Vol 110 Issue No. 07 - 04/21/2022

Vol 110 | Issue 7 | March 21, 2022 | San Antonio, Texas

Ripples of Russia-Ukraine war felt across community VICTORIA OLGUIN NEWS EDITOR

also acknowledged the importance of knowing what made Russia act the way it did, emphasizing their history.

“After the end of the Soviet Union, there was hope that Russia would become part of ‘one Europe, whole and free’ as President George H.W. Bush put it.

Instead, we opted

in 2000 and today was that he didn’t have the power to do anything about it,” Dr. Smith continued.

“The U.S. and some of our allies didn’t do a very good job of leading either. Russia watched the U.S. invade Iraq in 2003 to

Graphic by Dem

i Bestor

Since February 2014, following the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has persisted. However, the conflict expanded significantly when Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. With varying information about the conflict going around, many students have attempted to remain informed.

“There are a few things that are

was how peaceful the breakup of the Soviet Union was during the 1990s, with only a few civil wars breaking that peace. Ukraine and Russia had been highly integrated in the Soviet Era in terms of economy and society. Ukraine was at the center of many of the Soviet’s defense industries, making for some difficulties once they were divided by national borders. This was made even harder by sharing one of the Soviet Navy’s main fleets in Crimea,” Ian

important for students to know.

[The] first is that this is not a sudden event that came out of the blue. The seeds of the conflict have been in the ground for 30 years now. One thing that surprised many people

Smith, Ph.D. said.

“The war we see today is in many ways, an expansion of the 2014 conflict after Ukraine’s Maidan revolution. Russia had threatened this a few times before in 2014-15 and just last year, but this time it all came together,” Smith, Ph.D. continued.

Though Russia’s invasion left many upset and stressed over the situation, Dr. Smith

more for a policy of ‘my way or the highway.’ Once the mid-1990s came around though, Russia was excluded from NATO and the EU’s eastward expansion,” Smith, Ph.D. said.

“We did not do a good job of convincing Russia that NATO wasn’t a threat targeted at them. The 1999 Kosovo War against Serbia made Russia even more certain of NATO’s aims. The difference between Putin’s Russia

resolve an unresolved conflict on the pretense.

I think U.S. officials honestly CONTINUED ON PG. 2

OPINION

SPANISH

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

PG. 7

PG.10

PG.13

PG.15

Brothers give inspiring words to students

The Riverwalk goes green for parade

Intramurals bring the community together

Students weigh the benefits of Greek life

2 NEWS

EDITOR: VICTORIA OLGUIN | @STMURATTLERNEWS | MARCH 21, 2022 FROM “DISARMING A”

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believed Iraq was a threat but let their preconceptions blind them to the lack of evidence supporting those beliefs that we were disarming a threat,” Dr. Smith said.

“When we didn’t listen to Russia and continued to ignore, downplay and reject their interests with NATO expansion, they were left with few options but to either submit to our policy or lash out violently, and as we’ve seen, they took the second option. Of course, none of this excuses the use of violence and particularly the brutality of that violence, but it can help explain the reasons,” Smith, Ph.D. continued. For international Russian students like junior political science major, Polina Protozanova, the conflict between Ukraine and C Graph Russia has already personally been asha ic by K affecting them.

“The war, if anything, makes me feel while the conflicted. I think many people forget that government [the] Russian people did not choose to go k e e p s to war or hurt our neighbors - this is not banning s o cial how authoritarian governments work. media platforms l i k e Regular working-class Russian people are Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. I will not being punished for something they never speak for the Ukrainian people, of course. did - that’s been the most frustrating part.

Their miseries are far greater than mine I honestly feel scared every single day for or my family’s,” Protozanova continued. my family and friends,” Protozanova said.

“The conflict, of course, has affected me in For students like freshman exercise and many ways. In my day-to-day life, I haven’t sports science major, Matthew Castillo, the been able to concentrate on any homework conflict between Ukraine and Russia could or university life - I constantly gravitate lead to a direct impact, as students like towards my phone to check for the latest Castillo have recently enlisted for the Texas news and updates. Thankfully, St. Mary’s Army National Guard. as

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professors have been very understanding in that regard, especially those teaching [in] the political science department,” Protozanova said.

“However, my life has not changed nearly as drastically as it has for my family back in Russia and for the Ukrainian people.

Because of the sanctions, everything in Russia has doubled in prices and we do not have any food on the shelves in grocery stores. Streets are filled w i t h protestors every d a y ,

“It makes me deeply sad. I see how there is so much unrest, tension, anger and hate in the world, and I always wish that I could do more. I hope me serving in the Texas Army National Guard can have a significant impact on my community, and hopefully, the world,” Castillo said.

“I personally feel called to serve in whatever way possible. In my personal life, I feel that conflicts like this could worry my loved ones. Some of my family members and friends were worried when I enlisted, which worries me because the thought of leaving them is hard to bear,” Castillo continued. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has forced many to reflect.

“We should be taking this as a reminder that peace and prosperity aren’t something we can take for granted. Instead, these are things we have to work for and build ourselves.

If there’s one thing I suggest, [it] is [that] we focus our efforts on understanding what went wrong to get us to this point. War is never the first choice of leaders, but instead is the result of misunderstandings and mistakes. We need to be better at avoiding those misunderstandings and mistakes so that we don’t find ourselves here again,” Dr. Smith said.

“I hope the conflict between Ukraine and Russia can be a wake-up call for the world.

Hopefully, after the conflict is resolved, everyone can realize how important respect and peace is worldwide,” Castillo continued.

Student starts weekly rosary prayer amidst world conflict Virgin Mary. It is also important that we are

thoughts and prayers from here in

showing that our response to this conflict

San Antonio is one way I can

In the current state of the world where it

is one of love and prayer, as not everyone

help contribute to a

might feel like so much conflict is going on,

can give monetary support, but we all can

peaceful tomorrow,”

it is important to take the time to reflect and

still pray together for peace,” Garcia said.

Villareal

breathe. This is something that many have

Students who have shared worries about the

acknowledged at St. Mary’s University, and

ongoing Ukraine and Russia conflict have

continued.

students like freshman biology and math

been able to gather in a safe space and pray

double major Francisco Garcia have taken

for the bettering of the situation. It is for this

steps to achieve. By helping start a weekly

reason that students have seen the practice

rosary prayer, Garcia has enabled students to

of weekly rosary prayer as an important

pray for peace in the world. It was especially

practice for them.

VICTORIA OLGUIN NEWS EDITOR

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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.

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

during the start of the Ukraine and Russia conflict that Garcia decided to take action.

“The weekly rosary we do as a St. Mary’s community is important for a multitude

“As soon as I saw that Russia had invaded

of reasons. Chief among them being that

Ukraine, I knew that we needed to have a

we are coming together to pray as a faith

response as a faith community to this crisis,

community for peace in the world and

so I began emailing campus ministry to

right now, especially for peace in Ukraine.

pitch my idea of a weekly Rosary to pray

We are praying for the lives already lost

for Ukraine. This weekly prayer is done

in the conflict and for those suffering and

out of love for Ukraine and is something

that Russia will realize the error of their

we plan on continuing doing, even after

ways and end their invasion,” Garcia said.

this conflict, for peace in all parts of the

Students who have attended the rosaries

world, as even now Ukraine is not the only

have enjoyed the events.

i Bestor em yD cb phi Gra

POLICY ON NEWSPAPER THEFT

Any student

interested in

praying

the

rosary is welcome.

“The rosary is o f f e r e d to

everyone

in

the

St.

Mary’s

community and all are definitely welcomed regardless of if you do or do not know how to pray the rosary,” Villareal said.

“I warmly welcome all members of the St. Mary’s community to come participate in

place in the world where suffering occurs,”

“My favorite part of attending the weekly

our prayer. If you can come to Assumption

Garcia said. As a Marianist and Catholic

rosary has been that I get to sit and be

Chapel at 3:30 p.m. on Fridays we would

institution, prayer is constantly used during

mindful of what has been happening around

love to have you.” Garcia continued.

difficult times.

me in the world and I get to do so with my

For questions regarding weekly rosary

“The Rosary is one of the strongest prayers

friends,” freshman business management

prayers, contact the university ministry at

we have because of its ties to the Blessed

major, Eliana Villareal said. “Offering up my

university.ministry@stmarytx.edu.

NEWS 3

MARCH 21, 2022 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Rattler musicians compete to perform at Oyster Bake in Battle of the Bands VICTORIA OLGUIN NEWS EDITOR

Every year, Fiesta Oyster Bake brings in about 70,000 people to the St. Mary’s campus, where many attend for the great food, music and livelihood. Music has been a great contribution to Oyster Bake and a favorite of many. With Oyster Bake nearing, San Antonians have already begun looking at the lineup of musicians who will be performing at the event. This year, student musicians at St. Mary’s were given the opportunity to perform at Oyster Bake alongside well-known artists. With only one spot available, they must compete with other musicians for the spot.

On Wednesday, March 7, student musicians gathered on stage with their instruments for the ultimate “Battle of the Bands.” As each band performed, students stepped onto the dance floor, nearing the stage of the band performing. By the end of each student band performance, the cheering from the crowd filled the room.

From CMAT’s “I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!” to Rhianna’s “Umbrella,” student bands performed top hits that kept the crowd entertained and matched the 2000’s theme. At the end of the performances, the grand winner of the competition was finally announced. Every band listened attentively along with the crowd, waiting for the results. As the announcer shouted, “Something Else!” the crowd began to cheer. The band “Something Else” could

not believe they had won the chance to perform at the upcoming Oyster Bake and the experience of the competition was an unforgettable one.

