May 20, 2022 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

2 May 20, 2022

BRIEFS Mazachek starts on Monday

Your summer doesn’t need to be exciting, but it should be relaxing.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RICCARDO | PEXELS

Take this summer to relax

WICHITAN STAFF he life of a college student can be described in one word: busy. It’s filled with late-night study sessions, exams, extracurriculars, jobs, internships and a social life to maintain. There’s no stopping during the school year and when summer break comes around it’s suspicious the amount of free time you are given. As a college student, you feel like you can always be do-

ing more which leads to the stress of signing up for summer classes and finding a job or internship. An alternative to this is you haven’t had a break from academics and need to fill your summer with trips and activities that you wouldn’t be able to do during the school year. You may go into the summer thinking you have to make the most of it by doing something or else it’s wasted, but it’s okay to do nothing.

Staying home and doing things that might not be considered exciting is alright. You are not falling behind by taking some time to focus on yourself. You spent the last five months working non-stop and are probably burned out. Being burned out is never fun, and this is the best opportunity to recover from that. You finished another semester of hard work and only have a few months until the next. Take this

summer to relax and recharge for the semester to come. Yes, relaxing and destressing are different for everyone. Some might enjoy having a summer filled with activities while others enjoy the opposite. What matters is that you do what you feel is best for you during this time away from academics so you can go into next semester ready to take on anything that comes your way.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------EN ESPAÑOL a vida de un estudiante universitario se puede describir en una palabra: ocupada. Está llena de sesiones de estudios nocturnos, exámenes, actividades extracurriculares, trabajos y una vida social que mantener. No hay paradas durante el año escolar y cuando llegan las vacaciones de verano es sospechoso la cantidad de tiempo libre que tienes. Como estudiante universitario, sientes que siempre

puedes hacer más, lo que genera el estrés de inscribirte en clases de verano o encontrar un trabajo. Una alternativa a esto es que no has tenido un descanso académico y necesitas llenar tu verano con viajes y actividades que no podrías hacer durante el año escolar. Puedes entrar en el verano pensando que tienes que aprovecharlo al máximo haciendo algo o de lo contrario se desperdiciará, pero está bien no hacer nada. Quedarse en casa y hacer cosas

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que podrían no considerarse emocionantes está bien. No te estás quedando atrás si te tomas un tiempo para concentrarte en ti mismo. Pasaste los últimos cinco meses trabajando sin parar y probablemente estas agotado. Quemarse nunca es divertido y esta es la mejor oportunidad para recuperarse de eso. Terminaste otro semestre de arduo trabajo y solo tienes unos meses hasta el próximo. Aprovecha este verano para relajar y recargar energías para el próximo

semestre. Sí, relajarse y desestresarse son diferentes para todos. Algunos pueden disfrutar de un verano lleno de actividades, mientras que otros disfrutan de lo contrario. Lo que importa es que hagas lo que creas que es mejor para ti durante este tiempo fuera de lo académico para que puedas entrar al próximo semestre listo para enfrentar cualquier cosa que se te presente.

JuliAnn Mazachek, the sole finalist for MSU’s presidency will formally begin her tenure on May 23. Chancellor of the Texas Tech University system, Tedd L. Mitchell, formally welcomed Mazachek via Postmaster. “I invite you to join me in welcoming her, along with her husband, Keith Mazachek, Ph.D., and their family as they officially become part of the MSU Texas campus and the Wichita Falls community,” he said in the Postmaster on May 19. James Johnston, interim president, will be returning to his role as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Incident Management Team set to shut down The university’s Incident Management Team, which was formed to monitor and plan actions for COVID-19 will be deactivated. Via Postmaster, interim president James Johnston said that the unit had fulfilled its purpose. “After more than two years of dedicated work, we believe it is time to deactivate our IMT. University leadership will continue to monitor the situation and re-activate the team if needed, “ he said. Covid-19 signs will be removed from campus Due to low circulation of COVID-19, coupled with high levels of both natural and vaccine immunity, COVID-19 signage will be removed from campus starting the week of May 18 and throughout the summer. Campus reporting protocol will also conclude.

Editor in Chief: Stephanie Robledo

Managing Editor: Anne Akpabio

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Photography Editor: Colin Stevenson Spanish Editor: Lizbeth Jaimes Section Editors: Cecil Witherspoon, Thalía Doe Business Manager: Tiffany Haggard Social Media Manager: Rebekah Gardner Issue Staff: Joey Arthur Advisor: Jonathon Quam

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.

May 20, 2022

Caring about politics is hard but doable – and it is worth it Campus Voices are the opinions of only the authors and do not necesssarily reflect the views of The Wichitan as an organization.

t’s hard to care about politics sometimes – okay, a lot of the time. It’s much easier to look at how divided the political Cecil Witherspoon landscape in America is today, and simply turn away with a grimace. The center of politics in America is being ostracized as both left and right push further and further away from the moderate and on to more extreme positions. People who like to argue and debate and fight for every single issue, are at their prime in today’s political climate. But that leaves many of the rest of us – equally concerned about America, and with strongly-held but less extreme beliefs – stuck in the middle. It’s easy to feel exhausted by trying to voice an opinion as loud or louder than everyone else at school, at work or on social media. Living in a deep red or blue state can make your voice and vote feel worthless, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile to share your thoughts; the free circulation of ideas means our system still has hope, despite how hopelessly divided it may seem. It’s critical that Americans, especially those who don’t cling to one extreme or the other of the political spectrum, continue to voice their ideas and opinions civilly. If you feel about ready to give up on politics completely, don’t. Here are a few ways to avoid frustration in politics, make your voice count and model civility.

Pick your battles

You don’t have to argue with everyone who disagrees with you. I know – they’re wrong, and you’re certain of it. That doesn’t mean you can change their mind though – nor does it mean you should feel pressured to try. Instead, think about the things that are important to you. Defend your strongest beliefs

the most, and devote less energy to things that don’t matter as much to you. Focusing more on your deepest beliefs gives you more time to educate yourself on those issues, and keeps you from feeling drained or burned out arguing less important things. It also lends more weight to the things you care about because your argument isn’t diluted by other arguments about lesser issues.

