Moody Magazine Fall 2021

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THE THE COME COMEBACK BACK ISSUE ISSUE The Comeback Issue

Issue No. 6

Fall 2021

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Moody Magazine is the official student publication of the Moody College of Communication. Created and published by Communication Council, the magazine is purposed with providing Moody students with engaging, informative content that enhances their experience within Moody.

The Comeback Issue

It’s hard to come back from something that isn’t quite over. Yet here we are, suddenly being thrown back into what we used to know, while we continute navigating territory we’ve never known before. It may not be a smooth return, but we’re in it together. Let’s make a combeack.

our staff Emma Bittner Marissa Greene Helen Hulsey Jessica Lenamond Ava Motes Emily Pape Alex Roeder Barrett Senn Julia Whitehorn Sloan Wyatt

friends, This semester, Moody Magazine as a collective decided on our first ever theme: the comeback issue. Our intention was to create content that would help students reintegrate into the Moody community and navigate this ‘post-’ pandemic environment.

In the process, we realized that facilitating the return to normal is not so much addressing what we all know to be true regarding the pandemic, but simply creating content that sparks joy, both in the creator and the reader.

I hope you, as the reader, are able to experience some of the joy we have put into this issue. I hope your time with us serves as a moment of pause a celebration, even. A celebration that you made it to the end of this semester, the end of this year.

Because if there’s anything I’ve learned from this past year and a half, it’s that simply making it this far is something worth celebrating.

Beyond the pages of this issue, may we continue to grow and heal, together. Thank you for sharing this moment with me.

with love, Helen Hulsey Editor-in-Chief

CONTENTS 07

5 ways to get connected on campus

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student fashion around campus

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astrology 101

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home away from home

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taking care of your mental health in college

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dia de los muertos

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the lies of texas

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the west campus nightmare on halloween

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eating your way through campus

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the discomfort of progress

NEW TO UT?

5 WAYS TO GET CONNECTED ON CAMPUS

by Marissa Greene

The Drag: Guadalupe Street, in

1. Learn the Lingo If you haven’t figured it out yet, UT loves to use acronyms and abbreviated phrases for building names, locations on campus, organizations titles, and more. Trying to keep up with UT lingo can feel overwhelming at times, but the New Student Services Division of Student Affairs has got you covered! On their official page they have conveniently provided a dictionary of acronyms and phrases that are frequently used by students, staff, and faculty members on campus. Read on for some notable terms.

particular the portion of Guadalupe running between Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and W. Dean Keeton Street. On The Drag you can find the University Co-Op, clothing stores, and fast-food restaurants.

FIG/TrIG: First-year interest groups and transfer-year interest groups, respectively. These groups consist of 18-25 first-year or transfer students who take 2-4 courses together and attend a weekly seminar.

WCP: The William C. Powers Student Activity Center, which many returning students might know as the SAC. Students can visit the WCP for food, a theater, meeting rooms, dance space, study spots and more.

2. Download the Pop Social App You might be familiar with the popular friend-finding app called Bumble, but have you ever heard of Pop? Pop is a relatively new relationship-building social media platform that aims to provide a safe space for students to meet new people on campus. Find new foodie friends, study buddies, or gym partners by downloading the Pop app from any app store. Pop was founded by UT alumni Yoon Lee and Rick Kim. “Our mission is to help people to meet and make new friends around them,” Lee said. Recently the app launched a new feature called ‘Pop-In’ where users can meet in real-time and hang out virtually through the app.

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3. Visit the Gender and Sexuality Center At the Gender and Sexuality Center, also known as the GSC, students can get connected with student groups and participate in workshops that promote learning around issues of gender and sexuality. Looking for ways to get educated on allyship?

Allyship is something that can be actively practiced by people who do or do not identify with the LGBTQIA+ community. Consider enrolling in one of the Ally Toolkit workshops that can be found on their workshop page. After completing both workshops, attendees will sign a GSC allyship pledge and receive a GSC ally card. There is also an Allies in Action contact list for students to get connected with students, staff, and faculty members who have already completed the workshop.

4. Visit First-Gen Equity Being new to UT can feel overwhelming. especially if you are the first in your family to attend a higher education institution. FirstGen Equity is an organization made to “create a community on campus for first-generation students by providing them with a support network and academic, social and professional resources. Students who get connected with First-Gen Equity during their first year at UT will have the opportunity to meet with a Transition Coach and receive a year-long mentorship. After that, students can meet with Success Coaches for support during their time as a sophomore, junior, or senior in college. All services provided by FirstGen Equity are free of charge to all first-generation UT college students.

