Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio
{SINCE 1981}
Science Studies conducted by Edward Schiappa, a media studies researcher at MIT, conclude that TV shows that prominently feature gay men can lower prejudice toward LGBTQ people. Psychologists explain this as parasocial relationships — or the attachments viewers form with fictional characters; after seeing them as friends, viewers grow emotionally attached to characters who are part of a minority group and prejudices tend to recede.
San Antonio Bo Jett Littleton — the man who held two UTSA students hostage in their Avalon apartment assaulting one at knifepoint, in October of 2014 — was handed down three life sentences plus 60 years by a Bexar County jury on charges of aggravated kidnapping, burglary of a habitation and two counts of aggravated sexual assault.
Volume 52
Issue 3
September 1- September 8, 2015
ISIS kills, but so does ignorance Alex Birnel Contributing Writer
@alexbirnel news@paisano-online.com The blending of pornographic violence and social media savvy from the Islamic State has lodged the group firmly into the public consciousness. While their ascendancy has been precipitous to watch, much less attention has been afforded to the trenchant rejection of their brand of Islam by fellow Muslims, who do not see political violence as the essence or sole orthodox expression of their faith. Sadly still, senior English major Sarah Aburumuh explains that ”Muslims are constantly asked to apologize for the crimes of extremists. We face harsh comments on campus just because we look the part.” This ideological battle within the religion and without has bred plenty of dissent towards tenets of the faith’s doctrines, the Quran and Hadith, and those who consider themselves practitioners of them. At UTSA, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) has tried to clarify these preconceived notions by welcoming debate and dialogue about the features of Islam when their members table on campus. With the earnest intent
to explain and converse openly about a personalized Islam, Senior Ahmad Kaki, MSA member, says the group “still on occasion will face people who call them terrorists, extremists and radicals.” The late Colombian professor of comparative literature and post- colonial scholar Edward Said would call these generalizations “Orientalist,” or the tendency to think of Middle Eastern society and Islam as static, archaic and homogeneous due to stereotypical representations of the region and its people and the demonization of Islam in the news and popular culture. ‘Ijtihad’ or the concept of individualized interpretation of Sharia, is personified by MSA’s own efforts on campus to carve out the right to a progressive interpretation of Islam, where violence is condemned and not celebrated. This is a stark contrast to the idea of “takfir,” or religious excommunication, propagated by groups like ISIS whose ritualized use of the term serves to cast out other Muslims. This is vital to the “vanguard” component of the ISIS narrative, which views the group’s members and the creation of the ca-
liphate as the only authentic purpose of Islam. These two competing ideas force Muslim students onto the defensive. Kaki goes onto explain:
“Rather than getting to talk about peace, love, and rationality, we’re forced to talk about things that we don’t necessarily want to.” This is not because Kaki does not understand the graphic nature of the violence occurring, but rather because “Islam has no liturgical hierarchy. There are conservative scholars and there are liberal scholars, there are differences of opinion, ” he explains. The takeaway from Kaki is that the monopoly claimed by ISIS over questions of Islamic orthodoxy cannot be applied to such a decentralized and fluid religion. In fact, journalists and authors specializing in radicalization now observing the Islamic State (such as Jessica Stern and Der Spiegel reporter Christoph Reuter) are beginning to uncover new evidence dispelling the primacy of religion in how the Islamic State has thrived and functioned. As opposed to divine intervention on the behalf of this group of shell-state building Sunni Wahhabists, much of the military success of the organization has been because of the tactical expertise of Courtesy of UTSA Muslim Student Association former Saddam Baathists, UTSA student Nazar Alyassin participating in a high-ranking members vigil in honor of Deah, Yusor and Razan, the within the bureaucracy of 3 victims of the Chapel Hill shooting. ISIS.
Students like Ahmad Kaki, Sarah Aburumuh and fellow MSA members are on the front lines of changing minds with their willingness to brave the Texas heat, stand outside and engage in conversations. They answer student’s questions and when approached with belligerence MSA students respond with congeniality and candidness. Anyone on Twitter knows the decapitated journalist’s names: James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig. But thousands of others; including the Kurds, Yezidis, Druze, Jordanians, Japanese, Christians and Muslims, have also suffered and lost their lives at the hands of the brutal group. The orange jumpsuits and the black- masked executioners standing in the sand dunes of Dabiq, Syria are imprinted images in the public mind due to the viral spread of information. But lesser known are the videos and photos produced by Muslim students on campuses all over the world, declaring that such activity is grotesque, immoral and a crime against humanity.
Texas Blue Bell returns to Texas stores, postListeria outbreak.
U.S.
In response to the unrest following the grand jury decisions in Ferguson, MI and State Island, NY, California became the first state to ban the use of secret grand juries when deciding to indict police officers in cases of deadly force.
Health Can’t go a day without having multiple cups of coffee? Well, have no fear, there may be benefits to your caffeine habit. A recent study by the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests people who consume, on average, four or more cups of coffee are less susceptible to cancer reoccurrence and mortality during Stage III colon cancer.
