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Contents
Must Reads
San Antonio’s Unique Urban Identity A Little Old & a Little New
San Antonio is known for its vibrant nightlife and various entertainment options, and you can read about some local favorites in a shout-out guide that music fans, art lovers and foodies alike can appreciate. Did someone say tacos?
Studying Abroad Get an honest perspective on studying abroad from someone who’s done it before. Read about the highs and lows and tips for making the most of your experience. Get an inside look on the application process, funding your trip and postcare guidelines for returning to the States.
Meet Meena Life after college is a scary thought. It doesn’t have to be. Read about the life of a former Roadrunner after she left UTSA and became a writer and social media guru who now works for notable publications. The future has nothing but the best to come.
College Survival Tips College can be fun, enlightening and exhausting all at the same time. To make the transition into the student lifestyle easier, reading some tips can save you from exhaustion and give you more room to have sweet college fun you kept hearing about.
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Letter from the Editor Welcome to a new school year, new semester, new city and a new magazine editor! Fall 2017 maybe the beginning or the end of your college chapter, but one thing is certain. Everyone can use a college survival guide! Learn about cool places to visit, nice coffee shops to enjoy and how to survive the crazy college rollercoaster. Ever get tired of hanging out in the same places or never going out at all because you are super busy working on a tenpage paper that has nothing to do with your intended major? Take a moment and read about the cool places San Antonio has to offer. Why spend all of your time studying when you have so many venues for fun? However, remember your responsibilities as a college student. While this time of your life can be very stressful, the university offers to help you cope with stress, homesickness and organization. Don’t be afraid to wander the campus and find neat places to hangout or study. Learn all you can about your major and what your course load is going to morph into in the coming semesters. There is significance behind your course numbers (they really aren’t there to confuse you!). Make time for yourself and enjoy college. Get organized. Study. Most importantly, have fun. This chapter of your life will be over soon.
About the Covers College is a time to explore, prepare and ponder the possibility of what is coming. The front cover captures the optimistic vibes of a fresh start and new semester. However, the back cover captures the inevitable exhaustion that plauges students heading into midterms and finals. The covers depict the beginning and the end, but the contents are there to help you survive!
Samantha Ceballos magazine@paisano-online.com
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{ Paisano Plus } Magazine Editor: Samantha Ceballos The Paisano Editor-in-Chief: Isaac Serna Managing Editor: Ethan Pham Photo Editor: Chase Otero Account Executive: Jenelle Duff Business Manager: Will Stransky Marketing Director: Valery Assad {Staff} Jessica Salinas, Enrique Bonilla, Chase Otero, Ethan Pham, Isaac Serna, Gaige Davila
Ethan Pham
Professional night owl
Isaac Serna
Love, Law & Literature
{Contributing Writers} Natalia Brookens, Diana Amaya, Raquel Alonzo, Frank Leal {Cover Photos} Benjamin Shirani {Advisor} Diane Abdo {Advisory Board} Stefanie Arias, Jack Himelblau, Steven Kellman, Red Madden, Sandy Norman
Gaige Davila
Revise. Revise. Revise.
Jessica Salinas
Colored vinyl enthusiast
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Enrique Bonilla
Trill traveling troubador
Chase Otero
Point. Shoot. Repeat
Paisano Plus is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed towards: 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 (210) 690-9301 magazine@paisano-online. com Š 2017, All Rights Reserved, The Paisano
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What is your go-to accessory for college? Photos/Interviews: Chase Otero
“My go-to accessory would have to be my watch. I’m lost without it.” Erik Santiago
“My Ray-Bans for sure! I always keep them in my back pocket for long walks across campus.” Mariam Gadban
“My scrunchy. When I take notes, I can’t have my hair in my face.” Taylor Rush
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Coffee Sho Are you getting tired of the long lines at Starbucks? Looking for a change of scenery to study? Need a new place to take your boo? Here’s a list of coffee shops that are sure to become your new hangout for any occasion.
Barrio Barista (3735 Culebra Rd) Walking into Barrio Barista is comparable to walking into your abuela’s house. The eclectic Mexican decor provides the perfect atmosphere to nosh on a barbacoa grilled cheese (add on the avocado—you won’t be disappointed) and sip on a horchata latte. Along with the indoor shop, there is a spacious patio for you to enjoy your coffee while taking in the fresh air. The shop closes at 3 p.m. and the kitchen closes at 2 p.m., so get to the Barrio Barista early in the day.
Halcyon Southtown (1414 S Alamo St) For the 21 and over college students seeking to mix their two loves of coffee and alcohol, Halcyon is the place to be. Their alcoholic coffee menu includes drinks such as the Voodoo Lady which mixes Bacardi, Kahlúa and vanilla chai. Their non-alcoholic coffee beverages come with animal crackers, making their drinks that much more Instagram-worthy. The shop is nestled among the vibrant Southtown and overlooks the River Walk, so grab a coffee to-go and stroll along the running river.
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hops Guide By: Raquel Alonzo
Local Coffee (Multiple Locations) Local Coffee is so good, they decided to open six shops around San Antonio at Shavano Park, Leon Springs, Medical Center, Pearl Brewery, Stone Oak and Alamo Heights. During the hot summer days that seem to overlap well into the fall and winter, an iced coffee infused with Mexican vanilla syrup will satisfy a caffeine craving while giving your taste buds a sweet kick. Local also makes their dairy-based drinks with local, grass-fed milk and the shops provide select eats and treats from Bakery Lorraine.
