The South Texan Vol. 95 Issue 15

TheSouthTexan!"#$ Texas A &M University-Kingsville Award-Winning Student Publication Monday, February 15, 2021

!"#$%!&#'(")*#!!#+(!*,-.

/0,+1/!02-!3

@thesouthtexan

Vol. 95, Issue 15

Black Bold Beautiful Brave BSU celebrates Black Heritage !"#$$%&'(")*+,- |!"#$%&'($)(*+$,-

‘If students fail…we are failing’

!"#$%&$'#()*+("$,)-("($./0&!)1

Red, black and green adorn the palm trees of University Boulevard as Javelina Nation gathered in celebration of Black Heritage of Month.

For the African American community February

!"#$$%&'(")*+,- |!"#$%&'($)(*+$,!"#$%&$'#()*+("$,)-("($./0&!)1

commemorate the accomplishments of their past “Black History month is a time to celebrate Black excellence from the past, future, and present. It’s a time to honor our ancestors for all the work they have done for us just so we may have a better future.

It’s a time to celebrate inspire and uplift,” BSU member Etta Enow said.

Three years ago, the Black Student Union organization was founded at Javelina Nation with a vision to bring unity amongst the Black community on campus, educate others and give students a platform to express themselves.

“I do feel a little safer on

As Javelinas prepared to tackle the Spring semester, administration

Black Student Union in front of College Hall showcasing their blue and gold pride.

campus because (of BSU).

I know I’m not alone and that there is a community of people who have all faced some form of racial issue,” Treasure of BSU Kamryn Ware said.

For members of the BSU, the organization is a safe

Submitted Photo

Christen Williams, Aliyah Smith, Jorvis McGee, Troi Coleman, De’Stini Henderson at the National Black Student Union Conference.

Online Beat Do you not subscribe to !"#$%&!"!#'()*+%,?

Catch up on exclusive stories about our campus and community when you sign up for our newsletter.

Here’s a sneak peak of what you missed online.

Basketball No.13 At the start of the 2021 season, the Javelina men’s basketball team were ranked 25th in the nation according to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Now the team is No. 13.

place to talk about contheir community. Each year the BSU gains mement ways to become more interactive on campus and in the community.

“BSU gives many students a safe place to talk about such (racist) events,” BSU President Christen Williams said.

“Recently we’ve cooperated with the Health and Wellness Center and did a Black mental health seminar. Black students felt this was a huge steppingstone for the university to actually talk and engage with black students about what is going on in our communities.”

Recent national events like the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have strongly impacted the BSU. “It pushed for a creation of a diversity committee. It also created a conversation of members, and people of the committee express

how they feel about everything that’s going on…

BSU is a family not just an organization.We want to unify the Black community and let them know they have our support,” Ware said.

Students looking to join the Black Student Union (BSU) can email bsutamuk18@gmail.com or reach though their social media

Submitted Photo

accounts on Instagram and Twitter @tamuk_BSU. “My current goal for to better our campus and community through enlightenment about Black culture; not something that will just be trending for the time being, but plans that could be used for years to come,” Williams said.

Submitted Photo

BSU in front of Lewis Hall on University Blvd. wrapping the palms with red, green and black in celebration of Black Heritage.

of the past semester.

According to records released by the university, 24.3 percent of undergraduate students failed at least one course last fall and 3.46 percent of graduate students were unsuccessful.

Although there was an 8.1 percent decrease in enrollment between Fall 2019 and Fall 2020, failure rates remained within the 20th percentile. Failure rates between Fall 2019 and Fall 2020 increased 2 percent per capita.

“The reasons that a student fails a course are often complex and compounded by many factors. Sometimes the student is not prepared for the course, sometimes outside pressures like family or work do not allow the students the time that they need to be successful. Sometimes the logic of the textbook or the instructor does not match the student. Usually, it is a little bit of all of these factors, and many others, that work together,” Provost and Vice PresiDr. Lou Reinisch said.

