WEEKLY PRINT EDITION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2017 – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 VOLUME 103, ISSUE 33
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
A.S. members say goodbye JASMINE BERMUDEZ SENIOR STAFF WRITER ____________________________
Students hold up signs during a May Day walkout in front of Hepner Hall Monday May 1. ANDREW DYER, OPINION EDITOR
Students walk out for May Day protest SARAH ANDERSON STAFF WRITER ____________________________ San Diego State students brought the nationwide May Day protests to campus Monday, May 1 when they organized in front of Hepner Hall to oppose President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Students also decried the recent decision to increase tuition and advocated in favor of a $15 per hour minimum wage. In February, President Donald Trump authorized a new deportation policy that targets all undocumented immigrants, regardless of criminal record and encourages local police to enforce immigration law. In March, the CSU Board of Trustees voted to increase
tuition by $270 for in-state undergraduate students, starting in the Fall 2017 semester. Students in graduate and credential programs will face similar increases. Protesters left their classes and workplaces at about noon and marched to Manchester Hall. Many later took a bus to downtown San Diego to participate in a larger May Day rally. Supporters of Associated Students’ Choose CSU Campaign, which focuses on stopping the tuition increases, were also present. Though they organized separately from the May Day protesters, the two groups were both present to take a stance on the issues. College of Arts and Letters President Nick Elliott said the Choose CSU Campaign is a statewide movement by the California State Student
Association to combat the coming tuition increases. “This is for us to get a fully funded CSU so that the tuition increase doesn’t go through,” Elliott said. The CSU Board of Trustees’ decision to increase tuition requires the increases be revoked if the CSU’s support budget request to the state government is fully funded. Elliott traveled to Sacramento on May 2 to meet with legislators and lobby against the tuition increase. Students participated for a variety of reasons. For some, the topics at hand were personal. “My parents were undocumented when they came to study,” marketing freshman Jose Jasso said.
PROTEST continued, P5
Associated Students met for a general assembly meeting on April 26 to say their final farewells, reflect on the school year and swear in the 2017-2018 A.S. executive officers. Outgoing Campus Community Commission Chair Curtis Copin said that A.S. has been a great organization to be a part of. “I am so grateful to every single one of you for making me who I am today,” Copin said. “Because I am such a radically different person than I was just six months ago because of A.S.” Outgoing A.S. Board of Directors Member Daniel Matlock said he was proud to look around the room and see his mentors and mentees. “It is really sad to be graduating and leaving something I have devoted my entire college career to,” Matlock said. “I just want to thank every person in this room for all you’ve done for me.” Outgoing Vice President of External Relations Dylan Colliflower said this year was “the most amazing experience of his life.” “A lot of you probably came into your roles this year not expecting the roller coaster we went through,” Colliflower said. “I know I wasn’t. But as challenging as this year was, serving as a leader, I wouldn’t change it for the world.“ A.S. Executive Director Christina Brown told Associated Students members to be proud of themselves and what they accomplished for SDSU. “This was the hardest year yet, in my nine years here, for you all as student leaders,” Brown said. “Some days I get
sad with all of the negativity but I know it is all about the passion. I don’t worry about going forward because I have never seen A.S. students give up, no matter what.” Incoming Vice President of University Affairs Chris Thomas thanked the executive board and motivated the incoming Associated Students members. “To (incoming A.S. officers), get ready, it’s going to be a great year,” Thomas said. Incoming A.S. President Chimezie Ebiriekwe said his proudest moments as an executive officer took place in the last three university council meetings, during which the council voted on resolutions condemning anti-Semitism, retiring the Aztec mascot and extending the campus mobile food pantry. “I know it was a little bit nerve-wracking going with a roll-call vote, but you all stood your ground and had a reason behind your vote,” Ebiriekwe said. “Whether other people were in the room who hated you because of the vote you cast, you all still cast that vote out of respect for yourself and your college council.” Outgoing A.S. President Jamie Miller said her feelings were bittersweet. “It has been a tough year, but a good year,” Miller said. “It feels weird at this point to be done with my team.” After being sworn in by Miller, Ebiriekwe reflected on how he felt. “It feels weird honestly, but the real work starts now,” Ebiriekwe said. “I’m happy that I can finally say I’m president, and I look forward to all the lasting memories and achievements my team and I will have.”
Aztec football sees three drafted to NFL ANTHONY RECLUSADO SPORTS EDITOR ____________________________ Without as much as a mention last year, San Diego State made its presence felt in this year’s NFL Draft from April 27 through 29 with three players selected in the seven-round event held in Philadelphia. After a 2016 draft where not a single Aztec heard his name called, head coach Rocky Long had a trio of players taken within 27 picks of each other. Five other Aztecs were picked up as undrafted free agents
following the draft. Despite it taking two days and three rounds for the first SDSU player to hear his name announced, in the coverage leading up to Day 3 of the draft, both ESPN and NFL Network highlighted SDSU’s cornerback Damontae Kazee and running back Donnel Pumphrey. And after each of the three players were taken, they were given a segment of film broken down by both networks’ draft commentators. While the extra coverage may seem frivolous, it gives credence to an up and coming
Aztec program that is coming off an AP and USA Today Top 25 season and proves draft analysts were paying attention. Even though Kazee and Pumphrey were more often mentioned, the first SDSU prospect off the board was the man who made a living in the trenches. Former Aztec offensive guard Nico Siragusa was the first from Montezuma Mesa to be selected, with the Baltimore Ravens calling his name with
DRAFT continued, P17
SDSU all-time rushing leader Donnel Pumphrey carries the ball against Cal Aug. 10, 2016. KELLY SMILEY, PHOTO EDITOR
2 NEWS
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KAYLA JIMENEZ • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
Former student wins $10k in lawsuit ADRIANA MILLAR ASST. NEWS EDITOR ____________________________________ San Diego State will pay $10,000 to settle a lawsuit from a former student who said he was falsely accused of sexual assault. Francisco Sousa, an international student from Portugal, was arrested by university police Dec. 9, 2014, and was charged with false imprisonment and forcible oral copulation of a female. SDSU sent a campus-wide email naming Sousa and listing the charges against him soon after his arrest. Charges were dropped January 2015, and in September 2015 SDSU lifted Sousa’s suspension. SDSU agreed to the settlement on April 27, after Sousa sued the university for monetary damages. However, Sousa said his main concern wasn’t money. He said it would be unfair for taxpayers to pay for the lies of his accuser and the misdeeds of the university. “At the end of the day no amount of money will actually compensate what I went through and what my friends and family suffered,” Sousa said. In addition to the payment of $10,000, SDSU will also require additional training for Title IX investigators. Three employees will be sent to a “Civil Rights Investigator Training and Certification” course offered by the Association of Title IX Administrators. The settlement also includes an agreement to have SDSU’s Clery Director and SDSU’s sworn officer
command staff participate in a webinar on “Timely Warning Notices and Immediate Notifications” offered by the National Association of Clery Compliance Officers and Professionals. The Clery Act is a federal statute requiring colleges and universities that receive federal funding to disclose information regarding crime on and near campus. Sousa said he hopes the additional training will prevent future mishandlings of Title IX investigations. “My hope is that they don’t jump the gun again,” he said. “They (should) actually conduct an investigation before making the arrest. There’s a thing in America — innocent until proven guilty. We can agree that was hardly the case then with me.” SDSU Interim Chief Communications Officer Gina Jacobs said the school does not typically comment on settlement agreements. “San Diego State University takes the issue of sexual assault very seriously,” she said. “It is our institutional responsibility to investigate all complaints to ensure the safety of our students.” Jacobs also said the university is committed to preventing sexual violence through education, training and accountability.
Former SDSU student Francisco Sousa (right) and his attorney Domenic Lombardo (left). FILE PHOTO
Sousa said it was important that victims of sexual assault feel comfortable coming forward. “And if they currently think an institution is not able to properly address sexual assault, that might discourage them from coming Francisco Sousa, forward,” he former student said. “I’m not the only victim here. Real sexual assault victims might now feel discouraged due to a false accusation and I want to tell them, the
“ THERE’S A THING IN AMERICA— INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.” -
real victims, to speak up.” The settlement agreement also cleared Sousa’s arrest from his record, replacing it with a detention. Sousa has since transferred to another university in California. He will be graduating in May 2017 with a degree in business and a minor in economics. “I’m going to be looking for jobs, and (the sexual assault accusation) is something that’s going to appear on the internet,” he said. “There’s also going to be a day in the future when my kids are going to Google their father’s name on the internet, and this stuff is going to pop up.” Sousa said his main goal was to exonerate and vindicate himself. “I was happy we were more than able to do that,” he said.
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NEWS 3
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KAYLA JIMENEZ • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
Dining Services plans for changes SPENCER WHITE STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ As the academic year comes to a close, a number of changes are coming to oncampus dining options. After a semester of delays, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has cleared the final hurdles for construction to begin, San Diego State Dining Services Director Paul Melchior said. The Texas-based restaurant chain will replace Daphne’s California Greek in East Commons, which closed its doors at the end of the 2016 spring semester. In September, Melchior said the timing of the eatery’s opening was unclear, as it had yet to clear inspections regarding safety and fire hazards. “(Dickey’s) had the hardest time getting through the approval of the fire marshal,” he said. “All of that is done.” If all goes according to plan, Dickey’s will be open this summer in East Commons, Melchior said. Dickey’s will not be the only new dining option coming to SDSU in time for the fall semester. Melchior said the new Trader Joe’s location planned for South Campus Plaza is scheduled to open May 19. The restaurants planned for the site will open sometime in late summer before classes begin, he said. These restaurants include Eureka!, Which Wich, Wings-N-Things, Broken Yolk Café and Poki One N Half. Melchior named The Garden — formerly the Cuicacalli Dining Hall — as
The Garden at Cuicacalli is one of the most popular dining spots on campus, according to Dining Services. KELLY SMILEY, PHOTO EDITOR
one of this year’s biggest successes. “It turned around in a major way,” he said. The Garden’s initiative is to get students to eat healthy, fresh food. Much of this food is grown on campus in the College Area Community Garden. Melchior said this will be expanded in the coming years. In addition to the plots in the community garden, the university has given Dining Services an additional area
on which Melchior said there are plans to build 10 raised beds for growing more produce. Dining Services also plans to build 20 vertical aquatic towers on campus for growing lettuce, he said. “Each tower (will have) 44 spots for a head of lettuce or leafy greens to grow,” Melchior said. “Each would grow in three weeks to use everywhere on campus.” Melchior said this year’s biggest
highlight is the Culinary Theater in East Commons. “Culinary Theater is also a very big success,” he said. “We average about 250 customers Monday through Wednesday, and on Thursday there are over 300 customers.” Melchior said he thinks a big selling point for the Culinary Theater on Thursdays is its cheaper price compared to the Thursday farmer’s market. “We usually sell out before 2 o’clock,” said Melchior. “The beauty of it selling out is that there’s never any waste, its really good for sustainability.” Some students said Dining Services can make changes in other areas. Linguistics graduate student Edgar Mendez said he believes Dining Services can make a couple of alterations regarding choices and prices. “SDSU should definitely have more variety at the school,” said Mendez. “The serving sizes are good but the prices should also be cheaper. Two slices of pizza for seven dollars is ridiculous.” Business junior Brett Pozza said while the university has a good selection of food, the meal plan could use some work. “There should be more of a value for having the meal plan,”Pozza said. “I think if you have the meal plan, there should be a little more of a discount vs. just buying the food normally. Students would feel better about having it and spending their money on it.” Hablamos Español
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4 news
May 3 - aug. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: Kayla Jimenez • news@thedailyaztec.com
Farewell Q&A: President Hirshman will fritz senior staff writer ____________________________________ How did you end up here at SDSU? I was an undergraduate at Yale. I studied mathematics and economics. And then I went to UCLA, where I got a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology. And then I had a post-doctoral at NYU, sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health. And after that, I became a professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in their department of psychology. So I was there for about 10 years and then became a department chair both at the University of Colorado, Denver and then at George Washington University. How has that background in psychology helped you with your job? So I often joke that I have degrees in economics, mathematics and psychology, and I use all three in equal measure. Certainly, with economics— at the university it’s a fairly large concern. It’s often surprising for people to learn the university and its auxiliaries have a budget of $850 million. So in that context, of course, there’s much where economics come into play in terms of what people want or the markets that you need to satisfy and meet. So certainly that grounding is helpful. The psychology, I think, is self-evident in the sense that there are all manner of human motivations and interests that intersect in the office of the president, and so to have some familiarity with those topics is helpful. And then, mathematics, I think, is the most interesting in some ways, because it’s a discipline that focuses on logic and consistency. And often, what the president has to do is help people to see that even though they feel passionately about something and they wish to pursue it, it may not be as well thought-out as one would hope. And so sometimes it helps to have a process to try to think things through and make sure they’re logical and consistent, and so that’s where the three, in their different forms, come in on a daily basis for sure. Why did you make the decision to move to Stevenson University in Maryland? Through the end of my six years, I was thinking that a lot of things that we set out to do with the strategic plan, with some of our larger construction projects like South Campus Plaza, those things were coming to a close, so it was a natural time for me to say: might I consider another position? And then of course, they were interested in me and the opportunity was exciting for me. I think of a presidency as having a natural life cycle. A beginning, middle and end. And I felt that, while I certainly could have stayed a bit longer, we had done a lot of what we had set out to do. And you know, maybe it is time for someone with different perspectives and different ideas to come to the university. Some students, who are seeing their tuition rise, are critical of the university’s spending decisions. What do you say to them? If I comment on that in general, I would say universities are very expensive, as a general principle. We of course want to make them as efficient and inexpensive as possible. But the fact of the matter is that a faculty member who is going to teach at a university — it is a competitive market and they need
