Vol. 109 Issue No. 3 10/22/2020

Vol 109 | Issue 3 | Oct. 22, 2020 | San Antonio, Texas

U.S. Department of Education grants St. Mary’s TRiO program $1.3 million eligible, an indicator of exceptional financial need. Statistically, this places the university demographic at a lower rate of college graduation. The data only further proves how instrumental the grant is going to be in many undergraduates’ lives and their professional paths.

Rosalind Alderman, vice provost of enrollment management said the TRiO program has become a second h o m e for many students who have previously n e e d e d guidance. She hopes others outside of the program take the time to show empathy and realize that not everyone comes into college with equal resources.

“The grant is the sole funding source of the program,” Alderman said.

“Students will be part of a community and receive continued support and resources focused on academic skills, financial aid/ literacy, graduate/ professional school and career development. We will use the funding to provide staff to support the students with college success coaching, tutoring, as well as programs that will help participants achieve academic success and prepare for their futures.”

OVID-1 9

the future leaders we are educating today.”

Indeed, this time of crisis may be defining in many students’ lives. According to the Department of Labor, the pandemic

by Dem

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Graphic

Amid the pandemic and an economic crisis, the U.S. Department of Education has granted St. Mary’s over $1.3 million in aid to students in the TRiO Students Support Services program. The grant will be allocated to support 144 students throughout the next five years as well as to ensure the quality of their education a n d preparedness for a career after college.

The TRiO p r o g r a m is a nationwide program funded by the Department of Education that aims to provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The program primarily aids firstgeneration or lowincome students as well as individuals with disabilities.

Additionally, TRiO covers not only an undergraduate degree but may also fund a participant’s academic path all the way from middle school to postbaccalaureate studies.

At St. Mary’s, the program took the form of the Achieving Maximum Potential initiative serving as a tool to participating students on their path to getting a degree.

Achieving Maximum Potential prides itself with exceptional students: the program has

produced six Presidential Award winners, retained a 94% good academic standing rate and became a home to 72% low-income, first-generation undergraduates.

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Photos courtesy of @stmu_amp_trio_sss

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“Now, more than ever, this important funding will help improve our ability to provide access to an excellent education amid challenging times and ensure our students achieve academic success and graduate,” said St. Mary’s President Thomas Mengler, J.D. “The holistic programming that this grant funds will enrich the lives of

has placed over 19 million people at risk of eviction, forced 1.8 million to file for first-time unemployment benefits and put thousands of low-income students at a higher risk of dropping out.

At St. Mary’s, 47% of the student body is classified as first-generation and 40% of undergraduates in 2019 were Pell Grant

Photos

POLINA PROTOZANOVA NEWS EDITOR

CONTINUED ON PG. 2

OPINION

LIFESTYLE

ENTERTAINMENT

HEALTH

PG 7

PG 11

PG.12

PG.16

Changes to campus dining services

Helpful ways to stay safe while on campus

Spooky season adapts to COVID-19

Students stay healthy during quarantine

2 NEWS

EDITOR: POLINA PROTOZANOVA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | OCT. 22, 2020

strengthen my skills and do something I love which is helping and serving others,” Uribe One of the TRiO student members said. “With the new grant, the program will be able to keep the program for five more Natalie Padilla, senior criminology major, years! The grant said the program money will go has helped her towards events form academic they hold such and professional as grad school relationships, visits, visits to ultimately making museums and her transition to other educational college smoother. trips, workshops “[TRiO has] and luncheons!” been a place where The grant from I can talk freely and the Department feel comfortable to of Education ask any question to the TRiO program comes at I could possibly a pertinent time have,” Padilla said. in education as “Throughout the students navigate program, I was able the financial to meet with a peer challenges created coach and discuss by the coronavirus basically anything p a n d e m i c . and everything. If I Even during a needed help to find TRiO program students out for a community field trip before COVID-19 hit.| Photo courtesy of stmarytx.edu pandemic, the a job, my peer coach would provide all kinds luncheons funded by the program. Uribe program continues to support statistically of resources.” has also taken on the role as a peer coach vulnerable, low-income, first-generation Jeanettee Uribe, senior math major, through which she provides guidance for students and will continue to provide St. is another TRiO student that has also students in the program.

Mary’s students with excellent education “Through this position, I was able to and career support. benefitted from the program’s resources.

FROM “TRIO”

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Uribe said she has learned many things through the program such as learning how to budget, apply for scholarships, writing a resume and more through workshops and

Late Rev. Vela remembered by St. Mary’s community AMANDA SWAN STAFF WRITER

The passing of Reverand Rudy Vela was a tragedy felt among every corner of the St. Mary’s community. Vela had been part of the university for many years, graduating from the university in 1976 with a degree in Spanish and a minor in music education.

Both of these specializations reflect the passions Vela held as he was immensely proud of his Mexican heritage which would play a major role in his focus within the communities he lived in, and his wholehearted care for education. It was with the greatest conviction in which he was engaged as an educator, knowing that by doing so he was fulfilling the mission of the Marianists.

It was with the Marianists that Vela carried his endeavor to educate and be educated that Vela lived his life. In 1971, only a year after graduating high school, Vela professed his first vows in the Society of Mary, an act which shaped his life and took him on a journey all over the world.

After graduating from St. Mary’s, he spent

two years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin teaching at a Catholic high school. There, he not only taught classes on both Spanish and religion, but was the director of a choir program and coordinated numerous religious programs at the school, tirelessly working to support the first school of many that he would teach in. Following two years at the school, Vela spent three years in Peru teaching at a Marianist institution and working with the community in a similarly engaged fashion.

Vela returned to Texas years later in 1984 to be ordained after studying at the Marianist North American Seminary at the Toronto School of Theology. Spending nearly 10 years in pastoral work in Texas, Vela then had the opportunity to have a year-long sabbatical in Rome in order to study the incorporation of various cultures into the liturgy and the way in which religious public worship is done.

Returning to San Antonio at the end of the year, Vela was hired as the program director of the former Mexican American Cultural Center, where he spent four years

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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using his studies from Rome and deep love of his heritage to advance the incorporation of Hispanic cultural themes into worship in recognition of a rapidly growing Hispanic church.

His passion for the Hispanic church as a whole inspired Vela to pursue a doctorate at Chicago Theological Union in order to study such issues more closely. Upon earning his doctorate, Vela returned to St. Mary’s, where he had graduated years before, and dedicated the rest of his life towards being a fiercely passionate faculty member and administrator for 17 years.

Staying within the community for so long, Vela was a fixture of the community and often acted as a guide for both students and new faculty alike. Dr. Katherine Hampsten recalls a multi-week training that Vela taught for new faculty members in which he educated on the Marianist charisma and the spirit of the community.

When speaking about his passion for education, Hampsten said that Vela was both intellectually curious and simply “delighted to share his knowledge.” It is a common thread that all who knew him say he was, first and foremost, an educator with a sincere passion which drove him above and beyond. It is for both this and his effervescent spirit which makes Vela so unforgettable to those who knew him.

Hampsten spoke in particular of one specific example which demonstrates the unique and kind spirit of Vela, sharing the story of his office.

“Before he had it, it had been a regular office,” she said. But when he moved in, she remembers, the office was “completely transformed.” There were artifacts he had collected on his travels, comfortable furniture and decor and the space had resembled Vela’s own warm and welcoming spirit.

When asked if she had anything else she would like to share about Vela, Hampsten paused for a moment before simply saying, “Just that he will be deeply missed.”

NEWS 3

OCT. 22, 2020 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Business Week speakers give advice on adapting to COVID-19 changes LARRY RODRIGUEZ-SHEA HEALTH EDITOR

Each year professionals, faculty, students and future students flock to the Greehey School of Business to celebrate business week. The week is typically filled with seminars and networking as a heavy dose of connections are being formed at the myriad of events. This year all of those things persisted online with the theme “Ethical Leadership and Innovation During Times of Change.”

The week’s events focused on adaption and change during these troubling times.

Speakers shared stories of resiliency and adjusting to the new normal. Speakers ranged from recent graduates, up and coming professionals and established business leaders.

The school kicked off the festivities on Monday with “Mentoring Monday” where various speakers shared tips on things such as resume formatting, networking or writing cover letters.

The discussion on writing cover letters was facilitated by academic media center director Katherine Lehman-Meyer. A unique aspect of her session was the multidisciplinary nature as the event featured both business and communications students. She said that she felt her event was a success seeing large faculty and student support alongside many follow-up sessions.

“I want all the students to realize that they have developed skills that work in almost any business model,” LehmanMeyer said. “It was refreshing for the communication studies to hear the perspectives of the business students. My desire is to enable students to write a solid

cover-letter quickly so that they don’t let fear or analysis paralysis settle in which results in missed opportunities. I want to help StMU students stand-apart from other applicants.”

Tuesday’s attendees saw two executives from Novant health lead a keynote session on changing the business world. The speakers shared their unique stories and discussed the unique elements of their journey such as starting their careers without business degrees.

Later that day a panel discussed diversity, equity and inclusion. The day ended with a student-led event “Destined to Fail, Destined to Succeed.” Where Ana Paula Saravia, senior economics major and Daniela Duran, junior management, entrepreneurship and innovation major, tasked students to come up with deliverables for a miserable product.

