Volume 63 Issue 4

On newsstands weekly

Volume 63 Issue 4

Thursday, October 9, 2025

THE USD VISTA VISTA

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Diego since 1968

Congress freezes federal funding

US government shuts down for first time in seven years CADEN HAYNOR NEWS EDITOR The federal government shut down on Oct. 1 for the first time in almost seven years. The government remained shutdown as of Oct. 7 when The USD Vista sent to print. The last government shutdown occurred in 2018 and was the longest in American history, lasting 35 days.

A government shutdown occurs when the federal government stops and reduces its operations because Congress did not pass the required laws that were needed to fund it on time.

Every year, Congress must pass a budget to pay for the government and all of its activities. This includes paying workers, running agencies and providing services. Congress missed their deadline of Oct. 1 to pass a budget.

Now, there is no fixed deadline for passing a funding bill. When the regular annual budget is not passed by Oct. 1, Congress votes on Continuing Resolutions (CR), which are temporary spending bills used to keep the government funded.

The U.S. government shut down on Oct. 1 after Congress was unable to pass a funding bill.

Since the government shutdown, Congress has repeatedly voted to try to pass a CR. If a full spending bill does

not pass, then the government cannot legally spend money on most of its operations.

Essential services that

Photo courtesy of @kmeeo/X

are necessary for national security and safety, including the military, law enforcement, air traffic control, border

Dining prices eat up meal plans

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Shutdown,

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INSIDE

Price increases at USD worry Toreros

CADEN HAYNOR NEWS EDITOR When USD students returned to campus this year, they encountered a noticeable price increase on the food offered at on-campus dining areas. Tu Mercado, La Paloma, Aromas Cafe and the Student Life Pavilion (SLP) all saw added expenses on food items such as sandwiches, bowls and plates.

USD sophomore Iris Lowe described her reaction to these price increases when she started this school year.

“I noticed that the sandwiches at Tu Mercado have raised in price to $15, which is insane,” Lowe stated. “I don’t know where these added prices are coming from because they seem too high. I have to pay much more attention to what I am buying now because each item is more expensive now.”

Loryn Johnson, director of marketing and licensing within Auxiliary Services, explained why USD Dining increased the price on many food items around campus.

protection and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, will remain funded and operating.

Taylor Swift album See A&C, page 4

ExSJ Blind Art Exhibit See A&C, page 5

Filipino heritage month See Feature, page 8

Broke college students See Opinion, page 10

USD Dining increased prices in multiple areas where food is served on campus.

“Pricing is impacted by local, state, national and global economies,” Johnson stated.

“Prices on food items typically only increase once a year. Prior to the fall semester, USD Dining management reviews food

pricing for every menu and retail item. Market research is done to find out what local eateries are charging.

USD Dining compares similar products in terms of quality, size and price.”

Johnson also cited

Don’t miss the latest news. Find us online:

@theusdvista

Sands Chipman/The USD Vista

inflation as a leading factor in these price increases.

“Inflation is a major factor of the price of goods,” Johnson explained. “Recent inflation rates are unprecedented and

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theusdvista.com

Rowing raises awareness See Sports, page 12

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October 9, 2025

NEWS

US Congress fails to pass spending bill From Shutdown,

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The employees working in these services will be forced to work during the shutdown and will not be paid until the shutdown is over. Meanwhile, nonessential services, like national parks, museums and research programs, will be shut down, sending their workers home without pay.

One USD NROTC midshipman went on the record to explain the effects of the shutdown on military personnel.

Other ROTC members were not comfortable speaking on the record for fear of discipline or retaliation from their military superiors.

“The only thing that it really affects for ROTC students is tuition payments and the stipend,” the student stated.

“Tuition payments go through on the 45th day of the semester and the military stipend comes out on the first and fifteenth of every month. There is quite a bit of scholarship money coming into USD which is nice for us and the stipend is $150 every two weeks as part of a scholarship. I use that for groceries. Since the tuition payment is coming up, it will likely get delayed. The only thing

Government shutdown impacts Toreros

The government shutdown affects ROTC and military personnel who receive regular payments from the government.

Photo courtesy of @Gabriel Tovar/Unsplash

that really matters is if you are on active duty like our staff, who have to work, but don’t get paid.”

This shutdown affects USD in a variety of ways, since the University receives federal

funding. Most federal financial aid, like Pell Grants and Direct Loans, was distributed at the beginning of the semester, so there is minimal initial disruption. If the shutdown

continues longer, new applications for the spring that would normally be processed, could be delayed — especially for FAFSA. Associate Director of

Media Relations Elena Gomez commented on the effects of the shutdown.

“We’re not aware of any specific impacts on USD’s campus related to the government shutdown and we don’t anticipate any major issues in the short term,” Gomez stated.

Gomez responded to The USD Vista, stating that she contacted the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Public Affairs team for further information. The USD Vista followed up on Oct. 5 to see if the ROTC Public Affairs team responded.

Gomez stated that the Public Affairs team did not respond to this University inquiry as of Oct. 7.

Regardless of long-term effects, the shutdown has halted certain government processes that are necessary for University function. Those processes being delayed means that there will be work to catch up on once the government agrees on a spending bill.

