The Spring Break Edition
MEET THE STAFF
Editor & Social Media LiaisonMackenzie Conant
Assistant EditorPaige Heller
Layout DesignerKlarysa Saldana
Section
Contributer/WriterMckenna Moczygemba
Section
Contributer/WriterAislyn Bradford
Section
Contributer/WriterNatalia Valenzuela
Layout DesignerDanna Ramos
PhotographerMatthew Jurenovich
Section Contributer/WriterBlair Villarreal
PhotographerMarco Trujillo
Contributing
Writers
Susanna Alford | Eli Cohen
Marisol Salas-Rios | Marco Trujillo
Editor’s Note
by Susanna Alford
Dearest Readers,
Spring Break is finally here—the perfect time to hit pause, breathe deeply, and embrace a wellearned break. Whether you’re traveling abroad, catching up on much-needed sleep, or leveraging this time to dive into new creative projects, we hope this edition of RED Magazine offers a little inspiration, a moment of reflection, or even just a fun read to accompany your downtime.
In this Spring Break issue, we celebrate adventure and relaxation. Inside, you’ll find stories from students sharing what Spring Break means to them, creative ways to enjoy the week on a budget, and personal reflections on rest, travel, and discovery. As always, our talented contributors have filled these pages with poetry, photography, and stories that remind us to savor the present moment—wherever we may be.
As the faculty adviser, I’m constantly in awe of the passion and creativity our student writers, editors, and designers bring to this magazine. They pour their hearts into every issue, and I’m incredibly proud of the space they’ve built for storytelling, expression, and community.
So, as you flip through these pages, I dare you to embrace the break in whatever way serves you best. Take this time to recharge in whatever way feels right— recharging, reconnecting, and returning ready for the remainder of the semester.
Wishing you and yours a restful and inspiring Spring Break!
Susanna Alford, MA Faculty Adviser, RED Magazine
DON’T Miss OUT upcoming events
Cardinal Cèilidh: Thursday, March 20th | 7:00pm -10:00pm | McCombs Center, Rosenberg Skyroom
Don’t go pinching around just yet. Dr. and Mrs. Evan are throwing a Cardinal Ceilidh in honor of St. Patrick’s Day and the heritage of the Irish Sisters of Charity! The event will include pints, food, dancing, and plenty of green. Head to uiw.edu/events to register!
LPH Torchy’s Taco’s Fundraiser: Tuesday, March 25th | 4:00-8:00pm | Torchy’s Tacos on Basse Rd.
Lambda Pi Eta is getting spicy on March 25th. The honor society is putting on a profit share at Torchy’s Tacos. To support, come buy a drink or a meal. Students in the organization can also volunteer to get points!
UIW Women’s Softball vs McNeese State: Friday, March 28th | 3pm | H-E-B Field
Lace up your sneakers and get your ball caps on. The Lady Cardinals are going up against McNeese State & they WANT YOU THERE. Bring a friend, your student ID, and come show your support on March 28th.
“Back when I was in high school, I spent my spring break in my hometown, Ciudad AcuNa, Coahuila, Mexico. I never felt the need to leave because we had everything we needed there.”
by MARCO TRUJILLO
Spring Break means different things to different people. For some, it’s a time to catch up on sleep, while for others, it’s a chance to enjoy the outdoors. Personally, I usually spend my spring break studying. My main goal is to be constantly improving. However, this year will be different because I will be heading to Cancun. This will be the first spring break where I actually go somewhere exciting.
I don’t have many memories of adventurefilled spring breaks. The most exciting trip I’ve taken was a day trip to Austin. It might not sound like much, but it was fun because I got to jump off of a famous bridge that everyone jumps from. I did far too many backflips; it was probably the highest jump I’ve ever done. Even though I went by myself, I didn’t feel alone. The energy of the people there made me feel like I was part of the Austin community. Some people were scared to jump, while others were doing crazy tricks. It was an unforgettable experience. Despite the height of the jump, I felt no fear like the fear that came from Austin traffic and where to park for free.
