01-27-2016 by The Daily Aztec

WEEKLY PRINT EDITION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 – TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016 VOLUME 102, ISSUE 19

SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1913

W W W . T H E D A I LYA Z T E C . C O M

NEWS

Women’s Resource Center now open P3

Potential privacy breach at SDSU P4

SPORTS

Martinez is ready for more success P8

ARTS & LIFESTYLE

Aztec senior stays involved P13 The Daily Aztec publishes its printed weekly edition on Wednesdays and serves the students, faculty and community of San Diego State University.

#AZTECMBB

Senior forward Winston Shpeard and senior center Skylar Spencer now hold the school record for most Mountain West wins with 46. KATELYN MULCAHY, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Aztecs meeting the mark KRIS KEEHL SENIOR STAFF COLUMNIST ____________________________ Somewhere on the way to a 7-6 nonconference start, fans of San Diego State men’s basketball became concerned — scratch that — became annoyed with the team’s performance. Annoyed at the fact that this team disrupted the expectation of maintaining the status quo that head coach Steve Fisher and his previous teams — including two key players in senior forward Winston Shepard and senior center Skylar Spencer — have established. Seven games into conference play the Aztecs have redeemed themselves and are meeting expectations, and it’s the way they are doing it that needs to be the focus. There are two types of expectations heaped onto the backs of sports teams: internal and external. The internal expectations are the obvious ones set by coaches based on what they see when recruiting players, while coaching in practice and based on performance in practice and games throughout the season.

SNEAKPEEK

NEWS

These are realistic. External expectations are not. Expectations from the outside are generated by talking heads on TV and radio, bloggers and these “world class” recruiting services. A majority of these entities involved in creating these expectations have never spent a day in practice, in film sessions or in a coaches’ or players’ meeting. This isn’t to say coach Fisher expected to lose six nonconference games and was OK losing them. In a series of uncomfortable press conferences, he made it clear he felt quite the opposite. “I don’t think you can say there was a whole lot of benefit in our losing six games,” he said. Whether the team benefited from a slow start to the season or not is still up for debate, but the losses did provide a lowwater mark, which now makes it easier to say that the team has, without a doubt, improved and is meeting the expectations, realistic or not, of those outside the program. The resurgence of SDSU men’s basketball manifested itself in a seven-game winning streak to start conference play. That was

the Aztecs’ second-best start to MW conference play with only the 2013-14 team starting better by winning its first 10 conference games. By the time SDSU returns from its two-game road trip to the University of Nevada and UNLV, it could be one win away from tying its all-time record for best MW conference start. More impressive than getting close to eclipsing this record is the way the Aztecs are winning games. The defense, despite earlyseason struggles defending the 3-pointer, has been stellar. It ranks fourth in the country in adjusted defense, according to kenpom.com, a respected statistical ranking similar to RPI. But great defense is expected. It’s what this program is built on. What hasn’t always come easily is the offense. Entering the 2015-16 season, there was plenty of fanfare surrounding the offensive production of Shepard, the potential for offensive growth by Spencer and an allout conclusion that sophomore forward Malik Pope was going to carry the team’s offense. But really the bulk of offensive production has come from elsewhere.

Those scorers: freshman guard Jeremy Hemsley, redshirtfreshman forward Zylan Cheatham and sophomore guard Trey Kell. And in six of the team’s first 20 games Shepard has been the leading scorer or tied for most points in that game. Offensive production from a putting-the-ball-in-the-basket sense has not been tied to seniors, which is not necessarily a bad thing. If we are, after all, talking about expectations, the seniors are doing more than meeting them. Spencer has the most blocked shots and is second on the team in rebounds, while Shepard, who is more known for his passing than scoring, has one less assist than the team leader (Hemsley) while playing 100 minutes less than Hemsley. Fisher also said Spencer and Shepard have emerged as leaders on the team. “I think in particular, Winston and Skylar, have become better role models,” Fisher said. “Leaders by example, unafraid to say some things.” Regardless of past play, let’s face it. These guys are everything that was expected, and in two weeks could be even more.

P7 Swim team owns top spot in San Diego rivalry

KRISTIAN CARREON, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

2 NEWS

JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: JAMIE BALLARD • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#FUNDRAISINGOPPORTUNITY

GroupRaise gives back to SDSU

Alforon is one of the restaurants near campus offering fundraising with GroupRaise. JAMIE BALLARD, NEWS EDITOR

KAYLA JIMENEZ STAFF WRITER ____________________________ GroupRaise, an online restaurant fundraising company, is offering a new opportunity for student leaders at San Diego State. Students have the chance to fundraise for their organization while supporting local San Diego restaurants. “You walk into the restaurant

and nothing’s different,” said Sean Park, GroupRaise co-founder and head of marketing. “It’s the same thing, but they will put out a box where you put in your receipts to be counted toward the donation. That’s the only difference.” Restaurants offering fundraising opportunities include Wings n’ Things on Mira Mesa Boulevard, Gaglione Bros. Alforon on El Cajon

Boulevard, and Slides Gourmet Burgers on University Avenue. On GroupRaise’s website, interested fundraising coordinators are prompted to enter in a zip code and then are given a choice of different restaurants to fundraise with. Upon choosing a restaurant, users are given the option to choose a date and time they wish to bring in their organization. “You can just schedule it online so that way you don’t have to go to a certain location or call them,” Park said. “So we take care of that side by making it all available online.” “I think it’s a great way to get more ideas flowing than just the usual fundraising ideas that we usually do,” said Mickenzie Grubb, former ways and means chair of the Delta Zeta sorority. “The only thing is I feel like it’s better to have that one-on-one contact and know what exactly is going on rather than going through a different party. But other than that I would use it.” A certain percentage of the receipts, ranging from 15 to 50 percent, dropped into a donation box is then calculated by the restaurant and given as proceeds to the organization,

Park said. “A big issue is that a lot of places on campus only allow you to do fundraising during weekdays and very specific times,” Grubb said. “And being in a sorority, a lot of girls do have meal plans and already have food provided for them Monday through Friday. So it is difficult to convince them to go during the weekday, when they have to go spend extra money when they’re already getting food.” KB Books and CREAM offer similar fundraising opportunities close to campus for student organizations. KB Books has a Student Organization Rebate program that offers a 5-percent rebate on textbook purchases from each organization member to participating organizations, according to the store’s website. The SDSU organization that receives the highest total amount also wins a $100 donation from KB Books to the charity of its choice. “In front of East Commons, we hand out little flyers where you go to Rubio’s with the flyer and support a certain club,” said Daniel Kvassov,

psychology major and member of Psi Chi Honors Society and Psychology Club. Kvassov added: “(GroupRaise) sounds like a very interesting app that I would definitely use. For one, it would give to my club, and it also allows the students of SDSU the opportunity to support other clubs. Technology’s definitely come a long way to improve fundraising.” Park said the company aims to streamline the communication process between student leaders and business owners. “We wanted to get this win-win result where college students would come out to eat and restaurants gained sales and everyone’s happy,” Park said. However, Grubb questions the entire notion of fundraising for student organizations through stores or restaurants. “The bummer about having fundraisers on campus or at any kind of restaurant is that we don’t really make that much money,” Grubb said. “I mean its good to make like 50 dollars here and there, but you don’t really make that much money.”

