Getting to know UTPA
An introduction to campus
Pages 4-5
Volume 71, No. 3
September 11, 2014
ONLINE CONTENT PanamericanOnline.com
Open House
Meet the University Center
Home Opener
Volleyball photo gallery
Student Spotlight
Theater propmaster’s story
Blog Spot
Book-to-movie adaptations
9/11 Gallery
Photos of memorial 5K walk/run
UTRGV Unveiling
Reactions to color, mascot finalists
By Elisa Garcia The Pan American At the age of 5, Scarlet Sawyer had dreams of becoming a competitive swimmer for the University of Texas at Austin and eventually making the Olympic trials. With a year-round swim schedule, the then 14-year-old injured her rotator cuff, the tendons in
the shoulder connecting the upper arm to the shoulder blade. This critical injury ended her career as a competitive swimmer at 17. A year later, Sawyer found herself standing in a tattoo parlor at South Padre Island when a local tattoo artist invited her to go surfing, a foreign sport to her at the time. But with 13 years of com-
petitive swimming under her belt, she boarded up and hit the waves. “(Surfing) feels like your first love. Everything’s so exciting nothing can put a smile on your face faster,” she said. “The fear turns into a rush and keeps you thinking about it all day long. When I’m on the water nothing can touch me. The bad thoughts
are stuck on the beach.” Now 21-years-old and attending UTPA as a full-time student, Sawyer has traveled to Mexico and Costa Rica for the thrill of catching waves. Throughout her travels the McAllen native experienced life in a new way.
Jon Nutt/ The Pan American “(Traveling) opened my eyes in the sense of what the world’s really about,” the junior said. “It’s not about how much money I can make, it’s not about the car I drive and I used to think that. I just wanted to impress people and now I think ‘why bother?’”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
2
opinion
September 11, 2014
#UTPA #UTPA Tweet at and follow us @ThePanAmerican Holla at the guy walking around with the Walmart cart here at UTPA -@caro_luvs96
May Ortega
Arts & Life Editor
Are you a dog or a cat person? The Humane Society of Wtf Utpa chick fil a what the United States said that in you mean your out of 2012 there were 83.3 million dog and 95.6 million cat ownketchup #fucku -@dfdirrigl ers in the U.S. That’s 62 percent of all American homes that have one pet or the other. Of all UTPA police saved my those pets, only 30 percent were life.... And most of all my adopted from a shelter. The reIDENTITY. Super grateful maining 2.7 million adoptable for these guys! #Wassup animals were euthanized. That’s a lot of lives to save. -@Apolonioman According to Google Maps, there is a single animal shelter in Edinburg called the Palm Valley Letters to Animal Center which received the Editor 44,000 animals in 2011 as stated on their website. To comThe Pan American accepts letters of 300 pare, the Austin Animal Center words or less from had 20,000 and San Antonio’s students, staff and faculty Animal Care Services took in regarding recent newspaper 30,000 that same year. PVAC content, campus concerns is in the process of opening its or current events. We cannot publish anonymous own no-kill shelter in hopes of letters or submissions saving lives and raise annual containing hate speech or adoptions from 2,000 to 5,000. gratuitous personal attacks. As a cat lover, animal adopPlease send all letters to: tion commercials were always thepanamerican tearjerkers growing up. So at @gmail.com 11 years old, this girl was deter-
Vol. 71, No. 3
The Pan American
mined to save at least one feline from the shelter system. That’s when Sunshine was adopted from Recycled Rovers in Donna and joined me in Rio Grande City. She’s a fluffy, orange beauty with big yellow-green eyes and a tail so furry, you could dust a room with it. Now she’s so chubby she makes for the perfect cuddle buddy. For almost 10 years Sunshine has filled my room with purrs and whisker rubs, which she will not do for anybody else. Because of college, visits to this 9-year-old cat come every other weekend, maybe, and it’s horrible. But one thought has never been far from my mind: not all animals are so lucky to be loved. The Humane Society said that of all pet dogs and cats, only 29 percent were saved from the clutches of euthanasia. The rest were either bought from breeders or picked up from the street. Why buy from a breeder when a quarter of dogs in shelters are purebred? One benefit of adopting shelter pets is that they are almost always spayed or neutered, so that takes care of adding to the
already overflowing population on the streets. It’s impossible to determine the amount of strays in the U.S. but the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates there are at least 70 million homeless cats. Not everybody has to go out and adopt because there is
mune system and reduce their chances of developing allergies by 33 percent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tested and verified that pet owners had decreased blood pressure and cholesterol compared to non-owners which overall lowers the chances of a heart attack. There was also less
The Humane Society said that of all pet dogs and cats, only 29 percent were saved from the clutches of a euthanized death. more commitment to owning an animal compared to your pet rock, which is still under your bed from a decade ago. A lot of money and effort go into adding a new member to your family, but there are some great things to consider. Have health issues? Pets can help with that. According to Animal Planet, raising a child with a pet around will help them have a stronger im-
cardiovascular stress present in subjects when they were with a dog compared to being with their spouse or their friends. Owning a dog or cat provides excellent companionship that people just can’t offer. There are few things more soothing than sitting in bed listening to music and having Sunshine around. Fellow pet owners may be familiar with this feeling. Having deep love for an ani-
mal might sound a bit strange to some, but pets can actually give their owners a sense of purpose and offer a boost of happiness. Ever heard of Animal-Assisted Therapy? Several hospitals and nursing homes use this sort of program by bringing animals to spend time with patients, resulting in smiles and joy. According to a study conducted by companion animal care group Pets Are Wonderful Support, patients with AIDS said their pets provided them with support and reduced their stress. In that same study, homeless subjects said their only relationships were those with their pets and stated they would not accept housing if it meant they had to abandon their animal. Forty percent of homeless teens reported their dogs were their main means of dealing with loneliness. So at least give it some thought. Having a companion by your side that you raise and care for is a great experience. You develop a love that you just can’t get from a human. It changes you as a person and you are saving a life.
