April 22, 2022 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

April 22, 2022 | thewichitan.com |Real Students. Real Stories. | Vol. 86 No. 13

CAMPUS VOICES: Pg 3

Third parties are scams but they can work.

UKRAINE: Pg 6-7

In Akin Auditorium, MSU hosted a faculty roundtable where policy experts on international affairs discussed the war in Ukraine, on March 23.

ENTERTAINMENT: Pg 8

Is “Better Call Saul” season five too subtle?

WICHITAN STAFF: Pg 5

ESPAÑOL: Pg 11

STANG STORIES: Pg 12

Graduating staff members say their goodbyes.

Una visita a Highlander Public House

Marcos Lopez sees math as more than numbers.

@WichitanOnline

@wichitanonline

@TheWichitan

FINALS PREP

How to not lose your last two brain cells

he end of the semester is here. However, before you can reach the finish line, you have finals. During this time, students are under immense pressure and stress. So, here are some tips from The Wichitan staff on how tokeep yourself sane while preparing for those last exams:

Sleeping

University students love to adopt the “What is sleep?” mentality around finals time, however it is usually counterproductive. Sleep improves concentration, sharpens judgment and decision-

making, among other benefits. Even a simple power nap can do wonders. So make intentional time to sleep.

and improves your mood. Improving your physical health supports your mental health.

Doodling

Cleaning may be a chore for some, but it can also be therapeutic. Organizing your desk or room can improve your mood as well as provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

The rhythmic and repetitive motion of drawing activates a relaxation response. You don’t need to be an artist to experience the benefits of doodling. You could do shapes, animals or some abstract and random.

Exercising

Having a regular exercise routine significantly improves productivity. It is a great stress reliever

Cleaning

Listening to music

When studying, play some light music. Music can help you focus and reduce stress levels. You could listen to your favorite playlist, or try some

studying music like lofi and classic.

Journaling

Writing your frustation out in a journal can be a great form of venting. Furthermore, it improves cognitive functioning and counteracts many of the negative effects of stress.

So remember...

It makes no sense to kill yourself studying if you go into your exams braindead. While you’re preparing, make sure you are giving yourself enough avenues to vent and relax.

l final del semestre está aquí. Sin embargo, antes de que puedas llegar a la meta, tienes exámenes finales. Durante este tiempo, los estudiantes están bajo una inmensa presión y estrés. Entonces, aquí hay algunos consejos del personal de The Wichitan sobre cómo mantenerse cuerdo mientras se prepara para esos últimos exámenes:

Durmiendo

PHOTO COURTESY OF STOCKSNAP | PIXABAY

Remember to take breaks while studying for long hours.

Vol. 86 | No. 13 Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

A los estudiantes universitarios les encanta adoptar el “¿Qué es el sueño?” mentalidad en torno al tiempo de finales, sin embargo, suele ser contraproducente. El sueño mejora la concentración,

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESHOOTS.COM | PIXABAY

Visual representation of the average student preparing for finals.

agudiza el juicio y la toma de decisiones, entre otros beneficios. Incluso una simple siesta puede hacer maravillas. Así que haz tiempo intencional para dormir.

Dibujar

El movimiento rítmico y repetitivo del dibujo activa una respuesta de relajación. No necesitas ser un artista para experimentar los beneficios de dibujar. Podrías hacer formas, animales o algo abstracto y raro.

Ejercicio

Tener una rutina de ejercicio regular mejora significativamente la productividad. Es un gran calmante para

Editor in Chief: Stephanie Robledo Managing Editor: Anne Akpabio Design Editor: Omar Combie Photography Editor: Colin Stevenson Business Manager: Abigail Jones Social Media Manager: Rebekah Gardner Section Editors: Joseph Nelson, Thalía Doe Issue Staff: Joey Arthur, Brandon Cerda, Javier Contreras, Natalie Cook, Keza Muvunyi, Marisa Telles, Cecil Witherspoon Advisor: Jonathon Quam

el estrés y mejora el estado de ánimo. Mejorar la salud física apoya la salud mental.

Limpieza

La limpieza puede ser una tarea para algunos, pero también puede ser terapéutica. Organizar tu escritorio o habitación puede mejorar tu estado de ánimo y brindarte una sensación de logro y satisfacción.

Escuchando música

Cuando estudies, pon algo de música ligera. La música puede ayudarte a concentrarte y reducir los niveles de estrés. Puedes escuchar tu lista de reproducción favorita o intentar estudiar música

como lofi y clásica.

Diario

Escribir tu frustración en un diario puede ser una gran forma de desahogarte. Además, mejora el funcionamiento cognitivo y contrarresta muchos de los efectos negativos del estrés.

Así que recuerda...

No tiene sentido matarte estudiando si te presentas a los exámenes sin cabeza. Mientras te preparas, asegúrate de darte suficientes vías para desahogarte y relajarte.

Copyright ©2022. First copy free. Additional copies $1.00 each. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

Third parties are scams but there’s a way they can work Columns are the opinions of only the authors and do not necesssarily reflect the views of The Wichitan as an organization.

ith Elon Musk entering the news again, trying to buy out Twitter, many have begun talking about the Joseph enigma that Elon Nelson Musk is: an antiSJW, capitalist, atheist tech bro, who doesn’t conform to either the left or the right. Many have raised the question of whether Elon Musk represents a model for a centrist candidate who could break the party duopoly we have in America. But this isn’t just about Elon Musk. Many households have conversations about the Republicans or the Democrats being so driven by corporate greed and/ or political extremism that a third party will “shake things up” or something like that. Personally, I would also love for third parties to be a part of our system. However, our election system simply isn’t designed to have more than two parties controlling national politics at one time. If you want a third party, advocate for changing our electoral system.

dependent as their senators. Well, the people in Maine have always been free thinker types, not conforming to the typical way of doing things, and they recently opted for instant run off election, a move that’ll further enrich third parties and their state’s unique political make up. When Stephen King, a famous Maine resident, goes into his voting booth, he ranks the senate candidates from who he supports the most to the least. When the votes are tallied, the candidate with the least support is eliminated and their votes now go to whomever was the second choice on the ballots. This process is repeated until one of the candidates reaches a majority. This election type would be very hard to implement in Texas, but it would undeniably change the political makeup of our state to advantage third-party candidates. It doesn’t take a political science degree to guess which political party would be more likely to enact these measures.

