Fall 2024 Magazine

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Interview with a Curator from The McNay Art Museum and Director of Advertising of San Antonio Magazine

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Thrifting a Job pg.3 Top Hireable Skills and Where to Learn Them for Free pg.6 Navigating LinkedIn for Internships pg.8

Letter from the Editor

Becoming Magazine Editor for The Paisano has been the most exciting thing to happen to me. My love of magazines began when I first watched the movie “Confessions of a Shopaholic” when I was six, so it was no surprise when I found out The Paisano had a magazine, I was determined to get involved.

Being in my senior year of college, I felt increasingly more anxious about what my life would be like after graduation. This is where my inspiration for the magazine came from. I wanted to create a guide on all the “adult” things I knew nothing about and needed guidance on. I wanted to broadcast the lives of graduates to show that life after graduation is full of opportunity and prosperity. Creating this magazine has transformed my perspective of adulthood from being obscure and formidable to something promising that I look forward to. Growing up can feel as though you

are mourning the loss of who you used to be and the fun you used to have. The decision to use childhood photos on the staff pages came from the desire to show how we carry who we were with us always.

I would like to express my gratitude to Marcela Montufar Soria — a friend of over a decade — who not only introduced me to The Paisano but endlessly helped me with this magazine. The same goes for Jasmine Williams who I could turn to on the late nights working on the magazine for support and the most entertaining stories.

I could not have done this without the help of my fellow editors who offered advice and guidance on my first issue. Jake Mireles, our Editor-in-Chief, helped with every question I had. Malaki Lingg taught me so much about fonts, Photoshop and layouts. Jenna Taylor, the former Magazine Editor, and Chloe Williams, the former

Managing Editor, taught me InDesign and eased the frustrations that came with learning everything for the first time.

Thank you to all the editors this semester including Dustin Vickers, Laynie Clark, Armin Suljovic and Kara Lee who were patient with me, infinitely kind and offered their time and expertise to help the magazine come together.

Lastly, I would like to thank my family for their love and support, and my best friend Maddy Mckinny who has given me guidance in life, joy everyday and her time.

This magazine is a compilation of brilliant people’s hard work, and I know their efforts will shine through. I wish everyone luck in navigating the journey of life. I hope that despite new challenges that come with growing up, everyone can hold onto the wonder that comes with childhood and look forward to each day, may it hold a new adventure.

Sofia Mejia

Meet the staff

{Paisano Plus}

Magazine Editor:

Sofia Mejia

Editor-in-Chief: Jake Mireles

Managing Editor: Dustin Vickers

News Editor: Laynie Clark

Opinion Editor: Marcela Montufar Soria

Arts & Life Editor: Malaki Lingg

Sports Editor: Haley Aguayo

Web Editor: Raul Martinez

Photo Editor: Armin Suljovic

Graphic editor: Kara Lee

Multimedia editor: Samantha Ysaguirre

Distribution Managers:

Alejandra Garza & Hannah Velasquez

Business Manager: Jaclyn Banda

{Writers}

Hanien Abdelmoneim, Haley Aguayo, Alessandra Avila, Laynie Clark, Anika Engler, Luna Infante, Kara Lee, Raul Martinez, Jake Mireles, Marcela Montufar Soria, Myriam Ortega, Dustin Vickers, Karis Vickers, Jasmine Williams, Samantha Ysaguirre

{Photographers}

Enrique Figueroa, Zoë Hernandez, Dennis Higgins, Miles Jones, Lauro Martinez, Noah Schwencke, Armin Suljovic

{Graphic Designers} Kara Lee, Marcela Montufar Soria, Catherine Salonga

{Cover Photo} Armin Suljovic

{Back Photo} Armin Suljovic

{Advisor} Diane Abdo

{Advisory Board}

Diane Abdo, Stefanie Arias, Corey Franco, Sofia Garcia, John Helton, Mason Hickock, Jack Himelblau, Steven Kellman, Donna Miller, Sandy Norman, lmelda Robles

Paisano Plus is publised 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 sponsered, finaced oe 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, Texas 78249 (210)-690-9301

magazine@paisano-online.com @2024, all rights reserved, The Paisano

Haley Aguayo

Zoë Hernandez

Alessandra Avila Laynie Clark

Anika Engler

Luna Infante

Malaki Lingg

Miles Jones

Lauro Martinez

Jake Mireles

Raul Martinez

Marcela Montufar Soria

Samantha Ysaguirre

Jasmine Williams

Karis Vickers

Dustin Vickers

Armin Sulijovic

Noah Schwencke

Catherine Salonga

Myriam Ortega

Thrifting a Job

Written By Raul Martinez, Photos By Malaki Lingg, Freepics, Page Design By Sofia Mejia

When looking for a job, one of the most important factors is your outfit. First impressions are crucial in impressing your future boss. You might think you have to spend a lot of money to look good, but that is not true. Second hand stores are a great solution for those who are shopping budget. You can easily find high-quality clothes at a discounted

Look for high-quality brands and materials

When thrifting, it is recommended that you get well-known names — such as L.L. Bean, J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic and other similar labels. Brand name does not always mean quality, but these brands have a great reputation for class and comfort. The standard business clothing fabrics are silk and Egyptian cotton. If possible, 100% materials are optimal. The fibers in the clothing should be consistent and flow well. The thicker, smoother and softer, the better.

Bottoms

The bottoms are the easiest part of an outfit to build upon. Think of the bottoms as the foundation of a home. If the foundation is weak, then be prepared to see the house in shambles pretty soon. When choosing what kind of bottoms to get, think about the dress code of the job

most important part. It is the structure and insulation of the house. It provides a silhouette that gives the outfit personality. For business casual dress codes, polos, button-ups and blouses of any material will suffice. For business formal dress codes, button-ups, silk blouses and fine knots are appropriate.

In order to personalize the outfit, you must keep it simple. Color can be used,

do not let them detract from the main components of your outfit. Ballet flats, loafers, dress boots, Chelsea boots and Oxford shoes are footwear styles to look for. Types of sneakers, like running shoes, are not recommended unless you are planning on dressing business casual. Sandals are rarely advised. With colors, it is recommended to stick with neutrals as they do not distract from the top and bottom combo.

Accessories

Accessories are equivalent to

the context of attire, they include piercings, chains, necklaces, bracelets and rings. This is the perfect time for the interviewee to express themselves — with some exceptions. For all workplace dress codes, avoid distracting and flashy accessories as much as possible. For example, decorative ties create a distraction to the

Preparing For Your First Post-Grad Interview

Written by Luna Infante, Graphics by Catherine Salonga, Page Design By Sofia Mejia

Post graduation, the frame of a well-earned degree rests on the wall, perfectly centered, proud to be shown off. After months of sending in job applications and finally getting a call-back, it is time to prepare for your first interview after graduation.

Do your research

Researching the company you are applying to before an interview could give you a competitive edge against other applicants. Learning about the company will show off your preparedness, genuine interest and allow you to match your answers to the company’s values. Overall, you will be more relaxed and confident during your interview.

First impressions matter

A key factor in the interview is how you present yourself. The interviewer will be asking themselves, “Is the candidate prepared? How are they dressed? Are they professional?” You should bring

a copy of your resumé, cover letter, portfolio if applicable, two forms of ID and a pen and paper to your interview.

You must be dressed professionally. It is best to wear muted colors and simple dress shoes. A nice blouse or button-up with dress pants or a knee-length skirt are optimal choices. Do not wear oversized or skin-tight clothing.

When the interviewer approaches you, shake their hand firmly and give a friendly smile. The same applies to virtual interviews, except there is no need to wear nice pants or shake their hand, but remember to have confidence, good posture and a clean camera.

The general questions

These questions are typically the ice-breaker. They start off simple and gradually increase in complexity. At this point, it is important to relax and be yourself; remember that the interviewer wants authenticity, not automated responses.

Interview questions like, “Why do you want to work here?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Tip: Start with a weakness and end with a strength. For instance, “My biggest weakness is my struggle to ask for help; my biggest strength is my ability to lead a team.” These tie in together and show that your weakness will not be a detriment to the company but rather a challenge to work through.

In-depth questions

Once the interview dives into the deeper questions, they will begin to ask about your experience, past projects and future goals. They may also ask about previous adversaries you have overcome in a workplace and how it displayed your work ethic. For example, they might say “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you dealt with it.” With this, the interviewer typically wants to know about your honesty and your ability to face obstacles while keeping your

composure.

After inquiring about your experience, the interviewer will begin to ask questions about the position being offered. They may say “Why did you choose this career?” or “What do you think makes someone in this position successful at their job?” It is important to be specific when answering these questions; the interviewer wants to know about your knowledge, preparedness and ambition.

