Editor & Social
Media LiaisonMackenzie Conant
Assistant EditorPaige Heller
Layout DesignerKlarysa Saldana
Section Contributer/WriterNatalia Valenzuela
Section Contributer/WriterAudrey Patton
Section (Alumni)
Contributor/WriterAaron Rios
Section Contributer/WriterBlair Villarreal
Contributer Writer & Student Org LiaisonDanna Ramos
PhotographerMatthew Jurenovich
PhotographerMarco Trujillo
BY PAIGE HELLER
We are only two weeks in, yet, considering the amount of chaos that has occurred, it feels as if the semester is further along. There have been mental breakdowns, many heightened emotions, and different issues arising not only in my life but in the lives around me. So, let’s talk about the importance of mental health. I think the best way to share the importance of mental health is to share my story and journey. As a child, I struggled with focusing on schoolwork, leaving me in tears in bed for hours, for no reason, unable to move, even for food. When I would struggle with this, my parents would tell me that everyone gets sad along with dismissing my emotions. This made me feel like it wasn’t that big of a deal and that I may have been over dramatic when it came to these emotions or actions. It wasn’t until college that I started to work through these issues.
Throughout my first semester as university student, these struggles I was experiencing were heightened, as life kept happening, taking me to an unfamiliar state. Eventually, I decided to leverage some of the campus resources, we (students) are offered, including the free therapy here on campus and it has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I went in with wanting help on one aspect of my life and ended up discovering so much more. Since I’ve been in therapy, not only do I have a better outlook on my life along with being able to handle my emotions better but I was able to get tested for ADHD and get the much needed help for it, I worked through a lot of childhood trauma that I didn’t realize played such a big part of how I think and act, and it helped me finally have respect and love for myself.
“It’s vital that we make sure that not only our physical health but our mental health is in the best state that we can make it.”
I’m not saying that I don’t still struggle with depressive episodes or my ADHD or past trauma because those things will always play a part in my life. Whether it be me actively struggling with these throughout the week or being a part of my past, these things will still always be in my life. But now I can proudly say that my mental health is being properly taken care of with it being in a better state as well. I cannot express how much better I feel and how its noticeable with my work and energy.
I wanted to share my story with you all in hopes for you to take a step back to focus on your mental health this semester. With school back in action, many of us are now juggling classes, jobs, organizations, and sports which makes it hard for us to have any actual free time.
I encourage everyone who sees this to carve out time in their schedule every day to do something that will give you a mental break and will let you reconnect yourself. Whether it be taking a walk, watching an episode of your favorite TV show, or doing a craft project. It’s vital that we make sure that not only our physical health, but our mental health is in the best state that we can make it. If you feel like you are struggling to the point where it’s hard to live your day-to-day life, my piece of advice to you is to check out the counseling services here at UIW. Even if you decide not to go, it’s a great resource to at least know about and its free!
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any mental health questions, counseling questions, or just want to talk about what you may be going through. With that being said, thank you for reading this edition of RED! We have a lot of great material in this edition. Enjoy the read and make sure to share with your friends!
Meet Mckenna Moczygemba, Film Club President
The film club is a welcoming and creative environment where we not only foster storytelling. But also friendships and work ethic. We meet on a weekly basis where we brainstorm and work on at least one film per semester. We do this by working together and throwing out ideas within a collaborative setting.
My personal favorite part of the club is getting to see people connect and channel their creativity side. As that’s often something I see others challenge with. I am honored the club trusts me enough to help channel and direct that side into something beautiful.
As I identify myself as an individual who loves life and my calling is to help others find their love and follow their passions. If anyone reading this has even a small desire to join an organization… GO FOR IT. You might just find your passion and home, like I did.
Mckenna
SEPT. 21st | 6:00pm | Gayle & Tom Benson Stadium
Come be a part of the RedZone Tailgate on campus before our Cardinals Football team takes on Northern Arizona University at Gayle & Tom Benson Stadium in our Hispanic Heritage game.