5. Join HornsLink There is a student organization for almost anything here at UT. An easy way to find an org that speaks to you is by visiting HornsLink. HornsLink is a web platform designed for students to stay up-to-date on upcoming events or news in their particular organizations. Not able to find a group that piques your interest? Students are also able to form their own student organization with a group of 10 or more members.

Visit utexas.campuslabs.com/engage/ to get started!

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STUDENT

FASHION AROUND CAMPUS Written by Ava Motes Photographed by Barrett Senn

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ROCIO PEREZ Junior PR major

Shirt: “I really wanted to wear this shirt today because I went to [Harry Styles’] concert last week, and I love him so much. I don’t normally like buying merch from concerts because I’ve already had the experience of going to the concert [and] I don’t really want another T-shirt. But because it’s Harry, I had to. I’m so glad I did because every time I look at it, it makes me happy. I like the colors, and I think it’s one of his most creative designs for his Tshirts. And, I knew that if I wore this shirt, I would probably see someone else with it and we’d be like, ‘Oh my god, Harry!’ and we’d have that moment. It’s just great meeting other fans.”

Earrings: “Every city that I go to I get earrings, so whenever I look at the earrings, I’m like, ‘Oh, I bought this there’ and I think back to that memory. So I got these in New Orleans at this local shop. And they’re butterflies because I love butterflies, they’re my favorite animal. And I put them with this outfit because they have red and this shirt is also red.”

Jeans: “I never like wearing leggings when I’m in my work mode because I feel lazy. So I just put on

KATELYN TSCHOERNER

Junior advertising major

Shirt: “I got this at a concert in The Woodlands, Texas, for Midland, the country band. The concert was really cool because we were right on the stage, in the pit with them. I don’t know why [the shirt] has bananas, but it looked really cool. That’s why I got it. Who doesn’t like bananas wearing mustaches, right?”

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OLIVER ENGEL Freshman CLD major

“I really like clothes. I like to feel like I look cool on campus.

I suppose I like trying to treat every day as a moment to dress nice. My high school was a uniform school and my middle school was, too, so now that I have the freedom to not do that, I like to take advantage of it. I pretty much only thrift my clothes at this point. Just being in college, I like to save money in the best ways I can. What’s been annoying me lately is that it’s October now and 90 degrees on some of the days. I really wish it would get colder because I’m a big cold weather fan. And I like to layer; not a fan of summer fashion.”

Rings:“This one’s a bass guitar string because I play guitar. This one has a little like Virgo thing on it because that’s my star sign. And this one is like a compass which is kind of like my school’s class ring.”

Necklace: “I wear this every day; it has my dog’s ashes in it. I just wear it all the time just to kind of like keep her with me because she was my first pet.”

Bag: “My mom actually got [this] for me online for my birthday, so I don’t know its exact origin, but I just started wearing it today actually because I thought it was cool enough, temperature-wise, to start dressing like fall. If I can wear fall clothes then I’ll probably use it and then if not I’ll go back to the backpack, but I think it adds a fun neutral color and extra layer to the outfit.”

EMILY PAPE

Senior advertising major Earrings:“The more [jewelry] the better. I have three holes on each year and then two cartilage piercings. I just love stacking jewelry, and gold jewelry especially.

Everything has meaning to me, probably because I remember where I got it all. So that’s a big part of why I like to wear jewelry every day.”

Shirt: “Normally, I don’t really wear t-shirts, but I wanted to wear something comfortable today because it’s gross outside and I wanted to be cute and comfortable. The shirt is from ACL. It took me two hours to get it, I waited in line for so long. Typically for ACL I try to get the artists’ shirts, but I wasn’t blown away by anybody’s. I really like the pattern and the colors of this one, though.”

Bracelets: “I got all these little beaded bracelets in Colorado at a little gem store. All of them are supposed to be different to match my mood. The person was selling it to me really well, so I just went with it. And then I get a lot of my jewelry from thrift stores.

Austin Pets Alive has the best jewelry for thrifting. And the rest of these bracelets are from my internship. It’s called Ubuntu Life.

They’re basically like handmade beaded bracelets or woven bracelets and they’re all different kinds of patterns, colors, styles.”

Rings: “Rings are just kind of things you pick up along the way.

This one is an Irish [claddagh] ring my mom brought from Ireland for me. When the heart is pointing out, it means like you’re single, like your heart is open. And then when it’s pointing towards you, it means like you are not sharing your heart, you’re in a relationship.”

Shoes: “I wear my Reeboks everyday because they’re comfortable to walk in. Reeboks are probably better than Nike and Adidas, they’re my favorite shoes. They’re a little bit more affordable and they last. I know they’re pretty dirty right now, but I clean them often. And if you actually take pretty good care of them, they’ll last you so long.”