“It’s funny because our band is called ‘Something Else’ and the experience truly was something else. Our performance was matching the energy from the crowd and especially with some of our songs too that fit the theme this year. It wasn’t [a] matter of standing out but living that moment and having fun. It was definitely something else,” said senior psychology major, Marcos Mendoza. Although the musicians greatly enjoyed performing, “Something Else” had only been performing a few days before the competition.

“The most interesting thing about our band ‘Something Else’ is that we actually formed this band 3 days before the performance. Only practiced twice together in total! We didn’t care if we would win or lose. We went into this competition with the mentality and mindset to just go out with a bang and have fun. That was our number one goal. Just to have fun, play as loud as we possibly could, and make the best of it. We didn’t care if one of us missed a chord, forgot a couple [of] lyrics… or rushed the tempo a bit. All that mattered to us was just to remind ourselves to have fun and to make sure that our audience was on the same page with us,” senior computer information systems major, Joseph Guerra said. Battle of the Bands not only gave bands

like ‘Something Else’ the opportunity to perform for a crowd but also allowed them to meet and network with other bands for future musical endeavors.

“Aside from winning this year’s Battle of the Bands, my favorite part of the competition was meeting and networking with students who are musicians who admire and share my passion for music. Winning band poses with their trophy. | Photo courtesy of @stmarysstulife.

“I believe it is imperative for St. Mary’s to It’s one thing to be able to understand and relate to other’s music, host Battle of the Bands annually because it and it’s another to be able to harness and not only brings the student body together share that same passion, and this was as a community, but it also allows them undoubtedly one of my favorite moments,” Guerra said.

“It was so cool to just talk and vibe with the other members. Not only that but enjoying the songs they played on stage too,” Mendoza continued. Although only one student band will be able to perform at Oyster Bake, every band that participated in the competition was able to bring the St. Mary’s community together through music, making the Battle of the Bands event an important one.

to let loose a little. Take a load off their

shoulders, listen to fantastic music, dance, network and truly begin to feel that family bonding element of St. Mary’s that no other university can match. I see Battle of the Bands as more than just a competition.

[It’s] an event that brings people together from all ethnic backgrounds, regardless of where they’re from, what they believe in, or what music they favor,” Guerra said. To hear “Something Else” perform at Oyster Bake, visit https://oysterbake.com.

StMU rattlers attend The National Student Conference on Hispanic politics VICTORIA OLGUIN NEWS EDITOR

student, Liliana Rojas, the experience was

that would support each other throughout

a great one.

their careers. It is for this reason that

would benefit our

students were able to see the importance of

as

For first-generation, low-income or

“I attended the first conference and had

students with disabilities, taking the steps

such a good time that I wanted to return

to further their education can be difficult.

again!” Rojas said.

However, with the AMP/TRiO program

knowledge

for

example,

the conference.

“It’s important to attend a conference

offered at St. Mary’s University, students

attend their summer policy camp or their

concerning Hispanics. You didn’t have to

are able to thrive with the given resources.

immigration conference the week before

be Hispanic either to attend. The friends

Standing

Maximum

this one. Overall, I had a great experience

and connections I made are amazing.

Potential, the AMP/TRiO program offers

and can’t wait to attend again,” Rojas

Everyone is excited to meet new people,”

a variety of resources and opportunities

continued. The conference in Washington

Rojas said. Students who attended the

such

literacy

D.C. allowed students to connect with

trip were offered reimbursement for

workshops, networking and entrance

other top students and scholars interested

travel costs, meals and reserved rooms in

exam preparation. This program also offers

in Hispanic issues. Many discussion

downtown D.C., allowing many to enjoy

plentiful resources to its participants.

panels

various

and learn from their trip without worrying

Of all of the resources offered by the

topics. From ‘Overcoming Divisions in

about costs. Students in the AMP/TRiO

psychology major and academic tutor

program, some of the students’ favorite

American Life,’ ‘The Future of Hispanics

program have not only been given the

for for the AMP/TRiO program, Sophia

resources in the program are out-of-state

in the Workforce,’ and ‘American Identity,

opportunity to travel to Washington D.C.,

Munoz continued.

trips. Just recently, on Feb. 25, students in

Nationalism and Belonging,’ students who

but to other locations like Miami as well.

Students in the AMP/TRiO program

the AMP/TRiO program made their way to

attended the panels were able to leave with

The program is now preparing for more

are grateful for the opportunities offered

Washington D.C. for The National Student

a greater appreciation for the diversity in

trips in the future.

and are looking forward to seeing what the

Conference on Hispanic Politics. Students

Hispanic communities, as well as a greater

“I enjoyed Miami and the luxury hotel

program will offer in the future. To apply

who first heard of the opportunity were

understanding of the importance in

we stayed in. For [Washington] D.C.,

to the AMP/TRiO program, visit https://

quick to apply. For freshman finance and

bipartisan dialogue. Additionally, students

we had the chance to stay in hotels that

www.stmarytx.edu/academics/resources/

risk management major and AMP/TRiO

were able to gain friends and colleagues

presidents [have] stayed in,” Rojas said.

rattler-success/amp-trio/.

as

tutoring,

financial

took

given

that

like this since it talks about heavy topics

Achieving

were

students,

places

to

for

“We

“We take trips to

place,

opportunities

covering

Graphic by Kasha Casiano

last semester we took a trip to Texas A&M University-Kingsville

and

visited

the

graduate schools there. This semester, we took a trip to the Food Bank to see the different career options there and to learn about non-profit organizations,” senior

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The St. Mary’s University Center for Catholic Studies presents the following free events:

M ac T ag g a rT

EScOBEDO

The Contribution of Eastern Christendom to the Development of a Theology of the Environment

Apocalypse, Now What?

Latina/o/xs and the Book of Revelation

CATHOLIC INTELLECTUAL TRADITION LECTURE SERIES

featuring the Rev. Paul Haffner, Ph.D.

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | 2 p.m.

University Center, Conference Room A or via livestream at www.stmarytx.edu/live.

A light reception will follow.

Learn more at www.stmarytx.edu/mactaggart.

SAINT JOHN’S BIBLE LECTURE SERIES

featuring Jacqueline M. Hidalgo, Ph.D.

Thursday, April 21, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Reinbolt Hall, Assumption Chapel or via livestream at www.stmarytx.edu/live.

Learn more at www.stmarytx.edu/sjb.

6 OPINION

EDITOR: MAKAYLA AMITRANI | @STMURATTLERNEWS | MARCH 21, 2022

Oyster Bake marks a much needed return to century-old Fiesta traditions SEANA BARCLAY COPY editor

G

potentially see an increase, especially after Oyster Bake’s two-year absence.

For students unfamiliar with Oyster Bake, this festival is worth the craziness especially given this year’s shortened spring semester. The first and most notable change students will see is the temporary fencing surrounding the campus, especially around residence halls. Meant to control crowds during Oyster Bake, these fences do unfortunately disrupt usual walking paths and shortcuts around the campus so students should be prepared to navigate campus with a bit more time set aside before classes. The ic fences are also put by Ad in place to keep ria nn aM unwanted visitors irab al for the festival out of the residence hall areas to protect residents who decide to stay on campus during Oyster Bake.

But for many Oyster Bake is not coming back without a few concerns. The pandemic is still ongoing and despite loosened restrictions surrounding masks on campus, having this large of a gathering on

ph ra

For the first time in two years, St. Mary’s University is bringing back one of the biggest events of the year, Oyster Bake. This Fiesta staple is one of the most anticipated events of the spring semester and one of the largest means of revenue for the university.

The event features carnival rides, delicious fried foods, specialty drinks and snacks and of course, oysters for days.

Oyster Bake is one of the many things that makes St. Mary’s just as unique as the city it calls home. San Antonio’s annual Fiesta is one of the city’s biggest celebrations and a long-standing tradition in the over 300-yearold city. This will be the 106th Oyster Bake to date and this century-long tradition is set to return with more fanfare than ever featuring many great performances by artists like Blue Oyster Cult and Puddle of Mudd alongside many other talented performers.

Many look forward to the return of the carnival rides and state fair-style foods like the ever-famous chicken on a stick, an Oyster Bake staple, and other delicious snacks like funnel cake, elotes, hot cheetos and cheese, paletas and other fried fair foods. The festival also has its share of featured drinks like agua frescas, frozen lemonades, raspas and alcoholic beverages as well.

Students all around campus look forward to Oyster Bake every year, traditionally speaking, and its return this year. Many students who joined the St. Mary’s community during the pandemic are looking forward to experiencing it for the first time. Even for those who are not planning on attending the festivities, that Friday during the festival is typically a welcome day off in an already busy semester. However, this year, that Friday was made an optional make-up day due to the late start of the semester, and as the community continues to adjust to COVID-19, hopefully, the next Oyster Bake will still have its traditional Friday off for students and faculty.

But Oyster Bake is more than just a grand party. The festival is one of the biggest sources of revenue for both the university and for those organizations who choose to participate in the fundraising, with 100% of the money made going back to St. Mary’s students and organizations in the form of scholarships, donations and operational funds. One of the main reasons students should be excited for the festival’s return is the fact scholarships, depending on the two-day event’s turnout, could

campus is still a slight cause for concern, especially for high-risk or auto-immune compromised students and faculty. But such is the risk of hosting this large of an event on campus during a pandemic.

