TheSouth SouthTexan.coom Texas A &M University-Kingsville Award-Winning Student Publication Monday, September 27, 2021
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Vol. 96, Issue 3
TAMUK sees 26.6% undergraduate enrollment decline Lowenrollment programs could be in danger Ronni Reyna | Editor-in-Chief chief.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK) has had a steady decline in student enrollment over the last few years. In Fall
2018, TAMUK had 6,916 undergraduate students enrolled at the university. This semester, 5,075 undergraduate students are currently enrolled, according to figures released by the university. Though the decline fluctuates year to year, the trend plaguing the university is relevant and exists. For example, in Fall 2019 TAMUK hosted 2,122 freshmen. The class estimated to graduate in 2023 now consists of 990 junior
students. A 53.3 percent decrease in the overall class. Though undergraduate enrollment is low there has been an increase in international graduate student enrollment and an increase of students living on campus. However, programs with the lowest enrollment could also face future cuts, officials said. “The campus community must work to reverse the current enrollment trends, so that decline
in enrollment does not impact future operating budgets,” TAMUK President Mark Hussey said. “We are currently evaluating low-enrollment, less popular majors, and if enrollment continues to decline, we will have to make decisions about these programs moving forward.” To combat this issue the university has combined Enrollment Management and Student Affairs into one division, Enrollment
Services and Student Affairs, and has hired new staff to lead. “Enrollment and retention are of the utmost importance and it requires an all-hands-on-deck approach,” Vice President of Enrollment Services and Student Affairs Dr. Rito Silva said. “The Enrollment Management team, together with faculty and staff from across campus, are working together to See Enrollment, Pg 7
Empowering students to prevent hazing Hazing Prevention week held on campus Jacqueline Barrera
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Campus Editor campus.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Texas A&M University - Kingsville (TAMUK) Greek life continues to educate, advocate and engage the community in hazing prevention week. In hopes of creating a culture that stops hazing before it starts, Greek Life hosted a hazing prevention fair on Wednesday,
Sept. 22 at the Pavilion. Greek Life hosted virtual challenges for fraternities and sororities to get involved and to advocate against hazing. Carle Straube, Theta Phi Alpha Alumna and Sigma Chi sweetheart, said Greek Life at TAMUK is a family and you do not haze your family. “Hazing prevention week is our chance to show the campus and the community that we are not like the stereotypes you see in movies or hear about in the news. We care about each other and hold each other accountable,” Straube said. “Our Greek Life system on campus does an excellent job at preventing
Students and faculty may have had their personal information stolen through an email scam.
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Hazing prevention banner completed with purple hand prints hanging in the MSUB.
hazing and reporting instances of hazing. I feel that students who are not a part of Greek Life do not know who to contact when they experience hazing in their respective student
organizations. That is not promoted enough. You can contact the Dean of Students, the University Police Department or the National Toll-Free Anti-Hazing Hotline. It is important to know that hazing can happen anywhere, not only in Greek Life.” Hazing, known as harassment that consists of abuse or humiliation as a way of initiating a person into a group, is not tolerated on campus or in the Greek Life system. Although hazing is not defined as a form of bullying, it should teach others about the similar emotional and psychological scars left on an individual. Sophomore Kristen Ale-
Ronni Reyna
man said the fair caught her attention on her way to class and was glad to learn important information regarding hazing. “Although I am not an active leader in Greek Life, there were several students willing to share their advice and information about hazing,” Aleman said. “I felt this kind of fair was helpful as many of us never know when these tips and hotlines may come in handy. It is essential that I help promote awareness and educate those around me who may not know what hazing is or even how to prevent it from happening.” Many members apart of Greek Life were excitSee Hazing, Pg 7
On Sept. 3, Dr. Duane Leach, former president of Texas A&I from 1977 to 1980, passed away at the age 86. Leach became a trustee for the Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife Conservation while he was serving his presidency. Leach was heavily involved in the Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) and developed a great relationship with the institution over time. “Duane would call me every few months to see how CKWRI was doing. His interest was like that of a father checking on a beloved child,” Director of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Institute Dr. David Hewitt said. In 2017, Texas A&M University Press published Leach’s book, Caesar Kleberg and the King Ranch, which showed the importance of wildSee Leach, Pg 7
Javelina Day of Giving doubles donation goal
Beat Donations
Phishing scam, information risk
Remembering former Texas A&I President Senior Reporter
Jessica Tijerina
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In MemoriamDr. Duane Leach
Sarah Reyna
Members of Theta Phi Alpha and Alpha Sigma Phi hold up purple ribbons for hazing prevention.