Your turn to ask

It is now your turn to ask the questions and close out the interview on a high note. Two examples of strong questions to ask include, “What is the most challenging part about this position?” and “What are the company’s standards for performance review and employee growth?” You can also ask questions based on the research you have done about the company, personalizing the questions is sure to make you stand out.

Entering the Workforce as an International Student

Written & Graphics by Marcela Montufar Soria, Page Design by Sofia Mejia

International students at UTSA are well-acquainted with the unique limitations they face compared to the rest of the student body. The complex legal status that comes with being an international student can be dismaying as they begin to explore job opportunities. But they need not fear, for UTSA is equipped with a number of resources to help them succeed.

The Paisano sat down with Ashley Wallace, director of International Student and Scholar Services, and Bryana Nunez, a senior career consultant at UTSA’s University Career Center, to learn about the ways international students can prepare to enter the workforce.

Their biggest recommendation was to attend the numerous workshops hosted by the Career Center and Global Initiatives and to visit their offices on campus with any questions. Both offices hold workshops targeted towards the needs of international students. They explain the legal processes that come with getting a job in the U.S. and teach career skills, such as navigating job databases to maximize results.

UTSA students have access to Interstride and GoingGlobal, two job-finding websites best suited to the needs of international students. Interstride was designed by international students, and it can help people navigate their options without the burden of false opportunities or jobs that do not accept international applicants. GoingGlobal can help all students find job opportunities outside of the U.S. to broaden their career perspectives.

When it comes to job hunting, international students are competing against U.S. citizens for jobs and need to make double the impact to stand out. Not every job will be willing to hire people who might need their visas sponsored, so it is a good idea to look up the employer’s hiring history and check whether they accommodate international applicants or not. In her interview, Nunez said that in her experience, the two job fields where international students are most likely to be hired are STEM and business.

To help them stand out, international students must have toptier resumes. Wallace recommends they highlight their language skills in both their resumes and interviews, as most international students are polyglots. Speaking more than one language fluently is a valuable and attractive skill to potential employers — and one few U.S. citizens can flaunt. For help creating a competitive resume, students can attend the resume workshops hosted by the Career Center or make an appointment with their career consultants. Students with F-1 visas can get on-campus jobs, but they are not eligible for work-study jobs as they cannot receive

payment from the federal government. However, UTSA still offers plenty of non-work-study jobs that international students can apply for.

In order to work in the U.S., people must have a social security number. They can obtain a work authorization letter from the office of International Students and Scholars Services, which they can then present at a Social Security Administration office alongside an offer letter of employment to receive a social security card.

There are options for international students to work or intern off-campus, if necessary. With the help of International Services, they can process either a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or an Optional Practical Training (OPT) form. This is work authorization granted by the federal government. For example, student looking to intern outside of UTSA for credit could apply for a CPT, and a recently graduated student can apply for OPT to extend their stay in the U.S. until get a job that could later

Getting a job is a stressful process. For international students, it is even harder. But UTSA’s University Career Services and International Student and Scholar Services are here to help. Take advantage of their expertise and resources to facilitate the heavy task of job-searching.

Top Hireable Skills & Where to Learn Them for Free

Written by Karis Vickers, Graphics by Marcela Montufar Soria, Page Design by Sofia Mejia

Regardless of the position or job, there will always be a set of traits and skills jobs look for in their future employees. Thankfully, many online resources grant easy and quick access to developing the same abilities most companies look for. These skills can be learned from YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, Skillbase and online articles with resources that teach basics about building the necessary skills.

Writing

Writing is another fundamental skill that can be applied to all aspects of current education and future careers. With online resources, having one awful English teacher does not have to tarnish your love for writing. Going through different level courses on YouTube, edX and Skillshare can rebuild your writing skills to a higher level. Reading, creative writing and reviewing basic grammar skills are simple, daily tasks that can improve your writing.

Communication

Most, if not all, jobs require a high level of communication skills. Having the ability to properly articulate ideas, problems and solutions is necessary to carry out tasks efficiently and effectively. Communication also encompasses writing and listening.

Adaptability

Strong Work Ethic

Excel

Excel is a software skill that is difficult to learn without practice or completing a course. Luckily, many online resources make this easily accessible without going through much trouble. Excel can also be applied in a variety of jobs; having a basic understanding of the software’s shortcuts can be a resume booster. You can learn how to use Excel along with more Microsoft Office skills on websites like Coursera, Microsoft 365 Training and edX.

Having a strong work ethic is the backbone of any job. It gives employers the ability to trust that the work assigned will get done efficiently. Time management, reliability, ambition and responsibility all encompass the traits of someone with a strong work ethic. Meeting deadlines on time or even before they are due and being a devoted employee will be necessary to getting and keeping jobs in the future.

Leadership

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Critical thinking and problem solving skills can be difficult to learn, but all it takes is hands-on experiences inside and outside of the workplace. Knowing how to navigate situations without panicking or losing sight of the solution is a crucial strength to possess.

Leadership is a harder skill to naturally excel at because it requires a higher level of understanding coworkers and peers to guide them toward success. Finding the middle ground of taking charge while allowing peers to express their thoughts and ideas is a good trait employers seek out.

Jobs are not going to be linear, so being able to think quickly under pressure and adapt to situations in a calm manner will be crucial to any work environment. Willingness to grow and change is also needed for those in the workforce since technology is advancing so rapidly.

Do not become discouraged if these skills are not fully developed yet. There is always time to learn, and utilizing free online resources will make it much easier!

How to utilize job search platforms How to utilize job search platforms

How to utilize job search platforms

Written by Laynie Clark, Graphic by Marcela Montufar Soria, FreePic, Page Design by Sofia Mejia

Entering the job market can be formidable for recent graduates. With the rise of digital job platforms, the search for employment has become more accessible than ever. This article explores how to effectively utilize these platforms, identify fake job postings, format your resume and connect with potential employers.

Job platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed and Glassdoor provide a wide range of opportunities for job seekers. You can follow the steps listed below to maximize your search.

Set up alerts: Most platforms allow you to set up job alerts based on specific keywords, locations and industries. This feature can save you time and ensure you do not miss out on new opportunities.

Research companies: Use the platform to research companies you are interested in. Look for reviews and ratings to understand the company culture and employee satisfaction.

Network actively: Engage with posts and connect with professionals in your field. Networking can lead to job opportunities that may not be advertised publicly.

Unfortunately, fake job postings are extremely common on many platforms. Listed below are some signs to watch for.

Vague descriptions: Genuine job postings typically include detailed descriptions of responsibilities and requirements. If a posting is overly vague or lacks specifics, it may be a scam.

Unrealistic salaries: Be cautious of postings offering salaries that seem too good to be true. Research standard salaries for the position in your area to get a realistic benchmark.

Poor grammar and spelling: Many fraudulent postings contain typos and awkward phrasing. Professional organizations usually maintain high standards for their communications.

Request for personal information: Legitimate

employers will not ask for sensitive personal information — like your Social Security number — during the hiring process. If a posting requests this information upfront, it is likely a scam.

Your resume is often your first impression, so it is crucial to format it effectively. Listed below are a few good ways to do so.

Choose a clean layout: Use a simple, professional design. Avoid overly decorative fonts and colors that can distract from the content.

Highlight relevant experience: Tailor your resume for each job application. Emphasize experiences and skills that align with the job description.

Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with strong action verbs like “developed,” “led” and “managed” to convey your contributions effectively.

Keep it concise: Aim to make your resume no more than one page if you have less than ten years of experience. Remember to focus on the most relevant information as well. When creating your profile on job platforms, the following information is essential.

Contact information: Include your email and phone number in your profile. Ensure they are professional and up to date.

Professional summary: Write a brief summary that highlights your skills, experiences and career aspirations. This section should capture your unique value proposition.

Work experience: List your relevant work experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on accomplishments and responsibilities.

Skills section: Include both hard and soft skills relevant to your industry in your profile.

Navigating job platforms as a recent graduate can be overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can enhance

Written by Haley Aguayo, Graphics by Catherine Salonga Page Design

Whether you are seeking an internship through networking, word of mouth or countless websites, the process can be stressful and discouraging. That is why you need to work the system if you want it to work for you, and LinkedIn is the perfect website for such ventures.

Similar to Facebook or Instagram, LinkedIn is a social networking website, with a heavy emphasis on “networking.” LinkedIn is such a great place to start in your search for internships because you can directly connect with recruiters, alumni and industry professionals who can aid in your internship journey. In addition, people can showcase their experience and projects to potential employers. Great features — such as endorsements, certification quizzes and acquired skills — can be previewed by potential employers on your profile. All of these features are available to users with a free membership, and what college student does not like free?

Understandably, LinkedIn can be overwhelming for new users, so here are some ways to navigate the site and find an internship that suits you.

