Spartan Daily Vol. 162 No. 36

SJSU students Take Back the Night

By Kaya Henkes-Power & Ethan Li STAFF WRITERS

In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Gender Equity Center hosted the event to recognize Take Back the Night, a worldwide movement beginning in the 1970s that stands against sexual violence, according to the organization’s mission statement.

Jessica Short, the program coordinator for the Gender Equity Center, experienced this movement as an undergraduate student.

“That was a really transformative experience being able to share my story with other folks,”

Short said. “I wanted to bring that to SJSU.” Short said it’s important to have healing one on one with people, but to also heal in a community.

said. About 13% of all students experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence or incapacitation, according to a webpage by the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a chance to listen and honor survivors and learn more about sexual violence, according to a webpage for the New York State Office For the Prevention of Domestic Violence.

Selena Hernandez, campus survivor advocate for the Survivor Advocacy Program, said her role advocates for and supports the needs of survivors of sexual violence.

“What this month is and hopes to do is bring awareness more to survivor experiences and also bring prevention and education,” Hernandez

KK Chaangam, a volunteer at the Survivor Advocacy Table, said she is

driven to work for survivor advocacy because she has known many people who experienced sexual violence and domestic violence.

Chaangam said people often take responsibility for the horrible things done to them and it is important for them to understand and be reminded that it is not their fault.

“(Survivors think), ‘What happened to us? Maybe it was my fault,’ ” she said. “It’s so sad to see

“What’s most inspiring to me working at this university is the students,” Short said. “Seeing you all support one another especially when it’s something I created is my heart’s work.”

Sehtej Khehra, Associated Students' director of rights and responsibilities, said he helps run these events.

Le said her booth helped support students’ mental health. She said people had an opportunity to create “self affirmation jars” in which students decorated a Mason jar and wrote affirmations on them.

It’s about reclaiming night time, but also a time in your life where maybe you feel unsafe in a particular situation so it’s all about taking back control.

Melissa McClure Fuller Health promotion specialist at the Student Wellness Center

them blame themselves.”

Nearly 80% of rapes and sexual assaults go unreported, according to a 2018 news analysis from the Brennan Center for Justice.

“A lot of the time when survivors do step into my space, it’s like ‘You’re the first one I’m telling because I’m scared to tell my loved ones, or of the reaction.’ ” Hernandez said.

She said her priority and goal is to spark conversations among students, but also between peers.

Students marched holding handmade signs while chanting, “Whatever we wear, our bodies are ours and no means no.”

At Khehra’s booth students could sign their name on the protest flag that demonstrators carried as they marched through campus.

He said students’ Take Back the Night helps create safer college campuses by educating students about sexual assault.

“Take Back the Night is a really big movement and all of us, all over the nation, should know intervention strategies like bystander intervention,” Khehra said.

Bystander intervention is a prevention strategy that encourages witnesses to take safe action when they see a situation that could lead to sexual violence or abuse, according to a webpage for the University of Illinois Chicago.

Kayla Le, event coordinator intern, said consent is very important in our society.

“I feel like survivors are scared,” Le said. “There isn’t a lot of cases where they’ll actually properly address (their concerns).”

Le said she has encountered many students that didn’t know that SJSU has a campus survivor advocate or programs like Title IX.

Melissa McClure Fuller, a health promotion specialist at the Student Wellness Center, said the event was being brought back to campus after a few years on hiatus.

Fuller said the event has been on hiatus due to COVID-19 on SJSU campus, but it has continued strong throughout the world on other college campuses.

“(Take Back The Night) is really about reclaiming a time,” Fuller said. “You know, night time can be kind of scary so it’s about reclaiming night time, but also a time in your life where maybe you feel unsafe in a particular situation so it’s all about taking back control.”

She said this event took place in the backdrop of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the other programs that SJSU put on throughout the month.

Jessica Short, the program coordinator for the Gender Equity Center, hopes to build momentum and keep the event going.

“I’m interested to see if we do this event next year (and) like how it changes from what this was today,” Short said.

Students go on a ‘1984’ hunt

By Jonathan Canas

San José State students gathered in the middle of Seventh Street Plaza dressed in all black to promote the upcoming production of the play “1984” with a scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt took place with the theme of “Big Brother is watching”. Big Brother refers to the totalitarian government in the book that the play is based on “1984” according to Study. com.

Author George

Orwell

released the book in 1949. The book is about a dystopian society where the masses live in a totalitarian state and live under constant surveillance, according to the same website.

