The day after finding the baby, a judge visited Amisial. The judge recognized the heart and passion that Amisial had for the child. According to Amisial, children in Haiti often end up living their lives as orphans or gang members.
It was the following question the judge would ask Amisial that would shock him to his core. The judge asked him if he was willing to become the baby's legal guardian. He told the judge to give him time to think about such a huge"Thatdecision.wasn't my expectation at all when he said that to me. I kept thinking, I'm still in school I was struggling and I didn't really know what I was gonna do,” Amisial said
By Nichaela Shaheen News Editor
2015. In Dec. 2017, he was on a trip home for winter break after completing his first semester at Texas State.
SEE FAMILY PAGE 2
Jimmy Amisial (center) visits his son Emilio and family in Gonaives, Haiti.
Clad in full uniform and carrying the weight of their gear as the morning suns rays beamed down on them, Hays County first responders completed a commemorative stair climb to honor those in their profession who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, on Sunday at BobcatTwenty-oneStadium."years after the attack on the World Trade Center's twin towers in New York City, Sept. 11 is a day that
By Nichaela Shaheen News Editor
it is their duty to honor the victims by finishing the job that responders were unable to complete on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.
REMEMBRANCE
Community remembers 9/11 first responders
“My little guys are four and five years old and they weren't alive during this,” Cisneros said. “It's just teaching the next generation exactly what this was and what it meant; they've learned a lot by this.”
www.Universitystar com DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911 TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 VOLUME 112 ISSUE 6 SEE PAGE 2 SEE PAGE 4 SEE PAGE 5 SEE PAGE 8
On New Year's Eve, Amisial, who grew up volunteering at a local orphanage, was on his way to deliver gifts to the children when he heard a noise that caught him off guard. At first, he thought it was the sound of people
Not only does this annual event serve as a way to honor those who lost their lives, but it also allows for the education of the historical event to be passed on to
The stair climb began at 8:46 a.m., the time that the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, hit the north tower. The climb was open to firefighters, law enforcement, EMS and dispatchers across Hays FirefightersCounty.likeAidan Campbell of the San Marcos Fire Department believe
San Marcos firefighters and Department of Public Safety officers walk down the steps of Bobcat Stadium in full uniform, Sunday, Sep. 11, 2022, at the 2nd annual Hays County 9/11 MemorialClimb.Stair
PHOTO BY CHRIS SWANN
“I saw a panicked lady and I said, ‘oh, what's going on over there?’ She told me, ‘ you won't believe it. They are throwing the baby in the trash’ and no one wanted to do anything about it," Amisial said.
“The job is to save lives and protect property,” Campbell said. “In order to show the respect that we have for the firefighters and police officers on 9/11, we showed that we can do the job too, that we're upholding the standard.”
News: Gallery9/11
Texas State student Jimmy Amisial became a father overnight when he took in an impoverished boy from Haiti named Emilio on New Year's Eve 2017.
Born and raised in Haiti, Amisial came to America to attend college in
holds emotions for many. Hays County first responders had the opportunity to remember the day and their fellow first responders by climbing up 110 flights of stairs at Bobcat Stadium, for the twin towers each consisted of 110 floors.
SEE REMEMBRANCE PAGE 2 FAMILY
Embarking on an unexpected journey
celebrating the new year.
Opinion: InfrastructureWater Life & 'CatswalkArts: Sports: FootballBobcat
even touch the baby who was lying in a pile of trash. Despite the crowd's reaction, Amisial knew he needed to do something."Peopleare saying ‘I'm not going to touch it. I didn't put that baby there. It's cursed.' But to me, I saw a precious living soul, and without hesitation, I reached out and picked him up from the trash,” Amisial said When he first saw the baby he was covered in fire ants and would not stop crying.“Hewas crying in excruciating pain, I could hear the pain in his voice like he was saying ‘save me, save me,'" Amisial said. "I couldn't think of anything else but to save him.”
youngerKimberlygenerations.Cisneros, mother of two and administrator at the San Marcos Fire Department, shares that it is important to bring youth to events like these.
Amisial then took the baby to his mother’s house where they bathed him, nursed him back to health and called local authorities to notify them about his discovery. Little did he know that reaching for the baby would change the trajectory of his life.
A crowd had gathered around the baby, and no one bothered to help or
PHOTO COURTESY OF JIMMY AMISIAL
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A timer was set inside Bobcat Stadium to commemorate each time something happened on 9/11. Video of the second plane, United Airlines Flight 175, striking the south tower played on the stadium screen 18 minutes after the climb began.
between all of us as we share this with each other,” DuBoise said. “It was great to see these young ones running with the firefighters and policemen, they need to learn, they need to see and be a part of it, you need to never forget.”
Amisial's journey to parenthood was not easy, before becoming a father to Emilio, he had never had experience changing a diaper or making a bottle.
FROM FRONT FAMILY
Public & Relations
Amisial credits his mom on teaching him the ropes of his newly found way of life as a parent.
Deep down Amisial knew this was what he was meant to do in life and so he returned to America as Emilio's legal guardian.Theadjustment to life as a parent was tough, similar to the process of adapting to living in a brand new country and finding his groove in Longview, Texas, where he lived and attended school before coming to San Marcos where he knew more people.
History: The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday of the spring and fall and once a month in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 3,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-
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DuBoise feels the world needs to be aware that this world changes and hopes this event will continue to grow and that more people will show up each year to remember and show their support.
“I said to myself, 'it's a journey. Sometimes you're going to have to experience new things. You're going to have to be able to be okay to meet new people from different backgrounds.' But we have something that we can call love. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but it takes time,” Amisial said.
[Translated to English] “It's like I was raising Jimmy again, he smiles all the time, wonders around to play outside with the neighborhood kids, he’s super joyful,” Jean said.
Emilio who was three months old at the time is now five years old and lives with Jimmy’s mom, Elicie Jean, in Gonaives, Haiti. Emilio said he loves playing footballw.
While DuBoise knows 9/11 was a tragic event, he believes it has brought forth more than just sorrow, but pride.
