Vol 110 Issue No. 04 - 11/18/2021

Vol 110 | Issue 4 | Nov. 18, 2021 | San Antonio, Texas

St. Mary’s community gathers to celebrate Dia de los Muertos VICTORIA OLGUIN NEWS EDITOR

On the first day of November, many across the nation gather with their families and friends to remember their loved ones who have passed away and now live in the afterlife. By remembering their loved ones, families hope to keep the spirit of the dead alive. This day, known as Día de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday that brings unity, hope and joy to the community. It is for this reason that students at St. Mary’s gathered to celebrate the holiday on the first week of November with a campus-wide Día de los Muertos Celebration. Though it was a cold night, the weather did not stop students from gathering to celebrate the holiday.

Student musicians performed, many painted their faces to resemble a skull, altars with pictures of loved ones who passed away were set up and organizations sold festive foods and little tokens. The smell of sweets like pan de muerto, pan dulce, hot chocolate and aguas frescas filled the air. A long line formed at the local taco truck that stopped by and the university campus was filled with spirit as the lively community celebrated the holiday. This event provided a way for students to not only raise funds for their organizations, but also a way to learn more about the holiday and creatively relate the mission of their organizations to the celebration.

“The biggest way my org an i z at i on [was] able to combine

our mission with the celebration was by learning more about what Día de los Muertos truly stands for, and then figuring out how we could best represent what the festival stands for through what we were selling. My organization sold flower crowns, sombreros, sugar skull ornaments and Día de los Muertos masks to raise money for our chapter,” said Ratna Ramaraju, senior biology major and president of Alpha Phi Omega.

To fit the theme of the event, students utilized their crafting skills to create products that are traditionally used during Día de los Muertos. They then presented these products at the event, which helped raise funds for their organization. The products organizations worked hard to create helped contribute to the festive spirit around campus. For musicians, music was what they contributed to the event.

“We opened the show, playing ‘Las Mañanitas’ [and] ‘Amor Eterno’ with Sophia Muñoz singing the vocals and ‘El Rey’ with me

singing the vocals,” freshman political science major and vice president of the university mariachi band, Matthew Tobar said. “I sang ‘El Rey’ for years with my high school mariachi and it was really fun for me to bring this piece I know and love with me to St. Mary’s.”

These classic Mexican songs brought cheers from the crowd as the mariachi performed live for the first time ever. The mariachi band had just formed earlier in the semester when a group of students took the initiative to get it started. This brought out the excitement in the crowd as they finally got to hear t h e

band perform. However, they were not the only group that performed for the first time.

After the mariachi’s performance, many of the university’s music groups performed live for the first time in almost two years, including the jazz orchestra, jazz combo, percussion ensemble and wind ensemble.

Since the music department had not performed live due to the pandemic, they now gave everything they had to provide a great performance. The zestful music kept the crowd entertained and made the event one to remember. The event was truly a successful one and it would not have been possible if it were not for the planning of the Student Band Committee and Department of Music who brought the many student organizations and the department together to make the event come to life.

“Helping to coordinate the Día de los Muertos Celebration was an amazing experience as a student leader. I loved watching our vision become a reality. The community c o m i n g together again and being able to perform for a live audience was the most memorable part of the n i g h t ,” j u n i o r education major and president of the Student Band Committee, Skylar Tiner said.

Photo courtesy of @stmarysu

Graphics by Demi Bestor

CONTINUED ON PG. 2

OPINION

SPANISH

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

PG. 6

PG.11

PG.12

PG.15

Latinx students find a home away from home

Festivities to light up the holiday season

Men’s soccer kicks off tournament at home

Students’ mental health matters

SPORTS

2 NEWS

EDITOR: VICTORIA OLGUIN | @STMURATTLERNEWS | NOV. 18, 2021 FROM “ORGANIZATIONS”

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Members of the Student Band Committee also had the opportunity to perform, allowing them to contribute both their leadership and musical skills to the event.

“Getting to play for a live audience was a great experience. I had forgotten how it felt since we hadn’t performed [for] the public for almost [two] years. Performing is one of my favorite things because I get to share my love of music with my community. The Día de los Muertos Celebration felt like a big goal we finally were able to achieve: providing the St. Mary’s community with excellent music,” junior music education major and vice president of the Student Band Committee Jared Barry said.

The music department and every organization contributed something special

VICTORIA OLGUIN NEWS EDITOR

The opioid crisis is one that has been pharmaceutical companies claimed opioid pain relievers were not addictive. This then resulted in many unnecessary prescriptions

www.stmurattlernews.com

and the misuse of the drugs to take place.

Though the misuse of opioids has been going on for a while, the COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase in opioid use due to the pandemic bringing stress, anxiety and isolation for many. This resulted in substance abuse disorders and more than

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major said, “As a sophomore, I didn’t have much [of] a freshman year because of the pandemic and adapting took a while. But it really made me feel welcomed on the campus to see such harmony between the community and the event itself.”

As the event came to a close, students began to make their way back home.

Although the event was over, the spirit of family remained within the community.

By celebrating Día de los Muertos, a celebration that emphasizes the importance of family and being together, many organizations were able to successfully raise funds for the events and strengthen the communities bond. They now hope to contribute to future university events and unite the community further. As the St. Mary’s community continues to return to normal, there will certainly be many more opportunities for students to come together at great events like this.

Narcan certification gives Rattlers the power to save lives

going on since the late 1990s when

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to the event and it was evident that the event successfully brought the community closer. This was truly an event that brought together the community and organizations of every kind were represented.

“My favorite thing was honestly just seeing the whole community come together and [enjoy] such a special event. I saw so many friends I hadn’t seen since freshman year…and even a few alumni! It made me so happy that they came out to celebrate Día de los Muertos,” Ramaraju said.

For some students, the event was the first time they truly felt connected to the university community.

“It was really a magnificent thing to see.

Everyone was so happy, there was beautiful music, food, St. Mary’s organizations interacting with each other and for one of the first times ever at St. Mary’s University, I felt like a college student,” Ethan Stein, sophomore finance and risk management

40 states reported an increase in opioidrelated deaths in 2020. The use of opioids is extremely harmful, often leading to organ damage, insomnia, heart attacks, tooth decay, respiratory depression or failure and sudden death.

Since this issue has become very prominent in the U.S., students at St. Mary’s University have taken the initiative to become trained in using Narcan, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses caused by opioids like heroin, morphine and oxycodone.

Two registered student organizations at St. Mary’s University, the Pre-Medical Society and The Biological Honor Society (Beta Beta Beta) collaborated with UT Health San Antonio to host an event where students could have the opportunity to be trained in using Narcan in hopes of helping those that suffer overdoses in their community. The event took place just on Nov. 8 and students

gathered in the Moody Life Science Center to receive their certification.

“I think Narcan training is so important because it is [a step] in battling the opioid crisis. Getting students involved and helping them get certified in Narcan not only trains them for an emergency [situation] but also educates students on the systematic emergence of the

Students at the Narcan event. | Photo by Adrianna Mirabal

opioid crisis and gives them a way to fix the problem as a community,” freshman biology major and member of the Pre-Medical Society, Nicole Romero said. Learning more about opioids and their dangerous effects inspired students to want to help their communities with medications like Narcan.

For some, however, the opioid crisis was quite a surprise.

been able to gain from registered student organizations like the Pre-Medical Society and Beta Beta Beta. It is the opportunities and skills gained from these organizations that have allowed students to prepare to make a positive impact on their communities.

Additionally, students have felt prepared to enter the health world and have been inspired to seek health professions.

“I think what impacted me the most

“I have developed the skills of service

from the Narcan certification was that I

and the passion for constant learning, as

was not aware of this problem and how it is

well as gained networking skills. I now

affecting the community. I did not think it

feel more passionate about the medical

was as common as it really is,” said Marian

field

Hernandez Fernandez, freshman biology

Fernandez said. Students like Hernandez

major and both Pre-Medical Society and

Fernandez now look forward to learning

Beta Beta Beta member. By learning more about their community and the issues that it faces, students have been moved to help end the opioid crisis. This, however, starts with being educated about the crisis and becoming certified to take action.

By becoming certified in using Narcan, students at St. Mary’s have the power to save a life that is jeopardized by an overdose.

“I

think

community

it as

can the

help

the

certification

brings awareness of an issue that is prominent in our community and

MISSIONS

provides the tools necessary to have

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.

an appropriate response if we come across someone who is having an

ever

before,”

Hernandez

more about the health of their communities and finding ways to use their knowledge to keep others safe. With the opportunities offered by organizations found at St. Mary’s University, this will be possible.

Though Narcan does help with some opioid overdoses, it does not always work on some non-opioid sedatives or stimulants. It is important to avoid these harmful drugs and prevent misusage. To receive more information or assistance with substance abuse, contact the St. Mary’s Student Health Center at (210) 436-3506, the Student Counseling Center at (210) 4363135, the Employee Assistance Program

Fernandez

and Human Resources Office at (210)

Narcan certified

436-3725, University Police Department

has made many students realize

at (210) 436-3330 or Campus Ministry

the opportunities that they have

at (210) 436-3213.

overdose,”

Hernandez

said. Becoming Diana Cavazos, Ph.D. teaches | Photo by Adrianna Mirabal

than

NEWS 3

NOV. 18, 2021 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

St. Mary’s students become next rising stars with stellar band performances VICTORIA OLGUIN NEWS EDITOR

school music we’re inspired by today,” senior music education major Nando Muñoz said.

“I have my parents to thank as they inspired my love for music by listening to artists like Chicago, Earth, Wind and Fire, Tower of Power and many more,” senior music education major Isaac Muñoz added.

The siblings’ exposure to music at a young age inspired them to explore their musical talents. For Nando Muñoz, performing

those experiences and I’m excited to work with the department for the festival this year!” Nando Muñoz said.