Astrology 101 Written by Marissa Greene Illustrated by Emily Pape and Alex Roeder

Your ‘Big Three’ Explained

Your “big three” is determined by your natal chart. Your natal chart uses information about your exact birthdate, time, and place that you were born to create a visual map of what the sky looked like when you were brought into this world. Your natal chart is where you will be able to learn more about your sun, moon and rising sign — AKA the “big three.”

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The Sun Sign

The Moon Sign

The sun sign is known to reflect your self-esteem, confidence, ego, and overall identity. The sun sign is the most well-known sign out of the three since it is generally based on what month and day you were born. Over the course of the year, the sun shifts from one astrological sign to the next.

For example, this is how we know that Scorpio season takes place from October 23 to November 21. These shifts don’t happen on the same day each year and can vary by about three days around the perceived date of the season. Those who are born during this period of uncertainty are said to be born on the cusp between two signs.

The moon sign is known to reflect your emotional compass, your inward feelings and how you relate to others on an emotional level. Your moon sign is determined by the time of day that you were born. The moon moves by roughly twelve to thirteen degrees each day and varies by two to three days in each astrological sign.

The Rising Sign The rising sign is known to be the sign that others perceive you as — your external self.

The rising or ascendant sign is also determined by your birth time because it is based off which astrological sign was rising on the east during the time you were born.

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What’s Your Sun Sign?

Aquarius

January 20 - February 18

PISCES

February 19 - March 20

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

LEO

July 23 - August 22

VIRGO

August 23 - September 22

LIBRA

September 23 - October 22

sCORPIO

October 23 - November 21

Sagittarius

November 22 - December 21

Capricorn

December 22 - January 19

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MOODY STUDENTS ON Astrological signs Q: How do you identify with your sign? Do you believe it to be accurate?

“I feel like I’m not as reckless, extroverted or afraid of commitment as is often portrayed with Sagittarius. However, I like to think I can be spontaneous, a deep thinker and fairly candid. Although I don’t 100% believe in the legitimacy of star signs, I think they’re interesting and I like to think it’s somewhat accurate.”

-Kaitlyn Wilkes, Journalism major Sagittarius sun, Aquarius moon, Gemini rising “I don’t believe in astrology personally, but it’s harmless so I don’t really care .”

-Nickoli Benkert, Political Communication major, Sagittarius “Since the majority of my natal chart consists of other Cancer placements, I would say I do identify a lot with Cancer.

I also think I fit well with my Leo moon and Libra rising because 1) with that Libra, I am very drawn to art and making things look pretty, I’m also very particular with things and 2) with the Leo moon, I am very passionate and driven and a bit egotistical. There is obviously more to these placements, but that’s pretty much them in a nutshell.”

-Alexandra Rodriguez, Radio-TelevisionFilm major Cancer sun, Leo moon, Libra rising

Q: In what ways are you different from your sign? Or why do you not identify with your sign?

Q: What is something that you want other people to know about the reputation that your sign has?

“Cancers are known for being more reserved or unadventurous but I don’t relate to that at all! I don’t want to be tied down by attributing too many of my actions to things outside my control.”

-Mika Kochheiser, Advertising major Cancer sun, Virgo moon, Pisces rising

“That we’re not the crybabies people make us out to be, we are just more in tune to people’s emotions!”

-Journey Sais, Political Communication and Advertising major Cancer sun, Aquarius moon and rising

“I don’t have a strong personal connection to it, but I do notice some accurate characteristics within myself and other Capricorns. I’ve been told that we are hard workers and sometimes don’t give ourselves enough credit, which I can relate to.”

-Dianna Vo, Advertising major Capricorn

“Pisces are so friendly and nice, but don't walk all over them. I know so many Pisces that let themselves get hurt making other people happy. “ -Avery Hough, Journalism major Pisces sun, Capricorn moon, Virgo rising Q: Is there a personality trait, activity or favorite hobby that you think is or isn't in alignment with your sign?

“My dad's side of the family actually had family members who would predict life events using astrology in India. My parents always identified with their sign and made sure to do birth chart readings for me.”

-Adam Cherian, Journalism major Leo sun, Taurus moon, Libra rising

“I hyper focus on specific TV shows and will just re-watch them even if I’ve already seen them. I consider it a hobby.

Don’t think that’s a Libra thing, probably just a me thing” -Diana Perez, Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Libra sun, Sagittarius moon, Cancer rising

Q: How much or little does your astrological sign play a role in your life? Why did you decide to learn more about it?

