FoghornNews A DEL MAR COLLEGE STUDENT PUBLICATION
COVID-19 STATISTICS
Volume 85, Issue 13 FoghornNews.com
PANDEMIC FILMS
Check out the infographic to see the
Editors review their favorite movies
latest updates from Nueces County.
to watch while in quarantine.
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Foghorn News
APRIL 15, 2020
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Regents meet via teleconference for updates JOHN OLIVA | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF joliva@foghornnews.com The Del Mar College Board of Regents turned to teleconferencing to discuss the status of the college and approval of two tax bonds on April 14. Del Mar College President Mark Escamilla said he wanted to thank all the employees, regents and students for what they’re all going through while this unprecedented situation is overtaking the entire world. “Since the COVID-19 crisis began, Del Mar College has taken unprecedented steps to include the safety of our students and employees, and their families,” Escamilla said. “We began watching the situation closely in early February. During spring break, discussions among our leadership resulted in the extension of the break, which we announced on March 12. We made tough, but necessary de-
cisions that have led us to where we are today.” adjusted with special accommodations,” EsEscamilla said the foremost concern in all camilla said. “All our course schedules for evdecisions has been the safety of everyone at ery semester have been impacted, including Del Mar, which will not change. redesigning the sequences of courses and “Circumstances have modality. Our faculty has required us to shift in the worked relentlessly to reway we deliver instruc- “Our top priority will always vise the curriculum and tion, at least temporarily, programs to meet these as we stay true to our mis- be the health and safety of our changes. It has been a sion,” Escamilla said. “We herculean task.” have transitioned thou- employees, our students and Escamilla said they are sands of spring and sumin the process of identifyour community.” mer courses to an online ing more courses that can format. These include MARK ESCAMILLA be transitioned to online both credit and continuPRESIDENT to maximize opportuniing education courses.” ties for students. Transitions to the The spring 2020 comcourses got underway on mencement ceremony, March 30. previously scheduled for May 15, has been “In some courses, only lectures were tran- postponed, according to Escamilla. sitioned, while lab and clinical portions were “We are working on a rescheduled virtual
commencement and will share details as soon as they are available,” Escamilla said. “There will also be considerations for a makeup face-toface graduation that we are also working on.” Escamilla also said the IT Viking Help Desk, between March 15-31, handled 1,634 phone calls, responded to 1,652 emails, loaned out more than 140 laptops to students and procured almost $160,000 in hardware and software to keep students connected to their classes and the college. “The Del Mar College Foundation has identified $225,000 in emergency assistance funds to mitigate the COVID-19 impact on student,” Escamilla said. “Additionally, we have extended tuition payment deadlines to help the financial strain many of our students are experiencing due to COVID-19.” Although access to Del Mar campuses is SEE REGENTS ON PAGE 3
Students, faculty adjust to new challenges JOHN OLIVA | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF joliva@foghornnews.com While Del Mar College had hoped to have students back in classrooms by the middle of April, it recently announced that classes will remain online through the end of the spring semester. The transition to online classes has been a challenge for some students and professors, but the college has tried to make the move easy on both. In an April 1 email to faculty and students, Lorette Williams, executive director of communication and marketing, said students should communicate with their instructors via Canvas regarding course end dates and any lab or clinical portions of their courses, projects or assignments that may be affected. “We understand the difficulties and concerns the online transition has created among some students, and we remain focused on streamlining the process as much as possible,” Williams said in the email. “Our goal is for students to complete their courses on time and on schedule.” Jesy Good, a criminal justice major, said her four online classes have been a difficult change. “I’ve been having a hard time focusing on school and work,” Good said. “It’s hard to fo-
CHARLIE BLALOCK | FOGHORN NEWS PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
Del Mar College students must now rely on technology to finish their spring semester. College officials are unsure as to when traditional face-to-face classes will resume. cus, or to want to focus, and stay motivated when we don’t know when, or if, this is ever going to end. It’s not going away anytime soon.” Good said she’s struggling with her English class the most. “It’s another thing to read the assignments, and another thing to be taught it,” Good said. “It’s hard not to have my teacher at my disposal to help me. Today was the first time I talked to her about my feelings toward school and she was very understanding. She made me feel a bit better about the whole situation, but I know these feelings will come and go.” Bryan Stone, professor of history, said this is his first time teaching an online course. “It has been difficult to transition to online instruction,” Stone said. “I’m fortunate in that
I’ve used Canvas a lot in my face-to-face classes, so I and my students were pretty familiar with it already. The challenge has been finding a way to replace the face-to-face lectures I typically give.” Stone said he doesn’t like to rely on video chatting, such as Zoom, because he’s unfamiliar with it and unsure if students would be able to access the service. “I’m basically typing up my lectures into PowerPoint slides and posting those for students to download,” Stone said. “I’m also using the Canvas discussion boards to run conversations about the lectures and readings. This feels far from ideal.” Stone said his syllabus remains intact and has not seen any drops from his classes. Per-
sonally though, he’s facing the same difficulties as everyone else. “I’m getting stir crazy; I’m nervous and worried all the time, and I can’t get stuff I want from the store,” Stone said. “But I try to remind myself that I’m incredibly fortunate compared to many, many others. I’m trying to do what I can to help my students, who may be struggling more than I am, navigate through the rest of the semester.” While access to campuses and college facilities remains closed, DMC has set up a web page at www.delmar.edu/offices/cro/cv/index.html to update students and faculty and answer frequently asked questions about COVID-19. Students should visit daily to stay informed as the semester continues.
