area.

“We try to minimize the impact on the campus as much as we can and are trying [sic] to restore the services as quickly as possible,” said Luis Rodriguez, associate director of operations and construction services.

Workers began breaking the concrete around the Pub on Dec. 19. However, their progress was impaired by inclement

weather, and they were not able meet their goal of finishing the repair before the start of the spring semester.

Everything is estimated to be finished within the next two weeks. The repairs to the pipes have been made and the hole has been filled. Now, facilities are getting everything sorted out with the contractors should concrete need to be poured by this week.

The issue initially began as a hot water leak. However, workers soon discovered that there were more problems than first anticipated. The repairs could have impacted buildings north of the leak, which

JAN. 14 Breach of computer security reported at St. Louis Hall.

Case is active.

JAN. 16 False report to a peace officer in Dougherty Hall.

Case is active.

JAN. 18 Criminal trespassing and stalking reported at parking lot T. Cleared by arrest—custodial.

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www.stmurattlernews.com Students detoured through the psychological and testing center to get to class | Photo by Louie Diaz

included Charles Francis Hall, Reinbolt Hall, Chaminade Tower, Chaminade Hall, Moody Life Sciences Center, Garni Science Hall and Richter Math-Engineering Center.

“It could affect the campus in downtime, as far as [sic] heating or cooling, depending on which pipe is being repaired,” said Rodriguez.

To minimize the impact of a utility repair, facilities are able to reroute services. Most of the campus is heated and cooled through the central plant. Facilities used isolation valves that stop the flow of water through the pipe to allow workers to fix it. This cuts off hot water flow to other buildings.

“We heat the buildings as if we have hot water that goes through the air conditioning system and then the air blows across the coils and it removes the heat from the hot water and that’s how it heats the air,” said Rodriguez.

The area is also a hub for other utilities.

In addition to the hot water and chilled water running through that area, domestic water, well water, and electrical duct banks also run through there. It was the presence of these other utilities that made fixing the leak more difficult. In fact, there were several leaks in that area. The isolated area holds a significant amount of pipes and valves; workers had to dig deeper than they hoped to repair the leaks.

Traffic may soon open up in the area, allowing students to resume their normal routes.

“There is never an opportune time for us to make repairs on utilities, but we do take the needs of the campus into consideration,” said Rodriguez.

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Color Away The Stress

6 OPINION

EDITOR: VICTORIA SALDANA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | JAN. 30, 2019

Fashion companies exploit employees via unethical means of production Victoria

Saldana OPINION EDITOR

Fashion trends are changing faster than ever in our modern world due to social media outlets like Instagram and Twitter. The lifespan of trends is in a constant cycle created by brands that fuel, provide and market the clothes.

Although this just seems to be part of our fast-paced innovative world, the environmental effect, along with the human rights violations, that transpire to fulfill these wants, are detrimental.

Although it is hard to quantify the exact amount of pollution that comes from each sector of industry individually, the fact of the matter is undeniable that the fashion industry plays a large role in polluting the planet.

According to a report from CNBC, the United States currently only makes about three percent of its clothing while the other 97 percent is outsourced to low-income countries. In these areas of the world, the cost of production is substantially cheaper than if the clothing was produced in the U.S. However, one wonders if the cost is worth the detrimental results.

In 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City had a major fire that killed 145 the majority of which were female immigrants. Due to unsafe working conditions, many of these workers could

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Samantha Salazar Managing Editor Isabela Vazquez Copy Editor Julissa Cantu Advertising Manager Daria Flowers Photo Editor Karina Charo Layout and Design/Web Editor Victoria Valle Social Media Manager Jocelyn Alvarez Bibian News Editor Louie Diaz Lifestyle Editor Sabrina Evans Opinion Editor Victoria Saldana Entertainment Editor Elizabeth Arredondo Sports Editor Tawny Davis Faculty Adviser Camille Langston, Ph.D.

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not escape in time due to ineffective fire exit plans. Since this accident, the U.S. has taken major steps in providing more protections against hazardous working conditions to ensure the safety of their working class.

However, the same cannot be said for the workers of Eastern and European countries fashion empires outsourced to.

and later statistics would prove that 2012 was one of the most profitable years in the fashion industry.

Due to a need for more jobs in these lowincome areas, residents are the victims of large companies taking advantage of their economic need. These companies pay nonlivable wages, work employees for 14- to

Graphic by Victoria Valle

Just six years ago, the Ali Enterprises factory structure in Pakistan killed 250 people under similar circumstances. That same year, more than 100 people were killed in the Tazreen Fashion factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The next year, in 2013, the Rana Plaza, an eight-story structure, collapsed despite reports of structural damage and killed 1,129 workers.

Despite these disasters, conditions have not changed for the fashion production industry around the developing world,

16-hour days, and subject women to sexual harassment due to unfair management.

H&M, Forever 21 and Zara are the most popular of the fast fashion companies.

Consumers can buy shirts for as little as five dollars and, without consideration as to why that price is so low, are able to easily keep up with fast-paced trends from week to week.

Popular fashion companies create this need for their products by advertising new trends every week for their consumers; creating an obligation for consumers to keep up with

and, therefore, make a profit for themselves.

Not only do these fast fashion companies take advantage of cheap labor, but they also colonize the land around the factories. This creates high levels of pollution that can be detrimental not only to the environment, but also, effectively, makes the land inhabitable to those that surround it. The factories produce a lot of pollutants into the air. The chemicals that go into making and dyeing clothing often ends up in surrounding water sources as run off.