Students left the event feeling refreshed and ready to innovate.

“An event like this is really valuable to our students, [and] as an entrepreneurship major, I get to experience these kinds of innovative sessions almost on a weekly basis,” Duran said. “They’ve helped me grow in so many ways. I believe that is something that all students regardless of their major should have. The ability to be innovative and creative in a dynamic world. They got to learn the importance of being innovative, even in a very restricted environment.”

Wednesday focused on adapting to change caused by the pandemic. One event called “Risky Business: How to plan for your career goals during uncertain times,” partnered students with alumni across various industries for breakout sessions

dealing with a host of topics. Whether students were inspired to find their vocation, or questioned their own hesitancy with risktaking, each student surely took something valuable from this event. The day was closed off with a discussion how business and society move forward in the new normal.

Thursday was a day focused on professional development and preparing for the future. The annual career fair featured companies in every industry and offered something for everyone. Prior to the fair, students learned from professionals about topics like “How Tweeting 24/7 Paid Off ” and “Enhancing Your Marketability in The New Normal.”

The night was capped off with the annual awards ceremony. Zane Smith, sophomore finance and risk management major, helped

come up with the year’s theme and was featured as an example of a student the Greehey Schools seeks to cultivate. Smith believes that students gained valuable knowledge by coming to understand ethical leadership during this time and moving forward.

“I think hearing leaders speak about ethics is especially important for students as we transition into the real world in the midst of a pandemic and other issues,” Smith said.

“By focusing on diversity, ethics and the Marianist teachings, we were able to learn how we should orient ourselves as ethical business professionals.”

Hopefully, students can take what they learned from this event and turn that into success for their future careers and use the advice gained to live a more fulfilling life.

Angela Yochem and others speaking during Business Week.| Graphic compiled by Polina Protozanova

Symposium explores the effects of COVID-19 on Latino communities in Texas POLINA PROTOZANOVA/ SAMANTHA RUVALCABA NEWS EDITOR/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Department of Economics and Master of Public Administration program hosted a series of sessions Oct. 1 through Oct. 2 to highlight the various areas where the Latino population is being underserved during the pandemic.

From covering the topics of education and labor, to affordable housing and health care, the Texas Latino Policy Symposium served as an independent, non-institutional Latino policy ‘Think Tank’ focused on the bienstar (well-being) of Latino families.

In light of the pandemic, the sessions took place virtually over Zoom.

The first day included the topics of education, labor and employment, Texas Latino policy priorities, affordable housing development, as well as health and human services. Education was first on the schedule with talks focusing on Latinx achievement in younger education, the effects of House Bill 3, and the trends of education and labor force for Latino men in Texas--all moderated

by Natalia Garcia, MS from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Economics professor Belinda Román, Ph.D. moderated the symposium’s session on labor and employment with guests including Salvador Contreras from the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley who led the “Latino Labor Market Realities” discussion.

A plenary session on the Latino Policy Priority due to the coronavirus pandemic and session “Affordable Housing Development” and “Health and Human Services” covered other policy areas for Latino, rounding out the first day of the symposium.

On the second day of the symposiums, the topics of Latino policy and Hispanic serving institutions were at the forefront.

One of the most memorable speeches was presented by Jose Rodriguez, a Texas senator for the 29th Congressional district in El Paso. Rodriguez had a chance to highlight a few of his experiences in Texas, Latino representation and the effects of COVID-19 on the San Antonio Latino population.

Having fought for these things for 45 years, you would think that we, as a community, would be in a much better position than we are in,” Rodriguez s a i d .

“However, the pandemic has exposed the inequities, the weaknesses [and] the structural racism that exists in our institutions, in the government, in our programs, and in our policies. Not just across the country but especially here, in Texas, because it has historically neglected the Latino community.”

In response to one of the attendee’s questions about the effects of the pandemic on racial inequalities in Texas, Rodriguez said Latinos should use this moment where racial inequalities are being highlighted by academics to bring more awareness to how people of color are suffering disproportionately. “[Latinos] are suffering the consequences of underinvestment, especially now with COVID-19 exposing that fact, we have a lot of work to do,” Ro driguez “What it does, is offer us in the

Graphic courtesy of texaslatinopolicysymposium.org/

legislative process, despite the short falling funding, an opportunity. As Latinos, we need to be strong advocates not just during the five months of the legislative session; it is a job that requires involvement year-round.”

St. Mary’s professor Henry Flores from the political science department was supposed to open the second day of the symposium but had to suddenly leave to testify as a voting expert at Texas A&M University on the issue of voting on college campuses.

During the students perspectives section on the day, St. Mary’s junior psychology major Micaela Cruz presented her project on “Hispanic Serving Institutions Funding”. Cruz said her research began after she was accepted into the McNair Scholars Program last May. In order to fulfill the research requirement of the program, she decided to center her project on the Hispanic-serving nature of HSIs. “The importance of HSIs continues to grow year after year, as a large majority of these institutions are educating the workforce of the 21st century. HSIs are at the forefront of properly educating individuals who will be essential to the constantly changing economy and society,” Cruz said.

Despite event planning challenges that have resulted from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the third session of The Texas Latino Policy Symposium went smoothly and included many more inspiring panelists with even more messages on Latino policies.

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Run for the neighborhood in your neighborhood.

The seventh annual StMU for the Neighborhood is going virtual. Run, walk or hike anywhere, anytime in one of our four virtual races.

Friday, Oct. 23 Traditional

to

Neigh-BOO-hood

Sunday, Nov. 8 Dog-Friendly

Kids

$20 registration for each 5K • $10 registration for students with coupon code • Free for the 1K kids run St. Mary’s University students pay half the price of the normal registration fee. Check your St. Mary’s email for the coupon code!

Students can save $10 on each race.

Register now at runsignup.com/stmu5k or scan the QR code The Catholic and Marianist University www.stmarytx.edu/5k

6 OPINION

EDITOR: SEANA BARCLAY | @STMURATTLERNEWS | OCT. 22, 2020

Using people’s preferred pronouns helps foster gender inclusivity on campus AMANDA SWAN STAFF WRITER

In early June this year J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, was heavily criticized by fans and LGBTQ+ activists for her exclusionary attitude towards transgender individuals. After Rowling further elaborated on her views and beliefs, one resounding issue seemed dominant in the surrounding internet discourse - many people with the best intentions still hold biased and prejudiced opinions regarding sex, sexual orientation and gender, especially regarding how to discuss them respectfully.

It is necessary that when discussing LGBTQ+ related topics that they are not simply topics or controversies. They are pressing issues that affect the rights and daily lives of those in the community and discussing them with the same attitude that one discusses politics, as something to be debated and questioned, actively causes harm to those whose lives depend on the resolution of such issues. Transgender individuals, transwomen in particular, face the significant threat of a fatal attack based in ignorance and prejudice.

It must be acknowledged that transgender people killed in such attacks are overwhelmingly people of color, particularly Latino and Black. While it would perhaps be easier to assume that such individuals are being targeted because of their race and ethnicity, doing so would instead ignore the intersectionality of race and LGBTQ+ groups.

In San Antonio where a significant portion of the population is Latino, specifically Mexican American, the Hispanic community

must be more than not transphobic. In order to fight similar prejudices against the Latino community, it is essential to be vehemently anti-transphobia and to actively work towards dismantling the thought processes which have been accepted for far too long. This means speaking honestly and unflinchingly to friends and family members that uphold such beliefs against the LGBTQ+ c o m m u n i t y, even when they do so unknowingly.

Educating those closest to us about topics that they may not be familiar with, and maybe even resistant t o w a r d s learning about, is essential to working t o w a r d s defeating the stigma that leads to this violence.

While a simple conversation may not feel so significant, it is important to recognize that with each movement towards acceptance, the community is being made much more safer for those who are not cisgender or heterosexual.

So, when discussing something such as gender and pronouns, it is essential

that the conversation focuses not just on the issues that one may face in these discussions, but also how to dismantle problems and create the most accepting and encouraging community overall for everyone within the community, LGBTQ+ or otherwise. How could those in the St. Mary’s community support one another and create an environment safe and enjoyable for transgender individuals?

Firstly, remember to not assume how someone might identify, regardless of their name, physical appearance and manner. By introducing oneself with both preferred name and pronouns, the practice of doing so becomes normalized for others and helps a n y o n e who may feel hesitant to Graphic by Ivan Briones state their own pronouns feel more comfortable in doing so.

Then, do not question the pronouns that someone uses. To those who may be tempted to ask personal questions or wonder if someone should be using the pronouns they prefer, take a moment to ask - does this harm anyone? And more significantly, would voicing these questions benefit anyone?

There is scant information which cannot be found on the internet from reliable sources, so there is no reason to bother

someone who may very well deal with those questions on a day to day basis. Make the conscious decision to encourage and educate oneself rather than interrogate.

Most importantly, remember that on a college campus like St. Mary’s, many are still discovering their identities, and this may extend into such things as gender and sexual orientation. Similarly, it is not unusual for one to avoid coming out until later in life, so it is essential to show others support should they ever decide to come out.