#CRIMEUPDATE

New Aztec Shield safety app launches chase with SDSUPD members and arrested for his violations. DISTURBING THE PEACE On Thursday, Jan. 21 shortly before 2 p.m., there was a report of a verbal disturbance in the courtyard north of Love Library. A subject was protesting and several individuals were verbally disagreeing with the protester. SDSUPD stayed on the scene to ensure all parties’ right to freedom of speech and that it wouldn’t escalate to violence, SDSUPD Cpl. Mark Peterson said. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

ALEX PISCATELLI STAFF WRITER ____________________________ SUICIDE ATTEMPT On Monday, Jan. 18 around 7:30 p.m., San Diego State Police responded to a report of a suicidal man at the SDSU Transit Center. According to SDSUPD, the 19-year-old subject had a plan to overdose. He was transported to the

hospital for additional care. If you or someone you know is looking for help, SDSU Counseling and Psychological Services is available for all students. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students needing immediate help can call 619594-5220 during business hours. After business hours, students seeking help can contact the San Diego Access

and Crisis 24-hour Hotline at 888-724-7240. FOOT PATROL On Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 5 a.m., SDSUPD contacted a man sleeping at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. During the contact, officers discovered the subject had controlled substances with him. The subject then attempted to flee. He was caught after a brief

A non-SDSU student was arrested at the Granada dorms on Friday, Jan. 22 after 3 p.m. The subject was trying to enter the apartment of his exgirlfriend, who refused to let him in, according to SDSUPD. He was arrested on the scene for domestic violence. SDSUPD APP LAUNCH On Tuesday, Jan. 26, SDSUPD launched a new app for SDSU students, faculty and staff called Aztec Shield. The app can be used for emergency or non-emergency situations and provides users the ability to reach SDSUPD. Key features include: an interactive crime map detailing the activity of SDSUPD in the

area, a “Friend Watch” feature to allow people of the user’s choosing to monitor their location, and the ability to report incidents with picture and video, among other features. Aztec Shield will be available for both iPhone and Android users. SDSUPD’S BICYCLE REGISTRATION EVENT On Thursday, Jan. 28, SDSUPD will be hosting a bicycle registration event. From 1 to 5 p.m., SDSUPD will be giving out free Kryptonite bike locks and a copy of the new San Diego regional bike map to all SDSU community members who come to register a bike. The event will take place on Cuicacalli Walk. The goal is to lessen the number of bike thefts on campus, Peterson said. Registering a bike provides SDSUPD the bike’s serial number that will help with recovery if stolen. All SDSU community members attending the event should bring their bike and Red ID. After the event, bikes can be registered at the police department’s front lobby Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bike locks will be given out with all registrations while supplies last.

NEWS 3

JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: JAMIE BALLARD • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#CAMPUSCULTURE

Women’s Resource Center opens

Jessica Nare, Sarah Tanori and Samantha Nordin in the newly opened Women’s Resource Center. JAMIE BALLARD, NEWS EDITOR

JAMIE BALLARD NEWS EDITOR ____________________________ As students flocked back to classes on Jan. 20, Women’s Studies lecturer Jessica Nare was busy prepping for the official opening of the Women’s Resource Center at San Diego State. After the official opening, an open house was held on Jan. 22 welcoming students, staff

and faculty to explore and learn about the organization. Though the WRC has been an active presence on campus since last fall, this week marks the opening of the physical facility. “It was challenging to do outreach before the WRC had physical space,” Nare said. “We had some events in the fall and they were very successful. We had great turnout. But now that we have

a space, we can go out and invite people to get involved and spend time with us here.” Despite the name, the WRC isn’t just for women. The staff is also turning its attention towards LGBT issues, intersectional issues and issues related to racism and inequality. Additionally, they welcome students who are trans or gender nonconforming. The WRC’s approach to

many of these issues focuses on prevention and education, rather than intervention. “I think a really important part of having a women’s resource center is building community and having a positive space for women on campus to spend time in,” Nare said. “We’re also doing things on pay inequality, on healthy relationships, working in the non-profit sphere, lots of conversations about feminism, those kinds of things.” The center is located next to the Pride Center on Campanile Drive. Though they aren’t “officially” connected, Nare said the two organizations have similar goals and are closely aligned in their mission. “SDSU has done a great job of serving marginalized students on campus, and I think having a women’s resource center is a piece of that bigger mission to support and engage students,” Nare said. “We’re sort of joining the Pride Center and the Center for Intercultural Relations to serve that mission.” Mentioning many of the cultural issues that women

face, such as representation in positions of power, Nare said having the WRC on campus can provide students with the education and tools to help them be successful after college. Samantha Nordin, a biology and women’s studies senior, is one of the student assistants working in the WRC. After taking a course taught by Nare, she was excited to get involved with developing the center. “I got to watch this whole place come together,” she said. As one of the assistants, she helps plan many of the center’s events. “We have a ton of really cool events that are focusing on great speakers and writers, feminists from all different backgrounds,” Nare said. “I think the main thing we want to communicate is that this is a space for students, we want people to come and hang out here.” The Women’s Resource Center is located at 5121 Campanile Drive. For more information, call 619-5942304 or email wrc@mail.sdsu. edu.

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JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: JAMIE BALLARD • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#PRIVACYBREACH

Who’sWho? EDITOR IN CHIEF Kelly Hillock MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Bain NEWS EDITOR Jamie Ballard SPORTS EDITOR Ryan Posner ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Anthony Reclusado OPINION EDITOR Joseph Ciolino ARTS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR Ryo Miyauchi ASST. ARTS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR Olivia Litsey PHOTO EDITOR Cristian Rangel

SDSU versus Google Apps

San Diego State students, faculty and staff who used a Google-powered .edu email may have a case against Google. FILE PHOTO

JAMIE BALLARD NEWS EDITOR ____________________________ San Diego State is one of 11 universities potentially involved in a mass action lawsuit against Google Apps for Education (GAE). The lawsuit alleges that Google illegally scanned the content sent through GAEpowered .edu email accounts and used it for advertising purposes. Students, staff and faculty who used a .edu email address provided by GAE between November 2010 and April 2014 are potentially eligible to join the mass action lawsuit. This may also make them eligible for up to $10,000 in statutory damages. UC Berkeley is the first school involved in the suit to file claims. Attorney Ray E. Gallo, whose law firm is bringing the allegations against GAE, hopes that the other 10 schools, including SDSU, will soon follow suit as the statute of limitations may expire soon. According to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, there is a two-year window to bring cases like this. “It’s really important for people to know that they have a limited amount of time,” Gallo said. “In the next few

months, things may come to an end.” Google announced on April 30, 2014 that it would stop scanning GAE-powered account emails for advertising purposes. However, many users were unaware that the content of their emails was being scanned prior to this date. “Many schools believed that their emails weren’t being scanned, that they were private,” Gallo said. “So that’s what they told students.” The email addresses in question are not the Rohan email addresses given to students through WebPortal, but rather the mail.sdsu.edu addresses. A FAQ webpage from the Enterprise Technology Services department at SDSU reads, “Our agreement precludes advertising within e-mail for faculty, staff, and current students.” The ECPA gives email providers like Gmail the right to scan user email for certain purposes, but it does not allow providers to scan the content of email without permission. Gallo said the difference between scanning emails and scanning email content for advertising purposes is an important distinction. “The ECPA governs what

providers can do with the emails in transit,” he said. “But in this case, Google didn’t get permission. In fact, they were denying that they were doing this.” Gallo LLP is doing this case on contingency, which means it takes a portion of whatever money it wins for its clients. In this case, it would receive 40 percent of the money. If the case doesn’t go through, the client doesn’t owe the law firm anything. Students, staff and faculty who get involved may be called to trial, but Gallo said that only happens in about 2 percent of cases. Clients may also be required to give a deposition and produce certain documents that are relevant to the case. “I think Google scanning emails without clear and explicit consent from students is irresponsible, deceitful and disappointing,” mechanical engineering senior Shelby Pfeifer said. “Google used to have a reputation as a reliable company driven by innovators and free thinkers. Knowing now that they have been spying on their users is disheartening as such actions go against everything that Google previously seemed to stand for.” Shaylenne Martin is a senior

studying marketing and anthropology at SDSU. “Honestly, it shouldn’t surprise me that Google is trying to profile people. They make a lot of money from advertising on Google search and Pay Per Click Advertising. ... I think it’s awful (that the company is doing so illegally). People put their trust in Google and it should be setting a better example for other companies that might be doing the same thing. Privacy is very important to me.” Gallo shared similar thoughts. “Just because it’s Google and not the government, that doesn’t make it less Big Brother-ish to me,” he said. “If Google has it, there’s a good chance the government can easily get it if they wanted to. And who knows what exactly Google is doing with this information? I mean, Google probably has a better profile on you than the FBI does. They know more about you than almost anyone or anything. It’s creepy.” SDSU does not comment on pending litigation. Faculty, staff and students using a GAE account through SDSU who are interested in learning if they have a claim can visit emailprivacylit.com to learn more.

DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Annalise Dewhurst VIDEO PRODUCER Daniel Galuppo PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Kaylee Andrews Hannah Lingle-Veale VOLUNTEER WRITERS Christine Whitman Nicole Menges Cami Buckman Kayla Jimenez Alex Piscatelli Maria Del Carmen Huerta Kemi Giwa Kris Keehl Joseph Faria VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristian Carreon Katelyn Mulcahy VOLUNTEER CARTOONIST Annan Gaggi _____________________________ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Radbeh Rabaz SALES MANAGER Matthew Volk ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Alexis Evans-Bendel Alex Gamboa Christopher Garcia Kamisha McKnight Keon Siavoshani Kelsey Silver Matthew Volk John Weil ACCOUNTING & CONTRACTS Alfonso Barajas Kalie Christensen _____________________________ GENERAL MANAGER Jay Harn GRAPHICS SPECIALIST Chris Blakemore _____________________________ ADVERTISING 619.594.6977 advertising@thedailyaztec.com EDITORIAL 619.594.4190 editor@thedailyaztec.com PRINT The Daily Aztec publishes 5,000 copies of its weekly print edition on Wednesdays.

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NEWS 5

JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: JAMIE BALLARD • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#STUDENTACHIEVEMENT

Quest for the Best application open

JAMIE BALLARD NEWS EDITOR ____________________________ Applications are now open for the annual Quest for the Best awards, which honor outstanding students and faculty members at San Diego State. The Quest for the Best awards recognize student achievement in four key areas: academic excellence, student involvement and commitment, community

The Quest for the Best awards honor student and faculty achievement at San Diego State. COURTESY OF STUDENT LIFE AND LEADERSHIP

service outside of the SDSU campus, and leadership development. Nominations are open to regularly enrolled SDSU students who have at least a 3.0 GPA, have completed at least one year at SDSU and have completed at least 75 units. Robyn Adams, the associate director of Student Life and Leadership, wrote her Ph.D. dissertation on the intrinsic and extrinsic

benefits of winning the Quest for the Best award. “For many of the student honorees, this is just the cherry on top of all of their accomplishments,” Adams said. “It’s a competitive award, and I think recognition of hard work is important to many people. It’s exciting that it’s been on our campus for 30 years.” Part of the application for the award includes a one-

page essay about a major obstacle applicants have faced in their academic or personal life while at SDSU. Adams said past winners have written about a variety of topics, from studying abroad to struggling with illness to being homeless. The other essay is written on, “Which one SDSU faculty or staff member has made the most significant contribution to your personal growth and why?” If a student wins the award, the faculty member who he or she wrote the essay about is also awarded and invited to the ceremony. Christine Probett, a lecturer in the Management Information Systems department at SDSU, has received the award both as a student and a faculty member. She’s been the faculty winner three times and is also a judge for the awards. “Judging is actually very difficult,” Probett said. “All of the students who apply are great students who are doing well in all components, so it’s really tough.” However, there is one unifying factor across the board. “Passion is the common

denominator,” Probett said. “All of the winners have a passion for doing well in their areas, whether that’s research, writing, leadership or any other number of things. ... It’s really great to give people the opportunity to see and recognize these well-rounded, ideal students. As a professor, I see a lot of great students with great leadership skills, and it’s important that we recognize them.” Winners are honored at a gala banquet in April. This year marks the 30th year of the Quest for the Best awards, and all past honorees are being invited to the banquet celebration. Both Adams and Probett encourage students to apply. “I hear a lot of people who think it’s unachievable, or that they haven’t done enough,” Probett said. “But I would really encourage people to apply. I’ve seen many students evolve academically, professionally, socially and as leaders. To have that recognized is quite an honor.” Applications can be found on the Student Life and Leadership website. The deadline to apply is at 4 p.m. on Feb. 15.

#INNOVATIONONCAMPUS

Campus incubator gets a zippy new name MARIA DEL CARMEN HUERTA

SENIOR STAFF WRITER ____________________________ The Zahn Innovation Center, an on-campus incubator for aspiring entrepreneurs, was renamed this semester as the Zahn Innovation Platform (ZIP) Launchpad. The renaming was made possible through a $5.1 million donation from the Moxie Foundation and support from Peter and Irwin Zahn. In order to further the development, collaboration and innovation of San Diego State entrepreneurs, the ZIP Launchpad has created three new initiatives: the Zahn Chair of Creativity and Innovation position, the Zahn Professorship of Creativity and Innovation, and the Irwin Zahn Spirit of Innovation Prize. The Irwin Zahn Spirit of Innovation Prize will be granted to one SDSU graduate each year. The award will cover a student’s entire debt amount and will allow a student to continue on his or her entrepreneurial ventures debt-free. A new addition to the launchpad this semester is lab manager Kyle Kitzmiller, who brings some fresh ideas to the table. “We are pushing to really

expand the technical presence of the ZIP Launchpad on campus,” Kitzmiller said. “What that means is reaching out to engineering and science colleges and trying to recruit as many science and technology people as possible.” Kitzmiller said the push to recruit science and engineering students into the ZIP Launchpad will ideally benefit students from any academic background with technologically based ideas. This semester, Kitzmiller will also be spearheading a 3D printing workshop. Students who complete this orientation, which will be offered in February, March and April, will be allowed to use the 3D printer for free courtesy of the ZIP Launchpad. Students and community members will have a central entrepreneurial hub. The Engineering Interdisciplinary Sciences Complex, set to be completed in 2018, will house the ZIP Launchpad, the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center offices, the ZIP Lab and the HG Fenton Company Idea Lab. In the meantime, students can still access and use the ZIP resources in the current location on the fourth floor of the Education and Business Administration building.

The Zahn Innovation Platform Launchpad offers resources for entrepreneurial students, staff and faculty. JAMIE BALLARD, NEWS EDITOR

Teams that are admitted into the ZIP Launchpad have access to mentors, a coworking space and the HG Fenton Idea Lab, which offers the ZIP Launchpad teams pro bono prototyping and interaction with student engineers. Each semester, about 200 to 300 members of the SDSU community apply to the ZIP Launchpad. There are two admission cycles, during the fall and spring semesters. This semester, the ZIP Launchpad has admitted 15 teams. Accepted teams are

given the resources to have their ideas transform into a viable business plans that are ready to be launched into the market. Executive Director Cathy Pucher said one of the most inspirational teams out of the ZIP Launchpad has been CourseKey, which has moved onto a new incubator, EvoNexus. Pucher said CourseKey has been one of the most successful teams that has launched from the center with a successful Kickstarter.

She said to date the center has raised $1.2 million from angel investors that have invested in two ZIP Launchpad teams. “We definitely want to help students launch,” Pucher said. “Not everyone launches their business for a variety of different reasons, but what we really count on everyone having is a great experience that they can take wherever they go. We are looking to find a way to measure that experience in order to improve their time at the center.”