Consumers can take a few steps to alleviate some of the fast fashion burden.

They can support fair trade clothing companies that are far better quality. They can thrift more, a popular, and cheaper, activity which allows for more creativity.

“I try to shop ethically as much as I can.

Although it can be expensive, the quality is always better and not supporting unethical corporations is important to me and should be for more people,” Brandi Loving, a senior English major, stated.

The fashion industry is a 1.2 trillion grossing industry. Fast fashion exploits its employees, because it can. The lack of regulation in these countries for better working conditions and the environmental effects of their production does not have watchful eyes all the way on the other side of the world. This, though, does not give them the right to take advantage of their people or their environment.

Walsh’s appointment is a questionable choice by city council Julissa

Cantu COPY EDITOR

San Antonio is one of the largest cities in the U.S., however, culturally, the city is more akin to a small town in regard to how its politically savvy populists serve their citizens – which involves knowing the right political figure to attach to. Within the city’s activism and politically aware factions, the same faces are seen everywhere. Despite the pristine picture municipal politicians paint of themselves and their city, much of the work done for and by the city are done after business hours.

This is the political scene the next appointed city manager of San Antonio will inherit from former-City Manager Sherly Sculley. Manager Sculley’s retirement comes after the passage of Proposition B on the November 2018 election, which was a sort of referendum from citizens after Sculley notoriously turned her back on local progression and towards the infrastructure-based agendas of developers and gentrification companies. Though, as Dr. Charles Cotrell, a professor of the political science department, points out, it is ironic that Prop B had no direct effect on Sculley.

However, the fact that Sculley happened to announce her retirement less than a month after the election, is clear evidence that the political pressure was enough for her to realize her time was up.

Moreover, in lieu of Sculley’s retirement, the city is now tasked with a difficult job: filling the position of city manager. The city went through an intense transitionary period until they focused around one candidate – Erik Walsh, a budget analyst who has worked extensively in the city for 25 years and, more

recently, oversaw the departments of police and fire and their contracts as deputy city manager. Comparatively, Maria Villagomez, an assistant city manager under Sculley, had worked in the city for 22 years under the office of management and budget and the office of parks and recreation.

Villagomez and Walsh are said to be the most qualified for the position, however, one is clearly ahead of the other; that person is Villagomez.

Firstly, in the 2018 election, Proposition C was passed, a piece of policy that was written by the firefighters union, an entity that was supposed to work very closely with Walsh. Walsh not being able to come to a compromise with the department displays poor leadership skills, a feat he vehemently iterated he possessed when he spoke at the SASpeakUp town hall on Jan. 23. Considering the union could maneuver around Walsh and achieve their goal of an upper hand against the city, in addition to the firefighters now refusal to return to the negotiation tables with their newfound arbitration, shows weakness and incompetency on Walsh’s part.

Furthermore, this is the city council’s agenda to further the city’s relationship with developers, who are pushing impoverished individuals out of the city, rather than promoting the aspect of public space, a realm more aligned with Villagomez’s skills.

Walsh assured citizens at the town hall that preventing displacement was a top priority of the council and, therefore, a top priority for himself.

However, the Rivard Report published research that stated the areas around downtown known as Dignowity Hills, Highland Park and King William have seen the most change in the past 15 years regarding increases in rent, education level, and median household income. This shows

that Walsh’s priority of being number one on every list includes being the most gentrified city on the map.

Finally, there is also the suspicion that Mayor Nirenberg and the city council favor Walsh over Villagomez on the basis that he is a white male and she, a Hispanic woman.

There is the fact that Mayor Nirenberg missed the Women’s March in San Antonio in favor of announcing his bid to run for reelection. This highlights that even though he projects a progressive and inclusive campaign, Ron Nirenberg still succumbs to decisions infected by biases found in our country’s past.

In a diverse city that is seen as an exceptional example of America’s future demographic, the decision to select a white male over a highly qualified Hispanic candidate presents some questionable optics.

While Nirenberg may publicly condemn the political culture of our current president, his apparent biases and choices that align closer to developers, show that our mayor and president are closer to being political cohorts than adversaries. The same could be said about Walsh, who the city council will seemingly approve on Jan. 31.

Walsh speaks at a town hall.I Photo by Julissa Cantu

OPINION 7

JAN. 30, 2019 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Graphic by Victoria Saldana

The government shutdown: who was to blame for its longevity and effects Julissa

Cantu COPY EDITOR

At the expense of the American public, the president, alongside Congress, has shutdown the federal government, using the populace as a bargaining chip for all points of the political spectrum.

Despite many funding bills put forth by the House and the president, the Senate refuses to pass anything because the put forth legislation is not satisfactory to any party. The mudslinging from either side is momentous and is definitely being taken advantage of considering the upcoming primary and general election in 2020. However, despite all of this, the fact is this shutdown is directly affecting low-income families alongside low-paid government workers. There is someone to blame, someone who has a history of not having the best interest of impoverished individuals at heart: President Trump.

Trump has consistently been opposed to helping poor families even though he is able, shown in court records demonstrating he refused to work with tenants. However, this goes much deeper in that Trump refuses to budge on the ridiculous notion of his promised border wall. Firstly, he wasted two years, in which a party he supposedly controls had a majority in both chambers of Congress.

