The Daily Aztec 11/9/22

Back-to-back shootings plague the College Area’s ‘Rage State’

College officials said students should be aware of surroundings

by Christian houser & Katy stegall NEWS EDITOR & OPINION EDITOR

Freshman Emma Rappe was terrified as Halloween approached. She said she was scared because of the recent shootings in the College Area.

Rappe is not alone.

One man in his early 20s was shot in his right arm Oct. 22 in the midst of a party. A week later, a second man in his early 20s was shot in his right shoulder Oct. 29 after leaving a separate party.

According to San Diego Police Department officials, the Oct. 22 shooting happened around 1:40 a.m. on Pembroke Drive near Mesita Drive. Officials said a small group of people arrived at an ongoing Halloween party and were soon involved in a physical fight. One of the men involved then pulled out a gun and fired three shots.

A 22-year-old man was shot in the right arm and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his non-life-threatening injuries, San Diego police said.

San Diego State officials said there would be more officers patrolling the area Halloween weekend in response to this shooting.

Seven days later in the early hours of a separate party, a 21-year-old man was shot in his right shoulder. A group confronted the couple in an alley on Montezuma Place near Aztec Corner as the couple was leaving a Halloween party, police said.

The victim was transported to a local hospital but had no life-threatening injuries.

The victim’s girlfriend was not injured.

News of the shootings has caused concern for some SDSU students.

Emma Rappe, art major, said she never heard about this kind of violence because gun laws are strict in her home country Germany. Her experience as an international student at San Diego State has been vastly different.

“We were super scared,” Rappe said. “My friends were freaking out and not even telling their parents because they knew their parents would be super worried. Back in Germany, it’s a big deal.”

Undeclared freshman Tessa Branson was also frightened by the news. She said she hoped there would be more security measures put in place.

“I do think it’s scary, but I also think it’s sad because that’s a common thing,” Branson said.

In a campus-wide email sent after the Oct. 22 shooting, SDSU officials offered safety tips for those living in the College Area. The email encouraged students to be vigilant, to avoid illicit drug use and emphasized students should only invite people they know to their homes.

“While we encourage our students to branch out and meet new people, we want to be sure that those who are welcomed into your home have your best interest in mind,” the email reads.

Brady Nickle, a freshman general business major, said he was more vigilant over Halloween weekend after he heard of the shootings and said he hopes the situation is resolved.

“I hope everyone involved is okay, and the people that were the ones causing the problems are taken care of,” Nickle said. “I hope that the people who are affected know there is support and help.”

SDSU officials recommend downloading the SDSU Safe App and to report any suspicious behavior when attending gatherings.

Anyone who has information related to the above incidents is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

Federal Court Rules DACA unlawful

Campus Cultural Centers release a joint Statement of Solidarity amid new ruling

by natali gonzalez

STAFF WRITER

A federal judge in Texas ruled the undocumented children protection program Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals to be unlawful Oct. 5. The decision does not impact current recipients previously approved but blocks new applicants from being approved or receiving benefits.

It is a decision that leaves hundreds of thousands undocumented migrants — including some San Diego State University students — fearing for their futures.

The program initiated during former President Barack Obama’s tenure offered children who were brought into the state unlawfully access to a social security number, a driver’s license and a work permit. It did not guarantee a path to citizenship.

Magaly Corro Flores, assistant director of the Undocumented Student Center, said the ruling leaves students in limbo.

“Students are having anxiety and going through challenges every single day and trying to live their lives here,” Flores said. “Then they have it in the back of their mind that they can pretty much be kicked out at any point.”

California universities typically do not make public how many students are undocumented as a protective measure. However, of the 594,000 people enrolled in DACA, 200,000 of them live in California.

Some San Diego State DACA recipients said they feel defeated and scared.

Sara Martinez, a third-year political science major, said she feels “stuck” after the announcement.

“I recently submitted my DACA application and all of a sudden the ruling came out,” Martinez said. “Then there’s going to be another hearing next year, but what are we going to do right now? I feel like we’re back at square one.”

Martinez said this ruling will have a significant impact on other SDSU students.

Juan Menjivar Reyes, a fourth-year liberal studies major, agreed.

“Our community will definitely feel it,” Reyes said. “Many students may feel like giving up after this, it’s been shot after shot after shot, just bouncing back and forth between court rulings.”

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

Six minutes from campus lies the corner of Pembroke Drive and Mesita Drive where an Oct. 22 off-campus shooting occurred.

Photo by Christian Houser

No. 4 freshman CJ Fodrey and his ‘God-given’ soccer ability

Darrion Trammell ready to shine when it matters most

By Justin Cox SPORTS EDITOR

The 2021-22 season was more of the same for the Aztec men’s basketball team. Following a strong regular season in which the team finished 23-9 and earned an eight seed in the NCAA tournament, the Aztec offense sputtered once again as they were eliminated in the first round by Creighton University, spoiling yet another strong season.

By Morgan PriCkett SPORTS EDITOR

After getting his first taste of what many call the beautiful game, from a young age, it was clear to San Diego State University’s breakout freshman forward, CJ Fodrey, that soccer was his destiny.

“When he was four years old, our neighbors were taking their kids to just start playing soccer and he was an absolute natural. After two weeks, they had him playing up two years,” Ron Fodrey, CJ’s dad, said.

Following his first action with the ball at his feet, Ron wanted CJ to give baseball a shot — a sport much more familiar to Ron who played baseball and football at UC Riverside. Tee Ball sufficed as CJ’s first whack of the bat, yet short lived it proved to be.

“He went out there at my urging and played a whole game and said ‘Dad I don’t like it, it’s boring,’” Ron said. “So I said ‘what do you wanna do’ and he said ‘soccer’, and it’s been soccer ever since.”

Fodrey, who is currently No. 4 in Top Drawer Soccer’s national freshman rankings, plays like he was born on the pitch, not the mound.

The San Jose-born freshman has shot up the local ranks since moving to San Diego around the age of two. Fodrey went from a youth player for local clubs such as the San Diego Surf, Nomads and Albion to playing for LA Galaxy’s Academy in 2019. Fodrey was then offered a tryout by San Diego’s very own professional soccer club, the San Diego Loyal of the United Soccer League (USL). Fodrey impressed during his tryouts and eventually signed a USL academy contract with the Loyal late in 2020, going on to score his first-and-only goal for the club during a preseason match against the LA Galaxy, his former club. Playing for the Loyal was a big step for Fodrey; at just 17, he was playing alongside established players around the peak of their careers.

“Every single day it was a professional environment, you’re playing with grown men and guys that are trying to feed their kids,” CJ said.

After one year with the Loyal, Fodrey joined the Aztecs and has been tearing up the college scene ever since. The freshman currently sits with six goals and four assists on the season and his 14 points makes him the highest scoring Aztec freshman

since David Olsen in 2014.