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JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: JAMIE BALLARD • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#CAMPUSUPDATES

New marquee sparks conversation

The new marquee along Interstate 8 has improved LED lighting and an updated electronic system. JAMIE BALLARD, NEWS EDITOR

JAMIE BALLARD NEWS EDITOR ____________________________________ The marquee alongside Interstate 8 by the San Diego State campus is currently being updated to include a more advanced electronic system. SDSU media relations manager Beth Chee said the new marquee will have LED lighting, a more advanced software system and some cosmetic

updates that will “make the sign look more like part of campus.” The new lighting is more energy efficient and is ideally meant to make the sign easier to view during the daytime. The updated software system is compatible with other electronic signage on campus, meaning the same message can be displayed on multiple signs across campus at once from a central location.

Additionally, it ties in with the Amber Alert system. In the past, the Amber Alerts have been posted to the marquee manually. The cosmetic changes to the sign are meant to match the overall look of the SDSU campus. The top is being updated to reflect the mission-style architecture and the color is being changed from black to “balsa,” which is one of the official campus colors. The total cost of the overhaul of the freeway sign is $550,000, with $500,000 coming from a one-time allocation from the university operating fund and $50,000 from Associated Students. “I think the changes to the sign will be an improvement,” public health junior Jessica Adams said. “It’ll make our school look more uniform and upto-date.” Chee said the changes were made because the electronics had become outdated and needed to be replaced. Barring more rain, she said the project should be completed by Jan. 22. The sign has a contentious history dating back to 1998. It cost approximately $380,000 to build and was funded by advertisers at Cox Arena (which was changed to Viejas Arena in 2009). The bright lights and large size led people to remark it would be better suited to a casino rather than a

university. A 2001 Daily Aztec article reads, “The University Senate passed a resolution saying the sign was ‘inappropriate and contrary to the community responsibilities of an academic institution.’” Columnist Logan Jenkins from the San Diego Union-Tribune called it a “classless horror show” and a “toxic red-and-black toadstool.” And it was voted “Worst Eyesore” by San Diego Magazine. The sign also received the dubious honor of an “Onion” award in the Orchids and Onions Awards, which recognizes the best and worst architecture in San Diego. While other buildings on campus, such as the Aztec Student Union, have been nominated to receive an “Orchid” award, the sign was thought to be an “Onion.” Judges wrote, “To your right is San Diego State, in case anyone missed it. We keep expecting to see the glitzy marquee flash: Loosest slots in town! Siegfried and Roy at the Aztec Bowl! All night buffet just $3.99! San Diego State will never suffer an identity crisis again, but this sign certainly is contributing to an electricity crisis.” It remains to be seen if the new changes to the freeway marquee will be better received by San Diego residents.

JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: RYAN POSNER • SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

SPORTS 7

#SWIMANDDIVE

Swim and dive outpaces rival USD

Swim and dive wrapped up its home schedule last Friday with a 145-131 over University of San Diego. KRISTIAN CARREON, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

JOSEPH FARIA STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ With the start of the 2016 spring semester underway at San Diego State, the women’s swim and dive team opened up with a victory over crosstown rival University of San Diego last Friday. The Aztecs won 145-131, with a few of the events not scored. It was the final home meet of the season for the team and a farewell to the senior student-athletes. “It was an emotional meet for me because of our six seniors,” head coach Mike Shrader said. “They’ve led us all the way this season and all four years. They put their heart and soul into their work every day.” The six seniors on the Aztecs include Laura Day, Shannon Herman, Taylor

Johnson, Savannah Miller, Natilee Ruiz and Whitney Weisz. Shrader said he was truly blessed to have such a devoted senior class Even though emotions ran high throughout the meet, the drive and energy pushed the Aztecs to a victory over the Toreros. “We got off to a nice start and raced really well,” Shrader said. “Our backstrokers especially set the tone, put us ahead and therefore we never looked back.” The Aztecs won 12 of the 17 events on Friday, sweeping in both the 100 and 200-yard backstroke, as well as the 100 and 200-yard breaststroke. “Individually, we’ve been going through a lot of hard training recently,” Herman said. “We’re all pretty broken down. Winter training is usually the hardest part of the season for us.

However, we put that aside and just went out and raced.” Herman finished second in the 100yard breaststroke with a time of 1:08.50 and first in the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:24.82. “I was anxious to race today,” she said. “In the 100-yard breaststroke, I could see my teammates at my side cheering me on and pushing me. So I tried to keep up with my competitors and teammates and do the best I can.” As the Aztecs move into the final stretch of the season, they’ve kept the same theme they’ve had all year long: teammates supporting one another. “This year we’ve been amazing at being great cheerleaders as well as teammates,” Herman said. “We’ve supported each other through tough training and we look forward to all the good times to come in the next month

or so.” That support and contagious energy has not only bonded the team, but now puts them in a championship position. “I think as a team we’ve been focusing on the small aspects of our races and getting in all our hard training,” Herman said. “We spend a lot of time working on our turns just because that’s an area where you can beat teams alone.” The excitement has built up for this moment and the team is ready to swim more than ever. “They’re ready for this,” Shrader said. “The girls have prepared for months and I know they all want this. They’re having fun. I believe in them.” The season concludes with the Mountain West Championships in College Station, Texas, from Feb. 17-20. Then come the NCAA Championships in Atlanta, Georgia, from March 18-20.

8 SPORTS

JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: RYAN POSNER • SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#AZTECBASEBALL

Martinez chosen to ‘carry the baton’ RYAN POSNER SPORTS EDITOR ____________________________ The day Aug. 20, 2014 was historic for the San Diego State baseball program. It marked the day the school introduced long-time assistant coach Mark Martinez as the school’s new head coach and marked the first time since the 2002 season that someone other than the late Tony Gwynn was head coach. It didn’t take the school long to realize the importance of continuity in the baseball program and locked Martinez up to a five-year contract extension this past July. The man who Gwynn hired as an assistant coach back in 2005 was now given the responsibility to carry on what the two started all those years ago: making SDSU a national contender. “I’m very lucky because I’m sitting here because of Tony,” Martinez said. “Our job is to carry the baton forward, carry his ideals and values to help move our program forward and ultimately put our stamp on it as well. We’re out there trying to

make him proud every day.” Gwynn would have been very proud to see the team win its third consecutive Mountain West tournament in 2015 and come one win away from making the College World Series. Anyone who watched the tournament on TV or in person could see the spectacle of players like junior right-hander Calvin Munson and redshirtjunior right-hander Cody Thompson wearing bubble gum buckets on their heads and cheering their team on. One may construe that as a lack of focus, but that’s inaccurate. Martinez has helped build on a system where players can feel comfortable being themselves. But that only comes after the work has been put in, Martinez said. It’s the kind of system that has led to two straight 40-win seasons (the first time since 1990-91) and the highest team GPA in program history in 2015. “I’ll tell you every single one of our players would run through a wall for coach Martinez,” assistant coach Joe Oliveira said.

That sentiment doesn’t end with the players, either. “When coach Martinez took over he really could have hired anybody in the country,” Oliveira said. “I owe him my life, he’s done everything for me.” Oliveira also serves as the team’s recruiting coordinator and his, along with Martinez’s, job of recruiting becomes a lot easier with the stability in place. They can go after freshmen and sophomores in high school with a long-term system in place. “If it’s not the first question asked by recruits, it’s the second one: ‘What’s the coaching staff going to look like?’” Martinez said. “That gives (recruits) a little piece of mind that if they do commit to San Diego State, we’ll be in place.” Martinez and his staff got a first-hand look at what continuity can do for a program when they were beaten 3-1 by eventual national champion University of Virginia in the NCAA Regionals last season. Virginia’s core coaching staff had been in place for 12 years going into last season. “There’s a lot of work to do,” Martinez said. “It took Virginia

SDSU signed baseball head coach Mark Martinez to a five-year contract extension last July. FILE PHOTO

12 years to get where they wanted to be and we’re going to try and get in a position to get this team competing nationally.” With the season opener against University of Oregon less than a month away, Martinez has his foot “fully on the gas pedal,” looking to make

good on the reward the school gave him. “Now we’ve got to put up or shut up,” he said. “We’ve got to continue to win baseball games and conference championships and have the opportunity to go to (the College World Series) for the administration and the program.”