Student services move online
Stone Writing Center, Math Learning Center, others still available to help LEAH JOHNSTON | NEWS EDITOR ljohnston@foghornnews.com
JOHN OLIVA | FOGHORN NEWS
course load feels as though it has doubled and working so many days makes me feel like I have little to no time to complete assignments.” Quarantine, along with most businesses being closed, also plays a role in students’ ability to get work done. Some students such as Sabrina Delgado, a kinesiology major at Del Mar, said because she has nowhere else to go other than work she has more time to focus on her classes. Others, like Lazaro, find the fact that they can only study at home frustrating. “The most difficult part of classes going
As classes make the transition to online because of COVID-19, so are many student services. Services such as the Math Learning Center, Student Success Center, Stone Writing Lab and Counseling Center have recently expanded their online presence to help students. They offer all the same services as before, just now in an online format via email, video chat and their websites. “The last couple of weeks have been a real learning curve on how to transition to online tutoring but we are figuring it out,” said Moriah Hovey of the Math Learning Center. The Math Learning Center is offering its online tutoring services with emails that include pictures or videos of solutions and discussion in online meeting rooms. To receive tutoring from the Math Learning Center, visit www.delmar.edu/offices/
SEE ESSENTIAL ON PAGE 3
SEE SERVICES ON PAGE 3
H-E-B employees are some of the workers considered “essential.” Health care providers, hospital personnel, funeral workers, security guards, law enforcement and fast food employees are also working despite the pandemic.
Some students are also essential employees LEAH JOHNSTON | NEWS EDITOR ljohnston@foghornnews.com College students who are employed already find it difficult to manage school and a job, but with a global pandemic now deeming them essential employees, it’s more difficult than ever. Working during a pandemic comes with its drawbacks — especially fears of getting sick, rude customers and being overworked. If you’re a college student, this list is even longer as you have to squeeze in time to work on your assignments. Abril Lazaro, a biology major at Del Mar, said the transition has been difficult. “Online classes are scaring me. I’m used to
being an A student and now I feel like all my work is backup and rushed,” said Lazaro, a dental assistant and a cashier at H-E-B. “I also have two lab classes, which have become incredibly confusing to me.” The past few months have been a whirlwind for college students who are also trying to adjust to the change to online classes and the long shifts at their jobs. For Gabriella Flores, a nursing major at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, it’s difficult to balance being an essential employee and an online college student. “I already struggled with the course load when I didn’t work that many days and my classes were in person,” said Flores, a manager at Sonic and a cashier at H-E-B. “The
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CAMPUS
APRIL 15, 2020
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Local senior center gives back to community JAVIER MARTINEZ | REPORTER jmartinez@foghornnews.com Broadmoor Park Senior Center hasn’t had any kind of programs available to its members since March 13. In a normal month, Cathy Rodriguez is in charge of creating new activities that may be completed by an instructor or individually. Along with her duties, Rodriguez oversees sponsors and the purchase of equipment or supplies. She also helps serve meals to Broadmoor members. Due to the escalation of the COVID-19 virus and the concern for safety, Rodriguez was told to close the center’s doors. Rodriguez informed Broadmoor members that the facility will no longer be open; however, curbside meals were going to be available. Rodriguez felt compassion for the safety of her members because she did not want anything to happen to them. “At that time, they were saying that this was affecting the elderly,” Rodriguez said. “Us only having seniors was kind of scary. If they’re going to keep coming here, who knows who has it.” One of the main obstacles Rodriguez faces is safety. “The first week we didn’t have protective gears, as far as masks and gloves,” Rodriguez said. “It was kind of risky not knowing who could potentially give us any kind virus or illness. Now we’re equipped with gloves and face masks.” Rodriguez said she misses the exchange in conversation with her members.
JAVIER MARTINEZ | FOGHORN NEWS
Marissa Smith (left), a latchkey worker, and Stephanie Vasquez, a latchkey area manager, pack lunches for senior citizens at Broadmoor Park Senior Center. The lunches vary daily. “A lot of them were really funny with each other, the jokes that they made,” Rodriguez said. “They’d come to the office and tell us some jokes, or they would tell us their life stories.” According to Yasmin Hernandez, a biology major, when members of the center arrive to receive their meals, she is glad that they are doing okay in these times.
On the other hand, Hernandez wishes that the members would stay home to minimize the risk. “I want to be happy that these men and women are coming to receive a meal they desperately need,” Hernandez said. Some of the common subjects the members talk to Hernandez about include if they have any extra protective gear they
can spare. “It’s always nice to hear them tell us to be safe,” Hernandez said. “And that they are grateful for our services.” Hernandez practices safety before, during and after work. Hernandez disinfects commonly used items such as keys, cellphones, and shoes to minimize the risk of the COVID-19.
solid evidence the virus can be transmitted from mother to baby, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. Despite this comforting information, Bracho-Sanchez added, “It is important to mention we are early in understanding this virus, and pregnant women still need to take precautions.” More likely than not, the stay-at-home orders that cities are enacting will still be in place by the time I need to give birth. The normal birthing experience will be completely altered for most mothers. At the moment, many hospitals in the country are only allowing one visitor in the room during delivery and they cannot leave the hospital. This is to protect not only the patient, but all hospital staff. On top of hospital changes, pregnant
women are advised to take precautions against the virus. For example, expectant mothers should not leave the house for any activities and stay six feet away from others. If you need to leave your home, most doctors recommend wearing a cloth mask. Pregnant women are highly encouraged to wear one, as well as other individuals. The main idea is for pregnant women to stay home and stay healthy. Always clean your household surfaces and any groceries you bring in to prevent the spread of the virus in your home. Prenatal vitamins are a big help for us already and seem to be a great advantage in fighting the virus. These next few months will be tough for any expectant mother. However, that doesn’t mean we have to use this time as a negative experience. Mothers have to remember that these little babies need us to keep them safe, whether they’re in our bellies or in our arms.
