Vol. 109 Issue No. 7 4/1/2021

Vol 109 | Issue 7 | April 1, 2021 | San Antonio, Texas

President’s message sparks hope for a return to “normalcy” POLINA PROTOZANOVA NEWS EDITOR

On March 3, President Tom Mengler, J.D., sent out an email stating the university’s coronavirus-related plans. In the message, he announced that the St. Mary’s campus will be opening for in-person classes and activities in the upcoming Fall 2021

to spend quality time with their family and friends.

The in-person format will apply not only to academic life but also co-curricular activities including masses, retreats, athletic competitions, club activities and intramurals. Social spaces, such as the Charles L. Cotrell Learning Commons and the Pub, will also re-open completely for the

2021 semester.

“We may continue to conduct random COVID-19 testing,”Mengler said. “I think we will know more in two or three months, certainly, we will know more in five months what expectations we should have in terms of distancing and masks. As you know, we’ve been following CDC, national and local governmental health officials and we will

of virtual education possible. These changes include Zoom classes, breakout rooms and even team-building exercises online.

COVID-19 showed many that some tasks can be much more efficient in virtual form.

Mengler mentioned that the university administration is actively reviewing these innovations.

“We really want to capitalize on the

Photo by Seana Barclay / Graphic by Demi Bestor

semester. The return to pre-quarantine “normalcy” will begin on Aug.17 for all graduate, undergraduate and law students.

Apart from the general “re-opening” announcement, the email also contained some crucial details regarding campus operations. First, although refresh days have become normal for the university’s academic calendar, regular breaks are coming back.

Fall 2021 will include a mid-semester break as well as Thanksgiving holidays for students

St. Mary’s community’s use.

As reported residential COVID-19 cases decline, more on-campus housing will be available to students interested.

This decision will include not only more dorm spaces but also an opportunity to live with roommates. Keeping all the lifted restrictions in mind, students should still stay cautious of spreading COVID-19 by wearing their masks through the end of this academic year and into the Fall

continue to do that. If the guidance is that we should be wearing masks when we are in the classroom, but we don’t have to be six feet apart, we will implement that.”

As devastating as the quarantine period has been for many across the United States, it did bring innovation into the system of higher education. Many universities, St. Mary’s included, have learned to adapt to the ever-changing COVID-19 environment and re-create the best version

technological experience and knowledge that faculty and students have gained through this experience. … There may be students who can’t return to campus, probably the best example may be some of our international students who haven’t been able to get visas. … We will be accommodating them as best as we can,” said Mengler.

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OPINION

LIFESTYLE

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

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PG.11

PG.13

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Students wager return to in-person classes

What’s trending this Spring in fashion

Captivating local selfie museums

Soccer teams wrap up season

2 NEWS

EDITOR: POLINA PROTOZANOVA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | APRIL 1, 2021 FROM “RE-OPENING”

THE RATTLER

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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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Regardless of challenges that the campus may face in the upcoming semester with re-opening, it would be an understatement to say that students and faculty are excited to get back to “normal” college life. St. Mary’s is an institution rooted in a tightknit community and service -- in-person activities will only further that aspect of the

university experience.

“I’m very excited because I feel that a large part of our StMU community is built on creating relationships and that has been greatly affected since moving everything online. Additionally, the recent news of all adults being eligible for the vaccine in Texas does give me hope that Fall classes and events will be able to be conducted safely,” said sophomore international and global

studies major Mia Gonzalez.

President Mengler expressed a similar sentiment about the community being together in-person once again. “I really miss the time between classes when the campus [was] just full of students, faculty and staff walking from place to place,” said Mengler.

“I look forward in the Fall to a campus brimming with young adults coming and going to class.”

Seniors plan for success beyond graduation SAUL CONTRERAS STAFF WRITER

St. Mary’s University prides itself as an institution that creates a great learning environment for its students and as a stepping stone for its graduates to be ready for their next endeavor. Regardless of where the graduates go or what field they participate in, the university’s learning strategies and community-building aspects place it above the average college experience.

Below, are a handful of graduating seniors full of enthusiasm for the next step in their plan. Whether that includes steps towards medical school, dental school, law enforcement, or law school, the students’ exceptional efforts at this university have made their dreams of continuing higher education come true.

The path towards law school traditionally begins with students looking to study the humanities in terms of history, political science, philosophy, English literature and more. The courses associated with these fields of study cover a wide range of concepts that are useful for the study of law. Students are also encouraged to volunteer in their community, have a government internship or a law office internship to increase their chances of staying competitive. Finally, around their junior year of college, they are encouraged to prepare for and take their Law School Admissions Test.

Admission at a law school is not much different than the medical school admission process. St. Mary’s School of Law, for example, requires an application, a personal statement and letters of recommendation.

The school does not have an interview process for admission as the final step.

The pursuit of medical school is not much different than the path toward law school.

Undergraduate students with plans to attend medical school seek a degree in STEMoriented fields such as biology or chemistry.

This becomes a slow game of learning in the classroom and applying these concepts to the laboratory classroom extensions.

Besides already having classroom responsibilities, these students must also look to strengthen their resumes by entering competitions, looking for research projects and scouring the scientific field for a summer internship. Along with the responsibilities of their first two to three years in their undergraduate career, they must look to prepare for the ever so stressful Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

The application process for medical school is tedious as well. First, there is the round of applying through a centralized application service such as the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service. This is followed by an application to the school’s program, submitting the MCAT scores and letters of recommendation. This is where the years of concentrated classroom work pay off. The final step of the process for medical school is completing additional program requirements such as personality

tests and waiting for interviews.

Graduating biology senior Natalie Elizabeth Villarreal knows the medical

university to find their calling. Gonzales, who is unsure of what university he will pursue a graduate degree at, participated in the Frank

Senior Belia Camarena soon attending Baylor College of Medicine.| Photo courtesy of Belia Camarena

school procedures all too well. Aside from the help and guidance her faculty gave her, Villarreal said that she needed more than just academic advice. “[Faculty] helped me learn how to study and in my junior year they encouraged me to get rid of TikTok for six months to prepare for the MCAT,” said Villarreal.

As a first-generation student, Villarreal was able to overcome the various hurdles toward medical school through the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP). The environment provided by St. Mary’s helped her get on track.

“The small class sizes allowed me to get to know my professors quickly and make connections easily,” said Villarreal.

Other biology major seniors who were able to get into medical school through JAMP were Belia Camarena and Amanda Figueroa. Camarena, who is on her way to attending Baylor College of Medicine, attributed her successful academic career to her professors, “Dr. Raabe, to Genetics with Dr. Segovia and Biochemistry with Dr. Galaleldeen,” who have guided, encouraged and challenged her to improve herself.

As for Figueroa, who will be attending Texas A&M College of Medicine in July, she is thankful for the “close-knit community,” where she felt it was, “an easy transition from high school to undergrad.” Figueroa said that St. Mary’s University was the perfect fit for her undergraduate experience.

A senior biology major who will be taking on the challenge of dental school in San Antonio is Cristina Izellah Gutierrez.

Gutierrez was accepted into the Dental Early Acceptance Program, which gave her admission into the School of Dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Just as other graduating biology seniors, Gutierrez was grateful for all the opportunities St. Mary’s provided her.

“I am thankful for the support of my professors, advisor and my family and friends who have believed in me,” said Gutierrez.

Willie Gonzales and Christopher Dunn are some graduating seniors who excelled at using the opportunities given by the

Madla and Irma Rangel Texas Legislative Internship Program. This program allowed Gonzales to serve as a legislative intern for the 2019 Texas Legislature. It also made Gonzales realize that his future career is situated in the Texas Legislature at Austin where he plans to stay after graduation. He considers the rigors of a political science degree and thanks his professors.

“I can’t thank Dr. Vega and [Dr. Ian and Dr. Betsy] Smith enough for the mentorship throughout my three years at St. Mary’s,” said Gonzales.

Dunn plans on entering law enforcement in the San Antonio Police Department Academy, and has participated in some of the most social environments offered

by St. Mary’s University. He served as the Community Coordinator (CC) for the Marianist Leadership Program and as a Resident Assistant for Residence Life. Dunn has been at the core of the programs that make up such a vibrant St. Mary’s community. He gives gratitude to Janie Moncada.

“She was able to recognize the potential in myself and [my] work as a CC,” said Dunn.

Donte Joseph, who plans on attending the St. Mary’s University School of Law, has spent his time delivering on the university’s promise that each student is granted opportunities at community and leadership.

“My time consists of being involved in the Political Science Living and Learning Community, being the captain of the League of Legends for the StMU Esports team, and joining Lambda Chi Alpha,” said Joseph.

Joseph’s accomplishments at St. Mary’s have been due to the “support from my friends, my family and the professors who inspired me.”

The excitement that is induced in each student at the thought of graduation is expressed best by these graduating seniors.

They have worked, persevered and overcome the rigors of undergraduate education. Now they have a small moment to reflect on their hard work between finishing up their graduation requirements and their persual of higher education.

NEWS 3

APRIL 1, 2021 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

POLICE BLOTTER JANUARY - MARCH JAN. 17

Consumption of alcohol by minor reported in Perigueux Hall Case is active.

JAN. 25

Consumption of alcohol by minor reported in Dougherty Hall Case is closed.

JAN. 29

Consumption of alcohol by minor reported in Perigueux Hall Case is closed.

FEB. 26

Posession of drug paraphernalia reported in Baseball Field Case is active.

FEB. 27

Posession of drug paraphernalia reported in Dougherty Hall Case is closed.

MARCH 1

Posession of drug paraphernalia reported in Andrew Cremer Hall Case is closed.

MARCH 12

Posession of drug paraphernalia reported in Chaminade Hall Case is closed.

The new unmanned aerial systems lab opens to students POLINA PROTOZANOVA NEWS EDITOR

On Monday, March 22 several drones took their first official flight during the Unmanned Aerial Systems Lab opening ceremony. The facility, years in the making, finally opened for students’ use and is awaiting new, innovative projects.

Through the STEM Education Grant, support from the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation, Union Pacific Foundation and generous alumni donations, the university was able to finish the construction of the $600,000 lab in a couple of months, all while under restrictions and setbacks of a global pandemic.

With companies like Amazon and Google already implementing drone technology in their offices, Business Insider predicts the industry is projected to grow $63.6 billion by 2025. Within the United States economy alone, it will create over 100,000 new jobs in just five years.

“The Federal Aviation Administration predicts the U.S. registered commercial drone fleet to climb to between 442,000 and 1.6 million units in the next few years which will, in turn, create a few hundred thousand jobs,” said Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology.

In other words, by building the Unmanned Aerial Systems Lab - completely unique to Texas and one of the few nationally - St. Mary’s will become a leading institution in the field and prepare the students to excel in the job market post-graduation.

In addition to new career opportunities, the lab will provide motion capture systems with millimeter precision, thrust stands, access to motors and propellers, 3D printers, hardware and software development and creative space for conducting research.

Probably the most exciting part of the lab is going to be the flying area which was already

Engineering students with their drones during the opening ceremony.| Photo by Polina Protozanova

tested during the opening ceremony.

To utilize the Drone lab to its’ full potential, the university will also be introducing an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) concentration under the B.S. in Engineering Science program in Fall 2021.

“The concentration is part of the B.S. Engineering Sciences - UAS concentration.

Incoming students can enroll in this program. Current students have the option to talk to their advisors and possibly switch majors if they want a career in the field or they can possibly take some of the UAS courses as electives as well,” said Dante Tezza, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer and software engineering.

Tezza adds that even though the Drone lab just opened a few days ago, ten students are already leading research projects on the topic.

“For me, the highlight from the opening ceremony was to give these students the ability to showcase their work and connect

them to alumni and donors who made this amazing facility a reality,” said Tezza.

Most importantly, the new lab is not and should not be limited to students in the School of Engineering. Drone technology has many uses including in the department of defense, military projects, construction, an inspection of power lines for CPS Energy, monitoring wildlife, assistance to firefighters, law enforcement, medical delivery and so much more. Students of all academic backgrounds are welcome in the facility to further their academic and personal interests.

Tezza once referred to the Drone lab as a “state-of-the-art facility.” Indeed, walking into the building during the opening ceremony, alumni and other guests could already see several students navigating drones from the adjacent room. In the future, the laboratory is only going to move forward along with the field, installing new technologies for undergraduates to explore.

Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion holds a Spring community dialogue Hampton, J.D., vice-chair Sheri King, Ph.D., along with 70 or so community members discussed the main points from In the Fall semester of 2020, the university the newly released report to the president administration created the President’s of the university. The speakers listed Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion four initial steps for structural change: (DEI) as a response to nationwide racial individual discovery, institutional discovery, injustice protests. The council also aimed to curriculum and co-curriculum changes and contribute to St. Mary’s efforts “to become establishing the Office of Diversity, Equity and stand firmly as an anti-racist university.” and Inclusion and Outreach.

