Vol 110 Issue No. 05 - 02/17/2022

Vol 110 | Issue 5 | Feb. 17, 2022 | San Antonio, Texas

The College Tour university to be featured on amazon tv series

Graphic by Demi Bestor

CONTINUED ON PG. 2

OPINION

SPANISH

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

PG.6

PG.10

PG.12

PG.15

Campus gallery promotes student art

Beloved baseball coach retires after 35 years

Online courses offer options for students

Isolation tips for students stuck inside

2 NEWS

EDITOR: VICTORIA OLGUIN | @STMURATTLERNEWS | FEB. 17, 2022

Students exhibit their Rattler pride on Amazon TV series THE RATTLER

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

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

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

VICTORIA OLGUIN NEWS EDITOR

As high school seniors and transfer students from all over the world fill out college applications, many question which university will be the right fit for them.

With over 25,000 universities in the world, it can be challenging to choose the right destination. To help with this process, St. Mary’s University has had the opportunity to showcase its beautiful campus and amazing opportunities to prospective students. “The College Tour,” an Amazon TV series showcasing various colleges around the world, will be visiting the St. Mary’s campus and interviewing students to share their experiences at the university.

Many students have already stepped up to proudly display their gold and blue colors.

“I feel honored just to represent my school just on behalf on how much they’ve done for me. Just in regards to how much they’ve helped me and how much they’ve helped me become the young man that I always wanted to be,” senior engineering management major, Tromance Washington said.

Washington, a first-generation college student from Wisconsin, was one of the students chosen to represent the university.

By sharing his story in “The College Tour,” he hopes to inspire prospective students to work towards their dreams through the opportunities offered at St. Mary’s.

“I’m the first one to go to college in my family and also the first engineer. If you fear something, you should do it two times as [fast] because fear... sometimes it’ll stop us from being our best self. I learned that at St. Mary’s, you never can be comfortable. You always [got to] be able to

jump into something and just try it. Even if you fail, that’s something you learned,” Washington said.

Though Washington is the first in his family to attend college and is studying a rigorous subject, he believes St. Mary’s has allowed him to succeed in his courses and is preparing him for his goals.

“Engineering is tough. It really is tough and St. Mary’s, they help you to where if you don’t know something, you could learn it with the small class atmosphere. Anything and everything you want to do, you can here in San Antonio,” Washington said.

The environment here at St. Mary’s has allowed Washington to discover himself, express himself and even foster meaningful relationships. Having been a prospective student himself, Washington decided to attend St. Mary’s University for the family spirit he found at the Marianist-Catholic institution. Being one of only three Marianist institutions in the world, the family spirit found at St. Mary’s is hard to find anywhere else.

“I chose St. Mary’s because it felt like the most like home. They welcomed me in,” Washington said. “I love the connection at St. Mary’s. The connections and the family feel. I would say that I can’t walk around campus with two headphones in. I’m always walking and talking with somebody and there’s always someone checking up on me, seeing how they can help me with my future and also me seeing how if there’s any way I could help them.” Washington continued.

As a senior, Washington believes he can successfully represent St. Mary’s and felt like the role of representing the university was one he could do well.

“I feel that I’ve found my gift through here and also just throughout the people

that have helped me here. My gift is connecting with people and connecting through communication, and I feel that me being able to best represent St. Mary’s through that way, I’ll be one of the best people to do that,” Washington said.

Freshman engineering science major, Olivia Rojas, also feels enthusiastic about representing her university.

“I’m very excited to be representing the school. It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity and I’m grateful to be a part of it. I want to showcase how great St. Mary’s is and what it is like going to school here. I have enjoyed my experience here so far and I want to let other people know they will have an enriching college experience,” Rojas said.

For Rojas, the tight-knit family spirit found at St. Mary’s also influenced her to join the community. Through small classes and professors who care, St. Mary’s has allowed many students to succeed.

“That sense [of] community is what I love about St. Mary’s. The tight-knit community creates a strong learning environment.

Our smaller size allows for students and professors to really get to know each other.

Professors and faculty are approachable and ready to help students understand the material and help with any other aspects of their education,” Rojas said.

“Building these relationships not only helps us do better academically, but it also opens us up to opportunities in projects, research and much more,” Rojas continued.

Students at St. Mary’s are grateful for the opportunity to represent their school with the world and hope to welcome new students soon. To learn more about the university or “The College Tour,” visit www. thecollegetour.com.

Law professor attempts to end racism in sports industries VICTORIA OLGUIN NEWS EDITOR

In times of joy or crisis, sports have had the power to bring people together from all over the world, creating a sense of unity throughout the years. Many Americans have continuously gathered with family and friends during sporting events like the Super Bowl, where they feast on foods like chicken wings, hotdogs and sandwiches while watching American football.

Though the positive effects sports have created are evident, the underlying issues of racism that persist within sports have revealed themselves over the years. Since the 1900s, racism has affected many within sports. Jim Crow laws prohibited Black people from participating in university sports, and the Major League Baseball and National Football League prohibited Black people from playing. Minorities have constantly been excluded from sports and opportunities, and have experienced segregation within teams. Only three of the current NFL teams out of the 32 have a Black head coach, even though around 70% of the NFL players are Black.

Now, in early February of 2022, Coach Brian Flores for the Miami Dolphins sued the NFL after being fired over racist and discriminatory motives. This occurred after Stephen Ross, the Miami Dolphins owner, offered to pay Flores $100,000 for every

loss the Miami Dolphins had. This term, known as “tanking,” is a devious way to advance in the NFL draft. However, when Flores refused to follow this strategy, he was seen as the “angry Black man” who was “difficult to work with” and was fired.

Flores had experienced difficulties with the NFL before, as he and other Black coaches were denied positions as head coaches, general managers and other leadership positions. Flores has believed that he was only interviewed due to the Rooney Rule, which requires for minorities to be interviewed but not necessarily hired as a head coach.

This instance on racism in sports is nothing new, and it is something that St. Mary’s law professor, David Grenardo, J.D. has been looking into. In his law article published by Harvard Journal of Sports & Entertainment Law, “It’s Worth a Shot: Can Sports Combat Racism in the United States?”

Grenardo discusses possible solutions to help end racism in sports. According to Grenardo, using these three E’s can help end racism in sports: “Education and Experience that occur Early in one’s life.”

Children as young as the age of four can start to develop racial biases, which is why it is important to begin educating others on valuing differences, diversity and the effects of racism through courses and interactions.

Education on this topic should be mandatory

Graphic by Kasha Casiano

for players, coaches, referees and even parents according to Grenardo with courses that contain the history of racism, messages from famous athletes and coaches and skill development of skills like empathy and bias recognition.

In his article, Grenardo also acknowledged that providing minorities access and opportunities for leadership positions in sports can bring sports a step closer towards a more just system. Just like Grenardo has taken the steps towards a more just community where racism is not tolerated, the St. Mary’s community continues to practice inclusion and equity within the campus, shaping and preparing leaders to do the same beyond. To learn more about Grenardo’s discussions and works over racism in sports, contact Grenardo at dgrenardo@stmarytx.edu.

NEWS 3

FEB. 17, 2022 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Distinguished Greehey Scholars Program seeks new candidates for fall 2023 VICTORIA OLGUIN NEWS EDITOR

Since the start of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the country has seen a lot of economic growth, shaping the greatest businesses and leaders behind them. Now, the United States has become the leading economic country in the world, having a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of about $22,790 billion in U.S. dollars. Technology and the quality of life has constantly been improving because of this, and the Greehey School of Business at St. Mary’s University acknowledges the role and importance of business. With the goal of shaping highly-skilled ethical business leaders who practice technical excellence, global awareness, professional orientation and service, St. Mary’s seeks for prospective college freshmen to join the prestigious Greehey Scholars Program each year. With admissions weekend just around the corner, the Greehey Scholars Program is looking forward to interviewing the newest class.

“Our program looks for business students that are driven to excel not only academically, but who also aim to fulfill the program’s motto: Learn, Serve, Lead.

We also consistently expect scholars to be responsible, hard-working, open-minded and respectful,” Rosie Perez, Administrative Assistant of the Greehey Scholars Program said.

Although professors and leaders of the program will interview prospective students, a panel of current student scholars will also have the role of interviewing and

searching for the next incoming class. Greehey Scholars Program has enabled Scholars have already noted what it is that many students, both in the United States makes a Greehey scholar and are preparing and internationally, to gain the necessary to search for distinguishable traits during knowledge and experiences to be successful the incoming interviews. business leaders.