GETTING SCHOOLED ON MOTHERHOOD
Safety first means baby comes first
health pandemic on top of it. What if this pandemic affected immunocompromised individuals, like pregnant women, worse than others? As a 7-month pregnant woman, this fear has become a reality. I am due to deliver in less than 12 weeks. This virus made social distancing become the new normal for me. Most doctors are adamant about immunosuppressed people staying safe and away from others. Because doctors don’t know how this virus truly affects pregnant women, we are considered high risk to the COVID-19 virus. According to an article by Fox News, Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, assistant professor of pediatrics at New York’s Columbia University Irving Medical Center, there is no
As a 7-month pregnant woman, this fear has become a reality.
ILLIANA MORENO imoreno@foghornnews.com
Pregnancy is full of nerve-racking moments, but imagine adding a worldwide
KILLER COOKIN’
Hunting has upper hand amid lockdown
the panic buyers have beaten you to it, and your favorite four-ply Angel Soft lavender-scented toilet paper is gone. For those who may not understand, there is a fine line between being prepared and hoarding. When we first heard about the outbreak panic buyers stormed the grocery stores like it was the last day on earth. Baskets were filled to the top and people were fighting one another. The difference between the two revolves around time periods. Preparers stock necessities over time. For example, those who prepare for hurricane season begin doing that before hurricane season. Hoarders and panic buyers do it at the last minute. They buy as much as they can when they can, leaving no groceries for anyone else. A preparer’s mindset takes into account themselves and everyone else around them. Hoarders and panic buyers only think of themselves. While my supply of toilet paper remains low, my inventory of game meat remains stocked. As an outdoors woman, my time hunting/fishing and freezing meat has had me prepared for this. Our freezer is stocked and fully loaded. So far during quarantine I have made pork chili, venison burgers, and grilled up a few pork chops. I have yet to need to buy meat from the grocery stores -- if I could even find it.
LIZ ACEVEDO lacevedo@foghornnews.com
Trips to the grocery stores lately have been quite unsuccessful. The toilet paper aisle remains a cold and empty place, leaving me to ponder all the days that I took for granted strolling down the paper goods. The pasta aisle is just as empty and sad as aisle 2 with its empty shelves of bread, bagels, pizza crust and English muffins. During these times we are finding ourselves struggling to get simple grocery essentials. The lines wrap around the building and if you’re not first, you’re basically last. Don’t even bother because chances are
For those who may not understand, there is a fine line between being prepared and hoarding.
FoghornNews
APRIL 15, 2020 Volume 85, Issue 13 FoghornNews.com
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FACEBOOK Follow us for updates, news and memes @thefoghornnews SERVICES FROM PAGE 1 math/mlc/ and click on “Online tutoring.” Tutors are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For some the online transition is new, but not for other services such as the Stone Writing. Since 2013, the center has been helping Vikings with their writing assignments via Canvas, and it continues to do so. “When COVID-19 necessitated the jump to online only, we had already made that leap,” said the center’s Margot Sorrell. “The wonderful consultants who students have worked
CAMPUS with at the Stone Writing Center on campus are still giving great advice, but they are online now.” Not only can students receive tutoring via Canvas, they can also find helpful handouts about punctuation, composition and much more on their website. Students can submit writing 24/7 on Canvas and a consultant will get back to them as soon as possible. They are also available for quick questions via phone at 361-698-1364, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. To access their services, visit www.delmar.edu/SWC and select “Online Tutoring.” The Student Success Center (SSC) was ready to rise to occasion of transitioning to
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online formatting from the moment it was announced. “Our Student Affairs Division was charged with a student survey sent out to all DMC current students, asking them what support services they would need in order for them to meet their needs in their upcoming online courses,” said Eva De La Garza, director of the Student Success Center. The SSC is offering online tutoring via tutor. com, 24/7 homework hotline assistance, mentoring and student workshops. The center has a video series on its Canvas page, “Empowering the Student,” to help students tackle anxiety and the science of note-taking, and more workshops will be added in late April. Students can still check out laptops but
FOGHORN NEWS FILE
A Del Mar student uses the Stone Writing Center to finish his studies. Students can now use their resources online, along with the Counseling Center, Math Learning Center and the Student Success Center.