In summary

A successful third party

If a third party is successful, one of the two major parties either absorbs them or the third party itself takes the place of one of the two parties. The Republicans were once a third party, until they completely replaced the Whigs, and the Populist Party (a faction of left-wing farmers also protesting the two-party system in the 1800s) was absorbed by Northern Democrats and Midwestern Republicans. Third parties simply don’t work within our system, and you shouldn’t trust any candidate thinking they can run a third party in the current system we have. If you want third parties to exist, don’t vote for third parties. Vote in candidates

PHOTO COURTESY OF TARA WINSTEAD | PEXELS

Historically, the United States has maintained a two-party system with only a few notable third parties. from the two-party system interested in changing the electoral system. If you don’t trust one of the duopolies to change the system they benefit from, you should probably look twice at the system now developing, as even those in the duopoly suffer from its primitive design.

The electoral college

Let’s start with the electoral college. The system as it stands requires candidates to reach a majority of

electors by winning the popular vote in the necessary number of states. If a majority of electors is not reached, the two party controlled House of Representatives elects the next president. So, if a third party actually became popular enough to win a number of states in the electoral college, the election would go to the House, where the two party system would elect a Democrat or Republican instead. Obviously on the presidential level, a third party candidate

simply isn’t feasible. However, you can probably guess which party is interested in getting rid of the electoral college, a move that would undeniably increase the chances of a third party candidate gaining some popularity.

Maine politics

Ever wonder why Maine has such a different political culture than the rest of the country, with a socially liberal Republican and a centrist In-

Any initiative that changes our system will definitely be at odds with those who believe the constitution is passed down from God on high, usually conservative Christian types. However, to those with want for overthrowing our two party system, prioritize these initiatives in your voting patterns. If you want a third party but always vote for people who think the constitution is absolutely perfect and brilliant, you’re swimming upstream and wasting your breath in advocating for third parties. If you want to get rid of the duopoly, vote for candidates who would support initiatives like getting rid of the electoral college, implementing rank choice voting, and a slew of other changes that many other countries with vibrant political cultures have enjoyed for decades.

ACTIVE THIRD PARTIES IN U.S. POLITICS

Libertarian Party Established in 1971

Constitution Party Established in 1992

Green Party Established in 2001

What I would tell my freshman self

Graduating seniors reflect on their university journeys ANNE AKPABIO REPORTER rom the first moment of novelty and excitement as a college student, there is the lingering possibility of graduation, the reality that seems distant at the start of the college experience. The thrill of graduation is talked about often but the journey leading up to it is often disregarded. And so, there is the question of what information is relevant to know before walking across that stage, what in hindsight a graduating senior could share with a freshman version of themselves at the most awaited moment of graduation.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORMA BENJAMIN

(Freshman year on the left, senior year on the right) Norma Benjamin advises her freshman self to prioritize school work but leave time for fun.

Norma Benjamin Finance senior

“I would tell my freshman self to be more involved. Engage with people and social activities. Network and learn as much as I can from others. Also prioritize when it comes to school work but leave some space to have a bit of fun.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN SHEPPARD.

PHOTO COURTESY OF YOHANN ISAAC

(Freshman year on the left, senior year on the right) John Sheppard tells his freshman self that reaching out when he needs help is okay.

(Senior year) Yohann Isaac tells his freshman self to have as much discipline as possible.

John Sheppard

Accounting and management information systems senior

Finance senior “I would tell my freshman self to be super organized. Make sure you understand what the syllabus says and what is expected of you. Get an organizer or use your cell phone’s calendar to plan out the semester. Reach out to friends, classmates and professors when you need help. Learn from your mistakes and above all have confidence in your own abilities. Lastly, have fun.”

Yohann Isaac

“I would tell my freshman self to try your best to enjoy your day-to-day being in college and having the university experience because when you go to the working world it’s going to be completely different so I would just try to take it all in, try to go to more events, try and enjoy the little things and I would remind myself, you should always work hard now to make your life easier in the future, so just try to have as much discipline as possible because motivation can go away but discipline will always stay with you.”

Mara Hill

Amanda Threlkeld

Marketing senior

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARA HILL

(Freshman year on the left, senior year on the right) Mara Hill tells her freshman self that she should reach outside of her comfort zone and make new friends.

“I would tell my freshman self to make new friends, don’t stick with people you already know from your culture, build a network, build connections, be involved in more activities on campus, join different organizations, don’t stick in your comfort zone but be more open to trying new things and meeting new people and have fun. I mean we came for school but I think there is a time for it, we should just have fun and experience especially as an international student, experience the life in America.”

Accounting, management information systems and non-profit management senior

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA THRELKELD

(Freshman year on the left, senior year on the right) Amanda Threlkeld suggests that students focus on the experiences of college rather than dedicate their entire time to studying.

“Don’t worry about starting college solo, you will build a community and connections faster once you get involved. Focus more on the experiences, friends and memories instead of staying in the room to study. Take one thing at a time, it all works out. As a first generation student, get connected with the same group and the First2Go organization on campus. Start your major and minor earlier so you don’t add extra time and take the proper courses. Study abroad as often as you can and start the process early. Don’t be afraid to make friends because they will be instrumental in your college experience and hopefully life journey.”

A farewell from the graduating seniors of The Wichitan

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEZA MUVUNYI | THE WICHITAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATALIE COOK | THE WICHITAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Keza developed her design skills while working with the Wichitan this semester.

Natalie was able to find an outlet for her voice and hone her writing skills with the Wichitan.

Joseph Nelson joined the Wichitan to help socialize after COVID and enjoyed writing reviews with the paper.