Planned Parenthood battles zoning on Babcock Matthew Gil Contributing Writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com The Planned Parenthood of South Texas facility has begun operations on 2140 Babcock Rd. Protestors, including both local residents and organizations like the San Antonio Family Association (SAFA), have attempted to use TRAP laws in order to
prevent the facility’s continued operations. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, TRAP laws — Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers — are laws that single out abortion providers for “medically unnecessary, politically motivated state regulations.” Protestors are argue that the city is not enforcing zoning codes for the ambu-
latory surgical center classified as C¬1. The City of San Antonio records indicate the building is a non¬conforming structure in C¬1 since it was developed prior to the 2001 Unified Development Code (UDC) requirements. In 2014, the property owners, Delantero Investors, Ltd., applied for building permits related to renovation work. The city
was informed the building would be used as a ambulatory care facility. Delantero submitted plans that showed medical offices with outpatient surgical capabilities, which is a permissible use of property in the C¬1 zoning district. The San Antonio Development Services Department (DSD) reviewed and approved the permits in August 2014.
In December 2014, Thelma Franco, a resident of nearby neighborhood, Dreamland Estates, filed an appeal that the building did not comply with zoning regulations.
See PP, Page 2
“This is a private property rights issue, not a zoning case. Their claim that the use of the property is illegal is false.” Ron Nirenberg District 8 City Councilman
News
Check out how UTSA assists first-generation college students. Page 2
Arts
Depression 101: How to beat the odds
Page 5
Sports
Opinion Award shows are useless.
Page 4
Jarveon Williams reflects on his path Page 7 to his starting position.
2
September 1 - September 8, 2015
NEWS
First Generation Students UTSA assists with a comprehensive approach
Mia Cabello, The Paisano UTSA receives $1.1 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Education to assist first generation students.
Lindsey Revel
Contributing Writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com UTSA is for first-generation students, or it will be, increasingly. UTSA is set to receive a five-year, $1.1 million TRIO Student Support Services grant from The Department of Education. TRIO is not an acronym; it refers to the number (originally three, now eight) of U.S. federal programs to increase access to higher education to economically disadvantaged students. The grant will build on the existing TRIO programs. Students will have
“TRC Programs have been proven to help all students succeed at UTSA but students who are first generation and disadvantaged excel with student support.”
Dr. Letica E. Duncan-Brosnan
Executive Director, Tomas Rivera Center tor of the Tomas Rivera Center, which is a partner in the grant. “TRC Programs have been proven to help all students succeed at UTSA but students who are first generation and disadvantaged excel with student support,”
university, or are unaware of how to get involved. In response to these challenges and the increase in first-gen students, UTSA’s First-Gen student organization is in the process of being launched. With Professor Rhonda Gonzales,
Mia Cabello, The Paisano First generation students are twice as likely to drop out before their sophomore year and less likely to socialize.
access to University College’s first-year experience peer mentor program and the Early Alert Retention Network (EARN) system. The Office of P-20 Initiatives through the TRIO programs and the UTSA Ready program will identify 140 students for the new TRIO cohort. The program will additionally offer financial and academic counseling to students from disadvantaged backgrounds— primarily first generation students. “This is a true collaborative effort between the P-20, Academic Affairs offices, and Student Affairs,” said Dr. Letica E. DuncanBrosnan, Executive Direc-
Duncan-Brosnan added. Forty-seven percent of UTSA students are firstgen, meaning neither of their parents graduated from college. This group, making up nearly half of UTSA’s student body, traditionally faces more challenges in their higher education than their non-first gen peers. Nationally, first-gens are more likely to work while in college, are twice as likely to drop out before their sophomore year and are less likely to socialize in school or take part in student organizations. First-gen students often feel they do not belong in a
a first-gen student herself, as the faculty advisor, this organization will have the ability to reach even more students through mentorship and peer support. First-gen freshman M. Tejada reflects on her first weeks at UTSA ,”Yeah, I didn’t know what to expect, but everyone’s been super helpful... I think knowing some people going through the same stuff will be really helpful.” Now representing half of the student body, UTSA’s first-generation students are gaining aid and resources to help complete their education.
PP: Residents fight back Continued from page 1 The city rejected the appeal because it was not filed within 30 days of the administrative official’s decision that determined the validity of the zoning. Franco then sued the city, asking the court to order the city to accept her appeal and to interpret the Development Code in a manner requiring DSD to deny Delantero’s permit. The lawsuit has since been dropped. The Director of Commu-
nications for Planned Parenthood Mara Posada said, “At every step of this construction project we have worked with experienced professionals to ensure that we are complying with all applicable rules and regulations.” According the District 8 City Councilman Ron Nirenberg, “This is a private property rights issue, not a zoning case.” He continued to say, “Their claim that the
use of the property is illegal is false.” As of right now, the facility will maintain operations. Posada said, “Our new home is a physical expression of our commitment to protect the health and safety of women.”