REGENTS FROM PAGE 1 restricted, the Physical Facilities staff are focused on ensuring the facilities are properly cleaned, sanitized and maintained, Escamilla said. “Decontamination efforts started during spring break and are scheduled to continue regularly as long as needed,” Escamilla said. “This includes cleaning and disinfecting classrooms, offices, restrooms, hallways and all touch points.” Escamilla said construction of the Southside campus and the pilot plant expansion on the West Campus are continuing on, or ahead, of schedule. He added that college officials hope this is a temporary shift, but online learning is the primary method that must be embraced for the time being. “In the coming weeks and months, we will precede with online and hybrid courses as we migrate back to our traditional face-to-face classes, depending on the evolution of this situation,” Escamilla said. “More adjustments are ahead, so we must remain flexible and keep our options wide open. Our top priority will always be the health and safety our employees, our students and our community.” Regent Gabriel Rivas III asked Escamilla how classes such as welding and cosmetology are dealing without face-to-face classes. Escamilla said they are putting every bit of those courses they can online. “Every one of our courses essentially have a large lecture component,” Escamilla said. “So as much as we possibly can is being converted to online. What we want to do is remind all of our students that we will work with them in order to complete their goals this semester.” Regent Elva Estrada asked Escamilla about if any students have dropped their classes. “The short answer is yes,” Escamilla said. “We have the vast majority of our students onboard. We are triaging any prospective students who are thinking about dropping their courses on an individualized basis. Those students will receive phone calls from our advisers and counselors.” The biggest number that Escamilla heard,
about a week ago, of students considering dropping was around the range of 50. “I believe that number probably has grown,” Escamilla said. “I don’t think it’s grown considerably more than that, but we do know that these are the tougher times as we know the students are experiencing more difficulty with employment and all these other things.” Escamilla said he wants to make sure any students who consider dropping have individualized attention so he can specifically assess their situation before they drop. “A lot of times our students are struggling over issues to make these calls personally, and sometimes it just takes us putting a hand on their shoulder, so to speak,” Escamilla said. “We’re doing everything we can to minimize the students who are considering dropping.” Along with his update on the college, Escamilla proposed the issuance of Series 2020A and Series 2020B Del Mar College District Limited Tax Bonds for the purpose of financing portions of the capital improvements approved by the voters on Nov. 4, 2014, and Nov. 8, 2016, respectively. Escamilla asked for over $25 million from Series 2020A and over $67 million from Series 2020B, which both were approved unanimously. The next regents meeting is set for May, but due to current circumstances, the board is unsure as to whether they will meet faceto-face or continue with a teleconference.
IT Viking Help Desk March 15-31 PHONE CALLS: 1,634
online isn’t the fact that they are online, it’s that I have to do it at home,” Lazaro said. “I can’t work at Starbucks or the library like I’m used to doing. It’s hard to focus on school at home.” These essential employees are also at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 than others and that comes with a whole new set of fears. According to the Global Economic Forum 10% (14,425,070) of American workers face exposure to COVID-19 infection at work once a week. When the essential employees were asked if they feared going to work, the general consensus was yes. For some, the fear of becoming infected is even greater. Hannah Sizemore, a chemistry major at the University of Northern Kentucky, is a certified nurse assistant at a hospital that is only treat-
ing COVID-19 patients. “I am worried about catching the virus myself,” Sizemore said. “My main concern with this though is spreading it to my fiancé and other patients, in the case that I would be asymptomatic if I had it.” Although being an essential employee is a frightening job at the moment, all of the essential employees interviewed realize they are necessary in the world and that they all need their job. “It makes me happy that I am needed in the world,” Sizemore said. “It’s just in very anxiety inducing times.” Some like Lazaro also realize how lucky they are to have a job in a country where over 6.6 million are currently unemployed, according to Vox. “It makes me feel good to know that I have a paycheck when so many others are not that lucky,” Lazaro said.
Scholarships are like FREE MONEY! You never have to pay them back!
EMAILS: 1,652 LAPTOPS LOANED OUT: ~140 MONEY IN HARD/SOFTWARE: ~$160K
College officials work to keep things on track LIZ ACEVEDO | MANAGING EDITOR lacevedo@foghornnews.com
ESSENTIAL FROM PAGE 1
will have to go through the IT department. To check out a laptop, students need to fill out a form to request one. The form can be found on the DMC homepage. According to Garza, students who checked out laptops or calculators before the campus closure don’t have to worry about late fees. “The student will have to concur with IT on the return of the laptop,” Garza said. Visit www.delmar.edu/ssc to find all the resources the Student Success Center has to offer. The Counseling Center also has taken the online transition in stride and is ready to provide students with the resources they need to make it through the rest of the semester. They are offering their regular counseling to current clients via telehealth and are now accepting new clients. New clients can request counseling by emailing dmccounseling@delmar.edu. “The Counseling Center is now offering our ‘Be Well’ educational program via Zoom to students who wish to participate,” said Rita Hernandez, lead counselor. “Topics will vary, but they are all related to prevention of stress, burnout, anxiety and depression.” Multiple students will be on the “Be Well” workshops as well as counselors. They will be held from noon to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays but students should watch the Counseling Center’s social media sites for up-to-date information. “We have amped up our social media presence and we are posting self-care tips, videos and offering our Mental Health Awareness and Prevention Programs via Zoom,” Hernandez said. Students can follow the Counseling Center @dmccounseling on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Students can also learn more about their services at www.delmar.edu/counseling. The Counseling Center is available from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday.
services for areas that are regularly accessed by essential employees,” he said. “Additionally, items such as disinfectant wipes, hand wipes While the COVID-19 virus has changed life and sanitizer are provided.” for many students at Del Mar, they aren’t the Escamilla said finding ways to reschedule only ones being affected by the crisis. The or move important events online is one of the college’s administrative team, and especially challenges he faces. President Mark Escamilla, are also The college recently announced finding ways to adjust. it would not be holding the planned “Virtual meetings and telespring graduation ceremony at the phone calls make up most of my American Bank Center. The event workday right now” Escamilla told had been scheduled for May 15. the Foghorn News. “I meet with “We are exploring possibilities for the Crisis Management Team and a rescheduled ceremony, including Instructional Continuity Team on a the option of a virtual commenceregular basis.” ment ceremony,” he said. “We plan As essential workers, some on communicating details with key Del Mar officials are working Escamilla said he graduating students over the next around the clock. While the sched- has faced many few weeks.” ule can be hectic, they also are fo- challenges. Registration for Summer I, Sumcusing on self-care when they can. mer II and Maymester courses, “I’m trying to maintain a healthy which is now underway, has been lifestyle by exercising when possible and tak- moved to online only. Classes will likely be ing breaks to manage stress,” Escamilla said. taught online and in hybrid formats, which Many of the college’s faculty and staff are may include face-to-face classes, depending working remotely from home, while some es- on evolving health precautions, the college sential workers require strict campus access. It recently said in an email. is top priority to ensure that all essential workMaymester courses begin May 7, Summer ers follow protocols established by the Centers I classes begin May 26, and Summer II classes for Disease Control and Prevention, Escamilla will start on July 6. For updated information on said. how DMC is handling the COVID-19 changes, “The DMC Environmental Health and Safety visit www.delmar.edu/offices/cro/cv/index. Department is providing disinfectant fogging html.