Fodrey also earned a spot on Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week after his goal and assist against the University of San Diego on Oct. 15.

While racking in the statistics, Fodrey also makes sure to have a little bit of fun. You can find him celebrating goals in all types of ways, one of his most iconic so far was when he celebrated a go-ahead goal against Berekley by grabbing a set of pom poms from a cheerleader and began dancing towards the crowd.

“I like to have fun with it, obviously at the right times like we were up 2-1 at that point,” CJ said. “Most of the time it’s in the moment but sometimes the guys talk about celebrations that you can do like that specific one

(the cheerleader celebration) we planned on doing earlier in the season.”

Soccer has grown tremendously in the United States since Fodrey was born, providing loads of opportunities for inspired athletes.

“I didn’t even know how to spell soccer,” Ron joked. “Back in my day soccer wasn’t very big at all.”

Despite knowing little about the sport, Ron was always there to push CJ, even when he was at the top of his game — which is quite often.

“For some reason he had a God-given ability to control the ball and score,” Ron said. “His second season he was scoring so many goals, it kind of got bad to the point where I made him a deal for every time he scored a goal he got 50 cents, but everytime he got an assist he got a dollar.”

Fodrey has always been in love with soccer, which inadvertently rubbed off on the people around him.

“We’d be out jumping the fence in Coronado Middle School,” Ron said. “Me, in my older self, jumping a fence to go kick a ball and then getting kicked out by the police.”

At times that is what it took for CJ to play the sport he loves, nothing is going to get in his way as his eyes are set on going pro. “That’s always been a dream of mine,” CJ said.

With the form Fodrey is in currently, that dream is within arms reach as he sits as one of the highest ranked freshman in the country today.

“He’s living his dream which is all any parent can ask for their child,” Ron said. “He’s been passionate about soccer from the very beginning.”

In head coach Brian Dutcher’s five years at the helm of the team, the Aztecs have won at least 20 games in every season. Yet in their three NCAA tournament bids over that same span, they have left empty handed— losing in the first round all three times. For the Aztec program to be recognized as one of the top programs in the country, this trend must change. The team will have to show they belong on the biggest stage, can defeat the nation’s best and not crumble under the brightest of lights.

Luckily for the Aztecs, senior transfer Darrion Trammell came to San Diego State looking to shine in that spotlight as he decided to join the Aztecs after two seasons at Seattle University.

“I was looking for a bigger opportunity,” Trammell said. “Being able to show who I am on a bigger stage. (Dutcher) showed that he really believed in me and that’s a really big thing.”

After transferring to Seattle after his freshman season at the City College of San Francisco, Trammell established himself as one of the best the Western Athletic Conference had to offer. In his two seasons, he earned two first team all-WAC awards and a spot on the conference alldefensive team last season. His sophomore year, he led the conference in points per game, and last season he led the WAC in assists and steals while placing fifth in scoring.

Like the rest of his Aztec teammates, Trammell is excellent on defense. Despite his 5 feet, 10 inch frame, Trammell makes his presence felt on the defensive end, hounding opponents and picking up his matchup full court.

In his brief time in the Scarlet and Black, Trammell has already impressed his teammates with his ability.

“I’ve been really impressed with Darrion,” senior Aguek Arop said. “The way he can not only put the ball in the hoop but he can also pass. That is what we need from a point guard.”

Trammell joins a potent Aztec roster, looking to avenge its disappointing season last year. The team returns four of its five starters, missing only point guard Trey Pulliam and a number of key bench contributors.

Trammell’s new backcourt mate, junior Lamont Butler said the two have grown close both on and off the court.

“That’s my guy,” Butler said. “Off the court we are buddies for real, we are always hanging out, so we have a good relationship. We just can’t wait to go out there and hoop this year together. At practice we’ve been going at it so much that now being allowed to play with each other will be easier for us to get our games off.”

To prepare for the season, SDSU was able to go headto-head with UCLA, one of the nation’s top programs and one they may face in March. The outcome was a competitive 89-87 loss for the Aztecs, but it gave Dutcher and his coaching staff a taste of what Trammell can bring to this year’s team.

Trammell was given a place in the starting lineup. He delivered by scoring 24 points to lead the Aztecs.

“We were excited,” Trammell said. “It was a good test for us early, I feel like we played well but we have a lot of things we need to work on, but I think that it was good to find them out now.”

Trammell noted turnovers and defensive pressure were two keys the Aztecs needed to improve upon but was confident they would improve with time.

The Azecs will have their chance to prove they are ready for a deep run as their early season schedule has some big tests early. They will host Brigham Young University on Nov. 11, before traveling to Hawaii to take on Ohio State on Nov. 21 in the first round of the Maui Jim Maui Invitational.

It remains to be seen if the Aztecs can prove they are capable of deep runs in March, but if the 2022-23 Aztecs hope to buck the trend, Trammell may accomplish what he set out to do when he transferred to the Mesa— show who he is on the biggest stage.

COLUMN

Photo by Jessica Parga

Freshman CJ Fodrey attacks the ball during the Aztecs 2-0 loss vesus the University of Washington on Sept. 29, at Snapdragon Stadium.

“

“For some reason he had a Godgiven ability to control the ball and score.”

– Ron Fodrey

Freshman CJ Fodrey has a quiet moment on the Snapdragon Stadium field following a 2-0

loss versus University of Washington on Sept. 29, 2022.

Photo by Jessica Parga

Return of seasoned veterans makes for a spicy upcoming season

by Sumaia Wegner ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR

This year may be the last year San Diego State fans get to see some of these Aztecs play. With some beloved players nearing their last games in Aztec jerseys, they hope to remind fans of the versatility that they bring.

Matt Bradley: The Star, aka “Dino’s Finest”

One of the reasons San Bernardino native Matt Bradley chose to return to San Diego State for one more year is because of the family environment he was reminded of.

“Coming to San Diego State at first was really a family decision,” Bradley said. “I realized I made new family members as far as my teammates, the fans, the students…and that’s why I came back for my last year.”

Last season the Aztecs ranked third in the Mountain West Conference and entered the NCAA tournament as an eight seed before losing in the first round. They have not made it past the first round in the tournament since head coach Brian Dutcher took over; however, Bradley hopes to change that by taking on a leadership role.

“Me and my brothers are really being vocal and ready to be leaders on and off the court this year,” Bradley said.

Aside from his willingness to be a leader by example, Bradley will contribute to this season by being a better and more consistent scorer and defender.

His skills have led him to being recognized as one of the Jerry West Award watchlist players for the second time. The award honors the best shooting guard in the NCAA.