NEWS
September 1 - September 8, 2015
3
State College Aid Becoming Less Accessible for Middle Class
By Matthew Watkins and Jolie McCullough, The Texas Tribune As a self-proclaimed member of the lower middle class, Lubbock resident Debra Spencer knew that paying for her kids’ college would be a struggle. This year, however, that struggle has grown far beyond her expectations. The state is phasing out the biggest source of aid her daughter received when she enrolled in Wayland Baptist University three years ago. That means her son will probably have to rely entirely on federal loans when he shows up at the same school this fall. Spencer said her kids don’t qualify for the other state-run programs. “We really don’t have the money to start paying on these loans,” said Spencer, whose income comes from freelance bookkeeping work and her husband’s musical instrument repair business. “We are worried about saving for retirement.” State grants have always made up a small portion of Texas students’ college aid — about 6 percent, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. But for middle-class Texans, the state’s help has been shrinking even more. Six aid programs accessible to a broad array of income groups, including people from families that make more than about $60,000 per year, have been targeted for elimination since 2011. Meanwhile, scholarships and grants for the poorest Texans have grown. The change isn’t necessarily intentional. Each cut was an individual decision, and lawmakers have said they eliminated programs that were inefficient or weren’t achieving their desired goals. But all of the cuts combined have caused some higher education leaders to wonder whether middle-income residents are being left behind. “We do a great job of taking care of poor kids,” said Raymund Paredes, commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, “but I think we need to take a look at middle class families.” The shift away from the middle class will accelerate on Sept. 1, when two
programs that contributed about $90 million annually to Texas students of all income levels will begin to phase out. Those programs, the B-On-Time loan system and the Top Ten Percent Scholarships, served more than 26,000 students in 2013. Technically, the B-OnTime program is a loan, but it often worked more like a grant. Full-time students seeking undergraduate degrees received interest-free loans from the state. If the students graduated on time and with a B average, the loans were forgiven. The state spent about $53 million on B-On-Time disbursements in 2013, and some experts praised the program’s apparent ability to persuade students to graduate on time. But there were always problems. Federal law bans schools from advertising loan programs, so many students were unaware of the benefit. And funding was inequitable at schools across the state. Those issues caused lawmakers to scrap the program. Starting this fall, the state will only fund renewals. The Top Ten Percent Scholarships, which paid out $38 million in 2013, is also being axed. The program promised a reward for students who graduated near the top of their high school classes and chose to attend Texas schools. But the growth in eligible students outpaced the growth in funding. The original award was $2,000, but the state only had enough to pay out $600 to each student last year. Lawmakers argued that $600 wasn’t enough to make a difference. “Both programs were found to be less effective, but for different reasons,” said Rep. Trent Ashby, RLufkin, who chairs a subcommittee that focuses on education spending. At the same time, lawmakers pumped tens of new millions of dollars into other programs. TEXAS Grants, which pays students up to $7,400 per year, received an additional $62.7 million for 2016-17. The Texas Educational Opportunity Grant, which received about $28.9 million in new funding. Lawmakers said those programs were boosted because they were found to be
efficient and effective during a strategic review. Only students who the federal government expects to receive limited financial help from their families are eligible for TEXAS Grants and Texas Educational Opportunity Grants. That expected family contribution is determined through a formula based on earnings, assets and other factors. But many families of four with income of more than $60,000 wouldn’t qualify for either. Those students now have few options for help from the state. In 2011, lawmakers cited budget difficulties caused by the recession as the reason for eliminating four other programs that didn’t have strict income limits. Those programs spent a combined $20 million each year on students who graduated early from high school, had a parent in the military or were degrees in engineering or nursing. That leaves just one grant program that doesn’t have strict income rules — a scholarship to students defray the high cost of tuition if they attend expensive instate private schools. “In a perfect world, we would fund financial aid for all our students who choose to pursue some form of higher education,” Ashby said. “But as appropriators and stewards, we have to allocate the tax dollars we have in the most fair, effective and efficient manner we can.” Now, most middle-class students will have to seek out federal aid or scholarships from local groups. Paredes said the state should do more. Attending the University of Texas at Austin from out of town can cost around $30,000 per year, he said. That’s a major challenge for a family that earns $60,000, he said. “We don’t have any financial aid programs to help those students,” he said. The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them – about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Photo illustrations by Michael Stravato and Emily Albracht
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Past Lives, Dreams, Soul Travel
Learn to Remember and Interpret Your Dreams Uncover Past Life Connections with People in Your Life Travel Consciously in the Heavenly Worlds
Free Discussions (booklets included!) and Community HU Chants
Each Thursday in September and October 7:00-8:30 p.m., UC 2.01.30 (Magnolia Room)
Info: Mitziani (e-mail): RBD233@my.utsa.edu or call Justin: 832-244-6502 www.Eckankar-Texas.org Sponsored by the Eckankar Student Organization
For girls only Birth control study
ICON Early Phase Services needs women only for a new birth control clinical research study.
Ask about study AM2PK:
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visits and will be reimbursed for their time and travel from $100-$200 per visit and will not exceed $3,400.
