The Daily Aztec 2/15/23

SDSU proposes new out-ofstate and international fee

BY GABRIEL SCHNEIDER AND CHRISTIAN HOUSER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND NEWS EDITOR

SDSU has proposed a new fee that will require incoming out-of-state and international students to pay $1500 more per semester by the end of 2025.

Money from the fee will be allocated to four different categories: Research and Infrastructure, Academic Support, Financial Aid and the CSU Chancellor’s Office.

If implemented, the fee would begin in the fall of 2023 at a starting rate of $500 and would increase by that amount over the next three academic years.

President Adela de la Torre decided to use an alternative consultation process for the fee, which collects suggestions from those who watch the required presentation. This information is then given to the Campus Fee Advisory Committee, to assist in the decision making with de la Torre. This is different from referendum, which provides an opportunity for students to vote either yes or no similar to a ballot proposition.

This is the third time since 2019 an alternative consultation has occurred. One proposal was accepted while the other was declined.

Maja Sundqvist, an international student studying child family

What happened to the rowing team?

Former rower talks about the cut of the SDSU rowing team and how it affected her overall college experience.

BY DANIELLE KENALEY CONTRIBUTOR

Each morning of first-year began on the water, soon before the sun crept over the ocean’s tide and long before many opened their eyes to see the sunlight. Maddie Scherr, a former member of the San Diego State women’s rowing team, worked her muscles to fatigue as water splashed from every direction.

Right when it seemed as though her efforts were finally starting to pay off, the sun decided to set on her dream instead of the bay around her.

“We’re sorry, we’re going to have to cut the women’s rowing team.”

Black Resource Center turns 5 years old this month

Students hope to see the center expand further over the next five years

BY CHRISTIAN HOUSER NEWS EDITOR

The Black Resource Center at San Diego State University is celebrating its fifth birthday on Feb. 28.

Since its establishment, the Black Resource Center has strived to “promote Black Excellence and to provide a safe and welcoming environment where students, staff, and faculty of the African Diaspora can congregate, collaborate, and cultivate a unified community,” according to the center’s mission statement.

For students at the Black Resource Center, the community at SDSU has provided them with “a home away from home.”

Joy Moore, senior interdisciplinary studies major and academic coach for the Black Resource Center, has been active at the center since 2019, just one year after its inception. Moore said she has seen the growth and evolution of the center and how it has transformed from a smaller center to one that has a large impact.

“(The Black Resource Center) just started as a little center but now we’ve put on all these big programs for students to come get to know what

These were the appalling words of the university’s athletic directors who decided to cut women’s rowing because of gender equity compliance in 2021, Scherr’s freshman year of college.

Under Title IX, universities are required to add or cut sports teams in order to keep female and male athletes at adequate levels. In the case of SDSU, there were too many female athletes in comparison to the overall undergraduate enrollment, and the school had to cut the female rowing program to create athletic balance.

Scherr was utterly shocked.

“I did not think that was going to happen so I was just in shock and speechless.” Scherr said. “More so,

SDSU has to offer them,” Moore said.

Some students say the growth of the Black Resource Center has allowed them to grow as individuals.

Education graduate student Monique Holbert said the welcoming nature of the Black Resource Center has allowed her to prosper at SDSU.

“I feel like I’ve developed here as a professional and as a student, and I have the BRC to thank for it honestly,” Holbert said.

During Black History Month, the Black Resource Center has put on multiple events every week to promote this year’s theme of “Black Resistance” to oppression. Some of the events include film showings, art galleries, guest speakers and more.

Sophomore accounting major Leilani Anderson said the Black Resource Center is a necessity on a campus that is a predominately white institute.

“The BRC is all about just providing a safe space for Black people, and making them feel as at home as they could possibly be,” Anderson said.

Those involved at the Black Resource Center are excited for the future and what they can accomplish in the next five years of the center’s time at SDSU.

Moore, Holbert and Anderson all want to see the center grow and have a bigger outreach.

“Expand, expand beyond this little house. Go out not only in the black community of SDSU but the black community of San Diego,” Moore said. “So we can inspire children who might not have college on their mind.”

The students at the Black Resource Center feel the center is more than just a cultural center but a “special” place where they can make friends and make memories for years to come.

“The BRC is turnt up. When I go to the BRC it’s always good vibes,” Anderson said. “If I’m having a bad day I’ll go there and know that there’s someone to put a smile on my face.”

Bad Bunny performs at Petco Park during his World’s Hottest Tour on September 19, 2022.

Photo by Noelani Sapla

Students paint at the Black Resource Center while engaging in converstions about their experiene as Black individuals during ‘Paint Talks’ on Thursday, February 9.

Photo by Christian Houser

My.SDSU causes struggles

Students and staff alike have run into

many complications and annoyances because of the switch to My.SDSU

BY CORINNE DAVIDSON STAFF WRITER

During the fall 2022 semester, San Diego State University transitioned from WebPortal to my.SDSU, an online portal designed to aid students with admission, tuition and grades.

The university has continued its use of my.SDSU since the start of the 2023 spring semester, and since the switch, students and staff alike said they have run into a plethora of problems.

Selena Dao, a junior integrated marketing communications major, is displeased with the navigational ability of my.SDSU.

“Coming in, WebPortal was all I knew and even from the start, it was really easy to get the hang of. A couple clicks and you saw what you needed,” Dao said. “The formatting of (my.SDSU) is weird, and there are a lot more steps for me to take when looking for something specific.”

Davin Hargrett, a sophomore dance major, had less trouble navigating my.SDSU, but questions why the university made this change as he believed WebPortal was perfectly fine.

“(my.SDSU) is not that hard to figure out. It was just very annoying because it was something that just got sprung upon us,” Hargrett said.

Hargrett said he felt lost when my.SDSU was initially implemented and thought there were not enough resources to help navigate through the online portal.

On WebPortal, students were able

third-party websites and apps.

On top of that, my.SDSU’s formatting and layout is confusing to students, and with minimal training, individuals such as Hagrett, feel they are going into the system blind.

Sophomore criminal justice and international security and conflict resolution major, Manny Carrillo, cites complications with the portal’s layout.

“I didn’t learn that a course had prerequisites until it was my registration date. I blame it on my.SDSU’s navigation system,” Carrillo said. “Also, there is no

SDSU wins backto-back CSU-wide Biotech Award

San

Diego

State

University biology professors win the Faculty Research Award for the second year in a row for their innovations

BY HANNAH LY STAFF WRITER

Competing against the faculties of 22 other universities in the California State University system, a San Diego State University professor was chosen for the CSU-wide Faculty Research Award, marking two consecutive years an SDSU professor had won the award.

The Faculty Research Award is given by the CSU Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology (CSUPERB). Out of the hundreds of faculty members working within the CSU system, one is selected as the winner for their innovations in biotechnology.

This year, Jeffrey Gustafson, an organic chemistry professor and chemical biologist, was awarded for his research and design of molecules that can combat cancer-causing proteins.

Gustafson said his work is still in the early phases of drug discovery, but he hopes it will eventually be used in targeted cancer therapy.

