a Love Letter from RED
issue 09 | february 2025 for students, by students
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/WriterBlair Villarreal
Layout DesignerKlarysa Saldana
PhotographerMatthew Jurenovich
Layout DesignerDanna Ramos
PhotographerMarco Trujillo
Contributing Writers
Myra bell | Maddie plata | nayeli lopez
Upcoming events
WWB “Black Out” game | Thursday, FEb. 20th | 6:30 pm |
Mcdermott center
#uiwcomm run club x kappa sigma collab | monday, FEb. 24th | 6:30 pm | olmos basin soccer fields uiwtv newscast |thursday, FEb. 27th | 12 pm |tune in on uiwtv’syoutube channel
“Go out and support our women’s basketball team this season! The Cardinals will be taking on Lamar University & they WANT YOU THERE! So bring a friend and plan to come out February 20th!
GEAR UP & GET READY for our next run club meet up! We will be collaborating with the Kappa Sigma Fraternity AS WELL AS our very own entreprenuer Myra Bell and her pop up featuring her brand “Horizons Apparel.” Mark your calendars & come hang out with us!
Tune in at noon next Thursday for our next UIWtv newscast of the Spring semester! Be ready to hear from some of our fantastic anchors & members of our COMMunity!
Opinion Mckenna
To the girls:
Girls Supporting Girls: Why Galentine’s Day
VOL. 2 - SP. ‘25
RED VALENTINE’S
OPINION
BY NAYELI
A Valentine’s playlist, whether it’s for your partner or your girls, can be essential songs that you absolutely must include
1. BIRDS OF A FEATHER - Billie Eilish, 2024
One of the biggest songs to come out of last year – and for good reason. This song is perfect to play no matter the plans for the day. It’s about wanting to stick by someone’s side through everything, which can be platonic or romantic based on personal interpretation.
2. Talk Fast��- 5 Seconds of Summer, 2018
Anyone that knows me knows how much I love this band, so it wouldn’t be a list made by me if I didn’t mention them. This song isn’t very romantic rather it’s more about a relationship that you know won’t last. Meaning aside, it will undoubtedly get stuck in your head. 5SOS has so many songs that are about love, unrequited or reciprocated, and they are all hits.
5 . Friday I’m In Love
I saved the best for last. This song is truly in a rom-com. It’s also a cute bonus that lands on a Friday, so this makes for the Instagram story or post. This song is but the timing of it this year is just
PIECE
to ensuring the best vibes possible. So here are *in my opinion* the top 5 include in any playlist for the holiday.
3. What A Feeling��- One Direction, 2015
One of my personal favorites from the Made In The A.M. album. It’s such a ‘feel good’ song and it’s catchy which makes it perfect for singing along to. While the song is about wanting to be with someone who isn’t there now, the upbeat sound can keep the good vibes of the day going.
4. Feather��- Sabrina Carpenter, 2023
Of course, I had to include one for people that may not want something super “lovey dovey.” This song is about leaving a toxic relationship, but regardless of if you can relate or not, it’s catchy and has a super fun music video. Sabrina is one of the biggest pop stars right now and she has songs for any mood you may be in.
-��The Cure, 1992 truly the embodiment of living that this year’s Valentine’s Day the perfect song to add to your is more about a romantic love, just too perfect to pass up.
Valentine’s Day has long been seen as a celebration of romantic love, filled with roses, candlelit dinners, and grand gestures. But love, in its truest form, is far more expansive. In recent years, Galentine’s Day has emerged as a beautiful reminder that love isn’t just about romance; it’s also about friendship, self-care, and the deep connections we share with those who uplift us.
This time of year can feel overwhelming, especially with the pressure of great expectations. Whether you’re in a relationship, somewhere in between, or single, February should be a time to celebrate love in all its forms. Love is never reserved just for a partner. It’s also found in the friends who show up when you need them most, the family that supports you, and the small joys you give yourself.
If you have a special someone, take this time to deepen your connection through meaningful conversations, small acts of appreciation, or simply being present. If you’re single, remember that love isn’t absent from your life; it already exists in the friendships you nurture, the passions you pursue, and the kindness you extend to yourself.