thepanamerican@gmail.com 1201 West University, ARHU 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 665-2541 Fax: (956) 665-7122
M O N T H
Editors-in-Chief:
Susan Gonzalez Andrew Vera
News Editor:
Melinda Garza
Sports Editor:
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TRIATHLON FOR EDUCATION
Marco Torres
Arts & Life Editor: May Ortega
Photography Editor: Jon Nutt
Design Editor:
@sandrajrb95
Francisco Rodriguez
Multimedia Editor:
BICYCLE RODEO AT THE UTPA FIELDHOUSE PARKING LOT
COMIC
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014
Michael Aguilar
FROM 8 - 10 A.M.
Social Media Editor: Jose S. DeLeon III
Copy Editor:
Victoria Valdez
MCALLEN POLICE DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT THE BICYCLE RODEO AS WELL AS GIVE AWAY FREE BIKE HELMETS TO THE KIDS.
Dr. Greg Selber
BRING YOUR OWN BIKES FOR PARTICIPATION.
Adviser:
Administrative Associate:
WE WILL HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF BIKES ON SITE TO LOAN OUT FOR THE DAY.
Anita Reyes
Advertising Manager:
Verónica Rodríguez The Pan American is the official student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American. Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the paper or university.
Triathlon FOR EDUCATION Swim 400 yards Bike 11 miles Run 2 miles
@utpawmnstennis
For more information or special accommodations
(956) 665-7808
www.utpa.edu/wellness
recmemberships@utpa.edu
news By Melinda Garza The Pan American As a result of President Barack Obama’s executive action to help make student loans more affordable, the U.S. Department of Education announced new steps to better assist federal student loan borrowers in managing their debt. Following up on the commitments outlined by Obama in June, the Department has renegotiated the terms of its contracts with federal student loan servicers in order to reinforce incentives for them to provide better customer service in addition to helping borrowers stay up-todate on their payments. Obama had a total of six commitments, which would have the Secretaries of Education and the Treasury Department work together to help borrowers manage their student loan debts. Some commitments included strengthening incentives for loan contractors in order to serve students well, to ensure active-duty military receive relief they are entitled to and to work with the private sector to promote awareness of repayment options. The remaining commitments will explore ways to communicate with federal student loan borrowers, use innovative communication strategies to help borrowers and promote collaborations to improve information for students and families. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s June quarterly report
By Rita Niño The Pan American A Student Government Association senate meeting took place Aug. 8 and resulted in the approval of two new resolutions. Written by SGA members Jonathan L. Salinas and April Martinez, the resolutions work together to make UTPA a safer and healthier campus. The first recommends reworking designated public smoking areas on campus. This means there would be zones on campus where students and faculty are able to smoke and do not have to worry about being 25 feet away from building entrances, as stated in the guidelines of the Handbook of Operating Procedures section 4.7.1. Also recommended in the resolution is the addition of proper cigarette wastebaskets. Currently, smoking is allowed at a minimum of 25 feet away from all building entrances. Martinez said there are five possible loca-
September 11, 2014
However, if the building is closed, they recommend the student visits a different loan servicer such as HigherEDGE, which stays open until 7:00 p.m. When trying to complete Obama’s commitments, the DOE will also look into revising its regulations so that more borrowers are able to cap their payments at 10 percent of their monthly incomes under a “Pay As You Earn” repayment option plan. This ensures that students
on household debt and credit shows that outstanding student loan balances on credit reports increased to $1.12 trillion, indicating a $124 billion increase from 2013. The new steps will help make sure that borrowers “receive the highest quality of support as they repay their federal student loans and help the Department better monitor the performance of loan servicers to help them continue to improve,” as stated in a DOE press release. Felipe Olivarez III, default management coordinator for UTPA’s Student Financial Services, believes the University’s financial aid office provides students with helpful advice in addition to effectively helping them with what they need. “The Default Prevention Office located within the Financial Aid Office provides students with information on various options a student has available to them if they are struggling to make payments,” Olivarez said. “These options may include postponing their payments or qualifying for a different repayment plan...Many times students are unaware of the information we have available to them both in house and online. One common misconception is that our services are only available to current UTPA students, but our office is here to service all students- current and past.” In the 2013 fiscal year, 72 per-
cent of UTPA students received financial aid. Of that 72 percent, 38 percent were from student loans, 51 percent were grants, 8 percent came from scholarships, 2 percent were from waivers or exceptions and 1 percent came from work study. DOE Under Secretary of Education Ted Mitchell was directed to investigate if further action is needed by the Department to further reinforce the federal direct loan program and make it more receptive to the needs of borrowers both now and in the future. The press release also stated that Mitchell and the Office of Federal Student Aid will seek to hear directly from student loan borrowers and get feedback in order to improve the federal student loan program. By December, Mitchell will use the ideas to make recommendations that will focus on solutions that can assist borrowers who are struggling with payments. According to Fox 32 News, a broadcast station in Chicago, 51 percent of student loans are in arrears, or money that is owed and should have been paid earlier. “While federal student loans are a type of financial aid, they are still a federal debt that eventually needs to be paid back,” Olivarez said. “Any sacrifices students can make now by borrowing less will ultimately benefit them in the long run. The less they borrow now, the less they have to repay in the future.”
