Vol. 108 Issue No. 6 - 2/26/2020

Vol 108 | Issue 6 | Feb. 26, 2020 | San Antonio, Texas

MAINTENANCE ISSUES DISRUPT CAMPUS Students face various complications throughout residence halls SAMANTHA RUVALCABA NEWS EDITOR

Email notifications from residence life concerning hot water shortages have become all too familiar for residents this semester. The shortages come as a result of frequent leaks from underground utility infrastructure repairs being done by the Office of Facilities Services.

Earlier in the semester, a leak came from a main line that supplied all of the buildings and all residence halls faced a shortage of hot water. As underground repairs continue, student residents continue to face the utility issues that come from these repairs.

The residences halls that have been affected sporadically this semester include Dougherty, Lourdes, Founders, and Marian.

However, Chaminade Hall has gone the longest without service of hot water or heat—the shortage began on a Wednesday and was not fixed until that Sunday.

“Temporary disruption of service is not uncommon while we are performing repairs to our underground utility infrastructure,” said Edward Edwards-Dusha, senior associate director of facilities services.

“The Office of Facilities Services has been working diligently to limit the disruption to our community and complete the repairs in a timely manner.”

Senior interdisciplinary education major, Venus Agueros, is a resident of Chaminade Hall and has experienced several occurrences of both heat and hot water shortages, including the five-day shortage.

Agueros sought an alternative place to shower.

“Luckily, I have an outside gym membership at Planet Fitness, and I was able to shower there,” Agueros said. “[Residence life] was able to relay the messages via email.

However, they were never able to relay an exact date that the issues would be handled, causing residents to feel left in the dark.”

The Office of Residence Life and the Office of Facilities Services regularly work together to try to plan these repairs during campus breaks to avoid inconveniencing students. According to director of residence life, James Villarreal, when postponing repairs is not a possibility, residence life tries to keep residents updated. “[Unplanned outages] are things that happen off of leaks—that’s the main reason that happens and what’s been happening in these circumstances this semester more so than other semesters,” Villarreal said. “When we know about them, we like to plan around them. Sometimes we can’t plan around them and as soon as they let us know, we forward the information to the hall staff and residence as quickly as possible.”

Villarreal expressed the residence life staff understand the inconvenience the hot water and heat shortages for residents, which is why residence life works closely with facilities and offers students alternatives to using their own showers during the shortage periods.

“We’ve all lived on at some point and we’ve experienced it so we know exactly what it feels like when there’s no hot water, there’s no heat or something so we’re very cognizant of that and try to work quickly to try to resolve it as quickly as possible with facilities,” Villarreal said.

Meanwhile, the residents of Perigueux Hall were also putting in work orders of their own for one of the entrance doors that stopped unlocking when students attempted to swipe their IDs. The issue began during winter break and was not fixed until recently.

Senior international and global studies student and student government association president, Aimeé Treviño, recalls seeing a lot of concerns from students about the Perigueux door on the SGA idea board— an open forum located in the Learning

Commons where students can write their ideas for SGA initiatives.

“SGA’s idea board had many issues that fell under residence life’s jurisdiction,” Trevino said. “We compiled all of those concerns and emailed residence life.

Residence life responded to us within 48 hours and sent out an email that day to all those that live in Perigueux.”

Villarreal explained the reasoning behind the extended amount of time it took the office of facilities services and the IT CONTINUED ON PG. 2

OPINION

LIFESTYLE

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

PG.6

PG.10

PG.12

PG.14

Corporate donations deceive voters

International students get a taste of home

Cinnamon roll bakery opens in SA

Baseball player’s first hit wins game

2 NEWS

EDITOR: SAMANTHA RUVALCABA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | FEB. 26, 2020

SNAP | FEATURED PHOTO

THE RATTLER

WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS MEETINGS

TUESDAY, MARCH. 3 UNIVERSITY CENTER Newsroom 5 p.m.

Members of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity play a friendly game of cornhole at the weekly Friday Greek circle held in the quad. | Photo by Samantha Salazar

Professors gain advice on educating beyond the curriculum CHECK US OUT ONLINE!

RENÉE PADILLA STAFF WRITER

www.stmurattlernews.com

The St. Mary’s Community for Teaching and Learning hosted guest speaker Beth E. Bukoski, Ph.D., Wednesday, Feb. 12.

Bukoski’s presentation, “Moving Beyond the Content,” assessed the classroom environment and relationship between instructors and students.

“The StMU Community for Teaching and Learning provides a space for faculty and teaching staff across the different schools at St. Mary’s to continue to learn about pedagogy and reflect on our own teaching, as a community. This event is part of that mission,” co-director of the Community for Teaching and Learning and assistant professor of theology Sara Ronis, Ph.D said.

“Dr. Bukoski is an expert at best practices for teaching students, and much of her research is focused on the learning experiences of minoritized students.”

Bukoski shared an anecdote about finding spitballs on the blackboard during her early years as a teacher. She reflected on how she can teach students if the students don’t pay attention in class.

“It is a reminder that content, in many ways, is just a part of being an educator,” Bukoski said. “Instead of content, today, I’m going to ask you to humanize yourselves, your students and your colleagues.”

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 College Media Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

POLICY ON NEWSPAPER THEFT Due to high production costs, members of the St. Mary’s University community are permitted one copy per issue. Where available, additional copies may be purchased (for 50 cents each) by contacting The Rattler newsroom. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and/or subject to university discipline.

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.

We must be sensitive, not sensationalistic; reasonable, not ridiculous; balanced, not bitter.

FROM “MAINTENANCE”

department to repair the door. When the building was constructed, the door was made with custom pieces from an outside vendor who is no longer in business today.

A new vendor was found, but the piece still had to be made and other communication issues followed which resulted in a system change for the door.

“It took an extraordinary long amount of time,” Villarreal said. “We were aware of it, we were circling back and trying to get it done during the break except it just took longer than it planned…We would have

Bukoski advocates for equity, social justice, and inclusion. She argues individuals must first become aware of the factors influencing their worldview.

These factors include gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, class, and education level. She challenges people to “dismantle the narrative” in a process she calls “critical consciousness.”

“What we know and what we have experienced about the world fundamentally shapes what we see, think and believe,” Bukoski said. “They shape what we are able to about the world and what we’re not able to perceive about the world.”

She acknowledges that critical consciousness is not easy but encourages people to learn something new every day.

Bukoski also argues an educator’s job is dismantling harmful narratives.

For the remainder of the presentation, Bukoski discussed her own research about men of color, particularly Latinos. She says they suffer from internalized pressure. Many of her male students refused to seek help when struggling with a class even when Bukoski offered help. This is one narrative she aims to dismantle for the wellbeing of everyone.

“They didn’t want to seem vulnerable,” Bukoski said.

After her presentation, attendees discussed their opinions with one another.

“I just thought it was very open and she had a lot of insight on issues that we have today,” said Starr Lawson freshman biology major.

“I’m just really excited that there’s a chance for faculty to be having this conversation,” said Allison Gray, Ph.D., assistant professor of theology. “And I was really, really pleased to see so many students show up because that means everybody in the community cares about issues of access.”

During the presentation, Gray and Ronis expressed concern for students who overexert themselves when Bukoski asked the audience about their own harmful narratives.

“If we take some of these lessons to heart, it really starts to challenge how we organize our day from start to finish. Not just our curriculum, but support services that we offer students,” vice provost of academic affairs and associate professor of theology William Buhrman, Ph.D said.

For students who are interested in learning more about critical consciousness, Bukoski recommends “Teaching to Transgress” by Bell Books, “On Intellectual Activism” by Patricia Hill Collins, “Education for Critical Consciousness” by Paulo Freire, and the third edition of “Privilege, Power, and Difference” by Allan Johnson.

liked to have it done sooner, like I said it was an extraordinary situation, it wasn’t the norm at all.”

The completion date of current underground infrastructure repairs remains uncertain. However, future summer repair projects include the women’s restroom on the second floor of Reinbolt and the heat exchanger in Marian Hall. SGA also has some facilities proposal they hope to see come to fruition.

“The repairs needed in the restroom will be rather disruptive to the academic schedule in the building and have been scheduled to be performed this summer,”

Edwards-Dusha said.

“All work should be completed prior to the beginning of the fall semester.”

Students are encouraged to submit work orders to their resident hall staff members or through Gateway under “Residence Life.”

Both residence life and facilities make sure to take every order into consideration and maintain a level of urgency.

“Once we hear about it, we do our best to get it resolved…We’re always trying to make it a convenience for [students] to live here and we always want to be immutable and we always want to make the living experience a good one,” Villarreal said.

NEWS 3

FEB. 26, 2020 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

POLICE BLOTTER JAN/FEB 2020 JAN. 12 Consumption of alcohol by minor reported in Cremer Hall.

Case is inactive.

JAN. 22 Possession of drug paraphernalia reported in Lourdes Hall.