While most U.S. spending remains frozen, USD students who are relying on federal funds and services will continue to assess how this shutdown affects their daily lives.

Food expenses continue to rise Athlete breakfast and meal plans increase in price

From Dining,

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impacted by local, national and global challenges. For the past twelve months through July 2025, the San Diego metro area experienced a 4% inflation rate. The cost of living in San Diego is significantly higher than the national average.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the consumer price index for the San Diego-Carlsbad region increased by 0.8 percent from June to July 2025, and 4% in the past year.

The BLS also announced that the food index increased 0.5% over the month, as the food at home index (grocery store prices) rose 0.6 percent and the food away from home index (restaurants, cafeteria and vending purchases) increased 0.3%.

In Tu Mercado, a sandwich at the build-your-own station increased in price from $13.50 to $14.95. In La Paloma, a 12 ounce latte increased in price from $9.50 to $9.90. In Aromas, a specialty toast increased in price from $8.75 to $9.50.

These price increases have caused an increase in meal plan pricing for this academic year. The minimum meal plan required for resident freshmen has increased by 141 dining dollars and the minimum resident meal plan required for

sophomores has increased by 110 dining dollars. The overall full-time student meal plan cost per semester increased by $175 for this academic year.

Lowe explained how these price increases have affected how she watches her meal plan funds.

“I feel like I’m already watching my dining dollars more than I was last year, and it’s only the beginning of the year,” Lowe said. “Also, the fact that you can only use swipes at SLP during the night is unreasonable. I have to use dining dollars at all other times of the day. As a college student, you’re eating things all day and having that as a worry is unreasonable because then you don’t eat as much.”

Before the semester began, many USD students arrived early to school to participate in certain programs ran by the University. USD sophomore Lucia Laniecki participated in one of these events. She explained her food situation during that time.

“I was at school two weeks early before school started for a program I was helping out with at the school and we did not get any compensation for food at any of the dining facilities for breakfast or dinner

the entire time,” Laniecki said.

“The sophomores were generally okay, because we had kitchens in our dorms, but many of the freshmen that were involved were totally screwed because they didn’t have a kitchen.”

On-campus lunch is the only meal that has been hit by price increases. Athlete breakfast is open to only athletes and occurs at the SLP from 7-9:30 a.m.

Monday through Friday and has experienced gradual changes.

In an email sent to USD student athletes in early September, reviewed by The USD Vista, Deputy Athletic Director Jessica Goerke explained the new price and terms of athlete breakfast this school year.

“For $8, you may pass once through the buffet line OR take one to-go box,” Goerke wrote.

“Please note: you cannot double up with both a pass-through and a to-go box in the same visit.”

This new price introduced a $1 increase from last year, which continued a trend in breakfast cost increase from previous years. Being able to pass through the buffet line only once is a completely new development from previous years. Last year, student athletes were able to pass through the breakfast line multiple times.

Dining prices increased from last academic year to this year.

Emma Pirhala/The USD Vista

In response to these changes, multiple male and female student athletes from various sports expressed concern for their personal finances. These students wished to remain unnamed at the instruction of their coaches.

Some athletes also decided not to purchase a meal plan for this school year and to instead buy their own meals from off-campus grocery stores due to increased prices across the board at USD. Changes in food pricing will continue to be assessed and made by USD Dining in future years.

Johnson explained the projected plan for food price changes.

“The plan is to continue to

review prices at least once a year,” Johnson stated. “We remain flexible and open to adjustments when the economy, or other outside factors, require us to make changes. Meal plan pricing is set well in advance for the academic year and does not change until potentially the next academic year, which makes it a great value for students — allowing them to plan for their annual food budget.”

Students from different areas in the University who have been affected by these price increases will continue to assess whether these changes are making too large of an impact in their daily lives, or if they can live with higher food prices.

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October 9, 2025

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Crossword of the week: ANJALI DALAL-WHELAN ASSOCIATE EDITOR

1

LARA DOMINIQUE SOLANTE COPY EDITOR

2

LAUREN CEBALLOS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Down 1. ___ was the first emperor of Rome.

3. Chip brand with a mustached mascot 4. The magic map in “Harry Potter” 6. The movie with seven dwarves 8. Fruit without pesticides 9. What show has colors that are visible for dogs?

11. A country east of Laos

3 4 5

6 7

8 9

10

11 12

13 14

Across 5. This company’s slogan is 10. “Love grows where my 13. A performative Across Down male’s 2. A popular day 2. tripAfrom ____ goes.”

Fresh” favorite drink of Rome. popular “Eat day trip from San Diego during fall 1. ___ was the first emperor San Diego during5.fall 12.

The singer of the 1982 7. The U.S. government Theaauthor of themascot.

1974 “Eat Fresh.”

3. Chip brand14. with mustached hit song, “Thriller” ____ on Oct. 7. The U.S. government is 1. in a ___.

4. A map thatnovel, shows“Carrie” the secret routes of Hogwarts

10. “Love grows where my ____ goes.”

6. A Disney movie remake that flopped See last week’s crossword answers on 4.

12. The singer of the 1982 hit song, “Thriller” 8.Page Fruit without pesticides 13. A performative male’s favorite drink 9. What show has colors that are visible for dogs?