The passion for music the three siblings shared influenced them to start a band in which they could freely and consistently express their love of music. Now, the band, known as the Muñoz Brothers Band, has performed on the St. Mary’s University campus. On Nov. 4, the band performed live during the university’s

Performing at St. Mary’s was an amazing experience. Any time I’m able to perform

San Antonio is a popular tourist with my best friends, all while performing destination for many reasons. However, at the school I go to, is amazing,” Isaac a common favorite that shapes the San Muñoz said. The band is excited to Antonian spirit and excites the community is the live music, which can be found all continue to perform on campus and is across the city. Lovers of live music can be currently planning more performances found at places like Sam’s Burger Joint and many other music venues around town. at St. Mary’s and across San Antonio in This love for music can also be found the future. at St. Mary’s University, where students “We actually have a performance have expressed their passion through multiple campus performances. Bobby coming up just after the end of Pullido, a San Antonio native musician the semester at Deco Pizzeria on and graduate from St. Mary’s University has already received multiple awards, Fredericksburg Rd. We will be including Album of the Year and Male there on Dec. 3 starting at 7:00 p.m.

Vocalist at the 1997 Tejano Music The restaurant is actually just a few awards. Now, a group of three siblings, all students at St. Mary’s, are paving minutes away from campus and has their way to becoming musical stars. delicious pizza and wings!” Sophia Their musical journey started at a Muñoz said. very young age.

“My love for music most definitely From just a childhood passion, began in the backseat of my parent’s to now a band of siblings, the car as a young girl. Listening to the soulful and upbeat sound of the music future for the Muñoz Brothers not only brought passion to my life for Band seems bright and the St. music, but connected us, as a family, Mary’s community is excited to see and made an unbreakable bond,” senior psychology major Sophia Muñoz said. where they go on their journey to Listening to music inspired Sophia Nando Muñoz plays tenor saxaphone with his band at a live concert. | Photo courtesy of the Texas Public Radio becoming musical stars.

Muñoz to take action and learn more about her passion. “As a young girl, I in events like the Fiesta Jazz festival Día de los Muertos celebration. As the To learn more about any upcoming joined the church choir where I learned enhanced his musical skills and opened band performed, students gathered Muñoz Brothers Band shows at St. and cheered. The performance brought to sing and play guitar,” Sophia Muñoz him up to new working opportunities.

“In seventh grade, I performed with the excitement to the event, making the show a Mary’s University or across San Antonio, continued. For Nando and Isaac Muñoz, their passion for music began in a Connell Middle School jazz band at Fiesta grand success. contact the Muñoz Brothers Band at Jazz Festival. It was a great experience and “I want to say thank you to Dr. similar way. or @ “My parents were always playing music I performed at the festival all throughout Mireles, as our performance wouldn’t be losmunozbrothers@gmail.com in the house, introducing us to the old middle and high school. I’m grateful for possible without the help [of] Dr. Mireles. munozbrothersband.

University orchestra performs live for the first time in two years on campus VICTORIA OLGUIN NEWS EDITOR

Through the joyful moments, troubling times and moments of isolation, music has been known to regularly bring people together on all sorts of occasions. However, for music students, concerts and practices took a turn during the pandemic. Student musicians no longer practiced together in auditoriums or held concerts with large crowds. They no longer heard the sound of another live instrument beside them or tuned alongside other musicians. The time during the pandemic definitely led to a sudden change in the music world and students anxiously waited for the return of normal times when music could bring them all together again.

On Nov. 2, the St. Mary’s String

silence lingered in the air. As soon as the

The hours of practice time were worth it

baton moved, the instruments followed

as it resulted in an impressive performance.

along, filling the entire room with sound.

The crowd seemed to enjoy the show, and

The audience watched in awe, remaining

students felt like the times pre-pandemic

silent until after the show was done. As

when music brought people together, were

soon as the orchestra director lowered her

finally returning.

baton, the crowd began to cheer. Student

“I liked the energy that was in the

musicians then stood up and bowed with

room. The Recital Hall is a small, intimate

Logo courtesy of St. Mary’s Department of Music

huge grins on their faces. The moment

space and it brings everyone together,”

Now,

they had prepared for had finally arrived.

freshman

ways that they can continue to use music to

“Due to the pandemic, I hadn’t

political

science

major,

Matthew Tobar said.

performed for quite a while, so I was

Students like Tobar felt the bond that

looking forward to my first performance

was shared between the musicians and the

at St. Mary’s. This first performance will

crowd throughout the concert. For some,

be something I will treasure,” freshman

the bond was the best part of the show.

biology major Kathya Almanza said after the performance. was

favorite

moment

from

the

orchestra concert was seeing the audience

For many students, this orchestra concert

“My

a

highly

student

musicians

search

for

unite people together.

“I look forward to playing new music and hopefully collaborating with either the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Guitar Ensemble or Mariachi Cascabel,” Tobar said.

from the stage. It was almost a full house

Now that students have finally been able

anticipated,

and hearing the claps after each song from

Orchestra held its first in-person concert

to host in-person events, student musicians

meaningful one. It is for this reason that

the supportive audience was a favorite

of the 2021 fall semester. For the first

students began to prepare for the concert

moment of mine,” Almanza said.

have been preparing for more concerts that

time in a while, students unpacked their

months before it occurred, hoping to

instruments and rosined their bows,

perform the best that they could at their

how

preparing for a grand performance. The

first concert of the fall semester.

musicians together.

Additionally, Almanza acknowledged music

also

brought

the

member

was

will occur in the future. Currently, students are preparing for the holidays and hope to unite the St. Mary’s community through festive music. For more information

auditorium slowly filled up as the crowd

“I started preparing when the music was

took their seats, awaiting the start of the

first handed to me, which was in August. I

supportive of one another. We were

on future events featuring the string

show. The orchestra director then raised

would practice in my dorm room for about

all so happy that we played together

orchestra, contact Diana Johnson, D.M.A.

her baton where a quick moment of

2 hours,” Almanza said.

as an orchestra,” Almanza continued.

at djohnson33@stmarytx.edu.

“Each

orchestra

6 OPINION

EDITOR: SEANA BARCLAY | @STMURATTLERNEWS | NOV. 18, 2021

International students seek improved resources for post-graduate success ELIZABETH PEREZ COPY EDITOR

Many students are already anxious as they prepare for graduation and make plans to enter the workforce, but international students not only face the typical nerves that come with graduation. Should these students choose to stay and work in the United States they also deal with the obstacles of sorting out the proper paperwork, getting visas approved to stay in the country and then finding a job that will support the cost of their worker’s visa.

International students must have a student visa to attend college in the United States, yet after graduation, there is an entirely different set of visas that graduates must be approved for to work in the U.S. such as the Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa or the H-1B program. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the OPT is “temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study” and the H-1B program allows companies in the United States to temporarily employ foreign workers in a highly specialized field related to the application of their studies in a bachelor’s degree program or higher.

These visas are often difficult to obtain in the first place and are costly to maintain especially since they require approval from employers. As the semester comes to an end for fall graduates and the start of the spring semester approaches, many senior international students need to start preparing to face this obstacle and one group of students is working to address this issue.

The Senior Capstone in Communication Studies class, taught by Katherine Hampsten, Ph.D., has started a community project to help international students with this process by advocating for more accessible resources and raising awareness for the resources that are

already available for international students.

Rachel Huron, senior communication studies major is a part of this class project and spoke on what the group hopes to achieve.

“This is our effort as a class to educate people on the issues that international students face post-graduation,” Huron said, “As a group of senior students getting ready to graduate, we are all getting ready to face so many hardships post-undergraduate studies, but international students have more problems tacked onto the generic issues we all face.

We don’t leave any [one] behind.” Huron acknowledged the work that the university has done to help international students but expressed that there is still work to be done to help these students.

The class project is working to raise awareness for helpful resources on campus as well, resources students like Alex Santibanez, international student and international business major, have made use of. “One of the best resources that St. Mary’s provides is the I-20 visa that the students get when they come from other countries and the support we [recieve] to get such visas,” Santibanez said.

However, upon graduation, international students face an array of other obstacles.

“The obstacles that international students face while looking for jobs here in the U.S. is [obtaining] the visa to be able to work here and make money,” said Santibanez. “For some people, it is really hard to get these visas. Some companies are easy with giving away the permits but some others [would] just rather hire American citizens.”

Another international student, senior accounting major Enrique Segovia, further detailed the obstacles facing international students and the options they have postgraduation. Segovia was able to find a job working on campus during his time as a student and luckily, he did not face a lot of the same difficulties as others while obtaining his student visa. However, as a senior,

looking for work post-graduation was a different story.

“Finding an internship and a job for after graduation was [terrible]; I applied to almost 50 or 60 positions and only got one,” said Segovia, “My dad taught me that out of 99 doors you knock on, only one will let you in. I finally got to see what he meant. Many times you read through an application and the very last statement reads ‘This position is not available for applicants who will require sponsorship in the future’, killing hopes and dreams with many prestigious firms.”

This is a unique struggle that international students face and is an obstacle each of them must overcome if they choose to seek employment in the United States post-graduation. Many companies are not willing to cover the cost of sponsoring an international employee’s visa and the positions at companies that do are very competitive. Despite all of these obstacles, Segovia argues that the hassle is worth it because of the opportunities available in the U.S., “Simply, opportunities are not the same [back home] and since we were children, our parents and [teachers] try to influence us to think we need to study abroad to have better opportunities and that is what they [prepared] us for at the school I went to.”

To assist international students, the university offers resources through offices like the Center for International Programs which assists students through programs such as the Intensive English Program (IEP) and transportation assistance. Yet, many students still feel that more should be done for St. Mary’s international students post-graduation.

“I do not believe there are enough resources at [St. Mary’s] to help international students find a job after graduation,” said Segovia, “I have not met any international student that has gotten a job that they did not look for themselves or with [the] help of a professor.”

Santibanez also mentioned the help he has received from professors, saying, “There are a lot of resources from the international business professors for international students. Every week we get options to look at for jobs and internships all over the country and even overseas.”

It’s wonderful to hear that many professors are willing to help international students, yet, the university as a whole should also provide more accessible and helpful resources for international students post-graduation; the responsibility should not fall to professors alone.

The Capstone Communication Studies group hopes to advocate for international students at St. Mary’s through conducting a survey to measure student opinion and has plans to host an informational event in the University Center atrium on Nov. 30.