Advertising Assistant Professor Belén Moreno said the advertising department helped the Hammer Theatre promote the play through the Introduction to Branded Content course.

The 1984 Scavenger Hunt is taking place from April 23-24 with the prize being a Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, according to SJSU’s events website. Moreno said the scavenger hunt her students put together also inserted some themes from the book into the hunt.

“The students created an Instagram account that is playing the role of the Big Brother and the claim is that they are seeing everything,” Moreno said. She said the language used in the Google Forms and Instagram account

was related to the play and book by using terms like “Comrades” which is how some characters would refer to each other in the book.

“The hunt starts off on the Google Form and each form has each location, there is a guard at each location with a QR code and each QR code would lead to the next location,” said advertising junior Nicole Cailles.

“We’ve been working on this all semester with the goal of bringing the story to the person,” Moreno said.

Cailles was one of the students tabling and sending students on their way to the scavenger hunt.

She said the locations and hints are based on the book and the play.

“I found quotes that inspired me to create the clues at each location,” Cailles said.

Cailles said she had the opportunity to see the play already and since she took an acting class last semester it was easier for her to go up to people and try to get them to sign up for the scavenger hunt.

She also said that she had to do a lot of research on the book “1984" because she hasn’t read it before.

Cailles said the last location was to come back to the Seventh Street Plaza and wait for the winner. She said many of the students who approached their table were already curious because many have already read the book in high school.

Advertising freshman Kamille Bernardino also helped set up the scavenger hunt.

“We wanted to share the theme of uncovering secrets because Big Brother has control over the media and they monitor everything,” Bernardino said.

Bernardino said it was Cailles’ plan to come up with the theme of the scavenger hunt to promote the themes of 1984.

She said that their aim was to show how the media can be controlled by people in very high power and make people question certain realities.

Bernardino said using sayings from the book like “225” and “Ignorance is strength” was a big part of the advertisements used to promote the scavenger hunt.

In the book, “225” refers to the government being able to manipulate its people by saying two and two makes five and no one would be able to tell the government otherwise, according to goodreads.

Computer science graduate Rachel Tsai was one of the scavenger hunt participants.

She said she hasn’t read the book since high school and didn’t remember the book but she had the free time and decided to participate.

“One of the themes I do remember was the theme of Big Brother and how you are being watched at all times,” Tsai said. “I remembered the theme from the advertisements.”

Tsai said there were five locations total and two of the places she went to were the police department building and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library on campus.

After everyone came back from their hunt, Cailles announced the winner and called Tsai’s name to come and collect the prize.

Tsai said at each location there was a student dressed in all black with a QR code for the participants to scan before moving on.

The second and final day of this event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday with the same themes and locations in mind.

Bernardino said that

aside from scanning the QR codes, participants will also be encouraged at each stop to contemplate themes discussed in the play including expressions and terms displayed in the Google Forms and QR codes.

“They need to uncover secrets,” Bernardino said. “What secrets are these big corporations hiding? Who is the media controlled by? Usually everything is corrupt because everything is about money and power.”

Graduating students eat up showcase

By Tracy Escobedo

Graduating students from the Digital Media Art program at San José State held their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) show called “BYTE ME” at the Hammer Theatre on Saturday. Students showcased various pieces of work integrating their skills in digital form.

Students explored different mediums in order to execute their own artwork by putting together skills like animations, videos, interactive installations, virtual reality experiences and more, according to SJSU’s event website.

used a laser to engrave letters, photographs and numbers on clear and red acrylic panels.

“These projects are focusing on the beauty, temporality and fragility of human existence,” Lê said. “Both are focusing on how our bodies and health are taken for granted and how our health can change at times we least expect and how aging is a luxury.”

The piece “Connected in Our Journeys, Divided in Our Paths” was a mix of Vietnamese and English text lasered on clear acrylic sheets from interviews she had with family members about health scares.

colors are stark from one another.

“It’s kind of eerie because red is like blood, white is like your bones,” Lê said. “With the threads, think of the string of fate like the analogy of your life being a red thread, right? We’re weaving together.”

Students and faculty began the installation process at noon and were told to be out by 8 p.m. on the night before the event.

“We had to know exactly what we were doing and exactly where stuff was gonna go,” digital media arts professor David Bayus said. “Be prepared for any hiccups and issues that may happen.”

“I am feeling so great,” Digital media art senior Catherine Thy Lê said. “I’ve had so many great conversations tonight.” Lê’s artwork spanned

The piece “Body Map” next to it was a large redlaser engraved acrylic sheet of Lê’s body with five different holes drilled in it to represent the different injuries she had as a child.

