MEET THE STAFF
Editor & Social
Media LiaisonMackenzie Conant
Assistant EditorPaige Heller
Section
Contributer/WriterNatalia Valenzuela
Section
Contributer/WriterMckenna Moczygemba
Section
Contributer/WriterAislyn Bradford
Section
Contributer/WriterAaron Rios
Layout DesignerKlarysa Saldana
PhotographerMatthew Jurenovich
Layout DesignerDanna Ramos
PhotographerMarco Trujillo
Section
Contributer/WriterBlair Villarreal
Contributing Writers
Susanna Alford | Melanie Calimag
Dr. Trey Guinn | Matthew Jurenovich | Brenna Perez
“Live expectantly.” Those words have been hanging on the edges of my mind since October of last year, and they did not truly click until the clock struck midnight on December 31st, 2024. It was like as if I was met with this whole new perspective of how to approach the 2025 season of adulting, which can feel a lot like an uphill climb most days. To live expectantly is to live with hope.
If we are honest, hope can be in short supply sometimes as the trials of life begin to close in all around us. But if we choose to leave hope behind, then we might never experience the joy that is set before us. We can choose every single day to wake up, despite the chaos that fills our lives, and hope that today will be better than the last. It is that shift in our mindset that causes so many people in their 30s and 40s to look back on college being the best days of their life. It is because they chose to hope; to live expectant of the next day bringing new mercies.
EDITOR’S
You might be thinking to yourself that this impending semester is too much to bear, and there is little to hope for. But I ask you this: How much of a difference would it make to choose to hope instead of hide? Would it make going to class an easier task than our minds tell us it is? Would it bring about developing new intentional friendships with people you meet? Would it lead to landing that internship you have been dreaming about for months? If it were up to me, I would say yes, it absolutely would. So, I implore you, choose hope. Choose to live with an expectant mind and heart that good things will come your way and life will become much more vibrant with every minute you choose to live it.
Happy New Year UIW COMMunity!
- Mack
Upcoming
LPH Back To School Movie Night|Friday, Jan. 31st|4- 8 PM| AD 265
Join Lambda Pi Eta for a Back- To -School movie night! Happening Friday, January 31st from 4-8pm in AD 265. Grab some friends, wear some comfy clothes, and come hangout!
Womens & Mens Basketball|Thursday, feb. 6TH|
6:30 PM|McDermott Center at uiw
Go out and support our women’s basketball team this season! As they take on the University of New Orleans at the McDermott Center at UIW. Make sure to wear pink with this game being pink out in honor of breast cancer awareness!
events
Women’s softball Tournament |Feb. 7th9th|2:30 PM|Uiw softball field
With the weather warming up comes the opening of another sport season. Their first game will be against Eastern Illinois on Friday the 7th at 2:30pm. Make sure to go out and support our lady cardinals.
by M Jurenovich
Photography
New Semester, New You: Balancing Fun and Focus
The start of a new semester—or a new year—is like hitting the refresh button. You might think the real effort doesn’t matter until mid-semester, but trust me, the small steps you take now can make or break your final grade. Missing those early assignments or skipping the chance to review can snowball into unnecessary stress. Start strong, and you’ll thank yourself later.
That said, college isn’t all about the stressing yourself in strictly work. Balance is key. While it’s important to turn in assignments on time and carve out study sessions each week, don’t forget to make space for fun. Whether it’s hanging out with friends, enjoy ing a quiet coffee break, or simply catching up on sleep, those moments recharge your energy and keep burnout at bay.
Personally, I’ve found that embracing campus life early made my experience so much richer. wait until senior year to attend football tailgates or join that club you’ve always been curious about. The memories you make outside the classroom are just as valuable as the ones you earn in it.
So here’s my advice: study hard, work smart, and en joy the journey. One day, you’ll hear “Pomp and Cir cumstance,” turn your tassel, and realize how quickly it all flew by. Start this semester with intention, and make it one you will be proud to tell others about.
ARTS & CULTURE
Photography by M Jurenovich
I am from a place of love
Family is my everything
My family was always there come push or shove
No matter how hard the downswing
I am from laughter
College has been a blast
But where will life take me after?