UTPA alumnus Stefan Treviño graduated from the University in August, but applied for his first loan in 2007. While he believes UTPA’s financial aid office provides helpful advice for some students, he thinks that certain things could be improved. “They’re not available to help students who are not on campus most of the time,” the criminal justice major said. “(For) ex-
ample, someone who works full time can’t make it to the financial aid office. It might also be hard for someone who is doing their own research - due to no help from office - because they don’t have the counseling or someone explaining how the process works.” According to Olivarez, however, the UTPA Financial Aid Office recognizes that some students cannot go to the office because of other commitments like work or family and stated that they can make special accommodations. Someone from the office can stay after they close at 5:00 p.m., as long as the building is still open.
are able to repay their debt. The current regulations cap monthly payments at 10 percent of a borrower’s disposable income and forgives the balance after 20 years of payments. According to Usnews.com, what will change is the number of borrowers who can take advantage of the option. Currently, only new borrowers are eligible for this plan, but beginning in 2015, borrowers who received a loan before October 2007 or stopped borrowing by October 2011 would be eligible. The website also stated the nearly five million borrowers could be afected by the expand-
tions that she needs to further discuss with UTPA administrators. The second resolution recommends safer utility vehicle protocol. Stickers located on the bumpers that are similar to those that say “How’s my driving?” in addition to an ID and a phone number where students and faculty can report unsafe driving of all utility vehicles. According to the HOP section 8.8.6, “utility vehicles include, but are not limited to, golf carts, mules, Cushmans and electric vehicles.” Reports would be taken by University Police or the department that uses the utility vehicle. Salinas, who created the second resolution, said he hopes the new golf cart safety protocol will go into effect by October of this year as there is no current protocol allowing students and faculty to report unsafe driving. In the HOP, drivers are only required to report accidents caused by the utility vehicle. However, there is no men-
tion as to how a student or faculty member can report any unsafe driving they witness. Salinas hopes this new protocol will help prevent accidents by causing drivers to be aware that they are liable. “I hope to work on this during the month of September that way it’s done by fall and we can see the results of it,” the psychology major said. “You sort of have to get out of the way (and) have to watch out for golf carts, rather than them watch out for you and there’s something wrong with that.” His goal for the resolution is to make drivers think twice about ignoring the safety of the students, faculty and staff. “Part of the problem is that there is no particular or specific punishment guide for unsafe driving because it isn’t an issue,” Salinas said. Currently, the HOP does not have policy that allows students and staff to report unsafe driving
and the only punishment listed is the revocation of utility vehicle privileges in the department. The departments that would be involved in the creation of a new system for golf cart safety include the UTPA Police Department, Environmental Health and Safety and all departments that use the golf carts, such as workers of the Student Union. Salinas stated that the University Police would have the job of processing reports filed by anyone that makes a complaint.
nessed students unknowingly violating campus guidelines by smoking less than 25 feet away from building entrances. She believes that both smokers and nonsmokers should be equally protected. With the merging of UTPA and the University of Texas at Brownsville comes the possibility of a smoke-free campus, according to Martinez. “The University of Texas at Brownsville completely abolished smoking on campus so they are a smoke-free campus, and since we’re transitioning into UTRGV, the likelihood of us becoming a smoke-free campus is pretty high,” she said. “The purpose of this resolution is to have a smoother transition for students with smoking preferences.” Both resolutions still need additional steps before being finalized, which makes the date of completion for each of the projects
While federal student loans are a type of financial aid, they are still a federal debt that eventually needs to be paid back.
- Felipe Olivarez III
Default management coordinator
SMOKING AREAS Since 1964, 2.5 million nonsmokers have been killed by second hand smoke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Presentation. The resolution regarding public designated smoking areas was co-written by Martinez and SGA intern Mayte Vega. Martinez said students went to her with concerns for their health. Martinez also stated she wit-
3
ed Pay As You Earn eligibility. “Only apply for loans if you’re serious about your education,”said Treviño, who is a bank security analyst at BBVA Compass. “Don’t get the loan and drop out of your classes. It has the same effect as financial aid, (but) it gets reported to the government and can have an impact on your future career when looking into your financial and credit history.” Student loan debt was 25 percent of the total debt collected in 2013, according to a survey from the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals. According to Olivarez, student loan debt is not high with UTPA students due to the University’s low cost of attendance compared to other universities. “Financial aid programs such as (the) Pell and Texas Grants usually cover a student’s tuition costs, alleviating the need to borrow federal student loans,” Olivarez said. “UTPA has also created programs that provide additional assistance such as UTPAchieve, Summer Boost and Cashback.” The renegotiations by the Department will be performancebased, emphasizing the significance of helping borrowers stay up-to-date on their loans and avoid default or the failure to repay a loan. According to the DOE, their primary concern is to help students strive for and complete a higher education.
ucertain to Martinez and Salinas. Further steps for both students includes continuing to speak to UTPA administrators for the progression of the resolutions. All departments, faculty, administration and students needed in the advancement of both resolutions must cooperate to complete the objectives of having a safer and healthier campus. Even so, Martinez stated that students should “look forward to seeing progress being done.” Senate meetings for SGA take place every Friday at 1 p.m. in the Education Complex. At the meetings, students can speak to all senators about any concerns they may have. Students can also contact SGA online and leave their opinions about how they think the organization is doing.