In 2022, biology professor and

microbiologist Marina Kalyuzhnaya won the Faculty Research Award with her research in methanebased biotechnology. In her studies, Kalyuzhnaya discovered ways to utilize methane-eating bacteria to convert greenhouse gasses into renewable energy.

Chair of Biology, Richard Cripps, is familiar with both professors and believes the past two awards have

week of classes,” said Blaine Malcolm, a professor of rhetoric and writing studies. “Without a waitlist, once a spot opens up, I receive 10 plus emails from students asking for a permission number to add the course. It then becomes a headache trying to figure out who needs it more than someone else.”

With WebPortal, students had the security of knowing their position on the waitlist, but now they have to just hope they are fortunate enough to get the class.

Malcolm further explained that when the semester started, some

been well-deserved.

“It’s a great recognition of the fantastic work that our faculty do here, but it’s also a reflection of the long-term commitment that SDSU has made to generate outstanding research programs,” Cripps said. “It’s been this historical effort, probably over the last 30 plus years, where SDSU made a conscious effort to push to have a higher level of research forth.”

Gustafson’s work, as well as the other research at SDSU, has been largely self-supported through research grants and funding from organizations, such as the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

According to Gustafson, the NIH is the currency in the realm of academia and the most important research funding agency in the country. This year, Gustafson’s grant portfolio hit one million dollars.

“When you compare SDSU labs who have this level of funding compared to our really excellent CSU colleagues, we’re simply going to get more research done,” Gustafson said. “The best thing we can do is continue research and increase our funding because so many of the basic discoveries that lead to new medicines are funded by the NIH.”

Kalyuzhnaya believes the success of the biology department at SDSU is largely attributed to the quality of the university’s programs and students.

Kalyuzhnaya said the contributions of graduate students at SDSU should not be overlooked.

“In biology at least, having a strong program and motivated students is critical,” Kalyuzhnaya said. “It’s not just the great faculty we have here, but we also have a graduate program that supports our faculty, and it really helps us to do high-level research here.”

hoping for improvements on campus, but after my.SDSU’s initial launch, some say it still has some issues to work through.

Dao explained that she would like to see the page that shows the finances to be better organized and display resources on the same page like WebPortal.

She also explained that she would change the color palette on the Homepage to make it match SDSU’s colors. “It’s something specifically for state students, why not make it match the school?”

Aaron Roberts was initially a premed major when he took Gustafson’s organic chemistry course, CHEM 232.

After taking his class, Roberts was inspired to switch his major to biology and is now minoring in chemistry.

Roberts, now a third-year major in biology, is working alongside Gustafson and his graduate students with chemical reactions that are in relation to cancer.

Roberts describes his decision with Gustafson as one he will never forget.

“Specifically with what stuff (Gustafson) is doing, it’s groundbreaking,” Roberts said. “A lot of the work gets me excited to think about, and it hasn’t been explored extensively in the way our team is.”

Cripps believes the Faculty Research Awards show the investment the university has made toward science and innovation as it not only supports the faculty, but it also trains students to do their research.

“The best way we can serve our students is by having top-class researchers educate them and topclass research labs where they can get hands-on experience,” Cripps said.

Gustafson, Kalyuzhnaya and Cripps have high hopes of the university winning the award again. According to them, SDSU’s academic research progress has the potential to gain national prestige if their efforts continue.

“I heartily congratulate Jeffrey and Marina for their achievements and hope we will be represented (by the CSU Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology) again very soon,” Cripps said. “There’s always a lot of great stuff going on in the department. That is what’s so exciting about being here.”

Jeffrey Gustafson, organic chemistry professor and chemical biologist at SDSU, poses for a photo in his lab on Feb. 2, 2023.

Photo by Victor Nyden

Illustration by Alexandra Dunlop

FROM THE COVER to just over $23,000 if the proposal is successful.

development, said cost of attendance was a contributing factor to her choosing SDSU over other universities in Southern California such as USC and UCLA.

Sundqvist believes the fee will negatively affect future international students’ decision making.

“It’s a lot of money,” Sundqvist said. “I think less and less (international students) will come to SDSU.”

Zelem Tuguldur, an out of state first-year studying mechanical engineering, also fears the fee will make SDSU more exclusive.

“I think that’s gonna push away some people,” Tuguldur said. “Some international students might be more wealthy than others, but there’s some students that can barely afford to study right now.”

Following the full implementation of the proposed fee, prices would be increased annually based on the Higher Education Price Index.

Based on the average HEPI increase in the last five years, students can expect around a 3% increase, according to Commonfund website.

If implemented fully, the fee would generate $16 million for the university to allocate: $4.3 million would be invested in financial aid, $6.2 million in

research and infrastructure and $5.4 million in academic support.

Tuition and fees for out-of-state and international students for a ninemonth academic year would then rise

In order to give your opinion on the matter, students must either go to an information session during one

Equitable Access costly for some, SDSU students opting out to find alternatives

The program’s use surpasses SDSU Bookstore projections, according to the university

BY DAESHA GEAR ASSISTANT EDITOR

Equitable Access is heading toward its second semester at San Diego State University after its initial launch in the fall 2022 semester.

Before the program’s release, SDSU conducted studies from recent terms that surveyed the likelihood of students acquiring their textbooks prior to the start of the semester.

“Seventy-five percent of SDSU undergraduate students waited until after the start of classes to acquire course materials. Further, (SDSU) found that 70% of students did not acquire course materials for some classes altogether,” the university said in an email statement.

Reasons for students not obtaining textbooks were attributed to the costs of textbooks or the prioritization of buying certain course materials that were affordable in other classes, according to the email.

Undergraduates are automatically enrolled in Equitable Access, beginning at $22 per credit and is applied with financial aid, unlike Immediate Access.

Camille Movafagian, a third-year double major in biology and music, is a student taking 20 credits this semester. Going into this term as a fulltime student, Movafagian found herself scrambling to find “cheaper” sources, such as Amazon, for textbooks rather than staying opted-in to Equitable Access.

“As a student who is taking a lot of units, it is a lot of money (for Equitable Access), and it is a lot cheaper to just find my books somewhere else,” Movafagian said.

Despite being around for two semesters, Movafagian and other full-time SDSU students are finding

themselves opting out of Equitable Access due to financial obligations and are searching for third-party alternatives to stay up-to-date in their spring 2023 courses.

Delena Assefa, a third-year sociology major, who is registered for 18 units, found herself, like Movafagian, opting out of Equitable Access, citing other ways to discover coursework materials through Amazon or PDFs.

Although Assefa has never opted to stay in Equitable Access, she has friends who prefer to use the program as it benefits their circumstances.

The turnout rate for student use of Equitable Access during the fall 2022 term surpasses Bookstore projections as data collected by the university states that, “70% of undergraduate students opted to stay enrolled in the program,” according to SDSU in an email statement.

Among the 70% of undergraduate students who remained enrolled in Equitable Access during the fall 2022 semester was Belen Rashidi, a firstyear sociology major who took 16 credits.

Rashidi described her experience with Equitable Access as “beneficial” as it helped her navigate through the course materials she needed as a freshman.

However, now, still taking on a fulltime status, Rashidi has opted out of the program, explaining her reason was to save more money.

Jacob Barajas, a first-year mechanical engineering major, was also enrolled in Equitable Access for the fall term. Barajas remains registered in Equitable Access for this semester.