File photo
to have a certain salary. If you want to build a building that is a strong, robust building—that will have the features you want it to have—you’re going to have to compete in a construction market for that opportunity. So, if you think about all of the things that we have at a university, we obviously have things like a police force to keep people safe. We have dormitories. We have all the electrical and the lights. All that costs significant amounts of money. So the economics of a university is challenging, there’s no question. One year ago, you were surrounded in a police car by a crowd of protesters. What was that like? The life of a university president is very exciting. And it’s very varied and dramatic. So, for example, very few people have the opportunity to give a speech to 10,000 people and to do it 10 days in a row. There are things that a university president does that the average person just doesn’t get an opportunity to experience, both for better and for worse. So whenever an experience like that occurs, I am generally... pretty much let it flow. So I don’t try to make a judgement in the moment. I don’t try to analyze it in the moment. What I try to do is just work through the situation as best as possible. And so my framework about events in general is a little bit different from a standard framework someone might have because on any given day, I might have four or five things that happen that are pretty extreme. And so if I were constantly analyzing the things that are happening to me, I really wouldn’t be able to function in the role. So what I try to do is just move through it. So in that case, what I was thinking about is: am I safe? How will I get from here to my next event? Obviously, what is the nature of this concern that people are expressing and how can it be addressed? So in the moment, there are always things that are happening that you want to be attending to and that’s what I try to keep focused on. So if I’m in a budget meeting, I’m focused on budget. What are your thoughts on the anti-Semitism resolution and speech on campus? I think I want to respond by talking
a little bit about the tensions we have, as a campus and nationally. You really have two different philosophical views. On the one hand, you have people who, I would say, are classical defenders of free speech. And they say the regulation of speech by the university should be content-neutral. Essentially, no matter what you say, even if it’s hate speech, it should be protected. And then there are other people who take a different perspective, and they say certain speech is in some way harming them. And so it’s just as if you hit them in the face when you say something that is hurtful. And that kind of perspective is where the tension comes in, because clearly everybody will say if you hit someone in the face, that’s not a protected expression, because it’s a violence. And so the question is: Is someone’s speech toward someone else a form of violence? And if it is, how should it be regulated? And I don’t think we as a society yet have an answer to this. I think we’re really wrestling with it. What I would say, having been around this block many, many times is, I worry about the idea that somebody, whether it’s a university president or some other authority, will determine which speech gets restricted. And that’s my biggest concern. The Aztec mascot debate has been one of the biggest stories of the semester. What would be the process for changing it? So let me share that I think we are on the right track in terms of having discussions through shared governance. We want people to have an opportunity to weigh in. And so far, obviously, a small portion of student government representatives have commented on it. We’ve obviously received many comments from other students, from alumni and so on. So that will be part of the process. The University Senate will also look at this, and they’ll have resolutions. I do think this, if it’s going to go forward in any form, is a long term endeavor. It’s something where people will really want to think it through and decide what they wish to do and maybe there will be compromise solutions that will come forward. Certainly I can share that there are people who are very extreme on both sides. But it’s also probably the case that the vast
majority of people are seeing both sides and trying to think it through. And I’m not sure there are just two sides, in the sense that there are a variety of different perspectives on it. What advice would you give to the next president on dealing with this issue? Well the first thing I would say is let the process in shared governance go forward. Presidents have strong opinions of course. But I don’t know that’s the first opinion that should come forward. And then the second thing I would say is, if it is the case that there is a shared governance endorsement of changes, then it would be best to bring together some sort of a task force or group of experts who could think through exactly how to do it. Because in the moment of emotion, in the moment of strong feelings, people aren’t necessarily thinking about (what the process will be). And so I think those things will all be very important. It’s natural when people are passionate in either side that they want immediate action and they want it to happen, but I think for the university’s sake, whatever comes out of the shared governance should be thought through. And let me give you an example that people may not see. Let’s say we went through this process and it was decided that we should retain the Aztec identity. However, through that process, you could also say there are ways or things that we’re pursuing with the Aztec identity that maybe aren’t the best. So maybe what we would have is a task force to say: If we’re keeping the Aztec identity, how can we correct some of the challenges? I’ll give you one example that I have mentioned people— does it really make sense to use the term ‘mascot’ in terms of referring to the Aztec warrior. Is the Aztec warrior a mascot, or is it a spirit leader? And the reason I give that as an example is you might think about things—in terms of what the Aztec warrior does and how we talk about it and how you think about it—very differently if you thought about the idea of a spirit leader versus the term mascot, which is more pejorative. Now again, this is something for the next president to think through, but I do think there are things where, if you think about it differently, you may act differently and you may have a different impact on people.
news 5
May 3 - aug. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: Kayla Jimenez • news@thedailyaztec.com
Working students face challenges maya carter staff writer ____________________________________ The elevated costs of college tuition requires many students to work while going to school in order to pay for tuition, transportation, school supplies and living expenses. Students have the option to work on or off-campus. Child and family development freshman Diana Ramirez has worked offcampus nearly 20 hours per week since fall 2016. She said her job last semester as a character performer at SeaWorld was easier than her current job as a barista at Teavana. “I did a lot of guest interaction and group performance with my other co-workers,” she said. “It wasn’t that demanding, it just did require my full attention while I was there.” Ramirez said she works on commission so she has to be active so that she can make her sales goal each day. “Since I work around tea I have to know everything there is to know about it. It requires a lot of studying and reading in order to pass their tea proficiency test,” she said. “It stresses me out more than school does, honestly.” Ramirez also said that her job affects her performance in classes because it takes away time that she has to study for exams. “It just pushes my study time to the night before a test, and that really isn’t always effective when the exam covers so much material,” she said. “I usually still do okay in my classes, but I do sacrifice a lot of sleep during the week.” Ramirez said though the job is demanding, her employers are flexible with her class schedule and she likes working off campus. “The reason I like working is because I feel like I can get away from campus to focus on something (besides studying)
Protest: Students protest tuition Continued from P1 “People (who) come here just to study should be able to, whether they’re undocumented or not.” Other students voiced their concern about the rising tuition. Management information systems junior Abdurahman Mohamed said this was his main reason for being at the protest. “If there’s a (tuition) hike it should be reflected in higher quality resources for students and education, and it’s not,” he said. Some bystanders, though encouraged to show their support and take up signs, were not entirely convinced of the protest’s merit or impact. “I used to work here, and I don’t think that unskilled laborers need to paid ($15 per hour),” kinesiology sophomore Jeremy Kohlhepp said. “I think talking to actual people, like the president, is more effective than protesting.” Another bystander, though initially skeptical, was persuaded to join the demonstration.
kelly smiley, photo editor
“ it just pushes my study time to the night before a test ... I usually still
do ok in my classes, but i do sacrifice a lot of sleep during the week.” - Diana Ramirez, Child and family development freshman
and interact with people that don’t come
“Really, I do agree with lowering tuition,” freshman theater major John Michael said. “That is something that I want to march for. I’m not entirely convinced this will make an impact, but it’s a start.” Between chanting, Professor Isidro Ortiz of the Chicana and Chicano Studies Department spoke to the crowd about the necessity of making SDSU a place safe for everyone. “If the slogan ‘Aztec Proud’ is going to be anything but a marketing strategy, it’s time to invest in undocumented students,” he said. “Making SDSU a sanctuary campus would send a clear message to AB 540 students - that it is okay to be who they are, and that they have a place here and have earned a place here.” Ortiz is referring to California Assembly Bill 540, a 2001 law enabling some undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public universities in California. “It would enable them to invest in the activities necessary for success instead of worrying about whether they’ll be deported,” he said. “And it would provide a space where they could become
to the school,” she said. “I also get paid
a lot better outside than here. I feel like they’re more generous with their wages and understand that, as a student, I need more than just minimum (wage).” On the contrary, kinesiology sophomore Jade DeGraffe said that she has worked a variety of off-campus jobs and would prefer to work on campus. “Off-campus employers often don’t take into account the fact that you’re a student and they don’t care,” she said. “They only see you as a means of production and aren’t worried about any responsibilities that you have outside of your job.” On-campus job opportunities offer flexible schedules, unique benefits and valuable work experience according to the Aztec Career Connection. SDSU employs thousands of students annually in places like the Aztec Recreation Center, SDSU Love Library, Aztec Shops and Housing Administration. Business Finance and Political Science sophomore Shivani Patel works on campus as a resident advisor. Patel said that she works around 20 hours per week and her duties include working the front desk in her residence hall, mediating roommate conflicts, helping residents with their transition to college and working with supervisors and co-workers to plan programs for residents. She said that she prefers working on campus because it allows more flexibility with classes and work hours. “My job revolves around my class schedule and the only time I can’t have a class is during the weekly meetings,” she said. “Otherwise, school comes first and the job comes in at a close second.” Patel said though being an RA requires a lot, the job does not affect the way she performs academically. “The only way my job would affect my work in class is if something serious was going on in my building,” she said. “I am usually focused unless I am being faced with a dilemma within my community.”
6opinion
may 3 - aug. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: Andrew Dyer • opinion@thedailyaztec.com
Who’sWho? Editor In Chief Jacob Sisneros Managing Editor Jamie Ballard News Editor Kayla Jimenez asst. News Editor Adriana Millar Sports Editor Anthony Reclusado asst. sports Editor Austin Gayle Asst. sports editor, club sports Sydney Olmstead ARTS & culture Editor Christine Whitman asst. ARTS & culture Editor Lilly Glenister Opinion Editor Andrew Dyer mundo azteca editor Andrea Lopez-Villafaña Asst. Mundo azteca editor José Guzmán-Quirino Photo Editor Kelly Smiley video producer Adriana Heldiz art director Emily Lewis Graphic Designer Aidan Prehatny social media EDITOR Alex Piscatelli Copy Editor Brian del Carmen senior Staff writers Jasmine Bermudez Will Fritz Jocelyn Moran Talia Raoufpur Julianna Ress
Carpool cures congestion Having incentives to carpool would make SDSU more eco-friendly Cassidy mccombs staff columnist ____________________________________ Students at San Diego State receive a number of emails asking for their participation in an endless variety of surveys. These surveys come from different departments at SDSU, and are often looking for ways to improve student life. One recent survey from Parking and Transportation Services and the School of Public Affairs, “Spring 2017 Travel Survey,” asked students a range of questions about their commute to school. After taking this survey, one might gather that SDSU is looking for an ecofriendlier way to provide transport to students who live off campus. About 85 percent of students live off campus, with 80 percent of them being undergraduate students, according to a statistic provided by the Student Life & Leadership department. This percentage includes students who live in the surrounding area directly off campus and therefore have the ability to take public transportation or ride their bikes. But other students commute from all over San Diego and its surrounding areas. Because there is no efficient, all-encompassing public transportation, these students usually drive to campus. Driving to campus is convenient in a lot of ways. It’s almost like having a storage locker at school. There is no need to worry about catching a train or bus, or waiting to get home. However,
its personal efficiency for the driver does not mask the troubles it brings to others. There is limited parking available at SDSU. Most of these spots fill up early in the day, leading to many students with later classes to circle the parking structures time and time again to find a space. The limited parking is a frustrating part of the campus experience for students. That, along with the obvious lack of eco-conscious
an available parking pass to purchase, would create a huge incentive for students who drive alone to consider joining a carpool. The carpool pass could even provide special parking options, a separate level of parking or exclusive area, to accommodate a larger group of people needing to get to different places around campus. Providing a carpool option, assuming there will be a process students need to go through to prove a legitimate carpool and receive the pass, would be a start to making SDSU an ecofriendly and forwardthinking campus. It would also free up spaces for the remaining solo drivers. SDSU students pride themselves on their college locale. San Diego will stay more beautiful and progressive if it stays up to date with current worldly developments. This means fulfilling a way to create a better, more accessible public transport system. SDSU can help in its own way, by keeping standards high for its campus. Other San Diego college campuses, such as CSU San Marcos and Mira Costa Community College, already provide carpool passes to their commuter students. It is time for SDSU to follow suit.
Providing a carpool option would be a start to making sdsu an eco-friendly and forward-thinking campus. behavior, makes driving alone to campus unsustainable. The lack of established, allencompassing public transportation makes San Diego a separated city — connected by smog-heavy freeway air. To keep San Diego in competition with other modern cities, a better public transport system should be the next big investment by the city. SDSU is an integral part of San Diego, and can therefore lessen its contribution to the rush-hour traffic and should demand an eco-friendlier way to get around the city. SDSU, unlike the greater San Diego city, can start to improve upon its own ecological footprint within a matter of months. Adding a carpool pass, as
Cassidy McCombs is a third-year journalism student with an emphasis in public relations. Find her on Twitter at @Cassidy_McCombs.