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LIFESTYLE
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Editors offer tips for surviving quarantine
CHARLIE BLALOCK | FOGHORN NEWS FILE
Students and faculty stretch it out in a free yoga class Del Mar offered in the Kinesiology Building earlier this year. Yoga is one of the oldest physical disciplines in the world
LIZ ACEVEDO lacevedo@foghornnews.com
I am currently following the new days of the week: yesterday, today and tomorrow. My days in quarantine blend together. Several times, I have lost track of day, date and time. After being placed on a stay-home order I was forced to figure out things to do around the house. As much as I want to stay on social media and read everything coronavirus, I know that will not do me any good. So, one important rule to follow while social distancing
yourself is to limit your time with the media. Media is covering anything and everything re;ated to the virus, which can easily build a negative complex, and that can take a toll on someone. Other tips to survive the quarantine include staying active. There are so many workout videos online that are made for you to follow. I am constantly stressed and anxious during these times. One thing that has helped me is yoga. There are yoga poses for everything, includ-
ing many specifically meant to relieve stress. Another fun quarantine tip: Go outside! Walk the neighborhood and take your dog. Whether it’s a walk or just spending some time in your backyard, go outside. Getting your daily dose of Vitamin D is still important. My personal favorite quarantine activity is to binge watch a show. Find an interesting TV show that can keep you busy for a little awhile. There are so many streaming services today you’re bound to find one you like.
LEAH JOHNSTON ljohnston@foghornnews.com
Social distancing has altered my life, as well as everyone else’s. From being laid off at work to being placed on online schooling, my schedule has completely opened up. On top of that, being pregnant has made it nearly impossible to leave the house.
I have found ways to combat my boredom and keep myself sane. At-home activities include lots of housewife and expectant mommy duties. I have slowly started the process of cleaning every inch of my house to prepare for the baby’s arrival. I also have a daily habit of cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner. Let’s just say my knowledge of cooking has expanded so much that I might as well open a restaurant when this is all over. For other activities, I started taking short walks to keep my body from hurting and to enjoy the fresh air. I constantly watch baby videos on YouTube and read my baby books to keep busy, while enjoying the comfort of my couch. The best thing I have been able to do is relax and enjoy all the moments of pregnancy that I would have missed being so occupied with daily life.
Baking is one of the ways I have found to keep myself sane while confined to my home. I’ve always enjoyed baking new things but being a full-time student with a part-time job pulled me away from that. With all of this time I now have on my hands I have gotten back into baking and have been trying out many new recipes.
Not only is baking a good way to pass the time you also end up with a yummy result. I’ve always been a big reader from the second I learned to do so. However, with of all the required reading I have to do for school, I had found it difficult to read the ever-growing stack of books on my bedside table. Now that I’m stuck at home I have ample time to read. Not only has the stack on my bedside lessened, but I now feel my mind expanding. Reading is beneficial to us in many ways — it builds vocabulary, reduces stress and aids sleep. In these fearful times anything that helps reduce stress is something that should be given a try. So, next time you’re stuck with nothing to do, pick up that book that is gathering dust.
JOHN OLIVA joliva@foghornnews.com
I was one of the many unfortunates to be put out of work when this pandemic happened. So, aside from being jobless, I also had all my classes be strictly online. Trying to maintain a normal schedule has been the hardest part. I first stayed up until around 3 in the morning and would wake up close to noon. I would hardly leave my bed, unless to shower or eat. I wouldn’t say I was in a state of depression from losing my job, but I defi-
nitely lost my will and ambition to do anything. My husband helped me get out of my funk and try to find some type of normalcy during this terrible happenstance. I started small: binge-watching a few TV series and tons of movies I had been putting off. I also made sure to keep up with my schoolwork since I no longer had my professors reminding me daily about assignments and tests. I’ve finally been able to
go to sleep at a decent time and make sure I’m doing something productive during the day. For other people who might be in my shoes, I recommend talking to your friends and family daily. You need to remain in contact with them so you can converse with someone other than your pet. Also, try and do something artistic. Whether it be writing down in a journal or coloring mandalas on an app, stay productive.
ILLIANA MORENO imoreno@foghornnews.com
WHAT TO DO IN QUARANTINE
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PERSPECTIVE
APRIL 15, 2020
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EDITORIAL
Stay at home to protect yourself and others The Covid-19 pandemic has altered lives for millions of people. All have had their personal lives shifted in some way due to the chaos the virus has ensued on the world. Now here we are, forced to stay six feet away from loved ones, hunting for a single pack of toilet paper, unemployed and going to school from home. For the past couple of months, terms like “social distancing” and “quarantine” have been thrown around constantly. Yet, it seems like no one really knows what they mean. Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. It is challenging to force ourselves to stay indoors. Suddenly, we are beginning to realize all the things we might have taken for granted: a handshake, a hug, the grocery shopping, going to work and school. Everyday things and routines that we might have never cared about, and often complained about, have now been taken away. Quarantine restricts the movement of the population so the outbreak of COVID-19 doesn’t become larger. It’s important that the general public knows and follows these terms. Yet, while scrolling through social media, it seems like no one is. People should stop trying to hang out with family, friends or anyone other than the people they live with. When we
LIZ ACEVEDO | FOGHORN NEWS PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
don’t practice social distancing, we are at a higher risk of becoming infected. It’s also important to only go out for items that are deemed essential. Don’t stroll around the grocery store because you are bored. When you do have to go out in public practice proper social distancing measures. We should all stay at least six feet away from others and wear a face mask. The sooner the public complies with social distancing and self-quarantine the faster life can get back to normal. For all students, the major thing to remember is, despite the virus changing
how we manage our day-to-day activities, we are still expected to finish out the semester and stay motivated to do so. Del Mar is providing resources for students to still connect with their professors and classmates. This gives the slight illusion of in-person classes and offers communication between the two parties. With this, the college has motivated many students to remain enrolled in the school and professors have made online transitions as easy as possible for their students to pass the semester and move to the next part of their college career.