The group’s objective is to be a voice for the international students at St. Mary’s and let student opinion direct the project so they can raise awareness for this issue. The group is encouraging all international students to take a short survey to share their opinions, needs and hopes for international student resources at St. Mary’s. Students can scan the QR code below to share their thoughts.

Student mental health should not be disregarded as finals quickly approach MAKAYLA AMITRANI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

According to the World Health Organization, mental health is described as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” In a study conducted by Mental Help in 2016, 31% of students surveyed said that final exams were the biggest source of their stress. In a different survey conducted by the American College Health Association in 2016, more than 34% of students said that stress had negatively impacted their academic performance. Although final exams may be stressful, students’ mental health should not be put on the back burner.

Growing up, many students were told that education comes first, but how can someone be expected to focus on education when they may not even want to go to class? Poor mental health often has a stigma around it, making it seem unsightly. Similarly, people often think that someone can simply choose to not be depressed or choose to not worry or stress about things. This stigma may also prevent people from reaching out for help, fearing they will be viewed as “broken.”

Now, especially in college, the fast-paced

classes with long papers and short deadlines are concerned about my mental health. are bound to create some amount of stress.

One of my professors, she almost always Stress comes in all different kinds of asks me after class how I’m doing and or forms, some may be slightly irritated and if I’m understanding the material. While others may completely shut d o w n , the others are more concerned about their but that’s irrelevant, stress lecture and graded is stress. With final a s s i g n m e n t s .” exams approaching, How are students some students can’t expected to be help but worry concerned about the about their effect final m e n t a l e x a m s health when will have lately, it seems on their to come last? cumulative There are other GPA. Some factors that come into students have play concerning final scholarships, exams. For example, some which require at students like freshman least a 3.0 GPA for most business management of them. Meaning that if a major Alius Bordallo Graphic by Demi Bestor student does poorly on one, balance school and work. test they could potentially lose “I think that throughout the their scholarship. Without their scholarship, semester we’ve all stressed about getting some students might not be able to our stuff together and maintaining it,” said pay for college.

Bordallo, “Most college students work as Even some professors seemingly put aside well, so we’re balancing both full-time students’ mental health to promote success school and part-time work.” in their classes. Freshman forensic science Bordallo also points out the difficulty of major Hannah Bermea agrees, “With finals balancing all of our work in a short amount coming up, I feel only a few of my professors of time, especially before finals, “We take

a midterm in between all [of] the tests, reviews and homework and basically get three weeks to recover from that before we have to take the final.”

Another student acknowledges the timeline of due dates and how they all fall the day students return from Thanksgiving break, “Even though we get Thanksgiving ‘break’ we don’t get to relax during that time,” said freshman biology major Jalyn De La Fuente.

Many students agreed that their mental health has been placed on the back burner to concentrate on their upcoming final exams. This should not be the case and it is something that should be addressed.

There are a plethora of resources available on campus for students struggling with mental health throughout the year and during final exam season. The Student Counseling Center is hosting group therapy sessions regarding grief, anxiety and pandemic adjustment virtually on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. Contact the Student Counseling Center at (210) 4363135 for more information or to schedule an individual appointment with a counselor. For help studying for finals, contact the Rattler Success Center to make an appointment at (210) 436-3736 or through Rattler Navigate.

OPINION 7

NOV. 18, 2021 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Students believe testing is a subjective measurement of class performance CAMILA JUSTUS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

taking tests than doing the actual schoolwork.”

The first thing that comes to many people’s minds when they hear the word “test” is anxiety. One reason why tests sound stressful could be because of how competitively GPA is treated and how most tests are heavily weighted towards overall class grades. Tests tend to be a larger portion of students’ overall grade, but if the goal is to genuinely measure knowledge attained then there is no real reason for tests to be worth a higher percentage of a student’s final grade.

Similarly, if students are left in the dark about what information the test will cover, they may end up studying the wrong content.

Another example is freshman undecided major Mazeray Bayha who said, “Even when

The fact that the effectiveness of standardized tests as a means of measuring a students’ knowledge in a course is still questioned is ludicrous. The question of whether or not standardized tests measure understanding in courses has been posed for years and their efficacy has been disproven time and time again. Regardless of what standardized test supporters might say, if a test is given fairly without it being open note, the scores will always be dispersed.

Ultimately, there are too many factors to consider when trying to measure whether tests are fulfilling their end goal - which is evaluating students’ understanding of course material.

Firstly, a major thing to consider is the state of people’s mental health at that moment.

Sometimes students are struggling with various other things outside of schoolwork and that can end up affecting their performance during exams.

For some students, testing anxiety is also another concern which can affect test scores.

For others, standardized tests are simply harder to handle in comparison to other assignments like homework and regular classwork.

Freshman accounting major Nicolas Palacios Graphic by Adrianna Mirabal agreed, “I’m worse at

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Demi Bestor Managing Editor Larry Rodriguez-Shea Copy Editor Elizabeth Perez Layout and Design Sara Regassa Advertising Manager Megan Angelo Multimedia Editor Adrianna Mirabal Web Editor Briana Bailey News Editor Victoria Olguin Spanish Editor Maria Jose Valiente Opinion Editor Seana Barclay Culture and Entertainment Editor Jacob A. Henson Sports Editor Didier Cadena 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.

studying, I do not always get a good grade.

There are times where I go into a test being completely confident because I studied and still make below an 80 or even fail.”

“

I’m worse at taking tests than doing the actual schoolwork.”

Nicolas Palacios freshman accounting major

“I have also noticed that sometimes I seem to have a harder time than some of my peers, regardless of how much I study,” Bayha said. This proves that sometimes it just depends on the person and testing may not be accurately gauge how much they learned. Even with this factor of uncertainty, comprehension and studying also play a part. Sometimes, a student who barely reviews class notes on the day before the test will score higher than someone with a deeper understanding of the course who is not a good test-taker.

Another reason why tests are not always a sufficient way to measure a student’s knowledge of a course is that it can lead to cramming. Many students cram before an exam by staying up all night before the test to study the material.

This method

of studying is not effective because the material is not embedded in the student’s mind, instead most of the information is subconsciously disposed right after taking the exam. Similarly, students might not try studying the information further as they likely will focus on information for an upcoming test instead.

Freshman accounting major JD Regalado can attest to this, he said, “I usually cram a couple [of] days before the exam and right after I take it, I forget everything I had learned for it.”

Additionally, some students may be tempted to practice academic dishonesty and may go out of their way to cheat on exams. This was an issue when classes went virtual and it’s widely speculated that some students did not learn much during virtual classes due to this.

Despite this, virtual classes are something that students should get used to. Some professors find virtual teaching to be more convenient; therefore, virtual learning is likely to be ongoing and this leaves room for possible cheating on assignments and exams. With academic dishonesty, nothing is measured accurately and this just leaves professors with false results and students with skewed GPAs. Students shouldn’t have to cram before a test because they should be learning the material throughout the course. If the end goal of tests is to assess student learning, the only reasonable resolution for this goal to be met without causing issues is to either not weigh standardized test as heavily or to not take a grade on them at all.

Grades should be easily accessible throughout semester SEANA BARCLAY OPINION EDITOR

Arguably the most important aspect of a student’s college career is grades. Grades set the standard for how one’s college experience will go, so it comes as no surprise that every student seems concerned with the letters that represent their academic performance.

Despite this, some professors keep students’ grades hidden throughout the semester, only revealing them come time for midterm grades and final grades. This particular way of grading often leaves students unsure or anxious surrounding their performance in those classes.

While not the most common style of grading here at St. Mary’s, a number of classes do follow this system, especially classes like those offered in the music department which focus primarily on performance or other writing-intensive courses.

These classes often focus heavily on students’ performance on major assignments rather than constant testtaking or homework-based evaluation.

Despite this, however, this grading style can oftentimes leave students anxious about their performance in said classes. Without knowing their grades, students are left questioning where they can improve within the class. This is especially important for classes which center themselves around student improvement as the semester progresses.

“I feel really nervous about my classes not being graded on Canvas, because I don’t know how I’m doing,”

junior music education major Daija Vanegas explained.

“I personally dislike classes where professors do not post grades on Canvas,” said junior political science major Polina Protozanova. “I feel completely in the dark for the majority of the semester there is much less transparency about the expectations from me as a student.”

It’s unfair to grade students this way. For students, it’s important to understand what their grades are at any given moment so that they can focus on improving or understand if they can take a break if they’re performing at a high enough level. This style of grading also keeps hidden which assignments get weighted more heavily than others and if students don’t know how heavily weighted an assignment is, it can deeply affect how they perceive their imagined grade to be.

“In all honesty, having some way to keep myself accountable and up to date is definitely beneficial to my way of functioning,” senior double major Isac Perez said. “Having my grades posted essentially helps me buckle down and prioritize where I need to pick up the slack and do better.”

“I do have a class where grades are only posted midterm and it’s based on our midterm score which is nice because it eliminates that added stress of getting A’s on every assignment,” continued Perez.

“But it has its downfall if you don’t score really well on this one test and have to wait for the final.”

For many students, having their grades posted consistently throughout the semester is the primary way they hold themselves

accountable academically. Similarly, not posting students’ grades cuts a fundamental path of communication between students and their professors.

“Communication is key and not posting the grades is preventing it between the students and the professor,” said Protozanova.

Hiding students’ grades can also hurt students’ overall academic performance and therefore lead to potentially significant issues with financial aid, GPA and other key components of their college careers.

In some cases, students not knowing their grades can lead to them failing and having to retake courses and, therefore, pay even more money for an already expensive education, especially here at a private institution.

“I believe it is crucial to know how you are doing in your classes,” said Vanegas.

“Knowing if you’re doing well or not will prevent you from having to retake and repay for the course.”

“Students should always be aware of their grade status in class - no exception.

Canvas is not a difficult app to use so there is absolutely no downside to posting grades there,” Protozanova said.

Ultimately, students deserve to be aware of their performance in the classes they are paying a lot of money for. A degree here at St. Mary’s can be quite pricey and it’s not fair that students don’t get the full picture in every class they take. Given the existence of systems like Canvas, it’s relatively easy for professors to post students’ grades as they become available throughout the semester.