“I think one trait that doesn’t align with my sign is my ability to let go of relationships and people very easily if I’ve outgrown them.”

-Lillian Hodges, Political Communication major Cancer sun, Sagittarius moon, Virgo rising

“It plays a little role, but I do see similarities from my sign with personality.”

-Sophia Navarro, Journalism major Leo sun, Gemini moon, Virgo rising

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home away from home

by Emma Bittner

Moody may be our home on campus, but it can still feel overwhelming at times.

Joining orgs in Moody can make the school feel smaller and like you have a place that you can make your own. Moody is all one big family, but these are a few orgs that might make you feel a bit closer to home.

National Student SpeechLanguage Hearing Association The National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is one of the few organizations dedicated to Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences on campus. In addition to providing a communal space for SLHS majors, they bring in guest speakers and give students the opportunity to connect with professionals in their career space.

NSSLHA creates a home for SLHS majors and allows for students to learn more about their specific major. You can learn more about NSSLHA and the events that they host on Instagram at @texasnsslha.

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Afterglow Afterglow is the premier digital and print music publication and gives students a place to push boundaries and uplift local artists. Known for their immersive concerts and events, Afterglow is committed to paying their artists and providing spaces for students and artists alike to express themselves creatively. Afterglow has a semester-based application process, but until next semester you can learn more about Afterglow’s events, dedication and work at afterglowatx.

Texas Student Television Texas Student Television, commonly known as TSTV, is the only student-run, FCC-licensed, digitally broadcasting college television station in the country. TSTV currently has 18 running shows where students can learn camerawork, directing, producing, writing and more. With a place for everyone, TSTV is a family that pushes each other to do better and sharpen their skills. You can fill out an interest form for TSTV at any time and get regular updates on how to get involved.

Learn more about TSTV and find their broadcast schedule at watchtstv.com.

KVRX KVRX is UT’s student-run radio station.

They “solemnly swear to bring you the best music that you didn’t know you loved, or remind you of your favorite songs that you won’t hear anywhere else.”

KVRX officially began broadcasting in 1988 and has been sharing music with the Austin community ever since. Students can learn about music, production, recording, and host a show ranging from specialty genres to talk shows. KVRX also hosts concerts and shows with various orgs around campus. You can learn more about them at kvrx.org/app/about.

Texas Travesty The Texas Travesty is known for its satirical and quite literally laugh-out-loud content. The official humor publication of UT was established in 1997 and has grown to be the country’s largest student-run satirical newspaper. With its vast coverage and family atmosphere, the Travesty has kept UT students fighting for limited spots for years. You can find the Travesty’s application on their website, where they note they have been “judging your application, but in a nice way, since 1997.” Read at your own risk at texastravesty.com.

Diversity in Advertising & Public Relations Diversity in Advertising & Public Relations (DA&PR) was founded by a group of multicultural women who noticed the lack of diversity in the industry and set out to change that.

The org celebrates diversity in the advertising and PR sphere to empower underrepresented talent. With an emphasis on diversity, networking and professionalism, DA&PR provides a communal space for students within Advertising and PR. They also host panels, speakers, and discussions for students to discover what they want from their education and future. You can learn more about them at daprtx.com.

ORANGE Magazine ORANGE provides a place for students to truly be themselves and express their creativity through writing, videography, photography and various other art forms. This publication is home to print magazines and digital ‘zines that push boundaries and allow students to fully immerse themselves in their work.

Students have the opportunity to apply each semester but are always able to submit freelance work to ORANGE. You can explore their work at orangemag.co.

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Taking Care Of Your Mental Health In College Written by Marissa Greene | Illustrated by Alex Roeder

UT RESOURCES Counseling and Mental Health Center

Mission: “The Counseling and Mental Health Center serves UT’s diverse campus community by providing high quality, innovative and culturally informed mental health programs and services that support and enhance students’ well-being, academic and life goals.”

Groups and Classes For many issues that college students face, group counseling is the best treatment option. Group counseling provides students with the opportunity to utilize peer interaction to help work toward their goals.

Short-Term Individual Counseling Short-term individual counseling is a collaborative effort between you and your counselor. The goal of oneon-one counseling is to provide an open, supportive, and confidential environment for you to address the issues that are concerning you.

24/7 Crisis Line CMHC Crisis Line is a confidential service provided by the CMHC that offers an opportunity for UT students to speak with trained counselors about urgent concerns.

Counselors are available every day of the year, including holidays.

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Counselors in Academic Residence Program (CARE) CARE counselors can be located within the colleges that they serve.

They are licensed mental health professionals who work with students who have been referred by faculty and staff. CARE's primary mission is to provide access to mental health support for students who are struggling emotionally and/or academically.