“What makes a Greehey scholar is “The program does a great job of further having passion, being able to act as a leader developing students’ leadership skills. both in and out of the classroom and By allowing us to participate in various practicing servitude for both the St. Mary’s teamwork events such as competitions community and beyond,” senior marketing and business immersion trips, students are major and given the current opportunity Greehey to not only scholar, practice Katherine teamwork Rodriguez but develop s a i d . themselves Students and as leaders,” leaders of Rodriguez the program said. have already “ I n felt like they addition are getting to this, the Greehey Scholars at a retreat. | Photo coutesy of @greeheyscholars. closer to program becoming business leaders, and they are does a great job of having scholars interact confident that more business leaders from with guest speakers to learn from their all over the world will be developed through experience and different leadership this program. models. Furthermore, the program offers “The Greehey Scholars Program helps various leadership roles, both professional develop great business leaders by giving and community-service centered that them the opportunity to network with allow students to gain real-life experience different companies from inside and outside in managing others and the program,” the United States. The group is formed Rodriguez continued. One of the most by students from different countries, memorable moments of being in the which helps them get to know various program for scholars is the involvement cultures,” freshman business management in community service, where scholars major, international student and current are constantly making a difference in Greehey Scholar, Adriana Godoy said. The their communities.

“I am part of the Down Syndrome Association for my group service and I enjoy spending my Wednesday nights getting to know the teens in the club. I love when we dance around and make crafts,” Godoy said. Godoy, who is a freshman, was provided with resources to excel in her first year in the program with the help of Greehey scholar leaders.

“All incoming freshmen are assigned internal [scholar] mentors to help guide them through their first year in the program.

Upperclassmen learn to be mentors by providing advice, encouragement and building comradery,” Perez said. The five first-year students chosen for the class of 2025 were each assigned to a mentor and have succeeded in the program thus far. Now, they wait for the next class of students to join them and cannot wait to welcome them to the team. Although being interviewed can be nerve-wracking, scholars have provided advice for a successful interview and admissions week.

“My advice would be to ask a lot of questions, be curious and don’t be afraid to say yes to a new opportunity,” Rodriguez said. “Students planning to attend our GSP admissions weekend should take the time to learn about the program and practice their interviewing skills. Just as important, the students should keep in mind that we also want to meet students that are personable and sincere,” said Perez. For more information about the Greehey Scholars Program, contact greeheyscholars@ stmarytx.edu.

Car accident occurs near living learning community and frightens residents VICTORIA OLGUIN NEWS EDITOR

Around 11 p.m. on Jan. 29, screeching could be heard on Culebra road behind the St. Mary’s campus dorms. It seemed as though an accident had occurred.

According to the “Texas Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics,” an average of 33,381 total crashes occurred in San Antonio in 2020.

Unfortunately, this accident happened near the Village on campus, behind Cremer Hall. Surprisingly, this demonstrated that students may encounter danger on campus due to accidents on the nearby road. Thankfully, this time, the only danger faced on campus was that of the danger faced by nearby residents’ cars. Residential students living nearby were able to feel and hear what happened.

Nobody was injured in the accident, but the fence surrounding the outside of the Village needs to be repaired for the ongoing safety of its residential students.

During the event, it was reported that the driver drove their vehicle through the university’s gate, causing destruction to the property. The gate then collapsed, falling on top of three other vehicles. The vehicle then proceeded to move forward, totaling a student resident’s car. Students were

shocked that this happened just outside of their dorm rooms.

“I was in my room and I heard a really loud crash, but I’ve heard it before and it turned out to be an accident down the road. This time, I saw police lights flashing through the window so I went outside to check it out. I noticed most of the residents were outside and that’s when I saw the car crash,” freshman biology major and resident at St. Marys’ University, Hannah Bermea said. “I was worried that my car had damage but upon further investigation, it missed me by a foot and it hit my roommate’s car that was parked right next to me and a few other students’ cars too,” Bermea continued. Students were worried about their own vehicles and were unsure of what to do next.

“

[The car] hit my roommate’s car that was parked right next to me and a few other students’ cars too.”

Hannah Bermea freshman biology major

Fortunately, police were able to provide guidance regarding next steps and assistance to those impacted.

“After the crash, both campus and city police walked around connecting the students to their cars and taking insurance information.

They were letting the students who were impacted know what the process was and gave them all Police tape surrounding the damaged fence . | Courtesy of Adrianna Mirabal the necessary information for their personal university’s police department at needs,” Bermea said. It wasn’t until after 210-431-1911. the incident that students learned of what occurred.

Correction: It has come to the “The guy drove through the gate right attention of The Rattler editorial staff in front of Cremer and smacked another that an image was used on the cover student’s car which ended up totaling it, of the previous issue without and the driver said that somebody stepped proper credit.

The image can be found here: https:// on their brakes really hard in front of him stmartx.canto.com/s/OGHMR?viewInso he swerved to the side,” Bermea said. dex=1.

It is advised to drive safely at all times, This photograph was taken by Darren ensuring the safety of others as well. In the Shivdecker, Director of Social Media event of a campus emergency, contact the and Videography for St. Mary’s.

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6 OPINION

EDITOR: MAKAYLA AMITRANI | @STMURATTLERNEWS | FEB. 17, 2022

President Biden’s coveted opportunity to appoint a Supreme Court justice MAKAYLA AMITRANI OPINION EDITOR

promised that if Bush were to nominate a Black woman, Biden would filibuster and kill the nomination.

“While I do understand trying to stop another conservative from gaining a seat on the Supreme Court, stopping a historical nomination of an otherwise qualified African American woman may have taken it a little too far,” freshman biology major Jennifer Saucedo said.

This woman was the first Black woman to be an associate justice of the California Supreme Court, a position she had held for seven years. She came from two generations of

On Jan. 26, 2022, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, the oldest justice on the court, announced his retirement. Justice Breyer was well-respected throughout his career and will be greatly missed.

This gave President Biden an opportunity he has coveted since the beginning of his campaign. During which he stated, “I’m looking forward to making sure there’s a Black woman on the Supreme Court to make sure we, in fact, get everyone represented.”

In the history of the Supreme Court, out of 114 past and present justices, there have only been five women and none of them have been Black.

“The opportunity to potentially have not only a woman, but a African sharecroppers and was from American woman serve Alabama when segregation was on the highest court in at its peak. the land is a milestone for “An obviously qualified our nation that every single candidate with a great underdog citizen should be extremely story being denied a spot that proud of,” said freshman is well-deserved because of forensic science major her political idealizations is Hannah Bermea. disgraceful and should never Although President have happened,” said Bermea.

Biden did promise to Regarding these new nominate and appoint circumstances, President Biden a Black woman, back in has been given the opportunity 2003 when George W. Bush was to reconcile the mistake that he president and Biden was just a senator, he and other senators Graphic by Demi Bestor made all those years ago.

“As a Hispanic woman, I am a minority, and it’s hard not seeing people who look like me in politics and in high-ranking positions. I think all minorities need better representation in politics and I’m so happy to hopefully see that happen,” Saucedo said.

This historic opportunity has been longawaited since Breyer was the least liberal of the court’s Democrats. President Biden plans to replace him with a heavily leftleaning, young, experienced, Black woman.

“The next time we hear these words ‘I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foriegn and domestic,’ they will be coming from the mouth of the very first female African American Supreme Court Justice. A moment in history that will be talked about and taught in schools all across the nation for generations to come,” said sophomore political science major Illeana Molina.

The oath that all Supreme Court justices are required to take is symbolic of their duty to our country and is taken very seriously.

To have a more than qualified group of historical nominees is a wonderful part of our future history.

“There are so many amazing women for President Biden to pick from and I’m just so excited to see who he nominates,” said Bermea.

The names that are being thrown around right now are J. Michelle Childs, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Leondra Kruger, Nancy Abudu, Tiffany Cunningham, Sherrilyn Ifill, Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, Eunice Lee and Holly Thomas.

All of which are left-leaning, Black women, the oldest

of which being 59 years old and the youngest being 43.

“After doing some research about all of the potential nominees, I’ve found that my favorite woman is Nancy Abudu just because of everything she stands for and has fought for,” Saucedo said.

“

The next time we hear these words ‘I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foriegn and domestic’ they will be coming from the mouth of the very first female African American Supreme Court Justice. A moment in history that will be talked about and taught in schools all across the nation for generations to come.”

Illeana Molina sophomore political science major

Nancy Abudu is the strategic litigation director at the Southern Poverty Law Center. President Biden recently nominated her to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. She has dedicated countless hours to causes like felon disenfranchisement, voting, LGBTQ and reproductive rights.

With this great pool of women, no matter who ends up getting nominated, the nation will have an educated and experienced Black woman making history by sitting on the highest court in the land.