As the clock kept ticking and the heat intensified, the job at hand required the constant reminder of perseverance for San Marcos firefighter Jacob Hanks.
“I felt very emotional, very proud to be an American. The camaraderie
“I would love him to know that he was left alone but he's not alone. I would love to teach him how to be kind and how to love on other people, the same thing I did for him, for him to be able to do it for other people,” Amisial said.
About EditorialUsStaff starcreative@txstate.eduMicheleCreativestarasstweb@txstate.eduMonicaWebstarengagement@txstate.eduMeadowEngagementstarmultimedia@txstate.eduVanessaMultimediastarsports@txstate.eduCarsonSportsstaropinion@txstate.eduDillonOpinionsstarlifeandarts@txstate.eduMarisaLifestarnews@txstate.eduNichaelaNewsstardesign@txstate.eduKadenceDesignstarmanagingeditor@txstate.eduSarahManagingstareditor@txstate.eduArthurEditor-in-Chief:FairchildEditor:HernandezEditor:CobbEditor:Shaheen&ArtsEditor:NunezEditor:StrineEditor:WeaverEditor:BuentelloEditor:ChaseEditor:VargasServicesDirector:DupontTrinityBuilding203PleasantSt.SanMarcos,TX78666(512)245-3487Director:LauraKrantz,laurakrantz@txstate.edu
Amisial will be returning to Texas State this spring after having to put his education on pause because of legal fees regarding the adoption process. He one day hopes to have his mother and child living with him in the states.
FROM FRONT REMEMBRANCE
“My whole thing is on 9/11 they didn't quit. When we're getting hot and fatigued, you know remembering
me and has been [my] biggest decision ever,” Amisial said.
that it was hot and a very chaotic scene, those guys and gals just kept climbing, climbing, climbing, when they knew that could be their last moment,” Hanks said. “Just doing this little moment I felt like I was climbing with them; just trying to be there with them in the moment.”Hanksshares that his participation was more than just a challenge but an honor."It's not just about 9/11, we're doing this for all the fire, EMS and police officers that have badges, so that's why I'm out here is to honor them; to put the gear on, get hot, sweaty and do a physical challenge to honor every day," Hanks
"We need to keep this going, hopefully, next year, more people and more participants will come to take part," DuBoise said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JIMMY AMISIAL
CopyrightCopyright:Zeitung.Tuesday, September 13, 2022 All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor-in-chief.
"It's given pride in our country and our values, and it showed to always be prepared and never get too comfortable because this could always happen again," DuBoise said.
you don't have to know what to do. You just have to be ready to do it.”
“I had some sleepless nights and then I realized that this was my something great, and so I took a leap of faith by saying ‘yes,'” Amisial said. "Sometimes
“He's really outgoing and has a million-dollar smile. He always asked me for stuff ‘daddy, I need a bicycle, I need a tablet, I need clothes,' he always needs stuff and I'm really proud of that,” Amisial said. “He has someone he can go to be asking for stuff.”
"People are saying ‘I'm not going to touch it. I didn't put that baby there. It's cursed.' But to me, I saw a precious living soul, and without hesitation, I reached out and picked him up from the-Jimmytrash,”Amisial
Jimmy Amisial embraces his son Emilio into his arms.
Cisneros recalls waking up and watching the news of the plane crashes on TV when she was a student at Texas State.“Iwas in the dorm at Texas State that morning and weirdly enough, I never turned the TV on in the mornings but that particular morning I happen to turn the TV on and I watched everything unfold,” Cisneros said.
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LettersDeadlines:tothe Editor or any contributed articles are due on Monday the week prior to
Spectatorssaid. like Don DuBoise felt overcome by emotions watching the first responders climb up the stadium flights over and over again.
San Marcos Firefighter Aidan Cambell carries a fire hose with the written names of all the deceased 9/11 first responders during the 2nd annual Hays County 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Sunday, Sep. 11, 2022, at Bobcat Stadium.
Internal
“It was hard, that culture shock. I've never left my country before and it was kind of like a new experience and a new chapter in my life,” Amisial said. “It's a cool experience, but it was hard at the beginning.”However hard it was, Amisial kept reminding himself it was a journey that he was ready for.
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PHOTO BY CHRIS SWANN
“My mom helped me with everything. She told me, ‘okay, you know, this is what's gonna happen, I'm going to teach you how to change diapers.' It was kind of like a cool experience to
Nichaela Shaheen News starnews@txstate.eduEditor 2 | Tuesday, September 13, 2022 The University Star NEWS PIR Director: Elle starpr@txstate.eduGangi
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Jean shares that life with Emilio is filled with joy, the same joy she had in her life when Jimmy was also just a kid.
San Marcos firefighters followed by Department of Public Safety officers walk down the steps of Bobcat Stadium in full uniform, Sunday, Sep. 11, 2022, at the 2nd annual Hays County 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
U.S. Navy veteran David Adams salutes the flag during a moment of silence, Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at San Marcos City Hall.
San Marcos probationary firefighter Matthew Sanchez rings the San Marcos Bell in honor of 9/11 victims, Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at San Marcos City Hall.
PHOTO BY STEVEN PHIPPS
PHOTO BY CASSIE BUTTERFIELD
San Marcos firefighters place carnations on the Flower Memorial, Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at San Marcos City Hall.
9/11 Remembrance Gallery
PHOTO BY CASSIE BUTTERFIELD
Buda Firefighters pause and look towards the screen displaying footage of the Twin Towers on 9/11, Sunday, Sep. 11, 2022, at the 2nd annual Hays County 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb atStadium.Bobcat
PHOTO BY CHRIS SWANN
PHOTO BY CHRIS SWANN
Nichaela starnews@txstate.eduNewsShaheenEditor Tuesday, September 13, 2022 | 3The University Star NEWS
Deceased 9/11 first responders' names are written on a fire hose for San Marcos firefighters to hold during the 2nd annual Hays County 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Sunday, Sep. 11, 2022, at Bobcat Stadium.