Be open-minded

Not every political discussion has to be an argument. If you haven’t researched an issue and don’t have a strong belief, don’t feel the need to argue about it; discuss and share your opinion, but don’t treat it as a life-and-death battle for the soul of the nation. If you’re talking to someone and they share an opinion that isn’t morally objectionable, hear them out as long as they’re civil. Ask questions and share your thoughts, but accept that you don’t have to change their mind to your point of view.

Remember the golden rule

There are many variations, from “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” to “treat others how you want to be treated.” However you choose to say it, this rule will make your experience of politics more civil and less stressful. Engage others respectfully and listen to their ideas, and expect that they do the same. If they don’t, leave the conversation – there’s nothing to be gained by staying in it. But don’t let those experiences deter you from being civil and leading by example.

Don’t be consumed

A 24/7 stream of bad news and fearmongering is available to any American who wants it. Getting caught up in the news cycle, particularly from news sources that paint a certain side of the political spectrum in a negative light, can lead to either political extremism or burnout.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STOCKSNAP | PIXABAY

America’s political landscape is pushing persons to either extremism or burnout. Limiting your media intake to only what you feel is necessary to stay informed can combat this. Listening to less commentary and focusing more on forming your own opinions can also help avoid falling into the doom-and-gloom news trap. Overall, it makes it easier to keep from making politics too large of an influence in your life. In turn, this helps you stay level-headed, engaged and less stressed when dealing with politics.

Vote

Voting is the single most important thing you can do. You don’t have to share your votes with anyone, you

don’t have to vote in every single election and most importantly you don’t have to stand by and watch policies you disagree with go into effect. If you live in a state where one party or the other dominates, casting your vote can feel meaningless. But if you vote in opposition to the majority, it shows up in final election tallies and might inspire someone else to do the same. More resources might be spent in the next election to make your position a suddenly viable one to vote for. If you still can’t hold your nose and vote for one of two candidates that you dislike, consider writing in a name.

In the end

The important thing to remember, in voting and politics overall, is that even if you don’t shout the loudest, your vote and opinion carry as much value as anyone else’s. It’s easy to be discouraged by the polarization and lack of civility, but change won’t come from the people who are polarized and uncivil. It will come from people who lead by example, vote their beliefs, and refuse to be dragged into pointless arguments. It isn’t too late for you to make a difference, however small, in politics, and America will be better for it if you do.

4 May 20, 2022

Black graduates stand together on the stage at the end of the ceremony, 2022.

PHOTO BY ANNE AKPABIO | THE WICHITAN

MOSAIC Center hosts 2022 spring Black Graduation ANNE AKPABIO MANAGING EDITOR n May 6, 2022, the MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center hosted Black Graduation in the Akin Auditorium. The event started at 7 pm and was in honor of students who are African American, have African descent, or identify as Black. The hosts of the event were Tobi Oladipo, management and information systems senior, and Ibukun Dosumu, Black Stand Council representative. The event started with a tribute to the Kickapoo and Arapaho tribes and all the other indigenous people that once called the MSU territory their home. After this, the attendees were asked to stand and sing along with Brittany Roberts, sociology graduate, as she led the Black National Anthem. Following this was the Libation Ceremony, which was led by the rev. Marcus Jones. This ceremony paid tribute to the African ancestors and the predecessors of the current black generation who lived and died around the time of slavery. “The Libation Ceremony is one of the moments where we bring in together the African diaspora in all the ways in which we gather. It is one of those things that solidifies for us that this is not just something for this moment, but this is historical and ancestral,” said Jones. Jones said Black Graduation is an impactful and important event

for the Black Graduates because it is a focused celebration of them and their predecessors. “I think Black Graduation is important because it is one of the few moments in the matriculation process of the students that they will be acknowledged not just for graduating but for their cultural identity and heritage. This is one of the few times in their lives where the focus will be on them because of their achievement from a communal and ancestral place...although the main graduation is tomorrow, tomorrow they become one of many,” said Jones. Black graduates line up at the front seating before the start of the black graduation ceremony, 2022. (Anne Akpabio) The representative of the Black Stand Council also described this event as impactful and important for the representation of the Black community at MSU. “Yes I do, I think black graduation is impactful to the black graduates because it is important to be represented and it is important that the university shows appreciation and shows Black students in a predominantly white institution are being recognized,” Dosumu said. The ceremony highlighted the importance of celebrating black graduates and their achievements throughout their college life. Samuel

Hodges a graduating economics student described the importance of the event and how important it was for him to be recognized. “Black Graduation is very important to me because it shows how we go through a lot as Black American people and it feels good to be recognized,” Hodges said. The event shed light on diversity and inclusion. Shontay Tatum, graduating in social work, described the ceremony as one that celebrates diversity and Black achievement. “Black graduation means to me celebrating one diversity and also celebrating the hardships that have made it difficult in achieving my diploma and celebrating overcoming those hardships,” Tatum said. The MOSAIC center started Black Graduation back in 2019 to recognize Black graduates. In this ceremony, one of the student organizers of the first-ever Black Graduation at MSU got to participate in the ceremony as a Black graduate. Jay Surles described the moment as sentimental and meaningful. “Black graduation is a little bit more sentimental to me than most graduates because I was a part of that first Committee that did the first Black graduation back in 2019 and so now being here graduating and getting to do the ceremony has been a very meaningful experience to me...I would describe it as a full-