Page 4
September 11, 2014
By May Ortega The Pan American Three weeks into this semester and some of UTPA’s traditional events such as Welcome Week, which lasted from Aug. 25-29, have come and gone. The series of on-campus events gave Broncs the chance to become familiar with the University. Even though orientation is over and classes are in full swing, there’s still more to learn about life at UTPA. THE WHEN Karla Barrera is a junior who attends as many events as possible since becoming a Bronc, which wound up benefiting her. “Ever since the first day of school, I tried to get very involved in school activities by taking a picture of every single poster posted on the Bronc Trail,” the nursing student said. “I attended every one of them where, although it may sound cliché, I met a bunch of amazing people that are still my friends today.” She mentioned attending Bucky’s Block Party every semester in addition to several other events such as Bronc Madness next month. The nighttime celebration is set for Oct. 17 and kicks off basketball season every fall. This will be the last event of Spirit Week, starting Oct. 10 with a campus decoration day called “Let’s Paint the Campus Green” open to all students and staff. There are also smaller gatherings hosted around campus by a variety of the University’s nearly 200 organizations. For example Voices for Progressive
Action, or VOX, meets every Tuesday at noon in the Arts and Humanities Building in room 254. This group’s purpose is to educate students about safe sex and sexually transmitted diseases, usually providing students with condoms at larger events like Bucky’s Block Party while promoting themselves by “tabling.” This means organizations set up around campus to fundraise or hand out pamphlets with information relating to the group. Barrera highly recommends students spend plenty of time at all sorts of gatherings to get the most out of their college experience.
sees upward of 80 Broncs a day, according to SU Team Leader Ramiro Rios. That’s only counting those who go to play air hockey, XBox and Playstation games and more. Others choose to lounge around with friends. The Quad also serves as a shaded spot to soak up the day between classes and sometimes hosts events like Founders Day, which took place Sept. 9. However, graphic design student Yasmin Villarreal is most familiar with the Visual Arts Building on Closner Boulevard as she spends most of her time, about seven hours
September 11, 2014
Brownsville native explained. “I like nature and there I feel you can take a moment to forget about your obligations for a little while.” Barrera said she spends eight hours a day in class and three hours studying in the library not only for the silence, but because of the sources it provides such as study cubicles and computers. The Roma native’s favorite spot is by the Chapel’s bird bath. “I like to go there and relax after I’ve been in class for a while,” she said. “I wish (campus) had more outdoor locations like that. They’re therapeutic for students and
Page 5
I believe, and it has tables and a lounging area outside,” she said. “I think it’s pretty cool.” For the art student, becoming comfortable on school grounds is an important part of college life. She encourages new students to open up to the experience. “Don’t be afraid of the new environment,” she said. “It might seem a little intimidating because change of any sort makes us a bit anxious, but there’s no reason to feel that way. It’s really great here.” THE EXPERIENCE The University’s Office of Student Involvement recently introduced a list called the
Become familiar with school, campus “Just attend all the events you can. UTPA provides free stuff all the time so take advantage of it,” the 20-year-old said. “Get on the moon jumps that are placed in the Quad area, attend movie nights at the Student Union. It’s pretty fun, I don’t think most people would regret it.”
a day, there. Before switching her major from pre-med, she became familiar with the Science Building and found campus to be appealing. “It was big, but not overwhelming,” the 22-yearold said. “I liked that there were many buildings and the campus was still spacious. Not THE WHERE to mention it is pretty as well.” The primary hub for students Although she’s familiar on campus is the Student Union, with every part of campus, boasting a Starbucks and Chic- Villarreal holds one area fil-A among other food places. above the rest for one reason. The second floor of the building “I find it soothing. There’s provides rooms for students to this one fountain in back of play trading card games and the Visitor’s Center that has also holds a game room that benches and it’s really nice,” the
also provide a water resource for campus’ oh-so-wonderful variety of birds.” According to ornithology professor Timothy Brush, there are more than 500 bird species in the Rio Grande Valley and UTPA’s grounds serve as a habitat for several of them. He even takes his classes oncampus tours to observe the avian population. Although the Villarreal is rarely on the main part of campus, she is familiar with a spot that not all students may be aware of. “There’s this place on the third floor of the math building
“Bronc Experience,” challenging students to complete 27 UTPArelated tasks before graduating. Some items on the list include attending one Distinguished Speaker Series event, which hosted scientist Bill Nye in April. Another is to visit the Visual Arts Building where guests can look at students’ artwork. If the list is completed on time, the student will receive a special Bronc Experience T-shirt. Broncs can sign up at UTPA.edu/ BroncExperience. Aside from this list, every Bronc’s road winds down a different path. Barrera said hers has had plenty of kind
individuals along the way. “I really love most people’s positive attitudes,” she said. “I’ve gotten lost, emotionally and physically, due to the fact that there’s always someone around willing to help out.” She also gave a tip on a weekly opportunity for some stargazing on campus. “The Astronomy Club puts out a telescope every Tuesday from 8-10 p.m. in front of the Learning Assistance Center, on the Physical Science Building side, where anyone can come in and look at the moon, stars and sometimes even planets,” she explained. “It’s pretty amazing. I feel everybody should check it out at least once.” For Barrera keeping one’s grades in check is a big part of having a positive journey at UTPA. “Start school strong, study and keep up with work from day one,” she said. “I know everybody says it but seriously, don’t wait till you’re flunking to get on ‘school mode.’” Villarreal believes meeting new people is an essential part of college, emphasising how helpful it is to have friends at school. “Talk to people and get to know others,” she said. “You’re going to be here for about four years and making friends will definitely make things easier and make it a better experience for you overall.”