In the last two years, San Marcos has seen multiple boil water notices, one in February of 2021 due to a drop in water pressure and the other in November of 2020 after a major city water main was damaged duringTheseconstruction.criseshappen out of nowhere, and communities can remain negligent and unprepared. Making sure that our local community does not end up as either is vital in saving time, money and infrastructure.
Although, there was no guarantee that the funding would reach the 153,701 in the underserved city of Jackson, Mississippi, who saw the warning signs prior and were still left suffering after the crisis hit their community.Thiscatastrophe led to students going virtual, lines of cars waiting to get cases of water and running out of said bottled water.
The state would stop handing out water in April 2018 after two years of test results showing lead levels dropping. But there were still lead pipes which, after a 2019 agreement, would help speed up the replacement process.Fouryears after the crisis began, the city began to recover and is still bouncing back. The damage was so severe that the inspector general strengthened oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of state drinking water programs. After such a nationally recognized debacle, the rest of the country should be aware of the struggles of not having the proper infrastructure.
We need to invest in water to curb the U.S. water crisis. At the same time, we must ensure that local politicians utilize the funds to create better water infrastructure. Unfortunately, San Marcos is equally vulnerable to underfunding as a majority-minority community.Thecitydoes release water quality reports outlining not only the list of contaminants but also documents explaining where they get the water. These annual reports can be studied but also need to be done more often because of the volatility of the water crisis. According to World Population Review, San Marcos is also exposed to a growing population, at an annual rate of 3.25%, a reason to be concerned about running out of Watersupply.isan issue that can quickly be glanced over as something people may not be dealing with right now. It is not affecting you or anyone around you, so maybe we should focus on other infrastructure issues.
However, the right to clean water should be a human right. Investing in it will prevent timeconsuming disasters, save finances and create longlasting infrastructure.
The Bobcat Shuttle system is a convenient option for students to travel to campus and other locations in San Marcos. Finding on-campus parking can be extremely difficult, especially with the record-breaking freshman class of more than 7,590 students enrolled for the fall 2022 semester. Parking in a no-parking zone on campus can result in fines between $40 and $300. With the Bobcat Shuttle service, students do not have to worry about finding parking or potentially getting towed or booted in a no-parking zone.
By Kadence Cobb Opinions Contributor
In April of 2014, the Flint, Michigan, residents began to drink water from the Flint River rather than the water from Detroit. In June, the water began to smell, taste and look strange. Residents were unaware that the city had changed its water source, causing them to be without clean water for nearly half a decade.
The University Star welcomes Letters to the Editor from its readers. All submissions are reviewed and considered by the Editor-in-Chief and Opinions Editor for publication. Not all letters are guaranteed for publication.
ILLUSTRATION BY MADISON WARE
The Bobcat Shuttle service helps students to travel in an environmentally conscious manner. Public transportation, like the Bobcat Shuttle, is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution, according to Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. Approximately 85% of greenhouse gas emissions are due to day-to-day commutes. With carbon dioxide being the primary greenhouse gas contributing to climate change, students need to be highly conscious of transportation's impact on theTheenvironment.useofpublic transportation services can help improve overall fuel efficiency. Studies show less fuel is used with public transportation options compared to private cars. With more students using the Bobcat Shuttles to travel, public transit can reduce the fuel used tremendously. In addition, with transit buses holding more passengers than personal vehicles, they have the potential to reach a higher passenger mile per gallon, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
As hard as it is to believe for many Americans, millions in this country are without running water or drinking contaminated water.
Opinion: We need to invest in water infrastructure
With the fast-paced environment present on a college campus, students are constantly rushing to make it to class, organization meetings and community events. However, with the Texas State Bobcat Shuttle service, students arrive at their destination conveniently, environmentally friendly and safely.
"The traffic is always horrible," Ledger said. "The university needs to add more shuttles if they want students to use them."
The University Star welcomes Letters to the Editor from its readers. All submissions are reviewed and considered by the Editor-in-Chief and Opinions Editor for publication. Not all letters are guaranteed for publication.
Despite the advantages of public transportation, students like Alice Ledger, a
By Dillon Strine Opinions Editor
The rising population and decreasing precipitation rate are causing a water shortage, and the contaminated water is already in circulation as Americans tend to be unaware of the impending crisis. According to The New Humanitarian, less than one-fourth of Americans could correctly identify where their water came from.
Not only does using the shuttle service eliminate the challenges of finding parking, but it also helps to alleviate road congestion. According to a Transportation of America study, public transportation allows drivers to reach their destinations more quickly and increase overall productivity levels. In addition, with fewer drivers on the road, students will not have to weave their way through traffic and can help alleviate traffic by using the public transportation service provided. ""
Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our entire publication, Texas State University’s administration, Board of Regents, School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Student Publications Board.
Dillon staropinion@txstate.eduOpinionsStrineEditor 4|Tuesday, September 13, 2022 The University Star OPINIONS
The newly strengthened EPA urged states after the infrastructure bill passed in 2021 to invest $7 billion in new federal water infrastructure funding, especially in underserved communities.
- Dillon Strine is a journalism senior
psychology sophomore, are hesitant to continue to use the Bobcat Shuttle service. Ledger revealed that the underpopulation of shuttles had been a primary reason she was reluctant to use the shuttles.
In cities across the country, from Jackson, Mississippi, to Baltimore, Maryland, and Flint, Michigan, there have been boil water notices following major malfunctions affecting the water supply and creating a crisis.
The Flint, Michigan, crisis has subsided, but it took years to fix. As residents look to go back to normal, the city is still looking to advance past another avoidable crisis. Preparing ahead of time and ensuring that resources are in place can help avoid such hardship.
- Kadence Cobb is a journalism sophomore
Opinion: Bobcat Shuttle is a convenient travel option UTILITIESTRANSPORTATION
ILLUSTRATION BY SARAH MANNING
As much as the politicians pander to those who hate paying taxes, the funds they accumulate help avoid these crises that cost more. According to CNN, Jackson’s mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said it would cost $2 billion to repair and replace the outdated system with too much lead in its water. In Flint, the treatment chemical that would have treated the water, so it was safe would cost $80 to $100 a day.