Imagine a best friend is transgender and has not yet told anyone. Are there any jokes or statements made that would have implicitly told them their identity is not okay? And if so, is one okay with having caused harm to this important best friend, even inadvertently?

Then imagine that someone else made that joke and one laughed at it, this is not any better than having made the joke.

Both of these acts have contributed to prejudice, which in turn develops rapidly into hostility. What is the most significant way to show support to those of the LBGTQ+ community?

Work actively to protect LGBTQ+ individuals and make it known that intolerance has no place in the St. Mary’s community. Because in matters such as this, these issues are more than just a simple disagreement. The rights and liberties of any and all individuals are necessary to ensure that your community is the best it can be.

LSAT registration form offers more social identity options than TEA form MICHELLE FALCON/ALEXIS GARCIA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Those in their final year here at St. Mary’s have begun to prepare for what they will do after graduation. For many that means filling out job applications, completing registration forms for certifications or even applications that will allow them to pursue further education.

Most of this paperwork is already time-consuming, now imagine throwing confusion into that mix. Though many of these forms ask the same questions, they do not always offer the same potential answers, specifically when inquiring about one’s identity.

When preparing for clinical teaching during an education major’s senior year, it is required of them to complete the registration forms for the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Before submitting the forms, applicants must mark their ethnicity, race and gender. The only gender options available on the form are female and male.

For those who identify as the gender they were assigned with at birth this would not be a problem. However, for education majors who identify as non-binary, having only these two options could discourage them from proceeding in the application process.

Next on the application is ethnicity which has only two options, “Not Hispanic/Latino” or “Hispanic/Latino-Cuban, Mexican…”

Under race the options: American Indian/ Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander and White. Next to each, there is a description to show how one would qualify.

If one’s family origins stem from Mexico, for example, the more descriptions they read that they don’t identify with the more discouraged they may become to fill out the form. They may feel that although they were able to partially represent their family and origins by marking Hispanic for ethnicity, they wouldn’t be able to feel fully represented by marking a race box that does fit their racial i d e n t i t y.

Although it’s great that the TEA was able to include the abovementioned races, the applicant c o u l d possibly feel as though they didn’t fit into any of the races provided.

While some applicants could struggle to make this determination, it is necessary to mark a box that may not match their family origins in order to submit the application.

In the classroom, students and educators are supposed to celebrate where they come from and their differences. Yet, completing this form for the TEA could leave a student feeling as though they are being forced to mark a box as something they are not.

Unfortunately, this uncomfortable decision is something that happens way too often, as applications prompt applicants to categorize themselves, taking away their power and origins.

It is important to recognize these options are no longer acceptable and progression must be made.

Similarly, in order for an individual to attend law school they must take the Law School Admissions Test. The LSAT registration form requires much of the same information that the TEA does, although it offers more answer choices. The race section for the LSAT is combined with ethnicity so that the individual filling Graphic by Ivan Briones out the form has the opportunity to select an ethnicity that falls within a designated section.

For example, if someone is of Mexican descent, they would scroll to the category labeled “Hispanic/Latino” and select the box next to “Chicano/Mexican.” A LSAT registrant also has the opportunity to select as many ethnicities as they feel fits their personal identity.

Along with a wide variety of races

and ethnicities, there are also numerous options for pronouns, gender identities and sexual orientations which applicants can choose from. There are even options that read “prefer not to answer” or “check to decline to respond” should a registrant feel more comfortable not disclosing their personal information.

Along with that, the Law School Admissions Council web site where the registration form is located, has a box at the top of each section that reads “check to report...,” allowing applicants to decide whether or not they want specific information like their ethnicity or other forms of identifying information to be released to the law schools listed on their particular Law School Report.

At the end of the day, everyone in college is working toward their future career and everyone deserves to feel included during this process. The options found on the LSAT need to be normalized rather than being a pleasant surprise. It is evident inclusion can be achieved as organizations like LSAC have done so, so why isn’t it being done with other applications like that for the TEA? Everyone deserves to check a box they are comfortable with especially when that box holds immense impact over their future livelihood.

OPINION 7

OCT. 22, 2020 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Dining services around campus are adapting appropriately to the pandemic CLAUDIA SANCHEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Whether it be grabbing lunch from the Diamondback Café or a quick drink at Starbucks, dining on campus is a regular part of a student’s day. While the dining options open on campus have not changed this semester, the way that they operate certainly has.

From requiring face masks around campus to increasing the amount of hand sanitizing stations, the university has

Enrique Castro waits for a drink at Starbucks’ newest walk-up window.| Photo by Demi Bestor

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Samantha Ruvalcaba Managing Editor Demi Bestor Copy Editor Victoria Saldana Advertising Manager Michael Lazcano Photo Editor Ivan Briones Web Editor Briana Bailey News Editor Polina Protozanova Lifestyle Editor Gerardo Niño Pozos Opinion Editor Seana Barclay Entertainment Editor Jacob A. Henson

implemented several new measures to protect the health of its staff and students.

The university has committed itself to increasing the sanitization of high-risk surfaces such as door handles, dining tables and light switches.

“

I have the five-day meal plan, so I use my swipes the whole work week. And I go to the café the most—mostly for all the variety or even if I want to get an apple.”

Karina Nañez senior communications major

Likewise, employees working at the Diamondback Café are required to wash their hands every 20 minutes and wear gloves when handling food. In addition, reusable metal utensils have been substituted for one-use disposable utensils and Styrofoam to-go plates. All students are encouraged to socially distance when eating inside the café or outside.

Students on campus this semester have had to alter their regular dining patterns as a result of COVID-19. Some students find themselves visiting the Diamondback Café less than they have in previous semesters.

This could be because many residents may find the walk from The Village to the Diamondback Café as less persuasive because of the limited dining options at the café.

Students are encouraged to eat outside or socially distanced from each other in the café or the University Center.

“The social distancing has been good in the café but I think it’s cause not many people go anyway,” Esperanza Rojas, junior elementary education major said.

While the university has implemented new safety procedures to increase the overall safety of its residents, some students have found an issue with the increased use of disposable materials such as plastic spoons, individually packed condiments and disposable to-go cups which are all a part of the new regulations meant to protect the health and safety of students.

“It breaks my heart to see all the trash and Styrofoam but I know that there’s no other option,” Nañez said.

While the environmental impact from these changes has left some students feeling uncomfortable, they also understand the position that the university is in.

This fall semester is one like no other that the university has seen previously. While the lives of students have been immensely altered here on campus by the ongoing pandemic, the university has luckily still been able to preserve aspects of its dining services to maintain the on-campus student life that is unique to residental students here at St. Mary’s.

Students split on shortened semester as finals approach SEANA BARCLAY OPINION EDITOR

Among the various changes made to this semester, the most prevalent was the so-called “shortened” semester, a regular semester’s length compressed by not including a Thanksgiving break and therefore allowing for a longer winter holiday.

This initially caused a great deal of excitement for returning students who were looking forward to having a longer winter break than their peers at other universities.

But now that midterms have passed and the end of the semester is nearing, there’s a new concern coming to the forefront.

Students don’t have Thanksgiving break to prepare for finals like they usually would.

Health Editor Larry Rodriguez-Shea Faculty Adviser Ana Bendaña

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.

“I eat at the café at least once a day, but I used to go a lot more pre-COVID-19. I just find that the options this year are very limiting,” Andrea Moreno, junior English major said.

In addition, many resident students find it challenging to encourage themselves to eat at the café without the motivation of going before or after an in-person class because they no longer attend classes in person.

However, there are also students like senior communications major Karina Nañez who continue to dine at the café regularly despite this.

“I eat on campus three times a day, usually. I have the five-day meal plan, so I use my swipes the whole work week. And I go to the café the most—mostly for all the variety or even if I want to get an apple or something,” Nañez said.

Even though the café does not have as much variety as it did prior to COVID-19 it certainly carries more food options than the Chick-fil-A or Starbucks on campus.

So, while some residents find themselves visiting the café less, others continue to dine there as they did prior to COVID-19.

Aside from the variety of dining options on campus changing, the atmosphere of on-campus dining areas have also changed as a result of COVID-19. What was once a packed cafeteria or Starbucks now has a much emptier and quieter atmosphere.

The scene of a packed Diamondback Café with extended lines for the pasta station is now a distant memory to on-campus residents who now can only order ready to serve meals.

Graphic by Ivan Briones

While Thanksgiving break has traditionally not been very long here at St. Mary’s, the few days break are a welcome prelude to study days before finals. Although the students will still have study days to prepare for finals as well as the weekend before study days, it still seems as though students are rushing through an already different and complicated semester.

“Like most people, I was initially pretty excited to have a shortened semester,” Luis Meza, junior history major with a teaching certification said. “[But now] the idea of one long uninterrupted semester seems dreadful.”

Meza expressed concerns surrounding the amount of work some students face during these difficult times and how there seems to be very little time to get everything done in accordance with the academic calendar set up for this semester.

He also talked about how the day designated as mid-semester break was canceled by some professors and therefore didn’t allow for any sort of break which was much needed for several students.

Andrea Moreno, junior English major, also agreed that she was initially excited for the changed academic schedule, and believed it to be a smart, logistical idea.