14. The author of the 1974 novel, “Carrie” 11. The country that the U.S. was at war with from 1955–1975

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October 9, 2025

ARTS & CULTURE

Swift releases ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ Taylor Swift’s poet’s quill swapped for a glitter pen

KATARINA MARIC CONTRIBUTOR Taylor Swift released her twelth studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl” — a peek into everything that was going on behind the curtain during her record-breaking Eras Tour and the life of an entertainer, on Oct. 3 at midnight Eastern time.

The 12-track album contains a glittery mix of bright melodies and bold beats with stylistic retro influences, a rumored diss track, raunchy Travis Kelce-influenced love songs and all ending with cabaret feathers and a title track featuring Sabrina Carpenter.

Compared to Swift’s recent collaborations with producers Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, “The Life of a Showgirl” returned Swift to her pop era.

The album was produced by Max Martin and Karl Johan Shellback, known for their work contributing to Taylor Swift’s earlier hits, such as “Shake it Off” and “Blank Space.” Because of this choice, Swifties eagerly awaited “The Life of a Showgirl” to be reminiscent of “1989” and “Reputation,” with the poetic, melancholy lyrics of “Folklore.”

Swifties at USD seem to have mixed feelings about “The Life of a Showgirl,” with some proclaiming it a no-skip glittergel pen album, and others calling it a total fall-off, disappointed by its lyricism and sultry production choices. Opinions clash within individual songs, with most students considering the first three tracks, “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Elizabeth Taylor” and “Opalite” to be incredibly catchy and fun, while later tracks have been met with raised eyebrows and cringing expressions.

USD first-year student Madison Courtney explained her thoughts.

“It sounds like she’s lost her

touch with her lyrics because she was always talking about how much she wants to sound like an English teacher, and have all of these literary references,” Courtney said. “This album feels like she’s departed from that.”

Most notably, track five, “Eldest Daughter,” has been

deep-cut stanzas, carved of raw emotion and confessions, “The Life of a Showgirl” may be perceived as too surfacelevel and thoughtless. When discussing track four “Father Figure,” first-year student Kaili Murphy stated her opinion.

“She goes ‘I can make deals

Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” album cover.

criticized for its awkward millennial-esque lines: “every joke’s just trolling and memes / But I’m not a bad bitch / and this isn’t savage,” and “so we all dressed up as wolves / and we looked fire.”

Whereas “The Tortured Poets Department” featured

a Knife” that she feels insecure around a woman with connections to her partner’s band, The 1975.

Swift’s ex-boyfriend Matty Healy, whom she was seen with after her break-up with long-term partner Joe Alwyn, is the lead singer of The 1975. Swift’s song opens with the line “I heard you

Photo courtesy of @taylorswift/Instagram

with the devil [cause] my [d---] is bigger.’ I think it’s so funny. I can’t listen to it and not laugh.”

Track seven, “Actually Romantic,” is rumored to be a diss track about Swift’s feud with pop artist Charli xcx. The British musician recently shared in her “Brat” album song “Sympathy is

call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave” and twists Charli xcx’s supposed obsession with her to one of sapphic undertones. Whether or not track seven is truly a diss track, some Swifties find the song an enemies-to-lovers anthem, while others view it as

an immature and undeserving dig at Charli XCX. USD senior Sasha Milstein shared her thoughts on the drama.

“After the terrorist strike in Vienna, when Taylor had to cancel her concert, Charli posted a picture of a bloody friendship bracelet,” Milstein explained.

“That and all of the stuff with the lead singer of [The 1975], Charli’s starting beef, and I think it’s really ridiculous. I think everyone who’s shaming Taylor for being in her mid-thirties and writing a diss track is stupid because Charli is also in her midthirties, so like, where’s the logic?”

In track nine, “Wood,” USD students compare the lyrical style to Sabrina Carpenter’s, claiming that Swift tried to emulate Carpenter’s sweet but seductive pop persona. With lyrics such as “forgive me, it sounds cocky / he (ah!) matized me / and open my eyes redwood tree / it ain’t hard to see his love was the key / that opened my eyes,” some found this song too vulgar while others enjoyed the variety. USD sophomore Isabelle Barako offered her opinion of the album in its relation to Sabrina Carpenter.

“It took me a few listens, but now I think I like it,” Barako said. “I think that [Swift and Carpenter] are good friends and she took some inspiration from her. But it’s not the same album as ‘Man’s Best Friend’.”

The album is brimming with double entendres, the track is both an unexpected and fun Travis-Kelce heavy addition to the album.

Whether or not “The Life of Showgirl” is your forte, it is undeniable that Taylor Swift has made exciting shifts and entered new worlds as an artist, and fans can’t wait to see what comes next – especially if it’s “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” or even studio album 13.

Last week’s crossword answers:

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The USD Vista

Art that is beyond sight

Blind artists work with USD’s engineering students RILEY RAINS ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Last week in the Belanich Engineering Center, Toreros might have spotted a large art exhibit in a room usually dedicated to engineering projects. Food ranging from apple strudel to donuts spilled over desk tops, while quiet classical music drifted through the hallways. USD’s Ideation Space was alive with texture: the delicate grit of eggshells, the smooth quality of stone and the soft weight of clay. Every work told a story, and every piece was curated by visually impaired or blind artists.