In a report by the U.S. Water Alliance, in collaboration with Dig Deep, they determined that two million Americans do not have running water. This is troubling because of the many benefits of clean water. According to Medical News Today, drinking water has numerous health benefits, including reducing joint pain, avoiding dehydration and preventing kidney damage.TheU.S. Water Alliance study also found that 44 million rely on water sources that violate the Safe Drinking Water Act. These water sources can give a person dangerous diseases like lead poisoning, salmonellosis or typhoid.
Not only do the Bobcat Shuttle services provide an environmentally friendly option for students to travel, but it also helps to get students safely around campus. For example, rather than walking across campus after a late-night class, students can access the Bobcat Shuttle service until 10:30 p.m. As a result, the Bobcat Shuttle can help make students feel safer when needing to travel across campus.
Ensuring students are aware of the many advantages of Texas State's Bobcat Shuttle is extremely important. The Bobcat Shuttle system is an excellent option for students to travel accommodatingly, eco-friendly and securely.
Texas State created the Bobcat Shuttle service to assist students, faculty, staff and the general public with transportation needs. The shuttles are funded by Texas State students, who must pay a $95 bus fee at the beginning of each semester. The service runs from Monday through Saturday during the school year and consists of multiple routes throughout San Marcos's most populated areas.
While acknowledging the shuttles' benefits, Ledger claimed it had not been an enjoyableAlthoughexperience.thetransportation service poses many benefits for Texas State students, the current Bobcat Shuttle system could improve if the university addressed students' complaints regarding the shuttle system. Fixing the issues, such as overcrowding, risky bus driving maneuvers that can cause motion sickness and limited available shuttles, could help promote the service and gain more support.
Vargas: Tell me what you love about yourself.
William Ellis: Currently, I'm enrolled in 14 hours this semester, and spend 25 hours of rehearsal each week for this play I am cast in. It definitely requires much of my focus, and I really enjoy it. It's hard work with all I have to manage, but I still make some time to take a social break with my friends. This semester I'm working at the LBJ Disability Services for 14 hours a week. It's all about commitment and seeing the rewards from it.
By Monica Vargas Life and Arts Contributor
William Ellis: New to the theater, super stressful, felt out of place though later found out it is my place. [I was] overwhelmed adjusting to the new gig and rehearsing my part. My friends told me I just wanted to do this for attention. It's true; I'm the youngest of my siblings and desire that. Because this is my passion, even though I felt out of the loop, I gave my all, my emotions, research, practiced and fell in love with theater even more. This first play ended up winning first place in a competition.
'Cats Walk: William Ellis speaks on musicals, theater
Vargas: Tell me about where you are from and your family.
Vargas: What inspired you to pursue theater?
William's favorite quote: French “C’est la vie" -Unknown.
William Ellis: This is going to sound harsh but truthful: nobody cares. People who are afraid to do something: nobody cares. You only have one life to live, don’t miss out on opportunities. Live your life. Money comes from your passion.
Webber, Bock, and every composer on Broadway until I finally found the world of theatre in it's totality. It was something I knew I was going to be a part of in some way or fashion. The song "Rhapsody in Blue" has always been a theme in my life. From the short film I made my senior year of high school, to the background music in some of my favorite musicals and films, it always finds a way back into my life to bring me more meaning. "Rhapsody in Blue" has inspired me in my theatrical career.
William Ellis: Anything disco, I love it so much it's a problem.
Vargas: Favorite book and play of all time?
Vargas: Favorite music to listen to?
and go through life together.
Vargas: Anything you would like to say to students in pursuit of this field or in general?
Vargas: What was your first theater audition like?
William Ellis: Book, “The Invisible Addie La Rue." Play, "Angels in America."
PHOTO BY MONICA VARGAS
For this segment, Monica interviewed William Ellis, a theater freshman, who will be in the production "Antigone" playing a supporting role as an elder. This play will be shown at the Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre, from Sept. 27 through Oct. 2.
Marisa Nunez Life & Arts starlifeandarts@txstate.eduEditor Tuesday, September 13, 2022 | 5The University Star LIFE & ARTS
My fashion curation is definitely a prime factor I love about myself. I feel you should be expressive of who you are and have fun. 70s era fashion is one of my favorites and ideal influences.
William Ellis: I was born in Dallas, moved to Utah then moved here for school. My parents did not finish college, so technically I'm a first-generation college student. I have three siblings and one of my sisters is my best friend. She is a preschool teacher. My family is also [in the] theatrical community. We are always together for long periods of time
pdfTo keep up with students featured in 'Cats Walk, visit The University Star's Instagram @universitystar.
William Ellis's Instagram: @williamwe.
STUDENT LIFE
William Ellis: First show audition was for "Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" musical. In middle school is when I decided to give it a shot. They gave me a piece of music to learn and my monologue. As soon as I got to the casting call I saw all the other prospective actors for the show and started comparing myself, thinking everyone else is better and I [didn't] know why I [was] there. This is something most theater actors face. So, standing in front of the whole crew which included the director, audio director and everyone who decides if I'm in or not, I got up on stage, was terrified shaking in my boots and sang the song I practiced daily. At the moment, it seemed insane and scary I was doing this, but I didn't want to miss out on this opportunity. I did not get the part after all that. I realized they are human and they are not scary at all. Soon after I auditioned again, not giving up, and got cast in Arthur Miller's "American Clock."
Vargas: What was it like after you received your first casting? How did you feel as you prepared to be in front of a large audience?
William Ellis: When I was like, four or honestly five, I watched the movie "Fantasia 2000," a Disney movie full of animations directed to match a specific song, and specifically symphonies. One of the many songs in the film was "Rhapsody in Blue" and I absolutely fell in love. I played that song on repeat for weeks, just listening to all the beautiful nuances and feeling the fabulous energy and timbre of the song. After years of listening, I found out it was written by George Gershwin, a composer from the 1920s. Curious, I researched his other works, and wouldn't you know it, he wrote music for plenty of fabulous musicals. So I listened to Gershwin, Berlin and Porter. Then, Sondheim,
William Ellis: I love my passion, and how I found where I fit with my talents and charisma. We only have one life, and people have asked me 'what about money?' for careers like this, but I want to live my best life. Money comes where the passion is, I believe. I don't want to live in regret and waste my life. I want to experience and go after my dreams.
