Planting a healthy lifestyle
UTPA garden encourages nutritious eating
Page 4
Volume 71, No. 7
October 9, 2014
ONLINE CONTENT PanamericanOnline.com
Baseball Stadium
Edinburg donates facility to UTPA
Photo Gallery
Beer Dash 2014
Blog Spot
Gone Girl review
HESTEC
Photos from13th annual celebration
Campus Ministry
YouTube
MORE Health at UTPA
Graphic by Francisco Rodriguez The Pan American
Students seek guidance
STORY ON PAGE 6
2
October 9, 2014
Does this body make me look fat?
#UTPA #UTPA Tweet at and follow us @ThePanAmerican
Body image insecurities. risky dieting
Ebola tried coming to #UTPA but couldn’t find a parking space!! #collegeprobs -@RosieRosa28 Can the lights not go back Jon Nutt on til tomorrow after 10 Photography Editor so I don’t have to take midterm...#wishfulthinking “How’d you do it? What’s your #utpa -@Johanna_7_ secret? Can you share any tips?” Kids everywhere on campus literally. #hestecweek #UTPA -@alyzanikkolee Letters to the Editor The Pan American accepts letters of 300 words or less from students, staff and faculty regarding recent newspaper content, campus concerns or current events. We cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send all letters to:
opinion
are some common questions that are asked after one transforms their body substantially, either by slimming down or by turning a flabby body into a chiseled muscular work of “art.” Yet the question, “why would one want to lose fat?” is hardly ever asked. For most people the answer seems fairly simple: we lose weight in order to become more attractive. Fixating on attractiveness at the expense of health has caused many young people and adults to begin practicing unsafe eating habits that can balloon into full force eating disorders such as anorexia,
bulimia and binge eating. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 1995 found that upward of 24 million people suffer from one of these eating disorders. A separate study conducted by the Eating Disorder Coalition in 2007 found that anorexia had a mortality rate of 20 percent, the highest rate of any mental disorder. Complementing unsafe eating habits, people may form bad workout habits such as overtraining, spending countless hours at the gym and denying their bodies time to recuperate. An actual diagnostic test for overtraining does not exist. However, when one is not able to attain performance gains or is unable to operate at the same level of intensity, they begin to over train and fatigue the body, according to Mark Jenkins of Rice University. Unfortunately, society places a heavy emphasis on outward
physical appearance. It’s difficult to watch an entire television program that doesn’t mention body image or weight at least once either in the program or in a commercial that airs during the show. Tabloids and women’s magazines often center their publications on celebrities’ weight and weight loss tips for
point that 75 percent of women endorse dangerous eating habits such as eating too little, avoiding all carbohydrates and cleansing diets where individuals only drink liquids. Additionally, men are not free from body image issues either as a quarter of averageweight men believe themselves
...75 percent of women endorse dangerous eating habits such as eating too little, avoiding all carbohydrates and cleansing diets... average female readers. Today’s culture has sensationalized the idea that skinnier is better. According to an online survey conducted by SELF Magazine in conjunction with the University of North Carolina, as time goes on the numbers only increase, to the
to be underweight, as reported by The Atlantic. A 2012 study published in the Nov. 19 issue of Pediatrics conducted with adolescent males in middle school and high school revealed that more than a third of boys, 34.7 percent, took or were willing to take protein powders to increase
muscle mass, 5.9 percent took steroids and 10.5 percent used other forms of muscle-enhancing substances. Where women desire to look like Barbie, men desire to look like He-man. Now, more than ever, we need to make a conscious and conscientious decision to no longer place such an emphasis on people’s body weight and shape. Perpetuating the skewed image of beauty represented by emaciated super models or sculpted men with slabs of muscle is only going to bring more children into therapy and throw even more adults into the black hole of self-hatred. Instead, we should praise each other for our abilities and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A lifestyle of eating proper portions of food, daily moderate exercise, understanding what a healthy body should look like and accepting our bodies as they exist.
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Vol. 71, No. 7
The Pan American thepanamerican@gmail.com 1201 West University, ARHU 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 665-2541 Fax: (956) 665-7122
Editors-in-Chief:
Susan Gonzalez Andrew Vera
News Editor:
Melinda Garza
Sports Editor:
Marco Torres
Arts & Life Editor: May Ortega
Photography Editor:
@joeq7
@rubendelg9
@roxanapesina
CARTOON
Jon Nutt
Design Editor:
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Multimedia Editor: Michael Aguilar
Social Media Editor: Jose S. DeLeon III
Copy Editor:
Victoria Valdez
Adviser:
Dr. Greg Selber
Administrative Associate: Anita Reyes
Advertising Manager:
Verónica Rodríguez
Webmaster:
Cesar Gonzalez 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.