He could have secured funding for the wall during that time, but he probably wanted the wall to be erected closer to his primary. Then he lost control of the House; that was poor planning and strategy on his part, which continues to show he has no skill in.

Next, there is the matter that President Trump refuses to give way on his wall.

Research has shown the wall will do nothing to prevent undocumented immigration, and most likely will not happen due to the consensus it would waste taxpayer money. This wall has supposedly been funded by Mexico upfront, then paid back by Mexico, then by donations from wealthy and poor supporters alike, now finally by the dime of Americans, Trump should realize the majority of people do

not want to pay for the wall.

The primary reason Trump is to blame is the fact a border wall will do, ultimately, more harm than good. Building a border wall would require taking away land from folk who own land where they are expecting to build. Even paying them back is a practice that, historically, is known to short change the landowners.

The environmental effects are detrimental to the community along the border – both human and wildlife alike – as the wall is predicted to cause flooding and habitat destruction. Finally, there is the fact the border wall will do nothing to halt undocumented immigration, making for the net benefit to equate to zero.

However, there is the ultimate entity to blame, and that is the overall structure of our federal government: the two party system.

“Voters fall into rivalries like in team sports,” Dr. Eric Chelstrom, professor in the philosophy department, stated. “The parties play off one another, and get away with not having to work towards sensible policy solutions, and their base rewards them for this.”

The two party system has left people with no real option other than supporting one party or another, leaving individuals under the impression they cannot be critical of either party. “A two party system,” Chelstrom continued, “has less flexibility to course correct when one or the other parties go off the rails.” A third party allows for mediation, as is the case in law cases that require a moderator in order to produce productive talks.

Having a two party system gives the American public no choice but to pick between two parties, which have strayed from their core beliefs. Buying into a two party system, blaming one side or the other for this government shutdown, shows one cannot think outside the box of what a government is supposed to do but, rather, chooses to work simply within the confines of what life has drawn for them. Except if one is blaming President Trump, someone who has notoriously switched between the parties depending on which is offering him the most money, because he is leading this campaign of mayhem on the grounds that he is right, when he is infamous for being wrong.

Robert

Moncada STAFF WRITER

The United States federal government was shutdown starting in December, making it the longest government shutdown in the history of the country.

Many are calling the shutdown the result of President Trump’s disagreement with House Democrats, including House Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The fact of the matter is simple: President Trump and the Republican Party are not responsible for this government shutdown, the Democrats are.

As 2018 ended, America reflected on the events that transpired in the past year. The Democrats now control the House, while the Senate, executive and judiciary are under the control of the Republican Party. Americans are now witnessing a gridlock. Bipartisanship in Congress will seemingly be nonexistent due to extreme polarities of either side.

“Both sides are putting a huge value on basically getting that win in this point in time,” stated Dr. Ian Smith, political science professor. “Both sides seem to be more willing to posture than they are to bargain.”

Put simply, the Democratic Party is the party of hypocrites.

In 2006, members of the Democratic Party took a harder stance on border security. President Barack Obama, Secretary Hillary Clinton, and Senator Chuck Schumer voted as Senators for a fence along the Southern border, as did 20 Democrats. 20 years ago, President Bill Clinton told Americans they had the right to be upset about illegal immigration.

In 2018, however, Hillary Clinton reprimanded the country for pushing stronger border security. In President Obama’s 2011 State of the Union, he stated, “we should take on, once and for all, the issue of illegal immigration.

And I am prepared to work with Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, enforce our laws and address the millions of undocumented workers who are now living in

the shadows.”

The element that changed is the simplest and most obvious reason.

Democrats in 2019 will vote against President Trump, the Republicans and their policy because of their dislike and hatred of Trump. It is only because of who is president that Democrats have caused the federal government shutdown. As President Trump is the president, Democrats must be against him.

As the son of a federal agent in Homeland Security, this shutdown has taken its toll on family. The burden of not receiving a paycheck at the end of the month is tough, however it is all for the betterment of the country.

Some believe both sides are to blame in this situation.

“I believe it’s very unfair to the 800,000 furloughed workers to be used as pawns by both sides.

I think a compromise that doesn’t benefit each side should be set just to get those people back to getting paid,” Saul Contreras-Martinez, a freshman political science major, said.

Nonetheless, this shutdown will lead to common sense border security. The president consulted with top officials of the Department of Homeland Security, which includes, but is not limited to Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, and Immigration Customs Enforcement, to ensure the United States’ Southern border is secure.

Furthermore, the top officials of Homeland Security that have consulted with the president have all agreed a Southern barrier will improve our defenses.

“While it could end five minutes from now, I see it dragging on for a little bit longer,” said Smith “Right now, we’re waiting to see who feels the most pain and who blinks first. This has come down essentially to be a game of chicken between the two parties.

The pain is going to ratchet up in more and more time.”

10 LIFESTYLE

EDITOR: SABRINA EVANS | @STMURATTLERNEWS | JAN. 30, 2019

Government shutdown disrupts routine FDA inspections SABRINA EVANS LIFESTYLE EDITOR

The partial federal government shutdown began at midnight on Dec. 22, 2018 and has recently reopened for three weeks. This has affected approximately 800,000 federal workers including Transportation Security Administration agents, National Parks Service rangers, Federal Aviation Administration, Food and Drug Administration, and Washington Monument, and the like, employees.