Rosella Coffee Company (203 E Jones Ave #101) This two-story shop has a chalkboard wall upstairs for customers to write on and a downstairs patio to bask in the sun while reading your favorite magazine (*cough cough* Paisano Plus). Rosella is a short walk from the San Antonio Museum of Art, making this coffee shop your go-to stop after a walk around the gallery. Their menu includes coffee, tea, beer, soda, hot chocolate, breakfast, lunch and the list goes on.
Indy Coffee Club (7114 UTSA Boulevard #103) Of course, who could forget UTSA’s coffee heroes of Indy C.C.? They started off as a traveling coffee truck and are now a permanent shop located under the Prado apartment complex. Their homemade flaky biscuits pair well with any drink on the menu. They also serve brunch on the weekends from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Swing by the clubhouse and order a fan favorite, the Dirty Brown.
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Siesta Time By: Natalia Brookens
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here’s a common list of important aspects of college life: grades, a social life, coffee and (above all else) napping. Napping becomes important when all the late night study sessions start to add up and the hours of sleep a student receives becomes increasingly smaller. Sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day for a student to get back home and catch a quick nap between classes. In order to combat the grueling battle of fatigue, here’s a comprehensive list of the best places to catch a nap on the UTSA Main Campus.
For starters, if you are a light sleeper, my number one recommendation would be the Business Building. There is a number of benches spread throughout the second floor, giving students a variety of places to catch up on some sleep. The Business Building is usually a quiet place, making it fairly easy to get in a good nap. It’s never so loud that a pair of headphones won’t keep the noise away.
Second on the list, if you’re looking for a place to nap and don’t mind a little noise, the first floor of the UC has a collection of beanbag chairs as well as a charging station and a few outlets. So while you’re recharging from the homework that took longer than you expected, your phone can recharge as well. There’s always a number of students sitting in this area, so if you snore, I would recommend you avoid this area for your impromptu snooze.
The final spot is located on the first floor of the HEB UC where you’ll find a collection of three couches. Although there are events held in Ballrooms 1 & 2; if you’re a moderate to heavy sleeper, the noise shouldn’t be loud enough to bother you. The couches are facing a large wall of windows; so if you need to count sheep or the people passing by, this is a great spot.
There’s a lot of great spaces to take a midday siesta. You never have to worry about being judged. The average college student only receives 5-6 hours of sleep a night, when the recommended amount of sleep for adults is 7-8 hours. A lack of sleep can lead to health and focus issues, so don’t be afraid to snooze it up on campus. Happy napping!
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Day Trip Fun Article/Photos: Ethan Pham
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ree weekends: that’s what I like most about university life. But sometimes deciding what to do is hard. Here are some day-vacations to spend alone or with your friends.
Spend The Day Like a Tourist
This day is fun, even if you are new to the city. Spend the day exploring the city, visiting the biggest sights (examples) and going on tours. It’s a great way to get more acquainted with San Antonio and learn more about the way this city breathes.
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Embrace Your Inner Art Critic
San Antonio has wonderful art museums where you and friends can spend the day exploring, such as the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA), Artpace, The McNay and Terminal 136. If you want to make it more fun, you can turn the art pieces into memes. Make sure to check the websites for admission rates and open hours.
Eat All The Food!!!
San Antonio is a culinary epicenter, and nothing is better than eating good food all day long! Explore the cuisine around the city and some of the famous restaurants San Antonio has to offer. Also, I suggest keeping a list of your favorite taco joints because the city is a taco haven.
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Go Take a Hike‌Literally!!!
If you ever want to be one with nature, check out Eisenhower Park and Friedrich Park. Both offer nice scenery and vast hikes for you to clear your head space and de-stress from all the midterm madness. If you are feeling more adventurous, drive to some of the nearby state parks such as Lost Maples, Garner and Guadalupe River State Parks.
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Spend The Day at the State Capital
If you want to experience a different city, try Austin. You can explore the diverse city by visiting the famous South Congress Street; canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board along Barton Springs and Lake Austin; taste the famous food truck culture that Austin has cultivated; go to the Hope Outdoor Gallery and leave your own graffiti mark on the structure; or just enjoy walking around the city and its sights such as the state capitol and Sixth Street. Austin has so much to offer for every individual, so it is worth checking out.
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Fredericksburg
If you want to go on a mini road trip, try visiting Fredericksburg. It’s a beautiful drive through the Texas Hill Country all the way to the small, quaint town. Once you are there, you can visit the many shops and restaurants. If you want to do some sightseeing, Fredericksburg is home to an extensive World War II museum as well as to other historic sights. Fredericksburg is also home to a large number of wineries. If you are 21 and up you can check them out. You can visit www.visitfredericksburgtx.com to see what the town has to offer and to see the mapped out itineraries.
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San Antonio’s Unique Urban Identity:
A Little Old & a Little New By: Enrique Bonilla
Photos (top) by: Oscar Moreno
Hangouts
Music Vibes AMEA: A voice with passion and direction, self-sufficient and diverse. UTSA grad and sociologist, AMEA delivers a unique take on r&b, soul and hip-hop. The Oklahoma native recently wrapped up a Texas tour with SaAm Lao and Van Solo, her first music video for her single, “VayCay,” and self-released three projects all in 2017. Make sure to catch her in town before she blows up (which I can guarantee will happen).