Case cleared by arrest.

JAN. 23 Consumption of alcohol by minor reported in Treadaway Hall.

Case is closed.

JAN. 24 Possession of drug paraphernalia reported in Dougherty Hall.

Case cleared by arrest.

JAN. 28 Possession of drug paraphernalia reported in Bordeaux Hall.

Case cleared by arrest.

JAN. 31 Possession of drug paraphernalia reported in Frederick Hall.

Case is closed.

FEB. 9 Possession of drug paraphernalia reported in Parking Lot ‘N’.

Case is closed.

FEB. 10 Harassment/Simple Assault reported in Blume Library.

Case is active.

FEB. 12 Possession of alcohol by minor reported in Founders Hall.

Case is closed.

FEB. 19 Sexual assault reported in residence hall.

Case is active.

Students and faculty aim to bring back Latinx program SAMANTHA SALAZAR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

St. Mary’s students and faculty members have joined forces to reestablish either a Latinx/Mexican American studies certificate or minor on campus. The efforts began last semester with conversations between students and faculty members about the lack of a programs geared towards Latinx/ Mexican American studies.

Details regarding the name, how the certificate or minor will be offered, and which courses will be involved are still unknown. However, student interest and participation instigated the efforts and will potentially make the program a reality.

Jessica Marquez-Munoz, senior psychology major, has been at the forefront of the effort. She began realizing a need for some sort of program after taking a

“

We already had the courses here, they just don’t lead to something. We’re doing the work, we just don’t have anything to show.”

Jessica Marquez-Munoz senior psychology major

literature course in which Latinx authors were assigned, something she had never encountered before.

“I have never ever read stories about Latinos that are in even in the area that I was in,” Marquez-Munoz said. “I was reading these stories and I’m like ‘I know where that street is,’ ‘that relates to me,’ and I’ve never had that opportunity prior to that.”

Marquez-Munoz was motivated to learn more about Latinx scholars then looked for interest from the student body and found an

abundance of support.

Additionally, research into other institutions in the area indicated that all of them offered programs concerning Latinx/ Mexican American Studies.

MarquezMunoz believed it was important to offer a program like that, especially since the majority of the student population is Hispanic.

“I think that part of our mission it is to serve the community, if your community is Hispanic, then why not,” Marquez-Munoz said.

A l t h o u g h , specifics are not confirmed, a tentative plan for the certificate or minor would make it comprised of several courses already offered.

“We already had the courses here, they just don’t lead to something,” MarquezMunoz noted. “We’re doing the work, we just don’t have anything to show.”

Faculty members, Arturo Vega, Ph.D., program director and associate professor of political science and Rick Sperling, Ph.D., chair and associate professor of psychology, have also been part of the effort to bring a program to campus. Vega asserts a program like this would allow students to be better equipped to serve the community and carry out the vision of the Marianists.

“I think a part of the synthesis is to help these students know themselves and know this community, so they can go back in as

Graphic by Victoria Valle

they want to serve their communities,” Vega said.

According to Vega, a Latin American and U.S. Latino Studies minor was offered at St. Mary’s approximately a decade ago but was phased out.

The group is still in conversation regarding courses and other specifics, but ultimately believe a program will enrich students not only in their professional development, but their overall ability to be engaged in the community.

“We’re not just going to stay here, we’re going to go to other places right so why not be better prepared to represent our self, our culture, our people, our community,” Marquez-Munoz said. “How are we going to better serve the community if we don’t know their issues?”

Virus outbreak leads to study abroad program cancellation SAMANTHA RUVALCABA NEWS EDITOR

Study abroad programs with destinations in China have been canceled amid the new virus outbreak that was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization on Jan. 30.

The nCoV originated in Wuhan, China at the end of last year when it was confirmed by the government in Wuhan that dozens of people were being treated for pneumonia of unknown cause. The first death related to the virus was reported on Jan. 11, just before celebrations of the Chinese New Year were set to begin. As cases of the nCoV in China increased, more were confirmed in other countries such as Thailand, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

On the undergraduate level, there was one proposed program that was set to go to Korea and China. At the time of its cancellation, the program was still in the earlier stages of planning and lacked the adequate number of participants to make it official. Official or unofficial, this has been the first study abroad program in recent St. Mary’s history to be canceled due the destination country’s condition.

“We waited to see if [the coronavirus] was going to grow or not and when it became clear that this was going to take a while we went ahead and thought that for

student safety the best thing to do was to cancel it now before any students purchased any tickets that were nonrefundable or made concrete plans,” said Amy Hardberger, associate provost for academic operations.

“We also continually monitor the state department’s website to see if there’s any p olit ic a l unrest or any other reasons to change or cancel t r i p s across the globe because student safety is a primar y concern,” Ha r d b e r g e r said.

Director of the China program at the law school, Robert Hu, Ph.D., also canceled a five-week trip to Beijing, China.

Every year, for a decade Hu has taken law students to China where they take courses at Beihang University and intern for Chinese law firms.

“We decided in early February that it

would not be in the best interest to travel to China this summer given this outbreak because we don’t know long it is going to take them to get it under control,” Hu said.

“This is the first time the China program is suspended and the Innsbruck program in Austria, that has been in operation for more than thirty years.

I don’t think it has ever b e e n canceled.”

S i x students h a d already committed to the summer prog ram, paid the Graphic by Victoria Valle d e p o s i t , and had family members interested in visiting China as well.

“They were planning to go so when they heard about this, and they were very disappointed obviously, but they understood that we did this for the safety of the students,” Hu said. “For some

students, if they wanted to study abroad, our Innsbruck program definitely is an option for them to consider. Also, there are other law schools in the country which offer study abroad programs.”

As of Feb. 21, there have been 77,813 nCoV cases affecting 32 countries and territories. Wuhan, China has been closed off since Jan. 23, with all transportation in and out of the Hubei province suspended.

Also, there have been 34 people who have tested positive for nCoV in the United States according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—21 repatriated and 13 identified on U.S. soil.

Both Hardberger and Hu believe the governments are doing the best they can to control the outbreak. They hope to continue planning study abroad programs to China and other affected countries in the future so long as it is safe for students.

“There’s no reason to permanently prohibit trips to areas that are currently being infected, we have every reason to believe that this virus at some point will become a thing of the past just like the other viruses before it,” Hardberger said.

Keep up the Momentum Continue your St. Mary’s experience by pursuing a master’s degree. Graduate students gain specialized knowledge in areas they are passionate about, expand their professional network and increase career potential.

DON’T WAIT If you are interested in a master’s, doctoral or graduate certificate program at St. Mary’s, contact the Office of Graduate Admission at 210-436-3101 or graduate@stmarytx.edu.

Learn more at stmarytx.edu/graduate-admission.

The Catholic and Marianist University

6 OPINION

EDITOR: VICTORIA SALDANA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | FEB. 26, 2020

Large corporate donations to candidates impairs fairness in elections Robert

Moncada STAFF WRITER

With the 2020 Democratic Primaries on the horizon, the once large crowd of 28 presidential hopefuls has now dwindled down to eight. At the time of publication, the Iowa and New Hampshire Caucuses have passed, each producing a respective winner—amidst technical difficulties in Iowa. Nonetheless, many citizens have expressed their concerns with how candidates qualify for debates and are labeled frontrunners, using corporate donors.

In 2012, Mitt Romney was the frontrunner Republican candidate against then incumbent President Barack Obama. As reported by “Time,” Romney was keen on responding to a heckler at the Iowa State Fair who was in favor of taxing corporations.

“Corporations are people, my friend,” Romney said.

This comment left many confused and without words. However, analyzing it further in a legal sense, corporations are indeed people. Profits from these people go to those running for public office. Granted, not all corporations make donations to those that people identify with.

This is not a partisan issue, Democrat or Republican, both sides receive donations and thrive on money in the system, small and large, from the average working person to the million and billion-dollar corporations.

“Money is the basis of political speech,” said Charles Cotrell, Ph.D., professor of political science. “That’s how you become recognized… The dysfunction of the system is that money has perpetuated every political aspect.”

Every step in the electoral process is fueled by money. From printing literature to producing media advertisements, and covering travel expenses, money is the basic source of covering ground and gaining influence in an election.

According to OpenSecrets.org, a research

group tracking money in politics, incumbent President Donald Trump, a Republican, has raised $232 million and spent $138 million.

An incumbent president will always have the upper hand in most elections, and will raise more money, in most cases. President Trump has been campaigning for 2020 since the day he took office in 2017. Democratic candidate and top contender Senator Bernie Sanders has raised $107.92 million and has spent $89.74 million, both figures are from the senator from Vermont’s 2020 campaign alone. Contrary to popular belief, the idea

that rich people only run for government reside in the GOP is very much a falsehood.

The 2020 election is looking to be the most expensive election in U.S. history.