SEPT. 16 | 3:15pm | AD 295
Join us for our next Film Club meet up of the semester! We will be meeting in room AD 295 at 3:15pm. If you have any interest in film, movie making, or just want to check us out, come to our next meet up!
SEPT. 12th | 11-12 PM | Westgate Circle
The ¡Independencia! Bazar will be featuring vendors, food, and drinks from throughout Latin America as well as a photo booth, preColombian crafts and giveaways! In addition, there will be cultural dance and musical performances both at the Westgate Circle and the UIW Dining Hall. Go check it out!
by Danna Ramos
Life has been so unfair to both of you, yet you have faced it all with your head held up high. You’ve sacrificed things that I think I’d never be able to sacrifice, like leaving your whole life and family behind to move to another country for a better life. You guys left your everything to arrive and have to rebuild your lives from nothing. There were times when you would prefer to not eat just to give it to us and you never reproached us for anything. You put the wellbeing of your daughters before yours and I feel like I don’t thank you enough. There have been many times where my sister and I have judged you, but we haven’t reflected on the fact that you have gone out of your way for us, and now, for your grandchildren, as well. I’m sorry for getting irritated when you ask for help on something that is difficult for you and may seem super easy or logical to me. Sometimes I don’t measure the fact that you guys genuinely need my support and that I throw tantrums or have an attitude when doing things in hopes that you do that something on your own. I never stop and think that one day you may not be there to ask me to help anymore. For this, I thank you for helping me get up when no one else did. I thank you for dealing with my ugly attitudes and even my snubs in times that I can’t even deal with myself. I apologize for complaining so much about unnecessary things that won’t matter in a few months or even days. I don’t put into perspective enough that the things that are truly of importance and of value are thing slike health, a home, and having you by my side. On many occasions, I don’t stop and think about the real worries you may have in your heads. Thank you for always listening to me in my most vulnerable and even insufferable moments when my dramaticism made me believe there would be no shoulder for me to lean on. I promise to appreciate the time you dedicate to me, as well as the words of advice you give me. I’m sorry for not letting you be closer to your families. You guys don’t understand the guilt I’ve carried my entire life for having held you back for one reason or another. It doesn’t
matter if it was due to problems out of our hands or a certain selfishness of mine. Mom, every day I regret having been scared when you said that we should go to Mexico to see my Mamita Chelo when she passed away. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t feel guilty for not letting you be with your mother in the moment when you most needed to be with her. I can’t even imagine being without you. For that, I want to say thank you for always being by my side and never blaming me for the distance. In the good, the bad, and the worse, you both have shown me that you don’t leave your family alone. It doesn’t matter if it’s a big or small problem, we’ve always been together, and we have supported one another. You’ve never reproached us for leaving your country and home for us. I know you’ve missed your families and that you desire to be reunited with them. I can assure you that every night I pray to God every night to give us the strength and the blessing for that to come true. There are many more things that I’d wish to apologize for and even more things to thank you for, but there aren’t enough words in this world to express all my feelings. I’ll summarize it in just a few phrases. You guys are my all. You are my engine and greatest motivator in life. I would like to have even just 2% of the bravery and courage that you had to raise us in a country other than yours. I wish I had even just a smal fraction of the goodness and kindness that you have in your hearts. I ask you to please never leave me. I don’t care about the place, the money, or really anything else if we remain together. I love you like nothing else in this life and all I ask God is to keep us together for the rest of my days.
Sincerely,
“Les pido que nunca me dejen. No me importa ni el lugar, ni el dinero, ni nade mas con tal de estar juntos.”
“I ask you to please never leave me. I don’t care about the place, the monery, or really anything else if we remain together.”
P
When I reflect on my time at UIW, the sense of community I found in the Communications Department stands out the most. It truly felt like a close-knit family, providing a place where I knew I belonged. This feeling of connection deepened further through my involvement with the Film Club, where we weren’t just making movies; we were collaborating, learning, and growing together.
The Film Club offered a space where like-minded individuals could come together and create something special. One of the best examples of this was our short film Into The Light. The process of making that film taught me the power of collaboration and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who share your passion. We each brought different strengths and perspectives to the table, but our shared love for film united us, and together, we achieved something truly remarkable.