Staff writers Sarah Anderson Maya Carter Alex Ellison Emely Navarro Allyson Myers Ashley Russell Kyle Saunders Arianna Shier Raman Sidhu Dana Tsuri-Etzioni Spencer White Staff Photographer Kristian Carreon _____________________________________ Advertising Director John Weil Sales Manager Matthew Volk Account Executives Connor Brooke George Saridakis Peter Saridakis Kaylie Seacord Stephane Voitzwinkler Accounting & Contracts Tyler Burnett Kalie Christensen _____________________________________ General Manager/adviser 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. Web Daily content is available at www.thedailyaztec.com Additional sports content is available at www.dailyaztecsports.com SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/dailyaztec twitter.com/thedailyaztec instagram.com/thedailyaztec
OPINION7
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: ANDREW DYER • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
A.S. resignations are self-serving Actions had the opposite effect than intended, signaled defeat rather than a fight for students. TALIA RAOUFPUR SENIOR STAFF COLUMNIST ____________________________________ Twelve Associated Students representatives resigned last week after a resolution to remove the Aztec moniker and Aztec Warrior mascot failed to pass the A.S. University Council, completely discrediting themselves as leaders. These resignations only further divide the student body. Politics should not be related to self, but self-sacrifice. These individuals were elected to serve until the end of the school year. Leadership requires standing up for what is right while accepting opposite viewpoints. This is part of the democratic process. According to the A.S. website, members of A.S. serve as student body representatives with the responsibility to “support the mission of San Diego State University (and) to create, promote and fund social, recreational, cultural, and educational programs and facilities both on campus and in the community, advocate for student interests, provide leadership opportunities and participate in shared governance.” By resigning, they are not fufilling these responsibilities. This resolution successfully revealed
SDSU’s racist history. There are students who feel their cultural backgrounds are being degraded because of the university’s mascot character, architectural style and branding. The A.S. Executive board unanimously voted against the resolution. Student Diversity Commission Chair Rachel Muntz criticized Executive Vice President Patty Masengale’s decision
implications that would require an increase in spending on behalf of the university, including the students. Former A.S. Presidential candidate and recent A.S. Board of Directors student-at-large representative Chloe Sension told The Daily Aztec that her resignation stemmed from her belief that A.S. does not uphold its value of diversity.
STUDENTS WHO FEEL DISENFRANCHISED DESERVE TO BE REPRESENTED BY LEADERS WHO WILL NOT STOP FIGHTING FOR THEIR PRINCIPLES — EVEN WITH BRUISED EGOS. to speak with student athletes about the resolution in an article in The Daily Aztec on April 26. Why should Masengale be criticized? The changing of the mascot affects all SDSU students past or present, including those who represent the figure on the fields and courts. The Aztec mascot is not just an issue of racial injustice. It has monetary
Members like Sension are held to a high standard and should not quit because their efforts do not lead to their desired results. Diversity includes variations of ideas, no matter how liberal or conservative. Each voice is to be given the opportunity to be heard before a decision is made. The student government is not obligated to cater to every single individual’s
needs. These leaders hold positions of privilege. They are part of the select few who have been awarded the power to made decisions on behalf of the students. Their resignations are not commendable, but dangerous to the student groups they stand behind. If Judicial Affairs Council justice member Farris Nabulsi truly intended to advocate for students of color, he should have kept his position, no matter how many weeks remained in the semester. Students of color will continue to face hardships and the representatives that strive to protect them should keep fighting, rather than resign because of one lost battle. These former A.S. members may believe that stepping down from their positions is heroic, but it is not. In their minds, the resignations benefitted students. However, students who feel disenfranchised deserve to be represented by leaders who will not stop fighting for their principles — even with bruised egos. Talia Raoufpur is a third-year psychology major minoring in communications. Find her on Facebook.
Letter: A.S. resignees derelict in their duties I’m not here to take a stance on the mascot issue, but to address the 12 members of Associated Students who stepped down after the A.S. University Council voted 14-12 to keep the Aztec mascot. The meeting was heated and emotional. Of the many public comments made by students, community members and alumni, none were made regarding the resolution to expand the food pantry for San Diego State students. Members of A.S. are elected to represent students. Voting members — except one
abstention — of the University Council cast their vote on the mascot resolution. When the resolution failed, 10 AS representatives resigned from their positions, though not all were voting members. This was bold, but incredibly problematic considering the resignations occurred moments before a vote on the food pantry resolution. Many students on our campus experience racism, sexism, intolerance and prejudice. Twenty-one percent reported food insecurity in a 2015 CSU report. This statistic translates to more than 6,000
SDSU students who might not know where their next meal is coming from. These are people you know. These may be people who utilize the food pantry weekly at the farmer’s market, but are still hungry. These members of A.S. made a statement by resigning. Though I understand their choice, I do not understand their timing. To essentially ignore the 21 percent of students who are hungry is morally wrong, especially when they represent them. To those who resigned, your dedication and strength to stand up for others who do not have the resources to speak is inspiring — I just wish this
strength would have been utilized to its full potential. Though the two issues are very different, they are also both very important. It makes me sad that my A.S. representatives were only able to stand up for one group and abandoned their obligation to stand up for another. Kelsey Donahue Kelsey Donahue is a third-year journalism major with an emphasis in media studies.
Materialism causes divides within society People too concerned with competition and money changes the way they connect DANA TSURI-ETZIONI STAFF COLUMNIST ____________________________________ Materialism is a large part of western society. People are told to desire and acquire material goods, and many make it their life’s goal to be able to buy whatever they want, whenever they want. Materialism is the norm, and it is detrimental to society. I went with Hillel, a Jewish organization, to Guatemala to help build a school out of sustainable material over spring break. Materialism is definitely not the norm there. Most people in the small town of Comalapa, Guatemala do not have running water in their homes, nor do they have other luxuries we are
accustomed to in the U.S. The lack of material wealth, however, causes the people to be more communal, which is refreshing. We worked alongside Comalapa locals building the school. Their kindness was apparent regardless of the language barrier. Although I was only able to speak high school-level Spanish, I was able to communicate with them and find things we had in common. The people displayed genuine gratitude towards even the smallest things, and for any help they were receiving. They didn’t take anything for granted, which is what many people in our society tend to do. Even the townspeople were kind and open to strangers. When we would walk to the school in the morning,
every person we encountered would say “Buenos Días,” and in the evening when we would walk back to the hostel we were greeted with “Buenos Noches.” They knew we weren’t local community members, yet they made us feel as though we were. They made us feel as though we were a part of their community. The material items western societies are used to can lead to competitiveness among people. We aren’t necessarily taught from a young age that we need to work as a community and to help others even if we don’t know them, unlike the people of Comalapa, Guatemala. Maybe materialism seems to be a natural —it is the “American Dream,” after all — but it causes people to want
to adopt an individualist approach and see others as competition. Being in Guatemala made me realize I take a lot of things for granted as well, especially things like having a hot, running shower every day. Although I would choose the comfortable lifestyle the U.S. has to offer, it’s important to keep in mind what materialism can do to individuals and societies as a whole. It has such a large impact on the way we interact with others and as the Snapchat Geotag in Guatemala read — “perhaps you need some Guatemala” to help put things in perspective. Dana Tsuri-Etzioni is a first-year communications major minoring in interdisciplinary studies.
8 MUNDO AZTECA
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: ANDREA LOPEZ-VILLAFAÑA • MUNDO@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
Estudiantes demandan igualdad JOCELYN MORAN ESCRITORA ____________________________________ Estudiantes, facultad y trabajadores de San Diego State se reunieron en frente de Hepner Hall el primero de mayo exigiendo cambios para proteger los miembros de la comunidad. Los manifestantes demandaron un campus santuario para estudiantes que sean indocumentados, que se aumentara el salario mínimo a $15 y que la decisión de aumentar la matrícula sea revocada. Ellos empezaron a expresarse en frente de Hepner Hall, y después, marcharon a la oficina del presidente de San Diego State, Elliot Hirshman, en Manchester Hall. Estudiante de tercer año de antropología Tiyana Dorsey dijo que la protesta era en contra de que la patrulla fronteriza pueda entrar a la universidad con la meta de buscar inmigrantes indocumentados. “Yo no pienso que eso es justo”, dijo Dorsey. “Yo quiero un campus santuario”. Estudiante de primer año de mercadotecnia José Jasso dijo que él asistió la protesta porque su padres eran indocumentados mientras estudiaban. “Gente que vienen aquí deberían poder estudiar sin importar si son indocumentados o no”, dijo Jasso. Miles de personas también tomaron las calles el primero de mayo en
Estudiantes, facultad y trbajadores se reunieron para demandar derechos para la comunidad de San Diego State. KRISTIAN CARREON, FOTOGRAFO
muchas ciudades de los Estados Unidos incluyendo San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland y Nueva York como parte del día de la protesta de mayo. Las protestas defendían los derechos de inmigrantes y eran en contra de Presidente Trump y su administración. El club Republicanos de la Universidad SDSU publicaron una declaración donde expresaron que ellos están fuertemente desacuerdos con la
demostración que ocurrió en frente de Hepner Hall. “Nosotros estamos desacuerdos con quebrar la ley federal, tanto como presionar oficiales universitarios y la administración a no cooperar con agencias federales para proteger a los estudiantes indocumentados”, leía la declaración. Estudiante de tercer año de seguridad internacional y resolución de conflictos
Chloe Sension dijo es importante asistir las marchas y estar en solidaridad con los trabajadores quienes no tengan un salario mínimo que los apoye lo suficiente. “(La protesta) le da el mensaje al sistema de California State University y SDSU que tienen que considerar quienes son sus trabajadores y reconocer que son un parte integral de la comunidad de SDSU”, dijo Sension.
Graduada ofrece consejos para estudiantes JOCELYN MORAN ESCRITORA ____________________________________
Vanessa Alexandra Smith está estudiando en Inglaterra un año y medio después de graduarse. FOTO DE VANESSA ALEXANDRA SMITH
investen en su futuro en el sentido de viajar. “(Viajar al extranjero) me enseñó la importancia de aprovechar cada oportunidad que se me atraviese”, dijo A pesar de la preocupación por el futuro Smith. que muchos estudiantes experimentan Ella fue puesta en la oficina de la después de graduarse de la universidad, senadora de Connecticut cuando estudió graduada de San Diego State Vanessa en D.C. y dijo que tuvo que salir de su Alexandra Smith ha tomado cosas elemento. en calma y está aprovechando las “A empleadores, les gusta ver que oportunidades que vienen hacia ella. una persona diversifica su experiencia Smith se graduó en cinco años con su universitaria”, dijo Smith. bachillerato en ciencia política y español. También aconseja que estudiantes se Después de graduarse, Smith trabajó en enfoquen en sus notas. un despacho de abogados y un año medio “Adquirir buenas notas es importante después, Smith decidió ir a estudiar a porque nunca sabes donde vas estar en Inglaterra en la Universidad de Leeds. dos años”, dijo Smith. Smith dijo que todavía no sabe lo Smith dijo que los estudiantes deberían que quiere hacer específicamente, pero de tomar pasantías durante su tiempo en piensa que es un proceso continuo. la universidad. “No pienso que alguien puede estar 100 “Te permite entender lo que estás por ciento enamoradas con lo que hacen”, estudiando y como se practica en el dijo ella. mundo real”, dijo ella. “También te Ella actualmente está consiguiendo pueden ayudar conseguir un trabajo su maestría en historia y la ley en la o simplemente, te permiten conseguir Universidad de Leeds. experiencia. Durante su tiempo en SDSU, ella Smith dijo que quiere regresar al ámbito legal después de regresar a California en Septiembre, pero también quiere continuar estudiando. “Pienso que en este punto, necesito trabajar por unos años, y estoy - Vanessa Alexandra Smith muy emocionada Graduada de San Diego State de poder hacer eso”, dijo ella. “No se debe tener miedo de hacer algo fuera de lo que estudiaste.” Dijo que es importante salir de la área estudió en el extranjero en tres lugares: de comodidad. Oxford, Inglaterra, Costa Rica y “Estudiantes se asustan”, dijo Smith. Washington D.C. “Van estar bien”. Dijo que aconseja que los estudiantes
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MUNDO AZTECA 9
Lecciones de estudiar en otro pais
Navarro comparte que su experiencia estudiando en España no es como parece en sus páginas sociales. FOTO DE EMELY NAVARRO
EMELY NAVARRO ESCRITORA INTERNACIONAL ____________________________________ Hasta ahora, mis artículos para Mundo Azteca han principalmente criticado otros países que he visitado. Parte de la razón es porque quería pintar una foto que demostraba que estaba teniendo el mejor tiempo estudiando en España, porque eso es lo que se supone debes hacer. No fue hasta que leí el artículo de Zach Engberg, otro escritor internacional en The Daily Aztec, que me di cuenta que mi superficialidad no me estaba haciendo ningún bien. Mis primeros dos meses en Europa fueron buenos. Viaje mucho, probablemente demasiado, y pude relajarme no haciendo nada por primera vez en dos años. Poco a poco, mientras mi dinero se desaparecía y con más tiempo lejos de casa, me di cuenta que no me estaba divirtiendo tanto como mi página de Instagram mostraba. Me sentía sola,y extrañaba mi casa. Durante un tiempo, no quise aceptar esto. Ver videos de mis amigos me trajo felicidad y tristeza. Las llamadas telefónicas con mi novio me rompían el corazón porque lo extrañaba, y hablaba con mi madre cada día porque la extrañaba también. Me distraje con tantos viajes los dos primeros meses que descuide cómo me sentía adentro, y cuando tuve tiempo de procesar lo que sentía, me costó. Todo empezó porque me comparaba con otras personas. Comparé mi experiencia estudiando en España con las de otras personas en mi escuela. Yo solo había salido seis veces por la noche mientras en Europa. Tenía cuatro amigas, y además de mis viajes, no salía de mi apartamento. Debido a que no soy antisocial, pensé que había algo malo conmigo. Yo pensé que en España iba a salir todo el tiempo, hacer amigos y tener el mejor tiempo de mi vida. Pero la situación era muy diferente.