“It’s a necessity, but it shouldn’t make or break a campaign,” said Aaron Sandoval, junior political science and history major.

“Right now we have a system that benefits those who are in the spotlight and receive more media attention,” he said. “Those candidates are more likely to raise more money while those who don’t have the attention of the media are forced to drop out because they aren’t raising enough money.”

The American people deserve fair and competitive elections with a diverse crowd. While money from donors is an unspoken requirement for candidates to qualify, it handicaps those who do not have the privilege of being household names or garnering name recognition. A candidate may have the experience and qualifications necessary to hold an office as high as president but may not have access to the adequate amount of funds.

“It’s a damaging blow to our constitutional democracy,” Cotrell said. “And fairness in elections and diversification Graphic by Natalia Zuniga in elections.”

Lizzo unnecessarily attacked and shamed due to societal double standard Victoria

Valle

WEB EDITOR

Lizzo is a phenomenal fat, black, woman artist who has proudly shared herself in her music and performances, gracing audiences with absolute hits like “Juice,” and “Like a Girl,” since the early 2010s.

She has undoubtedly taken the world by storm, with her song “Truth Hurts,” taking the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks, and set a record for solo female rappers. Further, Lizzo has used her popularity to promote the bodypositivity movement because she stands out as one of the few plus-sized black women who have reached such prominence. Lizzo openly advocates for the acceptance of all body sizes, shapes, and colors, but asserted that her “movement” is her own in a 2019 Allure interview.

Unfortunately, her increased exposure in the media brings with it increased hate and criticism toward her. Lizzo has not reached such heights by being ultra-sensitive to hate and/or negativity. Especially, in an industry notorious for its hyper-sexualization of women and the increasingly mercurial milieu that is public opinion.

There is no doubt that she can endure a lot—but why should she have to?

In early January, Lizzo said a temporary goodbye to Twitter, citing “too many trolls.”

Her management team have handled her account ever since. The suspension of her social media activity is open-ended, as it should be because—as most can agree—it is

her choice.

There is one thing creating contention in her absence, though it shouldn’t be anyone’s business, and that is Lizzo’s weight.

Around the same time as Lizzo declared her hiatus from Twitter, Jillian Michaels, former coach on the reality show “The Biggest Loser,” felt the need to question why people were applauding Lizzo’s body-positive attitude.

She went on to condemn the effects of obesity, as if health concerns made her fat-phobic rhetoric acceptable.

In the past week, the hashtag “LizzoIsO verPar ty” trended on Twitter.

Fans of Korean pop group, BTS, and fans of former British boy band, One Direction, came together to condemn Lizzo for a couple lewd comments toward BTS and Harry Styles. However, Twitter “stan culture” was hypocritical in their accusations. Tweets by the two fandoms, too inappropriate to include here, have done far worse. While sexualization of any gender is problematic, why do people rush to “cancel” Lizzo and continue to sexualize their idols in the same breath?

It seems that she receives vitriol on all

Source from Wikipedia Commons

sides; it’s no wonder that she has abandoned Twitter for the time being. As to why, the answer is quite clear: She is fat. She is black.

She is a woman. Her very existence is a threat to those who wish to control women by policing their bodies. One tweet from a Lizzo fan speaking out about the hypocrisy of cancel culture simply said, “Just say y’all hate black women and go”(@haepeachcan). It is impossible to speak about the experiences of black women in America for those who are not black, but the fact that she is black has undeniably contributed to the struggles Lizzo faces.

With that said, her presence has spread light and love to places in most need of it.

She is exactly the artist needed right now to remind people that if they can love her they can love themselves. And that is by far the most extraordinary thing about Lizzo’s “movement.” The body-positivity movement pushes and pushes for people to love themselves, asking “How can anyone love you if you don’t love yourself?” Lizzo’s philosophy blows that right out of the water by reframing the sentiment as: “Your very ability to love others means that you deserve love.”

OPINION 7

FEB. 26, 2020 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

St. Mary’s neglects to provide basic environmentally conscious necessities Isabela

Vazquez MANAGING EDITOR

It is not an uncommon fact that the world is in serious need of environmental help.

Every other day, it seems people are hit with news of another environmental tragedy.

Global

warming,

rainforest’s

burning,

extreme weather storms, it just never seems to end, but it has been calling people to action. How can they become better global citizens who care for the world they live in?

classrooms, which forces students to leave

yet the school itself is showing they do not

class search for one.

care enough about their own community

least a recycling bin in a classroom, even a

dorms have no recycling bins, there are no

small one. It would make difference.”

signs indicating where they are. The amount

“

I really hate having to hold on to my recyclables until I am able to “I really hate having to hold on to my on campus. find where to dispose of them. recyclables until I am able to find where to “I would say St. Mary’s It doesn’t make sense to not dispose of them, especially during class,” doesn’t care at all about have at least a recycling bin in a said Gabriella Gonzalez, junior English the environment,” said Cameron Ramirez, classroom, even a small one. It major. “It doesn’t make sense to not have at senior business management major. “The would make all the difference.”

Now, moving to another side of campus,

of food and water we waste is not the best for

the residence halls. How are students

the environment. If they cared they would

expected to care about their environment

have made a difference back in 2016.”

Gabriella Gonzalez junior English major take steps, they are quite lacking. A great way to promote cleaner living would be to

and the state of the earth, when there are no

There is also a lack of knowledge when it

recycling bins anywhere near them where

comes to how to become a greener campus

who will have to live in this world for the

they live? The trash rooms in Perigueux Hall

body. St. Mary’s does not try to promote

foreseeable future. How can this generation

and Founders Hall only provide trashcans

green lifestyles and having reusable food

create a healthier environment for those who

with a recycling bin somewhere in the

boxes at the cafeteria is just not enough. For

come after? While many college students

building but even then, residents are still

example at the few recycling bins there are

are taking steps to minimize their carbon

confounded with its whereabouts. Most

on campus, they do not say what can and

footprints, St. Mary’s makes it increasingly

residents in other dorms have little idea

cannot be recycled. Boxes or containers that

difficult to care about the environment

where their closest recycling bin is. Students

have food waste on them cannot be recycled,

here. Why?

want to care but without the tools to do

glass needs to be cleaned out, and other

Let’s start with the fact that when a

green-living education would greatly benefit

so, how can they? St. Mary’s makes it clear

details of how to recycle correctly. There are

student looks around there’s not a recycling

the campus body. It is in the hands of

they don’t care, so why should its students?

minimal reusable water bottle refill stations

students to care about their Earth because

bin in sight. They are spread out so thinly

Creating a healthy campus is not only about

available, which can increase the purchase

it is all they have and for more generations

around the main campus while there seems

fostering close interpersonal connections

of plastic water bottles. The campus does

to come. It is important to do what one can

to be an abundance of trashcans. People on

but also about caring for the ground

little to nothing to educate the student body

now, than later on when it is not useful.

campus almost need to go on a scavenger

beneath. St. Mary’s champions its students

of how and what can be recycled which is

Hopefully school administration will hear

hunt to find a place to recycle on campus.

giving back to their community and doing

another reason why recycling is so low on

students’ voices and start catching up to the

There are also little to no recycling bins in

service for a variety of organizations, and

campus. While the school may seem to

rest of the world.

EDITORIAL STAFF

Raising minimum wage may cause more harm than good

It is especially important for younger people

Editor-in-Chief Samantha Salazar Managing Editor Isabela Vazquez Copy Editor Louie Diaz Layout and Design Natalia Zuñiga Advertising Manager Demi Bestor Photo Editor Ivan Briones Web Editor Victoria Valle News Editor Samantha Ruvalcaba Lifestyle Editor Polina Protazanova Opinion Editor Victoria Saldana Entertainment Editor Jacob Henson Sports Editor Larry Rodrigiez Shea Faculty Adviser Camille Langston, Ph.D.

LETTER 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. For more information, call the newsroom at (210) 436-3401 or email rattlernews@gmail.com.

cut costs, resulting in a loss of jobs.

Steven Nivin, chair and associate Riehle professor of economics, argues the issue is CONTRIBUTING WRITER more than just economics. “[If] a CEO can make tens of millions of College students across Texas will get dollars per year, even when they have been the chance to vote in the presidential unsuccessful, and their senior executives primaries on March 3, marking the first also receive exorbitant pay packages, how opportunity for many to choose a candidate do they justify not paying their workers a that represents their stance on major issues living wage?” including the minimum wage.

Isabel Cantu junior international business Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Mayor studies major, who works at Whataburger, Pete Buttigieg, the two frontrunners in agrees big companies could afford to the 2020 Democratic Primaries, support pay more. increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 “I’ve had managers work two jobs just to an hour. This might sound like a good idea make ends meet,” Cantu said. to many low-income students at first, but Cantu argued that a minimum wage according to a report by the Congressional Budget Office such a raise could do more raise can make a business more profitable.

