INSIDE
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Texas A&M University-Kingsville
The South Texan
Volume 93, Issue 18
ASPIR2E Programs Inspire Pharmacy Students
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Four track programs designed to prepare students to become Aggie Pharmacists DARCY RAMIREZ Editor-in-Chief Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy is proud to announce the startup of the ASPIR2E programs. ASPIR2E stands for Aggie Student Pharmacists Initiative for Recruitment|Retention and Education and the purpose of the programs is to prepare and support students to become Aggie Pharmacists. “Becoming a pharmacist is a time-consuming process and can be expensive. When underrepresented minority pharmacy students don’t succeed, and when their efforts are not realized, that can have a negative impact on underrepresented minority patients because it affects racial/ ethnic concordance. Basically, racial/ ethnic concordance says when healthcare providers look like the patients they serve, patients are more satisfied and experience better outcomes, and access to care is improved. So, one of the main goals of ASPIR2E is to help retain underrepresented minority students by helping them be successful,” Elaine Demps, PhD, Director of Instructional Design and Support Services, said. The ASPIR2E programs consist of four tracks. Track 1 is the Pre Pharmacy Introductory Program and is for freshmen or first-time students,
ASPIR2E continued on Page 11
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Photo by Aryssa Enriquez
Step Afrika! teaching audience members to step in Jones Auditorium.
Step Afrika! highlights African-American rhythm ARYSSA ENRIQUEZ Campus Editor Step Afrika! and Texas A&M University - Kingsville synchronized rhythms for a memorable performance on Feb. 25 in Jones Auditorium. TAMUK students and the community were invited to witness the live performance of Step Afrika!, Washington’s largest African American arts organization. The company meshes percussive dance styles historically practiced in African American sororities and fraternities that transform into storytelling performances. African-American rhythms have influenced and served as the basis of a variety of dance and music genres. Over the past 23 years Step Afrika! has shown tremendous growth by traveling nationally and internationally spreading the African-American culture to several colleges. “Stepping is important because it is rooted to colleges. Stepping was brought up as a form of expression, it’s important to show culture and be able to learn from it. I love sharing my gift with others, and I love inspiring other people to do better and pursue their dream. It makes me feel real happy inside,” said Anesia Sandifer, Step Afrika, performing artist. The Jones Auditorium was filled
with energy and color as Step Afrika! actively engaged the audience with chants and humor. The crowd was in awe of the rhythmic experience, and several were even tapping or dancing along with the performance. Step Afrika! is known to get the crowd moving, and TAMUK was no exception; several audience members were pulled out on stage and were taught new beats. “I was told about this event through the African Student Association, I’m also part of the Black Student Union and we all decided to come as a group. I enjoyed the whole show, it was a pretty big show and I think these types of events are important because it allows us to become familiar with culture and diversity. I loved the experience and liked participating on stage,” said Khrisgina Applewhite, biomedical science major. Step Afrika! believes in teamwork, dedication and work ethic. Therefore, they offered students the opportunity to apply for the Step Afrika! scholarship to enable students to pursue their goals. They showcased unity and embraced diversity through their cinematic performance. “We decided to bring Step Afrika, because we had already had them here a couple of years ago. We have also started a Black Heritage Committee and we thought this was a good opportunity for students to learn about
culture. My favorite part of the show was when the audience was allowed to participate…it really boosted students,” said Loreal Robertson, Assistant Director of Student Activities. The performance accented the traditions of using stepping as a form of communication and expression. A popular rhythm in the African-American community utilizes Gumboots to communicate effectively. For example, one clap against the boot would mean get in line while two would mean I’m hungry. Where words failed to translate expression, stepping created its own language. “My favorite part would be when the guys were doing a special dance that the workers would do to communicate. It showed how amazing tradition is and how it has come over the years to be carried on. It’s pretty cool to see different parts of the world in our own backyard thanks to Step Afrika!,” said Kimberly Gonzalez, a Social Work major. Dancing is an important part of cultural heritage that uniquely emphasizes the foundation of traditions. Through the years, Step Afrika! has been listed as part of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the country. They have excelled in carrying the legacy of African-American culture and have creatively kept their traditions alive through the art of stepping.
Page 2 - Campus
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Thursday, February 28, 2019
Annual Big Event gives back to community
Student, clubs volunteer to enhance the Kingsville area
JOSUE VILLARREAL Reporter
The annual Big Event is coming to Texas A&M University- Kingsville on March 2. The city-wide community service event is organized by the Student Government Association. During Spring 2008, The Big Event was created enabling organizations and clubs to give back to the community and work towards enhancing the community. “You can expect to see many students from across many organizations coming together to help better their community and give back to our town,” said lead organizer Sarah Bennett. Students can expect to get involved in various charitable activities such as cleaning up local parks, cleaning the highways, cleaning churches and volunteering at soup kitchens. “The Big Event is important because so many people, organizations, or departments within Kingsville need assistance,” began Student Body President of TAMUK Ruben Martinez. “The Big Event allows them to get extra hands to get projects done, or to even kickstart new ideas.” Students are eager to help out the community. “I personally love helping people
out,” said Senator for College of Business Katelyn Horner. “That’s what makes the world go around, going and giving back to others.” Planning an event of this magnitude is a huge task for anyone to partake, especially in keeping proper communication with everyone involved. However, the planning committee is confident the annual Big Event will turn out just fine. “My co-chair, our committee, and I have been working hard to make sure this runs smoothly, and of course we have the help and support of the rest of the student government, the TAMUK staff and the community,” Bennett said. The committee members believe generosity, caring and learning about people within the community are important. This event is a great opportunity to not just help, but make new friends. “You get more in touch with the people of Kingsville, and you just see the best side of people,” Horner said. Included with the volunteer work, free food will be provided, as well as T-shirts for those who participate.
