BY ts UTSA studen R FO ts UTSA studen
Vol. 55 Issue 8 February 28 March 7, 2017 /PaisanoOnline
/ThePaisano
Trump rescinds transgender protections
Opinion Pg.5
@PaisanoMedia
@ThePaisano
Roadrunners softball hosts UTSA classic
Cine Festival
Arts & Life Pg.8
Diego Lopez
Dr. Agrawal gives report to Faculty Senate he hoped for the sake of “all of us” that there’s a quick resolution to the investigation, within the next week or two weeks. “My focus right now is to make sure the ship is running; nevertheless, it’s a hard time for all of us,” he explained. The mood in the room was tense. A frustrated faculty senator asked why acting UTSA President Pedro Reyes had not given a statement. Before stepping into this role, Reyes was the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the UT System. “The situation is highly charged and a lot of lawyers are involved,” Agrawal responded. He said that he was personally delighted with Reyes who at one time was Romo’s boss. According to Agrawal, the acting president is eager to address the Faculty Senate and
Editor-in-Chief
@CarolineTraylor news@paisano-online.com Last Thursday Dr. Mauli Agrawal, UTSA interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, gave a brief report to the Faculty Senate at their monthly meeting. Agrawal began by commenting on President Ricardo Romo’s administrative leave. “I honestly cannot tell you anything more than what the newspapers are reporting because that’s all that we know,” Agrawal said. The UT System is holding information “very tightly. I only got 16 hours advance notice,” the provost said on Chancellor McRaven’s announcement placing Romo on administrative leave due to allegations regarding his conduct. Agrawal stated that
students. Reyes attended the Student Government Association’s general assembly. Agrawal mentioned that Reyes visited the Sombrilla to chat with students. The Paisano attempted to reach Reyes but was intercepted by Joe Izbrand, UTSA’s chief communications officer. In an email, Izbrand said, “As I’m sure you can imagine, Dr. Reyes’ schedule is quite full in these early days in his role as Acting President and, unfortunately, he is not available for an interview at this time.” Agrawal also discussed President Trump’s executive order banning travel from seven majority Muslim countries and the impact it might have on UTSA students. “There are 50 students from the banned countries, so summer may become an issue,” the provost
said. Many international students prefer to spend the season in their home countries, but the travel ban may complicate those plans, he explained. There are pending applications to graduate programs from several of the countries listed in the executive order. Agrawal said that within the last three years UTSA has experienced a significant decrease in the number of international students enrolled. Tuition for international students is significantly higher than in-state tuition and is an important source of revenue for the university. “These are tough times, but the sky is not falling,” Agrawal concluded. The Faculty Senate will meet again March 23 at 3:30 p.m., in the Regent’s Room (MB 3.106).
Football revenue and expenses under scrutiny Molly Crowder Contributiung writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com “University football brings everybody together as one, and our school wouldn’t be as spirited without it,” said sophomore biology major Deidre Creel. However, there have been several articles published on the amount of money lost because of college football. One article in the Texas Tribune reports UTSA football suffered a loss of $5,425,952. However, these articles do not take all the financial factors into account. The $3,082,484 revenue does not include student fees or money transferred to the Athletics department of the university. The UTSA Athletics department
receives $12,032,206 for student fees. The UTSA
“We don’t get money from the state. It is against Texas state law.” -Lynn Hickey
UTSA Athletics Director
athletic fee is $20 per semester hour taken. “We don’t get money from the state. It is against Texas state law to give direct funding to state university athletic departments. This means we have to fundraise, sell tickets and utilize our student fee to make up for it,” said UTSA Athletics Director Lynn Hickey.
Football revenue heavily relies on sponsors and donors, so attendance at the games is important. The average attendance at a UTSA football game is 27,567 fans. “The fact that we haven’t won a whole lot of games recently makes people uninterested. Not a lot of people want to buy season tickets for a team that doesn’t win,” said sophomore communication major and UTSA football player Josiah Tauefa. Better teams generate more money; wealthier schools can afford to recruit better players and coaches. In 2015, UTSA paid football coach Larry Coker $350,000 and the university won only three of 13 games. In 2016, Coach Frank Wilson signed a five-year contract with
a salary of $650,000. He in turn led UTSA to six victories and the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. “I believe UTSA football will now receive many more sponsors and donations because the team made it to the bowl this year“ said sophomore nursing major Briana Loera. The football team has grown exponentially greater in just the five years of its existence. Every year it receives more money from fans, and sponsors such as Red McCombs who donated $1,000,000. Some other sponsors are SACU, Seaworld and the San Antonio Express News.
Here’s a look at the amount of money the athletic deoartment earns and spends by itself. Revenue doesn’t include student fees or money transferred into the department by the university. The UTSA athletics department receives $12,032,206 from student fees and $1,522,914 from the university.
Expenses: $26,177,864
UTSA EARNED MONEY FROM...
UTSA SPENT MONEY ON...
Ticket sales: $2,155,482
Athletic scholarships: $5,088,760
NCAA/conference distributions: 2,199,767
Coaching salaries: $4,244,895
Loss: $13,164,299
Recruiting: $494,022
Revenue: 13,013,5655
Sports Pg.9
East Asia Institute hosts Councilman Nirenberg
Interim Provost talks Romo and travel ban Caroline Traylor
www.Paisano-Online.com
Courtesy of Texas Tribune
Staff writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com On Tuesday, Feb. 21 the UTSA East Asia Institute hosted District 8 City Councilman Ron Nirenberg for a lecture: “Building Bridges by Crossing Borders: How Citizen Diplomacy is Creating Global Stability. “
Isaac Serna, The Paisano District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg.
“The event went very well and the councilman gave a very informative lecture on his trip to the city of Wuxi and the city of Nanjing in China last year. He pointed out the potential collaborations between the cities in his lecture and elaborated it in more details when he answered the questions from the audience.” Director of UTSA East Asia Institute Dr. Wan Xiang Yao said, “This event is important to us because UTSA has a goal to prepare our students to work in a global environment. As UTSA continues to grow into a nationally recognized university, understanding
and appreciation of cultural and economic differences between the two countries become more important to our students.” Students, faculty and interested city residents gathered in the UC Denman Room (UC 2.01.28) to learn about Councilman Nirenberg’s recent trip to China and his ideas regarding global citizenship, food scarcity and water security. The primary focus of discussion in China was, “How can we better our communities?” said Nirenberg. The Edwards Aquifer provides San Antonio residents with clean water, and the newly proposed Vista Ridge Pipeline (which Councilman Nirenberg supports) would establish another innovative way to better water conservation and sustainability. San Antonio’s water system is a model for other cities. This allowed Nirenberg to collaborate with leaders in China who are also working to improve their water systems. China views water as a human right and is working to provide clean water to their growing urban population. During his visit to China, Nirenberg discussed the importance
See Sister, page 2
UTSA science professors react to NASA announcement
Jeremiah Hobbs Staff writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com NASA announced on Feb. 22 the discovery of Seven Earth-like planets orbiting a star called Trappist-1, with three existing in the habitable zone—meaning liquid water can cool on the planet’s surface. UTSA Physics & Astronomy Associate Professor Dr. Chris Packham said of the discovery, “It’s a tremendously exciting time to be an astronomer, with the pace of discovery regarding so-called exoplanets increasing rapidly. Surely it cannot be too much longer until we discover the tell-tale signatures of life on other
planets, albeit perhaps only microbial life. All of mankind’s existence we have asked, ‘are we alone?’ In our generation, we may be able to truly answer that question.” NASA made this discovery with the Spitzer space telescope, determining the seven Earth-like planets orbited around a star called Trappist-1 about 40 light years away from Earth. NASA found that one planet’s atmosphere suggests a water-rich composition after reading data from measurements derived by a technique called transmission spectroscopy. This technique can detect different chemical species in a planet’s air, such as water, methane or oxygen.