Soon all this fun will be in the past
I love my friends
I love my teammates
I see our remaining time through a lens
That we will all follow our destiny and fates
This will be my last year
Before everything will change
At graduation we will smile and cheer
Will this be the last time before we become estranged?
by Brenna Perez
This season, a new Cardinal has joined the nest! Freshman, Brynn Lusby from Frisco, Texas plays wing and forward for UIW’s women’s basketball team. Apart from her athletics, Lusby studies Communication Arts with a focus in multimedia journalism.
Lusby arrived at UIW during the summer of 2024. Throughout her time here in San Antonio, “As a UIW Student Athlete I have learned to embrace the process and enjoy every moment as if it might be the last.”, she states.
Lusby also mentions how the UIW (COMM) unity has made her feel welcomed.
“My experience here has been memorable because of the people here and their kindness.” Lusby is grateful to develop and maintain friendships quickly, due to the inviting environment.
She is thriving through her first semester of college with the realization of willingly being part of a community and the importance of the Communication Arts lifestyle.
On the court, Lusby sports a #4 jersey. Off the court, it is possible to catch her in a Brynn4thaWin hoodie made by her mom. Something you may not know about Lusby is that her mom owns an embroidery business (JoyLu Custom Co.).
On her free time, Lusby likes to help her mom out.
There are a few more weeks left in the basketball season, so, be sure to go out and support our new freshman!
As we embark on a new year together, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey that lies ahead. For many of you, this year will involve taking on more responsibilities—a hallmark of “adulting.” Balancing classes, personal goals, and everyday responsibilities isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. A new year is like stepping into the unknown—full of ups, downs, and opportunities to learn and grow. It’s a time of beginnings and possibilities, but also one that requires courage, resilience, and an open mind. I encourage you to embrace not only the moments of triumph but also the challenges and uncertainties, for they are all part of the rich tapestry of life.
Life seldom unfolds in a straight line, and “adulting” often feels like juggling priorities while figuring things out as you go. Success and failure, joy and sorrow, clarity and confusion— these are inevitable aspects of our experience. Some days, you will feel like you’re soaring, brimming with energy and confidence. Other days, you may feel weighed down, uncertain of your path or abilities. And there will also be days that feel neither remarkable nor difficult, but quietly steady. Each of these moments holds value, and each contributes to the person you are becoming. As someone who loves to run, I’ve discovered that persistence and
-
Dr. Guinn
Lifes
pacing—both in running and in life— are key to overcoming obstacles and reaching new heights.
As we read in the Old Testament, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). In this spirit, I urge you to view each coming challenge not as a roadblock but as an opportunity to learn and grow. The obstacles and challenges of life can teach us resilience and perseverance. When you encounter a rough patch, a demanding project, or even a personal setback, try to reframe these moments as chances to build your inner strength. Remember that growth often happens in discomfort, and the skills you cultivate during challenging times will serve you far beyond the walls of this institution.
Equally important is to savor your victories and moments of joy. Take time to celebrate your achievements. Whether it’s acing an exam, mastering a new skill, or simply making it through an especially tough week, each milestone deserves recognition. Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator, and it reminds you of what you’re capable of accomplishing.
Life is also filled with moments of
uncertainty—times when things feel unclear or when the path ahead seems ambiguous. It’s natural to feel uneasy in such moments, but this may also be where you discover newfound creativity and innovation. Allow yourself to explore, to ask questions, and to sit with the unknown. Clarity often emerges from the very act of moving forward, even if you’re unsure of where you’ll end up.
Throughout this year, remember that you are not alone. My life is better because of you, my family, my church community, and friends. I urge you to lean on your peers, mentors, faculty, and the broader community around you. Collaboration and support can transform struggles into shared learning experiences.
Finally, be kind to yourself. Embrace the fact that you are a work in progress, as we all are. Celebrate your uniqueness and approach each day with curiosity and grace.
As we journey through this year together, I hope you will embrace the ups, downs, and all arounds with an open heart and a resilient spirit. Each step, whether smooth or rocky, is part of your unique story. Make it a year to learn, to grow, and to thrive.