“You can’t be your best self by yourself.” When I came to MSU as a wide-eyed freshman, I could never have anticipated the lessons, memories, heartache and pure joy I would experience. Like most others, I thought I would come to college and all my wildest college fantasies would come true. I thought within a month I would find my group of friends with whom I would create all my memories. I thought I would go to a basketball game and begin my own real-life story of “Love and Basketball.” I had so many expectations that never came to fruition. Instead, my reality was centered around finding a community that I connected to. I found the Wesley Campus Ministry, which became monumental in my growth and development. I found the MOSAIC Cross-Cultural Center, which gave me a steady stomping ground. I joined organizations like the BSU and NAACP that allowed me to develop the leadership skills I knew were dormant in me just waiting to be found. My last stop on this collegiate train I have been on for the past four years was The Wichitan. Joining The Wichitan this semester allowed me to develop my design skills and have some fun while doing it.

Ever since I was little, I have always had a lot to say. The only thing I ever got in trouble for was talking. Before writing for The Wichitan, I really had never thought about doing something like this. I’ve always liked English class, and wrote poems no one would ever see, and while I toyed with the idea of making things I wrote, public, I never had the guts to do it. What started off as a requirement to graduate, turned into an outlet for me. I immediately knew I wanted to do TV, movie and music reviews. If I wasn’t busy talking, I was watching TV or listening to music. You’ll find my phone playing Spotify most of the day, and my list of favorite movies and shows are never ending. Being able to write about things I enjoy and have them published in the paper has been really cool and rewarding. I’ve learned a lot about how to improve my writing and how to work with a very diverse team. It’s been cool to see all of these people from different backgrounds come together to produce a paper. I was pushed out of my comfort zone and encouraged to use my voice, which I will always be thankful for. Thank you to everyone at The Wichitan for giving me a place to share my voice. I’ve always had a voice, I just needed somewhere for it to

When I returned to campus in Fall 2020, I was desperate to be a part of as many campus organizations as I could. I knew that chances to connect with others could be taken away at the snap of a finger, or more accurately a breath of virus-contaminated air. I realized I should have always been looking at college this way, but it took a pandemic to teach me this lesson and break through my thick skull. I am so glad I learned it, as The Wichitan has become a key part of the latter half of my college experience. Every two weeks, I loved channeling all my favorite film critics with movies they’ve yet to review. From RedLetterMedia to The Cosmonaut Variety Hour to YourMovieSucksDOTorg (they’re more thoughtful than they sound), I am very grateful to The Wichitan for giving me an avenue to express my own takes on movies and encouraging readers to at least look at filmmaking in a different way than before. I’m also grateful to my other staff members, as they made coming to production nights (when I could) a fun and energetic environment to feel myself in. I hope younger undergrads will be wiser than I and embrace their college experience and take every opportunity to get involved in MSU Texas’ rich student environment.

April 22, 2022 Campus Voices | Graduating | Wichitan Staff | U

MSU ROUNDTABLE OFFERS M

THE CRISIS I

JOSEPH NELSON REPORTER n Akin Auditorium, MSU hosted a faculty roundtable where policy experts on international affairs discussed the war in Ukraine, on March 23, from six to nine. MSU students and the public were able to hear various perspectives regarding the conflict and ask questions after the speakers concluded their presentations. One of the five speakers, Kirsten Lodge, provided a more personal, cultural perspective on Ukraine, presenting to the audience pictures of Ukrainian churches, the Ukrainian alphabet and their prominent poets, and elaborating on her own experience living in Ukraine with her first husband, where she worked

as a Russian to English translator. She also holds a Ph.D. in Slavic studies, so she illuminated for the audience the in-depth history Ukraine holds and all that’s at risk of being destroyed by Russian forces. “When the war began, I didn’t think Russia would bomb its most beautiful medieval churches and monasteries, because they’re also part of Russian heritage,” Lodge said. “However, after Russia bombed the theater in Mariupol, and other places like schools and hospitals, I started getting a little more worried.” While Lodge focused on the cultural dimension of the Ukrainian conflict, Michael Mills, director of global education, stressed the importance of preparing for the global economy the world is progress-

PHOTO BY CASEE HARL | THE WICHITAN

English professor Kirsten Lodge has a more personal view on Ukraine, as she worked as a Russian to English translator while living with her first husband in Ukraine, March 23.

Student opinions: The Wichitan asked MSU students about the Ukraine Crisis. Here are their responses.

“I kind of wish Russia would stop trying to play conquest and be at peace.” Jake Carter Exercise Physiology Junior

ing toward and how Lodge’s experiences wouldn’t have been possible without international travel. “You all came here tonight to hear from subject matter experts that study this material, they know this material, but most importantly they travel and they’ve experienced these places that they’re talking to you about,” Mills said. “I know it’s very difficult to see what’s on the news, and it’s very difficult for us to comprehend what’s happening, but we’re lucky to have subject matter experts that have not only studied this, but they’ve been there, they’ve experienced it, they’ve talked with locals… and been an important part of that human diplomacy.” Rebekah Dowd, assistant professor of political science, expanded on the concept of a thriving global community by discussing how sanctions have crippled Russia’s economy due to how the interconnected nature of the world makes war a very costly thing, a mechanism of diplomacy first envisioned back in World War II, with the formation of the European Union and NATO. “The EU was formed basically in 1952 with this agreement to form a union of states that were interested in coal and steal interchange,” Dowd said. “We had two major wars, back to back… and so if we bind these states in economic activity that hopefully these business interactions will make doing war so costly that they won’t go to war again.” As Dowd elaborated on in her discussion, Ukraine didn’t join the EU, nor did it join NATO, the security alliance, and Ukraine relinquished its nuclear weapons to Russia in 1996, losing its nuclear

“It’s unfortunate for all the civilians of Ukraine that they’re having to mostly up and just move out, and leave everything that they know for something that really isn’t their fault.” Jace Johnson Kinesiology Junior

Director of Global Education Michael Mills, assistant professor Rebe Rattanasengchanh and associate professor John Ashbrook spoke at deterrence option. With this, Ukraine was either left to protect itself, ally with Russia or ally with the EU to defend itself militarily, and Dowd says it’s been a rough road for the country in deciding which alliance to commit to. “In terms of internal politics in Ukraine… politics was not always smooth, accountable, and fair,” Dowd