Galentine’s Day reminds us of the beauty of platonic love, the kind that makes us laugh until we cry, the friendships that feel like home, and the people who remind us of our worth. So, gather your friends, celebrate each other, and take a moment to acknowledge the love that surrounds you every day.
Most importantly, let this season serve as a reminder that love starts with you. Whether it’s treating yourself to something special, setting boundaries to honor your needs, or practicing self-acceptance, self-love is just as worthy of celebration. When you truly cherish yourself, every other form of love only grows stronger.
This Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day, redefine what love means to you. Celebrate the connections that bring joy to your heart, whether they originate from romance, friendship, family, or yourself. Love itself is not limited to a single day or a single definition. Rather, it’s something nurtured, cherished, and embraced daily. If you feel alone or incapable of love this Valentine’s Day, remember that there is a God who loves you unconditionally.
Iam from San Antonio Texas, a city that is forever expanding but calm at the same time, a place that has amazing taco shops and a six flags.
I am from a loving and strong family who people lean on but once looked down on.
I am from creative and extremely intelligent parents who always encouraged me to be the best version of myself and words of affirmation that I can do anything I put my mind to
I am from loving the sound of a basketball hitting the pavement/ hardwood
I am from feeding off the roar and energy of the crowd as the game becomes intense, and loving the feeling of being cheered on
I am from finding my identity through a sport that creates team building and leadership skills
I am from searching for what else I am other than a basketball player
I am from struggling to make friends due to the fear of social anxiety and constant turmoil of feeling like I am not good enough
I am from I am from not knowing who I truly am, but discovering who I want to be day in and day out
I am from finding other creative ways to express myself so that I didn’t have to communicate with my words
I am from using clothes and fashion as another way to express myself, using it as a tool to stand out because normal is not something I ever wanted to be
I am from wanting to be different, special, exceptional
I am from striving for greatness in my sport and in every other creative activity I put myself in
I am from still not knowing what I want to do with my life, but I have faith in knowing I will achieve everything I have ever envisioned for myself
I am from knowing I will be great because I was born to be.
Mariia Kriuchkova is a testament to what it means to be a well-rounded student. Academics can so easily become a low priority for college athletes, but not for Masha. She exemplifies high academic pedigree in her journey through her graduate program in communication arts. She also maintains a budding social life as well as a successful swimming career. Masha is a part of the UIW Artistic Swimming team, and while she does not currently swim for them this season, she is still a pivotal part of the team. She now participates as a volunteer coach, helping on the deck wherever she can.
As far as athletic pedigree, she is part of the national championship winning team from last year.
Remember that infamous victory celebration in the SEC? Yea, they were cheering on Masha.
Mariia Kriuchkova
She won in duet individually and in team overall points. And if that wasn’t enough, she made it to 2024 All-MPSF Second Team as well as placed 7th in individual elements at Nationals. Her pure athleticism truly knows no bounds!
We inquired as to how her experience as a comm arts student has been to which she replied, “Being a part of UIW COMM department helps me balance sports, studies and on-campus work successfully.” We are privileged to be a member of her college journey and are excited to see what she does next!
WE love you masha!
Mariia Kriuchkova
by mackenzie conant
WhenMashawas12,shewatchedtheWinwouldterOlympicGamesanddecidedthatshe practicedbecomeagreatfigureskater.She onherowneverynightonthe iceringnearherhouseandevenlearned howtodoeasyjumpsandrotations.She notesthatwaterisjustherelement evenifit’sfrozen:)
Fun Fact!
Ahhh, Valentine’s Day. A holiday known to be called the day of love. Typically involving people celebrating with their boyfriends, girlfriends, or significant others where they go out on fun date nights to spend time with one another. Well for some people, they might not have that someone special to celebrate with on February 14. And that’s ok! Because these days, all the ladies single or taken have a little celebration of their own called Galentine’s Day, which is to celebrate all of the special women in your life. It typically falls on February 13, which is the day before Valentine’s Day, but some people can celebrate it on any day.