“For the postseason accolade, people are going to be gunning for me,” Bradley said. “To win that matchup or win that game against me. That just causes me to work harder in the gym and do the things I need to hopefully win it. I’m just excited for the opportunity.”

With this being his final year with the Aztecs, Bradley is humble about his future.

“I would like to reach new highs and touch the NBA,” Bradley said. “Anything shorter, whether it’s the G League or

SDSU’s

by Daniela ramirez SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Senior Jessica Kain is part of San Diego State’s women’s cross country and track team. Kain comes from a family of professional athletes. Her parents were both triathlon athletes, graduating from UC Santa Barbara and later competing in Olympic trials for distance triathlons.

Kain was born in Santa Cruz, a small knit coastal community south of the Bay Area. It is also known as a running community with some great runners known to come out of the area. The beautiful and natural terrain of Santa Cruz’s many trails was the perfect place for Kain to enjoy her long distance runs.

Thanks to the lengthy running careers of her parents, Kain grew up more athletic than most. When Kain was only 3 years old, she competed in her first triathlon. Later in her adolescence she began pursuing soccer and track.

“I knew I was bound to be an athlete,” Kain said.

Around the time middle school started, Kain began to take running more seriously. Yet it wasn’t until freshman year of high school, when she developed a stress fracture in her leg, where Kain had to make a decision regarding her future.

The decision to continue playing soccer

overseas, I’m willing to play wherever I’m accepted. I am reaching for the stars and anything lower, I’ll be alright with it.”

Bradley is looking forward to playing Ohio State and Boise State this upcoming season. He wants the Aztecs to prove themselves and bring his all in his last season.

Adam Seiko: The 3-Defender, aka “Shake”

What makes Adam Seiko a great defensive player is his I.Q. and communication with his teammates.

“I think that’s something you learn as the game goes on,” Seiko said. “Letting people know where I am on the court, letting them know that I have their back.”

Seiko is returning to the Aztecs for his sixth year. Not only will he be working on his master`s program, but he will also be bringing more than just his noted defense. He plans to be a more aggressive player on the court. He wants to attack other teams’ defenses and schemes.

Seiko noted that the current roster will make for a great season.

“I think with the youth and transfers we have, and them coming from different areas makes it amazing,” Seiko said. “We have more depth than we did in the past. We have about eight starters now, which I think is great. We just learned how to play with each other and built that camaraderie in the offseason.”

Seiko wants to play professionally after his time with the Aztecs but he also has connections outside of basketball.

He looks forward to getting off to a

good start this season, not only with his own strengths, but also with the team. He hopes that the team kick-starts their season with a championship at the Maui Jim Maui Invitational.

Nathan Mensah: The Scholar, aka “Let them choose”

It took a lot of consultation for Nathan Mensah to decide whether or not to return for his final season, but coming back to play with the Aztecs for one more year is what he thought was the best decision for him.

“It is all about leaving on a good note for me,” Mensah said. “Last year we did not leave on a good note. I feel that coming back now, with the team we have, we will get noticed.”

Mensah plans to stay on the floor a lot longer this season, especially since he has been working on his conditioning over summer.

“This year my focus is to stay on the floor longer,” Mensah said. “Also, I want to make sure I am not in foul trouble.”

Mensah not only brings his A game to the court, but he brings A’s to the classroom as well. He is a recipient of a Jim Malik award (presented to SDSU student-athletes who achieve a 4.0 in a semester) and has been named an Aztec scholar-athlete four times.

“Most of my friends are my teammates,” Mensah said. “We are out here playing basketball together. We have classes on the same schedule. Having a nice range with them helps me balance everything

out.”

Mensah had the opportunity to play overseas, in France and Spain, but turned it down because he has his heart set on playing in the NBA. However, before any more scouts look at him, he wants his final year at SDSU to be his best one so they can see his true potential.

Mensah plans to go to Maui and come back with better success than he did his freshman year when the Aztecs went 1-2 in the Maui Jim Invitational in 2018. He believes that is the step in the right direction to have a deeper run in March Madness.

Keshad Johnson: The Hidden Gem, aka “Showtime”

Keshad Johnson brings heart and charisma to the Aztecs, while also mentoring the younger players. He plans to contribute this season by continuing to push the pace of the game. His athletic abilities will keep the spark going on the floor.

Johnson wears the number 0 on his jersey or “O” for Oakland, his hometown.

“Oakland has a place in my heart as being a product of that environment,” Johnson said. “I want to be that person who said I did it, instead of I could have. There are a lot of hidden gems out there and I was one of them.”

This “hidden gem” is a key veteran for the Aztecs. After this season, Johnson has the choice to come back for one more year if he chooses to.

Johnson noted that this year’s team has a lot of depth and many versatile players.

“We are about 10-11 (people) deep,” Johnson said. “Knock on wood, if we keep everybody healthy, that is great, but if we had a couple of injuries out of there, we still have other people that should be ready to play whenever the time and their numbers are called.”

Johnson looks forward to Maui as well, especially since he has never been.

“I am looking forward to just having fun out there on the court with my new teammates, my old teammates and taking the journey further than I’ve ever been.”

With each of them looking forward to facing Ohio State in Maui on Nov. 21, these veterans are all set to go for this season.

or compete as a runner was a difficult decision but deep down, Kain knew running was her calling. Since her parents ran all throughout her childhood, the idea of becoming a runner wasn’t a new subject for Kain.

“Both of my parents are my biggest influence,” Kain said.

Kain’s father, Pete Kain, won four world championships and her mother, Shari Kain, is in the Hall of Fame for the X-Terra (which is a certain mountain bike used in triathlons). She also competed in the women’s Tour De France. Both of her parents now own their own triathlon teams and train professional athletes.

Kain’s brother, Jeremy, is currently a freshman at Duke University competing in cross country and track. He holds the world record as the fastest 12-year-old miler. His time was 4 minutes and 36 seconds.

On Sept. 17, Kain became the fastest 6k runner in SDSU history. In the race that consists of four miles, her time was 20 minutes and 46 seconds, about five minutes for each mile.

Kain is eager to keep going and achieve her goals. She is very goal-oriented and preaches on her visualizations techniques to help her stay focused before every race.

“I want to break (the record) again,” Kain said. “I am my own competition,”.

Kain wants to keep breaking her own record and continue to test her limits. It pushes her every day to keep going, even when the 20-30 hours a week she spends with the sport seems impossible.

Beyond the trails and the track, she plans on turning her love for running into a job like her parents have done. Visualization and the mindset of a runner is one of her main factors to a great race.

“(Cross country) is so mentally tough,” Kain said.

Kain plans on working with athletes on breaking their mental barriers by writing a book or creating an app. Kain reads many books on visualization techniques, she also majors in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on communication, hospitality and stability.