“It’s kind of sad because people are suffering, and there’s like a shortage of food or something.” Sasha Bradley Pre-nursing Freshman

said. “So, the leader o dent] Yushchenko, sa things down, I’m go we’re going to be mor going to try to get ri we’re going to deepe European Union.” Dowd explained Union helped Ukrai

“I’m not really too invested into it. Like I really don’t know what’s going on over there. Tragic for the Ukraine citizens.” Victor Flores Business Freshman

Ukraine | Entertainment | Español | Stang Stories | Donate Life

MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES ON

IN UKRAINE PHOTO BY CASEE HARL | THE WICHITAN

ekah Dowd, professor Kirsten Lodge, assistant professor Phimmasone t the Ukraine Round Table, March 23.

of the country, [Presiays I’m going to calm oing to promise that re accountable, we’re id of corruption, and en our ties with the

that the European ine with its road to

becoming a member of the EU pact, but the Union’s efforts were ultimately ineffective and simply for show, which hurt Ukraine’s relationship with European allies. “[The EU supporting Ukraine] sounds good on paper and in big press statement, but in reality, it didn’t come to fruition in a full way,” Dowd said. “So, you have this

“What’s going in Ukraine is horrible and I pray [Ukraine is] able come out victorious.” Alvin Runnels Mass Communication junior

degradation of a relationship, lot of promises but not a lot of fulfillment happening increasing the ties with the EU.” Power has changed hands multiple times between pro-EU Ukrainian presidents and pro-Russia Ukrainian presidents, resulting in civilian protests and a Russia-sympathetic president, Viktor Yanukovych, resigning from office, creating a weakened country for Russia to take advantage of. “Yanukovych says ‘I’m going to step down, we’re going to create an interim government, we’re going to have new elections,’” Dowd said. “But what this does is this creates such internal instability in Ukraine that it opens the door for Russia to step in, and that is when Russia invades the south part of Ukraine, Crimea, and takes it completely, within days, and then begins to go into the eastern half of Ukraine and begin to wage civil war and support those rebels on that side of the country that want to join Ukraine to Russia.” In response, the EU kept with trade agreements and distanced itself from the possibility of making Ukraine a member of its alliance. “In terms of economic cost to the EU, Russia is supplier of two-fifths of the natural gas going into Europe to heat their homes… and over one-quarter of Europe’s crude oil comes from Russia,” Dowd said. “So, that means to the EU, you think our gas prices have gone up, not compared to those in the EU. They are spiking.” These spikes are a result of the West’s sanctions on Russia, but Mike Rattanasengchanh, assistant professor of history, cautioned a complicated relationship be-

“I think Vladimir Putin is too old and senile to be making national decisions or decisions at all. He should not be in charge of nuclear weapons at all.” Caylie Dunn Psychology Junior

tween sanctions and their effect on Russia, as he explained Russia’s relation to other authoritarian powers like China. “So, the question is, ‘are sanctions working’. A lot of US analysts are saying yes and no, and again, that’s not an answer that political leaders like,” Rattanasengchanh said. “As Rebecca said, Russia is definitely suffering, but China has been creating a system of its own to compete with the capitalist system. And in many ways, it’s actually, there are some flaws with it, but it’s actually doing very well.” Sanctions, according to Rattanasengchanh, encourage Russia to lean more on China in the long term, an amicability that could complicate future global affairs. Rattanasengchanh believes Ukraine is an asset to the United States to prove that the capitalist, democratic model still works in the modern era, not something which can be taken over by Russia or China model. “Ukraine needs to be a model that democracy works, that capitalism works,” Rattanasengchanh said, describing Ukraine’s relevance to the United States. “Something will have to change on the ground, whether that’s Ukraine actually winning that war, and so that system that China’s creating could gain some traction at this time, as the United States is putting those sanctions in.” John Ashbrook, chair of the history department, whose studies focus on military history, Eastern Europe and identity politics, elaborated on the reasons Putin might be committing to this action at this time. “One of those things [that precipitated the invasion] is Putin is still looking at the

“I think that it should not happen. I mean we enjoy peace and quiet. There was no reason and now they are saying that what they are doing is not violating the Geneva convention.” Addison Rauch Geoscience Sophomore

“I find it stupid. I’m all about peace so I just don’t see the point of it.” Karona Augustine Economics Junior

United States as the main enemy of Russia and what happened in Afghanistan,” Ashbrook said. “This was a big black eye for American foreign policy. It was a disaster if you’re looking at it just from a military perspective. I’m not getting into the moral aspects, but just looking at it militarily, it illustrated a major weakness of the superpower that’s against Russia at this time.” After describing the military operations and strategies which animate Putin’s decisions, Ashbrook described the goals Putin has for the invasion. Even if peace is reached between Russia and Ukraine, Ashbrook cautions onlookers to look at what territory Ukraine gives up in whatever possible peace may be reached, as there may be a defeat within the jaws of compromise. “The first of [Putin’s] goals is that he wants to guarantee that Ukraine will never become a member of NATO or the EU,” Ashbrook said. “...We have breakaway region [within Ukraine]... and it cuts off 60-to-70% of Ukraine’s ports. This would weaken Ukraine and make it more dependent on Russia.” As the situation in Ukraine develops, MSU faculty in political science, history and international education have voiced their expertise and perspectives on the various economic and political forces animating the Ukraine-Russia war, cautioning listeners to be skeptical of the bitesized versions of reality we see of Putin on “late-night television,” as Ashbrook cautions, and encouraging us to understand that with most issues the answer is, as Rattanasengchan puts it, “it’s complicated.”