SPORTS 9

JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: RYAN POSNER • SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#DASNAPSHOTS

Daily Aztec snapshots of the week

The swim team swept the 100- and 200-yard breastroke races against University of San Diego last Friday. KRISTIAN CARREON, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sophomore guard Trey Kell was named the men’s basketball Mountain West Player of the Week on Monday. KATELYN MULCAHY, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Head coach Steve Fisher looks on as his team moved to 7-0 in Mountain West play with a win over Utah State on Jan. 23. KATELYN MULCAHY, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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10 OPINION

JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: JOSEPH CIOLINO • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#LETTERTOTHEEDITOR

Letter: End study abroad mandate

. ANNAN GAGGI

I am an American student, originally from Iraq. I was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq until my family and I escaped to Syria, hoping that this would be a shortterm solution for safety while we applied for residence in the United States. However, the process took three years, and we were in Syria until our immigration to the United States was accepted. I have lived in America since 2007. I am a junior at SDSU and I am majoring in social work. I chose my major for many reasons and one of my them was because of my experience as an immigrant. In the College of Health and Human Services there are requirements that students need to complete in order to graduate. One of the requirements is to study abroad. However, other college departments such as Business Administration and Engineering are not required to study abroad. I want to travel the world and see every beautiful place there is. However, college students are already in so much debt because of school expenses. Tuition, rent, books, grocieries and gas becomes

expensive and does not leave much pocket money for the student. With the little money that is left, students find it difficult to pay for studying abroad. From Europe, all the way to our neighboring location Tijuana, there are many places that would be great study abroad locations for students. Study abroad sounds like a great idea, and I would just like to pack my bags and go to my destination, but I cannot. I do not have the money to see another country for even a few days, which is cheaper than studying for a semester. Some students have the capability to pay the fees because they have the money, but other students can barely afford their daily expenses. In today’s economy many households struggle with financial problems. Some students stay or return to their parents’ homes to save money for their future. I live with my single mother in lowincome housing. For us it is a struggle paying the rent and having the money for other costs. I am unable to pay to visit another country. I have already been in two international countries, however, I am still required to study abroad. Also, the study abroad

locations themselves have their expenses. According to the study abroad website, if the student would go to Paris, it would cost about $1,845 for a nine day trip, not including the $2,000 airline ticket. Some meals and health insurance would not be included in the package. On the other hand, going to Tijuana is about $875 and a person can drive. However, unlike Paris where there is activities and trips involved, students who go to Tijuana have to do manual labor such as build houses in unsanitary areas. Basically, a student has to choose between paying certain amount of money or doing certain amount of physical work. A student also has the option of applying for scholarships. However, if you consider the number of students that apply for the limited number of scholarships, only a few can receive it. I have applied to multiple scholarships and have discussed why I need the money and what it would be used for. The result was nothing and I did not get any scholarships. Six of my friends also applied and only one received

a scholarship. Finding a job is another challenge because there are so many of students and so few openings. Students receive minimum wage which is not enough compared to the amount of money spent. A student has to go to school, work and have their own personal life and this can be a lot to handle for young adults. I understand that this is the time for us to grow and learn how to be adults, but being an adult has a price tag. We want an education to have the money to support us, but the study abroad is an extra thing that is not necessary. SDSU should and needs to eliminate the study abroad requirement and make it optional for the students to decide. Study abroad can be useful for students to gain new experiences, and if the prices were more accommodating then the number of students who study abroad would increase. Students can see other environments, cultures and thus gain a wider sense of the world. As a result, SDSU students can bring back the knowledge they have gained to the

country and increase the success of students. The other choice includes not studying abroad and rather attending classes and having assignments and volunteer hours to complete. This is not fair because while some students who choose to study abroad to have fun, few students have to do other course work. This sounds as if a student does not have money and they are in a sense being punished by doing extra assignments. Having an alternative is good, but it is not fair for some students who have families and jobs that they cannot take breaks from. The study abroad programs should either be required for all students at SDSU or not at all and provide accommodation. Studying abroad is a good experience but this should be an option for students, not mandatory. The reality is not every one can study abroad for many reasons, financial issues being one of the top. However, if students and staff work together to create more affordable options then it may lead to mutual benefits. -Amanda Yousif

OPINION

JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: JOSEPH CIOLINO• OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#FANTASYFOOTBALL

Get the fantasy out of your system

THINKSTOCK

JOSEPH CIOLINO OPINION EDITOR ____________________________ When I was a young kid I would camp out in my living room every Sunday morning waiting for the eight or nine pro football games to begin. This is the day I would look forward to every week, as Randy Moss would run down the field and make ridiculous catches for touchdowns, LaDainian Tomlinson would wow us with his breathtaking touchdown runs, and Peyton Manning would make

defenses’ heads spin. I had no idea what fantasy football was. I had no idea that players could earn you “Internet points” used to dominate your friends in an attempt to make them get that end-of-season loser tattoo. To me it was all about watching football for football. Watching the chess matches between coaches, defensive and offensive lines clashing into each other in the trenches. Big hits, close calls and waiting for big plays to happen when I jump up from

my seat. Those were the days. Let me take you back to the middle 2014 NFL season. My Chargers went to Miami and faced the Dolphins. I was stoked, mainly because one of my good friends is a die-hard Dolphins fan and he was on his way over to watch the game. He is also in the same fantasy football league with me and a bunch of our other friends, including my roommate and oldest friend, who is a Chargers fan like myself.

There we are, dawning our Bolts jerseys as my friend enters the house wearing his aqua green Dolphins jersey. We’re ready for a battle, a war of words, eyes glued to the television, fists clinched. My team over yours. Who will reign supreme? I maintain a great advantage — since my buddy is ALSO a Chargers fan, we outnumber said Dolphins guy two to one. So at least if we lose I’ll have one of my buddies on my side still to back up our team and help me make excuses. In a nutshell, it was not the Chargers’ day on the field. They were demolished and it was a complete embarrassment. I was quite unhappy, and that is an understatement. Guess who was superman that game? The Dolphins quarterback, the opposing quarterback, who at times can play well but is inconsistent. He threw three touchdowns, and guess who started said Dolphins quarterback that week on their fantasy squad? My long time friend and thought-to-be ally. Boy, was I ever wrong. I am the one that is now outnumbered. Now there are TWO Dolphins fans (of course, one is a fraud) in the living room. As I am moping away, both of them sit with a smirk on their face. His Internet points reigned supreme in level of importance — forget about loyalty and allegiance. Just get those Internet points, baby. Now I’m sitting through double the cheers each time the Dolphins score.

My roommate even went as far as to take his Chargers jersey off. Wow. Now I will admit, playing fantasy football is quite addicting because it is actually pretty fun. It’s fun to beat your friends and adjust your roster each week. Heck, I’ve even won a couple of fantasy football championships. However, it will never cause me to root against my actual team I root for week in and week out. If I have Peyton Manning on my fantasy team and I need two touchdowns to win my fantasy match, and he happens to be playing the Chargers, I am going to hope that he throws none. Because he is the enemy and the division rival. This is where my dilemma is. Fantasy football may take my friends, but it will not take me. I will remain true and loyal to my team; Internet points can take a seat. I will mention that I am glad the fantasy football leagues end right before the actual playoffs. I can sit and enjoy the games without any type of repercussion outside of these games in regards to my Internet teams and points. Fantasy sports are popular, especially among students here at SDSU, but we need to remind each other to just enjoy the sport at the end of the day. Just get it all out of your system for a couple of years if you’ve never played fantasy, and then go back to enjoying the sport for the sport, and not for your Web points.