Kain’s running career will continue after her time here at SDSU, her goal is to run professionally, competing in the 2024 Olympics for the 1500 meter race.

Title IX has given women many opportunities to showcase their talents for all to see. Kain says she is proud and wants to show younger runners they can be strong athletes but that doesn’t mean giving up everything.

“I’m a strong woman,” Kain said. “I’m not just a runner, it’s not what you do that defines you, but who you are.”

Kain plans to run for the rest of her life even after her competitive career is over.

“Once a runner, always a runner,” Kain said.

Kain was the All-Mountain West Outdoor Track and Field Team in 2021, as well as the Mountain West Cross Country Athlete of the Week in September.

Last season Kain finished 11th in the Mountain West Outdoor Championships in the 1,500 meters with a time of 4 minutes and 30 seconds. She placed 25th overall in the 1,500 meters at the NCAA West Outdoor Preliminary Rounds.

record holder, Jessica Kain, comes from a family of endurance and success

Courtesy of SDSU Athletics

Senior Jessica Kain (55) runs during the Anteater Invitationall in Fall of 2021.

Photo by Jesse Gordon

From left to right: Senior Matt Bradley, senior Darrion Trammell, senior Keshad Johnson, senior Nathan Mensah and junior Lamont Butler prepare for an exhibition game on Nov. 1.

by EugéniE budnik SENIOR STAFF WRITER

San Diego State isn’t prepared for an active shooter situation. In fact, most college campuses across the nation aren’t.

That’s terrifying considering the Gun Violence Archive has recorded at least 581 mass shootings in the U.S. alone this year as of Nov. 4. The archive has also recorded over 35,000 gunrelated deaths in the country this year.

Generation Z, who make up 66% of all college students in the U.S., has witnessed hundreds of shootings throughout their time in school. From Sandy Hook, Parkland and Uvalde, these tragedies seem neverending for the generation that spent time in school hiding under desks and learning to stay silent in between learning the ABCs and multiplication.

School shootings do not just exist in K-12. Everytown for Gun Safety reported 244 incidents of gun violence on secondary education campuses from 20132021. SDSU faced a tragic act

of gun violence in 1996 when a master’s student shot and killed three professors in retaliation for a negative thesis evaluation.

More recently, a man was shot while leaving a Halloween house party in the College area. Earlier this year, police recovered a ghost gun from a student-hosted house party and when a student was robbed at gunpoint in daylight.

Incidents like these are something I think about every time I enter any public space, and it’s not just because of paranoia or hypervigilance. Gun violence is a real issue, which affects real human lives at the end of the day. It has affected the lives of those closest to me. My older sister lost one of her closest friends, AJ Boik, in the 2012 shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. When I came back to live in the U.S. after living in the U.K., the reality of gun violence became front and center again.

So, I joined March for Our Lives San Diego, a chapter of the gun violence prevention (GVP) organization that was founded by Parkland students first as secretary and then as co-director. In this

role, my team and I were out in the field almost daily providing crisis relief to communities struck by gun violence across San Diego County.

Raquel Herriott, San Diego State University Police Department’s public information officer emailed in a statement that “although the SDSU active shooter safety presentation and video are not required, we encourage students, faculty and staff to review these options each semester.” But, students, staff and faculty can request active shooter presentations or watch the police department’s scenario video.

Active shooter training is not required for students, faculty and staff.

When students choose to pay tuition to attend SDSU, they choose to put their trust in the university and the fact that they will be kept safe. In Regents of the University of California v. Superior Court (2018), the California Supreme Court held that colleges and universities have a special relationship with enrolled students that requires warning or protection from

EDITOR: Katy Stegall opinion@thedailyaztec.com

identifiable risks. SDSU has a moral and legal obligation to uphold this responsibility of keeping all students safe.

Safety should be the top priority in all classrooms on campus, but in her statement, Herriott also said that “some classrooms contain access control systems and fire extinguishers.” Some classrooms, but not all. And this is where SDSU has its priorities wrong.

Because SDSU has the ability to spend $310 million to build the brand new Snapdragon stadium, the university should consider allocating funds to making sure that all university classrooms and buildings have modern and robust security features like access control systems, steel doors, attack-resistant door knobs, selflocking doors and active shooter survival first aid kits.

And, while they’re at it, SDSU could allocate more funds to campus counseling and psychological services to ensure that all students who are in need of help can get the proper mental health help that they deserve. When it comes to mass shootings, there are almost always warning signs shown by perpetrators. Having adequate mental health resources on campus can ensure that warning signs are caught and intervened before the unthinkable happens.

SDSU recently released a mobile app focused on campus safety with features such as an anonymous reporting form, an emergency button and others. This is a commendable act, but it is the bare minimum.

In a statement about the SDSU Safe app, University President Adela de la Torre said “The safety and security of our community and campus are paramount.”

Well, President de la Torre, what are YOU doing to protect SDSU students before the unthinkable happens right on your campus?

Persian student club stands in solidarity with murdered Iranian woman Masha Amini

by AriAnA MArdAni STAFF WRITER

A place many once called home is now a place people wouldn’t dream of coming back to. Iran used to be a country filled with rich culture, one that shared life for all, regarded everyone as family and spread positivity throughout the streets. Though we are still that country at heart, the Islamic Regime has stained it with their dictatorship, forcing rules onto the citizens that were never enforced prior. For years, citizens have been denied a voice. Women especially have been told what to do, how to dress, what to say, when to go out and, unfortunately, if they choose to disobey, face serious consequences.

Masha Amini was a 22-yearold woman entering the Shahid Haghani Expressway in Tehran when she was stopped by morality police and eventually beaten to death because she was not wearing a hijab. This sparked a revolution led by Iranian women, and is now supported by some men who did not want Amini’s death to

be in vain. Amini’s tragedy was not an isolated incident. Protests have been filling the streets and people will not tolerate the violence any longer.

San Diego State University’s Persian Student Association held a vigil Sept. 29 in honor of Amini and all of the other brave women who also died by police. We also held this vigil to show solidarity with the people of Iran and not the corrupt Islamic Regime that pushes unjust mandates onto our loving country.

I spoke with students and SDSU alumni who attended the vigil, and they shared a common sentiment. Despite the terrible situations our relatives are in – one in

which they have to fight with bravery to be seen and listened to, risking their lives – the Persian student body will be heard, and our voices will be acknowledged.

Neila Mansubi, a junior, is a first generation American whose father immigrated from Kermanshah, Iran in 1976 and mother from Tehran, Iran in 1985.