To start, it is best to optimize your free profile by building your profile page. Add all experiences and jobs you have worked, and take a headshot — which is offered for free at UTSA. You will want to highlight your accomplishments on your profile page in order to stand out.

Using the Job Search tool will work wonders. Not only can you look up jobs such as “communication internships in San Antonio,” but you can also use filters to fixate on certain locations. Want to move to Los Angeles? Search for internships in LA! With an option to save a job search, LinkedIn will save your preferences and keep recommending jobs similar to your saved search. Not sure if communication is your thing? You can save multiple job searches and receive notifications — or “job alerts” — when there is an opening.

Unlike other websites, you can directly connect with your possible future boss or company of employment. This is where LinkedIn truly stands out compared to traditional job boards. Job seekers can send personalized messages to recruiters, hiring managers or company representatives, and they can initiate a conversation that sets them apart from the crowd. Taking advantage of opportunities like this — briefly introducing yourself, explaining your interest in the role and expressing how you believe you can contribute — will intrigue a prospective employer.

Key features that can expand your job search are tools such as

Navigating LinkedIn Navigating LinkedIn Navigating LinkedIn

LinkedIn Groups. These groups are filled with people who share interests. Joining groups that are relevant to your industry or internship goals can help expand your network and expose you to opportunities you might not find elsewhere. Networking gets a bad reputation at times, but if you can come out of your shell and interact, it will pay off. It is truly key to unlocking internships, and this website is the perfect place to start.

Once taking the first steps of creating your profile and joining groups, you should work to stay active on LinkedIn. As mentioned before, work the system and it will work for you. You can regularly update your profile to reflect the classes you have taken or jobs and projects you have worked on. Even posting life updates is a great way to expand your footprint on the website. Frequently logging on can also show connections that you are determined to utilize the site, especially when you put “open to work” on your profile.

Of course, as with any website, LinkedIn is not black and white. There will be thousands of job openings a day and very few that you are the right fit for. Do not be afraid to keep putting yourself out there; the perfect internship might be just around the corner.

The Paisano: Alumni Feature

The Paisano offers a variety of different opportunities to develop professionally. As an organization, there is a wide variety of skills one can acquire to help make their journey into their industry that much easier. The Paisano caught up with some Alumni from a wide range of professions —- here are their stories

Gaige Davila - Co-News Editor

Gaige Davila, a Port Isabell native, was

worked as a freelance journalist for a small, grassroots newspaper in his hometown during high school. However, Davila dropped the freelance position before he went to UTSA. During his freshman year, he picked up a copy of The Paisano and decided to rekindle his passion for the profession.

“I saw [an ad] in one of the issues and I was like, ‘I guess I could pick it up again’,” Davila said. “It started redeveloping my interest in journalism and in photography, which I think really comes from just an outright curiosity of the world.”

Post college, Davila went on to work for the San Antonio Heron as a reporter, then went back to his roots and took over the Port Isabel-South Padre press as the Editor. Most recently, Davila worked for Texas Public Radio as their Border and Immigration Reporter from 2021-2024.

While working for TPR, Davila reported on a lot of difficult, often emotionally traumatic topics relating to the community he grew up in. He attributes his passion for journalism not to his love for the news or for politics but to curiosity and empathy.

“For the last several years, a lot of the stuff that I covered is really, really difficult and really, really traumatic,” Davila said. “You have to be curious about the world and empathetic of it too in order to learn more about it.”

During his tenure, Davila has reported on a variety of subjects ranging from the environmental

concerns attributed to SpaceX’s rocket launches in the Rio Grande Valley to the indictment of Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar for accepting bribes from a company in Azerbaijan.

“Journalism is really great because it’s almost like having a new job every day,” Davila said. “It’s a really good job for people who can’t figure out what they’re actually into. I like to read, I like to write, I like to know more about the world and it hasn’t

failed me yet.”

When deciding to make the jump to a professional journalism career, Davila noted how his time at The Paisano helped him break into the scene — one that is difficult and demanding for recent graduates.

“It’s just a continuation of what I had been doing for three years,” Davila said. “The skills were so transferable that I feel like I’ve never really stopped doing [journalism] since my sophomore year of college, and realistically, I haven’t.”

Speaking on his development through the world of professional journalism, Davila noted the difficulties of transitioning from a student publication to a corporate one. However, he explained that while your first career as a journalist may be uninteresting, it always leads somewhere.

“What you come to realize is that when you eventually learn how to just craft a narrative and craft a story, and talk to people as banal as that sounds, you can start getting into what you’re really interested in,” Davila stated. “It’s not worth betraying your true interests; it’s not worth betraying who you want to be as a person in order to go up the career ladder.”

Davila left TPR in July and currently has a book deal with Texas Tech University Press.

The Paisano: Alumni Feature

Anita Valencia - Editor in Chief

Anita Valencia, a widely successful grassroots artist from San Antonio, pursued her bachelor’s degree in humanities at UTSA, graduating in 1984. She attributes her decision to pursue higher education to her daughter, who was always one of her biggest supporters.

“I didn’t decide. My youngest daughter went and registered, and she came back home and she said ‘Mom, I registered you. You’re going back to college,” Valencia said. “I took a night class as my first class; I was scared stiff. And when I walked out of class, she was waiting for me and said, ‘Well, how was it?’”

Valencia, a San Antonio native, wanted to pursue a career in the arts. However, there were limited opportunities for her to pursue this passion at the collegiate level in San Antonio at the time. She decided to attend the San Antonio Art Institute before pursuing her degree at UTSA.

During her time at UTSA, Valencia was persuaded into joining The Paisano by Diane Abdo — The Paisano’s faculty advisor. This has been a common story for generations of Paisano staff members.

“Well, I went to complain about not having any arts reviews or anything like that,” Valencia said. “And I think Diane said ‘Well, why don’t you write them?’ And before I knew it, I was in there.”

While Valencia already had prior education in the arts, UTSA and The Paisano opened a lot of new avenues for her career at the time.

“I met a lot of young people,” Valencia remarked. “It opened up the world for me, it

really did. I met lots of different people, I still kept active in the art world and all, but it opened up the world for me.”

Not only did Valencia’s time at The Paisano open up the world for her, but it also opened a lot of doors to new career opportunities. At the time, The Women’s Caucus for the Arts had formed; they elected Valencia — who was not a member of their organization — as the first president because of her work with The Paisano.

“Making me the editor of The Paisano gave me a lot of confidence, I never thought I had that in

president of the at Blue Star Art Space. I didn’t have that kind of confidence before I went [to The Paisano].”

Valencia, who had primarily focused on the art of lithography in her early stages, became extremely environmentally conscious after she saw firsthand how much waste art has the potential to generate. This, combined with a studyabroad program in Japan that taught her unique techniques of papermaking, drove Valencia to pursue art in an environmentally conscious manner.

“I loved printmaking, but you would take these expensive papers and you would do 100 prints, and then they wouldn’t work and you would have all this wasted paper.” Valencia stated. “I was getting frustrated, and I felt like I was going nowhere.”

Post graduation, Valencia took on numerous large-scale public art commissions that are still displayed today. She noted that without the unwavering support of her family, she would not have

been able to dedicate herself to these timeless projects.

“My public art commissions are humongous,” Valencia stated. “If I didn’t have a good husband and good family, I couldn’t have done it. They were 24 hour, seven days a week commissions.”

These art commissions can still be viewed today. One of her most famous works, “Butterflies,” is an artistic park bench made from recycled aluminum cans. It is located on a trail South of Lone Star Blvd. opposite Roosevelt Park. Her artwork is also displayed in the UTSA Downtown Campus and in The Paisano’s office.

Above painting is on display at the Paisano office building.

Written by Jake Mireles, Photos Courtesy of Gaige Davila, & Anita Valencia, Page Design by Sofia Mejia

The Paisano: Alumni Feature

Chloe Williams - Managing Editor

Written

Jake

Chloe Willaims, a former Paisano Managing Editor, graduated from UTSA with a degree in business marketing and a minor in adaptive decision models for business.

For some, a degree in business is initially considered a placeholder — something to start off with while you figure out what exactly you want to do. For Williams, this notion rang true.

“I picked marketing or management depending on where I applied because I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to do. I wasn’t really passionate about anything,” Williams said.

When she joined The Paisano, she still was unsure about what career path she

“Time management, working on a deadline, and over management and graphic design skills,” said Willaims when asked about which skills she learned at The Paisano directly transferred into the workplace. “The Paisano taught me how to be versatile too, and that helps with my job so much because I can pick things up from there that I otherwise wouldn’t have been exposed to if I was not at The Paisano.”