Photo courtesy @ tamuk_sga
Club of the Week-TASBE
TASBE strengthens bilingual education and creates leadership opportunities C.R. NEAL Opinion Editor
Future bilingual educators formed the Texas Association of Students in Bilingual Education (TASBE) to build a community of diversity and multiculturalism. The Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) chapter is led by President and Bilingual Education E-6 major Klarrisa Falcón. “Being a part of TASBE is a wonderful experience. Students are able to work on professional development which leads to great leadership skills and also helps students to build relationships with others in the educational field,” Falcón said. “Professional development in TASBE has helped and molded me to the leader I am today.” The TABSE holds multiple conferences all over the state to educate and connect future bilingual educators. Vice President of the organization and Bilingual Education E-6 major Jennifer Flores spoke on how the organization and conferences helped her overcome her shyness. “I have always been a shy person myself so coming on my own into the organization without knowing any-
very big step out of my comfort zone,” Flores said. “I have met some amazing people in this organization such as our sponsor Dr. [Norma] Guzman who has been a great supporter, Klarissa Falcón, the organization president, who has been so welcoming since I first entered the program, amongst so many other current members and officers.” A big part of the organization, and one its members are proud of, is their volunteer work. “Volunteering in our community is major for TASBE and I’m proud to say I’m happy to be a part and give to the community. From going to the retirement home once-a-month to volunteering at food banks have humbled and taught me how to find a way to always give back even when I have little,” Falcón said. Bilingual Education E-6 major Pamela Quiñones enjoys spending time at the retirement home. “Those bingo nights are the best, because you get involved with these people and they get really excited,” Quiñones said. “It’s a good feeling.”
Photo courtesy @TASBE_TAMUK
Thursday, February 28, 2019
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Page 3 - Campus
Fifth Annual Memorial Fun Run Ties and Tennis Shoes fundraises for scholarships Aryssa Enriquez Campus Editors On Feb 22, Texas A&M University -Kingsville hosted the 5th Annual Ties and Tennis Shoes Memorial Fun Run at the Irma Rangel College of Pharmacy. The student-led event is dedicated to raising money for student scholarships. Through this event students are also able to commemorate the memory of Dr. James Robertson and celebrate his legacy. Dr. Robertson was the associate dean of student affairs, and is credited with instilling leadership, professionalism and a driven spirit into the College of Pharmacy. Through the years, this event has been growing significantly because of the community’s constant support and students’ dedication to organize this event. “On behalf of Dean Reddy and the students of the Texas A&M Rangel College of Pharmacy, we would like to thank the City of Kingsville for your support of the Ties and Tennis Shoes Memorial Fun Run over the last six years. This year’s event is poised to be just as memorable and successful as last year’s. Each year this student-led event continues to grow. Our Texas
A&M College of Pharmacy students work very hard to add to the festival each year,” said William Leschper, Director of Marketing and Communications for the College of Pharmacy The event included several businesses showcasing their support and offering free services to the community. The community was able to enjoy a night filled with live music, informational booths, prizes and activities. There were activities for all ages to engage in and participate during the event. The festival consisted of a 5k, 10k and a mile run for all interested in supporting the event. Money raised during the event will be used to provide students with the opportunities and scholarships. “Ties and Tennis Shoes truly symbolizes health and wellness as well as community support. We have student-run booths where people can get various health screenings or talk about medications; we have a rock wall and face paintings for the kids; and we have free food and music to set the tone for a night of enjoyment. Our committee has been working very hard for the last several months to make this night fun for everyone who comes out,” said Sarah Edwards, marketing co-chair for the Ties and Tennis Shoe Planning Committee. A total of 120 members participated in the Memorial Fun Run and friendly competitions were spotted amongst the runners. “This is my third time participating in this event, I like to participate in this event because of competition. I’m a very competitive person and it’s
a good event to participate in,” said Kay Stile, participant of the 5K run. The Ties and Tennis Shoes Memorial
Fun Run offered fun experiences and great opportunities for both pharmacy students and the community.
Photo by Amanda Defrees
Community participates in the Memorial Fun Run.
Photo by Amanda Defrees
Children participate in one-mile run.
Page 4 - Opinion
thesouthtexan.com
Thursday, February 28, 2019
The incongrouous border wall
The South Texan The First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.” The South Texan is a student publication produced by Texas A&M University- Kingsville students. The views, opinions and commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas A&M University system. The South Texan uses student fees in part to publish. The South Texan is part of the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT), The Javelina Broadcast Network (JBN), and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).