These creators are a part of Gifted Blind Artists, Crafters & Knitters, or GiftedBack – a community of artists that work with Pearl Mecenas, the founder, to increase awareness of new innovations available to the blind or visually impaired.

Artists with this disability have been sitting in Dr. Odesma Dalrymple’s ENGR 103 class for the past six years, all a part of a partnership through USD Engineering Exchange for Social Justice, or ExSJ. Rowan Lafferty, a USD sophomore who is Dr. Odesma’s TA in ENGR 103 explained what the class is centered around.

“I [am a Teaching Assistant] for a class called User-Center Design, which is actually in partnership with the blind and low vision community,” Lafferty stated.

“We do a lot of work to understand the framework of design from a user-focused perspective, especially from the point of view of blind and low vision people.”

The User-Center Design course encourages students to collaborate toward justice oriented solutions. Jakson Te, a USD junior in ENGR 103, offered insight into what Gifted Back artists bring to ExSJ. “They come into class and share their experiences as to how they went blind,” Te said.

“Their unique perspective gives engineers like us a lot

of stuff to think about. They end up working with students and try to gauge us and see how we can maybe come up with solutions that will help their everyday lives.”

One example of the students’ work is the Near Field Communication, or NFC tags. When the small device is tapped by a smartphone, it plays a pre-set audio with text information for the user to listen to. Low vision or blind artists use the 80cent tag to color-code string or paint. This enables the technology to audibly tell the artists the different colors.

Visually impaired artist Lanetta Wilkes, or Zawadi, expressed how helpful the tags were in her experience.

“I just tie the NFC to the string and then it helps me differentiate,” Zawadi explained. “It is so amazing what technology can do.”

Every piece in the gallery also featured a scannable QR code where the blind or visually impaired would describe their process and inspiration. The acoustic element ensured that everyone could enjoy these artists’ beautiful work.

Rene Vazquez, a former construction worker who sits in Dr. Odesma’s class described his ceramic work made from recycled brick and stone.

“I like to grab these flower pots and decorate them with beautiful tile and glass pieces,” Vazquez remarked. “I have no method, just crazy madness. I usually blindfold myself when I do the pots because I am losing my vision, and when I stare at something I lose control and want it to be perfect. I do it by touch. They make me feel normal again, human.”

These types of devices and innovations are what USD engineering students learn from. By using blind artists’ techniques, Toreros can better brainstorm further solutions to accessibility problems.

Mecenas, the founder of GiftedBack, works with artists like Vazquez to increase

A USD plaque made by visually impaired artist Rene Vasquez.

awareness of low vision artists. Her partnership with USD encourages engineering students to strive for creative, accessible solutions.

She came to San Diego in hopes of sharing India’s inclusive approach to helping the visually impaired individuals in the United States. Mecenas explained her backstory.

“I used to work in corporate America for some time,” Mecenas shared. “Then my husband and I started making regular trips to India because his mom was ill.

My husband, who’s an avid runner, met a group of blind runners in India. The inclusion literally opened my eyes to how India was approaching other blind and low vision communities. My husband said ‘Why don’t you do something more philanthropic and meaningful with your MBA?’ And then it just exploded.”

The art gallery was just the start – on Oct. 4 GiftedBack hosted a multisensory immersion art exhibit, including a variety of fundraisers. The

Joyce Porter’s beaded bracelets made from jade, tiger’s eye, and other stones — all for sale.

Riley Rains/The USD Vista

proceeds earned from the event were used to support the USD’s ExSJ to further connect students to leaders from the blind community.

A portion is also allocated for Mecenas’s GiftedBack program, an organization that has ambitions of growth.

Mecenas expanded on her hopes for GiftedBack’s future.

“A lot of the money that we make is really to help launch a larger initiative that will support a large blind and low vision group community, which involves getting them connected to tour guides,” Mecenas explained. “If they want to travel, they may impose on their family and friends. So this service would allow them to get paired with a guide who’s been certified with their Braille Institute.”

The multisensory immersion event, an experience that stimulated all of the senses was hosted at La Gran Terraza.

The night began with “Art in the Dark,” where guests explore art through sound, touch and direct engagement with the artist. Next, guests

Riley Rains/The USD Vista

moved to the dining experience, where La Gran Terraza Chef Marni Becerra crafted an inclusive menu that was a surprise to all, guests were invited to put on a blindfold and feel the food, using their tongues to guess flavors. Lastly, guests got up and danced in the dark, a fun, inclusive experience to end the night.

USD sophomore Allison Cecka described her experience at the GiftedBack immersion exhibit.

“I think this was such a beautiful event,” Cecka said. “I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to go. To be able to share an experience with such a community is really special. The food was so good and it was so fun.”

Through partnerships like those with GiftedBack and ExSJ, students are encouraged to create meaningful solutions that can bridge gaps and raise awareness for the blind and low vision community. With Toreros developing initiatives aimed at expanding accessibility and support for the blind community, the impact of these efforts is bound to grow.

Rene Vasquez’s ceramic work is made from 100% recycled material.