Throughout the past several months the The first step, individual discovery, organization initiated an important and concentrates on inner awareness difficult dialogue in hopes of creating a and education. safe and equal space for members of the “Many individuals are cognizant that university community of all backgrounds. there may be problems with diversity, equity, Here is what the council has achieved so far. and inclusion but not really conscious of During the two community dialogue their role in that. We perceive that one aspect of this would be to develop tools, sessions on March mechanisms and information 16 and 17, the for people to become more council’s chair self-aware about their status André with respect to diversity,” said Hampton.

Institutional discovery, on the other hand, shifts the focus to a bigger picture, assessing the university environment and practices.

Graphic by Anna Davila Following the POLINA PROTOZANOVA NEWS EDITOR

council’s recommendation in the report, the administration will begin cultural climate assessment surveys to generate reliable data about on-campus practices. The survey will be available to all campus members later this Spring.

“What we recommend is a top to bottom review of our various plans, our policies and procedures. This would be across the board; we will be covering things like employment policies, promotion and tenure policies, how we recruit and admit students,” specified Hampton.

The third step, curriculum and cocurriculum changes, acknowledges potential missteps within the educational system and seeks to foster students’ formation into leaders for the common good.

“We will be working with Provost Buhrman and members of the academic council…to conduct a survey, an inventory of what we do have,” Hampton said. “What programs do we have in the curricular activities existing? What is our baseline?

Based on this we can figure out where we need to go in terms of strengthening our curriculum with respect to diversity, equity and inclusion.”

The last step, the establishment of Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Outreach, would form an office that

could consistently maintain and promote the progress of social justice on campus.

Students can expect this office to assemble at the beginning of the 2021-2022 academic year with its management to be hired even sooner. The council anticipates the person for the inaugural assistant vice president role to be hired on by April 1.

“There has been an agreement that we are going to conduct a local search with the expectation that we have talent either [with] in the institution or locally that we could have in place as the inaugural assistant vice president for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Outreach,” said Hampton. “There is a lot of advantage to having that person in place. A lot of work that needed to be done by the committee of individuals would have taken a tremendous amount of time and I think having someone who is the focal point and who can kind of pick up where we left off, and push this thing forward - I think it is going to be beneficial.”

Finally, ending the panel, King concluded with a humbling, yet inspirational message to the community.

“All of us have a lot to learn, myself included and everyone on this panel. It is a continuum. We are all at various points on that continuum but we are always striving to get further down and close the gap between the ideal and where we are,” said King.

The Dean’s List for Fall 2020 Published: Spring 2021

UNDERGRADUATE LIST

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Leona Pallansch, Ph.D., Interim Dean HIGHEST HONORS Jazlynn N. Ajel Savannah M. Alaniz Amal Albarrak Ayesha Alina Ali Sofia Yamel Almanzan Renee Angelina Alonzo Chelsea Ariana Alvarez Armando A. Amador Paola Dahe Arellano Aaron Miguel Astudillo Briana Lee Bailey Alexander R. Barrera Jared Wayne Barry Frances M.Bendele Nicole Bongiorno Skyla Renee Bonilla Araceli Milan Bononcini Trenton Alan Boudreaux Zoe A. Brigman Rhiannon E. Broussard Danyelle Arianna Bryant Shelby A. Burris Clarissa L. Bustamante Amilynn Nicole Campa Brissa Camila Campos Sebastian Carnero Abigale Louise Carney Vanessa Marie Castanon Stephanie Aglaee Cerda Analisa V. Cervantes Maria Belen Cervera Jose F. Chaman Patrick C. Coan Sierra M. Coronado Aleea M. Costilla Deni Jose Lima Cresto Francisco G. Cruzado Anissa Yvette De La Luz Angelina M. Desilvester Sarah Daniela Diaz Christopher F. Dunn Haley Allison Duplessis Maria Dolores Esquivel Maria Paula Ferrer Cian Foley Joseph Hadden Frausto Grace Catherine Frey Joseph Richard Furman Cristina Alicia Garcia Eva Fernanda Garcia Melissa A. Garza Paul Anthony Garza Bailey D. Godwin Jonathan Gonzalez Kendall Starr Guajardo Elizabeth A. Guardiola Sydney Paige Hardeman Cassie Elizabeth Hawley Ariel Celeste Hernandez Mia Nicole Hernandez Yamel Claryssa Herrera Christopher L. Hohman Markques D. Houston Gabriella Ioannou Bianca-Rhae Jacquez Emily T eresa Jensen Marisabel M. Jimenez Dorian Christian Keller Hannah R. Kristynik Eva G. Lizarraga Hannah Rae Lopez

Enrique Valentin Lozano Sarah Elizabeth Lugo Jezel J. Luna Luis Gregorio Magana Allison Lee Magera Victoria Ann Martinez Amara Maritza Martinez Byron A. Martinez Katerina Lane Mclennan Alejandra Mendez Kayla Angelina Mendez Adrianna Eliza Mirabal Karol Viviana Miranda Luis A. Morales Christopher D. Mullenax Natiebe Angele Nanda Karina Isabel Nanez Christa M. Neumann Davis Nickle Timothy Brian O’Dekirk Laura Lee Olivarez Carly Rian Oosterveen Isaai Ortega Nicole Monserrat Ortiz Renee Nicole Padilla Natalie Padilla Isaac Palacio Savannah M. Palmer Courtney Jean Pena Celeste Perez Gonzalez Victoria M. Permillion Adam Luis Portillo Polina Protozanova Vanessa Quetzeri Miguel Angel Ramirez Sara Getachew Regassa Karah C. Renfroe Reba Lynn Reyes Noah Steven Riehle Valeria Edith Rivera Amanda Rivera-Delgado Michaela C. Robinett Ysenia Adria Rodriguez Emily Marie Rodriguez McKayla C. Rodriguez Ana Citlalli Rojas Sofia Natalia Ruescas Samuel Jacob Ruiz Ximena Alexandra Salas Claire R. Saldana Emmanuel Sanchez Elizabeth Santos Ana Paula Saravia Madison Rozelle Schultz Franchizca Scipio-Brown Kayla Marie Sison Sideco Rachael Marie Sigmond Angeles Ivonne Silva Gilberto Silva Danielle S. Slaughter Sophia Rochelle Solis Sofia Lore Soto Keisha Lyn Swarner Alice Louise Thane Cristianna Alexis Tovar Emily Carielo Trevino Mario Alberto Trevino Glory F. E. Turnbull Kaitlyn A. Valderas Ileana Guel Valdivia Daija Raelynn Vanegas

Carlos Roberto Vazquez Cirilio Emmet Vivenza Giuliana A. Villanueva Vanessa Marie Wheatley

HIGH HONORS Isaac Daniel Aguilar Rebekah A. Hubacek Diego Aguilera Mikaela X. Hurtado Victoria K. Aldridge Jasmine L. Jaramillo Carlos A. Alvear Lindsey M. Kaufman Kiara E. Arreola Cameron Ann Koerner Jhan’e Barnett Morgan Cassidy Kuchta Sarah Racquel Bernal Shriji Lalji Camryn Lee Blackmon Michael R. Lazcano Mauro Luis Bustamante Annalise Michelle Libby Emilia J. Caballero Anapatricia Macias Arturo Canchola Aileen F. Macias Brittney Lauren Carden Roberto Macias-Marin Trinity Grace Casillas Cristian Maldonado Mariah E. Cavanaugh Kathryn A. Martinez Michael A. Cespedes Justin Angel Martinez Reagan Elizabeth Clark Claryse Alexa Mendoza Joshua Arlin Collins Alison Morales-Aguilar Saul Contreras Martin Darby Kate Moran Nichole Beich Crawley Marisol G. Moreno Catherine Joyce Cruz Maria Isabela Onofre Micaela Stefani Cruz Edward Vincent Padilla Azucena Cuevas Abigail Nicole Patino Jenai Dalbert Lewis Julia Bailey Patrick Christopher D. Dancy Kayla Nicole Patton Lianka V. De La Parra Tyanne Alisha Pearcy Julia Reda Deais Angela Perez Tyler Dewayne Dick Nydia Gabriela Ramirez Phoebe Dickinson-Land Octavia Luise Rankin Madeline Louise Emke Joel A. Reyna John N. Estrada Liam Michael Riley Catherine M. Flores Anai Aida Rivera Thomas Daniel Fraire Hailey R. Rodriguez Jacqueline Alicia Galvan Madelynn R. Salinas Lauren Ashley Garcia Irene Rene Sandoval Vanessa Matilda Garcia Brandon L. Schmidtling Monserrat Garcia Carlos Adrian Serna Karina Mercedes Garza Destinee A. Smith Eric Jordan Grant Abilene Solano Geoffrey Gutierrez Alyssa Marie Solis Daniel Andre Gutierrez Alissa N. Tolbert Melanie Hagner Brandon J. Trujillo Michelle L. Hernandez Sarah Daniela Uhlig Reina Danielle Herrera Samuel Enrique M. Vega Michael Scott Hinojosa Margaret A. Wirebaugh

HONORS Miranda A. Aguilar Maya Leonor Aguirre Nooraldeen Aldrees Andrew Arizola Micheal Andrew Baladez Aracely Neftali Beltran Karina Benavides Brandon W. Broughton Ariana Nichole Brown Veronica Farrell Burns Angela Marie Cantu Indira C. Cardenas Blanca Leticia Cardenas Edward James Cerna Raul Antonio Colunga Mariah Katheryn Cox Rheanna Jean Crabbe Ingrid Alexa Cuellar Diamond J. Davidson Regina De la Parra Andrea M. Degollado Ryan J. Estes Victoria Flores Celeste Flores Esperanza Flores Brianna Renee Ford Serena Marisa Frank Thalia Galindo Arieana Monique Garcia Samantha Garza Mia C. Gonzales

Jesse R. Gonzalez Paulina G. Gonzalez Christina R. Gonzalez Ana Gabriel Gonzalez Pedro Gonzalez Aboyte Allison A. Grijalva Dominique E. Guadiana Sara Guerrero Francesca L. Guglielmo Zeresh Nicole Haman Hailey Rose Harmon Karina L. Hernandez Matthew S. Hernandez Omar Herrera Rahni R. Hingoranee Bridget Marie Horta Isabella Lorraine Hughes Rachel M. Huron Grace Dianne Ibarra Donte T. Joseph Nicolas Alexander Juarez Anthony Bryan Klutho James Michael Leal Maria De Dios Ledezma Gia A. Leon Tiffany Kari Licon Saira M. Locke Jorge J. Lopez Rodriguez Heather A. Lucente Tanner W. Lundgren Sarah Danielle Martin

Gabrielle E. Martinez Alicia Martinez Briana Martinez Indhira Alegandra Mata Ariel Yazlyne Mata Arianna C. Mayorga Cristian Medranda Aisha Michelle Mendoza Zoe Celeste Mercado Marissa Renee Meza Andrea Moreno Genesis D. Moro Otero Matthew Arturo Muniz Diana Munoz Auroara-Juhl Nikkels Angely J. Noriega Baron Gabriela Juanita Ochoa David O. Oliva Amanda D. Olivares Wendy C. Ornelas Adriana Ortiz Kimberly Diane Parker Jesus E. Parker Jose Victor Peralta Victor Emilio Perry Sofia Puente Wilzave Quiles Guzman Zachary Ramirez Ashley Ramon

Brandi Ann Revillas Jeremy Payton Rice Matthew John Rios Citlalli Rivera Rosa Robledo Martinez Daizy Lee Rodriguez Victor Jose Rodriguez Jackson T. Ruiz Victoria E. Saldana Jennifer Saldana Jimenez Isabella Rose Saldivar Kelsey A. Sanchez Aaron Jesse Sandoval Jacob Vincent Silva Nathalia Airam Sorto Alexandria Stabolito Kayla Marie Sultemeier Nicholas Ivan Tapia Isabella Adonia Torres Jakob A. Trevino Vanessa S. Velasquez Anthony Veloz Erin Victoria Vento Genesis Alexis Vera Jaslene Walia Alexandria M. Wicker Kalista Ybarra Abigail Zamora Aneesa Manar Zubair

Greehey School of Business

Stephanie G. Ward, Ph.D., Interim Dean HIGHEST HONORS

Austin P. Aguilar Fernando A. Amans Steven R. Blancas Madeline A. Blevins David Andre Bogran Joshua C. Breard Daniela Cardona Marco Casanova Noel E. Casino Alicia B. Castellanos Juliana Castula Cerda Vanessa N. Chavez Isaiah D. Chavez Janie Ann Cheverie Danielle Renee Costly Gabriel Crespo Eden Angelina Daniel Laura Dicun Eric R. Drees Daniela Maria Duran Mikayla A. Durham Pierre Elbayeh Caitlyn E. Ermis Jakob E. Espinoza Jose R. Fernandez Marco Antonio Flores Chloe Andrea Frey Emily Ann Gallegos Maria Andrea Garcia Robert D. Garcia Vaca Aric Olea Garza Alexander R. Gee Daniel C. Gill Garrett J. Gombas Aijalyn A. Gonzales Diana I. Gutierrez Maroun J. Harb Ya Pey Hew Marisa Sanchez Ibarra Abigail B. Jimenez Randi K. Kelly Maryam Shirin Khezri