Crawl: Drowning in misery and sonically pummeling your senses, Crawl’s one-man monolithic act pushes the boundaries of heavy music. Bound with chains, adorned in chainmail and clad in knight’s armor, Crawl’s live performance is completely entrancing and engaging. His recent release, “This Sad Cadav’r,” was self-released on vinyl for consumption during his Shadows Across the West tour with Haunter and Black Vice.
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Booty Feet:
This is one of San Antonio’s youngest and most active acts. The name is a play on words to describe the relationship between butt and feet during dancing, which is what the band wants from their audience. The audience typically does more than dancing. Booty Feet shows are typically sold out, filled with crowdsurfing teens and held in non-traditional spaces in the spirit of DIY ethos. Their recent split-EP with San Antonio artist Elnuh is available on Bandcamp.
Other notable acts: Milli Mars, Topo Chica, P I N K O, The Bolos, Jonah Conrad, Sudden Attack, Swanny Ivy, Volcan, D.T. Buffkin, Cosmic Behemoth, Filthy, and Haunter.
Hogwild: Operating near the gay district on Main Ave. for over 35 years, Hogwild Records, Tapes & CD’s is a staple in the San Antonio music community. A wide variety of genres, formats and memorabilia line the walls and bins here: a vinyl lover’s paradise. Patrons can find flyers for local shows can be found and a sense of community throughout the aisles of local, national, and international music.
Friends of Sound: Originally an Austin-based business; Friends of Sound branched to San Antonio last August. Thousands of records and beautiful turntables on display for purchase are evident from the window front. The store constantly rotates its stock to make sure each trip is worth the time; it also hosts live music events with local acts. While still new, Friends of Sound is bringing a new level of inclusivity to the rare and obscure vinyl hunter in San Antonio.
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Paper Tiger: Formerly known as The White Rabbit, Paper Tiger gave fresh life to an old community favorite as well as to the St. Mary’s Strip where it lies. Surrounded by craft cocktail bar Rumble and Attaboy food truck, Paper Tiger provides a perfect hangout spot for drinks, dinner and shows. Names like Big Freedia, Deerhunter, Chris Travis and Drab Majesty regularly grace the stage. Paper Tiger has been home to Burger Hangover Fest in recent years, an annual psyche and garage rock fest featuring national and international artists. Paper Tiger will also be home to San La Muerte Fest IV, a dark punk and post-punk festival in August.
Other notable places: Imagine Books & Records, Limelight, K23 Gallery, Korova, Ventura San Antonio, Floores Country Store, Josabi’s, Robot Monster Guitars, The Aztec Theatre and Alamo City Music Hall.
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Art Pace:
The Art
One of the best known non-profits in San Antonio (and with good reason), they support local artists through educational programs, exhibitions and residencies. Collaborative events with the San Antonio Jazz Association take place on the rooftop, complete with cocktails and beer. The Summer International Artist in Residence features Christie Blizard (San Antonio, TX & UTSA Professor), Rolando Lopez (Aguascalientes, MX) and Kang Seung (Los Angeles, CA) and will be on display until September 3, 2017. Pop in any Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5p.m.— it’s free.
nilla
Other notable galleries: Movement Gallery, Mantle Art Space, Presa House Gallery, Blue Star Contemporary, Brick at Bluestar, Trebla Art Gallery and Clamp Light Artist Studios & Gallery.
Dance then Eat Best places to dance: Brass Monkey, Squeezebox, The Heat, Jazz Texas, Kremlin, Arjon’s International Club and Hotel Discotheque.
Chisme: In a city that
combines both Mexican and American culture in its very own Tex-Mex way, Notable artists: Chisme brings that culture Regina Morales, Antemia to life with its menu. Be sure Kavillari, Andrei Renteria, to check out the Mexican Lewsr, Bryan Duff and Albert Cheeseburger, the Tuna Gonzales. Veracruz and the Queso con Chisme—the queso will bring you back over and over again.
Sound Bites Trailer: In this age of saturated food trailer culture, the Sound Bites Trailer brings something new to the table —literally. Their fresh take on Asian-fusion cuisine on the go has garnered praise from local news outlets and support from the local music community. New takes on old favorites like mangonadas and hot cheetos combined tacos named after local bands bring the world of music and food to one singular truck. Follow them to find their daily spot at @soundbitestruck.
on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Other notable restaurants & bars: Paramour, Hi-Tones, La Botanica, TBA, Low Country, Cured, The Esquire, Hot Joy, Faust Tavern, Frank’s and The Cove.
Notable breweries & distilleries: Dorcol Distilling Co., Blue Star Brewing Co., Weathered Souls Brewing Co., Busted Sandal Brewing Co., Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling, Real Ale Brewing, Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, Alamo Premium Distillery and Lone Star Brewery.