Online
Courtosy of @javelinanation on twitter
came from across the country Tyler Larraga| Contributing Writer
This year’s Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s Javelina Day of Giving was on Sept. 15, and raised more than twice its goal. The Javelina Day of Giving is something that happens annually. It celebrates the anniversary when TAMUK broke ground back on Sept. 15, 1924. Every year alumni, students, friends and faculty make a gift of any amount to the areas that they might be most passionate about. “Javelina Day of Giving is a one-day, fundraising event celebrating what unites us. Javelina
Day of Giving encourages the Javelina Family to give to what they care about most. The financial support received, helps anything from program support to student scholarships,” Director of Annual Giving Amanda Thompson said. The annual set goal for Javelina Day of Giving is $200,000, which this year was exceed by 210 percent and raised up to $428,274. There was a total of 1,078 donors including 49 percent who were alumni. Many people also donated from around the nation such as, California, Florida, Louisiana and Washington. “I am glad to be a part of a university that really cares about giving back to the students and organizations. I really think that Javelina Day of Giving is something that is really special, and I also really think that everyone should be a part of the Day
of Giving,” TAMUK freshman Keerstin Garza said. There are many different organizations and programs that people can give to during the Day of Giving, such as Javelina Athletics, which was the program that received the highest amount donated. There is also the Class Giving Society, The Honors College, President’s Circle, Military Science and many more. “Javelina Day of Giving is truly something that is really great, and I love how everyone comes together to make great things possible. Seeing the Javelina Family come as one on this Day of Giving is really something, is amazing, and I will always be proud to give and help others succeed,” Class Giving Society Executive Ruben Martinez said. Donation totals and break down as of Friday Sept. 24
Javelina Day of Giving
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TAMUK hosts annual tie dye event on campus Campus Activities Board brings out students’ creative minds SamanthaGonzalez|Contributing Writer
Students of Texas A&M University- Kingsville (TAMUK) brought out their creative sides at the Tie Dye Shirt event. This event was held on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at the Javelina Student Engagement Center (JSEC). TAMUK students
took part in the arts & crafts and showed how creative they could be. According to the Campus Activities Board (CAB), the Tie Dye Shirts event is held every year. At this event, students come and bring their own ideas to create a shirt they can call their own. Along with the shirts, students have
access to a variety of snacks, as well as enjoying music. The Public Relation Coordinator for CAB Carmela Martinez shared her thoughts on why this event is held and what is accomplishes. “I think the biggest thing CAB accomplishes with our DIY (do-it-
Jessica Tijerina
Students pose for a picture by the tie dye table.
yourself) tie-dye t-shirt is giving our students the opportunity to create something that they made and take it home with them,” she said. At this event, students get to showcase their ideas and learn from fellow classmates. Students share their ideas with one another and socialize with new people. “This event is important because we usually get a pretty good turnout and I think this is where most of our attendees interact with each other and make new friends,” Martinez said. Since this event is held earlier in the school year, TAMUK students have an opportunity to meet and interact with new people. While this event can be a way to meet new people, it is also a way to spend time with old friends. “I really enjoyed spending quality time with my best friend.
Students pose with their self-made shirts.
“We got to make each other shirts that we will cherish for a lifetime,” TAMUK student Gabriella Barrera said. “If you
Jessica Tijerina
are a TAMUK student, I highly encourage going to this event with friends next year. You will have so much fun.”
25th Annual American Heart Student leadership conference brings Association Coastal Bend Heart Walk together TAMUK organizations Event happening Oct. 2 at Whataburger Field Emeri Drewry|Contributing Writer
The American Heart Association (AHA) has a goal to earn money to help defeat heart disease and stroke in children and adults nationwide. One of its charity events is happening closer to home this upcoming weekend, and will see participation from Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) students. The AHA is hosting its Annual Coastal Bend Heart Walk on Saturday, Oct. 2, at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi. Check in for participants begins at 8 a.m. and the start time is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. The TAMUK Kinesiology Club will be participating in the walk as well as being a sponsor for the event this October. It’s a free, family-friendly 5K that has a variety of activities including survivor celebrations, live entertainment, photo areas, giveaways and more. As Javelinas, if you want to participate for the university, when signing up at (www. CoastalBendHeartWalk.
org) reference TAMUK’s team name, Javelina Strong. “By participating in community service events, I believe the benefit we will receive as a club includes connecting with our community, raising social awareness, improving our skills, and establishing contacts and friendships,” (TAMUK) Kinesiology Club President Reagan Morreale said. Participating in the walk is a bit of a tradition for the Kinesiology Club. “TAMUK Kinesiology Club decided to participate in this event five years ago to show support for me and my family. “I have a daughter who was born with heart defects and has had multiple open-heart surgeries, but she is a survivor because of the research and innovative surgical discoveries that the American Heart Association sponsors. We now walk/run in honor of all heart survivors and walk/run in memory of those we have lost every fall semester,” TAMUK Kinesiology Club Advisor Judith Bloomquist said. The AHA was founded in 1924 by six cardiologists and has grown to become the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated
Members warming up before starting event.
to fighting heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is the number one killer worldwide and stroke ranks second globally. The mission of the AHA is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. “The main goal I believe that will be accomplished is to show the club that cardiovascular disease is a real problem in America and to go out and to walk or run for about an hour will make a difference. The feedback from this event is pretty inspiring and gives us a better idea of how to prepare for the upcoming years. “In by doing so, influence their friends and family to be more active and live a healthy lifestyle and together we can lower cardiovascular disease. It’s a change not many are willing to make but we should all try to make that first step towards doing so,” TAMUK Kinesiology Club Vice-President Manuel Hinojosa said. For more information on the walk or to register go to (www.CoastalBendHeartWalk.org). If you have any issues signing up, please email the heart walk staff at (CoastalBendHeartWalk@heart.org) or contact Brittany Sandbach, heart walk director, at (361) 443-4610.
Courtesy of TAMUK HKN Club on Instagram.w
Trainings, workshops inform student leaders AlmaPerez|Contributing Writer
Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK) recently hosted its annual Student Leadership Conference at the Memorial Student Union Ballrooms (SUB), during which student organizations came together to participate in workshops to improve their involvement on campus and as well as within their organization. Active, inactive and new organizations were informed to register their organization through TAMUK’s colligiate link and have two members of the organization attend the conference to receive funding and participate in yearly events. Student leaders attended two workshops after the opening keynote following lunch and ended with two training sessions and a closing keynote. Each workshop lasted 45 to 50 minutes and hosted different speakers with activities that
provided information for student leaders regarding anything from overcoming imposter syndrome to knowing the secrets of becoming more fearless. “Every audience is different, some there’s all these laughs and some so much energy and some like pull-in and today felt like a pulling day. We are able to kind of tell which kind of day we will have based off the crowds energy,” Darryl Bellamy Jr., a guest speaker and host of the opening keynote, said. The energy in the conference began to change throughout the opening keynote as Bellamy began to get the students more involved in the activities and asked questions to get the room to get to know each other more. While some activities were to sing along together, other moments he had students get honest with themselves about their fears. By the end of the opening keynote, he gave the room bracelets with his moto engraved inside and displayed contact information for students to stay connected.