Riley Rains/The USD Vista

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October 9, 2025

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FEATURE

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October 9, 2025

AR TS & FEATURE

Judge Zapanta returns to USD USD alumna shares insights on representation

CHERISHANN DIAMZON CONTRIBUTOR San Diego Superior Court Judge Rohanee Zapanta told attendees at the University of San Diego’s third annual Filipino American History Month celebration that their presence matters.

“The fact that you’re here is enough,” Zapanta emphasized during her keynote address Oct. 1 in Copley Library’s Mother Hill Reading Room.

The free public event drew students, faculty, staff and community members for an evening of reflection, community and celebration.

Zapanta, who earned her bachelor’s degree in 1998 and law degree in 2002 from USD, is the second Filipina American to serve on the San Diego Superior Court. She was appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018.

The event featured traditional Filipino dance performances by Filipino Ugnayan Student Organization (FUSO) members, musical performances and dinner.

During the question and answer session after her speech, Zapanta discussed some of the stereotypes that Filipino Americans face – particularly pressure to pursue careers in nursing or medicine.

“To consider the barriers and consider the stereotypes is kind of one of the first things that becomes daunting,” Zapanta said.

“I think to overcome any kind of stereotype is to really learn to be comfortable and open up.”

Zapanta used a metaphor about home ownership to explain her approach. She asked whether someone would keep visitors at the driveway, on the front porch or

invite them into the living room.

“You’re still the master and controller of what you want to share, but you can be that person to let them in,” Zapanta said.

Zapanta emphasized three pillars that guided her career: connection, community and compassion.

She encouraged students to share their stories and be visible.

“We can’t expect to see others if we’re not willing to share things about ourselves, and we’re not willing to acknowledge that the fact that you’re here is enough,” Zapanta said.

Zapanta grew up in San Diego’s Paradise Hills neighborhood as the child of immigrants. In a bilingual household, she often helped relatives navigate forms, medical care and immigration processes.

She didn’t consider law school until her senior year at USD, when a friend applied and she began thinking about the “why” behind laws. USD awarded her a scholarship to attend law school.

As a public defender, Zapanta specialized in representing clients with serious mental illness and developmental disabilities for 13 years.

When students expressed feeling imposter syndrome about life post graduation, she offered direct advice.

“You don’t have options ‘till you have offers,” Zapanta said. “Work for the offer.”

USD senior Gabbie Arellano appreciated the event’s intimate setting.

“It’s always a good thing to come to these events where the crowds are a bit more intimate and we can make a better connection with each other because they’re not only educational, but they’re familial

Judge Rohanee Zapanta gives a speech at USD’s Filipino American Heritage Month Celebration.

Cherishann Diamzon/The USD Vista in a sense,” Arellano reflected.

American community.

Dinglasa performed USD first-year students “Her journey, her inspiration, traditional Filipino dance Lauren Urquico and Adriel her story can be applicable during the celebration.

Riomalis, both FUSO to anyone who strives for “Being able to see that members, attended by choice a new goal,” Riomalis said. representation, especially rather than for class credit.

Urquico noted how in her field and at her “It’s really inspiring, Zapanta’s presentation level in her field, I think especially because I have a highlighted connection, it’s definitely empowering to similar background as her, like community and compassion. a lot of people who don’t get being born here but having “I just thought that was to see that,” Dinglasa said. immigrant parents from the really inspiring, just because Several students and Philippines,” Urquico said. she takes pride in her Filipino faculty expressed the hope Riomalis said the message culture so well,” Urquico said. that more people would attend applies beyond the Filipino USD sophomore Sofia future events, including nonFilipino community members.

“Filipino culture is so welcoming,” Urquico emphasized.

Dinglasa said she’d love for everyone to try Filipino food.

“I personally think it’s really good,” Dinglasa shared.

In 2023, Zapanta was named one of the “Most Influential Filipina Women in the World” by the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network.

Starting in Fall 2025, Zapanta will teach Professional Identity Formation at USD School of Law. She currently serves on USD’s Alumni Board of Directors.

October marks Filipino American History Month, commemorating the arrival of the first Filipinos in the continental United States on Oct. 18, 1587.

With the third-largest Filipino population in the country, San Diego County was a fitting backdrop for Zapanta’s message. Students left thinking less about career strategy and more about what USD FUSO students perform a traditional dance at the Filipino American Heritage Month celebration. it means to simply show up.

Cherishann Diamzon/The USD Vista

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OPINION

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OPINION

Passing on the performative

USD should consider Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a holiday EMMA PIRHALA MANAGING EDITOR One of the first things students hear when they enter USD is not the alma mater song or how to use their meal plans.

During the start of classes and OLÉ! Weekend, Toreros are greeted with numerous speeches. Nearly all of them include a land acknowledgment, recognizing the significance of the tribal lands that Alcalá Park resides on. The Kumeyaay Nation inhabited not only the land that USD claimed, but also thousands of miles spanning from today’s Escondido to Ensenada.

Now, it is important to note that I am a white woman, with no personal connection to the indigenous community.

In conversations with members of indigenous communities, I have learned the importance of acknowledging and celebrating native cultures.