Since the shutdown, thousands of FDA employees have been furloughed, which, in turn, has caused routine inspections and other mandated compliance regulation

to be put on hold. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Commissioner of the U.S Food and Drug Administration, has been tweeting updates on the FDA actions, and restrictions, since the shutdown on his Twitter handle, SGottliebFDA. On Jan. 20, Gottlieb tweeted, “SHUTDOWN UPDATE: We’ve been recalling inspectors to perform critical, high risk food safety inspections.

We’ve been asked how many dedicated colleagues are currently working on these unpaid assignments. More people are on the way. Here’s a current snapshot of our field resources:” Gottlieb follows this tweet with a thread of beneficial information for the public to be aware of, including, but not limited to,

that 100 investigators and 35 supervisors are conducting domestic food surveillance inspections of high-risk products. Gottlieb goes on to explain that 450 FDA staff members are working for the Office of Import and Enforcement Operations.

Foods that have continued to recieve proper inspections include soft cheeses, seafood, custard-filled bakery products, and baby formula. Fruits and vegetables are also included on the list; however, students are advised to wash their whole foods diligently before consumption.

Some foods to avoid during the government shutdown, to be on the safe side, include the following: unpasteurized juices and ciders, dairy products, premade

salads, ready-to-eat foods, raw sprouts, and, specifically, cantaloupe. This may seem alarming, but the FDA is doing everything within their capabilities to have a vast majority of food inspected by trusted employees. All of these warnings are sent out as precautionary measures since their staff has dropped dramatically since the shutdown. These are not meant to scare people away from eating fresh, whole foods, but to warn the public about being more vigilant with the food they are putting into their bodies. Until the government shutdown is called to an end, permanetly, by the president and Congress, careful decisionmaking is necessary to avoid getting sick by contaminated food during the semester.

MONEY MATTERS: Stock market tips for StMU students DARIA FLOWERS ADVERTISING MANAGER

For college students, investing in one’s future goes beyond paying attention and participating in class. Students who find themselves with extra cash on the side and are interested in financial investment for the long run should consider buying stocks.

Before one begins to invest in the stock market, it is important to understand how it works. A stock represents an ownership of a company and when one is bought in a company, an individual becomes a shareholder of that company. Essentially, this means that along with others who are also shareholders of the company, one will now share the profits and losses of the company and receive a portion of the profits in the form of dividends.

According to Dr. Violeta Diaz, associate professor of finance, a great place to start learning about stocks is to learn and understand time value of money and diversification. “When you buy stocks today you want to see their value grow to be able to make a profit when you sell them at a higher price in the future.” Diversification is also equally important due to the fact that stocks are considered risk assets. Therefore, one should “diversify their funds to reduce the risk of your investment.” Moreover, one important element to keep in mind is that people are charged a fee every time they buy or sell a stock, and, if one is not cautious, these fees can add up in the long run.

To determine what money students should use to invest in stocks, Diaz recommends individuals use money from a trading account and watch the news. It is

recommended that people “use money from your trading account and not your every day expenses due to the fact that investing in stocks is risky and you can lose your money”.

Therefore, it is important that individuals use money to invest that is not needed right at the moment. Also, watching the news is a responsible act when it comes to stocks so that one can understand how the company makes money. Diaz said, “when you invest in a company you essentially become a owner of the company, so [it would not be wise] to invest in a company that is losing money.”

“

When you buy stocks today you want to see their value grow to be able to make a profit when you sell them at a higher price in the future”

Dr. Violeta Diaz associate professor of finance

Two stock apps that Diaz mentioned would be beneficial to download to learn about and invest in stocks are Robinhood and Stockpile. Robinhood is an app that makes it easy for investors to buy and sell stocks. In addition, apps like Stockpile are great for those who are just getting started with understanding the stock market and are beneficial as it helps one learn to invest in the stock market. While there are plenty of other apps like this on the market, “apps like these are really cool as they make it easier for the regular investor to invest in the stock market.”

Hopefully, with these suggestions, students can feel comfortable taking a chance with the stock market.

Graphic by Isabela Vazquez

LIFESTYLE 11

JAN.30, 2019 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Student reviews highly anticipated James Charles palette TAWNY DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

In late 2018, the beauty world introduced one of the most talked about and soughtafter makeup products to date: the Morphe x James Charles Palette. James Charles,

a popular makeup guru on YouTube, collaborated with Morphe, an affordable, professional-grade retailer, to create this $39, 39 shade eyeshadow palette. With five rows of stunning colors not usually seen in the typical makeup palette, there are endless combinations of looks to be created with this

uniquely beautiful eyeshadow palette.

At first glance, the packaging is eyecatching with a silver box, Charles’ logo prominently displayed on the front along with his photo. On the back of the box, a message from Charles is presented, speaking to those who have received his product about his passion for “crazy, colorful, outside-of-the-box makeup.” The message goes on to express that he created every shade necessary to create any look anyone could imagine. When opening the case, the colors are revealed, and makeup enthusiasts are welcomed to all beautiful 39 shades and a message – “unleash your inner artist.”