Although content with his courses and Equitable Access, Barajas expressed slight frustration with the program.

“There’s a lot of textbooks you can get an online PDF for,” Barajas said. “And the most annoying thing about it is that whether or not your classes use textbook materials, they are still included in that unit price.”

Each student expressed different opinions regarding whether or not they would recommend Equitable Access to other undergraduates.

of the scheduled times or view the presentations at the testing center and submit feedback if unable to attend the meetings.

Barajas believes each student should analyze the program to see if it works for their budget.

Movafagian, however, suggests that students should do their due diligence when contrasting the textbook prices offered by Equitable Access and thirdparty outlets.

“I would recommend students to do their own research on their textbooks and see if it is cheaper than opting in,” Movafagian said. “But I know for most students, it is easier for them to opt-out.”

SDSU is currently collecting information surrounding the opt-out data for spring 2023.

“While we are still processing opt-out data for spring 2023, early information indicates a similar percentage of students chose to remain enrolled in Equitable Access this semester,” SDSU said in an email.

The university wants to give students a choice with the program and will continue to communicate the opt-out option to undergraduates at the beginning of the term through email, Canvas and social media.

A graph of the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) over the last five years in comparison to the Consumer Price Index measuring inflation of the prices of goods and services in the US. Source Commonfund 2022 Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) Report Released (commonfund.org).

Mom Said, ‘Eat Your Veggies’

BY ALMA DALY CONTRIBUTOR

When choosing to come to San Diego State University, I was influenced by both the beauty of San Diego and the academics of the school, but the food is what cemented my decision to come here. California is known for its assortment of food choices, as well as being an oasis of healthy foods. Back home in Colorado, the most diversity there was for me was the choice between Chick-fil-A or Wendy’s. If I wanted something a little more nutritious, Jersey Mike’s Subs was my only option.

Going to school at San Diego State, however, meant that I’d have access to the best acai bowls, fresh produce and limitless vegan options.

But, shortly after starting school, I realized this wasn’t the case at all. During my first night at SDSU, most of my dinner choices ranged from pizza to loaded fries. And worse yet, the healthy options were expensive and unappetizing. It soon became apparent that SDSU has a major problem when it comes to providing healthy food for its students. This, in turn, seriously hinders students’ health and diets.

The absence of fresh vegetables and fruits is seen all over campus, as choices strictly range from small bags of carrots to overpriced fruit cups at the Aztec Market. And

even then, as some students have reported, the $10 fruit cups are moldy and expired. Students may even try visiting the Garden, branded as a healthy restaurant, only to be met with zero selection for fruit.

On the hunt for better food options, students might try shopping at the on-campus Trader Joe’s— but they would quickly be met with more disappointment.

Despite the convenience of having a grocery store on campus, it’s unrealistic to expect every student looking for healthier alternatives to buy food from this store because the prices are expensive and college isn’t cheap. According to the Education Data Initiative, tuition costs at a public university have grown about 31% from 2010 to 2020. Along with the growing population of low-income students and insufficient financial aid, not many students have it within their budget to go grocery shopping every week.

For first-year students, Trader Joe’s is especially impractical since it isn’t on the meal plan, limiting them to what’s available at the Aztec Market. But first-year have $30 a day, and Aztec Market’s obvious overcharging of fresh produce tends to leave students picking the cheaper, usually unhealthier, food sold.

With the choice of about two cups of fruit for $9 or a big bag of chips for $3, students normally choose the cheaper option.

A study done on freshman students at a California public university found that the participants viewed nutritious options as more expensive than the less nutritious alternative, leading them to choose the least expensive options.

Physical hunger isn’t the only outcome of a deficient diet. A poor diet can lead to many long and short-term health effects, which can significantly harm students.

According to the Journal of Health Psychology, first-year students who experience food insecurity have a higher chance of experiencing depression and overwhelming stress than students not experiencing food insecurity.

Like many college students, myself and my peers have had to adjust to the “college diet,” leaving us feeling more fatigued and unhealthy than ever. But, the more we discussed breaking these habits, the more we realized we were set up for failure at San Diego State.

Knowing that a poor diet can lead to severe health problems, SDSU should be taking greater steps to prevent their students from experiencing food insecurity

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and make sure their health is a top priority. By working with vendors to bring in more produce, SDSU can increase the food variety for its students on meal plans while making sure that the produce in store is of good quality. This is just one way for SDSU to combat lack of nutritious food choices.

Lowering prices for healthier items, and prices in general would also be beneficial to students’ health.

The SDSU Dining office and Associate Director of Aztec Markets & Concessions can work with vendors to fix the inflated prices at the market. With lower prices, students no longer have to shop for whatever is cheapest and forgo food quality and their health. Instead, students can afford a well rounded breakfast, lunch,and dinner that provides nutrients and energy.

Food quality goes so much deeper than good or bad for you. Food insecurity and lack of good food is directly linked to risks of lower academic performance and mental health issues. In order for SDSU’s students to thrive, our school needs to start taking bigger steps to increase its variety of healthy food and improve its students’ meal choices so all students can succeed.

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Gabriel Schneider

MANAGING EDITOR

Xiomara Villarreal-Gerardo

NEWS EDITOR

Christian Houser

OPINION EDITOR

Katy Stegall

MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR

Fatima Lopez

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

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Flower Smith

GRAPHICS EDITOR

Alexandra Dunlop

STAFF WRITERS

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Adam Correa

Corrine Davidson

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Sam Hockaday

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Huy Huynh

Morgan Prickett

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PHOTOGRAPHERS

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CONTRIBUTORS

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Column: Bradley and Trammell’s shooting slumps give no reason for panic

BY JUSTIN COX SPORTS EDITOR

There have been a lot of positives throughout the San Diego State men’s basketball team’s season.

As of Feb. 13 the Aztecs sit atop the crowded and competitive Mountain West Conference with a record of 20-5 and rank 25th in the AP Poll. The advanced metrics like the Aztecs as well as they rank 22nd in the NET ranking and are 24th in KENPOM and have looked strong in recent games against the Mountain West’s best such as Boise State and Utah State. It appears they are primed for a strong finish to the season as the team heads into the postseason.

However in the last few weeks one issue has started to arise. According to Tron of Aztec Breakdown, (a great Twitter follow for Aztec fans) senior guards Darrion Trammell and Matt Bradley averaged a combined 18 points per game on 40.1% eFg in the games from Jan. 21 to Feb. 3. In simpler terms, the two have combined for 90 points on 96 shots— not good.

In response to the Aztec Breakdown’s tweet, Bradley tagged Trammell and tweeted, “Both proven… We hoop and care (about) the numbers later.”

No panic there.

Entering the season the two guards were expected to shoulder much of the team’s offensive load but the two have struggled to score efficiently in recent weeks. It’s clear Bradley isn’t concerned, and I’m not either.

So far, his team has given him plenty of reasons to be confident they can win regardless of his shooting slump.