STAFF Darcy Ramirez Editor-in-Chief Iliana Flores Managing Editor Aryssa Enriquez Campus Editor C.R. Neal Editorial Editor Colby Sims Sports Editor Jaylin Morales Advertising Manager Reporters Josue Villarreal Ashley Gonzalez Aaron Monreal Kelby Sprinkles Hector Landin Adam Pena Zachariah Wilson Dylan Dozier Susan Cortez Rachel Tapps
C.R. NEAL Editorial Editor The further we get into Donald Trump’s presidency, the more it feels like we are living in a worst-case alternate dimension. Feelings are more valid than facts, and chronic liars are allowed in the highest office in the country. On Feb. 15, Trump bypassed Congress’ decision to block his attempt at building a border wall by declaring it a national emergency. Even Trump’s fellow Republicans were hesitant to support this decision. “The whole idea that presidents… can declare an emergency and somehow usurp the separation of powers and get into the business of appropriating money for specific projects without Congress being involved, is a serious constitutional question,” Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said. To make matters even more bizarre, Trump contradicted his declaration by saying, “I didn’t need to do this, but I’d rather do it much faster. I just want to get it done faster, that’s all.” In light of this event, it is necessary to once again discuss an emphatically unnecessary border wall. Border wall supporters believe the wall will curtail human and drug trafficking, so it is imperative to look to experts in those fields for the manner in which they operate. According to Arizona State University Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research, “Most identified
Advertising For advertising inquiries, e-mail The South Texan at thesouthtexan@tamuk.edu or call (361) 593-4370. Letters to the Editor Letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number. Letters considered for publication must be 300 words or fewer. Letters may be emailed to thesouthtexan@tamuk.edu The South Texan, Manning Hall 165, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas 78363
foreign-born victims of sex trafficking are brought into the U.S. by using legal documents in illegal ways. Sex traffickers will take legal documents for entry into the United States from one victim and use it in the trafficking of other victims. Counterfeit documents, ‘fiancé visas,’ and illegal border crossings have also been identified as means of entry for sex trafficking victims.” That must mean that drug trafficking is the real issue the border wall will solve right? Wrong. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) 2018 National Drug Threat Assessment, “The most common method employed by these transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) involves transporting illicit drugs through U.S. port-of-entries in passenger vehicles with concealed compartments or commingled with legitimate goods on tractor-trailers,” the report read. “Other cross-border smuggling techniques employed by Mexican TCOs criminals include the use of subterranean tunnels, which originate in Mexico and lead into safe-houses on the U.S. side of the border.” Claiming that a border wall will impede human and drug trafficking is like trying to use a Snickers wrapper as a condom. That’s not how it works. I am not certain what world supporters of the border wall are living in, but it is not reality. The only phenomenon
a border wall will result in is an “us and them” mentality, further dividing a world that is already broken. Even if we disregard the fact that a wall will not solve the issue of trafficking, there is still the harmful ecological impact it will have. What, you expected the wall to be built in the middle of the Rio Grande? Construction of a border wall will bisect the geographic range of 1,506 native animals and plants, including 62 species that are listed as critically endangered. A team of conservation experts, including Edward O. Wilson, famed biologist and naturalist, argued in a paper published in Bioscience that a border wall puts these habitats at risk. The border wall could disconnect a third of 346 native wildlife species from 50 percent or more of their range that lies south of the border. That raises the risk to their survival by shrinking and isolating animal populations and limiting their ability to roam for food, water and mates. Fencing also traps wildlife from escaping fires, floods or heat waves. The ocelot is one of the many animals threatened by the potential border wall. What monster could possibly advocate for the extinction of such an adorable animal? A border wall will not solve the inherent issues of smuggling, but it will cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem.
Derivative vape counterculture
Photographer Amanda DeFrees Nicole Morris Adviser
Photo Courtesy reddit.com
Baby ocelot enjoying life
KELBY SPRINKLES Reporter As a self-professed rebel, I have always been drawn to counterculture. I find the desire to live with a spirit of defiance alluring. Overall, I support the trends, ideas and fashions that are derived from anti-normative societies. Despite my typical enthrallment with counterculture, I have grown to hate one of its unintentional by-products; the Juul. Not only Juuls, but vapes, pens or any other name that refers to an e-cigarette. Cigarettes or smoking in general was once the ultimate symbol for youth counterculture. Depictions of teenagers smoking as a symbol for
their rebellious nature is prevalent in pop culture throughout most of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. For example, the iconic library smoking scene in the popular 1985 movie The Breakfast Club. Fortunately for the lungs of America’s youth, the number of underage people smoking cigarettes significantly decreased in the mid-2000s. Extensive medical research on the dangers of smoking and the availability of this information via the Internet caused cigarettes to lose their allure. It was in this tobacco vacuum that the first e-cigarette was introduced to U.S. consumers. Shortly thereafter, in 2015, the infamous Juul was created. The Juul, with its candy and fruit flavored pods and sleek USB style design, recharacterized smoking for American youth. Smoking tobacco regained its cool by being marketed as not actual smoking, but instead as inhaling vapor. This recharacterization was extremely well-received, despite being equally as dangerous as cigarettes in similar and its own unique aspects. “Scientists at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that e-cigarettes leak toxic met-