“The Iranian people, especially women, have been oppressed for many years. The murder of Mahsa Amini wasn’t the first and it certainly wasn’t the last. The Iranian government continues to kill its people who have been

protesting the Islamic regime and fighting for women’s rights in the streets. Women, men and young children have lost their lives for expressing their opinions –opinions that the ‘government’ doesn’t agree with. Having an opinion, the freedom of choice, the freedom of speech, should all be protected by your basic human rights. The people in Iran live in fear everyday that their children won’t come back, that they won’t have a family to come home to that dying while bravely fighting for their rights and their country could be better than the quality of life they currently have. It’s important to recognize everything they’re living through and to be their voice as they continuously, forcibly become silenced. ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ Learn about what is going on in Iran, talk about it, post about it, read about it. Amplify their voices until silence is no longer an option.”

For Ariana’s full story with more student voices, go to our website, www.thedailyaztec.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Gabriel Schneider

MANAGING EDITOR Xiomara Villarreal-Gerardo

NEWS EDITOR Christian Houser

OPINION EDITOR Katy Stegall

MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Xiomara Villarreal-Gerardo

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Sumaia Wegner

SPORTS EDITORS Justin Cox Morgan Prickett

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Melody Bathaee

PHOTO EDITOR Brittany Cruz-Fejeran

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Mackenzie Stafford

LIVE PRODUCER Flower Smith

GRAPHICS EDITOR Emily Forschen

ASSISTANT EDITORS Daesha Gear Madison Geering

STAFF Michelle Armas Bella Biunno Eugénie Budnik Owen Ekstrom Eric Evelhoch Natali Gonzalez Jesse Gordon Huy Huynh Noah Lyons Ariana Mardani Jayden Pagsolingan Jessica Parga Owen Pratt Daniela Ramirez Petrina Tran Olivia Vargo Chanel Yoguez Juan Zubia ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Joshua Gong GRAPHIC

San Diego State University’s Police Department Nov. 7.

Photo by Petrina Tran

Fans welcome Alicia Keys home to San Diego in the final show of the ‘Alicia’ tour

by Sumaia Wegner & Huy HuynH ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

Alicia Keys “shined at full wattage” as she lit the venue at Viejas Arena this past Saturday, Nov. 5. The show was set to be performed at Cal Coast Credit Union on Sept. 9, however due to unexpected weather conditions, it was rescheduled.

The self-titled “Alicia” tour was originally scheduled for June 2020 but the coronavirus pandemic put that to a halt. Many fans in attendance waited almost four years to see Keys, including Navy veteran Cynthia Joliet and Naomi King, an educator.

“We had options to sell the tickets or get a refund,” Joliet said. “But it’s Alicia Keys!”

Both Joliet and King recounted their admiration for Keys through commonality.

“She comes from Harlem like I do; she is a daughter of New York,” said King. “She went to the School of Performing Arts at 16. She is a prodigy.”

“And she’s people of color, representing diversity,” said Joliet.

Joliet and King attended as VIP ticket holders. VIP ticket holders received an autographed book written by Keys called “More Myself” and a tote bag with the message “I shine at full wattage” printed on it.

The openers of the show were Keys’ own band members, Norelle on vocals and Kurt Chambers who accompanied her, adding his expert guitar playing.

As the production of the show heighted, Keys strutted out in a black one-piece with chandelier-like stones detailed on the suit, as she gracefully sang her slow and seductive hit “Nat King Cole.”

Naturally, she proceeded to the piano on stage for the climax of the song, demonstrating her jaw dropping keys playing that gave her the iconic stage name.

The diamond and crystal aesthetic became more and more prominent throughout the night, with close-up shots of broken and sparkling granite gradually gliding through the screen behind her, as well as the eventual diamond head-piece Keys wore during her unexpected DJ set.

After a brief interlude of instrumentals

from her band, Keys shockingly appeared to the opposite side of the Viejas Arena in a DJ booth and her patented pianos.

In the most interactive portion of the night, Keys played two versions of her songs, the first one being much softer and more familiar for Keys’ listeners, while the second one turned the previous into a club banger with sharp snares and arena-shaking 808 beats.

She proceeded to ask the crowd’s preference between, what she called, “original” versus “unlocked.” The

applause undoubtedly favored Keys’ “unlocked” versions, which included her classic 2004 hit “My Boo” with Usher.

It is widely speculated that the DJ performance was inspired by her husband Swizz Beats, a renowned DJ in the hip-hop realm.

The crowd was also treated to a new song from her first Christmas album, “Santa Baby,” which is out now on Apple Music.

As Keys made her way through the crowd, back on to the front stage, fans who did not have front row tickets were being escorted back to their seats. One fan managed to pass by security and throw roses onto the stage.

The admiration from Keys’ fans were prominent throughout the night. Families, couples, old fans and new, had joy glistening from their faces.

“I love her songs and her messages in the songs,” said Ruby Ng, San Diego State University alum and founding mother of Lambda Sigma Gamma. “I saw her ten years ago at the Sports

Arena and was not going to miss her if (she) was performing again in San Diego.”

Keys’ ended the show with her 2007 smash hit “No One,” and accompanied the song with uplifting messages such as “everyone has a superpower” and a call to action to vote for the Nov. 8 midterm election.

With the lights dimmed down and Keys strutting off the stage the way she came in, the inevitable encore from the crowd welcomed her back as they refused to leave without her performing her ultimate crowd pleaser, “If I Ain’t Got You.”

The song’s incredible popularity was illuminated through the fact that Keys’only played piano for most of the song, while the crowd’s singing overtook Keys’ own vocals.

Keys was overwhelmed with emotion from the love she received from the crowd.

“Thank you for welcoming me home tonight,” she said.

Native American-centric cast revitalizes Predator franchise with ‘Prey’

by noaH LyonS STAFF WRITER

Despite four certified-rotten sequels and general audience exhaustion, the Predator franchise is still chugging along. While the 2018 reboot “The Predator” spelled doom for the future of these films, 2022’s prequel “Prey” gives the franchise signs of life.

“Prey” takes place 300 years before the original Predator film set in 1987. The story follows Naru (Amber Midthunder), a young Comanche woman trying to prove her worth by hunting an unknown beast. What she is confronted with is much more menacing than anyone would anticipate.

She is not alone in her quest. As she tries to catch her prey, she is targeted by a group of French hunters seeking to contain the same threat.

The film debuted to critics in July 2022 and made its debut on Hulu soon after. It was immediately successful,

becoming the most streamed premiere in the service’s history.

By changing the setting and story, “Prey” is a fresh and solid installment to the franchise. Much of the credit can be attributed to a standout lead performance and some enthralling action scenes in the second half of the film.

“Prey” features a predominantly Native American cast and a particularly impressive performance from Midthunder. Her character is strongwilled, quick-witted and sympathetic. While her previous roles mostly landed on television, this film could cement her as an action star. The supporting cast is solid as well, although their screen time is fairly limited.