See Habitable, page 2
2 UTSA Fifteen UTSA students were part of the Nepalese Student Association collaboration with Prosperous Nepal, a non-profit organization, to open a library for a rural village in Nepal. The students raised $1,100 for books and study materials that will be a part of the library. The fundraiser consisted of selling water on a San Antonio street, holding events on campus and donating their personal funds.
Texas Texans protested President Trump’s refugee ban and border wall proposal on Sat., Feb. 25, at the Texas Capitol. Thousands of protesters heard U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro and congressman Beto O’Rourke speak at the rally. The politicians’ rhetoric emphasized continual protest to end the ban and proposal. Activists, refugees, immigration-law attorneys, immigrants and members of the Muslim community also spoke at the event
U.S. Former U.S. President George W. Bush stated in an interview with NBC Today that free press is an important part of American democracy. Bush told the interviewer it was important for the “media to call to account people who abuse their power.” He is also on record for attempting to convince Russian President Vladimir Putin of the importance of an independent press.
Habitable planets recently discovered continued from page 1 Concerning the possibility of life on any of these planets, UTSA Assistant Professor of Geology Dr. Marina Suarez said, “We know that life exists in some amazing places on Earth, so I think it is not difficult to think life could exist on an Earthlike planet elsewhere in the universe.” Trappist-1, the star home to these seven Earth-like planets, is an ultracool dwarf star. According to Dr. Gillon, this type of star is “much cooler and much smaller than our Sun.” Trappist-1 was discovered in May 2016, with three planets, sparking the study that lead to finding four more planets. The seven planets orbiting Trappist-1 are all within a region about five times smaller than the distance between Mercury and our Sun. UTSA Physics & Astronomy Professor Dr. Eric Schlegel described
the importance of this distance from a visitor’s perspective. He asks you to imagine yourself walking one of the planet’s surface while reading a good book, saying, “you will be able to see the other planets reasonably well because they are so close, but the ‘reading light’ provided by (Trappist-1) will be quite red.” This monumental discovery comes 22 years after astronomers found the first planet outside of our solar system called 51 Pegasi b. In 2013, astronomers predicted the existence of as many as 40 billion Earth and superEarth-sized planets within habitable zones. NASA’s Kepler space telescope discovered the first Earthsized planet in a habitable zone on July 23, 2015.
Science Researchers from the University of Washington have published a geology study in Quaternary Research this month that states Siberia’s Batagaika crater could enlighten the past 200,000 years of climactive history. By studying the layers of the crater, environmental changes can be reconstructed. The purpose is to compare the climate change in Siberia with the North Atlantic region during the Ice Age. The data will help understand climate change.
Sister Cities encourage global relationships continued from page 1 of understanding issues related to urban growth. “For the first time, more people are living in urban areas than rural areas, worldwide,” Nirenberg stated. Although Shanghai’s metropolitan area may seem like, “organized chaos,” its system works. Nirenberg also met with the Vice Mayor of Nanjing Chu Yonghong to discuss economic growth and sustainability. Nationally, San Antonio ranks 38th in economic capacity despite ranking seventh in size. The trip was sponsored by Sister City International. Sister City International connects cities worldwide through cultural, educational, informational and trade exchanges. President Dwight Eisenhower envisioned an organization that would serve as the hub of peace and prosperity, so he created Sister City International at his White House conference on citizen diplomacy in 1956. Of San Antonio’s ten sister cities, five cities are
located in China, including Shanghai and Nanjing. “Since its inception, Sister Cities has played a critical role in sustaining global relationships by connecting cities through civic, educational and cultural exchanges. That’s because we know when citizens create diplomatic relationships that cross borders, conflict is replaced by understanding and paths toward economic partnerships,” Nirenberg who also serves as vice chair of the organization, stated. “I believe organizations like Sister City
people can educate themselves and focus on the similarities rather than the differences between each other’s societal behaviors,” said junior political science major, mathematics minor and MOVE San Antonio intern Jeremy Sifuentes. “We are citizens of the world. The world does best when we collaborate. Our communities thrive when we thrive together,” Nirenberg expressed to the crowd during his lecture. Developing contracts and establishing partnerships with cities in foreign nations creates a stable
Isaac Serna News Editor
@IsaacRSerna news@paisano-online.com The UTSA community lost two highly revered professors: Dr. Cynthia Hawkins, Department of English, and Dr. John Morris, Department of Political Science and Geography. Hawkins passed on Feb. 16, 2017 while battling cancer. “Cheerful, generous, bright, encouraging, participating in and helping with numerous departmental events, Dr. Hawkins was a cherished advisor, supporter, mentor and
Cynthia Hawkins, PhD
Courtesy of UTSA
friend,” English professor Dr. Wendy Barker said. “Losing her rips open a terribly painful gap in our midst.” Hawkins was a Pushcart nominee, Dzanc Books Best of the Net nominee and a twotime runner up in Glimmertrain Press’ fiction contests. She remained dedicated to her creative writing and shared raw insight into the finality of an artist’s life in her short story “Here Lie the Broken Bones of Cynthia Hawkins.” “I vaguely remember a faux window in the first hospital with a golden-lit giraffe as if I was on safari with Hemingway and admiring the vista while in agony. Otherwise, my story has one room, one ambulance ride,” she wrote. The narrator’s reflection of her experience of breaking her femur nods to Hawkins’ affinity for literature. The reference to Hemingway and personal agony captured the spirit of American creative fiction. “These details are the most important ones
NEWS
Texas house bill 112 asks that there is a cap on the amount of tuition each student has to pay at a public university. This bill seeks to strike out the previous clauses allowing the governing board of the Education Code to increase tuition rates as they see fit. Increasing costs of tuition have always provided a hardship on students, especially at a campus where most students are commuters. This bill would not provide a freeze on the current tuition rate; instead, this bill sets a limit to the amount that a higher education (collegiate) school can charge for each student’s tuition per credit. A specific dollar amount has not been set for this bill yet, but, students should be optimistic if this legislation moves forward. To read the exact proposal, visit the link below. http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/85R/billtext/pdf/HB00112I.pdf#navpanes=0
UCLA professor shares ‘The Status and Future of Ethnic/Race’ with UTSA Jessica Salinas news@paisano-online.com
Sister cities, San Antonio and Wuxie both have a riverwalk.