COMIC
news By Louay Bachnak The Pan American It began with a walkthrough a field and ended in a crowded cage moving toward a conveyer belt right before being transported to a slaughterhouse. UTPA students had the opportunity to virtually witness what a chicken’s life is like before it is killed. This experience was provided by the virtual technology of PETA2, a youth branch of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The group brought the “I, Chicken” exhibit to the University Oct. 2 and 3. “I, Chicken” stopped on campus during its countrywide college tour, allowing students to wander as a chicken to bring awareness on animal cruelty. This event was co-hosted by Students United for Animals at UTPA. The organization’s President Susie Sierra said that events like this allow students to challenge their norms and see things from a different angle. “It is important because events like these bring diverse thoughts to students and it gives them the little push they need,” said Sierra, a psychology major. “This event lets (students) see a different perspective. (To) see through a chicken’s eye, feel the empathy and acknowledge that they too
October 9, 2014
have feelings and get scared.” “I, Chicken” uses cutting-edge, wireless, virtual reality goggles, motion-capture cameras and a powerful computer, all provided by a grant from Sam Simon, a philanthropist and co-creator of the television show The Simpsons. With the technology, students had the opportunity to experience everything their chicken avatar was going through. Jesse Raymundo, a sophomore nursing major, joined approximately 300 students at the Union as he strapped on a backpack, arm pads and goggles to experience “I, Chicken.” According to a PETA press release, “I, Chicken” used an Oculus Rift- a virtual reality head- mounted display that allows individuals to step into an experiment or game. Participants were able to witness what 26 million U.S. chickens experience each day. The release also stated that chickens were used for the exhibit because they are the most mistreated animals on farms, where they live before being transported to slaughterhouses. Raymundo said this is an informative way to see how animals are treated on farms. He stated that his perception changed after undergoing this activity and upon talking to the volunteers and staff,
he is now considering a change in his diet. “I would recommend it to my peers. It was fun and informative. The people (were) knowledgeable on the subject. My perception did change a little bit and I do want to eat healthier,” he said. Sanchez, a freshman biology major, found the event educational and sympathized with the animals because she has chickens of her own in San Benito.
tion of how animals are treated changed and because chicken is a part of his diet, he will try modifying it to eat less meat. “Walking away, (the experience) stuck with me. I will try and not eat chicken all the time,” Garza said. “I mean, I am already accustomed to a diet including chicken, but I will try changing.” Sierra said that throughout the two-day event she not only received positive feedback from
This event lets (students) see a different perspective. (To) see through a chicken’s eye, feel the empathy and acknowledge that they too have feelings and get scared. - Susie Sierra
Students United for Animals president
“I was passing through the Student Union and thought this (event) was really insightful regarding the life of a chicken,” Sanchez said. “I have some chickens of my own, and this made me appreciate my chicken.” Freshman mass communication major Matthew Garza said he liked how immersive the event was and how it “put things into perspective.” He also said that his percep-
participants but was approached by students who have tried being a vegetarian or a vegan for a couple of days. While both vegetarians and a vegans don’t eat animals, there are some differences. Many vegetarians eat eggs and dairy products, while vegans do not include any eggs, dairy or animal products in their diet. Some vegetarians consider themselves “pescovegetarians,” meaning they eat
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fish and avoid other meat products. There are also “pollo-vegetarians,” where they eat poultry but not other meat. According to a 2011 Vegetarian and Vegan report published on PETA.com, 7.3 million Americans are vegetarian and one million individuals are vegan. Grace Woodward, a PETA2 crew member for “I, Chicken,” said events like these are important because of the growing number of vegetarians and vegans. “Our generation has the highest percentage of dedicated vegetarians and we want to keep that number growing,” Woodward said. “Our parents’ generation (of vegetarians) are at one percent and we are 12 percent.” After spending two days talking to the UTPA community, Woodward concluded that students are being affected economically. She also stated that students should start worrying about the aspects of farming and its environmental impact. According to the U.N. News Centre, cattle farming generates 65 percent of human-related nitrous oxide, 37 percent of all human-induced methane and 64 percent of ammonia, which contributes significantly to acid rain. As reported on PETA.com’s
3
article, “Vegetarianism and the Environment,” producing a little more than two pounds of beef causes more greenhousegas emissions than driving a car for three hours and uses more energy than leaving house lights on for the same period of time. Additionally, “Animal Factories: Pollution and Health Threats to Rural Texas” reported that animal feedlots in this state produce more than 7,000 tons of particulate dust every year, which contains biologically active organisms such as bacteria, mold and fungi from feces and feed. According to Sierra, this was a successful event. “I, Chicken” will now move to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La., having already visited Princeton, the University of Utah, University of California-Berkeley and Harvard. Both Sierra and Woodward challenge students to try switching a regular meal to the vegetarian option once a week. Woodward hopes that everyone thinks about where their food comes from and to consider trying different alternatives.