Page 4
September 11, 2014
By May Ortega The Pan American Three weeks into this semester and some of UTPA’s traditional events such as Welcome Week, which lasted from Aug. 25-29, have come and gone. The series of on-campus events gave Broncs the chance to become familiar with the University. Even though orientation is over and classes are in full swing, there’s still more to learn about life at UTPA. THE WHEN Karla Barrera is a junior who attends as many events as possible since becoming a Bronc, which wound up benefiting her. “Ever since the first day of school, I tried to get very involved in school activities by taking a picture of every single poster posted on the Bronc Trail,” the nursing student said. “I attended every one of them where, although it may sound cliché, I met a bunch of amazing people that are still my friends today.” She mentioned attending Bucky’s Block Party every semester in addition to several other events such as Bronc Madness next month. The nighttime celebration is set for Oct. 17 and kicks off basketball season every fall. This will be the last event of Spirit Week, starting Oct. 10 with a campus decoration day called “Let’s Paint the Campus Green” open to all students and staff. There are also smaller gatherings hosted around campus by a variety of the University’s nearly 200 organizations. For example Voices for Progressive
Action, or VOX, meets every Tuesday at noon in the Arts and Humanities Building in room 254. This group’s purpose is to educate students about safe sex and sexually transmitted diseases, usually providing students with condoms at larger events like Bucky’s Block Party while promoting themselves by “tabling.” This means organizations set up around campus to fundraise or hand out pamphlets with information relating to the group. Barrera highly recommends students spend plenty of time at all sorts of gatherings to get the most out of their college experience.
sees upward of 80 Broncs a day, according to SU Team Leader Ramiro Rios. That’s only counting those who go to play air hockey, XBox and Playstation games and more. Others choose to lounge around with friends. The Quad also serves as a shaded spot to soak up the day between classes and sometimes hosts events like Founders Day, which took place Sept. 9. However, graphic design student Yasmin Villarreal is most familiar with the Visual Arts Building on Closner Boulevard as she spends most of her time, about seven hours
September 11, 2014
Brownsville native explained. “I like nature and there I feel you can take a moment to forget about your obligations for a little while.” Barrera said she spends eight hours a day in class and three hours studying in the library not only for the silence, but because of the sources it provides such as study cubicles and computers. The Roma native’s favorite spot is by the Chapel’s bird bath. “I like to go there and relax after I’ve been in class for a while,” she said. “I wish (campus) had more outdoor locations like that. They’re therapeutic for students and
Page 5
I believe, and it has tables and a lounging area outside,” she said. “I think it’s pretty cool.” For the art student, becoming comfortable on school grounds is an important part of college life. She encourages new students to open up to the experience. “Don’t be afraid of the new environment,” she said. “It might seem a little intimidating because change of any sort makes us a bit anxious, but there’s no reason to feel that way. It’s really great here.” THE EXPERIENCE The University’s Office of Student Involvement recently introduced a list called the
Become familiar with school, campus “Just attend all the events you can. UTPA provides free stuff all the time so take advantage of it,” the 20-year-old said. “Get on the moon jumps that are placed in the Quad area, attend movie nights at the Student Union. It’s pretty fun, I don’t think most people would regret it.”
a day, there. Before switching her major from pre-med, she became familiar with the Science Building and found campus to be appealing. “It was big, but not overwhelming,” the 22-yearold said. “I liked that there were many buildings and the campus was still spacious. Not THE WHERE to mention it is pretty as well.” The primary hub for students Although she’s familiar on campus is the Student Union, with every part of campus, boasting a Starbucks and Chic- Villarreal holds one area fil-A among other food places. above the rest for one reason. The second floor of the building “I find it soothing. There’s provides rooms for students to this one fountain in back of play trading card games and the Visitor’s Center that has also holds a game room that benches and it’s really nice,” the
also provide a water resource for campus’ oh-so-wonderful variety of birds.” According to ornithology professor Timothy Brush, there are more than 500 bird species in the Rio Grande Valley and UTPA’s grounds serve as a habitat for several of them. He even takes his classes oncampus tours to observe the avian population. Although the Villarreal is rarely on the main part of campus, she is familiar with a spot that not all students may be aware of. “There’s this place on the third floor of the math building
“Bronc Experience,” challenging students to complete 27 UTPArelated tasks before graduating. Some items on the list include attending one Distinguished Speaker Series event, which hosted scientist Bill Nye in April. Another is to visit the Visual Arts Building where guests can look at students’ artwork. If the list is completed on time, the student will receive a special Bronc Experience T-shirt. Broncs can sign up at UTPA.edu/ BroncExperience. Aside from this list, every Bronc’s road winds down a different path. Barrera said hers has had plenty of kind
individuals along the way. “I really love most people’s positive attitudes,” she said. “I’ve gotten lost, emotionally and physically, due to the fact that there’s always someone around willing to help out.” She also gave a tip on a weekly opportunity for some stargazing on campus. “The Astronomy Club puts out a telescope every Tuesday from 8-10 p.m. in front of the Learning Assistance Center, on the Physical Science Building side, where anyone can come in and look at the moon, stars and sometimes even planets,” she explained. “It’s pretty amazing. I feel everybody should check it out at least once.” For Barrera keeping one’s grades in check is a big part of having a positive journey at UTPA. “Start school strong, study and keep up with work from day one,” she said. “I know everybody says it but seriously, don’t wait till you’re flunking to get on ‘school mode.’” Villarreal believes meeting new people is an essential part of college, emphasising how helpful it is to have friends at school. “Talk to people and get to know others,” she said. “You’re going to be here for about four years and making friends will definitely make things easier and make it a better experience for you overall.”