International should be an essential part of cities’ growing diverse populations. It’s a great idea to bring cities and people closer together because it then creates a society that is aware of other cultures. Through this awareness,
environment, regardless of national and global politics. As the mayoral race heats up, Nirenberg may translate his experiences from the trip to new policy goals for the rapidly growing city of San Antonio.
of this story, and they’re all still lining up,” Hawkins wrote of the love and support poured into her heart from family, friends, colleagues and strangers. “And they’re all still lining up, the ones I sift in my fingers and wonder in dramatic Jane Austen fashion, how can I endeavor to deserve these blessings?” Hawkins graduated from SUNY Binghamton with a PhD in English literature and creative writing. While at Binghamton, she co-founded the Writing By Degrees creative writing conference and received the SUNY Binghamton English Department’s Distinguished Dissertation Award for a creative work, as well as the Marion Link Fellowship for creative writing. Hawkins earned her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from the University of Tulsa where she was the recipient of the Anderson Scholarship for Creative Writing. Stories in her anthologies include “Melon” from “The Way We Sleep” and “Activism on the Ground: Habitat for Humanity” from “The Routledge Handbook of Participatory Cultures.” She was also the editor of the ebook anthology “Writing Off Script: Writers on the Influence of Cinema.” “Cynthia has had an incredibly large impact on my life,” UTSA alumna Stephen Gutierrez said, “not only by helping me become a better writer, but also by encouraging me to follow my dreams in making movies.” The funeral service for Hawkins is Wed., March 1, 10:00 a.m. at Alamo Heights Methodist Church in San Antonio. Dr. John Morris passed Feb. 16, 2017 from complications with a heart bypass surgery. “John was a passionate, irreverent and good natured individual who was very dedicated to his teaching and students,” said political science and geography department chair Dr. Daniel Engster. Morris was described by COLFA Dean Gelo as rigorous and popular. His classes were known to be dynamic: he polled students and fostered debate. “Learning is innate to youth. So is mirth and adventure,” Morris told to UTSA Today, “I personally believe the classroom can include both learning and collective joy.” Morris received his PhD in geography at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a total of four degrees. His research included Historical Geography of Greater Southwest, Exploration and Imaging of the High Plains of Texas and Revelation of 19th Century Culture. He won the University of Texas Regents Outstanding Teaching Award in 2010 and the Piper Professor Award in 2012.
“There is hardly a topic on which John did not have some degree of expertise,” said Dr. Richard Jones, department of political science and geography. “It might be imagined that someone who spoke five languages and traveled extensively (including extended time in Russia, Austria, Israel and Mexico) would have a global perspective and Morris did,” Jones said. “It is interesting that he also had a Texas perspective from his upbringing in the Texas Panhandle and his research on the area. He was involved in local planning issues, particularly environmental planning and activism in Austin.”
John Morris, PhD
Courtesy of UTSA
Morris regularly taught world regional geography, cultural geography, geography of Europe and weather and climate. He particularly enjoyed teaching large auditorium courses. He used wit and humor to further engage with new college students and prepare them for success in their other courses. “He can never be replaced, and we in the department of political science and geography are still mourning his death,” Jones said. Morris is the author of three books: “From Coronado to Escalante,” “El Llano Estacado” and “A Private in the Texas Rangers.” He was working toward submission of a two-volume illustrated study of Texas photographers at the turn of the century, “Lost Artists of the Texas Real Photo.” Funeral services for Morris have yet to be announced.
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February 28 - March 7, 2017 Public university tuition- Bill 112
Senior Copy Editor @ylwbird
In Memoriam: Dr. Cynthia Hawkins and Dr. John Morris
World U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May intends to exit the European Union by the end of March. She plans for the U.K. to have a new free trade deal with the remaining members of the Union. Many have voiced their opinion about the vote, opting to stay within the Union. In June, a referendum was held to Remain in the European Union, however, it was unsuccessful.
NEWS
February 28 - March 7, 2017
“What is our role as students, activists as educators in the current political moment?” This was the question posed by Dr. Gaye Theresa Johnson to a room full of UTSA students and educators. Dr. Johnson, UCLA associate professor of Chicana and Chicano studies and African American studies, lectured on “The Status and Future of Ethnic/Race and Women’s Studies” on Wed., Feb. 22. The lecture was sponsored by the UTSA College of Education and Human Development’s Consortium for Social Transformation, an
administrative unit in the department which encompasses African American studies, women’s studies and MexicanAmerican studies. “The current political moment is so important,” Dr. Johnson said. “I found myself incredibly demoralized about all the things happening.” Recent events include the Dakota Pipeline and the U.S. travel ban and deportation. Dr. Johnson took the audience on a tour of her publication history, or rather, her publications as they relate to the current political climate. Dr. Johnson writes and teaches on race and racism, cultural history, spatial politics and political economy. “These Walls Will Fall: Protest at the Intersection of Immigrant Detention and Mass Incarceration”
is about social protests; moreover, ethnic narratives of resistance. Examples of protest art were showcased in response to the recent U.S. immigration bans and deportations. Dr. Johnson
“Our central concern should be to abolish all forms of oppression” -Dr. Gaye Theresa Johnson
UCLA professor
emphasized the concept of protest art as a counter narrative to left wing press and as a retaliation against the U.S. government. Dr. Johnson showcased
art by Austin artist Ernesto Yerena Montejaro; more specifically, a print entitled “my spirit carries the prayer of the ancestors” from his “Hecho con Ganas” print collection. Music by band La Santa Cecilia was also showcased. The audience was shown the music video for “El Hielo (ICE).” The song and its accompanying music video provide an insight perspective of the problems of illegal immigration in the U.S. The song tells the story of three undocumented characters’ struggle to provide a secure life for themselves and their families. Dr. Johnson had this to say about the power of music: “Music creates a landscape—a home where listeners can never be evicted. It creates a belonging beyond authorization.” Dr. Johnson’s forthcoming book,
Samuel De Leon, The Paisano
“The Futures of Black Radicalism” is meant to revisit the escalation of anti-black state violence and its internationalism. “It is a truth worth knowing for all people,” Dr. Johnson said. “Our central concern should be to abolish all forms of oppression.” Dr. Johnson equates the success of the Trump administration to a reliance on white supremacy. “White supremacy is fragile in its construction because it is hostile to its own history,” Dr. Johnson said, “It is our job as students and scholars to make that history discernable. The mobilization of the right that culminated in the election of Trump as president, but it also the mobilization of the history and struggles of the left that made us prepared and poised to meet this moment with an incredible amount of struggle and
preparation for the struggles that we have ahead.” Dr. Johnson quotes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by stating, “The cry is always the same: we want to be free.” Sophomore women’s studies major Carla Rivera stated the importance of not losing hope in the face of adversity after the lecture. “Even if right now nothing is working out,” Rivera said, “Later on, it does pay off. Suddenly things work out. Hard work pays off by having stamina.” Graduate ESL student John Gahan liked Dr. Johnson’s emphasis on the cooperation between racial groups of common ground of equality and justice. Dr. Johnson’s forthcoming book “The Futures of Black Radicalism” will be released in April 2017.