Page 4
October 9, 2014
THE PAN AMERICAN
Page 5
THE PAN AMERICAN
October 9, 2014
Fall 2014 Pool Hours Pool Hours: August 25 -to November 1
Indoor Pool Hours -HPE.1
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By Melinda Garza The Pan American
UTPA Director of Auxiliary Services Roberto Cantu is promoting healthy living among the campus populace by inviting student organizations to take part in the University’s new community garden near the Education Complex. The inauguration of the garden will be celebrated Oct. 10 with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and guest appearance by Abel Gonzalez, who appeared on the show American Ninja Warrior. Cantu said the idea behind the community garden is to use its produce to reduce diabetes and obesity in the Rio Grande Valley. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 26 percent, or one in 3.8 individuals, in the Rio Grande Valley have diabetes. A 2013 article in the Washington Post reported that 38.5 percent of the people in the Valley are obese. Cantu’s goal for the garden is to introduce people to healthier lifestyles. He also said he hopes individuals will learn how to garden on their own by growing fresh vegetables and incorporate them
into their diet. “We’re increasing awareness. We’re actually going to provide students with lessons on how to do organic gardening at home and how to set up their own irrigation,” Cantu said. “I think that it’s going to be very effective in at least increasing awareness...I think it’s going to be successful and I think as UTRGV grows and as our mission changes, we’ll try to impact the overall wellbeing of our community. I think that this is a great start for us.” The concept for the community garden has been blooming for more than two years and will come to fruition Oct. 10. Former UTPA President Robert Nelsen brought up the notion in 2012 because he wanted to focus on community engagement. After months of planning and creating a strategic plan for it, a task force was formed that focused on the best ways to move forward. There are a total of 18 beds in the garden and as of Oct. 1 12 UTPA organizations signed up for a plot in the garden. According to Cantu the garden is 35 feet by 60
feet, but he anticipates an expansion in the future. “We want to incorporate students into the community garden by offering them experiential learning opportunities and we’re going to be hiring a graduate assistant to help manage it,” he said. “We’re going to be utilizing students in coming up with a governance structure.” Some organizations with plots include sororities, ROTC, the Student Government Association, the LGBT Alliance, the Association of Migrant Students, the Conscious Eating Club, the Environmental Awareness Club and Sodexo. Katie Lavallee, president of the Environmental Awareness Club, believes the community garden is a historical moment for the RGV because it’s the first certified organic campus garden to break soil in the Valley. “When people don’t understand our food production they often take it for granted so it is going to be a great experience to help teach people about growing their own food and gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for every meal they have,” said La-
vallee, a junior biology major. “It is such a basic need that it’s difficult to comprehend at times but everyone loves food and that relationship should expand to a deeper level.” In addition to the 18 beds, Cantu added three tall, raised beds for individuals in wheelchairs or any student who is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those beds are not as wide so students are able to access them easily. Also in the garden is a bed taller than the rest for anyone who has a bad back or can’t bend as much. “We want to make sure if there’s a student in a wheelchair or if there’s a student with a disability, that they still have an opportunity to participate in this,” Cantu said. “That ramp- we built it for ADA. It wasn’t part of the project. It’s an outdoor use facility, it’s not required under ADA rules and regulations, but we did it anyway. For us it’s essential. Especially for like a war veteran who’s in a wheelchair, it’s extremely important.” The organizations that plant their own fruits, vegetables and herbs will be able to keep and do what they
please with what they grow. Cantu said at this point they don’t have any specific rules on what the clubs can plant as long as it’s organic. “We do not want any pesticides, chemicals or herbicides to be used,” he said. “We are going to have a list for the organizations, kind of like the rules of the garden. The soil that we purchased for these beds is already so rich in organic compounds that really there’s no need for them to go for any type of natural fertilizers or anything else because it’s such top quality soil.” The deadline to apply for a bed was Sept. 16 so those that signed up will have their plot for two growing seasons, or the fall and spring semester. If they want to continue after that, they will need to reapply. According to Lavallee, the EAC will have a wide range of seeds to choose from, but no decision has been made yet. Among their choices are beets, eggplant, spinach, kale, peppers, thyme, oregano, hyssop and chamomile. She also stated that there are several flowers they will try to incorporate to attract pollinators and sell for a Valen-
tine’s Day fundraiser. “Everyone should get involved in gardening it’s really therapeutic and enriching,” said Lavallee, who is originally from Canada. “You will (have a deeper) connection with the land you are dependent on, an admiration for the food you consume and the beautiful place we call home. And of course you get so many benefits, the obvious one being cheap food right in your back yard.” According to Cantu, the garden will have a positive impact on student health and the community and he is excited to see what the students will harvest. “I think it is going to benefit the Valley, I really do,” he said. “I think what we’re doing here as a University is we’re looking at all the different departments throughout campus. What we’re doing is we’re trying to get all those resources together so they can all utilize this space for workshops or any educational sessions they may (want) to do.”