Thankfully, after two years, the number of vaccinations and boosters has increased greatly with 75.5% of the Bexar County population being fully vaccinated as of March 9 according to data provided by the city of San Antonio. Given this, it’s understandable that the university would now feel more comfortable hosting such an event. And beyond the realm of pandemicrelated concerns, the monetary benefits of hosting Oyster Bake are vastly important in the grand scheme of scholarship money, organizations and the future of current and incoming students here at St. Mary’s.

But despite the promising statistics, it’s still important that students and staff stay as safe as possible as the semester goes on so that the St. Mary’s community can continue to have in-person classes and events.

Alongside staying safe with regards to the pandemic, students should also be prepared for the large crowds expected for Oyster Bake and put personal measures in place to ensure that the festival remains a fun-filled event and a welcome break from a hectic and unusual semester.

Business operations interrupted due to labor shortages throughout nation DEMI BESTOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Over the past few months, seemingly everyone has felt the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to a complicated mix of economic factors, workers are quitting their jobs at near-record highs and many businesses have reported trouble filling open roles. In this time of change, it isn’t a surprise to see worker-driven structural changes in the labor market.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between January and June 2020, the labor force participation rate saw a rapid decline. With a sudden decline in in labor force participation, these shortages have caused disruptions in almost all industries.

A major contributing factor seems to be that workers are seeking out a livable wage.

According to an MIT and CNBC analysis conducted in 2021, a $15 minimum wage is not a living wage for many families.

Unsurprisingly, businesses who have been paying their employees higher wages haven’t reported as much of a struggle with understaffing and filling roles. “I think higher wages are necessary, otherwise the labor market will keep going down and people will no longer be searching for lowerlevel jobs such as in the food industry,” said freshman psychology major Michael De la Portilla. Perhaps businesses would have an

easier time recruiting new workers if they offered competitive pay. “Economically, if there [is] room for higher wages, I believe that would be a good start to improving our labor force participation rates,” freshman business major Robert Redman III said.

Another factor that ties into wages may also be the way workers are compensated, with some calling for a transition to labor and effort-based compensation versus the current hourly pay. “Since we work by the [hour], the amount of work [you] put in, whether it’s the [minimum] or [the maximum, you] still get paid the same… maybe change how [workers’] pay is affected based on the amount of labor [and] effort put in instead of it being [hourly],” freshman biology major Andres Chtata said.

With the isolation caused by the pandemic, many workers were given time to reevaluate their job choices. Known to some as the “Great Reevaluation,” it’s no surprise that many workers began questioning if they even like their jobs. Many workers left their companies for better roles elsewhere, while some even took a leap into a completely different industry. It seems that many workers who voluntarily resigned from their jobs since March 2020 feel that life is too short to stay in a job they didn’t feel passionate about.

According to Goldman Sachs, about 2.5 million of the 5 million workers missing from the labor force are retirees, and nearly 1.5 million of them are early retirees. The COVID pandemic seems to have pushed many to retire earlier than they had originally planned. An analysis from the Federal Bank of St. Louis found that over 3 million workers “likely retired earlier than they would have otherwise” during the pandemic. While some stay hopeful that we will see an increase of retirees returning to the workforce, it is not likely that many will return.

There are currently many open roles, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that the roles are right for or appealing to jobseekers.

Known to economists as mismatches, the disconnect between open jobs and available workers has been occurring for months due to location, pay expectations, skills and other factors.

According to a survey conducted

by FlexJob, 48% of jobseekers claimed that they felt “frustrated with the job search, because they weren’t finding the

right positions and the ones that are open pay too low.”

Although often discussed, wages, retirees and “epiphany quitters” are only a few factors involved in the shortage of labor. Many seem to cite a desire for more flexibility, lack of available or affordable childcare, health concerns and vaccine hesitancies, stress, burnout and a desire for increased autonomy. Combined, these factors have incited major changes in the labor market and have left workers feeling hopeful for the future. Students who are interested in finding a career that aligns with their values and

educational

background

should reach out to the Career and Professional Development Center here on campus for more information at 210-4312231.

Graphic

by Demi

Bestor

OPINION 7

MARCH 21, 2022 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Students analyze the positive and negative aspects of St. Mary’s Greek life MAKAYLA AMITRANI OPINION EDITOR

In society, Greek life is notorious for bad grades, big parties and bumpy friendships.

While that may be the case at other universities, St. Mary’s University’s sororities and fraternities prove societal expectations wrong. Students join Greek life for a number of reasons and most get everything they’re looking for and more.

New Greek members receive a lot of advice in order to teach them the values of the organization and to learn to love those values. Some of those values include academic excellence and time management,

with most of Greek life requiring above a 2.7 GPA to maintain good standing with the various organizations.

“Some of the pros of Greek life for me would be a support group and an organization that I can rely on to help me through whatever comes my way. [Along] with this, it is an excellent way to network and meet individuals you never would have had connections with [otherwise],” said junior finance and risk management major Joseph Napier.

These feelings are not only true with Sigma Phi Epsilon but also with Alpha Sigma Tau and Alpha Phi, who share the joy and excitement of going through recruitment and finding

Delta Zeta on spring 2022 bid day with their excited new members. | Photo by Larry Rodriguez-Shea

EDITORIAL STAFF

MAKAYLA AMITRANI OPINION EDITOR

Copy Editor Seana Barclay

Euphoria is described as a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness.

Euphoria is common amongst drug users, them feeling the highest of highs, the feeling of euphoria. The HBO hit show “Euphoria” is focused on the characters doing drugs to escape their lives or feel that small moment of happiness, which leads to accusations that the show glamorizes drug use.

Stars of the hit show such as Zendaya, have denied the accusations, stating that her character, Rue, is someone that addicts can seek hope in, some citing that it spotlights drug use.

According to a statement made to Entertainment Weekly, Zendaya hopes that Rue can “hopefully help people feel a little bit less alone in their experience and their pain. And maybe feel like they’re not the only one going through or dealing with what they’re dealing with.”

Even after Zendaya shared her perspective, it was not enough to convince the public otherwise.

“Rather than further each parent’s desire to keep their children safe from the potentially horrific consequences of drug abuse and other high-risk behavior, HBO’s television drama, ‘Euphoria,’ chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence and other destructive behaviors as common and widespread in today’s world,” said D.A.R.E., the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

Advertising Manager Andres Gonzalez Multimedia Editor Adrianna Mirabal Web Editor Vivian Urrutia News Editor Victoria Olguin Spanish Editor Mária José Valiente Opinion Editor Makayla Amitrani Culture and Entertainment Editor Jacob A. Henson Sports Editor Megan Angelo Faculty Adviser Kathe Lehman-Meyer

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.

basically becomes your life. Consequently, that negatively affects your academics,” said Amanda Villarreal senior computer science major.

A student in Greek life also highlights the negative aspect of time management. “[A con] of Greek life is that it requires you to learn how to manage your time well, especially on campus where there is always an opportunity to engage in an event,” said Gutierrez.

Another concern is the monetary cost of Greek life. An understandable concern with the highest amount for new member dues being around $900.

“I’ve also heard the cost of being in Greek life can get very expensive, costs for memberships, shirts, dues, etc., and I imagine most college students are tight on money,” Villarreal said.

Another student brings up the negative stigmas that are associated with Greek life.

“I would say that Greek life has a lot of bad social stigmas. To be associated with a frat or sorority means it entails popularity, overlooking bad qualities in people or even not being as keen in your academics. Even if you practice none of those preconceived notions, you still are associated with them,” said Daija Vanegas junior music education major.

Within a large organization like Greek life, there are bound to be a few ups and downs and it may not be for everyone but doing research about individual organizations is the best route to take if Greek life is something of interest.

Opinions differ on “Euphoria’s” portrayal of drug abuse

Editor-in-Chief Demi Bestor

Layout and Design Julissa Mariscal

their home. They share the opportunities that joining Greek life has provided them.

“I joined [Alpha Sigma Tau] to build friendships I never had before because I was homeschooled. What surprised me was the amount of love I have received since [going through recruitment]. I never thought I’d receive as much love and acceptance from not only my big but the entire sorority,” said sophomore psychology and criminology major Autumn Gonzales.

Other reasons many students decided to go through recruitment were friendship, getting involved on campus and academic excellence. Clarissa Morales sophomore biology major discussed that managing her time after joining was a cause for concern at first, but realized the amount of support offered through Greek life completely eradicated those concerns.

“Alpha Phi has given me the opportunity to gain campus connections, as well as academic support. When I joined [Alpha Phi], I was fearful of not having time to manage school and my sorority events but when speaking out to my sisters, I was able to get assistance with time management. It’s true, whatever you put into your sorority is what you will gain out of it. I would not trade my sisters for anything in the world,” said Morales.

With all good things, there must be bad, as some students highlight some of the negatives to joining Greek life.

“I think one of the biggest cons is time.

I’ve heard that being part of Greek life is very time-consuming to the point where you have no free time and the organization

“I don’t think it glorifies it, but I think it highlights drugs in a way that a lot of us have never seen before. I know growing up I was kind of sheltered so I never really got to see the reality of drugs and how it affects people, I just hear about the extreme horror stories, so I think it gives people that were sheltered a new perspective on it,” said junior accounting major Isabella Mulwani.

On the other hand, it could be seen as educational and not as promoting drug use.

Along with the education, the addition of the fun and pretty outfits, makeup and parties add to the appeal.