In the five games from Jan. 21 to Feb. 3, the Aztecs were 4-1— the only loss was in Reno at the hands of the Nevada Wolfpack. Players such as junior guard Lamont Butler, senior guard Adam Seiko and senior forward Nathan Mensah have stepped up during their teammates’ skid to keep the Aztecs in prime position for a high seed in the NCAA tournament. The depth of the team, which national and local pundits raved about earlier this season, is proving why the Aztecs are a tough out regardless of who is scoring.

Bradley went through a similar slump to start the season. In a game versus BYU on Nov. 11, Bradley struggled going 3-16 from the field and only six points. But after the game head coach Brian Dutcher wasn’t concerned about his star player.

“I’m not worried about Matt,” Dutcher said. “Matt can score the ball. I see him at practice every day.” Unsurprisingly, Dutcher was right.

As Mountain West play began, Bradley caught fire. In a four game span he averaged 21 points per game on 50% shooting— good enough for two straight Mountain West Player of the Week awards (Jan. 2 and Jan. 10).

Another one of those streaks may be on the horizon as in a 63-61 win at Utah State on Feb. 8, Bradley carried the Aztecs scoring 18 points on 7-10 shooting. Bradley is capable of scoring with the bests scorers in college basketball. It is only a matter of time before he starts hitting shots more consistently.

For Trammell, the slump has been more severe. Through 24 games, Tranmell is shooting a career low in field goal percentage (36.5), 3-point percentage (31.3) and free throw percentage (78.7). Following a win over Boise State on Feb. 3, head coach Brian Dutcher said he thinks Trammell is frustrated with his percentages but stressed he can still contribute to winning even if his shots aren’t falling. “We have to continue to encourage him and tell him, we know you want to make shots and we want you to make shots, but your value to the team is not only about shot making,” Dutcher said. “It’s defending, pressuring the ball, and then getting your teammates involved.”

In the team’s win over Boise, Trammell did just that. Despite shooting only 2-7 from the field, he dropped a teamhigh seven assists and played strong pressure defense on the Boise playmakers.

Trammell provides plenty of value to this Aztec team even if the shot isn’t going in. It remains to be seen if he can perform at the Division I level, but my bet is on him to figure it out.

SDSU women’s lacrosse player Caitlin Jones makes 2023 comeback

After injuring her right knee and meniscus in Fall 2021, sidelining her for the whole 2022 season, Jones has recovered and is ready to compete again.

BY ADAM CORREA STAFF WRITER

In Fall of 2019, Jones tore her ACL and meniscus and did not play in Aztec women’s lacrosse’s 2020 spring season, which was shortened due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“ACL tears, they’re not very fun,” Jones said at practice on Jan. 23. “They’re kind of the worst injuries an athlete can sustain just recovery wise.”

Jones made a comeback in the 2021 spring season, played 10 games, scored 20 goals and attempted 33 shots on goal, but then another injury in the fall made things worse. She injured her right knee and meniscus and was forced to watch and cheer for her teammates on the sidelines for the 2022 spring season.

“It’s mentally draining,” Jones said about her injuries. “Watching your teammates play while you’re stuck in rehab or something, you can’t even run. The good thing about my injuries is they both happened in the Fall, so I had that whole year to recover and rest.”

Now she is back practicing with the team but her two surgeries over the past three years have slowed her down. It takes a little bit longer to warm up, but Jones feels great to finally be back on the field.

“I definitely have my days where I’m in my head a little bit about my knees and some days are harder than others,” Jones said. “Every day it does

get better, and I notice myself thinking about my knees less and less and that takes a lot of weight off of me playing.”

Head coach Kylee White said at practice on Jan. 23 that having Jones back, one of their “Unsung heroes that just does everything,” is an amazing feeling.

“(She) just never stops working hard for her teammates, great communicator,” White said. “And so passionate about lacrosse and I think getting her back on the field just brings a level up of everyone.”

Jones made a full comeback to competitive lacrosse play in 2023 which started on Feb. 4 in an exhibition match against the Claremont Mudd-Scripps Athenas.

She started the game and looked like she was never gone to begin with. Her injuries that she recovered from did not seem to have an effect on her play.

Jones was fast, handled the ball well, netted in two of her three shots on goal and picked up one ground ball.

The Aztecs went on to dominate the Athenas 21-7 and Jones said postgame that she felt super good to be back on the field.

“It was really fun,” Jones said. “It was just nice to have an opportunity to play with everybody.”

Coach White said after the 21-7 win she was excited to see Jones back on the field because she is the type of player that does not give up and who is a key returner that you need this season.

“She’s a spark. She’s just one that is a relentless hustler,” White said. “I think for her friends and teammates seeing her back on the field gives them such joy because they know how much she cares and how hard she has worked to get back to this moment.”

In the team’s first regular season game at #16 Notre Dame on Feb. 10, Jones struggled to get a shot on goal as she finished with zero.

However, she had three of the Aztecs’ four draw controls which helped lead to offensive possession and goal-scoring opportunities.

In the end, ranked Notre Dame was too hot to handle and they dominated SDSU 182.

The Aztecs’ next game at Marquette was no different for Jones, unfortunately. She did not register a shot and only picked up one ground ball and draw control. The Aztecs lost to Marquette 20-13.

The Carlsbad Native is working back into rhythm and will have a chance to bury her first goal of the season against the Ohio State Buckeyes at home on Feb.17.

Jones dodges her way towards the goal as a defender attempts to stop her.

Photo by Victor Nyden

Aztec basketball players reflect on their impact as African Americans

From Jo Jo Moss to Kawhi Leonard, Black athletes have the ability to inspire the future

BY JAYDEN HANZY AND MORGAN PRICKETT STAFF WRITER AND SPORTS EDITOR

Since the arrival of the first AfricanAmerican athlete at San Diego State University in the 1930s, Robert C. “Jo Jo” Moss, Black alumni and Black athletes have made a remarkable impact on the culture of SDSU.

17 years prior, Henrietta Goodwin began the long line of African-American history at SDSU when she became the first to graduate from the institution on Jan. 30, 1913.

At a school with under a five percent African-American student population as of 2020, it is important to highlight the achievements of Black students along with Black student athletes during the annual celebration of Black History Month.

“Being a Black student athlete is so much more than being limited to my physical abilities,” sophomore point guard Asia Avinger said. “I am placed on a platform and have the opportunity to show the importance of embracing the background and culture I come from.”

With alumni such as Kawhi Leonard, Marshall Faulk, Keishsha Garnes, and Herman Edwards, SDSU is no stranger to impactful Black athletes. These athletes have contributed to much of the success of the SDSU athletic department as well as instilling Black culture within the school’s history.

“Former African-American alumni such as Kawhi Leonard have set a great precedent for Black athletes and students today. We are a product

I was just like, ‘Wow, now my next four years here are not at all going to be how I thought they were going to play out. Everything is going to be so different now.’”

The cut not only affected Scherr, but the lives of her family as well.

“I remember walking up the stairs to my parents room, and being like, ‘So they just cut the rowing team,’” she said. “They were so pissed off. Personally, I wasn’t really mad, I was more just sad, and all of my friends were sobbing their eyes out. It was sad to see.”

As someone who had participated in rowing since her first year of high school, this news was extremely hard for Scherr to fathom.

“Rowing had such an impact on me from the beginning,” she said. “It was like my second home. I spent so much time there and got so close with the people, so I wanted to keep doing it in college.”