(956) 665-7808
utpa_wellness
www.utpa.edu/wellness
10/25/2014
10/25/2014
recaquatics@utpa.edu
Page 4
October 9, 2014
THE PAN AMERICAN
Page 5
THE PAN AMERICAN
October 9, 2014
Fall 2014 Pool Hours Pool Hours: August 25 -to November 1
Indoor Pool Hours -HPE.1
Outdoor Leisure Pool HPE.1)
stay connected For more information or special accommodations
By Melinda Garza The Pan American
UTPA Director of Auxiliary Services Roberto Cantu is promoting healthy living among the campus populace by inviting student organizations to take part in the University’s new community garden near the Education Complex. The inauguration of the garden will be celebrated Oct. 10 with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and guest appearance by Abel Gonzalez, who appeared on the show American Ninja Warrior. Cantu said the idea behind the community garden is to use its produce to reduce diabetes and obesity in the Rio Grande Valley. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 26 percent, or one in 3.8 individuals, in the Rio Grande Valley have diabetes. A 2013 article in the Washington Post reported that 38.5 percent of the people in the Valley are obese. Cantu’s goal for the garden is to introduce people to healthier lifestyles. He also said he hopes individuals will learn how to garden on their own by growing fresh vegetables and incorporate them
into their diet. “We’re increasing awareness. We’re actually going to provide students with lessons on how to do organic gardening at home and how to set up their own irrigation,” Cantu said. “I think that it’s going to be very effective in at least increasing awareness...I think it’s going to be successful and I think as UTRGV grows and as our mission changes, we’ll try to impact the overall wellbeing of our community. I think that this is a great start for us.” The concept for the community garden has been blooming for more than two years and will come to fruition Oct. 10. Former UTPA President Robert Nelsen brought up the notion in 2012 because he wanted to focus on community engagement. After months of planning and creating a strategic plan for it, a task force was formed that focused on the best ways to move forward. There are a total of 18 beds in the garden and as of Oct. 1 12 UTPA organizations signed up for a plot in the garden. According to Cantu the garden is 35 feet by 60
feet, but he anticipates an expansion in the future. “We want to incorporate students into the community garden by offering them experiential learning opportunities and we’re going to be hiring a graduate assistant to help manage it,” he said. “We’re going to be utilizing students in coming up with a governance structure.” Some organizations with plots include sororities, ROTC, the Student Government Association, the LGBT Alliance, the Association of Migrant Students, the Conscious Eating Club, the Environmental Awareness Club and Sodexo. Katie Lavallee, president of the Environmental Awareness Club, believes the community garden is a historical moment for the RGV because it’s the first certified organic campus garden to break soil in the Valley. “When people don’t understand our food production they often take it for granted so it is going to be a great experience to help teach people about growing their own food and gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for every meal they have,” said La-
vallee, a junior biology major. “It is such a basic need that it’s difficult to comprehend at times but everyone loves food and that relationship should expand to a deeper level.” In addition to the 18 beds, Cantu added three tall, raised beds for individuals in wheelchairs or any student who is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those beds are not as wide so students are able to access them easily. Also in the garden is a bed taller than the rest for anyone who has a bad back or can’t bend as much. “We want to make sure if there’s a student in a wheelchair or if there’s a student with a disability, that they still have an opportunity to participate in this,” Cantu said. “That ramp- we built it for ADA. It wasn’t part of the project. It’s an outdoor use facility, it’s not required under ADA rules and regulations, but we did it anyway. For us it’s essential. Especially for like a war veteran who’s in a wheelchair, it’s extremely important.” The organizations that plant their own fruits, vegetables and herbs will be able to keep and do what they
please with what they grow. Cantu said at this point they don’t have any specific rules on what the clubs can plant as long as it’s organic. “We do not want any pesticides, chemicals or herbicides to be used,” he said. “We are going to have a list for the organizations, kind of like the rules of the garden. The soil that we purchased for these beds is already so rich in organic compounds that really there’s no need for them to go for any type of natural fertilizers or anything else because it’s such top quality soil.” The deadline to apply for a bed was Sept. 16 so those that signed up will have their plot for two growing seasons, or the fall and spring semester. If they want to continue after that, they will need to reapply. According to Lavallee, the EAC will have a wide range of seeds to choose from, but no decision has been made yet. Among their choices are beets, eggplant, spinach, kale, peppers, thyme, oregano, hyssop and chamomile. She also stated that there are several flowers they will try to incorporate to attract pollinators and sell for a Valen-
tine’s Day fundraiser. “Everyone should get involved in gardening it’s really therapeutic and enriching,” said Lavallee, who is originally from Canada. “You will (have a deeper) connection with the land you are dependent on, an admiration for the food you consume and the beautiful place we call home. And of course you get so many benefits, the obvious one being cheap food right in your back yard.” According to Cantu, the garden will have a positive impact on student health and the community and he is excited to see what the students will harvest. “I think it is going to benefit the Valley, I really do,” he said. “I think what we’re doing here as a University is we’re looking at all the different departments throughout campus. What we’re doing is we’re trying to get all those resources together so they can all utilize this space for workshops or any educational sessions they may (want) to do.”