The changes brought to the lives of college students are difficult. There has been no certainty on when the normal, face-to-face sessions will resume. Students are encouraged to continue their college careers, this semester and future ones. College is hard and the pandemic doesn’t make it any simpler. Using resources and pushing yourself as you would in regular classes will benefit you after the semester draws to a close. Think of this as just another roadblock in the path of a college student. We all have seen and conquered plenty of those. Stay home and flatten the curve.
FAREWELL TO THE EDITOR
A bittersweet ending; on to the next chapter
JOHN OLIVA joliva@foghornnews.com
I did not expect my last semester being editor-in-chief to end like this. I graduated from W.B. Ray back in 2010; yes, when MySpace was dying and Facebook was in its prime. I took a year off to take a break from school and try to raise money to move out. I started my first semester at Del Mar during the spring semester of 2011.
My major back then was education in English. My dream job was to be an English teacher — preferably to juniors in high school because that’s really when kids start to pay attention in class. I took my basics, but once the semester was over I fell into some financial troubles. Yes, I got caught up with some loan sharks. Not really. I got fired from my job, which got my car repossessed because I fell behind on payments. Honestly, the loan sharks would’ve been better because there would’ve been no damage on my credit. Regardless, I didn’t come back to school until the fall semester of 2018. I changed my major to journalism and got introduced to Robert Muilenburg, my adviser, and Scott Beckett, my lab adviser. They turned out to be the fathers I never had. Without getting too soppy, they wel-
comed me with open arms and pushed me to my full potential. They taught me so much about the journalism world and gave me so many opportunities to better myself. I was nervous when I got assigned my first story, but I fell in love with the chase of finding a story. Finding information that not many people know about is thrilling, because I get to inform them. I started off as a reporter my first semester back, and then became the managing editor my second. I felt the responsibility right away and learned how to use software to make the newspaper come to life. My last year here, I was fortunate enough to be the editor-in-chief. These past two years have been amazing. The late evening press nights, the empty/full budget meetings, the work I’ve created, the people I’ve met and the memories along the way. I was able to go to New York City and Washington, D.C., for journalism confer-
ences. I attended workshops and learned how to take better pictures, how to make sure my team had their voice heard, how to make not-so-interesting stories interesting and so much more. The week before this past spring break, I wasn’t preparing to not come back for this semester. I was a little worried about COVID-19 but didn’t think my town would be affected. Little did I know. Unfortunately, I have to end my time with the Foghorn News team sooner than expected. Every editor and reporter I’ve worked with, I’ve learned something new. Whether it be how to be creative with designing or learning that we all come from different backgrounds of life, it was a blessing. I’m looking forward to my next chapter as I intern at the Corpus Christi Caller Times this summer. So be on the lookout for me — I’m going to be someone soon.
QUESTION: WHAT HAS COVID-19 TAUGHT YOU?
“I have learned that general hygiene is important, whether you’re sick or not.” — Ricky Puente, vehicle condition assessor
“Quarantine has taught me that finding a hobby outside of work and school relieves any stress and helps me relax.” — Kaylie Wesmoreland, dental assisting
“Being in quarantine from this pandemic has taught me that I rely a lot on the comfort of other people.” — Kyrstin Garcia, drama
“It has taught me that I truly love being active.”
“Being in quarantine has taught me how much I love being busy.” — Joanna Perez, biology
— Abril Lazaro, biology
“Quarantine has taught me that I need to take better care of myself and take advantage of the time I have.” — Yoshine Garcia, medical
“Being in quarantine has taught me that I get bored very easily, even when doing simple tasks.” — Jolie Lassiter, nursing
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ENTERTAINMENT
APRIL 15, 2020
7
‘Contagion’ hits home amidst COVID-19
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO | WARNER BROS.
Gwyneth Paltrow plays Beth Emhoff, one of the first people to get infected with the MEV-1 virus in “Contagion.” Matt Damon, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet, Laurence Fishburne and Jude Law also star in the 2011 thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh. LIZ ACEVEDO | MANAGING EDITOR lacevedo@foghornnews.com COVID-19 has brought pandemic movies to the top of all steaming services. Netflix now displays a “top 10” category, with many movies in it dealing with outbreaks, pandemics and zombie apocalypses. With Texas’ new stay-in-place order many of us are finding ourselves binge watching movies and TV shows. Pop the popcorn, grab some M&M’s, crack open an ice-cold cola and get comfy because we’re reviewing pandemic movies with a hint of spoilers, starting with my all-time
favorite, “Contagion.” “Contagion” plays close to COVID-19. The virus is transmitted from human to human when the sick touch surfaces, leaving the virus exposed for others to catch. The frantic health department as well as other public health officials panic and rush to identify and contain the disease. Sound familiar? Now here comes the spoiler. The fictional virus’ origins in the movie, known as the “MEV-1,” originated from a pig. In the final scene in the movie, viewers learn that the pig ate a piece of a banana that was dropped by an infected bat that es-
caped the destruction of its palm tree habitat in China. That pig was then taken to a slaughterhouse and prepared by a chef, who fails to wash his hands and shakes hands with Beth Emhoff (played by Gwyneth Paltrow), beginning the first positive case of MEV-1. The symptoms of the fictional MEV1 include fevers and profuse sweating, pounding headaches, sore throats, coughing, seizure, dizziness and frothing at the mouth when passed out. The symptoms aren’t too far off from the COVID-19 virus, minus the seizures, dizziness and foaming at the mouth.