This sense of belonging and collaboration prepared me for the next chapter of my life as I transitioned to graduate school at USC and moved to Los Angeles. Moving to a huge city like LA, with its fast pace and competitive atmosphere, could have been overwhelming. However, the experience of working closely with my peers at UIW taught me the value of finding your tribe, those who share your passions and support your vision. This lesson has been invaluable as I navigate the challenges and opportunities in this new environment.
adversity with courage, especially when you’re on your own. I knew that all the hard work we put into production and the effort from everyone involved would be for nothing if I didn’t overcome the challenges in editing and persevere through the lengthy process. It’s in those moments, when you’re confronting obstacles alone, that you truly learn the most about yourself.
Being comfortable in uncomfortable situations is essential for growth. There were many moments during that project when it would have been easy to settle for subpar work or take the easier route. But I learned the importance of sticking to your vision and striving for excellence, even when the road is tough. The challenges you face in these moments are what shape you and your work.
As you move forward, whether you’re staying at UIW, heading to grad school, or stepping into the professional world, my advice is to embrace the unknown with courage. Seek out communities that inspire and challenge you, just like the Communications Department and Film Club did for me. Surround yourself with people who share your passions, and never shy away from the hard work that comes with pursuing excellence. These experiences will not only help you grow as a professional but also as a person.
Another important lesson I learned during my time at UIW came through the countless hours I dedicated to my personal film projects. One experience that stands out is the 40 to 50 hours I spent single-handedly editing my senior thesis film, Peace Through Color. The process was grueling and pushed me to my limits, but it taught me a crucial lesson: the importance of facing
So, to all current students: cherish the community you have at UIW, push yourself to explore the unknown, and always strive for the best, even when it’s the harder path. The journey ahead is full of possibilities, and the lessons you learn now will guide you through every challenge.
I am from a man who makes daily sacrifice
He never grows weary of serving
There is no person he can’t love I am constantly learning
I am from a woman who holds power
Yet never will wield it
She exemplifies grace and loyalty even when she feels unfit
I am from roaring laughter
Nights I don’t want to end All my worries fade away And I’m grateful for friends
I am from constant comparison of the way I look and feel there are no words to describe it
I don’t know how to be real
I am from the skill of adapting
Tell me what you want and I’ll do it
Give me a room of people who will judge
And I’ll start changing, bit by bit
I am from falling in love only once It was everything I dreamed
But I was afraid of vulnerability
Nothing was as it seemed
by Mackenzie Conant
I am from sitting around the table With the people I hold most dear Its like I’m in a movie
Where I have nothing and no one to fear
I am from being the only girl Not resentment but contentment I miss all of us being together When we are, its an achievement
I am from undeserving grace He sacrificed so I could live I was created to bring Him glory He is my hiding place
I am from questioning my worth Am I more than what they call me?
Chasing a dream is merely secondary What I can give will always take priority
by M. Trujillo
UIW Track and Field Decathlete
Year: 5th year ABM Student in Multimedia - Convergent Media
Fun Fact: He’s a big kayak guy
If we talk about discipline and passion for a sport, Kyle Sieracki has got both and hunger for more. The track star has been part of the COMMunity since 2023 and could not make us any prouder! Kyle, one of the first studentathletes to represent UIW at the NCAA Championships, has evolved from joining the Cardinals as a walk-on pole vaulter to becoming one of the top athletes in the nation in decathlon, despite his limited track and field experience. Last season, he earned multiple individual awards like the 2024 Southland Conference Indoor and Outdoor Meet MVP awards and the 2024 SLC Most Outstanding Field Performer Award. He also
By Danna Ramos
is key to having a chance to go back to the Olympic Trials in 2028 and represent the country at the highest level of competition. “For the next trials the main thing I wanna change is my overall health and fitness. I want to be able to handle any situation and walk away knowing I gave everything I had... If I want to pursue that path, I need to get more consistent in competition, handle pressure better, and overall, just treat myself better mentally and physically.” Even with the responsibility of representing the institution at rigorous competitions, Kyle understands his commitment to the UIW Communication Arts Department and is thankful for the support
“For the next trials the main thing I wanna change is my overall health and fitness. I want to be able to handle any situation and walk away knowing I gave everything I had...
