Volume 27 Issue 1

TEXAS TEXASA&M A&MUNIVERSITY–CORPUS UNIVERSITY–CORPUS CHRISTI CHRISTI

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NEW YEAR NEW YOU SAME DREAM

Celebrating King’s Dream

photo courtesy of FLICKR

MLK celebration highlights African American History Month

by KACI ALVAREZ staff writer

T

exas A&M University-Corpus Christi will host their fourth annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

The Island University is teaming up with Del Mar College to spread awareness for equal opportunity and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and all the other human rights activists involved during this historical time period.

“We want to empower and encourage people to take part in the community that they live in and make a change,” said Angela Walker, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Associate Dean of Students. “I hope this celebration really opens the eyes of those in our community.”

The celebration will feature Dr. Marc Lamont Hill as the main speaker. Hill is a distinguished professor of African American studies

at Morehouse College, an awardwinning journalist, the host of Huffing Post Live and BET News, and a political contributor for CNN and Fox News.

“Dr. Hill will be able to bring a young, energetic feeling to a very serious topic,” Walker said. “People, young and old, will be able to relate.”

Walker and the representative from Del Mar College carefully chose who would participate, speak and perform during the event by discussing what is happening within the Corpus Christi community and throughout the world.

There will be other aspects of the celebration including singing and a youth dancing group for entertainment. There will be a book sale and a meet and greet with Dr. Hill after his presentation “I want individuals to leave the event inspired and ask themselves ‘what can I do now?’” Walker said.

By celebrating the legacy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement left behind, Walker hopes that those who attend are really touched and want to make a

INDEX OPINION 2 | CITY 3 | ENTERTAINMENT 4, 5, 6 | SPORTS 7

Students and faculty participate in last year’s MLK March.

difference. There will be discussions on real issues to really get the audience thinking.

“There are so many things happening within the United States that shouldn’t be like police brutality, racial discrimination, homelessness and problems in the education system,” Walker said. “And we just need to start somewhere and work together to change that, just like Martin Luther King, Jr. did.”

The celebration is open to students, faculty and staff, as well as the general public. Admission is free and it is family friendly and can benefit people of all ages, races or

ARCHIVE PHOTO

interests.

The Island University is not stopping after the community celebration. There will be multiple events throughout January and February in honor of Black History, including a Black History Month Art exhibit, a movie screening of “Dear White People” and a celebration march at the Nueces County Courthouse.

For more information about the fourth annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration or any other events see the ad on page 8 or visit http://www.aahm.tamucc. edu.

2

opinion

ISLAND WAVES

Affluenza teen deserves time

by GERI LEMMONS staff writer

a student publication of

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

island waves staff JAMIE FINK

editor-in-chief

ALEICHIA WILLIAMS web editor

KELSEY FLORES copy editor

GERI LEMMONS

features reporter

KACI ALVAREZ

features reporter

ABBEY WEAVER sports reporter

JONATHAN FORNERY news reporter

SAMANTHA MAHLER

entertainment reporter

ELI T. BERKE

photographer

IZZY SNEED

photographer/cartoonist

MIKAYLA GONZALEZ layout assistant

KARA HERRERA layout assistant

WENDY MOORE faculty adviser

contact us 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5783 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 825-5862 write us a letter Island Waves accepts letters no longer than 250 words. Letters are subject to editing. Send letters to the editor via email at editor@tamucc.edu. about island waves The Island Waves is a student-produced publication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The newspaper is printed weekly, except during summer sessions.

Island Waves is supported by student fees and advertising sales.

Any student or University employee may submit material for publication consideration. To become a contributor, e-mail or call the Island Waves editor.

01.21.2016

W

hile most 18-year-olds were on break this month, one Keller teen, Ethan Couch, was facing a whole new dilemma and running away from his problems.

According to DailyMail. com, Ethan Couch was a teen that killed four people, injured nine and seriously injured two who are still in a vegetative state. He did this while driving intoxicated and speeding with a suspended license. He got off with 10 years probation with the judge deciding that he suffered from affluenza meaning that he did not know the consequences of his actions.