6
arts & life
September 11, 2014
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Juggling 18 hours of classes and beach time, Sawyer regularly attends school Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. She explained that one of the difficulties of being a student as well as a surfer is not living near the ocean. “I make sure to pack all my classes into those three days and once Thursday hits, if the surf’s good, I’ll head out there,” she explained. “During those three days of class I don’t even check the surf forecast because I know if there’s good surf I would just drop everything no matter what to ride the surf.” Standing at about 5 feet 8 inches, Sawyer routinely hits the gym, swims two miles a day and practices yoga to improve her balance. “You have to be overall healthy and ready for it,” she said. “You have to be strong. Be strong and fearless. The student surfer worked all summer earning money as a swim coach in order to travel
to Kauai, Hawaii this December to gain more experience at what she loves to do. Come fall 2016, Sawyer will graduate with a bachelor’s in public relations in hopes of landing a job that will allow her to continue seeing the world in both her professional career and favorite pastime. CALL OF THE SEA After a year of distinguishing herself as a surfer, Sawyer and another local headed to Mexico in 2012 on a four-month trip to ride the waves. “Everything was gorgeous. It was endless hills and jungle,” she said. “We’re sleeping in hammocks and right next to us are villagers who live there 24/7. Every day we would eat, surf, repeat…it was the best time of my life.” But before she and some friends packed their bags and their boards to head to Mexico, Sawyer first had to tell her parents about the new opportunity.
“(My parents) think my surfing is cool but I know they worry, especially since I have had some close calls,” Sawyer said. “When I went to Mexico for the first time, my dad was so worried I would die from the cartel or surfing...so they were on the fence about it, but they’re not going tell me no.” Without being born into the life of a surfer Sawyer drew inspiration from professionals such as Kelly Slater, an 11-time Association of Professional Surfer champion, as well as Keala Kennelly, a professional surfer, DJ and actress. “I constantly watch other surfers and surf documentaries,” Sawyer said. “You can’t look up a howto, you have to go out and do it. People can tell you all they want about how to surf the right way, but you really just have to feel it.” In the spring, Sawyer made her way to Tamarindo, Costa Rica, where she and some locals gave new meaning to the term “lucky.” “A couple of us surfers had been out all day in this amazing
water that turned purple during sunset,” she said. “But by the time we headed back to shore, the day turns pitch black, there were no stars and no moon out, the tide rose to our chests and alligators are common in those waters…I don’t know where I was going and I didn’t know if I’m going out to sea. I just paddled as
hard as I could.” Safely back at shore, Sawyer celebrated a good day on the water among surfers and villagers. As long as there’s a new wave to ride, a new feeling of excitement and different people to meet, she will continue making waves. “I grew up a lot, in the sense that I started taking care of my-
self. It was just eye opening in the way that the universe takes care of us,” she said. “You think, ‘Oh, I don’t have a place to sleep or eat, but at least I’m in good company and we’re all together.’ Overall, you should just be happy. Now all I really care about is if I’m around my family, eating good food and at a pretty beach with some surf.”
Jon Nutt/ The Pan American
Lack of a vehicle won’t stop UTPA students By Jose S. De Leon III The Pan American The usual amount of heavy traffic seen at UTPA suggests that most college students drive. However, according to a 2012 study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute the percentage of teenage drivers has dropped in recent years. The study states that in 2008, 75 percent of 19-year-olds had a driver’s license, but the number decreased by five percent in 2010. UTPA sophomore Rogelio Mar falls into that age group and explained he hasn’t had a reason to get a license. “I just never imagined myself with a car. When I turned 18 and started living on campus I
thought, ‘Do I really need (a car)?’” the physics major said. “The way I live, I can just walk wherever I go, whether it’s to campus or a nearby restaurant to eat and not worry about groceries since my apartment comes with a meal plan.” The research collected driver’s license records and general population data from the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau to complete the study. Currently, six of 10 Americans ages 17-19 have a driver’s license. Thirty years ago, the numbers were closer to eight in 10. TRANSPORTATION Graduate student Lorena Garcia Ramon uses her bicycle for transportation. She has a Mexican driver’s license and can’t use it unless she’s driving a car with Mexican license plates, according to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. However, she doesn’t see getting either a Texas-issued license or a car as a priority since she lives within minutes of campus. “I live in Schunior Village and I work on campus,” the 25-yearold graduate student said.