Unlike Meza, Moreno argues that the shortened semester is still a good idea even as finals approach.

“I never liked the idea of going home for Thanksgiving and then coming back just to take finals,” Moreno said.

Moreno said a lot of students can’t fully celebrate Thanksgiving because

during the break they’re too busy either studying or doing schoolwork and therefore can’t make the most of the break offered to them.

“I don’t really mind not having a break before finals,” Moreno continued. “It’s less stress on me knowing that once I start celebrating the holidays, I can do so without worrying about my classes.”

But students like Meza still share concerns about this semester, arguing that while they may spend Thanksgiving break studying in preparation for finals and therefore aren’t using the break to relax per se, they are still taking advantage of more study time than what this semester allows for. And for some students, not having a traditional Thanksgiving break means they run the risk of burnout, especially with regard to this year’s freshmen who have to navigate an already untraditional college semester to begin with.

“I think most people would agree that they’d rather extend the semester by a week if it meant getting a break because we’re all getting exhausted,” Meza said.

Ultimately, the decision has been made and students must work around this condensed semester to the best of their abilities as finals approach. The perseverance and willingness to adapt shown by students this semester must continue so that everyone may look forward to and enjoy this welldeserved and extended winter break.

Rattler Vo Don’t snap a pic of your ballot

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Showing up in partisan gear is not allowed Bring mask and hand sanitizer Maintain social distance

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OTE Editor: Samantha Ruvalcaba

10 LIFESTYLE

EDITOR: GERARDO NINO POZOS | @STMURATTLERNEWS | OCT. 22, 2020

St. Mary’s students adjust to dating while social distancing SAMANTHA RUVALCABA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Among the changes that the coronavirus pandemic has brought on everyday life, one that students continue to adjust to is the new reality of dating in a time of masks, social distancing and precautionary testing.

What started off as waiting out the spring break quarantine, then the stay-at-home orders finally led to a new reality for current couples and singles interested in dating.

Junior history major Claudia Sanchez said that she and her now-boyfriend agreed to wait until a vaccine was available for them to begin seeing each other.

“

“One of the things I’ve learned about dating during the pandemic is to make the best out of every situation. Although places were closed and there weren’t a lot of options for going out, making the best out of whatever you can do was extremely important.”

Victoria Permillion sophomore exercise and sports science major

“Until it’s completely safe to see each other, we’ve been going on online dates and texting daily. Although there’s nothing better than seeing each other in person, FaceTiming or talking on the phone has helped the both of us get through not seeing each other,” Sanchez said.

Virtual interactions have been one of

the primary ways couples and individuals and mask-wearing throughout the course have begun to form and maintain intimate of the date. Others choose not to participate connections. Victoria Salazar, senior at all depending on how confident they international and feel in their date’s interactions global studies with others. major, said that The safest approach would her main source of be to limit the relationship to connecting with online for the time being or have people is through both parties take a COVID-19 online platforms. test before seeing and interacting “It’s really about with each other. The former meeting people being difficult, but also beneficial online right now, to the relationship, according using dating apps to Sanchez. such as Bumble “It is obviously harder than and Hinge. Then a traditional dating because you spend lot of FaceTiming a lot of time wishing you could be happens before even with your partner considering going more,” Sanchez out with the other said. “It is also person,” Salazar said. harder because Salazar also it’s a little more mentioned that the Graphics by Ivan Briones difficult to build a deep newfound free time for a lot of students has connection with someone allowed for her dating experience to move you aren’t able to physically at a more consistent pace, with both parties interact with. However, having increased availability to spend I’d say that it can be time together. considered better because “I used to be the type of person to think it’s forcing my relationship you talk to one person and that’s it, you’re to flourish slowly, which going to end up with them. But dating is I think will create a happening at a faster pace due to everyone’s stronger relationship free time during COVID. So I learned that and bond.” it’s okay to date for fun, but cautiously of Another silver lining to course,” Salazar said.

COVID-19 altering the way The level of caution and comfort varies people decide to spend time together is the with students and their experience with creativity needed to find new and safe dating COVID-19. Some might prefer to meet their ideas. Victoria Permillion, sophomore dates at the destination rather than being exercise and sports science major, said that picked up and partake in social distancing her boyfriend resided with her during the

quarantined break, but the two still needed to find activities to do together while keeping each other and those around them safe.

“Dating during the pandemic has been better than it was before because due to places being closed, people have had to be more creative when it comes to what to do. This makes situations more fun and unexpected.”

Permillion said.

Whether one is seeking a romantic connection or longing for those wholesome moments with friends and family, the new reality has added much more value to the connections fostered during this difficult time.

“The pandemic taught me how special the moments you spend with another person are. Any in-person interaction I have with my partner means so much more since I am not able to see them regularly,” Sanchez said.

Although the pandemic has halted the social scene, students continue to use this situation as an opportunity to explore their connections with potential partners and strengthen current bonds in the simple moments spent with a significant other.

“One of the things I’ve learned about dating during the pandemic is to make the best out of every situation. Although places were closed and there weren’t a lot of options for going out, making the best out of whatever you can do was extremely important,” Permillion said.

How to reduce waste output with COVID-19 dining policies instead of using plastic it would’ve been a lot [better],” Alondra Rodriguez Sanchez, junior biology major and historian of the Since the transition back to campus, ECO Club said. “You wouldn’t have to all utensils and dishes in the café have be trading boxes; you’d have your own been replaced with plastic and Styrofoam personal box.” kitchenware to follow COVID-19 guidelines.

Prior to the pandemic, students dining in The reason for this transition in the café is the café had access to stainless steel utensils disposability to reduce the risk of spreading such as knives, forks and spoons and COVID-19. Gone are the standard reusable ceramic dinnerware like plates and bowls. containers and cups students had grown Additionally, students could purchase an accustomed to, and efforts to reduce eco-friendly to-go container for dining out.

Now, the café has halted the use of possible transmission between students has led to an increase of disposable kitchenware reusable containers and cups of all kinds out of concern for possibly transmitting across campus.

“Before COVID, we had the green boxes COVID-19. Styrofoam containers and plastic that we each could buy. I feel like if [the utensils are the only option for students university] would’ve just bought more and dining in. Recently, the café has also started allowed us to buy that box as an option offering plastic plates as another dine-in option. Regardless, the Styrofoam and plastic all end up in one place – the trash.

Each take-out container is a product of Sysco, consisting of a triangle marked with a number six, and P.S. that stands for polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam.

P.S. 6 is notorious for being difficult to recycle.

Despite the City of San Antonio encouraging residents to recycle Styrofoam, the reality Reusable containers for past take-out.| Photo by Gerardo Nino Pozos of recycling Styrofoam GERARDO NINO POZOS LIFESTYLE EDITOR

is not black and white. In an interview with the San Antonio Report, Richard Coupland, who works for Republic Services, a waste management company that serves as the recycling contractor for San Antonio, noted the difficulties in recycling Styrofoam at their plants.

Similarly, most containers are contaminated with food, making it unrecyclable.

“It’s the devil,” stated Coupland, vice president of Republic Disposable containers for dining out.| Photo by Gerardo Nino Pozos Services.

“If you I have my own,” Sanchez suggested. put Styrofoam in there, it’ll just Another choice available is opting to shred it.” eat in the café when eating small portions.

Since the changes brought by COVID are likely to pass on to next semester, there Using a dine-in plate can greatly reduce are still choices students can take to reduce the amount of waste created by grabbing the amount of waste accumulated from a to-go container for small food portions. frequenting the café. As Sanchez mentioned, Alternatively, small meals served on plates students dining out can politely decline can be taken short distances to benches plastic cutlery and instead use their own outside the café with better circulation. silverware. Silverware and cups are easily However, if concerns about eating in the cleaned with dish soap. According to the café are too high, students should opt for the Food and Drug Administration website to-go container. in conjunction with a statement from the Though it might be impractical to disrupt Center for Disease Control and Prevention, plain soap and water are the best way to current dining policies; in the meantime, sanitize and prevent the spread of infection. students can do their part to minimize their “Try to bring your own fork, spoon and contributions to excess waste through sound knife. You can always say ‘oh, no thank you’ and safe, environmentally friendly choices.

LIFESTYLE 11

OCT. 22, 2020 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Key habits and services to ensure student safety on campus MORGAN KUCHTA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As autumn yields shorter days, longer nights, extended study hours and fewer people on campus, it’s important now more than ever that students remain aware of their surroundings. When it comes to places to visit on-campus, students have several options. Students can reserve a time to visit the gym and pool, or spend their time at the St. Mary’s libraries and eateries, which stay open relatively late.

The Blume Library closes at 11 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, making it an ideal place for late-night study sessions.

Cynthia Domergue, freshman forensic science major with a chemistry emphasis, has taken advantage of these hours since school began, and even more so the week before midterms.

“My friends and I often stay until the library closes. Sometimes we’ll lose track of time and only notice it’s time to go when they begin to flicker the lights,” said Domergue.

Domergue and her friends, however, are very aware of the risks involved in staying out late at night. Thus, they created a buddy system, ensuring that they are together and safe, whether it be on or off-campus.