One of the best things about Spring Break is the weather. It’s not too hot, but not too cold either; just perfect for being outside. The only downside is that the water is still freezing from the wintertime. Back when I was in high school, I spent my spring break in my hometown, Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico. I never felt the need to leave because we had everything we needed there. The food was always amazing, my parents were there, and I enjoyed spending time with them. The most enjoyable part was going to the river and jumping off cliffs. Over the years, the cliffs got bigger because it hardly ever rains anymore.
Since coming to college, I’ve only gone home for Spring Break once, and that was during my first year. Every year after that, I’ve stayed in San Antonio. Why? Because it’s more convenient. I usually have a lot of homework to do, I have jobs with clients, and there are always some people who stay in town as well. One Spring Break, I even went to take pictures of the UIW Synchronized Swimming team. They were grateful that I showed up and worked some magic with my camera.
To me, spring break feels like the beginning of summer. Once it starts, I get into “summer mode,” which is my favorite time of the year. I feel like I’m at my best, both physically and mentally. Summer means good weather, more time to focus on personal projects, and of course cooking some carne asada with friends and family.
Photography by M Jurenovich
Have you thought about your plans for Spring Break? It’s probably the last thing on your mind as you’re cramming for midterms. Plus, in this economy, it can be hard to plan a fun Spring Break without breaking the bank. But don’t worry, it’s not impossible! Here are 5 ways you can spend Spring Break without breaking your bank:
The Best Laid Plans
The Best Laid Plans
by Marisol Salas-Rios
Whatever you decide to do, I hope you enjoy your well-earned Spring Break. Even if you’re working or are planning to study during break, don’t forget to find some time to indulge in some last-minute activities or adventure!
With lots of love, Mari~
SPRING INTO SPRING CLEANING
As the semester rolls on, your personal spaces can grow cluttered, but who has time to clean up and keep up with so many things to do? It’s not your fault though, nor is it too late to start picking things up where you left off (literally). You can start with a small task, such as cleaning and reorganizing your school bag, then move up to your bedroom, bathroom, and other personal spaces. Make it an all-day thing, turn on your favorite playlist/podcast/show, and jam out! Studies also show having a clean environment can also boost your mental health and productivity too, so you’ll be cleaning your
SEE SOME CITY SITES
You don’t have to go out of town to find fun places to explore. I recommend following your hometown or San Antonio’s local Instagram pages to see what free or inexpensive events are happening in your area. My go-to Instagram pages are the @Historic Pearl, @My SA, and @S.A. Foodie.
HAVE A MOVIE/MEDIA MARATHON
It’s hard to keep up with your favorite shows or catch a movie during the semester, but now you’ve got time! You can make it a group outing or have a solo marathon. If picking from your watchlist is overwhelming, pull up a spin-the-wheel generator and see where it lands!
VISIT YOUR LOCAL MUSEUM
San Antonio is home to a variety of museums such as the Museum of Art, The Witte, and new immersive art experiences such as Hopscotch. They typically are reasonably priced, will offer student discounts, and some offer free admissions days such as the San Antonio Art Museum!
PLAN A PICNIC
Nice weather like this won’t last for long, so make the most of it with a picnic for you and your friends or family. Don’t worry about making it aesthetically pleasing for others: make it pleasing for you and the people you picnic with. You can visit your local park or visit the Botanical Gardens and enjoy your self-made charcuterie board with a lovely view of nature’s botanicals.
WChile we count down the days until summer break, one week in March gives us a snippet of that summer feeling. Spring break.
Spring break is summer’s preview. No school, no alarms, no homework, no stress. Whether you’re dancing on a beach with your best friends or fully embracing couch-potato mode at home, spring break is the ultimate college holiday.
For some spring breakers, heading to Miami, Cancun, or SPI, are just some of the ‘it’ spots for that “spring break experience”. The sun, the tanning, and the partying are someone’s ideal fun time and to others, not so much.
Not traveling? No parties? No worries! Spring break at home is just as fun. Movie marathons, walks around the neighborhood, staying in PJs all day, and zero responsibilities? Count me in.
No matter what you are doing this gorgeous week in March, there’s no wrong way to do spring break. Plus, as the week flies by (as it always does), one thing is certain, this is the break we all needed. The final stretch of the semester is coming, but for now, it’s about soaking up every second of relaxation.