#REVERSERACISM

Prejudice and racism: They’re not the same KEMI GIWA STAFF COLUMNIST ____________________________ Racism describes a system built to keep a race or ethnicity away from success and evolution — a systematic disadvantage based solely on race. By that definition, minorities cannot be racist, per se, making reverse racism is a myth. It is similar to sexism. Take what Bustle’s Kat George wrote to back up that claim: “Sexism is institutionalized. Having someone be biased towards you in an isolated context, for instance, a woman excluding a man from something based on his gender, is simply mean or discriminatory, because it’s an individual act, rather than one that’s historically ingrained in

the way society operates to the detriment of men.” In other words, women cannot be sexist because they don’t systematically oppress men with the institutionalized privilege and power society affords them. Racism is just that: privilege and power. Caucasians are not hurt by the racism that pervades society every second because they have structural, institutional and social advantage. This does not go to say that non-minorities cannot experience prejudice. They absolutely can. However, to be quite frank, there is a clear distinction between racism and prejudice. Prejudice is described as “pre-judging” an individual with opinions not based on actual facts or experience.

Though similar to racism, it is nowhere near as harmful and oppressive and does not have the same impact. Caucasians do not experience the racism that has worked to systematically oppress them for over 400 years and still continues to marginalize them today. It’s different. To put it simply, Caucasians are not, have never been and will never be oppressed based on their race. Minorities today are still dealing with the impact of colonialism — slavery, genocide and other forms of mass oppression that still affect minorities today, as the aftermath of such travesties have resulted in severe poverty in many ethnic communities. Though many object to that notion, we all must think about this:

Caucasians do not experience racial discrimination that prevents them from obtaining employment, accessing housing and healthcare, and receiving equitable treatment in the justice system. Their privilege is boundless and there are essentially no racial barriers to their success because they are not of the minority. Because it is often difficult for many to confront their privilege and advantages, they tend to take such comments personally and accuse a minority of being “racist.” Here on campus, it is important that we understand the different between racism and prejudice. Though not everyone of the ethnic majority is racist, there are many that are. Regardless of anyone’s role in racism, every single

member of an ethnic majority benefits at the expense of minorities and continues to contribute to racism and its expansion when they refuse to combat it. Ultimately, racism is essentially an indestructible system. However, Caucasians must play a part in dismantling it and must listen to the experiences of minorities, especially on a campus where they are the majority. Speak out when you hear racism being spewed around you, or better yet participate in activities on and off campus that are dedicated to ending racism. And please do not use the false “reverse racism” theory to downplay minorities’ experiences and hold them back from expressing their truths. Instead, listen.

12 ARTS & LIFESTYLE

JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: RYO MIYAUCHI • ENTERTAINMENT@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#TASTYTUESDAY

Great pho is minutes from campus

A good bowl of pho from Pho Hoa starts at $6. CHRISTINE WHITMAN, SENIOR STAFF WRITER

CHRISTINE WHITMAN SENIOR STAFF WRITER ____________________________________

Restaurants usually offer multiple dish options, but at a small Vietnamese restaurant in City Heights, pho is the sole meal. Located on El Cajon Boulevard, Pho Hoa has been serving hungry customers for more than 30 years. The restaurant is open every day from 7 a.m.

to 8 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. As Pho Hoa exclusively serves pho, it’s guaranteed fresh every visit. The menu offers a full page of mouth-watering options in small, medium and large sizes. Some of the restaurant’s specials are offered in extra-large for extra-hungry customers, but those don’t feature as many types of meat. “What I really love about this

restaurant is the large serving sizes,” biology sophomore Cassandra Rosemond said. “No matter what size you order, you’re going to be full.” One option from the extensive menu is the Tái, Chín, Gau, Gân, Sách ($7.94), which features rare steak, well-done brisket and flank, tendon and tripe served with noodles in a steaming hot broth. The simpler options are around $6

and contain Vietnamese meatballs or only one type of meat, while the more extensive options contain five types of meat and are priced at $8.50 or higher. One of the great things about Pho Hoa is that the cooks don’t skimp on any of the ingredients, especially the meat. Similar to most pho places, Pho Hoa offers sriracha, hoisin or fish sauce, Thai basil, bean sprouts, limes and jalapenos. As a general hint, try the pho without the additions first. As another tip, don’t add too much sriracha or fish sauce — a little goes a long way with this dish. The establishment offers a variety of beers for those customers of legal drinking age, as well as an assortment of tea or soft drinks. Pho Hoa is surprisingly large on the inside and features wall-to-wall tables, perfect for large groups of friends after school or work. However, do not decide on dinner at Pho Hoa if you’re looking for ambience. The inside feels like a cafeteria and only features indoor seating. Fortunately, the food makes up for it. Pho Hoa also takes to-go orders, allowing customers to enjoy the food in the comfort of their own homes. Editor’s note: This article is part of a weekly restaurant review series called “Tasty Tuesday.” To read more reviews, check out the Arts and Lifestyle section on thedailyaztec.com.

JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: RYO MIYAUCHI • ENTERTAINMENT@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

ARTS & LIFESTYLE13

#ASSOCIATEDSTUDENTS

Byrd soaring through senior year

Vice President of University Affairs Andrea Byrd is ready to take on her last semester. COURTESY OF ASSOCIATED STUDENTS

NICOLE MENGES STAFF WRITER ____________________________ Andrea Byrd, an advertising major and vice president of university affairs, is entering her last semester at San Diego State. As chief academic officer, Byrd handles anything related to student academics or university policy changes that affect students. For example, she helped

roll out the new waitlist system at SDSU this semester as head of the University Affairs board. Byrd also oversees and directs all nine college councils on campus, which includes all of the different colleges plus the graduate student association, the undeclared college council and the Weber Honors College. Originally, Byrd came to SDSU as a marketing major. When she first applied, Byrd

wanted to pursue advertising, but she didn’t know the major was under the journalism department. So she instead decided to go with marketing. “I took Accounting 201, and I absolutely hated my life,” Byrd said. “I found from someone in (business fraternity) Alpha Kappa Psi that SDSU had an advertising major, so I finally switched over from business to advertising and I just loved it.” Byrd wasn’t always sold on

coming to SDSU because it was so close to her home, she said. However, she was drawn to the school once she visited the campus. “I admired the diversity that I saw here,” she said. “I admired that there was opportunities for every student, and it just felt like a welcoming environment.” One big reason that made the native San Diegan stay was the people who she met on campus. The first organization Byrd joined on campus was the African Student Union. She met her best friend in the organization. She met journalism majors in the fraternity who got her involved in KCR College Radio. “It was a ripple effect of how I’ve been able to get involved, and that’s what really kept me at SDSU, is all the great people and connections I’ve been able to make,” Byrd said. Byrd is deeply involved in Alpha Kappa Psi. “It’s definitely probably been one of the organizations that shaped my college experience the most,” she said. “I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned from there and apply it to my different roles on campus, and teach other people what I learned.”

Looking back on her college experience, Byrd appreciates how much she has grown throughout her years at SDSU. “I think that’s what your college experience should be about in the classroom,” she said. “You should see yourself grow in the classroom and not just sit there and soak in information.” Byrd was recently recognized for all of her accomplishments by being elected as one of the 2015 Homecoming Royals. “It was the icing on the cake of my college experience,” she said. The accomplishment that she’s most proud of, however, was being elected for her position in Associated Students. “Just being able to make a difference on this campus and being able to connect with students has been the most exciting part of my time on this campus,” Byrd said. After she graduates this spring, Byrd is not sure exactly what field she wants to go into. She may want to go into advertising or possibly go into consulting for professional development. “Who knows, we’ll see,” Byrd said. “The sky’s the limit.”