als, possibly from the heating coils, that are associated with health problems such as kidney disease, respiratory irritation, shortness of breath and more. Some ingredients in the liquids used in e-cigarettes change composition when they are heated, leading to inhalation of harmful compounds such as formaldehyde, which is carcinogenic,” as stated by procon.org. Nevertheless, our generation has fallen in love with the Juul. It has become a staple vice of our collective youth culture. It appeals to middle schoolers as well as recent college graduates. I, obviously without the backing of my peers, hate the Juul and any other form of e-cigarette. The ignorant attitudes exhibited by users towards their health combined with their incessant need to discuss their Juul as if it is their child, makes me hate it and its users even more. E-cigarette users believe that they are different and, in some way, creating their own vaping counterculture. What was initially a product created to combat the countercultural practice of smoking cigarettes, is now a mainstream catalyst of addiction for an unassuming and dull generation of Americans.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
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Page 5 - Opinion
Comparing the Berlin and U.S. border walls Ocasio-Cortez raises eyebrows over comments
SUSAN CORTEZ Reporter Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez compared President Donald Trump’s border wall plans with the Berlin Wall - a Cold War symbol of communist oppression that divided Germany for nearly three decades. The New York Democrat made her remarks during a livestream video for her supporters during which she discussed the scrutiny she received since she won last year’s election. “No matter how you feel about the wall, I think it’s a moral abomination. I think it’s like the Berlin Wall. I think it’s like any other wall designed to separate human beings and block out people who are running away from the humanitarian disasters. I think it’s just wrong,” Ocasio-Cortez said. First and foremost, I want to take a look in history as to why the Berlin Wall was made. The Berlin Wall stood from 1961 to 1989 as a Soviet-manned barrier between East and West Berlin, and came to symbolize the Cold War’s “Iron
Curtain” that separated communist Eastern European countries from the democratic West. Its purpose was to keep people in East Berlin, the city’s communist sector, from fleeing to West Berlin. “The Berlin Wall was meant to keep people inside the socialist/communist utopia and stop them from fleeing to the decadent capitalist west,” Gad Saad, an evolutionary behavioral scientist at the John Molson School of Business tweeted. President Trump’s proposed border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, meanwhile, has been touted as a deterrent against drugs and human trafficking, in addition to a way to reduce illegal immigration numbers in the United States. Whereas the Berlin Wall was intended to keep people inside the East Germany to prevent mass defections to freedom in the West. No matter how you feel about Trump’s wall, constructing a national border barrier to prevent unauthorized access is self-evidently different from building a wall designed to trap people inside. Ocasio-Cortez made her comments the same day Trump announced during a news conference that he was declaring a national emergency so he could shift funds from several federal agencies. He’s trying to get $8 billion to build his barrier after Congress approved only $1.3 billion. Senior White House Adviser Stephen Miller was interviewed on Fox
Photo courtesy rollingstone.com
Trump declaring a national emergency to respond to claims of the president overpowering Congress. “The statute, Chris, is clear on its own terms,” Miller said. “Congress had appropriated money for construction of border barriers consistently. This is part of the national security.” The stakes are high for the White House, which has struggled to see the new wall funding win approval in Congress. On Feb. 15, Trump signed a spending bill that included just $1.4 billion for the border security, which is far short of the $5.7 billion he requested for the wall. The compromise legislation, whereupon overwhelmingly passed in the House and Senate last week, contained enough funding for building 55 miles of barricades, not the 200-plus miles the White House has sought. The bill provided additional funding for 5,000
more beds that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could use to house illegal immigrants. In an attempt to pressure the agency to detain fewer illegal immigrants, Democrats ensured that the bill did not include funding for the 2,000 additional ICE agents, or the 750 Border Patrol agents requested by the Trump administration. Is the border wall beneficial for the United States across Mexico? If we approach this from the mindset of trying to stop human and drug trafficking: the answer is yes. By this we can limit illegal immigration and start having legalized immigrants. It is also unfair for those that have their papers and came to the U.S. legally who work hard and wait, while those that are illegal try to cross from different transportation depths that put their life at risk.
Man on the Street This Week’s Question:
Was Trump’s declaration of a national emergency justified?
Name: Hilario Garcia III Major: Electrical Engineering “No, I do not think it was justified. I think that he’s declaring things too quickly without thinking ahead of time. I don’t think declaring it was just for the sake of building the wall. I think he wants to do it purely for his own benefit, rather than acting on what the people want. It’s all ego.”
Compiled by: Josue Villarreal
Name: Ariel Pena Major: English “Not at all. I feel that Donald Trump is a very childish person that is only doing this because he hasn’t gotten his way. I believe he himself has even admitted that he didn’t need to do what he did and is only doing it for convenience and getting it done quicker. I don’t believe that reason justifies it.”
Name: Olayemi Olaseni Major: Chemistry “I don’t think so. The reason he’s declaring the emergency is so that he can build the wall, and I believe in his campaign he said that Mexico would be funding it. Now he wants to have the taxpayers pay for it, and I believe that’s wrong. I’m not against building the wall, America can do what it wants to protect itself. However, going back on your word and breaking his promise is just over the top.”
Name: Trisha Garcia Major: Biomedical Science “No, I do not. My whole life I have lived on the border and shared a lake with Mexico. Living so close to the border and having immediate family across the border I would go there at least once-a-month. I feel like in order to declare a national emergency there needs to be some sort of disturbance, like with Hurricane Harvey. There is none, and the wall is unnecessary. The money for a wall should be going to housing for homeless veterans, homeless LGBTQIA+ people and better situations.”