Before this case happened affluenza was not a defense that privileged people would use in court. However this is the first case when someone has caused this much damage and has had to do no jail time.

This case I feel would have

been very clear if it was any other normal teen. They would have sent this person to prison for a very long time for being a murderer and injuring so many people.

Looking at this case I feel like it might open up some other issues later for kids who grew up exactly like Couch.

According to DailyNews. com, at the time of the crash Couch’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.

He was stumbling around saying things like “I’m Ethan.

I can get you out of all this,” among other things it was basically bragging about the fact that his family has money and he will be fine after all of this. However, later on Couch said he did not even remember the crash.

It makes me wonder about other people who think they are invincible when they drink and drive, especially after being responsible for

killing so many people.

Drinking and driving is something that we are told not to do so many times starting from young ages.

But there are still people out there who believe they are not going to end up like so many horror stories that we hear and read about.

Recently Couch has come back in the news after he ran to Mexico with his mother after violating his probation by being at a party with alcohol. This was big news because this was a person that got a slap on the wrist and did not have to do jail time after killing four people but in turn violates his probation in the most disrespectful way.

He seems like a person who does not care about consequences at all nor does he seem to care about what he has done. He has no remorse for the pain and suffering he has put people through. He apppears to be a guy who feels he is above

the law and does not care about what happens to him because he knows he will be just fine in the end.

Some say this is his parents fault. They say they are the ones who keep letting their son not get punished for what he has done. In a way that is true as they do have some of the blame for the fact that their son is not taking responsibility for the hurt and pain he has caused those families who have lost so much already. However, in the same way they should not be blamed for just having a rich lifestyle.

Maybe one good thing will come out of this case maybe it will open people eyes as to what can happen if they choose to drink and drive.

Couch went from a spoiled unknown teen to a spoiled, murderer and hated teen. It all just goes to show how one or many bad decisions can change so many innocent people’s lives.

Editor’s Desk: Be open to change this year

by JAMIE FINK editor-in-chief

W

e are just a few short weeks into 2016 and we have already faced many changes, triumph, fear and heartbreak.

R.I.P. David Bowie and Alan Rickman.

There are many things we can’t change or can’t get back once they are gone.

We have to make the most of every opportunity when it comes our way.

Atop the list of changes that are guaranteed to

RESOLUTIONS

happen this year that will have the most direct impact on everyone is the presidential election. From Donald Trump to Hillary Clinton and everyone else in between, this year’s election may the most crucial election we will ever see in our generation’s lifetime.

It is important to take advantage of the opportunities that you have, and voting is just one, but a big one at that.

I would urge you to take the time and look into

the candidates in this year’s election.

Using your freedom to vote is something we take for granted way too often.

Other than the election, there are many more opportunities and doors that will open and shut.

Friendships, family, degree paths, internships and careers will be there for you to decide what is best for you and for your success. The only person holding you back from those decisions is yourself.

Not all change will be

easy, but it’s not really meant to be. Change teaches you to make those tough decisions that will lead to being stronger and making even harder decisions in the future.

Change gives us a thick skin and helps us to become open-minded. As the famous saying goes, “you break the walls you build.”

Go out into 2016 ready for change and just seize every opportunity and chance that comes your way.

Izzy Sneed

3

city

01.21.2015

ISLAND WAVES

Pregnancy Center serves Corpus Christi

by CYMA MAYES contributing writer

T

he Corpus Christi Pregnancy Center provides women’s health care services in the Corpus Christi, Texas area Monday through Friday, free of judgement and charge.

Services such as pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, postabortion counseling and parenting classes are available at the center free of charge. In addition, expecting parents that are enrolled in their parenting classes are eligible for earning rewards points, which may be redeemed for items the baby will need.

“We have a pregnancy resource guide for college students that has all of the different things that they need to do,” said Jana Pinson, executive director.

In order for these services to be made available free of charge, the Corpus Christi Pregnancy Center relies on donations from individuals, churches and businesses in the local community.

Also, volunteers donate their time and talents to the successful running of the center and contribute services that range from data entry, peer counseling and more.

Whether a woman is experiencing excitement or fear, missing a period is an emotional experience.