circle moment,” said Surles. The graduates also got to experience an in-person ceremony this year without a mandatory mask mandate and described it as impactful and emotional. “I am extremely excited because throughout this process you kind of got to see the smiles of everybody and a glimpse of what they have gone through and how much it has paid off,” Hodges said. The family and friends of the graduates were present to share this celebratory and impactful moment with the graduates. “I definitely believe it has made it more impactful to me, I am somebody who just loves to have my family with me celebrating it in realtime,” Tatum said. The ceremony was centered on the achievements of the graduates and how their individual achievements would become a collaborative form of excellence for the Black Community. Lumiere Bisisi described the event as one that represents the Black culture and celebrates Black excellence. “Before 2019 we didn’t have something like this but now we have something that represents the Black culture and I truly believe that it is a good thing for us to celebrate Black excellence. It is something that makes an impact on the student because some students want some-

thing that will be able to celebrate them as Black people and just be able to show their greatness,” said Bisisi. The event ever since its inception was a learning experience for the officers of the MOSAIC Cross Cultural center. The event has grown much since its inception due to the support and assistance of MSU and the MOSAIC coordinators. Ibukun Dosumu spoke of how the event has improved over its lifespan in terms of the experience and funding. “It’s much better now because there’s better leadership and we’re getting more input from other people to make the experience better, there’s a bigger community, there’s more funding which just improves the quality of the event in general,” Dosumu said. Lastly, Bisisi spoke on how the MOSAIC Center contributed immensely to the growth and success of Black Graduation over its lifespan. “When it started in 2019 we didn’t have that many people graduating and coming up to the celebration ...but with advertising and a lot of help from MOSAIC we have been able to really push the event to reach a lot of black people and we believe that MOSAIC has played a huge part for this event, not just supporting us financially but supporting marketing,” Bisisi said.

May 20, 2022

Unidos Commencement celebrates Hispanic graduates STEPHANIE ROBLEDO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF pril 30, 2022, marked the fourth biannual Unidos Commencement. A pre-commencement cultural graduation that celebrates and honors Hispanic students who have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from Midwestern State University. The bilingual ceremony began with a brief history of the indigenous people of Wichita Falls which was followed by a moment of silence. After the moment of silence Claudia Montoya, professor of Spanish, was introduced as the guest speaker. Montoya began her speech with a quote from American philosopher, Eric Hoffer. “A plant needs roots in order to grow. With men and women, it is the other way. Only when you grow, you have roots and feel at home in the world,” Montoya said. During her speech, Montoya shared her story. Telling the audience about her childhood in Puebla, Mexico, and her journey to where she is today. Montoya recalled the hardships she faced. “I do not have what is called in English ‘generational wealth.’ ¿Sabes? Esa riqueza que se va pasando en la misma familia de generacion en generacion…,” Montoya said. “...Ev-

PHOTO COURTESY OF MSU TEXAS WORLD LANGUAGES AND CULTURES

At Unidos Commencement, Spanish professor Claudia Montoya serves as guest speaker, April 30.

erything, absolutely everything I have, I have earned through hard work and sacrifice. Most likely like many people in this room today.” Montoya speaks about the privilege walk, a social experiment that puts people in a line and has them take a step forward if they were at an advantage in life or a step backward if they were at a disadvantage. The point of the experiment is to show how much privilege or struggle one has experienced in life. Montoya gave examples of disadvantages such as not being a native English speaker in the US, not having parents that went to college, not being encouraged to go to college and other examples that would be considered a disadvantage. Montoya then congratulated those that did not experience many of the hardships mentioned, telling them to be thankful and mindful of who they want to become by supporting others just as they have been supported. Montoya also congratulated those that did experience several of the hardships she mentioned, telling them that the willpower they have will always be their guiding star. “Personal goals should not be measured by public recognition such thing is nice to have but what is more important is to know how far you have come with the tools you have been given,” Montoya said. “Lo importante no son las medallas ni los diplomas ni las recompensas. Lo importante es que tu sepas que pudiste en la carrera de la vida a pesar que aveces no tener zapatos, ese es el verdadero triunfo.” Montoya ended the speech by giving the graduates 12 lessons from her life experience that have been useful to her. Following Montoya’s speech, the graduates walked the stage. The graduate’s name was called and then a song of their choice played, from Vicente Fernandez to Harry Styles. “[The Unidos Commencement] is to show our spirit and what we value which is family… We just want to commemorate the Hispanic graduates,” Osiel Telles-Alvarado, criminal justice junior and Unidos Committee chair, said. Once the graduate’s name was called they walked to the opposite side of the stage where they were met by loved ones that would put the colorful serape stole on the graduate and together they would walk off the stage. As graduates waited for their names to be called, Velia Lozano, Clark Student Center custodian, stood beside them making sure they were ready. “I feel very happy to see them graduate because a big part of my day is spent in Clark, it’s my second home, my second family. It brings me great joy that [the students] accomplish their purpose, graduating, accomplishing their professions because at the end of the day it’s a sacrifice that they live day by day,” Lozano said. Lozano met many of the parents in attendance because the graduates would introduce her to their families. This means a lot to Lo-

PHOTO COURTESY OF MSU TEXAS WORLD LANGUAGES AND CULTURES.

Latine graduates fill the stage during the ceremony, April 30. zano who says the feeling of knowing students tell their families about her is indescribable. Following the ceremony was a reception that included food from Tortilleria Lupita. Family and friends came together to celebrate the graduates. “I’m here celebrating the Unidos ceremony with my parents,” Livey Panaiagua-Cruz, social work graduate, said. “To have a community, to have a home outside of home I think it also brings a lot of the students together.” Panaiagua-Cruz said having this commencement makes her feel included. Similarly, Acelynn Madrano, respiratory care graduate, participated to celebrate her culture and achievements as being part of the Latinx community. “It celebrates us and makes sure we have a safe space to be ourselves,” Madrano said. “It’s a great thing that they are doing because it means a lot to our community, especially our parents.” The Unidos Commencement has been used as a way to highlight and celebrate MSU students that identify as Latinx or Hispanic. Veronica Flores, English graduate, is happy to be graduating and participating in the Unidos Commencement. “I know that personally, I also worked with MOSAIC, so I know that we really wanted to give a chance to students with cultural backgrounds to have their moment because often a lot of us are first-gen and a lot of us struggle and it’s really hard for us to get through college. So celebrating these milestones is really important,” Flores said. Making the Unidos Commencement a reality takes planning from the first week of the semester and is led by the Unidos committee.