There is a vast range of colors for one to choose from, with red pigments like “You’re Kidding,” “Rusted,” “518,” “Literally” and “Halloween,” and earth tones like “10% Off,” “Code James,” “Mary, Punch Me,” “Canvas” and “Tune.” There are many blue pigments as well like “A Cappella,” “Cola,” “Brother” and “Playground,” and purples like “Skip,” “Escape,” “Single,” “Artistry,” “Love That” and

“Pinkity Drinkity.” It also includes yellows and greens like “Bee,” “Guac,” “Hello,” “Cape Cod,” “Daddy” and “Social Blade.” Finally, for those who really want intense coloring, the palette has the black and white shades “Spooky” and “Flashback.” While all these colors are beautiful and the palette was made for everyone, some makeup artists suggest this palette may be more for those who have a knowledge of makeup. However, this palette can be used by everyone as long as they are creative. Those who interested, though, can only find the palette online from the retailers Morphe and Ulta as well as their storefronts. Students should be warned, however, because this palette has become very popular – so popular in fact that it is sold out everywhere online and a majority of Morphe stores. If one wishes to drive and find a Morphe store, one may be lucky and find a few palettes. For those who do own the palette, go and enjoy it for any occasion as this palette is worth the price for its vast array of shades and quality of the entire case.

The James Charles is $39 and comes with 39 different eyeshadow shades.| Photo by Isabela Vazquez

Eating healthy made easy with tips from Dr. Terri Boggess SABRINA EVANS LIFESTYLE EDITOR

College students, with their limited budgets and scarce options, often encounter the challenge of trying to maintain a healthy diet. Fortunately for students, Dr. Terri Boggess, chair of the exercise and sport science department, has helpful tips to eat healthy without having to utilize diets.

Boggess advises against any fad diets, which is a diet that is popular for some time usually promoting rapid weight loss without cutting out one’s favorite foods, among other health advantages. Examples of fad diets include the Keto and Paleo diets.

According the Boggess, the problem with these kinds of fad diets are they advertise carbohydrates being cut out from a diet to lose weight. In reality, carbohydrates are the body’s first essential source of energy. If there are no carbs in the body, then the body takes it from essential fibers, which depletes energy. After a few days of being on a diet, most people notice a decrease in energy and an increase in irritability and dehydration.

This is due to there being no fiber present in the body to eliminate the build up of food in the body. Consumers may think these diets work because of early signs of lost weight, but, in reality, animal protein is hard for the body to process, which is the only thing individuals on this diet can eat. This makes all of the water in the body deplete, making it difficult to metabolize. Consequently, the weight is lost dramatically because the body is losing water, not actual fat.

Diets to avoid include the Keto diet, Paleo diet, and any calorie restrictive diets.

Keto diets are potentially dangerous because it causes a person to put their body in ketosis, a metabolic state characterized by raised levels of ketone in the body tissues.

This can cause an enormous strain on the

requires individuals to limit their intake.

This is potentially dangerous since the body requires a certain number of calories per day to maintain the bare minimum functions to live. A potential danger of calorie restrictive diets includes limiting the proper amount

Graphic by Sabrina Evans

kidneys and cause damage to the body.

Calorie restrictive diets are when calorie numbers are measured and monitored and

of meals a day from three to one. This can cause the body’s energy to deteriorate and condition unhealthy eating habits.

Recently, young people have popularized becoming vegans or vegetarians in hopes of being healthier. Boggess suggests that if one does decide to be vegan, that one should also be sure to take vitamins. Boggess says that, “one thing that all vegans and … vegetarians should [take] is B12.” While becoming vegan is a step towards being healthier, it needs to be done correctly. Vitamins are necessary to make sure the body is retaining the essential nutrients from plant-based food.

Beginning a healthy lifestyle can be difficult, but Boggess has helpful tips for those trying to transition into healthy eating. Starting with small actions that make a big difference, such as cutting down on sugary drinks, including Gatorade and fruit juice. Replacing regular pasta with wholewheat pasta, choosing brown rice instead of white, eating whole fruit, and cutting down on animal products, are other steps students can make. An easy trick to remember when eating is to look at one’s plate and see how much color is on there. If the food on the plate is mostly beige and brown, it usually indicates students are not getting all the food groups they need. However, if there is color on the plate from fresh vegetables and other food items, then students should be good. However, Boggess clearly states, “ketchup does not count,” as a color.

Boggess also wants to remind students that healthy eating is not a week-long commitment. Students should continue eating well throughout their lives, not only when special events are around the corner.

12 ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR: ELIZABETH ARREDONDO | @STMURATTLERNEWS | JAN.30, 2019

Student art exhibit displays the creative works of the St. Mary’s community ELIZABETH ARREDONDO ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

The St. Mary’s art department unveiled a new exhibit showcasing the creative and dynamic works of its students enrolled in fall semester art courses alongside costume designs created by a drama student.

This exhibit also features a section that is devoted to a long time friend of the

department, Joe Ybarra, who passed away last December. A message from the exhibit explains Ybarra’s loving personality and his immense impact on the art department. “Joe is remembered by those who knew him as a friendly, warm, generous of spirit, and a very talented man,” the exhibit states. He made an impactful appearance every time he entered the classroom.

Students who have art on display

include Esmeralda Apodaca, Alexandra R. Ashworth, Krista L. Baca, Lauren R. Casillas, Nichole B. Crawley, Tawny E. Davis, Laura S. Ponce, Dominique Del Real, Joe Ybarra, Melissa A. Getz, Jonier Gutierrez, Jeremiah T. Jensen, Diego Mendez, Ashleigh A. Morales, Jonathan R. Ramirez, Michael A. Ramos, Evadne Romero, Samantha B. Salazar, Maalik X. Stansbury, Ashley N. Trayler and Victoria M. Valle.