These skills were quickly put to use in her position at Dura Software. The company, which does in-house marketing for niche technology companies across the globe, set high expectations right from the start.

wanted to pursue. During her first few semesters, Williams focused on website development and graphic design, opening up new pathways for her to explore potential interests.

“I started doing infographics and page design, and that’s when I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I really like graphic design. I really like that management [aspect] too,’” Williams said. “Being in The Paisano definitely shifted what I wanted to do.”

In her current position as a digital marketing specialist at Dura Software, Williams learned different practical skills for the industry. However, The Paisano gave her a creative outlet to experiment and hone these newfound skills on a daily basis. Williams also learned a lot of valuable skills in her position on the Editorial Board as well.

“I do marketing and graphic design for 15 different companies, and they’re based all over the world,” Williams saidw. “We do social media for them. We do collateral design for them. We do web development. We do all the different things that a marketing agency would do, but we operate in-house so each individual company is not paying because [traditional] marketing agencies are so expensive.”

This non-traditional approach to marketing leads to a very inconsistent workday, where your job can look completely different based on the day of the week.

“It’s very different depending on the day. I’ve been doing a lot of web design and designing landing pages and website pages for our companies. [We have] a lot of last-minute projects too because these companies have a lot of last-minute ideas. They’ll be like, ‘Oh we’re going to a trade show next week; we need this, this, this, this,” Williams said. “I’ve never had a day that looks the same unless I’m working on a really big project.”

One of the harder-to-learn skills that Willaims was able to transfer from The Paisano to her career was the ability

professional, business-like manner. This is especially useful for companies like Dura Software, who have employees based across the globe who rarely interact in a traditional, office-like setting.

“I communicate with [my team] remotely or at meetings,” Williams said. “The Paisano has prepared me to work on a team and go towards the greater good. Because The Paisano is a business, everyone has their role and then you work together to make things possible.”

“The Paisano has prepared me to work on a team and go towards the greater good. Because The Paisano is a business, everyone has their role and then you work together to make things possible.”

by

Mireles, Photos Courtesy of Chole Williams, Page Design by Sofia Mejia

UTSA Alumni Resources

Written by Jake Mireles, Photos by Armin Suljovic, Page Design by Sofia Mejia

Navigating life post graduation can seem extremely unnerving especially when it comes to career searching and job hunting. However, UTSA has a plethora of alumni resources that all recent or not-so-recent graduates can take advantage of to make post-grad life that much easier.

UTSA Alumni retain access to the career development resources offered by the Career Center. These include career exploration and planning materials, salary and industry information resources and the Roadrunner Career Navigator. Alumni also have access to document development assistance for help with resumes, CVs and cover letters. The Career Center assists with interview preparation as well.

alumni to network with other UTSA graduates. Members have access to job listings, connections with prospective employers as well as career development and networking opportunities.

UTSA graduates have the opportunity to join the UTSA Alumni Association, which rewards its members with a multitude of benefits. These include, but are not limited to, exclusive discounts on Dell Technology products and Hyatt hotel rooms, affordable dental and vision plans through AMBA along with special home and auto insurance rates through Liberty Mutual. Members of the Alumni Association also receive a 10% discount on extended education courses through UTSA and receive special rates for on-campus resources — like parking passes and the Recreation Center.

In-person career assistance events, such as Career Labs or appointments with a UTSA Career Consultant, are accessible to alumni too. Appointments to meet with a Career Consultant can be made through Handshake; both in-person and online options are available. The Career Center also hosts Career Expos, which are open to both current and former students.

Alumni have access to the Roadrunner Network. This platform allows current students and

While these are just some of the resources available to UTSA alumni, they represent the university’s strong commitment to assisting graduates with their next steps in life. Whether that is furthering their education or beginning their search for a new career, UTSA provides access to plenty of resources to make life post-graduating a little easier.

Career Quiz

Written by Marcela Montufar Soria, Graphics by Marcela Montufar Soria, Page Design By Sofia Mejia

Who Will You Be?

What to do at a Job Fair

Written by Jasmine Williams, Photos by Kara Lee, Page Design by Sofia Mejia

UTSA hosts a handful of job fairs for students to network with businesses and organizations looking to hire new employees. The All Majors Career Expo and Stem Career Expo are held every fall and spring. The Part Time Job Fair is held every fall, while CAREER-A-PALUTSA is held every spring. The fall career fairs have already passed, as they were held in September; however, you still have the spring dates to look forward to in February.

Job fair attendees will need to register for the event ahead of time on Handshake. Registration for spring job fairs has not yet opened, so there is still ample time to prepare. In the meantime, you can create or update your resume if you have not already.

Information to include on a resume is your contact information, current GPA if it is above a 3.0, prior work experience, volunteer experience, leadership positions you have held in your community or student organizations, certifications you may have and any other relevant achievements.

The UTSA Career Center offers assistance in writing and reviewing resumes and cover letters. After you have created your resume, you can schedule an appointment with them to receive critiques and suggestions. Once your resume is in tiptop shape, make copies of it and keep it in a folder or binder that you can bring to upcoming job fairs. Around 10 copies should suffice, but if you are feeling ambitious, you can always bring more.

Another thing to keep in mind is the way you dress. Professional attire is vital when trying to make a good impression on employers at a job fair. It shows you are

taking this opportunity seriously and you are ready to navigate a professional environment.

It is best to go into the job fair with an idea of what kind of work you would like to do and what you want out of a future employer. Research the ways that your degree can be applied in the workforce and determine which ones appeal to you the most. When introducing yourself to employers, lead with your vision and tell them how you can serve their organization or how working with them will help you to achieve your goals.

Ambition and drive are excellent qualities to have when networking at a job fair.

Assume it is the morning of

CAREER-A-PALUTSA.

At this point, you have showered, styled your hair and are dressed in your finest professional attire. Check your bag to ensure you have at least 10 copies of your resume to give to employers. Head out the door early so you arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the job fair.

Once you arrive, steel your nerves and get to networking. When talking with employers, speak loudly, clearly and with a purpose. Stay focused on your plan for the future, and essentially sell yourself to the employers. Tell them how you want to apply your education and how that aligns with the business or organization’s mission. Give your resume to the employers that interest you the most, and keep in touch with them. Reach out to them unprompted to see if they are still interested in taking you on as an intern or employee.

If you follow this guide, you are sure to find success at the next job fair. Try not to stress as there are ample resources you can rely on to help throughout this process. You got this!

Reach out Don’t Fade Out

Written

In a world where everything is digital and automated, it seems as though nothing is personal. Job opportunities seem to zip past at a million miles a minute and seldom do any ever result in interviews. The digital age has been a blessing and a curse for employees and employers alike; employees can apply online to as many jobs as they would like while employers can set automatic filters that quickly sift through candidates and search for keywords in resumes.

How can a candidate stand out in the crowd of applicants? They can reach out directly to employees of the company of interest. Reaching out to employees to inquire about the company and becoming familiar with them is a great way to make an excellent first impression. So, here is a list of major employers to reach out to based on your major.

Biological and Biomedical Sciences: Methodist Healthcare System

This company is a great place for students with biology and biomedical degrees. If this is your major, you are more than likely going into a job that involves hospital work. Whether your final goal involves people or animals, having any experience in medicine is crucial for your future in the medical field.

Business, Management, Marketing: HEB

HEB is more than just cashiers. For a grocery store titan to function within its headquarter city, there must be systems in place to ensure products are being managed properly in the surrounding area. If you are majoring in business, management or marketing, HEB will have an abundance of opportunities for you.

Computer and Information Sciences: Rackspace Technology and Dell Technologies

Rackspace Technologies is one of the largest tech companies in San Antonio with ample opportunities for students. Meanwhile, Dell Technologies is a globally recognized company that — although not located in San Antonio — has its headquarters in Round Rock, Texas. Both of these are excellent places to reach out to if you are interested in going into a computer sciencerelated field.

Engineering: Six Flags

For those interested in solving complex mechanical issues one minute then riding a rollercoaster the next, this is the company for you. Whether you have seen the fireworks from your dorm window or have been to UTSA’s Howdy Rowdy Bash, most San Antonio students have some connection to Six Flags. Although it is a lot of fun to visit, the rollercoasters cannot repair themselves. Six Flags is a great place to connect with if you have prior experience as a technician or in mechanical engineering.

Health Professions: START Center for Cancer Research

For those with an interest in oncology and cancer research, START Center for Cancer Research may be for you. Having over 35 years of cancer research, this would be an excellent place for those who have more schooling under their belt to reach out for research experience or for those with less to make connections.

Education: Pearson

Many students may be familiar with the name Pearson as it is a common textbook provider that many professors require students to purchase from for their classes. Pearson also has job offerings available, which makes them an amazing candidate for those of you looking to make back the money spent on textbooks.