“Walking back together from the library or cafeteria late at night and always going with someone to get gas or grab groceries are some of the ways we ensure each other’s safety, especially since some of us are new to San Antonio,” Domergue added.

Additionally, students should note they have the full support of the University Police Department that has multiple services to benefit students and their

wellbeing. Police services scattered around campus include the 26 emergency call boxes on campus or surveillance cameras positioned near buildings and parking lots.

UPD also provides self-defense classes and safety escorts.

David Ott, chief of the UPD, has many suggestions for safe habits. He noted that officers patrol the campus at every hour of the day, and are available to escort students to their residence halls should they feel unsafe.

“Park in a well-lit area and have your keys in your hand so as not to... fumble around looking for them when you get to your car,” said Ott. “Do not distract yourself from your surroundings by wearing earbuds or looking at your phone while walking.

If you are going out by yourself, always let someone know you where you are going.”

“

“Do not distract yourself from your surroundings by wearing earbuds or looking at your phone while walking. If you are going out by yourself, always let someone know you where you are going.”

David Ott university police department chief

Domergue has also observed how other students have adopted individual habits to stay safe.

“I’ve seen people carry pepper spray, whistles and small alarms on their lanyards, and everyone tends to make sure that the doors of residence halls are closed and

contacts is a reliable way to contact them as quickly as possible. Despite social distancing guidelines, UPD is committed to responding at a moment’s notice.

“We will respond to all emergencies in person or any other type of call for which

“

“I’ve seen people carry pepper spray, whistles, and small alarms on their lanyards, and everyone tends to make sure that the doors of residence halls are closed and locked behind them.”

Cynthia Domergue forensic science major

Emergency call boxes around campus are for student safety.| Photo by Gerardo Nino Pozos

locked behind them,” Domergue said.

There are many ways students can ensure their own personal safety and the safety of loved ones using their personal devices.

Frequently checking in by text messaging and letting others know where they are, where they’re going, or when they’d be back is incredibly simple and effective. Sharing location with a friend, family or significant other can be done with a quick click.

Additionally, apps dedicated to personal safety have made their way to the app store. Take for example, Noonlight, an app that alerts emergency services of the user’s location with the press of a button. Lastly, having both the emergency and nonemergency numbers for UPD as phone

police presence is required, such as car wrecks, disturbances, etc,” said Ott. “There are many things on a daily basis that we provide, such as vehicle jumpstarts, vehicle unlocks, airing up a bicycle tire and answering general questions students may have. Officers receive mental health training to assist when a community member may be in crisis.”

St. Mary’s is generally a safe place to be, but students can never be too cautious or too alert during this time of year. Although any college campus is bound to have its share of incidents over time; it is good to have these things in mind regardless of where a person is. Small tips and general awareness can make a world of difference for some. Minor safety precautions could add overall peace of mind and a feeling of safety while on campus and every place else.

Annual autumn traditions that bring the St. Mary’s community together held every October at “The Book of Life” have further Graphics by Seana Barclay popularized the nature of St. Mary’s University. In Day of the Dead. St. Mary’s the spirit of Halloween, The month of October brings cooler St. Mary’s invites hundreds fashions to incorporate Dia de Los temperatures, longer nights and creative of nearby residents to tour Muertos into its list of traditions. festivities every year for the St. Mary’s decorated residence halls and Academic departments in the community to enjoy. Halloween is a highly for kids to receive candy from university are encouraged to set anticipated holiday in October. Though not various clubs and organizations up an ofrenda in October; pan dulce a nationally recognized holiday, Halloween on campus. Last year, at the 32nd (sweet bread) usually accompanies the is a cornerstone of American tradition. ofrenda. annual Boo Bash, purportedly The National Retail Federation reports brought In India, a typical tradition 1,000 neighboring that approximately 172 million people residents in attendence according celebrated between October and participated in Halloween in 2019, which to the university’s website. Although November is Diwali also known as Festival is over half of the United States population. the event will not be taking place year due of Lights. The exact day Diwali is celebrated This year, that number is likely to be fewer to COVID-19, the fall season still has more varies with the Hindu lunisolar calendar. due to the new restrictions put in place. traditions to offer.

Diwali coincides with the harvest and new Regardless, not everyone celebrates the Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a year, celebrating light over darkness or tradition of Halloween. Around the globe, popular fall tradition in Mexico with a blend good over evil, hence the name. As a fivepeople celebrate different fall traditions for of Mesoamerican, European and Spanish day event, the celebration lasts longer than different reasons. most traditions. cultures, according to History.com.

Every year, Halloween is the Fireworks, lanterns and Day of the Dead is not the main attraction in the United equivalent of Halloween in the U.S. other decorum light up States. The tradition of Though, there are similarities the night sky throughout masquerading as popular within the traditions. the celebration. Diwali’s superheroes or pop During Day of the Dead, influence is spreading to culture icons while trick it’s believed the boundary other parts of the world. or treating is universally between the spirit world The St. Mary’s community has also celebrated the appealing. Halloween spurs and the living world is open. other events such as bobbing Essentially, the souls of event hosted by registered organizations. for apples or traversing a the dead can cross into the student corn maze for people to living world and visit their Particularly, the Asian Cultural and University enjoy. Halloween is not loved ones. In exchange, Association Programming Council have religious in nature, acting families construct ofrendas. held a Diwali celebration for the more as an annual tradition Ofrendas are altars placed past couple of years.

Indian culinary, for most everyone to Graphics by Ivan Briones in the home that are highly participate in. decorated with candles, cloths, crafts and lights are all featured during St. Mary’s honors this tradition with the food delicacies and pictures of deceased the event.

Mid-Autumn Festival is widely Boo Bash event. Boo Bash is a tradition family members. Movies like “Coco” and GERARDO NINO POZOS LIFESTYLE EDITOR

celebrated in Asia. Alternatively called the Moon Festival, as the moon is believed to be at its brightest and fullest during this time. The tradition can be likened to that of Thanksgiving. Families spend time together; children play with lanterns and some take time to appreciate the moon. Food delicacies are also prepared; mooncake the most popular among them. Among the traditions mentioned, a mid-autumn festival is not hosted on campus.

Autumn is a time for celebration, carrying different meanings for people across the world. Through those meanings, people come together to celebrate. This year, most of these celebrations won’t occur in mass as before, with Boo Bash canceled and most in-person events restricted to small gatherings.

However, autumn can still be enjoyed in some capacity. For example, Ofrendas are easy to set up at home, allowing families to spend time together decorating the altar. Decorating the home in honor of Diwali with colorful lightings is also safe and entertaining. Like Diwali, the celebration of lights can be comforting in a time of heightened uncertainty. The nature of autumn traditions shouldn’t be forgotten this year and will hopefully return in full-scale in the near future.

12 ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR: JACOB A. HENSON | @STMURATTLERNEWS | OCT. 22, 2020

Annual StMU publication now open for writing submissions of the Pecan Grove Review included students from Bertrand’s introductory course to the It was 1993 when the chair of the English creative process with Bertrand serving as its and communication studies department, first faculty adviser.

Today the review is a student-led Sister Ann Semel asked former faculty member and now writer in-residence, Diane effort which continues to gather the best picked creative writing submissions from the university’s students, faculty, staff and alumni alike for those in the community who wish to enjoy their work. Advised by faculty member Dr. Kathleen Maloney, the Pecan Grove Review exists under the care of the Department of English Literature and Language within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

When it comes to choosing the content of each issue, student editors face a tough process in Graphic by Jacob A. Henson narrowing down the compilation of top works Gonzales Bertrand, to create a literary from all of the talented submissions received magazine. From this exchange sparked a throughout the year. Every contributor must publication that would give students the give careful thought to both the quality and experience and understanding of a realistic content of the writing that is considered to publishing process. The first staff members be included.

DANIKA GARZA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Alongside this year’s student editor, Martin Jimenez, graduate English literature and language arts major, a team of St. Mary’s students are handpicked to help review the content of each submission; compile the final selected works into both a physical and digital format and tasked with creating the artwork to be featured on the cover.

This selection process consists of two rounds. First, a board made up of six to eight students anonymously reviews each submitted work to determine if the writing meets the board’s criteria. The criteria considered includes factors such as category type, grammar and composition. Once the selection of works is gathered, the editor and team hold a majority vote for which picks make it into the final publication Such a process allows students to gain one of a kind experiences in the world of publishing from start to finish, all within the St. Mary’s community. Many students hope to bring this experience with them as they enter careers in the writing industry. After all, like many organizations on campus, the Pecan Grove Review hopes to connect both current members and alumni to a strong community, both during undergraduate and postgraduate careers.

Additionally, those who submit their work have the opportunity to be recognized within the publication for their artistic writing ability.

“[It’s] special because it allows readers to get a sense of the people that make up the St. Mary’s community,” said Valeria Perez, junior marketing major. “This publication shows the creativity, passion and intellect present at our school.”

Issues will be published digitally with some physical copies printed. Members of the St. Mary’s community have the opportunity to submit up to four of the following: short fiction, essays, poetry and creative non-fiction.

All submissions must include name, contact information, mailing address, submission type and submission title.

All guidelines for submissions should be followed before submitting. Once ready, submissions can be emailed to pgrsubmissions@stmarytx.edu.