Dos de mis cuatro amigas en España constantemente me molestaban con preguntas y exclamaciones como “¿por qué no sales con nosotros”? y “¡Tienes 20 años, y estás en Europa, deberías salir”! Yo les explicaría varias veces porque no quería pero continuaban a preguntarme. Ellas probablemente pensaron que sus preguntas cambiarían mi mente, pero no. No les importaba cuántas veces les decía que odiaba ir a las discotecas hasta las 7 de la mañana (a esa hora cierran las discotecas en España), cuidar a otras personas cuando salía o vestirme para una fiesta y no divertirme. Sin saberlo, ellas sólo me hacían más nostálgica, y me hacían preguntar qué era lo que yo quería. ¿Por qué vine a estudiar aquí? Aparte de los países increíbles que he visitado, nada sobre este viaje es tan especial. Mis clases eran más interesantes en San Diego State, tenía más amigos y un trabajo en California, y no tengo nada de eso aquí. Empecé arrepentirme de mi decisión lo más que pensaba de mi viaje. Empecé a contar los días hasta que volviera a casa y me dormía más tarde porque quería hablar con mis amigos por más tiempo. Me despertaba después de las 2
HASTA HACE UNAS CINCO HORAS, NO ME HABÍA DADO CUENTA DE CUÁNTO YO HABÍA CAMBIADO DURANTE ESTE VIAJE. p.m., comía, miraba Netflix todo el día, no salía de la casa y descuidaba de mis sentimientos. Un día, todas mis emociones comenzaron a caer sobre mí mientras yo me preguntaba, “¿por qué decidí estudiar aquí”? Dejé mucho para venir aquí. Dejé la oportunidad de conseguir una posición más alta en The Daily Aztec, una pasantía de verano, un trabajo, mi novio y la seguridad de graduarme a tiempo y ¿para qué? Además de los sellos en mi pasaporte, ¿que he ganado? Pasé mucho tiempo pensando
que me había arrepentido de haber venido porque lo que había dejado atrás parecía mucho más de lo que estaba recibiendo. Pensé que porque no estaba experimentando el típico estudio en el extranjero, había venido por nada, pero eso no era cierto. Hay mucho más que aprender en el extranjero además de las fiestas y los viajes.
Hasta hace unas cinco horas, no me había dado cuenta de cuánto yo había cambiado durante este viaje. Definitivamente, me he vuelto más independiente y autosuficiente. Sin haberme dado cuenta, he aprendido mucho sobre la cultura española. Aunque en general, las clases aquí son aburridas, he aprendido cómo reportar con mis ojos más abiertos y me di cuenta de la influencia que el periodismo tiene en todo el mundo. También me di cuenta lo afortunada que soy de poder estudiar periodismo en un país con muchos empleos, porque los periodistas españoles no tienen el mismo lujo. También he aprendido que no es saludable compararme a los demás y tratar de impresionar a todos. Esto estaba bajando mi felicidad, y me estaba arruinando la experiencia. Por último, me di cuenta que al final del día, la única persona que tengo soy yo, y tengo que ser feliz. No hay nadie más que debo agradar o impresionar excepto yo. Necesito hacer cosas que me beneficien. Tengo que tomar decisiones para mí, aunque frustren a otras personas. Fue una dura lección que tardó meses para aprender, pero me alegro haberla aprendido aquí. Aunque a veces pensé que me había arrepentido venir a España, estoy agradecida por esta oportunidad, y no cambiaría mi decisión por el mundo.
10MUNDO AZTECA
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: ANDREA LOPEZ-VILLAFAÑA • MUNDO@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
Crítica: “How to be a Latin Lover” ASHLEY RUSSELL ESCRITORA ____________________________________ “How to be a Latin Lover”, la película sobre Máximo, el personaje de Eugenio Derbez, tratando de buscar una mujer mayor y rica, salió el 28 de abril. Salma Hayek actúa como Sara, la hermana de Máximo, quien es una arquitecta que no tiene la oportunidad de ascender en su trabajo. Otros artistas quienes salen incluyen Kristen Bell como Cindy, la dueña del yogur helado local, Rob Lowe, el mejor amigo de Máximo quien termina como traidor y Raquel Welch como Celeste, una nueva interés de Máximo después de perder a su esposa Peggy. También hubo apariencias de los hijos de Derbez y Omar Chaparro, quien recientemente salió como protagonista de la película “No Manches Frida”. Vadhir Derbez sale como la versión joven y sexy de Máximo, conquistador de corazones, mujeres y dinero. José Eduardo Derbez, sale como camarero
del área de piscina y le ofrece una bebida a Máximo en la película. Vadhir actúo la versión joven de Máximo excelentemente. Era un super modelo y un “taco de ojo”. Era interesante cómo se miraban iguales padre e hijo, a pesar de las diferencias de edades. Hay muchos artistas quienes tienen que buscar un doble, pero el padre y hijo se parecen tanto, que eso no fue necesario. Por lo tanto, fui a ver la película este
LO ÚNICO QUE FUE CHISTOSO ERA LO QUE HAN VISTO TODOS EN LOS COMERCIALES DE LA TELEVISIÓN. Eugenio Derbez sale en la película “How to be a Latin Lover” como Máximo,.. FOTO DE PANTELION FILMS
sábado pasado, y esperaba reírme sin parar. Desafortunadamente, llegué a un cine donde se habían acabado los boletos en cuanto me puse en fila. Tuve que ir a otro cine durante otra hora más noche. Con esto, pensé que la película era un “hit” y que tenía que mirarla. La verdad es que estuve muy desilusionada con la película. Empezó bien pero después de un rato, se puso
muy aburrida. Es una película que se miraba como comedia, pero al final de cuenta, no lo era lo suficiente. Lo único que fue chistoso era lo que han visto todos en los comerciales de la televisión. Algo bueno de la película es que deja a la audiencia con varios mensajes. Unos que recuerdo son “uno obtiene lo que quiere con trabajo, no con desear” y “si vives con miedo,
arriesgas no vivir la vida al máximo”. Hay muchos otros mensajes que están implementados, como no dejar tu hijo con cualquiera persona, ni a tu propio hermano si es patán como Máximo. Aunque yo no creo que la película es muy cómica, otros pueden pensar diferente. Pero personalmente, le doy a la película un tomatazo porque esperaba mucho más de lo poco que era gracioso.
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SENIOR FAREWELL 11
Senior Farewell: Editor in Chief JACOB SISNEROS EDITOR IN CHIEF ____________________________________ I don’t know how to start this, or end this, or what to put in the middle, but here we go. I will start by thanking everyone who has made it possible for me to succeed. Special shoutout to the best mother I could ever ask for, to the best father who showed me the fine art of dad jokes and to the sister who is undoubtedly cooler than me. To my loving relatives who have read my articles, no matter how boring. To my old friends back home who have seen me grow and have grown with me. To my new friends who will continue to grow with me and who have accepted me with open arms. To my first journalism teacher Mr. Evans who taught me the value of humor. To my previous journalism adviser Cecilia Deck who shares my love for the Oakland Athletics and emboldened my love of journalism. To my previous editors who have improved my writing immensely and taught me the value of having mentors. To Jay Harn for his guidance and support in the best job I have ever had. To Arthur Santana, Lanie Lockwood and Nicole Vargas for leading me in the right direction in the journalism department. To the La Dorna Boys for providing
constant entertainment. To the countless others who have contributed to my journey and supported me along the way I want to extend the sincerest thank you I can possibly give. This got sentimental, which is not really what I intended, but I’m clearly not in charge of my emotions at this point. Warning: I am a sympathetic crier so if I sense anyone crying while reading this I will turn into an emotional wreck. Please reserve your tears. Words cannot describe what The Daily Aztec has meant to me. When I transferred to San Diego State two years ago, this 104-yearold newspaper helped me learn the campus and more importantly meet the people who would become my best friends for the next two years. Having the opportunity to lead the paper for the last year has been surreal and a small part of me is still amazed that a bunch of college students can produce such a professional product every Tuesday night. This has been the most stressful job I have ever had, but also the most rewarding experience I could ever ask for. I had big shoes to fill following Kelly Hillock and Matt Bain and I am forever grateful for their guidance and support throughout the year. I am going to miss the newsroom debates, scavenger hunts, karaoke
KELLY SMILEY, PHOTO EDITOR
and numerous memories I have had with the only group of people I would voluntarily lock myself in a muggy basement newsroom with. I have seen everyone in the newsroom grow immensely over the year and I can’t wait to see what they all accomplish because the world needs great journalists. Jamie Ballard, thank you for not hating me after I quit your section before even meeting you then got hired to work with you. I couldn’t have asked for a better managing editor and a better friend. Andrew Dyer, I can’t imagine a better
person to carry on the torch and I am beyond excited to see what you and your staff can accomplish next year. Full confession: this isn’t even really a goodbye. I will be returning in the fall semester to finish up classes for my degree and I will have some role on the paper, whether it is writing, editing or just hanging out for the free coffee. That doesn’t make it any easier though because I am still losing my adopted family. I hope I have been a good fake dad to you all and I will leave you with one last terrible dad joke: Why did the coffee file a police report? Because it got mugged.
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12SENIOR FAREWELL
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: CHRISTINE WHITMAN • FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
Senior Farewell: Managing Editor JAMIE BALLARD MANAGING EDITOR ____________________________________ There’s a quote I have hanging on the wall of my office that reads, “You’re miserable, edgy and tired. You’re in the perfect mood for journalism.” It hangs right above my “Chaos Magnet” award given to “Breaking News Ballard”, and next to a postcard that says “Get Lit.” These are only a few of the personal items in the archeological site that is the managing editor’s office (Things I found when I moved in last August include a fake engagement ring, saltines from 2012, and evidence of a ghost named Todd), but it’s the quote on the wall that feels most appropriate as the year draws to a close. We at The Daily Aztec have been miserable and edgy, and we’re pretty much always tired. But we also have produced journalism that matters to people in our community. We’ve adapted in a rapidly changing industry to reflect what our readers want to see, while maintaining our core principles and a high standard of journalism. As almost anyone will tell you, it’s a difficult time for journalism, but it’s also an important time. As our industry faces near-constant financial turmoil and accusations of “fake news,” it’s more important than ever for us to hold people (including ourselves) accountable. And though we have been miserable, edgy and tired, we’ve also spent a lot of
time laughing and forming friendships here in the basement of the EBA building, whether we were complaining about the eternally broken computers or listening to social media editor Alex Piscatelli claim “I’m a vegan.” (As of writing, she has theoretically been a vegan for two days, a new record). Previous editors told me the year would fly by, and as we spent late nights sending the paper to press, or as we faced false accusations of libelous reporting, I didn’t believe them. But now as I sit here writing this final piece, listening to playful bickerings between editors, I realize how fast it went after all. This year has been crazy at times, but there’s no one I would have rather weathered the storms or enjoyed the high points with than this year’s staff. To DA fam: you are an incredible, wild, talented and entertaining bunch and I’ll always be grateful I got to lead and be a part of this group. And now for the rest of the thank yous. To Emily Charrier-Botts, for having faith in me, giving me my first shot as a student reporter when I was 12, and continuing to be my mentor since then. To Mike Sager, for many pieces of wisdom and support through the years. You’ve continued to inspire me to keep striving for new things, but more importantly reminded me appreciate where I am. Keep an eye on my protégé, Will Fritz. He’s going to do great things. To John Hendrickson, for giving me a shot at Esquire.com and teaching me
KELLY SMILEY, PHOTO EDITOR
more in three months than I even thought was possible. To Seth Combs, for pushing me to be a better reporter, and saving me from postgraduate unemployment. I don’t think you look like a member of The Lumineers. To Amy Schmitz Weiss, Arthur Santana and Nicole Vargas, thank you for all your guidance and support over these past few years. To Jay Harn, thank you for being an endless source of newspaper knowledge, and helping keep some of those crazy kids in line. To Kelly Hillock and Matthew Bain for not only being great DA leaders, but continuing to check in on us via Twitter. You’re now great-grandparents, how does it feel? To Andrew Dyer and Lilly Glenister for
carrying on the DA legacy. I can’t wait to see how you make it your own. Give ‘em hell (I know you will). To Jacob Sisneros, for being the best editor-in-chief I could have asked to work with, despite trying to quit the news section when I became editor. In the immortal words of Shea Serrano, “I can’t wait to watch you win.” You’ve become one of my closest friends, and I’ll miss you while you’re in New Mexico but I know you will do great things. To Mom, Dad and Ellen, for supporting me through this journey. Whether it was showing up to a waterski tournament with coffee, or helping send me to study journalism in Turkey, your unwavering support has meant more than you know. I hope I’ve made you proud. I love you all.
