Let's get rowdy by The Paisano

A GUIDE TO ROADRUNNER TRADITIONS INTERVIEWS WITH UTSA PROFESSORS FEATURES SEVERAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS DAY-IN-THE-LIFE OF COLLEGIATE ATHLETES

STUDENT LIFE MA GAZINE

LET’S GET ROWDY

FALL 2023

CONTENTS

A GUIDE TO ROADRUNNER TRADITIONS

UTSA 2023 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

5 STUDY TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR YEAR

INTERVIEW WITH PROFESSOR MILLER

UTSA’S STUDENT SECTION: THE ROWDY CREW

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IN FRANCE

COLLEGIATE ATHLETE AND TIKTOK STAR

Q&A WITH UTSA’S ALUMNI

INSIDE THE SPIRIT OF THE ROADRUNNER PROGRAM THE HISTORY OF UTSA’S FIESTA DANCER STATUE

Q&A WITH UTSA SOCCER PLAYER: ALISSA STEWART

WELCOME TO SYDNEY’S RV

A SPIRIT BEHIND THE MASCOT

GETTING SOCIAL WITH THE SORORITY SISTERS

DAY-IN-THE-LIFE OF A COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYER

LETTER

FROM

THE EDITOR

s I begin my last fall semester as a senior at UTSA, I have intentionally taken more time to reflect on my freshman self. At the beginning of my freshman year, I had just moved from Houston to San Antonio, I did not know anyone except for one friend I went to high school with and I had no idea which organization or club that I should join. College can and will be confusing and anxietyinducing at times, but it also can be such an important and exciting time for students.

I hope this magazine sparks some motivation to go to a club meeting, research your major and talk with your fellow Roadrunners. The community here at UTSA is rich, diverse and extremely welcoming, and I hope to showcase that with this magazine. “Let’s Get Rowdy” was inspired by our wildly supportive mascot, Rowdy, and the amazing community on which UTSA is built. Whether it be your favorite professor riding around campus on her motorcycle, or taking pictures with

Rowdy at the football games, I hope you get a better sense of a student’s life at UTSA in 2023. Thank you to my fellow Paisano staff that participated in my second magazine as editor. I felt so much support and am so grateful to have had another opportunity to edit a magazine with you all. If you would like to join the Paisano or learn more about the magazine and newspaper, you can find us on Instagram, or TikTok @ paisanomedia or visit our website, paisano-online.com

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MEET THE STAFF William Barnes

Riley Carroll

Laynie Clark

Lauren Hernandez

{ Paisano Plus } Magazine Editor: Jenna Taylor The Paisano Editor-in-Chief: Laynie Clark Managing Editor: Chloe Williams Photo Editor: Dustin Vickers News Editor: Jessica McLaren Web Editor: Malaki Lingg Business Manager: Zachary Geocaris Graphic Editor: Kara Lee Opinion Editor: Jake Mireles Distribution Manager: Sofia Mejia Arts & Life Editor: Riley Carroll Sports Editor: Luke Lawhorn Multimedia Editors: Marcela Montufar Soria, William Barnes {Writers} William Barnes, Riley Carroll, Laynie Clark, Lauren Hernandez, Nicholas Kingman, Luke Lawhorn, Malaki Lingg, Jessica McLaren, Sofia Mejia, Jake Mireles, Marcela Montufar Soria, Rylan Renteria, Jenna Taylor, Jada Thomas, Chloe Williams {Photographers} Riley Carroll, Kylar Royer, Stephen Saenz, Genevieve Vega, Dustin Vickers {Page Design} Riley Carroll, Shanie Spinler, Jenna Taylor, and Chloe Williams {Graphics} Jenna Taylor

Luke Lawhorn

Malaki Lingg

Jessica McLaren

Sofia Mejia

{Cover} Photos by Dustin Vickers and Stephen Saenz and cover designed by Jenna Taylor {Back} Photos by Stephen Saenz and page design by Jenna Taylor {Advisor} Diane Abdo

Jake Mireles

Jada Thomas

Marcela Montufar Soria

Genevieve Vega

Kylar Royer

Dustin Vickers

Stephen Saenz

Chloe Williams

{Advisory Board} Diane Abdo, Steven Kellman, Jack Himelblau, Stefanie Arias, Sandy Norman, Sofia Garcia, John Helton, Corey Franco, Imelda Robles Paisano Plus is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational 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 to: 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 (210) 690-9301 magazine@paisano-online.com © 2023, All Rights Reserved, The Paisano

A graphic adaptation of

UTSA’s Main Campus created by Jenna Taylor

A Roadrunner’s Guide to

Written by Jake Mireles, photography by Genevieve Vega and page designed by Jenna Taylor The University of Texas at San Antonio is a campus rich with culture and tradition. Whether it is through touching the fountain of luck during finals week or attending one of UTSA’s many events, pride and unity as a student body flourishes here. The role of tradition in higher education is an important one — students from all walks of life come from around the nation to a place where they grow, not only as professionals, but as individuals. The one thing every UTSA student has in common with each other is that we are Roadrunners. These traditions help bring ‘Runners together, anchor us to our history and help us take pride in our university.

Midnight Light

To kick off the start of a new academic year, Roadrunners gather at the monument to watch as fireworks are lit at the stroke of midnight to signify that UTSA is once again ready for another successful year of learning and growth.

The Fountain of Luck

“Birds up!” One of the most simple yet essential traditions at UTSA is the “Birds up” hand sign. To make this signal, place your hand in a fist and then stick out your thumb, which represents the head of a roadrunner, and your pinky, which represents the tail of a roadrunner. “Birds up” has been used by generations of UTSA students as a greeting, a badge of honor and to show pride for UTSA athletics.

Located in the Sombrilla directly outside the John Peace Library, the Fountain of Luck has been a faithful servant to Roadrunners since its construction in 1978. Rumor has it that running your hand through the fountain’s water during finals week will give you good luck while taking your exams.

Traditions UTSA Student Section

Dia en la Sombrilla During the week-long San Antonio tradition of Fiesta, UTSA hosts Dia en la Sombrilla, which is the university’s celebration of this timeless homage to the city’s culture and history. Roadrunners gather in the Sombrilla to play games, eat food, listen to music, crack cascarones and welcome Fiesta royalty as they visit the campus. The event also serves as a great opportunity for campus organizations to promote themselves and raise funds.

Photograph by Stephen Saenz

Sprouting from humble beginnings, the UTSA Student Section has grown into a dynasty of Roadrunner pride and has become one of the best student sections in the State of Texas. Roadrunners pack the dome every home game to show their loyalty and support for Roadrunner Football — who have also become a force to be reckoned with. (Pictured left)

study

tips to improve

your

school

year

Written by Chloe Williams, photography by Genevieve Vega and page designed by Jenna Taylor

#1: Make and follow a calendar Planning is crucial for a stressfree and successful semester. Popular planning apps that work well for students include Google Calendar and Notion. Updating your calendar weekly will ensure you stay on top of schoolwork. A traditional planner also does wonders for time management.

#2: Take advantage of free time Working your week around due dates and exams will ease the stress on busy days. If you have several assignments due on Sunday, completing one a day throughout the week will avoid feeling overwhelmed on busy days.

#3: Prioritize breaks Classes and grades are important, but they are not everything — taking breaks while studying can help you stay on task. If you study better with motivation like a coffee or drink, it is important to prioritize your happiness and treat yourself for your hard work. Above all, remember your grades do not determine your worth. Work hard and prioritize your mental well-being for a successful semester.

#4: Hold yourself accountable Holding yourself accountable is arguably the most important part of being successful this semester. Setting aside intentional time each day to study and complete assignments and holding yourself to your goals will impact your grades and success.

#5: Take advantage of UTSA resources UTSA offers many helpful academic resources, including Supplemental Instruction (SI), first-gen and transfer student support, as well as success coaching and tutoring. Taking advantage of these resources can transform your grades and overall understanding. Listen to your professors and SI instructors for extra information and meeting times.

Where to Study at the John Peace Library The John Peace Library (JPL) is arguably the heart of UTSA campus. Offering food, snacks and endless study locations, it is easy to understand why the library is always busy. Follow along as we highlight four study spots at the JPL, recommended by the library staff.