When companies pay employees their actual harm than good.

“The $15 option would alter employment worth, fewer people quit, companies save more for some groups than for others,” training costs, and retain happier employees the Congressional Budget Office, CBO, a who deliver better customer service. This is nonpartisan federal analysis organization, probably why companies such as Target and Amazon have already noted. “Almost 50% of the newly begun raising jobless workers in a given wages. week—600,000 of If true, 1.3 million—would why the bleak be teenagers.” projection on According to the raising the report, raising the Graphic by Victoria Valle f e d e r a l minimum wage to minimum $15 an hour could wage to $15 an hour help a lot of young people, by the CBO? The answer but it would mean a loss seems simple: not every business of work for many others.

This tradeoff is due to a simple economic everywhere could afford such a wage hike.

“The cost of living in Texas is significantly principle. The higher the wages a business must pay its employees, the more money lower than in California or New York,” it costs to keep those employees. To stay Cantu said. profitable some businesses would have to Companies in higher cost cities like Noah

include mini-recycling bins in dorm rooms and more recycling bins in general around campus. People should not feel obligated to go on a quest to find them, when recycling should be second nature to them. It should be as mindless as throwing trash away.

Making small changes like adding more recycling places, a community garden for composting, and generally having more

Seattle and Los Angeles could be fine, but a company in a small city like—to use Cantu’s example—Schertz, Texas, might ill afford a big wage increase.

Because of this, Corey Anderson, senior economics major, proposed that instead of a single, large federal minimum wage increase, individual cities, with state and

“

... a CEO can make tens of millions of dollars per year... how do they justify not paying their workers a living wage?”

Steven Nivin chair and associate professor of economics

federal oversight, should adopt minimum wages that best suit their areas. This way, wages could rise, but short of a level that would reduce employment.

Still, Anderson warned that people should be wary about relying on the minimum wage too much.

“Not meant to support a family, but an individual,” Anderson said.

A minimum wage job should be a leaping off point for students, not a crutch their entire life.

The $15 increase proposed by Sanders and Buttigieg would be more harmful than good. With education costs continually increasing, incremental wage hikes in different cities and localities across the country will do a whole lot more for young Americans without costing too many jobs.

10 LIFESTYLE

EDITOR: POLINA PROTOZANOVA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | FEB. 26, 2020

International students get the taste of home in San Antonio POLINA PROTOZANOVA LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Everyday life on campus can become quite mundane: breakfast, class, homework, lunch, class, etc. A big part of this routine is food. As amazing as the university cafeteria is, it can’t always satisfy every craving or provide diverse food on a daily basis.

Despite the common misconception that San Antonio only has fast-food chains and Mexican joints to offer, there are actually over 5,000 restaurants all throughout the Sasha’s European Market on 8023 Callaghan Road recommendation by Josemaria Soriano.

Now, Sasha’s isn’t a restaurant, it is a Russian grocery store. Walking into the building feels like teleporting into another world: Russian music playing in the background, friendly cashier and guests casually chatting in Russian as if they known each other for years, and, most importantly, groceries a new visitor probably have never seen before. From pierogi to Putin T-shirts— Sasha’s Market has it all. This grocery store isn’t just a place to stock up on international foods though, it’s a community. As one of the only places in San Antonio representing Eastern Europe, it is a spot for immigrants to reconnect with their beloved culture, and speak the language no one around the city seems to understand. “Russia is my dream country [to visit] because of its history and

city. What better way is there to spice up a boring weekend than to try out a completely new cuisine from a different country.

Apart from “spicing up the weekend” by tasting new food, there are many other reasons behind why one would want to experiment with their dinner. For one, food truly is a part of culture. While in some countries it is more prominent than in others, sharing a meal with friends and family has become far more than simply satisfying one’s biological needs. For example, in Japan, every meal is preceded

“

by an “Itadakimasu” or, translated literally, “I humbly receive.” This simple detail will allow in anyone participating into the Japanese unique mentality of coyness and gratuity. In other words, food can grant a better understanding of other cultures and more sophistication to a person’s worldview.

Secondly, eating different cuisines on a regular basis can make people healthier.

The typical American diet isn’t exactly the definition of balanced, which is why adding new ingredients into the meals can provide people with nutrients they have

long needed. According to the World Health Organization, the Mediterranean diet has been proven to be the healthiest. This lifestyle naturally incorporates grains, nuts, and fish into a wholesome dish.

Now that the importance of food diversity in one’s diet is established, the Rattler staff couldn’t think of anyone better to ask for restaurant recommendations than St. Mary’s own international student community.

Here is a list of places around San Antonio that make these international students feel at home.

“I know that if I’m stressed I can just go and eat my favorite Russian chocolates and sodas!”

Josemaria Soriano senior biophysics major

culture. Most people expect Russia to be cold and Russian to be really hard to learn (and they are not wrong!) Russia has unique delicious soups and salads that can make you resist the coldest winter, and they have a huge variety of very original chocolates!

That is why I love to go to Sasha’s European Market — I know that if I’m stressed I can just go and eat my favorite Russian chocolates and sodas! So if one day you are tired of Hershey’s, come take a bite of Russian culture,” said Josemaria Soriano, a senior biophysics major.

Soriano holding two Russian pickle jars at Sasha’s European Market.| Photo by Polina Protozanova

Biryani Pot on 9386 Huebner Road recommendation by Samman Tyata.

One way of figuring out the authenticity of an international cuisine restaurant is

“

“I usually visit a nearby Indian restaurant named Biryani Pot ... the spices, appearance and the taste resembles a lot with Nepali dishes.”

Samman Tyata junior computer science major

anything from the well-known tikka masala to less widespread korma or gulab jamun.

Even though Biryani Pot doesn’t specialize in Nepali food, according to Samman, it is as close as it gets in San Antonio.

“I cook my own food but, whenever I crave something from Nepal I usually visit a nearby Indian restaurant named Biryani Pot, as there are no Nepali restaurants in San Antonio. The food is not the same, but the spices, appearance and the taste resembles a lot with Nepali dishes. Usually, I go straight for the Chicken 65, Naan bread, or Mutton dishes which are really good. Moreover, the environment and Bollywood songs that they play throw a different vibe. Whenever I do get a chance to travel to Dallas or Austin, I never miss out on a good lunch (specially Momos) at a Nepali restaurant which reminds me of home and family,” shares Samman Tyata, junior computer science major.

Dipping into the vegetable curry with garlic naan bread at BiryaniPot.| Photo by Polina Protozanova

by looking at how many “locals” it has.

Walking into Biryani Pot it is impossible not to notice the overwhelming number of Indian-American families; casual chats in Hindi, Indian music in the background, and art on the walls all make visitors feel fully immersed into the culture. The menu offers

Fat Tummy Empanadas on 2922 W. Commerce St. by Laura Dicun.

Fat Tummy Empanadas offers an Argentinian take on a well-known in San Antonio dish. Unlike the Mexican version, Argentinian empanadas only come with savory fillings, like ground beef, cheese, or spinach. What’s more, in 2018 Guy Fieri, the famous Food Network chef, visited Fat Tummy Empanadas and recommended it to the viewers of the show. “The filling is fantastic, like a commercial,” Fieri said during the new episode. Ever since this business has been growing and the San Antonio public has gotten to experience the unique, cheesy flavor of these Argentinian pastries. “I like Fat Tummy Empanadas because of the freshness and they also have the option of buying them frozen.

It is definitely cheaper to make them, but the flavor is very similar to back home so

Spinach and cheese, beef and potatoes, spicy chicken empanadas. | Photo by Polina Protozanova

it makes them worthy. In Argentina we eat empanadas standing around, it is not a formal meal, and the fact that they have a food truck reminds me of when my friends and I would go to buy empanadas and just walk around and talk,” said Laura Dicun, junior business major.

“

“In Argentina we eat empanadas standing around, it is not a formal meal”

Laura Dicun junior business management major

No matter which one of these places students decide to visit, every restaurant on this list will provide ultimate cultural immersion. Thanks to St. Mary’s diverse body of students, the Rattler could make the recommendation list “locals” stand by.

LIFESTYLE 11

FEB. 26, 2020 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

The importance of thoughtful communication between St. Mary’s students ISABELA VAZQUEZ

MANAGING EDITOR Language is important. Every person has a version of language because it is the way to communicate needs, wants, and information.

It bonds the human experience together.

However, language can also be the initial spark of conflict. This is seen everywhere, from two roommates fighting about whose turn it is to take out the trash to two political leaders announcing war on each other. All these conflicts come down to the way two people speak to each other and about the other. The way one person speaks to another is more important than ever thanks to rising tensions amongst communities. Every person needs to understand that words have different weights to them. It is agreed that being “terrible” is worse than being “bad” because one is more severe than the other.

Words have the power to influence how people think and act around new people because of the way they have been described before. If a person surrounds themselves with negativity and hate filled words then they’re more likely to, even subconsciously, have a preconceived idea of who people are.

For example, this past month the U.S. saw its first coronavirus cases into quarantine.

The coronavirus was initially reported in Wuhan, China and has since spread to many countries including the U.S. While the loss of human life is a terrible outcome of the illness, the other lasting effects of the coronavirus are the “racist assaults and ignorant attacks against Asians,” as CNN has put it. The CNN reports there have been many people saying some truly awful, and ignorant, remarks towards Asian people such as a man assaulting a woman and calling her a “diseased b****” in New

York City. These aggressively racist remarks come from a place of willful ignorance. The person probably surrounded themselves with hateful rhetoric which led him to act out against an innocent woman. Language affects the way people think of each other.

If a friend says an unknown person acts in a certain manner, then one is more inclined to make judgments based on that biased opinion. And before ever meeting that unknown person, a distaste has already been planted.

Ideas about a person or groups of people formulate as early as childhood.

Those who raise children need to be more aware of how their words not only sculpt children’s worldviews but also how they views themselves. When a child acts out or behaves irregularly, the tendency is to scold them using harsh words that often do little to address the issue of why they are acting out. It also strains the relationship b e t w e e n parent and child because if the parents establish negative

overactive communication the child will be less inclined to disclose information.

In a study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh, they conclude that “parents who want to modify the behavior of their teenage children would be better advised to communicate with them on an equal level, explaining their worries and rationale to them.”

Rather than be verbally lashed at, children benefit more from an explanation of how and why their actions are bad, and why as a parent they are reacting this way.

This healthy way of communicating sets up the child to be more aware of how they speak to people, and in return may start a nice chain reaction.

However, there needs to be more care in how people speak to each other from the majority those who did not grow up with communicative parents or people to speak them in a calm, rational way, one must decide what they are trying to communicate and whether they are in the right headspace to do so. If people put in the effort to think and consider how their vocabularies

Graphic compiled by Polina Protozanova

could affect someone, then many conflicts would be dead before they started. An argument between two individuals dedicated to remaining calm and fully listening to one another results in more satisfying results for both parties. In the earlier example, two roommates are arguing about who’s turn it is take out the trash. While it seems like a minor situation, it can really disturb their living environment for a while. If one of the roommates loses their cool and expresses every negative feeling they are experiencing then the situation has become tainted with unproductive communication. Now the conversation has turned to personal attacks directed toward each other rather than resolving the original conflict of trash disposal. And when, or if, they resolve the original conflict is solved, the angry words will linger in the back of their heads. Words said in anger are usually not the words one means to say but they are often the ones that make the most impact. For that reason, a person should recognize when it is time to step out of the argument for a moment to find a better way to articulate their needs.

It is challenging to catch one’s words before they are spoken. Many people in positions of power have yet to practice this important skill. But it can really change the way people interact with each other. Being able to speak in a calm and rational manner in the face of tension and hatred speaks louder than reciprocating the hostility.

Language is how people relate to each other, how their worldviews are shaped, and how people can make peace with each other. Language stems from the human need to communicate and be understood, but people should learn to be open and understanding of others.

Mental Moments: How hustle culture affects student’s mental health on campus COURTNEY PEÑA STAFF WRITER

Hustle culture is a motivational movement for society to work harder, stronger, and faster. The idea behind this is if one works really hard, they will be successful and can achieve anything. Many social media influencers have drilled this mindset on their pages with inspirational quotes and rags to riches stories. These influencers do this so that their audience can be inspired to grind and work to their maximum limit to accomplish their goals and dreams right away. Due to the rising popularity of hustle culture, most college students have become attached to this lifestyle. However, this movement does more harm to college students than good.

“Well obviously ideally you should always prioritize your health over anything,” said Amanda Tran, freshman biology major.

“But I think it’s easier said than done to just break the habit of overworking yourself and oftentimes jeopardizing that health because culture and school has honed my work ethic (and along with others’) that way as early as the start of high school. So I have always associated quantifying success with numbers, results, and grades.”

Influencers argue that hustling has positive benefits, such as giving students a better work ethic which can lead to them become more independent, financially stable, and blissful. However, the pressure that this mindset imposes has led to more

people dealing with stress, anxiety, and anger. Hustle culture pushes college students to want to prove their academic worth and abilities to themselves and others; as a result, it has led to highly caffeinated, sleepdeprived, depressed, and anxiety-ridden college students. This can cause students to become burned out and physically sick when they take this trend too seriously. Further, due to the high pressure this mindset puts on students, they often feel guilt when unproductive and develop an unhealthy relationship with work.

Hustle culture also affects financial status and work choices. For example, some choose to do work-study and/or have an off-campus job. Many choose to take one or more jobs so they are not buried in student loans. According to a survey by Huffington Post, four out of five college undergraduates work an average of 19 hours per week.

64% of working students reported increase in stress levels and decrease in time devoted to studying. What’s more, many are forced to work off-campus due to a limited number of jobs at universities; and, of course, most of these occupations pay minimum wage — $7.25 an hour in Texas. However, what these influencers fail to mention is that working hard does not always lead to financial success—there are still going to have some loans to pay off by the time that they graduate. It is important for everyone to realize that an obsession with work can be very toxic.

Some influencers say that “the grind

never stops”, but it should stop at some level because it is important for students to balance work and rest. Hustle culture often leads students to work without fulfillment.

Influencers do not tell their followers that it is possible to work hard while taking breaks.

It’s important for students to take time and care for themselves; being too focused on work can cause relationships with others to suffer as well.

On the other hand, Dunde’s and Marx’s study shows that students working 10-19 hours per week often have a higher GPA compared t o those working under 10 hours. Such trend can be attributed to better timemanagement and workethic that part time jobs let students develop.

This is not to speak in defense of hustle culture though as its advocates want students to go even further—minimize sleep and rest in hopes of “financial freedom.”

Influencers like Jake Paul have even called upon their viewers to drop out of college, calling modern higher education outdated and useless; he proposed his audience to “make it on their own” by working nonstop, setting personal deadlines.

While it is true that the “traditional” path of college isn’t

for everyone, higher education is vital for many professions.

It is possible to avoid the negative effects of hustle culture by balancing work and relaxation. Finding the right balance of studying and relaxing can make or break college students. People must work to live rather than live to work.

Remember that one’s worth isn’t measured by their achievements or how little hours they sleep.

Happiness comes from within, not from prestigious job offers or high grades.

Graphic compiled by Polina Protozanova

12 ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR: JACOB HENSON | @STMURATTLERNEWS | FEB. 26, 2020

Fans anticipate upcoming release of “Hunger Games” prequel ELIZABETH PEREZ STAFF WRITER

“The Hunger Games” book series will be adding its next chapter this spring. Taking place 64 years before the events of “The Hunger Games” novels, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” will be the prequel to Suzanne Collins’ hit series.

“The Hunger Games” follows young Katniss Everdeen who lives among the tyrannical government of Panem and volunteers as tribute in the annual Hunger Games. As she makes her way through the games, Katniss becomes a symbol for the resistance against the nation’s dictator, President Snow, and his games.

In a statement regarding the announcement of her new book, Collins

“

I hope it will add more detail on how everyone else lived their lives after the war... Especially [about] how they keep peace within each district.”

Alondra Rodriguez-Sanchez freshman biology major

said, “With this book, I wanted to explore the state of nature, who we are, and what we perceive is required for our survival,” she said. “The reconstruction period ten years after the war, commonly referred to as the Dark Days—as the country of Panem struggles back to its feet—provides fertile ground for characters to grapple with these questions and thereby define their views of humanity.”

The original trilogy garnered widespread realizing her own feelings about everything,” success, a large fanbase, and a hit film Rodriguez-Sanchez said. series—starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh She also hopes the new prequel will tie up Hutcherson. Since the debut of the first some loose ends.

“Hunger Games” book in 2008, the trilogy “I’m excited because I was really has sold more than 100 million copies into the books when I was young and worldwide. There is I thought the series no doubt that “The wasn’t complete when I Ballad of Songbirds finished ‘Mocking Jay’,” and Snakes” will see Rodriguez-Sanchez said. similar success. In fact, Another Hunger the novel is already Games fan, Rebecca highly anticipated by Compos, sophomore fans here on campus. psychology major, “I hope it will expressed her hopes add more detail on for the new addition how everyone else as well. has lived their lives “I hope the prequel after the war” says might shed some light Alondra Rodriguezon why the games Sanchez, freshman started in the first place biology major. and why “Especially something [about] so gruesome how they was deemed keep peace necessary for within each the people district.” to learn As a fan a lesson,” of the entire Compos said. t r i l o g y, “I [first] read Rodriguezthe series Sanchez when I was mentioned in middle h e r school, so excitement there were over the a lot of past novels. questions I “ T h e had at the Graphic compiled by Natalia Zuniga parts of the novel end that can hopefully that excited me the most were Katniss’ be answered.” emotional growth and when she began Although the novel has yet to be released,

there is already controversy surrounding the story. After Scholastic released an excerpt from the novel, fans expressed unease over the novel’s apparent main character, a young President Snow, the original trilogy’s villain.