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Meet Meena
Social media guru. Journalist. Story teller UTSA alumna
By Samantha Ceballos Photos provided by Meena Thiruvengadam
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rom UTSA to arctic Canada, alumna Meena Thiruvengadam has had a busy life postgraduation: gaining life experience, taking on new challenges, adventuring the world and having fun. She has written for notable publications like The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance and the San Antonio Express-News. “Each of my past work experiences has taught me lessons that I carry with me to this day,” she says. A 2003 graduate of UTSA, Meena is currently the global head of audience engagement at Bloomberg, a media platform bringing together technology, news, markets, politics and more. Meena began her journey at UTSA in 1999 earning a bachelor’s in communication. She went on to earn her master’s in media strategy and leadership at Northwestern University. Meena also had to juggle priorities and her interests, while she figured out what to do with her life. She faced, and conquered, the most challenging task of all, learning how to become an adult. As a UTSA student, she learned about a job she grew to love through her involvement in a student organization. Meena was features editor and then editor-in-chief of The Paisano independent student newspaper serving the UTSA community. Joining the organization, she wondered, like many students do, what she was to do with the rest of her life. She describes The Paisano as a place where she found hidden talents, gained experience for a competitive industry and met a group of friends who continue to encourage her professionally and personally. The experiences she gained while working for The Paisano
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With the Sklar Bros helping film an episode of their documentary series
helped her cultivate a portfolio that propelled her to where she is today. Meena admits that she knew she needed to continue evolving professionally to keep working in her industry. After graduating, Meena worked at the San Antonio Express-News as a business reporter. “There have been many gratifying times in my career, but one was telling stories in San Antonio for the Express-News, a city I started to call home when I started at UTSA. Being part of that community from the perspective of a reporter is humbling.” Once outside of San Antonio, she became a journalist for notable publications including The Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, Yahoo Finance, The Salt Lake City Tribune, The Denver Post and the Houston Chronicle. Over the past 10 years she covered finance, economics, politics, travel and crime. For many, writing is intimidating and difficult, but Meena is the one intimidating the writing. With a decade of experience in journalism, she continues to publish and write about the topics she loves. Her determination and work ethic helped propel her into the position she holds today. Meena oversees audience development and social media strategy for Bloomberg, Bloomberg TV, Bloomberg Businessweek and Bloomberg Live. She manages a small team of six people in her position. “Using what I’ve learned over the years to help them (her team) carry out their daily assignments, as well as work toward their larger professional and life goals is more rewarding than I could have imagined,” she says. Before she was the global head of audience engagement, she worked for Business Insider, Insider and Tech Insider overseeing social media strategy and editorial audience development. While there, she was able to increase social media followers for different platforms including Facebook and Instagram. She also worked with multiple U.S. and overseas editors on social media-related jobs.
At Yahoo Finance, she also helped drive up social media followings and launched new pages for Yahoo on social media. She helped edit content and conduct on-camera interviews. She’s appeared on television, been a radio talk show guest and done voice-over work. Meena’s work has left her five states away from seeing all of the U.S. and one continent short of visiting every continent. “It’s amazing—a dream come true. I love the adventure of exploring something new.” What places had captured her heart? “Portugal, Tasmania and arctic Canada are particularly special to me. I also loved Montana, Hawaii and Alaska,” she says. Meena would like to complete her tour of the world by visiting the five states she has missed and Antarctica. Her love for travel will never diminish, nor her love for writing. Though she is focusing on social media strategies and editing content, the saying once a writer always a writer is true for Meena. “There are many paths to achieving your goals —there isn’t just one route. Sometimes the distractions you find along the way may ultimately be what you needed most,” she advises.
Meena and one of her mentors from the Salt Lake Tribune CollegeSurvivalGuide.indd 17
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UTSA Football Facts By Frank Leal
2013
UTSA football moved over to Conference-USA from the WAC.
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Seniors are on the preseason roster this season.
60,000
People in attendance at UTSA’s first ever football game on September 3, 2011.
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Touchdowns scored during the 2016 season.
2016
UTSA football made their first ever bowl game appearance at The Gildan New Mexico Bowl.
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Touchdowns scored during UTSA’s inaugural season. Photos provided by The Paisano
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College Survival Tips By: Jessica Salinas
So you’ve been admitted to college. You’ve suffered through orientation and have registered for classes. Regardless of your year and classification, college is a learning process. You will learn so much about life and yourself throughout the next four to six years. Here is a condensed college survival guide.
Be social & get involved. Join clubs and attend events. Get experience and expand professional relationships. Go to every career fair. Build relationships with recruiters. Get to know your professors. College is as much about networking as it is about learning.
Find some stress relief. Find time to exercise. San Antonio offers beautiful running trails surrounding Main Campus. Many of the amenities the UTSA Rec Center offers are included in your tuition. The Rec offers over 50 classes a week in group exercise as well as multiple cardio and weight rooms. The Rec also offers free nutrition assessments by appointment.
Study. Find a go-to place to study. Develop a study method that works for you. Make studying a regular activity. You will increase your caffeine intake in college, but don’t drink too much caffeine. Get energy by staying well hydrated, eating healthful foods and sleeping enough.
Textbooks. Rent them. Especially if you won’t need the book once you’re done with a class. Buy textbooks online if you need to buy them at all—you’ll save a lot of money. Also, set aside time for personal reading. Gobble up books about philosophy, politics or just plain ol’ fiction.
Use school-offered resources.
Use a calendar. Set a schedule. Plan out your week and include class time, study time and social time. Time management is important, especially if you have a job.
• The UTSA Writing Center offers assistance with writing assignments. The Center helps with brainstorming, establishing a thesis, achieving coherence and unity, and documenting and revising. • The JPL Tutoring Services offers a variety of programs, including a tutoring program, math assistance program and individual tutoring. • UTSA Libraries allow students to reserve books and request books from other universities and colleges. Students can also check out reserved textbooks. • UTSA Counseling Services offers free individual, relationship and group counseling sessions. Counseling services are pre-paid through tuition with the exception of a few in-depth assessment tests.
College is about personal development. It is a journey of self-discovery. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Find out your passion by trying out as many clubs as possible. Stick with a good fit when you find it.