Page 6 - Sports
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Thursday, February 28, 2019
Sophmore Season Sounds Success for Kristina Gutierrez TAMUK golfer earns accolades this season DYLAN DOZIER Sports Reporter
Javelina golfer Kristina Gutierrez is on her way to becoming a household name in the Lone Star Conference (LSC). The sophomore engineering major was a high school standout before being impressed by the Texas A&M University-Kingsville campus. “The school was really nice. A lot of campuses aren’t given much attention. It was good to see,” Gutierrez said. The university’s environment wasn’t the only thing exciting Gutierrez. “I went on a tour around the school with coach, and it was fun to meet someone here with a similar personality. It was cool to see that coach was doing something different at the school and that she really cared,” she continued. Gutierrez wasn’t the only party impressed during the recruiting process. In her second year as head coach, Stefanie Gray hoped to improve her roster’s depth and lower her team’s overall score. “She was a great junior player and had a lot of success at the TAPS level. Getting a recruit of her caliber was huge. She turned out to be a lot more competitive than I thought she was, and that has turned out to be really handy,” Gray said. Upon her arrival to Kingsville, Gutierrez realized the steep learning curve that comes with a collegiate golf career. “Starting college golf was a very different experience. I had to learn to be more competitive mentally. Thir-
ty-six rounds can take a toll on you,” Gutierrez said. Her competitive spirit endured. In her freshman year, Gutierrez accrued two top 5 finishes and completed the year with an 80.6 stroke average. The pressures of putt and par weren’t the only tasks in front of Gutierrez. A civil engineering major, her industrious nature had to extend beyond the fairways. To be a full-time athlete and full-time engineering student, “...It is very hard, but I have friends that are supportive and willing to help. There are other athletes who are civil engineering majors and they’re always pushing you to do your best,” Gutierrez said. The 2018-2019 golf season has proven to be a high-point in Gutierrez’s golf career. Out of six events, she has placed in the top 20 four times and the top 10 thrice. She also obtained her first collegiate tournament title at the Skyhawk Women’s Fall Intercollegiate in Albuquerque, shooting a 141 over the course of two days. This was the first individual title won by a Javelina in Coach Gray’s tenure as coach. Her performance in New Mexico earned her a LSC Golfer of the Week award. Gutierrez then began the spring 2019 season with a bang, placing 6th at the Jack Brown Memorial Invitational with a two-day score of 227. Her hometown performance earned her a second LSC Golfer of the Week Award, making her the first Javelina to receive the award consecutively, and the first women’s golfer to win
Photo courtesy of Javelina Athletics
Gutierrez lines up to putt. the award twice in one year since Ashley Rivera did it during the 2014-2015 season. “I was really surprised the second time. It’s a relief to know I’m getting better. My hard work is being noted,” Gutierrez said. Her recent accolades not only highlight her personal success, but also underscore the rising momentum of the Javelina Women’s Golf team. “It is a step forward for the program to have someone competing at the conference level because we have a very deep conference in women’s golf,” Coach Gray said. But Kristina’s accomplishments come with implications that carry beyond the realm of conference play.
“Having a player that is being competitive at our conference level and nationally is good. We’re getting some national recognition that we’ve never gotten before. We’re in the top 100 for the first time. From the recruiting perspective it’s already helping,” Coach Gray said. With tournaments in McAllen and Fort Smith, and the Lone Star Conference Championship still left to play, Gutierrez’s work in 2019 is far from over. “I hope to get consecutively lower scores. I want to close the gap between myself and girls ranked higher than me,” Gutierrez said. “I want to get as high up as possible. I want to do the best I possibly can.”
TAMUK Women’s basketball comes up short The Javelinas honor two players on senior night Hector Landin Sports Reporter On Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Steinke Physical Education Center (SPEC), the Javelina women’s basketball team honored a pair of seniors in Cloe Lane (Kansas City, Missouri) and Kristina Kana (Mont Belvieu, Texas) on their annual Senior Day to conclude their home regular season slate against Western New Mexico in Lone Star Conference action. Entering the contest, the match up was a very pivotal game in terms of Lone Star Conference seeding for the tournament in Frisco, Texas, in two weeks as both teams were fighting for the final spot in the tournament with nearly identical records. The Javelinas would get the early advantage in the first period on the visiting Mustangs from Silver City, N.M., led by plays
from the honoree of the day Lane, Danielle Meador (Corpus Christi, Texas), Ravae Payne (Pearland, Texas) and Bri-Anna Soliz (San Angelo, Texas) as they would lead at the end of the first quarter, 17-12. Unfortunately for the blue and gold, the Mustangs would rally late in the 2nd quarter led by a buzzer beating three-point shot by Kassandra Vickery to give the away team a 32-27 lead heading into the break. The Mustangs would pick up from where they left off at the ending of the 1st half in the 3rd quarter, as they’d outscore the Javelinas 16-9 to take a demanding 48-36 into the final quarter of the season at the SPEC. But, as they had done all season, the resilient blue and gold led by Wade Scott would make a late surge in the 4th quarter to narrow the deficit within 2 points on Senior Day after an em-
Photo courtesy of Javelina Athletics
Team picture on senior night.
phatic 15-2 run over the last 2:58 of the game led by Kana and Rachel Tapps (Houston, Texas). After a pair of free throws to put the Mustangs up 3 at the SPEC from Sara Lopez, Lane would attempt a three-pointer to even the game in the final seconds, but would come up short as the Mustangs would prevail in triumph, 6259, at the Hog Haven. After the game, graduate assistant for the women’s basketball team, Meesha Wade shared her thoughts about the game. “Western New Mexico is probably the toughest team in the league. We dug ourselves in a little hole, made a run late, but just ran out of time. We just have to prepare for the next two teams this upcoming week,” Meesha Wade said. As a senior playing in her final game of the season at home in front of
her family, Kana looked back on the home slate of games by sharing her favorite memory. “My favorite memory at home is beating West Texas A&M. We beat the odds and that’s an awesome feeling,” she said. The final stats for the game for the Javelinas included: Soliz with 15 points and 9 rebounds, and Tapps chipped in 10 points. The Javelinas will finish their regular season on the road in Lawton, Okla., and Wichita Falls, Texas, against Cameron and Midwestern State University this upcoming week. A berth in the Lone Star Conference tournament is still within reach for the Javelinas, but they must win both games on the road, and hope for a loss from Western New Mexico as they finish their season against Texas A&M Commerce and Tarleton State.