This exhibit will run in the Blume Library Gallery until Jan. 31. The next event to look out for is the Naturally Inspired Exhibit, an art exhibit featuring nature-inspired artwork in a variety of forms and styles by Lyn Belisle, Sabra Booth, Tim McMeans and Jesus Toro Martinez. That exhibit will run from Feb. 7 to March 1.

Photos by Elizabeth Arredondo

The hottest new films hitting the box office this year EVA GARCIA STAFF WRITER

The beginning of the new year has brought many exciting and new things from Hollywood, including an impressive lineup for the box office. From highly-anticipated sequels to exciting remakes of classic movies, moviegoers have many options when it comes to visiting the theaters this year.

Coming up next month, the movie “What Men Want,” starring “Empire” actress Taraji P. Henson, premieres Feb. 8. This fantasy, romantic comedy tells the story of Henson’s character, Ali Davis, a sports agent, as she wonders what she needs to succeed in a man’s world.

She visits a psychic, hoping to find some answers, and drinks a concoction that allows her to hear men’s thoughts. Davis uses her new ability as

an advantage to turn the tables on her male colleagues to get further ahead in her industry.

The film,“Captain Marvel,” is to be released March 8. Set in the 1990s, the film introduces Carol Danvers, an Air Force pilot who receives superpowers and, as a result, gets caught in an intergalactic war between two alien races. It has been theorized that the film will answer how the Avengers will recover from the destruction Thanos made in “Avengers: Infinity War”.

Captain Marvel is the first female superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to get her own solo movie.

Director Michael Chaves brings the Mexican legend of “La Llorona” to life with his film, Source from IMDb “The Curse of La Llorona,” which is set to release April 19. The thriller takes place in 1970s Los Angeles, California, where the

ghost of La Llorona stalks at night. Anna Garcia, a widowed social worker, ignores the warnings of this ghost and, in return, is drawn into her haunting. Garcia’s only hope for her and her children’s survival is a priest who practices mysticism, specifically to keep evil at bay.

Almost a year after the release of “Avengers: Infinity War,” the fourth movie of the Avengers series is set to premiere April 26. The film, titled “Avengers: Endgame,” is meant to resolve or reverse the war that occurred between the Avengers and Thanos in the previous film.

As the trailer demonstrated, Tony Stark is lost somewhere in space with no resources left to sustain him, while the remaining Avengers, with the help of new heroes on Earth, try to formulate a plan to bring back half of all living beings that vanished in the

previous movie and to defeat Thanos.

With the success of the live-action remake of “The Jungle Book” in 2016, Director Jon Favreau has decided to take on another Disney masterpiece. The live-action Disney adaption of “The Lion King” is set to be released this summer on July 19, 25 years after the animated feature was released.

Actor James Earl Jones returns to reprise his role as Mufasa, with Donald Glover as Simba and Beyonce Knowles-Carter as Nala. Simba, the future king of the African savanna, takes to heart his royal destiny as he sees the amazing king his father, Mufasa, is.

Last year was full of groundbreaking films that pushed the limits of the cinematic Source from IMDb experience.

This year, moviegoers should expect no different and are sure to be impressed at the theaters.

JAN. 30, 2019 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

ENTERTAINMENT 13

McNay celebrates women of Mexican heritage in new exhibit The McNay Art Museum has unveiled a brand-new exhibition centered around celebrating the artwork of Mexican women.

The exhibit, titled “Estampas Chicanas” opened on Jan. 17 and is one of the first exhibits of the new year. The exhibit offers a brief history of the Chicano movement explaining how it found its beginnings in the 1960s in California and the Southwest. “[A]t first, the objective was better working conditions for Mexican American fieldworkers. But the movement became a force for the empowerment of all Mexican Americans,” a plaque from the exhibit explains.

An interactive screen documents the history of several activists, including Dolores Huerta, Severita Lara, Judy Baca and Emma Tenayuca, recognizing women who protested injustice, but whom were overshadowed by their male counterparts.

For example, in 1962, Huerta worked alongside Cesar E. Chavez, one of the most

famous Chicano activists. The interactive display also features modern activist Emma Gonzalez, an avid advocate for gun control after surviving the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

Like Gonzalez, the exhibit’s Chicana art is modern and bold. Baca’s self-portrait, “Absolutely Chicana,” represents the fighting spirit of Chicana women, calling them uncompromising and unafraid. That fighting spirit is honored in the McNay’s exhibition. The featured artwork has vivid colors, dramatic perspectives, selfexpression and references to Mexican culture. One artist, Melanie Cervantes, paints minimalistic portraits in bright, flat colors with resemblance to pop art.

The exhibition displays two of Cervantes’ screen-prints, “Canciones de la Tierra” and “La Lucha Sigue Sigue.” Nearly the exact opposite of Cervantes’ work is also displayed in the exhibition. “Inner Landscape,” a 2011 screen print by Sonia Romero, is dark and introspective. Diane Gamboa’s 1986 screen print, “Three,” shows three brightly colored

chameleons. The magenta, yellow, and cyan chameleons work together to create harmony amidst the mix of patterns and multiple perspectives.

Gamboa’s “Self-Portrait,” made in 1984, also utilizes abstract techniques. Squares of color form a face, which expresses deep despair or horror. The piece looks strikingly different from Baca’s “Absolutely Chicana.”