Graphics by: Samantha Ceballos
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Take a guess Follow us on Facebook (The Paisano) and Twitter (@PaisanoPlus) or visit us at paisano-online.com to answer the questions for a chance to win PRIZES!
What were the first five buildings on campus? What year did the 1604 campus open?
When was Rowdy made the official mascot?
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Studying Abroad
Commentary
Article/Photos : Gaige Davila
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studied abroad last spring in Italy via the “COLFA in Urbino” program. I returned to the States two months ago and picked up my on-campus job and position at The Paisano where I left them. I’m in the routine I had before I left, and it’s helped with adjusting to living in America again. I haven’t stopped reminiscing those four months, however. The memories range from my last day in Italy, to the moment I left class in the middle of a lecture and walked to UTSA’s study abroad office. The memories of my travels are vivid, but the hell I went through to get there is, too. I’m convinced universities’ tack on study abroad programs to their brochures as an afterthought. Before I had any serious interest in a program, I never heard campus tour guides, orientation staff or advisors say anything other than the programs existed, and that “they’re pretty chill,” or some other empty phrase. They weren’t disregarding the opportunity to travel, they just didn’t know what they were talking about. The presence of study abroad programs is limited to flyers around campus and the annual study abroad fair, which is a damn shame and not the staff of UTSA’s study abroad office’s fault. Misconceptions with
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studying abroad are at fault, and the real positives and negatives are almost never talked about. So, here’s where the purpose of this article lies. Though the experiences you’ll have leading up to, and participating in, your studying abroad are unique. The process to get into a program, your responsibilities once you’re in and your life after studying abroad are similar. The following should provide an idea of what’s ahead. The slightest interest in studying abroad should send you over the edge, or to the study abroad office. UTSA has several first-and thirdparty programs to choose from, so it’s your call on a country of study. My suggestion is choosing a program that matches your degree plan or
academic interests. Or don’t; fill up your electives. All applications are online, and you should submit them as early as possible: I recommend preparing them a full year in advance of the program’s start date, so you have time to submit personal documents, write application essays and arrange funding. Don’t bother with any program that lasts less than a month; opt for summer, semester or year-long programs. The 10-day “excursions” and minimesters offered during the summer are vacations, with little opportunity to immerse yourself in the host country. They’re cheaper, but not worth the effort. Don’t worry about the money. Do not let the costs intimidate you.
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Several UTSA scholarships are guaranteed, if you write a stellar essay (if you haven’t used The Writing Center, now’s the time). If you don’t receive any scholarships, take out loans. If you’ve never taken out loans, let this be the one time you do. Taking out large loans is scary, but tear down the mental wall. Program coordinators, directors and financial advisors will assist you in allocating funds. I avoided loans until my semester abroad, but was helped tremendously by program and financial aid staff. They want you to go just as much as you do. Once your program fee is paid, your classes are registered and your flights are booked, it feels real. You’ll drift in between excitement and paranoia leading up to your departure, and you’ll do a lot of thinking. The results of this year’s election were heavy on my mind: I did not know what kind of country I’d be returning to, and I worried about my friends and family. Sounds odd now, but those were uncertain times. Regardless of that unique situation, there’ll be a certain uneasiness. Attribute it to stress, excitement, whatever; it’ll be tense for a while. Realize that there’s nothing to lose. Realistically, you may never have the opportunity to travel again, and you almost certainly won’t get a chance to travel like this: living accommodations, safety, meals, extended trips, time with American and foreign scholars and the full immersion into a country.
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Every day you are being violated with colors, smells and sights; it is overwhelming, but you cannot look away. It’s hard to describe what you feel through travel, but the word ‘liberating’ always comes to mind. Only good can come from studying abroad. The “bad” experiences I had (navigating countries alone; fighting off panhandlers and gypsies; getting ripped off by a Parisian cab driver; obnoxious students in the program; communication barriers and other incidents I won’t write here) gave me an edge, and the confidence came stateside. Seek counseling when you return to the States. Some people go through reverse-culture shock, returning from extended travel. I spent two weeks in my hometown after returning to the States, thinking the small-town, slower lifestyle would be easier adjusting to than the aneurysminducing speed of San Antonio. I could’ve been anywhere in the United States and it wouldn’t have mattered; I was miserable. I gave up trying to explain my time abroad. They wouldn’t understand unless they were there, and it was easier to limit my response to “I wish I was still there,” when inside I was exploding. I would
dream so vividly of Europe that I’d forget I was in the States when I woke up. I miss the friends I made within the program, Italy and France. This is common, but you should still spend time with close friends, or reach out to those who were in the program if you need it. Jetlag should be your number one concern, and if you do need help, please get it. Your life will never be the same, as cliche as that sounds. I half-heartedly joke that studying abroad made and ruined my life, but it’s true. Any desire to stay in the United States, for work or otherwise, is ruined. I feel like UTSA has given me the best it can offer, which isn’t exactly true, but I can’t help attest that one semester abroad did more for me than my entire time here. I’m ready to graduate already, even if it’s still a year and a half away. It’s also why I decided to teach abroad immediately after graduation, a career that I didn’t think was realistic. Now, nothing is unrealistic. I feel like I can do anything. If there is one gripe I have with studying abroad, however, it’s the nearly-impossible standard you apply to living afterwards. Not in a material sense, but an insatiable want for the best graduate schools, careers, travel and knowledge. After mixing a bohemian and academic lifestyle, an entry-level job with less responsibilities than your first internship holds zero value, and you have every right to think this way. Embrace your experience and newfound awareness. I cannot thank the study abroad office, program directors, coordinators, faculty and class involved enough for making my travels better than I deserved. They changed my life, and anyone who helps your studying abroad experience has a direct role in the changing of your life, too. Go.