Communication, Film and Media: iHeartMedia, Inc. and Hulu

For those who are interested in music, podcasts and general entertainment, iHeartMedia, Inc. may be the company for you. Another entertainment giant has a location in San Antonio as well: Hulu. Communication, film and media majors have plenty of options when it comes to working for these companies. They could be radio hosts, to sound technicians or even lighting specialists.

All other majors: City of San Antonio

The City of San Antonio provides a plethora of jobs for students of numerous majors. They provide a self-explanatory breakdown of requirements needed for each job, including veterinary technicians, assistant teachers, epidemiologists, recreation supervisors, aviation engineers and welders. Even for majors that were not mentioned, the City of San Antonio has several opportunities for all educational backgrounds.

by Dustin Vickers, Photos by Kara Lee, Page Design by Sofia Mejia

Written by Kara Lee, Photos Courtesy of Maxine Pittman & Liz Paris,

Creativity comes in many forms, and when it comes to pursuing a job, the paths are endless. The Paisano spoke with Maxine Pittman, Director of Advertising at San Antonio Magazine, and Liz Paris, Curator of Collections/Collections Manager at The McNay Art Museum, to highlight the unique paths some graduates have taken.

Q: What was your job hunting experience like as a new graduate?

MP: After I graduated with my degree in Strategic Communications, I knew I wanted to work in advertising, but I hadn’t had an enjoyable experience working at ad agencies. So I just kept searching for ad-related opportunities on LinkedIn that weren’t at an agency. I eventually landed at a Publisher’s Rep Firm that handled print and digital advertising for Women’s Health and Men’s Health magazines plus Time, Fortune and Money magazines.

LP: I will say that my avenue into the museum was partially by way of the fact that I worked for UTSA Special Collections when I was in the graduate program. So I started doing that. And I was also a TA teaching the modern art survey while I was in the program, but it was someone from my cohort who told me about a parttime

Magazines & Creatives of

position that was open at the McNay working with the collections database.

Q: Which resources were most valuable during your job search?

MP: I mainly used LinkedIn for the job search itself, but the most useful resource is 100% your connections. The hiring manager for my first job out of college basically hired me on the spot after learning my boss at one of my internships was someone they frequently worked with. Network, network, network.

LP: As far as resources at UTSA in general, I think it was more resources and expertise coming from specific professors that I had in the MA program at UTSA that were helpful for me. So I will say that for students who are intimidated or think that they can’t go to their professors as resources outside of their courses or think that the questions they might have might be stupid — they’re not stupid questions. I feel that professors themselves are actually underutilized resources as far as information regarding real life or workforce experience, or opportunities and avenues outside of what you think the jobs are that are available to you with your degree.

Q: How did you arrive at your current role?

MP: My experiences at the rep firm and with the magazine led me to work at Austin Monthly for over five years. I then sought experience in streaming at Pandora and Dell. When San

Antonio Magazine was acquired by Hearst, I seized the opportunity to return to local media.

LP: This field is very competitive. I will be very upfront and say that any kind of creative field is extremely competitive. It’s still about, unfortunately, who you know and who can maybe get you an in or how can you get a foot in the door. I mean, as I said, I got a part time position at the McNay, now almost 10 years ago, because I knew someone who was already here.

Photos by Miles Jones & Enrique Figueroa, Page Desgin By Sofia Mejia

Museums San Antonio

Q: What do your daily activities and responsibilities entail?

MP: As Ad Director and Marketing Director, my job is to align our branding and marketing with the editorial side while maintaining brand identity and creating a safe and dynamic space for advertisers to thrive. At the end of the day, I’m responsible for all ad revenue for the magazine, so I need to ensure the product we’re offering our advertisers is a great value for them and that our relationships are maintained. But since

we’re a small team, I’m also actively involved in design work, sales calls, magazine layout and team support.

LP: I’m Curator of Collection, so I’m responsible for working with our head of curatorial affairs regarding installation of works from our collection in our permanent collection galleries at the McNay. Our galleries are organized thematically, rather than chronologically or by period. They’re thematic. So in working with that, I’m able to work across the collection and make connections between different types of things that you wouldn’t necessarily be able to make going with a more straightforward route with installing works.

The other part of what I do as collections manager is I’m responsible for the maintenance, care, handling, storage, photography and documentation of everything in our permanent collection. So if you were able to see behind this little curtain in my office here, you could see file cabinet upon file cabinet. So I maintain all of the physical files for all +23,000 objects in our permanent collection. I also handle photography. I handle copyright and rights and reproduction requests. I was kind of doing that for many years before that.

Q: How did your major and time in college contribute to your current role?

MP: I went to journalism school at TCU. My major was Strategic Communication, which was an allencompassing advertising degree. So I spent four years in the ad agency world, essentially. My experience at TCU was great and helped prepare me for my career, but internships were infinitely more valuable.

LP: I went to University of Incarnate Word for my undergrad, and I applied for the art history MA program at UTSA because, at the time, UIW only featured art history as a minor. I knew that UTSA had a pretty good strength as far as their MA program. I wanted to go more the art history route because my BA was in English, so I was attracted to the program from the beginning.

Q: What advice do you have for students about to graduate?

MP: Be open to all opportunities and the organic flow of things. Every single opportunity I took led me to where I am today. There are no wrong choices — only experience gained. Embrace every professional experience you get to have, even if it seems inconsequential. And always keep an open mind.

LP: It can be hard to jump into whatever field you’re choosing to get into, and it can be hard to get into any kind of creative field. But just remember that the people in the workforce for those fields are just people. Again: Don’t be so hard on yourself. You do not have to fit into this specific kind of little box. If you feel that your degree and your skill set can apply to something that you really want to do, then go for it. I’m glad to be an alumni, and I’m glad to be in a position in which I can talk to classes who are still in the programs and still getting their degrees.

Inspired by San Antonio’s missions, Marcie Ann Anguiano started her business endeavors with Mission Crafts, a boutique selling home decor. However, Anguiano’s Heritage Collection Candles began receiving most, if not all, of the attention. This led her to prioritize candles, leading her to rebrand to Mission Crafts Chandlery focusing on a candle-making business. Additionally, Anguiano provides an option to book candle decorating parties, and has frequent themed events where you can have specialized add-ons based on fan-favorite movies. Angunio graduated with a bachelor’s in Communications, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communications in 2011.

Now and Forever, Entrepreneurial Geniuses

Written by Myriam

Roadrunners at UTSA are dedicated, hardworking and resilient. Several take a leap of faith, putting everything they have at risk to pursue their dreams and goals. Below are businesses founded by UTSA alumni who utilized their skills beyond the classroom and persevered to be where they are now. They believed in their vision and worked hard to bring it to life. Now, we would like to help out and support these courageous entrepreneurs. Businesses started by UTSA alumni show how they have successfully applied the valuable skills and knowledge acquired during their time in school. It is a reflection of how committed these alumni were to pursuing their passions and doing what they love, ultimately leading them to prosperity. Their stories serve as inspiration for UTSA alumni of today.

Created and managed by Amy Lynn Johnson, The Dog Guide is a curated, well-organized blog website that helps dog owners locate some of San Antonio’s best-rated services for their furry friends.. The Dog Guide includes lists of dog parks, grooming, daycare and boarding, adoption centers, veterinary clinics, pet-friendly stores and even pup bakeries. Among these lists are also businesses that cater to pets, which range from pet clothes and pet toys to photography services. Johnson received her bachelors in English in 2007.

The Dog Guide - SanAntonio:

Ortega, Photo Courtesy of Amy Lyn, Marcie

Ann Anguiano, Noah Schwencke, Pag eDesgin by Sofia Mejia

Dragon Fist Games

Created to provide new, used and vintage video game merchandise, Dragon Fist Games is your go-to place to find consoles, video games, accessories and a variety of merchandise we know you will love. After graduating in graphic design, founder Jannette DiPiazza felt destined to open her own family owned mom-and-pop style shop. Furthermore, she took business courses and worked on campus, which helped her gain sales experience and the necessary knowledge of running a business. Pursuing her dream to open her own store, DiPiazza took the chance and opened Dragon Fist Games in Rolling Oaks Shopping Center in San Antonio. The Dragon Fist Games team consists of DiPiazza, her sister and sisters’ husband. Although it is a small team running the store, the support of their family helps the business run smoothly.

Project Rare

Founded by Joey Asturias, Project Rare is a creative agency that focuses on social media, digital marketing as well as brand and product development. Asturias graduated with the class of 2019 with a major in marketing and a minor in communications and computer science. In his junior year, Asturias collaborated with group members to create a business plan that became Rair Threads, a unique clothing brand. The development process for this company taught him the skills and creative vision needed to grow and market a business. Whilst completing his final year in college, Asturias developed his skills in the field of marketing through internships, attracting the San Antonio Spurs basketball team. Working with the Spurs, he furthered his creative skills, enabling him to build his creative agency, Project Rare. Today, Asturias continues to grow his business in the creative field as a photographer and videographer. Whathe once thought was impossible was nowhis reality, and he is living it to the full extent.