Most of the artwork captures Mexican culture, such as Baca’s “Danza de la Tierra.”

Through its warm colors, perspective, and sense of motion, the painting expresses freedom and passion. The same sense of freedom can be found in “Angel,” by Elsa Flores. The painting focuses on a woman with arms spread out, similar to wings, flying above a canyon under a bright moonlight. A variety of still life paintings represent a typical Mexican household.

“The Dressing Table,” by Patssi Valdez, has minimal shading but creates depth with the contrast of warm colors, orange and yellow, with cool colors, aqua and lime green.

Another still-life, “Menudo: Breakfast of

Champions” by Maria Natividad, follows the same technique of contrasting green and orange, but uses geometric designs.

Both of the still life paintings and many of the portraits celebrate Mexican heritage in a friendly, familiar way, however, some paintings do contain a deeper political message. Isabel Martinez’s 2001 screen print, “VG Got her Green Card”, shows Mary, the Virgin of Guadalupe, holding a green card.

The contrasting colors of orange and blue are warm overall, but the print appears to be a political statement.

The Chicano movement has always been about protesting injustice; art is just one medium that people demonstrate their anger and sorrow against the everyday prejudice they faced. In today’s political climate, these Chicana artists present a new way of seeing Mexican immigrants. Students have the rest of the semester to experience the exhibition and learn more about Chicana women and their struggle. The exhibition, organized by Lyle Williams, the McNay’s Curator of Prints and Drawings, ends on May 5, 2019.

“Absolutely Chicana” is created by Judy Baca.| Photo courtesy of the McNay Museum

“La Lucha Sigue Sigue” is created by Melanie Cervantes.| Photo by Elizabeth Arredondo

“Canciones de la Tierra” is created by Melanie Cervantes.| Photo by Elizabeth Arredondo

“VG Got her Green Card” is created by Isabel Martinez.| Photo by Elizabeth Arredondo

RENEE PADILLA STAFF WRITER

New and exciting entertainment hits the San Antonio scene ELIZABETH ARREDONDO ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

The new year is here and so is a brandnew line up of exciting new art and entertainment in San Antonio. Here is a guide to the year’s most anticipated shows, exhibits and events in the city.

“American Dreams: Classic Cars and Postwar Paintings”: The McNay Art Museum explores postwar America with a look at the art produced including pop, op and abstract expressionism art and the sleek cars being manufactured. The exhibit will run from Feb. 14 to May 19.

Terrance Hayes: The poet and National

Book Award recipient will be at Gemini Ink for a free public reading, Q&A and book signing from Feb. 28 to March 1.

Susana Baca: The acclaimed vocalist and Latin Grammy recipient will play the Jo Long Theater, sponsored by Carver Community Cultural Center, on Feb. 23.

Carol Burnett: An American treasure returns to her hometown here in San Antonio to perform her eponymous variety show. She will be at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on March 19.

Pink: The singer, songwriter will be at the AT&T Center on March 21 for her newest album’s tour, ‘Beautiful Trauma’.

San Antonio Symphony Spring Festival: Each of the three programs that the

symphony will play will focus on the music of a different European country; “Tuscan Tour of Taste,” will perform from March 29 to March 30; “Flavors of France,” will play from April 5 to April 6; and “Savor Spain,” will perform from April 12 to April 13 at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.

Ella Mai: A rising R&B star of 2018, British singer Mai will be performing in the Aztec Theater on March 28 on a stop in her Debut Tour.

Yo-Yo Ma: The acclaimed cellist is bringing The Bach Project, which pairs concerts with outreach projects, to the city.

Ma will play six Bach suites at the Laurie Auditorium on April 12.

Photos courtesy of SA Express-News

Ariana Grande: Pop star sensation, Grande will be performing at the AT&T Center on May 17 for her Sweetner world tour.

“Matilda: The Musical”: The Public Theater of San Antonio will be presenting this musical on July 11 through Aug. 11.

“Men of Steel, Women of Wonder”: The exhibit, organized by the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, will run from June 22 through Sept. 1 at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Kiss: These rock ‘n’ roll icons will be in San Antonio for their End of the Road tour. They will be rocking and rolling at the AT&T Center on Sept. 8.

14 SPORTS

EDITOR:TAWNY DAVIS |@STMURATTLERNEWS | JAN. 30, 2019

Rattler baseball and softball seniors excited for final season

Graphic by Tawny Davis

Rattler athletics looking forward to Nike sponsorship in 2019 TAWNY DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

St. Mary’s Athletics announced this month that they have teamed up with two of the most iconic brands in athletic apparel to garb the next generation of Rattler athletes: Nike and Eastbay. This apparel and equipment partnership, Nike for five years and Eastbay for three, will go into effect on July 1, 2019.

St. Mary’s Athletics becomes the first Division II school in Texas, as well as the first program in the Heartland and Lone Star conferences, to establish a partnership with both Nike and Eastbay. As part of the agreement, St. Mary’s athletic programs will have access to top-tier game- and practiceuniforms, equipment, and training gear through Eastbay’s Team Sales group. Fans, boosters, and parents will have access to official Rattler gear, based solely through online purchase, while Eastbay will serve as a one-stop shop for all athletic apparel and equipment for the athletics department.