Written by Chloe Williams, photography by Genevieve Vega and page designed by Jenna Taylor

Fourth-floor cubicles

These cubicles provide space and quiet for students looking to escape the bustle of the lower floors. This space is recommended by Student Clerk Alan Zavala Pinet. The cubicles remove Zavala Pinet from any distractions and help him maintain his focus. “I’m very easily distracted, so [if there are] any windows I’m just not going to get any work done.” This area is first come first serve and can often fill up quickly.

Third-floor corner

Tucked away next to a window is where Student Assistant Yareni Tobias loves to study. The third floor recently endured many upgrades and changes, including the next few areas. According to Tobias,

this location is a top pick due to the area providing a place to “focus on work and not be distracted by other people.” Other notable features of the space include the light beaming in from outside through the large windows and the calming effect it provides.

Third-floor middle

Located in the large open area on the third floor next to the floor-toceiling windows and study rooms are poofy, comfy chairs made for learning. This area is also a recently renovated location and the floor-to-ceiling windows have quickly become a student favorite. This spot is Student Assistant Jordyn Dejesus’ go-to. “[The space is] nice, and bright and when the sun is shining —

it’s all warm.” According to Dejesus, the spot is perfect to relax and study in.

Third-floor Quiet Spot

According to Administrative Services Officer Cheri Bratton, the underrated study location on the third floor is the “Quiet Spot.” This location supplies a truly quiet environment with a smaller room that is quiet and cozier than the study areas on the second floor. Just past the “LC-NP” sign markers, this spot provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of campus. Be sure to check out these recommendations and tag @utsalibraries and @ paisanomedia with your favorite JPL study spot. To see the locations on video, head to @paisanomedia reels on Instagram.

The Story Behind UTSA’s Roadrunner Statue

Written by Sofia Mejia, photographed by Dustin Vickers and page designed by Jenna Taylor At a towering 11 feet tall, a symbol of Roadrunner pride and good luck stands proudly at the heart of UTSA’s Main Campus. While many students may be familiar with the statue in Sombrilla Plaza, they may need to become more familiar with the story of how this statue came to be. This story begins in 2010 when several UTSA organizations joined forces with a common goal — to raise funds for a statue that would encapsulate the spirit and pride of their university. These students sought to immortalize our beloved mascot Rowdy as art that students could rally behind, so they initiated the “Bring Rowdy Home” fundraising campaign. Through their efforts, they raised $25,000 from students, alumni, and other generous community members. The responsibility of creating such a beloved statue for our school was given to artist Raymond George Box. He was contacted about the statue by UTSA’s Associate Athletics Director, Jim Goodman, who had found him on an episode of the Texas Country Reporter, in which he talked about wanting to make a roadrunner statue. While making the statue, Box took inspiration

from roadrunners in his own backyard — he projected photographs he had taken of them on his wall and began to sketch what would become the notorious statue we know today. The most detailed part of the statue is the bird’s total of over 1,000 feathers, each hand-crafted with intricate design. With unwavering dedication and skilled craftsmanship, Box forged the metal by subjecting the iron to blistering temperatures that exceeded 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit. As the searing heat fused the metal, the magnificent Roadrunner — measuring 6 feet tall and 11 feet long —began to take shape. He truly captured the essence of the roadrunner’s swift movements and distinctive appearance, succeeding in creating a truly remarkable representation of our UTSA mascot. Having witnessed the students’ tireless efforts to make his creation an integral part of the

university’s history, Box has remained immensely enthusiastic and supportive of their endeavors. Since its completion, the giant Roadrunner statue has become a cherished symbol of pride and tradition at UTSA. Students can come by and touch the statue for good luck on their way to class, or stand proudly beside it for graduation photos. Whatever the occasion, the next time you find yourself in the presence of this awe-inspiring statue, take a moment to reflect on the rich history and dedication that brought it to life. Embrace the UTSA tradition by capturing a photograph beside this remarkable work of art, so you too can add your unique chapter to the ongoing legacy of the UTSA community. (Information sourced from UTSA Today, author Jesus Chavez.)

UTSA’s Biggest Cheerleader: Donna Miller

Written by Laynie Clark, photograph Courtesy of Donna Miller and page designed by Jenna Taylor

As the Fall 2023 semester continues, students start to network with their favorite professors. While talking to professors can oftentimes be intimidating, The Paisano took the initiative and interviewed UTSA’s most notable professors. Donna Miller, an associate professor of practice in the UTSA sociology department, is more than a sociology professor. To keep busy, Miller has taken a keen interest in some out-ofthe-ordinary hobbies. “I have a koi pond, it’s about 1,000 gallons,” Miller said. “I have five koi right now and I have two plecos, which are algae eaters.” Miller explained the process of caring for such a delicate pond, where she also expressed that this was no job for her husband. “We were sitting out on the porch, he was adding water to the pond, and then he asked if I wanted to go ride with him,” Miller said. “I agreed and went to get changed. We left and I asked him if he turned off the

water, to which he responded ‘yeah, I did.’” “We arrived back about five hours later. I went to the backyard and it was flooded; they were all dead.” Although Miller was devastated at the loss of her fish, she has since replenished the pond and now knows to keep her husband away from it. Miller is well-known for pulling up to class in her UTSA decorated Harley motorcycle, to which a rumor sparked that she belonged to a biker gang. Unfortunately, the biker gang is merely a rumor, but she and her husband are members of the Harley Owners Group. “We used to go out and ride with others when they would put on big rides,” Miller said. “That was years ago; we have since decided that we can’t trust people. When there are 100 plus bikes driving in one direction it gets a little dangerous and we did not want to take the risk.” “We usually ride a lot during the fall semester,” Miller continued. “My

husband and I will get up early in the morning to ride over to the RACE Center to watch the UTSA football players practice for a while.” After seven years of teaching at UTSA, Miller has grown quite fond of the university and its activities, especially the athletics department. “This is my school,” Miller said. “It is more to me than just being a professor at it; this is where I went to school, this is where I wanted to go. I just look at how huge it has become and everything we’ve gotten now — the football team, the organizations — and smile because of how well it is all doing.” “This last year has been one of my most challenging years,” Miller continued, “but I love my job and I love my school.” While to the ordinary student it looks like professors live and breathe education, that is clearly not the case. Miller shows that it is possible to have a satisfying work life balance, which is the largest key to success.

Written by

Luke Lawh

orn, photos

by Stephen

Throughout the past 25 years, the city of San Antonio has been known as a basketball metropolis. Watching their hometown Spurs win five world titles in six tries while featuring both Hall of Fame players and coaches has definitely put this city on the map . That was until 13 seasons ago when UTSA started its inaugural season against Northeastern State on September 3, 2011. The Alamo City showed up, setting the record for the highest-attended game for an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) start-up program with 56,743 fans in the Alamodome. The Roadrunners went 4-6 in their first season as an independent program, followed by an 8-4 record in the 2012 Western Athletic Conference. Following the first two seasons of competing in the FBS, UTSA joined Conference USA in 2013 and would stay in the league until the conclusion of the 2022 season. The program’s first head coach, Larry Coker (2011-2015), was the former

Saenz

and page

designed b

head coach at the University of Miami and won a national championship with the Hurricanes in 2001. Coker was a key piece in the Roadrunners’ national exposure and helped turn UTSA into a Division I program relatively quickly. Subsequent to the resignation of Coker, UTSA named Frank Wilson as the team’s second head football coach. After going 19-29 in his four seasons in San Antonio, the Roadrunners decided to go in another direction. On December 9, 2019, UTSA hired Arkansas’ running backs coach Jeff Traylor to be the football program’s third head coach. Since his hire, Traylor has taken Roadrunner football to a whole new level. From the 2020-2022 season, Traylor has led UTSA to a 30-9 overall record and is coming off back-to-back conference titles and three bowl game appearances. With the recent success of the football program and UTSA being one of the fastest-growing campuses in the country,

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the Roadrunners announced they would join the American Athletic Conference on October 21, 2021, and would enter the new league in the 2023 season. The on-field success has given UTSA national exposure and brought in funds for both the campus and team facilities. In the Traylor era, the Roadrunners have been seen on the Associated Press Top-25 Poll, the USA Today Sports AFCA Coaches Poll and College Football Playoff Rankings. Entering its 13th season, UTSA has managed to follow an upwards trajectory by going through three different conferences, winning multiple conference titles, developing players to go on to the professional level and of course, bringing excitement to the Alamo City on Saturdays in the fall.