SENIOR FAREWELL 13
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: CHRISTINE WHITMAN• FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
Senior Farewell: Arts & Culture Editor CHRISTINE WHITMAN A&C EDITOR ____________________________________ Editor’s Note: This will be my last, and best, article for The Daily Aztec, because it comprises, almost, every emotion I have ever felt in this newsroom. I am ready to graduate, but I am not ready to leave this place or these people. This is my first and only newsroom I will be a part of before my transition into public relations, or as our sports editor Anthony Reclusado would say, my transition to the league of “hired mercenaries.” For four years this newsroom has been my home. I have grown so much here, as a writer, as a mentor and as a professional. There will never be another job that lives up to this, I promise you that. The only way I was able to succeed as a journalist is because of the following people: To our current staff, I am constantly amazed by your brilliance. It will always “go down in the DA.” To my past editors, you gave me the foundation I stand on and I can never thank you enough. To my first editor, Elisse Miller, thank you for taking a chance on me, even after seeing my first story with a ridiculous amount of copy errors. You gave me my start in the journalism world and I remain eternally grateful for your patience. To Madison Hopkins, who told me I could be an editor some day. Thank you
for showing me the ropes of investigative journalism and editing all of my drafts, without losing confidence in me. To Matt Bain, thank you for telling me my work was actually worth something and how I should never lose sight of what’s important in life. To Kelly Hillock, thank you for making me work harder than I have in my entire life. Thank you for letting me branch out as a writer and for listening to my sometimes ridiculous pitches. But most of all, thank you for checking in and offering to help, even after graduating. To Ryo Miyauchi, thank you for trusting me to take over your position, for teaching me the standards of an editor and for opening the world of entertainment writing to me. To my current editors, Jamie Ballard and Jacob Sisneros, thank you for putting up with me for the past year, I know I can be a lot sometimes. Jamie, thank you for always being on the same wavelength and for knowing how to be both my boss, and my friend. You are one of the people I will miss the most. To Jacob, thank you for putting up with my ridiculous headlines. Thank you for pretending to listen to my stories and laughing at my awful jokes. Thank you for trusting me to not run my section into the ground. I hope I didn’t let you down. To the new staff, move steadfast, the world needs you now — more than ever before, but you already know that. To the next editor in chief Andrew Dyer, I am excited to see how you will
KELLY SMILEY, PHOTO EDITOR
change the newspaper next year. I have no doubt you will push everyone out of their comfort zones, but in the best way. To the next managing editor, Lilly Glenister, you deserve everything good in life — and you know it. You work hard for what you want and it was a pleasure to work alongside you this year. To my three amazing roommates, Danielle Ralleca, Cindy Solomon and Selena Ma, thank you for listening to me drone on and on about The Daily Aztec for the past four years. Thank you for letting me read my drafts loudly at the kitchen table and supporting my caffeine addiction. I love you all so much. To my best friends Haley Hammers, Cathy and Cheryll Uy, Tiffany Le and Justin Chi, I owe you everything. All of you
have guided me for more than 10 years and I look forward to many more. To Christian Pinedo, thank you for reading the final drafts of my most important articles and giving me your honest opinion. Thank you for your continuous support, reassurance and inspiration. Finally to my mom and dad, I owe you both everything, my education, my life, my beliefs, my values, you both have loved and encouraged me every step of the way and I will never be able to repay you for all you have done. I hope I make you proud every single day. I love you. To this day, I still don’t think I belong at San Diego State, but I know I belong in this newsroom. And I am not ready to leave it behind.
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MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KAYLA JIMENEZ • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
SENIOR FAREWELL 15
Senior Farewell: Mundo Azteca ANDREA LOPEZ-VILLAFAÑA MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR ____________________________________ If you had told me that I would meet some of my greatest friends in the basement of the Education and Business Administration building, I would have given you a creeped out look and walked away, but turns out it was true. In case you’re not familiar with what’s in the basement, it’s The Daily Aztec office where very talented individuals spend most of their time producing the newspaper that you see inside the red stands on campus and online. I know you probably imagined some high-tech room but that little office with no windows and tiny cubicles is the place I’ve called home throughout the last two semesters. The people I have met are some of the smartest and sassiest people you could ever meet. They truly have a love for journalism and a passion for holding people accountable for what goes on at our school. I joined The Daily Aztec my junior year of college and this year I was the editor of Mundo Azteca, the section written in Spanish in the newspaper. I was worried that because I had not been involved with the paper as long as other had, it would be harder for me to make friends but everyone welcomed me with open arms. Although not all the editors speak or read in Spanish, they always
complimented me on my work and offered to help me whenever I was having trouble with my pages. Having the opportunity to be a part of the school newspaper was life-changing and made my college experience truly amazing. Andrew Dyer, the opinion editor and soon-to-be editor in chief, is the most caring person I know and I will miss him greatly. He believes in me like no one I’ve ever met before and he was there for me when I was having a difficult time so I want to thank you, Andrew, for being a great friend and I wish you the best. I know you are going to make some people angry and I love you for that. Adriana Heldiz, the video editor, is my main chica. She is an incredibly talented video editor and she was my right hand when organizing an event for our student organization. She was always there to offer me Hot Cheetos and help me with headlines since she is also bilingual. Thank you, chica. Anthony Reclusado, the sports editor, is the funniest person I know and his favorite movie is “The Devil Wears Prada” so obviously, we bond on another level. Thank you for always reading the first sentence of every Mundo Azteca story even though you can’t read in Spanish. Kelly Smiley, the photo editor, is the sweetest person and has amazing singing skills. Thank you for always putting a smile on
COURTESY OF TAYLOR CLARK
my face. Emely Navarro, my talented international writer and friend, I know you’re far away but I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for all your support. I love you. Lilly Glenister, Zack Engberg, Will Fritz, Alex Piscatelli, Jacob Sisneros, Kayla Jimenez, Adriana Millar, Christine Whitman, Jamie Ballard I’m running out of my word limit but I want to thank you for everything and for always making me smile. Jocelyn Moran will be taking my place and I know that she is going to do an amazing job not only because we share the amazing talent of having amazing Instagram pages but because she is an
amazing writer. Thank you for taking on this role and I wish you the best. I’m so gratful for all the opportunities I’ve had during my time at SDSU including meeting the most inspiring professors: Nicole Vargas, Mariana DeMaio, Peggy Peattie, Nate Rodriguez, Jay Harn and Dana Littlefield. Thanks to my amazing friends Taylor Clark, Jasmin Polloni and Yesenia Ortega. I also want to thank my amazing mom. Gracias por todo lo que has hecho por mi y mi hermanito. Eres la razon por la que yo trabajo tan duro en mis estudios y mi trabajo. Te amo con todo mi corazón.
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16 SENIOR FAREWELL
MAY 3 - AUG. 16 , 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: CHRISTINE WHITMAN • FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
Senior Farewell: News Editor KAYLA JIMENEZ NEWS EDITOR ____________________________________ Every Tuesday of the past year, I walked past the bright, red The Daily Aztec news stands on campus and thought to myself — “A new issue will be on stands tomorrow, but not before a day’s work of journalism ends.” And every Wednesday, my eyes gleamed when I watched a student, professor or parent pick up the latest issue of the newspaper filled with campus stories as reported on by the talented journalists that embody The Daily Aztec staff. Thank you to the readers of the stories published in the news section this year. Each protest, investigation and profile story was reported on by one of your peers— a San Diego State student. As I prepare to leave the university, I urge anyone who does not feel their story is represented in the newspaper to reach out and tell it. I encourage anyone who wants to expand the voices of students to take part in The Daily Aztec — through reporting, reading or sharing the content that highlights students in its news coverage. It is a collective, independent student newspaper which not only welcomes, but highlights the voices of students.
Continue to support student journalism because it is essential to holding the university accountable and sharing the voices that otherwise might not be heard. To the future The Daily Aztec editors — it is the responsibility of budding journalists to recognize the first amendment, including the freedom of the press, is essential to a democratic society. The role of the journalist to act as the fourth estate is especially prevalent, and student reporters must work together to ensure it. With this is mind, do not back down in gaining access to public information from the university. Do not let anyone tell you that you are “just” a student journalist— you are each held up to the highest standard of fairness and truth. Stick with your gut and report the hard-hitting stories. Everyone has a story to tell — give them the chance to tell it. To the Associated Students executive board — representation of the student body includes relaying information to student media. Students have the right to the information A.S. possesses — acting as gatekeepers impinges on this right. The Daily Aztec faced many obstacles to access for information from this year’s executive board, and it has not gone unnoticed. To The Daily Aztec staff — I would
KELLY SMILEY, PHOTO EDITOR
not be the journalist I am today without the many lessons I learned in the dusty, basement newsroom during the last two years. I am a better reporter, fact-checker and story-teller in part because of the collaboration I made with the news team and editorial board in my two years. The growth I have experienced has led me to exponential opportunities, friendships and confidence in each of the editors and writers I worked to tell
stories and gain access to information with this year. And to the many people who shared their stories with me -- continue to use your voices. As I end my term as news editor, I want to remind readers that student journalism was the basis of the content produced by the newspaper, as it has been for over a century. Support the freedom of the press by investing in student reporters and campus newsrooms — you can start right here with The Daily Aztec.
Senior Farewell: Sports Editor he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life.” Well I’m not saying you must live a life like Ali, but an attempt to expand one’s horizons and seek out people This is a newspaper. Not a yearbook or a with differing views is crucial to mend a magazine. fractured society. This “farewell” is not news, but it’s So, go look for views that make you supposed to be my sentimental goodbye uncomfortable to this paper and that clash and this with your own campus. and attempt to Hell, I’m understand why relegated to people hold them. a quarter of With an open a page in the mind, you’ll find middle of out they aren’t the the paper, so “enemy” but have instead of a lived a different sappy send-off life from yours. I want to leave That doesn’t this paper with mean you won’t a message: meet some Be open to ignorant people everyone and along the way, their ideas. however, to shut In today’s everyone off who hyperholds differing political, views is just as hyper-partisan damaging. climate it is While this may so easy to come off as an shut anyone optimistic view with a slightly of the world different idea from someone off. COURTESY OF ANTHONY RECLUSADO who hasn’t Perhaps experienced the real world, why should these ideas make you uncomfortable or we live in a world with only pessimistic is in stark contrast with your viewpoints, outlooks however, it is important to listen So, there is my grand goodbye to those because it’s hard to grow as a person who read this. with only a single viewpoint of the I honestly hope you took something world. away from this story, as I bid this The late Muhammad Ali said, “a man campus a farewell. who views the world the same at fifty as ANTHONY RECLUSADO SPORTS EDITOR ____________________________________
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: ANTHONY RECLUSADO • SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
SPORTS17
The grass is greener in Qualcomm JACOB SISNEROS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ____________________________________ Every weekday his hand hits the alarm at 5 a.m. He gets dressed, drinks a cup of coffee and makes the one-hour commute from Temecula, California to the 50-year-old concrete giant located on Friars Road. The commute doesn’t bother him; it’s nothing compared to the drive that got him to San Diego. In 1983, when he was 24 years old, Bill Gibbs left his hometown of New York City in a beat-up Mercury Comet to come to California and change careers. Gibbs first stopped in Los Angeles, realized he didn’t like it there and settled down in San Diego. After the Chargers decided to move to Los Angeles Jan. 12, Gibbs’ job as stadium turf manager at Qualcomm Stadium and the future of the stadium — the place he has called home for the past 32 years — remain in limbo. “I listen if there’s something written or on the radio or something about (the future of the stadium),” said the 58-yearold Gibbs. “But it’s all speculation right now, and everybody who works here is kind of concerned, but there’s nothing we can do until we know for sure what is going to happen.” Without the usual 10 games the Chargers play each year at Qualcomm, Gibbs and his staff are left with seven San Diego State football games for the rest of the year. SDSU’s lease with Qualcomm Stadium ends after the 2018 football season. “Right now the Aztecs are their sole rental tenant,” said SDSU landscape services manager Joshua Koss, who has worked with Gibbs since 2014. “Both of us are kind of in the dark as to what is going to happen.” The university has been in negotiations with the San Diego investment firm FS Investors since Spanos’ announcement and are deciding between a number of options
World Series in the same year when it held both events in 1998. “(Qualcomm Stadium) has changed in the 30 years,” Gibbs said. “We had many more events when we had baseball here — when the Padres played here, it was always busy.” The San Diego Padres left Qualcomm in 2004 for their new home at Petco Park after sharing Qualcomm Stadium with the Chargers from 1969 to 2003. Jeffrey Siniard, 39, is a former contributor for the SB nation Chargers blog Bolts from the Blue and has lived in San Diego since 1978. “The problem with Qualcomm (stadium) is that it was originally built as a multi-purpose facility — it was built for baseball and football,” Siniard said. “To engineer it strictly for football and to give it all the modern amenities that most new stadiums have you would have had to strip it down to its foundation almost and build up from scratch.” Siniard said the last major renovation to the stadium happened 20 years ago. “Compared to newer buildings it really is a relic,” he said. “It has that kind of quaint charm that you get from an older building that maintains its original character and you can’t deny the memories aspect of it, but I wouldn’t dispute anyone saying that it is (outdated). By every modern standard I can think of it is extremely outdated.” Andy Zlotnick, chairman of the Qualcomm Stadium Advisory Board which advises city staff about stadium operations, said he remembers playing soccer games at the stadium growing up and he used to have season tickets to the Chargers with his cousin. “I was there in ‘84 when the Cubs played the Padres in the NLCS,” Zlotnick said. “I slept (at the stadium) overnight to get the tickets.” Gibbs has worked at the stadium since 1985 after relocating to San Diego in 1983 and working at Torrey Pines Golf Course for a year. He graduated from Hofstra University
“ I’M STILL OUT THERE WORKING SIDE-BY-SIDE WITH THE GUYS AND I STILL CONSIDER THEM FRIENDS EVEN THOUGH I’M SUPERVISOR OVER THEM.”