Anabel Faith Korrodi Colten J. Kraus Daniela Larreynaga Bryanna R. Leonard Nicolas Llosa Marc Anthony Maciel Shelina Markose Ava Danielle Martinez Gerry J. Medlin Camila Sofia Mencia Keaton Gene Milford Aylin Montes de Oca Diego Gustavo Mullin Maria B. Navarro Alejandra Novoa Tyler W. Oberhauser Juan Manuel Ochoa Eric Ortega Rodriguez Natalie J. Pena Ashley M. Penshorn Valeria C. Perez Serena Ry Quichocho Anabelle R. Rabago Alyssa Ramos Taylor Elizabeth Rech Rebecca Ann Reed Kaitlyne R. Roberson Valeria S. Rodriguez William E. Rybicki Cassandra L. Saenz Zyania Sofia Seijas Kierstin N. Sifuentes Lance C. Siler Arianna M. Thielen Karen Torres Cordero Jett Torres Andrew J. Townsend Amanda N. Uribe Erina E. Varela Christopher Vasquez Cordelia Villalpando

HIGH HONORS Eugenio Albo Bianca Anchondo

Juan Antonio Arceo Alexander A. Avina

Luisa Barbagelatta Grau Sabrina Marisa Lich Orianna A. Bardales Avery Bay Looney Martin D. Beirne Gabriel E. Lopez Grace Kathryn Bell Doan Mai John Paul Bogran Jazlyn Kayla Mata Catherine M. Cano Alejandro E. Medina Isabel F. Cantu Cody Caleb Miller Erika M. Cantu Marco A. Montes de Oca Carlos Gerardo Cortes Bruno L. Montesdeoca Ana Cravioto Herrero Emmanuel Moreno Charli Diane Delmonico Raymond Nash Munoz David K. Doan Brianna Marie Ordonez Alejandro Manuel Farias Dinorah Angel Perez Olivia J. Faulkner Emily C. Pierson Alexandra M. Foster Alexa Rubi Ramirez Pedro Angel Fuentes Azucena Rangel Olvera Victoria Garcia Judy Alicia Reyes Alexia Garcia-Aspe Pedro Rivera Callan Joseph Gawlik Luis A. Rodriguez Puerto Daniel Gimena Natalia Ryng Luis S. Godoy Avila Eloisa Sanchez Urrea Danielle Isabel Gomez Andre Schlaefli Johaira Gonzalez Kimberly N. Simmons Miana Maria Gonzalez Christopher Sullivan Sofia Dennis Guajardo Zane C. Smith Colby A. Guillory Ethan Christopher Stein Keily Danielle Hart Andrew Seguin Tague Avery Faith Heimer Michael A.Thompson Aaron Torres Hernandez Andrew Khoa Tran Justin D. Holden Cecilio Trevino Diego Jose Iglesias Maria Jose J. Valiente Megan E. Krippel Christopher R. Vallance Noah W. Laing Natalie K. Varnell Aislan Sara Lennon Kylie Rose VonHolle

HONORS Arlayah Re-len Alderete Jennifer Lara Alvarez Joe Aidan Alvarez Sierra K. Amaya Josselyn Arrieta-Meraz Alan Barr Estelle Beck Timothy P. Benavides Matthew Bennett Christian G.Bocardo Sami Bouls Thomas E. Boyle Nadia Dezena Carrasco Caitlin C. Carrizales Matias Martin Castro Delfino Ryann I. Cervantes Bryann E. Cervantes Alfonso Charles Bari Del Christian Lisa D. Dinh Bethany I. Duffy Janette Marie Emery Alejandra Estrada Diaz Jessica Pauline Flores Sarah Anne Foguth Lauren Rae Franco Kayla Anahi Garcia Cayden Ryli Garcia Devin Timothy Goins Brianda A. Gomez Clarissa Gonzalez Seth Curtis Grossman Bianca M. Hernandez Nathalie E. Herrera Sophia Kay Huerta Daniel E. Infante Rylie Jean Kieny Ryan Austin Koth Bryce Emory Laursen Bruno Rodrigo Lezama Georgina Maass

Juan Jose Martel Alexandria R. Martinez Leopoldo Martinez Ricardo Alberto Medina Vanessa M. Montalvo Daniela Haydee Morales Montserrat Moreno Anthony J. Moulton Katherine Lee Muniz Joseph M. Napier Kaitlyn Michelle Narvaiz Alfonso Hynes Ornelas Luis A. Ortega Belkis C. Perrusquia Gary E. Pocrnich Erik Posada Maria Quintero Orozco Miranda Nicole Ramos Patricia M. Reynolds Alessandra Rivera Sara Grace Robertson Jose A. Rodriguez Isaac Shay Rodriguez Natasha Rodriguez Kelley A. Salinas Paula Salinas Gonzalez Edith Santos Sevilla Enrique B. Segovia Daniel Siller Mauricio Soto Alberto D. Stadthagen Sebastian Tan Donaldson Karla Elizabeth Tobias Alejandro Valdivia Sierra Isabella Vera Lesli Vidal Marina Vigil Celorio Mia Jo N. Villalpando Katherine Lynn Watson Julianna Melanie Zamora Angela M. Zavala

School of Science, Engineering and Technology Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., Dean HIGHEST HONORS Mujeeb Asabi Adelekan Karina Alagoa Jessie Jennelle Alfaro Clarissa Alvarez Maggie Amador Jeffrey H. Annabi Moses J. Arredondo Adrian R. Ballesteros Savannah Elaine Berger Katia Valeria Campos Alexander K. Cantrell Aileen Carrera Steven A. Rudy Castillo Rodrigo Jesus Castillo Ankita Chabra Faith E. Chapman Cerise Lily Cisneros Anuar Jesus Daccarett Sara Isabella Davila Hoang Hai Dinh Katherine B. Dinh Diana Lycel Donnel Giovanni E. Doria Ana Elise Dornbusch Kathryn Clare Drees Benyamin Ebadinia Shafqat Fahmid Ehsan Paul P. Elbayeh Jade Gisele Evenstad Amanda Figueroa Joe Anthony Flores Jayson Thomas Folsom Alejandra A. Garcia Tori Nichole Gardner Cynthia Garza-Herrera Reagan Wilson Gately Kenneth P. Gilley Jake Andrew Gleinser Claudio Gomez Brianna Alexis Guillen

Mary Grace Guillory Kristina E. Heerdegen Octaviano Z. Huron Sydney E. Jara-Barrio Evelin Saji Joseph Pragyan K. C. Lauren Victoria Keller Savannah Marie Lopez Breanne B. Ludovice Anthony H. Martinez Ethan McDonald Marina E. McDonald Alexandra L. Mclennan Kenya V. Medina Noel Melendrez Valle Robert Mendoza Angeline Maria Milton Nadia S. Jean Morrow Khanh Duc Nguyen Joyeuse Nishimwe Jack Kingsley Francis Jack Elias Ojile Brayan A. Olmos Nixon Rordrigo Pastor Alain Patrick Peralt Barbara Ruth Perez Juan Luis Pinedo Andrea Isabel Quijano Ratna H. Ramaraju Kimberly Rae Ramirez Bianca M. Ramos Cristina Abigail Ramos Alicia Reyes Adriana D. Rodriguez Carlos Rosales Moran Gabriela Sherin Rubannelsonkumar Cherubina Sibyl Rubannelsonkumar Breanna Lynn Sellers

Harjap Singh Sethi Mohammed H. Shaik Adriana Smith Paul Charles Smith Ayden J. Soliz Josemaria S. Soriano Shea Spellman Khoa D. Tran Timothy M. Tran Thomas Scott Tudor

Kaitlyn E. Tuzzio Samman Tyata Thomas Sam Varghese Derek Villalobos Natalie E. Villarreal James C. Weatherhead Hannah P. Wilson Jordyn Anne Wray Ruby Elizabeth Wynn Marcelo A. Zamora

HIGH HONORS

Adam Al-Rafati Julieta Iliana Alarcon Luis Angel Barco Emily M. Bartlett Isabelle B. Bergman Emma E. Bodisch Belia G. Camarena Sabrina F. Doyon Julian H. Dziuda Ryan Steven Espinosa Jake Thomas Faryniarz Jose Luis Figueroa Nathalie M. Figueroa Amanda K. Garcia Enrique A. Gavia Fazila Quazi Haque Bryanna N. Herrera Janae Hughes Fernando J. Sepulveda Benjamin Olesco Hailey Simone Lechuga Anna Lisa Lee Ella Renee Luera Matias Machado Luis Angel Magana Dino A. Martinez Oscar S. Martinez

Sonora Dawn Mata Dillon Thomas McKee Aranza M. Morales Gianna Marie Morales Matthew J. Olivarez Gabriella C. Olsen Adrian Ornelas Crystalrose Quintero Daniel Rene Ramirez Mario Leonel Ramirez Taylor Renee Ramirez Juanita Saldana Clinton S. Schaar Megan Alexandra Sells Scott Wayne Siler Elysandra M. Solis Jocelyn Torres Christopher N. Towle Joel Eberto Trejo Kimberly H. Tse Durlin Uridan Valle Emily Ann Velazquez Amanda Villarreal Ian James Wells Julia Jesus Yong Chu Cecilia Zurchin

Sanaa Abid Omar Aboulhosn Elisa A. Aguilera Andrea Maresa Aldaz John M. Allen Kenia A. Artola

Adilene Janeth Barrios Andrea M. Benavides Bianca N. Benavidez Vilma Sofia Caballero Andrea V. Cabrera Daniela L. Canahuati

HONORS

Jose Benjamin Canas David Castaneda Picon Joshua D. Castro James Patrick Clark Mila Charlize Cordero Hailey J. Dienglewicz Cynthia M. Domergue Justin T. Dylla Lauren D. Estrada Emmanuel Soto Nicolas Ray Fabbri David A. Feagins Midori Rae Flores Ryan A. Flores Cole Weston Frazier Belize Alexia Garcia Antonio Rodriguez Lorelie Hope Gonzalez Christofer Gutierrez Madelyn Elizabeth Hall John August Hannan Tanya Helbig Sterling M. Henarie Michaela Leigh Jeanis Darian Jennings Eduardo Manuel Lopez Kristyna A. Lopez Luke David Lussier Niles Mackinnon Natalie Magallanes Jake Anthony Mares Ryan Parker McGowen Rachel Isabela Miranda Yesenia M. Montalvo Alex Montes

Alexandra G. Moreno Youssef Musharaf Teresa Tina Nguyen Francisco Olivas Aracely Ortiz Soriano Luis E. Oyervides Briley Skye Perkins Jacob Israel Pesina Ryan Sebastian Pino Joshua Paul Pridemore Samson A. Pullattu Natalia Sofia Ramirez Mariah Carol Ramos Natalie M. Rankin Mackenzie Rion Ritch Preston James Robbins Aaron N. Rodriguez Victoria Rodriguez Marcus L. Saldana John Robert Sanchez Hugo A. Sanchez Nida Siddiqui Abigail Marie Slaughter Stefan Solowiow Ignacio Torres Arpi Francesca N. Toscano Eugene T. Tran Josephine Y. Tran Jesus A. Valenzuela Sage Ariana Vantine Hoa Ngoc Mai Vo Vivian Thai Vu Audrey-Carelle Wandji Amanda L. Zamudio

GRADUATE LIST

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Shay Elizabeth Adams Suzanna L. Anthony Brandon Galbizo Elizabeth C. Bowlin Ana J. Buckenmyer Karina R. Cabrera

Chantal Carrera Angela M.Castillo Micah Chapman Julia N. Cruz Moez Dhahri Conner Edmonds

Jennifer Rae Esparza Yadira P. Flores Brooke M. Franke Carly Kay Friedman Avery Nicole Garcia Logan Garnett Gabriel J. Gomez Madison Habet Blake Nelson Hatt Jessica Hernandez Raju Jeron Madeline Rae Johnson Madison M. Karasek Shaima Khalaf Ronald Kirklin Phi-Long Le Wendy Yasmin Legler Destiny Ellen Leonard Zachary Paul Lillge Nicholas Lund Rachel Lyles Rosa Madriz Cristal Rose Mendez

Christina Marie Mims Grant Scott Mobley Mark Adam Nerio Abigail Perez Myranda E. Pina Christina M. Resendez Lane Riggs Summer M. Robertson Asia J. Robinson Maria A. Rodriguez Rita Stearns Amanda Marie Stegink Benjamin V. Tolleson Alyssa Marie Turrieta Olivia Noel Van Hook Edgar Velazquez R. Victoria Villasenor Theodore Adrian Villasenorloya Kimberly Y. Wallace Ronnie Wilson Madison M. Wood

Greehey School of Business Ahmed Saleh Alsaif Janet Armitage Cynthia Lucia Avila Rick G. Cuellar Kristen Elena Cuellar James Paul Dossey Trung Thanh Du Francisco Galeano William Gonzaba

Leon M. Hein Leandra M. Koehler Dylan John Latimer Judith Marissa Molina Natalie Moreno Priska Park Stephen Michael Perez Marissa B. Rodriguez Emery Reylene Santos

School of Science, Engineering and Technology Daphne Alex Anburaj Mohammed Alshehri Nathalie A. Santana Maryam Borhamah Salome A. Briseno Eliud A. Contreras Eduardo Davalos Yenny Fernando

Brandon X. Franco Derek Thomas Gwin Christina Ruth Lew Diana Moreno Savannah M. Muniz Ronald Jerit Perkins Sergio A. Torres Yike Zhang

Students at St. Mary’s benefit from the Marianist values of community and stewardship.