SCHEDULE ‘23

Written by Luke Lawhorn, photos by Stephen Saenz and page designed by Chloe Williams and Shanie Spinler

UTSA VS. Texas State Let’s go 210/ Blue Out UTSA VS. Army Orange Out UTSA VS. UAB Hispanic Heritage Game UTSA VS. East Carolina Homecoming UTSA VS. Rice Military Appreciation UTSA VS. South Florida Senior Day

9/9 UTSA at Tennessee

9/23

9/15

10/7

10/14 10/28 11/11 11/17

Knoxville, Tenn. UTSA at Temple Philadelphia, Pa. UTSA at Flordia Atlantic Boca Raton, Fla. UTSA at North Texas Denton, Texas UTSA at Tulane New Orleans, La. UTSA at American Football Champ.

10/21 11/4 TBD 12/2 12

Creating Your Dream Space Written and photographed by Riley Carroll and page designed by Jenna Taylor To some, a bedroom is a sanctuary. To junior architecture major Carlos Mosquera, his bedroom is a safe space he called a “very peaceful nook.” Of the three words he used to describe his room, the word “peaceful” took the greatest emphasis. “I want my room to be a place I can recharge after a long day, the space is meant to be welcoming, it’s one of the few places where you’re alone and you’re allowed to be at your most vulnerable because it’s a space made by you, for you,” Mosquera shared. Creating a peaceful space where you can be vulnerable is of utmost importance to Mosquera. And what better way to spend time being vulnerable than sleeping? “My blackout curtains keep the room dark and I can sleep in

peacefully,” Mosquera shared. And while it might not be an optimal situation for his two plants, Mosquera’s small window that lets in “zero natural light” is perfect for getting those extra hours of shut-eye. Compared to the on-campus dorm he stayed in during his freshman year in late 2021 and early 2022, Mosquera prefers the off-campus apartment he currently lives in. “My room here feels more mine,” he shared. “The dorm furniture and feel kept me very removed from the space. My room now definitely feels a lot more me.” Of course, collecting decorations and knick-knacks over the course of nearly three years living away from home has undoubtedly helped his space feel more personalized. The

majority of the decor in Mosquera’s room were items he found while scrolling on TikTok and Pinterest. “It’s fun to create boards of inspiration and then pick and choose elements that feel more personal so you can incorporate them into your space,” Mosquera said. For students decorating their rooms for the first time, Mosquera suggests choosing decor based on what represents their character. “Try to get to know yourself and your interests in terms of what speaks to you specifically; it’s easy to decorate a room with random posters or knick-knacks that superficially relate to you or your character but if you take time to add intention to how you want your space to feel, you can create a world of a difference.”

Abroad in France Abroad in France Abroad in France

Written by Malaki Lingg, photos courtesy of Nina De La Torre and page designed by Jenna Taylor Thousands of Americans dream of traveling the world someday, temporarily leaving behind their home to explore diverse cultures across the globe. As students enter the middle point of their life, this dream is typically harder to achieve. As students age, school will discourage them from traveling. Post-graduation, most people find that life plans such as work and family often halt travel plans. But, what if students travel for college? Many students in the U.S. know about study abroad programs from having students from across the world travel to their town to attend school; now it could be time to be on the other end. UTSA offers an extensive study abroad program with destinations across South America, Europe and Asia. Every semester students participate in UTSA’s program, giving them a chance to see what college life is like across the pond. UTSA alum Nina De La Torre participated in the program during the Fall 2022 semester. She travelled to Strasbourg, France, to attend EM Strasbourg Business School. Various grants and scholarships are offered at UTSA for students curious about traveling abroad. However, they are not guaranteed, so there will be some charges that students will have to cover.

“I had to pay for plane tickets, housing and tuition,” De La Torre said. “But, I’ve heard there are many financial aid opportunities for students who want to study abroad, I just didn’t take advantage of them.” Without housing assistance from UTSA, dorm alternatives are an attractive option to consider. “My friend Ashley and I rented an Airbnb for four months. We were staying in the attic, which was the third floor, of Raphael and his wife’s home,” De La Torre said. “It was newly renovated. It had a living room and kitchen space, with one bedroom and one bed. It was like having a sleepover for four months. Fun fact, I am religiously Jewish and Raphael, our host, is too. We got to have a Rosh Hashanah seder with his family and friends, and he even introduced me to the synagogue I attended regularly while in Strasbourg.” The cost of tuition is one of the biggest reasons young Americans do not attend college, but this is not much of a problem in Europe. Additionally, the time taken to earn an undergraduate degree is shorter for European university students. “Higher education is mostly free in Europe, and because of that, I met a lot more people who wanted to get their master’s instead of stopping at their bachelor’s,” said De La

Torre. “Getting a bachelor’s degree there is faster, and my guess is that, although it’s a great thing to have free higher education, it devalues a bachelor’s degree, which is why many Europeans felt the need to get a master’s.” The length of the program lasts for an entire semester, whether that be the fall, spring or summer semester. “The exchange program was for a whole semester, which is longer than some other programs,” De La Torre said. “I ended up being in Europe for about six months. I arrived mid-August and left in the first week of January, since my family came at the end to have a family vacation.” With the time spent overseas at a university, students are also given the time and freedom to travel to destinations across your host country, which is the country you will be staying in for the duration of the program. “We occasionally took weekend trips, and we also had a fall break where we planned to see a bunch of places,” De La Torre said. “We visited Kehl, Baden Baden, Luxembourg, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Zurich, Luscerne and Paris.” For more information on UTSA’s study abroad program, refer to https://global.utsa. edu/education-abroad/.

LET’S GO 210 CHASING DREAMS AND INSPIRING MILLIONS:

Victoria’s journey as a collegiate cheerleader and TikTok influencer Written by Riley Carroll, photograph courtesy of UTSA Cheer and page designed by Jenna Taylor

Juggling the demands of collegiate athletics with a growing social media presence might seem like a daunting task, but for sophomore communication major Victoria Ramos, it is all about living her dream. Having a decade of experience under her belt, Ramos transformed her dream into a reality when she secured a position as a flyer on the UTSA cheer team. “Making the UTSA cheer team has been the greatest moment of my cheer career because cheering at the collegiate level has always been my dream,” Ramos said. “My favorite part about flying is trying and hitting new skills because I like to challenge myself to be better.” While cheerleading demands mastering challenging new skills, the sport has also taught Ramos a wide variety of important life lessons. “Cheerleading has taught me the importance of responsibility, commitment, hard work, reliability and also how to be able to have fun,” Ramos said. Beyond the lifelong lessons gained from cheering, Ramos cherishes the profound friendships that have blossomed between her and her teammates at UTSA. “My favorite part of UTSA cheer is the friendships that I have made because I know that these will be my lifelong friends,” Ramos said. However, beneath the glitter and pom poms, there is more to cheerleading than what meets the eye. Ramos grappled with not one, but two knee injuries — the first in May 2022 before UTSA’s cheer tryouts and the second in July 2023 before the fall semester commenced. “Something people don’t know about cheerleading is that it’s a very tough sport,” Ramos said. “I have had to recover from a knee injury twice already and many people don’t see that side of cheerleading. The timing

was terrible, but I was lucky to not tear anything.” As fate would have it, the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded a unique chapter for Ramos. With cheer practices temporarily halted, Ramos channeled her energy into a virtual venture: TikTok. What began as an innocent pastime evolved into a digital platform, with Ramos amassing a staggering two million followers and over 90 million likes on her account, @v1ctoryuh3.0. “I started posting videos about two years ago during the pandemic because there was nothing else to do,” Ramos said, reflecting on her journey. “I would post everyday situations and my reactions to those situations. To my surprise, more and more people started following and liking my videos.” The pandemic’s limitations on cheer practices allowed Ramos more flexibility to invest time into her digital

hobby. Almost three years down the line, as her TikTok following continues to surge, Ramos acknowledged that substantial online popularity comes with its own set of challenges, just like cheerleading. “Even today, I am still shocked when people come up to me asking if I am the one from TikTok,” Ramos said. “You have to have tough skin if you’re going to be putting yourself out there for the world to see because people are very critical and you have to be able to handle it.” From soaring through the air as a flyer on the UTSA cheer team to captivating millions with her relatable TikTok content, Ramos’ journey on the mat and online serves as an inspiration to dream big and turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

WIN, ROADRU

LET’S GO 210 ROWDY CREW

Written by Lauren Hernandez, photographed by Stephen Saenz and page designed by Jenna Taylor UTSA’s Rowdy Crew, a part of the Spirit Advisory Board, has been working since 2009 to ensure that the student body is high-spirited. At sports games, they are the backbone of the student section, coming up with chants and signage and distributing UTSA gear. During past games, they have provided orange and blue hair spray, pom poms and t-shirts. They also table on campus often, passing out stickers, magnets and more to ensure that all students can carry a piece of UTSA with them.