The culture, traditions and stories of the Kumeyaay people continue to have a significant impact on our society and University, and remain a vibrant federally-recognized tribe. Despite the wave of land acknowledgements and sermons about USD’s core values, the University falls short in celebrating their culture by failing to cancel classes on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Each year, Indigenous Peoples’ Day falls on the second Monday in October. In a generational move, many opted to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day rather than Columbus Day, which occurs on the same day. Advocates of Indigenous Peoples’ Day rightly argued that the horrific acts of Christopher Columbus warranted a change.

During his conquest of the Carribean, Columbus actively ordered the enslavement, massacre and rape of indigenous peoples. Many of these actions were disguised through the principles of religious superiority and selfrighteousness.

Missionaries were sent to convert the socalled heathen natives in a God, Glory, Gold campaign. And all of this occurred prior to the creation of the United States, which has repeatedly massacred and isolated indigenous populations throughout our almost 250-year history.

Despite this, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is still not recognized as a federal holiday — and USD can help change that by canceling classes and work, allowing for celebration.

In 2020, people from the Kumeyaay Nation, and those in solidarity, protested in San Diego against the border wall.

The University’s mission, vision and values promote Catholic social teachings of human dignity and care for the common home. These principles go hand-in-hand with the arguments for celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day. USD Assistant Director of Media Relations Steven Covella commented on behalf of USD. “USD must balance adjusted class schedules and holidays with the need to meet minimum instructional hour requirements to comply with accreditation standards and the unique schedules of some of our programs,” Covella said.

“The University has explored options to incorporate noclass holidays into the schedule, but none of the proposals proved viable while still meeting the requirements for instructional hours, which can vary by program.”

Comparable universities across the nation categorize Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an administrative holiday, resulting in canceled classes.

Santa Clara University (SCU) and the University of San Francisco — both Catholic institutions — have canceled classes on Oct. 13. Last year, SCU named Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an administrative holiday and instead opted to host celebratory and educational events promoting indigenous heritage and culture.

The decision came from an Associated Student Government resolution that was passed two years prior to the

Photo courtesy of @zaydee.s/Instagram

Located on the north side of campus, the Kumeyaay Garden is named after the Kumeyaay Nation.

David Cook/The USD Vista

release of the article. In a 2024 interview to The Santa Clara – SCU’s student-run newspaper, Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Ray Plaza explained the process of integrating the resolution and the barriers that the school had to break through.

“I had looked at how other Jesuit schools were managing the holiday,” Plaza said.

“We had to jump through all these hoops, because it dealt with the academic calendar and the number of

days we could have off. It took a while, but we got here.”

The difficulties of scheduling are not foreign to USD. However, the University could trade a day of vacation for a day of remembrance and reconciliation. Cutting into break time is also not new to University officials, who have routinely condensed final exam study days and spring break. Therefore, the barriers that USD would have to cross are not too significant to serve as a legitimate excuse.

In a society where diversity is under attack, USD has the opportunity to present themselves as a changemaker by recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day. By doing so, the University could provide students with meaningful educational experiences that would further fortify their mission, vision and values.

The failure to do so as of now continues to contribute to prejudice and othering that has been pursued against native populations for far too long.

The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.

The USD Vista

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October 9, 2025

OPINION

Bring back the broke college student How social media and Apple Pay have ruined being broke

DAVID COOK OPINION EDITOR There was a time when being a broke college student wasn’t just expected, it was a rite of passage. Ramen noodles, thrift store furniture and splitting a pizza four ways didn’t used to be signs of failure, but instead were part of the shared college experience. Now, it feels like that identity has disappeared, replaced with Apple Pay taps, late-night DoorDash orders and iced lattes that cost more than a textbook rental.

The idea of being broke has always carried a strange kind of freedom. If everyone around you is stretching $20 until the end of the week, there’s no shame in it. But walk across campus today, and the culture tells you a different story. Students often feel pressured to appear as if they can afford everything — even when they can’t. Designer sneakers, eating out and weekend trips aren’t luxuries anymore, but expectations.

Of course, some might argue that this shift is a positive development.

Technology makes life easier, and credit cards or Apple Pay can help students participate in social life

With a double click of the power button, students can quickly access their debit and credit cards.

without the embarrassment of admitting that they can’t afford

something. No one wants to be left out just because they

A cup of ramen is a staple of the cheap-living meals of college students.

Photo courtesy of @czxie21/Unsplash

don’t have cash on hand. In a way, it has leveled the playing field, or at least on the surface.

Apple Pay has made transactions feel less tangible.

When you remove the physical action of handing cash or even a credit card to employees, the ease of making transactions can increase how much you spend, and some studies support this.

Social media fuels this illusion even more. Instagram and TikTok have transformed the concept of “college life” into an aesthetic. Through these online observations, students have collectively decided that their morning matcha or $80 skincare routines are an essential part of their daily routine.

These dispensable routines have been masqueraded as necessities of self-care. What gets posted are curated highlights, not the nights of heating mac and cheese on a dorm stovetop.

The broke college student has been erased from the feed, replaced by an image of effortless affluence that feels impossible to keep up with for many.