Vargas: How many hours do you dedicate to rehearsal? Do you also have time to work outside of classes and rehearsal?
My social ability to adapt to diverse personalities is something I definitely appreciate about myself. I love to explore, try new things, meet new people, and be loving to all walks of life.
William Ellis smiles before the start of his rehearsal outside the Theatre Center.
'Cats Walk is a weekly segment that will highlight Texas State students. Each week, Web Editor Monica Vargas will talk to a different Bobcat about school, self-love and Texas State.
GRACE Act at city council and they have come to every one of our rallies,” Milam said. “I think what’s really beautiful is just how the Texas State community is sort of a transient community that can sort of pull up and helps with the San Marcos community.”
In a past relationship, Benavides unexpectedly became pregnant and knew she wanted an abortion. Along with emphasizing the need to validate every abortion story, Benavides helped Milam with planning the Mutual Aid Network with her own abortion experience.“Abbywas planning on doing a kit for people who just received reproductive healthcare, so I gave her some input and told her the things that I would have appreciated during or immediately following my abortion,” Benavides said. “I think it was really thoughtful of her to reach out to people who have actually experienced abortion to consider what others would want and need. It's very thoughtful and it makes her even more informed when creating this program.”
Since starting the organization, the San Marcos Abortion Activists have advocated for the Guarding the Right for Abortion Care for Everyone (GRACE) Act in San Marcos by talking to city council members and attaining a policy recommendation. To make it an official policy, a petition is required which Milam plans to Althoughdo. it’s just the beginning for the San Marcos Abortion Activists, Milam has been satisfied with the outcomes of each rally, with crowds of over 200, and the involvement that Texas State students, who make up about half of that crowd, have committed to the organization.“WehadTexas State students advocating for the
In May, when the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization opinion was leaked keep the Supreme Court eliminated the constitutional right to abortion, Texas State graduate student Abagail Milam believed it was her time to take a stand.
Even with the risk, Pena encourages the San Marcos community and Texas State students to become involved in advocating for reproductive healthcare.
The organization is at constant risk of encountering backlash from misinformation and stigmas around abortion. Milam, who has family members who believe in the anti-abortion movement, has had her fair share of encountering misinformation by hearing assumptions and that emergency contraceptives and birth control pills are abortion. She wishes for better education all around.
6 | Tuesday, September 13, 2022 Marisa Nunez Life & Arts starlifeandarts@txstate.eduEditor The University Star LIFE & ARTS COMMUNITY
Ella Kriegel, an acting sophomore, is not part of the organization but believes that the San Marcos Abortion Activists are making the right choice by providing mutual aid to a community that serves college students.
San Marcos abortion activists lend a helping hand to the community
“I think it’s really great to have an organization that provides aid,” Kriegel said. “Even if students don’t take anything from it, they will know that it’s there and that they are supported, which is arguably even more important.”Tocontinue advocating for abortion, the San Marcos Abortion Activists have conducted a total of three rallies. The first rally took place days after the Dobbs v. Jackson opinion was leaked in May. The second was a couple of days after Roe v. Wade was officially overturned in late June and the most recent one was a student walkout rally at Texas State on Aug. 25.
Although Milam is happy to organize rallies for the San Marcos community, she hopes that the organization is able to send a bigger message to the community. At the end of the day, she hopes that as time goes on and changes become apparent, rallies for abortion rights will not be necessary.
“In our rallies, we’ve had elderly people, whether it was their first time they had protested ever or if they decided to come together in solidarity to express their dissatisfaction either ever or since the last time abortion rights were in danger back in the 70s.” -Ethen Pena, San Marcos Abortion Activists
One of the activists in the organization is Samantha Benavides, a public administration alumna and the communications director for Mano Amiga, a local social justice organization. To follow the mission of Mano Amiga, Benavides hopes to advocate for the decriminalization of abortion and justice in reproductive healthcare.
“I think it’s really important to understand that with rallies, it’s really easy to get out there and do a day of activism, but really rallies should be enabling people to join grassroots movements to advocate for broader change beyond that day and rally,” Milam said. “I think what we’ve seen a lot is people reacting to news instead of being proactive about the changing part. That’s one thing that we hopefully can concentrate these efforts on and actually see results and change.”
Ethen Pena, who earned his master’s degree in history from Texas State, is another activist in the organization. He attended a reproductive and women's safety rally in Kingsville, Texas, and also wanted to show up for abortion rights in San Marcos.
Texas State graduate student Abagail Milam speaks at the Texas State Walkout Rally next to Texas State's Youth Democratic Socialists of America, Thursday, August 25, 2022, on The Quad.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ABAGAIL MILAM
“Bringing people together and [building] that human power is my ultimate goal,” Pena said. “Do what you can to contribute in some way. Everybody has something to offer in this struggle, and we should all be a part of this in some way.”
On May 14, Milam established the San Marcos Abortion Activists, a local grassroots organization dedicated to advocating for abortion rights. Milam, who is currently a part of the Texas State Masters of Rhetoric and Composition program, understands the power of starting small while still remaining effective, if not more effective than larger organizations.
"I think having my studies and experiences at Texas State have really helped me understand exactly how to start fighting this fight or how to join this fight," Milam said. "I firmly believe that grassroots organizing is the way to go. I don't think big companies and politicians are going to bail us out of this one, but in a fortunate sense, we do live under a republic that does allow us to really take power into our own hands to make our own organizations and strategize our own efforts."Milam thinks that having an abortion should always be a choice. The organization is currently taking product donations of pads, tampons, heating pads, condoms and more to soon start a Mutual Aid Network for the San Marcos community.
Pena has shown his support for the San Marcos Abortion Activists by organizing events and helping Milam at rallies. He said he has enjoyed seeing older people in the San Marcos community taking a stand for abortion rights, some of them for a second time.