University students would have preferred the option of a virtual semester MAKAYLA AMITRANI OPINION EDITOR

After the rise of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in San Antonio, St. Mary’s University made the decision to push back the start of the semester by two weeks. Other universities, like UTSA, went a different route, starting the semester on time, but going online for the first three weeks. On Jan. 13, the day the spring semester was originally supposed to begin, there were 6,460 new cases in Bexar County according to the New York Times. On Jan. 24, the day the semester actually began, there were 7,045 new cases. Given the numbers, many members of the St. Mary’s community have been weighing the benefits and drawbacks of going virtual.

“Switching from in-person to virtual will not only benefit our health here at St Mary’s, but it will challenge our professors and students to adjust to an online workload, forcing us to work harder,” said freshman forensic science major Hannah Bermea.

Some students with exceptionally hard classes prefer the online platform as it gives them room to make mistakes and learn from them before receiving their final grade, which is not always an opportunity provided during in-person classes. On the other hand, some students don’t learn well if they are not physically in the classroom.

“I am a super hands-on, in-person, visual learner. Having to attend class over Zoom was so bad for me and my GPA. It

doesn’t feel like I’m learning or retaining “Back when the pandemic just started, any information because there’s no class the first thought of administrators was to participation, so I just zone out and ignore go online to prevent the spread of COVID. whoever’s speaking,” said freshman biology Now when the new case numbers have major Kendall Sparrow. skyrocketed, it all of a sudden is no longer a Other students recall having anxiety viable option,” Sparrow said about attending classes in person. Freshman Universities that have chosen to go business management major Carina online have received some backlash from Campos highlights the advantages of going their respective communities, giving the to school in the comfort of your own home. idea of going virtual a bad reputation. Some “I have really bad anxiety about going people don’t see the benefits of going online, to class, thinking that the professor viewing it as giving up or even quitting might call on me or even when on their students. This is not necessarily they don’t call on anyone the case. Taking a break and helping limit and there’s a long period of the transmission of COVID is a great thing awkward silence. When we and even helped lower COVID numbers were on Zoom, it was so back at the beginning of much better for me. I got to the pandemic. sit in my room with my dog “I’m at a high risk for lying next to me and I got getting really bad COVID to choose when to speak or symptoms so even though it’s answer questions. It was harder for me to pay attention during also great because I Zoom classes, I would still prefer to could go to class go through that instead of COVID. I in my pajamas think that if we went online for just a every day which few weeks that our number of cases lightened my would dramatically decrease,” laundry load,” said Sparrow.

Campos said.

Beginning on Jan. 1, the Some university has had 392 COVID cases students from both students and staff. pointed out “After I heard about the rise of how the decision cases here in San Antonio, I really to go virtual was an did not want to come back to obvious one, drawing on campus,” Campos said.

Graphic by Demi Bestor their past experiences.

Another potential solution

for the start of the semester was to give students and faculty options. Giving the students and staff the opportunity to choose whether to come back in person or to go virtual would potentially have been the best solution to all of the problems presented by the omicron variant.

“

Back when the pandemic just started, the first thought of administrators was to go online to prevent the spread of COVID. Now when new case numbers have skyrocketed, it all of a sudden is no longer a viable option.”

Kendall Sparrow freshman biology major

“If I was given the option to go virtual, at least for the first few weeks, I 100% would have taken the opportunity. Giving students the option would have been a great idea,” said Sparrow.

Now that the university is almost four weeks into the semester and COVID cases are fluctuating in and around the 1,000 to 2,000 range, going virtual is not as imperative to do as it was when the semester began.

Hopefully, the St. Mary’s community does not need to think of options like these in the future, but if the circumstances warrant, it is something to keep in mind as the pandemic continues.

OPINION 7

FEB. 17, 2022 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Students and university staff impacted negatively by the delayed semester MAKAYLA AMITRANI OPINION EDITOR

Creating and organizing an entire semester’s lesson plan is a difficult task and adding to that stress is both unwanted and inconsiderate. Most professors have their syllabus done a long time before classes start, which means that this late start of the semester not only inconvenienced the student body, but also the faculty and staff.

A common sentiment among students is that the beginning of the semester was a rough one because of the newly compressed syllabi.

“With my major, it is very important that all of our readings and projects are given an ample amount of time to be completed because of the sheer amount of research that has to be done for each one,” sophomore political science major Illeana Molina said.

Political science is one of the many difficult topics to compress because of its complex and meticulous nature. Merging topics causes confusion amongst students which impacts the high quality of education promised here at St. Mary’s University.

“When I heard about the new start date for class, I just assumed everything would be normal like always. But as soon as I checked my syllabi, I noticed a frustrating pattern of stacked

EDITORIAL STAFF

assignments,” said freshman biology major Jennifer Saucedo.

Many students were not given the courtesy of being informed about the crammed work schedule, some even thinking that it was a normal workload that was to be expected for their studies this year.

“I almost switched my major again after seeing the extreme workload that was expected of me to complete. I wasn’t prepared for the jam-packed schedule that was given to me and I’m still trying to get used to it,” freshman biology major Jalyn De La Fuente said.

As college students, a certain level of difficulty is to be expected, but when that difficulty is not being used to push and challenge students but instead is the result of poor planning from university administration, it is frustrating.

“For one of my classes, I had to read almost five chapters in a day before I moved on to the discussion and assignment that came with it, only to have my number of chapters and assignments increase the next day. Mind you that I’m taking five classes, all with a similar workload,” Molina said.

Adding to the stress of students is unnecessary because of the many other options that should have been considered when arranging the semester. Cramming

Disconnected underclassmen leads to low participation MAKAYLA AMITRANI OPINION EDITOR

Editor-in-Chief Demi Bestor Managing Editor Larry Rodrigez Shea Copy Editor Seana Barclay Layout and Design Julissa Mariscal

This year St. Mary’s University has lightened its strict COVID-19 guidelines that

limited

a

lot

of

organizations

from operating at full capacity.

Some

organizations had gone completely virtual,

Advertising Manager Andres Gonzalez

hosting meetings over Zoom rather than

Multimedia Editor Adrianna Mirabal

Zoom is notoriously impersonal and can

Web Editor Vivian Urrutia

upperclassmen, this is something that

News Editor Victoria Olguin Spanish Editor Mária José Valiente

holding events on campus or in person. make users feel disconnected. Now for they have gotten used to, or at least are familiar with, but for underclassmen this is all new and uninviting. Because of this, underclassmen may not be aware of all the

Opinion Editor Makayla Amitrani

amazing opportunities out there for them.

Culture and Entertainment Editor Jacob A. Henson

know about are sports, student government

Sports Editor Didier Cadena

for anything else,” freshman biology major

Faculty Adviser Kathe Lehman-Meyer

information and spacing out information said De La Fuente. are two very different things that warrant Hopefully, seeing how difficult many two very different results. classes have become for most students will “I understand that it’s not my professor’s make the university rethink its decision fault that we have to cram all of our more thoroughly. assignments, but that doesn’t make it any “It doesn’t really seem like the university easier to complete my work. I also feel really thought through what would happen like some of them took the by having us start late. Nothing easy way out and instead good has come from doing of redistributing the it. Everyone is stressed about assignments through the reading and doing assignments semester, 24/7. …I don’t they know about just anyone else Graphic by doubled the first few but because I’m stuffing all Demi Bestor weeks thinking that it was of this new information into my all the same. It definitely brain all at once, I am not retaining a is not the same,” Saucedo said. single thing,” Saucedo said.

For the reading and researchIt may seem like a small issue, but heavy majors and classes, it is that time was critical to students’ extremely apparent that this specific education. The semester is only dilemma impacts them the most.

18 weeks long and in that time, Even with that being said, it doesn’t students are expected to learn mean that it hasn’t been hard for and retain all of the anyone else. information from “One of my professors has their course in order to apply it been really hard on us because he to the next year of their studies is stressed out about having to squish all of or even to their careers. Although everyone the readings together. I don’t think he knows has been impacted by this delay, the St. that it’s not our fault either. But hopefully, Mary’s community will push through and things [will] calm down in a few weeks,” end strong.

“I wish I could join things but all I really and Greek life. You don’t see much advertising Jalyn De La Fuente said.

There are many other specific clubs and organizations that have open

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY

membership and some that have

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.

such as Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law

a short membership process fraternity; Beta Beta Beta, the Biological

in psychology and I only recently joined a pre-law co-ed fraternity. Before some girl came up to me and asked if I wanted to join, I had no idea we had anything for pre-law students,” said sophomore political science major Illeana Molina.

There are also a variety of organizations that are not major-specific and are open to all students such as IGNITE, Student Government Association, University Programing Council, Residence Hall Association, For the Animals and even here at the Rattler newspaper, we welcome everyone interested in writing, graphics or photography.

“As a freshman who is not involved, I definitely feel disconnected from the university. I feel like all I do is go to class, go to work, then go home and study for all of my classes,” said freshman forensic science major Hannah Bermea.