“Better Call Saul” is a lesson in subtlety, but is it too subtle? S

eason six of “Better Call Saul” has just arrived, releasing two or three episodes per week to keep people from binging but also avoiding too much of Joseph a wait for the whole Nelson season to come out. Regardless of strange streaming techniques used by modern TV companies, Netflix has finally made Season five of “Better Call Saul” available for users to watch in one or two sittings. I was skeptical of “Better Call Saul,” as I believed “Breaking Bad” (the show “Better Call Saul” is a prequel to) is near impossible to beat in terms of character and plot development, but the first three seasons really convinced me of the show’s worth in the “Breaking Bad” universe, and Season five really sets a great stage for the show’s finale. “Breaking Bad,” at its core, is about a man who would otherwise be assumed to be an upstanding, lawabiding chemistry teacher but lives a double life as a ruthless drug pin. “Better Call Saul” is inverted, telling the tale of Saul Goodman (played by Bob Odenkirk) who is expected by everyone to turn into a crook, when in reality he wants to help others but knows how easy it is to cheat and

manipulate to get his way. It just comes naturally to him, so watching these shows side by side displays an incredible thematic contrast I thought only achieved in literary classics. Granted, the first three seasons were so good because of the inclusion of Chuck McGill, Saul Goodman’s brother. With Michael McKean’s departure from the show, the writers have really had a hard time justifying its progression. As Jesse Pinkman represented the polar opposite personality of Walter White, McGill represented the polar opposite of Goodman. So, Season four of “Better Call Saul” was pretty forgetful without McKean. However, Season five makes plot lines I once found skippable turn into worthwhile stories. In past seasons, the plot lines including the crime bosses from “Breaking Bad” really bored me, and I felt like these stories demystified these characters and their appearances in Walter White’s storyline, as most prequels do. However, in Season five, I really enjoyed how they tied these story threads into Kim and Saul’s storyline, as they’ve generally remained separate from one another up until this point. Season five also fleshes out the emotional through lines of the show, such as Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn) and Saul’s romantic rela-

PHOTO COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES TELEVISION

Season 5 of “Better Call Saul” tests Saul Goodman and Kim Wexler’s relationship, played by Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn, 2020.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES TELEVISION

Bob Odenkirk plays main character Saul Goodman in “Better Call Saul,” 2020. tionship being tested in a unique and dramatic fashion, not to mention all the schemes Goodman commits to in enacting revenge against Howard Hamlin (Patrick Fabion), the show’s straight-laced technocrat who wants to make amends with Goodman but quickly realizes nothing can eclipse the chip on Goodman’s shoulder, put there by all Chuck McGill did to prevent him from being a lawyer. With crime bosses, scheming lawyers, narrow escapes and criminal intrigue, one would think “Better Call Saul” is an action-packed, sensationalist show, in the same vein as a “House of Cards”. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Instead of opting for the sensational, cheap back steps, needless twists in character motivations, the writers of “Better Call Saul” prefer the little things over

the large. The center visual piece for a main character getting kidnapped isn’t something obvious or tired or cliche, like a dropped photo or something. It’s an ice cream cone, dropped on the ground, which becomes infested by ants in the timespan the main character is detained by criminals. The word “nuance” is a pretty overused descriptor nowadays, but good stories, in my opinion, don’t opt for the obvious image or symbol. They show us something we haven’t seen before. As “Better Call Saul” spends an episode introduction on the slow decay of an ice cream cone, swarmed by insects, some may think that’s boring, but I really respect the pursuit to give audiences a point of view they haven’t seen before. Sure, a character balancing a revolver on a train track isn’t as ex-

citing as a character dramatically throwing his weapon into the sea, but at least it’s unique, which is a rarity in television and cinema today. “Better Call Saul” sometimes opts for the less exciting option in their storylines, but they always show deep character interactions, complex emotional states and well-written plot developments while avoiding the sensational. I think that’s the mark of a very good drama. Season five of “Better Call Saul” skillfully sets the stage for the series finale, and I think it’s a well-written addition into the “Breaking Bad” universe.

Joseph’s Season Rating: 4.5/5

Music of the Semester

We asked our staff members to pick their favorite song or album for the spring semester, here’s what they said:

What Are We Waiting For? for KING & COUNTRY

“Uplifting music, impactful lyrics.” Omar Combie

Back For Everything Kodak Black

“I like this album because it shows that Kodak can still make great music after all these years.” Javier Contreras

Sometimes Remix T.I BLAZE, Olamide

“I love that it gives me something to relate to. It feels like someone understands the pressures of figuring out your own life.” Anne Akpabio

it’s hard to see color Jaron

“I love listening to this album when I’m feeling happy, sad, or even neutral. The rhythms make for good study music, too.” Colin Stevenson

For Your Glory Tasha Cobbs Leonard

“This song has always seemed to center me and remind me why I do the things I do and who I do it for.” Keza Muvunyi

Amame, Quiereme Selena y los Dinos

“I have always been a big fan of Selena, but only knew her popular songs. When the Netflix series came out, I became a bigger fan and can say she’s my favorite singer. At the moment this is my favorite song.” Stephanie Robledo

Memory Lane: Haley Joelle

“This song is special to me because it’s helped me feel less alone during some heartbreak. When someone you love suddenly leaves, memories are the only thing left.” Natalie Cook

Optimist: FINNEAS

“The entire semester, everytime I have written a paper, I’ve listened to this album. I love this album, I love anything FINNEAS does. It helped me get through the semester.” Joey Arthur

Take Me Home Phil Collins

“Whenever the world becomes too much and it begins to feel like I’m drowning, I’ll put this song on repeat and let it carry me all the way home.” Lisa Thames

Found in the Smoke Joe Vann

“It captures a very distant, aching feeling that I think we can all have in love. Each song sounds ethereal and dreamy.” Abby Jones

Step By Step Braxe & Falcon ft. Panda Bear

“After years of chaos and loss of control, this is a perfect soothing dance track about regaining a sense of self.”

The Million Masks Of God Manchester Orchestra

“It’s a very cinematically beautiful album, I could imagine it being a movie soundtrack.” Rebekah Gardner

I’m Born To Run American Authors

“I just love this song because it helps me look forward to when I’m out of school and can pursue my own adventures.” Cecil Witherspoon

Jonathon Quam

Marea El Tachi, Mariianna, Lanalizer “It’s about a guy telling a girl that ever since she entered his life, he’s found his purpose every day, and that he will be with her even more in the bad times than good.” Thalia Doe

All I Think About Now Pixies

“I love it because it sounds like a combo between “Stuff We Did” and “Where Is My Mind” to create a cautionary tale about dwelling on the past.” Joseph Nelson

Jason Bourne, ¿La mejor estrella de acción? L

a película de la que les voy a hablar es “The Bourne Identity,” una película de acción filmada hace casi 20 años de hoy. Se trata Brandon de un hombre que se Cerda despierta en un barco y está lastimado con heridas de bala y no recuerda ninguna cosa de su pasado. Cuando empieza a recordar varios eventos, se da cuenta que su foto está en anuncios que lo buscan en todo Europa y la policía junto con los asesinos quieren matarlo. Con sus habilidades de lucha y su cerebro inteligente, es su trabajo descubrir la razón por qué lo quieren matar. Igualmente como Spiderman, Jason Bourne tiene un ‘sentido’ cuando alguien peligroso está cerca. Eso lo ayuda a estar vivo en medio de todo el peligro y también ayudar a su mujer a buscar una ciudad sin mucha gente para escapar.