But Rowdy Crew is more than just the infamous student section at football games. They host several events throughout the semester, one of the most popular being indoor tailgating. This free event offers a safer alternative to traditional tailgating experiences, as it occurs inside the Alamodome. Rowdy Crew provides food, games and free gear for those who attend. The organization is also very involved with the spirit of Homecoming, 210 Day and Fiesta. In addition to these, they collaborate often with almost every athletic team on campus to organize Spirit Days and other events, such as watch parties, so that students can still experience and celebrate away games. To further promote home games, Rowdy Crew runs events like Pie on the Paseo, which works as a fundraiser and gives students the opportunity to meet UTSA athletes. There are many traditions at UTSA that have been started by groups like SGA and have now been passed down to Student Activities, where Rowdy Crew assists. For instance, Rowdy Crew helps out with Dia en la Sombrilla and Bestfest. Chantea Swinson-Rhoe, Interim Director of Student Activities, explained how she puts together Roadrunner Days every fall so that “all students have a great first-year experience and feel welcomed coming into UTSA.” Rowdy Crew promotes school pride by helping out with the watch party and Midnight Lights during these Roadrunner Days. Truthfully, UTSA is already a very spirited campus. At games, there is no need for Rowdy Crew to start chants to hype people up. Rather, by hosting safe events, working with athletics and other organizations on campus and passing out school gear, Rowdy Crew provides the means for UTSA’s student body to foster their school pride and spirit, making our campus a more exciting and connected place for all.

UNNERS, WIN!

How S.G.A. Works For You

Written by Jada Thomas, photo courtesy of Zachary Nepote and page designed by Jenna Taylor

everal positions throughout education levels exist to mimic the Government that exists in our society. At the secondary level, there are organizations such as the Student Council and positions like Class President, but at the collegiate level, there is the Student Government Association (SGA). According to SGA President Zachary Nepote, “the Student Government Association is a Sponsored Student Organization that represents the interests of students to the university.” Within SGA, there are multiple positions that represent larger portions of the student body. These representatives are called Senators, and like Senators in our local and national governments, SGA Senators work in the interest of their constituents. “Each college has representation through senators in both their classification and college,” Nepote said. “Senators serve on various committees such as Academic, Business, Downtown, Student and/or Sustainability Affairs. As representatives, SGA Senators bridge the gap between the student body and the university

administration, providing a space for students to voice their concerns about policies implemented across campus and have assurance that their concerns will reach those in decision-making positions. “The Student Government Association serves on a variety of university-wide committees ranging from parking to core curriculum,” Nepote said. “Senators utilize these opportunities to take the concerns shared by students and relay them to the university.” Aside from acting as a communication channel for students to the administration, SGA assists in creating events that help students get involved and enjoy their time on campus. Some of the most exciting events that take place throughout the semester are spearheaded by SGA. “From hosting Trick or Treat on the Paseo to SGA Field Day, events like these foster connections between students

and promote UTSA tradition and culture,” Nepote said. “A historical example of this is BestFest, originally started by SGA in 1978, or when we sponsored the first Fiesta UTSA in 1980.” Furthermore, SGA enriches the student experience by helping student organizations deepen their connection to their peers and the overall student body. “SGA plans a multitude of events to enhance the overall college experience,” Nepote said. “We are currently focused on bridging the gap between registered student organizations.” The students involved in SGA dedicate themselves to several duties in the service of making the college experience as gratifying as possible for UTSA students, and the importance of the work that they do is not lost on them. In order to be willing to devote endless hours to this organization, it is evident that the members of SGA find a certain value in what they are a part of.

eneath the 15-pound weight of vibrant blue and orange fabric of Rowdy’s suit lies a dedicated team of three Roadrunners who breathe life into his spirited persona. One of the three agreed to an interview with the condition of anonymity. Having begun his tenure as Rowdy in July 2022, the junior electrical engineering major also previously embodied mascots during his high school years. For him, the most rewarding part of his role as Rowdy is the opportunity to interact with fellow ‘Runners. “I mean, there’s just so many great things,” he said. “Stretching from football all the way to women’s soccer, to volleyball to men’s and women’s basketball, they’re all so great. Track and field, they’re amazing. I would love to do a baseball game, but honestly, not even thinking about sports, I have to say, student life around campus is great.” For around four events weekly, the Rowdy interviewee dons the iconic suit. While in character, his responsibilities extend beyond representing UTSA – they include fostering a sense of belonging and community to the students. “We all know one common thing: interacting with Rowdy,” he said. “It’s something that I’ve tried to do and I know the other people before me have. It’s just getting involved with the students and trying to just spread a little bit of campus life. That’s the main idea is to make sure everybody we’ve ever been able to get to make it memorable for them.” Further than his responsibilities, he feels as though representing Rowdy in turn represents every ‘Runner past and present. “It means representing every single one of us on campus,” he said. “It means not just

everybody that you may know stretching from Frank Harris to even our head coach Jeff Traylor, it’s also just normal students, everyday staffers, anybody else, the janitors, it’s representing them as a whole. It’s everything. It’s representing everybody who has faith in San Antonio, who follows them who’s graduated, alumni, anybody who works with them, it just it’s everything as a whole.” Yet, while embodying the essence of Rowdy can be rewarding in its own right, the Rowdy suit itself comes with its own set of challenges. The interviewee shared that the internal temperature of the suit can reach 15 to 20 degrees hotter on average than the external temperature. Consequently, during football games in the early fall, where external temperature might still reach 100 degrees, the individuals wearing the Rowdy suit could experience 115 to 120-degree temperatures, “sometimes even hotter,” he said. “For football games, maybe you want to prep for the full week so you’re not dehydrated and trying to rehydrate the last minute. It’s making sure you check in with our trainers that we have at the RACE facilities here on campus. And honestly just staying up to par with our health as much as possible.” Enduring these intense temperatures requires rigorous training, just like any other sport. Even the most seasoned Rowdies need to take breaks during outdoor events. For football games, this entails one Rowdy suiting up for pregame festivities like tailgating, followed by another who will take over during the first half of the game and so on. “We have others that we switch in and out between games in order to make sure we don’t to prevent injuries because the

last thing we need is somebody to go to get extremely exhausted and then be really tired for the rest of it,” he said. “So we usually switch out just to maintain that level where, you know, maybe we’re a little bit tired but it won’t be anything.” While physical endurance may be tested, Rowdy views his role more as an honor than a challenge. “Honestly, I really don’t feel like I have at least part about it,” he said. “As a whole, it’s a great privilege to honestly be a part of. Of course, just like any other sport, we have to train as hard as we can just to be ready for football season to be not exhausted the entire time.” Compensation for enduring hours of elevated temperatures includes payment per event, and the Rowdy team is working towards establishing a scholarship. “At the minimum, an event is usually an hour-long event,” he said. “That’s not including a game, it could be a game. If it is a game, that could be maybe three hours to four hours. So it could be ranging from four hours to just about 12 to 15 hours.” One key distinction between mascotting and other UTSA sports is that Rowdy does not get an off-season. “We work year-round from football to basketball, to baseball,” he said. “Even during the summer. We compete whenever we’re not at other sports cheering them on. We are also working on our own personal competition, which is [what] we call Daytona, which is the NCA mascot nationals. And last year Rowdy did compete. It was his first time ever competing, we placed sixth place in the nation, so it was a very big deal.” For those who may be interested in portraying Rowdy or learning more about him, be sure to stay up to date with Rowdy’s Instagram @rowdyutsa.