This was a mostly student-driven event according to Telles with help from the Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, the Omega Delta Phi Fraternity and the Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority. “This is our fourth one, we’ve had three previous successful ones. The first one was the hardest one to plan out, we had to get the kinks out. This one was the biggest graduation we had,” Telles said. There was a total of 35 graduates that walked the stage. 37 had signed up but one was unable to attend due to other obligations and one was virtual. The sign-up to participate in the Unidos Commencement is not as big as most would think says Jamilah Kangudja, coordinator of MOSAIC and the honors program. “This has been the biggest one since they began and I think a lot of people still don’t necessarily know what this is and a lot of people are skeptical before they sign up,” Kangudja said. Kangudja believes that the rise in popularity of the Unidos Commencement correlates with the rise of participants. The Unidos Commencement is one of the cultural graduations at MSU with Black Graduation being the other cultural graduation. Both fairly new, but Kangudja hopes for this to be the beginning and in the future MSU celebrates the graduation of other communities as well. “When you look at retention when you look at those things the numbers aren’t high. So the fact that these groups of people are making it to the finish line it’s a moment that should be celebrated,” Kangudja said. “I think that’s why these types of cultural celebrations are needed and they’re necessary. I hope to see more throughout the years, more people to be celebrated.”

6 May 20, 2022

Editorial | Campus Voices | Graduation | Top St

TOP WICHITAN STO

Here’s a look back at our most viewed stories. To read t NEWS STORIES

The search is over! JuliAnn Mazachek is the sole finalist for MSU’s presidency

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

JuliAnn Mazachek is the sole finalist for MSU’s presidency, Mar. 7.

MSU celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Drag queen Tiffany gives a lap dance to counseling center assistant director Zachary Zoet during former’s performance, Oct. 22.

STEPHANIE ROBLEDO MSU MOSAIC and PRIDE teamed together to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month by hosting events throughout October. These events aimed to raise awareness about the LGBTQ+ community. “I believe just like any observances or community, I think it’s important to highlight any community. Ruby Garrett, assistant director of MOSAIC Cross-Cultural Center...

Board of Regents meeting brings big changes to the

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Students and faculty celebrate MSU becoming an official member of Texas Tech Univeristy system, Sep. 1.

CECIL WITHERSPOON After a months-long closed search, MSU and the Texas Tech system finally pulled the curtain back to reveal JuliAnn Mazachek as the sole finalist for the position of president. The news first came out during the Texas Tech board of regents meeting Monday morning via teleconference, where the board unanimously approved a vote to name Mazachek as the sole finalist. Fanfare and decorum followed soon after at a reception held in Comanche Suite in

Clark Student Center at noon of the same day. Tedd Mitchell, chancellor of the Texas Tech University system, presided over the event and introduced Mazachek, who also spoke. Mazachek, the vice president for academic affairs at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, is leaving Washburn after three decades. Her titles have included dean of the business school, vice president for academic affairs and president and CEO of the Washburn University Foundation...

Legacy Fire Briefly Disrupts Campus Life

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

The fire at Legacy Hall left damages in the lounges of Hall B on floors two to four, Jan. 29.

SAMUEL KOONE On Friday, Jan. 28, a fire broke out in Legacy Hall’s 4B lounge. The fire was extinguished by the automatic sprinkler systems in the building and all students were evacuated safely. Campus and city police forces reported to the incident, as well as the city fire department. Kristi Schulte, director of residence life and housing, remarked on the rapid response...

MSU hires Brittanie Talley as the new head softball

university

coach

EMILY BEAMAN On Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents met on MSU Texas’ campus to hold a ceremonial meeting to officially welcome MSU as a member institution of their system. “I think [MSU Texas] has the perfect campus culture to fit in...our great system,” Jesse Mendez, TTU Dean of the College of Education...

THALÍA DOE Brittanie Talley, former Vernon College coach, has been hired as the new head softball coach at Midwestern State. After coaching the Lady Chaps for the last five years, Talley displayed tremendous leadership, taking an eight-win program to their highest national rank. Talley is expected to do the same for...

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRITTANIE TALLEY

Brittanie Talley, former Vernon College coach, replaced Mark Ryal as the head coach for the softball team, 2022.

tories | Entertainment | Español | Wichita Falls

May 20, 2022

ORIES OF 2021-2022

the full stories, check out our website: thewichitan.com. NON-NEWS STORIES

Enter into Euphoria season two

PHOTO COURTESY OF HBO ENTERTAINMENT.

Dominic Fike and Zendaya co-star as Elliot and Rue Bennett in HBO’s teen drama, “Euphoria,” 2022.

The Catch will get you hooked

PHOTO BY SHUNDE HOOKS | THE WICHITAN

Crab leg boil with lemon pepper butter seasoning is one of the meals offered at the Catch, Sep. 22, 2021.

SHUNDE HOOKS The Catch, a cajun-style restaurant, opened their doors about three weeks ago to serve customers and provide them with their mouthwatering meals. If you were to pass by and glance from the outside, you could see lines backed up to the streets and a good amount of people heading inside on the move for seafood. Just like these customers trying the new restaurant, I had to see

Understanding love languages

PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY.

Lave languages refer to how people give and receive love, 2022.

WICHITAN STAFF Valentine’s day is right around the corner and as many scramble to find the best way to celebrate the day of love, it’s important to note that everyone communicates love in their own way. Everyone has their own love language. This refers to how people give and receive love. This phenomenon was discovered by Gary Chapman, an American author, who is known for “The Five Love Languages” series...