(956) 665-7808
utpa_wellness
www.utpa.edu/wellness
10/25/2014
10/25/2014
recaquatics@utpa.edu
6
arts & life
October 9, 2014
Faculty, alum discuss Hispanic heritage celebration By Susan Gonzalez The Pan American Associate Professor of English Marci McMahon teaches a Mexican-American literature class at UTPA, a university with a nearly 90 percent Hispanic enrollment. But for many of her students, she said, this is the first time they will read literature that concerns Hispanic culture. “It’s so eye opening for students,” said McMahon, director of the Mexican-American Studies Program. “They get to read about themselves for the first time in a literature book.” For McMahon, this is one of many examples of why Hispanic and Latino culture should not be relegated to a month-long celebration, National Hispanic Heritage Month. HERITAGE Celebrated Sept.15-Oct.15, Hispanic Heritage Month started as a week-long celebration in 1968 when it was officially recognized by former President Lyndon B. Johnson, according to hispanicheritagemonth.gov. It became a 30-day celebration when former President Ronald Reagan expanded it in 1988. To celebrate the month, UTPA has held various events such as a 16 de Septiembre celebration on the quad and a showing of the recently released film Ce-
sar Chavez in the Student Union Theater Sept. 25. But UTPA alumnus Rubén Garza doesn’t think the University does enough to celebrate Hispanic culture. “There are a few events held to celebrate the month, but nothing significant, nothing that really captures the importance of Latino contributions to America,” said Garza, who graduated in December 2013. “We are one of the largest Hispanic-serving institutions in the nation. But at Pan Am you don’t really see a lot of celebrations that emphasize that culture, that history. The MAS program does a wonderful job, but the University as a whole, not so much.” For Garza, one of the reasons the month isn’t given enough recognition is due to its name. “I don’t know if people are even clear on what Hispanic is,” said Garza, who double-majored in political science and MAS. “I myself identify as Chicano. It’s just one of those misconceptions.” According to Multicultural Familia, a non-profit website that provides information on multicultural lifestyles and issues, there are differences between Hispanic, Latino and Chicano. Hispanic is used to identify people from Spain or Spanish-speaking countries which would exclude places like Brazil, where Spanish is not the primary
language. Latino refers to people of Latin American origin and Chicano refers to a person of Mexican heritage living in the U.S. However, the term Chicano also has an association with left-wing politics, according to an October 2012 article by the Huffington Post. “There’s just not enough exploration of Mexican-American or Latino identity (at UTPA),” Garza said. “Like, you always hear things like ‘the Mexican-American’ or ‘Latino’ movements, but they aren’t synonymous. There’s a big difference between MexicanAmerican and Cuban-American or Colombian-American.” EDUCATION One of the best ways to combat the misunderstanding of Hispanic and Latino culture would be year-round recognition, according to McMahon. “(In my six years here) I’ve found there is kind of an overwhelming assumption that since this is a predominantly Hispanic or Latino population, that students just know about their culture, they know about their history so there isn’t a need to do Hispanic heritage celebrations or events,” the San Antonio native said. “(It’s) a really problematic perspective because so many of the students here aren’t taught their culture or history. It’s not part of their
educational experience.” In April of this year the Texas State Board of Education voted, 11-3, to include Mexican-American Studies as an elective in public high schools across the state. African-American, Asian-American and Native-American Studies will also be offered by the 2016-17 school year. However, much like Mexican-American Studies courses at the university level, these culturally diverse classes are not required but taken voluntarily. McMahon said one way to remedy this situation would be for all students, regardless of major, to partake in a Hispanic or Latino-centered activity. An example of this would be requiring students to read a book that concerns Latino culture. In fall 2013 UTPA launched a common reader program, Page One, where a book is selected for incoming freshmen every academic year. The literature is meant to relate to the firstyear freshmen experience. Steven Johnson’s Where Do Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation was chosen for the 2013-14 academic year. Professors are not required to incorporate it into their teachings, but it is encouraged. “How amazing would it be if one year the common reader was something related to the Latino experience and everyone was read-