Le doy a la película cuatro estrellas. Me encantó el actor, Matt Damon, y cómo actuó la parte de Jason Bourne. Un hombre con mucho coraje y energía. Pienso que el director (Doug Liman) hizo un buen trabajo porque supo desarrollar muy bien un misterio por descubrir. “The Bourne Identity” es la primera de cuatro películas en la serie. Cuando termines la primera, mira “The Bourne Supremacy”, luego “The Bourne Ultimatum”, y finalmente “The Bourne Legacy”. En esta película, Jason Bourne conoce a una mujer, Marie St. Claire (Marie Kreutz), que es su compañera de equipo y terminan enamorándose. Los dos trabajan mucho para buscar información para descubrir la identidad de Jason Bourne porque su nombre es solamente un nombre falso para mantener su verdadera identidad oculta. Después de descubrir que es un asesino entrenado para una compañía secreta del gobierno,

los dos descubren que el nombre de Jason es David Webb. La policía lo quiere en la cárcel porque mató a una pareja en la ciudad de París, Francia. Si a ti te encantan las películas de acción y suspenso, “The Bourne Identity” es la película para ti. La película salió al cine en el 2002, ¡hace casi 20 años! Pero si puedo comparar películas como ésta con algo en este mundo, es el vino, porque el vino es más sabroso con más edad. También como las casas, a veces con el tiempo suben de precio y son más valiosas. La moral de la historia es que la vida es muy difícil y a veces tu pasado no es tu culpa. Jason Bourne trabajaba para el gobierno y no tenía el control de sus acciones, por lo tanto su pasado podría haber sido diferente si hubiera tenido otro trabajo. Unas películas con las que la puedo comparar son Live Free and Die Hard, Taken, etc. Porque en esas películas, mucha gente quiere matar a la misma persona.

FOTO CORTESÍA DE UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Matt Damon es el personaje titular Jason Bourne en “The Bourne Identity,” 2002. Siempre hay espacio para mejorar, por lo cual no le di una calificación perfecta. Si vas a ver esta película en el futuro, te recomiendo verla en un cuarto con buen sonido y una pantalla grande para que puedas

maximizar tu experiencia.

Evaluación de Brandon: 4/5

Mi visita a Highlander Public House

FOTO POR COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Highlander Public House tiene un patio para personas que quieren comer afuera en un día soleado, abril 21.

l restaurante y bar Highlander Public House está localizado en 726 Scott Ave. en el centro histórico de Wichita Falls, Texas. Tienen un patio para personas que quieren comer afuera en Marisa Telles un día soleado. Se permite traer animales para las personas que quieren comer afuera en el patio. Los dueños y gerentes son amigos de toda la vida. Este restaurante es famoso por sus “fish and chips” y también por el desayuno y almuerzo los domingos. El desayuno y almuerzo sólo están disponibles los domingos de las nueve de la mañana hasta las dos de la tarde. Cuando entré, el olor de la comida del desayuno me recordó cuando estaba en casa y despertaba en la mañana con el olor del tocino que mis padres habían cocinado en el primer piso. Mi amiga y yo llegamos a las once de la mañana. Esperamos unos 15 minutos, detrás de algunas personas, hasta que nos sentaron. El menú para el desayuno y el almuerzo tenía más comida y bebidas de las que pensaba que tendría. Tenían platos como pan francés, huevos,

hamburguesas, ensaladas y mucho más. También tenían cocteles con alcohol. A mí y a mi amiga nos gustó el menú del desayuno. Porque el restaurante estaba un poco ocupado, esperamos 30 o 40 minutos para nuestra comida. La atmósfera era ruidosa porque había muchas personas comiendo. Tenían las persianas abiertas para dar al restaurante luz porque el día estaba soleado afuera. El mesero fue consistente y se aseguró que tuviéramos una bebida y de que nuestra comida se viera bien. La presentación de nuestra comida fue muy buena y se veía muy deliciosa. Ordenamos el pan francés con vainilla y una tortilla con diferentes carnes como bistec, tocino y jamón para probar diferentes cosas en el menú. Tomé mi primer bocado y empecé con la tortilla. Estaba muy buena y tenía mucho queso. Tenía una buena cantidad de bistec, tocino, y jamón adentro, vino acompañada con tortas de papas fritas que estaban deliciosas y crujientes. Mi amiga empezó con el pan francés con vainilla. Ella dijo que estaba muy bueno. La vainilla le dio un sabor diferente al pan francés. Cambiamos platos a la mitad de la comida para que las dos probáramos algo diferente de

FOTO POR COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Highlander Public House está localizado en 726 Scott Ave., abril 21.

la carta. Estuvimos de acuerdo en que los dos platos estaban muy deliciosos y podíamos recomendarlos a otras personas. Después de comer, era tiempo de pagar. Yo pienso que el precio de la comida fue razonable, considerando cuánta comida recibí. Nuestro total fue $27 después de impuestos y propina. El desayuno para dos fue razonable y comparable con otros restaurantes. En general, pensé que la ubicación era bonita y estando en una parte histórica de la ciudad le dio más carácter al restaurante. El precio de la comida fue muy razonable cuando consideramos cuánta comida nos dieron. El servicio fue rápido y consistente. Al final, comer en este restaurante fue una buena experiencia en un día soleado. Mi amiga y yo disfrutamos ahí y tuvimos muchas ganas de regresar en el futuro.