EVERYTHING YOU NE SEASONAL D It is a type of mood disorder Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), commonly known as seasonal depression, is a mood disorder initiated by a change in seasons.

Unlike major depressive disorder, SAD happens around the same time every year, most commonly during late fall through winter.

Sunlight deficiency is the most common cause SAD is commonly caused by the reduction of serotonin, a brain chemical responsible for mood regulation, as a result of reduced sunlight. A change in seasons also affects an individual’s levels of melatonin, which is a chemical that plays a role in sleep and mood regulation. Generally, being away from sunlight affects the body’s biological clock, causes a shift in mood, sleep and hormone secretion leading to seasonal depression.

SAD is not age- or sex-specific Although most research has historically shown SAD is more prevalent in young women, recent studies show that SAD affects both men and women of all ages equally.

However, because of the reduction in sunlight during winter, people living far north or south of the equator are more prone to seasonal depression. People with other mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder and a family history of other mental health conditions, are also likely to be affected by SAD. For more information visit clevelandclinic.com Graphics courtesy of vecteezy.com Editor: Sara G. Regassa

EED TO KNOW ABOUT DEPRESSION There are ways to spot SAD The most common indications of seasonal depression include: • Low energy • Oversleeping • Appetite for carbohydrates • Weight gain • Difficulty concentrating • Feelings of hopelessness and anxiety • Loss of interest in habitual activities • Suicidal thoughts

There are different treatment options available Although there are several professional methods to treat seasonal depression, there are also many alternatives to try at home. As SAD is caused by sunlight deficiency, small activities such as spending more time outdoors and letting sunlight enter a room play a huge role in treating SAD. Taking vitamin D supplements and maintaining social activities are also other ways to treat SAD.

There are ways to prevent SAD from coming back Once diagnosed with SAD, several steps can be taken to prevent another episode from occurring in the future. As winter approaches, a SAD episode can be prevented by: • Spending time outside every day • Having a balanced diet regardless of carbohydrate cravings • Exercising for at least 30 minutes, three times a week • Spending time with family and friends • Taking antidepressant medications upon the recommendation of a healthcare professional

10 SPANISH

EDITOR: MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE | @STMURATTLERNEWS | NOV. 18, 2021

Distintas opiniones de los estudiantes sobre el gran Día de Acción de Gracias JOSE GUTIERREZ / MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE

Durante el día de acción de gracias millones de estadounidenses y, actualmente, personas de otras nacionalidades influenciadas por la cultura americana, se reunieron para celebrar “Thanksgiving Day.” Esta es una fiesta nacional que se celebra año tras año principalmente en los Estados Unidos, pero ¿cómo surge?, ¿cuál es la historia de esta celebración tan importante para los americanos?

Para poder comprender a grandes rasgos la historia de esta festividad nos remontaremos al año 1620. Con la llegada de los muchos peregrinos llamados “puritanos separatistas” que viajaron en el navío Mayflower proveniente de Holanda y desembarcaron en Cape Cod Massachusetts, éstos habían renunciado a la Iglesia Anglicana y se fueron primero de Inglaterra a Holanda, ya que ahí sí había tolerancia religiosa. No obstante, ya en Holanda descubrieron que era muy difícil ganarse la vida y mantener a sus familias, es así como se embarcaron al Continente Americano, específicamente a las Trece Colonias.

Durante el primer cruel invierno en que los peregrinos, ya colonos, pasaron en Norteamérica, murieron muchos de los que originalmente habían llegado, dado que la comida era muy escasa y pasaban hambre.

Cuenta la historia, que se presentó un comerciante inesperado y les sugirió intercambiar pieles de castores por granos y de esta forma, este personaje evitó que murieran más personas a causa del hambre.

Al año siguiente, en 1621 a principios de octubre, los peregrinos realizaron su primer cosecha y con ella una gran cena. Edward Winslow, uno de los colonos registró que “comían algún tipo de ave pato o ganso e incluían vegetales como nabos y zanahorias que en gran parte habían sido provistas por la tribu indígena de los Wampanoag.” Me gustaría pensar que en la primera celebración no comieron en una mesa o con cubiertos como lo hacemos hoy en día, imagino que era algo al aire libre y más sencillo.

Meses después el gobernador William Bradford, decreto que el 13 de diciembre se reservará como “un día de fiesta y oración en agradecimiento de los colonos-peregrinos que continuaron con vida.” Estos peregrinos agradecieron a dios por el alimento una tierra para establecerse y, sobretodo, libertad para practicar su fe.

Más adelante, en 1863, Abraham Lincoln dejó libre el último jueves de noviembre como un día para agradecer a dios, y posteriormente, en 1941 el congreso dictaminaría que el cuarto jueves de noviembre debe celebrarse como “día de acción de gracias” y desde ese momento se convirtió en feriado oficial.

En pleno siglo XXI se sigue considerando en la Unión Americana un gran día. Cabe resaltar que se suspenden las clases y muchos alumnos viajan a sus casas o de paseo a otros estados. Ahora está festividad, que aún guarda su esencia de compartir y agradecer, permite diferentes experiencias en cada persona.

El alumno de St. Mary’s Chicago Shuller, dijo al respecto, “Al crecer en el Valle de Río Grande, nuestras familias se mezclaron con las tradiciones alemanas, texanas y mexicanas. Algunos años comíamos el típico pavo, tamales o mi platillo favorito, el pecho ahumado. Mi familia siempre se reunía en la casa de mi abuela para terminar de cocinar la comida, que en mi opinión es la mejor parte. Después de que terminamos de comer, todos los primos vamos a nadar y después al cine. Al día siguiente, todos mis amigos se reunirán para celebrar el Día de Acción de Gracias o lo que llamamos ‘Friendsgiving’”.

El dice que “Cada persona trae nuestro plato más famoso. Soy conocido por mis deliciosos macarrones con queso. En general, además de reunirnos y comer una deliciosa comida, todos nos tomamos el tiempo para recordar las cosas porque estamos agradecidos durante este tiempo.” Tal como menciona Shuller, es un evento en el que se comparte en familia y amigos, disfrutan y se comen platillos deliciosos a consideración

de cada persona, tomando en cuenta que lo más importante es disfrutar el momento tal como lo hicieron los peregrinos durante su primera cosecha junto con los indígenas, compartir y disfrutar dejando a un lado las divisiones y los problemas.

Otra entrevista fascinante fue la de Fernando Arriaga, la cual en verdad me conmocionó; “para mi familia y para mí, Thanksgiving es una fecha muy especial y nos llena de alegría porque fue en el año 2008, precisamente ese día, cuando a mi madre le diagnosticaron cáncer en un seno, así que en lugar de celebrar lloramos y hasta dejamos de asistir a la iglesia, pero fue precisamente un año después 2009 cuando en una tomografía y estudios médicos realizados a mi madre, los doctores descubrieron que el cáncer se había ido y estamos seguros de que fue la intervención de dios.”

El menciona que “Desde el 2009, siempre salimos a lugares diferentes toda la familia, pero antes del viaje asistimos a la iglesia para agradecer el milagro que salvó a mi madre.” ¡Sin duda alguna un hermoso regalo en el día de acción de gracias para la familia de Arriaga, su relato es una gran reflexión y me hace indagar en mi historia personal, en cuántas veces me he negado a disfrutar lo que tengo y compartir con mi familia como lo hicieron los peregrinos, ¡Celebrar y dar gracias por la vida y la amistad! Ya que esto nos llena a todos como seres humanos.

Como manejar con mucho éxito los próximos exámenes finales este semestre MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE EDITORA DE ESPAÑOL

Como todos saben, la Navidad se aproxima, y las vacaciones de invierno vienen consigo. Todos los estudiantes se encuentran muy emocionados ya que finalmente tendrán su descanso bien merecido y al mismo tiempo podrán celebrar con sus familias sus diferentes festividades. Pero como muchos dicen, no todo viene fácil, y en este caso las vacaciones vienen después de los muy temidos exámenes finales. Como cualquier estudiante, muchos en St. Mary’s University están nerviosos y ansiosos por los exámenes. Ya que las noches de desvelo, las horas de estudio, los llantos de estrés y el no entender las materias difíciles es inminente.

Al haber platicado con varios estudiantes de distintos países y diferentes carreras, muchos han expresado la necesidad de teneralgún tipo de guía, la cual explica el

Grafico por Demi Bestor

mejor manejo y balance de los exámenes finales. Ya que muchos comentan cómo se les hace difícil el poder manejar con tranquilidad el estrés de esta temporada.

Debido a esto, se tomó la decisión de escribir un artículo el cual da consejos y sugerencias de como poder prepararse bien para los exámenes finales. Este artículo se enfocará en tres temas los cuales son: tener balance, el poder manejar el estrés y la importancia de la organización.

El primer tema es ¿cómo tener balance?

Esto es super importante ya que muchas veces, los estudiantes se sumergen demasiado en los estudios, dejando al lado otros aspectos importantes de su vida. O en otras ocasiones es lo opuesto, ignoran sus estudios completamente y utilizan su tiempo para otras cosas. En ambos escenarios la resolución nunca es buena, por lo general esto resulta en una carga mental sumamente fuerte en el estudiante o en muy malas notas en los exámenes.

Debido a esto es necesario el balance, esto significa llevar una vida, en la cual el estudiante le dedica las horas necesarias a cada clase de estudio, pero al mismo tiempo se involucra en otras actividades que le den satisfacción.

Entre estas pueden ser el ejercicio, el salir con amigos a horas razonables, pintar, leer, cocinar, entre otras. Es decir que si, el estudiante le dedicara tiempo de estudios a sus clases, pero una cantidad

de horas razonables, no dejando atrás otras actividades relajantes las cuales los ayudarán mentalmente a despejarse.

Otro tema el cual es muy importante es el aprender a manejar el estrés, ya que muchas veces, como todo ser humano, los estudiantes se hunden en el sentimiento de estrés fuerte, esto los perjudica mentalmente y a la misma vez los limita a seguir adelante.

Esto muchas veces no deja que el estudiante se concentre y resulta en colapso mentales.

Debido a esto el saber manejar el estrés es muy importante, un consejo para poder hacer esto con éxito es saber nuestros límites.