Bellamy also added regardless of the size of the schools he attends, seeing those rooms filled with students who want to improve themselves and their organizations is the reason he started his journey to becoming a public speaker. The conference ended with TAMUK’s TITLE IX and Risk Management training and the closing keynote. The trainings informed student leaders how to handle situations like relationship abuse, sexual assault, student safety and operating campus events. Edgar M. Vazquez, a junior, said the conference overall was solid and a great way to interact with other organizations. ”The speakers did a great job conveying the information and kept the audience engaged. It was a great expierence, I would come again.” Students interested in joining a campus organization can get more information by contacting the Office of Student Activities or visiting its website to see a full list of the organizations on campus.
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RGV impact on Civil War at Connor Museum Exhibit created by
Community Historical Archeology Project SimonPoe|Contributing Writer
The John E. Connor Museum is hosting a new exhibit that highlights the impact of the Rio Grande Valley on the Civil War. The exhibit, titled War and Peace on the Rio Grande, was created by the Community Histor-
ical Archeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). The exhibit shows the cultural and economic impact that the Rio Grande Valley had on the outcome of the Civil War. An academic lecture was held on Sept. 21 and was followed by a reception. “What we hoped to accomplish by creating
Simon Poe
Art showcased in the exhibit.
this exhibit was to bring to the community a wonderful representation of what occurred along the Rio Grande during the U.S. Civil War years,” Roseann Bacha-Garza, guest lecturer and exhibit development co-director, said. “And, to let everybody know what kind of interesting and intriguing history we have along the Rio Grande and South Texas.” The exhibit consists of a collection of triptych panels containing information and a Confederate officer’s desk with a sergeant’s jacket and a letter written by an officer. The exhibit also contains a wall of names, listing Hispanic soldiers who fought in the Civil War on both sides. There are military uniforms and weaponry on display courtesy of the Connor Museum. CHAPS and UTRGV are working with TAMUK professors and students to create a learning experience for the community.
Simon Poe
Tri fold posters showing facts in the exhibit.
“What we would like to be able to do is bring more programming like this. When we bring in traveling exhibits, or even with our permanent exhibit, we are trying to foster and encourage lectures to the community, a space where faculty and students can have a handson learning experience,” Kathy Pawelek, interim director of administration and operation at
Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s Conner Museum, said. “The exhibit in itself has lots of opportunities for students.” The exhibit has been well received. The academic lecture and reception had great attendance from both students and community members. “Presentably, I think [the exhibit] looks really nice and well put together,” Jovanni Garcas, a
student who visited the exhibit, said. “I think it lets [the community] get knowledge, like a broader perspective, especially of where they live. It is really informative.” The display and exhibit will be on display in the John E. Connor Museum through Dec. 11. For more information, visit the link at (utrgv. edu/civilwar-trail.
Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff at pavilion TAMUK celebrates Hispanic culture with student YdaliahDelgado|Contributing Writer
With Hispanic Heritage Month beginning on Sept. 15, the university hosted its annual kickoff to begin the celebration. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. It is a month for Hispanics to celebrate their culture and their heritage.
Assistant Director of Student Activities Loreal Robertson shared why it is important to celebrate this month at TAMUK. “Hispanic Heritage Month is really just celebrating the Hispanic culture. We have a Hispanic serving institution so we need to make sure we are recognizing our students and our faculty and staff who all identify as Mexican or Hispanic,”
Erik Estrada
Students and staff enjoying Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff.
Robertson said. Culture is a big part of a person’s identification. A student who was raised in Mexico shared why culture is so important to her. “It’s a part of us and we can’t deny where we come from. It’s important to be proud of where you come from. Whether we are from the same place or not. It’s in our blood. My parents had to sacrifice a lot for me to get to where I am right now and that is why I am so proud to be Mexican. I know plenty of us can relate to the same challenges. “I think everyone should be proud of who they are and where they come from. Especially knowing your roots and where your family and friends originated from,” Myrka Gonzalez said in Spanish. Throughout the month, TAMUK is hosting many events to celebrate. Some of these include the Mariachi Showcase, Tamale Eating Contest, movie night
Hispance Heritage festivities included for Loteria Night.
at the Alamo Drafthouse, Hispanic Heritage Luncheon and many more. While attending the kickoff and enjoying the music, food, games and prizes, students showed their excitement to attend these upcoming events.
Courtesy of Erik Estrada.
“I am really looking forward to the loteria night. Growing up, my family and I would play loteria all the time and so playing loteria is going to remind me of being back at home. It is a game that reminds others of tradition. For anyone
who has never played the game, I believe they will like it very much,” Fatima Bautista said. For more information about upcoming events for Hispanic Heritage Month, contact the TAMUK Office of Student Activities.
were others like shirts and goodie bags. For snacks they served nachos and churros to include a Hispanic taste. There were many volunteers working to make this Hispanic-inspired event successful. “This was for Hispanic Heritage month. I expected like 40 people to come but there was way more that came,” volunteer Louiza Giddens said. It exceeded the expectations of the whole event that was planned, she said. “I’m feeling very festive. I’m really surprised with how many people turned out to be here tonight, many people are engaging with each other which causes [much]
excitement,” student Maricruz Quintanilla said. She said the snacks and the game really highlighted Hispanic heritage. “I like seeing the excitement within the people knowing they are celebrating their heritage or even if it’s not their heritage they are still excited to be participating in celebration of the month,” student Erik Velasquez said. “I decided to come because I am Hispanic and wished to attend something that reminded me of home; It was great! It greatly met my expectations of the event even though I did not win a prize throughout the night.”