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Commentary
First Generation Is there a clear definition?
By: Diana Amaya
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ore than 11,000 students make up UTSA’s first-gen student population, but what exactly is a first-gen student? According to UTSA, first-gen students include anyone whose parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a fouryear bachelor’s degree. This definition technically makes me a first-gen student, but this definition is not universally applied. I never considered myself a firstgen student because my dad received an associate’s degree and my mother graduated from a technical school. To my knowledge, first-gen students were those students whose parents’ education didn’t go beyond high school. At the time this distinction started to become relevant, my sister was already working towards a bachelor’s degree. Any time the conversation came up regarding special programs and opportunities for first-gen students in both middle and high school, I excluded myself. I didn’t bother to wonder why these programs existed, or what they were meant to do. I just knew I didn’t qualify to benefit from them and was never told otherwise. Over the years, the definition has changed, and going by various discussion threads on the issue, it seems to have happened sometime after 2010 rolled around. Any inquiries into what made a student a first-gen student leaned more towards my definition; that is, neither parent had continued their education beyond high school. Still, there were a few outliers who defined a first-gen student as the first in their family to receive a bachelor’s degree. Just a few years later, the general consensus shifted towards the second definition, usually attached to a disclaimer stating that different universities and programs had their own definitions, and it would be safer to ask them directly instead. The idea behind the “first-gen” student designation is, however it may be defined, to highlight the group of students who have little or no familial guidance when navigating the college admissions and enrollment processes, and who are the first in their families to work towards earning a four-year degree—an opportunity that wasn’t available to their parents or grandparents. It gives a name to a significant accomplishment, one that almost half of our student body can claim. UTSA’s First to Go and Graduate (F2G&G)
organization provides first-gen students with support and access to a student coaching program, peer mentors and an F2G&G Council comprised of students, staff and faculty. The organization’s main goal is to increase retention and graduation of first-generation students, while supporting them along the way. F2G&G falls under the PIVOT (prepare, inspire, validate, orient, transition) for Academic Success set of programs, created after UTSA received a $3.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Given the state and federal funding that goes to first-gen support, maybe it’s time to create a nationally applicable definition of the term? Organizations like F2G&G are the payoffs for first-generation students whose aspirations towards higher education started with their participation in precollege programs. Statistically speaking, first-generation students have more difficulty making the transition from high school to college than non-first-gen students. They don’t have the benefits that come along with parental connections to colleges or universities, and the idea of earning a college degree was not always a given in their households. Most first-gen factsheets will contain generalizations like this, and they fail to acknowledge the diversity of the demographic. As I was growing up, my parents always told me I needed to go to college, and that I could be anything I wanted to be as long as I had an education. They couldn’t earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees because they had to work to support their families, a narrative common to their generation and even more so among Hispanic families. They worked hard to give my sister and me the opportunities they never had growing up, and I appreciate them every day for it. I was raised with the default mindset that I was college material and that there was nothing stopping me from attending when the time came. My older sister was in her senior year of college when I finally started, and with all of her help and my parent’s support, the transition was easy. While I am proud to be working towards my bachelor’s degree, a goal that has taken the cumulative efforts of me and my family to achieve, I don’t feel like I should be considered part of the first-gen demographic for exactly those reasons, and I know others who feel the same way. It is also for these reasons that I understand the importance of these programs and organizations for students whose stories differ from mine.
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Short Story
Her Magic By: Isaac Serna
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ucked in the bend of the living room couch, my darling slept. I brushed her baby hairs away from her forehead, paying special attention to her slumber. I didn’t cease watching her until the roll of the movie’s credits began. “My magic angel, I’ll guard you forever.” I murmured. The credits’ music sounded. A somber tune worked up into a cry. The music paired with the moment moved me. The way the tv screen lit up her tan face. The heaviness I felt from wine and drowsiness. The dreams we traded during the night echoing in my head. Time passed as I relished in the moment, and finally I said it, “I love you.” At that very moment the music went mute. The timing was no coincidence. No, this was my angel’s magic at play, once again. Sometimes her powers are too strong. I’d never utter this against her, but… It’s true. Wrapped in her snare, she’ll whisper things that frighten me. Frighten me with murky confusion. “I only want the best, that’s why I push you.” she’d say. “Make you bigtime, on my watch. All mine to enjoy.” she’d laugh afterwards but I’d remain disconcerted. orst is, I can’t say when I started belonging to her. I don’t like to be owned, not by anyone. There’s no sense in it, I’m no docile creature. In the night, there’s a thirst, a hunger, and it rules my world, or did rule my world. A downtown wolf, draped in mystery, radiating heat, and sharp as a tack, that is my identity. On Winter nights, I’d float through the hot bars like a ghoul. Covered with a long overcoat,