Their disappointment is widespread, many even offer up other characters they deem more suitable. The idea of Finnick and Annie’s love story or a young Haymitch merits some consideration.

The excerpt is available on the novel’s website www.songbirdsandsnakes.com. It reveals a scene where young Coriolanus Snow, a student at a college known only as the Academy, is assigned a girl from the District 12 to mentor. The purpose of this is to find a way to make the Hunger Games more entertaining in order to increase their lackluster viewer count. Apparently, prior to the high tech and futuristic Games of the original trilogy, the event was held in an old Colloseum-esque structure. Snow seems horrified to find that his assignment comes from the furthest, poorest district that is notably the same district that produces the fan-favorite heroine Katniss Everdeen many decades later.

Of interest: Entertainment Weekly created a helpful illustrated interpretation of a young President Snow with inhuman blue eyes, holding a single white rose. To find out more about young President Snow and the characters he will encounter, make sure to preorder a copy of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” set to release on May 19, 2020.

Vegan bakery chain opens first location in San Antonio DANIKA GARZA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A vegan bakery chain named Cinnaholic just opened its first San Antonio location on Valentine’s Day. Having been featured on the ABC show “Shark Tank” in 2014, creators Shannon and Florian Radke received an offer from investor Robert Herjavec. They later declined to stay true to their original vision and grew Cinnaholic through a franchise business model. Expanding from the first store opened in Berkeley, California in 2010, the gourmet cinnamon roll bakery now has opened locations across the U.S. and Canada.

With six locations in Texas already, it has made its way to San Antonio.

When walking in, one is greeted by friendly employees and the delicious smells of made-from-scratch desserts. Displays of freshly made cinnamon rolls and cookie dough are presented front and center when walking in, ready to be ordered. Among cinnamon rolls, Cinnaholic’s menu also includes mini rolls, brownies, cookies, and cookie dough. Coffee is also available and

provided by next door neighbor, Brown Coffee Co. Cinnamon rolls at Cinnaholic are made every 30 minutes so that customers are always served a fresh roll. The bakery offers over a dozen frosting flavors, from lemon, orange, chai, and amaretto.

“It’s a make your own cinnamon roll bar.

You can choose icings such as marshmallow, almond, orange, chai, peanut butter, and so much more,” said Katie Drees, junior biology major. “ [It’s] a lot like an ice cream shop.”

Local husband

Photo courtesy of @foodieee.couple

and wife team, Ben and Nicki Reedy, own and operate this new location. After discovering

the concept of Cinnaholic in 2018, the couple fell in love with the idea of a great tasting egg-and-dairy-free dessert for all to enjoy.

After an interview with the SA Current, the Reedys hope to transform the outdoor space, that was previously shared with the former Steel City Pops storefront, into a place for customers to play and enjoy their baked goods.

In preparation for their grand opening, the Reedys reached out to their community in hopes to find someone to paint the company’s logo on a featured brick wall and found St. Mary’s own, Danika Garza, a sophomore marketing major. Garza worked with the Reedys to recreate the meaningful design that represents the Cinnaholic name in a 54 inch by 54 inch area.

The Cinnaholic logo features a swallow—a species of bird—in the style of a traditional sailor tattoo, which symbolizes the experience, team value, and family the company prides itself on. Swallows would be the first birds sailors would see when returning safely to their harbors after long and dangerous trips. So in turn, Cinnaholic wants their customers to feel the same comforting experience of coming home at all of their locations, and considers its franchise partners, employees, and corporate team a family representing

Photo courtesy of Danika Garza

the success of the brand.

The new location on 1812 S. Alamo St. in Southtown is in the perfect spot for busy foot traffic events like First Friday, a monthly event for people to enjoy art, food, and music. With Cinnaholic open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays this will make the perfect stop for those looking to satisfy their late-night sweet tooth. Cinnaholic offers recycled and compostable containers for most products and is a 100% vegan brand.

ENTERTAINMENT 13

FEB. 26, 2020 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

“Exploration of Dance” highlights the value of expression GERARDO NINO POZOS / JACOB A. HENSON STAFF WRITER / ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

For a college student, going to dance might sound antiquated or only acceptable for a night out on the town. However, in honor of Black History Month, on Feb. 20 the Potranco Library hosted the choreographer and educator, Jennifer Edmonds-Jones and her third event, “Exploration of Dance.”

In this technical, creative, freeing, and joyful event, children and adults of all ages practice their dance—movement, requiring nothing more than enthusiasm, open space, and imagination.

Over the course of human history, dance has evolved from ritualistic practices to modern activities for people to freely express themselves. Whether that be at clubs, weddings, or studios, dance is a freeing expression. Dance was especially vital during the antebellum period in U.S. history.

As history portrays the horrors of slavery, black people could scarcely express themselves, but there were at least two distinct ways in which they could, through dance and song. Today, people can reflect and make a connection to the past by learning simple rhythms and tempos associated with the free expression of one’s

self, which is what “Exploration of Dance” is all about.

“Everybody has a connotation of dance,” said Jennifer Edmonds-Jones, founder of the BRIDGES program. “A lot of times I almost even hesitate to use the word dance because of the barriers that come with it, so I really talk a lot about using specific vocabulary, [like] movement.”

Edmonds-Jones brought the idea of using dance as a Black History Month event after conversations with the librarians.

“I was actually at a library—I was speaking to one of the librarians there— we began to talk, and this idea was born,” Edmonds-Jones recalled. “I met with her and some other members of the planning committee for Black History Month for the San Antonio Public Library and we brainstormed of bringing this [idea] into the library.”

The event was short and sweet, yet full of expressive art. At the beginning of each session a children’s book was read to encapsulate the young ones’ curiosity and engage them with ideas of what dance is, what dance could become, and what their own ideas of dance were. As the session progressed, Edmonds-Jones taught them a series of movements, some of the highlights were locomotors, axial movements, and choreography.

As the session came to a close, and the

audience was met with a joyous energy in the room, one could only wonder what inspired Edmonds-Jones to create her o r g a n i z at i o n , BRIDGES. As such, it turns out that her goal and mission is ultimately to create artistic and cultural communities for the public.

For those interested in participating in the San Antonio Public Library’s final Black History Month event, “Exploration of Dance,” it will conclude Saturday, Feb. 29 with a culminating event at the Carver Library from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The final event will continue to be interactive in dancing and movement but will also feature professional performances with even more arts and crafts.

Those who have never experienced

Graphic by Jacob A. Henson

a session before can discover there is something for everyone. All ages are welcome to attend, and for students, this could serve as an excellent mid-semester breather before midterms hit. To learn more about Edmonds-Jones and her work in the BRIDGES organization visit www. bridgescac.org.

“The Outsider” thrills viewers in Stephen King adaptation ELISA HUERTA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As of Jan. 12, HBO’s new series “The Outsider” has been scaring audiences and keeping them on the edge of their seats.

Announced back in 2018, the show began production for its unique combination of Stephen King’s true crime and supernatural storytelling.

The story revolves around a small-town murder of a young boy named Frankie Peterson. Eyewitnesses state it was Terry Maitland—played by Jason Bateman—who committed the crime, but things start to get strange when video footage proves that Maitland was seven miles away during the time the crime was committed. The investigators start to question everything they know, and as they continue on with the investigation, the case becomes increasingly puzzling and freakish. The evidence continues to contradict what the investigators thought they knew, and what seemed natural became supernatural.

The little boy dies, it’s blatant in the first episode, and Maitland, volunteer little league coach, teacher, and loving father

Graphic compiled by Natalia Zuniga

and husband, is seen to be the ideal citizen.

However, things become more complicated when the brother of the murdered child becomes enraged. His hate consumes him and leads him to make a horrific decision, making the case even more challenging to crack. So, with Maitland’s video surveillance alibi, how could he have committed the crime? Who really murdered Frankie Peterson? Who is the outsider?

“I’ve never been a big fan of Stephen King’s movies, but I’m definitely going to watch the series,” said Elizabeth Perez, junior communication studies major. “It seems very interesting, and I love the mystery of the story.”

Stephen King has a reputation for his novels being difficult to adapt into movies, therefore with the proper time as a TV show, HBO perfectly captures the creepy atmosphere of this homicide mystery. By making the story a series, HBO does not try to cram every detail into a 2 1/2 hour long movie. Along with the eerie soundtrack and the amazing cast, this show is sure to keep viewers wide-eyed. The one downside of this show is that not every detail in King’s novel is portrayed in the series. Then again,

most film adaptations leave out some detail to a degree. Yet, it also might be for the best because King can often include disturbing sexual imagery in his novels that can end up being inappropriate for a TV rating.