Scherr explained her short-lived rowing experience as an SDSU athlete, was still stored deep in her college memories.

“Coming to San Diego was awesome because I was going out on Mission Bay every morning at 6 a.m.” Scherr said. “I got to watch the sunrise with all of my teammates who also lived in the University Towers dorms with me. So, I got really close to these girls, and I really liked that aspect of it.”

Many of the upperclassmen were affected by the cut as well, as they attempted to reverse the discontinuation of the female rowing team.

“The seniors were trying to protest and fight the athletic directors,” Scherr

of their great accomplishments as we have examples and models to follow,” junior point guard Lamont Butler said. “Our job now is to continue to encourage and motivate those of the black community that will come after us.”

With the example in which former African-American athletes have set both playing their sports and within the SDSU community, current Aztecs envy the opportunity to expand on their impact.

“As a Black athlete at SDSU, I want my impact to inspire younger generations to constantly achieve success and learn to better themselves in all aspects of life,” Butler said.

“I hope to impact future generations both on and off the court by using my voice to acknowledge how beautiful and powerful Black excellence is,” Avinger said. “We have to continue to celebrate the achievements and abilities we have for the generations before us who were limited and had that taken away from them due to racism and oppression. It’s all about celebrating and loving one another while accomplishing the dreams we strive for, and doing our part to create change for the future generations.”

The impact of black student athletes is an important aspect of SDSU’s history that should be celebrated throughout each year, not only during the month of February.

said. “Then, we tried to get together a club team for the athletes, but that didn’t really end up working out because club teams are just really hard to coordinate and everything. Also, rowing is a really expensive sport, so we would’ve had to raise a lot of money.”

The university did give the team the opportunity to finish out the year but Scherr said many of her teammates lost the motivation to row knowing there was no future for the team.

“A lot of people quit because they were like, ‘We’re not happy that we’re not having a season, like I’m done,’” she said. “And also, rowing’s a really hard sport, like if you’re not super into it, and if it’s not even a thing anymore, you’re out of there.”

Scherr did see the light in the unwinding season though, as she was able to find her true friends in the process.

“We really got to see who stuck with it,” she said. “A lot of people quit, but me and my friends stayed until the very end, and that’s what made us so close. Everyone was like, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore’, and we were like ‘Why? It’s so fun, we get to just mess around and do what we love.’”

When rowing came to an end, Scherr used this opportunity to branch out and further explore SDSU, joining the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

“I really didn’t know anyone that was not an athlete,” she said. “I was like, ‘Okay, I want more of a social scene for my next year.’ So now it’s great, I really get the best of both worlds. I now live with three GPhis, three of my old rowing teammates, and then one girl on the water polo team— so I really got to mix everyone in.”

Another former SDSU rowing

athlete, Olivia Petrine, described her lasting relationship with her current roommate, emphasizing how their shared rowing experience truly did bring them closer.

“Maddie was a great teammate to have,” Petrine said. “She was a hard worker, and she ended up racing in the top boat. She was really fast and put in the hours, but she was also really fun and positive to be around. We were there until the end together.”

Even after the unfortunate end to her rowing lifestyle, Scherr still exudes positivity. She chooses to focus on the valuable experiences that the San Diego State athletics department brought to her.

“It was nice in the end, we got to keep our scholarship and our priority registration, and all of the perks we get,” she said. “They’re like ‘Sorry

about cutting the team, but you can keep all of that fun stuff.’”

In all, Scherr couldn’t be more thankful for her short-lived experience with the rowing team and continues to shed light on a situation that many would choose to dwell on.

“I’m so glad I did it because during Covid, if I was doing college without this setup schedule, I would probably not be doing anything” Scherr said. “I would have gotten so lazy. Because of rowing, I started my day every morning at 8 a.m., which was really nice. Like, I had already worked out, I had already showered, I had already eaten and I had this whole day still to go and try to be productive. It was honestly really good for me, and I’m so thankful for that.”

Graphic by Gabe Scodeller

Photo courtesy of Madison Scherr

Unbuttoning the White Collars

The White Collars share how they went from quarantine to the music scene

BY SAM HOCKADAY STAFF WRITER

Quarantine left many people with very little opportunity to do much of anything. When faced with the soulsucking boredom of isolation, three friends from Point Loma High School decided to take the opportunity to start a band. Those three friends-- Cameron Powers, Neil Kuhn and Ben Freeman formed a rock band called “The White Collars,” and that decision marked one of the rare victories to come out of those months in quarantine.

“We wanted to do something so we put a lot of work in,” Powers said. “We got to the point where we were practicing two times a week, so we were very productive.”

“I don’t like the school aspect, but everything else is fun,” Powers said. “We’ve met a lot of people and Aztec Music Group has been cool.”

Aztec Music Group (AMG) is a recognized student organization at San Diego State University that provides opportunities to people who are interested in breaking into the music industry. AMG organizes house shows and other musical events around SDSU and the greater San Diego area, and has enabled The White Collars to get a fair amount of time on stage.

“So far we’ve got to play a lot of gigs,” Kuhn said. “A lot more than we realized. It’s almost like we’re meant to be up there.”

The White Collars’ association

Why you don’t have a boo...

BY ARIANA MARDANI STAFF WRITER

Libra

You are known for your flirtatious side, so relationships aren’t your usual thing. You aren’t the kind to stick to just one, when you could have multiple, and if anyone could get everyone, it’s you Libra. Labels are too binding for you, that’s why you stick to situationships, they’re fun and flirty, just like you.

Taurus

Oh Tuarus, why are you so stubborn? Instead of a partner, you have “the one that got away.” You have a your way or the highway mentality, and because of that you’ve pushed away the one who has shown you everything you needed and more, all because you couldn’t compromise. Piece of advice, they are the one for you, now go and get ‘em.

Gemini

None of us really know what you’re doing, Gemini,. You don’t want a relationship… but you want one? Make it make sense. Listen, enough is enough, you can’t have both, just decide. Stop getting scared anytime a good opportunity comes your way. Don’t try and search for the cons in that person and instead look at the pros, there’s no such thing as perfect.

with AMG also helped them find a fill-in drummer after their original drummer Adam Brown left the band to pursue other interests. They met their new drummer Ian Kearns through Zen Yokel, the president of AMG. In addition to drumming for The White Collars, Kearns is the lead singer of Lucky and the Cosmos, another local San Diego band.

At the heart of The White Collars is a strong friendship, which encourages them to cooperate with one another. Together, their collaborative process ensures that their band is never defined by just one sound.

“I feel like our vibe stays the same, but when I look at albums of other artists, a lot of songs are very similar,” Kuhn said. “For us, we do have creative differences, and if we argue it just means we care.”

Those “creative differences” are exactly what make The White Collars special--each member brings their own perspective to the table, as they each come from separate musical backgrounds.

For Powers, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were a monumental inspiration.

“I can’t get enough of (The Red Hot Chili Peppers),” Powers said. “I have a tattoo and everything I wear is Chili Peppers. And it’s not just their music, but seeing videos of them, just how much fun they have - I just wanna

be like that. Have a good time while doing something good for the world.”

Kuhn was also influenced by the California rock scene of the 80s’ and 90s’, but leaned farther toward the pop punk movement of the era. “When I first got into rock music, (I listened to) Green Day and Blink-182,” Kuhn said. “I didn’t play any instruments or anything, and then I was like, ‘How cool would it be if I could play a guitar or whatever?’ And then I picked up guitar halfway through Freshman year of high school.”

For Freeman on the other hand, joining a band came before he really developed an interest in music. His first band wasn’t a rock band, however-- it was his school’s band.

“I joined band one year, and the teacher was like, ‘You’re gonna play trombone since you’re tall and you look like you’re able to,” freeman said. “So I loved it from there…it became my passion. That’s something that I found out that I never would have had I not taken band in middle school. So kids, take band. It’s worth it, you never know what’ll happen.”

The White Collars have a passion for what they do, and they have the drive to get to where they want to be, which, according to Kuhn, is nothing short of “the top.”

“We really wanna make it big, because it would be nice to do it for a living,” Powers said. “(Music) is what we love to do. We like working together, we wanna be lifelong friends, and music is just something that we all love, so it would be great to make a living off of it and be able to travel the world and stuff, doing what we love.”

The White Collars have gained a lot of momentum this year and they show no signs of stopping.

Aries

If you looked up the definition of hotheaded, Aeries would be the first thing to pop up. Can we just stop being angry for one second now? You aren’t in a relationship because people test your patience way too often, causing that fury, which you refer to as fiery passion, to seep out like a pot of boiling water that’s been left on the stove for way too long. Let’s try to work on your composure.

Leo

Leo, in all honesty, you aren’t in a relationship because you have the worst game. If you were in a room full of the cutest people to ever exist, you’d leave alone. Hey, no one said this was going to be nice. Just look at it this way, if you want someone, go get them. You’re cool, funny, intelligent, and not to mention good-looking. Show that someone you’ve been eyeing what they’re really missing out on. Stop seeing it as you wanting them, they want YOU.

Sagittarius

Why are you not cuffed Sag? Hmm… maybe it’s because you think no one is good enough for you. Contrary to what was written for Leo, you need to work on your humility. The second you see that special someone mess up, you assume they can’t be a good match for you. Just remind yourself we are all human and we all make mistakes, including yourself.

Ben Freeman, Cameron Powers, and Niel Kuhn pose for a photo at Huaxyacac Hall Nov. 19 2022. Photo by Sam Hockaday

Capricorn

Dearest Capricorn, you are a delight to be around, that is why your friends adore you! This Valentine’s Day, maybe plan for a “Galentine’s’’ (or Guylentine’s) party instead of the usual romantic candle lit blah..blah..blah. Why not invite everyone over for some sweet snacks and rom-coms?

Aquarius

Aquarius, let’s keep this simple. You are not the relationship kind. Ya it would be nice, but maybe this is not for you, and especially not right now. You are too busy for all of that and would rather just enjoy the holiday staying in finishing homework, while poking fun at the romantic movie you put on just to take up background noise while indulging in a box of chocolates all to yourself!

Scorpio

You Scorpio, are one emotional sign. You love this holiday no matter how hard you try not to display just that. You love love and want to spend every second of February with that special someone. This Valentine’s Day will be amazing, but if it isn’t, try not to get so upset. There’s always next year.

Arts & Culture

Celebrating Lunar New Year from east to west

Lunar New Year’s cultural impact in the west has finally been recognized in California, with San Diego being ahead of the curb

BY HUY HUYNH STAFF WRITER

With Governor Gavin Newsom signing Assembly Bill 2596, Lunar New Year is now an official holiday in California. By recognizing it as a state holiday, Newsom acknowledges the diversity and cultural significance Asian Americans bring to California, as well as an opportunity for all Californians to participate in the significance of the Lunar New Year.

Similar to the universally recognized new year celebration based on the Gregorian calendar, this lunisolar calender-based holiday promotes a fresh start. However, the main differentiation involves its length of 15-days, as well as the gifting of what is called “lucky money” being handed out to children or younger unmarried

relatives.

Fourth-year mechanical engineering student and Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Center member Xavier Major is reluctant to be excited for the holiday’s recognition.

“It’s kind of an ‘about time’ kind of thing,” said Major. “It’s great for people to stay connected in their culture, while also participating in American society and allowing them to coexist.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Asian-Americans make up around 17% of California’s population when factoring in those with partial Asian ancestry, which aligns with San Diego’s Asian population of also around 17%.

San Diego has always been a hotspot for the holiday’s festivities, with a variety of different areas of the city planning for the Year of the Rabbit (or cat if celebrating in Vietnamese culture), including Mira Mesa, Balboa Park, and downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter. Specifically, Mira Mesa held their annual Tết festival, which celebrates the holiday from the Vietnamese perspective, with its most notable difference shown in the Vietnamese Zodiac where the rabbit is replaced with a cat.

At San Diego State University, the APIDA Center honored Luna New Year by hosting a lion dance performance on Jan 23., as well as giving a presentation on the significance of dumplings in Asian culture on Feb 5.

During a post-presentation speech at the dumpling event, Virginia LohHagan, director of the APIDA Center, emphasized the significance of truly understanding the meaning behind the holiday rather than just celebrating out of habit.

Along with her role as the APIDA director, Loh-Hagan is a writer of over 400 children’s books, such as Nian, The Chinese New Year Dragon, and PoPo’s Lucky Chinese New Year, making her one of the premier voices in the APIDA community not only on campus but also in San Diego.

Loh-Hagan gave her perspective on the Lunar New Year holiday in the APIDA community.

“Lunar New Year is the most festive and important holiday for many East Asian, Southeast Asian and APIDA communities,” said Loh-Hagan. “It is a time of new beginnings and reunions. Family and community are at the heart of this holiday.”

Cancer

Oh Cancer, hard on the outside and soft on the inside, just like the crab that represents your sign. Save your tears this Valentine’s Day and replace them with joy. No need to wallow over a broken relationship when you could be spending this holiday with the company of your friends…and maybe a couple of drinks too.

Pisces

Pisces, you love to critique things. This Valentine’s Day you’ll spontaneously make plans with your significant other, keeping casual, just the way you like. But you’ll make sure within those plans hold time to scroll through social media, deciding who celebrated their Valentine’s Day the best.

Virgo

Everyone says you’re independent, but Virgo, you may just need someone. You like the idea of Valentine’s Day and want to be with someone who is just as excited about it as you are. Maybe you’re going to plan everything, per usual, and will expect absolute praise from the one that means the most to you.

The Year of the Rabbit (or Cat in Vietnamese culture), is described by the zodiac as a year of longevity, peace, and prosperity. With this holiday being significantly recognized, the predictions of the new year align with the hope that is expected for upcoming prospects.

Four performers from Lucky Lion Dancers take the stage at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union to celebrate Lunar New Year.

Photo by Isabella Biunno

Angela Subido stands elated next to a dragon costume at the celebration. Photo by Isabella Biunno

Celebrating Martin Luther King almost 60 years after his visit to San Diego State

Students honor Rev. King’s compelling message after his historic address at SDSU

BY KAITLYN DONIVAN STAFF WRITER

On May 29, 1964, the Open-Air Theatre at San Diego State University overflowed with curiosity that would eventually spark immense change. Students pooled in, wishing to learn more about a peaceful revolution that lives in infamy.

On this day, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. stepped onto campus and delivered a historic address that echoed the spirit of academia upheld by SDSU’s students and faculty. His eloquent and educated speech called for peace, equality and action.

Presently, SDSU students took the initiative to honor and carry out the lesson Rev. King taught. Shawki Moore, SDSU’s Associated Students President, spoke about Rev. King’s legacy.

“He is one of the most influential icons that we (the Black community) have, said Moore”

To further honor him, many attended the 41st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Jan. 15 to celebrate his birthday and evergreen

legacy. That rainy afternoon, students, military and civic leaders alike marched together from Harbor Drive to the Embarcadero.

San Diego State’s Zeta Sigma Lambda organizes this parade every year. They are a chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, the oldest African American fraternity in the U.S., and the brotherhood of Rev. King. The fraternity is devoted to keeping Rev. King’s legacy and message alive in the community’s hearts.

“Dr. King, no matter the oppression he faced, he remained steadfast in his calls,” Moore said. “I think that teaches young Black men and women that no matter what type of oppression we are facing, we too can continue to fight barriers in a way that is respectful, that honors Black culture.”

Out of almost 100 participating floats, SDSU’s Black Resource Center’s float was awarded the title of “Best Float.”

“That was a very empowering

moment for our campus to get the recognition it deserves,” Moore said.

Third-year business management and entrepreneurship major Rhyan Pitts shared her thoughts about representation in the community.

“There are many times when I feel like my community is underrepresented, especially when I get to see all their accomplishments on a daily basis,” Pitts said. “To see them on yet another platform being recognized was the epitome of Black excellence.”

The float, depicting an image of Rev. King, symbolizes how love defeats hate.

“Love harmonizes, releases and illuminates life, and that’s the message Dr. King wanted to portray,” Pitts said. “I feel like the float captures his vision beautifully.”

Students at the BRC urge their peers and allies to celebrate Black achievements such as this all year.

“February has been widely recognized as Black History Month,

and oftentimes, this is one of the only times when our experiences and successes are highlighted,” Pitts said. “While we appreciate the desire to learn and be a part of our community during this time, we are here all year long.”

Rev. King’s message emphasized that change would not come without banding together and recognizing the collective dream of peace.

“Now man’s moral and ethical commitment must make the world one in terms of brotherhood and peace,” Rev. King said.

His words in 1964 spurred students and faculty into action.

After Rev. King advised his collegeage audience to use their vote as an instrument of change, the Civil Rights Bill was passed in July, a few months later. Today, that message continues to ring as resonant and rousing as the bells in Hepner Hall.

Students can find information on BRC events on their website and Instagram.

SDSU Black Resource Center’s float was rewarded the title best float at the 41st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade pm Jan. 15 2023. Photo courtesy: San Diego chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Bad Bunny en los Grammys me ha dado esperanza de que otros artistas hispanos hagan lo mismo

Además de hacer historia, el artista representó a la comunidad hispana e incluyó un mensaje político en apoyo a Puerto Rico

BY FATIMA LÓPEZ MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR

Los últimos meses, Bad Bunny ha dado mucho de qué hablar, ya sea con escándalos o con su música. Esta vez el es el centro de atención una vez más, ya qué la semana pasada hizo historia al presentarse cantando “El Apagón” y “Después De La Playa” en los Grammys.

Su presentación de la canción “El Apagón” brindó honor a la situación que está pasando en Puerto Rico. Ya que el

tema habla sobre la gentrificación que ha estado ocurriendo en el territorio. Al mismo tiempo, Bad Bunny brindó una muestra de la cultura hispana a un evento donde este tipo de presentaciones no son comunes. A muchas personas les puede gustar o disgustar la música que crea Bad Bunny, pero el puertorriqueño ha llegado a un nivel en el que tiene la oportunidad de incluir su cultura

hispana en escenarios donde no es tan común.

Al presentarse en los Grammys, Bad Bunny le está abriendo muchas puertas a artistas hispanos. En el pasado hemos visto otros artistas como Celia Cruz, Luis Fonsi, Juanes, Pitbull, Shakira y más, los cuales han tenido la oportunidad de presentarse en el evento. Sin embargo, la presentación de Bad Bunny fue única ya que incorporó su cultura al máximo.

Como una mujer Latina, el poder ver que Bad Bunny tuvo la oportunidad

de demostrar su cultura y los problemas que están sucediendo en Puerto Rico me ha dado la esperanza de que otros artistas hispanos podrán

Bad Bunny tomó el riesgo de incluir algo tan político en una presentación que se dio frente a las mismas personas que están gentrificando a Puerto Rico; este es un riesgo que pocos artistas están dispuestos de tomar. Al verlo tomar ese riesgo, es posible pensar que otros artistas puedan tomar ese mismo riesgo en un futuro y puedan presentarse de esa

Sin embargo, no muchos artistas latinos o hispanos son invitados a este evento.

Y a los que sí han recibido invitaciones, no les ha ido muy bien en los medios. Espero que con la de Bad Bunny, la academia de los Grammys tome en cuenta e invite a

Al solo saber que Bad Bunny se iba a presentar en los Grammys, muchos hispanos sintonizaron el evento para poder verlo presentarse. Normalmente, yo no he visto muchos latinos o hispanos querer ver los Grammys Americanos, tanto como los Grammys Latinos, pero este año vi a más latinos querer ver el evento ya que sabían que Bad Bunny estaría ahí.

Bad Bunny también ganó el premio por “Mejor Álbum de Música Urbana” por su álbum “Un Verano Sin Ti”, haciendo historia ya que es el primer álbum completamente en español que es nominado. El poder ver sus nominaciones y su triunfo, fue un orgullo para los latinos porque muchos sabemos que la gente lo critica por su forma de vestir, sus canciones, su forma de hablar y entre otras cosas, sin saber que él en sus canciones trata de incluir temas sobre la masculinidad tóxica, el poder femenino, problemas que suceden en países hispanos, y más.

Poder ver una presentación como la de Bad Bunny fue un orgullo para mi y otros hispanos, al ser parte de una generación que quiere cambiar el mundo, se siente muy bien el saber que tenemos personas en el medio que si tienen la voz y las mismas ideas de poder pelear contra la gentrificación y la comodidad.

Illustration by Alexandra Dunlop

Don’t trim the fat before children can grow into their bodies

BY CHRISTIAN HOUSER NEWS EDITOR

The red, glaring numbers on my bathroom scale stared back at me one night when I was a teenager.

315.

I hated what I saw in the mirror and I wanted to change.

Last month, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a “Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Obesity” that recommended doctors to offer obese children 12 years and older weight loss drugs. It said teens 13 and older who suffer from severe obesity should get a referral for weight-loss surgery.

The 13-year-old fat kid in me loves the idea.

I wouldn’t have to be placed in the “fat-boy positions” anymore.

I would no longer automatically become the goalkeeper in soccer, the offensive lineman in football and the first baseman in baseball.

The other part of the fat kid in me is mad.

I would have only been able to pour my morning bowl of Reese’s Puffs a quarter full if I’d had gastric bypass. If a doctor had offered me a way to surgically remove the unwanted fat — and my therapist mother miraculously allowed it — I might have taken them up on the offer.

And I’m so glad I didn’t.

The recent guidance from the AAP has stirred the public — for good reason.

The idea of seventh-graders taking weight loss pills and eighth-graders being put under the knife seems unfathomable to me. It’s especially concerning when the most common weight loss surgery can have an almost 60% failure rate, according to the Bariatric Times.

These alleged solutions to obesity in children represent major problems in the way we think about healthcare

in America. Instead of implementing a one-size-fits-all medical practice to combat obesity, maybe we should be creating healthy lifestyle habits catered to our relationship with food and exercise. Maybe we should think about health more holistically. And maybe, just maybe, not allow parents to make life altering decisions for their children when they haven’t had time to grow into their bodies.

Now, Michelle Obama swapping pudding for jello in the school lunch line may not be the perfect solution.

But it’s a start.

The idea behind slowly changing your diet to eat healthier or eat less is promoted by the CDC as it offers the most sustainable route for long term healthy lifestyles. This gradual change will allow one to learn their body and what works for them.

And that’s the beauty of this method. No matter how cheesy it sounds, it helps people find what works for them specifically. Everyone’s health plans look different and it is time we started to treat them as such.

The United States’ obsession

with getting people hooked on “medicine” or quick fixes on the operating table is unsustainable.

Taking weight loss pills is not a solution, but a mere bandaid to an internal problem.

And with the high failure rate of many bariatric surgeries, 10% to 30% of people who have received the surgery end up coming back for a revision, according to IBI Healthcare. While these practices work for some, there is no long-term evidence to see if it is effective in children.

Holistic medicine addresses not only the body, but the mind and spirit attached. Without looking at weight loss as a whole, and only looking at it on a purely physical level, we could be allowing a generation of kids to have extremely unhealthy relationships with food.

Bariatric surgery will not fix a food addiction, binge eating or bulimia. These relationships must be mended from the root of the problem. This problem has presented itself

before inside American healthcare, as 13% of Americans are currently on antidepressants, according to Psychology Today. While these drugs can help on a base level, they are temporary solutions to a permanent problem.

When I was 13, I had not even fully hit puberty yet. Many kids, specifically boys who are “late bloomers,” will sometimes not begin large growth spurts until 14, according to kidshealth website.

It is paramount we allow our bodies to make their natural changes before making life-altering decisions.

Weight loss surgeries can be extremely beneficial for adults who struggle with weight loss and there is evidence to support that.

However, to ask a child to make a decision that will modify their internal organs is unfair and the option should not be put forth in front of any overweight teenager.

Two years after I decided to change my eating habits, the red numbers on the scale didn’t feel like a personal attack. I’d lost over 115 pounds. Learning to maintain my weight has been a journey. It’s a struggle I’ll be on for the rest of my life, like so many others who have made the same choice.

But it is one I encourage all to take — when they are at the right age to decide what is the best journey for them.

Weight-loss surgery should not be considered for teens when they have yet to fully develop

Illustration by Alexandra Dunlop

Opinion: M&M’s chocolate-coated pandering provokes ludicrous reaction

On the heels of the company’s character redesigns, society should re-evaluate how they view brand activism

BY NOAH LYONS STAFF WRITER

We’re only two months into 2023 and in the wise words of Timothee Chalamet, “societal collapse is in the air.”

Russia violated national sovereignty by invading Ukraine. Blue collar families are struggling with skyrocketing inflation. Gun violence continues to escalate. Political divisions within the United States have reached a boiling point.

And M&M’s beloved spokescandies are political fugitives in a culture war.

Mars Company announced last month it would pull its brand mascots after strong social media backlash in recent months. However, three weeks later on Super Bowl Sunday, the company announced that the spokescandies are “back for good.”

The controversy surrounded redesigns of their iconic characters. The green M&M in particular ditched her heels in favor of a more comfortable (and less suggestive) pair of sneakers.

Alongside the redesigns, each character was given a background story and core values. In Sept. 2022, the company added a purple M&M, which “represents self awareness, authenticity and confidence,” according to a press release.

It previously announced the revamped orange M&M will “acknowledge his anxiety.”

Me too. But I didn’t put out a press release for it.

Mars Company further explained the character redesigns, stating that the backstories and wardrobe changes were made to fit in a “more dynamic, progressive world.”

Dynamic and progressive: the two words I associate with colorful chocolate candies.

Fox News pundit and former “Crossfire” host Tucker Carlson lamented the change in character design on his show, declaring: “M&M’s will not be satisfied until every last cartoon character is deeply unappealing and totally androgynous. When you’re totally turned off, we’ve achieved equity. They’ve won.”

If the M&M’s aren’t sexy, Carlson wants no part in it.

He even labeled the company as woke — whatever that means.

it’s unclear what her role will be like going forward.

There are two things to address with this controversy.

First, it’s unlikely that Mars Company cares deeply about progressive ideals.

In recent years, more and more brands have engaged in virtue signaling. During Pride Month and Black History Month, companies change their logos to show solidarity–only to remove it immediately as the calendar flips.

Many of those same companies champion trendy social movements, but don’t put any money towards them. For an example, look no further than Pepsi’s infamous ad wherein Kendall Jenner solves police brutality by handing the officer a refreshing can of soda.

may have been more of a distraction than a genuine transformation of the company.

In many cases, corporate activism rings hollow. M&M’s attempts to be more progressive as a company are certainly preferable to being exclusionary and bigoted, but their elaborate marketing is wildly unnecessary.

Second, I don’t want to hear conservative pundits complain about “cancel culture” when they’re directly engaging in it. If talk show hosts like Tucker Carlson are so in favor of free markets and capitalism, their opposition to a brand engaging in a financially advantageous marketing strategy is illogical.

The reality is that they only dislike “cancel culture” when it disadvantages them politically.

In the 1960s, southerners burned The Beatles’ records in response to their comments on religion.

Nearly 40 years later, The Chicks, despite critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, were blacklisted from country radio stations for criticizing George W. Bush.

After some outrageous politicallycharged responses, M&M spoke out.

“America, let’s talk,” the company tweeted last month. The post went on to say that polarization “was the last thing (we) wanted since we’re all about bringing people together.”

In the M&M’s places, the company announced that comedian Maya Rudolph—known for her role as Kamala Harris on Saturday Night Live—will fill in. She made an appearance in the Super Bowl ad but

In the company’s most recent announcement, it stated that money would be donated to eight different activist organizations.

This is a move in the right direction for Mars Company, but it doesn’t negate its problematic past.

The company was implicated in a lawsuit regarding its exploitation of child labor, according to a report from The Guardian. Call me a conspiracy theorist, but the now-infamous M&M rebrand

In recent years, anything labeled as woke has received heavy criticism.

M&M’s marketing strategy is ridiculous, but the backlash has been even more absurd. Wars are going on overseas and costs are crushing the majority of the country.

It’s 2023. We have to focus on more pressing matters than an M&M’s anxiety and shoes.

“M&M’s marketing strategy is ridiculous, but the backlash has been even more absurd.”

Illustration by Alexandra Dunlop