RED - The Holiday Special

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contents EDITOR’S NOTE A FINAL FAREWELL

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OUR COMMUNITY STUDENT ORGS

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DON’T MISS OUT UPCOMING EVENTS

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“GET COZY” OPINION PIECE

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“THE HOLIDAYS” OPINION PIECE

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COFFEE WITH COMM ALUMNI CORNER

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I AM FROM ARTS & CULTURE

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COMM EXTRAVAGANZA RECAP

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AUDREY PATTON ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

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MADDIE PLATA ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

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“THE LITTLE THINGS” LIFESTYLE

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CULTURE CALENDAR CAMPUS NEWS

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WE’RE GRATEFUL CLOSING REMARKS

Dr. Trey Guinn, Faculty Contributor

THE STAFF Editor & Social Media LiaisonMackenzie Conant

Section Contributer/WriterNatalia Valenzuela

Assistant EditorPaige Heller

Section Contributer/WriterAudrey Patton

Layout DesignerKlarysa Saldana

Section Contributer/WriterBlair Villarreal

Section (Alumni) Contributor/WriterAaron Rios

PhotographerMatthew Jurenovich

Section Contributer/WriterDanna Ramos

PhotographerMarco Trujillo

Susanna Alford, MA, Faculty Advisor

Contributing Writers | Susanna Alford, Aislyn Bradford, Dr. Trey Guinn, Mckenna Moczygemba, Marco Trujillo, Queen Ramirez

Photography by Ellah Tellez

EDITOR’S NOTE

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Turkeys. Tamales. Thanksgiving. Blink, and you’ll see Santa, sleighs, and sugar plums.

It’s the holiday season, and it is certain to stir an array of emotions and even nostalgia. For some, the holidays evoke feelings of peace, love, and joy – not to mention the anticipation of cozy sweater weather with pumpkin spice, eggnog, and sweet time spent with family and friends. For others, the holidays stoke the fire of sadness, loneliness, or even painful memories.

No matter how you feel as you enter this holiday season, we strongly recommend you take a beat and consider the power of gratitude.

Many relegate gratitude as a mindset reserved for Thanksgiving, but we encourage you to make gratitude a daily, moment by moment choice, completely independent of the day or your current circumstances.

The world around us is constantly sending us messages that we should strive to look better and be better. And, at the holidays, we are bombarded with messages to buy more, bigger, and better things. But let’s be real, the bottomless pit of consumerism is incapable of satisfying and there is no end to our wanting. What makes a “December to remember” is not the fancy and expensive gifts.

Instead, to make this holiday season memorable, we dare you to pause and take inventory of everything in your life to be thankful for. While wanting can leave you unsatisfied and never feeling true contentment and happiness, gratitude, by contrast, will leave you satisfied and can fill you with a genuine sense of joy.

So, this holiday season, let’s make gratitude the norm. Be forewarned, however, that gratitude is capable of transforming your whole way of thinking. If you prefer to stay selfish and sad, gratitude may really wreck your plans. Overdosing on gratitude is likely to bring about unfamiliar levels of peace, love, and joy.

Are you ready to make Thanksgiving a lifestyle, not just a holiday? If so, we have a couple gratitude challenges for you to try.

Start your day by sending a message to someone telling them why you are grateful for them (or for something they have done for you).

End your day journaling about at least 5 things you are grateful for (it can be specific to that day, or in general).

Consider trying these two simple practices each day from now through the New Year. It may just prove revelatory as you transition from making Thanksgiving a day of the year to a lifestyle. We dare you!

–

Shannon and Trey Guinn Senior Day Edition 33 The Holiday Special

OUR

community

T

he LOGOS is the studentran newspaper here at the University of the Incarnate Word. Established in 1935, the newspaper is a place where students, faculty, and alumni can turn to for updates about things happening on campus, people’s opinion and lifestyle pieces, and stuff that is happening in San Antonio. Our goal as an organization is to help teach newspaper AP style writing, layout design, and website management along with giving aspiring journalists a space to express themselves and gain experience.

I joined LOGOS at the end of my senior year in high school in 2022.

Since then, I’ve had opportunities to layout the newspaper for online publication, writing stories over sporting events and lifestyle opinion pieces, and helping to lead the staff.

Now as I am in my third year with the newspaper, I still love every part of this organization and being the assistant editor.