Feburary 28- March 7, 2017 4 Get a grip – keys to a good handshake commentary
Samuel De Leon @realsamdeleon Last week a video of President Donald Trump shaking hands with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau circulated the Internet. While it is comical to notice how Trump forcefully pulls his counterpart toward
himself, do not let this poor example of handshake etiquette go unnoticed. Handshakes appear in stone artwork as early as the fifth century B.C. The New York Times explains handshakes were initially used an offering of peace; the gesture demonstrated that neither person had a weapon. This sign is still used as an offering of peace as well as a sign of respect. Knowing how to shake hands is important. A hiring manager is apt to notice details the prospective hire will likely not consider: the applicants’ cleanliness, the amount of eye contact maintained and the handshake itself. Having a solid handshake can be
the difference between getting the job or having to apply for another, according to Business Insider. “The handshake is the business greeting: Both men and women need to shake hands, and to do so correctly,” explains Barbara Pachter. The handshake is an important reminder of the power of nonverbal communication. Here are a few things to remember before extending that next important handshake: Dry hands. It is important to make sure you have dry hands when extending a handshake. Having a sweaty palm indicates a lack of confidence. If you have clammy hands, take a
moment to hold onto the lapel of your suit jacket or sportcoat and then proceed with the handshake. If your hands are down by your side, make a quick and discrete move to brush your hands against your pant leg. Firm grip. The grip is a nonverbal cue and the most important part of the handshake. It is important not to have a grip that crushes the other person’s hand, but do not have a limp hand either. People in power are looking to make a power play and they have to impress the applicant as well. If you shake their hand too hard, you are not allowing the hiring manager to show their power. If you have a
OPINION
limp hand, this is another sign of lack of confidence. Executives do not want to hire people who lack confidence. Jewelry. This is a common item that most applicants forget. Having jewelry is already a huge distraction for the hiring manager. If you think that jewelry is necessary, it should be neutral and minimal. The idea of minimal jewelry, if any, similarly applies to the idea of a handshake;consider that hand jewelry can hurt the other person. If you have a ring, this can prod or poke the other person in the handshake, and managers remember this negatively. Take a moment to remove a large ring
or other jewelry before extending your hand. Handshakes are important, especially to executives. Some other things to remember are not to pull the other person toward you, like President Trump, or to let them put your hand on top of the handshake. A good handshake is nice and even with your right hand. Don't do the energizer bunny handshake, where it keeps “going and going”; a handshake should be no more than three up-anddowns or pumps. The handshake could make the difference between your next career move or your next job search.
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UTSA has the second largest number of DACA college students in the nation.
Photo Courtesy from Carlos Aguilar
Immigrant Youth Leadership Op-Ed
Carlos Aguilar @ThePaisano Undocumented students require additional accommodations to successfully navigate the educational system in the United States. While programs such as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)–an executive order that provides temporary relief from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S.–may have improved attendance, retention and completion rates among undocumented students, more needs to be done. Each year approximately 65,000 undocumented youth graduate from high schools around the U.S. However, only an estimated five to 10 percent continue with higher education. The fact that thousands of youths are being set up to not be educated is problematic for any society. The University of Texas at San Antonio knows this. In a meeting with President Romo, faculty and Immigrant Youth Leadership representatives, it was confirmed UTSA has the second largest population of DACA college students in the nation. Thus, understanding and improving our educational opportunities and experiences will inevitably translate into empowered communities with improved social conditions. Although lacking a piece of paper, we are educated as Americans through a free public K-12 grade education granted by the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court case of Plyler v. Doe. As Rogers et al. state, our formation as Americans
seeks to ultimately benefit society as a whole when social and civic responsibilities are required. Yet sociologist Roberto G. Gonzales has exposed how high school graduation forces some undocumented students to adapt to a new reality: a reality as an undocumented American. In this transition to illegality, as Dr. Gonzales describes, most undocumented students experience feelings of rejection, shame, anger, despair, marginalization, fear, low self-esteem and uncertainty due to a lack of legal status. Given our enrollment at UTSA, it is our responsibility as students to seek out resources that facilitate academic resilience and personal growth. As undocumented and DACA students, it is also our duty to demand the just treatment of our peers and our community. Regardless of legal status, race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or party alignment, we all deserve a fair opportunity to achieve academic success. Consistent with James Truslow Adams’ writing in his 1931 book, "The Epic America", undocumented and DACA students also aspire to “be able to attain to the fullest stature of which (we) are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what (we) are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.” I write to remind you that you are not alone and that a support group is available for you. Because this is also your community; we are as strong as the sum of our people. This is a plea to you-–a call to action as capable, academically advantaged and ethically engaged individuals. Your active membership and disclosure promises a safe community of activists, advocates of social justice and characters of moral change and integrity. The members of Immigrant
Youth Leadership extend a cordial invitation to join our organization as members or allies. We believe you will also enjoy and benefit from this affiliation. Should you have any questions about our organization, such as regular meeting dates, please feel free to contact us at immigrantyouthleadership@ gmail.com. Carlos Aguilar IYL Coordinator Points of Contact for Undocumented and DACA students Registrar: Aida Trujillo Registrar Officer II Aida.trumillo@utsa.edu Phone: (210) 458-6911 University Career Center: Karen Ivy Assistant Director, Student Services Karen.ivy@utsa.edu Phone (210) 458-7136 Financial Aid & Scholarships: Justin Bingham Financial Aid & Scholarships Officer II Justin.bingham@utsa.edu Phone (210) 458-7183 One-Stop Enrollment Center: Monica Gonzalez Sr. One-Stop Counselor Monica.gonzalez2@utsa.edu Undergraduate Admissions: Jennifer McDaniel Senior Undergraduate Admissions Counselor Jennifer.mcdaniel@utsa.edu Inclusion and Community Engagement Center Ann Margaret Trujillo Associate Director Annmargaret.trujillo@utsa. edu Phone (210) 458-4770 Breaking Barriers Support Group Dr. Melva Torné-Boyd Counseling Services melva.torne-boyd@utsa.edu Phone: 210-458-6828 Fridays from 10:30 am-11:30 am
Photo Poll
The Paisano asked:
“What is your favorite spot on campus?"
Interviews and Photos by Emi Ferrer
Gabe Porras Mechanical engineering junior
"My favorite spot would be standing on top of the huge staircase leaving the MH Building going toward the UC. The bridges and the walkway symbolize The Riverwalk, the bricks are different colors as if it were the water. I love this spot because it reminds me of the beauty and all the culture that's found downtown.”
Sheridyn Moreland Medical humanities sophomore
"It's either between The Sombrilla or the green area next to the Arts Building. It has a lot of trees and it's extremely peaceful and pretty. I always see people put up their hammocks and with all the stress school causes it's nice to go there and relax.” Brittney Defranco Biology senior "I really like the Sombrilla because it's outside, there are a lot of people here and I get to see my friends."
Chetan Electrical engineering graduate student
"I think my favorite spot is the Starbucks in the JPL. It feels like home (India) because there are a lot of people and it's noisy. I also like that it smells like food, it just feels good and homey."
David Laffoon Communication senior "I like the Sombrilla, it’s where the people are. I also like the surrounding areas like the grassy fields and the benches because it’s more peaceful.”