Loteria event draws crowd Students enjoy heritage activities
PriscillaRangel |Contributing Writer
Student activities created a Loteria event at 7 p.m. on Sept. 21 in the Memorial Student Union Building ballrooms. There were many prizes, snacks and students who attended. One of the many activities designed for Hispanic Heritage month is a loteria night. It consists of receiving a loteria card with beans as chips and getting a ticket that could win you a prize. The big prizes were a tv, Nintendo and a Keurig, although there
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Review: What to know about Y2K Fashion The do’s and don’ts on the latest fashion trend
MakaylahChavez| Opinion Editor opinion .editor@thesouthtexan.com
There’s two things you should know about Year 2000 (Y2K) fashion: it’s back and it’s better. To all the people who ever said they wish they could go back in time or wish that the ’90s would make a comeback, congratulations, wish granted! Y2K fashion is everything edgy, everything colorful, everything plaid and everything we never knew we needed. From bedazzled baby crop tops to beret hats, Y2K fashion has it all.
This is our chance to get funky and experiment with different colors and styles. Sick of wearing the same old, boring hairstyle everyday? With Y2K fashion you don’t have to! Fashion alert, butterfly clips are so in right now so grab your favorite pair from your nearest superstore and clip those suckers in. Being able to relive the greatest and strangest moments in fashion is not just a blessing, it’s an honor. This is a chance to get creative and mix and match tops and bottoms that nobody would dare dream of pairing together. This comeback also means that accessories are a must now.
Review: Netflix’s Clickbait is a thrilling mystery A suspenseful miniseries that will keep you guessing
AnnalisaPerales| Contributing Writer
Dust off your investigation board and put on your Sherlock cap because Netflix’s new miniseries Clickbait will make you think twice. The series begins with a small but heated feud between brother and sister, Nick and Pia Brewer, which then leads Pia to leave all worries behind as she goes to a club. As the next day approaches while taking blood from a patient, Pia discovers an unsettling viral video going around that involves someone she never could suspect… her brother. Pia decides to contact all mutual friends she and Nick have, yet no one has any clue as to what is going on in their perfect friend’s life. While many are curious as to what the video is about or need to watch it for evidence, the more views it gets, the closer it is to reaching the goal of five million which will inevitably sign Nick’s death warrant. Pia and Nick’s wife Sophie search for any clues necessary that could help find out where Nick is being held and who would want to take him. As such many secrets begin to unfold. During the investigation of Nick’s disappearance and eventually murder, people in his life begin to question that maybe Nick wasn’t exactly the person they thought he had been. Throughout the show, no matter how many times you begin to question the events or reasonings behind them, you will eventually receive
an answer which rarely happens in a series. It can also be said that Adrian Grenier and Zoe Kazan do an amazing job at portraying their characters. Grenier will make you think twice about his character’s true personality and if he is truly innocent or not. Kazan portrays a character that you can’t help but love because she has no fear in saying the facts as well as shows how intent she is on finding the truth. Another aspect that can be identified as intriguing is the way the story is told throughout the series as they dedicate each episode to a person showing their sides and involvement in the chaos occurring. While showing many of the characters’ storylines, as much information you get there is always a small opening that is left to make you wonder if any of them are truly who they seem to be until the end. This makes things more interesting for the audience as while you are given pieces to the puzzle as to who is guilty, you never really know for sure. The cinematography within the series gives a very dark aesthetic, as the characters are in this large web of unknown truth and lies. During the beginning it can be easily spotted that the colors throughout the story seem to be unattractive shades of green, blue and yellow. But as the web unravels towards the end, you are able to feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel as the lighting becomes brighter. If you like mysteries, twists, turns and drama then I recommend tuning into Clickbait which can be streamed on Netflix.