NATALIE COOK Much like the first, Season 2 of Euphoria is proving to be just as jarring and explosive as its predecessor. With the heavy subject matter featured in the show, what more could you expect? The storyline is packed full of sex, drugs and violence. Almost 2 years after Season 1 aired, viewers finally got to see what happened after the fateful night where Jules (Hunter Schafer) left Rue (Zendaya) at the train station. Here’s a recap of Euphoria’s first two episodes. Spoilers ahead. The first episode starts off with the classic character recap, this time focused on how

Fezco the drug dealer, played by Angus Cloud, came to be. I personally enjoyed this scene and having the chance to know more about Fezco, though I could have done without the shooting murder of an elderly man. The episode then follows the characters at a booze-filled New Year’s Eve party. As for the other characters, Rue, who has relapsed, and Jules finally reconnect after that fateful night on the tracks. Something tells me this reconciliation may not last long, due to Rue’s newfound friendship with fellow addict Elliot, played by Dominic Fike...

Ghostly rumors of MSU campus investigated

PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY

Rumors of ghosts at MSU spook some students, while others are skeptical, 2022.

FISHER SIEGLER On Friday, Jan. 28, a fire broke out in Legacy Hall’s 4B lounge. The fire was extinguished by the automatic sprinkler systems in the building and all students were evacuated safely. Campus and city police forces reported to the incident, as well as the city fire department. Kristi Schulte, director of residence life and housing, remarked on the rapid response.

“The Adam Project” review

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX, INC.

Walker Scobell plays young Adam Reed, while Ryan Reynolds plays an older version of the character, 2022.

JOEY ARTHUR “The Adam Project” is a Netflix original that has taken the world by storm. Directed by Shawn Levy, “The Adam Project” is about 40-year-old Adam Reed (Ryan Reynolds) who, after losing his wife, travels to the past and teams up with his 12-yearold self (Walker Scobell) to save the future. Shawn Levy is most known for directing “Real Steel” and “Free Guy”. He also co-produced “Arrival”...

8 May 20, 2022

Top 5 movies to watch this summer W

ith the stress of finals finally behind us, what better way to enjoy your summer break than going through a summer movie list. It doesn’t matter if you are working this summer, enrolled in summer school or if you’re doing absolutely nothing, you deserve to treat Joey Arthur yourself to some quality cinema time. So whether you are going with your friends, family, that special someone, or even yourself, here are my top 5 movies you should watch this summer. If you like my picks, check out The Wichitan website to see my full top ten list.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES

Ever since the release of the first Doctor Strange in 2016, I have been anticipating its sequel. Following the events of “WandaVision,” “Loki,” Marvel’s “What If…” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” this film features Stephen Strange, a former neurosurgeon turned master of the mystic arts, and his quest to protect America Chavez, a teenager with the ability to freely travel the multiverse from a Darkhold-possessed Wanda Maximoff who now goes by the Scarlett Witch. Directed by Sam Raimi, the movie is the MCU’s first attempt at a horror movie and it portrayed that brilliantly. It features a lot of cameos and callbacks to the comics that lit up my heart. It also answers many questions and debates within the MCU fanbase. Last, and most important, it is a story that follows the pain and heartbreak that has shaped Wanda Maximoff into the villain presented in the movie. It tells a tale of how the constant struggles of life can be so much on one person (even the most powerful person in the MCU) that in the fight for inner peace, they can deviate from who they are. Release date: May 6

Brandon Perea, Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer star in the upcoming “Nope” directed by Jordan Peele, 2022.

“Where the Crawdads Sing”

“Nope”

A movie adaptation of the 2018 novel by Delia Owens, “Where the Crawdads Sing” tells the story of a Kya, a girl who after being abandoned in a marsh in North Carolina raised herself to adulthood and is now being investigated and hunted as a prime suspect in the murder of a man she barely knew. The movie is being produced by “Legally Blonde” actor Reese Witherspoon. Included in the cast are Taylor John Smith and Harris Dickinson. Also, Billboard’s Woman of the Decade for 2010s, Taylor Swift, will be featuring her new song “Carolina” as part of the movie’s soundtrack. Release date: July 15

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARVEL STUDIOS

“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Daisy Edgar-Jones plays main character Kya in “Where the Crawdads Sing,” 2022.

Xochitl Gomez (America Chavez), Benedict Wong (Wong) and Benedict Cumberbatch (Dr. Strange) star in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” 2022.

Jordan Peele of the comedy duo “Key and Peele” is back with another sci-fi horror, “Nope.” The movie centers around residents of an isolated town who witness and abnormally react to a strange and outlandish event that seems extraterrestrial. The movie stars Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun and Barbie Ferreira. I am a huge fan of Jordan Peele’s work, from award-winning and nominated movies like “Get Out,” “BlacKKKlansman,” “Us,” “Candyman” to the hilarious comedy series, Key and Peele. Release date: July 22

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARVEL STUDIOS

Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth costar in “Thor: Love and Thunder,” 2022.

“Thor: Love and Thunder”

Following the huge success of “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Avengers: Endgame,” Chris Hemsworth is back for the fourth installment in the Thor movie series. Directed by Taika Waititi, “Thor: Love and Thunder” take place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame” in which Thor Odinson leaves the Guardians of the Galaxy to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace which is soon disrupted by the threat of a god serial killer. I am most excited to see Christian Bale’s take on Gorr the God Butcher, a comic book character I have loved since his debut in “Thor: God of Thunder” #2. Release date: July 8

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEN WORONER/UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Ryan Kiera Armstrong takes a lead role in the upcoming “Firestarter,” 2022.