OPINION
The Paisano Editor in Chief: Caroline Traylor Managing Editor: Ethan Pham News Editor: Isaac Serna Arts & Life Editor: Raquel Alonzo Sports Editor: Frankie Leal Web Editor: Ricardo Rodriguez Photography Editor: Tristan Ipock Magazine Editor: Jade Cuevas Multimedia Editor: Kat Joseph Editor in Chief Assistant: Ryan Thompson Managing Assistant: Raquel Zuniga News Assistant: Samuel De Leon Arts & Life Assistant: Enrique Bonilla Sports Assistant: Wylie Kuykendall Photography Assistant: Chase Otero Magazine Assistant: Sam Ceballos
The UT System owes us transparency editorial It’s been two weeks since UTSA President Ricardo Romo was placed on administrative leave pending a review of allegations to his conduct. The announcement was made in an email sent to UTSA faculty by chancellor William McRaven Since that cryptic email, the UT System has not
given any new information to the UTSA community– the community hit hardest by these allegations. The UT System is obligated to keep its community informed in matters as important as this. President Romo is the longest serving president in UTSA history. He announced his retirement plans last fall and his replacement was slated to
take office in September. Chancellor McRaven placing Romo on leave when he was already on his way out indicates the severity of the allegations. We, the students, faculty and staff who were under Romo’s leadership for 18 years deserve answers. Transparency leads to good governance. The UT System should release more information regarding President Romo not only
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because it's the decent thing to do – but the responsible thing to do. President Romo responded through his attorney on Feb. 16, but there has been no response from the UT System. It is understandable to withhold information such as this for a few days, but two weeks is far too long. The Board of Regents and UT System administrators sit on this information from
Transcending transphobia
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Two months into a
Tristan Ipock, The Paisano Trump presidency, America
The price of free speech commentary
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Feburary 28 - March 7, 2017
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Among many of the issues dominating the political dialogue of our country, liberals and conservatives have another reason to squabble–free speech. At the forefront of this conflict is Milo Yiannopoulos who has made a career out of his scandalous and often satirical, political 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 commentary. And business San Antonio, TX 78249 is good. Phone: (210)-690-9301 © 2016, The Paisano Milo Yiannopoulos’ The University of Texas at San Antonio's commerce is outrage. Handbook of Operating Procedures states This fueled his large in 5.03 that: The University of Texas at San Antonio following of people (UTSA) will not exercise control over the format or content of Student on social media who Publications, but will regulate distribu- share his love of gleeful tion on campus. Student Publications trolling and defiance of will be free of censorship and advance political correctness. approval of copy, and their editors and managers are solely responsible Despite people siding for editorial and content policies and with Yiannopoulos, many decisions. Editors and managers of Student Publications will not be subject Americans saw his rhetoric to arbitrary suspension/expulsion or as harmful. This reached removal from their positions within a Registered or Sponsored Student a tipping point of the Organization (Student Organization) University of California at by the University because of student, faculty, administrative, or public disap- Berkeley. proval of editorial policy or content. In Feb. Yiannopoulos Student Organizations that distribute was scheduled to speak Student Publications are afforded the same rights and privileges as Student at UC Berkeley, despite Organizations that do not distribute strong opposition from Student Publications. students on campus. Things quickly went awry when masked protesters committed acts of vandalism and violence by
setting fires and breaking windows. UC Berkeley was forced to cancel the event but not before at least six people were injured. It is a sad day in America when we silence the voice of others through violence instead of reason. Like many liberals, I vehemently disagree with Milo’s politics, but that does not give me the right to inhibit his ability to speak freely. The point of free speech is to encourage discourse and debate. It allows Americans to deconstruct ideas using words, not violence. The events that transpired at UC Berkeley gave the right ammunition to vilify the left as extremists. Conservatives viewed it as an opportunity to use Yiannopoulos as a symbol for free speech by inviting him to speak at CPAC as an advocate for the First Amendment. That is not to say one cannot be held accountable for his or her words, as was the case for Yiannopoulos. Recently, videos resurfaced of the former Breitbart editor making remarks about pedophilia during a podcast: “Yeah I don’t mind admitting that. And I think particularly in the gay world and outside the Catholic Church if that is where some of you wanna go with this. I think in the gay world some of the most important enriching and incredibly
life-affirming, important shaping relationships very often occur between younger boys and older men. They can be hugely positive experiences for these young boys. They can either save those boys from isolation, from suicide.” That’s not the only instance of Yiannopoulos speaking openly about pedophilia. Milo was also featured on the Joe Rogan Experience describing his inappropriate relationship with a Catholic priest named “Father Michael” when he was a teenager. In both instances, the former Breitbart editor described men having relationships with young teenage boys as positive “coming of age” experiences. Milo has since apologized for his remarks, but as with anything online, words aren’t easily taken back. The Internet is forever. As a result of his remarks, Yiannopoulos resigned from his senior editor position at Breitbart, lost his book deal and had his invitation to speak at CPAC rescinded. Unfortunately for Milo, he became a martyr of free speech. Yiannopoulos thought he was invincible.He thought he was able to speak his mind and deflect criticism using free speech as a shield. He was unaware that words do have real consequences.
has seen some major setbacks in the course of social progression. Barack Obama, who had enacted several measures to progress the rights and equal treatment of the LGBTQ+ community is now sitting on the sidelines as Trump rescinds them. Last week, directives were put in place to reverse instructions that protect and respect the gender identities of transgender students in public schools. The original directives, which were put in place by the Department of Justice and the Department of Education under President Obama in May of last year, allowed transgender students access to bathrooms, single-sex programs and other facilities that aligned with their gender identity. These new directives are an aggression against so many young lives with very negative real life implications. These ideas are supported by people who cling to the idea of biological essentialism, the idea that an individual’s personality is innate and natural as opposed to circumstances, upbringing and culture. Why is this? Why do people feel the need to question the gender performance and authenticity of others? Why are transgender people so often reduced to body parts as opposed to humans who just need to use the restroom like anyone else? It is difficult to pinpoint why people resist change, but one large factor in this is how people are socialized to accept gender from a young age. By instilling into a young
mind that gender and sex are inextricably tied, you produce ideologies that are rigid, fearful and toxic. The argument of science against gender doesn’t work, because gender is not biological, it is cultural. Trans people aren’t a deviant group of people seeking to destroy America one bathroom at a time. We must unlearn the toxic ideologies that past generations have handed down to us. We still have a meager understanding of human nature, but if human variation is any indicator, then that underlying nature seems able to accommodate so much individual difference. Gender is no exception to this idiosyncrasy. Ideologically conservative Americans seem to be resisting change, but for what reason? There is no viable reason to deny trans people the same rights as cisgender people. Trans people seek to live their life like any other person, free of harassment and persecution for just being who they are. Proponents of the Trump directive worry about the privacy and safety of cisgender students sharing facilities with trans students, but to date there have been no instances of a trans person attacking someone in a restroom. Directives like this are only in place to instill fears of trans and gendernonconforming people. To date, there is no evidence that non-discrimination laws like the Obama directives lead to sexual assault. In fact, according to Media Matters, 12 states and 17 school districts reported they had no increase in sex crimes after the Obama directives were put in place. States with these antidiscrimination laws will not be affected by the Trump administration's lift of protections, but the next four years under right-wing ideologies could change that. Communities should band together to create a union of progressive minds and inclusive culture against the face of fascism and transphobia.