Written by Riley Carroll, photography by Dustin Vickers and page designed by Jenna Taylor

Beneath the Beak

ALUMNI IN-

Alumni Interview: Ayden Quezada

Written by Jessica McLaren, photos courtesy of Ayden Quezada and page design by Chloe Williams and Shanie Spinler

Meet Ayden Quezada. He graduated from UTSA in December of 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. He is currently working as an audiology assistant but is considering pursuing his master’s degree so that he can further his career as a clinical child psychologist. His favorite part of attending UTSA was the sense of community that it offers, especially as a first-generation and Hispanic student.. When did you graduate, and what degree did you earn? “I graduated in December of 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. When I first started at UTSA, I was actually going for a degree in biology, and I wanted to go into dental hygiene. But when I took my introductory psychology classes, I quickly realized how much more interested I was in psychology.” Why did you choose to attend UTSA? “I chose UTSA because it was the perfect distance from my hometown down in the Rio Grande Valley. It was just far enough that I could be independent, but close enough that I could go home when I needed to. I never, not once throughout my four years at UTSA, regretted my decision to attend UTSA. It was more than a college, it was a whole experience.” How has your degree influenced your perspective on life and your interactions with others? “I feel like it’s definitely broadened my perspective. There are a lot of different factors that can make a person react and feel the way they do, and knowing how to better work with people in a given situation will ultimately lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. And I want to go into counseling, so understanding human behavior and its motives is really important to helping people progress to where they want and need to be. I feel like my end goal now, as opposed to my original goal of making good money, is just to help as many people as I can.” What kind of support and resources did the university provide that contributed to your success? “UTSA provided a lot actually. Like first of all, their counseling mental health services were a god send during the times where I needed a little extra help. And the whole UTSA campus in general has a really strong sense of belonging. It is like a giant community where everyone is kind of like family. Everyone’s looking out for each other and that gave me a tremendous sense of motivation and support. When you first enter the real world after graduating high school, everything seems so big and scary. It can be quite a rude awakening,

especially for those whose parents never went to college. But UTSA showed me that I wasn’t alone.” Did you enjoy your classes, coursework and professors? “I feel like enjoying your classes and your coursework has everything to do with whether or not you’re following your passion. I think my favorite class, or at least one of them, was Abnormal Psychology, which I took my second year. In that course, we talked about mental disorders, which most people believe they have a general understanding of. But it’s actually much more complex than you would think. For the most part, all of my professors were very encouraging and supportive and only wanted success for me. They met me halfway whenever they could. I think my favorite professor at UTSA has to be Professor Dixie Shaw-Tillmon, who teaches freshman writing composition. She was my number one advocate during my freshman year, and she showed me that my goals can be much higher than I ever imagined.” Did you spend a lot of time on campus? Did you have a favorite study spot? “Yes. I liked studying on campus because being surrounded by people with similar goals helped me focus on my coursework. I would say my favorite spot to study was the engineering building, specifically the third floor. It’s a newer building, so everything is very nice inside and there are some pretty spectacular views. Not many students would think to study there since it’s a longer walk from the Sombrilla, so it was always fairly quiet up there.” Did you attend graduation? What did you feel in the moments leading up to and during your graduation?

“I did. I remember being both anxious and excited at the same time, in the days leading up to graduation and while I was walking the stage. I had no idea what to expect, being first-gen and all. It kinda felt like a coming-of-age scene, and I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment and fulfillment for sticking through it all the way to the end.” How are you spending your time now that you’ve graduated? “I am currently working as an audiology assistant. I work full-time and it’s a great stepping stone since I’m learning how to work with different groups of people, especially different generations. I am thinking about getting my master’s degree in psychology, though, so that I can become a licensed mental health counselor. When I’m not working, I spend a lot of time researching different career paths I could take, because the scope of psychology is a lot wider than most people would think.” How is life after graduation different from your life as a college student? “I would say that the biggest difference is time. Time goes by so much faster than it did when I was in college. I guess since I don’t have a concrete time frame to make things happen like I did during those four years. I still can’t believe it’s almost been a year since I graduated.” What advice would you give current and future students at UTSA? “One thing I learned was that connections really do matter. Once you graduate college and go into the workforce, it’s not necessarily about what you know as much as it’s about who you know. Another thing would be to find out what works for you. Not what social media says, not what other people think will work, but what truly works for you. Like, for example, I learned during my time at UTSA that I really hate working with paper. Like, so much that it affected my ability to study effectively. So I started doing everything on my iPad instead and it made a huge difference in my productivity. It’s just trial and error, you know.” Quezada has high hopes for the future, and he attributes much of his success to his time spent at UTSA. He wants to remind current and future students at UTSA to make the most of their time at university, and to take advantage of the resources available to students both on and off campus.

Alumni Interview: Sarah Gibbens

UTSA Alumni Sarah Gibbens, an Environment editor for National Geography and a former Paisano Editor-in-Chief during the fall of 2015. She graduated from UTSA in the Spring of 2015, with a major in English, a concentration in professional writing and a minor in political science. Gibbons sat down with the Paisano to reflect on her time at UTSA and how it prepared her for the professional world. Why did you choose to attend UTSA? “I grew up in San Antonio, lived there my whole life and when I was graduating high school, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. If I even wanted to go to college, if I wanted to work for a little bit. So I decided to go to UTSA for what I thought would be a year or two and see if I liked it. See if I like that kind of academic world, and I ended up really liking the university and I made a lot of friends and I started working at The Paisano, which I loved. I first heard about it when I was attending that early fall tabling event where all of the organizations set up tables and pass out flyers and advertise what they do at the university. And I hadn’t really ever thought of working for a newspaper. It wasn’t something I thought I was going to pursue, but I thought it would be fun to try. And I went to a few meetings and I think the first article I wrote was about vegetarians on campus or something like that. And I just thought it was really fun. I loved asking people questions and I was hooked.” What support and resources did the university provide that contributed to your success? “So when I got started at UTSA, I also was in the Honors College and I had an advisor there named Anne Eisenberg who was very hands-on, very helpful and she really helped guide me to a lot of resources and classes that I might be interested in taking. I was not very disciplined or organized, and she did a lot of handholding for me and I think that was really, really helpful. I mean, Diane Abdo, the wonderful advisor, is similar in that she is very good at guiding students. Having those mentor figures was essential to me,and they helped guide me to organizations like The Paisano – I was also in the Green Society, if that still exists. And I found friends there and learned about different things that I liked and they told me about the Archer Fellowship and I think I even did a practice interview with Diane, and so just having that community and support network, not kind of going at it alone was so essential and something I’m really grateful to UTSA for.”

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I specialize in environmental reporting and things like climate change. And because of that, I have written a lot of articles about natural disasters, especially ones that are influenced by climate change.

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Written by Marcela Montufar Soria, photos courtesy of Sarah Gibbens and page design by Chloe Williams

Can you talk about your current endeavors? “Yeah. So, right out of college, I worked at an organization called National Journal, which is like a political newsroom that’s under the Atlantic, but just like, very politics-focused. And then I, like many journalists, got laid off. And through connections, my old boss knew my later boss, and she offered me this job at Nat Geo and when I started there I was writing short little news articles. I volunteered for a lot of stories. Being willing to write about anything or travel anywhere just kind of opened a lot of doors for me, and I’m really loving editing now because I get to work with a lot of really talented writers and be on the other side of that publishing process.” Is there a favorite article that you have written that stands out from your catalog? “Yeah. So I specialize in environmental reporting and things like climate change. And because of that, I have written a lot of articles about natural disasters, especially ones that are influenced by climate change. And so in 2020, I happened to be in Louisiana because my fiance’s family lives there and there was a nearby city that got hit by this really bad hurricane. And so I went over there and reported from those neighborhoods and talked to a bunch of different people and it was super challenging, but I really love being able to talk to people and sharing their stories meant a lot to me.” Would you say that is the favorite part of your job, or do you like the traveling more? “Yeah, I think. I mean, the traveling is great. That was really enticing to me and getting into journalism in the first place, but I really like interviewing people and asking them questions. I get to talk to people who have really interesting and specific jobs studying spiders or clouds. And so I get to, just, learn a little bit about everything, all the time, which is really lucky.”