“Walking or cycling to work or to Wal-Mart for groceries can take as much as 11 minutes. It’s all about being resourceful. Besides, I think it’s great for me to not have a car anyway. If I did have one, I’d have no self-control and just want to drive anywhere, like an itch. I’d be spending more money.” Ramon, who works as a graduate assistant at the UTPA Office of Graduate Studies, sees her boyfriend spending at least $60 per week on gas. She estimates that she saves at least $240 per month by not having a vehicle, exincluding insurance or maintenance. She thinks public transportation is one factor causing a decrease in drivers. According to the American Public Transportation Association, Americans take almost 11 billion trips on public transportation, the highest ridership number in nearly six decades. Ramon pointed out that McAllen’s Metro Connect not only offers discounts to students, but introduced several new service routes last year. Among them was one that connects UTPA to McAllen, making it easier for her to use the transportation system. Since all of her classes are at the UTPA McAllen Teaching Site, located 13 miles from campus at 1800 S. Main St., Ramon rides the shuttle from school and back home. She doesn’t rely on a car and recommends other students to do the same. “You don’t have to be stuck just because you don’t have a car,” she said. “Try to be resourceful. Get a
bicycle and ride, you’re exercising that way and it’s free.” INDEPENDENCE Ironically, the lack of access to the Metro Connect is the reason that Alton resident Joey Garza needs his car. The psychology graduate student lives approximately 25 minutes from campus, but neither Alton nor the neighboring city of Palmhurst has any form of public transportation. According to Garza, even if he could use the public transportation system that would mean he’d have to be driven either to campus or to McAllen. “It’s the [Rio Grande] Valley, everyone needs a car to get around,” the 25-year-old explained. “There’s little here but everything’s so far apart that it’s hard to move without a car. It really comes in handy in helping you plan your day.” According to Garza, he spends as much as $460 per month on gas, insurance and maintenance for his 2011 Nissan Sentra, but he believes it’s worth it to avoid what he’d have to repeatedly do in high school. “(As a teen) if I ever needed to go somewhere, the movies, a friend’s house, I’d have to be dropped off at my aunt’s house so that she could drive since my parents were usually busy,” the financial aid assistant said. “A car is an extension of yourself that can give you more options and freedom. There’s a lot of responsibilities that come with it, but a car is the ulti-
mate sign of being independent since you don’t have to rely on others.” Despite being enamored with the idea of driving when she first received her license a decade ago, UTPA student Yarely Rodriguez no longer sees it as something that adds value. As a resident of the apartment complex Bronc Village, she uses Metro Connect to get around the city. “As soon as I first got my license, I felt as if a whole new world was opening for me. I could literally drive anywhere,” the 26-year-old English major said. “Now, that excitement is gone. I’m over driving and anything car-related, like pumping gas or spending money on maintenance, (it) feels tiresome. Not having a car is more convenient.” The Edinburg native previously owned a car, but sold it after moving on campus in fall 2013 because she didn’t feel that there would be a need for it. Her main motivation for selling the car came when she decided to ride a Metro Connect bus one day “for fun.” She had noticed several families and elderly people also using the bus and chatted with them. “They explained to me that they don’t have a car and use [the
bus] to go to their doctor’s appointments and other stuff,” she said. “I realized that there are people out there with no car and rely on public transportation to get around all the time. I thought to myself, ‘If they can do it, then so can I.’” Rodriguez plans several of her trips along the bus routes, and if necessary, gets lifts from friends and family. Shepays them gas money, something she doesn’t mind. “I know it sounds silly, but I’m proud to be able to move myself around without a car,” she said. “It just feels a part of being an adult, I’m able to make my own decisions and be responsible for my own transportation, even without a car.”
sports
September 11, 2014
senior. Her stats are on par with her fellow Broncs and she finds it hard to sit and watch instead of play. “To be recruited into a Division I program and get injured, it sucks, really,” Oliver said. “But to be able to be here anyway and get to grow with the program, (that) I’m really looking forward to. I think it is an opportunity for me to come in and surprise everyone.”
THE THREE Although this is the first year the women’s soccer team has stepped onto the field, the Broncs have hit the ground running, winning four times since the season opener Aug. 27. The Bronc goalies are statistic leaders in the WAC, proving that the team is ready for conference action. Gonzalez is currently ranked 10th for goals saved with six and holds the third spot in the WAC for shutouts at one. The Harlingen South High School alumna comes from a competitive background. As a senior she led her high school team at the Border Olympics Tournament in Laredo amd received MVP honors. She had the lowest goals-against average in district play, and now attributes the success of the UTPA team to excellent coaching and the team dynamic. “I think that each individual girl has the same mindset,” Gon-
zalez said. “We want to get better, we want to push ourselves and we want to win.” The Valley native is not alone when it comes to keeping the goal safe. Coley also plays the position and like Gonzalez, is holding up well so far. The Californian has been named WAC Defensive Player of the Week two weeks in a row. The former AllCalifornia Interscholastic Federation Goalkeeper of the Year leads the WAC in shutouts with two, save percentage at .920 with 23 saves and goals-against rate. Despite the way the season has been going, Coley is not letting the winning streak or her own stats blind her to the competition that lies ahead. The rehabilitation services major is not taking her recent switch from high school to a Division I program lightly. “I think that if we keep doing what we are doing and if we keep getting better, (wins) will keep coming,” the California native said. “I don’t think we can get comfortable, but I think the fact that we started so well has helped us be confident, to know that we are a good team and we can stand up to teams that have been together for a while.” The third member of the protective trio is Oliver, a San Antonio native and Samuel Clemens High School graduate. She is currently a “redshirt,”therefore she is not playing this year. The premed biology major recently tore her ACL during her senior year and is benched until cleared. Until then she will go to rehab and her goal is to be back by spring. Although Oliver is out, she was once the team captain and former Player of the Year at her high school, posting 12 shutouts, including six in district play as a