Prevention and Outreach CMHC's Prevention and Outreach services empower students to take care of themselves and each other to foster a thriving academic community at UT. These programs raise awareness, reduce stigma about mental health concerns, and address barriers to academic excellence in order to promote wellness.

HOTLINES Text START to 741741 Crisis Text Line The Crisis Text Line is free, available 24/7, and accessible from anywhere in the U.S.

(800) 273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

(866) 488-7386

(877) 565-8860

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is free, available 24/7, and provides confidential support for people in distress, prevention techniques, and resources for friends, family, and loved ones.

The Trevor Project The Trevor Project is the leading national organization for providing crisis and suicide prevention services for people between the ages of 13 and 24 who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Trans Lifeline The Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to community resources and support.

(800) 799-7233 National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 787-3224 for TTY Contact this line to speak to experienced advocates for support, crisis intervention, and community resources. The hotline also offers information and referral services in 170+ languages.

(800) 656-HOPE Rape Abuse and Incest (800) 810-7440 for TTY National Network (RAINN) RAINN offers programs to prevent sexual violence and help survivors of sexual violence.

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BOOKS ON MENTAL HEALTH

“Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle”

by Emily and Amelia Nagoski “Wellness is not a state of mind, but a state of action. It is the freedom to move through the innate cycles and oscillations of being human from effort to rest and back, from connection to autonomy and back, from adventure to homecoming and back. But we have been lied to our whole lives about what wellness ‘should’ look like, and rejecting that lie, all those myths about ‘having it all’ and ‘finally achieving lasting peace’ is how we create space in our lives for that free action through the cycle of being human.”

“Breaking the Ruhls” by Larry Ruhl “‘Breaking the Ruhls’ will resonate deeply with many who have experienced complex trauma, boundary violations, and abuse within the family, and struggle with the emotional and psychological effects.

Ruhl mines his own experiences with sexual confusion, shame, PTSD, addiction and recovery, marital issues, career struggles, and therapeutic breakthroughs, while offering vindication on a range of issues and demonstrating it is possible to heal and thrive.”

“Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection, Guilt, Failure and Other Everyday Hurts” by Guy Winch “Drawing on the latest scientific research and illustrated by fascinating stories about real patients and amazing psychological experiments, ‘Emotional First Aid’ is a psychological medicine cabinet for anyone looking to overcome the hurts that hold them back and a tool kit for becoming more successful, productive, and emotionally resilient.”

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PODCASTS ON MENTAL HEALTH “Latinx Therapy” Trauma therapist Adriana Alejandre has weekly conversations with mental health professionals, psychiatrists, doctors, bloggers, TV personalities, social media influencers, entrepreneurs and many more on topics related to mental health in the Latinx community. Hear their perspectives on how to demystify mental health misconceptions and destigmatize mental health care. Episodes are also released in Spanish every other week.

“The Positive Psychology Podcast” Tune in with Kristen Truempy, the host of “The Positive Psychology Podcast” who brings info about thescientific element of mental health to your earbuds through conversations about post-traumatic growth, body image, stress and more.

“Code Switch” “Code Switch” is a podcast produced by NPR that dives into topics such as gender, race, ethnicity, identity, and how they can impact the mental health of people of color.

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DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Written and illustrated by Emily Pape

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Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican

holiday that aims to honor the lives of those who have passed away. This holiday takes place November 1-2 and is intended to be a celebration of all that is fun, colorful, and lively. This holiday has been created through a mixture of Mesoamerican rituals, European religion, and Spanish culture. This is a time of year when families and friends join together to remember their loved ones who have passed on and reflect on the positive impact that they had on those around them.

The driving belief behind this celebration is the assertion that death is not simply the end of life, but the beginning of the afterlife. Even in the afterlife, ancestors are still with their loved ones back on Earth.

During this holiday people set up altars to pay their respects to their ancestors. These altars are known as ofrenda, an offering for the deceased. They are filled with decorated sugar skulls, bright flowers, delicious food, photographs, candles, and other offerings that are dedicated to the person being honored.

The use of bright and bold colors symbolizes that death is not the end, but that the afterlife is a new, exciting beginning.

This holiday is celebrated on two days because each one represents a different group of loved ones who have passed away. The first day is known as Dia de los Inocentes, which is dedicated to the spirits of all deceased children.

This day is celebrated so that the lost children are able to reconnect with their families back on Earth. Their ofrendas are filled with beloved toys, favorite snacks, and sweet treats that they used to love.

