INDEX:
2|ENTERTAINMENT
3|CAMPUS
4|OPINION
5|SPORTS
6|SPANISH
Thursday October 12, 2017 Volume 92 Issue 06
Tuberculosis case reported on campus E-mail sent out on Friday ensuring health and safety of all
Dakota Roberts Editorial Editor Texas A&M University— Kingsville has confirmed a student has been diagnosed with tuberculosis. An e-mail was sent Friday, Oct. 6, to the student body to inform them of a student having tuberculosis and of the school’s process for detecting and treating the
disease. The e-mail did not disclose the identity of the student but does detail, “We are working closely with the Department of State Health Services to ensure the health and safety of all students, employees, and members of the student’s community.” The e-mail continues that the local health institute is working with the student to
identify those that may need to be tested for the tuberculosis strain. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. Symptoms include: chest pain, coughing, fatigue, coughing blood, fever, and unintentional weight loss. The disease spreads through the air from one person to another; bacteria exit the mouth whenever
a sick person speaks, coughs, breathes, or sings, according to cdc.gov. The Kingsville Record and Bishop News reported that the student has been isolated and is currently being treated, but the university administration did not confirm that to The South Texan and did not comment further. The Kingsville Record and Bishop News quoted TAMUK
President Steven Tallant saying, “It is important to note that TB is not easily spread and is less contagious than measles, mumps, chicken pox and influenza. It can be treated and cured.” Tallant continued, “We are working closely with the Department of State Health Services to ensure the health and safety of all students, employees, and members of
the student’s community.” Those who have been selected to be tested will be contacted by the Department of State Health Services for further information. Students with any type of systems are always encouraged to visit the Health and Wellness Center located next to the Physical Plant on Retama Drive, for help, university officials said.
TRACK STAR RUNNING FOR AWARD
TAMUK grad is NCAA finalist
Travis Demas Sports Reporter
Kaina Martinez, like so many other great athletes, had humble beginnings. Raised by a single mother with several siblings, Kaina grew up in the barrios of Belize, the only English-speaking country in Central America. An Olympic athlete for her native country, she speaks little of sports and more about inspiring others to reach their dreams. “Which ever your goal is for anybody, don’t make age stop you, don’t let anything stop you from achieving your goals,” Kaina said. “It can come true if you are willing to sacrifice everything to make your dreams become a reality.” Track Star continue on Page 5
‘First to Go’ program emerges at TAMUK Event gives support to first-generation students and their families Darcy Ramirez Managing Editor Some students are dropped off at college bringing nothing but the clothes on their backs, while others must work three jobs to pay for school. Many students must endure these tiresome obstacles because their families are not informed about college life, necessities and financial assistance. These students do not know what to expect from college because no one in their family has attended a four-year university. Texas A&M University-Kingsville has created a new program called, First To Go, that focuses
on guiding and giving support to first-generation students and their families. From Oct. 2-7, First To Go kick-started its inaugural week of activities and combined it with family weekend hoping to gain participants and spread the word about the program. The activities included assistance with FAFSA applications, How to Become Competitive workshops, Financial Aid Bingo, Top 10 Ways To Communicate With Professors workshops, resume building, a panel discussion and other family weekend activities. The panel was on Friday, Oct. 6, and consisted of a luncheon and then a Q&A between
Dr. Tallant presenting scholarship award to Dinora Adame
Photo by Shelby Purdy
students and TAMUK faculty. At the panel a $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Dinora Adame, a first-generation student who attended many of First To Go’s activities. The purpose of the panel was to allow the students a chance to ask all of their questions regarding financial aid, scholarships, educational programs and other important concerns. During the luncheon, a video was presented explaining First To Go’s plan and displayed interviews with faculty members such as President Dr. Steven Tallant. “I’m very proud of the program and I’m proud that we’re doing this,” Tallant said after the panel discussion. “It’s difficult when you leave home to begin with and if you’re a first-generation [student] at college you don’t even have a clue on the language [lingo] people are talking about. And I think doing this is only going to help our students. I hope first generation students will connect here and get to know each other. And perhaps we can have a whole student organization come out of this one day. We can do so many things with this. It’s the little things in college that get in the way. It’s the little things that stop you from graduating, not the big things, and we want to elimi-
nate those little things so everybody can have an easier transition and do well.” When students first arrive at TAMUK they are on their own for the first time, and have entered an unknown world. Life is already hard enough for a first-generation student so TAMUK wanted to offer them comfort and reassurance. “It’s difficult but it’s not impossible. I think that’s what we’re trying to promote. Most college students succeed because of grit more than anything else, “ said Cheri Shipman, director of communications. On Oct. 23, First To Go will have a follow-up workshop. During this workshop students will receive a Take TAMUK Home Folder that will have packets and information about filling out FAFSA, how to transition into the college lifestyle, how siblings can go to college, and other useful information that parents should know in order to help their child persevere in college. The program seems to be growing and flourishing since the college has many students who are the first in their families to attend a fouryear university. It’s an accomplishment the students should be proud of as they become role models for siblings and other family members. “I was thrilled to learn that
TAMUK was implementing programs specifically designed to help first-generation students. In doing this, TAMUK is investing in the future of our school. Every time they go the extra mile to help a student, they’re only helping them achieve their goal of becoming tomorrow’s leaders. It’s truly fantastic, and I couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds for Javelina Nation,” said Sam Galindo, a communications major and a first-generation student. The idea that kick-started the First To Go program happened by chance. The Admissions and the Communications offices were looking into the numbers of first-generation students at the school. They then started offering scholarships for the Golds Program to first-generation students and during the scholarship process the offices realized they needed to have a support system for first-generation students. The program is currently funded by an ad hoc committee of about 12 members who plan the First To Go activities, but the program is still looking for other venues for funding. In the meantime, TAMUK hopes to give these students a guiding hand as they move toward earning their degree.
2
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017
Entertainment
SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM
Homecoming under the big top!
Week of events to come leading up to the home football game Bobby Puentes Reporter
As the seasons change and the semester continues, a well-known tradition quickly approaches. