The South Texan Vol.95 Issue 13

TheSouthTexan!"#$

Texas A &M University-Kingsville Award-Winning Student Publication Tuesday, November 24, 2020

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@thesouthtexan

Vol. 95 Issue 13

Face-to-face classes to increase in spring

New normal begins in 2021 5#610)--#$7#*81&0#..0| $"%&'("'#

With fall semester ending, Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) prepares to increase face-to-face classes in the spring. Students should expect the same norm with minor changes for the upcoming semester.

The spring semester

will begin earlier than expected on Jan. 19 and will end a week early on April 28. TAMUK has decided to cancel spring break, which would have taken place March 8 to 12, in efforts to limit the spread of nal exams will be April 30 to May 6 with commencement on May 7.

Although there has been changes in the spring semester, students will still be expected to follow mandatory precautions

while on campus, such as wearing face coverings, social distancing and using hand sanitizer. Surfaces will still be cleaned frequently along with an increase in building sanitation.

“The university is far better prepared than it was last spring or summer to handle this pandemic. We have learned a lot and continue to learn.

maximum safety for our while advancing the educational goals of our students,” Provost and Vice President of Student Af-

in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“We will still have co-

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TAMUK is expecting to increase face-to-face classes from nearly 35 percent to 50 percent starting next spring.

While the university plans to increase student presence on campus, hy-

will make the right decisions that provide the

Arysssa Enriquez

Haley Copp, Rachel Montogomery and Edgar Villanueva prepare for finals.

ITS Dept. adapts to COVID-19

New era of

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First-year students to be rewarded in 2021

The Information Technology Services (ITS) Department at Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) is pushing through the technological challenges of the coronavirus era with a largely successful outcome.

In March, much of the university was forced to transfer to virtual, athome learning to keep students and faculty safe and healthy. Despite the major changes, ITS found the shift to be a positive one.

“I have been very impressed with how everyone has adjusted,” ITS Project Manager Jonathan Garcia said. “As far as grasping the situation and the expectations, which is to continue to provide high quality education to students here at TAMUK, I feel all involved have really stepped up to that change.”

However, any major change is going to come with challenges, and ITS faced the task of ensuring everyone had access to the internet.

“That was one of the big problems – internet access in people’s houses sometimes was not adequate,” Associate Chief Informasaid. “But short of that, I think we did a really great job of getting everybody all the tools they needed.”

ITS loaned laptops to !""#!"#$%&'%(

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opportunity for students

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Dylan Dozier

Pedro Zendejas would skip work to walk around campus, dreaming of the day he could pursue his college education.

Dreams to Reality Engineering student wins bout with admissions

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Those who choose determination instead of complacency, travel upwards, push their limits and exceed expectations are said to live the fullest of lives. Chemical engineering student Pedro Zendejas is one of these people. Knocked down by the college admissions process time and time again, his dreams were never knocked out.

Zendejas had no plans to attend university after his high school graduation. He made the decision to put a little change in his pocket and signed on with a highway construction crew. Sixteen-hour days in

the Texas heat became his reality, but one day, in his sweltering labor, Zendejas had a revelation.

but unfortunately, I made a 16 which was not good enough,” Zendejas said.

Following the submission of his test scores, Ze-

senses and realized that if that I put into working hard at my job every day then I could excel in college,” Zendejas said.

But Zendejas’ choice to join the workforce left him totally unprepared to enter academia. The new college-hopeful graduated high school ranked 39 out of 48 seniors and had foregone opportunities to take any college entrance exams. After a trip to the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Admissions his academic career would be the completion of an ACT test. told me that I would have to take the ACT and make a 20 to be accepted into the university. I took the test,

Storybook Ending Norma and Louis Adrian’s timeless romance endures despite death.

Dylan Dozier

Zendejas transitioned from the construction industry to the classroom..

of many letters that began the same heart-rending way.

“Dear Pedro, we are sorry to inform you that you do not meet the requirements to be accepted into the university.”

But Zendejas was not to be denied. After a return visit to the admissions appeal to the admissions committee. The Bloomington-native was optimistic upon submitting his letter of appeal, but was met with the same response.

“After I had submitted the appeal letter, I had received another letter and this one looked a little when I opened it, it was the same denial letter. So, at that point I was out of appeals, and the only options were to take the ACT again or to try the SAT. To make a long story short I took both of the tests. I made a 16 again on the ACT and I do not even want to talk about the SAT. Everything was looking bad for me and after all these tests and receiving two more denial letters, I was ready to just give up,” Zendejas said.

And to add to his hopelessness, Zendejas received words of deterrence from a member of the admissions team.

“I even called the adsomeone from there told me these exact words,

‘Pedro, I’m sorry but you went to Bloomington and you didn’t do well at all.

This is a college and a hard college at that. You’re not going to make it here. Go somewhere else and stop trying already.’ When I heard those words, I felt my heart break,” Zendejas said.

Zendejas was at a crossroads. And instead of choosing another route, he doubled down, going so far as to call his job on the highway construction crew to let them know that he wouldn’t be coming back to work because he was going to college.

“I would miss work to just walk around the cambuildings and just talk to the deans of that department trying to convince someone to help me get into the College and everyone was telling me the same thing. ‘I’m sorry but we cannot help.’ Then one day I decided to go to the department that I was wanting to go into; engineering.”

It was there that Zendejas met Dr. Breanna Bailey.

“We talked for a little and I expressed that I was wanting a chance, for someone not to look at my past but to see the person I know that my interaction with Dr. Bailey would be a life changing conversation,” Zenejas said.

Dr. Bailey saw something unique in Zendejas. for a student’s full poten!""#)*+,*-./$%&'%(

Deep within the pit of your average high school senior’s stomach the pressure of deciding what university to attend rages. Texas A&M Universi!"#$%&"'$()**+, ty-Kings*1%,2&0,#$ ville has decided to ease some pressure through the Javelina Opportunity Award.

The Javelina Opportunity Award is designed students and transfer students an opportunity to attend TAMUK year. TAMUK has been recognized as one of the top 25 universities in the nation by Forbes Media.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, TAMUK ranks sixth in Texas as one of versities to attend.

“We understand that historically, many of our students come from modest means. Our institutional legacy is that of providing opportunities and access to South Texas students,” Director of Marketing and Communication Adriana Garza said. “By covtuition and mandatory that we can help eligible students begin their academic journey. Texas world-class education at an already-excellent value. The Javelina Opportunity Award is just one more way for us to support students and their families.”

Texas A&M Universithis award for students who are Texas residents, time at TAMUK as an undergraduate or a transfer student, have an annual household income less a FAFSA application and is enrolled for at least 15 credit hours. !""#321/45426*1/$%&'%(

Campus

2

Novemeber 24, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

Art students begin work with metal

Art professor brings back metal sculpture course after 20 years !"#$%&"'()*)%'| !"#$%&'()*+,-

The art students in sculpture class are taking on a new challenge with metal casting.

The course hasn’t been taught in over 20 years.

“The last aluminum casting to my knowledge was done by a Mr. Clark Magruder, who lectured here roughly 20 years ago.

The casting method he would demo in his class was the lost styrofoam.”

Art instructor Robert Pena said.

“It’s another material they get to work with, not many people work with metal, that’s why I wanted to bring it back,”

he said.

Students will be able to use this knowledge to make several things in the future.

“For this project students were required to fabricate some simple equipment to set up a temporary foundry. A foundry is the term used for a place where metal is melted down and then poured into molds to make castings…There are several methods to recreate copies through casting. Castings can be made from plaster, ceramics, plastics, resin, or as in the case of this student project pouring molten metal into a sand mold,” Pena said.

Students have all agreed that this is the most tedious project they have done yet. “This project has been easier in the sense that we after working with other people but bending the met-

Submitted photo

Seashell model sculpted by Angelica Reyes and the Fox Head by Ashely Perez.

al and getting it into the shape that you want is what’s most challenging, this project has shown be I don’t like with working metal though,” art student Nikole Salazar said.

“We have all made made a polar bear, there are foxes, guitars and things like that,” Salazar said.

While Salazar doesn’t favor metal, art student Jessica Kelly would like to work with metal again in the future.

“At some point in my life I wouldn’t mind working with metal again,” Kelly said.

“I’ve made a medallion with a banana on it, this has been the longest project we’ve done we have all been working on for a little over a month,” she said.

The hardest part was making the sculptures for the casts.

“The hardest part for me was the coordination of all the pieces and making the sculptures for all of the casts,” Kelly said.

To make their projects students had to learn and follow a tedious process that took patience and caution.

“The students sculpt the original model from various workable materials which a matrix is then created from in compressed sand. Bits of scrap aluminum, mostly recycled cans, are then melted in a furnace that reaches temperatures

Demo turtle casting piece made from another demo of a clay relief tile.

Gold Fish Medalion by Rufino Lozano.

around 1200°F. This molten metal is then poured into the mold taking on the shape and details of the original model,” Pena said.

Next semester students will hopefully be able to take this kind of sculpture to the next

level and bring their creations to life on a bigger scale.

“My hope is that reintroducing metal casting to the program will give students another material to express their ideas in, beyond and incorporating it with graphics,

Submitted photo

Submitted photo

print, painting, wood and ceramics. Although, metal sculpting has been contiguous in the program along with other materials, actual casting to my knowledge hasn’t been done in years,” Pena said.

C.A.B. hosts Christmas celebration Students enjoy holiday fun with friends before Thanksgivng break !"#$%&"'()*)%'| !"#$%&'()*+,!"#$%&./)*+,-0+1/&,%+1+/2"3./)%'

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, the CAB hosted the last event of the fall 2020 semester which was a Christmas event upstairs in the SUB. There were several Christmas bingo, an ugly D.I.Y. stocking decorating, canvas painting and a screening of the iconHow the Grinch stole Christmas.

This event gave students a chance to celebrate the holidays with

friends before break as COVID-19 restrictions are going to make the this year and will get in the way of people celebrating together as usual.

All of the tables and activities were spaced out according to CDC recommendations along with students needing to scan a Q.R. code before entering the rooms.

“I think that it was a really fun event, and I also think it was super important for me and my friends to come because we all live pretty far from each other, and with COVID we wouldn’t be able to hang out anyways,” student Stephanie Walker said.

“It was nice to able to end the semester like this, the bingo was super

fun,” she said.

The most popular part of the event was the step -by-step canvas painting.

There were instructions on how to paint a snowman projected on a screen.

There were a total Some students followed the directions and some did their own thing.

“I followed the directions but I still put my own twist on it. It was really fun and relaxing, I’m really glad I got to do this with all of my friends before winter break since we won’t be able to see each other once we go home,” student Araceli Mireles said.

“I really enjoyed all of the events that the CAB has hosted this semester, they made this fall

Students begin working on their holday paintings.

enjoyable despite everything that is going on, “she said.

One student still painted a snowman but made it into a total different painting.

“I still based my paintdid my own thing. I saw

Painting by Demitrius Ramos

a picture on Google and I really liked it so I based Demitrius Ramos said.

“As soon as I heard about this event on Instagram I told my friend that we had to come; it gave us a chance to not be locked up in our

Calista Reyes

room and gave us some normalcy before break,” Ramos said. As the event ended there were smiles all around and many students took photos with their creations and friends and ended the last event of the semester with happy memories.

Calista Reyes

EntErtainmEnt

November 24, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

3

The Queen’s Gambit, a quick binge watch !"##$%!&'#(%|News Editor

The Queens Gambit preOctober and has held the number one spot on Netbeing

knocked

down

Although I know nothing about the game of strategy and wasn’t able to pick up or learn

much of anything about the game throughout the series, it still proved to be captivating and at

Beth’s background is

The progression of the series is quick as the

We are given her ori-

seven episodes, each an

I would have personally never thought a series where chess is the main theme would be so interesting, but it was and with every episode you watch the more you

episodes and from there -

The show is a quick watch, if you are a binge watcher like me it will take you a weekend or if you only have the time for an episode a day, you -

We meet our main character Beth Harmon

Her downfalls throughout the series can be predicted as many warn her of what could happen and try to

follow her on her journey of attempting to beat the world’s best chess

Beth’s progression throughout the series gets quite dark, but nonetheless we get a sat-

The series itself is set mainly in the 1960s with dates appearing on screen throughout each The set design and

wardrobe designers do a fantastic job at portraying the time period with

to watch, it’s dark and takes you on a wild journey of chess tourna-

I personally thought the time period worked quite well with the show, and there were no time slips or inaccuracies that

Most fans are craving another season but it is

This series was incredibly thought out and As someone who enjoys cinematic series, it I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for something

choose to produce anIf they do there is so much more that can be characters and relationships, but if not, the ending answers almost every question you could have throughout the se-

How to Adult: Finals from home !"##$%!&'#(%|News Editor

After this week, the rest of the semester will go completely virtual and for those on campus who have taken in perthe transition may be a will presume online after the Thanksgiving Day

break and staying on task may not be easy if you are returning home It’s important to stay Being home and taking Those who have taken classes online may be used to taking monitored and timed tests online already but if you haven’t already, you need to start

preparing

for

classes

While home, stay on

do not wait till the last

Going home and takcult as distractions and risk of distraction will be

Don’t sleep in until noon, wake up when you normally would for class so that when the

This year will be dif-

For those going home and staying with their parents you may need to make it a point to let them know when you’ll be working so that noises around the house

will still be on schedule

‘Hallelujah’ Carrie Underwood and John Legend duet hit song )*&#+(%!$",(-%| !"#$%#&'"($"#)!*'#+% !"#!$#%&"#'!"#(!)&#*$+#,!-*.#,#!/%"(0*'

Artists John Legend and Carrie Underwood teamed up for an original song, Hallelujah The song appears in Christmas album, My Gift I came across the song on YouTube’s trending page and recently added it to my Apply Music The song itself is about four and a half minutes and the music video is a little bit over its debut on Facebook In the video, Underwood is dressed in a

Legend wears a black turtleneck while playing

The duo sings about there being peace, joining together and the

Often in the video, Christmas trees appear and are covered in snow and there are even two

In my opinion, the duo could also be calling for peace after the protests earlier this year, possibly

Doves symbolize peace, purity and love which correlate to some

The holiday season is a time for family and friends to come together

“Ooh, let there be peace on earth/Let the lonely join together, let them know their worth/ Ooh, let the children know there’s a brighter day ahead, let’s hold on to hope/ And on the coldest evening in this December/ Let us pray the spirit of love will lin-

This song’s lyrics conI believe that fans are promised some hope and love after a challenging year with this Underwood’s album also includes classic songs O Holy Night, Little Drummer Boy and Silent Night

John Legend and Carrie Underwood Carrie Underwood/ Twitter

While prepping for any documents or information you will need to study, and while it may

taken from the comfort of your own home and while it may be easy to get distracted, you will Make a check list for things you need to do Break up the classes for which you need to study and organize the

Take breaks while studying, every hour set a timer to take a break, get a snack, walk around or pet your dog for a moment and then get back

As we know it, so far there will be no pass or fail choice so your GPA Stay focused but also enjoy your time back at

SPORTS

4

November 24, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

Javelina volleyball welcomes new signing class New members signed for indoor, beach volleyball !"#$%&'()&*+",,&,"*| !"#$%&'()*%#$ !"#$%!&'()%#$*%+'!#,%+%'-./&0#1

The early 2020 signing period gave several athletes a chance to lock in their commitments with the Texas A&M University - Kingsville (TAMUK) volleyball program.

Mia Delgado, defensive specialist and Corpus Christi native, said she is excited to announce her commitment to further her academic and athletic career at TAMUK.

love and support of my dearest family and friends,” Delgado said.

“They have truly pushed take the days as they come, anxiously awaiting to begin a new journey in Kingsville.”

Delgado is marked as the TAMUK volleyball program.

Tanya Allen, head women’s volleyball coach, said the technique brought by Delgado is aggressive.

“Mia is a fantastic defender,” Allen said.

“She’s fast, moves well is going to be a great as-

set to our team and ultiour blue and gold in a competitive manner.”

The 2021 season will also bring along two new recruits for the beach volleyball team. Those two athletes being Madelyn Wallace (La Vernia, Texas) and Canada Buchanan (Cibolo, Texas).

Both women have contributed tremendously to their high school programs and will bring a much-needed intensity to the blue and gold.

Both athletes are feeling very excited to transistion from high school to colliegate level play.

“Madelyn is a physical and experienced beach player, while Canada is extremely talented and

can contribute as both a big or little for our team,” Allen said. fensively. They are very smart and quick learners. dent they can compete at a very high level for us.

Both women also bring is essential at the end of the day.”

The blue and gold will continue to grow as the signing period has just begun.

Both indoor and beach teams will further their successes as one team representing Javelina nation on the court and the sand, as soon as next semester.

Talleyshia Morris going up to the net for a hit.

Javelina Athletics

Women’s basketball aims for success Blue and gold prepares for December play !"#$%&'()&*+",,&,"*| !"#$%&'()*%#$ !"#$%!&'()%#$*%+'!#,%+%'-./&0#1

The Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK) women’s basketball program is preparing to begin their season as early as Dec. 11 on their home court at the Steinke Physical Education Center.

As the women continue to gain momentum moving forward, the blue and gold will return with plenty of new faces.

Those of which include nine freshmen recruits.

Jayde Tschritter, freshman guard, said Javelina nation can expect great sportsmanship shown on her side of the court.

“This season our fans can expect me to be a great teammate on and Javelina Athletics

Bri-anna Soliz going up for a shot.

biggest cheerleader and my shots when my time

comes,” Tschritter said. ultimate best to help our team in all ways possible court. We have so many goals to accomplish as a it.”

With only a few weeks away from the potential the Javelinas have continued to motivate each other through the many setbacks this year has brought.

Michael Madrid, head women’s basketball coach, said the program is built on relationships.

“We take pride in representing our student

fall semester, the women are striving to prove their strength in adversity.

Mia Rivers, freshman guard, said the transition from high school to college level play should be interesting.

“TAMUK has provided me with some of the best coaches and team-

excited and our team has been working really hard to accomplish our goals this year. We want to win and we want to unsure how our season will carry through due play every game like it is

administration,” Madrid told Javelina Athletics.

“We look forward to building relationships with Javelinas past and present. This season, like any other, is another opportunity to do so. Our women know it.”

The anticipation going into this season fuels the blue and gold to accomplish more than ever before. With practice being

every quarter we take on as a team.”

will be announced in the following weeks for the women’s program. The Javelinas anticipate an early start as December is around the corner.

As the season remains right around the corner, the blue and gold aim for success beyond measure.

Javelina athletics preparing spring schedules Athletes and coaches expected to return to play -.'")*/")#0&1*| +,"#$%,$

Javelina Athletics have been through many trials and tribulations this entire fall semester due setbacks and change of plans continue to pile

up.

The Javelina golf and tennis teams have yet to release any information on a spring schedule and the same for the track Baseball and softball scrimmages but have yet to release a schedule as well.

Both football and volleyball programs will follow their designated schedules for the spring.

Kason Franklin running an offensive route.

The football team next semester will compete in a four-game schedule starting on March 6 against Eastern New Mexico here at Pepsi Field with the season projected to end on March 27 against Midwestern State on the road.

The postseason however has been cancelled for the Javelinas, and after the four-week period, that will mark the end of

Javelina Athletics

the spring season.

Sophomore Christian Carter, a member of the Javelina football team, has frustrations about changed things. having to only play four ball out regardless of the circumstances and that’s how it’s always going our entire team on that note,” Carter said.

The Lady Hogs on the volleyball team are set to start a team schedule starting Jan. 26 when they are to take on St. Mary’s and St. Edwards.

The volleyball schedule also features a threeweek LSC tournament beginning March 24 going through April 6.

The men and women’s basketball teams here at TAMUK are scheduled to begin games as early as next month on Dec. 11.

Mia Cherry, junior transfer, said the team is excited to get the show on the road. tain to say the least,”

Larissa Sanchez preparing for her race.

the chance to compete in December and continue within the spring that would be the greatest feeling ever. With however many games we are given this year, our team will be entirely grateful, just as much as our

Javelina Athletics

The future of the athletic program in Kingsville is looking brighter as weeks and weeks go by with new developments for athletes that bring them closer to competition.

Forum

November 24, 2020 thesouthtexan.com

5

“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.”

Modern masculinity makes Vogue

Our Opinion

America’s Gun Control national level and requires that citizens and legal resi-

and ammunition. While there are regulations on gun buying and trading as well as certain taxes,there is no real gun control existing in the United States as of 1986 when the Firearm Owner Protection, a partial revival of arms to citizens that have been manufactured after the date of the law’s passage.

It is no question that gun violence in America exists, with no major laws or legislation in place stopping the

The Federal Assault Weapons Ban (FAWB) of 1994 did

assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding automatic weapons have been popular when it comes to the choice of weapon in a mass shooting, throughout the United States. To put the severity of these guns into context, Stephen Paddock, the Las Vegas shooter, had 14

Ok, we need to talk.

Bottom line, men owning their feminine side doesn’t make them any less of a man. !"#$%&" I would '()(%* !"#$%&'()*+,like to remind everyone that when the Founding Fathers were signing our constitution they were glammed up

in wigs, makeup, heels, tights and very fancy Despite the criticism from Candance Owens and her followers, Harry Styles slayed that dress on the cover of Vogue and that is a fact. The argument about whether Styles should have worn a dress for the cover has been taken out of context.

I’m in no way saying that extremely masculine men are wrong

for not doing the same thing, but I believe everyone should be able to dress and live however they want without fear of judgement.

“Rules” that makeup, skincare, nail polish and certain clothing are spemade to satisfy society’s perception of what normal is. This goes the opposite way as well woman should not be shamed for being more masculine than femine.

and we are still having to have this conversion about gender roles is absolutely ridiculous.

For decades men and women have tried to put gender stereotypes to rest but it seems that it’s taking a lot longer than expected.

The key to breaking gender stereotypes is to accept and respect everyone as is, and maybe then we will be able to

Need for accurate COVID-19 determinators This year has been surprises.

COVID-19 is something that everyone has been +),(%( learning '-%% to adjust !,.+-*/%+*.0' to.

Pre1-*+2cautionary measures are being taken in order to avoid the spread of the virus.

However, some precautionary actions such as

temperature checks are not accurate, and I beer ways to ensure we are not a carrier for the virus. Although people don’t have signs of COVID-19, they can still have the virus.

“I got a temperature was still tested positive for COVID-19,” a student who wanted to remain anonymous said.

That can give misjudgment on a person’s life

just because they are not a certain temperature.

On campus many people have been getting tested with the mouth swab. Sometimes that can also be inaccurate.

An athlete has taken the mouth swab and nose results for each. Many new methods are on their way, especially a vaccine, but how long must we use these inac-

one of these issues in order to gain a clearer perception of who exactly has COVID-19. Due to COVID-19 being a worldwide strongly impacting disease, places like discount shops, food stores and salons should have temperature checks or screenings at the door.

It is something new so it’s understandable now, but we must do better for next semester just in case a major outbreak comes again.

Getting back to the music she stopped shooting.

The purchase of these weapons could have been prevented under the Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994

While there are regulations and background check laws to see if someone is a viable gun owner there are no major bans on any type of assault weapons within the United States. More thorough laws need to be in place

health evaluations. The bottom line is that if we were to ask ourselves if lawmakers are doing everything in their power to keep the citizens of the United States safe when it comes to gun control, the answer is no.

FAWB, has been used in almost every single mass shooting the U.S. has seen since the Aurora, Colo., movie the-

these types of guns will do anything to acquire them, even if they’re illegal, the mission to eliminate as much of them as possible would be a big step forward.

These are not just laws we are talking about, these ing from gun-related tragedies in the future.

I was 16 head bobs into Greece by DJ Khaled and Drake when the doorbell rang. I immediately .)#"/ silenced .-0$(, the tune, 3"."0*.0' looked ()*+,down at my naked body and made a run for my dungarees. The doorbell rang incessantly. It was Sunday.

I wasn’t expecting company and the front gate was locked so whoever was molesting my doorbell had either fallen from the sky or climbed the front gate and walked half a mile through the front pasture to the house.

I grabbed my Winchester SX3 for good measure. Before I had a chance to chamber a round, a familiar voice I heard the music you f### c###! Let me in or I’m gonna throw this

gnome through the window and climb in!

Sweet Jesus Marie!

You caught me with my pants down! Give a man a second!

On the count of three I’m smashing this gnome through the f### window! One, two..

I opened the door on three and saved my sweet gnome.

Good lord Marie! It’s 7 a.m.! This is lunacy!

It’s 7 a.m. and your blasting rap music and dancing around without clothes on. You’re the lunatic.

Despite the crazy shtick she had mastered, I couldn’t help but think about how bad she was.

Do you want some Yes please.

Help yourself.

You’re an a###.

I made myself comfortable in the recliner while she helped herself to a cup of my joe and half my supply of sugar.

Did you come to tell

You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about you.

That’s your problem.

That my story hasn’t You’re a smart a##.

That’s what you’ve Yeah. You’re so smart.

You could really do anything you want but you insist on making an ass out of yourself so that you don’t have to work.

Ummm I basically insult your entire existence in one sentence and ummm is I don’t know how that makes me feel Marie.

And that’s another thing. There are these things inside of every human. We all have them. You know what

Feelings damnit. And you don’t know what they are or better yet you do but you just drown ’em out or hide ’em or push ’em away. And I Dylan Dozier Managing Editor

just can’t do it anymore.

I can’t be with someone who hides how they feel.

All my friends at work tell me that it’s toxic and that I shouldn’t put up with it and you know

feeling good. Are you

See! Every time you start to feel something you push me away.

She took hold of the NASA Rocket Fuel coffee beside her, my favorite cup, and smashed it

to the door.

I hate you!

Through the front window I watched her march through the pasture, climb the gate and peel out on FM 799.

When she was good and gone, I stepped outside and reset my gnome.

I hopped back through the door and over the broken glass. garees and cranked up the music.

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tial to be accurately described by traditional metrics. In Pedro’s case, I saw a young man who clearly recognized the value of a college education and how obtaining a degree could help him accomplish his career goals. In my experience, persistence and dedication are the most important factors in achieving an educational goal,” Bailey said.

Inspired by Pedro’s determination, Dr. Bailey made moves to help him achieve his academic &''%20/'34506"/'()*+)1

“I think that TAMUK and honestly would relieve some stress on a lot of incoming students.

[This announcement] quite a bit because as a new incoming student it would be stressful to worof the stress of moving to a new school and this has made me want to attend TAMUK a bit more than before,” Kimberlyn Reynoso, potential incoming student from Penitas, Texas, said.

During the Fall 2020 semester the university welcomed more than 1,000 students. With TAMUK &''%75-()*+)1

faculty and assisted them at home via remote sessions as they prepared to teach their classes virtually. In addition to helping

News

dreams.

“For various reasons, Pedro had not been admitted through traditional processes. He spoke to me in my capacity of Assistant Dean for the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering (a role I held at that time but no longer hold) to see if there was a possibility for him to be admitted by special request.

“In conjunction with the dean, I made a special request for Pedro to be admitted on a probationary footing. He has exceeded

our expectations, and I am very proud to see all he has accomplished during his time at TAMUK,” Bailey said.

Nearly a week after his meeting with Dr. Bailey, Pedro received a new letter in the mail. This time, ent implications.

“This letter looked like all the other denial letters so I was already thinking the worst, but then I opened the letter. ‘Dear Pedro, Congratulations you have been accepted into the University of Tex-

nancial opportunities an increase in enrollment is predicted.

“The Javelina Opportunity Award provides tance to new students,” Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Darin Hoskisson said.

year will increase our new freshmen and transfer student populations in the coming semesters.”

New students who have submitted their FAFSA application will be automatically considered for the Javelina Opportunity Award.

Recipients of the award

are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress to be eligible to receive the Javelina Opportunity award their second semester.

“For nearly 100 years this institution has changed the lives of our students and their families through educational opportunity,” Dr. Mark A. Hussey, president of Texas A&M-Kingsville, said.

“We are thrilled to be able dents as they begin their journey to complete a college degree.

“Texas A&M-Kingsville is committed to removing barriers to education.

The Javelina Opportunity Award extends our legacy of educational excellence at an outstanding value.”

instructors, they are also taking the time to assist students who encounter technical difficulties in virtual learning. Graduate student Daycie Ruiz

contacted ITS about an issue she was having with her microphone in a Collaborate class. Although she ended up needing to perform a factory reset of

assurance of having tuition and fees covered by

November 24, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

as A&M Kingsville.’ At that moment, I knew my

I truly believe that life is full of challenges and obstacles but all these things are just opportunities to show what you have on the inside and to prove to the world that nothing is impossible. I was just a kid with a dream, that dream eventually became a vision, and now that vision is my goal.

“This journey has not been easy, there were times when I wanted to give up, times when I told myself that I was not going to make it, but then I just remember this story and I

realize that I can do whatever I put my mind to,” Zendejas continued.

“I want to be an encouragement to others and if I could give any words of wisdom to those that are coming up after me, it would be this: Just have Faith in God and in yourself and you can do anything. Never let people tell you what you can and cannot do. Only you can stop yourself from becoming the best you. Never settle for less, always knowing that you did everything to achieve it.”

tancing does not provide enough classroom space to have everyone attend class at the same time,” Adriana Garza, director of Marketing and Communications, said.

“What students will notice is that teaching modalities will be increasingly varied. Faculty will use online activities that worked well with a face-to-face class. Video recordings can supplement and expand upon the material covered in a traditional lecture class.”

Students with underlying health conditions are asked to provide documentation from a medical care professional attesting that the individual is at high risk for

COVID-19. These students are encouraged to register for fully online classes as available.

If not possible, the students will be allowed by the instructor to attend virtually for the semester given medical documentation is provided.

“I honestly don’t mind spring break being canceled; it just means we will be getting out of school earlier,” sophomore Brianna Brietzke said. “When it comes to in-person classes, I think we should wait things out until the end of COVID. “Being someone that is high risk, I would prefer to keep things online and safe.”

Instructors will have the opportunity to choose

between Blackboard Collaborate or Zoom to conduct virtual classes.

The Jones Auditorium will continue to be utilized as a classroom for the spring semester to promote social distancing. If cases should increase tremendously in South Texas, the school will quickly transition to online courses. Due to students and faculty following COVID-19 guidelines of wearing masks and social distancing during in-person classes, the contraction of the virus on campus is at a low rate.

“We must keep all the ty safe,” Dr. Reinisch said.

“We will work as hard as we can to achieve both.”

her laptop, Ruiz said ITS “exhausted all…solutions” and were “professional, friendly, and patient” in offering her alternative methods to communicate

with her class. Overall, Nagel believes the TAMUK community will be stronger coming out of the pandemic.

“The experiences that

faculty have will add to their resume of being able to deliver remote content,” he said. “It’s going to be a good thing for the most part.”

and now I was a college student,” Zendejas said.

“I placed my hand over my eyes as tears ran down my face and all I could say was thank you Jesus. Now a few semesters later, I am a year away from graduating and not only am I passing everything, but I am honored to serve as an example for others. Showing that working hard for something they really want and never giving up &''%-./0#+()*+)1