4 {The Paisano} Editor-in-Chief: Jakob Lopez
Managing Editor: Mia Cabello
News Editor:
Caroline Traylor
Arts & Life Editor: Brayden Boren
Sports Editor:
Shabazz I. Dawkins
Web Editor:
Michael Turnini
Special Issues Editor: Jade Cuevas
Business Manager: Lizzette Rocha
Senior Copy Editor: Kate Kramer
Distribution Manager: Patrick Martinez
Interim Photo Editor: Fabian De Soto
Social Media Coordinator: Cindy Hurtado
{Staff Writers} Robert Avila, Anelia Gomez-Cordova, Pavela Bambakova, Christopher Breakell, Julian Gonzales, Darryl Sherrod, Robert Allen, Gaige Davila, Sonia Mata, Claudia Jimenez, Matthew Frost, Randi Gilmore {Staff Photographers} Kat Joseph
{Contributers} Amanda Camacho, Quentin Hemphill, Andrea Velgis, Katie Sanchez, Alex Birnel, Jacob De Hoyos, Adrian Bermudez, Annette Barraza, Matthew Gil, Max Edelman, Lindsey Revel
{Adviser}
Diane Abdo
{Advisory Board}
Steven Kellman, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Stefanie Arias, Diane Abdo The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tri-point and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus. 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 Phone: (210)-690-9301 {Letters to the Editor} Letters must be fewer than 400 words and include the writer’s name, classification or title and telephone number. The Paisano reserves the right to edit all submissions. Send letters to: editor@paisano-online.com
© 2015, The Paisano
September 1 - September 8, 2015
OPINION
A healthy future is, at first, a little less sweet Editorial
To promote good health among UTSA’s students, the university must curb — or better yet, discontinue — its sale of Pepsi soda products in the 130 cold beverage vending machines on UTSA’s three campuses. Two out of every three American adults are obese. In
Bexar County, over 50 percent of adults are overweight and obese. Additionally, reducing soda and other sugary drink consumption has proven to be effective for weight loss and weight management in obese and overweight adults. Nutrient-dense sugarsweetened soft drinks threat-
en consumer health as well as body composition. According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, drinking one soda a day can shorten an individual’s life. A 2014 study by Harvard School of Public Health linked 25,000 obesity-related deaths
to the individuals’ consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks. Cigarettes and tobacco products are not sold in campus vending machines; soft drinks and other sugar-laden junk foods should not be sold either. While diet is an individual
choice, high caloric intakes should not be supported at the university and offered as a food option on campus. Curbing the sale and consumption of soft drinks on campus and restricting access to the harmful beverages is a necessary step in cultivating top-tier graduates.
Award shows are useless
Lighter loads, more learning
Kanye West did it again. At the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA’s), the provocative Chicago-raised artist yet again befuddled the world with his spontaneity. Many will remember, the 21-time Grammy Award winner’s memorable interruption of country-pop superstar Taylor Swift to dispute her receiving an award during the 2009 VMA’s. The incident, which became an Internet sensation, garnered negative publicity for West. This time, though, West kept his interruptions to himself. Instead, the rapper/designer rattled off a perplexing speech filled with anecdotes aimed at the millennial gen-
“Taking 15 credit h o u r s each semester helps you graduate sooner and saves you thousands of dollars off of the total cost of your college education.” This statement is posted on shuttle stops all around UTSA with images of oversized dollar bills trickling down. This statement is true, but is saving money now and rushing yourself out of your campus’ door really the best choice for your future? UTSA wants students to graduate in four-years because it needs quantifiable measures of student success for the push to tier-one status. Raising the percentage of students who graduate in four years helps UTSA obtain these measures. Affordability is one aspect that plays into UTSA’s tierone status. The average cost of attendance lowers if students graduate in four years. Indeed, saving money on your education sounds nice, but trying to cram five classes worth of information in one semester is not always the best way to learn. Taking 15 credit hours helps keep students from getting distracted, particularly those who do not have jobs outside of class. However, many, if not most students at UTSA, work jobs while in school. Students must keep these jobs to pay for tuition, rent and bills. When bombarded with a 15-hour class schedule and a demanding workweek, students are left rushing to complete an assignment rather than actually learn and retain the information. Many students do quite well following this formula of rushing to complete all their assignments and then cramming for midterms and finals; though, but ask these students what they learned from their classes a semester later, and many will be hardpressed to give any specifics as facts, terms and formulas have fallen out of their shortterm memory. If students decide to cut down to even 12 credit hours a semester, they would have the opportunity to actu-
Commentary
eration. Despite the artist’s unabashed attitude and negative attributes, the speech surprisingly had substance. Expressing his discontent with award shows, West claimed that music — art — should not have any losers. And the artist has a point. Award shows such as the Grammy Awards or the Oscars often deem what they find is the “best” work, which is complete nonsense. Although art is tangible, it is also undoubtedly subjective. It affects people in different ways — whether the art is a song, book, movie or painting. So why judge, with disdain, an artist’s work? While criticism and critique of pundits are acceptable among certain awards — such as the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize — award shows
often serve as popularity contests rather than an accurate portrayal of assessment. Both the Grammy’s and Oscars have a similar voting style — a panel of “experts” who deem, subjectively with which work is the “best.” While they may be experts in their respective fields, there is no rubric for which a song or movie is assessed. This panel of experts surely, does not speak for the whole of the listening and viewing populace. So, instead of awarding artists accolades based on popularity and an opinion of a small panel of experts, why not respect the art for what it is? There are no losers in art, only different forms of expression. Jakob Lopez Editor-in-Chief