The second day, Dia de los Muertos, celebrates the adults who have departed. An ofrenda for an adult has similar items to those found on a child’s; however, there is more adult memorabilia included such as tequila, pan de muerto, jars of atole and mezcal. Together they are celebrated by dancing, singing, and playing games.

But families mainly use this time to reminisce about the good memories.

People within the community come together dressed in beautiful colors with faces painted like calaveras — painted skulls — and join parades that take place throughout the streets.

Families will visit cemeteries and head to the gravesites of their loved ones, clean off their headstones, and then decorate them using candles, small gifts, sugar skulls and marigold flowers.

Mexican marigolds are said to be the pathways that guide the spirits.

These flowers are also called “Flor de Muerto” which means “the flower of the dead” in Spanish. They symbolize the beauty and fragility of life itself. The bright colors and floral scents of these flowers are said to attract the souls and help lead them safely to their ofrendas.

Dia de los Muertos will remain a day of celebration, not of somber remembrance, and it will continue to bring people together as they celebrate the lives of the people whom they love.

Learning about this holiday is important because it helps others to understand the many cultures of those around us and helps bring us closer as a community.

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The Lies of Texas Written by Sloan Wyatt | Illustrated by Alex Roeder

Author’s Note: “The Eyes of Texas” dates back 120 years ago, meaning it carries a good share of history with it. Unfortunately, it is impossible to capture all that history in one article, which is why I encourage you to use this piece as a stepping stone. I have attached some of the sources used for background information throughout the piece, but there are countless others you can find with one simple Google search. Read them. Educate yourself. No matter what side you take on the subject, it is crucial that we as a university acknowledge the complexity of the topic. Any opinions expressed below do not reflect those of Moody Magazine or the Moody College of Communication.

In the age of the 24-hour news cycle, it can be challenging to captivate the public’s attention for long. TikTok dances appear side-by-side with rallying social causes, diluting the significance of the message often within minutes. Likewise, for some, “The Eyes of Texas” controversy — which began in the Summer of 2020 — was nothing more than another “social justice warrior” trend.

The path to change was long and difficult for those who saw this issue as more than a temporary media craze.

It would be ignorant to assume that the perceived racial undertones and questionable history of “The Eyes of Texas” just now came to light. “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” a folk song dating back to the 1890s, which carries a controversial legacy of its own, established the tune for the song.

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In 1902, student John L. Sinclair wrote the song’s rallying lyrics, though the origin of the phrase “The Eyes of Texas” is a little more ambiguous.

Former university President William Prather inspired the phrase, but he supposedly borrowed the wording from General Robert E. Lee’s Civil War idiom, “The eyes of the South are upon you.” The song then debuted at a student-organized minstrel show in 1903. None of these talking points are hot off the press.

Still, the latest outcry opposing the alma mater anthem involved revolutionary elements, most notably the support of student-athletes. A collection of football players, including Brennan Eagles and Brandon Jones, penned an open statement to their social media channels demanding the university to “acknowledge its racist history” and initiate systemic change in light of the Black Lives Matter protests.

The players outlined a list of their demands, including but not limited to a 0.5% annual donation of the athletic department’s earnings to the Black Lives Matter movement and other Black organizations, the establishment of a Black athletic history exhibit in the Athletics Hall of Fame and a physical homage to Julius Whittier, the first Black football letterman at The University of Texas at Austin.

Then-interim President Jay Hartzell quickly responded to some of their needs, but one remained unaddressed. The players called for “the replacement of ‘The Eyes of Texas’ with a song without racial undertones.”

The players explained that the song held nostalgic references to slavery. Hartzell responded when the greater student body spoke up (in the form of petitions, public statements, etc.), saying, “‘The Eyes of Texas’ should not only unite us but hold all of us accountable to our institution’s core values.

But we first must own the history.”

Owning our history, according to Hartzell, meant appointing a 24-person independent committee to handle the matter, headed by Richard Reddick, associate dean for equity, community engagement and outreach in the UT College of Education. "The hope is that everybody will use this report as an opportunity to come forward with the same fact base and be able to have more conversations, certainly including with our student-athletes," Hartzell said. The group’s four core purposes would be to: 1. Collect and document the facts of the origin, the creators’ intent, and the elements of “The Eyes of Texas,” including the lyrics and music.

2. Examine the university’s historical institutional use and performance of “The Eyes of Texas.”

3. Chronicle the historical usage of “The Eyes of Texas” by University of Texas students, staff, faculty and alumni as well as its use in broader cultural events such as film, literature and popular media.