It is hard not finding a niche or group of people who share similar interests, all of which could take a toll on students’ mental health. A good way to find an organization that might be of interest is to

Honor Society; the Greehey Scholars Program for business majors and the Pre-Medical Society for pre-med students.

“I’m a political science major with a minor

Graphic by Demi Bestor

speak to academic advisors and there’s a good chance they will help guide students in the right direction. Students can also check resources like Rattler Tracks and Gateway to learn about upcoming events around campus.

“In high school, I used to be really involved, so now not being involved is really hard for me, but if I was more aware of all that was offered, I would definitely sign up for more organizations,” Molina said.

With all the organizations on campus, it is important to present these wonderful opportunities to the underclassmen to boost their morale and help them feel more connected to the university at which they spend most of their time and money.

“I always see different groups post on social media about events they’re hosting and meeting times and stuff like that, but I’m always too nervous to just randomly show up at those kinds of things,” said De La Fuente.

Some advice for underclassmen in the same situation, don’t be afraid to show up to different events or even reach out and ask about joining, chances are that they are actively looking to expand their membership and would be happy to have new members.

Bahman Rezaie, Ph. D.

Guillermo Martinez, J. D.

“Living in this community, you cannot help but realize that the Marianist charism is alive and flows through the community. The interesting fact is that the charism is not taught in the classroom, but caught in the environment.”

“My best experience occurs every semester, as I observe my students grow in motivation and critical thinking skills as they progress to become life-long learners, professionals and good stewards of society.”

39 years of service

23 years of service

Celebr

17 Yea

Milo Colton, Ph. D. 26 years of service

“The real joy is being able to teach a historically Hispanic university. When I come to campus, I am flooded with a feeling of joy and see eager faces to see young people have so much going for them.”

Bernadette Brady, MFA 33 years of service

“Acceptance, the invitation to explore, and to not be afraid to do so. We impact each other. St. Mary’s provides a safe environment where we can be ourselves and not be judged.”

Gerald Poyo, Ph. D. 30 years of service

“The university is not shy in talking about its role in our community and trying to form students with a consciousness of ethical actions and social issues. To me that was a very attractive mission.”

Janet Dizinno, Ph. D. 34 years of service

“Our students are distinctive.

They’re here because they want to be at St. Mary’s specifically. They want to become leaders and difference-makers. To be a part of that transformation is unlike anything else.”

rating

70 ars

Br. Paul Metzger 37 years of service

“I have stopped working at St. Mary’s for about 15 years now but I am so proud to say I was apart of this community. We were all so close and I am glad to have been a part of that.”

Fr. George Montague 30 years of service

“[The university is] a wonderful family with the great family spirit that reigns here on campus. In a way we are all equal there, there is a general feeling that everyone belongs.”

Photo by Adrianna Mirabal Editor: Julissa Mariscal

10 SPANISH

EDITOR: MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE | @STMURATTLERNEWS | FEB. 17, 2022

Distintas sugerencias de como lidiar con el aislamiento debido a la pandemia MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE EDITORA DE ESPAÑOL

Desde diciembre 2019, la pandemia muy bien conocida como COVID-19, ha atormentado y causado atrocidades en la humanidad. Tristemente el mundo no ha vuelto a ser el mismo desde que esta enfermedad se expandió en distintos países, continentes y sociedades. Los seres humanos se han visto forzados a tomar medidas de sanitización y seguridad para protegerse a sí mismos y también a sus seres queridos. Pero muchos lastimosamente perdieron la batalla contra este, pero otros al haber contraído el virus han logrado vencerlo.

Ya es 2022 y aquí en St. Mary’s University se toma con mucha responsabilidad el hecho que el virus sigue infectando. Debido a esto diferentes medidas de precaución, sanitización y salud han sido tomadas. Ya sea por los trabajadores y los estudiantes quienes forman parte de la comunidad universitaria.

Todo esto se hace para protegerse a sí mismo y a las demás personas quienes los rodean.

Todavía tres años después, la humanidad sigue batallando con esta pandemia.

Después de distintas variantes y olas del virus este año los casos siguen incrementando gracias a una que se llama omicron. Por esto muchas familias, organizaciones y comunidades han decidido seguir tomando medidas de seguridad. Entre estas medidas

se encuentra lo que se llama el aislamiento.

Muchos tendrán dudas acerca de lo que es el aislamiento. Pues esto ocurre cuando una persona se ve forzada a apartarse de las demás, y evitar cualquier contacto con otros seres humanos. Ya sea estando en un cuarto o en una sección dedicada solamente a ella. Esta medida puede durar ya sea cinco días, diez días o en algunos países hasta mucho más.

Para muchos la idea de aislarse puede ser muy dura, y debido a esto hay algunos consejos los cuales el periodico universitario quiere ofrecer a los estudiantes para que el aislamiento no sea muy duro. Para muchos lo más difícil puede ser la idea de estar solos y no poder convivir con sus seres queridos. Lo que ha ayudado a muchos, es la posibilidad de poder llamar por teléfono o por videollamada a sus amigos y familiares.

La idea de aunque sea poder hablar con los que la persona ama ha ayudado a muchos a no sentirse muy solos.

Otro consejo el cual ha ayudado a muchas personas en aislamiento es la idea de hacer distintas actividades para mantenerse entretenido. El estar solo y encerrado por muchos días puede llegar a ser muy aburrido y por eso es muy importante el mantenerse ocupado para que así el tiempo pase más rápido. Hay muchas actividades que se pueden hacer, ya sea el pintar, escribir, armar rompecabezas, hacer joyería y hasta

ver películas. Entre otras también están las opciones de meditar, cocinar, y aprender cualquier pasatiempo nuevo.

Para muchos también puede llegar a ser muy importante mantener algún tipo de rutina en su día. Muchos individuos han expresado que esto los ayuda a sentirse productivos. Por ejemplo despertarse a cierta hora, darse una ducha, desayunar, y luego hacer distintas actividades para mantenerse ocupado. Tener almuerzo, y en la noche dormir en cierto horario.

De distinta manera hay otros individuos los cuales expresan que el tener una rutina no los ayuda. Sino más bien el descansar y dormir lo mas que puedan les sale más natural. Hay que tomar en cuenta que durante este periodo es muy importante cuidar su salud. Debido a esto el descansar es muy importante. También el alimentarse bien y tomar medicamentos recetados cuando se experimentan síntomas es sumamente importante.

Al igual que la salud física, la salud mental es muy importante. Y como muchos saben el aislamiento puede afectar a esta de igual manera. El tratar de mantener una mentalidad positiva ante todo vale la pena.

Para muchos lo que les ha ayudado a lograr esto es la meditación, hacer terapias virtuales o acercarse a su religión si se es religioso.

También es importante considerar que este periodo de aislamiento es pasajero y que en

poco tiempo podrán volver con todos sus muchos seres queridos.

Finalmente lo que ha ayudado a muchos individuos es mantenerse productivo y no dejar sus responsabilidades olvidadas. Hoy en día la mayoría de los trabajos necesitan el uso de computadoras, celulares y tablets.

Debido a eso, en aislamiento es importante seguir trabajando. Muchas personas toman este tiempo libre para avanzar en tareas escolares, o en proyectos laborales que puedan tener. El avanzar en todas estas responsabilidades mantienen a la persona entretenida y puede ayudar a que el tiempo pase más rápido. Y asi con distracciones se difruta de el momento.

En conclusión, la idea del aislamiento debido a la reciente pandemia puede ser muy difícil para las personas afectadas. El dejar a sus seres queridos y permanecer solo por días afecta mentalmente a muchos. Debido a esto es importante hacer actividades las cuales llenan de felicidad y hacen sentir mejor a las personas afectadas. Para muchos esto es diferente, lo que hace feliz a una persona puede que no haga feliz a la otra.

Por eso es importante tomar en cuenta sus preferencias personales, y lo que lo hacen sentir comodo. Tratar de ser positivo ante esta adversidad es sumamente importante, ya que como fue dicho anteriormente en el articulo, esto solo es pasajero, ya que mejores tiempos están por venir.

Los estudiantes internacionales comparten acerca de su regreso este semestre El mes de diciembre es uno de los meses más populares y esperados por la mayoría de las personas. Ya que durante este, ocurren muchas festividades, ya sea la Nochebuena, el Día de Navidad y el Año Nuevo. Durante estos momentos se acostumbra a pasar con los seres queridos, abriendo regalos, cantando villancicos y comiendo banquetes de todo tipo. Pero todo lo bueno siempre llega a su final, y al llegar enero es cuando empiezan las clases para los estudiantes alrededor de todo el mundo. Entre ellos están los alumnos de St. Mary’s University, esperando ya sea con ansias, emoción o angustia el empiezo de sus nuevas clases.