#COMMUTERLIFE

Commuters find their space on campus CHRISTINE WHITMAN SENIOR STAFF WRITER ____________________________ Time spent at San Diego State can be a difficult experience, especially for commuter students, but the Commuter Resource Center can change that. Freshmen commuters don’t live in on-campus housing like many fellow first-years, making it more difficult to create lasting friendships. These students commonly move into off-campus apartments and houses together after freshman year, creating a larger gap between the groups of students. According to the SDSU Student Life and Leadership’s commuter life website, more than 85 percent of today’s college students don’t live on campus. It’s not uncommon for those students to go to school and straight home without creating any meaningful relationships with teachers and other students. This trend becomes more likely when students don’t join any organizations or participate in opportunities for involvement on campus. But being a commuter student seems to have an upside for civil engineering

sophomore Alan Llamas. “Commuting has its perks, like home-cooked meals, free housing and a comfortable living space,” Llamas said. Political science sophomore Courtney White believes there are both advantages and disadvantages to being a commuter student. “Being a commuter was difficult because if I was late for class or for a test, there wasn’t much I could do, whereas people who live on campus could just run to class,” White said. “The advantage was I was able to go to more places, (whereas) others who lived on campus were stuck there unless they took the trolley or bus.” Commuter students also have the opportunity to form relationships through their general education courses without participating in any outside activities. The Commuter Resource Center, located on the second floor of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, gives commuter students a place to relax between classes and connect with other commuter students. “The Commuter Resource Center was designed by students to be a valuable part of the new Student Union,” said Tyler Aguilar, Associated Students vice president of

external relations. “I’m so proud to see the success of center and the continuous improvements that have been made to serve commuter students and make them feel connected to campus.” The center is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. Inside, there’s a large seating area, T.V., copier and multiple microwaves to fit all of students needs. The space is quiet, making it a great place for students to study for upcoming exams. Students with a valid Red ID can use the center as a resource to fine-tune resumes and social media accounts, as well as learn test-taking tips. The center also holds workshops, mentor programs, orientation sessions and career fairs to help commuter students to connect and discover valuable information. SDSU faculty strives to create a strong sense of community through programs that help commuter students to find their place on campus. Some of these include intramural sports, Greek organizations and community service opportunities. No matter what it’s being used for, the Commuter Resource Center is a valuable resource and should be used more frequently by students.

The Commuter Resource Center is located on the second floor of the Student Union. JAMIE BALLARD, NEWS EDITOR

14 ARTS & LIFESTYLE

JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: RYO MIYAUCHI • ENTERTAINMENT@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#ASSOCIATEDSTUDENTS

“ WE ALL HAVE THOSE DAYS WE DON’T FEEL MOTIVATED, SO IF I CAN HELP AT LEAST ONE PERSON ... THAT’S FINE WITH ME.”

- Leo Carrillo, executive vice president of Associated Students

Executive Vice President Leo Carrillo wants students to take pride in being an Aztec. COURTESY OF ASSOCIATED STUDENTS

A.S. officer is truly a die-hard Aztec CAMI BUCKMAN STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ He’s the smiling face seen when walking around campus, the voice heard proudly singing the fight song and the guy with a name too catchy to forget. Communication and marketing senior Leo Carrillo embodies what it means to be an Aztec. Serving as the current executive vice president of Associated Students, Carrillo describes himself as the voice to the students and chair of Aztec pride on campus. “If you ask anyone, I’m probably the most die-hard Aztec ever,” Carrillo said. Carrillo is passionate about getting students involved and informed on campus. Whether it’s voting on the school logo, attending a basketball game or taking part in an upcoming Aztec Night, Carrillo’s goal is for students to make the most of their college experience. “I want students to know what’s going on outside of the classroom and for them to take pride in their school,”

Carrillo said. As a communication student, Carrillo wants to pursue a career in the marketing field. “I chose to go into communications because I am interested to know what gets the attention of others,” he said. “I want to know what the best ways are to reach someone and how to communicate what others are trying to say.” Ben Eisenstein, associate director of marketing for Aztec Shops, has worked closely with Carrillo on a variety of different campaigns throughout the year. He has personally seen how devoted and passionate Carrillo is toward the San Diego State campus. “When things need to get done on projects like Homecoming, you need someone like Leo who can get people to rally behind him,” Einstein said. “It’s that leadership quality that serves him so well with Associated Students and I think will serve him very well in his career.” Ever since Carrillo ran cross country for Banning High School, Nike has always been a company that intrigued him.

His goal is to some day be the chief marketing officer of Nike. While one of his many goals is to work for the popular athletic company, another major goal for Carrillo is to simply motivate others to be their best selves. Because of this, Carrillo commonly takes part in and shares “Motivational Monday” video posts on social media. Originally, these videos were used as a way to update his friends and family on events going on in his life. Eventually, the videos evolved into a tool used for highlighting different occurrences on campus while also acting as a tool for motivation. By sharing what’s going on in his life and on campus, Carrillo hopes his “Motivational Monday” videos can inspire others. “We all have those days (when ) we don’t feel motivated, so if I can help at least one person with a video, that’s fine with me,” Carrillo said. Along with being the A.S. vice president, Carrillo has also served as a community service officer for the SDSU Police Department, a member of the SDSU Entrepreneur Society and a member of the Educational

Opportunity Programs student advisory board, to name a few. With the numerous organizations Carrillo has dedicated his time and energy to, it’s no surprise that he believes the most important thing students can do is to get involved on campus. Carrillo urges all students to create new friendships, reach outside of their comfort zones and discover their passions. “We’ve all heard it, but we need to take advantage of our time here because college goes by quick, so make the most of every moment,” he said. Rather than simply telling people to live by the morals of hard work, dedication and sacrifice, Carrillo stands as a living example of his motivational words. “Leo possesses a type of enthusiasm, excitement, and verve that can’t really be taught,” Eisenstein said. Whether it’s sharing a hashtag on Facebook, organizing a campus event or showing his pride at a sporting event, Carrillo is the epitome of what it means to be an Aztec.

COME SEE OUR

STREET TEAM!

We’ll be passing out papers at East Commons, West Commons, and various other places on campus! Stop by and grab a paper, any day of the week!

ARTS & LIFESTYLE 15

JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: RYO MIYAUCHI • ENTERTAINMENT@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#STUDENTSERIES

All about an Aztec: Student profiles The Daily Aztec interviewed two undergraduate students in our latest student profile series. We’d love to feature you and learn more about your Aztec experience. Visit thedailyaztec.com for more information. NAME: OZZIE RICO

NAME: MALCOLM BENDER

MAJOR: HEALTH SCIENCE (PUBLIC HEALTH)

MAJOR: BIOLOGY

YEAR: JUNIOR

YEAR: SENIOR

STUDENT ORGANIZATION AFFILIATIONS: HOPEFULLY THE STUDENTS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH CLUB THIS SEMESTER

STUDENT ORGANIZATION AFFILIATIONS: PRE-VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, GLOBAL AZTEC ALLIANCE AND WEBER HONORS COLLEGE

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR? I chose this major because I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I’ve always loved helping children. I have tutored kids, coached them in sports and counseled young children as well. I want to help educate parents to reduce child obesity and motivate kids to exercise and make better eating decisions. DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM JOB. My dream job would include developing strategies to educate parents in healthy and affordable food choices for themselves and their kids. I would also like to spend two years in the Peace Corps helping people in a different country. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AZTEC MEMORY? My favorite Aztec memory so far was definitely watching our football team defeat Air Force at Qualcomm Stadium. The atmosphere was incredible.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR? I chose to major in biology because I have always loved learning in any field of science. Also, I love being around and working with animals. DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM JOB. My dream job is different from what I want to become. I want to become a veterinarian, but my dream job would probably be something in the music industry. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AZTEC MEMORY? My favorite Aztec memory has been living with my roommates. They have been some of the most supportive people during my time here in San Diego and I can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am for them. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MOTTO? Always find the best in people.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MOTTO?