Student pushes for road repairs By May Ortega The Pan American
Each morning UTPA student Jovanna Segovia drives her 2002 Chevy Impala down the street in the Tri Cities for a quarter mile but she goes slowly due to the road’s pothole problem. After dealing with the patchy pavement since childhood, she decided to take action and create a Facebook page demanding a solution. “I drive like one mile per hour,” the mass communication major said. “I’ll have five or six cars behind me but I don’t care. I’m driving slow. It’s really bad.” The road has been a problem for other Rio Grande Valley residents who use Sioux Road. In 2009 reporters from KGBT-TV Action 4 News visited the Alamo section of the street where residents explained the obstacles they face. A Sept. 24 story by KRGV-TV Channel 5 News featured locals who live in the San Juan portion of Sioux Road
who also experienced problems with the potholes. Segovia has lived on Sioux Road in Alamo her entire life. The 22-year-old explained that although she doesn’t drive far down the road, the porous street stretches for about seven miles from Val Verde Road in Donna to Raul Longoria Road in San Juan. She said some of the holes measure as wide as five feet, making it difficult for drivers to avoid them. After years of dealing with this Segovia’s tires and rims became damaged, costing the junior $1,700 to replace. Around that time, Segovia was learning about First Amendment rights in her Mass Communication and Society course at UTPA when she realized she could protest
for change. She decided to create the page “Fix Sioux Road” Sept. 18, calling for effective repairs and encouraging her neighbors to voice their complaints about the road. “I thought that nobody could stop me so I might as well do it,” she said. “And I thought a few people from my neighborhood would like (the page) but it ended up getting a lot of people.” As of Oct. 7 the page had 237 likes, which Segovia said she didn’t expect. This success has made her take her goal more seriously. “Some people posted their pictures and videos and stuff,” she said. “Honestly it made me feel a little bit nervous because people were actually paying attention. Then I had to keep at it.”
Her next step was to contact A.C. Cuellar Jr., the Hidalgo County commissioner for Precinct 1. After sending emails and making calls for two days, Cuellar personally delivered the news of the project’s approval to Segovia. “This road has been on my radar since I took office in January 2013,” Cuellar explained in a Facebook post on the page Sept. 23. “One of my top priorities is to make roadways safe for transportation, especially for buses transporting our children to and from school.” But having the plan authorized doesn’t mean the entire problem will be fixed. Only a 1.6-mile portion of Sioux between Tower Road and Val Verde Road can be repaired because the rest of the street runs through other cities, such as
ing that?” McMahon said. “And then there was programming all year long related to that book.” “HISPANDERING” One of the more harmful aspects of Hispanic Heritage Month is the misrepresentation of the culture, according to Garza. The month is more than about “waving a Mexican flag and eating guacamole,” said the regional field organizer for the Texas Freedom Network, a liberal grassroots organization. Jessica Lavariega-Monforti, the associate dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, agrees with Garza. She thinks Hispanic Heritage Month sometimes gets the wrong kind of attention when advertisements and commercials depict stereotypical imagery such as sombreros and liquor, in relation to the culture. “I think it’s the same kind of thing with Cinco de Mayo,” said Lavariega-Monforti, a member of the MAS Advisory Board. “Everyone just goes to drink a beer without really understanding what it is.” According to a September post on the website of the Latino Rebels, a group that highlights issues in Hispanic and Latino culture, this trend is known as “Hispandering.” A portmanteau of “Hispanic” and “pandering,” the term is sometimes used when Latino
San Juan, whose officers need to approve separate projects for their area. Hidalgo County’s website states that the adjustments to Sioux Road are “under design,” so funds still need to be calculated and gathered. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the county currently has 16 projects underway to “rehabilitate” or “resurface” roads, excluding Sioux. The average cost of “repair roadways” is about $7 million while resurfacing varies from $1 million to $3 million depending on the length of the street. Alamo’s audited annual financial report shows that the city spent a total of $791,483 on highways and roads in 2013, making it fifth in spending out of eight areas including health and welfare as well as public safety. To compare, $3,320,015 went to “general government” that same year, ranking first on the list.