Debido a esto, el periodico de la universidad mostró interés en las diferentes opiniones, emociones y pensamientos, que pudieran tener los estudiantes de la universidad acerca del regreso a clases durante esta estación de primavera. Por

eso se recorrió todo el campus en busca de estudiantes internacionales, los cuales han viajado de todas partes del mundo, para resumir sus estudios después de sus bien merecidas vacaciones de invierno. Muchos expresaron sus diferentes ideas, y entre ellos se encontraron tres estudiantes, de Perú, España y México quienes compartieron anécdotas muy interesantes.

Estos tres estudiantes, expresan cómo se sienten al dejar sus respectivos países, y sus familias para empezar con mucho ánimo sus estudios. Ellos también compartieron con el periodico las medidas que tomaron para empezar con buen pie sus estudios y aquellas responsabilidades que ellos puedan tener.

Entre estos estudiantes se encuentra Brissa Campos Toscano quien nació en Perú, una estudiante de segundo año en estudios globales internacionales. Toscano expresa al periodico universitario.

“Estas vacaciones fui a visitar a mi familia

Brissa Campos posa felicmente para la toma de fotografia. | Cortesía de Campos Toscano

Elisa Aguilera sujetando un ramo de muchas flores. | Cortesía de Aguilera

MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE EDITORA DE ESPAÑOL

después de casi 6 meses de no haberlos visto. Estaba emocionada ya que no había visto mi país después de un año. Volver fue raro, después de tantos meses de no ver mi país, fue muy nostálgico volver. Aproveche esos días para estar con mi familia y no salir debido a que el COVID-19 está muy fuerte en mi país.” Toscano como muchos otros estudiantes se mostró agradecida de haber podido visitar a su familia.

Toscano añade como ella ama “estar allá, pero extrañaba estar en St. Mary’s, la comunidad y el sentido de independencia que tengo aquí. Volví antes por temas de mi trabajo y he aprovechado para trabajar más y esforzarme. Con el nuevo semestre se vienen nuevos retos y es necesario estar preparado y cuidarse. Para este semestre espero poder conseguir todas mis metas y apoyar a mi comunidad de internacionales en todo lo que necesiten. ¡Estoy feliz de haber vuelto!” Como muchos, Toscano también está emocionada de estar de regreso en St. Mary’s University, y empezar su nuevo semestre de estudios.

Alonso J. Rodríguez un atleta de España, y quien además está en su primer año en su maestría en relaciones internacionales, expresa como al ser jugador del equipo de soccer él está muy emocionado de estar de vuelta. “Para mí, como jugador del equipo de soccer, la vuelta a la universidad ha sido muy agradable ya que no tenemos que entrenar tan duro y podemos disfrutar más de nuestro tiempo libre. De esta forma, podré disfrutar del resto de deportes en los que compite St. Mary’s y así conocer a más gente de la que venía conociendo anteriormente.”

El también decidió compartir como, “estoy muy contento de volver aquí porque me siento como en casa. Solo espero que regrese el buen tiempo lo antes posible y

nos podamos quitar el abrigo.” Rodriguez está listo para empezar con mucho ánimo el semestre de primavera.

Estudiante de segundo año en administracion de ingenieria, Elisa Aguilera, quien proviene de México expresa como ella estaba super emocionada al regresar a clases pero tuvo un pequeño inconveniente.

“Regresar a campus era algo que ansiaba demasiado. Lamentablemente con los números de COVID tuve que estar aislada un par de días, pero después de ello pude regresar a la rutina. Algunas cosas que he hecho para poder regresar con la mayor energía posible es tomar descansos entre tareas. También el aplicar la ley de los ciclos de 90 minutos para poder despertar con toda la energía.”

Aguilera también describe cómo, “ahora trabajo más en mis horarios para poder aprovechar el día al máximo ya que mientras seguíamos en el descanso de diciembre sentía que no aprovechaba el día hasta su máximo límite. Estoy agradecida de poder regresar a campus y que la universidad manejara tan bien la situación para que los eventos y clases pudieran ser en persona.”

En conclusión, los estudiantes internacionales expresan como ellos están por lo general, muy emocionados y listos para resumir sus estudios. Cada uno tiene responsabilidades e historias diferentes, pero todos expresan su agradecimiento de tener esta oportunidad de estudio en St. Mary ‘s University. Los estudiantes internacionales además añaden como extrañan a sus seres queridos pero ellos saben que sus responsabilidades permanecen aquí en San Antonio. Y que aquí ellos pueden trabajar duramente por sus distintas metas y sueños para así poder alcanzarlas y lograrlo en el futuro.

SPANISH 11

FEB. 17, 2022 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Biden apunta afroamericana en la corte suprema para progresar la diversidad MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE EDITORA DE ESPAÑOL

El 26 de enero de 2022, el juez de la Corte Suprema Stephen Breyer, siendo el juez de mayor edad en la corte, anunció su retiro. Esto le dio al presidente Biden la oportunidad que él ha codiciado desde el comienzo de su campaña. Durante la cual dijo: “Estoy esperando asegurarme de que haya una mujer negra en la Corte Suprema para asegurarnos de que, de hecho, tengamos a todos representados.”

En la historia de la Corte Suprema, de cien catorce jueces pasados y presentes, solo han habido cinco mujeres y ninguna de ellas ha sido afroamericana.

“La oportunidad de tener potencialmente no solo a una mujer, sino también a una afroamericana, sirviendo en el tribunal más alto del país es un logro para nuestra nación.

La cual todos los ciudadanos deberían de estar extremadamente orgullosos,” dijo el estudiante de ciencias forenses de primer año mayor Hannah Bermea.

El presidente Biden prometió nominar y nombrar a una mujer afroamericana, en 2003 cuando George W. Bush era presidente y Biden era solo un senador. El y otros senadores prometieron que si Bush

nominaba a una mujer negra, Biden sería considerado obstruccionista y mataría la nominación.

“Aunque entiendo que se trate de impedir que otro conservador obtenga un asiento en la Corte Suprema, deteniendo una nominación histórica de un candidato calificado. Es posible que una mujer afroamericana lo haya llevado un poco demasiado lejos,” dijo la estudiante de primer año de biología Jennifer Saucedo.

Esta mujer fue la primera mujer afroamericana en ser juez, estando asociada con la Corte Suprema en California, cargo que ocupó durante 7 años. Ella vino de dos generaciones de cosechadores y era de Alabama cuando la segregación estaba en su apogeo.

“Que a una candidata obviamente calificada con una gran historia desvalida se le niega un lugar que se merece debido a sus idealizaciones políticas es vergonzoso y nunca debería haber sucedido,” dijo Bermea.

Con estas nuevas circunstancias, al presidente Biden se le ha dado la oportunidad de reconciliar el error que cometió hace tantos años.

“Como mujer hispana, soy una minoría y es difícil no ver a personas que se parecen a mí en la política y en puestos de alto rango.

Creo que todas las minorías necesitan una mejor representación en la política y estoy muy feliz de ver que eso suceda,” dijo Saucedo.

Esta oportunidad histórica se ha esperado durante mucho tiempo desde que Breyer era el menos liberal de los demócratas de la corte. Con los planes del presidente Biden para reemplazarlo con una mujer negra, joven, experimentada y de tendencia izquierdista.

“

Que a una candidata obviamente calificada con una gran historia desvalida se le niega un lugar que se merece debido a sus idealizaciones políticas es vergonzoso y nunca debería haber sucedido.”

Hannah Bermea Primer año ciencias forensas

“Hay tantas mujeres increíbles para que el presidente Biden elija y estoy muy emocionada de ver a quién nomina,” dijo Bermea.

Los nombres que se están lanzando en este momento son J. Michelle Childs, Ketanji

Brown Jackson, Leondra Kruger, Nancy Abudu, Tiffany Cunningham, Sherrilyn Ifill, Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, Eunice Lee y Holly Thomas. Todas ellas son mujeres afroamericanas de tendencia izquierdista, la mayor de las cuales tiene 59 años y la más joven 43 años.

“Después de investigar un poco sobre todos los posibles nominados, descubrí que mi mujer favorita es Nancy Abudu solo por todo lo que representa y por lo que ha luchado,” dijo Saucedo.

Nancy Abudu es la directora de litigios estratégicos del “Southern Poverty Law Center.” El presidente Biden la nombró recientemente para la Corte de Apelaciones del Undécimo Circuito de los Estados Unidos. Ella ha dedicado innumerables horas a causas como la privación de derechos de delincuentes, la votación, LGBTQ y derechos reproductivos.

Con este gran grupo de mujeres, sin importar quién termine siendo nominada, la nación tendrá una mujer afroamericana educada y experimentada que hará historia al sentarse en el tribunal más alto del país.