The review hopes to have a central website and social media page with publication and submission announcements for members of the St. Mary’s community in the near future.

Until then, questions can be addressed to faculty advisor for the Pecan Grove Review, Dr. Maloney, at kmaloney@stmarytx.edu.

In the meantime, be on the lookout for the newest writing collection: the release of last semester’s 20th issue coming soon this fall. Lastly, submissions are currently being accepted for the 21st issue now until March 20, 2021; so get to writing, Rattlers.

Photo by Jacob A. Henson | Graphic courtesy of River City Ghosts

Spooky season welcomes Rattlers carving and River City Ghosts tours MORGAN KUCHTA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The month of October, lovingly dubbed “Spooky Season,” is upon us. People everywhere have already begun with spooky fall-time activities. Personal favorites of this time include Halloween decorating, the gifting of spooky baskets, only the most epic of group costumes and pumpkin carving.

Pumpkin carving is something that Fazila Haque, freshman biology major, has plans to experience with friends this month while on-campus — despite only having carved a pumpkin once, and unsuccessfully at that.

“I definitely plan on carving pumpkins this year! I’ve been talking about it here with a few of my friends since we all live on campus,” Haque said. “We’d like to make a night of it. If all goes according to plan, we’re thinking of doing it next Saturday or the Saturday after that.”

Haque said that she has only carved pumpkins a couple of times, but she was still more than happy to share her creative process.

“When I carved pumpkins a couple of

times, I didn’t put too much thought into the process,” Haque said. “This time, I hope to pick out my design before even picking out my pumpkin. I’ll come up with an idea and then make a stencil. I just think it would be nice to have a whole picture figured out first.”

In spite of the pandemic and the stress of upcoming exams across campus, Haque and her friends were inspired to spook-up their dispirited season.

“I think it would be a great idea to de-stress from all the exams we have this month,” Haque said. “And I’ve seen a few doors in residence halls get decorated, so I’m a bit inspired to get into the spirit, and it’s honestly just one of those classic things.

Besides, this Halloween isn’t typical, so I at least wanted to be sure to include a typical Halloween activity!”

If looking for other Halloween activities in San Antonio, Fiesta Texas is currently hosting its annual ‘Hallowfest’ and students on-campus have recently been discussing the 13th Floor, a most sinister haunted house attraction. River City Ghosts has also

been quite popular in San Antonio, as well, having hosted guided walking ghost tours all year-round and offering stories largely rooted in historical hauntings and events.

However, given the current state of things COVID-19 has pushed River City Ghosts to adapt. In-person tours are limited to private tours but are also available to live stream or explore through an app which still allows these attractions to be widely accessible. If living outside of San Antonio or choosing to limit interactions for the sake of safety, these adaptations are the perfect alternative to ensure cautious yet eerie entertainment.

Here are the three socially distanced ways to experience the spine-chilling stories.

Enjoy live-streamed or prerecorded ghost tours from the comfort of your home. GhostFlix, a streaming platform for haunted experiences throughout the United States, allows users to virtually walk with guides and visit the 15 plus most haunted cities across the country. Shows start at $13 for on-demand tours, while livestreamed tours are $15. To watch a tour,

visit www.rivercityghosts.com/ghostflix.

Another option is to download an app called Junket for a self-guided ghost tour.

According to River City Ghosts, the app combines several audio and visual elements such as voice-narration, videos and text to provide an immersive experience for the app user as they walk to each haunted location.

Finally, listen to ghost stories using a device equipped with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The app has 100 plus ghost stories from 20 plus cities, all of which are narrated by voice actors.

If using Alexa, simply say, “Alexa, open Ghost Adventures” to hear some thrilling, haunting and historical stories. There may even be a geography lesson or two. If using Google Assistant say, “Hey Google, talk to Ghost Adventures” for other tall legends and folklore. So get into the spooky season and carve a pumpkin or two. Don’t want to bother with pumpkin guts? Then, virtually and privately explore San Antonio and other cities for the ghosts and ghouls that still linger to this day.

OCT. 22, 2020 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

ENTERTAINMENT 13

EditorS’ ChoicE : what is your favorite scary movie?

“My favorite spooky movie is ‘Donnie Darko.’ It’s essentially a philosophical mind-bender that documents the inner turmoil of the main character. This movie somehow made me nostalgic about a place that I have never visited and situations I’ve never been in. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys semi-obscure media,” Demi Bestor, Managing Editor.

“My favorite scary movie is Jordan Peele’s ‘Us.’ It is both visually and intellectually stimulating, and they found a way to make some fun songs very chilling. Lupita Nyong’o’s performance had me spooked and leaving the theater looking over my shoulder for my own evil doppelganger,” Samantha Ruvalcaba, Editor-in-Chief.

“My favorite scary movie is John Carpenter’s ‘The Thing.’ To me it is the peak of what a scary movie should be, a psychological horror and also a gory spectacle. The tension of the film only keeps you guessing as to what will happen next, and it will be too late to react when you are met with the realities that John Carpenter has presented. ‘The Thing’ makes you question, who is the real you?” Michael Lazcano, Advertising Manager.

“My favorite scary movie is ‘Paranormal Activity 2.’ It was the first one I ever saw, and at the time it was genuinely scary for me, but I quickly got over it. I don’t get scared at movies anymore and for me this will always be my first scare. Also, the campiness speaks to me in a way that few campy movies do. Recently re-watching the trilogy was like visiting an old friend,” Larry Rodriguez Shea, Health Editor.

“My favorite spooky movie is definitely ‘Shutter Island.’ I’m not the biggest fan of horror, but this film doesn’t have many jumps scares or bloody scenes. It has the perfect balance of suspense, plot twists and mind-bending theories. Three hours go by in a minute. Plus, the starring actor is Leonardo DiCaprio, so what can I say,” Polina Protozanova, News Editor.

“My favorite ‘espookie’ movie is ‘Grave Encounters.’ It’s your typical found footage film.

What I really enjoyed about the film [are] the characters [which] are relatable; it has a slow but nice buildup to when everything goes haywire. 12/10 recommend in movies to watch this Halloween,” Gerardo Niño Pozos, Lifestyle Editor.

“My favorite scary movie is ‘As Above So Below.’ The director’s choice to shoot the movie in mostly documentary/found footage style with the occasional third person omniscient perspective gives the film a very interesting feeling that is really immersive. The movie’s plot surrounds the cycles of hell as portrayed in Dante’s Inferno with a few spins that keep you at the edge of your seat!” Ivan Briones, Photo Editor.

“My favorite scary movie is ‘Midsommar’ by Ari Aster. I think this film is so amazing because it is primarily shot in bright, sunny Sweden. This is a great juxtaposition to the dark horror and suspense occurring in the film. This movie is all about contrasts and putting things together that don’t typically go together to create the suspense of the movie. I think it’s amazingly unique and will age well in the horror genre,” Victoria Saldana, Copy Editor.

Graphics by Jacob A. Henson

“Picking a favorite is definitely difficult, but one of my top three is John Carpenter’s ‘Halloween’ (1978). It’s so classic: it has a simple yet eerie three note motif melody; it’s historically part of the slasher films’ inception, and it contains the notorious silent-killer-behind-a-mask complex.

I think that’s what scares me the most. You never know what Michael is truly thinking because he’s so quiet, so you’re left with your imagination, which in reality is the most terrifying thing I think each of us experiences,” Jacob A. Henson, Entertainment Editor.

Virtual 5K: run for your neighborhood wherever you may be AMANDA SWAN STAFF WRITER

For the past six years St. Mary’s University has proudly hosted a 5K walk in order to raise funds for Holy Rosary Catholic Church in their mission to enhance service and outreach programs in the surrounding area of the university.

But this year, as the now-familiar story goes, will look a bit different and like so many other events — a lot more virtual.

This year’s annual 5K will be made possible through the use of the app RaceJoy, available for both Apple and Android devices. Participants can download the app on their phone and then walk or run while the app tracks their progress. This enables participants to choose where they want to do their 5K — be it a park, the traditional route around St. Mary’s, a local neighborhood, or an indoor treadmill while simultaneously watching spooky season movies on Netflix.

When registering, there are three different racing options to choose from: the traditional 5K, the Dog-Friendly 5K and the Neigh-BOO-Hood 5K. Run with your

pup, run in your spookiest sports wear (or ample reasons for anyone who is willing. regular costumes, no judgment) or normally Any current college student should know without all the Halloween frills. Any which that running is a great stress reliever. way, signing up for any Releasing endorphins of the three will earn can induce a boost participants a ‘StMU of energy while also 5k face mask.’ Those improving sleep and with a furry friend has been proven to signing up for the help alleviate anxiety Dog-Friendly version and depression. will also receive a That alone should doggy bandanna. be a great reason For those interested to participate, in a shorter race, the especially as the Kids 1K is available end of the semester with no fee and will looms closer. come with a branded For those sticker. Every race interested in tackling comes with a printable the 5K but feel a bit race bib and finisher daunted, here are a certificate to show off few steps a walker Graphic courtesy of stmarytx.edu that StMU 5K pride! or runner can take What benefits are there from participating to prepare. First, trainers and professional in the 5K? Well, besides contributing to the athletes recommend warming up prior to wonderful work the Holy Rosary Catholic the 5K, and advise shorter practice walks if Church does for the community, there are not used to the casual three-mile walk — but

let’s be real, who is? Second, for those with health conditions, like asthma or diabetes, make sure to take a steady pace and keep necessary health tools near for easy access.