Here’s to the adventure ahead.
LIFESTYLE SECTION
tyle
Many of us could benefit greatly from the practice of decluttering.
For those who know me, it’s no secret that I’m a Gilmore Girls fan. I’ve always admired Lorelai Gilmore (played by Lauren Graham), and I strive to embody her loyalty, kindness, and coffee-fueled quick wit. Lorelai’s fast-talking, caffeinedriven personality has been an inspiration to me for years. Although the show ended in 2007, it returned for a miniseries, A Year in the Life, in 2016. In it, we learn of (SPOILER ALERT) the passing of Richard Gilmore (played by Edward Herrmann), and we witness how each of the characters grapples with the stages of grief.
For the purpose of this article, however, I want to us to hone in on Emily Gilmore (played by Kelly Bishop), because it was through her character that I first encountered Marie Kondo’s, New York Times bestseller, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Emily’s journey with decluttering laid the foundation for my own interest in the book, the overall decluttering efforts, and obstacles of how to alter our mindset through embracing change.
I’ll admit, I purchased the book back in 2016. Yet, for years, it
- Susanna A.
collected dust on my bookshelf, near the front door, untouched. It wasn’t until this past holiday season, following a conversation with my mom and a rewatch of the series with Autumn Mast (my brother’s girlfriend, but by the time you’re reading this, current fiancée), that it finally dawned on me—I, too, could benefit from Kondo’s practice.
It’s important to acknowledge that there’s more to Marie Kondo’s practice than just organizing a home. This practice is about simplifying our space and mind. Kondo offers us encouragement, challenging us to only hold onto items that “spark joy,” as we rethink how we relate to our belongings. So, rather than decluttering, one room at a time, Kondo suggests for us to sort our items by category— clothes, books, papers, etc., in order for us to only keep what brings us true happiness. The takeaway here from this process is more than decluttering; it’s about letting go of those items that no longer serve a purpose in our lives, creating mental clarity and emotional space. Doing so, we become better at respecting ourselves, others, and our belongings.
As silly as what I am about to say may sound, Kondo’s philosophy
also emphasizes to “thank” our belongings for their service before letting them go, as an act toward fostering a deeper appreciation for the things we choose to hold onto. As I began applying this method, I realized how much mental and emotional clutter I had accumulated over the years. “Have I become a hoarder?”, a question I ruminated over through this process. It wasn’t just my physical space that needed decluttering—it was my mind. Exams from graduate school, notes from the boy I had a crush, my third semester in college, and so much more in that “junk drawer” we all have in the kitchen.
By simplifying our environments, Kondo’s method allows us to clear away the distractions, reduce stress, and create room for what truly matters. Through this process, I found a sense of peace that I hadn’t realized I was missing. So, my encouragement to you, the reader, is to consider this or an alternative modality that will free up space in your mind and heart, as we embark
Culture Calendar
check out our instagram @uiw_comm for updates on all of our events!
what’s our community up to?
Take a look at our Culture Calendar for all of our February Events
Closing remarks
As we step into the new year, it’s not only a time to reflect on the good memories that brought us here, but it’s also a time to look forward to the opportunities ahead. The beginning of 2025 has already been filled with some amazing memories, from reconnecting with friends after winter break, to gearing up for the exciting activities and sporting events awaiting us.
REDs New Years Edition has given us all an opportunity to celebrate these moments, allowing us to highlight the incredible talent and endless dedication of our community. Whether it’s reflecting on personal experiences with ALUM MELANIE CALIMAG, or taking a trip to our Athlete’s Corner with Natalia Valenzuela, we are blessed to showcase what makes our UIW (COMM)unity so special.
In this New Years Edition, we looked at some of the upcoming events and learned quite a bit about a few of the UIW Communication Arts students who really embody what it means to be a Cardinal! There’s no doubt that this year will be filled with passion and UIW Cardinal creativity! We appreciate all of your support, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you all!
Here’s to another year of growth, fostering connection, and making memories! And, here’s another year of RED Magazine!
- Matt
Photography by S Alford