Las distintas opiniones sobre la semana de reclutamiento en las hermandades MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE EDITORA DE ESPAÑOL

Las hermandades y las fraternidades, son una parte muy importante de la cultura Estadounidense. La influencia de estas se puede ver dentro de las distintas universidades a través de toda América. Por más de cientos de años estas organizaciones han sido formadas por estudiantes de todo tipo, cada uno con diferentes ideales. Cada hermandad y cada fraternidad tienen distintas tradiciones, rituales, ceremonias, cantos y creencias. Ninguna es igual a la otra pero en todas, el ideal de ser hermanos y hermanas de por vida prevalece.

Cada semestre todas las fraternidades y hermandades van en busca de nuevos miembros, quienes serán entrenados y escogidos para lograr acceder a estas organizaciones. Este puede llegar a ser un proceso muy largo y estresante para muchos, pero una vez terminan, los estudiantes logran encontrar su hogar junto a sus nuevos hermanos y hermanas. Como muchas otras universidades, St. Mary’s University acostumbra a representar a la comunidad griega con mucho orgullo y ademas animos.

Hermanas de Tri Sigma durante el dia de evento de reclutamiento. | Cortesía de Moreno

En St. Mary’s University el proceso de reclutamiento llega a ser una de las memorias universitarias más conmovedoras y apreciadas para muchos y muchas.

Durante este semestre de primavera se acostumbra a que las distintas hermandades y fraternidades organicen sus respectivas semanas de reclutamiento. Haciendo distintos eventos y a lo que le llaman “fiestas” para interactuar con los nuevos miembros quienes, pueden estar interesados en las distintas opciones que haya.

Durante la primera semana de febrero, las cinco hermandades aquí en la universidad tuvieron su semana de reclutamiento.

Muchas estudiantes expresaron como esta semana fue muy especial y como ha sido una de las mejores experiencias que ellas han tenido. Debido a esto el periodico entrevistó a algunas de ellas.

Entre estas se encuentra Fernanda Moreno, quien Nació en México y está en su segundo año de ingeniería, perteneciendo a la hermandad conocida como Tri Sigma. Ella expresó como, “Planificar el reclutamiento y pasar por todo el proceso es sumamente divertido, pero también requiere mucho trabajo de parte de todas mis hermanas.

Ahora que estaba del otro lado, osea siendo miembro de mi hermandad, finalmente pude ver y comprender cuánto tiempo se dedicó a cada detalle.”

Moreno también añade con mucho ánimo el hecho que ella está, “agradecida por todos los lazos que hice con las chicas. Cada hermana mía es sumamente importante para mi. Y estoy muy emocionada de hacer amistades nuevas con las miembras que entraron a Tri Sigma este semestre escolar.

En mi opinión todo el trabajo duro valio mucho la pena al final.”

De una manera similar otra estudiante llamada Andrea Degollado, quien al tener raíces Mexicanas está en su cuarto año en Estudios globales internacionales. Al ser miembro de la hermandad conocida como Alpha Phi ella cuenta como, “creo que los procesos de reclutamiento son una gran.

No solo porque es una forma de conectarte y conocer a otras personas en el campus, sino que te permite aprender sobre ti mismo a medida que avanzas. Habiendo pasado por el proceso yo misma, puedo decir que aprendí mucho sobre mí misma.”

Degollado no solo expresa como aprendió mucho sobre ella misma durante la semana de reclutamiento, sino también como ella logró conocer a muchas personas durante este proceso encantador. “A medida que avanza en el proceso, conoces a muchas personas y puedes ver dónde siente la conexión más fuerte. La vida griega es una gran experiencia por la que creo que mucha gente debería pasar, te brinda una gran oportunidad de involucrarte en el campus y te permite rodearte de personas con las que comparten intereses similares.”

“

La vida griega es una gran experiencia por la que creo que mucha gente debería pasar, te brinda una gran oportunidad de involucrarte en el campus y te permite rodearte de personas con las que comparten intereses similares.”

Andrea Degollado Estudiante cuarto año estudios globales internacionales

Finalmente Ana Lucia Gimenez, quien proviene de México y está en su tercer año de Negocios. Expresa como en su hermandad Alpha Sigma Tau, “el proceso de reclutamiento es algo que es extremadamente gratificante. Viniendo de una familia de primera generación inmigrante originalmente de Mexico, yo crecí pensando que Greek Life, o ‘Going Greek’ era lo que veíamos en las películas, pero esta ideología que yo tenía era completamente falsa. El día que yo supe que esta narrativa estaba incorrecta fue el día que corrí a mi hermandad.”

Las hermanas de Alpha Phi posan en el dia final de reclutamiento. | Cortesía de Degollado

Gimenez añade como, “estando en mi hermandad, estoy alrededor de mujeres que siempre se quieren mejorar, siendo sus mejores versiones de ellas mismas. Además, siendo parte de la comunidad Greek Life me ha permitido crecer como mujer y me ha permitido formar conexiones eternas dentro de mi hermandad, pero también crear esos mismos lazos con otras hermanas de otras hermandades.”

La semana de reclutamiento es una semana sumamente especial para las hermandades en St. Mary’s University.

Muchas estudiantes describen como para ellas, esta experiencia las deja marcadas de por vida. Ya que ellas describen como a la misma vez siendo una semana divertida, esta puede llagar a ser una semana en la cual ellas dedican mucho trabajo y tiempo a los eventos de reclutamiento. Esto les brinda con muchas cualidades positivas. Debido a esto, muchas de ellas logran encontrar amistades las cuales les durarán de por vida.

Además ellas expresan su agradecimiento, ya que sus hermandades no solo les brindan experiencias muy emocionantes y especiales pero también estas ofrecen una variedad de oportunidades las cuales las ayudará a ser mujeres exitosas en el futuro.

12 CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR: JACOB A. HENSON | @STMURATTLERNEWS | FEB. 17 2022

Stroll through the fall 2021 student art exhibition at the library SOPHIA ANNE MUÑOZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

For years now, the Blume Library has held art exhibits that showcase students’ talented work for all students, visitors, faculty and staff to see. Furthermore, this gives art students a chance to practice in an independent art exhibition. The current display showcases last year’s creations.

“Everyone worked super hard on their art pieces and put a lot into them,” Theresa Mayorga, sophomore biology major, mentioned. “ … [And] it just goes to show that we are capable of more than we know.”

“

I’ve been drawing ever since high school, but I’ve never show anyone any of my drawings up until now with the exhibit ...

All the art that is exhibited is very special, as each one is very different and specific to the artist that created them.”

Sabrina Lich sophomore accounting major

Among other art students, Mayorga knows first-hand how much work was put into the pieces on display, as she has three of her own exhibited in the library. In one of her pieces, entitled “The Bells of St. Mary’s,” the Barrett Memorial Bell Tower located at the heart of St. Mary’s campus is depicted. “[This] is an oil on canvas painting [created] during my Painting 1 class,” Mayorga adds. “I took a picture of the bell

Top row left to right: Allison Magera, senior and Gabriela Guajardo, sophomore. Bottom row left to right: Andrea Cabrera, senior and Kasha Casiano, sophomore. | Photos by Adrianna Mirabal.

tower as the sun was going down and used that picture as inspiration for the painting.”

Mayorga feels great pride in her work, as all artists should, and hopes to take more art classes in the future. As Mayorga and

other students continue to work toward their degrees, she encourages students of all majors to take an art course, especially if needing to fill electives.

Another piece observers will find on the

second floor is “Life After Death” by Sabrina Lich, sophomore accounting major, which represents life beyond death.

“My vision was for the flowers and the sun to be on opposite sides of each other to show the two sides of life and death, as one skeleton is being pulled away from the other,” Lich said when asked about the interpretation of her work. “ … I think that [skeletons] show people a different perspective of death and how it can be turned into something beautiful, instead of seen only in a negative perspective.”

Other mediums of talented work on display include sculpture, pen and marker artwork. While viewing the art, keep in mind the time and work students put into these pieces.

“I’ve been drawing ever since high school, but I’ve never shown anyone any of my drawings up until now with the exhibit,” Lich said about her experience in the art exhibition. “…All the art that is exhibited is very special, as each one is very different and specific to the artist that created them.”

The fall 2021 Student Art Exhibit is currently on display on the second floor of the Blume Library and will continue to be displayed through Feb. 28. The art exhibited has been worked on by artists throughout all of last fall, and students will continue working on artwork for next semester’s exhibit.

Support students and friends by taking a stroll through the exhibition and embrace the brilliance and technique that has gone into creating the art the next time class ends early.

The best revenge for broken hearts now and for years to come SOPHIA KUSSEL STAFF WRITER

For those who feel unlucky in love, and annoyed with their ex-partner, boss, or friend have a treat to remember for next Valentine’s Day. It’s the sweetest revenge that goes to the good cause of feeding local zoo animals.