Spirit of the Roadrunner Mr. & Ms. UTSA

Written by Riley Carroll, photos courtesy of Dexter J and the UTSA Resource Library and page designed by Riley Carroll and Jenna Taylor

Ene John-Mark and Jaskarn Singh Mann

Embodying the essence of the title “Spirit of The Roadrunner,” (SOTR) the two candidates crowned Mr. and Ms. UTSA on October 22, 2022, exuded Roadrunner pride in the eyes of the student body. Senior biology major, Ene John-Mark, and senior kinesiology major, Jaskarn Singh Mann, met through volunteering with UTSA’s VOICES: Volunteer Organization Involving Community Education & Service, but grew closer through the SOTR application process. John-Mark shared that their connection is one she cherishes. “We share a unique relationship,” John-Mark said. “We developed both a professional connection and a close friendship. We share a connection based on trust, mutual respect and shared experiences.” To John-Mark, holding the title of Ms. UTSA means more than just having school spirit. “It represents energy, passion, representation, involvement, support, traditions and community engagement,” John-Mark said. “You do not only represent yourself, but as SOTR you represent UTSA and the school body. You are involved on campus and in the community, you uplift others with your positivity and you embrace and honor the tradition and history of UTSA.” Mr. UTSA conveyed that being able to represent UTSA while making a mark at his

university is what matters most to him. “I believe that holding this position allows specific individuals to shed light on different aspects of campus life to help promote the overall wellbeing of the UTSA campus,” Mann said. In the busy lives of a SOTR winner, Mr. and Ms. UTSA emphasized the importance of time management to handle “behind-thescenes meetings and events while being a full-time student,” Mann said. “While being a full-time student and working, I have to attend meetings, events and still be involved on campus,” John-Mark said. “SOTR is a time dedication that teaches you to balance your time as well as learn to prioritize.” To earn the title, candidates filled out a form on RowdyLink, sent in a headshot, wrote a paragraph describing their platforms, campaigned and attended homecoming activities. “It may sound like a lot, but it is an experience worthwhile,” John-Mark said. “SOTR helped me step out of my comfortable box. I grew comfortable starting and holding conversations with people as well as being an attentive listener. I developed as a leader and gained valuable skills. It helped me connect more with other students as well as the UTSA and San Antonio community.” “Applicants advocate for a specific platform of interest and must show commitment to promoting student engagement,” Mann said. “Moreover, essays and overall holistic reviews were [assessed] on a case-by-

case basis. I wanted to take action on a platform (sustainability and wellness) I was passionate about and spread awareness to my community. I also wanted to try something new because I always like to go after any opportunity I can.” After all their hard work campaigning and attending events while balancing school work, John-Mark and Mann prevailed against 10 other candidates at UTSA’s last homecoming. “I was electrified because this was something I passionately pursued for two weeks,” John-Mark said. “I was a little surprised but expected it as well because I did put a lot of work into the campaign and prayed and hoped it paid off.” “I felt so many different emotions, but joy would best describe my feeling when I won because it was such an honor to be elected to win as SOTR and represent UTSA,” Mann said. To give others an opportunity to experience the perks of SOTR, neither candidate will be reapplying for the position. With both positions open, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will earn the title this upcoming homecoming. “As much as I want to hold it, I also want someone [else] to experience this,” JohnMark said. “If you are looking for that change in your college experience or you are thinking of developing your leadership skills or getting involved on campus or you just want to step out of your comfort box, this is your sign to sign up [for] SOTR 2023/2024 when the application opens up.”

Welcome to my Art-V

Written and photographed by Riley Carroll and page designed by Jenna Taylor

When you envision college living spaces, a cramped dorm shared with at least one roommate might come to mind. However, senior communication major Sydney Archer is redefining the conventional concept of dormitory living by spending her final semesters of college in a mobile RV. Challenging expectations, Archer’s RV offers a surprising level of comfort.“When people first see it, they don’t expect too much when they come inside,” she explained. “If you’ve never been in one or whatever, I guess they expect it to be like the back in the day RV that doesn’t really have anything to it. And then they’ll come in and they’re like, ‘Oh my god, it’s not completely horrible in here.’” Growing up, Archer was not a spender. She saved as much money as she could and even completed her college basics at Wharton County Junior College to save on tuition before transferring to UTSA. Determined to maximize savings, she continued her resourcefulness by purchasing an RV to call home. “I just saved everything I made,” Archer said. “Then whenever I got enough for a good down payment and stuff like that I went to one of the RV places and I just purchased it and now I just have a monthly [payment]. It’s just kind of like a car to be honest with you.” Before moving into her RV, Archer previously lived at Highview Apartments closer to UTSA. Although her RV can comfortably

sleep six people, the cost of living solo in it is comparable to onebedroom student living units, if not a bit cheaper in the long run. Covering both her RV payment and the plot of land it occupies, she usually pays around $1,300 per month. While this monthly expense may appear significant, Archer emphasized that park owners’ prioritizing safety and communication makes it worth the price. “I really like it here because I feel so safe,” Archer said. “They do ask you, like, what car you drive and stuff like that, just so they will watch if anybody’s being suspicious around your place. They just kind of oversee everything. They’ll text you if there’s weather concerns, stuff like that.” Beyond the diligent safety alerts, another advantage of ditching traditional student housing is the freedom of choice offered by RV parks. Unbound by a lease, Archer and the other residents of the park can opt to pay weekly, daily or monthly rates, depending on their needs. “I hate having a lease signing,” Archer said. “I hate having to stay here for a certain amount of time before I can leave. I hate that feeling. Because then I don’t want to be there. I don’t know what it is but I get so bored so easily. And I’m like, I just want to be able to go over here and then like the fact that I can. The fact that I can just pick it

up. Not necessarily saying I’m going to, but I guess in my mind I’m like, ‘I can leave if I want to.’ That’s great. I guess I just like the open-mindedness of it.” Situated on a lot in a Boerne park, Archer spends much of her time inside the RV immersed in art or doing homework in the living area. “I do a lot of oil pastels and stuff like that and I’ll just work on that around here,” Archer said. “I’ll do, yeah, just like a lot of art [and] my schoolwork. But my favorite thing would be doing my art.” Amidst managing her artistic pursuits and coursework within the RV, Archer delights in using an outdoor pull-out griddle for another favorite morning activity: breakfast paired with wildlife-watching. “I’ll cook breakfast outside in the morning sometimes because I have a griddle out there. The RV has a thing where it pulls out and [has a] grill. I’ll have breakfast out there [and] watch the deer. Snow White era.”

College Decor Essentials The RV’s interior is adorned with wall art and decorations that reflect Archer’s artistic nature. Each piece holds a story, a principle she encourages others to consider while decorating.

“Just do whatever you want,” she advised. “I was thinking about it and I was like, I don’t really have a rule in my head. I just like, do whatever. This sounds so corny, but like, don’t try to fit a trend. You can look on Pinterest for inspiration, but you do not have to copy that inspiration, I promise. You can do whatever you want. Everything I have [has] a reason for it and I have a little story.”