Isabella Castro, estudiante en administracion de emoresas de segundo ano de Honduras explica como “Cuando sentimos que el estrés es demasiado fuerte, deberíamos tomar un descanso, por más difícil que sea. Y cuando lo hacemos podemos participar en actividades que nos hacen feliz, como meditación, pasar tiempo con familia, ir en una caminata etc.” Esto

“

Cuando sentimos que el estrés es demasiado fuerte, deberíamos tomar un descanso, por más difícil que sea. Y cuando lo hacemos podemos participar en actividades que nos hacen feliz, como meditación, pasar tiempo con familia, ir en una caminata etc.”

Isabella Castro estudiante segundo año Administracion de empresas

nos demuestra que aunque el descanso sea de un par de minutos, es importante darle a nuestro cerebro distracción para bajar nuestros niveles de estrés.

El hablar con nuestros seres queridos, o terapeutas también es muy importante ya

que el expresar nuestras preocupaciones con otros y escuchar otro tipo de opiniones ayuda.

El siguiente punto es la importancia de la organización, ya que es fundamental que el estudiante lo haga, aún más cuando tiene una agenda muy ocupada. Hay muchas formas por las cuales se puede hacer esto.

Por ejemplo tener una agenda y escribir en ella la fecha de los exámenes finales y otras actividades importantes en la vida del estudiante. En esta agenda también se puede anotar los días que se dedicaran al estudio de cada examen final.

Muchos compañeros además han expresado como tienen un cuaderno en el cual ellos organizan su día y ahí anotan los tiempos y la cantidad de horas que ellos le dedican a diferentes actividades diarias. Tener una lista de control también es otro método efectivo al organizarse, ya que el estudiante puede ir marcando las actividades completadas y así enfocarse en las restantes. En conclusión hay muchas maneras de organización que los estudiantes pueden usar para tener éxito en la época de exámenes finales.

Cada persona es distinta, teniendo distintos hábitos, horarios, necesidades y problemas. Por eso es importante tomar en cuenta que un método que puede ser efectivo para una persona, no sea efectivo para otra. Lo importante es poner el esfuerzo y encontrar lo que te ayuda a ti como individuo a encontrar lo que es el balance, algo que te ayude a manejar el estrés y finalmente cómo te puedes organizar efectivamente.

Todo esto ayuda a los estudiantes a tener éxito en los muy temidos exámenes finales, para así poder aprovechar las muy merecidas vacaciones. Las cuales todos saben que se esperan con mucha emocion, no solo por los estudiantes de St. Mary’s University. Ya que estos examenes son muy importantes para todo el mundo.

SPANISH 11

NOV. 18, 2021 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Los distintos platillos latinos que se acostumbran a comer para las Navidades VIVIAN URRUTIA / MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE

Se acerca la temporada del año donde regresamos a nuestras casas a disfrutar de las deliciosas comidas que nuestras culturas ofrecen. Muchos estudiantes extrañan sus hogares y describen las tradiciones y costumbres especiales que celebran junto a sus familias. Pamela Banda, Alberto Stadthagen y Victor Andonie comparten los platos típicos que disfrutan en los días festivos del año.

Las raíces nicaragüenses acompañan a Alberto Stadthagen, estudiante de ultimo año de administracion de empresas en St. Mary’s, a donde vaya. En Managua, Nicaragua Stadthagen, solo celebra formalmente Navidad con su familia entera, que vienen siendo como 40 familiares. “El plato tradicional que comemos en Navidad incluye pavo, puré de papas, ensalada, un bollo de pan y gravy.” En este festivo Stadthagen tiene una tradición especial con su familia, “Mi familia tiene una tradición de hacer pate que es hígado de pato y es una receta que ha estado por generaciones de familia. La comemos solamente en Navidad y la esperamos con ansias todo el año ya que es deliciosa.” En Nicaragua, el plato tradicional

o típico es gallo pinto, ensalada de repollo, tajadas fritas, queso y cerdo frito. Stadthagen, opina que su cultura nicaragüense puede ser encontrada en San Antonio, “El restaurante ‘La Centroamericana’ tiene la comida típica de todo Centroamérica y cuando llegas ahí te hacen sentir como en casa, sirviendo también variaciones de la comida nicaragüense.”

Pamela Banda, una estudiante de mercadeo de segundo año en St. Mary’s University relata acerca de las celebraciones y comida de sus raíces. Banda es de McAllen, Texas y de Reinosa, Tamaulipas, mezclando sus raíces mexicanas con las Tejanas. “Los días festivos que celebro con toda mi familia son Thanksgiving, Navidad, Año Nuevo, Día de los Muertos, Día de la Virgen y el Día de los Reyes Magos. Estas ocasiones siempre son formales pero la mas formales son Thanksgiving y Navidad.” La cena familiar navideña de Banda es muy distinta a las de los estudiantes Centroamericanos de St. Mary’s.

“En Navidad comemos espaguetis verdes, puré de papas y un pavo relleno que el relleno contiene carne con almendras. El relleno del pavo que hace mi mama es único y muy diferente a todos los demás.” Otra festividad que es diferente en la cultura de

Banda es el Dia de los Muertos. Ella celebre este día comiendo pan de muerto, tamales y frijoles y honrando sus seres queridos.

San Antonio comparte bastante la cultura mexicana de Banda, “Ya que los tacos son la comida típica de mi país, las taquerías de San Antonio me hacen sentir como en casa.”

El puesto de tacos mas recomendado por Banda en San Antonio es “Taquitos West Ave.” Victor Andonie, orgulloso hondureño y estudinte de segundo ano de administracion de empresas en St. Mary’s University tiene culturas muy interesantes ya que su familia hondureña también es árabe. “Mi familia siempre celebra Navidad, Thanksgiving y Año Nuevo.” Andonie celebra los mismos festivos, pero con una variación en la comida, “Aunque el plato típico que comemos en Navidad es cerdo horneado, arroz con carne y almendras y camote a la naranja lo que hace nuestra comida diferente es que siempre hay boquitas árabes como sambusek, hojas de uva y kibbe.” Andonie siempre ha celebrado y comido un poco de todo en Honduras, “La comida típica de mi país son las baleadas.” El ha tratado de sentirse en casa en San Antonio buscando restaurantes similares a la comida que hace su familia, “Casi no he encontrado comida

como en mi casa solo un restaurante que se llama la Centroamericana.”

Es evidente que ir a comer a la “Centroamericana” es esencial para disfrutar tu experiencia en San Antonio, sin dejar atrás la atracción, “Taquitos West Ave.” que es muy deseado y querido por los estudiantes de St. Mary’s. Es fascinante informarse sobre las diferencias de culturas entre México, Nicaragua y Honduras cuando todos estos países son parte de una misma región. Ellso están agradecidos con la ciudad de San Antonio porque. Los estudiantes de St. Mary’s están emocionados porque pronto podrán celebrar los festivos tradicionales con sus seres queridos. Gracias a esto todos los estudiantes expreson emocion de poder ver a todas sus familias y festejar junto a ellos finalmente.

Grafico por Demi Bestor

El creciente influjo de estudiantes latinos en las hermandades y fraternidades hace muchos años ya que usualmente las hermandades y fraternidades son propensamente gente Americana, y como se Como toda buena universidad ve en las películas gente blanca. Ya que estas Americana, St. Mary ‘s University ofrece a organizaciones fueron creadas dentro de la todos sus estudiantes la opción de unirse a cultura Americana.

Al descubrir el incremento latino dentro la vida Griega. ¿Qué significa esto? Pues en este caso la vida griega son las hermandades de las fraternidades y hermandades, el y fraternidades, o en otras palabras estas periodico universitario decidió entrevistar son organizaciones sociales para los a unos latinos quienes se unieron estudiantes. Este concepto de hermandades recientemente a distintas hermandades y y fraternidades ha sido tabú ya por muchos fraternidades en campus. Ellos compartieron años ya que han habido casos en el cual las cómo descubrieron estas organizaciones, el fiestas, el alcohol y las iniciaciones se salen porqué decidieron unirse a ellas y también de control. Hollywood no se queda atrás al lo que han logrado sacar de estas. demostrar esto en muchas de sus películas Juan Ignacio Cabrales, un estudiante de como en “The House Bunny,” “Neighbors,” segundo año en administracion de empresas “College’’ y “Sydney White.” Pero como de Nicaragua describe cómo “yo llegué a St. muchos saben, Hollywood siempre exagera Mary’s no sabia que habian fraternidades, las cosas. nunca me hubiera imaginado uniéndome En el caso de St. Mary ‘s University la vida a una. Yo veía [ la vida Griega] como una Griega es mucho más sana, abierta y positiva. distracción hacia mis estudios y con más Esto se puede ver en la increíble diversidad dirección a fiestas y desorden, mas no sabia étnica que se puede encontrar dentro de las yo tenía un mal concepto acerca del tema.” distintas hermandades y fraternidades en El describe cómo al llegar a la universidad campus. Más aún en los recientes años en él tenía un mal concepto de lo que son las los cuales se puede ver cómo la comunidad fraternidades, pero eso cambió una vez latina ha decidido unirse y convertirse encontró a Sigma Beta Chi. en hermanos y hermanas. Esto no se veía Cabrales añade como “Lo que encontré en Sigma Beta Chi era todo lo que yo estaba buscando cuando llegué a la universidad y eran cosas que yo no tenía en mi vida. Mi fraternidad me ha enseñado sobre el servicio, la hermandad y la cooperación y eso es algo que en ningún otro lado pudiera haber aprendido. Fue una experiencia que de verdad le dio un cambio positivo a mi vida y estoy muy agradecido.” Esto demuestra como las fraternidades y hermandades pueden beneficiar a los estudiantes. y Hermanas de Alpha Phi posan en su retiro. | Cortesia de Castro los demas hermanos.