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If you or anyone you know is interested in joining the

LOGOS, please feel free to reach out to me! We have volunteers who write stories for service hours along with paid positions you can apply for. By joining the team, you can gain journalism or design experience depending on what you choose to do.

Help spread the truth here at UIW by joining the LOGOS. pheller@student.uiwtx.edu 361-727-5031

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UPCOMING EVENTS KUIW X FILM CLUB BAKE SALE|TUESDAY, DEC. 3RD|10:30 - 2:30PM|SEC Get ready for the holiday season and finals week by getting a sweet treat at KUIW and Film Club’s holiday bake sale! From cookies to cakes to chocolate-dipped goodies, KUIW and Film Club are ready to bring something sweet to your day! While you’re there, make sure to check out the candy gram upgrades to gift to your loved ones!

#UIWCOMM RUN CLUB |TUESDAY, DEC. 3RD | 6:30PM | OLMOS BASIN SOCCER FIELDS COME OUT FOR OUR LAST RUN CLUB MEET UP OF OTHE FALL 2024 SEMESTER!! We will be hanging out at Olmos Basin, as always, so bring your running shoes, a friend, or just come to hang! We hope to see you all there!

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Spooky Edition 7

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PI EC E S

GET COZY WITH HALLMARK

H

allmark Channel, without a doubt, is the Christmas cookie of movies. Most Hallmark movie romances are sweet yet not attainable often. Hallmark movies have been a staple of my life, and of many other women in America.

It’s the very essence of making Christmas full of all things sweet.

Particularly the human heart. On the flip side, to me, most romance movies show the unattainable in the most perfect light. IE movies showing things like a man building a house for a woman, yet the language used shows that romance as a thing that can ha pen in real life. In reality, most men don’t have the time or the money to do that for a woman. Yet every single one of us in the deepest corners of our hearts wants love and a grand gesture like that. But alas, that will not happen; sadly, it’s just reality. But what makes Hallmark movies the perfect recipe for filling hearts isn’t that it’s romance. But instead of the dialogue and overarching storyline being so cheezy, it’s as if you can be de-connected yet still feel the warmth. From A Royal Christmas to Christmas at Pemberley Manor, the Hallmark dialogues and storylines include predictable plot lines, like women having life-changing experiences due to a man (typically a prince or a CEO), and even women giving up work for love. All the above are drastically different and unrealistic, most women in 2024 have priorities of a job, family, and female friendship. Which is typically seen as a bad thing in said movies.

But thats what makes the channel a perfect mixture for the holiday season. It’s an escape from reality, that keeps our hearts warm and cozy!

by McKenna Moczygemba

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C

THE HOL

hristmas is the most celebrated holiday worldwide, with about 2.3 billion people taking part in its festivities. This is largely due to its importance for the 31% of the global population who are Christians. The holiday also includes many secular traditions, such as gift-giving and decorations. Media and popular culture, like movies, songs, and stories, make Christmas even more enjoyable, helping to spread joy and bringing people together from all over the world. Holidays hold great importance as they celebrate meaningful events, but the true beauty lies in how families and friends come together. Each holiday recalls a vivid story, rich with colors and scents. In January, I think of Los Reyes Magos and the sweet Rosca de Reyes from Soriana in Mexico. February is painted in red, filled with love all around. Easter reminds us of Jesus’s sacrifice, a time to celebrate our salvation.

Summer evokes memories of jumping off cliffs, swimming, and adventure. October fills me with confidence as I celebrate my birthday. November is all about feasting during Thanksgiving, enjoying every bite of brisket with family. December brings the magic of Christmas—the twinkling lights, the cozy spirit, hot chocolate, love, and warmth.

And New Year’s is when everyone looks forward, declaring that the coming year will be their year. Of course, my favorite holiday is Christmas because it encompasses everything I love. The main reason we celebrate is that it’s Jesus’ birthday. Winter brings a chill that feels especially refreshing in a place where most of the year is hot. As a kid, my family used to buy fireworks and set them off inside the house. My dad got in so much trouble for suggesting that my cousins and I toss a smoke bomb in my grandparents’ living room. That remains one of my favorite Christmas memories.

OPIN pIE

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LIDAYS Growing up, my parents weren’t the ones who surprised me with gifts every year. Instead, I bought my own presents with my own money for about four or five Christmases until I matured and stopped the habit of self-gifting.