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and a wide brimmed hat of felt, hiding my grizzly face in shadow. I was out of reach, observing. With one tattooed finger pointed to heaven, I’d call for my drink and let the roar of nightlife consume me. Though detached, I had a small society as company. A community of eccentrics feeding off one another’s weirdness, to a point where our styles meshed into a collective. We were a grungy bunch. Jewelry hung from our necks and ears. We loved vintage leather goods and silvers. Every article of clothing had a past Victorian appeal, faded in color and acquainted with grime. Our outfits looked thrown together, yet cohesive in its own strange way. Trousers rolled up revealing mucked up combat boots. Velvet blazers slipped over thin turtlenecks that we had tucked into our pants. “My styles very Euro-peculiar.” I had explained countless times. hen my angel took hold. Magic always surrounds her story, so naturally my meeting her was memorable and hard to fathom. Everything prior to our meeting was on fire. I recall early on, I, passing a cigarette back and forth, with a nice girl sitting on my lap. My friend Sticks found her, she was a rich little thing, dwelling near the Dominion. What’s comical is she had never really left us since her arrival. A group of us rendezvoused at a taco truck. We all planted down on a picnic table. At my feet, my backpack rested against a table leg. I withdrew a stack of plastic cups. “Hey Sticks, grab extra limes.” I poured five small cups of tequila
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from a flask. Sticks returned with the limes and I went to work, wetting the rims with lime juice and sprinkling the salt. “You, hey you over there!” I called at a scabby boy eating a torta. “Have a drink with us.” He stood up. “No, no. Take your plate buddy, have a seat.” The boy shrugged and collected his things. We clinked our plastic cups, the Dominion chick, Sticks, Sticks’ roommate and my new pal. “Ack!” The boy and the ominion chick shoved the limes against their pursed lips. Sticks and myself began pouring our second shots, far more composed. “One more before the tacos come.” he murmured knocking his cup back. “There they are.” I said once done, pointing at the carry-out steaming on the ledge of the truck’s window. “Grab ‘em, won’t you?” Sticks stood up and took our Dominion chick with him. “So what’s your story, kid?” I asked the rascal at my right. He shrugged. “C’mon.” I shoved his shoulder. Still mute the kid shifted away from me, so I gave him another shove, a bit harder, but in good fun. “I’m gonna go.” he finally said “No, no. Have another drink.” I said. I did not receive an answer from the boy. efore he looped his second leg over the bench seat during his departure, I gave him another push. It was a funny sight and
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brought both Stick’s roommate and I to to laughter. All that arm flailing didn’t save him, he went crashing down on his ass, dropping the remainder of food he had on his plate in the dust and gravel. “Clumsy bastard. Get up won’t ya.” He picked himself up. Dust covered his already dirty jeans. Before running away, the boy started brushing off his thighs. His attempt to get himself clean did not bode well for him. I can’t say what he did was a big deal, but I did observe a disrespect being practiced. He ought to have dashed away when he had a chance. Instead, he taunted me by standing his ground. “God damn it, buddy.” I stood up and gave him a good push. Once he was skidding on the gravel, I gave him another, this time with the bottom of my foot. His shoulder dived hard into the dirt. Initially, the plan was to rough him up, work a sweat and let the boy off the hook. After all, it’s the weekend, everyone has a right to a little fun, but it didn’t get on that way. Once I got worked up, stopping didn’t seem practical. It takes energy to get moving like I was, throwing it away would’ve been such a waste. So I continued, continued until the gang suggested I stop. To save the kid some embarrassment after defeat, I gorged on the tacos with my back turned away. Crawling away from the scene is humiliating enough, being watched while you lick your wounds and scrape along the ground, forget about it. “Let’s drop in Bottom Bracket for a sip.” I muttered. aco’s in my belly, dirt in my eyes, and a little tequila keeping the gears oiled up, had me feeling like a million. I was more than content, there was just one thing left to ask for. I wanted a different sense of fulfillment; my spirit needed its feed. Fed or not though, I was in good shape. A dance installation in Lady Gaga’s honor was underway at the bar. Elaborate costumery shimmered under a passing beam burning from a spotlight. Bar goers watched or didn’t. The mix of people filled the space
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with no unity, scattered like fallen cards.
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yssette, my magic angel would first grace me in that bar. At the furthest corner, adjacent to the jukebox, she leaned on her elbow, watching the dance from a distance. At first glance she seemed rather ordinary. Her white shorts were rolled up high and a baby blue blouse was tied above her belly button. Over the summer ensemble she wore a puffy white jacket. The attire was unassuming but she was hot enough to earn a longer looking at. High cheekbones and thick, dark eyebrows captured my attention. It wasn’t until I drew closer that I could really appreciate just how incredible she was. The darkness in the depth of her brown, nearly black eyes screwed with my insides. I felt like crumbling upon the nearest chair to catch my breath, and then I did. “Alright, yeah, hold that table man. I’ll get the drinks.” Sticks said to me as I sat, slightly dazed. I gave Sticks a weak thumbs up in response, and held the table. y whole world was spinning. The jolt felt from her look unleashed nausea upon me. I felt irreparably drunk, but throughout my spinning, I maintained a constant awareness of her. As if she radiated energy from the very spot she stood. I didn’t even have to look to know where it was coming from. Finally, I managed to sneak a second glimpse. The harshness of tattoos and dirt mixed with glowing skin, and mounds of curly hair piled about, gave her a refined native appeal. I had to talk to her. The wish for the sound of her voice was too much. Defying my sickly state, I stood up and approached her. Occupied with the jukebox, she didn’t see me coming. I tapped her shoulder. “Are you like, a witch?” I asked her. She smirked. “Do I look like one?” “No. It’s just, I saw you from over there and was like thinking, wow, your energy, it’s heavy. It doesn’t feel… normal.” “Well, I’m not normal.” “What’s-your-name?” I blurted. “Lyssette.”