Career Exploration in Kinesiology Club Kinesiology Club Written by William Barnes, photo by Kylar Royer and page designed by Jenna Taylor

The Career Exploration in Kinesiology Club is a thrilling organization that is gaining momentum among kinesiology students at UTSA. The club’s mission is to support and empower students who might feel unsure about their career path by equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate toward a career they are truly passionate about and succeed in it. At the core of the Kinesiology club’s vision lies a firm commitment to supporting kinesiology students who are struggling with the challenge of career indecision. The club is resolute in its mission to address this issue by equipping its members with a better understanding of the array of diverse career opportunities available within the field of kinesiology. By empowering students with these valuable insights and resources, the club will make sure that each member can confidently chart their own path, regardless of where they are in their college journey. Steering this transformative vision for the club are its dedicated officers who are passionate about addressing the common struggles faced by their peers when making crucial career choices. Driven to help their fellow students

make more informed decisions about their future, the co-founders wanted to make the club serve as a platform where kinesiology students can feel supported by other students and unlock their true potential by giving them the knowledge and tools needed to explore different career avenues as they push forward throughout their college journey. Milandeep Batth, the vice president of the Career Exploration in Kinesiology Club, articulated the club’s mission by eloquently stating, “Our main goal is to not only show kinesiology students what jobs they can acquire with their degree, but also provide the necessary experience within those multiple fields. What makes us different from other organizations is that we are able to bring in professionals from different fields rather than just one. And this is very beneficial for our first-year or even second-year students who may not know what they want to do with their degree, but it is also open to those juniors and seniors to solidify their path and get the experience before they move on to their desired profession.” With invaluable guidance from the faculty within the kinesiology

department, the club was established from the ground up, reflecting the dedicated efforts of its passionate officers. Professor Sandor Dorgo, a distinguished strength and conditioning professor and department chair for kinesiology, emerged as a pillar of support and a valuable advisor to the club. Alongside him is Professor William Land, sports psychology professor and the graduate advisor for the kinesiology department, lent his expertise to further elevate the club’s vision. Beyond its primary kinesiology focus, the organization also warmly welcomes students from various areas of study since it embraces the interconnectedness of kinesiology careers with other diverse majors, which ultimately creates a stimulating environment that fosters enhanced creativity. As the fall semester approaches, the club eagerly awaits its inaugural meeting with excitement and energy. Equipped with an abundance of resources and opportunities for their members, the club is ready to embark on a journey to inspire and transform its members by guiding them in their college journey and future career.

Sharing the Sisterhood Page designed and written by Jenna Taylor and photos courtesy of Vicky Kidder A very special time in the fall season for Greek Life is recruitment. For many sororities, it is a time for reuniting with friends and meeting their potential sorority sisters. All around UTSA’s campus, you will find many students wearing clothes repping their sorority, making stickers and participating at campus booths while being loud and proud Roadrunners. To many students, sororities allow a sense of community, creativity, hard work and philanthropy to greatly influence UTSA on and off campus. One member of Zeta Tau Alpha, Vicky Kidder, elaborated on her sorority experiences over her three years studying Economics and Political Science at UTSA. “I did not know much about sororities before I

joined so there was a lot that was a surprise to me,” Kidder shared. “The main things that have surprised me is how much planning and preparation goes into recruitment and how fun and creative the events can get. I love the different themes for events. My favorite was our recent ‘Boots n’ Bling’ date night.”Sororities tend to be known for the friendship, networking and professional opportunities that can be found through their thousands of members and alumni. “Being in a sorority has definitely given me a support network at UTSA. These are girls who have helped me navigate college, life and friendship. I held my first leadership position in college in Zeta and it has inspired me to get more involved at UTSA and in our community,” Kidder stated. “The best part about being in a sorority for me is always having something fun or relaxing to look forward to every week. I love being able to unwind and hang out with my sisters and destress. I also love planning events, outfits to wear and more with my sisters. It is

also super fun bringing my boyfriend along to events because he always has a great time and meets new people as well.”Philanthropy plays an important role in a lot of Greek life, with Zeta Tau Alpha being no exception. “Zeta Tau Alpha’s philanthropy is breast cancer education and awareness,” Kidder explained. “We partner with the NFL, American Cancer Society and Bright Pink. These organizations are all dedicated to our mission to ensure that women understand the risks associated with breast cancer and how to receive treatment. Our chapter designates one week a semester as “Pink Week” where we host philanthropy events such as tabling, a dunk tank and speak at baseball and softball games.”A piece of advice Kidder would give to a UTSA student interested in trying recruitment would include “being genuine during recruitment and stay open-minded. These two things will ensure that you have a positive recruitment experience and choose the best possible sorority where you see yourself fitting in. Sororities are also a great way to gain leadership experience, meet new people and learn more about yourself. Take advantage of everything your sorority has to offer you. I have made a lot of professional connections by being involved in my sorority.”

Colorful Skirts & Campus Charms Written by Sofia Mejia, photographed by Dustin Vickers and page designed by Jenna Taylor

UTSA is home to many beautiful and exciting works of art, all with their own unique stories, one of which is the “Fiesta Dancers” statue found in front of the University Center. The Fiesta dancer statue stands as the first thing people see when entering UTSA and is a great start to the day. Its vibrant colors and dynamic pose fill students with a sense of joy on their way to class. Regardless of whether you are a new student or a daily passerby on your way to class, I would venture to guess that you have not delved deep into the history of how this statue came to be. The statue was created by Luis Jimenez, a MexicanAmerican sculptor and graphic artist of Mexican descent. His artistic calling card was large fiberglass figures meant to capture the color and liveliness of Hispanic-American women and men. Jiménez’s work blends texture, color and space, culminating in a breathtaking composition that creates a captivating dramatic effect. His first experience as an artist was working with his father at a neon sign studio. He then studied agriculture in 1964 at the University of Texas at Austin. His most famous work is the Blue Mustang on view at the Denton airport. While the Fiesta statue is one of his lesser-known works, UTSA students are lucky to have

this piece as a way of bringing art that we might not have heard about otherwise into our lives. Luis’ work is all about highlighting Hispanic culture, and this statue reflects that, with its features of a couple dancing to a “Jarabe Tapatío” (Mexican hat dance) to its stunning depiction of traditional folk attire. By presenting the lowerclass worker in an immense stature, the portrayal aims to uplift the Hispanic community, symbolizing their resilience and strength. The statue seems fitting for a school whose population of undergraduate enrollment is 58% Hispanic. This statue was first brought to UTSA back in 1996 as a loan from the William Atwell family collection, and then later acquired for the UTSA Art Collection in Sept. 2012 as a permanent piece. Should you ever wish to embark on a scavenger hunt, the statue has four sister statues, akin in form, which can be found across the United States at the University of New Mexico campus, the University of Houston, a small model for the statue at the Smithsonian and a large painting of the statue in the Southwest Contemporary. Next time you stroll by this enchanting artwork, take a moment to reflect on its remarkable journey and the meaningful sense of pride the artist has instilled in UTSA.

Wing Chung Ng, Ph.D. is a cultural and social historian and the current Department Chair for UTSA’s Department of History. He shares his journey at UTSA, his teaching philosophy, his upcoming seminar and his views on the introduction of artificial intelligence into the academic world. Ng joined UTSA fresh out of graduate school in 1993 when the university was very different. “My first job,” Ng said. “It’s quite amazing. I’m originally from Hong Kong, and I did my undergraduate and my Master’s at Hong Kong University, and then I left for Canada and attended the University of British Columbia to do my Ph.D.” He was offered a tenure-track position, “which offered the prospect of long-term career development. Ng’s 30 years at UTSA have allowed him to grow as a researcher and educator. “I consider myself very fortunate to be part of UTSA for all these years. Of course, UTSA today is very different from what UTSA was when I first got here. Today, UTSA has a lot more resources for faculty, for students. I think we earned it. When I first came here, UTSA was still sometimes referred to as a Community School, [the] teaching load was very heavy for faculty, and support for research wasn’t what it should be. And yet, I think a number of my colleagues at the time used it as a source of motivation. So in other words, the message we got is that ‘Well, resources

are fairly limited. You really need to go out and obtain support for yourself.’ So many of us applied for outside funding. We worked very hard. And I consider myself very fortunate and very successful in obtaining the kind of support that really allowed me to do what I enjoy.” “The opportunity to work with students individually and as a class. You all may not know, we really get a lot from our students. As much as we are imparting knowledge, at the same time we get energized by the excitement, by the enthusiasm, by the