Fake glasses, hats, mini purses, bead bracelets - anything that is not a clothing item needs to be worn with any outfit immediately. Take a nice hard look in the mirror and ask yourself, “what accessory will match my aesthetic while simultaneously spicing up my look today?” As much as I am talking about Y2K as if it is only for girls, boys have no fear because Y2K is here for you as well. What does that look like? Ever seen the iconic Will Smith in Fresh Prince? There’s your answer. Big sweatshirts and baggy, yet appropriate, denim jeans is the look to shoot for. This fashion trend is all inclusive as long as you are willing
to get on board and find the look that makes you feel the best. With Y2K fashion, you can dress however you choose, confidently knowing that you stand out from others and all for good reason. The best part is that no matter how trendy Y2K gets and no matter how many people start to wear this amazing attire, nobody will look the same. Not a single person will be wearing the exact same outfit as anyone else. Why? Because that’s the beauty of Y2K. It is meant to be bold; it is meant to be different and most importantly, it is meant to be you. Who wants to fit in anyway? I mean come
This film will keep you on your toes
May, who suffers from paralyzing visions which at some point become her reality. The thing that makes her visions even more grotesque is that they are brought on by a psychopathic serial killer that may or may not be her childhood imaginary friend. The cast is led by Annabelle Wallis; her heartbreakingly brilliant performance as the tormented May keeps you engaged the entire film. This film is extremely fun to watch because it followed no rules and almost feels like an experiment. The plot is so outlandish compared to what Wan has done before that it almost feels like a bad ’90s horror film on steroids. The gore in this film is almost nostalgic as Wan hasn’t used this
Makaylah Chavez posing for a photo
Review: James Wan’s Malignant is a gory success CalistaReyes| Contributing Writer
This movie was gory, twisted, and at some points absolutely ridiculous… it was brilliant. James Wan has done it again. Wan has brought us so many iconic horror films that were based on real life events such as The Conjuring and Annabelle, but this time he delivered something totally different and unexpected. Just a forewarning even when you think you know what’s going on…you actually have no idea. Malignant follows a young woman, Emily
extreme amount of gore since his creation of the SAW films. The most interesting thing about this film is the goriest scene towards the end. It was what could only be described as a “horror movie shoot out.” This movie is more about the journey than the destination. It’s meant to be taken and enjoyed as it is. If you are the kind of viewer that needs the story to have a point and a deeper message, this is not the movie for you. All the focus in this film goes to the plot, supernatural happenings and aesthetics rather than character development. In fact, this movie will be appreciated more by horror fanatics rather than other viewers as it may leave them feeling confused or like they’ve
just wasted their time as some of the events are completely outrageous. The cinematography was immaculate. The entire film is lit with grimy blue and greens which undoubtedly contributed to the unsettling feeling you have while you are watching the film. It accentuates how trapped May is in her world as her malignant “friend” tries to take over. The ambiance remains like this the entire film. Although it’s a bit difficult to take some of the events seriously it is an extremely fun and interesting watch. If you love horror movies or are a fan of James Wan’s work, you should definitely give this a watch. This film is available to stream on HBO MAX.
How to Adult: Balancing your studies, social life in college An effective way to manage your time RaeMartinez|Entertainment Editor
Entertainment.editor @thesouthtexan.com
Juggling studies with a social life is a challenging task for students, but with effective strategies, you just might find a balance between both. Before all, set internal priorities and schedule your time. Decide what is more important to you. If you have homework assignments or need to study for a quiz, do that first! By setting priorities and focusing on them, you will be able to plan your time effectively. There are different ways you can manage your time in college, make sure you manage it wisely. That being said, have a to-do list. Writing your schedule is an effective method
to focus on important things. Buy a planner, write your schedule on a piece of paper, use your phone - do whatever you need to do to make sure you structure your time well. Write out important deadlines as well as any other homework assignment due dates. Remember why you are here as this will help you stay focused on your long-term goals. Avoid distractions. Avoiding distractions is challenging considering the technology that surrounds us. A good way to get away from this is by turning off all electronic devices near you when doing your work. If needed, go to a library or someplace quiet to help you focus. You can always take a quick break and check your phone, but don’t use it for a long time. Try not to procrastinate. I know there are other things you can be doing in your free time but try to use that time to work on any assignments that you have.
Finish your homework and get it out of the way so you won’t have to worry about it later. Coordinate your free time with your friends. Communicate with them to see when all of you are available to hang out. If you or a friend cannot make it because of due dates, have a study hangout where all of you work on homework. You would have extra time to hang out with them once you finish. Remember, it is okay to say no if you have too much work. Put your studies first! Lastly, try to get enough sleep. Research shows that lack of sleep can have a negative impact on your academic
performance so try to get around six to eight hours of sleep each night. This is a difficult task for most students as we sometimes have to stay up late to work on assignments or study for exams. However, if you do your work early and on time, you will not have to stay up late. Realistically, an ideal balance between both may be hard to find, but a wise use of time can help. You do not have to focus on your studies all the time, but make sure you put your studies before anything else. Go out, have fun and live your life, but do so after you have turned in your work.
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Track and field teams eye Championship
New recruits add talent in 2021
Michael Samihamba| Contributing
Three years since an NCAA Division II Championship season, the Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) track and field program finally looks like it has what it takes to get back on that level, coaches say.
Track and Field Head Coach Ryan Dall said this upcoming season may just be as good as advertised. “I never talk about any kind of rebuild, I think every year is a new year,” he said. “What makes this team different from last year’s team is that we have a real good mix this year of returning people and some good freshmen with talent that can help us out.
John Harper participating in high jump
Javelina Athletics
I think last year we were pretty young still.” The TAMUK track team has lost a lot of veteran experience since 2018 because of graduation. Five-time All-American in the decathlon and team captain and senior veteran Johnathan Harper says he’s optimistic about the season. “I feel that the upcoming spring season will be strong,” he said. “Our team is determined and excited to start fall training again and I along with them. Physically I’m preparing for this season every day like it’s my job, but mentally I’ve been training for the last six years every day to finally get my shot at a title, and I feel this is the one.” Not only does running help you score points in
Javelina Athletics
Ryan Dall and the 2018 Javelina track and field team hoisting NCAA Championship trophy
track but the field aspect of it can be critical. “Right now, we are just looking at getting stronger and bigger. Our volume is higher, so we are doing a lot of
things,” Throwers Coach Ryan Petrocchi said. “I think we’re going to have a lot more breakout athletes this year. Now that the freshmen from last year know what to
expect I think they are going to come in and do great things. I know the upperclassmen are hungry and can’t wait to build their success from last year.”