“Euphoria does a good job of showcasing how drugs [are] seen and used in our culture today. The show definitely adds to the appeal with the makeup, music, outfits and party scenes, but it also shows the negatives that come with it. Such as Rue’s addiction [and] how badly it impacted her life. For me, when I watched it, it was incredibly relatable and terrifying to see how drugs are used but from the other perspective,” said Monsenet Vasquez junior finance and risk management major.

The show does a good job of showing the cause and effect of using drugs and showing the less attractive aspects of addiction and drug use. “[I] don’t think it romanticizes it in any way. I know a lot of people say ‘Euphoria’ romanticizes drugs, but I don’t think it does.

Personally, seeing everything at face value turned me away from it and definitely did not make me want to try all of these random drugs. It actually scares me i

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away from it all because of how real it all is,” said Mulwani.

Understanding that Zendaya does not believe the show is promoting or glorifying drug use but provides hope to addicts is an amazing thing but others say different. Both sides could be true, addicts may see hope for themselves in the show, but it also might encourage non-addicts to partake in drug use or it could even scare people away from ever trying drugs in the first place.

If you or someone you know is in need of help or intervention, please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline at 1-800662-4357. You can also contact the Student Counseling Center at 210-4363135 for more information or to schedule an individual appointment with an available counselor.

Kamala Harris is making her mark in history by becoming the first woman, the first African American woman and the first Asian American to become Vice President of the United States in 2020.

Come join us at the

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In the data r the Educati etrieved from o Initiative in n Data that women 2021, it stated ing men in are outnumberhigher educ receiving a According tion degrees. to of women a the data, 59% r postseconda e earning a ry degree compared to 50% for me n.

For years, women have been cast out from cliques like the ‘Boy’s Club’ simply for being women. The past revolves around the accomplishments of men and now, it is the women’s turn to take a step out of the shadows and into the spotlight. It is time to show the world what women are capable of doing.

Women’s History Month was created to educate others about the important role that women have played in history.

Information by: Womensday.co

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Doctor Antonia Novello was the first woman and first Hispanic woman to be appointed as the Surgeon General of the United States in 1990 by President George Bush.

Sally Ride became the first woman to go to space in 1983. After her death, her obituary revealed that she was gay and therefore also making her the first LGBTQ astronaut.

At the age of 15, Gitanjali Rao, became Time magazine’s first-ever Kid of the Year in 2020. Rao invented a mobile device that tests for lead in drinking water. She also developed an app that uses artificial intelligence to help detect cyber bullying.

Avril Haines made an impact on history by becoming the first woman to serve during the Obama administration as the Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the Deputy National Security Advisor.

Haines was also the first woman to be nominated, by President Biden, to serve as the Director of National Intelligence.

10 SPANISH

EDITOR: MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE | @STMURATTLERNEWS | MARCH 21, 2022

Hermanos Marianistas comparten sus distintas opiniones de lo que es la vida JOSE GUTIERREZ/ MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE

St. Mary’s University abrió sus puertas en el año de 1852, siendo ésta la primera institución católica en el suroeste de los Estados Unidos. Dicha institución educativa, fue fundada en la Ciudad de San Antonio, Texas por la compañía de María, congregación muy religiosa cristiana-católica dedicada a la misión y la evangelización en todo el mundo.

Cabe resaltar que desde su fundación, la universidad siempre ha contado con la presencia de Sacerdotes o hermanos religiosos Marianistas, quienes han visto pasar generaciones de alumnos durante toda su vida y con ello, cambios sociales, educativos y culturales.

Desde sus inicios hasta la actualidad, los Marianistas han prestado su servicio como maestros, o incluso, presidentes de esta misma institución.

Muchos han tenido la oportunidad de conocer al Rev. John A. Leies quien fungió como presidente durante los años de 1985 a 1988, quién desafortunadamente falleció el pasado 22 de diciembre. Durante algunos diálogos con él, Rev. Leies comentó lo siguiente: “La vida está cambiando continuamente y nosotros tenemos que estar abiertos a los nuevos retos y misiones que se presentan día a día, es verdad que entre tú y

yo existe un gran número de años, pero eso no significa que podamos conectarnos y así poder trabajar en equipo, e incluso, lograr aprender el uno del otro.”

Leies agrega como “uno de los retos durante mi periodo como presidente fue que me esforcé por conocer y aprender de los alumnos para poder entablar un diálogo y a la vez lograr conectar con todos ellos, fue un gran trabajo, pero gracias a Dios pude lograrlo.” Fue grato, escuchar al Padre John, que aunque no compartió mucho tiempo como hubiera querido con muchos estudiantes debido a la pandemia del COVID-19, muchos quedaron fascinados con sus historias y sobre todo, consejos.

Creo que, como fue fuertemente mencionado anteriormente, es bueno estar abierto a los cambios para poder visualizar diferentes puntos de vista y no entrar en controversias al escuchar diferentes opiniones o formas de expresar de otras personas. Queda claro que se vive en un lugar rodeado de diferentes personas provenientes de otras culturas o países y no está de más aprender de ellos y con ellos.

El hermano Michael Sullivan, quien es profesor en el departamento de música desde hace más de un cuarto de siglo dice lo siguiente: “He estado en la universidad de St. Mary’s por más de 25 años. Desde que comencé a ejercer mi carrera aquí, me ha impresionado

mucho el alumnado. A menudo les digo a los Hermanos que tenemos los mejores estudiantes en el campus.”

Sullivan agrega que “la gran mayoría de los estudiantes son amables y serviciales entre sí, se cuidan unos a otros. También son muy atentos con sus profesores y el personal de la universidad. Aprecio el hecho de que muchos de nuestros estudiantes están muy conscientes de lo que está pasando en el mundo y en la comunidad de San Antonio en general, especialmente con los problemas ambientales, muchos de los estudiantes se involucran en proyectos de servicio y, en general, se preocupan por hacer del mundo un lugar mejor.”

Sullivan también añade que “Pienso en la universidad como un organismo vivo que cambia continuamente y se adapta a su entorno. La universidad se actualiza continuamente y hace todo lo posible para responder a nuestra sociedad que cambia rápidamente. Pienso de que la universidad siempre está tratando de responder a las necesidades actuales de los estudiantes y brindarles las experiencias y habilidades que necesitarán para ingresar al mundo laboral y las próximas etapas de sus vidas.”

Las palabras del hermano Sullivan como suelen llamarlo sus estudiantes, de verdad mueven el espíritu de vida y motivan a muchos a seguir aprendiendo cosas nuevas, su forma de referirse a todos los estudiantes

como un organismo que se transforma continuamente hacen reflexionar a las personas en cuánto se debe aprender para poner en práctica y a su vez, transmitir a todos los profesores y compañeros, que como muchos forman parte de esta gran familia que prepara a los líderes del mañana.. Estas palabras de sabiduria ayudan a muchos estudiantes y ademas los inpiran a tomar en cuenta las distintas perspectivas sobre la vida y el tiempo.

Hermano Mike Sullivan posa para foto durante su cumpleaños. | Cortesía de Jose Gutierrez

Estudiantes latinos hablan acerca de salud mental y su estigma en la sociedad VALENTINA GAONA/ MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE

Cuando se habla de salud, normalmente las personas piensan en el aspecto físico y no siempre se toma en consideración la mental.

Nuestra salud mental además de incluir nuestra tranquilidad o bienestar psicológico también toma en cuenta el bienestar social y el emocional, el cual es un factor fundamental. La organizacion de salud mental describe la salud mental como, “Un estado de bienestar en el cual el individuo se da cuenta de sus propias aptitudes, puede afrontar las presiones normales de la vida, puede trabajar productiva y fructíferamente y es capaz de hacer una contribución a su comunidad,” (OMS 2001a, p. 1).

A diferencia de años atrás, a esta no se le daba la importancia como ahora, pues solo se trataba en centros psiquiátricos y esto era mal visto por la sociedad, además que no era considerado como algo que fuera real y pudiera afectar a las personas. Con el paso del tiempo esto ha ido cambiando, pues ante la sociedad de ahora, es de suma importancia cuidar la salud mental. Aunque, toda esta opinión a cambia a lo largo de los años, todavía se sigue conservando la opinión acerca de la salud mental y esto se ve mucho en las generaciones pasadas.

Ahora la verdadera pregunta es, ¿Cuál es el verdadero estigma que tiene la sociedad latina con la salud mental? ¿Qué es lo que hace que muchos latinos no busquen ayuda? Para saber esto se le pregunto a personas de la comunidad latina que era lo que pensaban acerca de la salud mental y su importancia. En efecto, la mayoría de los entrevistados comentaron que era muy importante su salud mental.

Isabella Castro de Honduras y estudiante sentimiento de desaprobación hacia el de segundo año en administración de tema y se tiene un prejuicio a este. Algunos empresas expreso como, “yo siento que la estudiantes expresan como muchas veces salud mental es un tema muy importante, cuando le cuentan a sus padres qué no se mas ahora en la actualidad ya que está siendo encuentran bien y que necesitan ayuda de más aceptado. Con COVID-19 considero un psicólogo, muchas veces no les hacen que hay que prestarle más atención a el tema. caso y hasta los llegan a llamar locos. Por Tristemente siento que en Honduras este todos estos prejuicios, personas no buscan tema se considera estigma. Muchas familias de ayuda psicología dejando desatendido su sienten que ciertos desórdenes mentales no salud mental, y esto puede ser un problema son reales o válidos.” muy grave pues puede afectar en la vida De distinta manera, Brissa laboral de la persona.