Technology disconnects everyone
Commentary
Your intruding footsteps’ echoes greet you from a hallway filled with headphone-laden, half-cognizant students idly waiting for classes to begin. Finding a space against a wall, you begin noticing the piercing silence from the crowd you mazed through, buried pollex-deep into their phones. The awkward tension forces you too to bring out your mobile-crutch as you wait, scroll and wait. We’re all guilty of it, whether it’s to procrastinate or to give the illusion of being busy. Being around strangers is uncomfortable, so why not connect with the familiar? Is this just a new societal norm, or are we slowly becoming incapable of interaction outside of our phones and social media? Unfortunately, this habit isn’t limited to universities or the age group that’s become the face of the social-media generation, such as college students. Children and adults alike are now phasing into
this dependency for constant connection, creating a now perpetual, impersonal network. Understandably, those who aren’t socially acclimated see the influx of social media mediums as a way of expression, connection, and preferred perception without direct persecution. However, it seems that the attention gained from likes, retweets, and double-taps are of more importance than personal interaction. But why? During my tenure as a server, it was common to watch groups eat in silence as they scrolled through their socialmedias for the entire evening. Obviously these people were acclimated enough to share a meal, but were consciously replacing the direct communication. Some restaurants have gone as far as installing signal jammers and canceling Wi-Fi service to combat the lack of interaction. The ability to transcend beyond personal interaction can be seen as a societal advancement, in context, where there’s no harm done in wanting stay connected. But when regulations are created to cease phone use during work, class, and driving due to constant distrac-
tion, disruption, injury or death, we must address that we face a larger issue than a simple habit. Due to an advancing technology-driven world, connecting with people through social networks is utilized for convenience. Are we now at the beginning of technological singularity, or is this simply communication incompetence where social-media fills the gap? As you walk through campus, the store, or the city, look around. Take in the world around you with feasting eyes and deep breaths. Open your mind to the scale of life and suddenly what matters online can’t compare. Instead of Snapchatting every occurrence, live for the moment, rather than try to capture and immortalize. Instead of updating your status or tweeting your thoughts to the world, share them with the people around you. It’s time to disconnect, and learn to reconnect. Gaige Davila Staff Writer
#UTSAGoGreek, Go Viral
Satire
Google s e a r c h “ U T S A Fraternity Punch” to see one of the most popular videos this month on YouTube. The video of a fight at a UTSA fraternity pool party in Aspen Heights apartment complex titled “Rushee Punched into Next week” has gone viral, surpassing 200,000 views. The popular video depicts in slow-motion, an unidentified shirtless man wearing an American flag themed hat and glass, throwing a hard left punch at an unsuspecting victim. Affectionately dubbed
“Uncle Sam,” the suspected fraternity member has been hailed as a hero by the community. It was reported that the sucker punched victim had been flirting terribly and making girls uncomfortable, inciting many to believe this “party foul” was well deserving of the star-spangled hit. “I just poured one foamy beer,” reported bruised-faced freshman, Buddy Light, who was attending his first college party when pummeled by Uncle Sam. Witnesses however say that the beer had been pumping perfectly out of the keg until that moment, and many accusing Buddy of creating the disturbance. “Uncle Sam saved my beer,” noted beer recipient sopho-
more Cora Ona, who had worried her lips would never get passed the foam. Recently, Uncle Sam was witnessed at a house party punching two cheating flip-cup participants, who had incited a chorus of “not cools” by other players. In another attack, a woman was knocked unconscious after she spilt a bowl of potato chips at a mixer. Campus police are still on the hunt for the half-naked vigilante; meanwhile, Uncle Sam continues to bring his own brand of justice throughout the UTSA community. Robert Avila Staff Writer
Commentary ally engage in, critically think about, and perhaps even enjoy their course work. Instead of turning in work they barely had the time to complete, students could turn in their best work—work they actually care about and put thought into. Having one fewer class to stress over would also allow students more time to participate in extra curricular activities or jobs where they can apply what they have learned in the classroom. Students can intern with a company and get a taste for the fields they do and do not like. Then, students can then alter and specialize their course work accordingly, not to mention they would have real-world experience to put on their resumes. Cramming in 15 credit hours a semester to graduate in four-years instead of five or six is only worthwhile if you retain the information being presented. You can show a future employer a paper showing you graduated from college, but if you do not have the working knowledge to back it up, what is the value behind it? College is the time to develop your skills and expand your mind. It shouldn’t be a race to the finish. Once you leave, you cannot come back and re-take classes you never really grasped or pick up that minor that you almost completed. We live in a globalized, fast-passed, technologydriven world that the traditional four-year college experience cannot be copy and pasted to. Students need the time to intern in their fields of study in order to choose appropriate course work and electives. They also need the time to fully engage in class, so they will retain information beyond their final exams. If you are just going to use the extra time to watch the newest series on Netflix, taking one fewer class a semester is pointless. If you are going to use the extra time to really master the information being presented in your classes and obtain outside Christopher Breakell Staff Writer