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ARTS & LIFE
February 28 - March 7, 2017
Events this week in San Antonio Tuesday 28th 1st Annual Mardi Gras Celebration
Wednesday 1st
Thursday 2nd Cam Dance 3
Cinefestival: Taco Shop
Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Burleson Yard Beer Garden Price: Free
Circa Survive
Time: 6:30 p.m. Place:: Alamo City Music Hall Price: $23
Saturday 4th `
Time: 8:00 p.m. Place: Guadalupe Cultral Arts Center Price: $8
Time: 6:00 p.m. Place: Blue Star Arts Complex Price: Free
Skins featuring Elizabeth Between Borders: Film Screening Carrington
Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Viva Vegeria Price: Free
Mujer: Art Exhibit Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Galeria E.V.A. Price: Free
Time: 6:00 p.m. Place: Mercury Project Price: Free
Monday 6th
Cooking Class Series
Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: Wonderland of the Americas Price: Free
Time: 2:00 p.m. Place: Roots of Change Urban Garden Price: Free
Fourth Annual Fiddle Fest
Film Screening
Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: The Alamo Price: Free
First Friday
Time: 10:00 p.m. Place: Brick at Blue Star Price: Free
Sunday 5th
Tim Burton Art Walk
Friday 3rd
Student Recital Band Concert Time: 7:30 p.m. Place: Arts Recital Hall Price: Free
ARTS & LIFE
February 28 - March 7, 2017
SA lines up for the 100th NYX store grand opening
Samantha Ceballos Staff Writer
@sambina95 arts@paisano-online.com College makeup lovers rejoice! The buzz around La Cantera this weekend was the grand opening of the NYX makeup store, the company’s 100th. This makeup brand is affordable and of a great quality, the best combination for the broke college kid. The three-day grand opening was filled with giveaways and express makeovers. The opening also included a meet and greet with makeup artist Lustrelex. The first 100 people in line got a chance to meet the artist and take photos. People reportedly camped out the night
before the first day with lines reaching to the parking lot. In front of the store was a makeshift mini makeup studio where customers could get a glitter lip tutorial and other express makeup services. In celebration of the 100th store opening, the checkout counters sported cute balloons which added a pop of color to the checkout area. The chic store is nestled across from rival makeup store Sephora which is near Forever 21. NYX has plenty of associates on hand to help customers. The colorful displays of the different products were pleasing to the eyes and no one can beat the price of some of the
product. With every color imaginable, no one can leave the store empty handed. Lipsticks, eyeliners, foundations and little accessories are available in the shades you need. The best part about the store is the staff. The friendly atmosphere draws customers to ask the staff questions they may not ask at makeup stores that sell numerous brands. NYX has knowledgeable associates willing to help, and their willingness helps a lot when dealing with an overwhelming amount of colors, products and formulas. The store was split in half. One side was specific to face and lip products; the other half had eye
Time: 8:00 p.m. Place: Ventura SATX Price: Free Tristan Ipock, The Paisano
CineFestival returns to San Antonio for 39th year Nicole Rowse Staff Writer
@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com The nation’s largest and longest running Latino film festival celebrates its 39th year this month. San Antonio’s original Indie film fest, CineFestival, will take place Feb 24-March 4. CineFestival screens the best in contemporary U.S. Latino and Mexican films; 45 movies fill the lineup with a mixture of documentaries, short film, and narratives. The festival will be held at the Guadalupe Theater. Jimmy Mendiola, director of CineFestival studied at UTSA for a year and later transferred to UT Austin. He now works as an artist in residence for The Cen-
ter for Mexican-American Studies at UT. “It’s a place for people to gather and talk about film, not only filmmakers but the general public, people interested in film. They can celebrate those kinds of work” said Mendiola. One of the films he highly recommended to local students is “Go Fish,” directed by Rose Troshe. “Go Fish” is a lesbian movie made in 1994 which marked the beginning of the rise in LGBTQ+ film. This 90’s movement was called the New Queer Cinema. In their very own “Throwback Thursday,” CineFestival will be visited by Troshe herself on Thursday, March 2 during the screening. On opening night, CineFestival held a double-feature Friday. The
Society. “The UTSA Honors College is committed to the role of civic engagement in undergraduate education and our support for the 2017 CineFestival is a part of that compromiso. The CineFestival Marquee sign displaying the upcoming CineFestival. Photo courtesy of the Guadalupe Theater is the most important film relationship while simultafirst feature of the night festival of cutting edge neously trying to continue “Ixcanul,” was selected as Latino/a filmmaking and business with narcos in the Guatemalan entry for this year’s schedule is the Best Foreign Language Mexico City. powerful,” says Dean of Aside from the opening Film at the 88th AcadHonors Sean Kelly. night, CineFestival is free emy Awards. The second CineFestival is the largfor UTSA students and feature was “I Promise est platform for Latino/a faculty with their school You Anarchy,” a Mexican film in the country, and its ID, thanks to the supmovie about two skater presence is felt throughout port of the UTSA Honors kids who strengthen their
San Antonio. “It’s a good thing for our community because otherwise there would be no focal point for Latino related film. To have a venue, a place, a team that’s dedicated to showing those films is wonderful for people who care about them and could learn from them” says former mayor of San Antonio Henry Cisneros. With the support from Dean Kelly and John Santos, University Distinguished Scholar in Mestizo Cultural Studies, this year’s student friendly festival is sure to be a success. “We’re hoping to see new students come out,” says Mendiola. For more information on the films being screened, showtimes, trailers or the festival itself, visit CineFestival.org.
SA Dance Umbrella brings people together over fine art Raquel E. Alonzo Arts & Life Editor
@raquel_alonzo94 arts@paisano-online.com The San Antonio Dance Umbrella held their second installation of the Moving Arts Project on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Ella Austin Community Center. The Moving Arts Project is held on the last Friday of every month and showcases the works of choreographers and dancers. SA Dance Umbrella was founded in 1992 to help keep the spirit of dance alive in the community. The company aims to keep dance arts thriving in
the city and keep people involved in the art whether it’s through performing, orchestrating or observing. Apart from the Moving Arts Project, SA Dance Umbrella’s programs include Improv Jam which is held every last Sunday of the month; Seniors Dance is held weekly for senior citizens; Dance in the Park, which is held every first Friday at Hemisfair Park; San Antonio Dances is a professional performance that will be held on June 24; and Workshop Series includes professional training and development for dancers. This second installation of the Moving Arts Project
held three contemporary pieces. Emma Vicana, a high school student, performed a piece her older sister choreographed for her school’s dance competitions. Vicana has placed high in her past two competitions and her sister plans to lengthen the piece after the season is finished. The second performance was by the Northwest Vista Community College Repertory Dance Ensemble choreographed by NVC student choreographer Brandon Reynosa. Reynosa plans to make the piece ten minutes long and the group will perform at Vista Dances on May 13. Finally, the third piece
Student submissions
was choreographed and performed by the artist-inresidence Felicia McBride along with three other dancers. McBride performed a solo at the first Moving Arts Project in Jan. and plans to perform a new installation of her piece at each showcase. She will eventually perform all of her pieces at the San Antonio Dances in June. During the Moving Arts Project, the audience was asked to give feedback during a Q&A session at the end of the performances. Choreographers are always looking to develop their art in creating dances and the Q&A session helps see where they can improve
work—while also receiving compliments and positive feedback. During the Q&A, the audience was engaged and helped the choreographers see what they enjoyed and what they should add into their pieces. Feedback is welcome at these events and attendees do not need prior dance
experience to participate in the Q&A. The next Moving Arts Project is free for everyone and will be held on Mar. 31 at the Ella Austin Community Center. If you would like to volunteer, intern or donate to the SA Dance Umbrella, visit sadu.org or call (210) 212-6600.
Graphic courtesy of SA Dance Umbrella.
untitled by: Cherokee Cady
The La Cantera NYX shop is the 100th store for the company.