Before venturing into the show, a word of caution, this show is rated TV-MA and contains graphic violence. In episode two

“

I’ve never been a big fan of Stephen King’s movies, but I’m definitely going to watch the series.”

Elizabeth Perez junior communication studies major

there is a scene of attempted suicide. Viewers who are sensitive to this topic should not watch the show, and as always it should be remembered that university services are available to help if needed. Additionally, there is an abundance of gore in this show, those who are sensitive to blood should consider other options. Before making a decision on watching the show, make sure to

check out the trailer on YouTube.

Ben Mendelsohn character, Ralph Anderson, plays lead detective of the Maitland case. Anderson’s character development is amongst the best in the series because of his growth to acceptance of other worldly behavior. Over the course of the season Anderson ,a realist who refuses to believe in paranormal explanations, abandons is old worldview and comes to accept that something supernatural may be afoot.

Reception to the show has been positive despite some of its graphic nature. The ratings have consistently grown over the course of the past month and a half and may be renewed for a second season. According to “Variety,” the debut of the fourth episode garnered nearly 1.5 million views on HBO an 11% growth from the previous episode.

There are six episodes currently streaming. A new episode comes out every Sunday night until the ninth and final episode premiers on March 1. To watch this show and other new hits on HBO, try HBO Now or HBO GO for one week free, then $14.99/month. The same deal is offered for those with a Hulu account.

14 SPORTS

EDITOR: LARRY RODRIGUEZ-SHEA |@STMURATTLERNEWS | FEB. 26, 2020

Photo by Larry Rodriguez-Shea

Baseball player’s first hit wins against West Texas A&M Buffs SCOTT SHORT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

St. Mary’s Rattlers faced off against the 15th nationally ranked West Texas A&M Buffaloes at Dickson Stadium this past weekend. The Rattlers lost three close games heading into the rubber match Sunday afternoon. Looking to avoid a series sweep at home, the Rattlers and Buffaloes traded blows all game when the Rattlers found themselves tied 8-8 in extra innings. The Rattlers have been unable to capitalize on opportunities earlier in the series when an unlikely hero would step up to the plate with the game on the line.

With two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th, head coach Charlie Migl called Shawn Tober, a sophomore physics and mathematics major’s, number for a pinch-hit appearance. Stepping on the field for only the seventh time as a true

sophomore, Tober had yet to collect his first career college hit. The sophomore utility man is a jack-of-all-trades. Graduating salutatorian from Harlandale High School in 2018, Shawn was a member of the National Honor Society and received a nomination to the United States Naval Academy from Congressman Will Hurd. Tober is known for his humility and work ethic among his peers and teammates.

“If I was given the privilege of playing baseball at the next level, I would,” Tober said. “If not, I want to become a Navy SEAL, not only because I admire their physical resilience and mental fortitude that comes from their never-quit attitude, but because I want to serve a purpose bigger than myself at the highest capability.”

From a young age, Tober has loved the game of baseball, looking up to those above him. Everything he had been working for led up to this moment. Head down, bat in

hand, Tober carefully made his way to the right-handed batter’s box. After digging one foot in the red clay, Tober made sure he was in the right position. Tober, a 5-foot-10inch looked out to the mound at the senior 6-foot-6-inch lefty hurler Mitchell Miller, a transfer from one of the most prestigious baseball schools, Clemson University. With both teams riotously positioned at the top steps of their respective dugouts, Tober took a breath, waved the bat by his ear and locked in. It was just him and the pitcher. Miller took his stride and fired to the plate. Tober was ready for the heater, ripping a line drive walk-off single into left field. Raising his arms high above his head, Tober high-stepped to first base sending the Rattlers into hysterics.

Propelling themselves from the dugout, the team mobbed Tober, releasing their frustration after a hard-fought weekend.

After a three hit, two RBI performance Sunday afternoon, captain

Patrick Fennell, fifth-year senior communications major shared his thoughts on Tober’s game winning hit. “[I] Couldn’t be happier for Shawn,” Fennell said. “His opportunities have been limited this year, so for him to come through in that spot was big for us, not only for the team, but for his own personal game.”

In a back-and-forth game, Shawn almost entered before getting the chance for the walk-off.

“During that game it was twice that I was going to put him in there,” said Migl. “I decided we were going to wait…I know he didn’t like it, but he still prepared; and when he finally got his chance, he was able to get the walk-off…I’m just happy for him.”

With the walk-off winner, Tober collected his first collegiate hit and RBI. Shawn and the rest of Rattler baseball team travel to the Permian Basin from Feb. 28-March 1.

Day in the life: An inside look of a tennis player’s schedule ALICE THANE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

It’s 6:45 a.m. on a Friday, and the men’s and women’s tennis teams are warming up on the basketball court in the Greehey Arena. The athletes are going through their normal dynamic warm-up before they hit the weight room. The teams do a varied workout with upper body, lower body, and core exercises. Even though the players are in season, sports performance coach, Joe Gottsch talks about the importance of progressing their workouts in the gym.

“We weight train a lot in season to help us progress as it is our longest uninterrupted block of training,” Gottsch said. “We need to use that time because we don’t get a lot of time that’s out of season with tennis playing both fall and spring. We also do it for injury prevention.”

After the weight session, the team hurry to the tennis courts to start drilling. The cold morning sees the players wrapped up, warm in many layers. Unlike other sport’s, like basketball and volleyball, college tennis is mainly an outside sport. The teams train and play matches in all kinds of weather conditions.

At approximately 8:45 a.m. the players who have early class leave practice. The athletes take quick showers and grab a snack before heading to their class. The afternoon sees the men’s and women’s tennis teams make an appearance at the tennis courts once again. Today, their session will go on for around three hours. Practice for both the

men’s and women’s teams varies depending on a variety of factors. Assistant tennis coach Chelsea Horan describes how practice is organized.

“In the spring season, we spend a little more time with point play, live ball and not too many drills,” Horan said “But we do have to focus more on fitness in the spring since now we are running in the heat of things.

Running needs to be included with the hitting and practice.”

During the evening, the athletes have free time to relax and complete homework.

Not only do athletes have to juggle their sports and study-time, but three players on the men’s and women’s teams are part of the Greehey Scholars Program. Charli

Delmonico, freshman business management major, describes how she is able to manage and plan her time around these commitments.

“Greehey Scholars spend their time volunteering within the community and enhancing their skills by learning from business professionals,” Delmonico said.

“Participating in this along with my studying and tennis schedule has taught me the importance of effectively managing my time and planning ahead.”

Eight athletes on the men and women’s team are international students. Being a student-athlete is sometimes difficult, but living in a different country, experiencing a new culture and language adds to the

difficulty. Louis Bonnay, sophomore international business major, shares the challenges of coming to the U.S. “I’m from France, so coming to the United States was a big culture change for me and there was a language barrier,”Bonnay said.

“It is hard being away from home, but the team is like a family to me.”

The tennis teams are barely starting their spring seasons. With much of the season ahead of them the tennis programs have a mix of conference matches, exhibitions, and tournaments to look forward to. Their season is capped off by the conference tournament which will be played from April 23-25 in Waco, Texas.

With daily workouts and long practices the team is ready to put that hard work to the test against a tought schedule. Sebastian Azcui, freshman engineering management major, is ready to compete with his team this season.

“We have been practicing really hard and putting in a lot of effort,” Azcui said. “We have many tough matches but together as a team we can win! Something that helps me stay focused and motivated is that coaches believe in our work and we like to have support from people on campus.”

This is a snapshot of the life a college tennis athlete endures. The men’s and women’s tennis teams are eager to start the spring season, and ready to work hard and reach their full potential on the court and in the classroom. The teams will have their first conference match against St. Edwards on March 7, at the San Antonio Rohrbach Stadium Tennis Complex at 2 p.m.

Members of the women’s tennis team perform a plank variation during a workout.| Photo courtesy of Joe Gottsch

SPORTS 15

FEB 26, 2020 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

A look forward at upcoming schedule for spring athletics

Photo by Larry Rodriguez-Shea

Graphic by Larry Rodriguez-Shea

Intramural department continues growth in spring season LARRY RODRIGUEZ-SHEA SPORTS EDITOR

The athletics department is experiencing a surge of growth. With a new e-sports program set to debut next fall, the intramural’s department has also begun to develop and revamp its programs. They hope to continue growing to offer sports to the entire campus.

Intramural staff hopes the program continues to see growth and engagement as they continue to expand. They hope to achieve this growth through new sports, engaging with the community, and by increasing their publicity.

Community engagement for the intramural department has been successful thus far especially with the help of Greek life. The sorority, Alpha Phi, hosted a

successful Hoops for Hearts tournament and hopes to hold a soccer tournament later this year. The involvement does not stop there, the department hopes to have gaming competitions, faith formation events, and introduce new sports like lever hockey and spike ball.