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?

My personal motto is just to accomplish at least one thing I’m proud of every single day and spread positivity.

I never leave home without my phone, wallet, keys and gum. The essentials. I also don’t leave home without my glasses in order to see the world as it is.

WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO ACCOMPLISH IN 2016?

In 2016 I hope to compete in a triathlon by October and I also want to do a Spartan Race.

I hope to graduate in 2016 and find a reasonable job. Also be more active: go to the gym, go on a hike or just simply walk outside.

CROSSWORDS

ACROSS 1 Musical with the song “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” 6 Petty distinctions, metaphorically 11 Midriff punch reaction 14 Noble gas 15 Former Illinois senator 16 “Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me!” network 17 Tidy sum, to a coin collector? 19 Golf prop 20 “Most Excellent” U.K. award 21 Emcee 22 Gooey treat 24 Muralist Rivera 26 Places for rejuvenation

28 Tidy sum, to a chairmaker? 31 Clobbers 32 Regrets 33 Rain-__: gum brand 36 Financial pros 37 Tries 39 Many millennia 40 Fall mo. 41 Only person to win both an Academy Award and a Nobel Prize 42 Clock button 43 Tidy sum, to a soothsayer? 46 Alleviate 49 Baggage carousel aid 50 Color in une cave à vin 51 Angers 52 Kin of org 55 Japanese capital

CLASSIFIEDS

56 Tidy sum, to a chess player? 60 Ready, or ready follower 61 Theme park with a geodesic sphere 62 Slacken 63 Calypso cousin 64 They may be Dutch 65 Potters’ pitchers DOWN 1 Big show 2 Beg, borrow or steal 3 “My bed is calling me” 4 Kid 5 Country music? 6 Climbs aboard 7 Distract the security guards for, say

8 Actor Somerhalder of “The Vampire Diaries” 9 LBJ successor 10 Agrees 11 Winning 12 Art form with buffa and seria styles 13 Emancipates 18 Meditative practice 23 Flavor intensifier 25 Bugs a lot 26 Smear 27 Some Full Sail brews 28 Basics 29 “Forget it” 30 Country inflection 33 Noble act, in Nantes 34 Forsaken 35 “My treat” 37 Thick carpet 38 Grimm story 39 Ski resort near Salt Lake City 41 Kissed noisily 42 Gallery event 43 Day light 44 They haven’t been done before 45 Frankfurt’s river 46 Hardly a miniature gulf 47 Smooth and stylish 48 Blitzen’s boss 51 “Young Frankenstein” role 53 Ill-humored 54 World Series field sextet 57 Wall St. debut 58 Sgt. or cpl. 59 Fresh

Help Wanted Helper Disabled man needs help with household chores and errands. Jr. or Sr. preferred. $12.00/hr. CDL required. Email dmcqdale@cox.net. Please call Doug at (619) 297-0884 ________________________________ Swim instructors wanted. Teaching children of all ages. Full and Part Time hours available year round. Small classes, warm pool, very rewarding. Competitive swimming background, CPR & WSI certifications recommended but can be attained post-hire. $13/hr+ 858-273-7946 Visit www. murraycallanswimschools.com for business info/history. PLEASE visit facility and fill out an application. ________________________________

PLEASE NOTE: The Daily Aztec does not endorse or support and has no affiliation with the products or services offered in the Classifieds section. To place an ad in the Classifieds section, please visit thedailyaztec.com/classifieds ______________________________ The views expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec. Comments? Email us at letters@thedailyaztec.com

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16 THE BACK PAGE

JAN. 27 - FEB. 2, 2016 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: RYO MIYAUCHI • ENTERTAINMENT@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#THANKYOUBACKPACK

A thank you note to my backpack OLIVIA LITSEY ASST. A&L EDITOR ____________________________________ I bought my backpack before the fall of my freshman year. Like a sturdy mule carrying a migrant through an unforgiving desert land, my backpack has loyally supported me into my sixth semester at San Diego State. This bag has slumped against the same chairs, tables and floors as I have during this arduous college experience. So, as I watch it begin to fall apart from the inside out, I’d like to take a moment to channel my inner Jimmy Fallon and express my sincere gratitude toward the bag that has been by my side, or more accurately hung from my shoulders, for all this time. Thank you, backpack, for bearing the brunt of my exhaustion, frustration and relief as I forcefully fling you onto my bed at the end of the day. I don’t mean it. Thank you, backpack, for being black and not showing how dirty I’m sure you truly are. Thank you, backpack, for withstanding the days on which, in a frenzied state, I overstuff you with snacks, textbooks and a few too many highlighters before leaving for campus. Thank you,

backpack, for giving me backaches when that day is over so I am reminded to stop being such an overpacking moron.

#DASNAPSHOTS

Thank you, backpack, for your opaqueness and therefore your ability to hide the ridiculous mess inside of you. Unfortunately, what lies beyond your zipper is the physical manifestation of the mess that is my brain. Thank you, backpack, for being a leakproof pool instead of a gushing waterfall. Upon the multiple occasions my water bottle has chosen to explode inside of you, my classmates had no idea. You gave me the blessing of discovering the disaster alone in the bathroom and the opportunity to stabilize the situation until I could get home and dry you with a blow dryer. Although my notebooks and folders have been marred with what are now crinkly, water-warped corners, I only use those spots for doodling anyway. Thank you, backpack, for harboring all the bobby pins and hair ties I thought I’d lost and presenting them to me like little rewards on the couple of days per semester I choose to clean you out. Thank you, backpack, for fitting conveniently in my lap during class. You’re perfect for times when I’m either feeling lost and in need of something to hug for encouragement or loopy with tiredness and in need of a prop to fool the professor into thinking I still have the energy to hold my head up. Thank you, backpack, for being a decent rain shield when I forget my umbrella.

Thank you, backpack, for blocking the visible corner of the non-food friendly library cubicles so the library guard, or whatever he is, doesn’t scold me while I try to finish my gyro bowl and my essay simultaneously. Thank you, backpack, for being another layer of warmth on cold days when my jacket isn’t doing a sufficient job. Thank you, backpack, for being another layer of warmth on hot days when you hasten the appearance of sweat marks on the back of my tank top. Just kidding, I actually hate you for that, but moving on… Thank you, backpack, for being a pal and helping me to look distracted when I’m walking in the vicinity of a Greenpeace canvasser. Your design allows for an easy front-swing motion so I can start digging through you like I’m looking for something important instead of getting stuck in the conversation they will inevitably try to start with me. You the real MVP. Thank you, backpack, for having those extra bits of adjustable strap I can hold on to and fidget with when I’m on my way to an exam and I have too much nervous energy. When it comes down to it, I know you’re not a unique piece of equipment. I see other students toting identical versions of you around campus regularly. Yet, I couldn’t imagine braving campus with any of them but you and your unwavering companionship. The day may soon come when we part ways — you off to the dump in the back of a garbage truck, and me off to campus with a newer, better version of you. Just know I will never forget you.

SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box contains every digit 1 to 9. DIFFICULTY LEVEL:

2/4

ACROSS THE POND

Managing Editor Matthew Bain took this nighttime shot of Westminster Abbey while studying abroad in England this winter.