Back for a third year, the San Antonio Zoo is hosting its “Cry Me a Cockroach” fundraiser. For a donation of either $5, $10 or $25, and for a good cause, the San Antonio Zoo will symbolically bestow an ex’s name upon a veggie, roach or rodent and feed it to selected animals at the zoo. It is the best symbolic, pseudo-revenge in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. But that’s not all — as if the feeding Graphic sourced from www.sazoo.org

satisfaction isn’t enough. The donor will also receive a customizable certificate which can be shared online with the hashtag #CryMeACockroach; a video of a cockroach, rodent or veggie being chomped on by an animal, and a sated taste for sweet revenge.

All of these fantastic incentives will arrive via email within three to four business days, with the exception of the certificate, which will immediately be shared through a link after the donation is complete. All donations go directly to the San Antonio Zoo and aid in the continued care of its animals. In 2022 love isn’t the only thing in the air, there are also hundreds of flying cockroaches named after San Antonio residents and zoo-lover exes alike.

If the deemed anti-valentine is especially annoying, the San Antonio Zoo is also

featuring a personalized $150 donation upgrade for the first time. This upgrade is well worth its price tag as it includes one standard roach, rodent or veggie being consumed by an animal, but also includes an added personalized video message, PG13, of course. Keep in mind that there is a total limit of 50 recorded video messages, which will most likely be enough to send to all of the exes, and the videos will take three to four business days to receive.

Additionally, here are a few disclaimers to know. Rodents are purchased from a mouse farm, stored in the Nutrition Center of the Zoo and are humanely prefrozen and thawed before feeding. The roaches are professionally purchased from roach breeders and cared for in a colony managed by the Reptile Department in the

Reptile House. If you are squeamish, there is also the aforementioned completely vegetarian option and consists of romaine lettuce, cabbage and other leafy greens.

Finally, roaches, rodents and veggies are part of regular daily scheduled feedings for qualifying animals and are not force-fed or overfed.

Valentine’s Day can be difficult for some people, especially these last two years, so treat one’s self or gift a symbolic roach to an ex-loved one or current loved one as a humorous prank this year or the next.

Remember, it’s for a good cause and the local zoo animals get a snack out of it. And although Valentine’s Day is over, it’s not too late to find examples of personalized videos, FAQs and ways to donate at their website, www.sazoo.org/crymeacockroach.

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT 13

FEB. 17, 2022 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

The series that deserves a standalone review in the newspread ANDRES GONZALEZ ADVERTISING MANAGER

This past summer, Warner Brothers teamed up with director James Gunn to remake the infamous “Suicide Squad” which was released in August of 2016 and was written and directed by David Ayer. After many negative reviews on the movie, Warner

Brothers studios decided to completely remake the movie with a more canon line of superheroes that would continuously appear consistently in the universe of DC comics.

“The Suicide Squad” brings back the iconic Belle Reve penitentiary where Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) must assemble a team of some of the world’s most awful super villains codenamed “Task Force X” who must carry out a mission to the remote island of Corto Maltese which will prove life and death for the world as we know. The team consists of some of the most iconic villains shown in the comics such as Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), Bloodsport (Idris Elba), King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian) and of course Peacemaker (John Cena).

John Cena’s hilariously played Peacemaker, whose real name is Christopher Smith, may be the former WWE wrestling superstar’s best movie performance to date, showing just how incredibly versatile his acting can be and giving the audience one of the best superhero performances to hit the big screen.

After the alleged death of Peacemaker in 2021’s Suicide Squad, audiences thought they’d never see the beloved character again, but shortly after the movie’s release a solo spinoff show directed by Gunn was

announced and the fans were given some more highly craved content starring the “Bro-y Captain America,” said Gunn. The show “Peacemaker” picks up directly after Peacemaker ends up in the hospital due to his injuries sustained from his fight with Bloodsport during the ending of “The Suicide S q u a d .”

The show is an emotional rollercoaster Graphic by covering topics Demi Bestor such as racism, sexism and sexuality all in one comedypacked bundle that is sure to give DC fans a glimmer of hope after multiple heavily criticized decisions made by Warner Brothers Studios.

But with Cena and other amazing actors bringing new light to the franchise, fans can now have hope for better future projects.

Picking up where the movie ends, audiences are introduced to Clemson Murn (Chukwudi Iwuji), Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), John Economos (Steve Agee) and Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks) who were ordered to not only look after Peacemaker, but use him to carry out a mission known as “Project Butterfly.” With help from his crazy friend Adrian Chase (Freddie Stroma) the antihero known as Vigilante, this mission sends Peacemaker on an emotional path with many encounters that will better shape him as a person.

James Gunn’s topnotch cinematography and storytelling transform this already awesome series into one of the best shows to kick off 2022. This series comes alongside the new season of the other hit HBO series “Euphoria” and one of the most anticipated movies of this year “The Batman.”

Overall, five out of five rattlers to this crazy, heart pounding, yet satisfying R rated masterpiece.

Purchase from these local comic book s tores near St. Mary’s campus 7272 Wurzbach Rd., Unit 204

Photos courtesy of respective comic book stores

7059 Fredericksburg Rd., Unit 129 1255 S.W. Loop 410, Unit 123

4923 I.H

5885 Babcock Rd.

. 410 W

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14 SPORTS

EDITOR: DIDIER CADENA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | FEB. 17, 2022

Rattler athletics in full bloom to start off the spring season OZZY ALVARADO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The second part of the 2021-2022 athletics season has just recently begun and the Rattler sports teams are already up and running, hoping to continue their dominant energy from the fall season.

For the men’s basketball team, senior guard Caleb Jordan became the first Rattler since All-American Kevin Kotzur in 2013 to score 1,000 career points, all while leading the team to a six-game winning streak that just recently ended. Currently, the Rattlers sit at a 11-10 record and are currently 8-4 in conference play.

For the women’s basketball team, the lady Rattlers are coming off of a tough stretch to the first half of the season and are hoping to finish off strong behind senior center Hannah Wilson, who is currently averaging a double-double on the season and is one of two players who has played in every game this season. The Rattlers are currently 2-21 and are 1-10 in conference play. of Antonio Mor p ano ra Photog

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Coming into the season unranked, the men’s tennis team is looking to swing their way into the NCAA DII tournaments after missing out in the fall season with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association cup. The men’s team is entering the season with five men for singles listed in the top 20 while they have three in the top 10 for doubles. They start the season with a 2-1 record, dropping their first match but winning the next two. The Rattlers have been on an impressive win streak as of late, winning four straight games in an impressive fashion. They hope to continue their winning streak when they head to Christian Brothers University on Feb. 18 in Southhaven, Massachusetts.

The 14th ranked women’s tennis team started their season on Feb. 4 with hopes of staying in the top 25 and earning some bids to the ITA Cup, where they had previously been represented. The team also has three players ranked in the top 50 by the ITA with senior Maria Garcia leading the way at seventh overall and holding the title of top player in the southern region. The Rattlers recently improved to 4-0 on the season, while also having their fourth-straight 7-0 shutout of the season. The strong start to the season seems to signal great things for the reminder of the season. Women’s tennis will continue their season at home on Feb. 19.

Sliding into the season with redshirt senior infielder Jake Mares, who was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association preseason All-South Central Region team, the Rattlers are hoping to turn heads after a preseason poll of the league’s coaches has them finishing seventh. They will be without their longtime head coach of 35 years, Charlie Migl, and are now led by 25-year baseball staff member Chris Ermis. The men’s baseball team started their spring season on Feb. 5 with games stretching over three days against Oklahoma Christian University and are currently 2-3. They continue their season on Feb. 18 against Lubbock Christian University.

Softball is hoping to knock their 10th overall ranking in the Lone Star Conference preseason poll out of the park with their team consisting of 10 letter winners from last season along with 13 newcomers who hope to make an immediate impact. The Rattlers started their season on Feb. 5 against Southern Arkansas University and currently sit at 8-2 and hope to continue to surge into the season.

Both the men’s and women’s golf teams are hoping to sink some first-place finishes at different matches and invitationals throughout their season in hopes of sending players to the LSC Championship in April.

They both teed off their seasons on Feb. 7 at the Jack Brown Memorial Invitational and finished with the men’s team winning the team title, the second season in a row where they have come out on top at the tournament. On the women’s side, senior Sofia Ruescas was able to tie for second place overall in the tournament.

And finally, the university’s various Esports teams are gaining a myriad of experiences and making big plays with every semester that passes. The six current teams consist of Call of Duty, Fortnite, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, League of Legends and the newly introduced JV Halo Infinite Team, with this team hoping to become varsity for the fall. The other teams, however, are looking to get their recently recruited players ready to suit up as four of five teams to have freshmen on their roster. They are also preparing to fill leadership positions with the departure of seniors looming as each of these five teams has at least one senior. Recently, the Rainbow Six team was able to upset No. 16 Virgina Tech in a best of three matchup.