- Bill Gibbs, Qualcomm stadium turf manager
including demolishing Qualcomm Stadium and replacing it with a 30,000 seat stadium for soccer and college football. Bobby Slabe, 62, has worked as a groundskeeper at Qualcomm Stadium since 1991 and has worked with Gibbs for 26 years. “I try not to listen too much to (the negotiations) because I know when it comes, it will be the end of my job,” Slabe said. “I don’t see me worrying about it too much at this point, but I do hope they figure it out for San Diego State. I was very disappointed that the Chargers left.” Gibbs worked all three Super Bowls held at the stadium in 1988, 1998 and 2003 as well as two MLB all star games held in 1972 and 1992. Gibbs said his crews would spend long hours together when they had to switch from football to baseball and move stands back and forth. Qualcomm Stadium is the only stadium to host the Super Bowl and
with a bachelor’s degree in business management and worked his way through college mowing lawns and doing landscape maintenance. After having trouble finding a job in New York after graduation, he decided to pick up and move across the country. “I never really wanted to be a supervisor, I just liked doing the handson work, and that’s why I still do it today,” Gibbs said. “I’m still out there working side-by-side with the guys, and I still consider them friends even though I’m supervisor over them.” Koss said he works closely with Gibbs to ensure the field the SDSU football team practices on is as similar as possible to the field at Qualcomm. “A lot of the people that manage higher profile stadiums such as Qualcomm or Petco or anything along those lines they’re kind of protective,” Koss said. “A lot of them shut themselves off, but Bill is exactly the opposite of that. He’s very welcoming, very laidback.”
Stadium Turf Manager Bill Gibbs turns on the sprinklers at Qualcomm Stadium. JACOB SISNEROS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As negotiations to replace the stadium continue Gibbs said his future is murky. “I have plans to retire, I’m just not
sure what I’ll do after,” he said. “I’ll do something productive, but it probably won’t be related to this field. It may, I don’t know.”
18 SPORTS
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: ANTHONY RECLUSADO • SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
Lobos chase Aztecs off the Mesa ALEX ELLISON STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ The San Diego State baseball team dropped its lone series against the current Mountain West leading University of New Mexcio this last weekend from April 28 through 30. The Aztecs entered the series 2.5 games behind the Lobos and had its best opportunity to overtake UNM in the conference. SDSU 4, UNM 0 The opening game on Friday evening saw a dominant pitching display from Aztec senior starting pitcher Brett Seeburger, who won Mountain West Pitcher of the Week for his efforts. Seeburger (8-1, 2.98 ERA) threw 7.1 scoreless innings and gave up just three hits while registering six strikeouts. The Aztecs won the game 4-0 and were helped at the plate by junior second baseman Alan Trejo, who was 3-for-4 with one RBI. Trejo singled in freshman center fielder Julian Escobedo in the bottom of the third and also doubled to start the game and singled again in the eighth. Sophomore catcher Dean Nevarez came home on senior designated hitter Andrew Martinez’s RBI base hit in the seventh and the Aztecs added two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth on pitching errors by the Lobos. UNM 11, SDSU 6
Draft: Three players selected Continued from P1 the 16th pick – 122nd overall – in the fourth round. After redshirting his freshman season, Siragusa played in every game the last four
On Saturday, New Mexico came out swinging after being shut out the night before and put 11 runs on the board in an 11-6 victory. Aztec senior starting pitcher Dominic Purpura was roughed up for seven runs in the top of the first and two more in the second and the Aztecs could never climb all the way back. New Mexico tallied eight hits in the first inning and were aided by poor defense from SDSU as just three of the seven runs were earned. Another unearned run followed Purpura in the second and his day was done early, after just 1.1 innings and nine runs, four earned. The Aztecs were able to put some runs on the board in the bottom of the fourth when junior third baseman David Hensley hit a two-run shot to left field. They followed it up with another run in the fourth off an RBI double by senior shortstop Danny Sheehan, who had two doubles on the day, and three runs in the bottom of the ninth as SDSU tried to scrap back into this one. Freshman third baseman Jacob Maekawa saw some action with the deficit at eight runs and was able to knock in a run, as well as Trejo, who followed that with a two-run double. UNM 12, SDSU 10 In the rubber match on Sunday, both teams’ bats were hot. SDSU manufactured a 4-2 lead after four innings on another two-run home run by Hensley, an RBI double from Martinez and a solo shot from Nevarez.
years and started each contest in his final three seasons. He was named first-team all-MW the last two years. The 6-foot-4, 319-pound guard anchored an offensive line that opened running lanes for two 1,000-yard rushers in 2015 in Pumphrey and Chase Price in 2015 and a then-school record 3,266 rushing yards. Siragusa, and his other lineman, came back in 2016 to only break those records, as they cleared the way for the first ever FBS backfield duo to rush for a 2,000-yard and 1,000-yard season. The team again set the single season rushing record with 3,680 yards, including Pumphrey’s school record 2,133 yards. Always being patient and with his lineman leading the way, Pumphrey didn’t
Freshman outfielder Julian Escobedo runs to home plate agaisnt UC Riverside on April 25. KRISTIAN CARREON, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The top of the fifth brought a tie game as the Lobos got a two-run shot of their own from sophomore center fielder Jared Mang. The tie lasted until the bottom of the inning when the Aztecs put three more on the board via a bases loaded wild pitch and a tworun double from junior left fielder Tyler Adkison to take a 7-4 lead. The next inning brought another tie in this back-and-forth matchup as the Lobos responded with three more of their own. Aztec relievers came on to pitch and gave up three hits before becoming errant on the mound as they hit a batter and threw a passed ball before getting out of the inning. The Aztecs surged ahead again in
the bottom of the sixth on a three-run bomb by Sheehan, but New Mexico had the last laugh in the top of the seventh. With Trejo on the mound, the Lobos drew a walk and collected three singles to put two runs on the board before Aztec head coach Mark Martinez went to senior closer CJ Saylor. Saylor retired the first batter he faced but then served up a pitch Mang liked and he homered again to bring in three more runs and gave New Mexico a 12-10 lead. New Mexico sophomore closer Christian Tripp pitched the final three innings for the Lobos and only gave up two singles as he recorded a nine-out save to up his total to six on the season.
have to wait long after Siragusa to hear his name announced. With the 132nd overall pick, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Pumphrey in the fourth round. The all-time leading NCAA rusher, ran for no less than 1,600 yards in each season since he took over the starting spot in 2014. Pumphrey also proved he’s a capable receiver out of the backfield and when split wide, as he hauled in 100 receptions in his four years donning the Scarlet and Black. Despite his versatility and record breaking collegiate career, he was knocked for his size by NFL scouts. Standing at 5-foot-8, 176 pounds, Pumphrey is not a prototypical NFL running back, where even the smallest guys – Darren Sproles and Danny Woodhead – carry 20 to 30 more pounds on their frames. But Pumphrey is going to an Eagle franchise that houses a running back who also was bombarded with question marks for his size when he entered the league — Sproles. With the gold standard of undersized backs as his mentor, it’s now whether, or when, his skillset will translate to the NFL. But if Pumphrey has proved anything the last four years, he has proved he is patient. However, another Aztec had to prove his patience a little bit longer, as cornerback Damontae Kazee was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 149th overall pick in the fifth round.
In his time at SDSU, he snagged 17 career interceptions, including 15 in the last two years. He also tallied 15 pass breakups in the same time frame. Those numbers garnered him back-to-back MW Defensive Player of the Year accolades in 2015-16. With superior ball hawk abilities, Kazee will be able to challenge for playing time as a slot corner. And in a conference with the likes of Cam Newton, Drew Brees and Jameis Winston, the Falcons will need all the depth they can get from their secondary. Aside from his nose for the ball, Kazee is a willing tackler, which can be hard to find from cornerbacks. In his last two seasons, he accounted for 140 tackles, including 103 unassisted stops. The dreams of playing in the NFL didn’t end with those three Aztecs, as five more former SDSU players signed on to NFL teams as undrafted free agents. Linebacker Calvin Munson signed with the New York Giants; defensive end Alex Barrett signed with the Detroit Lions; safety Malik Smith is heading to the Houston Texans; and offensive lineman Kwayde Miller followed Siragusa to Baltimore, while tight end turn offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill was signed by the Falcons. As an undrafted free agent, these players will have a tougher time making their teams’ respective rosters due to contract limitations and perceived talent, however, the story of UDFA to NFL starter is not unheard of. Regardless, the Aztecs were well represented in Philadelphia and had their best draft since three players were taken in the 2013 NFL Draft.
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: ANTHONY RECLUSADO • SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
SPORTS 19
Aggies outclass Aztecs on the road RAMAN SIDHU STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ San Diego State softball was bullied by top-seed Utah State this past weekend from April 29 through 30. Entering the series the Aztecs were tied for second in the Mountain West standings, however, after two rough outings the Scarlet and Black have fallen to third place. Friday’s game was postponed until Saturday due to inclement weather. The game was rescheduled for a doubleheader on Saturday. UTAH STATE 4, SDSU 2 SDSU jumped back on the road and headed to league-leading Utah State for the weekend. With the possibility to take sole possession of first place in the conference, the women of the Mesa got off to a rocky start. In game one on Saturday, senior pitcher Erica Romero looked to rile things up. She let up on one run in the bottom of the first inning, letting the Aggies take the first lead of the game. The Aztecs would tie the game in the third inning off junior catcher Jenavee Peres’ 13th home run of the season and the 31st of her career. However, the rest of the inning showed no luck for the Aztecs. With the score tied, USU responded with its own home run in the bottom of the inning. After allowing three earned runs on eight hits, head coach Kathy Van Wyk pulled Romero for junior pitcher Alex Formby. Despite the pitching change, the momentum still swung in favor of USU, which took advantage of a scoreless Aztec fourth inning and brought in another run of its own. With a two-run defecit, the Scarlet and Black attempted a rally in the top of the sixth. After a leadoff walk, Peres scored the final run for SDSU on senior catcher Frankie Orlando’s single to left field. However, USU squashed any chance of a comeback with another home run in the sixth inning. With an unsuccessful seventh inning, the Aztecs dropped the first end of the doubleheader. UTAH STATE 4, SDSU 1 A few hours later, SDSU retook the field, however, it ended with a similar result. After four scoreless innings, the women of the Mesa got their first lead during the top of the fifth inning. Sophomore third baseman Molly Sturdivant’s single up the middle saw freshman left fielder Megan Smith cross
home plate. The Aggies responded back in the bottom of the inning with a run of their own and tied the score. After totaling two hits in the final two innings, the Aztecs saw USU tack on three runs in the seventh and last inning of the game. The Aztecs took another hard loss at 4-1. Before the games, Van Wyk said she felt the pressure was more on Utah because they were ranked in first place. However, while USU improved on two wins, the Aztecs couldn’t keep up with the pace. “They were feeling the pressure, but we didn’t respond very well,” Van Wyk said. SDSU 15, UTAH 5 With the possibility of being swept, the Scarlet and Black responded with its biggest offensive outing since scoring 17 against Oklahoma State on Feb. 24. With only 10 hits recorded in two games, the Aztecs’ bats were on fire in the first inning with five hits. Peres hit a leadoff single to center field and was followed by sophomore second baseman Katie Byrd’s single. Peres eventually scored on a single from Orlando, which loaded the bases. Next up was freshman shortstop Shelby Thompson, who was a combined 0-for-5 in the series, but belted the first grand slam of her collegiate career to give SDSU a 5-0 lead. With continued success throughout the year, Van Wyk knew how special Thompson was. “Shelby is such a gifted athlete,” Van Wyk said. “She can do it all. She’s strong, fast, she’s just got all the tools.” Van Wyk knew what was needed for Thompson to hit that grand slam. “She’s kind of a laid-back personality, but at the same, she’s very competitive,” Van Wyk said. “She just needs to get mentally tougher and she did that today.” Orlando, senior first baseman Sydnee Cable and Byrd scored, thanks to Thompson. The Aztecs finished the inning 5-1. USU tried to outscore the women of the Mesa but couldn’t get past two runs. Things were slowed down in the second inning when Smith was the only one to score for the Aztecs. SDSU was back up to speed in the third inning, driving in three runs. Peres singled up the middle with runs from junior outfielder Zaria Meshack and senior right fielder Jaylene Ignacio. With a wild pitch courtesy of the Aggies, Smith scored to extend the lead 9-2. The Scarlet and Black showed no mercy in the sixth inning, with a pinch hit for Meshack and a score by Cable. A single down the left field line for Smith had Thompson bring in another run. With a pitching change for the Aggies, there was no change in the Aztecs’ momentum and agility. Peres had hit her 14th home run of the season. Smith, Meshack, and
Junior pitcher Alex Formby warms up against UCLA on Feb. 10. KELLY SMILEY, PHOTO EDITOR
Ignacio scored and cheered. USU stacked up on only three runs in the fourth inning. With a scoreless fifth and final inning for both teams, SDSU took home the 15-5 victory in undeniable fashion. Van Wyk said she was proud of
the pitching staff for holding things together. “What I talked to my pitchers (about) today, it was about the fact that when we score, pitchers need to come back out and shut it down right away,” Van Wyk said. “They did that today.”