I’ll just sit here by Christopher Breakell
ARTS & LIFE
September 1 - September 8, 2015
5
Many people experience the first symptoms of depression during their college years. Unfortunately, many college students who have depression aren’t getting the help they need. They may not know where to go for assistance, or they may believe that treatment won’t help. UTSA hopes to correct these rising concerns with a variety of counseling services, classes and staff waiting to help you every step of the way. Fabian De Soto, The Paisano
Depression 101: How to avoid the sophomore slump
Jared Edman
Contributing Writer
@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com With enrollment continuously on the rise, the mental health of college students is a major concern. The rise of social media and increased job competition intensifies pressure felt by incoming students to live up to societal standards and compete in a global economy, which often leads to depression. In 2014, The Cooperative Institutional Research Program at the University of California conducted a survey of more than 150,000 students nationwide about campus depression, and the
results were not inspiring. The study stated that “9.5 percent of respondents had frequently ‘felt depressed’ during the past year, a significant rise over the 6.1 percent reported just five years prior. Those who felt ‘overwhelmed’ by work, school and other commitments rose from 27.1 to 34.6 percent.” In an effort to gain insight into how UTSA compared to national statistics, The Paisano interviewed Melissa Hernandez, Assistant Director of Counseling Services of twelve years, about common trends of depression and anxiety amongst students. “Anxiety and depres-
sion are two of our top related concerns,” Hernandez states, “but over the last three years, the number of students seeking assistance for those issues in particular has held pretty steady based on student enrollment and percentages. What I have seen over the past few years is an increasing number of students coming in for more severe issues. College counseling used to be about adjusting to college life, yet over the past fifteen years it has become more and more a situation of students coming in with diagnosable mental health conditions.” According to Hernandez’s record for the 2014-2015 academic year at UTSA,
students counseled with general anxiety disorder totaled 496, and students with general mood disorders, including depression, 619. Counseling Services provided help to 1,399 students last year, averaging 1,200 to 1,500 students per year. The focus of Counseling Services is to provide short-term care to currently enrolled students. For students in need of longterm therapy, Counseling Services provides referrals to the UT Health Science Center, University Hospital or Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital. Hernandez also explained the move from the UC to the RWC building had less
to do with visibility and more with providing the best care they can for UTSA students. “The idea was to create a center for wellness that was designed and created for the specific needs of recreation, health, and counseling,” explained Hernandez. “Although moving from the center of campus detracts from visibility and awareness, it can also be attractive to students for the purpose of privacy and confidentiality.” Counseling Services also provides a variety of one on one sessions and group therapy to students. “Managing Your Mood” with Adam Lofti and “Guided Meditation” with Cristina
Hernandez help those with depression and anxiety every Wednesday from 1-5 p.m. Both sessions take place in the group room located at the RWC 1.810. The Counseling Services office is open until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for walk-ins, along with an after-hours crisis help line through UT-Austin. Hernandez knows the best way to get a student help is to walk them into the counseling office. “Actively engage in discussion about it amongst friends to decrease stigma about mental health. Talk about it openly without judgment. Be an active bystander. Find someone that can help.”
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September 1 - September 8, 2015
ARTS & LIFE
‘Aid’ing the Silent
UTSA student combats disability with pride, passion Annette Barraza Contributing Writer
@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com “If you think of a piano, I only hear one octave.” It seems unconventional that someone who is deaf would describe her hearing in relation to an instrument, but Emma Faye Rudkin isn’t the average student. At only 19 years old, Rudkin has already accomplished much more than her peers who aren’t disabled. At an early age, her parents decided to keep her in the “speaking world” instead of enrolling her in a school for the deaf and having her learn sign language, which seems to have paid off. Vice President of the National Honor Society, Cheer Captain, Prom Queen and high school Honor graduate are just some of the recent barriers she’s broken. She’s even been crowned Miss San Antonio 2015, becoming the first deaf woman to win the aw ard. Even with all of these accolades, Rudkin’s numb e r o n e love g o e s back to music. “I was never afraid of anything, so I went out and learned how
to play music and started Instead of despairing about signing up for school plays,” her disability, Rudkin instated Rudkin. “I feel music stead decided to celebrate and play through vibrations. it, creating the “#ShowYoI speak by knowing the urAids” campaign to rehaplacement of my mouth af- bilitate the image of hearter years of speech therapy.” ing aids, which Rudkin Looking back, Rudkin describes as a badge of honnever expected to get to or to tell people of her story. where she is now in life. The campaign reached Often teased for her accent viral success, with stars and hearing aid, Rudkin’s such as Derrick Coleman, confidence dipped low at a the first deaf offensive playyoung age. “I didn’t know if I er in the NFL, participating was ever going to amount to by sharing a picture of his anything,” recounts Rudkin. hearing aids. Empowered “That’s how bad my insecu- by the movement, Emma rities were.” heard countless stories through social media of children finally finding the confidence to wear their aids or tell their friends about their hearing loss.