Tennis aims for NCAA tournament Team hopes for a repeat Michael Samihamba| Contributing
Milou Ter Morsche takes home IBC Bank player of the week
Javelina Athletics
In the previous 20202021 season the Texas A&M-Kingsville women’s tennis team booked a trip to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. The team earned the No. 4 seed in the South Central Regional. Coming off an historic season the team held its season opener, the annual Javelina Quad at the Javelina Tennis Courts on Friday, Sept. 17. “As our first tournament of the fall semester, it was a great stepping stone. We were able to play well against some very good opponents. The ladies were able to compete hard, which will prepare us for our
ITA Regional tournament,” Head Tennis Coach Autumn Wollenzien said. In the tournament that Friday, sophomore Milou Ter Morsche scored big. She reached the championship round of the ‘F’ Singles Draw. Her performance was so good that she was named IBC Bank player of week. “I feel very honored to be named IBC Bank player of the week. Honestly, I did not expect it at all. I am really grateful to be a part of the Javelina nation, and I am proud to represent this university. I owe it to my teammates because they really supported me this weekend,” she said. “I think this tournament was challenging for us, since the majority of the teams were Division I. But we all fought hard and played well. It felt
really good to play some matches again, and I am happy with the way I played. I am sad we did not get to play out the finals due to the weather though.” The weather did cut the tournament short, however, Assistant Tennis Coach Nirmal Goswami says he too was pleased with their performance last weekend. “Our team did really well. In the tournament this past weekend, we won singles and doubles matches. The losses they had were very close; they fought hard in those matches. We have very high expectations for the season,” he said. The team will play this upcoming weekend in a ITA regional tournament to wrap up the fall schedule in San Angelo, Texas.
Hogs look to take a big swing
Softball eyes LSC title this year
JamesHester| Contributing Writer
After having another great season and another college softball tournament appearance, the Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) softball team looks to have another great year of excellence. The team went 26-15 last year with a 17-9 conference record, according to Javelina Athletics. This will be head coach Craig Nicholson’s fifth season as head coach and he looks to improve on the 2022 season after a dominate 2021 season. After being named to the D2CCA All-Region Second Team, Shortstop player Kayla Gonzales is one the best players returning on this loaded TAMUK roster. She led the team in home runs with 9, RBIs 53, and a batting average of .392. “After having a great freshman year, I want to improve more on my mentality as in not putting so much pressure on myself in situations and trusting myself a little more than what I
do now. I really want to work on my hitting more and being better at selecting pitches. I also want to improve on being a better teammate by helping to pick up others when down on themselves, as well as keeping a positive atmosphere within the team,” Gonzales said. Most of the team is coming back after the 2021 season, and after adding three freshmen to the team, the TAMUK
softball team is looking to have a better season than they did last year. “As a team we perform our best under pressure. We love putting on a show while doing our jobs, we have great team chemistry on and off the field. Something we got to work on is keeping our heads up because we know we are capable of being better. We just must play to our full potential,” Jory Cervantes said.
Javelina Athletics
Kayla Gonzales looks to capitalize off impressive freshman season
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September 27, 2021 thesouthtexan.com
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.” Our Opinion
Tailgate etiquette
Now that our beloved Javelina football season is back, it’s time to bring out the trucks, canopies, chairs and coolers to enjoy a game in the sunny South Texas weather. But before you make plans to pre-game with your friends and fellow Javelina fans, let’s remember some rules for having fun while also staying respectful to the environment around you, or as we like to call: tailgate etiquette. Rule number one is to make sure everyone helps with the clean up once you’re done. Have a list of who cleans up what beforehand to make things quicker and more efficient. This will save time on last minute bickering and excuses. Rule number two is if a grill was used, make sure to dispose of the charcoal and ashes properly. Don’t just leave them scattered around the ground. Rule number three is to bring a box of trash bags with you that way you can use a large bag to clean everything up afterward. If you want, bring gloves too that way you won’t have to touch everyone else’s used plates and cups. Rule number four is if you used any decorations or props like banners or streamers, take them down from wherever you placed them. Fold them up as much as they allow and pack them right back in the truck. Last but not least, rule number five is to double check the area when finished cleaning. Sometimes when we’re in a rush, if it looks “just about clean” it’s good enough. But it’s not good enough. Don’t allow your group to leave any items behind because that would be considered littering and nobody likes a litterer. Good enough isn’t your best, and I hope we would all want to be the best for our environment. Remember, you’re not a kid at home. There shouldn’t be someone there to have to clean up after your mess. If you noticed that maybe past tailgates haven’t been as clean as they should have been when finished, think about how many other groups are noticing the exact same thing right now. That’s hundreds of vehicles leaving “just a cup” behind, which ultimately means one never ending mess of cups to clean up for someone else. Now that we’ve covered the basic rules, I think you’re ready to tailgate properly! Have fun and celebrate your favorite team, but remember to be respectful in doing so.