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A familiar ring sounded loud in the fibers of my soul. I never met this girl, the ring didn’t come from something so simple as a previous run-in, this understanding was on a spiritual plane. It felt as if a vibration ran along her path, adjacent to my own. I could feel the rumble of her journey galloping alongside mine. I had no choice but to reach out, extend a hand that I so desperately hoped she would take. For I knew, if she did, we would gallop at speeds and lengths, alone we could never meet. “Give me a quick chance to get to know you.” I withdrew a pack of Marlboros from my pocket. “You smoke?” She withdrew a cigarette from the box in my hand and lead the way outside. “I saw you wiping the floor with that man over at the taco truck.” she said after a puff. I looked down, I’m no savage but I found little inclination to argue against that. Considering her first impressions were established by such violence, I found it unfruitful to try to sway whatever opinion she had made. “Earlier he was a real pain, yapping at me, trying to do whatever he was trying to do.” she continued. “Oh yeah?” “Yeah. I guess I thought it was… kinda hot when you, you know, killed him.” “Killed him?” “Yeah, he’s probably still where you left him. He’s scum, nobody’s gonna go help him out.” “That’s true.” I nodded, feeling satisfied. “So fighting isn’t a turn off, huh? Cause you know, I’m no brute. You see, I’m selective, I’m reasonable, but there’s a time and place—” “Of course! No, I know. I get it.” Lyssette interrupted. “Cool.” She smiled. “Cool.” nce we returned to the dancefloor the deal was sealed, on my end anyhow. I couldn’t stop fawning over her. We were so absorbed with one another. It was only when it seemed absolutely unavoidable that I introduced her to my pals. They weren’t as enthused
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as I had expected, which serves as a perfect example of just how inferior they are. No shock there. These individuals lacked an eye for the finer things I came to understand. Without me, they’d be nothing. took Lyssette outside for a second smoke. We brought along our Lonestar tall boys and found an unoccupied picnic table. “I don’t really like your friends.” she said. “Oh that’s alright. They don’t mean much to me anyhow.” Lyssette smirked. “I especially didn’t like the rough man with that big red ring on his hand.” “Oh? Sticks, you didn’t like Sticks?” “No, especially not him.” “Why?” “He was giving’ me a weird look. It made me uncomfortable… Oh, it’s nothing though.” “What sort of weird look?” y curiosity was ablaze. How I missed the look I didn’t know, but I did know I wasn’t going to let any recklessness like that slide. “Let us square it away, shall we?” I suggested, but to know avail. There was no straight-forward solution. Lyssette was far too stubborn and bashful to confront the situation and I didn’t blame her. Being a girl must be a true horror in that respect. The constant intrusions by hungry men she must deflect seems downright tiresome. For her, the night must grow more taxing as it progresses, and all this befalls upon the girl solely because of her beauty, what rot! The roar of an engine across the street caught my love’s attention. “Oh. I gotta go, sorry…” “Wait! Give me your number.” she
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finished adjusting herself and stood up. “Lyssette, hook it up. Here’s my phone. Type your number in.” “No, I gotta go.” she said backing away. “I’ll be right back though, don’t get bent.” “Get bent?” one. My heart sunk. Looking back at that moment, I realize I may have reacted inappropriately. Sticks was always a stand up guy. If there were any friends I truly enjoyed, it was him. At times I catch myself missing the guy even. My mind was wound up unfortunately. I was completely out of sorts. Lyssette up and left so abruptly and my longing for her had already been at its peak, where else could it go after being abandoned? The answer is, through the ceiling. In a frenzy, I rushed into the bar, fearing the worst. Worry that Sticks had already left to chase Lyssette raked deep into my skull. I began to think that maybe he was in the car that had pulled up. Fretting over any and every detail, I scanned the bar for a glimpse of my newfound enemy. “Oy! Over here!” Sticks shouted. “Where’s the pretty lady?” he asked in greeting. runk by now, I don’t have a full sense of what followed. The both of us were in a odd embrace at first I recall, what started as a civil exchange between friends, changed into a drunken grapple on the floor. With arms and legs tied up in the wrestle, I was forced to beat his forehead with my own until his grips tired. Once free from his hold, I really let loose. For how long, I can’t say, next thing I know I’m lying outside, my back on the gravel, too sore to relocate. A car door slammed within earshot. Gravel crunched nearby. It was much
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closer than the prior sound of feet heading to the bar’s entrance, or the feet taking leave to their respective car. These feet were scampering my way. “Shit, I thought that was you.” It was as if Lyssette teleported herself to me. At my greatest time in need she arrived. I could feel her magic reversing the pains of battery by the moment. “What happened?” she asked. couldn’t answer. Stumped, she told me she’d come back, and eventually she did! From there, I was guided to her parents little home, just a short jaunt away. The house smelled like sopita and weed. She lied me down on her living room couch and put a movie on. Short of icepacks, she offered me a bag of frozen vegetables to help reduce the swelling. My pain was ever expanding, I didn’t know where to put the pack first. “Put it over your eyes, it looks like they’re gonna bruise the worst.” “Shit” I grunted through a near unmoving mouth. She tended to my every wound that night. Her compassion moved me, and my allegiance was further solidified. We talked and smoked for hours. Never had my spirits been higher. I was certain my soul was having its fill. eflecting on that night warms me once more, it’s a comforting reminder that I’m where I’m supposed to be. The house still smells like Mexican food. Weed is still within reach. Water has once again pooled beneath a frozen bag of vegetables and I am, hopefully forever, holding my magic angel.
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INDEPENDENT STUDENT MAGAZINE FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO
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