By Marco Torres The Pan American The UTPA Athletic Department found a new women’s golf coach Sept. 8 after legal issues forced the department to fire former coach Ofelia Lopez Aug. 8. Oregon State alumna Risë Alexander has moved to Bronc Nation after 24 years of coaching in Corvallis, Ore. “I am very impressed with the entire UTPA athletics program and the staff that I will be working with at UTPA. It is a new chapter in my coaching career and one I am anxiously ready to begin,” Alexander said. “I am very excited to become the next women’s golf head coach at UTPA and to join the Bronc family.” At Oregon State she led the women’s golf program to 11
NCAA Regional appearances. In 1988 she was named the Far West Division I Women’s Golf Coach of the Year after she coached the Beavers to their first NCAA Championships appearance where they finished in 16th. “With my coaching experience, I believe I can provide a significant value to the UTPA women’s golf program and lead them to new heights,” Alexander said. “I want to thank (UTPA Director of Athletics) Chris King, his staff and UTPA for giving me this opportunity.” Alexander was the co-tournament director for the NCAA West Regionals in 2001, served from 1996-2004 as the vice president of the National Golf Coaches Association and spent another eight years as part of the
NGCA Board of Directors. She was a student-athlete for Oregon State from 1973-77,
Photo and story by Kristela Garza The Pan American The UTPA women’s soccer team is unrivaled in its pioneer season at 4-0-2 and currently holds the longest winning streak among teams in the Western Athletic Conference. Protecting the lead are Haylee Oliver, Aubrie Coley and Erica Gonzalez, three promising freshmen goalkeepers. Gonzalez is a Rio Grande Valley native, Coley is from California and Oliver hails from San Antonio. The three prevent opposing teams from scoring against the Broncs. Their record includes 30 saves and three shutouts while the Bronc offense has already scored 12 goals.
TRANSITIONING Aside from the players adjusting to the conference and new coaches they must learn the how to balance soccer and the college lifestyle. They must attend practice and maintain eligibility through grades and classes. The three are all new to the UTPA atmosphere and are enjoying their newfound independence. “(This) is a big step for me,” Oliver said. “My parents went to college a little bit but not really too much and for me to just be on my own, I think it is really important. This is just a big step for my family.” Education is just as important as practice time and Coach Glad Bugariu encourages his studentathletes to put their education first, pushing them to do well on and off the field. “The coaches have been kind of on us to go to study hall and other things,” Coley said. “Our grades are our reflection of how hard we are working, so I definitely think that is a good motivation to want to do well so that way it translates onto the field.” LOOKING FORWARD With books in hand after practice the players still have to get used to the rigors of Division I training. According to the Gonzalez, the practice drills
and coaching methods from the new coaching staff are different from anything else she has experienced. She explained that these new training methods are one of the reasons the team has done well thus far. “(The coaches) know what they are doing,” Gonzalez said. “They have us playing certain ways and for a reason. It is kind of different than anyone (on the team) has ever played and I think it has really been beneficial to us.” Eventually the coaches will lead the team into the WAC starting Sept. 27 - and the goalies are ready for what is ahead. They will be facing teams like last season’s champion, Seattle University, which swept the conference with a 12-0 season. Currently the Broncs are in pre-season mode, with games coming up. Their next one is against Abilene Christian University, Sept. 12 in San Antonio. From there the team will travel until Sept. 20 there they will return home and play against Our Lady of the Lake University. But seven days after that the team faces off against their first WAC opponent of the season, New Mexico State University. The Broncs will play wellknown teams and fight hard to maintain their position on the leader boards, but the goalkeepers believe they have the element of surprise. “I think we are going to shock everyone come conference time,” Oliver said. “They don’t have any film on us, they don’t have any history. I think we can really have a chance to fight for the WAC title, it is a big goal, but it is reachable.”
rough start in this season. “On behalf of the Department of Intercollegiate Ath-
I believe I can provide a significant value to the UTPA women’s golf program and lead them to new heights. -Risë Alexander Women’s golf coach
played in four Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women National Championships and won two collegiate events. In those days she also played basketball for the Beavers, making her a two-sport athlete. King is excited to have a veteran like Alexander lead the five returning Broncs through a
letics, I want to express how thrilled we are with the appointment of Risë Alexander as our new head women’s golf coach,” King said. “Risë is a nationally known and well-respected veteran coach that has the experience we were seeking as we continue to transition our women’s golf program to
7
UTPA goal keeper Aubrie Coley blocking a shot during women’s soccer practice Sept. 9 at the new UTPA Track and Field-Soccer Complex.
the Western Athletic Conference.” After college, Alexander played on the Women’s Professional Golf Tour for three years after college. On the tour she ranked 12th on the WPGT money list during her third year. Since 1971 to 1990, when she became coach atOSU, she has become a three-time medalist in the Pacific Northwest Women’s Amateur Championship, competed in 14 United States Golf Association Amateur Championships and also qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open in 1977, 1978 and 1981. King knows that her leadership and experience will be what the University needs moving forward as the transition from UTPA to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley begins.
“Risë has proven herself at the highest levels of the game as both a player and a coach in her almost 25 years of head coaching experience,” King said. “Coach Alexander’s recruiting network, both nationally and internationally, is extensive. She understands the type of golf student-athlete we need to be successful in the WAC. She also appreciates and understands our purpose and the importance of preparing student-athletes for excellence in life, as well as the expectation for recruiting student-athletes of high character and integrity.” The program is currently scheduled to play their first match at the Fred Marx Invitational Sept. 22-23 in Monroe, La.
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