MARÍA JOSÉ VALIENTE EDITORA DE ESPAÑOL

Isabella Castro, una estudiante de segundo año en administracion de empresas de Honduras, decidió unirse a la hermandad Alpha Phi. Ella explica cómo “La verdad para mi fue siempre una curiosidad saber qué era eso. Hay un tabú de que son las [hermandades] y son parte de la cultura americana. Y la verdad yo siempre he dicho que si vienes a estudiar a otro país debes sumergirte en esas cosas de la [‘experiencia universitaria’] o que mires Hermanos de Sigma Beta Chi posan en patio. | Cortesia de aquellas cosas que no son Cabrales hecho. Aunque al principio yo no estaba iguales a las que estás acostumbrado. La verdad muchos se meten segura de lo que era una hermandad, pude porque quieren hacer amigos, y ese no fue encontrar a un gran grupo de niñas. Al mi caso.” Al explicar como ella es una fuerte ser parte de una [hermandad] he podido creedora en tener una experiencia completa conseguir a personas que te apoyan con lo universitaria, Castro describe cómo muchos que tu decidas y te aconsejan. Son personas que sí pueden ayudarte con cualquier cosa o latinos se unieron igual que ella.

Castro incluye que “Hay una comunidad inconveniente van a estar ahí para ayudarte latina muy grande en St. Mary’s que es a salir adelante.”

Esto demuestra cómo las hermandades imposible viniendo de Honduras que no también pueden beneficiar a las jóvenes que te unas. Fue más la idea que quería salir de decidieron unirse a ellas. En conclusión, mi burbuja y explorar algo nuevo. Y hasta a pesar de todo el concepto negativo que el día de hoy me ha encantado. Estoy muy muchas personas tienen de las distintas emocionada por ver que depara mi futuro hermandades y fraternidades en América, en Alpha Phi y todo lo que puedo aprender las que se encuentran en St. Mary’s de un grupo de mujeres que tienen mucho que traer a mi vida ya sea socialmente, University nos demuestran lo contrario.

Los entrevistados comprueban cómo han académicamente y profesionalmente.”

Castro describe como Alpha Phi es una logrado sentirse como en casa, y además de hermandad la cual beneficia fuertemente a eso han aprendido mucho de sus respectivas fraternidades y hermandades. Cada año se ve todas sus hermanas.

Ximena Salas, estudiante de segundo cómo los latinos y latinas deciden convertirse año en psicologia de México, le cuenta a el en hermanos y hermanas, diversificando periodico como ella decidio unirse a Delta y dándole un poco más de vivacidad a las Zeta y como “Al principio había decidido fraternidades y hermandades existentes. meterme a una [hermandad] porque quería Ya que es sumamente importante, mas aun tener la experiencia de hacer ‘rush’ junto dursnte estos tiempos la diversificacion con mis amigas. Y la verdad que siento que cultural de las organisaziones dentro de las fue algo que nunca me arrepentiré de haber diferentes universidades.

12 CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR: JACOB A. HENSON | @STMURATTLERNEWS | NOV. 18 2021

Graphic by Jacob A. Henson

JACOB A. HENSON CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR MORGAN KUCHTA STAFF WRITER

Event Coordinator Robert Reyes sat down with the Ratter to discuss the upcoming 2021 San Antonio Tamale Festival.

Q: How many booths/vendors will be at the fest?

A: We are looking at about 30 food vendors ranging from tamales to barbacoa, tacos and much more. We will also have merchandise vendors for those seeking to buy gifts for loved ones. We are trying to help all small businesses, not only food [vendors] at our event.

Q: Do you know any or all of the flavors that will be available at the fest?

Any unique flavors?

A: We will have traditional pork, chicken salsa verde, regular chicken, bean and “tamales dulces” — [sweet tamales including] apple and the pink ones with [raisins]. One vendor [also] said Hot Cheetos tamales, but [it’s] not fully confirmed yet.

Q: What else will be there besides tamales? Any music or games?

A: We are having a DJ, mariachis and Ballet Folklórico dancers [for entertainment].

Q: I noticed that entry is free, but how much are tamales going be sold for? Is there an estimate price? Or any student discounts?

A: Tamales will have ranges from $2 to $5 each depending on the meat product and there will be sales by quantities, for example, one for $2, three for $5 [or a dozen] for $13. I know EC Food Factory, which is my company, will have student and military discounts of 20% [off] their total per order.

Q: Lastly, can I please get a unique comment from you on the fest? How long have you been doing this? What do you hope to accomplish with this fest? Was the city encouraging of it?

A: I am excited to be having this event, especially when it comes to providing our traditional meals to our fellow neighbors. The City of China Grove has been tremendously helpful. They are very welcoming while also maintaining health and safety for all citizens and guests. Our event is outdoors and [it’s] a great way to have some safe fun.

Q: Before going, is there anything else

you would like to share?

A: Oh, there’s a bus stop at the location; stop #62963 and its bus route is #30.

For more information visit SA Tamales Fest on Facebook. The 2021 San Antonio Tamales Festival is scheduled for Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Jayden Cool, first year law student, had the chance to sit down with the Rattler and talk more about “Lightscape” at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens.

Q: Have you heard of the “Lightscape” at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens?

A: I’ve heard of it!

Q: Have you ever visited the “Lightscape”?

What was your experience like?

A: Actually, I haven’t gone, but I’d really like to. One of my classmates plans on taking her kids to it the first chance she gets! She seemed really excited about it and was showing me some pictures from the years they’ve visited before. It seemed really unique and beautiful.

Q: What are your thoughts on the event?

A: This event seems like it would be a lot of fun. I have always thoroughly enjoyed driving around and looking at lights during the holidays, so this seems like

more of that. When I was growing up, my parents took my family to Disney World often during Christmas, and there used to be a display that sounds a lot like this one. I feel like I would really enjoy walking around, taking some pictures and just enjoying the atmosphere.

Q: Do you have any concerns about the weather?

A: I feel like you can check the weather before you go and plan accordingly. I probably would only avoid it specifically during the rain because I feel like dressing warm and maybe drinking some hot cocoa while walking around really just adds to the experience. So, I would say that no, the weather doesn’t concern me at all.

“Lightscape” at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens is running Nov. 19 to Jan. 2. Tickets are $23 to $25 for adults and $16 to $18 for children (3 to 12 years old). For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.sabot.org. Entry times are available every 15 minutes from 5:45 to 9 p.m. Patrons can expect a one-mile walk taking 15 to 30 minutes depending on speed. Food and drink are available for purchase. Please come dressed appropriately for the outdoors.

“Dune” (2021) and “Eternals” capture hearts of fantasy fans ENRIQUE CASTRO CONTRIBUTING WRITER LARRY RODRIGUEZ-SHEA MANAGING EDITOR JACOB A. HENSON CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

(Poster courtesy of Legendary Pictures.)

The story of “Dune” is a unique, fictional universe, one that is more complex than its initial impressions. It is a mystical place, one where people are not meant to be given all of the information unless they seek it out. Those who are die-hard fans of science fiction will know that “Dune” was already made into a movie that is much longer and tells the story in more detail, albeit with less elegance.

The original film adaptation is 37 years old and was released in 1984. The 2021 modern version is a fractured story because the director, Denis Villeneuve, decided that

“Dune” would require more than one movie.

A large part of the errors made in other renditions of “Dune” is the ambition that such a complex story could be condensed into a single film. Those who don’t like “Dune” as a movie, in either the older or new version, should read the book.

Originally, “Dune” was published as a single book with 800 pages. The story is complex in portraying its future history for humanity and, without spoiling the movie and book, it’s safe to say that future humans had a fall from grace. By diving into the universe, audiences will have to grapple with the question: In what ways can those seeking power exploit religion? “Dune” centers on the idea of religious power and is reflected in the “Bene Gesserit.” The “Bene Gesserit” is a cult obsessed with finding the “Kwisatz Haderach” — the prophesied messiah and super human being.

“Dune” (2021) will play with the audience’s perception of the protagonist, because for Frank Herbert, the author of “Dune,” there is no good guy in the story.

Overall, “Dune” (2021) is a masterpiece of sound with composer Hans Zimmer along with budding character development seen in Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), Chani (Zendaya), Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) and Leto Atredies I (Oscar Isaac). Finally, Production Designer Patrice Vermette and Director of Cinematography Grieg Fraser beautifully collaborate in bringing otherworldly sets and stunning visuals to life.

Even though the movie will never live up to the novel’s intimate and cerebral

storytelling, this remake and the subsequent sequels will be on par with classics like “The Lord of the Rings,” no doubt. With director Denis Villeneuve at the helm, Frank Herbert’s epic masterpiece comes to life through its star-studded cast and excellent screenplay; audiences will be taken on a voyage. A full five out of five rattlers to “Dune” 2021, now playing in theaters and on the HBO Max streaming app until Nov. 21.

(Poster courtesy of Marvel Studios.)

“Eternals” is a conflicting film. Comic lovers and casual fans may feel confused by director Chloe Zhao’s cinematic choices and the choice of characters. But one thing is certain, “Eternals” marks the beginning of the next Marvel generation.

(Spoiler alert) After Thanos and the death of Iron Man, many may have thought that Marvel was over. Moviegoers will be delighted to know that Marvel is more than

just “The Avengers.” Some viewers won’t understand unless versed as casual comic book fans and invested in other familiar characters from the Marvel comics.

While many won’t appreciate the philosophical take on “Eternals,” something must die for something to live. The concept is elegantly ingrained in the story, and was by far one of the best examples of immersing a complex meaning into a story. However, a more delicate directing hand could have been used as the guide.

Nonetheless, the acting was good and the story was well-written. History buffs will enjoy the retelling of Babylon and the epic of Gilgamesh. However, some may feel that other sides of the story were not explored enough. These side stories would have offered greater character development and left the audience with fewer questions about who the Eternals are exactly.

Lastly, it is important to note that this movie ties into Marvel’s recent project, “Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings.” Exactly how it ties in would be the spoiler, but the comic book lore also serves as a bridge to introduce fans to the greater celestial and science fiction elements of Marvel Comics.

Overall, this film is a break from the familiar Marvel Cinematic Universe formula — that’s good. Now, audiences can expect to see more psychedelic concepts in movies like “Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and the exploration of less familiar characters like Shang-Chi, Blade and Moon Knight. Four out of five rattlers to “Eternals,” playing exclusively in theaters.