Trebla stuns art community Enrique Bonilla
Arts & Life Assistant @ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com
San Antonio has seen the emergence of several DIY art spaces over the past few years. This year continues to foster and nurture this trend in San Antonio’s art scene. Treble Art Gallery held its opening reception this past weekend with the exhibition titled “Diverse Views.” Located on the west side of downtown, Trebla Art Gallery is giving local artists as well as national artists an accessible space. “What I appreciate about the space is that it’s for the people. It’s not bougie. It’s real. It’s small, but it’s functional,” said Mexican-American artist Jose Balli, during the opening reception. This is important as so often art becomes accessible only to those with higher incomes. Balli also remarked, “It’s good that spaces like this open up, and we hope they have a prosperous and long career.” The exhibit displayed artwork from 10 artists from around the country. Chris Riggs’ work specializes in
love and peace murals “in a world full of war.” San Antonio’s Elias Vieyra’s work focuses on the small details he finds in San Antonio. Kristen Phipps employs camera obscura techniques to demonstrate deteriorating fleeting effects. Raul Gonzalez’s artwork is a reflection on the current state of the global environment as he sees it a big concern for mankind. Victoria Waite’s mosaic type brush artwork is used to create a simple approach to her dotted and dripped style art. Gender roles, sexuality, political and social climates make up Ana Hernandez Burwell’s artwork. Mauro C. Martinez aims his politically charged art towards Western society as a whole. Queens, New Yorkbased Paul Cooley works towards filling a spiritual void after battling addiction and being homeless. Braydon Gold’s artwork reflects a desire to create and to communicate with others. El Paso native Diego Martinez creates a contrast between self and family in the face of Mexican culture. Albert Gonzales works under the influence of Jackson Pollock, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat
to create visually experimental abstract, still life and portraits. Albert Gonzales, the owner of Trebla, remarked, “What I wanted to do was create opportunities, being a full time artist myself. I was trying to get my work into these really prestigious galleries, no one was really accepting my work and I didn’t have a lot of notches under my belt. So what I wanted to do was create resources not only for the community but for the younger generation of upcoming artists as well as established artists.” Five years ago Gonzales had only five dollars to his name, but has since worked his way through “the starving artist” phase with the support of the community. Dr. Ricardo Romo owns some of Gonzales’ early work. “I’m incredibly blessed to have him in my life,” he mentioned. Trebla, Albert spelled backwards, plans on unveiling its next event March 25 with the help of upcoming and established artists, creating events the west side community can be proud of: art for the people. Trebla will be hosting “Diverse Views” until March 19, free of charge.
I wish I had the luxury of wearing my heart on my sleeve instead, It is pierced onto me. the pain that is constantly being emphasized Along with every movement I feel a yank, One moment tearing and stretching The next nuzzling deeper into me.
It Whispers-As if it isn't the only thing I can hear. Leaving an imprint Every trace is the root of my being I am only me when I am walking heavy I am my displaced heart.
Tristan Ipock, The Paisano
Trebla owner Albert Gonzales and girlfriend & co-curator Caroline Adam.
products and other accessories. Another great part of the store was the customizable eyeshadow pallet station. Two tablets on site helped walk you through the process of making their own eyeshadow palette, with color ranging from nude to the extreme. A pallet of four colors was twelve dollars while a pallet of nine was twenty-eight dollars. Any makeup lover knows that is a great deal. Overall, the reaction to the NYX store opening was a good one. With a variety of choices that are not available in other retail stores such as Ulta, NYX offers many products that makeup lovers may have never seen in stores. The opening at La Cantera was the first of NYX’s new stores to open. The second store is set to open at North Star Mall Mar. 25. to open. The second store is set to open at North Star Mall on Mar. 25.
Samantha Ceballos, The Paisano
Hanging heavy, It will never allow me to be unaware of its overbearing presence It pinches Drips; And even so I can't help but find comfort in having it right there With me always.
Tristan Ipock, The Paisano
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Enrique Bonilla, The Paisano
NYX is known for their affordble and professional makeup. Samantha Ceballos, The Paisano
8
February 28 - March 7, 2017
ARTS & LIFE
Abroad in Urbino: A student travel column Gaige Davila Staff Writer
@GaigeDavila arts@paisano-online.com I’ve been waking up at 6 a.m. every morning without an alarm. I don’t know if it’s out of wanting to use my time, or finally having my sleep schedule regulated. Breakfast is small, and everyone is quiet. I abuse the campus cafe’s coffee machine but eat only one cornetto. I’m almost always here earlier than the other UTSA students. The Italian students and faculty are here, though. I observe their impeccable clothes and table manners, taking mental notes and then parroting them the next morning. No one takes out their phones. I take my time with my small breakfast and head out, lighting my cigarette just before exiting the building. Let me die here. I’ve adjusted very well. I try to go into town once a day without a rigid agenda. Every time I pass shop and restaurant windows, I see life inside then my own reflection. I don’t look the same as I did a month ago: my hair is shorter, my pants pseudo-hemmed, I wear a shoulder bag, scarf, and a peacoat with the collar popped a la Albert Camus. The buildings, people and cars behind me are all noted, as if it were a second-to-second reminder of something going in my favor for once: “you are here,” they say. We take day trips to neighboring cities every weekend. Walking through Bologna is no different than dragging ass through a shopping mall. I climbed a tower built in the 1100s and saw red for miles. I loved Pesaro and Fano: two seaside cities that looked like Highland Park was dropped on the beach. Gradar is just outside of Urbino, and I particularly enjoyed this town out of
The Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy.
“Mensa,” which is decent by Italian standards and incredible by American) I’ve had in this country that’s made me question the quality of food. Front and back-of-the-house staff actually care here, and it shows in the food. Genuine smiles, no servers increasing the pitch of their voice each time they approach a table, no obnoxious cocktails or dinner specials; no bull. Staff are hyperaware, knowing exactly when to pick up dishes and refill decanters, without ever having to ask the table. Every movement is calculated, quick and has a touch of bravado. They are matadors of the dining floor. Post-meal espressos are offered soon after the table is cleared and ashtrays are placed
near your dominant hand. This is a moment where servers noted your preference while you forked at a plate of gnocchi ai quattro formaggi, stopped, stared at your beautiful dinner companion and let out a reflexive sign at how incredible the dish is. Please let me die here. Urbino is very much a university town, with excellent bars to serve the base. Italians make the best white Russians and Moscow mules. Go figure. The scene is very sophisticated, and, again, no one has their phone out. No one Snapchatting their drinks or themselves shrieking for whatever reason. Any behavior like that is noticed and extremely frowned upon. You do not want to look American here or,
Gaige Davila, The Paisano Main Square of Fiorenzoula Di Focara.
Gaige Davila, The Paisano
the ones we’ve visited. There’s hardly any movement, and there’s always music playing somewhere just out of sight. I’ve gotten along well with everyone, more so than I thought I would. Mutual fear and anxiety bonded us, destroying any first impressions I had. Our Italian professors are wonderful and have both made me laugh until I cried from their unabashed observations of Americans and Italians. I only speak when necessary, trying to weigh my words carefully in English as well as Italian. I’d rather listen to the others anyway. Listening is a part of the experience just as our travels are, maybe even more so. There hasn’t been a single meal (other than in the campus cafeteria called the
Downtown Bologna, Italy.