20 Sports
may 3 - aug. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: anthony reclusado • sports@thedailyaztec.com
Aztecs sink in championship match Kyle Saunders contributor ____________________________________ The No.1 seed San Diego State women’s water polo team didn’t get the finish it was hoping for in the Golden Coast Conference Championship this past weekend, as they sank against the University of Pacific 11-7. The Tigers jumped out front early in the game, building a 3-0 lead early in the first period. SDSU head coach Carin Crawford said that the defense struggled to contain their opponent in transition. “Defensively, we got out to a slow start, and they had some good looks in transition,” Crawford said. “We called timeout to regroup, scored, and looked to end the first period at 3-1.” Although the offense was there for the Aztecs, they just did not have an answer for UOP’s scoring frenzy. At the end of the first, it was 5-1 in the Tigers’ favor. The score was unlike the last time these two teams met in the pool, when SDSU won 8-7 in dramatic fashion. Comparing the two games, Crawford credited Pacific’s world experience and depth of roster for the success. “Pacific has some great international players on their roster, from Canadiens to Hungarians,” he said. “It adds a lot of depth to their squad and is big part of their team. They had a deeper team roster.”
The Scarlet and Black clawed their way back into the game during the third period, with goals from Ioli Benekou and Alyssa Diacono to cut the Tigers’ lead to four heading into the last period. Crawford said she was impressed with the offense. “(We had) consistent offense, but struggled against Pacific’s 6-5 defense they were playing,” she said. “We would be looking at open looks then the ball passed the goal, and we just couldn’t find the seam to shoot around the players. We converted on both of the penalties we drew.” This game ultimately came down to the lack of even strength offense and miscues for SDSU, as the team tallied only two goals while at even strength and converted on 30 percent (3-for-10) of its power play opportunities. While the Tigers defense stymied the Aztec attack, UOP threw in six even strength goals and converted on 57 percent (4for-7) of its power play chances. When the game concluded, it marked an end to the Aztecs season that was full of intense competition and emotion. For the four seniors on the squad, and the team in general, it was an emotional locker room. “Normally, post-game meeting is about stats of the game and seeing what we can improve for the next match, but honestly after the game, there were tears in the locker room,” Crawford said. “To finish on a disappointing note like this, for our
An Aztec water polo player scanning the pool to throw a pass. File photo
seniors, is not what we wanted. “I told the seniors to remember the good moments, and not focus on this loss.” Crawford had nothing but praise for her seniors as she reflected on their impact on the team over the seasons they’ve spent together. “It’s not the result we wanted, but we have really grown as a team,” she
said. “And not just this season, my four senior starters have been together, they’ve been a key factor to growth as a team overall.” Well the Aztecs are undefeated in GCC play in the four regular seasons since joining the conference, with this loss, SDSU is 1-3 in conference finals. The only win came last season against UOP in a 10-9 triple-overtime game.
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: CHRISTINE WHITMAN • FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
ARTS & CULTURE 21
Senior farewell: Video Editor ADRIANA HELDIZ VIDEO EDITOR ____________________________________ Like most of us, I have never had a problem talking about myself. Talking about myself is probably my third favorite subject to ramble about, right after Hot Cheetos and The Bee Movie. But as much I would like to thank me, myself and I for getting this far, the truth is, I have a dedicated team of individuals who have helped keep this disorganized girl from falling apart. Here are five people I would like to highlight. MI FAMILIA: Being a first-generation MexicanAmerican means facing several challenges and obstacles simply for being the minority. Not only do we constantly face criticism and prejudice against our culture, we have to also figure out who we are as individuals along the way. That’s a lot of pressure to assimilate and leave our culture and language behind. My parents never let me forget the sacrifices they’ve made for me and the many other members of our family who wish they could live in a country with some of the most basic necessities in life, like running water and access to higher education. Entonces esta parte es para mi papas, Mader y Fader. Gracias por siempre apoyarme todos estos años y por enseñarme que simpre se le tiene que hechar ganas para hacer mis sueños realidad.
To my sisters for always keeping it real with me. We are not the type of siblings that talk about each other’s feelings or share our deepest darkest secrets, but I know you three will always have my back no matter what. MY FAMILY IN MEXICO: Nunca me he olvidado de ustedes y todo el apoyo que me han dado. Ustedes son la razon por la que me fuerzo mucho en el trabajo y la escuela. Los mirare pronto en nuestro lindo Nayarit. My homies: This one is specifically aimed at Sonny, Jessica, David, Vito and Omar. We fight like cats and dogs, but you all have been there to dry my tears during some of my most difficult times and celebrated all of my accomplishments. I love you with all of my tiny heart. I know I am not the best at showing emotion or compassion, but you have made me the strong woman I am today and I will never be able to repay you for the amazing friendships you have given me. THE DAILY AZTEC: I came to San Diego State as a transfer student two years ago and never felt so out of place. But then the journalism nerds down in the basement took me in and nurtured me with laughs and Hot Cheetos. We spent countless hours reporting on stories that affected the SDSU community and spent the rest of the time being entertained by the daily comedy special of Alex Piscatelli and Will Fritz.
COURTESY OF ADRIANA HELDIZ
Thank you for making me laugh during some of the most stressful moments of my life. MARIO KORAN: Behind every great journalist, there is a great mentor. This girl is lucky to have Mario Koran leading her down the right path. From the beginning, you believed in me more than I believed in myself. You helped me discover a passion for bilingual education and serving our Latino community through investigative journalism. Working with you has been one of the best experiences in my career as a reporter
and I am excited to see what we will accomplish together in the future. MYSELF: To be fair, I did warn you that I liked to talk about myself, but in all honesty, I must applaud the motivation I somehow found inside me to keep surpassing any expectation or limit I set. And, if I could leave you with any piece of advice it will be this: Your family and friends will root for your success all the way, but in the end, it’s all up to you. You have to want it more for yourself than they do, that’s where you find success. Keep moving forward.
Chance the Rapper returns to San Diego SPENCER WHITE STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ Chance the Rapper conquered a soldout show on April 24 at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego. This was Chance’s first tour date of his Be Encouraged Tour that is taking place all over the United States at arenas, amphitheaters, and music festivals. The last time Chance was in San Diego was when he performed on campus at San Diego State at the Open-Air amphitheater, well before he made history at the Grammys by being the first streaming-only artist to win a Grammy for Best Rap Album. Chance also won a Grammy in 2017 for Best New Artist and Best Rap Performance for his song “No Problem” featuring Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz. Business sophomore Laura Mooly has paid close attention to Chance over the years and has seen him a number of times in San Diego, including the two aforementioned concerts. Mooly said she has left Chance’s concerts inspired every time she has seen him. “He is a musician that follows his intuition and I think that makes him popular with people of any age,” Mooly said. “The way he connects to people is so inspiring.” It was very clear that Chance had the crowd in the palm of his hands as a sea of people wearing his shirts and his iconic 3 hat all jumped up and down, singing every word of his 25 song set. The set featured songs from all three of his projects, with the most coming from his award winning “The Coloring Book.”
Coloring Book featured well-known artists and rappers such as Kanye West, Young Thug, Francis and the Lights, Justin Bieber, Kirk Franklin, and the Chicago Children’s Choir. Chance also made a point of honoring his mentor Kanye West by performing his own rendition of West’s song “Waves” as well as “Father Stretch My Hands” and the song they perform together “Ultralight Beam.” The set flowed together flawlessly with the help of Chance’s backing band The Social Experiment blazing through each of the tracks alongside their front man. Mooly emphasized how well the transitions between songs were, and how much she appreciated Chance’s onstage banter with the audience. “Whenever he spoke, his words were very heart felt,” Mooly said. Adrianne Domingo, an SDSU alumnus, echoed the fact that Chance’s stage presence was a big part of the show. “I loved how interactive he was and how it engaged everyone into his songs.” The most interactive moment of the entire show was during the performance of the ballad “Same Drugs” where a giant bridge released from the ceiling of the venue and Chance walked above the general admission floor, waving and singing directly to the audience. When Chance got to the middle of the arena, the house lights drenched the rapper and he sang his song “How Great,” which is Chance at his most saintly. He truly stood above the crowd as if he was an angel from a far away land and the audience looked up at him in awe. Domingo said she likes how Chance is such a positive influence and the
work he’s doing in local schools. “I think Chance is such a positive influence on the youth and the world in general,” Domingo said. “He’s a fresh face in the music world and someone who will be around for generations to come.” Just like the tour moniker commands the crowd to be encouraged, Mooly said that is exactly what Chance is doing for people all around the world. “He’s showing and telling people its okay to follow your dreams,” said Mooly. Chance the Rapper basked in the thousands of people singing the final words of his reprise of “Blessings” asking, “Are you ready for your blessings? Are you ready for your miracle?” and ended the concert
singing, “It seems like blessings, keep falling in my lap.” Chance the Rapper will continue touring throughout the United States but his European tour dates were cancelled until further notice. According to a statement on Way Out West’s website, “Chance sends his apologies to his fans and looks forward to returning to Europe soon.” This is the second time Chance has cancelled an already scheduled tour in Europe. His next show is on May 5 in Dallas, Texas. Chance will not be playing a show in his hometown of Chicago. His tour will conclude on October 3 in Los Angeles. Tickets are available online.
22 ARTS & CULTURE
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: CHRISTINE WHITMAN • FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
Musical showcases body positivity JULIANNA RESS SENIOR STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ San Diego State’s School of Theater, Television and Film staged the 2000 musical comedy “The Full Monty” April 21through 30 and its abundant theatricality went hand-in-hand with a viable message of body positivity. The show followed six recently laid off steel mill workers who were inspired by Chippendales to start their own striptease act in an effort make money to support their various families. Despite the outrageous premise, it was not lost on director Stephen Brotebeck to play up the theme of “The Full Monty” to ensure its mass appeal. “Even though a show is written perhaps about a certain population or certain characters, you always want the show and the message to have broad appeal, so that everybody can see themselves in the different characters that are onstage,” he said. In the case of “The Full Monty,” the theme was body image. Among the humor and musical numbers throughout the show, the characters struggled to gain confidence to get onstage and strip in front of an audience, each expressing their own unique insecurities. Brotebeck said he wanted to ensure that the show could connect to people of all genders and sexualities, despite starring six males. “One thing we all deal with as human beings is this sense of body image,” he said. “The show follows these guys and they get self conscious about who they are and their bodies. I think we all have something about us whether we’re male, female, gay, straight, trans – we all have issues about our bodies that we don’t like and we’re self conscious
about that.” “The Full Monty” was successful in reaching audiences with the messages of body positivity due to the expression of various insecurities. “All the actors were really diverse in body image,” liberal studies sophomore Brenna Clark said. “I think that was really positive for people watching it and showing you don’t have to look a certain way to do certain things.” The theme was most prevalent in the character Dave Bukatinsky, played by Jonathan Brugioni, who is mocked throughout the show for being overweight. Marketing sophomore Molly Kinahan said his storyline was balanced in humor and theme. “I think (the theme of body image) was very welcoming and open,” she said. “They made a point to make a lot of lines towards Dave. It seemed negative at some points but they also made a joke of it to make it more upbeat and positive which I thought was interesting.” Aside from the message, “The Full Monty” was propelled by its relentless humor, ranging from terrible dancing to dark or dirty one liners. “It’s very contemporary humor,” Brotebeck said. “I would describe it as a cross between typical theatrical comedy and also some sitcom comedy.” “The Full Monty” was rated “R” for nudity, but the choreographed striptease scenes served as some of the show’s highlights, the crowd cheering as each layer of clothing came off the way they might at an actual strip club. The cast was led by Tug Watson’s stellar portrayal of Jerry Lukowski, a divorced father who initially got the idea to start a striptease act in order to pay off his child support checks and continue seeing his teenage son.
Kimberly Moller and Leo Yu-Ning Chang perform during “The Full Monty.” COURTESY OF KEN JACQUES
Kimberly Moller proved herself to be a scene stealer with her portrayal of Vicki Nichols, as her solo number “Life with Harold” was one of the most fun and memorable songs of the whole show. Her electric stage presence even seemed to captivate the cast around her due to the infectiousness of her enthusiastic singing paired with eyecatching choreography. “The most rewarding part is the work that all of the students have been doing,” Brotebeck said. “To see the talent that we have here at SDSU from the graduate level down to the undergraduate level collaborating and coming together to create such a powerful piece of theater, that’s been so rewarding for me.” By the end of the show, the audience was hooked into the numerous character arcs, which made the finale
that much more triumphant. “‘The Full Monty’ has universal appeal in the idea of the underdog coming out on top,” Brotebeck said. “I feel like in life everybody’s an underdog at some point and especially in this story these guys really are underdogs. They really work so hard and by the end the audience is just cheering for these guys to succeed in what they do.” Brotebeck said he hopes the universal themes of “The Full Monty” leave the audience with a sense of unity and empathy. “I hope people walk away with the idea that underneath all of the clothes we have on, we’re all very similar and we are one population,” he said. “We define ourselves so much by our bodies and what we look like but at the end of the day we’re all part of one society.”