“Firestarter”

This one is for all the horror fans out there. Stephen King is well known for writing some of the best horror movies in existence. Now the king of horror is back with another amazing one, “Firestarter.” It features a young girl, Charlie Mcgee, with pyrokinetic abilities (the ability to control fire with her mind) who is trying to understand how she got her powers and how to control them while being on the run from a secret government agency. The movie is a modern reiteration of the 1980 version that starred David Keith and Drew Barrymore. Release date: May 13

May 20, 2022

“Un Verano Sin Ti” es el álbum para este verano B

enito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, También conocido por Bad Bunny, saco su sexto álbum el 6 de Mayo; “Un Verano Sin Ti.” Thalía Doe Al mejor tiempo, sin coincidencia, con el comienzo de verano. El álbum tiene 23 canciones que son puros ‘palos.’ “Un Verano Sin Ti” es el álbum perfecto para este verano, con features de otros artistas de Reggaetón, como Rauw Alejandro, Chencho Corleone, Tony Dize, Jhay Cortez y muchos más. En 2020, Ocasio saco tres álbumes, uno tras uno; “YHLQMDLG” en febrero, “Las Que No Iban a Salir” en mayo y para el fin del año, “El Ultimo Tour Del Mundo”, cuando muchos fans especulaban que el artista iba a retirar después de sacar este. Dos años después, desde el artista ha sacado un álbum completo, con algunas singulares y featurings como; “Lo Siento BB” junto con Tainy, “Yonaguni”, “AM remix” con Nio García y J Balvin, “Volví” con Aventura y más. Aunque mientras

trabajando por este álbum y sacando temas con otros cantantes, faltaba su presencia. Puede decir que el artista por un rato desapareció. Sin embargo, por razón. El más escuchado del género Reggaetón volvió y más fuerte que nunca. Solo con el primer día de salida, “Un Verano Sin Ti” rompió un registro de Spotify siendo el álbum más transmitido este año, además, 22 de las 23 canciones están en los “Billboard Hot 100” cuatro de estas 22, están en los “top 10.” Ahora, ocasio tiene la habilidad de cantar temas de cómo se siente tener el corazón roto o de la ausencia de alguien en la vida…pero con ritmo de perreo. Como siempre, Puerto Rico sigue siendo su musa y hay canciones como “El Apagón” que el dedico específicamente a Puerto Rico. También, apareció una canción de trap; “Dos Mil 16,” que es el estilo de como Ocasio gano su fama en Puerto Rico y luego globalmente. Grabado parcialmente en Puerto Rico y también en la Republica Dominicana, sus raíces están evidentes en los latidos que usa. “Después de la Playa” es el ejemplo perfecto antes de pensar que esta canción es otro

‘palo’ de Reggaetón...apenas después del primer minuto, Ocasio nos sorprende al cambio a Merengue. Así que, si no esperaba bailar, se equivocó. Aunque el tema del álbum es un poco triste con el título “Un Verano Sin Ti,” las vibras en este álbum, se pone uno contento y como en los visualizers donde se pueden encontrar cada canción en el canal de YouTube de Bad Bunny, es un álbum para relajarte, disfrutarte y perderte en la naturaleza de la playa. La primera canción; “Moscow Mule” que es por ahora, la única canción que tiene video musical; nos trae a una aventura con un amante y despues terminamos en la playa, con los sonidos de pájaros, viendo las olas en el mar y sintiendo la arena por la costa. Como ya se había dicho mil veces, este álbum es para relajarte. Después de escucharlo más de diez veces, puedo decir, que este álbum no se trata del ritmo común de Reggaetón. Es lento, suave, como mayoría de estos temas: “Un Ratito” , “Otro Atardecer” , “Andrea” , “Un Verano Sin Ti” , “Neverita” , “Aguacero” , “Un Coco” , pero también pega duro con “Moscow Mule” , “Me Porto Bonito”

, “Tarot” , “La Corriente” , “Party” , “Dos Mil 16” y “Titi Me Pregunto”. Las que nos pone contentos como “Enséñame a Bailar” , “Después de la Playa” , “Me Fui de Vacaciones” , “Ojitos Lindos” , “agosto” y “Callaita” que está en su propia categoría, que tiene todas estas emociones. Para terminar el álbum quizás su canción mejor conocida, que robo el corazón de todo el mundo en 2019…”Callaita.” Esa misma, es la última canción de “Un Verano Sin Ti.” Nos da nostalgia. Si ha sido un fan de él, sin duda se acuerda cuando esta canción salió. Y como todos sentíamos. Aunque hace dos años desde su salida, se siente de nuevo otra vez. Y hablando sincero ¿Cuál otra manera tan perfecta para terminar el álbum? Empieza con la playa y termina con la playa dejándonos con el sentido de liberarnos y olvidar de nuestra propia vida desconectándonos de este mundo. El álbum, tiene cada ‘mood’ que está buscando, de felicidad, de tristeza, de romance, perreando en la discoteca. Si no lo has escuchado, aun si no quieras. Debes escucharlo. Es una necesidad.

FOTO CORTESÍA DE IMDB

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, también conocido por Bad Bunny, 2022. Evaluación de Thalía: 5/5

“Cheaper by the Dozen,” Hace justicia a la nostalgia?

a película “Cheaper by the Dozen” está basada en la película original por el mismo nombre que estrenó en 2003. Se Lizbeth trata de una familia Jaimes con diez hijos viviendo en Illinois. La historia sigue los dos padres trabajadores en su vida frenética con una familia grande. Ahora en Marzo de 2022, sale la historia de una familia con hijos añadidos por amor, tragedia y matrimonio. El padre, Paul Baker (realizado por Zach Graff) tuvó dos hijas en un matrimonio anterior, antes de casarse con Zoey Baker (realizada por Gabrielle Union) quien había tenido dos hijos con su ex-esposo y juntos tuvieron cuatro hijos más. Por otras circunstancias, la familia dan la bienvenida a dos niños de otras familias. El padre trabaja de cocinero en un restaurante de desayuno que la familia maneja juntos. Él tiene un