Summer’s Preview
by Natalia Valenzuela
Why I Loathe the Beach And Can’t Wait to Return
AN OPINION PIECE BY ELI COHEN
The typical “spring breaker,” as we like to call them, uses their full 7-day vacation to head straight for the water; the beach, that is. Well, I am not your typical “spring breaker,” and here is why: I hate the beach. I hate getting sunburned. I hate getting sand in between my toes and in my clothes. I can’t tan. I got stung by a stingray last time I was at the beach. Sand never agrees with me, period. I swallow way too much saltwater if I gain enough courage to brave the water. I feel anxious all day. I can’t relax. The little silver showers that you can use to wash the sand off never, ever work. The beachside restaurants are not exactly 5-star, whereas the 5-star restaurants are far too expensive. The tangled seaweed that feels like slime beneath your feet as you wade in the water makes me cringe just thinking about it. I was bitten by a crab this one time I tried to collect seashells, but the sheer quantity of them overwhelms me. There is nothing to do in beach towns other than the beach. Once I’ve spent a couple hours on the shore, it feels like I need to be productive. It’s either too hot or too cold. I always forget what to bring. The beach is a magnet for screaming children. Once, I got pelted by a ball thrown by a middle schooler, and it was so embarrassing. The entire concept of the beach stirs up an unnecessary anger within me that takes a bit to wear off. Now knowing all of that, any recommendations for what I do at the beach for spring break? I can’t wait to go back.
I am from a small town.
From where everyone knows everybody
From the “Hi! How are you?!” the first 5 minutes of walking into HEB
From “Did you hear about so and so?”
I am from a small town.
I am from friends.
From talking to them every day and laughing until my stomach hurts
From finding out the latest gossip in the library
From sitting on the field, giggling, and anxiously waiting to walk to stage
From crying as we say goodbye and part ways to start our new life away from our old one
From planning to hang out 3 weeks in advance because that’s the only time our schedules line up
I Am From
by Klarysa Saldana
I am from love.
From romanticizing life
From living in the moment
From taking pictures
From being able to witness and experience others’ love
From having the ability to love and express it
I am from a small town.
I am from school.
I am from friends.
I am from family.
I am from grief.
I am from nostalgia.
I am from anxiety.
I am from growth.
I am from happiness.
I am from love.
I am me.
Isabella Saenz
AN ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT BY BLAIR VILLARREAL
“My
best friend, Hannah, always bragged about how amazing the Comm. department was, and I instantly decided to switch my major and join in. Now I have come out of my shell and enjoy being around people who share the same interests as me.”
CLOSING REMARKS
“Take time off.”
Those are three words that many of us should take more seriously. It’s much easier to get lost in the busyness, to set yourself on autopilot and work until you can’t anymore. But at what cost? There is so much life to be lived outside the 4 walls of AD 265, and while we learn such great life and professional skills within them, they need to be put into action. College is the time of your life where, for 4 years, you are given the freedom to reach for the highest heights but also the grace to be at your lowest lows. And it is encouraged, believe it or not, that you take time off to do the things you enjoy. We are fortunate enough to be given weeks or even months off from school at a time to do just that— enjoy. So, whether that be right now as you’re reading this on your spring break vacation, sitting across the table from your sibling you haven’t seen since Christmas, or lying out on a beach somewhere, enjoy your time. I wholeheartedly believe that when we truly take time to rest our minds and our spirits, the busyness will seem less appealing after a while, and we will reassess where we want to be allotting our time and energy. It sounds cliche and repetitive, but here is the bottom line: rest is necessary. Work will always be there waiting for us to return to it, but those small pockets of rest will only be there for as long as we let them remain. So as soon as you click out of this issue on your phone or laptop, I encourage you to utilize the wondrous invention of DND (Do Not Disturb) for the rest of the week. Protect your peace for those 7 days you are away from school. Be present with those you are with and make long-lasting memories that you’ll keep close to your heart.
- Mackenzie Conant
CLOSING REMARKS
take time off enjoy
Happy Spreak!