The Sage Project hosts research symposium ARIANNA SHIER STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ The Sage Project at San Diego State celebrated their 2016-2017 partnership with the City of Lemon Grove at a research symposium on April 24. The event was open to students, faculty and the general public. The project, according to its website,
is a partnership between SDSU and a local government in which students engage in real-world projects benefiting the community The Sage Project was established in 2013 and has partnered with San Diego, National City, Santee, Tijuana and Lemon Grove. According to its website, Lemon Grove has a population of 26,000 residents in southeast San Diego
County.As a small municipality nested within an expansive metropolis, Lemon Grove faces the unique challenge of preserving its unique history and small town charm amidst a largely urban landscape. Since its start, the program has worked with 48 faculty members and over 3,200 students on 37 projects. “This project is important for students because it connects academia to the real-world workforce,” said geography senior Damien Herndon. The program has been a part of 104 course curriculums, involved students from 28 disciplines and dedicated over 100,000 hours towards the communities they have partnered with. Civil engineering, city planning, public administration, public health and geography SDSU majors have the opportunity to work on the Sage Project in their classes. Students have worked on projects focused on urban design, disaster preparedness and response and energy, waste and water conservation. Sage Project Director Jessica Barlow said the budget averages $25,000 per project and is typically $100,000 to $150,000 per year. For Lemon Grove in particular, students in the Sage Project have proposed designs for a gateway, mural and drainage system. Barlow said this project allows students to be involved in the
community by solely going to class. “By taking the class, students are doing hands-on projects and going out in the community to help improve that community,” Barlow said. Lemon Grove is the first city in the United States to use the UN toolkit as part of their climate action plan. The UN-Habitat reached out to Barlow after she gave a presentation about the Sage Project at a conference in Germany in July 2016. The UN-Habitat said that the Sage Project would be a great way for cities to utilize their climate change toolkit. Lemon Grove Mayor Racquel Vasquez said there was a new energy and interest in the city following its partnership with the Sage Project. “It was something that I never thought about until I did it,” said international relations graduate student Katherine Nager. “Their community is so excited.” The Sage Project was replicated from a similar program at the University of Oregon, which started its Sustainable City Year Program in 2009. The Sage Project previously worked with National City in 2013 through 2015, before partnering with the City of Santee from 2015 through 2016. There are currently 30 similar programs nationwide, with eight of them in California. The Sage Project is expected to partner with another city for the next calendar year.
ARTS & CULTURE 23
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: CHRISTINE WHITMAN • FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
More than stamps on my passport EMELY NAVARRO INTERNATIONAL STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ Over the past four months I have written several articles as an international staff writer for The Daily Aztec. These articles largely consisted of me offering travel advice based on my personal experiences in Italy, Scotland and Belgium. I wanted to publicly prove that I was having an amazing time studying abroad, because that’s what you are supposed to do: showcase all of the good with none of the bad. It was not until last week that I realized this approach was not doing me any good. My first two months in Europe were great. I did probably too much traveling and I was able to relax and just do nothing for the first time in two years. Slowly, as my money started dwindling and as I had more time away from everyone, I realized I was not having as much fun as my Instagram page showed. I felt alone, and whether I liked it or not, I was homesick. I was denial about this for a long time. I usually am not one to get homesick or admit to it, but I definitely felt it. Seeing videos of my friends from back in San Diego hanging out brought both me both happiness and sadness. Phone calls with my boyfriend left a hole in my heart because of how much I missed him and talking to my mom became an everyday activity. The first two months I distracted myself with so many trips, I neglected
how I was feeling inside and when it hit me, everything became hard. It started when I began to compare myself and my experience to other people at my school. During my time abroad in Europe, I rarely went out to clubs or bars with my friends. Besides my trips to other countries, I barely left my apartment. Because I was being uncharacteristically anti-social I thought something was wrong with me.
in Spain, or how I hate always taking care of drunk people or getting dressed up for the same pointless party, they did not understand. Unknowingly, they were only making me more homesick and causing me to question myself and my decision to study abroad. Aside from the amazing countries I got to visit, nothing about this trip was special. My classes were more interesting at San Diego State, I had more friends and
I THOUGHT BECAUSE I DIDN’T HAVE THE STEREOPTYPICAL STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE THAT I CAME HERE FOR NOTHING, BUT THAT’S NOT TRUE.
I kept thinking, “I’m supposed to be going out all the time, making friends and having the best time of my life.” But I wasn’t. Two of my four friends in Spain constantly bothered me with questions asking me “Why don’t you go out with us? You’re 20 and in Europe, you should be going out!” I would explain to them why I did not want to but they would continue to ask, thinking that they might be able to chance my mind. No matter how many times I told them I hated going out to clubs until 7 a.m., because that’s the time the clubs close
a job, while here I don’t have any of those things. I drowned myself in self pity and regret. I started counting the days until I returned to the United States and I started staying up later to talk to my friends on the other side of the world. I would wake up after 2 p.m., eat and watch Netflix all day, not leaving the house and neglecting my feelings. Then slowly, all my emotions began falling on me as I kept asking myself, “Why did I study abroad? I gave up a lot to do this. I gave up the opportunity to possibly get a higher position in The Daily Aztec, a summer
internship, a job, my boyfriend, I may or may not graduate on time and for what? Besides the stamps on my passport have I gained anything? I spent so much time thinking I regretted coming here because what I left behind seemed a lot more than what I was getting in return. I thought because I didn’t have the stereotypical study abroad experience that I came here for nothing, but that is not true. There is a lot more to studying abroad than the parties and traveling. But I didn’t realize how much I had changed on this trip. I definitely became more independent and self-reliant. Unknowingly, I learned a lot about the Spanish culture. Although the classes here are dull, learning about journalism in another country opened my perspective and made me realize what an influence journalism has across the world. It also made me realize how fortunate I am to study journalism in a country with an abundance of jobs, because Spanish journalists do not have the same luxury. I also learned how unhealthy it is to compare myself to others and try to impress everyone. I realized at the end of the day the only person I have is me and I need to be happy. There is no one else I should please or impress except me. I need to do things that benefit me. I need to listen to my gut even when that impulse may upset or a shock to others. It was a hard lesson that took months to learn, but I am glad I learned it here.
CROSSWORDS
ACROSS 1 Greek played by Anthony Quinn 6 Small plateau 10 Slick-talking 14 “That is to say ... “ 15 Channel showing many games 16 Sommelier’s prefix 17 Incessantly 18 *Cubicle, e.g. 20 Kids’ racing vehicles 22 Chicken __ king 23 Prefix with pass or plus 24 Cultural funding org. 25 Mottled 26 MGM motto word 27 *Singing skill that enables good
phrasing 32 Get an __: ace 33 Casino gratuity 34 Overseer 37 Harbor protectors 39 “Vitruvian Man” artist 42 Pacific Rim continent 43 Mozart’s “__ fan tutte” 44 Jupiter or Mars 45 *Number after a circled “c” 50 EPA pollution std. 52 Wetland plant 53 Capri suffix 54 Bit of wordplay 55 Aviation stat. 56 “Flags of Our Fathers” setting 60 *Unobstructed view 63 Inn postings
64 Cosmopolitan rival 65 Gold diggers’ objectives 66 First in a line of Russian princes 67 River crossed by Charon 68 Old or Wild follower 69 Lacking, and what can go with each word in the answers to starred clues DOWN 1 Zest 2 Melville novel set on Tahiti 3 Really stink 4 Split fruit? 5 Mario who won IndyCar races in four different decades
6 Sussex stable area 7 Anka’s “__ Beso” 8 Common sports injury 9 Short sock 10 Rep. group 11 Tony-winning actress for “Miss Saigon” 12 Run up, as debts 13 Afrikaans speakers 19 Iraq’s __ City 21 Western border lake 25 “The Purloined Letter” writer 27 Westernmost Mexican state, familiarly 28 Small deer 29 With allure 30 Bank statement listings: Abbr. 31 Japanese sash 35 Edinburgh native 36 Agree (with) 38 Eastern spiritual path 39 One may be fetching 40 __ of hands 41 Director De Sica 43 Spanish hero El __ 46 Start to fall? 47 Soccer penalty card color 48 Make more time for hobbies, say 49 “Here we go again” feeling 50 Cathedral areas 51 Blanket that’s often hand-sewn 56 Superlative suffix 57 “Do __ once!” 58 Less, musically 59 “Not a chance!” 61 Bad spell 62 Game console letters
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24
THE BACK PAGE
MAY 3 - AUG. 16, 2017 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: CHRISTINE WHITMAN • FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
My 'Change of Heart' on The 1975 JULIANNA RESS SENIOR STAFF WRITER ____________________________________
A
s I watched The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy flail his lanky limbs around and sang along to my favorite tracks from last year’s “I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It,” I remembered all the comments I heard in 2016 criticizing the album, most of which came from my own mouth. I don’t blame my past self, it’s easy to look at “I Like it When…” on the surface and groan. Long, pretentious album title with 17 similarly long tracks, four of which are drawn-out ambient tracks that I still hit skip on. But what led to my change of heart, and ultimately to attending The 1975’s concert at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater on April 25, is realizing that I was looking at Healy’s excessiveness all wrong. A good, attentive listen to “I Like it When…” presents Healy’s indulgences as self-referential — sometimes literally so, like when he references “Robbers” from The 1975’s eponymous debut album on “A Change of Heart.” Even a look at “The Sound’s” music video proves that Healy is well aware of how his band is perceived, as it is interspersed with various criticisms the band has received, not unlike mine from just a year ago. Maybe pretension is still there, but like in so many songs on “I Like it When…” what Healy really wants know is who is willing to look beneath the surface for
something more than what meets the eye. This same indulgence was evident in The 1975’s live show and echoed many of the themes of “I Like it When…” The Manchester natives opened with one of their most bombastic tracks, “Love Me,” the first single from “I Like it When…” The song contains the line, “You’ve got a beautiful face but got nothing to say,” a lyric which is oddly reminiscent of the album’s title, though the presentation of the line and the title differ in snarkiness.
It’s these small moments of modern communication that cut the deepest for Healy. A status update is just an online appearance, until it rattles around his brain, and he wonders what more it could possibly mean. Fulfilling its stereotype, the band did not hesitate to play all four ambient tracks from “I Like it When…,” during which was a lot of standing around and restlessness from the crowd. The inclusion of these tracks in the set list made me wonder, as I do when I
THE EVIDENCE IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF US, BUT WE'RE TOO BUSY BEING CAUGHT UP WITH THE EXTERIOR. An early stand-out performance of the show was “Heart Out” in which Healy poses the question, “Why don’t you figure my heart out?” Although the song appears on The 1975’s first album, the premise applies to “I Like it When…” as well — Healy is not going to hand-hold the listener through his complexities, they’re going to have to figure him out themselves. That said, Healy does leave a lot of clues. It was no coincidence that “A Change of Heart” and “Robbers” were played back-to-back, the former completely dissecting Healy’s perception of communication. “You said I’m full of diseases, your eyes were full of regret,” he sang. “And then you took a picture of your salad and put it on the internet.”
listen to the album in full, why are these songs important? These musical intermissions made me itch for something more and maybe that’s what Healy wanted. I had to get past what was supposedly characteristic of The 1975 in order to reach the meat of what it really is, what Healy wants to save for someone who will stick around to dig deeper. “Somebody Else” was a crowd favorite for its unison shouts of “F—k that, get money!” in response to Healy advising fans, “Get someone you love, get someone you need.” “Somebody Else” explores communication in a similar way to “A Change of Heart,” taking mindless habits in social situations and making them hit much harder in the context of emotional
turmoil. “I don’t want your body but I hate to think about you with somebody else,” Healy sang. “I’m looking through you while you’re looking through your phone and then leaving with somebody else.” Again, Healy’s mind goes to work — what on his lover’s phone could be more important than his preoccupation with the growing distance in their relationship? Or even worse, who? The way Healy addresses how he is perceived, as “a sycophantic, prophetic, Socratic junkie wannabe” as he calls himself on “The Sound,” mirrors the way petty, annoying communicative behaviors rule his relationships with people. Lighting the wrong end of a cigarette, liking him for his British stereotypes and scrolling through her phone during a conversation all created distance between Healy and his lover, like how album title, length and perceived pretention initially created distance between me and The 1975. Image-based judgments without solid foundation can’t hold up, much like a relationship with someone who has a beautiful face but has nothing to say. The evidence is right in front of us, but we’re too busy being caught up with the exterior. The night ended with the most jubilant performance of the set, “The Sound,” Healy leaving the crowd with a lyric I would like to extend to my 2016 self in regards to The 1975: “Don’t you tell me that you just don’t get it ‘cause I know you do.”
Our next printed issue will be in August 2017.
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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2017
Kelly Smiley snapped this photo of biology senior Ryan de Leon.