DiPiazza was kind enough to take the time to be interviewed by The Paisano.

Q: What do you love about your job?

JD: I love the freedom and creativity of owning a business. I’ve worked in retail for several years and this is a great opportunity to put my experience in marketing towards my job.

Q: What is something that only you get to do?

JD: I assist in the marketing material using my skills in graphic design to create advertisements and flyers for our conventions, vendor markets and store advertising.

Q: Do you feel UTSA helped your growth?

JD: Very much so. Not only did I meet so many people I still network with today but I learned how to build professional relationships with other professionals that continue to help me with my business today.

Q: What resources were most valuable to you when learning how to start and run your own business?

JD: Having a good network of people I’ve cultivated over the years really helped. So when we opened our doors we already had a good amount of people in the same line of business supporting us. They were more than willing to help us spread the word about our store opening and include us in their own store events.

Q: Lastly, we have a piece of advice that we feel is valuable to current students, but more specifically our graduating seniors.

JD: If you’re looking to join any student groups, I would highly suggest doing so. I’ve made a good number of friends and acquaintances that I still know to this day and many of them have gone to be professionals of their own in their departments. You never know what opportunities come your way by having a good network of people that know your strengths and what you bring to the table.

The job market is very competitive. It is easy to feel discouraged when looking for that “dream job,” but I worked in several jobs that had nothing to do with my major. Some were very challenging and frustrating, to say the least, but it helped me to learn how to be flexible, how to work with people from all backgrounds and handle situations both good and bad. It wasn’t until many years after I graduated did I really get a chance to work towards my dream job, but I couldn’t have done it without gaining skills with all the other jobs I worked.

Making Your First Creative Portfolio

Written by Dustin Vickers, Graphics by Marcela Montufar Soria, Page Design by Sofia Mejia

Creative portfolios are an effective way to organize the work an aspiring professional has developed. Whether it is writing, photography or graphics, there is a format for each that better showcases the strength of the creator.

Where to host your portfolio

Deciding where to showcase your portfolio is the first step in the creative process. It provides immediate information to the viewer about the creator’s investment in their work and how much time they might have put into laying it out.

A PDF is not the route to go. Although it is quick, it comes across as lazy and does not allow for creativity to shine through. A website or a domain is ideal for hosting your portfolio. This allows the creator to provide an interactive experience for those they are presenting their work to.

There are a few places that can assist the portfolio creation process: WordPress, Wix, Squarespace and Adobe Portfolio.

WordPress

WordPress has one of the larger learning curves when it comes to utilizing assets and putting a cohesive site together. It is highly customizable, and with a proper vision, the site will come together nicely — but that could be after several hours of figuring out the numerous site functions. To have true ownership over the website, you must pay a $48 annual fee, which is the lowest option offered by WordPress.

Wix

Wix is designed to help the user succeed, with a simple setup and recognizable widgets. The website utilizes symbols and widgets reminiscent of childhood games that allow the user to make quick and intuitive connections, which helps speed up the portfolio creation process. If the user would like a custom domain, they offer a monthly option of $24 to obtain and keep.

Squarespace

Squarespace, similar to Wix, is extremely user-friendly; web design with Squarespace is self-explanatory. Their templates are clean and provide creative freedom so you can add a personal touch to your portfolio. The monthly cost of the Squarespace subscription is $25, which is the highest monthly subscription of the four softwares.

Adobe Portfolio

Adobe Portfolio is extremely structured, and UTSA graduates can access Adobe Creative Cloud software for $19.99 a month for one year. After the first year, they would have to pay $59.99 a month to retain access. The site provides themes and templates that mostly stay the same even through editing. What it lacks in creativity, it makes up for in internal integration. Adobe Portfolio can incorporate other Adobe applications, so photographers can edit and store their photos in Adobe Lightroom and put it directly into their portfolio. This accessibility makes it great for students within the UTSA community to create a professional portfolio at a discounted price.

How to Build Post Grad Relationships

Written by Alessandra Avila, Graphics by Marcela Montufar Soria, Page Design by Sofia Mejia

The transition from the structured environment of university life into the often ambiguous postgraduate existence is exciting yet nerve-racking. Some of the most challenging developments in this period include forming meaningful relationships. While in academic settings, there is a natural setup to create bonds; postgraduate life does not have such a natural setup. With intention and initiative, connections can be made that will truly last.

Determining the proper places for finding people is the initial step in developing relationships post-graduation. With a recent rise in the demographic of young professionals and freelancers, co-working spaces have become quite popular — providing an ideal place for networking. Such places encourage collaboration and creativity due to community events fostering interaction. By investing time in such places, you get to network with others in your field, share ideas and even collaborate on projects.

One way you can deepen connections with your coworkers is by finding locations near you that may be great social spaces or organized work events. Cafés and libraries are also excellent places for informal meetings. Visiting local cafés can create opportunities for spontaneous conversations with fellow patrons.

More opportunities to engage in social interaction involve fitness centers or sports clubs. By joining a gym, yoga studio or local sports league, you will be surrounded by other health-oriented individuals. You can then find camaraderie with others through group activities like fitness classes, team sports or recreational leagues. Over time, shared interactions evolve into connections through which a person can make friends with common interests and goals.

Apart from places around town, you can attend various events specializing in networking and socializing. Networking events target specific industries and interests, which provide an opportunity for individuals to meet peers and mentors. Sites, such as Meetup and Eventbrite, provide a wide range of options from professional seminars to casual mixers. These events create time to engage in meaningful conversations that can result in professional and personal relationships.

Workshops and classes are another ideal way to connect with people. The classes involve cooking, coding or art forms that elicit cooperation and communication. Oftentimes, people in these classes have some things in common, and this itself acts as a motivational factor toward connecting. Shared learning experiences improve not only your knowledge and skill set but also bring about a sense of community

Another easy way to meet new people — while helping out your community — is by volunteering. Joining local nonprofits or participating in community service events allows you to be connected with like-minded people through a shared commitment to social causes. This method often forms more meaningful, long-term friendships. Since volunteering offers one of the best opportunities to work side by side with other people; it fosters collaboration and

The Apartment Search

The Apartment Search

Written by Sofia Mejia,

Finding a place to live is arduous, and doing it for the first time is even more so. To make things a little easier, here are a few things to keep in mind during your search.

Set a budget

The first thing you need to do when looking for an apartment is set a budget. A good rule of thumb is that your rent should be no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. Rent will not be your only living expense; you will need to account for utilities as well. Things like gas, electricity, water, internet, waste disposal and sewage are considered utilities. Their price every month will vary, but it is good to set aside at least $200 to account for them. Depending on your lease agreement, how you pay these will differ. If your lease says that your rent has “utilities included,” then you will pay for everything in one bill. If not, then you will pay your rent and each utility separately. Be sure to mark the date in your calendar on the days that your bills are due, or set up automatic, recurring payments with your bank.

Where to look for apartments

There are several websites to check when looking for an apartment, such as Zillow. com, Trulia.com and Apartments.com. On Apartments.com, you can filter the search results by rent price, square footage, number of rooms, amenities and more. Zillow.com may not be geared towards apartment finding like Apartments.com, but it has a lot of similar search filters. Once you have found an apartment you like, contact the property through the search website. For some properties, you may instead go directly to

the apartment complex website to fill out an application or contact the property manager.

Where to find a roommate

If rent in your city is too expensive, you may want to look for a roommate to split the bill with. Roomies.com is a free-to-use website that allows you to either rent out a room yourself or look for a room to rent. There is also Spareroom.com, a website that allows you to search by location for available rooms. You can also search through Craigslist and Facebook for people who have posted available rooms for rent too.

When living with roommates, it can be helpful to establish a roommate agreement, so you know what to expect from each other. It is also important in any online space to be cautious of scams. Never send out money or personal information without verifying, and if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Submitting an application

The majority of the time, you will have to submit an application to an apartment complex to be considered for an apartment. While many complexes will charge an application fee, there may be discounts depending on the building’s deadline or leasing cycle.

Typically, once you apply, the apartment complex will review your credit report, check your references and verify your employment. Many college students and other first-time renters either do not make three times the rent or do not have a credit score yet, so they may need to get a guarantor. A guarantor is a person who promises to pay a borrower’s debt if the borrower defaults on their loan obligation. They would be the ones to provide

the credit report and pay stubs. Anyone who meets the financial criteria can be a guarantor for you; they do not have to be related to you.