It’s ironic because college life used to embrace the “broke” identity. You weren’t embarrassed to say you couldn’t go out because you were saving for books or a road trip; there was humor in it. Being broke meant inventing your own fun, like

Photo courtesy of @naipo.de/Unsplash

movie nights in, spontaneous beach trips or cramming into a friend’s tiny apartment for hours.

Now, instead of leaning into the shared reality of not having money, students mask it.

And that has consequences. It widens the gap between students who truly can’t afford things and those who can hide behind their parents’ credit cards. It creates pressure to “keep up” with an impossible lifestyle, and it takes away the honesty of saying, “sorry, I can’t afford it.”

San Diego makes this even more complicated. Living in one of the most expensive cities in the country, students constantly balance rent, groceries, gas and tuition against the pressure to go out, eat out and do it all. The broke college student should be the most relatable person on campus. Instead, everyone is pretending not to be them.

Bringing back the broke student isn’t about glamorizing struggle or suggesting that poverty is enjoyable. It’s about reclaiming the honesty and simplicity that comes with admitting limits. It’s about rejecting the idea that every college experience has to be Instagram-worthy, brand-new or bought on credit. It’s about rediscovering that some of the best moments in college don’t cost anything at all.

In last week’s issue of The USD Vista, it was incorrectly stated that the USD Food Pantry works with volunteers, they do not opperate with volunteers. We regret this error.

The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.

Volume 63 Issue 4

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SPORTS

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The USD Vista

SPORTS

San Diego’s season comes to a close Chicago Cubs eliminate Padres in game 3

PRIYA COOPER SPORTS EDITOR The Padres are officially out of the 2025 MLB playoffs after losing 2-1 in the series to the Chicago Cubs. On Thursday Oct. 2 the Padres lost 1-3, only able to get one run off in the ninth inning. Both teams were competing in the National League Wild Card Series.

The Wild Card round is a best of three series and the winners of the two Wild Card Series move on to the Division Series, best of five where they go on to play the top seeds.

Last year, the Padres swept the Atlanta Braves in the wild card series and were then eliminated by the Dodgers in five games during division play. This year’s season, to the dismay of many fans, has concluded much quicker.

While the Padres lost at Wrigley Field they still accomplished something that no other team has in the brief history of the best-of-three Wild Card Series.

The Friars are the first team to lose Game 1 on the road, then bounce back to win Game two.

A lot of star players including pitcher Joe Musgrove, Xander Bogaerts and Jason Adam faced injuries that affected their performance and ability to play.

San Diego Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove did not throw a pitch this season as he recovers from an offseason Tommy John surgery — more formally known as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, used to repair ligaments inside the elbow. Musgrove hoped to return for the playoff run but did not fully recover in time.

Similarly, San Diego Padres reliever Jason Adam suffered

a season-ending ruptured left quadriceps tendon in a game against the Baltimore Orioles on Sept. 1, 2025, after which he underwent surgery. Adam was a key player in the Padres’ bullpen and a 2025 All-Star whose presence was missed during the wild card series.

Bogaerts was able to play against the Cubs and started 120 games at shortstop and another nine at designated hitter this season, but it’s also the second straight season a fracture will cost him extended playing time. Bogaerts fractured his foot at the end of August and while he took the field last week was still recovering.

Despite the Padres accomplishments this season, most are still pretty upset with the way things unfolded this year. USD sophomore Cooper De Vries watched the game during his lab and expressed his dismay about the game.

“I’m disappointed, I’m over it,” De Vries said. “It wasn’t our year, it was our year last year, this year we got f-----, all the guys got hurt, I don’t know nothing came together.”

De Vries was not the only student upset with the results, USD senior Elle Kaveh also spoke about her feelings about the Padres early elimination.

“Although the Padres loss was not wildly unexpected, it was still brutal to watch,” Kaveh said. “I had more faith in the team this season with Tatís Jr. being back. I’m still annoyed at the turnout, but I’m even more devastated since I’ve spent like $67 on hot dogs and drinks this season for it all to go to waste like that against the Cubs.”

The Padres will turn their attention to the offseason, focusing on recovery and

Machado hit a first pitch splitter for a two-run home run at Wrigley Field.

Photo courtesy of @padres/Instagram

roster adjustments ahead of the 2026 season. As of right now the New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox, 2–1 and the Detroit Tigers defeated the Cleveland Guardians, 2–1 in the American League wild card round.

In the National League Wild Card round, the Los Angeles Dodgers swept the

Tatis Jr. and Machado celebrate after winning Game 2 on Oct. 1.

Photo courtesy of @padres/Instagram

Cincinnati Reds, 2–0 and the Cubs defeated the Padres.

The Cubs are now set to play the Milwaukee Brewers while the Dodgers take on the Philadelphia Phillies. In the American league, the Yankees are playing the Toronto Blue Jays while the Detroit Tigers face the Seattle Mariners.

By Saturday, Oct. 11, this round

of games will conclude and by Oct. 12 the NLCS (National League Championship Series) and ACLS (American League Championship Series) will start.

The winner of each league will then compete in the World Series, scheduled to have their first game Oct. 24, 2025 and if all seven games are necessary, conclude by Nov. 1, 2025.

Machado after first pitch splitter.