I don’t want to say that it feels like seeing your children graduate and move away, but it feels a little similar to that. I've worked with everyone since they were freshmen, or a large majority of them, so I feel proud.

David Bayus Digital media arts professor

Lê said she chose red and white as the color scheme for her project because she liked that the

yarn. She

Bayus said he was one of the professors that advised the students as they collaborated during the semester to create their own pieces to showcase as their final project.

“I don’t want to say that it feels like seeing your children graduate and move away, but it feels a little similar to that,” Bayus said. “I’ve worked with everyone since they were freshmen, or a large majority of them, so I feel proud.”

Art and art history professor, James Morgan, said he was enthralled by the turnout of the event.

“I’m proud of everyone who is exhibiting,” Morgan said. “Each of them has something individually that displays

their interests as an artist and what it is that they’re trying to express.”

“I’m definitely thankful for the program,” said digital media art senior Serena Muñoz said. “These are all skills that we have learned and kind of just highlighted what we really liked in the program and showcase them.”

Muñoz photographed five portraits of women and added neon-colored projections created on Adobe Illustrator, MadMapper and Adobe Photoshop. She said the concept of the project “Line of Beauty” was about her college experience.

“I want to highlight womanhood and friendship,” Muñoz said.

Muñoz said the projections on the portraits changed every few seconds and incorporated details to highlight each woman’s individuality.

Digital media art senior Joshua Navarro created his piece by utilizing Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Substance Painter. The piece “Escapism” encompassed three different scenes which represented the different environments in which Navarro felt most comfortable in. The project was displayed on one of the monitors in the exhibition room.

“When I’m creating art, I use it to relax myself

and escape,” Navarro said. “These are visual environments of them.”

Other pieces in the exhibition included an expressive robotic head, an interactive augmented reality (AR) experience revisiting moments from their childhood and Disneyland in Minecraft.

“What are they gonna do next?” Morgan said. “This is a launching point, right? Having them work with their colleagues to now see it actually realized and how it all looks together, it’s pretty amazing.”

Traveling the world opens eyes

By Joseph Gray CONTRIBUTOR

As a college student who has been fortunate enough to travel to five countries before turning 21, I’ve come to appreciate the profound impact that travel can have on one's life, especially during these formative years.

Each journey has been a lesson in culture and personal growth, shaping my worldview in ways that textbooks and lectures never could.

My first experience with international travel came when I was a senior in high school, and our school offered a spring break trip to Italy.

The vibrant culture, delicious pasta and hospitality from the locals left a lasting impression on me. It was a stepping stone to more adventures.

It was also where I met my now girlfriend of over two years. On our last night of the trip, our tour group took a night tour of Rome and stopped at the Trevi Fountain, which was built in the 18th century and is famous for its intricate artwork decorated in the Baroque style.

The fountain is also famous for the Italian tradition of throwing coins over your shoulder.

Our tour guide told us if you throw one coin, you will return to Rome. If you throw two coins, you will fall in

love. If you throw three coins, you will marry the person that you met.

We threw our two coins over our shoulders into the Trevi Fountain, and have been together ever since.

Traveling abroad has not only enriched my personal growth but has also had a profound impact on my relationship with my girlfriend.

Traveling together has challenged our relationship in ways that it never had before.

From almost getting left in Paris to missing our flight in London, being in a foreign country and not speaking their language is one of the most stressful and confusing experiences.

What got us through these challenging situations was being there together.

Knowing that you are not alone and can rely on your significant other for support was our saving grace. After our experiences going across the country, I never want to be crammed on a plane next to anyone else again.

The following year after high school, my girlfriend and I visited London, Paris and Edinburgh, Scotland. From the busy streets of London to the enchanting architecture of Scotland, The U.K.’s blend of modernity and tradition captivated me. It reinforced my belief that travel is the

best way to learn about other cultures.

London holds a special place in my heart for its rich history, diverse culture and vibrant energy. Exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace was like stepping back in time and experiencing centuries of history firsthand.

The city’s museums and art galleries offered endless opportunities for learning and inspiration, while its bustling markets and lively neighborhoods provided a glimpse into the daily lives of Londoners.

But what truly made London memorable was its people — friendly, diverse and always eager to share their stories and traditions.

Edinburgh’s charm lies in its stunning blend of ancient and modern. Exploring the city’s rich history, from the Royal Mile to the underground vaults, was a truly immersive experience.