helped UIW bring home several team titles, making history by winning the Southland Conference Indoor and Outdoor Championships for a third consecutive season. Sieracki didn’t only represent the University of the Incarnate Word at the collegiate level, but also represented UIW at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. While he unfortunately did not qualify, he takes the trials as a learning experience and is grateful for the opportunity and got the chance to understand the focus and competitiveness it takes to take part at this level.“My biggest takeaway was the reality of what it means to be a “professional athlete.” I got to see firsthand how these guys work, and the main thing I noticed was that their focus was on a different level,” he states. These were his first trials but will definitely not be his last. Kyle is already training for this next track season and knows that maintaining consistency and determination
he’s received from everyone in it. Having participated in the development of short films and being involved in multiple departmental initiatives, he’s shown that he can be exemplary on the track and in the classroom. “Being a comm student has made the student-athlete life very relaxed and challenging at the same time. I get to learn about topics I find interesting, and train hard at the same time.”
From holding the school’s decathlon record holder to being a committed communications student, Kyle Sieracki continues to inspire us every day. His love and drive for track and field is admirable and a big motivator for all of us to keep challenging ourselves to step out of our comfort zone. Kyle, we can’t wait for the amazing things you’ll keep achieving! You are a great part of this COMMunity and we will keep supporting you throughout your career!
by Susanna Alford
As a neurodivergent person, communicating aloud and expressing myself have been two ongoing challenges I face daily, hindering my ability to self-disclose with loved ones, friends, colleagues, and family. Ironically, I am an advocate for storytelling, whether digitally, interpersonally, or creatively.
Now, I wouldn’t label myself as being terrible at storytelling because I believe this is a gift I was given. The specific challenges I face, pertain to when I am prompted and asked to share my personal story. Perhaps, this is connected to the common ole wise saying, “Little girls are meant to be seen, not heard.” Now, if you were born in the early 2000s, you may not have grown up with hearing such a saying. Whereas, if you’re like me, someone who was born in the 90s, or before then, this is probably not the first time you’re hearing this. Please know, my mention of this phrase, is simply an acknowledgment of its existence, and acknowledgment of its connection to my story. This is neither an endorsement nor advice against this notion. It wasn’t until downloading Strava, the largest sports community in the world, onto my smartphone, I embraced bravery in order to acknowledge this muscle was in need of support, care, and comfort.
For years, Strava has gained popularity, as one of the most common fitness tracking apps around the world, and as an essential tool for athletes and enthusiasts alike. Strava allows the athlete to record all kinds
of physical activities including runs, rides, and hikes, with detailed metrics and an online community. Most importantly, Strava allows athletes an opportunity to reflect, especially when it comes to performance, consistency, progress, and more. For instance, let’s compare the app to a mirror. Rather than simply reflecting on physical accomplishments, there are also the emotional and mental journeys to consider, during this process. Reviewing and reflecting over activities allots opportunities to understand performance on a deeper level through acknowledging and owning the athlete’s motivations.
Personally, I use this as an opportunity to share specific details about mindset. Just last weekend, while at a wedding reception, for a dear friend of mine, Yuyis, one of my favorite songs began to play. I marched toward the dance floor, logged into my Strava app and began the workout. This is a perfect example of how practicing fitness doesn’t always require us to hop on a bike, lead a hike, or wake up at 5AM for an early morning run. This is also not a dismissal of those activities, as those are all wonderful activities to consider that I also login to Strava on my smartphone.
The next time you’re reflecting over becoming active, or wanting to track your fitness, consider downloading the Strava app to login your fitness journey, goals, and so much more.
Take a look at our Culture Calendar for all of our September Events
Photography by M. Jurenovich
“If you have a dream, don’t let anybody take it away, and always believe that the impossible is possible.”
- Selena