Campos Toscano, de La salud mental puede Perú quien es una ser afectada por estudiante de segundo diferentes factores año en estudios que están en internacionales nuestra vida globales explica cotidiana, por como, “Con mis ejemplo, las padres siendo redes sociales psicólogos como Instagram he podido o Facebook. experimentar más Gracias al internet de cerca el hecho aprendemos como posibles muchas cosas, pacientes deciden no pero también comenzar consultas nos perjudican, por el hecho de que y creando creen que para ir al doctor estereotipos necesitan estar enfermos. entre las personas.

Graphic by Demi Bestor En el Perú antes se creía que Muchas personas no ven necesitabas tener depresión y ansiedad esto como un problema real, pero por para ir al psicólogo. Sin embargo, siento cosas así es que comúnmente adolescentes que ahora es algo necesario por el tema de hasta adultos desarrollan ansiedad y COVID y como la pandemia ha afectado a en algunos casos depresión. niños y a adultos. Creo que ahora la salud Todas estas enfermedades psicológicas mental tiene otra perspectiva.” están muy presentes en la nueva generación, Casos así son muy comunes pues la pues están más expuestos a problemas mayoría no están bien informados sobre globales y a un futuro mas competitivo. Aun la salud mental y la omiten. También así, no muchas personas tratan con esto, solo pasa mucho esto porque se tiene un gran por el miedo de ser juzgados o por el simple

echo de que no están bien informados acerca del tema.

La salud mental es un tema muy delicado que se le debe de tener mucha importancia. Aunque generaciones pasadas no pensaban de la misma manera, siempre se debe de mantener informado y tratar de mejorar esta. Tener ayuda psicológica no significa que somos “locos” o que vamos a ser constantemente juzgados, optar por ayuda es lo mejor que se puede hacer cuando se necesite.

En conclusión, tenemos que cuidar nuestra mente y mantenerla en cuenta siempre, y se tiene que romper con el estigma que se tiene sobre esta, pues no es nada malo por el cual se debería de juzgar a las personas a que todos tienen sus problemas. Lo mejor que podemos hacer es ayudar a los demas y apoyarlos con su salud mental, ademas de respetarlos. Ya que muchos expresan como es sumamente importante darle un systema de apoyo a quienes lo necesiten.

En esta sociedad es muy dificil la vida para los jovenes mas con el acceso a el internet, ya que estan expuestos a todo tipo de informacion, muchas veces siendo erronea y contradiciendo mucho de los valores que se respetan dentro de la sociedad y la dinamica familiar. Debido a esto es importante tratar de eliminar el estigma de la salud mental en las comunidades latinas. Aunque no solo en estas pero sino alrededor de todo el mundo.

Para asi crear un futuro prometedor para las proximas generaciones pertenecientes a la sociedad hispano hablante y pertenecientes a otras comunidades atraves del mundo.

Debido a esto, si todos se unen para lograr eliminar este estigma el cual ha existido por ya cientos de siglos, se creara un futuro mejor y prometedor.

SPANISH 11

MARCH 21, 2022 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Opiniones de Oyster Bake, la celebración mas importante para la universidad MAKAYLA AMITRANI/ MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE

Por primera vez en dos años, St. Mary’s University trae de regreso uno de los eventos más grandes del año, Oyster Bake.

Este elemento básico de la Fiesta es uno de los eventos más esperados del semestre de primavera y también una de las mayores fuentes de ingresos para la universidad.

El evento cuenta con juegos mecánicos, deliciosas comidas fritas, bebidas y bocadillos especiales y, por supuesto, ostras durante días.

Oyster Bake es una de las muchas cosas que hacen que St. Mary’s sea tan único como la ciudad a la que llama hogar. La Fiesta anual de San Antonio es una de las celebraciones más grandes de la ciudad y una larga tradición de más de trescientos años. Este será el Oyster Bake número 106 hasta la fecha y esta larga tradición de un siglo regresará con más fanfarria que nunca. Aquí habrán muchas actuaciones excelentes de artistas como Blue Oyster Cult y Puddle of Mudd junto con muchos otros artistas talentosos.

Muchos esperan con ansias el regreso de los juegos mecánicos y las comidas al estilo de la feria estatal, como el siempre famoso pollo en un palito, un alimento básico de Oyster Bake, y otros deliciosos bocadillos como el pastel de embudo, elotes, paletas y

otros alimentos fritos de la feria. El festival también tiene su parte de bebidas destacadas como agua fresca, limonada helada, raspas y bebidas alcohólicas.

Los estudiantes de todo el campus esperan Oyster Bake todos los años tradicionalmente hablando y regresa este año, muchos estudiantes que se unieron a la comunidad de St. Mary’s durante la pandemia esperan experimentarlo por primera vez, Incluso para aquellos que no planean asistir a las festividades. Ese viernes durante el festival suele ser un buen día libre en un semestre ya ocupado. Sin embargo, este año, ese viernes se convirtió en un día de recuperación opcional debido al comienzo tardío del semestre, y a medida que la comunidad continúa adaptándose a COVID. Es de esperar que el próximo Oyster Bake todavía tenga su tradicional viernes libre para estudiantes y profesores.

Pero Oyster Bake es más que una gran fiesta. El festival es una de las mayores fuentes de ingresos tanto para la universidad como para aquellas organizaciones que eligen participar en la recaudación de fondos.

Con el 100 % del dinero recaudado para los estudiantes y organizaciones de St. Mary’s en forma de becas, donaciones y fondos operativos. Una de las razones principales por las que los estudiantes deberían estar emocionados, es por el regreso del festival es el hecho de que las becas. Dependiendo

de la participación del evento de dos días, podrían ver un aumento potencial, especialmente después de la ausencia de dos años de Oyster Bake.

Para los estudiantes que no están familiarizados con Oyster Bake, este festival vale la pena, especialmente dado el semestre de primavera más corto de este año. El primer y más notable cambio que verán los estudiantes es el cercado temporal que rodea el campus, especialmente alrededor de las residencias estudiantiles. Con la intención de controlar las multitudes durante Oyster Bake.

Estas vallas la interrumpen los senderos habituales para caminar y los atajos alrededor del campus. Por lo que los estudiantes deben estar preparados para navegar por el campus con un poco más de tiempo reservado antes de las clases. Las vallas también se colocan para mantener a los visitantes no deseados del festival fuera de las áreas de residencia para proteger a los residentes que deciden quedarse en el campus durante Oyster Bake.

Pero para muchos, Oyster Bake no regresará sin algunas preocupaciones. La pandemia aún está en curso y a pesar de las restricciones relajadas que rodean las máscaras en el campus. Tener una reunión tan grande en el campus sigue siendo un motivo de preocupación, especialmente para los estudiantes y profesores de alto riesgo o autoinmunes comprometidos. Pero

tal es el riesgo de organizar un evento tan grande en el campus durante una pandemia Afortunadamente, después de dos años, la cantidad de vacunas y refuerzos ha aumentado considerablemente con el 75.5% de la población del condado de Bexar completamente vacunada al 9 de marzo, según datos proporcionados por la ciudad de San Antonio.

Dado esto, es comprensible que la universidad ahora se sienta más cómoda organizando un evento de este tipo. Y más allá del ámbito de las preocupaciones relacionadas con la pandemia, los beneficios monetarios de albergar Oyster Bake son muy importantes en el gran esquema del dinero de las becas. Las organizaciones y el futuro de los estudiantes actuales y entrantes aquí en St. Mary’s.

Pero a pesar de las estadísticas prometedoras, sigue siendo importante que los estudiantes y el personal se mantengan lo más seguros posible a medida que avanza el semestre para que la comunidad de St. Mary’s pueda continuar teniendo clases y eventos en persona. Además de mantenerse seguros con respecto a la pandemia, los estudiantes también deben estar preparados para las grandes multitudes que se esperan para Oyster Bake y tomar medidas personales para garantizar que el festival siga siendo un evento lleno de diversión y un merecido descanso de un semestre agitado e inusual.

Tres distintas ideas sobre las oportunidades de servicio social en San Antonio MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE EDITORA DE ESPAÑOL

A Través de todo el mundo existen diferentes culturas, sociedades y comunidades, cada una siendo especial y única en su propia forma, y cada una tiene su lado positivo y así mismo negativo. Como todo buen ser humano, el valor de ayudar al prójimo es sumamente importante, más aún durante las recientes circunstancias que se encuentran muchos en estos recientes años.

Después de ver todas las noticias y todo el sufrimiento por el cual muchos están pasando recientemente, debido a esto muchos estudiantes decidieron tomar acción. Una de las ideas que se tuvo fue compartir con los lectores diferentes opciones de servicio social aquí en San Antonio.

Qué mejor manera de poder hacer un impacto en el mundo, aunque sea algo pequeño, que ayudar a la comunidad la cual te rodea. Debido a esto hay muchas organizaciones sin fines de lucro las cuales tienen sus puertas abiertas para cualquiera que desee ser voluntario.

Una de las opciones para poder hacer servicio social aquí en San Antonio puede ser Ronald McDonald House charity.

Todos conocen la cadena de comida rápida llamada McDonald‘s, pero muy pocos conocen el hecho que ellos ofrecen un programa sin fines de lucro para ayudar a familias en necesidad. Hay muchas actividades que esta organización ofrece, por ejemplo hacer canastas básicas. Las cuales contienen ya sea shampoo, comida enlatada, desodorante, jabón o en otras palabras cualquier producto básico.