With me knowing Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday, aka my birthday, because of all the fun colors, treats, and spreading love to one another, Galentine’s Day is a great way to have the Valentine’s Day fun with your girlfriends.
There are plenty of fun ways for you and your ladies to celebrate: going out to brunch, having a movie night, baking fun treats, and exchanging cards and gifts. Sometimes, a simple girl’s night is just the perfect activity to share your love with all the important women in your life.
If I were to celebrate Galentine’s Day with my girls, here is an example I am sharing with you. I would invite all my girlfriends over to my house, we’d have a DIY iced coffee bar with a plethora of flavors, bake a lot of fun treats, and watch a fun romantic comedy movie while enjoying each other’s company. Spending time with my girlfriends always puts a smile on my face. I have been blessed with meeting some of the sweetest friends over the years and they always show me a lot of love and I want to
xoxo, Blair
Lreturn the favor to them.
Galentine’s Day is what I call the ladies version of Valentine’s Day. It gives all women the opportunity to celebrate the holiday of love with one another and enjoy doing something fun to get into the spirit. Celebrating the power of female friendship with all your girls is a celebration I take to heart. Over the years, I have realized how important Valentine’s Day is to me, especially hoping on the Galentine’s Day trends to celebrate with my girls. Having so many girlfriends I have met over the course of my life makes this celebration special.
To all of my fellow women out there, Happy Galentine’s Day! I hope you enjoy celebrating this special holiday just as much as I do.
I F E S T Y L E
I F E S T Y L E
One of the most important skills I have learned is the skill of balancing.
As a young adult trying to navigate the world, I am no stranger to chaos. I, like everyone else, sometimes find myself overwhelmed by life: there are too many things to do and not enough time to do them. School, work, bills, friendships, relationships, social events, and family obligations are only a few of the things that ask for our time and attention in day-today life. With so much going on, it can be easy to get swept away in the chaos of it all. Here is where the skill of balancing is most valuable.
When I say “the skill of balancing,” I know the first image that might appear in your mind is a person carefully teetering along a thin tightrope, working carefully to avoid leaning too far in one direction or the other. While it is a silly image picture, what I’m referring to with “balance” is closer to being organized in my responsibilities. I want to prioritize my commitments and time to avoid getting overwhelmed. I have learned that I save myself some stress and can enjoy time spent with my family and friends more when I better balance my responsibilities.
The easiest way to balance my commitments is to get organized. I usually use a calendar, journal, or simple to-do list. I write down events and work shifts and note what tasks I have to complete, when they need to be completed, and how important they are. This same process can look different for everyone, as each person has different priorities on which they like to focus their time and energy.
I usually plan around my class and work schedule, finding time to do my schoolwork
and whatever else I need. With that out of the way, I can truly be present when spending time with the people I love.
Nothing is more important than being in the moment with those who matter most to me, and it’s even better when I am free to give them my full attention and focus.
While I have been talking about balancing my responsibilities in particular, balance can be applied in many ways. It can be the balance of emotions, time, hobbies, finances, or even beliefs. How you define balance and apply it according to your needs is entirely personalizable.
In the spirit of the season of love, practice some self-love by exploring the art of balancing in whichever way you see fit. Happy Valentine’s Day!
xoxo, Ace
Closing Remarks
by miss natalia valenzuela
Celebrating Love and COMMunity
I asked a few people what the month of February meant to them. Most said, “Valentine’s Day, love, hearts, red, pink, and candy”, some said “cold mornings and nights, but warm afternoons”, others said “Groundhog Day, the month after January, and Harry Styles’ birthday”.
It is interesting to see everyone’s perspective on the “month of love”, and how it means different things to different people. As we move forward into the third month of the new year, it is always important to reflect on what truly matters to us.
February may be short in days, but it’s a time full of opportunities for growth, change, and renewed energy. Whether you’ve spent it with loved ones, focused on personal goals, or simply enjoyed the present, always remember to spread love and celebrate yourself.
“Let all that you do be done in love”
1 Corinthians 16:14
Love, RED. with