Unwelcomed Behavior: the reality of sexual harassment As college students develop in their academic experiences, their social encounters continue to expand, however there is a line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior that can potentially hinder someone’s success. Sexual harassment is unwelcome and unwanted sexual adMakaylah Chavez vances, reOpinion quests, and Editor other physical and verbal conducts of behavior. This includes assault, direct or indirect comments, pressure, constant contacting through social media, stalking and much more. These are non-consensual actions conducted by one party against another. Sexual harassment is unacceptably common and is becoming
normalized with how frequently it occurs. To stress the frequency of it, eight out of 10 students will experience sexual harassment at some point in their academic pursuits and 25 percent will experience it on a daily basis. At a university level, more than 60 percent of students report being harassed. That’s 18 out of a class of 30, and that’s just the number of whom have verbally reported the issue. Of college students, 90 percent suffer from harassment imposed by another student. The most common reason that people sexually harass others is because they think it’s funny, but what’s so funny about it? There’s nothing funny about making someone feel uncomfortable. There’s nothing funny about pressuring someone to do something they didn’t want to do. There’s nothing fun-
ny about infringing on someone else’s boundaries. Some effects of sexual harassment in both men and women include anxiety, depression and even PTSD. These symptoms can be both short and long lasting. Reasons why victims downplay the gravity of the situation include shame, denial and fear of consequence. Doctor in clinical psychology Gershen Kaufman says that shame is a natural reaction because the victim tends to blame themselves. They tend to blame themselves for being too friendly or for sending the wrong message when in fact it isn’t in their control when the receiver takes the message the wrong way. Those who experience sexual harassment also sometimes minimize the severity of the issue because it doesn’t seem as extreme as what others have encountered. They
tend to feel like what they went through was nothing compared to what someone else has experienced. Lastly, people don’t feel the need to come forward with what occurred because they fear the many different repercussions, such as fear of losing opportunities and credibility and being seen as an attention seeker. If you have experienced sexual harassment, know that your feelings are valid. It is understandable why some choose not to report these instances, but just because many don’t go reported does not mean it is a minor subject. Let this serve as a reminder that sexual harassment is never okay. If you or someone you know is coping with the effects of sexual harassment, The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free services at 1-800-656-4673.
Gun control, crime rates & the connection between Democrats and Republicans have been debating about gun control for years. Democrats believe that if we can pass stricter gun laws then it will be a step Tiffany toward Hinojosa fixing the Contributing Writer problem of gun violence and mass shootings. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has claimed that stricter gun control will provide “solutions to save lives.” On the other side, Republicans disagree and Senator Ted Cruz has stated that the proposed laws seeking to require background checks on all firearms sales and transfers along with ban-
ning assault weapons are “ridiculous theater that will fail to reduce mass shootings.” So, the question stands, will stricter gun control legislation prevent future gun violence and mass shootings? Laws pertaining to gun control have been in place for years and today it is evident that gun control may not work as much as we would like it to. Legislation like the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993) have created nationwide requirements that make it difficult to purchase a firearm. Unfortunately, criminals don’t obey gun control laws. Therefore, these laws only affect the law-abiding citizens who take legal avenues to purchase their guns.
This is why background checks really have no impact for criminals, as they do not “play by the rules.” In 2016, the Bureau of Justice Statistics examined how prison inmates got their hands on firearms they had used during their crimes. The study found that only about 10 percent of criminals purchased their guns through a retail source. Most criminals acquired their guns through other means such as illegal underground sales, “borrowed” from friends or family, gifts, theft and even theft from the scene of a crime. Criminals who use these illegal methods of obtaining weapons aren’t doing any background checks or applying for gun licenses. This is why
background checks and licensing are not 100 percent effective. Crime rates go down when good, law-abiding citizens have their own firearms to defend themselves and others. Many gun-control advocates have pushed the idea that making firearms easily accessible to the general public would increase crime. Recently, history has show us the truth. From 1991 to 2019, violent crime rates have dropped by more than 50 percent. The number of privately-owned firearms has also increased by 50 percent during that same time period. Certainly, something needs to be done to prevent future violent crime. Doctors can play a large role in See Gun Control, Pg 7
Letter to the Editor: Capitalist CPA
We don’t have a border crisis! We have a “capitalist system labor demand crisis.” Immigrants and aliens don’t steal jobs! They replace higher paid American paid employ-
ees because that’s what American capitalists want and need in order to make more profit. The capitalist system is a profit driven business. So, it is only logical that the business owners
will do almost anything to make more profit and that includes hiring cheaper labor like immigrants and illegal aliens. We need to change their name from immigrants and illegal aliens
to what they really are, “capitalist profit associates”, CPA’s for short.
Jakki Barrera
Sarah Reyna
Campus Editor
Senior Reporter
Tomas Cantu, an economic researcher, Concepcion, Texas
campus.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Susan Cortez Digital Editor
Nicole Perez Morris Adviser
digital.editor@thesouthtexan.com
nicole.morris@thesouthtexan.com
The South Texan is a student
Dylan Sanchez
publication produced by Texas A&M
Sports Editor
University- Kingsville students. The views, opinions and commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas A&M University system. The
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Rae Martinez
South Texan uses student fees in part
Entertainment Editor
to publish. The South Texan is part of
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the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT) and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).
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Letters to the Editor Letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number. Letters considered for publication must be 300 words or fewer. Letters may be emailed to chief.editor@thesouthtexan.com The South Texan, Manning Hall 165, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas 78363
September 27, 2021 thesouthtexan.com
From Enrollment, Pg 1
reach out to prospective students in a number of ways. Texas A&M-Kingsville provides students with a comprehensive college experience, an excellent education and a strong sense of community. Once students know what Texas A&M-Kingsville can provide we are confident that many will
From Leach, Pg 1
life, ranching enterprises and expanded the experiences of people who visit Kingsville, The King Ranch and South Texas. “Even as his eyesight failed, Duane would sign copies of his books using a big, black marker so that his books could be used in Institute fund-raising events,” Hewitt said. “He would send personal checks, filled out using the same big, black marker, to be used for student scholarships.” Because of his profound love for the institute, Leach gave his most prized possession to it: his name. By doing this, his memory and legacy will forever remain as the Duane Leach Research Aviary and the Lorraine From Gun Violence, Pg 6
reducing violent crime. If a patient is showing signs of depression, long-term fits of anger, rage or even confusion; doctors need to ask their patients about firearms. By questioning patients and opening the conversation, we can get everyone the help they need and hopefully save lives. It is more beneficial and effective for the Democrats and Republicans to come together and create policies that aim to focus on violence prevention with communities and individuals. The Second Amendment guarantees American citizens the right to keep a gun but over time, gun control laws have placed limits on that freedom.