Students struggling with classes are encour!""#!"#$%&'(&&)

TAMUK’s School of Music ranks among top 25 Great Value College gave national rank ./(()&.,#(%|.,/0!"#$%&' 0$2,&$'#()*+("$,)-("($./0&!)1

Best Value College ranked TAMUK among the top 100 best colleges for music majors. TAMUK’s School of Music ranks number 25 on the list of accredited music schools.

“One of these things we’ve always tried to be, not only here in the School of Music but at A&M Kingsville, is a school of access and opportunity,” Director of the School of Music Dr. Paul Hageman said.

Hageman credits this ability and open-mindedness of the School of Music.

“We’re open to any student who has the skill level to come and audition and get into our program,” Hageman said. “We’ll take them and work with them until they have developed all the skills they need to be successful in the job market.”

The School of Music has received prior national acknowledgement from the International Trombone Association, Downbeat Magazine and the TAMUK Wind ensemble placed second in the American Music Prize.

“All these things are just examples of the external validation that our students are high achieving, they’re learning so much and working together in ways that’s going to benture,” Hageman said.

TAMUK in-state tuition is $9,136 for undergraduate students a semester.

“25th in that nation is

File Photo by Amanda DeFrees

Dr. Paul Hageman is at a TMEA ALUMNI event at the end of the convention where all the alumni get together and mingle and he’s announcing the opening of the new music building.

fantastic, I’m kind of partial but I think we deserve that. We know that college degrees are very expensive, the cost of tuition and A&M Kingsville has worked very hard to keep it as low as they can and to again allow more students opportunities,” he said.

The School of Music has an almost 100 percent job placement rating for grad-

uating students.

“I think it is a good indicator that we are preparing our students because they are highly sought after, they’re being successful,” Hageman continued.

The School of Music undergraduate programs include a Bachelor of Music or a Bachelor of Music Education. Masters programs include Master of Music

in Conducting, Master of Music in Music Education and Master of Music in Performance.

Senior Performance major student Christian Torres said the School of Music has been a welcoming experience for him.

“It has been 100 percent a positive experience,” !""#*+,#-&'(&&)

Campus

2

February 15, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

Students, community no cost +,""%'+)-"#'| -,./*01&$"% -,./2,1&$"%3$4,/"($4$,56#2,1(*

Susan Cortez

CAB members hand out bears to participating students.

Bear-y Happy Valentine’s Day Students enjoy a night activites !""#$%&#'()*#$)&'| !"#$%&'($&#)*+%&$,% *

With COVID-19 still lives and routines, it is always nice to have a fun event that reminds us that we can still make cult times.

Jav-A-Crush was a Valentine’s event hosted on Feb. 11 by residence life, student activities and the Campus Activities Board. The event held multiple activities such as a DIY build-abear, Valentine’s cards, bingo, cookie decorating and canvas paintings.

“This gives students a chance to be creative and have an engaging

evening of activities on campus with no cost to the students,” Director of Student Activities Erin McClure said.

McClure talked about how last spring, many of the students enjoyed the build-a-bear event because they enjoyed own animals and after it being created it was a gift to keep or give to a loved one.

“I really would like to go to another event like this one in the future, the one I liked the most animals and I enjoyed stations that they had,” Business major Araceli Mireles said.

Mireles expressed that the only thing that would have made the event better was if the timing of each station had been more spread out as she wanted to attend each one but had

been too busy at others in order to do so.

Although with the social distancing still in nizations take necessary precautions in order to keep students safe.

Vet tech major Stephanie Walker expressed that those who hosted the event took all the necessary precautions to social distance and be safe.

Because of the popularity of the event it is possible there may be a similar one in the future depending on how other events turn out as well.

“We try to have a few annual events and then mix up other events so the students see new activities every year. Some of the major activities include a virtual concert, drive-in movie, a cooking demonstration with Chef Craig and an eSport event,” McClure said.

Each year during tax season volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) provides accounting students the opportunity to and help other students as well as community “What we do is we help income taxpayer’s tronically for free,” Associate Professor Dr. Genevieve Scalan said.

The program is open to anyone in the community who made a household income of less than $66,000.

“This includes students and even students in other countries who are here on foreign stuthem if they need that,” Dr. Scalan said.

Due to COVID-19 students and community

members have two opcan email vitatamuk@ tamuk.edu or call (361) 248-9499 to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.

“This is some really great experience (for students) because this is the kind of thing accountants do when they’re out there in the world working at their real careers,” Dr. Scalan said.

VITA will continue through April 15 every Tuesday and Wednesday.

“It gives them (students) experience interviewing people and tion,” Dr. Scalan continued; “it gives them customer service experience and it gives them experience using tax software, which is something you can’t get just anywhere.”

Students in need of experience are encouraged to volunteer but must pass the VITA test to in“It also gives them (students) some important experience in communication because frequently you have to communicate some com-

Dr. Paul Hageman during annual Jazz Festival at Jones Audittorium !"#$%*+,#-%&'(&&)

Torres said. “My skill level as a musician has increased at least tenfold since I’ve been here.”

Unlike other music programs students have said TAMUK’s program is not competitive and builds a community of students who support each other.

“When I was in high

Calista Reyes Students discussing

Health and Wellness takes a stand

Students get

!""#$%&#'()*#$)&| !"#$%&'($&#)*+%&$,%

In honor of Black Heritage Month, two departments at TAMUK teamed up to give an informational discussion on Wednesday about mental health for Black students.

Professional Counselor at Student Health and Wellness Maria Coolbaugh went into detail about Black mental health facts, stigmas, self-care and micro aggressions. It was also discussed how the Health and Wellness accepts all students no matter their race, religion and ethnicity.

“My hope is that students from all populations and communities gained more information about mental health

for Black students. I also hope that those who are not people of color learned how to be an ally for someone in their life who is Black/African American. Lastly, I would like for an event like this to deepen the discussion of social injustice locally, nationally and worldwide,” Coolbaugh said.

Animal science major Student Mia Hess expressed that university discussions such as these should be more inclusive in order to help individuals feel safe to express their struggles without being judged. She also mentioned that her favorite part of the presentation was how the speaker approached the topics regarding systemic racism and white privilege.

“I feel as though on campus my voice gets shut down when I bring up the topic, and it’s

been like this since high school. But I shouldn’t have to get used to feeling invalidated by my own peers and professors. As a Black woman, I’m supposed to be strong, invincible, and courageous enough to take on the pains of my life without help,” Hess said.

Resources were given to participants who attended the event that included examples of racial micro aggressions and mental health resources for Black/African Americans. Ways to provide self-care were discussed, such as mediation, exercise, watching a movie and reading.

“This time right now our university to educate and emphasize the mental health resources available to the students,” criminal justice major Alberto Oliveira said.

time I came to the TAMUK jazz fest in March,

all bring up their own strengths into what they teach,” he said.

Students noted their professors push towards their success with the guidance and experience they are able to bring into their classes.

“Two weeks ago, I won the solo competition here at TAMUK and that was really a big thing for me,” Music Education major Gilbert Trevino said.

plex ideas to someone who is not experienced with that so it’s really helpful to learn how to talk to people and explain accounting to someone who is not an accountant,” Dr. Scalan said.

Virtual income tax appointments will be over email, Blackboard Collaborate and Zoom.

“VITA is really important for students because it helps you put into place what you have learned in your classes and VITA is a great resumé builder,” senior accounting major Alexis Acosta said.

Students who volunteer for VITA can list this volunteer work on resumés and may use it as work experience.

“I found it very exciting and heartwarming when clients would tell us how much this meant to them that we were volunteering our time to provide free tax returns,” Bethany Nieto, senior accounting major, said.

For more informatact VITA at vitatamuk@ tamuk.edu or call (361) 248-9499.

Submitted Photo

Trevino won TAMUK’s School of Music Instrumental and Vocal Solo Competition and will get to perform a solo with TAMUK’s band.

“I think it’s a great shows what we already knew that our program here is really strong in helping students develop their careers and all the skills they need for their future,” Hageman said.

time I saw a Jazz Band One and I was like ‘wow, I need to be in that band, and now I am like four res said.

Music Education major Gilberto Salinas credits TAMUK’s ranking to “A lot of the faculty here are very unique in their own way and they !"#$%!"#$%&'(&&)

aged to explore the resources at the Center for Student Success (CFSS).

The CFSS has an array of services ranging from general study skills to help from the social work department.

Students seeking help should email studentsuccesssuport@tamuk.edu for assistance.

“As always, our goal is to provide services designed to help each student persist at the university through to graduation. Our job is not complete until we see you with your degree in hand,” Associate Vice President for Student

Submitted Photo Marching Band practicing for the AC/DC halftime show in Fall 2020

Success Dr. Shannon Baker said. “And as we move past the pandemic, we will keep some of what we have learned.

For example, while we can’t wait to assist students in person again, tutoring online to better serve students who can’t make it to campus for a tutoring session.”

Throughout last year, the Center for Student Success has made accommodations to abide with COVID-19 regulations and are able to Despite the virus, the university is taking measures to help facilitate

the distance learning experience.

The CFSS and the fairs is determined to help students succeed in unprecedented times.

Throughout last summer, faculty members and Distance Learning hybrid and online classcult adjustment for students.

“I think that we have to do a better job of preparing our students and getting students the help that they need before they fail. If students fail, then we are failing, too,” Reinisch said.

Feburary 15, 2021

thesouthtexan.com

Review: Starbuck’s Pistachio Craze

EntErtainmEnt

3

A must try drink before it’s gone !"#$%"&'()#*$| !"#$%&"%

Last year, Starbucks vors, along with it was vored Latte and Frappuccino. hearing about vored something that isn’t literal pistachios or pistachio ice cream seems kind of skeptical, but as an avid necessary to try it and express my opinion on it. A few sips of the Frappuccino later it was safe ing back for more.

-

something new, this drink is the one for you.

The Pistachio Frappuccino is the perfect mixture of sweet and salty, noticeable, but it is not strong enough to ruin the drink. For those who have a sweet tooth, this

drink will satisfy your needs, and for those who are not fond of sweet drinks like me, you will that this drink is not as sweet as it sounds, it’s just right. this drink does have an odd aftertaste, but it is expected since pistachios generally have an Nonetheless, you will be too preoccupied with how amazing the whipped cream and the brown-buttery topping tastes to worry about

with pistachio sauce is a good combination. latte was sweeter and the aftertaste is stronger which is also another too happy about it. The whipped cream does help with the aftertaste, that they don’t add too much of the nutty pistachio sauce. Overall, this drink isn’t bad, but no instead the next time

was not as pleased with

6.5/10.

Unfortunately, these drinks are only here for a limited time, so do yourself a favor and try these before Starbucks removes it from their menu. You can buy these d r i n k s on both Kingsville locations, one being the Student Union Building

wrong, it’s good, but

on 1050 Santa Gertrudis Blvd.

think the Pistachio Frappuccino is worth it and give it a solid 9/10. nity to try the Pistachio Latte, which is essentially like the Frappuccino. This warm beverage contains espresso, steamed milk, and pistachio sauce. As someone who really likes lattes,

How to Adult: Balancing !/))($!#3)"$| /"01-'.*&$% "!1-(!)&#*$+#,!-*.#,#!/%"(0*'

As a college student you may or may not be consuming an unhealthy beverages to stay awake during the day and maybe to be up all night. Eia life saver, but you can over-do it if you consume too much.

The average adult can consume an average of 400 mg a day and not feel any adverse or neging 400 to 1,000 mg of sea, headaches, sleep anxiety. People that have consumed up to and have reported having heart palpitations.

So, know how much you drink every day and what would be the equivalent to 400 mg.

A cup of regular cofcontains about 95 mg

is not recommended to chug all four cups backto-back. So spread out tion, maybe try two in the morning and one in the afternoon and another if needed to help you maintain your energy throughout the day.

Energy drinks have become quite popular around colleges. They taste like candy and promise to keep you awake, who wouldn’t love them? The brand and type of energy drink you use can determine

gy drinks do not contain the average daily intake should be plenty.

The average soda conMore than one a day for a small boost of energy unlikely that you will consume too much cafWhile one energy drink may not be enough

Spice Station’s second location hits the spot located across TAMUK campus +",&(#--"$%".'&/("))($| '(&"%&)*(+ ,"(&-'.*&$% !"#!$#%&"'!"#(!)&#*$+#,!-*.#,#!/%"( 0*'

Spice Station, a family owned and popular Kingsville restaurant, opened a second location. Sitting at 1220 N. Armstrong St. across

Hot-N-Spicy is a small extension.

The second location

meal.

Hot-N-Spicy’s food lives up to its name and more: hot, spicy, delicious and most importantly, fresh and homemade. All ingredients are handpicked every morning and never frozen. The meals are family recipes created by Rahila Charania, mother and owner of Spice Station.

The food is packed crispy and savory. One

much for another.

-

you are receiving.

A 16 ounce can of -

it is important to avoid overdoing it and knowing your limit. One cup

and its 90 ml Energy shot friend contains the

for you, so do not try and consume more cafed drinks can help you through college, but they are not a substitute for

not drink both together, decide which one works best for you but we do not recommend doing both or drinking two energy drinks a day.

Although Bang ener-

Review: Student’s Can’t Handle This Hot-N-Spicy

to the pandemic, the Spice Station location at the Memorial Student Building was forced to shut down. With this new extension across campus, students can walk to get a delicious

could consume up to four eight-ounce cups

wisely and please do not over-do it.

Photo by Gabriella Mastroianni

Brianna Brietzke ordering a meal at Hot-N-Spicy

cooking makes the mouth water. Every ingredient is pure and made from scratch and

cut and chopped every morning.

Meals come in a small, medium or large with prices at $6.99, $8.99 and $10.99. Some of the items they have on the menu are a variety of curry, biryani, chaat, and multiple appetizer options.

My personal favorite is the Ginger Chicken Masala on mild rice paired with crispy egg rolls.

“Treat you like a family,” is the Charania family motto which cannot be truer.

Owners Muhammad

Hot-N-Spicy Restaurant

and Rahila provide a welcoming, cozy, family-friending atmosphere and top-notch service. The two make the restaurant feel like

home to anyone from anywhere. Service like this cannot be beat by any fast-food restaurant in town.

The prices are student friendly; any student with $10 can eat The Charania family believes that their food students.

Spice Station and Hot-N-Spicy are run by Rahila, Muhammad, Roohan and Husna Charania.

There are plans to bring Spice Station back

Photo by Gabriella Mastroianni

to the MSUB after the pandemic is over. Until then, students can enjoy a delicious, hot meal across campus.

Poem: The One I Did Not See

Clasped me around the ankles, and

0$1/2).

crying

Standing at the edge of the cañon, One poem looked over her shoulder With knowing eyes, Ground out her cigarette, Turned toward the edge, and Met the air headon.

She crushed wadded-up tissues into her pocket. Embarrassed, she tucked her head down And mumbled that she would wait in the car

Fell to the ground,

Poem: Students Taking Tests 0$1/2).$|

Sounds of students taking tests

An imprisoned pencil. The eraser -

gered, scried closely, wrinkled, then straightened The questions remain the same

scratches.

Thought itself is silent. All around Angels are hovering, Guiding hands that write.

No matter how closely they are eyed.

Someone coughs A zipper frees

To submit a poem, email entertainment.editor@thesouthtexan.com

SPORTS

4 Head coach Nicholson gets his 100th win, and schedule changes due to weather !"#$%&'$%()*+&| !"#$%&'()*%#$ !"#$%!&'()%#$*%+'!#,%+%'-./&0#1

for the Javelinas this year, with two season opening matchups against San Angelo State and St. Mary’s the Javelinas.

head coach for the Lady Javelinas. honestly,” Nicholson said of the 100th win. “But that just shows the direction this program is going

February 15, 2021

thesouthtexan.com

pitcher Breanna Smith assures that it ence, “As a team we didn’t let it get to us motivate us to get on top.”

ened COVID season, it says a lot.”

Although nonchalant, Nicholson is to add to his win total and his team’s overall success. day night in San An-

goal of another chamUnfortunately, due peratures across the

games for the Lady Javelinas scheduled

Lone Star Conference the 2-0 victory over the Rattlers not only dies a 2-0 start to the season for the third consecutive season, son to congratulate coach Craig Nicholson on reaching the

with

four

All-LSC

and the dominance not too far gone from memory.

-

tenure here as the

weather issue and no COVID activity is recellation.

Coach Nicolson is not phased however

outdoor sports is we are used to weather and schedule chang-

Javelina Athletics

two on Saturday, and Yeah, we had hopes

-

-

al-

18 in preparation for the Hampton Inn Classic the next day which will showcase

the

two games on Friday,

twitter @TAMUKSB and visit Javelinaathletics.com for more information.

At the Laredo Coun-

dividual performance for Gutierrez as her

and although there were team, coach Stefanie Maynard highlights room for improvement.

hole of the day when she went down a nine on the par-4 second, one of just two times in 54 holes she carded a score higher

a good assessment of where we are at,” said coach Stefanie Gray in an interview with Javelina Athletics, “and determining the steps to

was four-over for the rest of the day and oneover through her last nine holes, a stretch she -

ready,” he said.

Changes are a

matchup

in

Excellence on the golf course !"#$%&'$%()*+| !"#$%&'()*%#$ !"#$%!&'()%#$*%+'!#,%+%'-./&0#1

Javelina Athletics

Javelina football vs. Eastern New Mexico 2018

Head coach Michael Salinas

Javelina Athletics’ Feature Athlete is senior Kristina Gutierrez, named for her consistent play throughout her solMUK. Brown Memorial Invitational in sixth place, Gutierrez told Javelina

A two-game season for Javelina football !"#$%&'$%()*+| !"#$%&'()*%#$ !"#$%!&'()%#$*%+'!#,%+%'-./&0#1

since competition has

portunity made sure the players were safe and practice all things with COVID safety in mind to ensure a season in the future.

Because of these efnity has presented itself as A&M on March 6 and

this

spring

not.”

Defensive lineman, EzSalinas.

“He’s a tough coach doing with us as players and I love a coach who gets the most out of his

a year since the hire of former player and new head coach Michael Sa-

March 20 here at Javelina Stadium are planned

Salinas came in and introduced toughness and determination, charac-

“Our guys understand that we are gonna have a win-it-all mentality,” Salinas said in an interview with Javelina Athletics.

waiting for what seems forever for the opportunity to showcase the improvement from a

to approach it the same,

on March 6.

a winning attitude and a mindset of greatness team. Co-Defensive Coordinator Chris Jones nas.

“It’s great,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity to grow more in the profession and have more its sudden arrival into everyone’s lives around

in the fall semester this

the COVID guidelines, Kickoff last year against Angelo State

Javelina Athletics

Sunday.

For more updates

Gutierrez is sure to give courses.” not overshadow the in-

Woman’s Rattler Invitational, in San Antonio, March 1 to 2.

place for her.

“Javelina Nation holds a special place in my heart,” she said. “It means we are part of a tradition of excellence and a loving community that follows you wherever you go. Go Hogs!”

Much success has come from this university and this community, names for themselves in Gutierrez one of many in the Javelina family to show that tradition of excellency, as she stated.

Javelina Athletics

Women’s Golf at Oklahoma Intercollegiate meet

Forum

February 15, 2021 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.”

What’s wrong with group projects?

Our Opinion

College students and the vaccine The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the rush of creating a vaccine that can help the world the two main vaccines being administered worldwide in order to prevent the spread and severity of the virus. These vaccines can be to the challenges and sickness faced by the pandemic.

The United States has split up vaccinations into phases, 1A, 1B and 1C. As of right now these are the only vaccination phases that ex-

A big part of the college experience can be summed up with one word: collaboration.

This is evidenced largely in the integration of group projects into the !""# fabric of $%&'() the course!"#$%&"% work.

Group projects are meant to help us be better team players and prepare us for work in the professional world. That’s a great sentiment, but a fundamental problem

stems from the fact that most college students aren’t interested in true collaboration.

Students have busy schedules. Many have full course loads, jobs, extracurriculars and family responsibilities.

Someone with all this on their plate is probably not committed to a fair and equal collaboration where all ideas are heard and discussed in great detail. They just want to survive by doing the least amount of work possible to get the best grade possible. I don’t blame them.

Being in the Educator Preparation Program, I hear a lot about how to

use collaborative learning strategies with my future students. Professors have told me it is unwise to throw a group of young students together, give them a task and expect them to pull together a product of worth on their own.

Unfortunately, what is true for elementary schoolers is true for college students. It may seem juvenile to give us assigned roles or meet with us to discuss our progress, but otherwise one or two students can easily end up shouldering much, or all, of the burden. Some professors implement a system for rating group members’

contributions. While this self hesitant to express the issues I encounter during a group project.

This gets even worse when there is a lack of any accountability system at all. No one wants to be branded a tattletale.

I’m not saying we should eliminate collaboration from our college experience. There is something to be gained from hearing other people’s perspectives and stories. However, when it comes to asking a group of students to complete a project with little to no accountability or oversight, there is a lot of rethinking to be done.

ist and follow CDC guidelines. These phases include any health care workers, long-term care facility residents, those 75 years and older, non-health care frontline essential workers, those over 65 years of age, anyone aged 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions and essential workers not included in phase 1B. As the COVID-19 vaccine is delegated and administered throughout the country many wonder when they will be able to receive the immunization. College students question when they will be given the chance to register for a vaccine that can help keep them in face-to-face learning. Typical college students

My COVID-19 vaccination experience With this global pandemic not going away anytime soon and being at a high risk for contracting COVID-19, I decided it was time to get the vaccine.

After researching the vaccine and 1#2#3 /(04# being on !"#$%&"% the waiting list for a couple of weeks, I re-

When we arrived to get the vaccine, the line went from CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital to Murphy’s gas at Walmart. However, the line moved rather quickly and within 30 minutes we received our vaccinations.

Before getting the immunization, I was extremely anxious about getting it since I’m not a fan of needles and shots in general. Nevertheless, the shot didn’t hurt at all. Matter of fact I’d

last Thursday.

As surprisingly as it seems, my mom and I were not in line for a tedious amount of time.

caused more discomfort than the COVID vaccine.

The nurse who administered our injections was extremely nice and friendly, which I

range from 17 to 24 years of age, and will most likely be the last within the United States to be vaccinated.

Education is essential and with COVID - 19

believed helped in the process of receiving the vaccine.

Once we received our ered into the parking lot of the hospital where we, along with everybody else who just got their vaccine, waited for 15 minutes to make sure no serious reaction occurred.

While I did not get any type of reaction from the injection, my mom did.

Thursday evening, she started showing small symptoms of the vaccine, such as lightheadedness, fatigue and she got a mild headache as well. However, it is completely normal to

during either dose of the injection.

Other symptoms may occur as well, or you

it just depends on your body and how you have reacted to previous vaccines.

I urge you to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t already. Not only will the vaccines lessen your symptoms of the virus if you do contract it, it also helps keep the high-risk individuals safer. You may not be high risk, but your children and older and sick family members are. Get this for them.

hindering students’ ability to learn, should they be higher up on the list, and is it right for students to lie and cut in line for this vaccine? Students who follow COVID-19 guidelines are being disregarded as the spread of COVID-19 rises throughout campuses across spread the deadly virus until they are given the chance to be vaccinated, but most do not see this opportunity to protect education as essential to immunizing college campuses in America.

There is no doubt that phases 1A, 1B and 1C cine, but shouldn’t college students be next?

Keep an open mind to new music artists Now before I get into this subject let me make it known that everyone should be free to listen to any type of music they like; however, with that being said I think that *#+,)-# everyone ./(0() should '()#*+,,-./&$% keep an o p e n artists to listen to.

The reason that I want to talk about this is because I’ve been noticing

that a lot of extremely talented and artistic musicians are being overlooked for a very simple yet ridiculous reason, their artistic style is not sexualized. It’s a problem especially here in America and it is found in every music genre from pop to Latin.

So many great artists don’t get the attention they deserve simply because they don’t conform to the social norm of sexualizing. Recently, it was brought to my attention that one of my favorite artists felt discouraged about his solo

albums and music video streaming numbers not reaching its true potential.

This was strange to me as all the tracks were well written and had a good beat. I decided to compare one of those music videos with several other male artists of that particular genre that had gotten more attention. After many music ence between him and the others was that the other artists had shirtless scenes. This happens even more so with womRonni Reyna

Calista Reyes

Nicole Perez Morris Adviser

Campus Editor

publication produced by Texas A&M

Advertising

University- Kingsville students. The

Texas A&M University system. The

Doing so can show that we truly support the artist for their music along their journey.

Digital Editor

Jakki Barrera

views, opinions and commentary do

ent vision to become established and because we are contributing to society’s toxic “rule” that body image is everything.

I believe that we should listen to music for its substance and how it makes us feel rather

Reporters Sarah Reyna Emma Hodges Brieana Casarez Diana Canizalez Nathan Soord

News Editor

The South Texan is a student

an artists but there are a few exceptions, very few.

This is a very damaging trend because it is

Gabriella Mastroianni Entertainment Editor

For advertising inquiries, e-mail The South Texan at advertising.manager or call (361) 593-4370.

the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT) and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).

STAFF Aryssa Enriquez

Dylan Sanchez Sports Editor

Jaylin Morales Advertising Manager

Letters to the Editor Letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number. Letters

emailed to The South Texan, Manning Hall 165, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas 78363

News

6

February 15, 2021

thesouthtexan.com

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-KINGSVILLE® HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE

Current Students: Be on the lookout in March to re-sign to live on campus for Fall 2021-Spring 2022 Scan code to see our online brochure:

FALL 2021 - SPRING 2022 PRICES: MARTIN HALL

LYNCH HALL

$2,300 per semester

$2,500 per semester

LUCIO HALL & MESQUITE VILLAGE WEST $3,200 or $3,400 per semester

AMENITIES: • • • • • •

Barbecue and Picnic areas Exterior card access system Game tables Ice machines & Vending Machines Intramural teams Lounges with living rooms and TVs

• • • • •

Planned residence hall activities Live On Professional staff members Resident/Community Advisor staff Smoke-free buildings Student leadership opportunities

Email: residencelife@tamuk.edu | Phone: 361-593-3419 Lucio Hall, Office 119, Kingsville, TX 78363-8202