“In our rallies we’ve had elderly people. Whether it was their first time they had protested ever or if they decided to come together in solidarity to express their dissatisfaction either ever or since the last time abortion rights were in danger back in the 70s,” Pena said. “That was a great thing for me to see though because it really inspired me to keep working at it.”
To learn more about the San Marcos Abortion activist organization, visit @smabortionactivists on Instagram.
By Haley Velasco Life and Arts Contributor
"I think that's also something that the community has not seen is the local community working together with the Texas State community," Gonzalez said. "I'm excited about what that's going to bring for the following years, just because this is the first year I'm sure 50 years from now, we'll still be doing this."
Initial plans for the Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Walk were to end the procession at San Marcos Plaza Park, but due to a communications error, the reservation fell through. Rather than scrambling to find a new location to end the walk, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, the county's first Latino county judge, reached out to Centro. Two days after the event team met with him, Judge Becerra secured the Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Walk's final destination: right outside his office.
“I got the nickname ‘dorky’ in class,” Kevin Jetton said. “I always figure if I'm not having fun, they're not having fun. Every class is my showtime production to me so I always try to have a happy positive attitude.”
“I started it to support my wife,” Kevin Jetton said. “Not everyone knows about the other world of flea market toys and collectibles, but they all know and see the benefit from flea market experiences.”
Kevin Jetton was nominated for the 2022 Presidential Award for Excellence in Service for helping students reach their fullest potential, providing mentorship and creating a positive atmosphere both inside and outside of the classroom.
The Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Walk hosted by Centro Cultural de Hispano will take place on Sept. 17. The walk will begin at 10 a.m. at Centro at 211 Lee St. and proceed up LBJ Drive to the Hays County Historic Courthouse for live music, ballet Folklorico dancing, food and fundraising events for scholarships.AfterGonzalez returned from living in Mexico City for eight years, she was stunned to realize that the Latino community in San Marcos had the makings of the Latino community she
San Marcos to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with inaugural walk
had lived with in Mexico. According to Gonzalez, her experience in San Marcos compared to Mexico City led her to realize that in the U.S., there is less awareness and celebration of the diversity of ethnicities within the Latino community.Thewalk will have banners representing different Latin American countries, held by volunteers and community members. For the event,
For Frank Arredondo, the president of the San Marcos LULAC, the event is just the beginning of a new movement
Kevin Jetton co-owns the toys and collectibles booth with his wife, Yolie Jetton who outsources, researches and prices the materials independently. Kevin Jetton cleans and organizes the product as well as vends the products to the public. Running the booth takes teamwork, as Kevin Jetton works it on Saturdays, and Yolie Jetton takes over half the day on Sundays.
“I used to enjoy making crafts and would set up at craft shows, but I got bored with making multiples of the same items,” Yolie Jetton said. “Although that was a lot of work, I was hooked. I thought it would be so cool to go out and find more stuff to sell, and the fun began.”TheJettons toured various locations throughout central and south Texas for their seasonal and old market day shows while both working full-time jobs during the week. Before securing a permanent booth, they did multiple pop-up shops around central Texas,
toward Hispanic Heritage Month being a larger celebration both locally and statewide."It'san inaugural event," Arredondo said. "Like anything else, an inaugural event, if it's something that's put together well and the people like it, the reception and everything, it'll be better next year. It's time our people are recognized."According to the 2021 U.S. Census
Anastasia Kinnebrew, history and art senior, believes that the Latino influence the locals share is a large part of the cultural identity of San Marcos.
“I transferred in fall 2020 my senior year and was very nervous about how late it was in the year for me to join anything or make connections. I formed a connection with him in ITSA and felt in my few short semesters with him were very influential," Duwal said. “I felt that was the least I could do after the positive impact he left on me. I did not hesitate giving him the letter of recommendation because he truly deserves it.”
Walking through San Marcos, the influence the Latino community has on the city is irrefutable. From food and live music to undergrad programs and culture centers, Latinos are an undeniable part of San Marcos culture.
For Lucy Gonzalez, the strength and size of the Latino community are best demonstrated and celebrated through a walk, and events showcasing Hispanic solidarity are the bread and butter of Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos.Gonzalez, who works for Community Action Inc. of Central Texas and is the organizer of San Marcos' first Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Walk, was blown away by the strength and organizing momentum of the Black community during the Juneteenth celebration in San Marcos, and organized the citywide walk to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month."People don't know much about Latinos or Hispanic identity," Gonzalez said. "When you say Hispanic heritage, they automatically think Mexican. There are 21 different countries [that] are represented during Hispanic Heritage Month. That was the main thing that we wanted to come across [with the walk]. So people can say, 'I don't have to fit in. I belong.'"
Bussey's Flea Market is located at 18738 I-35, Schertz, TX 78154. For more information, visit https://www. busseysfm.com/.
"There's a very large population of people like me and not like me ... we're all here and we're all contributing to the culture," Kinnebrew said. "Our
“He has such a good vibe and energy that is truly infectious. He makes sure we genuinely enjoy what we are learning, even online,” Duwal said. “ITSA was a lot of work but I can truly say he really focused on our growth as well as our daily activities for the club. He goes above average professors and genuinely cares about us. [He] is very influential.”
For more information and to volunteer, contact Lucy Gonzalez via email comhispanicheritageexhibitionwalk@gmail.atorbyphoneat(512)781-8488. Senior business lecturer's weekend flea market side hustle
"I googled what the community does for Hispanic Heritage Month, and Google said nothing," Gonzalez said. "There has to be a walk or something. I called LULAC and they said, 'well, that's pretty hard to do.' I didn't ask if it was hard. I asked if you wanted to be a part of it."
Through his Zoom classes and advising Information Technology Students of America (ITSA), Kevin Jetton prioritizes forming relations and creating engaging content. According to Sujata Duwal, a Texas State alumnus and the former vice president of ITSA, Kevin Jetton regularly checks up on his ITSA members and keeps communication for all his students open at all times.Kevin Jetton incorporates props and even dresses up for classes. He showed up to his IT course dressed as a security guard because the lesson was on cyber security.