Photo Courtesy of Emma Faye Rudkin
B e y o n d the campaign, Rudkin has also started Aid the Silent, a non-profit organization that uses donations to help the deaf community and divides its functions into four parts: deaf research, deaf education, deaf resources and deaf ministry. Closest to her heart is deaf ministry, or teaching the deaf about God, which helped her heal emotionally and taught her confidence in herself.
“I met Jesus when I was 14, and I realized he took away something that the world considered valuable in order so that I could hear him,” explained Rudkin about her divine intervention. She felt the need to share her story on a large platform, speaking out during her Miss San Antonio pageant about
her disability and the ways it changed her life. Although she sees it as a great personal experience, Rudkin says she will wait at least a year before trying again to focus on her studies at UTSA. While majoring in Communication and planning to get a Masters in Deaf Education, Rudkin also plans to expand Aid the Silent, even organizing a 5K marathon in San Antonio this November where she plans to perform and run at the event. Rudkin’s advice for anyone who will listen is to not be afraid of deep living. “Life is always deeper and more rich than you realize.
The more you speak truth and peace and joy, the more you will find it,” proclaimed Rudkin. “We all have pain, and battles that can all be overcome and can become your platform to proclaim freedom for others.”
“Life is always deeper and more rich than you realize. The more you speak truth and peace and joy, the more you will find it.” Emma Faye Rudkin Miss San Antonio 2015, Founder of Aid the Silent
Events Calendar: Wednesday 9/2
7 p.m. Ready for some friendly competition on campus? Head over to The Roost on campus this Wednesday and take part in a tournament, or watch while enjoying a free slice of pizza. This week Smash Bros. 4 will test the strength of the competitors. For a full schedule of upcoming tournaments visit utsaroost. wordpress.com. Sign up goes until 30 minutes before the tournament, so make sure to arrive early! Friday 9/4 5 p.m. This Labor Day weekend, La Villita (418 Villita St) will be transformed into a Shakespearean Renaissance Village as part of Shakespeare in the Park, offering the public a chance to enjoy some out of the ordinary kind of fun. To go or not to go? That is the question. Sunday 9/6 6 p.m. San Antonio’s Bombasta is set to be one of the four acts to appear on stage this weekend during Échale 2015 at the Pearl Amphitheater (100 E Grayson St)! The concert is free and open to the public, so grab a couple of friends for an evening filled with great music.
SPORTS {Sports Events} Thursday, Sept. 3 UTSA volleyball (away) Coming off of a big win at the Bearkats Invitational, the volleyball team will look to duplicate its success at the Delta Zeta Classic in San Marcos. The team opens play against Texas State on Thursday, followed by matches with Indiana and Texas Southern on Friday and Saturday respectively.
Friday, Sept. 4 UTSA cross country (away) Both the men’s and women’s teams will be competing in the Aggies Opener in College Station over the weekend.
UTSA soccer (away) The soccer team will be in Lubbock competing against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Sunday, Sept. 6 UTSA soccer (away) The soccer team will take on Oklahama on its home field in Norman, Okla.
Monday, Sept. 4 UTSA volleyball (home) Volleyball hosts the homeopener against the Oregon Ducks in the Convocaton Center. The game is set to begin at 6 p.m.
7
September 1 - September 8, 2015
The
that got away
UTSA vs. Arizona: inside the anticapated rematch
UTSA FOOTBALL Adrian Bermudez Contributing Writer @PaisanoSports1 sports@paisano-online.com
It was the 2014 home opener — four minutes and 43 seconds remaining in the first half. Following a stellar UTSA punt, Arizona’s offense took the ball from its own 2-yard line. A bad snap hurled over Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon’s head and into the Roadrunner endzone for a safety. UTSA led Arizona 16-13, and the Alamodome crowd was going ballistic. UTSA played its fiercest football that day, matching up evenly with the Pac-12 powerhouse all the way down the stat-line. The offense gained 23 first downs while
controlling the ball six minutes longer than Arizona, and the game came down to the very last play. Despite the Roadrunners’ efforts, the Wildcats held on for a threepoint victory, 2623.
UTSA didn’t recover from the heartbreaking loss, winning only three of its remaining 10 games following the Arizona loss in the 2014 season. The Roadrunners finished that year under .500, the first Photos courtesy of Arizona Athletics time since Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon (pictured) will be a the program’s force against UTSA. The dual-threat quarterback is on inaugural the pre-season Pac-12 Player of the Year watch list. season.