“I think one thing I will always want to impart on my students is, I want them to be curious, to have the kind of curiosity that once motivated me, and still does.” curiosity. So it’s really a fun, very rewarding journey.” “I want to be able to model that kind of curiosity and excitement in learning. I think for me that is more important than information, right? I think you really want to be able to bring your students along on this journey of discovery. And for me, that’s the most satisfying. My classroom tends to be – I wouldn’t say chaotic. I don’t want that – I’m a pretty organized person, but I do want to have a lively conversation

Conversations with Professor Wing Chung Ng Written by Marcela Montufar Soria, photo courtesy of Professor Wing Chung Ng and page designed by Jenna Taylor

and interaction with my students, and so I don’t mind people jumping in asking questions [and] voicing their perspective. Because, I mean, I could be old school, right? I would rather have an open-ended conversation.” When asked about what led him to pursue a career as a historian, Ng said, “To be honest, I never thought about being an academic when I was growing up. And let me make a confession here, I was an OK student. I consider myself a late bloomer. Maybe in the last year and a half of high school, I kind of turned things around and said ‘Hey, I better get to work. Better get to study.’ For some reason, history really appealed to me.” When asked about his teaching philosophy, Ng spoke about the pleasure he takes in finding hidden talents among his students. “You know, it’s so fun. You see kind of the sparkling of the eye and you realize there’s something really clicking right and then they start asking questions.” Ng said, “I think my philosophy is that I really don’t want education to be a form of imposition, right? Rather you want education to be aspirational, motivational. And so you are giving yourself the opportunity to work side by side with your students. See where they are. And to bring them to what they could possibly be their best. I think to me, that’s the best part of being a professor.”

Written by Nicholas Kingman, photo courtesy of UTSA Athletics and page designed by Jenna Taylor College Athletics has always enamored participants and nonparticipants alike. Countless YouTube videos and social media accounts post content dedicated to displaying athletic feats or showing off rings and trophies. We often forget though behind those tremendous feats or those diamondstudded rings that those athletes are still students just like you and me. They deal with the same snotty professor who has no extra credit opportunities or curse at the university police officer for giving them a ticket even though they had a parking pass on their rearview mirror. They deal with all those issues along with balancing out studying time and practicing to sharpen their skills for the scheduled opponent in the coming week. Student Athletes learned to love or tolerate the hectic schedule they find themselves in all semester long. Alissa Stewart, a graduate soccer player, is on track to earn her masters of business management in August. Alissa has earned C-USA All-Academic Team honors the past two years and sat down with us to discuss the life of being a student athlete here at UTSA. Being from Canada, what was it like moving to the US? First to Mississippi State and then transferring to UTSA. “It was definitely a little bit of a culture shock.

Mississippi felt very country and living close to a big city in Canada and then moving to the middle of nowhere for my first school was definitely a big change for me. But I did have a great experience there. Then coming to Texas it was another culture shock. You wouldn't think so because it's still in the South, but it was definitely very hot, I was melting for two months before I got used to the heat.” What led you to UTSA? “I would say the soccer culture was a big part of it, I feel like the coaching staff really understood me as a player and I’m very big on culture. I love being around good people and competitive people and I felt that the goals as a team was something that I wanted to be a part of. The academics too I knew I wanted to pursue my masters eventually and I tired to look at good business schools and MBA programs” How does being on the team after all these seasons help your future career? I would say playing a team sport or any sport you learn so much and transferable skills that you are going to use later on in life, talking about time management and that's going to be huge in any job you work at. Being able to work with other people and being able to communicate with other people.

I feel that a lot of employers today are looking for student athletes because they have developed all those skills. How does a normal practice day go for you? “I’ll usually wake up around 5:15 get breakfast all that fun stuff, then straight over to the field at 6:15. We usually do a run from 6:15 to 7:15 and lift until 8-8:15 and then we all ice bath and treatment. I’m usually going a lot of maintenance stuff, I'm the “grandma” of the team now. It’s alot of rehab, lots of stretching and just making sure your body is right to go the next day with normally do that for about an hour. After treatment I go straight to the coffee shop, I always get my coffee in between. I always try to make an actual meal. I normally work 12 to 5. And then practice from 7:30 to 9 and then go to bed.” What was your favorite moment as a Roadrunner? “I say for soccer, winning the championship was huge for me and the whole team, the program and the school. That was definitely a moment I will never forget. I just made everything you put in worth it and being able to wear the ring now I’m still so thrilled to this day, I wouldn't trade that moment for anything. For school, I would say graduating. Being able to walk across the stage with the student athlete stole. I wasn’t sure I would be walking across the stage wearing that (Stole) that was huge for me and having my family there meant the world.”

Q&A WITH UTSA

SOCCER PLAYER ALISSA STEWART 27

Written by Rylan Renteria, photo courtesy of UTSA Athletics and page designed by Jenna Taylor With the move to the American Athletic When it comes to preparing for football, players.” Nwachuku says the growth the Conference, there is a lot of hype around for Nwachuku, having a consistent routine program has endured is something he’s this 2023 Roadrunners squad. For the fans is the most important part of the process. very proud to be a part of. all that matters is winning on Saturday, but “First alarm goes off at five in the morning, One of the major reasons UTSA has been players like star safety Kelechi Nwachuku I get to the training room around six, roll in the spotlight and will be going forward know that in order to be successful in out and get my muscles ready.” From there is the success of former Roadrunner DB games, you have to win every day of the Nwachuku endures a full day of meetings Tariq Woolen. Nwachuku and Woolen were week. where the team goes over the plays, roommates during Kelechi’s freshman year, Being a college athlete is a unique schemes, formations, etc. The team holds and he has been able to see Woolen’s situation; unlike being a pro there are more their daily practice where they work on their entire journey from when he was a young factors than just money. For Nwachuku, production as a full unit. two-star receiver at UTSA to a pro bowl academics were a large factor in deciding Then the position groups get their own corner with the Seahawks. He credits where he would call home for the start of individual practices in where they hone in Woolen with paving the way for guys like his collegiate career. After initially ruling on the specifics of playing their role on the himself and says Woolen still reaches out out UTSA in favor of schools like Yale and team. and encourages the DB room fairly often. Rice, Nwachuku had a change of heart While most would assume the work outs With the combination of success from after holding good conversations with and practices are the most important part current and former players the future of this the coaching staff at UTSA and ultimately of the process, the recovery and managing UTSA program is bright, and Nwachuku decided it was a perfect fit for him. the players health is vital. Players will take places a lot of confidence in the culture Nwachuku initially struggled with specific vitamins, eat certain and carefully and some of the younger players on the balancing his academics with his rigorous prepared meals in order to keep their body defense.”Guys like Elliot Davison, Ken football schedule. It wasn’t until his junior performing at a high level. Robinson, Cinque Williams are going to be year that he was able to find a nice balance The day finally ends for the players real players … we have a lot of guys who between the two. Being a cybersecurity around eight p.m. and they’re finally able to are ready for that spot.” Nwachuku had the major, he had to eliminate any unnecessary go home and rest so they can get up and highest praise for Coach Traylor, “Under distractions to achieve the sustained do it all over again. Traylor the sky's the limit … as long as success he has now in both fields. This consistent hard work and effort we have him here, we’re going in the right Nwachuku attributes his readiness for has been one of the main reasons the direction.” his post graduation life to lessons he’s program has enjoyed such success in the There's a lot to look forward to in the next learned while playing at UTSA. “You learn Jeff Traylor era. Nwachuku, being on the five to ten years for UTSA, with the college how to get yourself ready in the morning, team in 2019 before Traylor was hired, football landscape shifting rapidly, UTSA you learn how to interact with so many notes the large impact Traylor has had on could be a power five team in no time.That different types of people, how to manage the culture at UTSA. “It’s been so cool to means more money, better facilities, higher time and the longer you’re in it the harder it see the change. At first it felt like we didn’t rated prospects, etc. Like Nwachuku said, gets,” Nwachuku says. “Which is just like have much school spirit, at times it felt like with Traylor at the helm, there's no telling real life.” the student body kind of hated the football how far the program could go.

AN INTERVIEW WITH UTSA FOOTBALL PLAYER KELECHI NWACHUKU