Photo courtesy of Javelina Athletics
Daniell Meador dribbles the ball up the court.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
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Photo by Amanda De Frees
Senior Alex Mills knocks down a deep jumper.
Javelinas honor seniors TAMUK wins on senior night Rachel Tapps Sports Reporter The Javelina men’s team sent their four seniors out in fashion with a landslide 78-47 win against Western New Mexico this past weekend. The fans got to see seniors Alex Mills, Robert Stevenson, Elton Dyer and Jacolby Harris battle for the Javelinas one last time, and they did not disappoint. Dyer, who suffered a season- ending injury a few games into conference, spoke on the impact head coach Johnny Estelle had on his career on the court as well as off the court. “He played a big part just being in my life, he’s the type of guy you want to be around on the court and off because of his character and who he is,” Dyer said. “At the end of the day it’s bigger than basketball for him.” The members who are a part of this team all agree that this is more than a team, they are a family, a brotherhood. Stevenson says his younger teammates had a special impact on how his senior year turned out. “They really brought the culture back from two years ago when we went to the national championship tournament,” Stevenson said. “They brought it back to where it was more of a family; we played for each other just going all out, bringing the crowd
and Javelina spirit back.” Many know Coach Estelle for his passion and tenacity as well as his tough loving spirit, which many would agree makes him an honor to play for as well as watch. Estelle had nothing but praise and admiration for his four graduating seniors. “The impact goes beyond tonight. Those guys, like anybody that plays for me, they mean the world to me. Those guys have done one heck of a job leading by example with their work ethic,” Estelle said. “It’s good to send them out the right way; we’re a family, we’re tough on them but we love on them just as hard and those guys have stood the test of time. There’s no doubt they will be successful in life because they’re high character people, hardworking and committed. I have no better seniors than those four guys.” The Javelinas have two more away contests before heading to conference to compete for a conference title.
Photo courtesy of Dick’s Sporting Goods
Page 7 - Sports
Page 8 - Sports
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Thursday, February 28, 2019
Javelina Baseball sweeps the weekend TAMUK baseball dominates with little resistants COLBY SIMS Sports Editor The Javelinas baseball team started the season off slow, losing their first three games of the season. Since then, the Javelinas have won nine out of their last 10 games and they are really coming together. The Javelinas dominated this weekend facing University of Missouri-Saint Louis (USML) to help improve their record to 9-4 on the season. “We did a great job of pitching which led to our offense really coming alive. We played up to our ability this weekend and continue to get closer to our full ability. A sweep at home is a great way to send us into the week
Photo courtesy of www.usatodayhss.com
off,” said student assistant Christian Caudle. Game one showcased senior Preston Plovanich on the mound, he struck out 10 batters in eight innings. Plovanich gave up just four hits and improved his record to (2-2) on the season. Sophomore Giancarlo Servin had an outstanding game batting in two runs. In game two, senior Joshua Valdez threw six innings and cashed in seven strikeouts. Juniors Seth Spinn and Austin De Leon both batted in a run to help lead the Javelinas to a win. In game three, the Javelinas dominated throughout winning 12-0 after a big contribution from everyone in the lineup. Game four was pretty similar to game three, the Javelinas made short work of USML winning 17-0. Sophomore Tyler Flores pitched and got his first win of the season. “The guys looked pretty flawless on Sunday. They should be feeling pretty good heading into their next game after a series sweep,” sports information student worker Kenneth Hale said. The Javelinas will be back in action, looking to continue their winning ways at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, when they face the Saint Edwards Hilltoppers at Nolan Ryan Field.
Photo courtesy of Javelina Athletics
Giancarlo Servin dives head first.
Photo courtesy of Javelina Athletics
TAMUK turns a double-play.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
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Page 9 - Entertainment
TAMUK to host Dance Marathon
Money raised donated to Driscoll Children’s Hospital to help families ILIANA FLORES Managing Editor Across the nation, fundraisers are being held as part of the Miracle Network Dance Marathon. Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) will once again be participating by raising money for Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi by hosting a Dance Marathon. The third annual marathon will begin at 4 p.m. on March 30 in the Steinke Physical Education Center (SPEC). Each year, students are invited to create teams or sign up as individuals to raise money for the marathon. Throughout the semester, participating individuals and teams have been holding fundraisers to give to families in need at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. The local community is also invited to participate in the Dance Marathon by registering to help raise money for the cause. “It’s open to the entire community. We don’t ever want anybody to think that it’s only for students or only for certain people on this campus. It’s entirely open to the entire community. You can either join as a team, create a team, or you can join as an individual. Or, if you don’t want to create a team or be as an individual, you can donate to somebody who has already got a team