Native American representation on screen has been a significant issue in Hollywood as seen in films “The Lone Ranger” and “The Ridiculous Six,” but “Prey” breaks away from those norms.

UCLA’s 2022 Hollywood Diversity Report found that Native American actors comprised 0.6% of film roles in 2021. They played the main character in just 0.4% of those films.

In this film, the Native American characters are not reduced to generic stereotypes or pushed to the background. “Prey” signifies a step forward in representation in a genre that has been largely exclusionary. It is refreshing to see a bona-fide action film with an underrepresented crew receiving a wellearned spotlight.

The Native American talent extends outside of the screen too. Jhane Myers, a member of the Comanche and Blackfoot nations, produced the film. This is the tenth project she has produced, but certainly the biggest of the bunch.

Beyond the cast and crew, the story is executed well.

While the scale of other Predator films became too big for its own good, “Prey” keeps things simple. The plot is straightforward and the characters’ motivations are clear.

The film takes a while to reintroduce

its iconic character, focusing more on Naru and her brother Taabe (Dakota Beavers) as the story unravels. The two actors develop a convincing brothersister dynamic that centers the film. The first act is rather slow, but it establishes stakes and fleshes out their world.

The pace of the film picks up significantly at the half-way point. Predator is teased throughout, until he begins to confront the humans. After that, there is plenty of carnage and excitement for the action and sci-fi fans out there. The third act in particular shows where most of the budget went. These later scenes are surely worth the price of admission – or the price of a Hulu subscription.

This should give incentive to the filmmakers behind the Predator franchise to take more creative risks and expand their reach.

With November being Native American Heritage month, “Prey” is one of the better action films this year, and a significant cultural object that showcases the talents of indigenous actors and creators.

After postponements and reschedules, local fans attend Alicia Keys’ long awaited ‘Alicia’ tour

Alicia Keys on her 2022 tour.

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Winter

“ Thank you for welcoming me home tonight.

– Alicia Keys

Photo:

A decade of dancing: the San Diego State Diamonds celebrates its tenth anniversary

First majorette team on the West Coast reflects and looks forward to the future

by Daesha Gear ASSISTANT EDITOR

Through dedication, art and leadership, San Diego State University’s majorette team, the Diamonds, is celebrating its 10year anniversary.

Founded in 2012 by Maderia Toatley, the creation of the Diamonds was inspired by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) majorette dancing, which is different from traditional cheerleading.

Majorette-style dance is choreographed in various styles consisting of West African jazz, hip-hop or dancing with batons in unison alongside marching bands — all during sporting events.

SDSU initially did not have a majorette squad, and Toatley, who was involved in track, cheerleading and dancing at Stephenson High School, a predominantly Black institution in Atlanta, Georgia, wanted to bring her southern culture to the west coast.

However, building the foundation for this team in its early stages was strenuous for Toatley as the Diamonds were not yet officially a student organization and drill team at SDSU.

Consequently, this caused Toatley to carry multiple responsibilities: being the team captain, mom, recruiter and coach for her teammates who were new to majorette dancing.

Due to the Diamonds not being an official student organization at the time, Toatley also was tasked financially to create her team’s uniforms.

However, with the help of Natasha Hazely, Toatley’s teammate and college roommate,

Ten years later, the Diamonds is recognizing its anniversary, and Toatley is amazed to witness the continuation of her organization.

The current 2022-2023 Diamonds squad is reflecting on this celebration.

Taylor Shorter, a returner for the Diamonds and third-year precomm major said the celebration is a “very big thing” — not only is it a big year for the school, but it’s also a big year for the team.

“It’s (the) 125th anniversary at

the school, the 100th season of football and then the 10th season of the Diamonds,” Shorter said. “It touches my heart because the girls that came before me, and the girls that are here now... we’re working so hard to keep continuing the progress and create something bigger than ourselves.”

Senior captain and nutrition major Sakina Buycks is excited to be part of this achievement alongside her squad to be acknowledged by others.

On Oct. 8, during the football halftime show for the Aztecs against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, the Diamonds performed for a large crowd.

Diamonds’ coach Brionna June was in awe watching the halftime performance, and she felt it was a “perfect moment” to experience with her team.

The halftime show also featured a one-on-one performance from Sakina. Her mother, Felecia Buycks, was thrilled to virtually see her daughter and team engage with the crowd.

“She (Sakina) sent me the video afterward, and I probably watched it 20 times,” Felecia said. “She was proud of that moment. It was great, I shared it with all my family and friends.”

Outside of performing, being a drill team and a student-found

continuing this organization’s legacy.

This year’s Diamonds squad is looking forward to the future and hopes to continue expanding its organization by providing outreach to upcoming majorettes.

For more information regarding the Diamonds’ 10year celebration, check out their Instagram for future updates and performances.

San Diego State’s new club presidents elected this year

by Michelle arMas STAFF WRITER

This year San Diego State University has a variety of clubs and organizations to join. With there being many clubs, new club presidents are leading the charge. Here are a few to get to know:

Ryan Dusenbury is the new president for the American Sign Language club. Dusenbury has a passion for seeing ASL evolve. He hopes to be a court interpreter one day, taking his education in criminal justice and ASL skills with him. Dusenbury mentions that one of his main goals as a leader this year is to bring inclusivity into sports.

“There haven’t been many interpreters in the past for sports,” Dusenbury said. “Plus the Snapdragon stadium is so new, there hasn’t been much inclusion yet.”

This year Dusenbury looks forward to meeting and interacting with more club members.

The Sailing Club is up and running with senior Morgan Burton being the brandnew president. Burton is studying business real estate, and has been sailing the seas of San Diego with her dad since she was six.

The club consists of around 20 students,

who enjoy competitively sailing up and down the coast of California. Burton looks forward to engaging with new members who are as excited about sailing as she is.

“Not only is sailing getting out on the water of sunny San Diego, but you get to meet really great people,” Burton said.

Nicola Recker is breaking barriers for women in the sports industry, and she is propelling this movement by leading the recently established club, Women in Sports. This club is made to support women interested in a career in sports business.

“We strive to have more women working in sports or in higher positions to break the stigma that sports is a male-dominated industry,” Recker said.

Club members can be found networking

with fellow students, attending meetings featuring guest speakers and attending workshops to further prepare individuals inspired in entering the sports industry.

Hadil Salih, a senior, is the new president of Women in Law. Salih is studying international comparative studies, and is passionate about empowering women in the law industry. Salih mentions that regardless of women being 50% of the graduating class of law school, misogyny and sexism still embed themselves.

The club meetings consist of members listening to women in law speaking of their experiences, doing philanthropy projects together, doing bonding activities and ultimately just creating a space where members are surrounded by like-minded people.

“When you have a space that you’re comfortable enough to share your ideas, it gives you a sense of confidence that seeps into other aspects of your life,” Salih said.