Although Islanders have access to the services available at the student Health Center, female Islanders also have the option to go to or request to be referred to the Corpus Christi Pregnancy Center.

It is their mission to help women answer tough questions about their situation and provide them with accurate information about all of the options with confidentiality and free of judgment and charge.

“We have heard woman, after woman, after woman regret their abortions,” Pinson said. “We have never heard anyone regret having their baby.”

The Corpus Christi Pregnancy Center is fully stocked with informative pamphlets, staff and

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The Corpus Christi Pregnancy Center is located at 4730 Everhart Road across from the United States Postal Service.

volunteers, models and other learning resources to give each and every woman the knowledge and moral support to make the best well-rounded decision.

The Corpus Christi Pregnancy Center is located at 4730 Everhart Road, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78411. They have plans to relocate to a bigger location in the future that will be closer and more accessible to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to reach out to more students and implement a live chat feature on their website to supplement their

24/7 call services.

In order to reach out to more college students, they are also very active on social media.

They have a Facebook page, Friends of Pregnancy Center of Corpus Christi, and a Pinterest page, https://www.pinterest. com/ccpregnancy/.

For more information about the Corpus Christi Pregnancy Center’s services, volunteering, or making donations, visit their website at: www.ccpregnancy.org or call them at (361) 991-2008.

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4

entertainment

01.21.2016

ISLAND WAVES

Fashion Do’s and Don’ts for Spring

by SAMANTHA MAHLER staff writer

A

hh…. Spring. This season is widely considered one of the hardest seasons to dress for— especially for Texans. In the heat of the summers and even winter Dec. 2015 for example it is almost acceptable to wear a bathing suit to the grocery store.

However come spring, the lines are a little blurry when it comes to getting dressed in the morning. Is it more reasonable to wear earmuffs and a sweater or a tank top and flipflops? Some people just wear both.

Have questions about what to wear to class in questionable weather? Do not worry all the hard work and research has already been done. Here are some of the fashion industry’s top tips and trends for spring 2016 that are sure to get any Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi student an A+ in looking fabulous this season.

DO: Wear layers.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing about living in Texas is having to dress for four different seasons in one week. Even worse during the spring temperatures are known fluctuate between the high 70s and the low 50s. That is almost two seasons in one day.

When dealing with crazy Texas weather, layer it up in the morning.

Think light jackets and warm scarfs.

When it heats up mid-day, peel off the coat to reveal a short-sleeve shirt. In fact, if it is warm enough do not be afraid to go for a tank top. According to Vogue magazine, instead of wearing shorts, try exposing “Your shoulders—a chic new way to show a little skin.”

DON’T: Get too much sun.

Brimmed hats made a huge appearance in fall fashion and they do not seem to be going away any time soon. Perhaps most popular with actor Johnny Depp, these hats have graced almost all of Hollywood

and can go from class to dinner effortlessly.

When adding a hat to ones outfit keep the clothes comfortable and neutral. For days when the bed head is just too much, throw on a solid colored brimmed hat and head to class.

Bonus points can be given for adding a pair of shades in the same color.

DO: Stay grounded.

This next trend is going to make walking from the O’Connor building to the dorms a breeze.

Thanks to designers like Alexander Wang, the flat mule was seen all over Fashion Week, likely because of how versatile it is.

P a i r these flat shoes with literally every outfit imaginable. Do not be surprised if wearing flats cuts the time it takes to get across campus in half. This takes the term #blessed to a whole new level.

DON’T: Be afraid of patterns.

“Florals?

For spring?

Groundbreaking.” This Meryl Streep quote from the movie The Devil Wears Prada might be iconic.

However, just because something is expected does not mean it is not trendy. Back at Spring Fashion Week in October the runways were lined with almost every print imaginable.

Among the most popular were gingham, stripes, abstract and not so surprisingly... florals.

Have caution when wearing this trend. Too much pattern can be overwhelming to the eye. When pairing two or more prints together, always pick fabrics that have the same color family. In addition, for a sleeker look, pair larger patterns with prints that have smaller lines.