Marisa Nunez Life & Arts starlifeandarts@txstate.eduEditor Tuesday, September 13, 2022 | 7The University Star LIFE & ARTS EVENTS
By Elijah Cardenas Life and Arts Contributor
Centro has recruited the help of the San Marcos League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
With the desire to create an original shop feel in the booth, as opposed to a typical vendor atmosphere, Yolie Jetton painted the walls pink and bought cohesive shelving units. Kevin Jetton organized the merchandise into categories after his wife labeled every product by description and price.
ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXANDRA M GARDEN
Texas State senior lecturer Kevin Jetton counts the money he made and compares the inventory he sold for the day, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at Bussey's Flea Market.
Kevin Jetton is also in charge of picking music, so he is constantly thinking about what songs to play in his vendor booth. His love for music transfers into his classroom lectures.
He recently attended a Def Leppard show and used their song "Pour Some Sugar on Me" to describe the traffic light system of business.
Bureau, 42% of the San Marcos population is Hispanic or Latino. With that large a population of Latinos, the event's organizers believe that making everyone feel equally represented during Hispanic Heritage Month is vital.
BUSINESS
Kevin Jetton began teaching management information systems night classes at Southwest Texas State University in 1986. He pursued professional IT banking as his day job, and now teaches IT and systems & quantitative methods classes full-time at the McCoy College of Business Administration.
as well as managed various booths at Bussey’s every weekend.Theirnames remained on a waiting list for their own spot at Bussey's for seven years before receiving a long-awaited call while they were outsourcing at a trade“Weshow.were at a trade show taking a break and randomly received a call from Bussey’s asking us if we wanted the booth in a yes or no fashion,” Kevin Jetton said. “I’m really happy I saw my phone was ringing because if I didn’t pick up, they would call the next person down the list.”
In the 80s, as Kevin Jetton was pursuing his teaching career, he helped Yolie Jetton run pop-up jewelry and knick-knack booths in Corpus Christi and Castroville, Texas, as well as along the San Antonio River Walk and at the King William Festival during Fiesta. They would also set up shop at the San Antonio Coliseum and local craftsmen and second-hand shows during weekends. This started Kevin Jetton's second-hand sellingYolieexperience.Jettonfirst started selling crafts she made in various pop-up booth events, then began selling jewelry as Kevin helped her set up, sell and clean up. She held a garage sale and made $800 selling various secondhand goods, giving her the idea to pursue that market for profit.
population is insanely diverse. It's amazing. I'm happy to have settled here for the three years I've attended college."
By Sarah Manning Life and Arts Contributor
Kevin Jetton, an information technology (IT) lecturer of 36 years, has built a powerful community at Texas State. Aside from relentless lesson planning five days a week, Kevin Jetton spends his weekends at Bussey’s Flea Market in Schertz, Texas, with his wife selling a variety of second-hand stuffed toys, vintage collectibles, action figures, dolls, keychains and more.
PHOTO BY SARAH MANNING
"It's a direct shot," Gonzalez said. "And it's in the middle of town where everyone's going to be able to see the
Kevin Jetton serves his Texas State community by facilitating a positive environment for his students and ITSA club while also building connections in the flea market.“Ilove teaching because it keeps you young forever and there's never a dull moment,” Kevin Jetton said. “I also love running into so many Bobcat alumni, current students, their parents and staff at the flea market. I’m always excited to be around people.”
"I love music and connecting it to the main idea of my lessons," Kevin Jetton said. "There are countless band and song references throughout the semester wherein the lyrics or chorus connects to the material at Dancinghand." to the beat in front of a class, or in concert, he frequents many rock concerts throughout the year.
walk."The proceeds and fundraising collected from the Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Walk and its sponsors will go toward improving access to Centro's afterschool programs as well as funding scholarships for graduating high school seniors. The list of the event's sponsors includes Texas State's Center for the Study of the Southwest, the Center for Diversity and Gender Studies and the Department of Sociology's Latino/a Studies.With the support of locals, students and more than 20 sponsors, Gonzalez and the Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Walk's organizers are hoping to see the community event grow larger every year.
Texas State coaches aid studentathletes with school workload
Texas State football implements a week, called mock week, before its season starts to acclimate players to the new school year and the workload that comes with it. Mock week is used by the football coaching staff to prepare them for game weeks in the upcoming season, as well as to get players used to their practice and class schedules.“Thisis the acclimation phase of them going into their class schedules so, you know, there is a lot of moving parts," football head coach Jake Spavital said. "They’ve got to figure out when they’re going to figure out all of the 'off the field' kind of things... their study hall hours ... their class schedules.”
Kick-off between the Bobcats and the Bears is set for 11 a.m. on Saturday at McClain Stadium in Waco and will stream on FS1.
"We try to carve out time for them to take care of their academics because we know that they won't be able to play to the best of their abilities otherwise," Johnson said. "They're students before they're athletes."
that and make sure that we get that fixed … we still got a lot more ball left to play and we [still] are not even close to playing our best ball.”
When his players are met with school stress, they are excused to take quizzes and meet with academic advisors or with athletic academic coaches.
Texas State football (1-1) defeated the Florida International University Panthers (1-1) 41-12 in its home opener of the 2022 season in front of a crowd of 18,757 on Saturday at Bobcat Stadium.
ILLUSTRATION BY MADISON WARE
“None of this would have been possible without the O-line. None of this would have been possible without the team,” Hill said. “The defense getting stops whenever the offense couldn’t score … this is about the team … none of this would have been possible without the whole entire team.”
Teske said that to balance the athletics and school workload, she and her teammates use their advisors and the Athletic Academic Center to their full advantage. The AAC, located under Harris Dining Hall, provides athletes with services directly catered to Texas State athletes.
Defensively, the Bobcats held the Panthers to 313 total yards, marking the second consecutive game that the defense has held its opponent to under 315 offensive yards. The defense cumulated three sacks, ten tackles-for-loss and two interceptions.