4. Recommend potential communication tactics and/or strategies to memorialize the history of “The Eyes of Texas.”

Hartzell himself denied any claims that the song included racial undertones, saying, “It certainly was present at different times where those undertones existed. You go back to thinking about its first performance in 1903 at a minstrel show. I mean, you cannot deny that that performance

has racial undertones, and overtones if you will. Hateful things. But on the other hand, if you look at the way, to me, the song was composed, written and designed. It was not designed for that."

The committee seemingly agreed.

After a thorough review, the committee announced in March 2021 that while the song debuted in a “racist setting,” it lacked “racist intent.” Its origins, they admitted, remained “unclear.”

Though this announcement did little to quell the debate surrounding the anthem, it did give proponents of the song a platform to speak on and support it.

Head Football Coach Steve Sarkisian firmly stood by his decision to require all players to stay on the field and sing — a stark contrast from the 2020 Red River Rivalry game where every player except Sam Ehlinger left the field before the song began.

It also excited prominent alumni and donors who, before the investigation, threatened to withdraw financial support should the university get rid of the song.

While the committee publicly “resolved” the matter, its analysis left many unsatisfied.

Unfortunately, public debate on the topic has largely faded into the background and the protest slipped into Internet oblivion, lost amid the forgotten toys of social justice warriors.

Today, “The Eyes of Texas” is as much a point of contention as a song of pride. Although the eyes themselves may always be upon us, some are scornful of its harrowing stare.

THE WEST CAMPUS NIGHTMARE ON HALLOWEEN Written by Julia Whitehorn | Illustrated by Barrett Senn

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“Where can we actually rely on to get our information?”

On October 31, a shooting in West Campus near The University of Texas left the students and residents of Austin scared and confused. Around 10:30 p.m. gunshots were heard on West 22nd and Pearl Street and resulted in an individual being shot and injured. Although it was reported that the victim did not die immediately after being shot, there has been debate over whether the incident could have been quelled sooner if the local Police Department (APD) had responded in a more timely manner.

Students were not notified about the incident quickly and it took APD over 50 minutes to arrive at the scene of the crime, resulting in concern over what the situation could have been. This has led many to question to what extent are the police prepared to protect us from lifethreatening situations?

Also, where can we actually rely on to get our information? As rumors spread around campus, it was said that the shooter was prowling the streets and even inside residence buildings. Group chats blew up in a matter of seconds in attempts to get in contact with close friends and family, all the while we were left waiting for further updates from the university. Faster information came from text and calls than the actual safety alerts and police reports. Those with the Citizen

app sent screenshots to help track down the shooter, and I can personally say that I downloaded the safety app within hours of the incident. Must we rely on an app for the future of our personal safety instead of UT or APD officials?

Some students did not even know there was a shooting until they checked their emails. The only email sent by the university was a broad description of the event and a note that there was no longer a remaining threat in the area. It seemed that since the event had technically occured off campus, UTPD did not prioritize the dissemination of the news fast enough.

The morning after, many people were left scared to even leave their homes. Mixed messages were sent from professors and TAs, some insisting that their class still met in person, while others delayed their scheduled exams and encouraged their students to stay home.

It seemed like the school was not on the same page.

Not even a full week later, the 7/11 on Guadalupe Street was robbed at gunpoint. Although these events were unrelated, they heightened anxieties throughout campus. West Campus specifically has a reputation for being an unsafe location at night, especially for those who are walking alone. However, this unsafe reputation has become even more prominent given recent events.

“I feel pretty numb to it now, which is sad that it’s not surprising when I get a text message [regarding an event like this],” said an Axis West resident and UT student.

West Campus has many improvements to make regarding the safety of its citizens and students. Although there have been mentions of improving the lighting, call boxes, and cameras across the area, these efforts still remain to be implemented.

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Eating Your Way Through Campus

by Emma Bittner

Austin is known for many things; the beautiful scenery, the live music and the occasional celebrity sighting — but we can’t forget about the food.

Down the Drag and along West Campus, the restaurant options are plentiful and pleasing to the college wallet. Each year, few of these locations survive the off-season and another year near campus, but those that have stuck around seem to be here to stay.

Ballin’ on a Budget Trying to find affordable food that still tastes delicious is difficult, but Austin doesn’t fall short here. Many places near campus offer student discounts, keeping the UT crowd full and coming back for more.

Wheatsville Co-Op Not only did Wheatsville save me during the winter storm in February, but they

are always a great staple in walking distance to grab the few things I need. In addition to their student discount they also have a wide variety of prepared foods and gluten-free/vegan options close to campus!

Amy’s Ice Cream A UT classic, Amy’s offers a student discount when asked. Right down Guadalupe on 35th, this ice cream shop is an Austin staple and one that you certainly have to try before graduating. In my experience, there isn’t a better way to numb the pain of a disappointing exam grade or to solve the midterm blues than some late night Amy’s.