But Edinburgh is more than just its history — it's a city buzzing with creativity and innovation, as seen in its vibrant arts scene, world-class festivals and dynamic culinary offerings.

Mexico was our most recent adventure, where we explored the historical streets of Puerto Vallarta and got our adrenaline rush as we rode allterrain vehicles through the Mexican jungle.

My most memorable experience was seeing how much tequila they gave out for free.

As soon as our plane

landed, the airport workers were handing out free shots to anyone who would take one. Needless to say, I do not remember most of that trip.

Reflecting on my travels, I realized that each trip had taught me valuable lessons. I learned about different cultures, tasted new foods and made friends from around the world.

But perhaps most importantly, travel opened my mind and expanded my horizons in ways I could never have imagined.

Visiting historical sites, museums and landmarks bring history and culture to life in a way that no textbook can.

It’s a hands-on, immersive learning experience that deepens your understanding of

the world and your place in it.

As I sat down to write this story, I couldn’t help but think about how fortunate I had been to have these experiences.

Travel has enriched my life in ways I could never have anticipated, and everyone should have the opportunity to explore the world.

Traveling outside of the country offers a uniquely enriching experience that sets it apart from traveling within the Bay Area or California.

The cultural immersion that comes with international travel, from sampling exotic cuisines to navigating unfamiliar languages and customs, creates lasting memories that simply cannot be replicated at home.

The sense of adventure and discovery that comes with exploring a new country is unparalleled. Additionally, traveling abroad often requires stepping out of our comfort zone, which can lead to personal growth and a broader perspective on the world.

My fellow students, I urge you to step out of your comfort zone, explore new cultures and embrace the world.

Traveling abroad has the power to change your life, and everyone should experience it at least once.

GRAPHIC BY MAYA BENMOKHTAR

AI cannot replace people’s creativity

As a student taking on the electrical engineering major, I know coding is one of the most important parts. In college, I am encouraged to take programming classes because being an electrical engineer without having a background in programming sounds weird.

Recently, in a speech delivered by Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, he talked about the future of artificial intelligence, and he stated that AI will replace the job of the coder or the field related to coding.

An idea popped out in my mind, “Will part of my job be replaced by AI and lose competitiveness in the work field?” I started to dive deep into this particular topic. In the 21st century, AI is seen to be the most important part of our lives.

The revolution has begun.

As a student at the university, ChatGPT has been a great help with assignments and even programming assignments. However, many students abuse the AI function in their work. For instance, utilizing AI to generate the whole paper or writing the project code for them.

There is no doubt that AI is one of the most useful tools when dealing with our code, but relying on it will mean nothing to you. The world is improving and things are getting harder.

According to a statement published by Baylor University, artificial intelligence excels at repetitive and basic tasks like basic coding but lacks creativity, problem-solving abilities and in-depth knowledge of customer demands from software engineers or coders.

The competitiveness of the world is increasing. Instead of being familiar with the iconography used in coding, creativity and problemsolving skills are part of the needs in the coding field.

The only way a programmer or software engineer will lose their employment is if they do not apply any creativity and problem-solving skills to their work. While AI is undoubtedly a handy tool in the 21st century, depending too much on it will eventually lose out on important skills in this highly competitive world.

I heard a lot of seniors who

graduate with all assignments generated by ChatGPT find it a struggle to perform in the work field and initially lose their value.

Artificial intelligence exists to help humans with tasks, rather than to replace human labor in the workplace. Jensen Huang has made a statement that AI alone is insufficient. Someone has to still be familiar with the underlying code. This is because thanks to creativity and problem-solving abilities, a person with a good history in coding will be able to

produce code that is superior to what AI does. As a student programmer, I understand that creativity and problem-solving skills are equally important to being a great coder as technical expertise.

AI has shown to be one of my useful aids, but is insufficient to replace entirely what I do.

To put it succinctly, AI is not as perfect as human coding since AI is programmed and lacks flexibility. However, the existence of AI has improved the world of coding.

The job of a software engineer

is not going anywhere, but with appropriate utilization of the usage of AI, the chances of landing a job will be higher. Baylor University. (2023, November 27). Will AI replace software engineers? Exploring the future of software development. https://onlinecs.baylor.edu/news/ will-ai-replace-SWEs

Hey Erik,

I’ve been admiring you from afar for a while now and I just have to say you’re not just cool, you’re captivating. Your dedication to everything you do whether it’s crushing it on the lacrosse field or being a Sigma Nu star, is seriously impressive. I’m just here, cheering you on, hoping maybe one day I could be more than just a fan.