consumers feel their culture is being exploited. “I think there’s a risk that (Hispanic Heritage Month) could become like Cinco de Mayo,” McMahon said. “It’s a hugely stereotyped holiday, where what it means to be a Hispanic becomes (racially insensitive).” For example, MSNBC aired a Cinco de Mayo segment featuring reporter Louis Burgdorf, clad in a sombrero, pretending to drink tequila straight from the bottle as an image that read “Mexican Heritage Celebration” flashed on the screen. According to an article by the Huffington Post, some viewers found this insensitive. The network apologized the following day. However, despite these sometimes stereotyped views of Hispanics in the media, Lavariega-Monforti said the culture will only continue to grow and should be celebrated, not trivialized. According to the U.S. Census, there were 54 million Hispanics in the country as of July 2013, making it the nation’s largest ethnic or racial minority. “I hope people see the value in talking about the accomplishments of the community,” Lavariega-Monforti said. “Especially in a time where I think Hispanics are becoming a real power in society.”
Segovia said there is a process to the project that involves inspecting the area to determine the amount of supplies needed to repair the pavement before the road can actually be fixed. Although it has been approved, Cuellar said the project will still take time to complete. “I appreciate your patience as we continue through the steps necessary before we can start the construction of the road, which we estimate should be anywhere between three to four months,” he said in his post to Segovia’s page. Until then Segovia has to keep driving through the potholes, but looks forward to life without them. “I think it would be better,” she said. “We won’t have to worry about our cars, we won’t have to drive super slow. It’ll be a good change.”
sports
By Kristela Garza The Pan American The University men’s and women’s cross country teams are currently in mid-racing season with the men having competed in four separate invitationals and the women in three. The teams are preparing to move forward as the men recover from their race at the 26th Annual Chile Pepper Festival Oct. 4. The women’s team move on from their last race at the Islanders Splash in Corpus Christi Sept. 26. The Broncs have been working toward improving their season record and recently Juan Wells posted a time of 26:12.7 in the Islanders Splash 8K race, finishing third out of 57 Division I runners. The women’s team placed after Los Fresnos High School graduate Jennifer Zapata pulled an eighth-place finish with a time of 18:40.7 in the 5K. “We’ve had a few competitions now and several opportunities to measure ourselves against our in-state and regional compe-
By Marco Torres The Pan American After a weekend of action, two Broncs were close to victory at the Ron Wesbrooks Invitational. Fortunately for freshman Koby Jansen the tournament brought him a victory in the Flight Two Championship at the Thompson Family Tennis Center in Beaumont Oct. 5. Men’s Head Coach Brandon Stokes knows how important it is for his team to get off to a great start in order to build confidence as the season progresses. “It was important for our team to have two finalists,” Stokes said. “It was a great effort by Koby to win the championship in straight sets. In fact, he did not drop a set all tournament. His display of physical toughness, mental and emotional resiliency is what our team is working towards. We are in the beginning of year two of building this program. Winning one singles championship has only fueled our fire and our mission to greater heights.” The Broncs recorded four singles victories along with two
October 9, 2014
tition,” Xavier Richardson said. “We’re certainly continuing to improve as a team. They’re growing and learning and continually moving forward.” Both teams are currently preparing for the University of Incarnate Word Invitational in San Antonio Oct. 11 before heading to the Western Athletic Conference Championships Nov. 1. This year’s competition will be at the Palm View Golf Course in McAllen.
place with a time of 27:00.8.4. “We had to complete the race without veteran, Luis Serrano, who was a little banged up,” Richardson said. “But they still showed some heart against serious competition.” We showed that we can compete as a team. It was a learning experience for the
season at the Rio Grande Valley Relays Aug. 29. Wells ran the 5K in 15:30, placing second, and Serrano was close behind with a time of 15:37, placing third. WOMEN’S The women’s team is three races into the season, recently competing in the Islanders Splash. Zapata
Our goals are still set for Conference Championships and NCAA South Central Regional Championships.