Cheba Hut Cheba Hut is new to the area but has kept students curious with their unique themed restaurant and incredible student discount. They offer a happy hour menu you can’t resist and delicious Doritos nachos. Cheba Hut should be at the top of the list next time you need something in a pinch.

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New Faces to Guad Every semester new restaurants surface on the Drag, and this semester did not disappoint. While we miss Dunkin’ Donuts, these two new places make up for its loss!

Dollar Slice Club The name says it all. After joining their dollar eats club you can eat all the pizza you want for a dangerously low price. After a late night study session or night out with friends, nothing is better than cheap pizza close to home.

Sweetgreen A salad has never tasted so good. The popular West Coast salad chain made its

Noteworthy and Never Fails We all have those places that we can go to eat at time and time again without getting sick of it, and thankfully we have plenty of those places near campus.

Whether it’s a staple to take friends and family to when they visit or a pick-meup after a long week, these places have never failed.

Via 313 A personal favorite of mine, Via 313 has some of the best pizza I’ve ever had.

Their Detroit-style pizza is a unique find

way to Austin and has been fueling me during my long days on campus. Next to Chipotle, Sweetgreen offers salads, bowls and a variety of “create your own” meal options that put a healthy twist on a traditional green bowl.

in Austin and will keep you coming back for more. While it is more on the expensive side (for a college budget) it is 100% worth it and won’t disappoint.

Dirty Martin’s Place A fan favorite for over 100 years, Dirty Martin’s is home to some of the best meals I’ve had while at UT. In addition to their delicious drink menu (and great happy hours), Dirty Martin’s is a great place to go with friends and catch up or even watch the game on Saturdays.

Food Trucks on 26th On the corner of 26th and Rio Grande, the food truck lot has options for everyone. Whether you are craving dessert from Cold Cookie or chicken and waffles from Longhorn Chicken, you won’t leave empty-handed. With string lights and misting fans during the warmer months, sitting outside and grabbing a bite to eat is always a fun time.

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THE DISCOMFORT OF PROGRESS

by Ava Motes

ks on

Like any organization, a university’s ‘brand’ is defined by the values, traditions, and figures that it upholds. But what does it mean when these come in conflict? The University of Texas’ mission statement touts the values of diversity and social responsibility. However, the namesake of UT’s advertising school, Stan Richards, has retained his title after making racist comments in a pitch meeting. Similarly, The Eyes of Texas, which has been confirmed to hold roots in minstrelsy, is still

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performed at every football game.

The dissonance in UT’s identity has sparked protests among the campus community. Many Longhorns have called for the replacement of these controversial symbols and are seeking opportunities to create a more inclusive learning environment. To help get this conversation started, Moody students and faculty partnered with Aba Blankson, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of the NAACP, to hold a panel called “Identity, Reputation, and the Discomfort of Progress.” The panel, which took place on Friday October 15th, involved a discussion on brand transformation and the process of ethically repairing an organization's reputation.

One member of the panel, advertising student Giovanni Sanchez, was particularly excited to discuss these topics with Ms. Blankson.

“It’s not often that you get to meet someone in the NAACP, especially not someone as high up in the organization as her who has done so much,” Sanchez said. Sanchez found the discussion with Ms. Blankson was extremely rewarding because they touched on a wide range of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) issues.

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“I thought we were just going to talk about the state of DE&I at UT and certain things related to that, like with everything surrounding the Eyes of Texas. We ended up talking about so much more than that and were able to get so many different perspectives on issues surrounding our country and the way people act when it comes to these issues,” Sanchez said. After the panel, Sanchez was able to dive deeper into these issues with Ms. Blankson through Empower Hour, a monthly speaker series that he hosts with communications professionals. Sanchez hopes that these events will inspire students to think about their role in creating more inclusive spaces.

“I think it’s great for students to attend events like this, especially those relating to DE&I because it gets you out of your own little world to really think about the larger things at play and how it affects people,” Sanchez said. “The panel was really about taking a look at everything we’ve been through the past couple of years and how companies and institutions communicate on these issues we’ve been facing.” However, Sanchez believes it is important to hold these conversations and look

for wisdom, even outside of these organized settings.

“This panel was great, but there are always opportunities to hear from people just like Aba Blankson about issues that are affecting millions around the country in some way,” Sanchez said. Discussions about identity as a university can easily be eclipsed by school work and college responsibilities. But, it is nonetheless vital to continue making these considerations and working towards a more equitable campus environment. “Things like this allow us to keep an open mind and heart,” Sanchez said.

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Moody Magazine thanks you for reading!

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