sueño de crear una ninos estan presenempresa de salsa tes. Los niños pequeque inventó para su ños de la familia restaurante. MienBaker sirven como el tras la madre ayuda centro de la comedia manejar el restauporque son intelirante con su licencia gentes e imaginatide negocios. vos y a menudo se Al principio de la meten en situaciones película, se pinta la extrañas y cómicas. vida de una familia grande y de padres Es dificil seguir los divorciados como conflictos personales una hazaña fácil y de cada niño indicorta. Sobre el tiemvidualmente entre po, se puede ver que una hora y cuarenta las cosas no son tan y siete minutos. El simples. Juntos, la argumento sigue las pareja Baker afronvidas de 12 niños y tan muchos probsus padres a fin de lemas tratando de cuentas. Introducicumplir sus sueños FOTO CORTESÍA DE WALT DISNEY PICTURES endo las temas de y crear su familia lo raza, riqueza, acoso “Cheaper by the Dozen” contiene un balance de humor y mas. La película mejor que puedan. La historia con- para adultos y humor inocente, 2022. usa mucho tiempo tiene un balance de para introducir perhumor para adultos y humor ino- nan solamente para los padres y crea sonajes y temas antes de continuar cente. Algunos de los chistes funcio- un ambiente incómodo cuando los a otra situacion y se repite el ciclo.

Como el original, estan sucediendo muchas cosas a la vez. Cada niño tiene su personalidad y problemas mientras los padres trabajan para arreglar sus propios problemas y los de sus hijos. Pero a diferencia del reparto en la primera pelicula, la realizacion de estos personajes es menos creible. Los escritores se aprovechan de las oportunidades para mencionar temas muy relevantes, pero no tienen suficiente tiempo para profundizarlos más. Aunque la manera de la película de acercarse a la audiencia no siempre tiene enfoque, es efectivo en empezar conversaciones sobre los temas mencionados y es efectivo en crear un ambiente en cual la familia puede relajarse y reír. Cada persona se puede encontrar en cualquiera de las personalidades de los miembros en la familia Baker.

Evaluación de Lizbeth: 3.5/5

10 May 20, 2022

Cosas que hacer en Wichita Falls este verano TRADUCIDO POR LIZBETH JAiMES

ara algunos el verano está a la vuelta de la esquina y para otros el verano ha llegado oficialmente. Si ya estás en ella o no, el calor de Texas nos hace sentir las vibras del verano. Con este camThalía Doe bio de temporada a relajarnos y disfrutarnos usualmente nos preguntamos qué planes tenemos para el verano. Que deberíamos hacer, con quien deberíamos pasar el tiempo, donde ir, etc. Si no has reservado boletos para cancun o asistes a MSU y no eres un nativo de wichita falls pero estas pasando el verano aqui, aqui hay algunas cosas que hacer y lugares a visitar este verano aquí en Wichita Falls.

Castaway Cove

Es oficialmente la temporada de bañarse - mientras puedes disfrutar de una buena natación en su propia piscina local de la comunidad, ¿por qué no tomar la oportunidad de cambiar las cosas y montarse en las atracciones mientras todavía puedes tener esa experiencia de salpicar? Castaway Cove, ubicado en 1000 Central Freeway East, presenta numerosas atracciones, toboganes, un “lazy river”, y mucho más para todas las edades.

Lake Wichita

Supongamos que no eres el tipo para consentirse bajo el agua pero si te gusta estar alrededor de ella y absorbiendo la belleza de la naturaleza; Lake Wichita es el lugar para estar. Ya sea para ir en un barco con sus amigos, pescando con un querido o simplemente sentarse y escuchar al agua moviéndose, Lake Wichita ubicado en 5205 Fairway Blvd. es un parque de 234 acres que no solo tiene la belleza del lago pero también un excursión de concreto de 2.6

millas y un sendero de bicicleta que corre del parque hasta la presa del lago. Es un gran comienzo para sus mañanas antes que salga el sol o una manera tranquilizante para terminar su noche después de un dia largo en el trabajo.

Lucy Park

En otra instancia donde serías una persona que ama la naturaleza pero no un fan de estar cerca del agua, si quieres tener una buen comida al aire libre, caminar con un amigo o un querido, tener un picnic íntimo o meter sus millas para correr por el dia, hay un sendero de 1.7 millas que circula el parque, Lucy Park es el lugar para estar. Este parque estira sobre 178 acres, ofreciendo dos grandes resguardos de picnic que pueden ser reservados por el precio de $15 por cuatro horas y el resguardo principal con 20 mesas de picnic que pueden sentar hasta 120 FOTO CORTESÍA DE CASTAWAY COVE personas y más. Además, el parque Castaway Cove es un parque acuático que ofrece atracciones acuáticas, 2022. tiene dos baños publicos en caso por si quieres pasar todo el dia alli, una para niños). Si o no esta disponible esta ex- WFAFB “Night in Nola” piscina, canchas de baloncesto, un campo de posición especial, estará lista - en general, el ¿Por qué ir a Nueva Orleans? Júntense disc golf con 18 hoyos, tres áreas de juegos, Museo de Historia del Norte de Texas siem- con Wichita Falls Area Food Bank el 18 de jutres canchas de voleibol (dos de arena, uno de pre es un buen lugar para ir y verlo, nunca nio de las 6:00 p.m. hasta las 8:00 p.m. para concreto)...sigue la lista. Definitivamente no hay algo demostrado sin importancia o insig- una noche mágica llena de música en vivo, iría al parque por la misma cosa porque ofrece nificante para el mundo en cual vivimos hoy. baile y cena. Esta noche especial tuvo lugar muchos propósitos en muchas ocasiones. en el Park Place Event Center; más detalles serán lanzados luego que se acerca el evento. Jurassic Quest

Museum of North Texas History

El Museo de Historia del Norte de Texas llevará a cabo una exposición de mujeres rural de Texas en trabajo: 1930-1960 de humanidades Texas será expuesto desde Mayo 19 hasta Junio 11. Los boletos tendrán que ser reservados ($5.00 para adultos y $2.00

¡Llamando a toda la gente que ama a los dinosaurios! El Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall regresó con su aventura clásica interior de Junio 18 19. En esta exposición, los dinosaurios son de gran tamaño pero amables para la familia y no se preocupe - con estos dinosaurios, se puede acercar y ser personal con ellos.