MEN’S The men’s team played in Fayetteville, Ark. for the 26th Annual Chile Pepper Festival Oct. 4, winning fourth place overall with a total of 112 points. Wells finished 134 out of 430 runners, leading the Bronc men with a time of 26:13.4 in the 8K. Wells was followed closely by teammate Leo Dominguez who finished in 175th place, only a few seconds behind and with a time of 26:34.6. Edinburg North High School graduate Rick Montero finished in 216th
younger guys.” The season has gone well for the men’s team as they placed 11th with 284 points at the College Station Texas A&M Invitational Sept. 20. Serrano placed 33 out of 122 runners, posting a time of 19:20.3 in the 6K. Before the invitational they started their
led the team and UTPA placed fourth overall with 102 points. Before that the team was at College Station Texas A&M Sept. 20 where Zapata placed 52nd with a time of 15:44.3 in the 4K race. Freshman Teresa Sova placed 20th with a time of 17:07.1. Overall the team has five
doubles on day one of the Ron Wesbrooks Invitational Oct. 3. In the first game junior Hector Ramirez won straight, sets 6-3 and 6-4, against Tyler Junior College’s Matthew Rossouw in Pool A. Sophomore Juan Cruz Soria went on to defeat Lamar University’s Jeandre Hoogenboezem in Pool B, but would need a third set for a victory, 6-0, 1-6 and 6-3. In Flight Two freshman Australia native Elliot Johnstone was one of two Broncs to lose on the first day against Lamar University’s Jusso Laitinen. Jansen, on the other hand, didn’t lose a set as he breezed through day one with a victory over TJC’s Ciro Lampasas 6-3, 6-4 in Pool B. “We expect to be champions,” Stokes said. “The guys I recruit have had success at the highest levels in their countries. We are determined to continue that success here at UTPA. We want to make the students and the community proud of our team.” The Broncs continued winning in doubles as the team of Johnstone and Jansen, in a one set match, defeated Trey Crysel
and Mikko Rajamaki of Lamar University, 6-4. On the second day of action the Broncs had two players ahead of the pack as sophomore Soria and freshman Jansen displayed their talents and proved that they were ready for championship rounds the following day. Soria defeated the University of Incarnate Word’s Josip Smolijan 6-3, 6-3 and followed the performance with another victory against Tyler Junior College’s Vaughn Hunter to move on to the Flight One Championship. Soria would go on to lose his championship match 1-6, 1-6 to Lamar’s Nikita Lis. Jansen continued the momentum with straight victories against Texas A&M’s Max Montague and Lamar’s Mikko Rajamaki and then punched his ticket to the Flight Two Championship match against Lamar’s Laitnen. Jansen maintained his dominance, not losing a single set the entire weekend and defeating his opponent in the Flight Two Championship match 6-4, 6-4. “My vision for Koby and all of the Broncs is immense,”
Stokes said. “There are no limits to what Koby and all of our Broncs can achieve. We have our daily and weekly missions that we must meet as a team and as individuals. Each Bronc knows that our purpose is to improve. We are committed to our process of trust, creating our identity and developing an unbreakable bond.” Stokes hopes that his young team can build off the momentum gained from the weekend and continue to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Regionals Oct. 18 at College Station. “The ITA Texas Regionals is our next tournament in 13 days,” Stokes said Oct. 5. “We have two juniors, one sophomore and five freshmen. It is exciting. We are committed to improving every day and for the most part we are honoring this commitment. We need to work harder and smarter to prepare for one of the toughest regions in the country.”
-Xavier Richardson Cross country head coach
freshmen, one sophomore and a single senior. As a four-year UTPA cross country veteran, Rebekah Rodriguez has high hopes for the season as she prepares for the WAC championships. “Running in the WAC for the first time last season was extremely tough,” said Rodriguez, Edinburg High alumna. “Everyone is very competitive (and) at the same time constantly pushing each other to be better. Having teammates that believe in each other and are hungry for the same goal is what is definitely going to help us once conference comes around.” Despite the team’s young roster the group placed at the season starter, the RGV relays. Zapata took seventh place with a time of 11:36. She was followed closely by Weslaco High School alumna Alexandria Munoz who took eighth place with a time of 12:11. The season started slowly for the women’s team but they are picking up the pace and earning solid showings now. Richardson has plans for
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his team and explains that the women will be working toward the next few races, hoping to pick up momentum for the big events ahead. “Our goals are still set for Conference Championships and NCAA South Central Regional Championships,” Richardson said. “It’s become a cycle of training, competition then back to training to prepare.We want to compete at our best come November. We hope to surprise a lot of people.” The teams only have one race left before the WAC championships. This year they will have a home field advantage but Richardson and his teams aren’t taking it lightly. The work will continue as the teams hope to eventually bring home a regional or district title at the National Collegiate Athletic Association South Central Regional and District Championships Nov. 11 and 22.
Sophomore Juan Cruz Soria warming up during practice. The Argentina native fell 1-6, 1-6 in the Flight One Championship round of the Ron Wesbrooks Invitational. Jon Nutt/ The Pan American
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October 9, 2014
9/11/14