We are one community striving for the common good. Together, we create life-changing opportunities that can improve the world. It only takes one University to make learners for life.

It only takes one student to begin this journey. It’s one degree that changes everything.

One Degree Can Change Everything AT ST. MARY’S UNIVERSIT Y

The Catholic and Marianist University www.stmarytx.edu

6 OPINION

EDITOR: SEANA BARCLAY | @STMURATTLERNEWS | APRIL 1, 2021

Students upset about large campus events still being held during COVID SEANA BARCLAY OPINION EDITOR

St. Mary’s, like most other universities across the country this year, has set forth COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions and consistently checked in on the health and safety of its faculty, staff and students. With the recent spike of cases among campus residents, Residence Life sent out an email on March 19 reminding students to stay safe and avoid indoor gatherings of over four people. With the university’s COVID-19 restrictions and the near-constant reminders to stay healthy and safe, many students are confused as to why the university is still hosting large events on campus such as the Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, even after having canceled one of St. Mary’s trademark events, Fiesta Oyster Bake.

“I’m confused as to how they are navigating their decisions to host large in-person events,” senior communication studies major Jack Wittenberg said when asked about the university’s decision on Fiesta Oyster Bake versus other large on-campus events.

“I think it’s hypocritical, considering how the university has been firm in their reminders to students about the safety procedures on campus,” senior psychology major Gabby Rivera said. “The mask policy is understandable and so is the social distancing, but hosting a large game or an even larger graduation just undermines all of the recommended safety procedures the university has been enforcing.”

Similarly, the university’s announcement that an in-person graduation ceremony is in the works for the end of the semester

was also met with similar confusion and hesitation by students.

“It’s understandable that people want to have the full graduation experience, but that doesn’t make it safe or a good idea,” Rivera said. “As a senior, I received an email about [commencement], saying that we’re allowed to bring [a maximum of] two people and

safety guidelines for an in-person graduation ceremony. “As long as we limit the number of people in the gym and socially distance, we should be able to enjoy the beauty of an in-person graduation,” he said.

Rivera however argued against having in-person graduation, bringing up the fact that the event would be live-streamed over

St Mary’s hosts first and second rounds of the Women’s NCAA Tournament.| Courtesy of @StMarysU

that they will be holding ceremonies for each school. Considering the amount of people who will be graduating, each person bringing two guests is still going to lead to large numbers and even if people are separated by schools, the schools themselves may still have large numbers.”

Wittenberg agreed with the university’s

Zoom as well. “Just having it over Zoom would be safer and probably less costly too,” said Rivera.

While some of the large events taking place on campus pale in comparison to Fiesta Oyster Bake, students are still upset about the university’s seemingly contradictory event plans.

“Oyster Bake being canceled is a huge move and also very understandable considering nearly half of San Antonio attends Oyster Bake and some people even come in from out of San Antonio to attend. So, compared to Oyster Bake, the other events being held still seem small in comparison. But that doesn’t make [the university] still hosting large events right regardless,” Rivera said.

Rivera also expressed concern for her fellow residents on campus who must deal with visitors attending these events, especially the Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament.

“Some events, like the NCAA games being held, bring in large crowds of people from other places which doesn’t seem safe,” said Rivera.

“As long as everyone does their part in making campus a safe, COVID-free space, I think we should be permitted to host more [large] events like this in the future,” Wittenberg said in contrast.

Despite students’ concerns, the university has no intention of rearranging an already busy academic schedule so moving forward, it is on all of the St. Mary’s community to remain as safe and healthy as possible. While Texas is steadily on the path to reopening, it must do so carefully no matter how badly students want the traditional college experience back.

Increasing tuition for next year leads to financial concerns among students balancing home life, academic success and school bills.”

Senior psychology major Kaitlynn One of the biggest concerns for all Moody had a similar response to university students across the nation is the increase. ever-changing tuition prices; especially for “While I’m not directly affected by the those students attending private universities tuition raise next semester, I have seen like St. Mary’s. Like many other private the effect of the raises over time here. I institutions, St. Mary’s can already be pricey don’t agree with it, but I know it might be for typical university students with or necessary for the university to raise tuition,” without financial aid.

Moody said.

While St. Mary’s provides many financial Due to the pandemic, the university aid opportunities including scholarships, has been unable to host some work-study programs and many other of the major events, such as options, money can still be a major Fiesta Oyster Bake, which concern for debt-ridden students. help bring in money The last thing any returning for both the school student wants to hear is that and financial aid they need to pay even more for students. With for another year of college. that in mind, it is easy to Recently, St. Mary’s understand why the university announced through a mass must resort to raising email that tuition for the tuition, but many next academic year would be students are still increasing. While tuition tends concerned about to increase slightly each year, the repercussions many students are concerned that this decision about this raise despite may have. it only being a 2.5% “I think that the raise overall increase. in tuition will help the “Frankly, I think that raising university for a short time but tuition for the next academic year is in the long run it may be more a very bad idea,” junior English language harmful if it causes arts and reading major Cassie Graphic by Ivan Briones the university to lose Hawley said. “St. Mary’s is already an extremely expensive school to students over the cost of higher education,” attend and considering how rigorous the Moody said.

Both Moody and Hawley discussed schoolwork here is, sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with everything like how they have already had friends drop SEANA BARCLAY OPINION EDITOR

or transfer due to not being able to afford St. Mary’s even before this tuition raise and both expressed concerns about the university’s financial situation, especially regarding financial aid for students.

“

“However, I am concerned that the tuition increases will change the St. Mary’s environment.

Some students might start to think negatively of the school if tuition continues to increase, changing the dynamic between the school and its students.”

Cassie Hawley junior English language arts and reading major

“I have seen many friends [who] have to drop out or transfer due to the price of St. Mary’s,” Moody said. “I’m nervous that the administration isn’t entirely prepared to support their students who are financially struggling especially while a global pandemic is happening.”

“I genuinely believe that raising tuition will result in more students dropping out.

I know several students at StMU who have had to drop out due to the last increase of tuition and losing students would really hurt the university even more,” Hawley added.

“Since the start of the pandemic, many people have had to struggle financially in order to even attend our university. If tuition continues to rise, how is the school meant to be accessible to the students who

do not have a stable source of income?”

Hawley continued.

With tuition increasing during a pandemic that we are only starting to come back from, many students are worried about their own financial situation and how they are going to continue pursuing higher education while the cost of it continues to rise.

“I hope that the tuition raise will help the university host more events for the students and begin operating to its fullest again,” said junior psychology major Brandon Rojas. “As long as the university puts the money brought in from the tuition raise into making students’ lives better, I would have no complaints.”

But Hawley also expressed a different type of concern regarding the raise.

“I was only able to experience one standard semester at St. Mary’s before the pandemic and I absolutely loved it,” Hawley said. “However, I am concerned that the tuition increases will change the St. Mary’s environment. Some students might start to think negatively of the school if tuition continues to increase, changing the dynamic between the school and its students.”

While the situation is unfortunate on all fronts, both for the university and its students, it is important to remember that St. Mary’s will continue to provide its students with as much financial assistance as possible even going forward. Whether the tuition raise is simply a temporary solution to help the university recover from the pandemic or a permanent change, St. Mary’s will help its students in whatever ways it can.

OPINION 7

APRIL 1, 2021 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Upcoming in-person fall semester met with mixed opinions from students DIDIER CADENA STAFF WRITER

This semester has challenged the university community beyond its usual limits. Whether it has been the online classes or the winter storm, nothing could have prepared anyone on campus for this hectic semester. But as the spring weather slowly creeps up on campus, students are starting to look forward to the end of the semester.

It was a tough one, one that brought the university community together through its trials and tribulations. There is much to look forward to, a feeling of normalcy is starting to be felt across campus. One of the major things to look forward to is the upcoming fall semester which is going to be in-person once again.

“

academic schedule, something that would include classes once again being held inperson this coming fall. Other things that would be included in this plan would be inperson programs to take place once again on campus, such as masses, service projects and athletic competitions.

The thought of classes going back to

and paying attention,” senior accounting and data analytics major Ryann Cervantes said. “It would also be really important for the university to keep some of its COVID rules/regulations in this upcoming semester.

Some of the regulations that are in place right now could be altered in a way that would keep the campus safe. While things

I want to go back to the classroom, but I also don’t think that we can make that decision until we know for certain it will be safe.”

Jorge Martinez junior mathematics major

Recently, the university community received an email about the plans for not only the end of this semester but also for the start of next semester. An in-person graduation ceremony seems to be in the works for May, which is something that will bring back a sense of the traditional college experience here at St. Mary’s.

But the most important thing to come out of that email was the plan for a traditional

EDITORIAL STAFF

Students attend in-person Business Week presentation prior to online teaching.| Photo by Ivan Briones

normal and having students once again back in the classrooms has been a talking point among many people on campus.

“I think that the classes being in-person once again will be great for the university community and it will definitely help with learning since online classes can lead to some bad habits and issues with learning

Students face burnout after cancellation of Spring Break ELIZABETH PEREZ COPY EDITOR

Editor-in-Chief Samantha Ruvalcaba Managing Editor Demi Bestor Copy Editor Elizabeth Perez Layout and Design Sara Regassa Advertising Manager Sofia Ruescas 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 Sports 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.

are looking good right now, it will still be really good to play it safe and try to keep the university safe.”

Junior mathematics major Jorge Martinez has a different perspective on the matter.

“I want to go back to the classroom, but I also don’t think that we can make that decision until we know for certain it will

be safe,” Martinez said. “We don’t want the worst situation to happen, we just can’t take that risk just yet without thinking it through more fully.”

It seems like much of the outlook for the fall semester seems to vary from student to student. Getting students back in classrooms is something that must happen, but there are still several things that need to be considered.

One of the main things that should be considered is how big many of the classrooms are and how many students will be in each class.

Any student who has had classes in different buildings on campus can tell that not all the classrooms on campus are the same. Classrooms in both the business and science buildings can fit more people spaciously compared to those in Charles Francis Hall or Reinbolt Hall. While there is hope that many of the students who will be on campus next semester will be vaccinated

by August, it is still something to consider while there is still time to think ahead. The way that students will fit in their respective classrooms must be considered by university officials because the overcrowding of smaller classrooms will become an issue next semester.

Even with some important questions for the upcoming semester, it seems like there is hope for things to finally return to normal.

It has been a long and rough journey to get here and it seems like all of this uncertainty will hopefully be over soon. The future seems bright and all that is left to do is wait and hope for the best.

St. Mary’s students experienced a change to the academic calendar for Spring 2021 with the introduction of spring refresh days in place of the traditional spring break.

Scheduled on Feb. 15 and 16, then again on March 8, the spring refresh days were the only scheduled days off for St. Mary’s students this semester. As a result, the academic calendar has been much more fast-paced this semester with the lack of spring break.

“

The spring refresh days did not help me relax much. I saw it as more time for me to do homework.”

Megan Barnett senior computer science major

With the workload remaining relatively the same as a typical semester (or in some cases even more burdensome), the spring refresh days were not enough time off for some students. Having only these three days of rest the entire semester, many students are left feeling worn-out and searching for more time to complete their work.

Senior computer science major Megan Barnett did not feel that the spring refresh days were enough of a break for this semester.

“I don’t think [the spring refresh days] were a sufficient replacement [for spring break] specifically because professors still had assignments due when usually they would not during a normal spring break,”

said Barnett. “The spring refresh days did to keep going on my work, and not having not help me relax much. I saw it as more those few days off to just physically relax time for me to do homework.” and not worry about anything…it’s been Although the refresh days were meant pretty hard,” said Beltran. “I think to replace spring break, homework was still [the university] did a good job assigned for those days and many students [with the academic calendar] based felt they could not relax during their off COVID and trying to make time off. sure we get all those days in that Jocelyn Moreno, junior we missed and they electrical engineering did spread out major shared a the days we do similar opinion. get off.”