Final considerations before signing your lease

There are a lot of details to review before you sign your lease. If possible, tour the apartment you are applying for before signing anything; there can be huge differences in how the place looks on camera versus inperson. Find out the dimensions of hallways and doorways so you know what size furniture can fit through them. If you need accessibility accommodations, make sure the apartment can supply them. Get to know any roommates you may have ahead of time to ensure you will get along. Above all else, read every last detail of the lease agreement. It contains vital information like policies or regulations you have to follow, protocols for maintenance issues or emergencies, how rent and utilities will be paid, one-time fees, the consequences for breaking your lease early and much more. This is an important part of the process not only to get information but gauge management.you will live at are: What utilities are included in the rent? How are maintenance issues handled? What size mattress will fit in the bedroom? Elevator or walk-up? What are the one-time fees? (This may include the security deposit, pet deposit, and move-in fees.) What is parking like? Who handles maintenance requests? Is renters insurance required? Can I make changes to my apartment? What are the lease terms? What happens if I need to break my lease early? Is subletting the unit or having additional housemates allowed?

Photo by Zoe, Page Desgin Sofia Mejia

How to Make Your House a Home on a Budget How to Make Your House a Home on a Budget

Written by Luna Infante, Photos by Zoe Hernandez , Page Design by Sofia Mejia

One of the most anticipated moments for fresh graduates is getting the keys to their first apartment. What an exciting time! They are finally, off campus, on the hunt for jobs and ready for new beginnings. But there is one small obstacle: decorating. Here are some tips to turn a house into a home while on a budget.

Mirrors

Throw pillows

Do you need to add fun colors and patterns to your bed or that new, comfy couch? Walmart, Marshalls and Ross offer a variety of affordable, stylish pillows. From simple solids to zany patterns, throw pillows will bring a room together and make it much cozier.

Plants

One way to create the illusion of a bigger space is to add mirrors. From run-of-the-mill square wall mirrors to asymmetrical shapes, there are hundreds of options. Many traditional, affordable options are available at Walmart, while Hobby Lobby has some unique shapes to choose from.

Rugs

To add a pop of color to the new place, grads should consider area rugs — which are a cozy, homey option. With their unorthodox textures or extravagant patterns, rugs can play a major role in defining the style and aesthetic of a new home. Flea markets — like San Antonio’s Traders Village — are one way to find unique, cheap rugs. Online, Amazon has a huge variety of affordable choices for a new nest.

Photos and prints

A great way to personalize a space is to add photos and posters. They make a great space-filler for that one empty wall and are a nice way to display meaningful moments. You can order affordable decor on Shutterfly, where everything from postersize prints to customizable blankets can be found.

Plants and flowers will add freshness and color to any room. A huge Monstera for the living room, burro’s tail for the window sill and lillies for the bedroom will add so much life to a new place. Local plant nurseries and flea markets offer various choices of live plants. First timers should do thier research, and choose plants based on the light in your home. For those who lack plant parenting skills or have mischievous cats, Amazon offers some artificial plant alternatives.

Lighting

Lighting can cause a major shift in the ambiance of a space. Adding colored bulbs, fairy lights or unique lamps is a great place to start. Attaching LED strip lights behind furniture is a brilliant way to make the room pop, and when has a lava lamp not caught someone’s eye? Fairy lights, Christmas lights and LED strips are also energy savers, which can help cut back on your power bill. Walmart and Amazon offer a wide variety of lighting choices. It is okay to take things slow and steady when decorating your place. There is nothing wrong with adding to the space little by little as time passes. These ideas are bound to add charm without breaking the bank. Good luck, grads!

Breaking the Piggy Bank

Written by Sofia Mejia, Graphics by Marcela Montufar Soria, Page Design by Sofia Mejia

Long gone are the days when saving was just tossing a handful of coins and bills into your piggy bank. With age comes endless bills that make saving feel impossible. However, there are some steps you can take that will make balancing your budget that much easier.

Tracking your expenses

You need to first make a chart of all your expenses. Review your bank statements from the past six months. Type out all of the debit and credit charges from your checking account on a spreadsheet. Then, create a budget with the aim of reducing unnecessary spending and making the most of your income.

Start a savings account

With your new budget, you need to set aside money every month to contribute to your savings. Checking accounts should only hold three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with everything extra going into a high-yield savings account. These accounts have an interest rate of around 5% as opposed to just 0.46%. This means that your bank pays you more when you use a high-yield savings account.

Saving for retirement

There are two main ways to save for retirement: a 401k and an individual retirement account (IRA).

401k

A 401k plan is ideal for those who are traditionally employed. Money is taken out of your pre-tax paycheck

to add to the 401k retirement account. Up to $23,000 can be contributed to it annually. There is a 10% tax penalty for taking money out of your 401k before turning 59 ½ years old. After that, withdrawals are subject to the income taxes of your tax bracket. You can transfer your 401k to a different employer if you change jobs. If you do not have a new employer to transfer it to, you can keep the 401k in your past employment, transfer it to an IRA or cash out — although it is not recommended.

IRAs will be taxed at your current tax rate, whereas withdrawals from Roth IRAs are tax free. People under 50 can contribute up to $6,500 annually to either type of IRA. Those 50 and older can contribute $7,500 annually. The same 10% penalty from 401ks applies to IRAs.

IRA

IRAs are personally run retirement savings accounts. You determine an amount you want to contribute to your IRA every month and transfer the money into it. There are two main types: traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. Contributions to traditional IRAs are made pre-tax while those to Roth IRAs are post-tax. This means that withdrawals from traditional

If you expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, get a Traditional IRA. If you expect to be in the same or a higher one, get a Roth IRA. You can open an IRA at a bank, credit union or online broker. Examples of each include Navy Federal Credit Union, Citibank and Fidelity. For whichever financial institution you choose, visit the company’s website and follow the steps to set up an IRA. Start investing Now that you have opened your retirement account, you can invest the money you deposit to make more money. You can invest in stocks, bonds, index funds or other kinds of financial securities. They are purchased through online brokerages or other financial institutions that offer their services. The safest financial security is in an index fund, which is a diverse basket of stocks. Stocks are shares in the ownership of a company, and diversified stocks are safer because if one company you invested in fails, you can still make money off of your investments in the remaining companies. Once again, you can visit the website of your financial institution or online brokerage and follow the instructions to invest in financial securities.

How to Navigate Insurance

Written by Sofia Mejia,

Nobody likes insurance, but everybody needs it. So, this is a basic guide on how to navigate insurance as a college graduate. There are many forms of insurance and even more entities who want to sell it to you. Listed below are sources of insurance and the most relevant forms you will most likely need during this phase of your life.

Car Insurance

In Texas, drivers are required to have, at the very least, liability coverage car insurance. Auto insurance policies in the state must provide personal injury protection coverage, which pays for your and your passenger’s medical bills. Additionally, insurance companies must offer coverage for when you are hit by an uninsured/underinsured motorist. Car insurance is purchased from private companies.

Liability coverage is usually the cheapest car insurance that satisfies state law requirements. It covers the repair of the other driver’s car and medical bills if you cause an accident. However, liability coverage may not be enough if another person’s car is totaled, which may result in you paying the rest of the damages out of pocket.

Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage are both superior coverage as they pay to repair or replace your car after an accident and pay for damages done

Marcela

to your car outside of an accident, respectively.

Renters Insurance

For those who are renting, some landlords will require you to purchase renters insurance, which can be purchased from private companies. Most policies cover personal items should they get damaged or stolen, living expenses incurred while being displaced for repairs and personal liability coverage should you or your dependents harm a third party.

When shopping for renters insurance, you need to be cognizant of the policy limits. One policy may only pay you the depreciated cash value of your belongings while another, usually a more expensive one, may fully cover the replacement cost of your items. In Texas, renters insurance does not cover damages due to floods. You would need to purchase contents coverage flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.

Individual Health Insurance

Individual health insurance is purchased from private insurance companies. You may buy an individual plan which only covers yourself, or a family plan that covers you, your spouse and your dependents until they are 26 years old. The Health Insurance Marketplace is a service run by the federal government to help people shop for and enroll in health insurance. It provides health plan

shopping and enrollment services through websites, call centers and in-person help. You can access the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov.

Employer-sponsored Health Insurance

If your employer has at least 50 full-time employees, they are considered an Applicable Large Employer and are required to provide 95% of their employees and their dependents with minimum essential health insurance coverage. The minimum is defined as coverage of about 60% of the health spending of the typical population. In Texas, employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees are considered small businesses and are not required to provide their employees with health insurance.

Employer-sponsored insurance is paid for via payroll deductions, which are withheld wages from your earnings. Check with your employer for more information on the extent of coverage they provide as some may offer more than the minimum required. Dental, vision and hearing care are not required to be covered under minimum coverage.