Joshua Zingali is the new president of the Artificial Intelligence club at SDSU. The 20-year-old junior has been part of the club since his first year of college-leading workshops last year and is now taking a leadership role.

“The AI club offers workshops to equip you, challenges to test your abilities, and project groups to put what you learn into practice,” Zingali said

The club includes coding workshops, project groups where individuals complete nominated projects together and “hackathons,” where there are programming challenges and students solve it by coding.

For more information on SDSU clubs and organizations, visit https://stuapp. sdsu.edu/rso/search/list.

Carjay Lyles, one of the team’s first student advisers, and others, the Diamonds became the first majorette on the west coast with other universities following along.

organization, the Diamonds are sisters sharing a close bond. Kaya Thompson, a third-year dance major, said she is grateful to be surrounded by the Diamonds’ sisterhood. Thompson and her teammates are also devoted to

The 2022-2023 Diamonds perform during the halftime show on Oct. 8 during the Aztec home game against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.

Photo by Jessica Parga

Ryan Dusenbury, Nicola Recker, Hadil Salih, Morgan Burton, Joshua Zingali

Photos by Olivia Vargo, Bella Biunno, Jayden Pagsolingan

Por más de 18 años, SDSU celebra Día de Muertos para honrar la cultura mexicana La tradición es celebrada con una proyección de Disney Pixar’s ‘Coco’

por Chanel YogueZ ESCRITORA

El Día de Muertos, se celebra el 1 y 2 de noviembre anualmente en la cultura mexicana para conmemorar a los fieles difuntos.

El departamento de periodismo en la Universidad Estatal de San Diego fue anfitrión de la proyección de la película de Disney Pixar “Coco” en honor a la celebración del Día de Muertos, el pasado 26 de octubre en el salón de eventos Montezuma.

El evento contó con la participación del Mariachi Dinastía, el Ballet Folklórico Xochipilli de SDSU, asociaciones de estudiantes, y la participación especial del

orador invitado Herbert Sigüenza, quien es la voz de los tíos gemelos (Tío Oscar & Tío Felipe) de Miguel en la película “Coco” y consultante cultural de la misma película, la cual relata la tradición cultural del Día de Muertos en México.

“Es un honor ser parte de la película, porque yo creo que ellos (las personas involucradas en “Coco”) lo entendieron bien, lo hicieron bien”, dijo Sigüenza.

Abigaíl Segoviano, estudiante de periodismo en su primer año, cree que eventos como este, ayudan a los estudiantes a conocer como es la celebración del Día de Muertos.

“Mi familia nunca celebra el Día de Muertos. Yo quise venir acá para ver lo que hace aquí SDSU en el Día de Muertos”,

Opinión: SDSU debe de honrar a Moctezuma de una forma con calidad

Para respetar su legado, empezemos ausar su nombre correctamente

dijo Segoviano.

La Universidad Estatal de San Diego ha celebrado el Día de Muertos durante más de dieciocho años en conjunto con el Departamento de Estudios Chicanos/ Chicanas y el Centro de Recursos Latinx.

Kristen Mauricio, estudiante de posgrado en SDSU, en el programa de estudios de medios y comunicación masiva, cree que es importante hacer sentir a cada estudiante inclusivo y visto por los demás.

“Estaba realmente interesado en cómo SDSU celebra las diferentes culturas, ver cómo lo aprecian y cómo involucran a los estudiantes”, dijo Mauricio. “Creo que es importante hacer que cada estudiante se sienta incluido y que todos se sientan

siglos enteros.

Dentro de este proceso de reconocimiento histórico un paso muy importante es continuar creando conciencia para así amplificar las voces e historias de aquellos que fueron y siguen siendo silenciados. Por lo tanto, tenemos que reconocer que el nombramiento erróneo de Montezuma que aparentaba ser un detalle mínimo y el cual ha sido permitido desde 1937 por SDSU, ahora va en contra de esa misma búsqueda de justicia hacia los pueblos prehispánicos y personas indígenas cuya memoria fue borrada de los libros de historia.

vistos, especialmente para aquellos que son minoría”.

Al acudir al círculo de proyección, Mauricio obtuvo una mejor perspectiva de la cultura mexicana y de sus tradiciones, en especial el cómo se celebra el Día de Muertos.

“Siento que obtuve una mejor percepción de las diferentes culturas, especialmente en esta”, dijo Mauricio.

La Universidad Estatal de San Diego llevará a cabo más eventos y actividades en celebración del 50 aniversario de la fundación de estudios Chicanos y Chicanas en SDSU.

Para más información acerca de estos eventos y actividades, puede visitar el sitio web de SDSU Library.

tales como Clark.

por Juan Zubia ESCRITOR

Actualmente, en la etapa de desarrollo dentro de la cual nos encontramos en nuestra evolución social, gran parte de nuestras acciones han y siguen siendo dirigidas al trato justo de cada ser humano. De igual manera, los mismos esfuerzos han sido aplicados para intentar corregir los miles de horribles actos que han sido perpetrados en posterioridad, ya sea si fueran en nombre de uno u otro dios, gobierno, o reinado como es el caso de Moctezuma. Recientemente, se han comenzado varios procesos para reconocer la extensa historia que ya existía aquí antes de que las innumerables masacres y epidemias

devastaran a la población del continente americano desde 1492. El propósito de este proceso es mostrar cómo el modelo euro-colonial de nombramiento pretendía borrar sistemáticamente la conexión a tales sitios sagrados y antiguos que unían a la gente indígena de las tierras. El hecho de reconocer que es sobre tierra Kumeyaay donde San Diego State University se encuentra localizada busca el mismo propósito.

De igual manera, cuando los españoles conquistaban un área, destruían sus templos y forzaban a aquellos conquistados a construir una catedral en el mismo sitio, profanando así los lugares ancestrales de adoración, mientras buscaban borrar la conexión de tales pueblos a sitios que habían sido venerados como sagrados por

En vez de investigar propiamente el legado y nombre correcto del monarca Azteca que nos representa como escuela, es evidente que aquellos encargados de planear tal imagen solo decidieron hacerlo pensando en las posibilidades de mercadotecnia detrás de tal tema. Por el simple hecho de no considerar el significado histórico de Moctezuma II, hasta hoy en día se le continúa faltando el respeto a una de las últimas civilizaciones Mesoamericanas—lo cual finalmente solo muestra el desdeño implícito hacia el resto de las poblaciones americanas prehispánicas de parte del modelo anglocéntrico que ha dominado los últimos siglos.

Por ejemplo, el origen del uso de “Montezuma” como antropónimo se le atribuye al Dr. Peter Clark, un médico de Nueva York, el cual en 1806 bautizó su casa así, pensando que este era el nombre correcto del emperador; este nuevo asentamiento ayudó a desarrollar un poblado que creció y eventualmente se convirtió en un condado homónimo a la casona.