Robert Coleman, athletics director, facilitated the deal after having discussions with three of the biggest companies that handle collegiate apparel, Adidas, Under Armour and Nike. Coleman then surveyed student-athletes and found overwhelming favor in Nike.

“Nike also provided the best overall offer to our program,” Coleman said.

This means that the members of the athletic program will begin wearing Nike apparel and footwear provided by the company, which includes our studentathletes, coaches and staff. In addition, the program will receive numerous incentives towards the brands, such as discounts and rebates from both Nike and Eastbay. It also allows St. Mary’s to market the athletic brand to the San Antonio community and leverage the deal to any prospective students. St. Mary’s has two years to gradually phase into the agreement, so athletics does not have to buy all new items for teams right away.

Despite the lucrative deal, Nike apparel will not be available on campus for non-athelete

students immediately.

Coleman believes Nike chose St. Mary’s to be represented by them for several reasons.

The fact that neither Nike or Eastbay had a direct relationship with a Division II school in the state is the very aspect that got the brands interested. Being based in San Antonio, having a storied athletics history built upon a winning tradition on the field, in the court, and in the classroom, is what

got them to make a deal. Their offer reflects that they wanted to partner, to build a strong relationship, with St. Mary’s.

Overall, this is a momentous partnership for the St. Mary’s community and the athletic program as it solidifies and strengthens their market brand. This could also boost the recruiting process as this could draw in students-athletes from both in-state and around the world.

Graphic by Victoria Valle

SPORTS 15

JAN. 30, 2019 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

St. Mary’s athletes named on Heartland fall honor roll list AINARA MORA STAFF WRITER

Last semester, 152 of St. Mary’s athletes received the Heartland Honor Roll award for their hard work and dedication to their education. The St. Mary’s recipients were among the 1,279 student athletes from the Heartland Conference to receive the award.

For the past three years, the Heartland Conference has given out over 10,000 awards to role model student-athletes who continue to work hard on and off the court.

Student-athletes who have a GPA of a 3.0, but below a 3.5, for the semester are given the Commissioner’s Award and those who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher for the semester are awarded the Presidential Award.

Being on the Heartland Honor Roll means a lot to the student-athletes, as it shows that their hard work does not go unnoticed, not only in their sporting events, but in the classroom.

Alain Peralt, sophomore forensic science major, stated, “being awarded the honor roll shows that athletes are still students, and strive to perform their best in the classroom and in sporting events. Athletes are stereotyped for focusing their attention on athletics over academics; however, this honor highlights overcoming the struggle of balance between the two.”

Dimitri Peterson, senior criminal justice major, feels the same.. He understands that while sports are his forte, academia is what led him to his athletic opportunities at St. Mary’s University. “Being an athlete and on the honor roll is just a testament to show how hard working athletes are; it’s hard to manage time but it’s necessary to get the studies done. Being able to focus on [sic] both is such a huge priority in my life, and it makes me happy that I am able to be recognized for all the hard work,” he said.

Graphic by Cody Rivera

Athletes practice day after day, going into practice or a game with the dreams of being a champion. However, once athletes switch that same mindset to the classroom, they

are unbeatable. Olivia Bachelet, sophomore finance and risk management major, can agree. “The way I approach academics is the same way that I approach being an athlete:

always giving 110% no matter what,” she said. “Academics and athletics are almost one in the same. Being recognized for my academics reassures me that I am doing exactly what a collegiate student-athlete should be doing – excelling in the classroom and on the field.”

Not only are the student-athletes grateful for their prestigious award, the coaches are just as happy for their players to be recognized. Head women’s soccer coach, Corny Ritch, takes pride in the balance student-athletes have for academics and their sport. Coach Ritch knows that winning games is the plan, but winning games with athletes who have A’s is better. Coach Ritch states, “being recognized for the Heartland Honor Roll means they’re truly embracing what it means to be a student-athlete. As a coach, I take pride in my players ability to balance academics with athletics. They recognize that being part of St. Mary’s soccer team is a great and wonderful achievement but the grades they make in the classroom will take them to the next step in life when athletics is over.”

Head women’s basketball coach, Jason Martens, is proud of this accomplishment as it sets a prime example of student-athletes.

“I could not be more proud of my team than I am about this accomplishment,” he said.

Head men’s and women’s golf coach, Kearney Thomas, feels honored and hopes to see the continuation of his studentathletes’ success. “It’s always special when our student-athletes get recognized for their accomplishments,” he said. Although we enjoy our successes on the golf courses, we understand they are students before athletes. We have been very fortunate to have successful accomplishments in the classrooms and on the golf courses in recent years; we hope this trend continues in the future.”

Update: men’s and women’s basketball records as of Jan. 26

Photo by Jesse Gonzalez

Photo by Odette Medina

Women’s Basketball

Men’s Basketball

Graphic by Tawny Davis

16 FEATURES

EDITOR: ISABELA VAZQUEZ | @STMURATTLERNEWS | JAN. 30, 2019

THE RATTLER THROUGH HISTORY ISABELA VAZQUEZ MANAGING EDITOR

The Rattler celebrates its centennial in 2019 and, throughout this coming year, the staff will feature moments from the Rattler’s history. To kick off 2019, here are the most noteworthy of the newspaper’s covers throughout its 100 years. Spanning from the very first cover in 1924 to the newest one of 2019, the covers featured are fan favorites and reflect the best the newspaper has to offer. The Rattler staff is proud to be part of a long-standing student-run publication that dedicates itself to