recognize the tremendous value we offer.” One way TAMUK plans on increasing enrollment is through rebuilding relationships with schools throughout South Texas, relationships which suffered because of the pandemic. “Since I began in this role on June 1, we are doing more outreach to the schools, prospective students and their families in our region. For example,
and Duane Leach Avian Research Endowment, which was established last year after the passing of his wife, Lorraine Leach. “[Leach] also continued to support the University’s Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute for decades,” Texas A&M University Kingsville President Dr. Mark A. Hussey said. “Today, the Institute is one of the finest wildlife research programs in the nation.” In 1980, Dr. Leach proposed the creation of a Wildlife Institute, which was written by former Dean of the College of Agriculture Dr. Charles DeYoung. Leach then proposed the the Caesar Kleberg Foundation, which funded the creation of the CKWRI with a grant of $1.2 million for the first
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we hosted several regional superintendents on our campus this summer and were able to have great dialogue with them about what Texas A&M-Kingsville can provide their students and how we can support the work they do in their school districts. We are excited to continue strengthening these important relationships,” Silva said. “Another example is the Javelina Rebound program, which
year. “I really enjoyed working with him as he was always looking to improve the university and welcomed ideas that would accomplish that goal,” DeYoung said. “He didn’t just want to keep the status quo but was always excited to hear ideas for advancement and was willing to work directly to accomplish goals.” Leach is preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine, and is survived by his children and their spouses. Because of the pandemic, no services are planned as of now, but donations can be made in his name to the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Boulevard, MSC 218, Kingsville, TX, 78363.
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has helped our students bounce back from the challenges they have faced due to the pandemic by leveraging federal funds to support them.” The Javelina Rebound program is one of many programs TAMUK has implemented, including First Year on Us, which covers the first year of tuition for first-time-in-college students and transfer students who qualify. “We understand the ongoing economic impact of the pandemic is affecting our students and their families. Over the last two months, we launched a series of programs that provide financial support for students,” Hussey said. “For example, the Javelina Rebound Grants erased institutional debt for nearly 700 current and former students.” The rebound grants resulted in 40 percent of students, whose debt was forgiven, returning to the university. “We plan to continue offering financial support to students whenever possible,” he said. Recruitment endeavors
have also increased. “We are also able to do more face-to-face recruiting both in high schools and in community colleges. We are also beginning the important work of drafting a strategic enrollment plan that will help guide our recruitment and retention efforts in the future,” Silva said. To help with enrollment TAMUK has a new Dual Admissions agreement with Victoria and Del Mar colleges and a Memorandum of Understanding with some South Texas junior colleges.
“I am optimistic about future enrollment trends at Texas A&M Kingsville. When you examine our decline in student numbers this fall, you will see that 70 percent of the decrease may be attributed to declines in three areas: dual enrollment, transfer and first-time-in-college students,” Hussey said, “all of which were impacted by our inability to visit many campuses last year due to COVID. I anticipate that enrollment in these areas will increase next year as our access to these campuses improves.”
From Hazing, Pg 1
ed to share their knowledge with students and the community about the types of behaviors common in hazing incidents. Cristian Miranda, a member of Alpha Sigma Phi, said hazing prevention week allows him to save others from harm. “I believe the university does a great job at promoting prevention because we have organizations such as PEP-Talk which I am currently in and we help give the campus a student-led conversation rather than a guest speaker,” Miranda said. “It’s students helping students become better people.” A national campaign can be the first step in helping others, while national hazing prevention week shines light on the movement happening at
Students stamping their hand prints on banner.
TAMUK. If you or anyone you know is experiencing hazing in an organization,
Claire Benavides
contact UPD at (361)5932611 or the National TollFree Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-668-4293.
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IN HONOR OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
SOUTHWEST BORDERLAND/ MEXICAN AMERICAN STUDIES PRESENTS
NÉSTOR RODRÍGUEZ, Ph.D. “Guatemalan Migrant Remittances to a Hometown in the Guatemalan Western Highlands: Development at the Family and Community Levels” Image courtesy of Evan Hernandez
REGISTER IN ADVANCE
WEDNESDAY
OCT. 6, 2021
6 P.M. via ZOOM
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. USE THE LINK BELOW OR SCAN THE QR CODE TO REGISTER
About Dr. Rodríguez
Néstor Rodríguez obtained his B.A. and M.A. at Texas A&I University in Kingsville and his Ph.D. at The University of Texas at Austin, where he is currently a Professor of Sociology. His research and publications include the topics of U.S. immigration from Latin America, border control, and impacts of migrant remittances on migrant communities of origin. He has conducted migration research abroad in Central America, Peru, and China.
Presentation Description
Large-scale migration from Guatemala to the U.S. of thousands of Guatemalans emerged in the late 1970s in the context of civil conflict and accompanying economic decline. Mayan populations in the western highlands of Guatemala were among the hardest hit by the political violence and related economic hardships. Thousands of Maya fled from Guatemala to southern Mexico in the early 1980s to escape the violence, and thousands more migrated to the U.S. to seek economic survival. Most of the Guatemalans fleeing to the U.S. migrated without visas. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 enabled many undocumented Guatemalan migrants to obtain amnesty and legal status. As Guatemalan migrants established themselves in the U.S. they became a major source of financial remittances for their families and communities of origin back home. The remittances have supported the construction of new homes, health care for families, schooling for children, and the development of new small businesses. Sponsored by the Department of Psychology and Sociology
https://tamuk-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tdeqoqzkjHNUQ9mL0h6OWI95tpc4PoCkp