Una vez la canasta está formada, se puede ir a dejar a cualquiera de los locales de Ronald McDonald House charity aquí en San Antonio. También este programa ofrece hacer cartas de apoyo, con mensajes conmovedores para las familias en necesidad.

El programa además acepta donaciones de

ropa y mucho más. Lo importante es poder ayudar a las familias que más lo necesitan y sacarles una sonrisa. Para más información se puede chequear su sitio web piblico en https://rmhcsanantonio.org.

Otra opción que ofrece la ciudad de San Antonio para ayudar a la comunidad está aquí cerca de la universidad, y se llama Guadalupe Community Center. Este centro tiene como meta proveer comida, reducir la pobreza y prevenir la falta de vivienda para los adultos mayores y niños y niñas. Opciones que este programa ayuda para hacer servicio social es la donación de canastas de comida, ya que ellos tienen a muchas personas dependiendo de ellos para nutrición.

También tiene un programa llamado Adopta a un adulto mayor. Este consiste en proveer a los adultos mayores una persona que le dé compañía, remotamente en estos momentos de aislamiento.

Asimismo, el centro además ofrece un programa después de escuela gratis. Este programa le da tutoría y ofrece actividades extracurriculares en un ambiente seguro.

Además, se aceptan voluntarios. Para más información se puede chequear su sitio web en https://ccaosa.org/guadalupecommunity-ctr.

De una manera similar existe otra organización sin fines de lucro llamada San Antonio Students of Service. Esta organización tiene como meta trabajar con los jóvenes de San Antonio y darles una perspectiva global a través de la educación, el servicio social y otras experiencias.

Debido a esto cualquier estudiante interesado en ayudar a la comunidad se puede voluntariar en este programa.

Siendo una muy buena opción para ayudar a la comunidad, se entrevistó al Director ejecutivo llamado Amir Samandi, el cual tenía mucho que decir acerca del programa.

Samandi expresó el evento el cual lo inspiró a crear esta organización muy

respetable. Samandi compartió como, “Yo era profesor en una escuela de bajos ingresos y un estudiante me hizo una pregunta sobre la Torre Eiffel. Cuando le mostré dónde estaba en un mapa, me dijo abatida que pensaba que nunca podría ir.”

Samandi agrega que, “Me partió el corazón ver a un joven que no creía en sus sueños. Empecé la organización sin fines de lucro ese año y desde entonces hemos llevado a más de 500 viajeros a 15 países diferentes y brindado más de 20,000 horas de servicio aquí en San Antonio. Quería que los jóvenes creyeran en su poder para marcar la diferencia y soñar en grande, sin importar su origen.”

“

Me partió el corazón ver a un joven que no creía en sus sueños.

Empecé la organización sin fines de lucro ese año y desde entonces hemos llevado a más de 500 viajeros a 15 países diferentes y brindado más de 20,000 horas de servicio aquí en San Antonio.”

Amir Samandi Director ejecutivo de San Antonio Students of Service

Durante la entrevista Samandi también compartió cómo él fue una parte integral durante el proceso de crear esta organización. El expreso “Al principio, solo estaba yo en la mesa de la cocina. Recaudé $2000 en GoFundMe para pagar el abogado y la CPA que podrían ayudarme a obtener mi estado 501(c)(3) con el IRS.” Él agrega que, “Crearía listas de correo usando documentos de Google y otras tecnologías gratuitas. Con el tiempo, otras personas comenzaron a unirse y a involucrarse cada vez más, en el programa

incluidos maestros, padres y, por supuesto, los estudiantes. Han sido la fuerza impulsora de esto todo el tiempo.”

Samandi además comparte cómo los estudiantes de la Universidad St. Mary‘s pueden involucrarse en el programa.

Samandi menciona que, “Siempre estamos buscando personas que quieran apoyar con aportes económicos y donaciones, o con voluntariado y donaciones de su tiempo y talento. También contratamos pasantes de vez en cuando, especialmente en el verano. Siempre apreciamos un me gusta o compartir en las redes sociales, y en general correr la voz sobre el buen trabajo que están haciendo nuestros estudiantes.”

Finalmente en la entrevista, Samandi decide expresar los tipos de eventos que el programa San Antonio Student of Service ofrece y cómo los estudiantes interesados pueden ganar horas sociales. “Organizamos entre 3 y 5 eventos en promedio por mes en muchas agencias locales, 75 de hecho hasta ahora. Todo, desde el banco de pañales de Texas hasta el banco de alimentos de San Antonio, desde el refugio para personas sin hogar del ministerio Sam hasta las mascotas vivas de SA.” Samandi agregó que, “Al exponer a los estudiantes a la variedad de desafíos que enfrenta nuestra comunidad, los estamos ayudando a desarrollar sus habilidades de liderazgo y también su empatía y comprensión del mundo fuera de su hogar o simplemente de su teléfono celular.” Para más información se puede visitar el sitio web en https://www.sossanantonio.org.

Es muy importante ayudar al prójimo, en especial cuando hay tanta necesidad alrededor del mundo. Al tener todos los privilegios y ventajas que una persona puede tener, es muy ético usar todo eso para ayudar a los más necesitados. Y que mejor manera de lograrlo ayudando a tu comunidad que te rodea ya que esto llena de felocodad.

12 CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR: JACOB A. HENSON | @STMURATTLERNEWS | MARCH 21, 2022

Celebrate the women of the past, present and future to come KENDRA TURNER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

March is Women’s History Month and St. Mary’s University has been putting on events and giving awards as early as 1990, when the first Alice Wright Franzke Feminist Awards were held. The theme for this year is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.”

To kick off the month, the first event was The Alice Wright Franzke Feminist Awards on March 1. Alice Franzke was a professor in the sociology department at St. Mary’s University from 1982 until 1989.

She was an advocate for equality, peace and empowerment. This award commemorates her values and can be given to any St. Mary’s student, alumni, faculty or staff member.

This year, the award was given to five women. This year’s winners were Shalini Venkat; Karen Munoz; Jessica González Uhlig, Ed.D; Rick Sperling, Ph.D. and Mary Brennan Stich.

Following the Alice Wright Franzke Feminist Awards, the Women of Color Appreciation Dinner took place on March 3. The dinner was a roundtable discussion highlighting women of the past and present.

Students got to hear from faculty and alumni about topics that impact women of color. Then, on March 22, Women’s Voices of Hope will be held in the University Center, Conference Room A. Panelists Marie Dennis, Patricia Mejia, Kiran Kaur Bains, Sister Susan Mika, Sister Jane Ann

Students gather to celebrate Women’s History Month on campus. | Photo by Gorge Munoz-Escobedo

Slater and the Rev. Ann Helmke will talk about finding hope in troubled times. For more information or for the Zoom link, contact Sonia Garcia, Ph.D., at sgarcia@ stmarytx.edu or Larry Hufford, Ph.D., at lhufford@stmarytx.edu.

The Blessing of the Women: Feast of the Annunciation will be on March 25 at the Bell Tower. Women from the University Police Department and Student Health Center will get together at the tower to commemorate the Feast of Annunciation. On March 28,

the book club will meet to discuss “The Secret History of Home Economics: How Trailblazing Women Harnessed the Power of Home and Changed the Way We Live”

by Danielle Dreilinger. Dreilinger talks about the history of home economics and talks about women who shaped the field of domestic science. The author talks about how home economics turns out to be relevant, and revolutionary. For more information or for the Zoom link, contact Allison Gray, Ph.D., at agray7@stmarytx.edu.

On March 30, the Women in Law Leadership Awards will be held in the Law Library Commons to commemorate women in the School of Law for their outstanding achievements.

To end Women’s History Month, the last event will be “Resisting Book Censorship through Hope and Healing in Women’s Literature” on March 31, held in Moody Life Science Building rooms 101 and 102. This event will be presented

by Dr. Cantu Sanchez’s Women of Color, Writing as Memoir and Resistance class.

They will discuss the censorship of books impacting women of color and LGBTQ writers and the banning of these books in K-12 schools. For more information, contact Margaret Cantu-Sanchez, Ph.D., at mcantusanchez@stmarytx.edu.

Afterwards, there will be a panel called The Environment and Gender Disparities Discussion Panel. This discussion will be about whether gender roles play a part in who is impacted the most by environmental problems. For more information, contact Vanessa Jimenez at vjimenez@stmarytx.edu.

Valeria Garza, a freshman accounting major says, “The Women’s Affairs Council and The Women’s History Month Committee have put together events that make me feel like this school cares a lot about my voice as a woman.” These events are great way to reward and recognize students, faculty, staff and alumni who have worked to establish empowerment.

Kick off spring with a breath of fresh culture at Peacock Alley SOPHIA KUSSEL STAFF WRITER

The time is coming to say goodbye to the bitter winds of the Texas winter, and hello to the long, warm days of spring at long last. This spring, Centro San Antonio will be celebrating with the community. From March to May, Centro is co-hosting a series of over 30 events featuring talented local artists, entrepreneurs and creators which range wildly in themes hosted in the private and lively Peacock Alley.

San Antonio’s local artists to create fun experiences that introduce a new audience to their work by engaging with people face-to-face — something that would have been essentially impossible just a year ago.

21. One event to look forward to is called “Be the Movement,” which is a demonstrationcelebration of social/political movements, past and present, expressed in music, dance, poetry and street art. Overall, this

CU ULLTI C TIV VA AN ND DO O C O COM MU UN NID IDA AD D

matter how picky, and admission is free of charge for anyone and everyone to attend.