Evaluación de Marisa: 4/5

Servicio: Limpieza: Ambiente: Comida:

4/5 3/5 4/5 5/5

FOTO CORTESÍA DE COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Highlander Public Bar sirve hamberguesas, pan francés y más, abril 21.

MATH is more than numbers

A talk with MARCOS LO P E Z THALÍA DOE REPORTER ichita Falls native and associate mathematics professor, Marcos Lopez, says despite the misconception that most mathematicians have always loved math, his was gradual. “I actually didn’t fall in love with math until well after I had been doing it for many years. I’m actually from Wichita Falls; born and raised and I attendead high school at Hirshi. I had amazing teachers there, I was good at it, and I knew I was good at it, but it wasn’t the ‘thing’ I did. I was very much a band geek and a music kid,” Lopez said.

A budding love for math

Math wasn’t Lopez’s first choice. He attended the University of North Texas for his undergrad when he noticed the career path for music would take much longer than math. “I am a first-generation student; I didn’t know anything about what all you could do in college. I didn’t even know you could double major and when I found out – it was too late for me to want to do that. It was longer for me to do the music degree; but I knew I was good at math, so I just thought to myself ‘Oh, I’ll just start with math and see how it goes’ and I just continued to do it and continued

doing well in it. More and more I started to really like math,” At the end of his undergraduate career at UNT. Lopez decided that he wanted to continue studying math. It was suggested he apply for graduate school into which he was accepted, at the University of Cincinnati.

People are scared to make mistakes but you can’t learn without making mistakes and that’s okay. Coming in with the mind that you can’t do it, will only make it harder,” MARCOS LOPEZ Associate mathematics professor “When I was accepted into graduate school at the University of Cincinnati, while I was there, that’s when I can confidently say, I ended up liking math. Once you go to grad school, you’re surrounded by people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles, but you all have that one thing in common…and ours was that we like math. Being surrounded by others that were enthusiastic about math, made me enthusiastic about studying the subject. I love when people ask me if I have always wanted

to do math because I get to tell them my story and say ‘no, I actually was the kid with the drumsticks and a guitar, and I just did a lot of other stuff that you may not think I did,” Lopez said. As his love for math, came gradually his decision to be a teacher as well. Lopez says it wasn’t until his last year of grad school when he decided teaching was the path he was going to take. “I was at the University of Cincinnati for six years. Six years to get the PhD and you already start teaching mildly, like as a teacher assistant. I would do problem sessions for students, and by your second and third year, you start teaching your own courses and I had started winning awards and being recognized even by teaching those courses. I had then visited a friend of mine at Kenyon college; a private liberal arts school and I saw how it was different in comparison to the big schools I had been at like UNT and then Cincinnati which both have more than 40,000 students and just fell in love with the environment. I decided I wasn’t going to apply for positions at heavy schools, just liberal arts schools…one of which was in my very hometown… MSU. Furthermore, it had just so happened the department was in search for hiring a new professor to replace David Tucker who was retiring,” Lopez said.

Moving back home

Lopez said it was comforting moving back to Wichita Falls since he was born and raised here. “I already have friends, family here, I’m never going to get lost because I know where everything is at, and I still had friends that were in Denton that I went to UNT with and that just was really important for me. I had already moved out of Wichita for sometimes because I didn’t just want to stay here forever, so it all just worked out,’ Lopez said.

Lopez’s philosophy PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Associate professor Marcos Lopez is also the Faculty in Residence at Legacy Hall, so he often interacts with students who work with housing, April 20.

Lopez says math is more than just numbers. More than solving problems and getting the ‘right answer’. “It’s not what people typically

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Associate professor Marcos Lopez didn’t immediately fall in love with math, and instead came to love it over time while earning a degree at University of North Texas, April 20. think. A lot of people just assume it’s numbers. Math is knowing three things are true and figuring out what else is true based on those three things. It’s not just trigonometry, or calculus. It’s a way to look at systems and at logic and make a prediction and then test it. I get so much satisfaction watching students as they grow in our program solve and figure things out themselves,” Lopez said. Lopez shared how he teaches students that are required to take courses such as college algebra or contemporary math and may feel defeated even before walking into the classroom. “Day one of math courses that are required by the university that end up having majority students from other majors; I always run a discussion. I ask, why are you in this course? Why

does your program think you need to take this course? I think students come in negatively because they don’t already know the answers, but I don’t expect them to. That’s why I am here to teach the course. I expect you to learn it over the fifteen weeks that I have with you. People are scared to make mistakes but you can’t learn without making mistakes and that’s okay. Coming in with the mind that you can’t do it, will only make it harder,” Lopez said. A quote that Lopez lives by is “There are very few decisions that you can make that will derail your entire life. A lot of times, you can get caught up in what decision you should make; just make one and then decide if you like it or not. You will almost never make a decision that is the ‘wrong’ decision…because there isn’t a right one.’ Lopez said.

THE

WICHITAN HIRING IS

FALL 2022 SEMESTER APPLICATIONS DUE

TUESDAY, APRIL 26 REQUIREMENTS

Resume Short statement on why you are a good fit for the position Sample of previous work Managing & Section Editors: Writing Sample Spanish Editor: Spanish Writing Sample Design Editor: Design Sample Social Media Manager: Sample posts/content Editor-in-Chief: Writing Sample

OPEN POSITIONS Managing Editor Spanish Editor Design Editor Photography Editor Business Manager Social Media Manager Editor-in-Chief Section Editors Entertainment, Sports, Feature & News

SUBMIT TO: wichitan@msutexas.edu Editor-in-Chief SUBMIT TO: jonathon.quam@msutexas.edu

Donate Life month sheds light on patients’ struggles CECIL WITHERSPOON REPORTER ne woman’s struggle with cancer has brought a nationally prominent topic into sharp focus for the local community; April is Donate Life month, a time when awareness for signing up as an organ donor is promoted and celebrated. But for someone like MSU class of 2006 graduate Summer Hickman, whose mother Carla Shannon Inman needs a stem cell transplant to keep her acute myeloid leukemia in remission, focusing on the importance of a donation happens more than just one month a year; it happens every day. While the stem cell transplant Inman needs falls outside the scope of what organ donors sign up for, the two types of donation go hand-in-hand; both require the commitment to sign up, both ask little of registered donors and both can save lives.