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30 years in the making
frankly, anywhere. The locals sit in massive groups and mingle with whoever’s beside them. You’d never guess they were all strangers minutes ago. To finally see this genuine appreciation for conversation and presence has made the financial ruin I’ll be returning to worth its weight in gold. We’ll be in Rome soon, a city I’ve dedicated several holes in the walls of my apartment to. I look forward to seeing the leftovers of antiquity, finding a certain restaurant that serves the best cacio e pepe in Rome and walking along the Tiber River. If all roads lead to Rome, half of them are paved with souvenir shops and terrible restaurants. My time will be in the detours. Rome will be documented in its entirety, along with Florence, Paris, Venice and Dublin because I’ll be spending several days at each; they’ll receive their own entries. My last day on South Padre, I was on the balcony of Causeway with a childhood friend, talking about the last ten years and how much our hometown
Gaige Davila, The Paisano
hadn’t changed in between dancing to Shaggy’s “Luv Me, Luv Me,” playing through my phone. He stopped talking midsentence and pointed out the sound of the waves. We were well away from the beach, with several palm trees and condominiums in between us and the gulf. Neither of us had heard them from such a distance before and wondered how we’d never noticed our entire lives. Now I’m at an observation deck behind a chapel in Fiorenzuola Di Focara. The small town sits on a cliff that overlooks the coast of the Adriatic sea. Nearly a mile down was the beach being pummelled by waves. It was the first time I’d seen the coast since leaving home. These little notes released a chorus. The outro of the aforementioned song played on loop, and I laughed out loud at how absurd the memory was and how surreal the view was. I look forward to telling my childhood friend that you can hear waves from the sky.
February 28 - March 7, 2017 9 SPORTS Roadrunners host 2017 UTSA softball classic Chris Herbert Staff Writer @HerbieGibbs sports@paisano-online.com Fresh off of their doubleheader sweep against Sam Houston State, the UTSA softball team looked poised to play well in the annual UTSA classic this past weekend. Despite solid effort in four of the five games, the Roadrunners (6-8, C-USA) finished the weekend at 2-3. The Runners split matchups with New Mexico (6-8, Mountain West) and Incarnate Word, (4-9, Southland) and lost their one game against Texas State (9-3, Sun Belt). On Friday, UTSA won their opening game against the Lobos 1-0 in a defensive struggle. Junior pitcher Lizzy Fox allowed only three hits in seven innings
Lizzy Fox goes into her windup.
Randee Crawford locks in on the pitch as she takes a swing.
and earned her third win of the season. The lone score from UTSA came from
Tristan Ipock, The Paisano
sophomore center fielder Bailee Baldwin in the bottom of the first inning. In their first matchup against the Cardinals, Incarnate Word defeated the Roadrunners 5-4 in a nine inning overtime period. The Cardinals scored three runs in the fifth inning to lead 4-1. Freshman third baseman Rylee Rodriguez finished the inning with her fourth home run of the season to trail by two. In the seventh inning, base hits from sophomore second baseman Hailey Garza and senior left fielder Taylor Oberg gave runs for senior Madison Kinley and Garza to extend the game to extra innings. In the ninth inning, Incarnate Word’s Danielle Ramirez won the game off a Mikaela Flores base hit.
Tristan Ipock, The Paisano
UTSA was unable to score as Rodriguez was struck out by junior pitcher Sarah Leal The Lobos scored three unanswered runs in the sixth inning to win 5-4. The Roadrunners had a chance to win with Celeste Loughman at second base and former C-USA home run leader Senior Randee Crawford at bat, but were unable to score as Crawford was outed on a foul ball. In the night game, Texas State scored on four home runs on seven hits and defeated UTSA 8-1. Although UTSA had the same amount of hits as the Bobcats, they were unable to score. Entering the game with a .99 ERA, junior pitcher Randi Rupp struck out the Roadrunners 14 times.
As for Sunday’s final game in a rematch against the Cardinals, Rodriguez, Baldwin and Crawford scored home runs and defeated Incarnate Word 10-2. After the three home runs, Kinley and junior shortstop Erica Sanchez scored to finish the game in five innings. “Today (Sunday) was a total flipside of how our weekend was going. We bought our play back up to the level we are expecting from us,” Head Coach Michelle Cheatnam said about Sunday’s matchup. One of the biggest takeaways from the UTSA’s early season has been the play of their freshmen. Rodriguez, along with Lindsey Stewart and Loughman, currently lead with senior Oberg as the four top batters for the Roadrunners.
“We complete and push very hard to get where we’re at, ” Rodriguez said about herself and her freshmen teammates. She continued on to say, “We have so much talent on this team. Once we learn to play together, I know we can do well in conference.” Predicted to finish the conference in eighth place, the softball team learned at the UTSA classic that their team has an influx of talent to be a dark horse team in Conference-USA. Their first conference series begins March 11 at Marshall University. On March 1, the Roadrunners will play one game at Roadrunner Field vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi. They will also play in the Texas A&M invitational on the weekend of March 3.
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February 28 - March 7, 2017
SPORTS
Markham connects with the pitch.
Athlete of the week: Kevin Markham Frankie Leal Sports Editor @panchitoleal05 sports@paisano-online.com Nearly two years ago, every baseball player's worst nightmare became a reality for UTSA centerfielder Kevin Markham. “I tried to throw a guy out at home and it felt like somebody had just shot me in my elbow,” said Markham. The dreaded Tommy-John injury had claimed another victim in the world of baseball. “It’s a long process,” Markham said about his recovery period. “You’re in a sling for about three months, and it was an entire six months before I could throw a baseball again,” he said. After months of doctor appointments and tedious rehab, Markham was physically ready to return to the diamond. However, the injury still affected
him psychologically. “For about four months after I was cleared I was so scared every time I threw the ball. I just never wanted to go through that pain again,” Markham said. The UTSA baseball team returned to action midFebruary. For the first time since 2015, Kevin Markham’s name was in the lineup. After a long and excruciating 635 days, he was finally able to lace up his cleats and put on his Roadrunner uniform again. Watching him play in the opening series against the Quinnipiac Bobcats, you would have never guessed he was coming off a serious injury. In the four-game series, Markham hit .450 with seven doubles, And in his very first game back, he blasted a homerun over the right field fence to put a stamp on his return. Markham grew up and went to high school in the
small town of Willis, Texas. “My grandpa went to high school there and so did my dad. "It’s a small town,” Markham said. He has an older brother whom he claims is a better athlete than he, but after suffering injuries from football, Markham’s brother Justin stopped playing and now works in the oilfield. Markham also has an uncle who played with the Texas Rangers organization in the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s. After high school, Markham spent two years as a starter under the direction of Scott Harp and Erik Wright at North Central Texas College. Before his junior year, Markham decided to come to UTSA because it was the only Tex. college he got an offer from. “I could’ve gone to Lafayette or North Carolina, but it was easier to come
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here because it’s only three and a half hours from home, and my family could come and watch me play,” Markham said. “One of my best friends out of junior college committed here as well, and once he did that, it felt right to come here too.” Markham graduated this past semester with a degree in economics, but he still isn’t completely sure about what he wants to do with his degree. He wants to focus on baseball and see where that takes him before anything else. “If baseball doesn’t work out, I want to go to the Navy and go from there,” Markham said about his future. Seven games into the new season and Markham is off to an incredible start, batting .516 with one homerun, nine RBI’s, eight doubles and two triples. He has wasted no time making an impact. He looks to
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Huehn / UTSA Athletics
make the most out of his final season. “Sitting out last season made me realize how much the game really meant to me,” Markham said. “And it’s just been fun. I’ve had more fun playing baseball
here than anything else.” With his final season underway, Markham aims to make up for lost time. The Roadrunners centerfielder is finally back in the orange and blue, and he’s already making a huge difference.
Markham stares at the long ball he just hit.
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Huehn