“The spring Barnett also refresh days did not shared similar help me relax. I used opinions on the those days to catch reasoning behind up on work or start the Spring refresh days but feels it studying for exams may have been less effective than it that I had the was expected to be. next day,” said “I understand the university’s Moreno.

“I concern with trying to prevent Graphic by Ivan Briones don’t think the students from traveling and possibly refresh days were bringing back COVID to campus,” said sufficient to replace spring break, it was just Barnett. “But since classes are online and too little time. ... I feel like we needed a full students can attend from anywhere, I feel spring break.” that this method may not have worked as Although the spring refresh days may not well as [the university] hoped it to.” have been the relaxing time off most students As the university tries to implement hoped for, they were primarily implemented COVID-19 precautions, it is understandable to prevent the spread of COVID-19. that the traditional spring break was cut Samantha Beltran, senior biology major, short, but some students still feel the stress understands why the university replaced the of a strenuous semester online and the need traditional spring break with spring refresh for a longer break. days even though she used her refresh days The spring semester is coming to an end to catch up on work and felt that the break and only time will tell how students adapt was not enough time to relax. to the lack of a long break and continuous “Because of COVID I understand why coursework, with some work due even [the university] did it but I still feel like we during the refresh days. Hopefully, after this could have used a little bit more of a break semester is over, students will be able to because right now I myself am struggling catch up on some well-deserved breaks.

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10 LIFESTYLE

EDITOR: GERARDO NINO POZOS | @STMURATTLERNEWS | APRIL 1, 2021

Students celebrate Homecoming return through event week GERARDO NINO POZOS LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Homecoming arrived this year despite the anticipation that it would end up on the long list of canceled events. Homecoming is an annual tradition that kicks off Baby Bake and Oyster Bake. This year, Homecoming was a five-part ordeal: Window Decorating Contest, Tricycle Race, Golf Cart Parade, TikTok Competition and Spirit Thursday.

The event was a week-long affair spanning Monday through Thursday. The hosting of Homecoming marked a return to form as the event was canceled altogether last year.

As expected, the three physical events were held with limited volunteers. For some of the St. Mary’s residential community, this was their first Homecoming.

Awards were given to the top three

Courtesy of @StMarysU

scoring organizations on a point system.

Judging for Homecoming was based on three criteria: the Homecoming theme (Rattler+ streaming), organization’s identification

Homecoming week is kicked off with music for students outside of the UC.| Courtesy of @StMarysU

and creativity. Students had to integrate these three criteria throughout the events to earn points.

Monday was the start of Homecoming Week. Homecoming kicked off with the usual fanfare: a party in front of the Diamondback Cafe. Together, the university and St. Mary’s Alumni Association mascots, Rattler Man, Chami and Shuckie the Oyster promoted the new Rattler + streaming channel by giving out free t-shirts. As for the Window Decorating Contest, students were allowed to decorate a windowpane located between the entrance to the University Center. Here, students were given free rein to illustrate their organizations through their artwork using various paints and brushes. Only two students per organization could decorate, while in the past the entire club pitched in.

The two students per organization became

a recurring rule throughout Homecoming.

Tuesday was the ultimate challenge for tricyclists, a tricycle race. Again, only two members could participate, one racer and a spectator. The event was livestreamed and is available for viewing on the university’s Instagram page. Thursday was the pinnacle of the Homecoming events as the Golf Cart Parade, TikTok Competition and Spirit Thursday were in full swing. All day, students wore their St. Mary’s merchandise.

The TikTok event was no hassle as students could coordinate over their phones without having to be physically present.

The final charade for Homecoming was the Golf Cart Parade. Student organizations decorated their carts to represent their organizations and to stand out among the many organizations there. Only two members could partake in the parade, a

driver and a passenger. The actual parade was brief, beginning at Chaminade Field, once around the block and ending where it began.

Over a year has passed since COVID-19 changed everyday life.

Subsequent lockdowns, cancellations and policies have kept people apart for an extraordinary amount of time. Tentatively, the university has warmed up to the idea of larger inperson events with health and safety restrictions. Though larger events like Baby Bake and Oyster Bake were ultimately canceled, Homecoming was a chance for students, especially new undergraduates to get together and focus on something not school-related. The university has also announced that by next fall, traditional in-person events will resume, with mask policies still enforced. Thus, by the next

Photo Courtesy of @StMarysU

academic year, most if not all aspects of a traditional St. Mary’s school year will return.

Hidden gems across campus offer unique student resources ELIZABETH PEREZ COPY EDITOR

practice with including Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro editing. The AMC also has a green screen, sound system and data projector available for students to reserve.

Various professional microphones, such as Blue Yeti, are available for students to reserve and there are also DSLR cameras for rental.

However, prior certification is required for

St. Mary’s University offers many services to its students, some of which are very popular such as the Charles L. Cotrell Learning Commons or the pool at Périgueux Hall, but there are other hidden gems across campus that most students may not be aware of.

One hidden gem on campus is the music department’s private practice rooms. The St. Mary’s Department of Music offers rooms for students to practice various instruments including piano, electrical bass, guitar and more.

Rooms can also be reserved for private sessions. The department even offers private lessons as a fine arts elective credit for students who would like to enroll.

Graphic by Ivan Briones These rooms and services can be found in Treadaway Hall and are students to use some of this equipment available to all St. Mary’s students. including the green screen and DSLR Another gem located right in the Charles cameras. The AMC also offers lamination L. Cotrell Learning Commons is the and poster creation and printing services.

Academic Media Center (AMC). The AMC There is a charge for printing posters in offers a variety of services that are open to all the AMC, but that cost is significantly students. The AMC is most popular for the cheaper than an outside printing service. laptops they offer to students for temporary For more information, students can contact use, but they also provide access to many the Academic Media Center at (210) design programs for students to use and 436-3503.

The Louis J. Blume Library at St. Mary’s perhaps offers the most in terms of variety.

The library not only hosts a large collection of books but also provides access to a variety of online databases for reading and research. Students can potentially find many of their required texts for their classes on the library’s databases available as a readable

PDF, e-book or as a physical copy in the library’s collection. There is also a wide variety of books to explore at the library, either for constructive use or light reading.

Many popular texts can be found through the Blume Library catalog, a listing of books that are available as a physical copy with information on where to find them.

Students can also make appointments online with research librarians to help navigate the

databases and provide guidance in academic research, a useful tool for any student with an important project coming up. The library is easily one of the most underutilized services on campus despite being very useful.

Many students flock to the Charles L. Cotrell Learning Commons or find a space in the Louis J. Blume Library to study, but these are not the only study locations on campus.

The Harvey Najim Center for Business Innovation and Social Responsibility also offers a great study space for students. Located in the AT&T Center for Information Technology, the Harvey Najim Center is a unique and relaxing space for students to study, especially for those looking to find a more quiet and calm environment.

With so many hidden gems on campus, students have a lot of opportunities to get the most out of their St. Mary’s experience.

It is important to make use of these lesserknown services that the university offers to keep them up and running for future students in the years to come. Make sure to explore the different hidden gems and check out the interesting things they offer!

LIFESTYLE 11

APRIL 1, 2021 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Extreme Texas weather calls for comfortable spring fashion MEGAN ANGELO STAFF WRITER

Last month, everyone bundled up due to Texas’s extreme winter storm, but now it is springtime again for the city of San Antonio. Spring means a few things: allergy season, hotter days and humid nights. The cold winter encouraged a very neutral color palette style, but springtime embodies brighter colors like pastels. It is also apparent since people are getting vaccinated, they are planning “post-vaccination fits” for the season. With that in mind, here are a few guides on choosing the right outfit in this unpredictable Texas weather.

St. Mary’s students are aware of the extreme temperature changes San Antonio experiences. The morning weather calls for a sweater, but by midday, it is too warm to wear. Planning outfits around the sporadic weather can ensure comfort throughout the

“

“I’m really into the late 90s fashion trends including lowrise jeans and all things denim, juicy couture and tracksuits and the ‘2000s video vixen’— dark glossy lips, crazy eyeliner and bubblegum pop-like hairstyles, reminiscent of hairstyles from my childhood.”

Daija Vanegas sophomore music education major

longer sunny days. Bringing a jacket is ideal for cold classrooms and layering should be the first step in building an outfit.

“I’ve been wearing a lot of earth tones lately: blues, greens, browns and beige. Big

pants and small shirts have been what I’ve [worn] lately. I’ve noticed bucket hats are clearly back in style, along with the color purple and pastels,” said Daija Vanegas,

childhood,” Vanegas added.

Lately, Vanegas and several others have switched to more online shopping rather than in-store shopping for their clothing needs.

“My purchases were a lot more mediadriven, rather than items I genuinely like and will wear for a long time. I’ve noticed when it comes to thrifting or online shopping, it really depends on the person’s style and what they’re looking for,” said Vanegas.

Online shopping has helped more fastfashion brands gain business due to their convenience and affordability. It is clear

spread quickly because of social media.

“Since it’s kind of a trend to express different parts of your personality through fashion, it makes me more comfortable to do that too,” said senior English major Daniela Ochoa. “One thing I spend a lot of my money on is clothes because for me that’s my passion and an investment for me. I bought clothes I never would have imagined myself wearing. It definitely pushed me to wear whatever I wanted to wear. Now I’ve noticed that other people have been wearing whatever they have wanted too because we’ve been [cooped] up and would like to express ourselves.”

“

“Since it’s kind of a trend to express different parts of your personality through fashion, it makes me more comfortable to do that too.”

Long jean combos.| Courtesy of Alyssa Esparza

sophomore music education major.

Vanegas’ style is geared for the weather in San Antonio while maintaining her own personality. Large pants and a small shirt, with a jacket over the top, is a simple yet effective way to show off one’s style and keep cool later in the day. Vanegas mixes in other styles to accentuate her look.

“I’m really into the late 90s fashion trends including low-rise jeans and all things denim, juicy couture and tracksuits and the ‘2000s video vixen’— dark glossy lips, crazy eyeliner and bubblegum pop-like hairstyles, reminiscent of hairstyles from my

Comfortable attire.| Courtesy of Alyssa Esparza

social media has influenced how people dress today. With the power of marketing through popular apps like TikTok and Instagram, users are quickly exposed to what is “hot” right now. Fashion trends

Daniela Ochoa senior English major

For Ochoa, spring fashion is ideal for expressing herself, giving her opportunities to explore what she likes and does not like.

“High-waisted jeans, skinny, I think you can pair those with literally anything. A lot of my closet is honestly black just because I think that black as a color, as funny as it sounds, is so universal. You can wear black anywhere in any style,” Ochoa said.

Spring is the perfect time to experiment with different fashion trends. At this point, fashion has taken all forms. Everything is on the table to explore. That can mean different things for people who are finding their own styles. No matter what one wears this spring, the important thing is to make it unique.

Simple recommendations on alleviating stress before finals JACK WITTENBERG CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Every semester, finals manage to sneak up on students, leading to longer nights, achy hands and tired eyes. Periodically, students deserve a break from life to mentally recuperate. College students report having high stress levels throughout the academic semester, especially during finals. Worse, is that the COVID-19 pandemic has made finding ways to relax difficult and tiring.

Regardless, St. Mary’s students must keep searching for effective ways to relax from the stress of upcoming finals. Exams are not the only thing affecting students’ moods.

Most students balance stressful social, family and athletic responsibilities. As a student, it is important to dedicate a day to relax when beginning to feel overwhelmed by the academic workload. Once a student is relaxed, it becomes easier for them to manage jumbled thoughts and be productive.

Declutter Some people find it relaxing and even therapeutic to tidy up their living spaces; it brings peace of mind to see an uncluttered room.

Living in the dorms,

Graphic by Anna Davila

Physical activity such as outdoor hiking relieves stress and improves wellbeing.| Courtesy of Van Tran

with limited storage space, can make developing a cluttered work desk a frequent habit. Taking a day to cleanse and rearrange before finals week will greatly lessen stress levels.

Hot Steam Finals week can be extremely distracting, but it is important to not forget to shower. Taking a five to ten-minute long, hot shower can allow the body to rejuvenate itself and relax before studying. Hot showers relieve tension and allow the muscles to relax. Sometimes a hot shower

can be relaxing yet sleep-inducing, so some suggest ending with a quick one-minute cooldown. Cold water helps to feel alert and energized.

Re-align Chakras Meditation is notorious for being used to treat stress. Closing one’s eyes and rationalizing problems for 20 minutes will benefit the overall mindset. Multiple studies have shown that meditation has a positive influence on a student’s mindset.

It also has been shown to greatly improve a student’s memory. Done in tandem with yoga, meditation gives the body and mind a chance to pause and rest.

Gym Workout Burning off steam at the gym is also a great way to get over the overwhelming stress of finals. The gym is a place to clear the mind and focus less on negative thoughts.

Nothing compares to turning up the volume on headphones to one’s favorite song and forgetting the pressure of the world while lifting weights. Along with being beneficial for physical health, going to the gym has been shown to improve mental health as well.