Para añadir a la cruel ironía, este asentamiento se estableció en territorio de la tribu Cayuga, quienes vivieron en comunión con la naturaleza a las orillas del río Séneca hasta principios del siglo XIX y fueron despojados de sus tierras nativas por pobladores angloamericanos

Este nombre fue usado de nuevo en la década de 1860, cuando exploradores europeos y angloamericanos descubrieron en el norte de Arizona los impresionantes restos arqueológicos de un sistema de vivienda excavada en la cara de un acantilado, el cual ellos decidieron llamar el “castillo de Montezuma”. Aunque tales residencias no habían sido construidas ni siquiera visitadas por emisarios aztecas, la ignorancia de tales mineros y exploradores—así como la del público norteamericano en general—consiguió popularizar el nombre del sitio al igual que el uso del nombre incorrecto de Moctezuma.

El efecto negativo que el uso incorrecto de un nombre puede tener se ve reflejado claramente en este mismo ejemplo ya que gracias a la ignorancia popular, esta joya arqueológica fue incorrectamente atribuida a los Aztecas por muchos años, mientras antiguas civilizaciones norteamericanas como los Sinagua—los verdaderos arquitectos de esta y muchas otras villas en acantilados a través de Arizona—fueron eliminados de los libros de historia.

De no ser por el proceso de reconciliación histórica que ha ocurrido en las últimas décadas, no se continuaría investigando y otorgando el respeto que se le debe a aquellas poblaciones que en verdad habitaron la tierra donde nos encontramos hoy en día. Por lo tanto, podemos observar que continuar usando el nombre incorrecto de Moctezuma es una manera en que SDSU participa en esta cultura de obliteración histórica.

En vez de tratar de solidificar la identidad Azteca de nuestra alma mater a través de acciones mundanas como incluir platillos aztecas en el menú durante juegos de fútbol, SDSU debe ser quien esté a la vanguardia de honrar a nuestro espíritu líder de una forma con verdadera calidad, comenzando con corregir su nombre para así realmente honrar su legado.

Foto por Owen Ekstrom

Escultura de Moctezuma que se encuentra dentro de San Diego State University.

Foto por Brittany Cruz-Fejeran

El Ballet Folklorico Xochipilli de San Diego State University en el JMS Screening Circle.

Foto por Chanel Yoguez

Las decoraciones en en el JMS Screening Circle.

“

“Creo que es importante hacer que cada estudiante se sienta incluido y que todos se sientan vistos”.

– Kristen Mauricio

Student Filipinx Leaders: Photo Essay

By Jessica Parga | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Last month, I interviewed and photographed nine Filipnx student leaders at San Diego State University in eight days. I drove down to parks in Chula Vista, walked the coastline to Seaport and sat in the sand in Mission Beach, all for the perfect portrait. We talked about their childhoods, their families, their experiences growing into the leaders that they are today. The importance of representation was repeated often and they were excited to be the role models they didn’t have as young adults.

Giannela Gonzales is a 24-year-old graduate student enrolled in the teaching credential program for elementary education at SDSU. She was born in the Philippines and moved to San Diego when she was 10 years old. Gonzales grew up next to Breen Park, the very place we met to discuss her experiences.

Her style of leadership focuses on collectivism and the idea of community members bringing each other a sense of belonging and identity. Gonzales mentioned she was inspired by the impact of being a Filipinx leader had on young students. Her students are excited to relate to someone who looks like them and speaks the same language that’s spoken in their home. Gonzales said it was hard to see herself as a leader but was grateful to be perceived as one. She said she didn’t get to experience that kind of connection when she was little. Now that she’s going into leadership, she’s grateful she can bring that to the next generation.

After taking portraits and discussing her passion for teaching, she added one final statement for future leaders.

“No matter what you look like, no matter where you come from, trust that there is a leader in you and that you can also be in these spaces in the future or now,” she said.

Giannela Gonzalez

Deanna Magpali

Deanna Magpali is 20 years old going into her fourth year. She is a Psychology major with a double minor in Counseling and Social Change as well as Child and Family Development. She lived in several places growing up in a military family, spending significant time in Japan, Washington and California. Magpali is the vice president of internal affairs for the Asian Pacific Student Alliance. Her family inspired her to get into therapy and break the cycle of family trauma.

As a leader, she takes pride in the impact she has on others. She understands that making decisions and giving advice to others comes with great responsibility.

Magpali recalled times when Filipinx leadership felt scarce when she lived in Washington and even on campus at SDSU.

“I didn’t really have that same representation…I found myself looking for that,” she said. “And so when I couldn’t find it, I just decided to be that myself.”

Caili Anderson is a fourth year student studying Political Science and is applying to law schools. Anderson’s leadership roles include being a mentor at the Black Resource center and the vice president of the Black Prelaw Association. She asked if we could meet at the beach to take her portraits. She didn’t hesitate to take off her shoes and feel the sand on her feet. She looked like she enjoyed every second of being there.

To her, being a leader is about advocating for one’s community and not being afraid to do what’s necessary, even though it might not be the most popular option.

The 21-year-old expressed the significance of Filipinx leadership as it relates to representation.

“As an underrepresented group, it is very important because we are a minority on campus and just with our history and being oppressed, it really is important to have leaders in our community to just uplift Filipinx voices and… share the importance of our history and our culture”.

Caili Anderson

Elias Malachi Enguancho is a fourth year Mechanical Engineering major with a Biological Engineering emphasis. He’s 21 years old and said he hopes to apply to medical school after he graduates from SDSU. Malachi Enguancho held several notable leadership roles over the years including being a peer advisor in the College of Engineering, the Academic Coordinator of the Asian Pacific Student Alliance, and serving on the board for Engineers Without Borders. He said that his Myers Briggs Personality Test accurately deemed him an Advocate.

“I have a lot of intersectionalities with my identities, being Filipino and transgender and just growing up relatively spiritual. So where I’m from, I didn’t see a lot of people who were like me,” he said. “It was a majority white area, being in Temecula. That kind of just got me to want to spread advocacy and be representative of people who can relate to me.”

When asked about the importance of Filipinx leadership, Malachi Enguancho said in the United States, Filipinos occupy many labor intensive occupations but less management roles. “Filipino leadership representation shows that our people are capable of also being managers, not just managed,” he said. “As a, hopefully, future physician, I want to show minority groups — Filipinos and the LGBTQ+ especially — that they too can lead if that’s what they want.”

Elias Malachi Enguancho

EDITOR: Brittany Cruz-Fejeran photo

“No matter what you look like, no matter where you come from, trust that there is a leader in you.”

- Giannela Gonzales