So, do not be a stranger and make sure to check out Peacock Alley to mix and mingle with the community and meet local artists, entrepreneurs, musicians and creators to kick off the early spring days.

Peacock Alley is located at 118 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78205 with event times varying. For the social media junkies out there, Centro San Antonio will be giving the chance to feature users on their social media to those who tag them with #PeacockAlleySA; otherwise, check out Centro San Antonio on Facebook. A full list of events can be found at www.centrosanantonio.org (Graphics courtesy of Centro San Antonio.)

“

As we welcome locals back downtown, we want to provide them opportunities to not only reconnect with each other but [with] treasured spaces as well.”

Elizabeth Burt Centro Director of Urban Activation

With loosened restrictions and COVID-19 vaccinations on the rise, inperson community activities are now something that can be enjoyed safely. “As we welcome locals back downtown, we want to provide them opportunities to not only reconnect with each other but [with] treasured spaces as well,” says Centro Director of Urban Activation and Play Elizabeth Burt. “This summer series of activations in Peacock Alley will provide novel play experiences and [support] local businesses and artists.”

Additionally, these activations allow

numerous activations hitting the streets of Peacock Alley.

Otherwise, visiting Peacock Alley will have something for everyone, no

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Expect plenty of live music, delicious food, markets waiting to be explored, socials, immersive art experiences and even a small “Comic-Con in the Alley” on Saturday, May

event

about celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of the marginalized by acknowledging progressive steps forward through artistic expression. This is just one example of the

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CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT 13

MARCH 21, 2022 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Parade since 1969 continues for another joyous and green success SOPHIA ANNE MUÑOZ STAFF WRITER

This month, San Antonio hosted a threeday event on the historic River Walk. The Bud Light St. Patrick’s Day River Parade was on March 19, 2022 and prefaced with communal mini-events.

On March 17 the City of San Antonio commenced the celebration by dyeing the River Walk green with 25 gallons of ecofriendly green dye from 1 to 3 p.m. The significance of the bright green water was in preparation for its upcoming parade day. The party continued the next day on Friday, March 18 with the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, 1 to 8 p.m. on La Villita Way in La Villita and was free to the public. This festival included live music, booths for food and drinks and little shopping booths. The third annual Tater-Tot Eating Contest also took place and was open for the first 10 registered contestants that were 18 years or older. Starting at 3:30 p.m. on Villita Way, the winner was invited onto a riverboat for the parade.

St. Mary’s University students also love to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Here is what a few students have to say about their favorite parts of the celebration. One student reminisced on her elementary school days when all of her fellow classmates made sure to wear green.

“My favorite part of St. Patrick’s Day is how we all collectively agree on wearing green for the day,” Christina Gonzalez

senior psychology major mentioned. “And when someone doesn’t, we are inclined to give them a small pinch.”

Other students at St. Mary’s University rave about their favorite restaurant deals on St. Patrick’s Day. “I love the shamrock shake from McDonald’s” Gabriel Campos junior

psychology major adds. “…as well as the Lenny Leprechaun Donuts from Krispy Kreme!”

After students heard about the St. Patrick’s Day Festival and River Parade, which took place 15 minutes away from campus, students were ecstatic to join in on the all fun activities featured in this year’s

The St. Patrick’s Day Festival, featuring The Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas in 2019, began and ended with the dyeing of the San Antonio River. | Source from www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com

parade. For some students, this was their first time at the celebration.

Senior psychology major Marisol Moreno stated, “I [had] never attended the St. Patrick’s Day parade before, but I [was] excited to attend this year with friends!”

The final day of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration took place on Saturday, March 19. One highlight included the Lucky Dog Parade and costume contest. Registration took place at 1 p.m. and the parade began at 2 p.m. on La Villita Way. Dogs were welcome to dress in green St. Patrick’s attire and walk with their owners on a non-retractable leash.

The green river came to light on Saturday, March 19 during the St. Patrick’s Day River Parade. Organized by Visit San Antonio River Walk and the Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas, the parade has been around since 1969. The parade consisted of 12 riverboats decked out with shades of green, shamrocks and lucky charms that flowed down the river accompanied by traditional Irish bagpipers.

The river parade stretched down the River Walk from the Arneson River Theatre to the downtown portion.

Later, the St. Patrick’s Day Street Fest and afterparty continued at Howl at the Moon. The party was open to all ages, and entertained by ‘80s cover band, Lon Duk Don from 1 to 4 p.m., and ended with a silent disco with 30 DJs rotating on eight turntables from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. It was an eventful celebration, so be sure to check out the festival in 2023 if it was missed this year.

Editors’ Choice: “Fave”

“

Ariella has a large following that comes from her confidence in posting videos of her in swimsuits that highlights the fact that it does not matter what your body looks like. All bodies are beautiful and Ariella proves it to her audience, some of which are younger and gaining a great role model.

Body positivity is very important and Ariella shares that with great confidence.”

Makayla Amitrani, Opinion Editor

“

“

Zach’s account is flat out hilarious. I love watching videos of him and his husband, Carl. Their chemistry is so adorable that you can’t help but feel awe and a tad bit of jealousy. Plus, the fact that they’re a bit of eye candy doesn’t hurt either.

Their relationship is simply put: #goals.” Jacob A. Henson, Culture & Entertainment Editor

accounts

“

Maia has 7.7 million followers on TikTok where she posts videos with her identical twin baby girls, Scout and Violet. Her videos went viral when she would hold both babies with one hand while preparing their formula. Over time, many fans have nicknamed her babies funny names like Scotch and Vodka or Saturn and Venus. It’s always a guessing game to figure out which twin is which among fans.

Maia provides realistic content on what it is like to be a single mom raising twin girls.” Adrianna Mirabal, Multimedia Editor

@ariellanyssa

Noel is a gym/body building influencer that promotes not only healthy living but awesome gym tips for people trying to lose weight while also getting rid of the negativity that resides within the workout community. Noel even goes so far as to incorporate comedy and even new low cal high protein recipes for people new to the gym community.” Andres Gonzalez, Advertising Manager

“

@zachdopson

@maiaknight

My favorite creator on TikTok has to be Julian. He can take any scene from any movie and recreate it in such a unique way! Watching Julian act as every single character in movie scenes is so entertaining and ridiculously funny.” Julissa Mariscal, Layout & Design Editor

@noeldyzel_bodybuilder

@Julianburzynski

Graphic by Jacob A. Henson

14 SPORTS

EDITOR: MEGAN ANGELO | @STMURATTLERNEWS | MARCH 21, 2022

Women’s basketball recognizes their players at senior day MEGAN ANGELO SPORTS EDITOR

Although March Madness has just begun, the women’s basketball season has come to a close. On Feb. 24, the women’s basketball team celebrated Senior Day as the team played against St. Edward’s University. Hannah Wilson (#41), who plays forward, led the team, scoring 14 points, eight boards and two blocked shots. Wilson is a fifth year senior from Fredericksburg, Texas. Wilson ended the season making St. Mary’s history, ranking third with 317 rebounds.

Wilson has an astounding record, ranking in points scored, double-double scoring, rebounds and free throws made.

Wilson ends her collegiate basketball career having made 1,333 scored points, 137 blocked shots and 1,180 rebounds.

Wilson is a fifth-year senior from Fredericksburg, Texas. On March 2, Wilson was awarded First-Team, and for the second straight season, was given AllDefensive Team Lone Star Honors. Wilson averages a double-double, scoring 11.3 points and 15.4 rebounds per game, for the third straight season. Wilson has a hot streak of posting 45 double-doubles, in addition to 37 against Minnesota State, an all-time career high. On Thursday, March

10, Wilson was All-Region Second-Team honors by the Division II Conference Commissioners’ Association. Not only has she shown dedication on the court, but Wilson has also fiercely dominated her academics, making the Lone Star Spring Commissioner’s Honor Roll. Wilson was named a three-time All-Conference pick.

Senior Night takes place for all sports teams during their last game of the season.

Audrey Wandji was brought back to celebrate after her senior day was canceled last year due to COVID-19. Wandji (#34), a guard from Houston, Texas, graduated last spring. During her final season at St. Mary’s, Wandji scored 12 points and made three field goals against Oklahoma Christian on Feb. 27. Brianna Ford (#45), a junior guard from San Antonio, Texas was also recognized. Ford during her last season scored eight points against St. Martin’s on Nov. 23 and made four free throws against Minnesota State. Christina Baker (#24), forward player from Mansfield, Texas performed four rebounds and an assist against St. Edward’s. Baker is a senior.

Other highlights include her scoring 11 points at the Midwestern State game on Jan. 8 and five field goals against Texas A&MCommerce on Feb. 19. Mya Culiver (#10), a

fifth year senior guard from Rockwell, Texas scored eight points, made three rebounds and served two assists. Culiver has scored 14 points and made five field goals against Cameron on Jan. 31. Culiver has also earned a spot for her academic excellence on the Lone Star Spring Commissioner’s Honor Roll. Sydney Hardeman (#23), a junior guard from Allen, Texas scored two three-pointers totaling her at 72 points for this season, taking fourth in StMU single season history. Other highlights include Hardeman scoring 31 points on Feb. 3 against Texas A&M International, with 11 out of 18 field goal attempts made and six boards against Cameron on Jan. 31. Hardeman is another athlete who has shown academic integrity, making the Lone Star Spring Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

With the departure of the seniors, it is important to shine a light on the freshmen that will follow. Faith Phillips (#22), a freshman from San Marcos, Texas is a forward who scored 13 points coming off the bench and snagged seven boards at the St. Edward’s game on Feb. 24 as the Rattlers outscored the Hilltoppers 40-39. Phillips also made four out of eight field goals. In her high school career, Phillips tallied both 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. Other

accomplishments from this past season include 16 points scored and seven field goals made against Cameron on Jan. 31 and 13 boards against Western New Mexico on Jan. 29. Phillips graduated in the top 10% of her class at San Marcos High School and has earned All-District honors three times as well as All-District honors all four seasons.