Venture Outdoors Physically leaving campus or home is a strong remedy for stress. The number one reason why is that it allows time away from one’s workspace. Nobody vacations at home or in their local area. A change of scenery is refreshing, taking the mind away from the source of stress. Going to a local state park and hiking around will do a student tremendous good. For example, Government Canyon is only half an hour away from St. Mary’s. Students choosing to visit this location should pack plenty of water, stick to familiar routes and charge their phones. Students can also visit with friends or family.

Even though it feels like the pandemic has prevented students from participating in normal spring activities, it is important to focus on physical and mental wellbeing by doing something fun. It is easier to prepare for a stressful week of finals by relieving as much unnecessary stress as possible rather than letting it pile up.

12 ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR: JACOB A. HENSON | @STMURATTLERNEWS | APRIL 1, 2021

Texas executive order allows businesses to open at full capacity AMANDA SWAN STAFF WRITER

The reopening announcement heard around Texas came on March 2 when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that he was putting an end to statewide mask mandates and would allow all businesses to increase to 100% capacity beginning March 10.

This referred to all businesses, including those which have been identified as high-risk activities such as sporting events and concerts.

This announcement was met with immediate praise and shock from Texans; business owners began to move tables closer together, consumers began to advocate based on who still required masks and health officials were advising against the executive order.

On a positive note, San Antonio’s entertainment industry is responding to the governor’s decision with a general trend that local bars, clubs and music venues are now open at 100% capacity. Yet, some businesses are still requiring masks to a certain extent.

Sam’s Burger Joint, a music venue and restaurant about 15 minutes from the university, is now open at full seating capacity. However, the venue demonstrates a restraint that appears unique among local entertainment spots. A mask is required unless eating and no more than six people are allowed per table. The venue closes at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 10 p.m. all other days, as opposed to the typical

Graphic by Jacob A. Henson

12 a.m. or 2 a.m. closing times for other entertainment venues.

In terms of capacity, Little Woodrow’s Babcock location has a similar approach.

Little Woodrow’s is a bar and grill about 10

minutes from St. Mary’s and opens every day at noon, with full seating now available, but does not enforce a mask mandate.

Of perhaps more interest, though, is the ‘St. Mary’s Strip’ as it is known in the local

entertainment industry.

N. St. Mary’s St., about 15 minutes from St. Mary’s University, contains a cluster of popular local entertainment spots for students looking to enjoy a night out. Four of these venues, The Bombay’s Bicycle Club, The Mix San Antonio, The Squeezebox and Brass Monkey are some in this area now open at full capacity, with few restrictions on party sizes. Parties generally starting at 10 persons per table or larger will have to sit apart. In regard to a mask mandate, The Squeezebox still enforces their mandate and Brass Monkey highly encourages mask usage.

Other precautions are still regarded by businesses, however. For instance, Bombay’s Bicycle Club has elected to keep their bar top and pool tables closed for the time being, but otherwise have all regular seating available. Additionally, the venue only requires masks for their indoor seating, but not their outdoor seating.

All of these locations have continued to offer specials that have kept them afloat throughout the pandemic, and now, with an end in sight, will keep them busy as more San Antonio residents become fully vaccinated.

As of March 29, all Texans age 16 and over will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations and are highly encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. In doing so, Texans will be playing an active role in protecting the health of their communities and the wellbeing of local businesses.

But first let me take a selfie at these captivating museums in town SOPHIA ANNE MUÑOZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Now that spring has arrived, it is the perfect time to take selfies and post them on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.

San Antonio has recently welcomed two museum attractions where the art of the selfie is often practiced. While taking selfies may certainly seem effortless, taking the time to analyze and understand the meaning behind art can make the experience all

“

[The] Hopscotch Museum is a very unique experience. The Imagination of the artists will amaze you. It [is] so much more than an art museum and something the whole family [and] a couple of friends can enjoy.”

Carlos Martín graduate computer science major

Photo courtesy of @theselfieboxsa

the more memorable. At the Hopscotch Museum and the San Antonio Selfie Box these two museums provide endless photo opportunities with complementary lounging areas to take in the art.

Hopscotch San Antonio is located across the street from Travis Park at 711 Navarro, Suite 100. Experience 14 creative and unique art showcases, a patio and bar, a food truck and a gift shop. Hopscotch is 20 thousand square-feet, bursting at the seams with opportunities to make endless memories alongside friends and family.

Located in the middle of downtown San Antonio, Hopscotch San Antonio’s location allows visitors to venture out and enjoy the nightlife of San Antonio in the same adventure. To secure a spot to be part of the Hopscotch experience, visit letshopscotch.com to purchase a ticket.

To encourage creative expression, exhibits change over time so that guests are experiencing 14 different art attractions every time they visit Hopscotch San Antonio.

Photo courtesy of Carlos Martín

“[The] Hopscotch Museum is a very unique experience,” Carlos Martín, graduate computer science major said. “The imagination of the artists will amaze you. It [is] so much more than an art museum and something the whole family [and] a couple of friends can enjoy.”

The San Antonio Selfie Box, located at 1602 Southwest Military Drive, is another must-see museum attraction. The Selfie Box is the first official selfie museum in San Antonio, with 10 exhibits to take quality selfies in. The staff at The Selfie Box have provided each room with a ring light and tripod to place a smartphone on.

“I think the south side culture inspired me because there’s no where on this side of town that offers anything like this or in San Antonio alone,” says co-owner Michael Reyes.. “I feel other museums here in town are more commercialized where ours is more trendy, hip and culture driven.”

Guests are able to use their smartphones and move the tripods to whatever angle

Photo courtesy of @theselfieboxsa

works best for them. The Selfie Box can also be reserved for professional photography, music videos, special events or parties.

Visitors can join in on the fun by purchasing a one hour pass at the door or online.

“The Selfie Box is a place where anyone can feel free to express themselves through art, specifically photography, with the unique and intricate backgrounds that The Selfie Box has,” said Pedro Alejandro Beltran, sophomore vocal performance major.

In summary, these two museums offer endless chances for picture-perfect, Instagram-worthy memories. So celebrate the arrival of spring with some colorful selfies at Hopscotch San Antonio and The Selfie Box. In turn, support for local artists encourages their work by welcoming creativity with open arms. General admission for Hopscotch San Antonio is $24 in advance and $29 on-site. Students with valid IDs pay $20 in advance and $25 on-site. General admission for The Selfie Box is $19.

Photo courtesy of Carlos Martín

APRIL 1, 2021 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

ENTERTAINMENT 13

A review of six television shows and movies that captured fans LARRY RODRIGUEZ-SHEA SPORTS EDITOR

(Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios.)“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” is Marvel’s latest TV show to hit Disney+. After the success of WandaVision, the show has a lot to live up to and it certainly has in the first two episodes. The show plays in the style of a James Bond crime thriller mystery right up to the end credits, echoing the theme to “Law and Order.”

The show is packed with social commentary that is both relevant and powerful. Additionally, the show is doing a hefty amount of fan service, creating parallels to moments throughout Marvel’s cinematic history and comics. The show is also certainly more serious and adult than anything Marvel has ever done. Lastly, the second episode ends on a cliffhanger that audiences might appreciate. Overall, if the first two episodes are a sign of what’s to come, it seems Marvel has yet another perfect recipe in their book.

(Photo courtesy of Netflix.) “Ginny and Georgia” is a Netflix Original looking to capitalize on the trends of the time. This mashup follows the lives of two women, the teenager Ginny (Antonia Gentry) and her mother Georgia (Brianne Howey). The family has recently moved to a new town after the death of Ginny’s stepfather. The show is part small-town murder mystery, part young adult drama, part sitcom, part this and part that. It doesn’t stop with its theme as a mashup of tropes plucked from several TV shows.

The first show that comes to mind as a borrowed trope is “Euphoria,” for its dramatic portrayal of high school. “Ginny and Georgia” initially blew up for featuring a sexist joke about Taylor Swift which earned it mass attention and it quickly ballooned Netflix’s charts. At times the show is perfect for an adult looking to watch a raunchy drama, but then the next scene comments on complex issues like fatherhood and race relations in America through a lens better suited for a teenager.

From the beginning, the life of Ginny is paralleled with the life of Georgia, showing us that the mother-daughter pair is more alike than what meets the eye. The story

best excels in telling Ginny’s coming of age. Although very dramatized, the show grapples with prudent issues of race, identity and sexuality. Yet, as a teenager, Ginny must grapple with these issues turned up to the extreme max. She must navigate a “progressive utopia,” as Ginny puts it, in a place where she should feel welcome but is constantly at odds with. This show at first glance seems like another teen drama, until it isn’t, which then becomes a murder mystery.

(Photo courtesy of Amazon Studios.)

Eddie Murphy at one point was the undisputed king of comedy, made famous for his X-rated comedy special “Raw” and his prominence on Saturday Night Live. He has returned to the big screen once again as King Akeem of Zamunda. The film is aware of its age, and its jokes land here and there. In an almost ironic self-awareness, the movie even makes fun of itself for the fact that it’s a sequel no one was asking for. The movie is cheesy and has its fair share of dead moments. The story it tells is cliché, recycling core themes of the original. Additionally, the film relies on nostalgia and the acting prowess of its cast to carry the film. Overall, the movie is ‘just okay,’ lacking the charm of the original but is still worth a watch.

(Photo courtesy of Netflix.) “I Care a Lot” is an exciting thriller distributed by Netflix. Marla Grayson (Rosamund Pike) is a ruthless caretaker for the elderly. Her character is meant to be disliked. She is not even in the least bit an anti-hero from the get-go — she is just plain evil. Her partner in crime is Fran (Eiza Gonzalez) who plays her role well. The “villain” of the film is Roman Lunyov (Peter Dinklage) and he perfectly executes his role to a point where the viewer may not be sure who they should dislike more.

The story essentially boils down to one of Grayson’s state-granted wards being caught up with some shady individuals. What ensues is a mystery thriller. The premise of the movie is outlandish, but its societal commentary isn’t. The movie makes a lot of obvious comments about capitalism, feminism and American society. One part that is easy to miss the full depth of is the commentary on the exploitation of others.

This film is packed full of tongue-incheek comments and subtle commentary, and there is a sharp contrast between audiences and critics with this one. A lot of the disconnect seems to stem from the lack of a “hero” to root for. So don’t go in expecting a happy film with an even happier ending; this isn’t even remotely that, because all of the characters are unlikeable in their own ways. Like many other thrillers, it can feel like a slow burn at times, but by the end, the movie sucks the audience in with Pike’s devilish performance.

(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Pictures.) HBO seems to have found the secret formula doing dual releases of its films. Their latest is “Tom and Jerry”. This movie is simply a cute kids’ movie. The jokes aren’t all home runs, but they are funny nonetheless. Kayla (Chloë Grace Moretz) is a recently hired hotel employee and wedding planner who surprisingly takes the lead from both Tom and Jerry. The movie is about the dynamic cat and mouse duo, but at times the story seems to be more about Kayla and her conflict.

At times the movie tries too hard to entertain both its child audience and their parents watching with them. Some of the “jokes” make no sense or belong in 2016.

The titular characters look great animationwise and all the other animated animals do too. The animators pay homage to the original designs and the characters seem to jump off the screen. However, while good the animation isn’t amazing; it leaves something to be desired. Overall, this film isn’t perfect by any stretch, but it is a silly, feel-good comedy to watch with the family or with kids.

(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Pictures.) Zack Snyder’s “Justice League,” as known as the Snyder Cut, is an artistic masterpiece. There is a lot to unpack with this film as many do not know the legend that surrounds how this movie eventually made its way to audiences.

“Justice League” first debuted to audiences in 2017. Its death was mass criticism. The original cut of the film came from director Joss Whedon, who picked up the film in post-production shortly after Snyder left

the production due to his daughters’ death by suicide in March 2017. By this point the details are fuzzy. Allegedly Snyder had finished a cut of the movie, but it wasn’t ready for audiences. The studio demanded a twohour release of the film by November so it was remade by Whedon — and what came out was not remotely close to Snyder’s original vision, or what fans saw in the trailers. What ensued was a mass fan campaign pushing to release the “ Snyder Cut.” Snyder, known for “Watchmen” and “300,” had set up the universe to be dark, gritty and almost a rejection of the Marvel style. Fast forward to 2020, AT&T pushed Warner Brothers to release the “Snyder Cut” of the film on HBO Max in its original four-hour runtime with Snyder returning to finish production.

From the opening scene, this movie is tonally and sharply different, dropping the original and rather controversial CGI scene featuring Henry Cavill’s Superman. Snyder’s opening scene is more powerful because the 4:9 aspect ratio movie frame immediately sets the film up to have more emotion, gravitas and direction.

The movie also features a dramatically different color grade. This is most noticeable in the final battle where the bright red skies are recolored to be a darker tone.