Third, the university also reminds all who participate in a public area to be mindful of social distancing. Fourth, remember Rattlers, safety comes first. Be mindful to run or walk in a safe area with a partner of the same household, if possible. Lastly, safety experts advise starting the walk or run in the morning or well before sunset; let someone know so they can check-in.

Remember that students can participate anywhere, including out-of-town and international students. Registration is open now for $20 with a $2.16 sign-up fee, and students can use the code ‘stmu-student’ for $10 off. As always, one does not have to be a student to participate, so make sure to encourage friends, family, and other community members to support Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The race begins Friday, Oct. 23 and ends Sunday, Nov. 8.

So get moving Rattlers and run for your neighborhood in your neighborhood.

14 EN ESPAÑOL

EDITORA: SAMANTHA RUVALCABA |@STMURATTLERNEWS | OCT. 22, 2020

Escritora en residencia y estudiantes presentan en seminario bilingüe de poesía SAMANTHA RUVALCABA/ JOSÉ CHAMAN EDITORA DIRECTORA/ ESCRITOR DEL PERSONAL

La escritora en residencia de St. Mary’s, Diane G. Bertrand exhibió su ultima colección poética bilingüe “The Taco Magician” o “El Mago de los Tacos” en un webinar bilingüe el martes.

Bertrand planeaba originalmente una lectura interactiva en campus en la Primavera durante el Mes de la Historia de la Mujer y cercano a la fecha de lanzamiento de la colección, pero fue cancelado por el COVID-19. En su lugar, ella decidió organizar un webinar en apoyo para los educadores de escuelas elementales a través de sus clases virtuales.

lo estaban pasando debido a la enseñanza virtual, decidí que en vez de solo hacer algo virtual para el campus, haría un webinar e invitaría a las escuelas locales a sintonizar.”

La antología caracteriza poemas que

asegurar que el español fuese accesible para tantas personas como sea posible.”

La idea de escribir una antología poética para niños se originó en la convención de bibliotecarios en la Universidad de Houston

“

Una de las cosas interesantes sobre las traducciones al español es que hay bastante desacuerdo sobre cuál es la parte correcta en español. Hubo un gran diálogo entre varias personas intentando asegurar que el español fuese accesible para tantas personas como sea posible.”

Diane G. Bertrand escritora en residencia

“[La universidad] me pidió considerar hacer un evento durante el [Mes de] Legado Hispánico,” dijo Bertrand. “Pero mientras más y más pensaba en eso y leía que tan difícil los profesores de escuelas elementales

Escritora en residencia Diane G. Bertrand con su colección de libros.| Cortesía de Diane G. Bertrand

ilustran las experiencias de niños mexicanos y mexicanos-americanos creciendo en el sur de Texas. Los poemas han sido traducidos al español por la poetisa Rossy Lima-Padilla.

“Una de las cosas interesantes sobre las traducciones al español es que hay bastante desacuerdo sobre cuál es la parte correcta en español,” dijo Bertrand. “Hubo un gran diálogo entre varias personas intentando

hace cinco años donde un director de marketing sugirió el proyecto debido a que el género era frecuentemente pedido, añadió Bertrand.

Bertrand inició las lecutras del webinar de Poetry Confetti/Confeti de Poesía con “Books Takes Me Places (Los Libros me Llevan a Lugares),” un sincero poema sobre ser teletransportado a lugares que uno desea

volver a visitar a través de la literatura.

El estudiante de segundo año de Contabilidad Emmanuel Moreno continuó después de Bertrand con una lectura en español del poema “El Nuevo Juguete de la Cachorra” o “Puppy’s New Chew Toy.” Eva Garcia, estudiante de tercer año de Comunicaciones en Inglés, siguió a Moreno con una lectura de “Pescando con Tío Charlie” o “Fishing with Uncle Charlie.” Garcia dijo que otros poemas que significaban mucho para ella eran “La mesa de Abuelita,” “Los superpoderes de Mamá” y “El Mago de los Tacos” porque le traen recuerdos de su niñez.

“Me encantan los poemas de la profesora Bertrand,” dijo Garcia. “Algunos de los poemas en el libro me recuerdan a mi propia niñez y legado puesto que están en español e inglés, definitivamente es especial el poder demostrar mi legado leyéndolos.”

El estudiante de segundo año de Ingeniería Industrial, Rudy Angel, concluyó las lecturas en español leyendo “La Mesa de Abuelita” o “Abuelita’s Kitchen Table,” un poema que irradia el amor que un niño siente cuando se sienta a la mesa de su abuela.

Bertrand fue reconocida por la universidad por su trabajo en literatura para niños en 1997, y por haber escrito aproximadamente 25 libros durante su carrera hasta ahora— incluyendo libros ilustrados para niños y novelas para jóvenes adultos en escolaridad intermedia y secundaria. Bertrand también enseña escritura creativa y composición en la universidad.

“The Taco Magician” o “El Mago de los Tacos” puede ser adquirido desde la editorial de libros Pinata Books o desde Amazon.

El difunto Rev. Rudy Vela es recordado por la comunidad de la universidad AMANDA SWAN/ JOSÉ CHAMAN ESCRITORES DEL PERSONAL

El fallecimiento del Rev. Rudy Vela fue una tragedia que se sintió en cada rincón de la comunidad de St. Mary’s. Vela fue parte de la universidad por muchos años, graduándose en 1976 con un titulo en Espanol y un grado menor en educación musical.

Estas dos especializaciones reflejan las pasiones que Vela sostuvo ya que él estaba inmensamente orgulloso de su legado mexicano, lo que tendría un rol principal en su concentración en las comunidades en las que vivió, y su interés incondicional y de todo corazón por la educación. Se comprometió como un educador con una gran convicción, sabiendo que al hacer esto estaba cumpliendo la misión de los Marianistas.

Fue con los Marinistas que Vela llevó a cabo su empeño en educar y ser educado, y así vivió su vida. En 1971, solo un año después de graduarse de la escuela secundaria, Vela profesó sus votos en la Sociedad de María, un acto que moldeó su vida y lo llevó en un viaje por todo el mundo.

Después de graduarse de St. Mary’s, pasó dos años en Milwaukee, Wisconsin enseñando en una escuela católica. Allí no solo dio clases de Español y de religión, sino fue director de un programa de coro y coordinó numerosos programas religiosos en la escuela, trabajando incansablemente para apoyar a la primera escuela de las muchas en las que enseñaría. Después de dos años en ese lugar, Vela pasó tres años

en Perú enseñando en una institución Marianista y trabajando con la comunidad de manera comprometida y fervorosa.

Vela regresó a Texas en el año 1984 para ser ordenado después de haber estudiado en el seminario Marianista North American Seminary en la escuela de teología en Toronto School. Habiendo pasado casi 10 años realizando trabajo pastoral en Texas, Vela tuvo la oportunidad de tener

año, Vela fue contratado como director del programa Mexican American Culture Center, donde pasó cuatro años aplicando sus estudios de Roma y profundo amor a su legado para avanzar la incorporación de temas Hispano-culturales en las alabanzas en reconocimiento del rápido crecimiento de la iglesia Hispánica.

Su pasión por la iglesia Hispánica inspiró a Vela a ejercer un doctorado en Chicago

Cortesía de stmarty.edu

un año sabático en Roma para estudiar la incorporación de varias culturas a la liturgia y la forma en la que la alabanza religiosa pública era hecha.

Regresando a San Antonio al final del

Theological Union para estudiar aquellos problemas de manera más cercana. Al finalizar su doctorado, Vela regresó a St. Mary’s, donde él se había graduado años antes, y dedicó el resto de su vida a ser un

miembro de la facultad fervientemente apasionado y administrador por 17 años.

Quedándose en la comunidad por tantos años, Vela era conocido y muy seguido actuaba como guía para estudiantes y profesores de la facultad. Dr. Katherine Hampsten recuerda un entrenamiento de varias semanas en el que Vela enseñó a los nuevos miembros de la facultad sobre el carisma Marianista y el espíritu de familia.

Sobre su pasión por la educación, Hampsten dijo que Vela era intelectualmente curioso y simplemente “encantado por compartir su conocimiento.” Es común que todos aquellos que lo conocieron dicen que fue, en primer lugar y más importante, un educador con una sincera pasión que lo llevó a trascender. Es por esto y su efervescente espíritu los que hace a Vela inolvidable para aquellos que lo conocieron.

Hampsten habló en particular de un ejemplo específico que demuestra el espíritu único y amable de Vela, compartiendo la historia de su oficina.

“Antes de que la consiguiera, era una oficina regular,” ella dijo. Pero cuando se trasladó, ella recuerda, la oficina fue “completamente transformada.” Había artefactos que él había recolectado en sus viajes, muebles confortables y decoración, el lugar reflejaba el mismo espirito cálido y acogedor de Vela.