Freshman Ariana Rosado (#14), a guard from Round Rock, Texas, slimly missed her first double-digit scoring contest with a career-high nine boards and a team-high three assists. Rosado earned All-District all four seasons and scored her 1,000th career point as a junior, hitting her 1,500 point milestone in her final campaign. In her senior season, she was named the Offensive MVP of the league. She graduated from Stony Point High School with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

With all of this in mind, the St. Mary’s Women’s Basketball team is in good hands.

There can be a lot of pressure on incoming athletes, but these women have put their bodies and minds to the test on and off of the court. The four seniors mentioned wrapped up the 2021-22 season leaving behind their legacy and passing on great skills to their teammates.

Graphics by Kasha Casiano and Adrianna Mirabal

Seniors featured (L to R) Culiver, Wilson, Baker and Hardeman. | Photo courtesy of Antonio Morano Photography

SPORTS 15

MARCH 21, 2022 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Esports levels up to join The*gameHERS collegiate league MEGAN ANGELO AND OZZY ALVARADO SPORTS EDITOR AND STAFF WRITER

The Rattlers Esports program took another step in the right direction after joining the *gameHERs collegiate program which was announced on Feb. 23. The *gameHERS program is a women-led collegiate community that provides the students with a plethora of opportunities to expand their knowledge in the gaming industry with career development, mentorship, internship and scholarship opportunities. Women in the esports world are often overlooked and go unrecognized for their accomplishments and efforts. The *gameHERS program offers a safe space for marginalized gamers who identify as women. “They want female gamers to be included and have a voice within the gaming community, and that is something that is long overdue,” says senior English major, Cailtin Hernandez.

The mission of the St. Mary’s Esports teams specifically is to continue to commit to building a space for women within esports. They have done a great job of doing this, as they are led by Director of Esports, Kaitlin Teniente. “She shared their mission with us, and it resonated with me as a female that plays video games,” says Hernandez.

Teniente has worked hard to ensure that

the Esports program at St. Mary’s creates an environment that women feel they can be a part of, and the numbers don’t lie. The total number of women is 18, coaching staff included, making the total percentage of women in the program 37.5% for the 2021-22 academic year.

St. Mary’s Esports is celebrating Women’s History month on their Instagram (@stmuesports) by putting a spotlight on some of their female athletes, from short interviews to highlighting their success in the program. Beginning in the Fall of 2020, St. Mary’s became the first university in San Antonio to establish a varsity-level esports team in San Antonio.

The esports program offers many areas to work i n

shoutcasters, observers, producers or social media coordinators. Esports offers great internship opportunities to undergraduate, graduate and even law students. Any enrolled student can participate as an athlete or a shoutcaster. Some games that are played include Fortnite, Halo Infinite, Starcraft II and Rainbow 6 Siege.

“The *gameHERS [program] will help me move forward in my college career by helping me maintain my connection with the esports program as well as stay involved,” says Hernandez, who is the Student Lead of Broadcast Operations for the program. Esports hosts tryouts at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.

Currently, there are no

Graphic by Kasha Casiano

other than just being an athlete.

Many students are

scholarships offered, but time spent in the

organization can count towards an internship or service hours.

The *gameHERS program has collegiate and standard Discord servers that women in gaming can join with their username or gamertag. Over 25 universities have joined this program. “It will keep our program a safe space for female gamers, and that’s what we want as a program. We want to be inclusive to all,” explains Hernandez.

“

“It will keep our program a safe space for female gamers, and that’s what we want as a program. We want to be inclusive to all.”

Caitlin Hernandez senior English major

Be on the lookout for an Esports open house towards the end of March that aims to connect more with students and encourage diversity and equity on campus. St. Mary’s has implemented better ways of representation and showcasing diversity and inclusion, without sacrificing their academic performance. For more information, contact the Director of Esports, Kaitlin Teniente at kteniente@ stmarytx.edu.

The benefits of signing up for intramural sports this spring MEGAN ANGELO SPORTS EDITOR

games with two halves. All basketball games take place in the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center. “Intramurals is a great place to meet other students you might not in your major,” says team captain of Lilo and Swish, graduate student Jake Gleinser.

Other benefits of intramural sports include relieving stress, finding a network and team building in a low commitment environment. “I think being a captain versus a player [kind of] changes commitment

With the return of in-person events and classes, the Athletics Department has opened registration for its spring intramural sports.

This semester offered indoor volleyball, 5 on 5 basketball, tennis, slow-pitch softball and spikeball. Each season lasts a month, making it quite accessible for students who typically have a busy schedule.

Team Captain of 5 on 5 men’s basketball team Here Comes Treble, Maxx Arizmendi, a senior music education major, is responsible for facilitating the team representing the music department. “Ever since I joined 5V5, I have been wanting to make a music department team; and it finally happened,” said Arizmendi. Here Comes Treble, the music department’s team, played fraternity Lambda Chi’s team, Showtyme, on Monday, March 7.

The teams played against one another in two games lasting 30 minutes each.

The first game ended 73-46 between Lambda Chi and the music department. Camaraderie could be seen on the court as the two teams played. Fellow musicians attended the game on Monday night and enjoyed watching their friends on the court.

“It’s great to support my peers in an athletic atmosphere. It has been a great way to promote team bonding in and outside of the classroom,” said Savannah Palmer, sophomore music education major.

Intramural sports offer an array of sports and an opportunity for team building through practices and games.

The teams are co-ed and basketball meets on Monday nights starting at 6:00 p.m. to play two 30-minute Angelo Oliva-Noeggerath

levels. As a captain, you’re usually a little more expected to show up. Besides that, it’s just sometimes a scramble to make sure enough people show up so the team doesn’t have to forfeit.

There’s a captain meeting before each season to help make schedules so that a majority of your team can make them, but that can of course be hard to manage with players on the team that all have different commitments,” explains Gleinser. For many

students, intramurals offer a physical outlet to practice sportsmanship and decompress.

Students have been encouraged to join by their fellow peers and have even recruited faculty. Dr. Matthew Mireles, who serves as the department chair of the Music Department, is the point guard for Here Comes Treble. “It’s been sixteen years since the music department had an intramural team to begin with, which was when Dr. Mireles was a student here,” says Arizmendi.

Students can sign up on IMLeagues.com to register for a league and RSVP for games.

“Watching my friends outside of a performance setting has inspired me to challenge my friends to create a softball league at school,” said Skylar Tiner, junior music education major.

This season, slow-pitch softball is offered and starts on March 28 for intramural sports, taking place at the Softball Stadium. This will be a co-ed league.

Other sports that are still open for registration are spikeball and co-ed tennis. Each league lasts for exactly one month, making it a relatively low-stakes commitment should students decide to participate. Students can learn more by contacting Carlos Salgado at 210from Here Comes Treble scoring against Thaddeus Davis from Showtyme. | Photo by Adrianna Mirabal 431-5046.

16 FEATURES

EDITOR: ADRIANNA MIRABAL | @STMURATTLERNEWS | MARCH 21, 2022

Meet the Marianists

A Q&A with the Marianist brothers at St. Mary’s University by Adrianna Mirabal

What is your favorite memory about being a Marianist at St. Mary’s?

“I don’t know if it’s my favorite or not, but when I graduated and got my diploma, it was blank! I had not turned in a library book, but I dropped it off on the weekend, so I had to go to the library and prove that I turned it in. The other thing was the long photo of our graduation class in 1960, one woman is in sitting in the front row and that was the only woman in our class.”

What is your favorite part of the charism?

“I think that what attracts most people to us is what we call ‘family spirit,’ that’s a characteristic of our communities, schools and the archives. We work together. It is very much like family.”

Why did you choose to be Marianists out of all the different orders?

“After college... I was at home living with my parents going through our diocesan newspaper and came across an ad for the Marianists.

[It] was a very nicely designed ad that had a provocative headline that said, ‘Try Selling It All’ and it had a Volkswagen and skis and said ‘you have these things, what do you think about selling these for the pearl of great price and Christian community.’ I thought it was cool... and from there I continued on.”

What do you wish students knew about the Marianists?

Did you know that you wanted to go into the priesthood?

“That we are here for them. We would like to offer to them the gift that we have been given. The other thing is, I would like to get to know the students better, but we’re not all attached to the university. I try to say hi to everyone who’s not listening to their headphones, some are shy, but I don’t want to interfere with what they might be doing. I guess I would hope that the students feel at home enough and get to know the Marianists.”

“The Marianists are a little different in many ways... you join to be a member of the community, then after that, the community in dialogue with the individual says whether or not the person should go be ordained.

That was one of my apprehensions about joining the Marianists, because I really felt called to be a priest. I knew how I felt with the Marianists.

Then I kind of came to the conclusion that I feel like I’m called to be a priest.”

Photos by Adrianna Mirabal