Actors and characters also benefit from the extended runtime. Victor Stone/Cyborg (Ray Fisher) and Barry Allen/Flash (Ezra Miller) benefit immensely from this new cut. Flash maintains his role as comic relief, but his personality and jokes are infinitely more likable. Fisher’s Cyborg becomes the soul of the movie and is given a meaningful and emotional story. In the original, his character was largely forgettable, and the actor was criticized for his poor portrayal; all of that sentiment is gone in this cut.

Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) rightfully gets an upgraded role. The original cut saw her as Batman’s love interest and her character lacked the power and presence she clearly displays in this version. In one scene the villain Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds) taunts Wonder Woman with the statement, “This one is mine.” But with ferocity she fires back, “I belong to no one.”

Speaking of main villains, they feel like real villains in this cut. Darkseid (Ray Porter) and Steppenwolf bring the conflict to life. Steppenwolf greatly benefits from this cut with a dramatic armor change and a ferocious attitude. Darkseid wasn’t even in the original but delivers a major scene.

Tonally, the film drops certain music choices and goes for a more somber and emotional score, which elevates characterization and atmosphere. Even Aquaman (Jason Momoa) gets a somber Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds track to sell the emotional turmoil of his character.

Yet, the character that redeems himself the most is Joker (Jared Leto). Although Leto is only on screen for a brief moment, his raw conversation with Batman (Ben Affleck) is what fans were hoping for all along. The biggest upgrade comes when Superman dawns his black suit, a nod to the comics.

The four-hour Snyder Cut runtime is conveniently cut into seven parts, almost like a seven-part miniseries. However, if one chooses to watch it all at once the time will hardly be noticeable because the film is a pure artistic vision. Snyder’s ultimate vision for the DC films would have been a five-part Justice League franchise of epic proportions.

But again, this film was largely to fan service audience.

14 EN ESPAÑOL

EDITORA: SAMANTHA RUVALCABA |@STMURATTLERNEWS | APRIL 1, 2021

El mensaje del presidente despierta la esperanza de un regreso a la vida normal POLINA PROTOZANOVA/ JESSIKA SALDAÑA EDITORA DE NOTICIAS/ TRADUCTORA CONTRIBUYENTE

El 3 de marzo, el presidente Tomas Mengler, J.D., envió un correo electrónico [a la comunidad universitaria] informando las medidas que tomará la universidad por la pandemia del coronavirus. En su mensaje anunció que el campus universitario se reabrirá el próximo semestre de otoño del 2021 para retomar clases y actividades presenciales. El regreso a cierta “normalidad” de pre-cuarentena iniciará el 17 de agosto para todos los estudiantes de pregrado, maestría y derecho.

Además del anuncio general de “re-apertura,” el comunicado también incluía información importante sobre las operaciones del campus. Primero, a pesar de haberse tomado días por separado como días de descanso este semestre para toda la universidad, se retomarán los períodos de vacaciones regulares. Para el semestre académico del otoño del 2021, se incluirán unas vacaciones de mitad del semestre y otras para el día de Acción de Gracias, lo que permitirá que los estudiantes puedan compartir la fecha con sus seres queridos.

El formato presencial se retomará no solamente en el ámbito académico sino también en espacios de actividades curriculares, como misas, retiros espirituales, deportes competitivos e intramurales, y clubes estudiantiles. Espacios sociales, como el Charles L. Cotrell Learning Commons y el Pub, también se reabrirán para el uso de la comunidad universitaria.

Mientras vayan disminuyendo los casos de COVID, más dormitorios en el campus

también se irán reabriendo. Esta medida no solo ampliará las opciones residenciales en el campus, sino también le dará la oportunidad a los estudiantes de vivir con un(a) compañero(a) de cuarto. A pesar del levantamiento de muchas restricciones, los estudiantes deberán ser cuidadosos y continuar con el uso de mascarillas durante el resto de este semestre y el próximo en el otoño.

mantenerse a seis pies de distancia, así lo implementaremos.”

A pesar de lo devastador que el período de cuarentena ha sido para tantos a lo largo de los E.E.U.U., se puede reconocer la innovación que se dio dentro del sistema educativo superior. Muchas universidades, incluyendo a St. Mary’s, han logrado adaptarse a la cambiante realidad del COVID-19 y podido crear la mejor versión

Foto por Seana Barclay / Gráfica por Demi Bestor

“Seguiremos probablemente llevando a cabo pruebas aleatorias de COVID-19,” compartió Mengler. “Creo que sabremos más en dos o tres meses…sobre qué expectativas hemos de tener en términos de distanciamiento social y el uso de mascarillas. Como bien se sabe, hemos venido siguiendo las recomendaciones del CDC, las nacionales, y las del gobierno local, y continuaremos haciéndolo. Si la recomendación resulta ser que se debe mantener el uso de la mascarilla dentro del salón de clases, pero que no es necesario

de educación electrónica posible. Dentro de los cambios que se dieron prima el uso de Zoom para dar y tomar clases, trabajar en grupo y hacer uso de los “breakout rooms.”

[Se podría concluir que, a nivel académico,] Los cambios traídos por el COVID-19 han resultado en alternativas electrónicas mucho más eficientes en cuanto al cumplimiento de tareas y proyectos. Mengler mencionó que la administración universitaria está actualmente revisando dichas innovaciones.

“Queremos aprovechar la experiencia y conocimiento tecnológico que tanto la

facultad como los estudiantes han obtenido por medio de estas circunstancias…

Probablemente habrán estudiantes que no podrán regresar al campus, como por ejemplo, algunos de nuestros estudiantes internacionales que no han logrado obtener sus visas… Nosotros les [ayudaremos] lo mejor que podamos,” dijo Mengler.

A pesar de los retos que el campus llegue a enfrentar, tanto los estudiantes como la facultad están emocionados de regresar a cierta “normalidad” de la vida universitaria. Siendo St. Mary’s una institución profundamente arraigada en el sentido de comunidad y el servicio a los demás, el retomar actividades presenciales definitivamente reforzará ese aspecto de la universidad.

“Estoy emocionada ya que siento que gran parte de nuestra comunidad de StMU se basa en la formación de relaciones [interpersonales], lo cual se ha visto severamente afectado dada nuestra nueva normalidad completamente electrónica.

Además, las noticias recientes sobre todos los adultos en Texas siendo ahora elegibles para recibir la vacuna me dan la esperanza de que las clases del semestre de otoño y demás eventos se puedan hacer de forma segura,” dijo la estudiante de segundo año de relaciones internacionales y globales, Mia Gonzalez.

El presidente Mengler expresó un sentimiento similar por el reencuentro presencial de la comunidad.

“Extraño realmente el tiempo entre clases cuando el campus estaba lleno de estudiantes y el personal se veía caminar de un lugar al otro,” dijo Mengler. “Anhelo [ver] en el próximo semestre un campus lleno de adultos jóvenes viniendo y yendo a clase.”

El Comité de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión organiza un diálogo comunitario POLINA PROTOZANOVA EDITORA DE NOTICIAS

En el semestre de otoño de 2020, la administración de la universidad creó el Consejo Presidencial sobre Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión (DEI) como respuesta a las protestas por injusticia racial en todo el país. El consejo también tuvo como objetivo contribuir a los esfuerzos de St. Mary “para convertirse y mantenerse firme como una universidad antirracista.” A lo largo de los últimos meses, la organización inició un importante y difícil diálogo con la esperanza de crear un espacio seguro y equitativo para miembros de la comunidad universitaria de todos los orígenes. Esto es lo que el consejo ha logrado hasta ahora.

Durante las dos sesiones de diálogo comunitario el 16 y 17 de marzo, el presidente del consejo, André Hampton, JD, la vicepresidenta Sheri King, Ph.D., junto con aproximadamente 70 miembros de la comunidad, discutieron los puntos principales del informe recién publicado al presidente de la universidad. Los oradores enumeraron cuatro pasos iniciales para el cambio estructural: descubrimiento individual, descubrimiento institucional, cambios en el currículo y co-currículo y el establecimiento de la Oficina de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión y Difusión.

El primer paso, el descubrimiento individual, se concentra en la conciencia y la educación internas.

“Muchas personas son conscientes de que puede haber problemas con la

diversidad, la equidad y la inclusión, pero no son realmente conscientes de su papel en ello. Percibimos que un aspecto de esto sería desarrollar herramientas, mecanismos e información para que las personas se vuelvan más conscientes de su estado con respecto a la diversidad,” dijo Hampton.

El descubrimiento institucional, por otro lado, cambia el enfoque hacia un panorama más amplio, evaluando el entorno y las prácticas universitarias.

Siguiendo la recomendación del consejo en el informe, la administración comenzará encuestas de evaluación del clima cultural p a r a

Gráfica por Anna Davila

generar datos confiables sobre las prácticas en el campus. La encuesta estará disponible para todos los miembros del campus a finales de esta primavera.

“Lo que recomendamos es una revisión de arriba a abajo de nuestros diversos

planes, nuestras políticas y procedimientos.

Esto sería generalizado; cubriremos aspectos como políticas de empleo, políticas de promoción y tenencia, cómo reclutamos y admitimos estudiantes,” especificó Hampton.

El tercer paso, cambios en el currículo y el co-currículo, reconoce posibles errores dentro del sistema educativo y busca fomentar la formación de los estudiantes en líderes para el bien común.

“Trabajaremos con el Provost Buhrman y los miembros del consejo académico ... para realizar una encuesta, un inventario de lo que tenemos,” d i j o

Hampton. “¿Qué programas tenemos en las actividades curriculares existentes? ¿Cuál es nuestra línea de base? Basándonos en esto, podemos averiguar hacia dónde debemos ir en términos de fortalecer nuestro plan de estudios con respecto a la diversidad, la equidad y la inclusión.”

El último paso, el establecimiento de la Oficina de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión y Difusión, formaría una oficina que podría mantener y promover consistentemente el progreso de la justicia social en el campus.

Los estudiantes pueden esperar que esta oficina se reúna a principios del año académico 2021-2022 y su administración sea contratada incluso antes. El consejo prevé que la persona para el cargo de vicepresidente asistente inaugural sea contratada antes del 1 de abril.

“Ha habido un acuerdo de que vamos a realizar una búsqueda local con la expectativa de que tengamos talento en la institución o localmente que podríamos tener como vicepresidente asistente inaugural de la Oficina de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión y Difusión,” dijo Hampton. “Hay muchas ventajas en tener a esa persona en su lugar.

Una gran cantidad de trabajo que debía realizar el comité de individuos habría llevado una gran cantidad de tiempo y creo que tener a alguien que sea el punto focal y que pueda retomar el tema desde donde lo dejamos e impulsar esto hacia adelante.

Creo que será beneficioso.”

Finalmente, al finalizar el panel, King concluyó con un mensaje humilde pero inspirador para la comunidad.

“Todos tenemos mucho que aprender, incluido yo mismo y todos en este panel.

Es un continuo. Todos estamos en varios puntos de ese continuo, pero siempre nos esforzamos por llegar más lejos y cerrar la brecha entre el ideal y el lugar donde estamos,” dijo King.

EN ESPAÑOL 15

APRIL 1, 2021 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Los estudiantes que se gradúan planean para el éxito después de la universidad

“

con las responsabilidades de sus primeros dos o tres años en su carrera de pregrado, deben buscar prepararse para la siempre tan estresante Prueba de Admisión a la Facultad de Medicina (MCAT).

El proceso de solicitud para la escuela de medicina también es tedioso. Primero, está la ronda de solicitud a través de un servicio de solicitud centralizado, como el Servicio

“

Otras estudiantes de último año de biología que pudieron ingresar a la escuela Estoy agradecida por el apoyo de medicina a través de JAMP fueron Belia de mis profesores, asesor y mi Camarena y Amanda Figueroa.

St. Mary’s University se enorgullece familia y amigos que han creído de ser una institución que crea un Camarena, quien va camino a asistir a en mí.” excelente ambiente de aprendizaje para sus Baylor College of Medicine, atribuyó su Cristina Izellah Gutiérrez estudiantes y como un trampolín para que exitosa carrera académica a sus profesores, estudiante de biología sus graduados estén listos para su próximo “Dr. Raabe, a Genética con el Dr. Segovia y esfuerzo. Independientemente de a dónde Bioquímica con el Dr. Galaleldeen,” quienes vayan los graduados o en qué la han guiado, alentado y desafiado de Texas en Austin, donde planea quedarse campo participen, las estrategias a superarse. después de graduarse. Considera los rigores de aprendizaje de la universidad En cuanto a Figueroa, quien de una licenciatura en ciencias políticas y y los aspectos de construcción asistirá a la Facultad de Medicina agradece a sus profesores. de la comunidad la colocan de Texas A&M en julio, está “No puedo agradecer al Dr. Vega y al [Dr. por encima de la experiencia agradecida por la “comunidad Ian y la Dra. Betsy] Smith lo suficiente para universitaria promedio. A unida,” donde sintió que era, la tutoría durante mis tres años en St. Mary’s continuación, hay un puñado de “una transición fácil de la escuela ,” dijo Gonzales. estudiantes de último año que se secundaria a la licenciatura.”