Stone Oven Pizza

Stone Oven Pizza en colaboración con Psychedelic Events serán la anfitrión de una fiesta del barrio más tarde este verano en el 2 de julio entre las calles de Scott y Lamar. Comida, artistas en vivo y actividades estarán afuera esta noche - esto no es el evento que quieres faltar .

Texas Ranch Roundup

Si te consideras un vaquero o vaquera, el viernes, 15 de julio el Texas Ranch Roundup es un evento “original” diseñado para replicar los “big cattle roundups” que ocurrieron en los 1800s por los 1900s. En 1981, el primer rodeo fue presentado. El primero de cientos que ocurren ahora por todo nuestro país. Va ser en el Kay Yeager Coliseum de las 7:30 a.m. hasta las 10 p.m.

July 4th in Wichita Falls Freedom Fest

FOTO CORTESÍA DE JURASSIC QUEST

Jurassic Quest te permite acercarte a los dinosaurios, 2022.

El MPEC en downtown Wichita Falls será la sede de Freedom Fest para la celebración del 4 de julio de este año. El evento será desde las 5 p.m. hasta las 9 p.m. con camiones de comida, vendedores, espectáculos de carros. Música en vivo, una tienda de campaña para cerveza, actividades para niños y por supuesto cohetes. Presentado por la comunidad de wichita falls, esta es una manera divertida para celebrar el cuatro de julio con los amigos y la familia.

FOTO CORTESÍA DE TEXAS RANCH ROUNDUP

Texas Ranch Roundup imita el rodeos de ganado del 1800s, 2022.

May 20, 2022

Things to do in Wichita Falls this summer F

or some of us, summer is just around the corner, and for others, summer has officially arrived. Whether you’re in it already or not, the Texas heat sure has us feeling all the summer vibes. Along Thalía Doe with this change of seasons to resting and enjoying ourselves, we usually ask ourselves what plans we have for the summer. What we should do, who we should hang out with, where to go etc. If you haven’t booked tickets to Cancun or attend MSU and are not a Wichita Falls native but are spending the summer here, these are a few things to do and places to visit this summer right here in Wichita Falls.

Castaway Cove

It’s officially bathing suit season – while you can enjoy a nice swim at your own local community pool, why not take the opportunity to switch it up and go on rides, while still being able to get that splashing experience? Castaway Cove, located at 1000 Central Freeway East, features numerous rides, slides, a lazy river and more, acceptable for all ages

Lake Wichita provides scenic views with its nature, Jan. 20, 2020. Lake Wichita

Let’s say you’re not one to indulge yourself underwater but you sure do love being around it and taking in the beauty of nature; Lake Wichita is the place to be. Whether it be for going on a boat with your friends, fishing with a loved one or simply just sitting back and listening to the water move, Lake Wichita on 5205 Fairway Blvd. is a 234 acre park that not only has the beauty of the lake, but also a 2.6 mile concrete hike and bike trail that runs from the park to the dam of the lake. It makes for a great start to your mornings before the sun comes out or a calming way to end your evening after a long day at work.

Lucy Park

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Lucy Park is home to a man-made waterfall acting as the “Wichita Falls,” Oct. 21, 2021.

In another instance where you might be a nature lover but not a huge fan of being near water, if you’re wanting to have a nice cookout, walk with a friend or loved one, have an intimate picnic or get your miles in to run for the day (there is a 1.7-mile concrete trail that circles the park), Lucy Park is the place to be. This park stretches over 178 acres, offering two large picnic shelters that can be reserved for just $15 for four hours, and the main shelter with 20 picnic tables that can sit up to 120 people and more. Furthermore, the park features two public restrooms in case you want to spend the whole day there, a swimming pool, basketball courts, an 18-hole disc golf course,

three playgrounds, three volleyball courts (two sand, one concrete) …the list goes on and on. You definitely will not be going to Lucy Park for the same thing twice, as it serves multiple purposes for many occasions.

Museum of North Texas History

The Museum of North Texas History will be holding an exhibit of ‘Rural Texas Women at Work: 1930-1960’ from Humanities Texas which will be on display from May 19 to June 11. Tickets are required ($5.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids). Whether or not this special exhibit is in place, the Museum of North Texas History is always a nice museum to go and check out, as there is never anything unimportant or insignificant to the world we live in on display.

Jurassic Quest

Calling all dinosaur lovers! The Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall is back to hosting its classic indoor adventure June 18-19. In this exhibit, the dinosaurs are supersized but family friendly, and don’t worry – with these dinosaurs, you can get up close and personal with them.

Stone Oven Pizza

Stone Oven Pizza, in collaboration with Psychedelic Events, is hosting a block party later this summer, July 2, between Scott and Lamar Street. Food, live performers and activities will be available at the event. Definitely an event worth checking out.

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

July 4th in Wichita Falls Freedom Fest

Freedom Fest for this year’s celebration of the Fourth of July will be hosted at the MPEC in downtown Wichita Falls. The event will be hosted from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with food trucks, vendors, car shows, live music, a beer tent, activities for children and of course fireworks. Hosted by the Wichita Falls community, this is a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends.

WFAFB “Night in Nola”

Why go to New Orleans? Join the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank on June 18 from 6:008:00 p.m. for a magical night filled with live music, dancing and dinner. This special night will take place at Park Place Event Center; more details will be released as the event gets closer and closer. For more info. check out the WFAFB’s social media

Texas Ranch Roundup

Do you consider yourself a cowboy or cowgirl? Go showoff your skills at the Texas Ranch Roundup. On Friday, July 15, this “original” event will take you back to the big cattle roundups that occurred in the 1800s through the 1900s. In 1981, the first rodeo ever was hosted – the first of the hundreds that now occur throughout our country. It will be at the Kay Yeager Coliseum from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Bring your best cowboy hat.

12 May 20, 2022

HAPPY SUMMER!

Have a great summer!

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN