The Daily Aztec 2/9/2022

Weds., Feb. 9 - Tues., Feb. 15, 2022 Weekly Print Edition

Vol. 108, Issue 16 www.thedailyaztec.com

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

5 QUESTIONS ABOUT SEX Advice for students who are nervous to ask burning questions about sex.

PAGE 2

LOOK TO THE STARS FOR LOVE Want to know what Cupid has in store for your love life?

PAGE 5

DIA DEL AMOR

AZTECS PREVAIL AT HOME

Historias y tradiciones del dia del amor en Latino américa.

PAGE 8

Men’s basketball earns a close win against Nevada.

PAGE 11

2

News

The Daily Aztec

Feb. 9 - 15, 2022 EDITOR: Katelynn Robinson • news@thedailyaztec.com

Five things you want to know about sex

by Sumaia Wegner STAFF WRITER

Sex can be an awkward topic to talk about, especially in college. Here are five questions that may have crossed your mind.

Am I the only virgin on campus?

Let me tell you right now, even though it may seem like everyone around you is bragging about their two-hour long Friday night soiree (even though it probably lasted two minutes), you are not the only virgin on campus. In fact, according to a study done by New York Magazine, 40 percent of college students are virgins. There are a lot of stigmas that come with “college life,” but the truth is the experiences are not the same for everyone. If you feel you are ready to be intimate with someone, do your research. Ask questions. Don’t feel shy or hesitant because this is all a part of growing up. Also, being a virgin does not make you an outcast. If you are saving yourself for someone special or are just not interested in sex, that just makes you more awesome because you are living your best life and being true to yourself.

What should I do if it feels weird down there?

Listen to your body and go to the doctor. If something is out of the ordinary, you will know. Talking about STDs is an uncomfortable subject, but what will be even more uncomfortable is the itchy feeling between your legs during your history class. If you are sexually active, it is your responsibility to practice safe sex. However, these situations are why San Diego State has a center for well-being and health promotion. This is your go to place on campus to get information regarding sex and any of the unexpected feelings or questions that come along with it. They provide students with tools, workshops and resources. If you take

the time to educate yourself, it will decrease the odds of you going through an unpleasant meet up. The Well-being and Health Promotion department his located in Suite 3201 on the third floor of Calpulli Center. They are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Their phone number is 619594-4133.

Is it consent if I was drunk?

By no means can a person consent to sex if they are intoxicated. Alcohol alters your state of mind. If you are drinking or plan to drink with someone, you need to discuss consent prior to doing so. To ensure there is no gray area, try texting the person you are planning to hook up with ahead of time. Let them know straight-forward that you do, or you do not want to engage with them.

By discussing this through text, there is written proof for your intentions without any misleading confusion. You are entitled to your actions, so make sure you know what you want. No means no and yes means yes. Even a hesitant yes should be taken as a no.

Think before you decide. Make sure you trust your judgment. If you are second guessing yourself about a situation, it is a situation to get out of.

As stated above, information about well-being and health promotion is available at SDSU, this also includes information on alcohol and drug services.

Should I buy condoms/go on birth control?

If you are sexually active, then yes.

If you plan to be sexually active, then yes. For women, going on birth control needs to be discussed between you and your doctor. Birth control comes in many forms and affects hormones greatly, meaning you would have to find what works best for you. If you do not want to go on birth control, then you should carry some condoms yourself.

There is no shame in being safe. For

SDSU unveils extended reality research center

by Nicholas STAFF WRITER

Neikon Ebadat

San Diego State has doubled down on virtual and extended reality technologies by launching the Virtual Immersive Teaching and Learning (VITaL) Research Center dedicated to expanding usage across classrooms, campuses and disciplines.

The decision comes after the Information Technology Services unit on campus launched the VITaL initiative in fall 2017. According to a school press release, it served as an incubator for faculty to explore virtual and extended reality applications as potential tools they could adopt for stronger comprehension in students; the apps can mimic the intensity of a high risk medical situation or allow students to operate with rare situations without any of the necessary equipment or subjects while still receiving all the mandatory field experience.

For higher learning, virtual reality technology poses a lot of possibilities spanning across almost every topic of instruction. VITaL resources have already been taken advantage of by 56 faculty teaching 70 courses across all eight colleges at SDSU through the initiative. It is only expected to grow with the new research center, according

to the press release.

The VITaL Research Center is led

by Chief Information Officer Jerry Sheehan, Deputy CIO James Frazee and the Director of Information Technology Services Sean Hauze.

“The very ethos of VITaL is to understand if [the tech] actually matters or not, and that’s a really important consideration,” Sheehan said.

“We think that for our student population, both those that are first generation, those that are in underrepresented communities and diverse communities, it’s really important that they are given the opportunity to create in a virtual world,” Sheehan said. “We think it would be problematic if the only thing that exists in the virtual world is advertising which, without the voices from our campus, would be how the market forces would drive us.”

A landmark peer-reviewed study

by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) suggested that virtual reality learning enlists greater attention from students and effectiveness overall than typical classroom learning. This study coupled with growing research and market interests gave the school confidence in the research center’s relevance.

“The tools will just become more and SEE ONLINE

Photo by Emily Forschen

Sex can be an uncomfortable topic of conversation, but healthy discussions are important when it comes to defining consent, STDs and birth control.

men, condoms are used for protection against pregnancy and STDs. So, if you want to make it through college without having to deal with that load, then I suggest wearing one for your load.

Where do I go for information for LGBTQ+ sex related questions?

The SDSU Center for Research on Sexuality and Sexual Health, located at 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 224 is an incredible resource for our LGBTQ+ students. Their website contains a long list of resources where students can go

and find information on sex, identity and support groups. When you are not studying for an exam or working on a group project, college is the time where you start to discover who you are and who you want to be. This means you will have encounters with all kinds of people and that can be nerve racking to think about. Luckily, SDSU and The Daily Aztec have your back with whatever you need.

DATING APPS, POPULAR BUT INEFFECTIVE FOR STUDENTS

by Katelynn NEWS EDITOR

Robinson

Photo courtesy of Freepik

Despite dating apps growing popularity, students say they struggle to find meaningful connections.

The dating world has changed to accommodate the digital age. Love at first sight is better known as love at first swipe!

Some of the most popular dating apps include Bumble, Tinder, Grindr and Plenty of Fish. Tinder has over 7 million users, Bumble has over 5 million and Grindr has over 1 million users as of 2019, according to statista. com.

Hinge tripled its revenue in 2020, according to wired.co.uk. Despite the large user base the apps have accumulated, some students say they have been relatively unsuccessful in

finding meaningful connections.

“I am nothing but honest and I put myself out there and I show I am a good person to date in the sense that I am school oriented and I have a great social life…but it is hard to stand out when women are being flooded with tons and tons of people,” computer science senior Nathaniel Shalev said.

Online dating is becoming the “new normal” but some say the personality gets lost in the profile.

“I started using dating apps after I got out of a really long relationship and I kind of was like I don’t really know. I guess this is what everybody does,” criminal justice senior Krista Warner said. “It was kind of almost like an expectation. It is just the new normal right?”

Warner said the amount of time and effort one must dedicate to dating online makes the process feel like work at times.

“I would describe them as work because I feel like it is kind of like a marathon,” Warner said. “You can’t guarantee that matching with one person, talking with them and then going out with them is going to work out for you.”

Thirty-year-old Parker Meister met his current girlfriend on Tinder.

Although he said he generally does not enjoy dating apps, he had a good experience with his now girlfriend.

Feb. 9 - 15, 2022 EDITOR: Katelynn Robinson . news@thedailyaztec.com

News

Child care shortage weighs on SDSU student-parents

Photo by Sara Rott

San Diego State student-parents have had less resources available for their children since the start of the pandemic.

by Sara Rott & Eugenie Budnik SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many businesses being short staffed, including in the child care industry. San Diego County parents have been feeling the effects of this as they look for child care for their children.

This shortage of space comes as the result of child care workers grappling with whether or not to return to work after having left their positions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many child care workers are also choosing not to return to the profession due to low wages. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for childcare workers in San Diego is roughly $31,000 a year.

With rising inflation, those previously working in the child care industry are turning to other sectors in order to support themselves and their families.

The shortage has been especially hard hitting for San Diego State students who are also parents.

“When we weren’t sure if we would be

Dating apps continued from page 2 Her Tinder profile said, “get me off this god-forsaken app” and he had the exact same thought since the app could be a “double-edged sword.”

“I was in the same kind of headspace because I really don’t like online dating…but at the same time because of COVID it is kind of hard to go out and meet somebody.”

Virtual reality

continued from page 2 more reliable, affordable and easy to use as we look ahead,” Frazee said.

“Essentially, you’re going to take your glasses off and feel dumber just like we have without our phones. Can you imagine not being able to answer every question and access every statistic on the planet from your pocket?”

The technology is noted to be especially important for the rural SDSU

going back fully in-person or not, I had to adjust my schedule according to my son’s needs for my first semester at State [SDSU],” second year music recording technology and audio design transfer student Paul Aguirre said.“I modified my schedule three times to make it sink in perfectly.”

Aguirre, who also does work study on campus as a stage manager for the music department, has an eight-year-old son.

The afterschool program Aguirre’s son attends had been paused, which limited the courses Aguirre could sign up for at SDSU. He has altered his schedule to ensure he is only taking classes while his son is in school.

“I couldn’t take any courses after 2:30 p.m., which made it very difficult for my studies,”Aguirre said. “A lot of the courses I need pertain to a late afternoon schedule.”

SDSU has a nonprofit children’s center on campus which services the child care needs of its students, faculty and staff, as well as the surrounding community.

SDSU students have priority in receiving

There is a lot of discourse about the prospect of choosing a partner based on personality bullet points and a couple of photos.

“I felt like I was going through a catalog and I felt so horrible when I didn’t choose somebody because like what gives me the right,” Warner said. “I don’t know them, what if they are really nice?

I don’t know anything about them… and I feel like you have to be okay with that going into a dating app, being like okay I am going to be superficial at first then I’ll get to know you, which I was uncomfortable with.”

Imperial Valley campus as they have limited access to things like nursing mannequins and medical equipment. It poses an opportunity to provide higher learning across the board with the democratization of learning tools.

Initial projects faculty proposed with the launch of the center regard how the technology can enhance the way the school of Theater, Television, Film and New Media can adopt the tech to create and teach.

According to Learning Design and Technology Professor Kevin White, it is important to admit there are certain uses that would be redundant for virtual

care, however, the center only provides care for pre-school aged children.

Child development senior and chair of the Associated Students Children’s Center Committee Wendy Verbyla, is a parent herself.

The center has struggled since current COVID-19 restrictions do not allow them to rotate teachers or hire student interns. They have also had to adjust how food is distributed to the children.

“In the children’s center before COVID, it also relied a lot on the internships from the Child Development Department, so students cannot participate at the moment,” Verbyla said.

Child development majors have also been adversely affected by the current restrictions since they are missing out on valuable firsthand experience they would usually get within their coursework.

For the time being, parents are not allowed inside the classrooms where they used to walk with the teachers and spend time with their children before going to class.

“If our children wanted to do the book, we would sit down with them and read the book and work with them — that’s something that a lot of parents missed,” Verbyla said.

Additionally, student-parents and their children are missing out on family events put on by the Children’s Center Committee and SDSU’s Student Parents and Allies Association (SPAA).

Verbyla and Aguirre have been working with the Children’s Center Committee and SPAA to make the SDSU campus more accessible to student parents.

One of the only resources that remains available on campus for parents and their children to gather is the lactation room located in the Conrad Preby’s Student Union.

“Having some type of resource center would be really, really cool and beneficial where we can study and at the same time, have a kids library for our children,” Augirre said. “Have a connection, like a family outside of a family.”

Swiping across several similar apps is not the only option for singles in San Diego. Shalev said he prefers to attend singles events that he finds via Meetup.

“Lately I have switched up my approach. I have been using Meetup more,” Shalev said. “I enjoy singles groups instead of dating apps. It saddens me that everyone is in this position where we are just talking past each other. I kind of wish dating apps were more authentic and actually was more fruitful for everyone.”

reality technology like reading and writing. However, immersion has been observed to foster a deeper connection to the material. Rather than using the tools to write, an art student could use the tech as a writing prompt being transported anywhere in the world with 360 degree photos to spark inspiration or thought exercises.

The move to virtual tools has been exponentially sped up by the onset of COVID-19, but it still has its fair share of health risks. For example, an entire class using the same headset can pose a problem in germ exchange.

The Daily Aztec

3

Record enrollment forecasts larger incoming class for fall 2022

by Ryan Hardison ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

San Diego State recently announced the university has received a record number of first-year undergraduate applications for the upcoming fall 2022 semester.

SDSU has received 76,792 firstyear applications, their highest ever, along with 22,235 first-year transfer applicants, for a record total of 99,027 undergraduate applications.

Of the first-year applicants, there are prospective students from all 50 states and 74 countries. Plus, the university has received its highest number of firsttime applicants from California.

“For fall 2022, the university does anticipate bringing in a larger incoming class and is working with all campus stakeholders, including the Office of Housing Administration, to ensure that admissions decisions are made with an understanding of the associated resource, classroom, and capacity needs,” the university said in a statement.

“Even beyond just the next academic year, the university is working to grow enrollments in response to demand at all levels, and in particular with transfer students (the majority of whom reside in the local community and are able to commute to campus) as well as graduate students.”

These are not the only application records SDSU has broken during this year’s admission cycle. With over 7,000 graduate applicants already received as of Jan. 14, the total number of applicants for fall 2022 adds up to over 107,000 as of Feb. 4, which sets them up for yet another record. According to the university, more applications are still expected for programs with later application deadlines.

SDSU President Adela de la Torre told the SDSU News Center she attributes the admissions success to the way students and families have persevered through the pandemic and the dedication they have shown in pursuit of their education.

“This is an incredibly positive testament to the resilience of students and their families, as well as the value they place on higher education,” de la Torre said. “A record number of San Diegans, Californians, and students everywhere see SDSU as their pathway for a brighter future.”

To allow applicants more time to apply with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional November application deadline for fall admissions was pushed back to Dec. 15. Additionally, the deadline for the Transfer Supplemental application was extended until Jan. 26.

This isn’t the first time in recent years that SDSU has broken any of its admission records.

The number of total SDSU applicants has been steadily growing over the past five years, and this is the second straight year SDSU has received over 100,000 total applications.

The university has already begun the process of admitting early applicants, and other prospective students are set to be notified of their admission status during March.

4

Opinion

The Daily Aztec

Feb. 9 - 15, 2022 EDITOR: Aaliyah Alexander • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples, it’s for singles as well

By Sierra Stallworth STAFF WRITER

Feb. 14, also known as Valentine’s Day, is arguably the most disliked and controversial holiday.

While couples are going on romantic dates and being handfed chocolate, single people are forced to see an overly expressed amount of love and affection everywhere they go.

The second New Year’s ends, stores put out the red and pink decorations, enticing their customers to decorate for the holiday.

Some may argue Valentine’s day shouldn’t even be a holiday because it has turned into a day to show off how much you can spend on your significant other.

And those who don’t have that special someone on Feb. 14 are forced to be at home, sad and lonely.

Well, I’m here to argue that there is a much more positive, beautiful side to Valentine’s day.

Valentine’s day does not have to be the stereotypical, materialistic holiday that everyone believes it to be.

Instead it can be a day of self love and appreciating the nonromantic connections that you have.

As cheesy as it sounds, I grew

Graphic by Aaliyah Alexander

You don’t have to dread Valentine’s Day if you’re single. Use it to express love and gratitude.

up loving the holiday because I just loved seeing love. The endless aisles of sparkly red and pink cards, big teddy bears, fancy chocolates and beautiful arrangements of flowers made me excited to enjoy the season of love. I even loved picking out which cards and candies to pass out to my classmates for our inschool Valentine’s party.

I think the media has tried to convince the masses that the only people who can enjoy and celebrate Valentine’s day have to be those who are in a romantic relationship, but that’s not true.

Growing up my parents

emphasized that it was a holiday where you could express and appreciate the many types of love you have. Whether it’s from your friends, family, pets or even yourself, Valentine’s Day is a day to recognize that love exists in many forms.

While relationships are fun and it can be great to have a partner to celebrate Valentine’s Day with, it is not a necessary part of the holiday. Most people in college are still growing and learning to love themselves, let alone a whole other human being. So, don’t feel discouraged if you’re spending the day alone.

Instead use the day for personal growth and love.

Over the years, the selflove movement has become a testament that celebrating love does not have to be romantic, showing our generation that our self-worth and love does not need to come from others but from finding contentment in ourselves.

Instead, choose to spend the day finding things that make you happy and take it as a day to appreciate yourself. Or if you don’t want to spend the day alone, enjoy the day with people you love and care about, even if it isn’t a romantic connection. Tell your friends how much you love them and thank them for being in your life.

No matter how you spend Feb. 14, don’t let the big bouquet of roses and happy couples stop you from enjoying the holiday. This year, take the time to learn how to love yourself and how to love those around you.

As a generation, we are already changing so many stereotypes and expectations of what love has to look like. While big companies, movies and TV shows are feeding us one narrative, learn how to celebrate love the way you want.

Sierra Stallworth is a junior studying journalism.

‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ breathes new life into coming-of-age entertainment By aaliyah alexander OPINION EDITOR

It’s rare for a coming-of-age show to be well executed if their aim is to be inclusive with diverse storylines and characters.

For some reason, it’s a cumbersome task for Hollywood to depict the life of the modern young adult without being cheesy or cringey in the process — I’m looking at you, “Grown-ish.”

The Freeform show “Good Trouble,” a spinoff of the hit Freeform television series “The Fosters,” proves that it is possible to create a show that is both entertaining while following the previous criteria of inclusivity and diversity. Even the early 2000s Nickelodeon show “Degrassi: The Next Generation” did an impressive job with authentically portraying the lives of high school students during a time when the topics explored in the storylines were taboo in society.

With that being said, I have to give flowers to one individual who created not only one but two television series that stand out amongst its contemporaries: actress, writer and producer Mindy Kaling.

After watching Kaling’s Netflix show “Never Have I Ever,” which follows an Indian-American high schooler and her family as they navigate life after a tragic loss in the family, I was invested

in whatever else Kaling would create.

The entertaining storyline, the depth of the characters and the authenticity of “Never Have I Ever” was a breath of fresh air to a fan of coming-of-age shows like myself. I didn’t think it could get any better until Kaling released the HBO series “The Sex Lives of College Girls” which, as you can assume by the title, follows the lives of newly-arrived college girls as they adjust to the foreign freedom of being young adults.

“The Sex Lives of College Girls” touches on topics ranging from sexual assult, identity formation, modern romance, sexuality and other topics related to the modern college experience.

Some critics could argue the show lacks depth or, quite frankly, turns a blind eye when it comes to certain issues explored in the roughly 25-minute episodes such as the friction and learning curve that comes with living with complete strangers (nowhere to be found in the storyline) or the appearance of a cultural appropriation scene where one of the white characters is seen wearing a dashiki to a cultural event (an issue that was addressed then forgotten about). However, I would rather Kaling take her time building and working those issues into the show — if she decides to — rather than poorly executing them because, at the end of the

EDITOR IN CHIEF Catlan Nguyen MANAGING EDITOR Trinity Bland NEWS EDITOR Katelynn Robinson OPINION EDITOR Aaliyah Alexander MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Noé Sandoval ASST. MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Karina Bazarte ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Ryan Hardison ASST. ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Cristina Lombardo SPORTS EDITOR Jason Freund ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Finley SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Sara Rott PHOTO EDITOR Noelani Sapla MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Mackenzie Stafford ASST. MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Jayne Yutig

STAFF WRITERS Nicholas Neikon Ebadat Eugenie Budnik Sumaia Wegner Isabel Smith Daniela Ramiez Meghan Ellia Sierra Stallworth Gabriel Schneider Karelly Vidrio Taylor Harris Adam Correa Justin Cox SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Lucelis Martinez CONTRIBUTORS Gwenyth Hoebing Madison Geering Isabella Dallas ________________________________

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Brian Arnold ________________________________

GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST Luis Valenzuela EDITORIAL 619.594.4190 editor@thedailyaztec.com ADVERTISING 619.594.7807 advertising@thedailyaztec.com PRINT The Daily Aztec publishes 3,000 copies of its weekly print edition every Wednesday throughout the semester WEB Daily content is available at www.thedailyaztec.com

Screenshot from Mindy Kaling’s Instagram

Mindy Kaling posing in front of a billboard of her new television series (streaming now).

day, the show can still be enjoyed as a light-hearted comedy for those looking for that genre.

So far, there’s only one season of the show with 10 episodes released leaving fans, like myself, impatiently waiting to venture back into the lives of Kimberly, Leighton, Bela, Whitney and, of course — a character that needs more screen time — Lila.

There’s few creatives in the film industry who understand the assignment given to them by coming-of-age fanatics, so it is with confidence when I say: Mindy Kaling understood the assignment.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS letters@thedailyaztec.com The views and opinions expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec.

Aaliyah Alexander is a junior studying journalism and international studies. Follow her on Twitter @aaliyahdanyell.

HELP WANTED Petition Canvasers Needed. $25-$50/hr+++ PT/FT Anytime!!!

No Exp Nec!! PAID DAILY!!!!

Circulate 6 popular CA petitions and make great money. Fun & Easy!! You make your own hours!! You work wherever, and whenever you want!! We Pay Daily!!!!! For more info, call 619-480-0808

FOLLOW US /dailyaztec @TheDailyAztec @thedailyaztec /DailyAztecVideo

Feb. 9-15, 2022 EDITOR: Aaliyah Alexander • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

Opinion

The Daily Aztec

5

Cupid’s horoscopes for Valentine’s Day Want to know what Cupid has in store for you on Valentine’s Day according to your zodiac sign? Then you’re in the right place! Find your sign, and let love guide the way.

Aquarius

Leo

It’s Valentine’s Day week, Aquarius! Are you ready to activate your special kuudere and act hard? Deep down on the inside, you want to have someone to care for, or be able to be sentimental with that special someone you’ve set your eyes on. You spend so much time fantasizing of the future that sometimes you don’t put sex first, especially in relationships.

This year on Valentine’s Day, put your daydreams aside and make time for that special someone you care for.

Leos are natural leaders, and this Valentine’s Day you deserve to be treated like the royalty you are! Your time and energy are precious elements of what makes you a Leo, so don’t waste tears on those who cannot match your enthusiasm and passion this year.

Instead, spend the day lavishing yourself in gifts such as fancy French chocolate or that gorgeous piece of jewelry you’ve been eyeing for the past month. This year, Leo, should be all about self-love. Self-love is an important thing to have in times of triumph…but also in times of weakness. You are your number one cheerleader, Leo!

Pisces

Virgo

February 19 - March 20

August 23 - September 22

Pisces, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to showcase one of your greatest strengths – thoughtfulness. In this season of love, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable with your significant other, a loved one or friend. You wear your heart on your sleeve which can serve you well with connecting with others. If you’re spending the day with a special someone, tap into your creativity to make it a night to remember.

This Valentine’s Day, Virgo, you will no longer be annoyed by every little thing that screams “love,” instead, you’ll be preoccupied screaming something else. This Valentine’s Day you’ll be more than satisfied with what you’ll receive from a partner, lover or one night stand. This will make you fall more and more in love with the idea of this new person and allow them to fully take over and be in control. This person will be taking care of you emotionally and physically in every way. Sit back, relax and watch them do all the work while enjoying every minute of it.

Aries

Libra

March 21- April 19

September 23 - October 22

Happy Valentine’s Day, Aries! You’re dominant in many areas but being sexy is yet another thing you effortlessly master. You’re hot, you’re fiery — and everyone knows it. However, it’s time to take that spice and turn it into sensual passion. Do something a little different from your usual routine: create a sensual memory. Whether you’re alone or with a valentine, a good way to do this is engaging in sexy storytime. Choose a steamy romance and see how far you can get without closing the book and composing your own story. The climax is sure to be high and powerful!

You will find love this Valentine’s Day, Libra. This can come in the form of a friendship, relationship or care from a family member. You can count on a happy Valentine’s Day when you celebrate it with your loved ones and put yourself out there. Continue being self-expressive and honest about your feelings. This will take you far in your love life and can help you build strong connections. Do not be afraid to show confidence when talking to your crush, significant other or potential partner. Keep your friends and family by your side, and cherish the moments you share together.

Taurus

Scorpio

Taurus, you’re headstrong and you are known to be intelligent, dependable, hardworking, dedicated and stubborn. Like the saying goes “you mess with the bull you get the horns,” but you’re also affectionate. Your love language is touch, and a simple “I love you” with a big hug matters a lot. So, on Valentine’s Day, set up something different with candles, flowers and a nice dinner. Dedicate quality time for your sweetheart, for yourself or for the people you love the most. Plan a night where you feel completely loved and relaxed, which is probably long overdue because you’ve worked incredibly hard to get where you are.

Exciting news, Scorpio! Valentine’s Day may not be your season, however, it was the season you were all conceived! You are known for being passionate lovers, who, when coming across the right person, show the matched energy through your sex life. This Valentine’s Day you will find someone who matches that energy and sexual needs.

With that will come a long, restless — but much needed — night. Allow yourself the enjoyment because, trust me, you need this. Go get it!

Gemini

Sagittarius

Hello beautiful Gemini! This Valentine’s Day is going to be even better than last. I know you’ve been searching for that special someone who you can connect with on a sexual level and this year is your year. Jump out of your comfort zone and open the door to that person you’ve been thinking about because they’re going to impress you in ways you’ve only dreamed about. Be prepared to wake up in the morning feeling that pleasurable pain from the crazy night before spent with that wild animal.

It’s that time of year, Sagittarius. Love and sex is in the air and you can’t run from it.

You’re fun and lively all year-round, but your energy should be at an all-time high on Valentine’s Day. If your love life isn’t thriving right now, don’t trip! Allow yourself to be flirty with a new partner, enjoy pink cocktails if you are of legal drinking age or don’t be afraid to throw one of your award-winning parties to give yourself a chance to do all of the above! Just don’t shy away from indulging in the holiday spirit.

Cancer

Capricorns

Your hopeless romantic heart is in unison with your sex drive constantly being high, Cancer. When you love someone, you give them your all. The words you say are sweeter than chocolate covered strawberries, and the way you physically touch sends goosebumps down your lover’s back. Your strong desires lead you to a passionate love affair with Pisces or a thrill with Capricorn. Yes, it can be so magical in the moment, but don’t get too caught up. You are drawn to maturity and stability, so ask yourself what really fulfills your needs. Maybe you will find true love when you truly love yourself.

Happy love month, Capricorn! You are used to being independent and self-reliant, but this month try to let your guard down and embrace the love that is in front of you. When you find that special someone you trust, be willing to try new things, and don’t be afraid to show off your passionate but wild side. As someone who always likes to be in control, it may be nice to slow things down and just enjoy the moment. You always know what you want, so be vocal about what you need. This month is a great opportunity for you to show off your devotion to those you love.

Taylor Harris is a junior studying journalism. Follow her on Twitter @taylorharrisjms.

Aaliyah Alexander is a junior studying journalism and international studies.

Trinity Bland is a senior studying television, film, media and Spanish. Follow her on Twitter @trinityaliciaa.

Sumaia Wegner is a junior studying journalism, media studies and communication.

January 20 - February 18

April 20 - May 20

May 21 - June 20

June 21 - July 22

July 23 -August 22

October 23-November 21

November 22 - December 21

December 22 - January 19

Sierra Stallworth is a junior studying journalism.

Cheryl Akpenyi is a junior studying journalism and political science. Follow her on Twitter @_queencheryl.

Cristina Lombardo is a senior studying journalism.

Ariana Mardani is a sophomore studying kinesiology.

Eugenie Budnik is a freshman studying journalism. Follow her on Twitter @budnik2budnik.

6

The Daily Aztec

Arts & Culture

Feb. 9 - 15, 2022 EDITOR: Ryan Hardison • arts@thedailyaztec.com

Column: Singles don't have to mingle

By Madison Greering CONTRIBUTOR

It always starts the same way: A dazzling woman with perfect hair, a sparkling personality and an enviable fashion sense smiles down at you from the screen. Whether she’s sick of her job, grappling with childhood trauma or is simply lonely, her prospects do not look good.

Enter: love interest.

A few emotional breakdowns and a dramatic marriage proposal later, our protagonist has found the love of her life. By the time the credits roll, she’s in a picture perfect relationship with the man of her dreams. All is right in the world.

But life before that? Miserable.

I’ve been watching romantic comedies for a long time, and all of them make the same promise: that the key to happiness is simple. All you need to do is find love, and everything else will fall into place.

Unfortunately, if you can’t do that, then the four horsemen of the apocalypse will find you.

The experience of being single has been ostracized in popular culture for a long time. It’s like the whole world is trying to make you feel out of place if you don’t have a significant other. In February, you can’t even turn a corner without being bombarded by flowers and boxes of chocolate in aggressive shades of pink and red.

With Valentine’s Day on its way, what’s a single person to do? Is finding romance really the key to happiness? And if it is, what happens when you lose that special someone?

Are some of us better off alone?

Amidst the ongoing devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness has become its own sort of plague. According to a study conducted by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, “36% of all Americans—including 61% of young adults… feel ‘serious loneliness,’” at a rate

that is significantly due to the ongoing pandemic.

After almost two years of stay-at-home orders, quarantines and social distancing, finding a true connection – I’m not talking about a strong Wi-Fi signal or a match on Tinder – is harder than ever.

Simultaneously, that true connection is what most of us crave, after living life online for so long.

What is most striking, however, is the most lonely demographic identified by the aforementioned study is our generation.

Perhaps our religious use of social media makes us predisposed to comparing our imperfect lives with the edited highlight reel of someone else’s.

With each photo of cute, happy couples you scroll through, the thought pounds in your head like a mantra: I’m lonely. I’m lonely. I’m lonely.

However, the solution to our loneliness is not something we can find in someone else’s arms. You can pay $22.99/month on Bumble, $14.99/month on Tinder, or $29.99/month on Hinge to boost your chances of finding a significant other, but if you feel isolated on your own, dating someone won’t change that.

Being single is not a condition to be cured. Being single is not a mutation to be corrected. Being single should not feel like sitting in a waiting room, wishing time would move faster, while your life passes you by.

“We come into this world alone and we die alone,” Greek philosopher Diogenes once said, and, while this sentiment sounds pessimistic, it’s true. The longest, most meaningful relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself. Remember you can take ownership of your happiness before you share it with anyone else.

You can be independent without feeling isolated. You can be untethered without feeling undesirable.

And you can be alone without feeling lonely.

For those who are newly single this February, you may not think

Graphic by Madison Greering

Being single on Valentine’s Day can an isolating experience but don’t let your love life define your happiness.

that’s possible. You may have trouble reassembling the broken pieces of your heart. Pictures that once made you laugh may now make you cry. The idea that you could ever be content without that person in your life may seem unimaginable.

But when the bittersweet memories keep you awake at 3 a.m., I want you to remember that you were a whole person before your relationship, and you are a whole person now.

And if that’s not enough to comfort you, remember that some of the greatest, most commended works of music, art, literature and more were inspired by heartbreak.

My aunt, a lifelong musician and songwriter, often tells me “I’ve definitely wasted years of my life on dead-end

relationships that broke my heart when they ended…But, at the end of it all, at least I can say that I got a good song out of it.”

The construction of the Taj Mahal, artwork by Frida Kahlo and, more recently, the album “Sour” by Olivia Rodrigo, were all inspired by heartbreak.

A failed relationship is not a death sentence; it’s a new beginning.

Your life is not going to play out like a scripted romantic comedy. There are going to be lots of bloopers for the gag reel. I promise.

But it doesn’t have to be miserable.

Your plot doesn’t have to revolve around finding the love of your life.

Maybe, this Valentine’s Day, us singles can instead learn to live a life we love.

How students view casual hookup culture on campus

By Trinity Bland MANAGING EDITOR

In the age of Tinder, sneaky links and rotating rosters of f*ck buddies, everyone’s hooking up these days – or are they?

While casual sex has always defined a popular college pastime, the experiences within San Diego State hookup culture come in more than 50 shades of grey.

Senior journalism major Jazracanah Zulueta believes SDSU hookup culture provided her with an astonishing awakening coupled with an unrealistic pressure to explore her sexuality.

“There’s so much pressure upon entering college to engage in this culture and that’s the part that I particularly take issue with,” Zuleta said. “Coming to college, you get the sense that people are more sexually liberated, and in turn, you become the same way and are more accepting of that.”

While SDSU is a large campus, students are more likely to engage in casual sex largely because social circles intertwine.

“People come across each other all the time at different parties and students know each other from around the way, so it’s more than likely that people are going to be more inclined to hook up,” Zuelta said.

There are many students, like freshman kinesiology major Jozlyn Gomez, who normalize casual sex for stress relief and fun.

“People think ‘I want to feel good, I

Photo by Jasmine Miles

For students like Jasmine Miles, reading books about sex can help with better understanding hookup culture.

want to be with someone who makes me feel good.’ They’re looking for a good time,” Gomez said. “It’s not viewed as provocative, it’s not scary, it’s viewed as something we all do and everyone I know is more concerned with people not having pregnancy scares, having consent and being safe.”

Gomez, who regularly hooked up with her boyfriend before their relationship started in February 2021, now engages in sex solely for intimacy purposes.

“I have sex more so for the intimacy with

my boyfriend, I do it for the connection, I do it to make sure we still have the spark in our relationship.”

Similarly, senior speech language and hearing sciences major Kaley-Shae Doherty identifies as “sex-positive” and engaged in casual sex before entering her current relationship.

“I knew people having sex in the residence halls and I was one of them,” Doherty said. “Hooking up is really just a ‘get in and get out’ kind of thing. Go do the business, don’t get attached, don’t stay too long, because once you do, it just starts going down.”

Jasmine Miles, second-year Community Based Block for Multicultural Community Counseling and Social Justice Education (CBB) graduate student, shared that books like Audre Lorde’s “Uses of The Erotic” and bell hooks’ “All About Love” helped her reach a deeper sense of her sensuality amid campus hookup culture.

“The erotic is usually linked to pornography and things of a sexual nature, but it doesn’t always have to be that way,” Miles said. “Pleasure can come from so many vessels like poetry, writing, cooking, cleaning and whatever feeds your soul.”

Miles graduated from SDSU with a sociology degree and Africana studies minor in 2020, and describes her casual sex encounters during her undergraduate years as an escape mechanism.

“I was looking for intimacy that was very surface level and I was too scared to

go deeper because that meant I’d have to open myself up, and that’s scary,” Miles said. “‘All About Love’ by bell hooks really showed me what I was doing as an undergraduate student was very hurtful for me and hurtful for the people that I was with.”

On the contrary, sex itself may be considered taboo in some spaces and not discussed on a larger social scale.

“I don’t really bring sex up to other people, so it could just be that no one is creating a space to talk about it,” senior rhetoric and writing studies major Summer Ycasas said. “If you go up to somebody and ask them, you may not get a great response or you’ll be met with defensiveness or unwillingness to divulge that information.”

Identifying as asexual, Ycasas is passionate about sexual health and she believes students, regardless of their relationship to hookup culture, should be cautious and educated about sexual pleasure.

“Personally, when it comes to sex and my sexuality, I usually slide along the spectrum of being indifferent to sex or just being kind of disgusted by it,” Ycasas said. “There are many different forms of sex and they will all yield different results, so I think it’s best to really weigh your options and think critically.”

Regardless, hookup culture isn’t a cause for concern nor is it utopia either — and SDSU students refuse to be characterized by a single extreme, per usual.

Feb. 9 - 15, 2022 EDITOR: Ryan Hardison • arts@thedailyaztec.com

Arts & Culture

Valentine’s Day film marathon selections

7

Scenic and underrated date spots for San Diego couples

By Eugènie Budnik STAFF WRITER

By Gwenyth Hoebing CONTRIBUTOR

“La La Land” (2016) Nominated for Best Picture at the 2016 Oscars, “La La Land” submerges its audience into the dreamy romance of two aspiring artists striving to make it big in LA. Sebastian, played by Ryan Gosling, and Mia, played by Emma Stone, seemingly meet by fate after several rocky encounters. Bent by spending more time focusing on their newfound success, they are faced with decisions that will put their seemingly perfect relationship to the test. Director Damien Chazelle’s cinematography and use of color transports the audience straight into the film’s vibrant feel and musical atmosphere. This modern-day musical will wreak havoc on your emotions and pull every one of your heartstrings. This is the perfect romantic watch to get you in your feels — so have tissues on deck!

“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019) (TW: Mentions of suicide) A beautiful and raw depiction of newfound love, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” follows the narrative of two women falling into forbidden love in the late 18th century. Marianne, a profound painter, is assigned to create a portrait of soon-to-bewedded Heloise, who isn’t supposed to know of Marianne’s obligations. Marianne is forced to study Heloise’s features on their daily walks to properly carry out the portrait. Figuratively speaking, every scene in this French film is its own painting, as the colors and attention to detail are intoxicating and leave us wanting more. It’s a gut-wrenching illustration of queer love when it was seen as so uncanny; this is a great film to add to your Valentine’s Day watchlist (once again — have tissues nearby!)

“50 First Dates” (2004) Starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, this feel-good rom-com is a great Valentine’s Day watch to lift your spirits. It’s definitely a more comedic and casual watch than the previous films on this list. On the tropical island of Oahu, Henry Roth falls in love with Lucy, a girl who suffers short-term memory loss, and he’s forced to re-win her love everyday.

Sandler and Barrymore have shared chemistry on the screen quite a few times (“Blended” and “The Wedding Singer”), and the hilarious duo never disappoint for a good laugh. If you’re in the mood for a rewatch of this classic 2000s movie, it’s bound to rekindle some childhood nostalgia.

“10 Things I Hate About You” (1999) Loosely based on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” this high school rom-com has a way of roping its audience in to fall in love with all of the charming characters. This iconic ‘90s film is known for its fantastic script, cast, and unforgettable performances. Kat Stratford, played by Julia Stiles, wants no parts of the dating scene, but her younger sister isn’t allowed to date until she does.

Kat is set up with a potential date and soon crosses paths with the infamous Patrick Verona, played by Heath Ledger.

However, for Patrick to get closer to her, Kat first has to learn to let her guard down. The chemistry Ledger and Stiles bring to their roles and the epic storyline makes this movie one of the greatest teen rom-coms ever made. You can’t go wrong with a rewatch of this angsty-cute and heartwarming film.

“500 Days of Summer” (2009) If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day watch that will hug you, then slap you across the face, look no further than

The Daily Aztec

Graphic courtesy of Edana Ryan

There are tons of great films to watch on Valentine’s Day - whether you’re feeling the love or not.

“500 Days of Summer,” starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Tom Hansen and Zooey Deschanel as Summer Finn. The film follows two timelines: the flourishing beginning of their romance; and the second, when things seem to grow complicated between the two. We follow the point of view of Levitt’s character Tom as he tries to figure out where things went wrong. The audience is warned at the beginning that this isn’t a love story, but a story about love, letting us know the emotional rollercoaster we’re about to go on. This is one of those films you have to watch at least once, and a great time to do that would be in the prime time of love this February.

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004) Winning a handful of awards for its breathtaking screenplay, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is a oneof-a-kind sci-fi romance with incredible performances by Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey. After Joel finds out his ex-girlfriend Clementine undergoes a procedure to erase him from her memory, he does the same. He soon regrets this mistake as he painfully relives their many memories, and realizes he still loves her as she begins to slip away. The film’s emotional center whips us around snippets of various stages in their relationship, further roping the audience into their emotional story. Director Michel Gondry’s beautiful cinematography compliment’s the unraveling of their romance beautifully.

The complexity of Joel and Clementine’s story don’t make this movie a casual watch, but those very elements are what makes this psychological romance so good nearly 18 years later.

‘Poetic Justice” (1993) (TW: Mentions of suicide, abuse) Well-paced with a powerful Black cast and a fantastic soundtrack, “Poetic Justice” follows the romance of Lucky, played by Tupac Shakur, and Justice, played by Janet Jackson. Justice, who deals with recent grief and the hardships of growing up in South Central L.A. by writing poetry, is forced to get closer to Lucky when invited to join some friends on the car ride to a work trip to Oakland. We’re brought along their journey of discovery and love as we learn the emotional background of all the characters. This film shows the beauty of finding someone to share the seemingly unconquerable troubles faced in life with and is a great emotional watch with touching themes.

When one thinks of romantic regions, San Diego may not be the first to come to mind. Contrary to popular belief, San Diego county has many unique date spots for you and your special someone, no matter what your interests are!

I have gathered together a list of some of the best local date spots that are sure to please you and your lover this Valentine’s Day. For those who enjoy staying up all night with a double shot of espresso and discussing poetry with their loved one, I recommend Gelato Vero Caffè. Located on the iconic India Street in downtown San Diego, this cafe has been a San Diego staple since 1984. Key characteristics of Gelato Vero include their late night hours, as well as a large upstairs seating area where you can overlook the San Diego skyline while sipping a cappuccino. If caffeine makes you jittery, then try one of Gelato Vero’s gelato cups made in-house.

Just be ready to shell out money to get separate cups for you and your date, because this gelato is impossible to share!

Early birds, do not feel disheartened — I have a date spot that is perfect for you.

Located only six miles away from campus in the Casa de Oro neighborhood is Mount Helix Park. Mount Helix is located at 1365 feet above sea level, and provides breathtaking views of San Diego County.

The park is open from 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Why not make a meal of your partner’s favorite foods and take them out to a romantic sunrise picnic? Mount Helix Park has plenty of picnicking areas, as well as a large amphitheatre. You and your partner can feel like you are on top

Photo by Liberty Lapuebla

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is perfect for a romantic getaway, with lots of flowers to admire.

Photo by Liberty Lapuebla

Mt. Helix offers an elevated view of San Diego like no other, making it one of the best spots to watch sunsets.

of the world together, as you watch the earth below you start your day.

Have you seen the movie “Grease” more times than you would admit publicly? Do you think fondly of poodle skirts and bouffant hairstyles? Then, the Santee Drive-In is the perfect date spot for you.

The Santee Drive-In movie theatre is open year round, and the best part is, you only pay ten dollars per person to watch two movies! For a more low-key date night, you and your sweetheart could order takeout and bring it with you as you watch movies from the comfort of your car! What’s even better, if you enjoy being more on the comfortable side, wear pajamas and bring blankets to use while watching the movies.

Last but certainly not least, here’s a date idea that is perfect for those in a long-term relationship looking for a quick weekend getaway: Borrego Springs is a desert community in San Diego surrounded entirely by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Lovebirds can spend a night under the stars at Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort. Palm Canyon Hotel is decorated in styles reminiscent of the Wild West, so you and your beloved will feel like Bonnie and Clyde (minus the string of robberies).

While in Borrego Springs, you can take advantage of the flourishing and vibrant art community by visiting the Borrego Springs Art Institute Gallery or Fredericks Ancient and Ethnic Art! Although you may not be able to afford to go on a jet-setting trip to Paris this Valentine’s Day with your special someone, there are plenty of opportunities right here in San Diego to create unforgettable memories. These unique date spots are destined to surprise your date and entice them to set up a second date!

10

8

The Daily Aztec

Mundo Azteca

Feb. 9 - 15, 2022 EDITOR: Noé Sandoval • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com

Vigilia en San Diego honra a tres periodistas mexicanos asesinados La Asociación Nacional de Periodistas Hispanos-San Diego/Tijuana condena el asesinato y pide una investigación. por Gabriel Schneider y Karelly Vidrio

ESCRITORES

La Asociación Nacional de Periodistas Hispanos de San Diego/Tijuana, o NAHJ por sus siglas en inglés, organizó una vigilia en honor a los tres periodistas que fueron asesinados el 28 de enero. Los tres asesinatos ocurrieron en México al comenzar este año.

“Lo que está pasando en México es algo que afecta a la comunidad de periodistas.

Nuestra región, aunque esta la frontera nosotros somos uno”, dijo Adriana Heldiz, corresponsal de Voice of San Diego y ex alumna de SDSU es miembro de la organización de la Asociación Nacional de Periodistas Hispanos.

José Luis Gamboa, director Gral de inforegio-Medios, fue asesinado el miércoles 12 de enero. La investigación del asesinato aún no ha sido resuelta.

Margarito Martínez Esquivel un fotoperiodista recibió un tiro en la cabeza causándole la muerte el lunes 17 de enero, según un anuncio de la Fiscalia General del Estado de Baja California.

Una página web de gofundme fue hecha para Martínez Esquivel.

Lourdes Maldonado, una contribuidora para la justicia de Margarito Martínez

Esquivel fue asesinada el domingo 23 de enero.

Antes del asesinato, Maldonado le dijo al Presidente de Mexico Andrés Manuel López Obrador que temía por su vida.

Maldonado dijo que temía por su vida del Presidente Andrés Manuel López Obrador, en 2019.

En la aplicación de Twitter, la organización NAHJ, publicaron que condenan los asesinatos de periodistas, y piden que se haga una investigación exhaustiva e independiente de los tres asesinatos.

Varios periodistas se tomaron el tiempo para expresar su sentir, incluyendo la periodista mexicana de Tijuana Sonia de Anda.

“Solamente nos resta seguir presionando a un gobierno hipócrita. Un gobierno que simula,” dijo de Anda. “Que se necesita implementar mecanismo para dar buenos resultados ante organismos internacionales y no quedar evidenciados como un país que no protege a sus periodistas”.

Se han registrado 60 homicidios con motivo hacia periodistas en México desde 1992 a 2022. Hay otros 78 homicidios los cuales no se han confirmado los motivos según el Comittee to Protect Journalists.

Desde el día de la vigilia, se ha reportado otro o un cuarto periodista asesinado, Roberto Toledo.

Por Karelly Vidrio

Los ejectuivos de NAHJ-San Diego/Tijuana organizan la vigiia para la comunidad para lamentar los asesinatos.

Las historias y tradiciones del dia feriado del amor y amistad conocidas por el continente latinoamericano por Noé Sandoval EDITOR DE MUNDO AZTECA

Grafico por Noé Sandoval

Las tradiciones de Latinoamerica para el feriado de San Valentin son variables y tienen una grande historia.

Aqui en los Estados Unidos el 14 de febrero, o Dia de San Valentin, es un feriado donde muchos comparten el dia con alguien especial, con su pareja. Hay un gran influjo de regalos de chocolates, flores y tarjetas en las tiendas para conmemorar el amor.

La historia de San Valentín viene de la religión judeocristiana. San Valentín de Roma fue un sacerdote del imperio romano conocido por sus buenas obras.

Han habido muchas leyendas sobre este sacerdote, como él casando a soldados del imperio romano mientras era ilegal por el imperador. El sacerdote fue canonizado por la iglesia católica y es conocido como un santo.

Hoy en día, el feriado de San Valentin es más secular e comercializado para novios y parejas. La iglesia talvez ya no lo celebra como un día religioso.

Sin embargo, la celebración continua siendo una gran tradicion mundialmente, y en América Latina se encuentran muchas tradiciones. Además, no todo los países latinoamericanos lo celebran en la misma fecha.

Mexico Siendo frontera con Los Estados Unidos, muchas costumbres y tradiciones son similares. Regalar flores, chocolates y tarjetas el lo común para celebrar este día entre pareja. Según un encuesta hecha por Picodi, los mexicanos gastan un promedio de $42 en regalos para su pareja el dia de San Valentín, y es el país que más celebra este dia entre América Látina. En Mexico, el dia cae en el 14 de febrero igual a Los Estados Unidos.

Colombia Llamado “El Dia del Amor y la Amistad”, en este país la gente lo celebra

hasta el tercer sábado de septiembre. La razón por lo cual es así por el inicio de clases causando una escasez de ventas de chocolates y flores. Los colombianos gastan un promedio de $35 dolares para este dia feriado. Lo interesante de Colombia, es que el país es un gran exportador de rosas y muchas otras flores, entonces para el dia 14 de febrero el país aún queda involucrado en el feriado proporcionando las flores regaladas para las parejas en su dia especial.

Chile Chile es el país que tiene unos de los gastos mas grandes en América Latina para este día. Los chilenos gastan un promedio de $43 dolares para este feriado. En Chile, este dia es conocido como El Dia de Los Enamorados y se celebra el 14 de febrero.

Brasil En este gran país latinoamericano, este feriado es conocido como “Dia dos Namorados”, e se celebra el dia 12 de junio. El motivo por una fecha diferente es debido a otro santo patron del mundo lusófono, San Antonio de Padua. San Antonio de Padua fue un sacerdote francisano en Portugal e fue conocido por sus enseñanzas religiosas y milagros. Como San Valentin, San Antonio de Padua fue un hombre que ayudaba a las personas. Hoy en dia, el 12 de junio es igual al 14 de febrero en Brasil, tiendas vendiendo chocolates, flores y otros regalos románticos. Febrero en Brasil es reservado para el Carnaval, una celebración para prepararse antes de la Cuaresma y la Pascua.

Aún hay montones de tradiciones del dia del amor y amistad por el mundo que talvez no son conocidas por todo el continente, pero es interesante ver la historia y el impacto de esta celebración de amor.

Feb. 9 - 15, 2022 EDITOR: Noé Sandoval • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com

Mundo Azteca

The Daily Aztec

9

Ayuda en el amor en normas nuevas del mundo durante una pandemia por Lucelis Martinez ESCRITORA PRINCIPAL

En San Diego, la temporada del amor ha cambiado gracias a el COVID-19.

Estas expertas en el amor y relaciones nos dicen porque.

La Dra. Dana McNeil se ha comprometido a proveer lo que ella llama un ambiente cómodo para las parejas que ve en sus sesiones de terapia. McNeil es una ex alumna de SDSU. Katy Clark comparte su sabiduría como una casamentera con su red de casi 11 mil seguidores en Instagram, diariamente.

Sherri Murphy conoció a su esposo por una aplicación de citas hace 28 años, de acuerdo con su hija Tammi Pickle. Ahora Murphy y Pickle manejan un servicio que busca parejas, Conexiones Elite.

McNeil dijo que en general las parejas no tienen un chance para extrañarse durante la cuarentena y esto causa presión en sus relaciones. Las parejas en San Diego específicamente se enfrentan a unos problemas únicos que ella ha visto en su práctica profesional, “El Lugar de Relaciones,” o “The Relationship Place.”

“Todas nuestras formas de querer escapar, muchas veces tenían que ver con estar afuera o con conectarnos con personas”, McNeil dijo, “Tú sabes, esos rituales de conexión que tenemos fueron una gran parte de la cultura de San Diego que no pudimos hacer”.

McNeil dijo que las parejas jóvenes normalmente están más dispuestas a trabajar en sus relaciones a través de sesiones de

Por Bianca Cordero

En San Diego, “The Relationship Place” es un lugar donde hay terapia para parejas y famiiias.

terapia, mientras que las parejas mayores de edad muchas veces tienen que batallar estigmas por la misma cosa.

Clark trabaja para un servicio que busca parejas por invitación, Cinque. Como madre soltera de tres, y con divorcio acechando detrás de ella, Clark insistió en perseguir sus pasiones.

Se mudo a China y aprendió el lenguaje, abrió un restaurante ahí para proveer el sabor del Oeste hasta encontrarse en la

séptima temporada de Food Network Star.

También se involucró con el ejercicio y la moda. Todos estos empeños ahora la ayudan con su carrera como casamentera.

Clark apareció en el radar de Cinque cuando usó sus servicios. Ella dijo que se sintió segura usando el servicio porque Cinque entrevista a todas sus parejas potenciales. Una de las personas con quien ella fue emparejada cuando ella utilizaba los servicios, es ahora un cliente de ella.

Clark dijo que el mundo de citas ha sido impactado absolutamente por COVID-19, especialmente en California.

“Yo creo que creo otro estilo de salidas románticas que básicamente son tener citas en zoom, más citas en facetime, tal vez citas en el patio, citas picnic”.

Como parte del proceso de entrevistas en Cinque, se les pregunta a clientes donde caen con el tema de la vacunación en contra del COVID-19.

Clark dijo que las personas caen en tres campos con el tema de vacunación. Algunos que están vacunados solo quieren estar con otras personas que hayan sido vacunadas, hay personas que están vacunados pero no requieren que su pareja esté vacunada, y hay algunos que no están vacunados y no les interesa saber si su pareja potencial está vacunada o no.

Pickle y su madre tienen un equipo de 30 casamenteros en su agencia, quienes lidian con cinco a 10 clientes a la vez. Su demografía de clientes caen dentro del rango de 20 a 70, Pickle dijo. De acuerdo a ella, Conexiones Elite ha estado operando por 27 años, con miles de clientes en su base de datos y un indicio de éxito que llega hasta al 86%. Ellos conocen a sus clientes y sus gustos y los mandan a citas con otros clientes que han sido entrevistados.

Ellos han estado más ocupados que nunca desde el comienzo de la pandemia.

“La gente estaba atrapada en una rutina social y romántica por la pandemia. Ellos nos hablan porque están serios sobre encontrar parejas de calidad que están buscando una

10

The Daily Aztec

Sports

Track and Field is

on fire to start 2022

Feb. 9-15, 2022 EDITOR: Jason Freund • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Aztecs Lacrosse stomps the Athenas in exhibition match

By Adam Correa STAFF WRITER

Courtesy of SDSU Athletics

Senior sprinter Jalyn Harris and the SDSU track team have been setting school records to start the 2022 season.

By Taylor Harris STAFF WRITER

San Diego State track and field had an outstanding performance at the New Mexico Collegiate Classic meet, with numerous athletes finishing in the top five of their event and multiple athletes being put in the Aztec indoor record book.

The highlight from day one of the meet on Feb. 4 was junior Sara Absten, who finished third in the pentathlon. Absten scored a total of 3,851 points, which was not only a personal best, but also the sixth-highest score in SDSU history. In the pentathlon, Absten placed first in the long jump, jumping the tenth-best mark in program history of 5.90 meter.

Freshman Jenna Fee Feyeraband also added to the Aztec indoor record book, scoring the ninth-highest pentathlon ever with a total of 3,740 points. Sophomore Ruthie Grant-Williams had a personal best score in the pentathlon with 3,181 points.

In the weight throw, junior Ruthie Grant-Williams added another record for the Scarlet and Black, throwing the ninthbest mark in indoor history with a throw of 15.87 meters.

Sophomores Rhea Hoyte and Alexus Alexander both impressed during the 200-meter, earning fourth and fifth place with times of 24.971 seconds and 25.973 seconds, respectively.

The Aztecs finished off strong on Feb. 5 — the second day of the competition.

Freshman Ashley Callahan had a notable performance in the pole vault, clearing 4.16 meters. This mark is the ninth-best and only one inch away from tying the freshman record set by former Aztec AllAmerican Bonnie Draxler in 2015.

Senior Kaitlin Heri also had a good performance in the pole vault, clearing and finishing in fifth.

Junior Jordyn Bryant finished in second for shot put, also throwing the ninthbest mark of all-time of 13.81 meters.

Sophomore Onyi Anigbogu also received a personal-best mark of 13.38 meters, which earned her fourth place.

The 4 by 400 meter team once again impressed this week, running the sixthbest time in SDSU indoor history. The team — which included Hoyte, Jayln Harris, Aisha Watt and Nyjari McNeil — finished in second place with a time of 3:41.25.

Another performance that was added to the Aztec indoor record book came from junior Jade Cany in the triple jump. Cany jumped the fourth-best mark in SDSU history with a mark of 12.72 meters, which earned her sixth place. Sophomore teammate Simone Johnson also jumped a top eight mark in SDSU history, jumping 12.26 meters and finishing in tenth.

The Aztecs are back in New Mexico next weekend to continue their 2022 indoor season, where they will be competing in the Don Kirby Elite Invitational.

The Aztecs had nonstop offensive power through all four periods of play against the Claremont Mudd-Scripps (CMS) Athena’s winning 22-6. Although it was an exhibition match, the Scarlet and Black played like it was a regular season game.

Senior transfers Julia Lytle and Deanna Balsama had a huge impact on the field scoring half of the Aztecs goals with five and six goals respectively. .

Head coach Kylee White said in a statement on goaztecs.com before the game that she expects Lytle and Balsama to be “immediate contributors” this season.

When the team caused turnovers, Lytle and Balsama immediately went to the opponent’s side of the field and created scoring opportunities.

Coach White said she knows they have a tough schedule and is ready to use their new weapons.

“We’ve brought in a lot of talent from transfers to freshmen and we look forward to testing the program’s growth this season with a tough schedule where

we will play some of the best teams in the country,” said Coach White.

Senior team captains Bailey Brown and Cailin Young also contributed on the offensive side.

Brown scored a few goals but really helped out on assisting her teammates.

Young also helped out on assisting her teammates but struggled on goal scoring chances.

The defense — led by senior captain Shelby Hook — was able to cause turnovers and limit the Athenas to six goals.

The Aztecs start their season on the road against the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans on Saturday Feb. 12.

SDSU is 1-10 against the Trojans since 2013 with their lone win coming last season.

The Scarlet and Black won 14-13 in overtime with the last goal coming from Brown.

Brown said in an interview three weeks ago that USC is one of the team’s most highly anticipated match-ups.

“USC is always one of our (favorite match-ups) we always go to and we really love the competition with them,” Brown said.

Water Polo falls to ranked

teams at Stanford Invitational

By Justin Cox STAFF WRITER

In a return to the pool, the 18th ranked San Diego State women’s water polo team stumbled at the Stanford Invitational dropping games to No. 9 Arizona State, and No. 2 Stanford.

Despite sophomore Laurene Padilla’s three goals against Arizona State and two against Stanford, the Pac 12 powers proved too strong, defeating the Aztecs 11-6 and 19-4 respectively.

Both games were characterized by slow Aztec starts as the Sun Devils jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead before sophomore Dayna Bond put the Aztecs on the board with the team’s first goal of the season.

After another Sun Devil goal, senior Delaney Binette found the back of the net with less than a minute remaining in the first quarter to cut the deficit to two.

Binette and Padilla each added goals

before the half, but the Sun Devils stretched the lead to three as the teams headed into half at a score of 7-4. Padilla scored two second-half goals, but the rest of the Aztec offense was stifled by ASU’s defense in the 11-6 loss.

The second-ranked Stanford Cardinal proved their might as they tacked on five first-quarter goals before senior Spencer Samuel snuck one through with only two seconds left in the first quarter to bring the score to 5-1. Senior Karli Canale and Padilla each had second-quarter scores, but the Cardinal scored six goals in the second quarter to put the game out of reach.

Once again, the Aztec offense froze, as only Padilla managed to score in the second half as the Aztecs fell 19-4.

The Aztecs will look to rebound this weekend as they travel to La Jolla for the Triton Invitational and a matchup with UC San Diego.

Courtesy of SDSU Athletics

Deanna Balsama runs to celebrate with teammate Bailey Brown after a goal. Balsama would end up with five goals against Clairmont Mudd-Scripps.

7

LOVE

Feb. 9 - 15 2022 EDITOR: Jason Freund • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Sports

The Daily Aztec /

11

Basketball finishes strong against Nevada

By Jason Freund SPORTS EDITOR

For the first five minutes of action, the San Diego State Aztecs looked like they hadn’t recovered from their heartbreaking loss to the Colorado State Rams.

Taking on the Nevada Wolfpack on Feb. 6, (9-12, 3-7 Mountain West Conference), the Aztecs (13-6, 5-3 MWC) seemed… disheartened. The bench was quiet and the shots just weren’t falling. Even The Show — SDSU’s frenzied student section — was dotted with empty seats.

It showed on the court. With the offense unable to find open shots, the Wolf Pack — who were missing their two best players in juniors Grant Sherfield and Warren Washington — raced out to an early 22-9 lead and didn’t miss a shot for the first five minutes of the game.

It had gotten to a point where Dutcher felt the need to call a timeout.

“If you’re gonna have a bad spurt, have it at the start of the game,” Dutcher explained to the media. “We have all sorts of time to get back in this game. Just hang in there.

Don’t get frustrated, they’re making some good shots. they’re playing well. We’re not playing well, but we can turn it in a heartbeat.”

It wasn’t without drama, but SDSU would walk away from Viejas Arena with a nail-biting 65-63 victory to keep their NCAA playoff hopes alive.

Staring down 12 points, the Scarlet and Black grabbed their metaphorical shovels and got to work digging out the hole they got themselves into.

A quick two-pointer and a 3-point shot off a fast break from senior Matt Bradley was just the spark SDSU needed. It also helped that the Wolfpack went ice-cold from the field and developed a nasty habit of turning the ball over.

Meanwhile, the Aztecs had caught fire.

In a span of 10 minutes, SDSU went on a torrid 19-2 run, slashing away at Nevada’s defense with a combination of layups and free throws. A Bradley 3-pointer knotted the game at 24 and a free throw gave SDSU their first lead of the game after nearly 15 minutes of basketball.

The Aztecs had come back. Great. Now, could they hold onto the lead? Nevada certainly wasn’t making it easy, but Dutcher employed an old trick that had helped bridge the gap the game before against CSU: the full-court press.

Targeting fill-in junior point guard Kenan Blackshear, the Aztecs dogged the Wolf Pack with the press in the latter part of the first half.

“We were trying to wear Blackshear down,” Dutcher said. “I mean, he’s not a true point guard, even though he did a great job at the point. We were just trying to press to wear their legs out so we could

have a run.”

The full court press is something of a double-edged sword. The opposing team is constantly pressured and is more prone to mistakes, but at the same time, it tests the employing team’s cardio and physical endurance while whittling down a player’s stamina.

When asked if the team was ready for more pressing, Bradley said he believed his teammates were more than ready to take advantage of the strategy.