or an account already set up,” Ydanissa Gonzalez, the executive director of TAMUK’s Dance Marathon Executive Board, said. March 30 will be the last day to donate. On this day participants who have raised money will gather in the SPEC to share a night of celebration. On this night, there will be dancing, bounce houses and more fun activities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from and meet patients of Driscoll Children’s Hospital and their families at the event. “The families that come in are families that have been impacted by Driscoll that have been serviced by them that have assisted their family throughout whatever their children have gone through. So, we like to bring them in so they can tell the importance of having Driscoll here in our community,” the Greek Life Coordinator for the Office of Student Activities Jessica Montenegro said. Last year, the TAMUK Dance Marathon raised $11,503.79. The Dance Marathon Executive Board has hopes to raise even more money this year. Anyone can register or donate through TAMUK’s Dance Marathon donation page. The money that is raised from the event goes to Driscoll Children’s Hospital. The hospital then allocates the money to families in need. While Dance Marathon helps raise money to ease the financial burden of families with children who are in the hospital, it can also be an eye opener to students who can sometimes take their everyday life for granted. “This gives them (students) a bigger idea of everything that goes on that maybe we don’t pay attention to. Especially with student life. You get so
Offset’s latest upset Migo member’s latest album is lack-luster JOSUE VILLAREAL Reporter I had little reason to expect quality from the first solo project by rapper Offset who is one third of the popular rap group, Migos. Known for songs like “Wishy Washy,” “Versace” and their smash hit “Bad and Boujee,” Migos brand of flows, sound and Atlanta influence has played a large part of shaping rap music into what it is today. That same influence and creativity has not shown through any of the other members solo projects. Quavo’s recent album “Quavo Huncho” was defined by a lack of ideas that would leave some songs feeling unfinished. Takeoff’s “The Last Rocket” had complete songs, but those complete songs proved redundant. The album lacked any semblance of variety. I assumed Offset’s album “Father of 4” to meet a similar fate and the hilariously awful photoshop job that is the album cover didn’t lend itself to any good faith. To my surprise, the album starts off strong with the title track as the opener. With an admirable opener from Big Rube and an emotional performance about Offset’s children, this track is one of the best that any of the Migos members has ever made. Combined with the appreciative claim to fame on “How Did I Get Here” with J. Cole and the soothing pan flute
Photo courtesy of Instagram @offsetyrn
of “Lick,” this album was prepping up to be on a whole other level in comparison to the rest of the Migos’ efforts. This would prove to not last as a particularly fantastic feature spot from Cee Lo Green becomes the only thing truly worth discussing for the rest of the 40 minutes of runtime on this album. Offset, along with his fellow Migos’ members, prove on tracks like “Underrated” or “Don’t Lose Me” that they struggle to hold entire songs on their own. The other features also do not fare well. Both Travis Scott and 21 Savage, despite releasing their best albums and work to date with “ASTROWORLD” and “I am > I Was” respectively, phone-in their efforts here. Cardi B makes an appearance on the song “Clout” with a verse centered entirely on the media’s portrayal of her which was likely motivated by the criticism thrown at her for taking Offset back after cheating scandals. The verse ends up reading far more insecure than
Offset’s Album continued on Page 11
involved in school that sometimes we lose track of things and I think this is a great way to just raise awareness,” the TAMUK Dance Marathon Dance Relations Executive Sarah Alvarez said. For anyone interested in creating a
team, joining as an individual or donating visit https://events.dancemarathon. com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive. event&eventID=3376. TAMUK’s Dance Marathon can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter @TAMUKDM.
Page 10 - Entertainment
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Thursday, February 28, 2019
Students- Prepare to lip sync battle ARYSSA ENRIQUEZ Campus Editor Grab your friends, break out your closet rock star and join the fun with a Karaoke Night to de-stress this semester. The Center for Student Success is hosting a night filled with unforgettable memories, special surprises and friendly competitions for Javelinas at 6 p.m., March 7 in the Student Union Building Ballroom. “They can expect to have fun, listen to some singing whether it’s good singing or terrible, and to just relax. We will also be hosting a lip-sync battle (with prizes), so if students are too shy to sing on their own, they can just lip-sync it! And, there will, of course, also be free food. Dinner! Just another reason to stop by….We wanted to give students something they can simply attend just to have fun or have something to do one evening, no academic strings attached. Karaoke is something that people either enjoy doing or enjoy watching, so we wanted students to be able to have a good time and possibly even meet some new people,” said Laura Gonzalez, UNIV instructor. Karaoke Night is simply meant to be a night of fun, during which students can relax and enjoy a time gathered with friends. To participate in this event, students can simply show up that night but if anyone is ready to put a group together, they can sign up in
the Library in office 210. The Center for Student Success works diligently to provide students with the best possible first year of college experience. For most students, the transition from high school to TAMUK is a rough transition. However, the CfSS staff/faculty understand that hard work should be rewarded and have managed to provide several incentives as well as workshops throughout the semester to help students thrive. “We have events/ workshops pertaining to information, such as study abroad and internships coming up soon,” said Diana Bustamante, UNIV instructor. The CfSS department is dedicated to helping students thrive and reach new peaks of success. They are organizing several workshops and events to enable students to make new friends and gain information. Workshops will teach students how to use technology as an advantage and provide information on studying abroad, internships and more. Karaoke Night is definitely an event to mark on your calendars, as it promises to be a night filled with fun. “I’m super excited about Karaoke Night. I look forward to being able to sound terrible while also getting a good laugh out of it,”said Eryssa Quintanilla, Mechanical Engineer major. You can follow the CfSS on Instagram and Twitter @TAMUK_CFSS to keep updated on any upcoming events and workshops.