Each of the Rattler teams are ready to get to work this spring semester to bring home plenty of trophies and accomplishments for the Rattler community with the future looking bright for Rattler sports.

The softball team huddles together ahead of a game. | Courtesy of Steven Christy

Mason Minister throws the ball. | Courtesy of Antonio Morano Photography

Sofia swings. | Courtesy of Rattler Athletics

Chad Nguyen aims and hits the ball. | Courtesy of Antonio Morano Photography

Men’s basketball plans out their next move. | Courtesy of Antonio Morano Photography

SPORTS 15

FEB. 17, 2022 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Coach Migl retires after historic career spanning 35 years DIDIER CADENA SPORTS EDITOR

An era of St. Mary’s University athletics history has just come to an end with the retirement of head coach Charlie Migl.

The university’s baseball team has been led by head coach Migl for over 35 years. The impact that Migl was able to leave in both his tenure as a student athlete and a coach is one that will forever be remembered as a golden age in St. Mary’s Athletics history.

Charlie Migl first started his career at St. Mary’s back in 1974, where he became a member of the university’s baseball team for his entire four-year college career which ended with him earning a Bachelor of Arts

.Courtesy of St. Mary’s University

in Physical Education in 1978. Migl was first hired as the assistant baseball coach in 1982, a position that he held until he was named head coach of the team five years later, taking the reins from his playing coach Elmer Kosub. While he was an assistant coach for the baseball team, he also briefly spent time as an assistant working for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams and with the men’s soccer team.

During his 35-year tenure as the Rattlers head baseball coach, he was the active leader in the NCAA Division II with 1,246 total victories, a number that ranks fourth all-time in NCAA history. In Migl’s 35 years, his teams had 33 winning seasons, won 40 or more games in 11 seasons, won 15 conference titles, appeared in seven NCAA Regional tournaments and three NAIA World Series. In 2001, Migl lead his Rattler team to the NCAA Division II National Championship where the Rattler baseball team earned their firstever national championship. In that 2001 championship season, the Rattlers won a school record of 50 games, finishing the year with a record of 50-13. Migl was inducted to the now-defunct Heartland Conference Hall of Fame in the league’s last year of existence and also earned 14 conference coach of the year awards, seven while in the Heartland Conference, five while in the Heart of Texas Conference and two while in the Big State Conference. Also adding to

his accolades, Migl earned National Coach of the Year honors in both 2001 and 2012.

When it came to the players that he coached, 127 of his players earned AllConference honors, with 101 of them being given All-Heartland Conference honors. Thirty-one of his players earned All-America honors, six players have been named Heartland Conference Player of the Year, eight earned Heartland Conference Pitcher of the Year and eight of his players have been named Heartland Conference Freshman of the Year.

Migl not only spent his time coaching, but he also served as Director of Athletics from 2001 until 2013, a time that is considered one of the most successful eras in St. Mary’s Athletics history. During his tenure as Director of Athletics, Rattler athletics teams won four of their six national championships and all four of their NCAA national championships. His baseball team won their National Championship in 2001, the softball team followed their footsteps the very next year winning their second national championship, and their first while in the NCAA. In 2006, the Rattlers’ Jamie Amoretti won the National championship in single play for the men’s golf team.

The men’s golf teams for the

2008-2009 season were named academic national champions by the Golf Coaches Association of America. With some of the most successful eras of Rattler athletics having been under his direction, his impact on the university’s athletics will forever cement his name in the school’s history.

Migl will retire as one of the most successful head coaches in college baseball history, but his legacy goes beyond the baseball diamond. The number of athletes whose lives that he has been able to mentor and guide goes across all sports here at St. Mary’s. Following in Migl’s footsteps is his assistant coach Chris Ermis who not only worked alongside Coach Migl for the past 25 seasons, but was also a player under him for two seasons back in 1989-90. Migl truly defined what Rattler greatness really is.

Courtesy of Antonio Morano Photography

Fundraiser fuels new fire to long-term rivalry against StEU DIDIER CADENA SPORTS EDITOR

Usually, when the phrase “Battle of the Saints” is used, it signifies the nearly annual athletics competition that takes place between St. Mary’s and St. Edward’s University. It was destined for the two of the oldest catholic universities in the state to become rivals, especially because of how close the two schools are. The competition between the two universities has been going on for years, dating back to their first matchup in 1937, where the Rattlers have since accumulated over 559 victories against St. Edward’s. The Battle of the Saints first got its name during the 2010-2011 athletic seasons.

With the help of the Rattler athletics website, the stats for some of the overal records for the headto-heads can be found. For example, the softball matchups date all the way back to the first recorded g a m e against St. Edwards, which was on April 2, 1989.

Graphic by Adrianna Mirabal

With softball, the Rattlers hold the lead in wins with 109 and have only lost 54 games versus the Hilltoppers. Overal, the years of competition between the two universities have been recorded and are accessible to anyone who looks up the history of the matchups. The records overal have been extremely close and show how important the overal matchup have been. However, sometimes the Battle of the Saints can take place in a way that doesn’t just rely on athletic competition. Recently, the two universities went head-to-head in a new type of competition: a fundraiser.

The event started on Jan. 20 and the fundraising period ended on Jan. 25. The focus of the fundraiser was to see who could raise more money to build upon the two schools’ athletic programs. Through donations, the donors could choose to support some of the individual teams, with the donations being tallied up to see which teams could raise the most money.

The fundraiser introduced a point system that was determined by a number of factors.

One point was given for each donation made by a parent, friend or staff member.

Two points could be earned through each donation that was made by a student or alumni of each respective university. Three points would be earned after a donation was made by any Rattler Nation member who donated a total of $200 or more.

Then finally, five points would be given for each advocate, match and donor challenge effort that was made. An example of that advocate feature would be if someone donated $50 to a certain team and shared the campaign link then they could earn up to six points for the university. The fundraiser campaign came at an end right before the Rattler and Hilltoppers men’s basketball teams battled each other in Austin on Jan.

25. A game in which the Rattlers were able to grind out a victory 93-85.

While the fundraiser did bring in some fruitful numbers for the university, the Rattlers came up short with the overall total that the school raised ultimately being less than that of the Hilltoppers. St. Mary’s came in with 286 points and St. Edwards with 573 points. The Rattlers did end up donating $6,039 throughout the week and surpassed the donor goal by a total of 36%.

When it came to which teams were able to raise the most, the baseball program came out on top. The men’s baseball team was able to raise a total of $1,897. Following behind them, the women’s soccer team raised a total of $905. Third in terms of donations was Rattler Nation Athletics, who donated a total of $310. When it came to the donor total percentages, 34% came from alumni, 11% from students, 37% from parents, 18% from faculty/staff and 17% from friends of the university. On

the St. Edward’s side of the fundraiser, the Hilltoppers were able to donate a total of $24,434 thanks to 188 donors. The highest donor for St. Edward’s was their baseball team who donated a total of $12,315.

Even though the Rattlers did come up short, it was still great to see the Rattler athletics community come together once again to raise funds for the St. Mary’s athletics department and teams. Due to the friendly competition between the two universities, the Battle of the Saints fundraiser may even become an annual occasion. The fundraiser adds another way for the two rivaling universities to compete against each other. Maybe with some more time and preparation, the next Battle of the Saints could be even closer and may see St. Mary’s coming out on top and once again coming together. The future for this new Battle of the Saints is bright and is something that should be looked out for in the future.

Courtesy of St. Mary’s University

16 FEATURES

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EDITORS: DEMI BESTOR, JULISSA MARISCAL & ADRIANNA MIRABAL | @STMURATTLERNEWS | FEB. 17, 2022

“St. Mary’s has opened so many doors for me and has given me opportunities that I never thought I would have. Having professors that are easy to talk to and that care about my future just as much as I do has helped me achieve my goals and so much more.”

Christina Gorzell

senior forensic science criminology major

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“My [favorite] memory at St. Mary’s is Rattlerfest my freshman year, spring of 2019. I’m a huge EDM fan so when I heard Dzeko was coming I had to go. It ended up being one of the most fun nights I’ve ever had on campus, and it was so cool to see the entire student body come out and just have fun!”

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Ratna Ramaraju

senior biology major

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“My favorite memory at St. Mary’s would have to be being on [the] Code Blue Dance team. I’ve met so many friends and been able to do what I love most. My favorite spot [here] on campus is the commons. I love being able to sit with my friends studying and talking. It’s something I’ll really miss.”

Marissa Meza

senior interdisciplinary English language arts and reading major Photo by Adrianna Mirabal Design by Demi Bestor and Julissa Mariscal