In my family, our Christmas Eve tradition is to dance our way to the gifts. You must do it, no exceptions, or else you don’t get your present.

It was always a blast watching my cousins— especially the younger ones—dance. They had no coordination whatsoever! No one taught me to dance either, but I just went with the flow and always managed to get my gift.

Christmas is more than just a holiday; it’s a special time filled with memories and traditions that bring families and friends together. It combines the importance of Jesus’ birthday with fun customs like gift-giving and festive decorations. The warmth of the season, the laughter shared with loved ones, and the joy of being together create lasting memories. For me, Christmas truly represents the joy, love, and togetherness that make celebrations meaningful.

NION CES

Marco Trujillo The Holiday Special 11

THE G EN

of As the semester comes to an end, I find myself pausing to reflect on the year.

When the students leave for the day, I’m left in the silence of empty chairs, used pencils, and fading expo markers. Yet, the echoes of their laughter and the glow of their smiles linger in my memory, reminding me of the energy that fills my classroom each day.

In the routine of exams and essays, it’s easy to get caught in the daily grind. I sometimes forget that each seat holds a story—students with dreams, hopes, and fears. Each day, they take a step forward, ready or not. I remember that feeling from when I was their age: the anxiety and excitement, the weight of small things felt crushing.

For me, the holidays are a time to reflect on those who once lit the way for me— the people who noticed my struggles and uncertainties, who calmed me when I believed a poor grade would end my future. These people were often my teachers.

They were steady, strong, and kind, even when they might have felt uncertain themselves. They showed me the way, and I hope now, as a teacher, to offer that same light and guidance to my students as they face the rest of the school year.

This season, a word of encouragement, a reminder of potential, or simply listening can be the greatest gift we give. I hadn’t fully understood the depth of this until recently when one of my students unknowingly taught me the impact of a kind word.

A few weeks ago, in class, I looked at her and said, “I’m proud of you.”

She stopped working and looked at me as if I confused her.

“What, miss? What did you say?”

“I said I’m proud of you. I’m always proud of you.”

Her response struck me. “Miss, why? No one tells me that. No one ever tells me they’re proud of me.”

GIFT NCOURAGEMENT

by Queen Ramirez

Her eyes widened as she took a deep breath.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Yeah, it’s just…miss, look. I already wrote the second paragraph. Here, look.”

She quickly handed me her draft, and in that moment, I realized she was working for something beyond knowledge or an A—she was chasing after those four words. I meant them sincerely, but I hadn’t anticipated their impact. On my drive home, I questioned, Did I make a difference? Did she feel seen? Could she see that people really care for her?

For the first time, her eyes showed me something different. I didn’t see a tired student; I saw someone ready to work. I heard nothing more about the work being hard, there was a determination I had yet to see. With a few words, a tough essay became possible.

Every day, I hope my students know I care. I’m not perfect; I make mistakes and sometimes question if I’m doing enough. I realize now that my own teachers likely felt this way too. I once saw them as pillars of knowledge, wisdom, and strength. Now, I only hope that, despite my shortcomings, at least one student understands that I would give anything to support them.

As this semester ends, I want to remind each of you of your strength and resilience. Your journey is about more than grades; it’s about growth—growth that may not reflect on a transcript. Reflect on the late nights, the hard work, and the challenges you’ve overcome.

Take a moment to acknowledge your strength, and remember to thank those who stood by you, steady and unwavering, even in their own uncertainties.

And as you move into the next semester, may you carry forward that strength and light the way for others, just as others have done for you.

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Chase The Holiday Special 15

Beni!

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Photography by M Jurenovich

Danna!

Maddieee

Bob & Trey

Comm

Extravaganza 20 24

Matthew!

the girlies <3

UIW

AUDREY 12 Red

VOLLEYBALL

by Mackenzie Conant The reputation of the UIW Women’s Volleyball team would not be at the pedigree it is today without the leadership and hard work of libero Audrey Patton. Audrey Patton is a 5th year ABM student majoring in communication arts with a concentration in multimedia journalism.

When asked how she feels about her athletic career thus far she said, “As a UIW student athlete, I have experienced so many incredible memories! I am extremely thankful for my supportive coaches that not only care about us on the court but also off. Meeting lifelong friends has been such a blessing. It has been a pleasure playing the sport I love surrounded by people that care about me along with my goals.” If you have ever interacted with Audrey then you know that she is a bubbly, joyful personality who adds light and positivity to whatever environment she might be in.