Immunity helps humanity
Fear and gore make ‘Flu’ worth watching Set in present time, the South Korean movie shows how quick and easily infection can spread
LEAH JOHNSTON | NEWS EDITOR ljohnston@foghornnews.com The 2007 film “I Am Legend” stars Will Smith as Robert Neville and follows his character’s journey to survive in a city overrun by zombies who have contracted a deadly virus. The movie begins by showing us how the virus that has now wiped out most of mankind came to be. It then shows Neville, a virologist, living alone in his home looking for a cure to the virus. His daily routine includes looking for others who are immune to the virus who could still be alive and experimenting on infected rats to find a cure. Even though Neville is immune from the virus, he isn’t totally safe. He has to protect himself from the virus-infected zombies,
Suddenly “Contagion” has gone from an enjoyable and suspenseful thriller, to an eerie and unsettling thriller that hit too close to home. Viewers will find the similarities between MEV-1 and COVID-19 scary. “Contagion” is beautifully crafted. While some right now might find the film to give a sense of realism, the film does an incredible job of keeping viewers on the edge of their seat. The script is wonderfully written, and I love the idea of beginning the story on Day 2, leaving the rest of the film to the suspenseful realization of how the virus came to be on Day 1.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO | WARNER BROS.
Will Smith plays Robert Neville, a U.S. Army virologist who is the supposed last man on in New York. Based on the 1954 novel by Richard Matheson, “I Am Legend” was the seventh-highest grossing film of 2007. known as Darkseekers, and sometimes barely escapes unharmed. One day after finding what could be a cure to the virus, Neville goes out to capture a Darkseeker to try the cure on. After successfully catching one and bringing it to his lab, the Darkseeker escapes, harming Neville in the process. Neville is rescued by another pair of immune humans who take his cure to a survivor’s camp. While watching the movie you are left
with many questions and the ending leaves you with even more. The movie does a great job at showing a man’s survival and what it’s like to live in a post-apocalyptic world. It has just the right amount of action and even tugs at your heart strings with some emotional scenes. If you’re looking for that perfect quarantine movie that deals with viruses, look no further. “I Am Legend” shows how a virus can damage the world but in the end there is still hope for survival.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO | CONSTANTIN FILM
ILLIANA MORENO | ASSOCIATE EDITOR imoreno@foghornnews.com The 2013 thriller “Flu” is a foreign film based on the H5N1 bird flu and its fictional impact on a South Korean city. The fear and chaos is extremely dramatic, yet similar play on what the COVID-19 impact could have on our world. The movie involves a resident doctor, her young daughter and an emergency technician facing a deadly airborne virus that affects an entire Korean city. A group of smuggled Southeast Asians are transported to the country, unaware that they carry the mutated strain of avian flu that will kill people only 36 hours after contraction. The majority of the movie is filled with lots of gore and blood, as well as intense scenes that show the true fear unfolding as the strain terrorizes the city. The movie dramatizes the effects on humans during a pandemic, but isn’t all wrong when it comes to fact. A climax in the movie comes as doctors begin to discover that the possibility of antibodies from a recovered avian flu patient may be the key to saving humanity. However, the government does not agree on how to go about figuring out the best way to handle the fear-filled communities and the growing cases/deaths. Ultimately, “Flu” has lots of plot turns and interesting components that relate to much of the world today. Keep your eye out for all the information that is similar to what we are hearing as our current pandemic spreads. Like most movies, the ending is predictable, but it holds a potential to be a good thriller for those looking to be spooked during the real-life lockdowns. For those who haven’t watched the movie, go ahead and add this one to your list of quarantine flicks.
Alice, played by Milla Jovovich, is paired up with a group of commandos who must destroy the spread of the T-Virus, a manmade experimental plague that brings the dead back to life.