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT 13

NOV. 18, 2021 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Check out these local, alive and well arcades for gaming needs RYAN ESTES STAFF WRITER

As the semester ends, everyone could use a break from studies and responsibilities.

While exercising, listening to music or watching movies are always good options, sometimes a trip to a relic of the past is appropriate. With two local locations nearby St. Mary’s University, Otaku Cafe and Diversions Game Room provide hours upon hours of shooting zombies, playing air hockey and buying fandom merchandise.

Otaku Cafe is San Antonio’s largest Anime Store and Japanese-style Arcade. The arcade offers anime video game merchandise along with Japanese snacks and drinks. On Wednesdays, the arcade allows free entry to those coming to play on the center tables with consoles.

Additionally, the San Antonio Fighting Game Community is regularly in attendance. Tournaments for “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” and “Super Smash Bros Melee” are held weekly. The Smash Ultimate tournament group meets at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and the Smash Melee tournament group meets at 7 p.m. on Mondays. Sign-ups for both tournaments begin at 6 p.m. on the day of the competitions.

To top it all off, Otaku Cafe’s anime store offers phone straps, keychains, plush toys, pins, figures and “gashapon,” (a variety of vending machine-dispensed capsule toys popular in Japan).

Otaku Cafe is located at 7022 Bandera Rd. with a mask policy in effect. The arcade is open Monday and Tuesday from 2 to 10 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2 to 11 p.m.; Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday from 12 to 9 p.m.

Then, after taking a break from Otaku Cafe, head to Diversions Game Room where visitors can game their hearts out well into the night. Diversions Game Room has more than 70 classic and new arcade and

Fire Sticks. The convenient ATMs and token machines located throughout the arcade make token-operated gameplay fast and easy. Every arcade game is $1 or less to play, while all prize games are 50 cents or less

It’s time to level up and level back in time. | Photos courtesy of Otaku Cafe and Diversions Game Room.

prize games. Additionally, patrons can play sports games like air hockey and electronic basketball. Winnable prizes range from classic toys like fake mustaches to high-tech toys like Nintendo Switches and Amazon

to play. As final exams slowly approach, relieve some stress by jamming out on the “Guitar Hero” arcade machine, eating ghosts on “Pac-Man” and possibly winning a new Nintendo gaming system.

Chris Hohman, senior history major with teacher certification, offered his opinions on the impact video games have had on society.

“I think video games in moderation are fine,” Hohman said. “I am particularly interested in the possibility of using video games as tools to understand the past and explore historic episodes. I think that has great potential.”

While he is not a fan of arcade games, he enjoys playing turn-based strategy games such as “Total War” and grand strategy games such as “Hearts of Iron.” Hohman was not aware of the local San Antonio arcades and would not spend money at the locations, but he commends anyone who wishes to do so.

In a sense, many arcade and video games already pay homage to the past. While games about Queen Victoria may be few and far between, arcade games like “Jurassic Park” and “The Walking Dead” memorialize famous movies and TV shows. “Guitar Hero’s” song library preserves classics like “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar and “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones.

To experience the intersection of games both past and present while taking a break from end-of-semester studies, be sure to visit Otaku Cafe and Diversions Game Room.

Take a chance with a friend and try co-op games. Who knows, one may even get lucky and drive home with a prize from the everfrustrating “Stacker” arcade game.

Located at 9900 San Pedro Ave., Diversions Game Room is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday. Come out and game out to these retro-vibing arcades.

The McNay celebrates 100 years of Wayne Thiebaud’s artwork SOPHIA KUSSEL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The McNay Art Museum is presenting 100 works to celebrate the 100th birthday of the American artist, Wayne Thiebaud, in their “Wayne Thiebaud 100: Paintings, Prints and Drawings” exhibition. This exhibition is a thorough representation of Thiebaud’s prosperous career throughout the age.

Born on November 15, 1920, Thiebaud was a skilled draftsman from an early age and worked as an apprentice at Walt Disney Studios where he rendered “in-betweens” (the transition drawings that go between the beginning and end of a movement) for some of the company’s well-known cartoons like Goofy, Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket.

After high school, Thiebaud attended a local trade school where he intended to learn sign painting and was encouraged to learn commercial art. Afterward, Thiebaud enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, serving from 1942 to 1945 as an artist in the Special Services Department and then transferred to the First Air Force Motion Picture Unit — yes, it existed. Thiebaud later earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University, Sacramento, pursuing a career in fine arts. Thiebaud eventually became a professor first at Sacramento City College and then later at the University of California, Davis.

Thiebaud is most known for his colorful contributions to the pop art movement, which emerged in the mid-1950s. But

despite the movement focusing on more conceptual art, Thiebaud held true to his love for traditional disciplines and even deeper love for realism. Thiebaud’s art focused on depictions of commonplace objects, but specifically brightly colored food. Thiebaud was thoroughly obsessed with the notion of recreating realistic perspectives from memory and used production line food from diners and cafeterias as an avenue to

incredibly vivid and graphic works. In short, Thiebaud has an innate sense of color truly unique to him alone.

However, food is not Thiebaud’s only specialty. In his later works, Thiebaud began creating landscapes also of a unique caliber.

His landscapes depict the environment from a bird’s-eye view and are intentionally drafted without the use of a horizon line. This is purposely done in order to create otherwise

Samples of artwork. Top left: Wayne Thiebaud, Bow Ties, 1993. Bottom right: Wayne Thiebaud, Pies, Pies, Pies, 1961. Right: Wayne Thiebaud, Park Place, 1995. | Photos courtesy of McNay Art Museum.

portray memorized perspectives. Thiebaud used heavy pigment along with an extreme spectrum of exaggerated color in all of his works, making them instantly recognizable.

His outlines are always in a spectral order of color, leaving the viewer mesmerized by his

impossible, distorted worlds that can only exist within the imagination of Thiebaud himself. As a note, look out for Thiebaud’s landscape work and the familiarity it shares with much of Disney’s earlier commercial illustrations. In particular, when looking at

his whimsical and exaggerated depictions of hills, it is easy to recognize the similarities among his works because Thiebaud’s landscapes carry a fantastical, childlike perspective common in Disney’s cartoons.

When viewing this veteran artist’s work, viewers might find themselves transported to an alternate dimension. The subject does not change, but the understanding does.

Thiebaud’s perspective injected magic into capitalist consumption, predominant in the 1950s, when he was most active.

In a 2016 studio visit and interview with Christie’s Inc., Thiebaud stated his opinion on painting saying that, “Paintings are inert, still, quiet, but painters found a way to bring it to life,” he continued, “[They are] a new visual species in another kind of world; alternate worlds and alternate universes. Great works from memory, from imagination. All based, however, on the audacious notion of being omnipotent: ‘I’m a god. This for you is my world to look at.’

Isn’t that great?”

All in all, Thiebaud uses his art to manipulate a commercialized world, defined by consumption, by becoming freer and more magical if nothing else.

Technically speaking, Thiebaud recently celebrated his 101st birthday on Nov. 15, but his legacy celebration continues throughout the next year. The “Wayne Thiebaud 100: Paintings, Prints and Drawings” exhibition is now open until Jan. 16.

Adult admission is $20 and $15 with a college student ID. For more information visit www.mcnayart.org.

14 SPORTS

EDITOR: DIDIER CADENA |@STMURATTLERNEWS |NOV. 18, 2021

Seniors celebrated at final games of their collegiate careers DIDIER CADENA SPORTS EDITOR

The fall athletics season is now coming to an end and with the end of the season comes the end of the collegiate careers for many of the Rattler student athletes. For those who are graduating at the end of the season, there have been many moments across sports where memories and friendships were made to last a lifetime. Those seniors who are graduating have received honors at their respective last games and had many exciting moments this season. Some of the previous senior Rattlers had their senior year taken away due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In

Courtesy of Rattler Athletics

response to this, the NCAA offered various athletes the chance to stay for a fifth year and continue their collegiate athletic careers.

These senior athletes got to experience a unique experience that many other student athletes will not be able to have.

Kicking off the Rattler senior day activities was the Rattler women’s soccer game. The Rattlers took on the University of Texas at Tyler Patriots. The game was played under unfavorable conditions with the temperature dropping throughout the first half and with rain starting to fall on the field over the course of the game. Unfortunately, over the halftime intermission, there was a weather delay that kept pushing the match further into the night, eventually causing the match to be delayed and later canceled by the Lonestar Conference. With only the first half of the match being played before the delay, the match was considered a no contest and the Rattlers were given a forfeit victory in conference standings only. The results of the match helped the Rattlers hold a place in the Lonestar Conference Tournament with a game against the West Texas A&M Buffaloes.

The Rattlers who were honored included Mackenzie Bell (midfielder), Megan Copeland (defense), Cori Hernandez (midfielder), Rylie Kieny (defense), Cameron Koerner (goalkeeper), Alexis Lawrence

Women’s soccer seniors are honored before their last match. | Courtesy of Amanda Gerlach

(defense), Avery Looney (defense), Cloe Morales (midfielder), Miranda Narvaez (midfielder), Gabby Olsen (midfielder), Kylie Von Hollie (forward) and Alessandra Rivera (midfielder).

Next was the Rattler men’s soccer team.

The men’s soccer team played a senior day match against their division rivals, the Texas A&M International Dustdevils. The match saw a good defensive presence by both teams but ended with the Rattlers scoring a goal at the 27-minute mark and would eventually go on to shut out the visiting Dustdevils.

The win would snap a rough streak for the Rattlers who had gone three games without a win. The win also helped the Rattlers gain a fourth seed berth for the Lonestar Conference Championship in which the men’s soccer team would host the University of Texas at Tyler Patriots at their home field. The Rattler senior athletes who were honored were Tony Andoyan (forward), Edu Bonnato (midfielder), Liam Morrison (midfielder), Lewis Wilson (defense), Raul Guillamon-Bejar (goalkeeper), Alain Peralt (defense), Erwin Regules (midfielder), Martin Ibarreche (defense) and Marlon Flores (midfielder). Many of the seniors on the team were a part of the Rattler team that made that deep run in the Division II playoffs a few years back.