Since the time Audrey was a pre-teen, she has held an interest in volleyball. After making the A team in middle school she quickly fell in love with the sport and wanted to continue pouring into that passion through high school, and eventually college. Patton arrived at UIW during the summer of 2020 in preparation of her first volleyball preseason at UIW. She comments “As a UIW student athlete, I have experienced so many incredible memories! I am extremely thankful for my supportive coaches that not only care about us on the court but also off. Meeting lifelong friends has been such a blessing. It has been a pleasure playing the sport I love surrounded by people that care about me along with my goals.”

“My time as a women’s volleyball player

here at UIW has been amazing. Coach Gaby is a wonderful person to look up to and learn from. I am happy to say that I have 18 cardinal sisters that I would not trade anything for!”

Her involvement extends even beyond the volleyball court and into what it means to be a proud Cardinal. She currently is the Director of Public Relations for the Student Government Association, a journalist for RED and the LOGOS, and is a teacher assistant for Dr. Trey Guinn. It is safe to say that Audrey is a goal-oriented person whose love for serving those around her guides her in all she does. When asked to look at life outside UIW, Patton enjoys spending time with her pet cat, Daphne and attending a hot yoga class whenever she can! As mentioned before, Audrey is a goal-oriented student, but some of those goals include personal as well as academic. She hopes to have a family of her own as well as a successful career. For Audrey…the sky is the limit!

Audrey, we are grateful to have been a part of your journey here at UIW and we have full confidence that you will continue to make this world a brighter one!

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MAD Photography by M Jurenovich

Here at the University of the Incarnate Word, we support and celebrate our Cardinal athletes.

However, in the midst of lively game days and spirited tournaments, there are athletes and artists who often go unnoticed as they cheer on other sports: the members of the UIW dance team. Their role on the sidelines is as demanding as it is inspiring, and no one knows more about it than Maddie Plata. A Communication Arts ABM student and former three-season captain of the UIW dance team, Maddie shares her experiences and gives advice from her time as a student-athlete.

Maddie is from Harlingen, Texas, and moved to San Antonio in 2013. She graduated from Brandeis High School before attending UIW in 2019 to become part of the Communication Arts family, initially studying graphic design before switching to film. As a dancer of nine years, Maddie knew she wanted to continue her dance journey in college. She tried out for and joined the UIW dance team as a freshman and was a member for a total of five seasons. Maddie discovered her passion for dance around age fourteen. She is a self-taught dancer, practicing at home and learning through YouTube videos.

When asked why she enjoys dance, Maddie shared that it is both fun and challenging. She gets to push herself physically and mentally as an athlete while also expressing herself as an artist. Maddie describes dance as a safe space and an escape, existing as an “outlet to express emotion without the need for words.”

A natural-born leader and hard worker, Maddie enjoyed her time as the captain of the UIW dance team. She was proud to show up daily for her teammates and is grateful for the memories and relationships she formed with the other girls on the team. Although balancing work, school, and dance could be challenging at times, Maddie was determined to perform as a leader for her team members. She expressed the importance of focusing on oneself as an athlete while still being there for other teammates. “Do it unmotivated. Do it tired. Do it sad,” is the advice Maddie gives to other student-athletes.

Photography by M. Trujillo

DDIE

by Aislyn Bradford

Maddie is excited to graduate this fall. She plans to begin working right out of school and isinterested in marketing, advertising, and similar fields. When asked if she would continue to dance after college, Maddie enthusiastically shared that she is now training at a studio in San Antonio and wants dance to be a part of her life for as long as possible. She is considering becoming a professional dancer in the future, stating, “I want to train until my body can’t anymore.”Throughout her college career, Maddie has exemplified what it means to be a leader and a supporter of those around her.

Although we are sad to see you leave, we are so excited for you toenter the next chapter of your life. You will do great things, and we are very proud to call you a member of our Comm. family, Maddie

“Dance is a form of expression and an outlet for me, Once I go to dance, I get to be a different character and perform for myself and my team!”

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By Natalia Valenzuela

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THINGS

THE LITTLE

W

hile living in Texas, I know it may be difficult to find the snowy, chilly, Christmas spirt wearing a light jacket, but as the leaves begin to fall, finals are approaching, and Christmas decorations are being put up around the city, winter break is just around the corner.