Dunn planea ingresar a la policía en la gradúan y están entusiasmados Figueroa dijo que St. Mary’s Academia del Departamento de Policía de por el siguiente paso de su plan.

University era la opción perfecta San Antonio y ha participado en algunos Ya sea que eso incluya pasos para su experiencia de licenciatura. de los entornos más sociales que ofrece la hacia la escuela de medicina, Cristina Izellah Gutiérrez es Universidad de St. Mary. Se desempeñó la escuela de odontología, la una estudiante de biología que como Coordinador Comunitario (CC) policía o la escuela de derecho, asumirá el desafío de la escuela para el Programa de Liderazgo Marianista los esfuerzos excepcionales de odontología en San Antonio. y como Asistente Residente para Residence de los estudiantes en esta Gutiérrez fue aceptada en el Life. Dunn ha estado en el centro de los universidad han hecho realidad Programa de Aceptación Temprana programas que conforman una comunidad sus sueños de continuar con la Dental, que le permitió ingresar de St. Mary tan vibrante. Agradece a educación superior. a la Facultad de Odontología Janie Moncada.

El camino hacia la facultad del Centro de Ciencias de la “Ella pudo reconocer el potencial en mí de derecho tradicionalmente Salud de la Universidad de Texas y [mi] trabajo como CC,” dijo Dunn. comienza con estudiantes que en San Antonio. Al igual que Donte Joseph, quien planea asistir a la buscan estudiar humanidades otros estudiantes del último Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de en términos de historia, ciencias año en biología, Gutiérrez St. Mary, ha dedicado su tiempo a cumplir políticas, filosofía, literatura estaba agradecida por todas las inglesa y más. Los cursos oportunidades que le brindó la promesa de la universidad de que a cada estudiante se le otorgan oportunidades en la asociados a estos campos de St. Mary’s. estudio cubren una amplia gama “Estoy agradecida por el apoyo comunidad y el liderazgo.

“Mi tiempo consiste en estar involucrado de conceptos que son útiles para de mis profesores, asesor y mi en la Comunidad de Vida y Aprendizaje de el estudio del derecho. También familia y amigos que han creído en Ciencias Políticas, ser el capitán de League se anima a los estudiantes a ser mí,” dijo Gutiérrez. of Legends para el equipo StMU Esports y voluntarios en su comunidad, Willie Gonzales y Christopher unirme a Lambda Chi Alpha,” dijo Joseph. tener una pasantía en el gobierno Dunn son algunos estudiantes de Los logros de Joseph en St. Mary se han o una pasantía en la oficina de último año que se destacaron en debido al “apoyo de mis amigos, mi familia y abogados para aumentar sus Christopher Dunn, estudiante de criminología.| Foto por Claudio Gomez el uso de las oportunidades que los profesores que me inspiraron”. posibilidades de mantenerse les brinda la universidad para La emoción que se induce en cada competitivos. Finalmente, alrededor de su de Solicitud de las Escuelas de Medicina y encontrar su vocación. estudiante ante la idea de graduarse se Odontología de Texas.

A esto le sigue una tercer año de la universidad, se les anima a Gonzales, que no está seguro de en qué expresa mejor en estos estudiantes del solicitud para el programa de la escuela, en prepararse y rendir su Prueba de Admisión universidad estudiará un título de posgrado, último año que se gradúan. Han trabajado, la que se presentan los puntajes del MCAT a la Facultad de Derecho. participó en el Programa de pasantías perseverado y superado los rigores de y las cartas de recomendación.

Aquí es La admisión en una facultad de derecho legislativas de Frank Madla e Irma Rangel en donde los años de trabajo concentrado la educación de pregrado.

Ahora tienen no es muy diferente al proceso de admisión Texas. Este programa le permitió a Gonzales en el aula dan sus frutos.

El paso final del a la facultad de medicina. La Facultad de servir como pasante legislativo para la un pequeño momento para reflexionar Derecho de St. Mary’s, por ejemplo, requiere proceso para la escuela de medicina es Legislatura de Texas de 2019. También hizo sobre su arduo trabajo entre completar sus una solicitud, una declaración personal completar los requisitos adicionales del que Gonzales se diera cuenta de que su requisitos de graduación y su lectura de la y cartas de recomendación. La escuela programa, como pruebas de personalidad y futura carrera está ubicada en la Legislatura educación superior. no tiene un proceso de entrevista para la esperar entrevistas.

Natalie Elizabeth Villarreal, admisión como paso final. estudiante de último año de biología, conoce muy bien los procedimientos El tamaño reducido de las clases de la escuela de medicina. Aparte de la ayuda y orientación que le me permitió conocer a mis profesores rápidamente y hacer brindó su facultad, Villareal dijo que necesitaba algo más que un conexiones fácilmente.” consejo académico.

Natalie Elizabeth Villarreal “[La facultad] me ayudó a estudiante de biología aprender a estudiar y en mi tercer año me animaron a deshacerme La búsqueda de la escuela de medicina no de TikTok durante seis meses es muy diferente del camino hacia la escuela para prepararme para el MCAT,” de derecho. Los estudiantes de pregrado con dijo Villarreal.

Como estudiante de primera planes de asistir a la escuela de medicina buscan un título en campos orientados a generación, Villarreal pudo superar STEM, como biología o química. Esto se los diversos obstáculos hacia la convierte en un juego lento de aprendizaje escuela de medicina a través del en el aula y aplicación de estos conceptos a Programa Médico de Admisión Conjunta (JAMP). El entorno las extensiones del aula del laboratorio.

Además de tener responsabilidades en el proporcionado por St. Mary’s la aula, estos estudiantes también deben buscar ayudó a encaminarse.

“El tamaño reducido de las clases fortalecer sus currículums participando en concursos, buscando proyectos de me permitió conocer a mis profesores investigación y recorriendo el campo rápidamente y hacer conexiones Estudiante Belia Camarena pronto asistirá al Baylor College of Medicine.| Foto cortesía de Belia Camarena científico para una pasantía de verano. Junto fácilmente,” dijo Villarreal.

SAUL CONTRERAS ESCRITOR DEL PERSONAL

16 SPORTS

EDITOR: LARRY RODRIGUEZ SHEA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | APRIL 1, 2021

Baseball and softball getting into the swing of their season LARRY RODRIGUEZ SHEA SPORTS EDITOR

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One fan-favorite pastime here at St. Mary’s is watching a baseball or softball game. Since the season has started, the teams have enjoyed high turnouts. Both teams have been performing well during what is likely one of the most challenging seasons most athletes have played in.

Softball is currently sitting at .500 with a conference record of 6-6 and a 10-12 record overall. The season has been full of ups and downs.

The pattern for the season has included the team going on a winning streak then slowing down without being able to get back into the swing of things.

Junior second base player and finance and risk management major Jayme Johns is the leadoff for the team and feels that the season has had ups and downs. Johns hopes to continue growing as a player this season and continue playing well with her team.

“I feel as though this season we started off strong, but I have had rough points as any team would,” Johns said. “We just finished the series with Oklahoma Christian, a top team in the conference as well as the nation. Unfortunately, we split but just getting that second game win was a confidence booster for the team, knowing that we can hang with top teams and that we are a good team.”

Certainly, the challenge of COVID-19 and adjusting to one another has contributed to this struggle. Freshman infielder and forensic science major Ericka Gomez has grown a lot as a player this season, growing her strengths and working on her weaknesses.

Building chemistry, she believes, was one of the challenges this season.

“The most challenging thing about this season would definitely be COVID,” Gomez said. “Coming into a program with limited time of meeting teammates and having a lot of restrictions is hard. On the flip side, the best thing this season is meeting a group of girls I love being around and competing with.”

Her teammate infielder and exercise and sports science major Reba Reyes shared Gomez’s beliefs.

This season has been complicated for teams to bond and grow together. A common sentiment is shared across almost every athletic program. However, they also all know that what lies ahead can only be better.

“I feel that we freshmen do not get the full experience and it is pretty tough,” Reyes

said. “However, the best thing about this season has to be the new friendships I’ve built with my teammates and getting the opportunity to play the sport I love.”

The baseball team finds themselves in much of the same spot as softball.

The team is sitting at 11-10 overall and exactly .500 at 9-9 in the conference. The story is very similar to what is happening for the softball team. They find themselves in up and down streaks. Most recently they closed out a tough series 2-1, against St. Edwards in the “Battle of the Saints.”

Sophomore infielder Mauro Bustamante has done well this season.

All year he has performed well in his hitting percentage and is a bit of a power hitter. As of the time of publication, his batting average is .338, the second-best on the team. However, Bustamante believes there is a lot of room for improvement since he is still only a sophomore. The team, he believes, can give people a run for their money as all the pieces come together.

“Currently I’ve been performing pretty well in my opinion but, I am still a sophomore so there is still room for improvement,” Bustamante said. “My strongest area right now would be the hitting aspects of the game. [Beginning

with] the approach I take and what pitch I’m hunting and grinding out at bats. So far I’ve been performing well up in the batter’s box.”

Another player who has been performing extremely well is junior pitcher and accounting major Connor Schmidt. Schmidt started the season off well and has found himself in a bit of a slump lately. He shares Bustamante’s sentiments that the team is about to get into the swing of things.

“This year’s team is starting to come together and when we play [the way that] we are capable of, we are really good and I am excited to see where the rest of the year takes us,” Schmidt said. “I started off the season personally really good and with the help of my team hitting the ball really well it made my job easier. I have been in a little slump lately, but my team has my back and has still been playing great behind me. I am excited to keep playing with these guys and see where this season takes us.”

For both teams, the fact that a season is happening is a lot for them, and with plenty of the season left to go, both teams certainly have the opportunity to climb the rankings and find their stride.

Soccer teams close out their challenging competition season LARRY RODRIGUEZ SHEA SPORTS EDITOR

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With games postponed early in the year due to COVID-19, both men’s and women’s soccer teams were unsure if they would be able to play this year. Thankfully for soccer fans and players alike, the teams were allowed to return to the pitch in Spring 2021.

So far, both teams have been performing well with all the uncertainty that surrounds the season.

Women’s soccer currently sits at 4-4 overall and 1-3 in the conference. Their season has been tough due to COVID-19 and some losses. Senior defender communication studies major Alexis Lawrence reflected on this past season as being difficult due to having a low roster on top of all the COVID-19 complications.

“This season we have had some ups and downs,” Lawrence said.

“We as a team have done much better than what people have thought especially since we have a l o w roster.

The loss to TA M I U (Texas A&M International University) was hard on us especially because we felt like we dominated the whole game. The loss to ASU (Angelo State University), who is a nationally ranked

team, hurt as well but I hope playing those teams gave us some confidence to know that we’re an actual good team that can

“

I feel it took us a while to develop a real team chemistry, but we have definitely overcome that challenge.”

Cian Foley sophomore midfielder and psychology major

compete with any other top teams.”

Lawrence has made the transition to a new position this year due to the short roster. Something she has performed well in as she recently scored four goals in a game against Texas Lutheran University, a game the Rattlers won in a trouncing 12-0 shutout win. Lawrence cited this as one of her best moments this year since she is playing in a new position.

“Best thing is being able to score four goals in a game,” Lawrence said. “I have been a defense player most of my soccer career and not a lot of opportunities have come for me like that in a game. So I’ve been working hard to score and it was an exuberating feeling to be able to score so many goals in one game.”

The men’s team is having yet another great season. They sit at the time of the conference 4-1 and 5-1 overall. Last year, the team dominated all year, making it late into the playoffs but eventually losing in a heartbreaker during the round of eight.

The team is still focused on making another run deep in the playoffs. Sophomore midfielder and psychology major Cian Foley feels that the team is just beginning to bond.

Early in the season, the team had to learn to play with one another and strengthen team bonds.

“The beginning of the season was tough due to the many new additions to the team,” Foley said. “I feel it took us a while to develop a real team chemistry, but we have definitely overcome that challenge.

This season has gone well for the team so far.

We’re starting to gel as a team and the results are a testament to that but we still have games to play and the job isn’t done yet.”

This season Foley has earned his way onto the starting roster after seeing decent play during his freshman year. He feels that he has remained consistent and made a real impact whether through scoring goals or his determination on the field.

However, the best thing for this team

was two great wins against conference rivals.

“We have had two great wins recently - against our rivals Midwestern State University and an unbelievable comeback against Lubbock Christian [University],” Foley said. “I think the best thing about this season has been seeing the fight and determination this team has to overcome adversity and get results.”

The women’s season will be coming to a close and hopefully, they can bounce back next year. As for the men’s team, hopefully they continue to ride their winning streak into the rest of the season and deep into the playoffs. The men play their final home game on April 2 against Dallas Baptist University.

They play their final game against TAMIU April 6. The women close their season out against LCU on March 31.

Junior Megan Copeland sends the ball sailing during the first half.| Photo by Larry Rodriguez Shea