This Thursday night, UTSA hopes to rewrite the novel in Tucson, AZ, and start the 2015 campaign strong. This meeting will be the final of a three-year series in which the Wildcats lead 2-0. UTSA will go into Arizona Stadium as 31-point underdogs despite last year’s showing. After graduating 37 seniors, UTSA filled every vacant roster spot with this year’s tremendous recruiting class. “We’re bigger, stronger, and faster,” UTSA Head Coach Larry Coker claimed after Friday morning’s practice. “We’re a more talented team (now) than we were then.” The Roadunners have depth at each position, and of the starters, only five are returning from last season. So, UTSA students should expect to see several players get opportunities for playing time. The biggest question marks lie on the defensive side of the ball as the Roadunners lost six of their top eight tacklers from last season, including defensive team captain — now Seattle Seahawk — Triston Wade. The team’s biggest task will be containing Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon. A young defensive line will have to win upfront to slow down Arizona running
back Nick Wilson, who racked up 174 yards in last year’s matchup. As for the offense, Blake Bogenschutz, who won the offseason’s quarterback battle, assumes
assume Bogenschutz will be the offensive captain for the next few years. The Roadunners also have a new starting running back, Jarveon Williams. The coaching staff is expecting great things from the junior. “We should’ve won,” Williams simply stated, speaking on the Arizona loss from 2014. Last year Williams rushed the ball 66 times for 325 yards, nearly 5 yards per carry. Also expect to see fellow running backs Tyrell Clay and Brian Vaughn get some carries. Watch the Roadrunners kick off their 2015 season as they take on the Arizona Wildcats, Thursday, Sept. 3.
command as the starter. He played in three games last season, completing 22-of-39 passes before suffering a season-ending hand injury in the game against Florida International University. He received a medical redJeff Huehn, UTSA Athletics shirt during Senior tight end David Morgan II (pictured) is a key the offseason, contributor for the UTSA offense. Morgan gained so it’s safe to honorable mention All-Conference honors in 2014.
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8
SPORTS
September 1 - September 8, 2015
Williams ready for increased role UTSA FOOTBALL
Darryl E. Sherrod II Contributing Writer @PaisanoSports1 sports@paisano-online.com
to the offensive side of the ball. During his senior season, he made the switch to running back and instantly excelled at it. He received second-team All-Area and first team All-District for both positions during his time in high school. His transition from defense to offense was seamless, much like his transition from high school to the collegiate level. Williams was a success at UTSA from his very first game where he nearly scored for the Roadrunners. “My adrenaline was pumping,” said Williams,
The UTSA Football team is implementing a new pass-happy, up-tempo offense for the 2015 season. Although the quarterbacks and wide receivers will be featured heavily, junior running back Jarveon Williams will be vital to the success of the team. Being the top returning rusher from a season ago — despite missing the final four games — means Williams will be carrying the ball along with added expectations heading into the 2015 season. Alhough he is going into his third year on the team, Jarveon Williams Williams still Junior, business managent major remembers UTSA running back year one like it was yesterday. reflecting on his first game “I didn’t know what to as a Roadrunner. “I made expect,” said Williams. “I a real big play and almost thought everybody was scored.” going to be bigger then me,” In his early days, Wilhe admitted with a laugh. “I liams recalls playing off of didn’t think I was going to pure emotion and exciteplay, but I wanted to.” Wilment. Now as an upperliams got his opportunity to classman, he has matured play as a true freshman and and improved as a runner. has been a key contributor “With experience you ever since. get better,” said Williams. In his hometown of “So the more I’ve played Converse, Texas, Williams the better I’ve gotten. I’ve played defensive back for learned how to (properly) his first three years of high run and not just run off of school before switching instincts; I actually learned
the game in-depth.” Going into the 2015 season, Williams’ junior year figures to be his best. “This year, my goal is to capitalize on all my runs and make the most of each opportunity I can,” said Williams. Not only is he working to better himself as a player, the junior running back also takes part in the progression of his younger teammates. Williams’ tenure and status on the team make him a great leader for this year’s freshmen too. “I’m taking on the role of a leader,” said Williams. “I’m showing them the things that the guys that were here before me showed me.” Williams’ steady advancement from his freshman year to now can be seen not only on the field, but also in his demeanor and attitude as well. When asked about his expectations for the team this year, Williams responded with no hesitation, saying: “(We will) win the conference and a bowl game.” That confidence and belief in himself, as well as his teammates, will be needed this year as Jarveon looks to lead his team to victory.
“With experience you get better, so the more I’ve played, the better I’ve gotten.”
Jeff Huehn, UTSA Athletics
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VISIT SANTIKOS.COM FOR SHOWTIMES & TICKETS! PALLADIUM IMAX (IH10 at La Cantera) 7 MINUTES FROM UTSA’S MAIN CAMPUS
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RIALTO BREWHAUS (Loop 410 and Perrin Beitel) 18 MINUTES FROM UTSA’S DOWNTOWN CAMPUS
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GO ROADRUNNERS, GO!