Individuals who are freelancers, consultants, independent contractors or other self-employed workers do not receive employersponsored health insurance and will need to rely on another source of health insurance.

Graphics by

Montufar Soria, Page Design by Sofia Mejia

Thriving on a Budget After Graduation

Written By Anika Engler, Photos by Lauro Martinez, Zoe Hernandez, Noah Schwencke, Miles Jones

How often have you checked off all tasks, ran each errand and binged every last crime show, only to be left with mind-numbing boredom? Scrolling on social media offers no consolation. The restlessness deepens when watching people flaunt their lives dining at chic restaurants, jet-setting to exotic locations or strutting around in outfits more expensive than a semester’s tuition. Envy creeps in. You think, ‘If only I had the money to escape this ordinary life.’ But fear not, you can break free from a mundane life without a lavish budget. So snap out of that dreary mindset, take advantage of free time and read this article to find a multitude of cheap and affordable things to do that can transform any day into something extraordinary.

DIY

The activities you can do at home are endless. Everyday items like old shoe boxes, journals, forgotten magazines and unread be repurposed into something creative and meaningful. From crafting a memory box filled with personal mementos to collaging unique wall art, these simple materials offer you the chance to breathe new life into your personal space, all while making good use of your free time.

By unlatching the door of your old craft closet and utilizing second-hand supplies, you can easily immerse yourself in the art of crocheting, pottery making, painting and scrapbooking. These creative pursuits will result in personalized creations — whether it is cozy handmade blankets, customized cups and bowls, decorative plant pots or fresh home decor.

Scrapbooking, in particular, allows for the enjoyment of an interactive diary, transforming cherished memories into tangible keepsakes without needing any specialized supplies. You can cut up cereal boxes, reuse crusty shoelaces, crush dried pasta and even dig through the stack of unopened mail to find all the supplies necessary.

Keep your outgrown clothing and use the intact fabric to create rugs, yarn, pillow covers or pet beds.

Save the broken dishware, and assemble colorful imagination by making

LiveLy activities

Photo by Malaki Lingg, Page Desgin by Sofia Mejia

Thrifting offers a sustainable way to curate a unique wardrobe while supporting eco-friendly fashion choices. San Antonio stores — like Thrift City, Buffalo Exchange and Revolution Thrift — are some of the best spots to find gems.

Attending venues with live music — whether local cafes or community events — provides an engaging experience, stimulating connection through the rhythm of shared sound. This is a great plan to make with your group of friends or visiting family. The city is also full of peaceful nature-filled hiking trails, offering the perfect opportunity to get those steps in while enjoying the outdoors. The most recommended trails to investigate are the classic San Antonio Riverwalk, the flourishing Rio Medina Trail and the Hillview Nature Trail Loop, which offer breathtaking landscapes. Similarly, farmers markets offer fresh produce and exploration of local craftsmanship, which is also an opportunity to support small businesses, all while indulging in the vibrant atmosphere of their community. To stay informed about pop-up markets around San Antonio, you can follow Salocalmarket on Instagram.

Delve into a new hobby

From common pastimes like reading to learning an cultivate new hobbies from scratch that not only sharpen

You might start by picking up a favorite book, then dive deeper into the author or explore similar genres. At minimal cost, reading is a rewarding that gifts the mind with knowledge and imagination.

That old, abandoned keyboard gathering dust in your closet could find a new purpose with the help of an online tutorial. Instead of paying for expensive lessons, platforms like YouTube provide countless free resources to guide beginners. Apps, such as Yousician and Tuner Pro, can assist with tuning and mastering various instruments, making the journey all the more accessible and flexible.

Another fulfilling and delicious activity is cooking or baking. With a wealth of recipes just a click away, you can experiment with dishes from around the world, sharpening your skills in the kitchen. This culinary exploration will evolve into concocting personal recipes that can turn into family heirlooms passed down through generations. A great YouTube channel you should look into for instruction and inspiration is Epicurious. It has a trove of delicious recipes prepared by professional chefs and demonstrates how to recreate and elevate pricey dishes at an affordable price.

Stay in the loop

Transform a once-empty calendar, into one overflowing with things to do. Visit historic exhibits, admire art installations, go to the cinema, watch underground bands perform and participate in festive fall activities — such as haunted walking tours, pumpkin festivals and costume-themed zoo visits. Learn to thrive on a budget! To stay updated with the multitude of events that go on in San Antonio, explore popular Instagram pages like @brickatbluestar and @bluestarartscomplex, or go to visitsanantonio.com/events/.

Planning For Your First Post-Graduate Trip

Written

Hanien

After graduating, it is usual to feel like taking a break before venturing into a career. A break allows you to travel abroad and learn about the world independently. Many graduates start with local travel and work their way up into international travel.

First, become familiar, knowledgeable and comfortable with the basics. You should learn how to book a flight or hotel and be able to navigate while traveling. Two apps that can help make traveling easier are Expedia and Booking.com.

With Expedia, you can compare multiple hotel prices in one place with the benefit of their rewards program. Those planning to travel can

use the app to read reviews from travelers who have stayed at the hotel at the hotel in consideration. Booking.com allows travelers to book with small, local businesses and large hotel chains. Accommodations range widely depending on whether you are looking for a luxurious visit or a cozy bed and breakfast. There are convenient options for traveling: flying, driving or taking a bus. If you fly, consider using Alaska Airlines, United or Delta. Flying should be reserved for long-distance trips as plane tickets tend to be expensive. For shorter trips, you can drive your own vehicle or rent one. If you are renting, have your state license, registration, passport and other important documents with you. Keep your phone charged and carry a paper map of your travel route in the glovebox. Bring numerous USB ports and portable chargers if you are using a GPS device. It is also

important to take note of pit stops and restrooms along the route beforehand in case of emergencies.

Consider taking a bus if you prefer a more relaxed and hasslefree journey. It is inexpensive, and you will not have to worry about parking. Just keep the bus schedule on hand so you do not miss your ride.

Once you have decided on your travel destination, the next step is to research where you would like to book your stay. Considering your accommodation options early in planning is always a good idea to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. A few popular chain hotels are Hyatt, Marriott and IHG Hotels. The Hyatt is ranked best for rewards rate and elite rewards, while the Marriott is ranked evenly across the board for moderate rates and pet policies. IHG, on the other hand, is best known for its pet policies and accommodations.

By utilizing these helpful tools and guidelines, you can gain a rewarding experience of independence and personal growth, which will encourage selfempowerment and confidence in navigating life challenges. Safe Travels!

by

Abdelmoneim, Photos by Noah Schwencke, Page Designed by Sofia Mejia

Post-Graduate Bookshelf

Written by Hanien Abdelmoneim, Photos by Noah Schwencke, Page Designed by Sofia Mejia

Post-grad life can prove to be challenging and is often a test of balancing your new-found responsibilities. For the sake of maintaining a healthy mind and making quality time for yourself, it is crucial to have a consistent hobby. To ease the stress, broaden your imagination and promote productive information, here are some post-graduation book recommendations.

For Mental Health and Wellbeing: “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle

This book details the power of living in the moment and provides exercises for reducing constant anxiety. It also talks about the internal struggle of feeling trapped inside your mind and how your thoughts are the root of most problems. Eckhart Tolle explores ideas of vulnerability, spirituality, personal reform and “embracing the now.” Post-grads often carry anxiety and stress about what the future might hold.

This book can teach mindfulness to reduce nerves amidst the uncertainties of the future.

For Advice and Guidance: “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” by Cal Newport

Cal Newport challenges the popular notion of “following your passion,” by emphasizing skill development and refining craftsmanship. Newport suggests that what defines your career path should be solely your skill rather than your passion. This book is for those in need of professional guidance when the strategies they utilize are not producing the results they want. This can be beneficial to those seeking clarity on how to succeed in their careers and want to pursue what they would be best at.

For Leisure and Fun: “Cloud Atlas” by David Mitchell & “The Kingdom of Back” by Marie Lu “Cloud Atlas” is a novel of exceptionally done, interconnected stories from

various genres and time periods spanning from the 19th century to apocalyptic times. Each narrative influences the next, and it is such an interesting read to tackle. This novel breaks the barriers of what traditional novel structures contain. Although it might take some adjusting, the book offers the benefit of exploring themes of personal choices made and how that can affect one’s future.

Marie Lu’s “Kingdom of Back” showcases the expectations and anxieties of being a woman struggling with societal norms through the lens of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sister, Maria Anna Mozart. This beautifully heartwarming story focuses on Maria striving to distinguish her individuality that is overshadowed by her brother. As a post-graduate, this can promote the theme of standing up for yourself and what you dream of despite societal expectations.

One last look Goodbye