“After last week, people were [kind of] doubting us,” Hill said. “You see the tweets, you see everything. I felt like everybody was doubting us. I feel like now, with the home runs and the win, we’re just getting our confidence and that swagger back that we need to go into next week's game.”
By Kylie Cox Sports Contributor
Hill agrees with his coach — there’s more work that needs to be done on offense and with cleaning up penalties, but the win does bring a sense of confidence into the locker room.
Texas State redshirt sophomore running back Calvin Hill (11) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown during a game against Florida International University, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at Bobcat Stadium. The Bobcats defeated the Panthers 41-12.
Senior cornerback Kordell Rodgers forced those two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Bobcats only had three interceptions in total during its 2021 campaign.
With the win, the Bobcats will hit the road with a 1-1 record to take on the No. 9 Baylor Bears (1-1) next week in a nationally televised game at McClain Stadium in Waco, Texas.
Texas State coaches and staff, however, enforce a student-before-athlete mentality for their players, making sure that they succeed both on the field and in the classroom.Men'sbasketball head coach Terrence Johnson, who holds two Sun Belt Conference championships under his belt as a coach, is a large proponent of the academic success of his players. Every Sunday his players attend a mandatory study hall, where he urges them to prepare for the week of classes ahead.
Although the Bobcats came away with the win over FIU, head coach Jake Spavital was dissatisfied with some parts of his squad’s performance, including penalties that plagued the Bobcats last week in their match against Nevada. Some of the things he knows his team can control and fix are what the coaching staff will be working on over the next week to prepare for Baylor and the rest of the season.
"As soon as I get there, I leave it all outside the gym," Teske said. "We always say, 'don't work for yourself, but for the person next to you.' My teammates and I
With school in full swing, Bobcat athletes are no exception to the academic pressures students undergo this time of the year. Student-athletes have to stretch their priorities between their sport, academics and extracurriculars.
Offensively, the football team turned around its abysmal rushing performance last week against Nevada.Sophomore running back Calvin Hill rushed for a career-high 195 yards in the Bobcat’s win over the Panthers. Hill averaged seven yards on 28 carries with a touchdown in Saturday's game. As a team, the Bobcats rushed for the most yards (226) since November 28, 2015, when they rushed for 191 yards against the Idaho Vandals. Hill was given the game ball but declined it; he wanted to give it to the team.
“Offensively we were very inconsistent at times,” Spavital said. “We showed some play-making ability that I know we’re capable of doing … offensively speaking they know that’s not even close to our best performance. Still disappointed in the penalties, the unnecessary penalties... we’re going to keep addressing
they put out onto the field Saturday.
In addition to her athletic success, Teske has also been named to the Dean's List each year of her Texas State career and divides her time between graduate school studies, volleyball and her position as vice president for Texas State's chapter of the National Association of Women MBAs.
"It's very necessary for the development of a game week and your program," SpavitalLaurensaid.Teske, a criminal justice graduate student and outside hitter for Texas State volleyball, said that getting to play collegiate sports is an honor, but acknowledged that student-athletes are there for an education first.
"Getting an education is a privilege, along with being able to play on this team," Teske said. "But we're all here to be students first."
PHOTO BY VANESSA BUENTELLO
BALANCE
Carson Weaver Sports starsports@txstate.eduEditor 8| Tuesday, September 13, 2022 The University Star SPORTS FOOTBALL
Bobcat football wins its first home opener since 2018 against FIU
The AAC requires student-athletes to attend every class meeting if possible and is in constant communication with professors about an athlete's class performance. Teske said that the assistance from Texas State staff has helped her achieve success academically."Allofour professors are awesome at Texas State and they really want to help," Teske said. "I'm just starting to do all of [my] last firsts as my college days come to an end, and I'm trying to soak it all up while I still can... whether that's doing my homework on a late-night bus ride or playing a really fun game."
all have great relationships on and off the court, and we all support one another in every aspect of this experience."
Teske has been a key part of the volleyball team's winning ways while at Texas State, formerly being named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week and to the Red Raider Classic All-Tournament Team.
Spavital said that mock week allows the program to work scenarios that the football team would not otherwise get to during fall practices when the players don't have class.
By Kyle Owen Sports Reporter
She said that focusing on volleyball after a strenuous day of class can be difficult, but the support of her teammates going through the same shared experience motivates her to keep working.
"I'm there checking in with my guys and making sure they're in a good place," Johnson said.
The win for the Bobcats marks the first time that Spavital has won a home opener as a head coach and the first time since 2018 that the Bobcat faithful have seen the maroon and gold win at home to start their season. Spavital hopes the fans continue to come out and support their Bobcats after seeing the performance
“These kids work extremely hard,” Spavital said. “And they’re very proud of this university. They’re proud of their team … they have a lot of pride in trying to do something here that’s never been done here and be a part of something special and something that they can come back years from now and say, ‘we helped build this program and where it went to.’ They appreciate anybody that comes out and helps support, they’ll take anything … I encourage them to keep it coming. Our kids are going to leave everything they’ve got out there on the field.”
PHOTO BY BRENA ULLRICH
San Marcos resident Trinity Lee helps students register to vote, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, on the Quad.
PHOTO BY PHOTO BY BRENA ULLRICH
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Alkek One's MakerSpace manager William Cates flies a DJI Mavic Mini 2 during the Alkek One 2nd year birthday party, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, in front of the ITAC office.
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Texas State social work senior Avery Hughes attends her online classes, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at Summer Moon Coffee in San Marcos.
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San Marcos local drag queen Malibu Imported gets ready to address the crowd at the SMTX Pride Festival, Saturday, Sept 10, 2022, at Hays County Courthouse.
PHOTO BY CHRIS SWANN
(Left to right) Texas State students Julio Cantu, Alec Terry, Aiden Johnson, Ben Hassal and alumnus Maximus Valles celebrate after a win in a Super Smash Bros tournament during the Alkek One 2nd year birthday party, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, in the ImmersionStudio.
PHOTO BY CASSIE BUTTERFIELD
(Left to right) Texas State graduate Audrey Tuttle and electronic media senior Danielle Rubio pause for a chat, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, on the Quad.
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