Cuando se le preguntó si tenía algo más que le gustaría compartir sobre Vela, Hampsten reflexionó por un momento antes de decir simplemente, “Solo eso, él será profundamente extrañado.”

EN ESPAÑOL 15

OCT. 22, 2020 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Departamento de Educación otorga $1.3 milliones para el programa de TRiO POLINA PROTOZANOVA/ JONATHAN HERNANDEZ EDITORA DE NOTICIAS/ TRADUCTOR CONTRIBUYENTE

Ante la pandemia y una crisis económica, el Departamento de Educación estadounidense ha otorgado a St. Mary’s una subvención de más de 1.3 millones de dólares como ayuda a estudiantes en el programa TRiO Students Support Center (Servicios de Apoyo Estudiantil). Esta subvención será alocada al apoyo de 144 estudiantes por los siguientes cinco años y asegurará la calidad de su educación y la preparación necesaria para una carrera después de la universidad.

El programa TRiO es un programa nacional financiado por el Departamento de Educación, el cual tiene como objetivo brindar servicios para individuos desaventajados. El programa principalmente ayuda a estudiantes de primera generación o de bajos ingresos, así como a individuos con discapacidades. Adicionalmente, TRiO cubre no solo una licenciatura, pero también puede financiar el camino académico de un participante desde la secundaria hasta los estudios de posgrado.

En St. Mary’s, el programa tomo la forma de la iniciativa Achieving Maximum Potential (Logrando el Potencial Máximo) como una herramienta para estudiantes participantes en su camino a un título.

Achieving Maxium Potential se enorgullece de contar con estudiantes excepcionales: el programa ha producido seis ganadores de la Beca Presidencial, retenido un 94% en rendimiento académico entre sus participantes, y se convirtió en el hogar de un 72% de estudiantes de primera generación de bajos ingresos.

“Ahora, más que nunca, este fondo ayudará a mejorar nuestra habilidad de brindar acceso a una excelente educación a nuestros estudiantes durante estos tiempos difíciles y asegurar de que logren éxito

académico y se gradúen,” dijo Thomas Mengler, J.D., presidente de St. Mary’s. “La programación holística que esta subvención financia va a enriquecer las vidas de los lideres futuros que educamos hoy.”

En efecto, este tiempo de crisis ha sido un momento decisivo en las vidas de muchos estudiantes. De acuerdo con el Departamento de Trabajo, la pandemia ha puesto a más de 19 millones de personas en riesgo de desalojo, forzado a 1.8 millones a registrarse a beneficios de desempleo por primera vez y puesto a estudiantes de bajos ingresos en riesgo elevado de abandonar

Rosalind Alderman, vicerrectora de gestión de inscripciones, dijo que el programa TRiO se ha convertido un segundo hogar para muchos estudiantes quienes han necesitado dirección en el pasado.

Ella espera que otros fuera del programa tomen el tiempo para demostrar empatía y darse cuenta de que no todos vienen a la universidad con los mismos recursos.

“La subvención es la única fuente de fondos del programa,” dijo Alderman. “Los estudiantes serán parte de una comunidad y recibirán soporte continuo y recursos enfocados en habilidades

Cortesía de @stmu_amp_trio_sss

sus estudios.

En St. Mary’s, el 47% del cuerpo estudiantil es clasificado como de primera generación y un 40% de los estudiantes universitarios en 2019 fueron elegibles a la Subvención Pell, un indicador de necesidad financiera excepcional. Estadísticamente, esto pone la demográfica de la universidad en una tasa de graduación más baja. Estos datos demuestran que tan instrumental esta subvención será para las vidas de tantos estudiantes y sus caminos profesionales.

académicas, ayuda financiera/literaria, estudios de posgrado/profesional y el desarrollo de carreras fuera de la universidad. Usaremos estos fondos para proporcionar personal que apoyen a los estudiantes a través de entrenamiento de éxito universitario, tutoría y programas que ayudarán a los participantes lograr éxito académico y prepararlos para sus futuros.”

Uno de los miembros estudiantiles de TRiO, Natalie Padilla, estudiante de último

año de criminología, dijo que el programa la ha ayudado a formar relaciones académicas y profesionales, haciendo su transición a la universidad más fácil. “[TRiO ha] sido un lugar donde puedo hablar libremente y sentirme cómoda al preguntar cualquier pregunta que pueda tener,” dijo Padilla. “A lo largo de este programa, he podido juntarme con mi mentor y discutir básicamente todo. Si necesitaba ayuda a encontrar trabajo, mi mentor puede darme todo tipo de recursos.”

Jeannette Uribe, estudiante de matemáticas de último año, es otra estudiante TRiO que se ha beneficiado de los recursos del programa. Uribe dice que ella ha aprendido muchas cosas estando en el programa como aprender cómo hacer un presupuesto personal, aplicar a becas, escribir su CV y más mediante de talleres y almuerzos con la facultad financiados por el programa. Uribe también ha tomado el rol de mentor donde ella provee ayuda a los estudiantes en el programa.

“Mediante esta posición, he podido fortalecer mis habilidades y hacer algo que adoro, que es ayudar y servir a los demás,” dijo Uribe. “Con la nueva subvención, ¡el programa podrá mantenerse por otros cinco años! ¡El dinero de la subvención irá hacia los eventos que patrocinan como visitas de escuelas de posgrado, visitas a museos, y otros viajes educacionales, talleres y almuerzos con la facultad!”

La subvención del Departamento de Educación al programa de TRiO viene en un tiempo oportuno en la educación, mientras los estudiantes navegan los retos financieros creados por la pandemia del coronavirus. Incluso durante una pandemia global, el programa continúa a soportar a los estudiantes de primera generación, estadísticamente vulnerable, y de bajos recursos, y continuara a proveer a los estudiantes de St. Mary’s con excelente apoyo educacional y profesional.

16 HEALTH

EDITOR: LARRY RODRIGUEZ SHEA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | OCT. 22, 2020

Students begin practicing healthy habits during quarantine LARRY RODRIGUEZ SHEA HEALTH EDITOR

At the start of the pandemic, many people began to form new habits. Whether that was picking up a new hobby or finally committing to new year’s resolutions. One of the most common things people began to do was begin working out and committing to physical fitness. People have been routinely going to the gym, working out at home or taking a walk around the block, and this includes students who have been finding ways to stay fit during social distancing procedures.

“

I may never go back to working out in the gym by myself because I have gotten used to having a free personal trainer on my TV.” Monserrat Garcia freshman international and global studies and political science major Once the quarantine started, people quickly had to find ways to make the time go by. Valeria Rivera, sophomore sociology major, recently got a job at a gym and turned to her family for motivation to workout.

“During quarantine, I’ve been trying to stay in shape by working out with my siblings,” Rivera said. “This was helpful because we would keep each other accountable and motivated by trying to work out every other day. I think the hardest part was finding the motivation to work out, but as I started seeing more results, it started motivating me more.”

Students have found solace not only in working out but taking care of their mental health as well. That might include picking up new hobbies, working out more or maintaining old connections. Mitchell Yocham, Sophomore criminal justice major, returned to an old hobby and started working out around campus and he’s not the only one. Many students have begun to utilize areas around campus to stay active during the pandemic, including going to the gym and the Flex Field - a popular spot for students to flip tires and workout outside.

“I’ve started going to the gym to stay healthy and I’ve gotten back into gaming,” Yocham said. “Because of COVID I haven’t been able to hang out with friends as much or do things like intramurals and basketball in the gym as much as I’d like to.”

Other students have turned to the internet for helpful tips. Freshman Monserrat Garcia, international and global studies and political science major, felt pressure at the start of the pandemic to workout since all of her friends were. Since then, she has learned a lot about herself and might never go to a gym for exercise again.

“At the beginning of quarantine most of my friends hopped on the trend of working out to Chloe Tings on YouTube and I felt extreme pressure to work out myself,” Garcia said. “I always preferred going on a run or going to kickbox class before quarantine started. Since it became difficult to do either I have turned to using YouTube videos. It’s safe to say that I may never go back to working out in the

Rivera and her family showcasing their hard-earned gains at home. | Photo courtesy of Valeria Rivera

gym by myself because I have gotten used to having a free personal trainer on my TV.” Student athletes have recently started practicing as well. The St. Mary’s basketball team began practices the second week of October. Additionally, some sports such as esports and tennis have been practicing since their competitive events require little physical interaction.

Donte Joseph, junior political science major, has been maintaining his edge as part of the esports team by regularly practicing with the team and individually.

At the start of the season, he expressed that it would be vital for the esports teams to form bonds and get on the same page something he says they have achieved.

“Our practices have been going well,”

Joseph said. “I mentioned before that one thing we would need to do is be able to get on the same page since we are playing with each other for the first time, and we have been able to achieve that so far.”

The athletics department has also enforced strict regulations on student athletes during practice, such as, regular walkthroughs by administrators during practice to ensure students are staying fully masked and other safety measures.

Quarantine hasn’t been easy on anyone. Staying fit and maintaining physical and mental wellness is critical during such troubling times where it can be easy to slip into a rut. Hopefully healthy habits like these will help students maintain wellness going foward.

Puzzle by Demi Bestor and Larry Rodriguez Shea