Survival horror meets “Alice in Wonderland” JOHN OLIVA | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF joliva@foghornnews.com Based on the survival horror video games by Capcom, “Resident Evil” is the first film in the series directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. It stars Milla Jovovich as Alice, a woman who wakes up in a mansion she has no recollection of and meets Matt, played by Eric Mabius. They soon get ambushed by a military group working for the Umbrella Corporation. The group of commandos leads them into an underground base known as the Hive below the mansion. Led by One, played by Colin Salmon, his team tries to discover what happened
to the group of scientists inside the base. After half of the team is sliced and diced by the Red Queen, the facility’s artificial intelligence, the remaining disable its power, unknowingly releasing a horde of zombies. Rain, played by Michelle Rodriguez, is the first of the group to be bitten by one of the undead. While trying to escape the Hive, Alice slowly starts to regain her memories and realizes she was a security officer for Umbrella and planned on exposing the company for creating the T-Virus, a manmade mutagenic experiment. The film was No. 2 at the domestic box office on opening weekend and sparked the interest of production companies eager to capitalize on video game film
adaptations. Soon after the release, “Doom,” “Silent Hill” and “Max Payne” all hit the screens at local theaters. While not exactly a direct adaptation of the first video game in the series, the film does borrow elements and incorporates them. Aside from zombies, Lickers, a bio-organic creature, appear killing a few characters, and the Nemesis Program. The program is another bio-organic creature but set to kill specific targets. At the end of the film, we see it come to life. While COVID-19 is a virus and the state of the world is in a pandemic, one can only wonder how much more interesting it would be if zombies were added to the mix
WHERE TO WATCH “CONTAGION”: Cinemax “I AM LEGEND”: Rent for $3.99 on iTunes or Prime Video “FLU”: Prime Video “RESIDENT EVIL”: Rent for $3.99 on iTunes or Prime Video
APRIL 15, 2020
8
COMMUNITY
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Technical programs adjust to online learning Courses that rely on hands-on training look for other ways to fill void
“We are all confused and overwhelmed and stressed about the situation.” The Cosmetology Department was not able to comment about the students’ situation in time for this publication. According to Irma M. Bomer, adminisJAVIER MARTINEZ | REPORTER trative assistant of the Surgical Technolojmartinezl@foghornnews.com gy program, her department is doing everything it can to keep students on track. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Del Mar “(It’s a) very unfortunate circumstancCollege took action by extending spring es, but everything feasible will be done to break then transitioning all classes to an keep graduating students on track,” Bomonline format. However, for programs that er said. relied on hands-on training, new chalAcknowledging that each student is a lenges arose. different situation, Bomer said they use Some students were left to wonder how any form of communication necessary to the semester would keep their students on end. track. Cosmetology major “We have a pinning ceremony “Utilizing any and all Brittany Rodriguez said available media that that comes right before she is unsure about works with each inher future. Rodriguez graduation. It is a tradition of dividual case,” Bomer said that each week said. “Transferring office she needs to accrue 35 the Del Mar Nursing Program phone to one phone hours, which totals to but unfortunately it will not line and that individual 1,500 hours by the end then routing out emails happen this semester.” of the third semester to or phone calls to the graduate. appropriate instructor.” AUDREY ZARAGOSA “I’m sure our instrucAudrey Zaragosa, a NURSING MAJOR level 3 nursing major, tors have done the best they can with the hand said one of the obstathey were dealt,” Rodricles she faces is learnguez said. “I am hopeing and understanding ful that I will not have to stay any extra the semester’s material. semesters.” “Luckily we do have online success cenRodriguez said others in the program ter that is being offered for tutoring,” Zarashare her concerns. gosa said. “It is definitely not the same as “It’s really confusing and frustrating and when we had lecture for four hours each I am not the only one of the cosmetology week and lab each week for four hours; students to feel this way” Rodriguez said. that would help us understand the con-
cepts more.” Zaragosa feels compassion for the graduating nursing students who will be unable to partake in a nursing tradition. “We have a pinning ceremony that comes right before graduation,” Zaragosa said, “It is a tradition of the Del Mar Nursing Program but unfortunately it will not happen this semester.” Jennifer McWha, director of the Nursing Program, understands that students and professors face challenges, not only educationally. “Some students may be facing unemployment due to the COVID-19 situation, which creates more stress and potential hardship,” McWha said. The Nursing Program has a plan for students about their clinical rotation. “Through state directives, nursing schools are able to have more flexibility with regard to clinical rotation requirements,” McWha said. For those starting out in the program, the department is looking at possibilities on how to accommodate for this situation. “The Department of Nurse Education is working with DMC administration on how to best approach clinical requirements during the upcoming summer semester if students are still not allowed to complete rotations in the health care facilities,” McWha said. Student Government Association President Natasha Perez noted that patience is needed at this moment because it is not an easy transition. “This new format is going to take some getting used to and just know that everyone is making some sort of transition
FOGHORN NEWS FILE
A cosmetology student practices using curlers on her mannequin’s head. Students in the program have had to adjust to learning without hands-on training. right now,” Perez said. “This is new for everybody and you are not alone.” Perez said anyone with questions regarding student resources can email studentgovernment@delmar.edu.
COVID-19 forces several events to reschedule, cancel
FOGHORN NEWS FILE
The Kolda Elementary Royal Cadettes Dance Team performs at a previous Buc Days Junior Parade. The year’s Buc Days events have been moved to October. JOHN OLIVA | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF jolival@foghornnews.com With large gatherings prohibited during the COVID-19 crisis, many local events have been forced to reschedule or even cancel. Here’s a list of what Corpus Christi residents have missed out on so far: n Pride 2020 – rescheduled to October n Beach to Bay – rescheduled 10/10/2020
n Buc Days – rescheduled to November n Luke Combs (concert) – rescheduled to 10/29/2020 n DaBaby (concert) – rescheduled to 7/24/2020 n The Unlikely Candidates (concert) – rescheduled to 8/28/2020 n Josh Ward (concert) – rescheduled 8/13/2020 n Easter Events – canceled n Earth Day Bay Day – canceled n South Texas Botanical Gardens and
Nature Center’s Big Bloom – canceled n Food Truck Festival – canceled n Pops in the Park – canceled n “The Office! A Musical Parody” – canceled n The Spazmatics (concert) – canceled n Timeline (concert) – canceled n Metal Shop (concert) – canceled n Arise n Run 5K – postponed n Corpus Christi Vestido Rojo – postponed n Brunch on the Bay – postponed
n Temptations and Four Tops (concert) – postponed n Shrine Circus – postponed n Peppa’s Big Adventure – postponed n Cody Johnson and Friends (concert) – postponed n Face to Face (concert) – postponed n Starset (concert) – postponed n Shane Smith (concert) – postponed n Twista (concert) – postponed n IceRays – suspended n Hooks – delayed