Photo courtesy of @padres/Instagram

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The USD Vista

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October 9, 2025

Rowing for Breast Cancer Awareness Month Women’s rowing partners with Rowing Cares

MAXIMILIANO ACOSTA ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Saturday, Oct. 4 from 7:3010:30 a.m., the USD women’s rowing team hit the waters to bring awareness to all breast cancer patients and survivors in Southern California.

The Rowing Cares, a nonprofit organization held its 24th fundraising event offered by the San Diego Crew Classic in the beautiful waters of Mission Bay. The organization aims to connect the rowing community of San Diego with cancer patients and survivors. This bay is where both of our USD Torero’s rowing teams dedicate numerous hours of training daily.

The event exposition was located in North Ski Beach, a large park with open grass areas and a sandy beach around its shores, perfect for spectators and families to come together to cheer and learn more about the initiatives that Rowing Cares has to offer.

This annual fundraiser transforms lives. Founded in 2001, it has raised close to $4.5 million. Their services include counseling, financial aid and breast cancer patient navigation.

The funding has also helped fund cancer research. Rowing Cares first started with the women’s rowing team at the University California of San Diego in 2001, shortly after losing their alumna, Lori Ann Uptegrove, and family member Joyce Snyder, to breast cancer.

US Rowing, the national organization that oversees rowing in the United States, reported on how they have been able to give back.

“Every year, we distribute grants to deserving organizations,” U.S. Rowing said. “In 2024, we gave $153,000 to community cancer organizations and survivor rowing programs. These can be ‘Getting Started’ grants for new programs or to support existing programs.”

This event was more than a competition.

It linked people together for a greater cause.

Stories were shared and there was a heartfelt acknowledgement expressed for the healing and tributes to cancer survivors, and loved ones.

Rowing combines physically demanding exercise, emotional support and a calming connection to nature, which has been proven to be effective in recovery. Rowing builds a space for community and helps reshape what is possible after a cancer diagnosis.

U.S. Rowing wrote on how the sport is therapeutic.

“For many survivors, joining a rowing team marks their first return to movement post-treatment, helping lower recurrence risk, reduce stress and rebuild self-esteem,” U.S. Rowing said. “Our members range in age from 30 to 80.

Many cancer patients are diagnosed later in life, and rowing is a sport which can easily

The women’s team rowed at Mission Bay for Rowing Cares.

USD opens the season with Rowing Cares.

be learned by those of any age.”

USD alumni Emma McIntyre, a senior during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, was named a West Coast Conference All-

Photo courtesy of @usdwrowing/Instagram

Photo courtesy of @usdwrowing/Instagram

Academic honorable mention.

In a statement on the USD Athletics website McIntyre talked about the meaning of being on the rowing team.

“To me, being a Torero means waking up every day with the intention of becoming a better teammate, student, and member of our inspiring community,” McIntyre said.

“With the support of my fantastic coaches and friends.”

Various levels of rowers who wanted to enjoy the nice weather and form a community created teams using Regatta Central to help carry out Rowing Cares’ mission: “honoring, celebrating, and supporting patients and survivors.”

USD first-year and women’s rower, Petra Philips shares her thoughts before the weekend’s one-day event.

“Partnering with Rowing Cares means a lot because it connects our sport with supporting breast cancer awareness,” Philips said.

“Rowing is all about strength and teamwork, and this event really shows that.”

USD first-year and women’s team rower Zoe Caldwell is a recruited athlete from New Zealand. She was more than excited before the event.

“The team’s fired up and ready to hit the race course again,” Caldwell exclaimed.

“The energy’s going to be high, the races will be exciting, and it’s all in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

The 2023 San Diego Crew Classic Cal Cup champions will continue their journey until they officially compete in the San Diego Fall Classic on Nov. 9.

Katie Thurstin, USD’s new head coach, has begun working with the women’s rowing team and standards have already risen.

According to the USD women’s Instagram page, Thurstin has strong beliefs about a team dynamic.

“You can’t win a race with one star player,” Thurstin said.

“You need all nine athletes, all five athletes ready to compete at the highest level.

Our Toreros are more than determined to compete and possibly earn a spot as the West Coast Conference titlists.”

Every academic year the women’s team invites athletes from all kinds of experiences to walk-on, and be a part of one of many USD’s highperforming NCAA Division 1 teams. This past weekend Toreros represented something larger than themselves.

WVB vs Portland Thursday, Oct. 9 7 p.m.

San Diego, CA

MGOLF vs Stockton Friday, Oct. 10 All-Day Stockton, CA

MSOC at Portland Friday, Oct. 10 7 p.m.

Portland, OR

MTEN vs USTA SoCal Saturday, Oct. 11 All-Day San Diego, CA

SB vs Cal State San Marcos Saturday, Oct. 11 1:30 p.m.

San Diego, CA

10 a.m.

San Diego, CA

FB vs Drake Saturday, Oct. 11 2 p.m.

San Diego, CA

SB vs Orange Coast Sunday, Oct. 12 1 p.m.

San Diego, CA

WSOC at Oregon State Sunday, Oct. 12 12 p.m.

Corvallis, OR

MSOC vs LMU Wednesday, Oct. 15 7 p.m.

San Diego, CA

COMING UP vs Alumni Meet THIS WEEK WSWIM Saturday, Oct. 11