I pass the beautifully lit “Light the Way” lights at UIW and a warm feeling fills me; I will be home soon. As I arrive at my house in El Paso, Texas, the toasty white lights hung around the roof outside, the manger in the front yard, the advent wreath in the living room, the tree in the den along with my brother’s and I’s childhood Christmas stuffed animals, the Nutcrackers on the bar, and garland placed detailedly around the house reminds me of why this time of year is so important. It is the principle beyond the décor, because behind all the grandeur and shiny holiday materials, there’s a quieter, more special kind of happiness: the joy of the little things.

Though it can be tempting to get caught up in the chaos of Christmas, the heart of the season lies in the connection of sharing time with those who mean the most to us. The holidays provide a rare opportunity to slow down and reminisce in our family and friends.

Family gatherings give us the opportunity to feel like kids again.

Whether it’s decorating the tree together, cooking a favorite family recipe, or simply sitting around a fire sharing memories, these moments support the bonds that tie us together.

Friends, too, bring their own kind of magic. Whether it’s through a Secret Santa exchange, a quick run to Starbucks for a holiday drink, or even the stress you feel from not knowing what to get your picky bestie for Christmas, friendships remind us that joy is amplified when shared. These connections, often formed through shared laughter and understanding, become the foundation for holiday cheer that lingers long after the season ends.

Christmas also invites us to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives. The presence of loved ones, the comfort of home, and the shared moments of joy become all more real when you live in the moment. At its core, Christmas is about love: giving it, receiving it, and cherishing it. It’s not about the biggest tree or the fanciest presents, but about the people gathered around it and the laughter that fills the room. By savoring the little moments and prioritizing our relationships, we honor the true spirit of the season.

The glow of a candle on a chilly evening, the sound of chatter and Michael Bublé in the background, the smell of food and drinks is nostalgia that no expensive gift can rival. Taking time to notice and appreciate these experiences reminds us that life’s most meaningful joys are often the simplest.

So, this Christmas, take a step back from the movement of the holiday season and take it all in. Accept the warmth of a hug, indulge in a convo with a loved one, and the magic of shared traditions.

In the end, it’s not the grand gestures we remember, it’s the little things that make our hearts full.

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what’s our community up to?

Take a look at our Culture Calendar for all of our December Events

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Closing Remarks

As this semester comes to a close, we’re already looking forward to what’s next, in the semester to come. Our team at RED acknowledges the importance of recognizing all of the good, the bad, the laughs, and cries, and most importantly, the moments we hope to hold onto and treasure forever.

Through the support from our UIW (COMM)unity, we are inspired to continue sharing our departmental story, especially through our favorite creative outlet, RED.

Our RED Team and Staff is grateful for many things.

So, in honor of this season of thanks and giving, I want us to acknowledge the people who supported and trusted RED this semester, as we embarked on a new adventure.

BY SUSANNA ALFORD

Merry Christm

as!

RED is grateful for Dr. Trey Guinn RED would not have been possible without the support and encouragement from our Communication Arts Program Director and Associate Professor, Dr. Trey Guinn.

Thank you for believing in this group, and for trusting me to lead such an awesome group of storytellers. Without you, this group would not have been able to bring this dream to life.

RED is grateful for our RED Staff.

Without this group of creative and innovative students, RED would not have been able to share our departmental story, happenings, and efforts. From photography, layout design, and writing, this group of fearless students stepped up and into their roles as storytellers.

RED is grateful for our RED Contributors. These individuals shared their personal stories and testimonies, lifestyle and opinion pieces, artwork and poetry, and more. Thank you for being willing to be vulnerable and for trusting

your RED Family. But also, for being a part of this journey with us. Each of you took the risk of joining us on this new adventure this semester.

RED is grateful for YOU, our READER. Thank you for saying, YES every other Wednesday, and for being willing to join us on our journeys. Whether it was through the links shared on WhatsApp, email, social media, or iMessage, thank you for saying YES, and clicking on our link, to learn more about who are students are, their journeys, and the insight from our alumni.

Our Holiday Edition of RED was made possible because of the countless hours of effort, innovation, creativity, and teamwork. We’re grateful for all of what our RED team has accomplished this semester and for the continuous support from our community!

From all of us at RED, we wish you and yours a very a holiday season filled with much love, laughter, and just the right amount of holiday chaos this year!

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