Summer’s story

Hickman’s life changed on Jan. 1, 2021, when doctors diagnosed her mother with acute myeloid leukemia. Just three days later, Inman started treatment. One of the challenges facing her and other AML patients is the necessity of finding a stem cell donor who is not only registered to donate, but who also has the proper type of antigens. Hickman explained the difficulties of finding the right donor. “It’s not based on your blood type, its based on your HLA typing. HLA stands for Human Lipocide Antigen typing,” Hickman said. She later added the national registry of donors has stringent requirements for donors to be connected with patients in need of transplants. HLA typing must match almost exactly for the national registry to get involved. “So with the registry, they look for 10 different types for the HLA typing. For the registry to flag a match, you have to match nine-out-of-10 or 10-out-of-10 on those HLA typing. But like me and my brother, we only match five-out-of-10. And so a partial match could still work. But the registry doesn’t let you know if there’s a partial match, they only flag the ones that are perfect or near-perfect matches. So we’ve been trying to get the word out for people to, once their registrations are complete or they’ve gotten the private test or anything like that, to get a copy of that HLA re-

port to us so that we can compare it to my mom’s. Because there might be a partial match out there, that could be a really good match that could help her save her life, that otherwise wouldn’t have been flagged,” Hickman said. Hickman and her family and friends have been working to find at least a partial match for her mother. Hickman said doctors are optimistic about Inman’s chances of staying in remission if they can locate the match they need. To increase their chances, Hickman and her friend Samantha McMahen are organizing local events to help people register as stem cell donors and get tested in search of the match Inman needs. “We’re going to have a booth at the farmers market for potential donors for stem cell transplants for Shannon Inman. And we’re going to have some of the volunteers out,” McMahen said. There are also additional events planned for later on. At each, people will have the opportunity to get a quick swab test which will reveal if they are compatible matches for people like Inman. “We’re going to have a table at the art walk May 5, and then we’re going to have an event at the brewery on May 7 from 12 until six, where we’ll have bands play and activities. Fun stuff going on, where people can enjoy the brewery,” McMahen said.

Donate Life month

Hickman’s story is a microcosm of the challenges facing patients who need organ or other transplants. Over 100,000 people are waiting for organ transplants in America today. ShaMyiah Jones and Roseline Akwukwah, nursing seniors, hosted a booth to spread information about organ donation at the most recent health fair in Centennial Hall. Jones said she hopes to see the number of people waiting for transplants decrease. “I think we should definitely bring awareness to that number, because many of those patients are acutely ill and they are in need. And I feel that the family members of those people are really hoping and wishing and praying for people, and even older people like us, to step forward and register,” Jones said. Akwukwah added that registering as an organ donor is easy. “The first step is just going to the

website, Southwest Transplant Alliance and just register. I mean they go through a lot of process, but it starts with you registering. Or even when you go to renew your driver’s license, you can let them know that ‘I’m ready to be a donor’ and they will put it in the system and update your records. So it don’t cost anything, it’s very easy. You can do it with your phone, there’s a QR code that you can just upload on your phone, and it’s just a one-two-three steps and you’re registered,” Akwukwah said. Jones mentioned that registration is also possible online, at either donatelifetexas.org or through the website of the Southwest Transplant Alliance. Janna Lee, STA representative at United Regional hospital, spoke about the impact of Donate Life month and the STA’s efforts to promote it and said the community outreach opportunities it provides are beneficial. “Saving lives is really a very lofty goal, and any chance we get to engage with that through our donors and through our recipients definitely helps everybody,” Lee said. The impact of registering as an organ or stem cell donor is usually small for the donor, but means much more to the people waiting for a transplant and to their families and friends. “Once you’re registered and have that swab done, then you’re just a hero in waiting,” McMahen said.

MSU connection

Hickman isn’t the only tie between MSU and the registration of life-saving organ and stem cell donors. Lee and the STA have carried on an annual tradition of raising the Donate Life flag in front of D.L. Ligon coliseum. Additionally, Lee said she gets the opportunity to talk to nursing students about the importance of the issue. “I do get to do education with the nursing students, I had a booth at the health fair. This year, some of the students actually took that project on. That was really, wow, amazing, to know that students wanted to do that themselves, so very uplifting for me. Hopefully we’re making a difference there,” Lee said. Akwukwah was

one of those students. She said she hopes more people on campus consider becoming donors. “I think the most important thing, especially on campus, is for us to continue to create that awareness and talk to people and you know, tell them about the importance of becoming a donor. Basically, we all have to help each other out. It’s a necessity,” Akwukwah said. Jones echoed Akwukwah’s hope that students on campus would register, and said the ability to help others is what makes registering important. “I feel like a lot of us are just not really having a hangup on that registration process, but getting that extra push to go and actually register. I just feel like we all have different gifts, and we all have many gifts. But I feel like the gift that, the common gift that God gave us, is to help people. And I feel that that’s exactly what registering to be an organ donor is: we want to help someone else live a healthy and prosperous life, even after we’ve gone away or have left this life,” Jones said.

Additional information

Upcoming stem cell compatibility testing events organized by Hickman and her family and friends include: - Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wichita Falls farmers market - Tuesday, May 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the downtown Art Walk - Saturday, May 7, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Wichita Falls Brewing Company Additionally, registration is available online at dkms.org

Donation and Transplantation Statistics 41,000

transplants from 20,300 donors brought renewed life to patients in 2021.

100,000+

people are waiting for lifesaving organ transplants.

60%

of patients awaiting lifesaving transplants are minorities.

Every 9 minutes

another person is added to the nation’s organ transplant waiting list.

people die each day while waiting for a transplant. Data sources:

- Based on OPTN data as of January 10, 2022; https://optn.transplant.hrsa. gov/2020 Annual Data Report. - Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients; https://srtr.transplant.hrsa. gov/annualreports/Default.aspx Accessed March 2022.

April 22, 2022

Articles inside

ENTERTAINMENT

CAMPUS VOICES