Carlos Salgado, intramural coordinator, and his staff have been a large part in the programs growth. They have many goals, but the main hope is to provide a space where all kinds of people can interact in activities they enjoy.

“It gives everyone the opportunity to get involved,” Salgado said. “You can meet new people, make new friends. We want to provide an opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff to enjoy sports.”

The focus on participation and

Competitors have a moment of silence before the first game.| Photo courtesy of Carlos Salgado

involvement is one that is shared by intramural staff members. Brandon Rojas, freshman history major, believes good things can come out of this program.

“I would have to say my goal for intramurals here at St. Mary’s is for it to be the best it can be,” Rojas said. “Finally, I think it’s important to grow intramurals, because students deserve to have a break from school, and we just want to make sure we can provide a great outlet to escape and have fun at the same time.”

Last fall the program saw the most participation since fall 2015 and this semester they are close beating last springs engagement without having played the biggest sports. The relationships don’t stop with the Greek community or even at St. Mary’s, the staff is beginning to form

relationships with other campuses like Trinity University. The hope is that the best intramural teams will be able to play each other. Eduardo Lopez, sophomore industrial engineering major has participated in just about every event this year. He believes developing this sense of community is good for the students.

“I like intramurals because it really builds community,” Lopez said. “You see people you wouldn’t really see in real life or on an everyday basis. You make new friends from that and it’s also a competitive sport for people that aren’t athletes but enjoy the sport.”

As the athletic department continues to grow the community grows with it.

With many events coming in the future, intramurals hopes to continue its positive

Players in the Hoops for Hearts tournament celebrate thegame.| Photo courtesy of Carlos Salgado

16 EN ESPAÑOL

EDITORA: ISABELA VAZQUEZ | @STMURATTLERNEWS | FEB. 26, 2020

Los estudiantes y facultad recuperan estudios Latinos SAMANATHA SALAZAR EDITORA DIRECTORA

Los estudiantes y miembros de la facultad de St. Mary se han unido para establecer un certificado de estudios de Latinx/Americanos Mexicanos o una subespecialidad en el campus. Los esfuerzos comenzaron el semestre pasado con conversaciones entre estudiantes y miembros de la facultad sobre la falta de programas orientados a los estudios Latinx/ Americanos Mexicanos.

Los detalles sobre el nombre, cómo se ofrecerá el certificado o subespecialidad , y qué cursos estarán involucrados son todavía desconocidos. Sin embargo, el interés y la participación estudiantil instigaron los esfuerzos y potencialmente harán del programa una realidad.

Jessica Márquez-Muñoz, estudiante de psicología, ha estado a la vanguardia del esfuerzo. Ella comenzó a darse cuenta de la necesidad de algún tipo de programa después de tomar un curso de literatura en el que los autores Latinx fueron asignados, algo que nunca había encontrado antes.

“Nunca he leído historias sobre latinos que estén ni siquiera en la zona en la que estuve” , dijo Márquez-Muñoz. “Estaba leyendo estas historias y soy como ‘sé dónde está esa calle’, que se relaciona conmigo, y nunca he tenido esa oportunidad antes de eso.”

Márquez-Muñoz fue motivada para aprender más sobre los estudiosos de Latinx y luego buscó el interés del cuerpo

estudiantil y encontró una abundancia de apoyo. Además, las investigaciones realizadas en otras instituciones de la zona indicaron que todas ellas ofrecían programas relativos a Latinx/Estudios México-Americanos. Márquez-Muñoz creía que era importante ofrecer un programa así, especialmente porque la mayoría de la población estudiantil es hispana.

“Creo que parte de nuestra misión es servir a la comunidad, si su comunidad

es hispana, entonces por qué no”, dijo Márquez-Muñoz.

Aunque no se confirman detalles específicos, un plan provisional para el certificado o subespecialidad de edad haría que constara de varios cursos ya ofrecidos.

“Ya teníamos los cursos aquí, pero no conducen a nada”, señaló Márquez-Muñoz.

“Estamos haciendo el trabajo, pero no tenemos nada que mostrar”.

Los miembros de la facultad, Arturo

Gráfica por Victoria Valle

La literatura es una parte importante JOSEMARIA CHAMAN ESCRITOR CONTRIBUYENTE

La literatura latinoamericana definitivamente debe ser considerada como única en el marco continental americano. Durante la historia de la formación de Latinoamérica la literatura emergió junto a los movimientos sociales de cada etapa, pero es a partir del Barroco (Siglos XVII-XIX) cuando la forma de escritura empezó a dar pasos agigantados. La utilización de recursos estilísticos y complicados juegos de palabras dio pie a la renovación de técnicas y estilos que concentraron la literatura hacia un ámbito intelectual magnífico. Esto nos da a entender que por este manejo y, sobre todo, desmanejo de la estructura del idioma español, la literatura latinoamericana siempre se mantuvo a la vanguardia y en búsqueda de la auténtica experimentación. Además, durante el Siglo XIX, la literatura se convirtió en una de las principales armas para construir y difundir las identidades latinoamericanas, dotándola no solo como una herramienta para contar historias, sino, para crear historia. Esta característica de constancia técnica sumamente arraigada a la identidad llevó a que en el Siglo XX se diera lo que se conoce como el Boom literario en Latinoamérica. La cantidad de nuevos exponentes que surgieron durante esta época es realmente abrumadora: Julio Cortázar (Argentina), Mario Vargas Llosa (Perú), Gabriel García Márquez (Colombia), entre otros.

La genialidad de esta etapa radica en la exploración de nuevas áreas de la realidad social.

En esencia, las obras del Boom son netamente vanguardistas: El tiempo carece de una linealidad, se retuerce, va y viene; la variación de perspectivas también está presente, pero lo que más cautiva de este género son los neologismos

o acuñaciones de nuevas palabras. El dominio de los tecnicismos de la lengua española y el agotamiento de todos sus usos, en muchos casos, llega a crear un aburrimiento insoportable en el escritor, quien, en busca de nuevos recursos (ese deseo por escribir), lleva la lengua hacia otro nuevo nivel. Ergo, la literatura latinoamericana se erige como el gigante que es en este continente de sueños y revoluciones.

Como muestra de esta excelencia están Pablo Neruda y sus Veinte Poemas, Mario Benedetti y “La Tregua”, César Vallejo con “Trilce o Los Heraldos Negros”, Juan Carlos Onetti con “Juntacadáveres”, Martin Adán y su “Casa de Cartón”, y la lista podría continuar por un artículo completo. Los exponentes de la literatura latinoamericana no solo escribían por escribir, sino porque la realidad les parecía imperfecta, porque tenían algo que decir mucho más de lo que una trama y desenlace permitía. Para este desarrollo, claro está, los factores socioculturales de Latinoamérica tuvieron suma importancia.

Muchos de los opus magnum latinoamericanos nacen gracias al exilio, al estallido de algún conflicto armado o una dictadura militar, de allí viene aquel sentimiento de furia y amor con el que cada obra ha sido plasmada.

Incomparable, la literatura latinoamericana ha pasado por tantas transformaciones durante el tiempo que, de algún modo, los escritores convirtieron las palabras escritas en una meliflua voz, en una estridente melodía que logró escapar el encierro de las palabras sobre la tinta. De este modo, no se puede simplemente subyugar la literatura latinoamericana a un conjunto unitario de todo el continente. La singularidad de la escritura latinoamericana ha conmocionado y sigue conmocionando a la audiencia internacional, por lo que debe ser considerada como única.

“

Creo que parte de nuestra misión es servir la comunidad...”

Jessica Márquez-Muñoz estudiante de psicología

Vega, Ph.D., director de programa y profesor asociado de ciencias políticas y Rick Sperling, Ph.D., presidente y profesor asociado de psicología, también han sido parte del esfuerzo para llevar un programa al campus. Vega afirma que un programa así permitiría a los estudiantes estar mejor equipados para servir a la comunidad y llevar a cabo la visión de los marianistas.

“Creo que una parte de la síntesis es ayudar a estos estudiantes a conocerse a sí mismos y a conocer esta comunidad”, para que puedan volver a entrar porque quieren servir a sus comunidades”, dijo Vega.

De acuerdo con Vega, un Latinoamericano y U.S. Latino Studies menor fue ofrecido en St. Mary hace aproximadamente una década fue eliminado.

El grupo todavía está en conversación con respecto a los cursos y otros detalles, pero en última instancia cree que un programa enriquecerá a los estudiantes no sólo en su desarrollo profesional, pero su capacidad general de devolver a la comunidad.

No vamos a quedarnos aquí, vamos a ir a otros lugares, así que por qué no estar mejor preparados para representar a nuestro yo, nuestra cultura, nuestra gente, nuestra comunidad , dijo Márquez-Muñoz. ¿Cómo vamos a servir mejor a la comunidad si no conocemos sus problemas?