Keep these guidelines in mind and Meryl herself might be jealous.

above photo courtesy of DRESSESOUTFITS.COM below photo courtesy of TUMBLER.COM

5

entertainment

01.21.2016

Sweet Cinema Selections of 2016

by JONATHAN FORNEY staff writer

2

015 was a big year for movies, it brought us hits like “Star Wars Ep. VII: The Force Awakens,” “Jurassic World,” “Inside Out,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and many more. This year is lining up to be even bigger.

The majority of upcoming movie releases fall into the following categories: Remakes and sequels, superhero, game-based movies, and new intellectual properties (or IPs).

Nostalgia is a powerful marketing tool. This is evident in the billions of dollars “Star Wars Ep. VII” raked in since its debut.

People who grew up on films will pay to see modern retellings and bring a whole new generation to experience what they know and love. The iconic “Ghostbusters” (July 22, 2016) is getting the reboot treatment, but this time with an all-female lead cast. The popular Disney animated film “The Jungle Book” (April 15, 2016) will be retold in live action this time around.

Sequels also have nostalgia propelling them to audiences.

One such sequel is “Finding Dory” (June 17, 2016) will continue the story of “Finding Nemo,” which came out in 2003 focusing more on the backstory of Dory, voiced

by Ellen DeGeneres.

As far as superhero movies are concerned, there are two very distinct universes: DC and Marvel. On the DC side of things, fans can look forward to “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (March 25, 2016) where the Caped Crusader will do battle with the Man of Steel himself in the much anticipated film.

“The idea that characters like Wonder Woman and Aquaman will be introduced during the

movie makes it more exciting and layered. Especially how they’ll build the dynamics of these characters” said sophomore environmental science major Karen Velasco.

Another film DC fans are excited for is “Suicide Squad” (August 5, 2016) in which classic Batman villains like Harley Quinn, Deadshot, and Killer Croc are joined together as a special government task force.

Marvel fans will have plenty to watch out for as well. “X-Men: Apocalypse” has Professor X’s team of mutants trying to save the world from chaos. The fan favorite antihero, Deadpool, will be getting his own self-titled film starring Ryan Reynolds as the wise-cracking star of the show.

“Deadpool” releases on February 12, 2016.

When asked about the film, sophomore applied mathematics major Megan Gilson said “I’m super excited to see it. I have been waiting for it forever” Another big Marvel film is “Captain America: Civil War” (May 6, 2016) has been set up by the previous Avengers’ movies and looks to tie everything together in a big way.

Sophomore computer science major Joshua Hunter summed it up really well: “The two biggest names in the Marvel cinematic universe, going at it in an all-out war.”

Video games have come a long way from niche hobby to fullyblown mainstream lifestyle and as such, some franchises are getting the big screen treatment.

The popular Playstation actionplatformer “Ratchet and Clank” (April 29, 2016) will tell the story of the last lombax as he tries to save the galaxy in parallel to the new video game of the same name

ISLAND WAVES

also releasing this year. Another game getting some screen time is the smash hit mobile game, “Angry Birds” (May 20, 2016) as the birds try to protect their home from pig invaders.

The year will bring about some new franchises and ideas too.

Disney’s “Zootopia” (March 4, 2016) will tell the story of a world of animals with very human characteristics and

emotions. While the film is a comedy, many of the themes and interactions between characters won’t be too far off from their human counterparts.

2016 has had a lot of hype building up for its movies and they’re almost here. Pop some popcorn, this should be fun.

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6

entertainment

01.21.2016

‘Sisters’ good for laugh, plot just OK

ISLAND WAVES

by LEANNE HAAS staff writer

T

he movie “Sisters,” starring dynamic comedy duo Amy Poehler and Tina Fey is not your ordinary chick-flick. Poehler’s quirky attitude and Fey’s sly humor creates a witty, slapstick and humorously raunchy film.

The pair’s previously known and widely popular 2004 comedy “Mean Girls” was every high schooler’s anthem. More than a decade later, “Sisters” is a different kind of coming-of-age film. The comedy deals with everything from single-parent struggles to mid-life dating woes. But between the “old” people jokes comes a relatable and unifying theme that youth can be found at any age.