The ‘Remarkable Thing’ about Green’s novel ILIANA FLORES Managing Editor When I first started reading Hank Green’s debut novel An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, I expected it to be an ordinary new adult coming of age novel. However, my expectations were quickly shattered, but in the most absolutely remarkable way. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing follows the main character April May. April is a 23-year-old recent art school graduate. One day when April is walking home from work at 3 a.m., she stumbles upon a ten-foot-tall Transformer-like sculpture in the middle of a sidewalk. She is so mesmerized by the robot that she decides she wants to make a YouTube video about the giant sculpture. She calls her friend Andy
and they make a video about the robot sculpture, which April dubs as Carl. The video gets uploaded and April goes home and falls asleep not knowing how that one video will change her life. The next day when she wakes up April learns that the Carl she made a video about is only one of many sculptures that were put up in major cities across the globe. April’s video ends up going viral and it’s revealed that the Carls end up being more mysterious than just another crazy art instillation. So, what starts off as a normal coming of age novel quickly turns into an epic sci-fi as April and the entire world work to solve puzzles so they can figure out what the Carls are and why they have come to Earth. As April is the main protagonist of the novel, she has some qualities that make her extremely likable. She is
quirky, funny, confident and strongwilled. The qualities made her relatable and her internal thoughts were super hilarious to read. However, April was also extremely self-involved. At some points in the book, I would find myself so annoyed with her, but April’s character progression and flawed personality made her feel less like a fictional character and instead more human. I also enjoyed the many other characters that are involved with helping April learn more about the Carls. Their dynamics are great and the way in which they interact is very realistic. While the characters in the stories made this book enjoyable, the many twists and turns throughout the plot are what kept me invested. I do not usually enjoy science fiction books, but this is one I could not put down. There were so many frustrating and
Photo courtesy of The Town Hall
4.1
out of 5
3.8
out of 5
surprising events that happened, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat trying to solve the mystery. However, I was slightly disappointed with the ending because it was a cliffhanger. A sequel has yet to be confirmed but many have hopes that there will be a second book so unanswered questions can be resolved While the book was funny and action-packed, it also highlighted the divisive nature of our society. In this novel, there were the people who trusted the Carls and those who did not. They were constantly battling each other on the news and on social media. This made the book serve as a commentary of the power social media and the internet have in our society. It can make or break careers and it can divide or unite us. I went into this book with high hopes and they were most definitely met. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing has been my favorite read of the year so far and Hank Green is an author I cannot wait to read more from. I rate this book 4.5 stars out of 5 and recommend it to anyone who is interested in reading about aliens with mysterious intentions that visit Earth.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
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Page 11 - News & Jumps
ASPIR2E continued from Page 1 and Track 2 is the Pre-Pharmacy Advanced Program and is designated for the Spring semester of Sophomore year. These first two tracks will help undergraduate pre-pharmacy students ultimately become a competitive pharmacy school applicant and deepen their knowledge of what pharmacists can do. After being accepted into the Rangel College of Pharmacy students will begin Track 3, the Pre-Matriculation Program which helps first-year PharmD students successfully transition and adjust to life as a professional student pharmacist. Track 4, the Academic Coaching Program, will help admitted students successfully become a competent practicing pharmacist. “There were many beneficial aspects of the ASPIR2E program, but personally I found that building peer professional relationships has helped me the most in adjusting to the program,” Taylor Cummings, a first-year professional pharmacy student, said. The idea of the ASPIR2E programs originated in 2016 and officially began June 1, 2018. The programs are funded through a grant, the Minority Health Research & Education Grant Program, which was awarded to the college by the Higher Education Coordinating Board. Amanda Galindo, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, recalls how
she and Demps reacted after receiving the news about the grant money and the approval of the programs. “We screamed, we were very excited. It’s a great opportunity to have an award from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and all the individuals involved in submitting the application were just so thrilled. To have additional funding to support recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities to the Texas A&M University Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy helps to meet our mission as a College and to prepare a diverse student body for the practice of pharmacy,” Galindo said. Since the program is fairly new surveys were given out to the students and the ASPIR2E programs proved to be successful and helpful as various positive feedback was received. “As a student getting ready to begin pharmacy school, I felt anxious of the class workload and a profound sense of loneliness of not knowing anyone. Thankfully, the ASPIR2E program alleviated my concerns by cultivating a close-knit group of fellow peers that could collaborate and learn together,” Arnoldo Gonzalez, a firstyear professional pharmacy student, said. For more information regarding the ASPIR2E programs visit https:// pharmacy.tamhsc.edu/ASPIR2E/index. html
Offset’s Album continued from Page 9 strong and continues to show that Cardi could be on the decline quality wise from her excellent debut album. An introspective track like “Red Room” shows one last glimpse of quality before “Father of 4” peters out and ends on an unsatisfying note. Without keeping up the momentum of its good start, the album divulges into the worst tropes and usual topics that the group has long run into the ground. Even if one does not care about
lyrical content, the beats and instrumentals aren’t nearly strong enough to make the quality bangers that we expect from a Migos track. I do not believe that “Father of 4” does anything to warrant a listen, let alone a recommendation. Other than a few good tracks in the beginning, all it has accomplished is that it officially confirms none of the three Migos are worth investing in as solo artists.
Submitted photos
Students participating and attending the ASPIR2E PPIP (Track 1) Poster Fair on Nov. 15, 2018.
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Thursday, February 28, 2019
Texas A&M University-Kingsville University Housing & Residence Life
Current Residents Amenities:
Barbecue and Picnic area Exterior card access system Game tables Ice machines & Vending Machines Intramural teams Lounges with living rooms and TVs Planned residence hall activities Professional staff members Resident/Community Advisor staff Smoke-free building Student leadership opportunities
Don’t Forget to Sign your Housing Agreement with us to lock in your rate freeze for the 2019-2020 academic year. The priority sign up period begins March 21st. Don’t forget to attend your Wing Meeting. TURNER/BISHOP/MARTIN HALL $2,096 PER SEMESTER LYNCH HALL $2,311 PER SEMESTER LUCIO HALL & MESQUITE VILLAGE WEST $3,394 or $3,604 PER SEMESTER
Email: residencelife@tamuk.edu Phone: 361-593-3419
Lucio Hall, Office 119, Kingsville, TX 78363-8202