“I like it, I think if me and the guys get in better shape, it’s something we can do,” Bradley said. “I was talking to Trey and some of the older guys and they said it’s something they did in previous years…

I think we are willing to take on the challenge of pressuring teams full court for more minutes of the game.”

Still, Nevada wasn’t throwing in the towel just because the Aztecs had landed a flurry of body blows. To them, the game had just gotten started.

After Trey Pulliam opened the second half with a two-point jump shot, Blackshear and senior Desmond Cambridge Jr. hit back-to-back 3-pointers to vault Nevada back into the lead.

If the name “Desmond Cambridge Jr.” strikes a familiar chord, that’s because it should. As a sophomore playing for Brown University back in 2018, Cambridge Jr. scored 25 points while leading Brown University to a massive 82-61 upset of the Aztecs in Viejas Arena on Dec. 29, 2018.

Against the Aztecs Cambridge Jr. continued to haunt Viejas Arena, dropping 18 points while making five 3-point shots.

Those numbers are pretty good. But this time, it wasn’t good enough.

After trading leads, the Wolf Pack created some separation on a Will Baker 3-pointer and a layup from Cambridge Jr. Then, junior Keshad Johnson lit up Viejas Arena with a patented SportsCenter Top-10 worthy dunk and made an ensuing free throw.

After two Nevada free throws, Bradley made a 3-pointer… then another… and then another… and capped it off with a layup. Senior Joshua Tomaic — as part of an eight-point game — scored another two-point bucket with an and-one. A turnover led to Pulliam dropping another two-pointer, stretching SDSU’s lead to eight.

But Nevada didn’t hear a bell and kept boxing, clinging onto SDSU’s side no matter what.

It took quite literally the last seconds of the game, but three free throws from Butler and Bradley put the Wolf Pack to sleep and the Aztecs were disheartened no more.

The Scarlet and Black will travel to San Jose State on Wednesday January 9 to take on a Spartans team that is still searching for it’s first conference win since January 30, 2021.

Photo by Owen Ekstrom

Keshad Johnson plays keep-away with a New Mexico defender. Johnson scored seven points and collected five rebounds against Nevada.

Applications are due 4 p.m. PDT, Friday, Feb. 18

LEAVE YOUR LEGACY

For more information, visit as.sdsu.edu/elections or email aselections@sdsu.edu A.S. Elections are March 21-24 on SDSU WebPortal Photo by Owen Ekstrom

Trey Pulliam navigating his way through New Mexico defenders to get a shot off. Pulliam played 35 minurtes against Nevada, scoring seven points and three assist.

The Back Page The Daily Hotline: Tired of Valentine’s Day? Beware of red flags Celebrate with your ‘gals’ 12

Feb. 9 - 15, 2022 Editor: Ryan Hardison • arts@thedailyaztec.com

The Daily Aztec

By Daniela Ramirez STAFF WRITER

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and while love is in the air, so are red flags.

Whether you are staying inside watching a romantic comedy with a tub of ice cream or going out on a date, these are some red flags you should look out for.

Warning signs, also known as red flags, can be ambiguous in today’s dating culture.

Always remember that your standards and boundaries are different from person to person; the advice mentioned should be taken with a grain of salt.

Not all college students put themselves on a strict schedule. Only 1% of the whole student population don’t procrastinate.

The odds you are talking to that 1% are slim. If the person you’re talking to says they’re too busy or they can’t see you after a certain hour because of “studying,” it’s a bright red flag and you need to keep it pushing.

Many of us are running out the door like it’s a track race for any excuse to stop doing schoolwork, especially if it’s our crush calling. Remember, if they wanted to, they would. A person will make time for you no matter how busy. If you can, they can.

Who should pay for the first date? It’s 2022, but women have been ruling the world since Beyonce said so in 2011. In all seriousness, traditionally, men have been

labeled as the “providers” and should pay for everything. Men are not the only ones who can provide nowadays. An easy guide to follow is whoever asked for the date should pay. Another way is simply to ask if splitting the bill is accommodating.

Where’s the red flag here you might be asking? Well, if it is agreed that one person will be paying but they “forgot” their wallet, you experienced an early red flag. A person who is serious about getting to know you should have everything planned out and in order.

Now, imagine you’re on a date on campus for an Aztec Night event and your date lives on campus or somewhere close by. If they constantly bring up going back to their dorm or place, it’s a red flag.

Obviously they don’t want to be there, or they may want you for not the right reasons. A person thinking of the next place to go isn’t enjoying the moment, let alone the next place in mind being their bed.

If going back to the dorm is consented to by all parties, keep in mind what expectations the other person might have.

If your expectations are their expectations, I would recommend staying safe and having fun.

Make sure those hearts aren’t really red flags. If you need advice on dating life, social life, or life in general, contact The Daily Hotline by email at arts@ thedailyaztec.com. All identities are kept private.

Graphic by Emily Forschen

Red flags can appear in various forms, including through suspicious-looking texts or flaky excuses.

Graphic by Emily Forschen

Though Galentine’s Day began on “Parks and Recreation,” it’s now caught on with people who’ve never even seen it.

By Isabel Smith STAFF WRITER

Valentine’s Day is primarily associated with romance. Roses, chocolate, candy hearts, cards and jewelry are given to sweethearts as tokens of love. But this holiday is not just about romance, it’s about celebrating all the people you love including your friends!

Back in 2010, “Parks and Recreation” created Galentine’s Day, which takes place the day before Valentine’s Day. In the NBC show, Leslie Knope creates Galentine’s Day as a day to celebrate the love you have for your “gals,” aka your friends.

“Valentine’s Day is about romance, but February 13th, Galentine’s Day, is about celebrating lady friends!”

Leslie says this in the aptly named season two episode where she celebrates by taking her friends to brunch and lavishing them with gifts like massage gift cards and pillows embroidered with their own faces. Although the episode aired early in the show’s run, the tradition of Galentine’s Day has outlived the show and is still being celebrated today.

Love is about the true friends in our lives. The friends who call you when you need advice, make you laugh until your stomach hurts, check in on you after you’ve had a bad day and celebrate your biggest achievements. The bond between

friends deserves to be celebrated and what better time than Galentine’s Day! What should you and your gals do? Feel free to celebrate however you’d like! Host a brunch like Leslie, a movie marathon, go dancing - make it a big party or a small get together - there’s no wrong way to do it.

You can even send out Galentine’s Day cards to your friends or make them a special gift like Leslie! (Except maybe skip the personalized pillows).

As great as Valentine’s is, the holiday centered around love can be difficult for those who are single or who have just gotten out of a relationship. For those who are spending the 14th without a significant other, Galentine’s Day can be the perfect opportunity to remind them how loved and cherished they are.

And for those who are in a relationship, celebrating the day before frees up actual Valentine’s Day so they can spend it with their partner.

One of the biggest criticisms of this holiday is that it’s exclusionary and only meant to be celebrated by women.

But the truth is, anyone can celebrate Galentine’s Day! Galentine’s is all about sharing your love with the people you are not romantically involved with and love knows no gender. Your Galentine’s Day party can include anyone who you consider a good friend. Just so long as they like waffles.

Column: Read it and weep! Check out more romance novels

By Isabella Dallas CONTRIBUTOR

Whether we like it or not, when February rolls around, so does a month of love and romance. For most, Valentine’s Day is almost an excuse to splurge on whatever your heart desires. Maybe you decide to go on a fancy dinner date, spend all day with your significant other, or even buy a bunch of half-off chocolate to eat while watching a mediocre rom-com. While February is certainly not the only time of the year to celebrate romance novels, it does serve as an extremely valid excuse to do so.

Yes, books can be boring. Those challenging, non-fiction, required school books have their time and place in the world, but who’s to say you can’t also have a little something extra on your shelf?

We don’t get flowers and chocolates and gifts every day because everyday life is also boring. Why not brighten it up by reading about love? Romance is meant to be enjoyed in many different mediums.

Many of these books give value to the rich and honest relationships, emotions, and values of women that are not often shown. These novels are often unapologetically dramatic and perfectly romantic. This genre, however, is not just limited to depicting women; you are able to read along as everyday people explore their independence, vulnerability and confidence. While these characters are romantically falling in love, they’re also falling in love with fully coming into themselves.

Now, that is not to say you won’t come across the occasional books that feed into romance’s bad reputation. But please keep in mind this genre goes past those cheesy book covers rooted in misogyny and lack of diversity.

As reading has become a popular trend over the past year, more novels with beautiful storylines, exciting plot twists, and increasingly inclusive themes have been showcased. These love stories represent the diversity in the real world.

Some of my favorites are “Get a Life Chloe Brown” by Talia Hibbert, “Red White and

Photo by Isabella Dallas

A number of romance books have become popular on TikTok, including “Get a life Chloe Brown.”

Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston, “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang, and “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller.

As remarkable as it might sound, TikTok has to be given some credit for this recent popularity of books. The hashtag

#Booktok on TikTok currently has 36.6 billion views for videos about reading, recommending, and reviewing books — all with an extreme emphasis on romance.

SEE ONLINE