Poehler plays successful business woman Maura Ellis. Maura plays by the book and has a stable life, but with nobody to share it with. Her older sister Kate Ellis (Tina Fey), a free spirit and struggling single mother, is the complete opposite of her sister. The clashing of these two personalities sets the stage for an

interesting flashback to their high school days. While Maura feels that she did not get to experience the carelessness of youth, Kate is dealing with the consequences of her own actions of her younger days. In the film, the two sisters attempt to help each other out of their slumps in their own unique way.

However likable Poehler and Fey’s characters may be, though, the film felt a bit lackluster due to the aimless nature of the plot.

Propelled mostly by constant cheap jokes, the R-rated film relied heavily upon easy humor. Half the movie is nothing but an over-the-top party scene, where a ton of wacky stuff happens. It is reminiscent of the thousands of other comedies out there that feature drawn-out party scenes.

The situational comedy, however, is what redeems this film. It is one of those movies that you watch with a good group of friends so that inside jokes can be made about it later. However aimless “Sisters” may be, the memorable moments and “quotability” of the film places

it closer to the “Mean Girls” comedy realm. For example: Candlewax. If you watch the movie, you’ll know exactly what I’m referencing.

Some of the best points in ‘Sisters’ stem from the antics that ensue between Maura and her love interest. The hilarious twisting of gender roles in the film was a refreshing take on rom-com humor.

John Cena also has a small role in the film as a casual love interest for older sister Kate. Memes have already been popping up on the internet from the miniscule lines that Cena does share with Fey. Whether it is the witty writing or John Cena being John Cena, the world will never know.

Overall, the comedy has a decent balance of underlying theme and joke ratio.

Although some may find the constant “easy” jokes that are made distasteful, they are what keep you wanting more and more. The constant stream of small jokes lets

you appreciate the truly hilarious moments in the film.

If one thing can be said about “Sisters,” it is that there is never a dull moment in the film.

Poehler and Fey are able to keep it lighthearted while also tackling real, relatable issues.

Photo courtesy of PAULSTRIPTOTHEMOVIES.COM

7

sports

01.21.2016

ISLAND WAVES

Soccer player proud of her Mexican Heritage

by ISAAC PAGE sports reporter

H

ispanic culture is widely celebrated in South Texas, especially in Corpus Christi, a city rich with Latino and Mexican culture.

Yvette Franco is a junior at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and she plays the forward position on the women’s soccer team. She is proud of her Mexican heritage.

Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Franco graduated from Carroll High School in 2012. From there she choose to continue her education in her hometown and attend Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

The 21-year-old is the daughter of Maria and Roberto Franco.

She was born on Feb. 14, 1995 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Her mother is from Guadalajara and her father is from Reynosa.

Yvette also has three brothers.

Yvette said the emphasis placed on family within the Latino culture is one of the reasons she is so proud of her heritage.

At the games you can hear her

father, Rigoberto, screaming chants of support at the top of his lungs from the bleachers, trying to rally Yvette and her teammates.

Rigoberto started Franco and her brothers on to soccer at a young age.

“My dad, he played before and he really thought my little brother was going to be like, the it, like, the guy that’s going to go big or whatever, turns out I ended up being that person,” Franco said.

In her sophomore season, Franco started all 18 games and led her team in goals scored with eight goals and led her team in points with 19.

When asked what does she like the most about playing soccer, she will tell you that she loves the competitive nature of the sport, fighting for position, and being aggressive on the attack. It’s all done in the wining spirit.

“I love winning,” Franco said.

In 2015, the university in which she plays for was named one of the best colleges in the nation for Hispanic students to attend.

Franco likes to dance in her free time when she is not playing or practicing soccer.

She said that she is quite fond of Zumba.

Franco said that she would like to play soccer professionally one day.

“I want to try to go pro. If not pro, then semi-pro,” she said.

Franco battled through minor injuries last season while continuing her scoring efficiency for the Islanders as they made their first Southland Conference postseason tournament.

Photos by ISAAC PAGE

8

campus

ISLAND WAVES

01.21.2016