Following them in senior day festivities was the Rattler volleyball team. The Rattlers took on the Lubbock Christian University Chaps in an exciting matchup. In their senior day matchup, the Rattlers were able to come up with a win. They ended up sweeping Lubbock Christian in three sets, 25-18, 25-14, 25-17. With this victory, the Rattler volleyball team will have the chance to play in the Lonestar Conference Tournament, coming into the tournament as the nine-seed. This is the first time that the Rattlers have advanced to the conference tournament. The Rattler seniors who were honored included Julia Deais (middle blocker), Rachel McDonald (middle blocker) and Alissa Tolbert (outside hitter).

The accomplishments of the Rattler seniors cannot be understated. Many seniors have earned various types of both athletic and academic honors during their time at the university. Whether it was an All-Conference selection, First or Second team Conference honors or even those who have Academic All-Conference honors. The time that these student athletes have spent at the university will leave impactful and lasting memories. These Rattler athletes have done the most with their time at the university and will be forever remembered for their efforts by their respective teams.

Smiles all around as the men’s soccer seniors take their photo. | Courtesy of Rattler Athletics

The four rattler volleyball seniors stop and pose for a group picture. | Courtesy of Rattler Athletics

SPORTS 15

NOV. 18, 2021 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

First-ever Adopt-a-Rattler fundraiser passes expectations DIDIER CADENA SPORTS EDITOR

Recently the St. Mary’s athletics department finished its first-ever Adopt-aRattler fundraiser. Even though it was the first of its kind for the university, the fundraiser saw unprecedented success all around, with the final donation amount surpassing the original donation goal of $30,000.

Adopt-a-Rattler was a fundraiser developed by the athletics department in order to help raise funds to support the various athletics teams on campus.

The program would support the teams by financially supporting the need for team uniforms, training, equipment, team travels, tournament fees and other costs.

In order to be a donor for the fundraiser, a gift of $50 or more is needed. And with a $200 donation, those who donated would be eligible for additional benefits as a Rattler Nation member. Those additional benefits would include tickets to the various athletics home games on campus, access to the live-broadcast streaming links for games, special types of Rattler gear, and invitations to special athletics events.

Courtesy of St. Mary’s University

Donations of any amount can help, for example, a $50 donation can pay for team equipment like socks, arm sleeves or kneepads, a $100 donation could help provide one student athlete’s shoes and a $250 donation would help pay for at least 25 practice t-shirts. Beyond that, a $500 donation helps pay for five game-day jerseys and, finally, a $1,000 donation helps pay for hoodies for an entire team. Donors can “Adopt-a-Rattler” and choose to donate to a specific team. This inspires friendly competition between the various athletics teams to see who can get the most people to “adopt” and support their teams.

Some of the teams in the fundraiser also hosted events in which they were able to directly get donors and supporters. The Rattler esports team held their successful and exciting FANGraiser event this past October. The event was a 12-hour livestream, which helped the esports team raise $3,717, surpassing their $3,000 goal.

The Rattler women’s basketball team also hosted an event for the fundraiser. They hosted their annual Free-Throw-A-Thon.

In this event, the women’s basketball team would attempt 100 free throws each. At the end of the event, the Rattlers were able to collectively score 1,244 free throws out of 1,400 shots. The event was a resounding success and also included an anonymous donor who pledged $1 per free throw for each player who make a free throw.

At the end of the fundraiser period, the results exceeded expectations. The original goal for the fundraiser was at $30,000.

When the time was up, the final number turned out to be $34,064 with over 211 donors. When it came to the top three teams that received the most donations, it was the Rattler women’s softball team who was able to receive the most donations by raising $7,044 with the help of over 57 donors. Following them was the Rattler women’s soccer team that was able to raise $5,292 with the backing of 13 donors.

Following the soccer team was the Rattler esports team that was able to raise $3,717 with the help of 29 donors. When it came to the reported donor affiliations, it was reported that 20% came from alumni, 7% from students, 23% came from the parents of the athletes, 11% came from the university faculty and staff and 37% came from friends of the university.

The Adopt-a-Rattler fundraiser can definitely be seen as a tremendous success, especially for the first of its kind. The success of this event definitely makes a case for it to be held again and maybe even have it as a new annual tradition. It could also set the stage for other Rattler teams to hold their own fundraisers. Any and all donations were greatly appreciated and helped not only the current members of the various Rattler athletics teams but also the future members of those teams.

Men’s soccer dominates first round of tournament at home DIDIER CADENA SPORTS EDITOR

The date is Nov. 9, there is a spark in the air that hasn’t been felt at Sigma Beta Chi field in a while, and the feeling is that of the Lonestar Conference Tournament. The last time that the Rattler men’s soccer team was able to make the Lonestar Conference tournament was back in 2019 when they were able to win the tournament on their home field. That 2019 season was also when the Rattlers were able to make a deep playoff run and finish with one of their best records in program history. Much has changed since that dominant year, while there are many players from that team still playing, there are also a myriad of new faces who are hungry to chase new highs and finish even better than that season. There was also the Rattlers’ COVID-shortened season when they were not able to follow up in the way that they had hoped to. The team has had time to reflect

and prepare for yet another dominant season and it seems that the time for that is now.

The team could not have asked for better conditions to play under on that night.

After a week where unfavorable weather conditions had already led to a game being canceled a week before, there were no signs of poor weather. The field was in much better condition than it had been in recent weeks, with only some patches of mud on the sidelines but not on the main portions of the field. The stage for the Rattlers to try and follow up their successful season was set.

Leading up to the game, the Rattlers had a record of 12-6 overall and a conference record of 5-3. This record helped the Rattlers not only earn a spot in the Lonestar Conference Championship tournament but also the opportunity to play the game on their home field. The Rattler’s opponents for the match would be the University of Texas at Tyler Patriots. In the regular season, both the Rattlers and Patriots were able to host a

Erwin Regules lines a shot and kicks the ball toward the back of the net. | Courtesy of Tony Gallucci

game each on their own respective fields. It box. The Patriots were able to respond to that had also only been a week since the Rattlers goal with one of their own at the 55-minute had lost a rough game to the Patriots in mark, closing in on the lead that the men’s Tyler. The feeling of the loss still stung for team had built up. But as the tide seemed to the Rattlers who hoped to change the tone be shifting into unfavorable territory and the of the series between the two teams, but the Patriots started to take more control of the Rattlers were not alone this time. possessions in the game, the Rattlers were Now, the Rattlers had the new and able to score once again. At the 78-minute improved Rowdy Rattlers on their side. mark, midfielder Deni Cresto was fouled in With the importance of this game being the scoring box and granted a pentaly kick. promoted ever since the match was Cresto was able to take advantage of the announced, the Rowdy Rattlers came out situation and score a point off of the penalty in full force for the occasion. Their turnout kick and seal the victory for the Rattlers. for the match was the largest of the season Throughout the Rattlers’ scores, the Rowdy so far, with the student section taking up Rattlers in attendance were able to celebrate nearly a quarter of the stands. The Rowdy along with the players on the field, showing Rattlers all came color-coordinated and off coordinated celebrations that really looked like a sea of white St. Mary’s shirts. made the game feel like a true home game.

The match started off with both teams not It was beautiful to see such a fantastic being able to do much, the strong defensive display of not only soccer, but also of lines from both teams were on full display, school spirit. It has been a while since this however, it was evident that the Rattlers feeling of school spirit has been seen at were dominating most of the possessions in an athletic game. It was reminiscent of the first half; carefully planning the attack that important 2019 season and brought and looking for any signs of weakness and an air of excitment that can hopefully be a chance to strike, and strike they did. At replicated again on the home field soon. the 28-minute mark, midfielder Alonso Rodriguez, the Rattlers’ leading goal scorer, was able to score and give the Rattlers the lead.

The Rattlers were able to hold on to the possession and finish the first half of the game with a 1-0 lead. At the 48-minute mark of the second half, midfielder Erwin Regules was able to score off a fantastic kick from a penalty shot outside of the Deni Cresto charges towards the home crowd. | Courtesy of Reu Easterling

16 FEATURES

EDITORS: LARRY RODRIGUEZ-SHEA & ADRIANNA MIRABAL & MEGAN ANGELO | @STMURATTLERNEWS | NOV. 18, 2021

MEGAN ANGELO ADVERTISING MANAGER

Although my time with the Rattler has been short, it has been the greatest opportunity during my final semester here at St. Mary’s. I began as a contributing writer last fall and have stayed connected to the paper since. It would always bring a smile to my face to read mine and other articles online and in print. I am so thankful to have worked with the staff remotely and inperson, and to have grown as a creative and critical thinker. As a music major, I made the intention to grow outside of my instrument (my voice) and explore other creative avenues. Working in advertising and social media has provided me with many practical skills that I will take with me going into my career. Other projects such as

Photos by Adrianna Mirabal Graphics by Demi Bestor & Megan Angelo

ELIZABETH PEREZ COPY EDITOR

I started working for the Rattler during my first semester at St. Mary’s. I decided to write so I could get a little experience and maybe add a line on my resume, but over the years writing for the Rattler has become so much more than that for me. I kept writing for the Rattler and ended up joining the staff as Copy Editor in Fall 2020. Since then, I have made many wonderful memories with everyone on staff, even with those I have only spent a short time with.

From working through remote press weekends to late nights in the

newsroom making sure the issues were perfect, every moment is a treasured memory. I have learned so much during my time at the Rattler and built skills that I know for sure will help in my future career. I encourage every student on campus to take a chance and write a story, who knows where it will lead? I wish all the best to the many different staff members I have worked with during my time here. You are each incredibly talented and unique; that will take you far! I can’t wait to see what you all come up with in the next issues and where your futures lead you.

Keep up the great work!

co-hosting “The Sip” was something I never saw myself partaking in because of my limited time and experience working in multimedia. I am incredibly blessed to be as close with the staff as I am and to create engaging and enjoyable content for the university together. I encourage students to contribute and to see what The Rattler is about.

I’ll miss congregating in the newsroom during press weekends and especially making TikTok content. I want to thank my colleagues and advisor, Kathe Lehman-Meyer, for believing in me and for granting me this special opportunity.

Looking forward to next year’s issues, make sure to save me a copy!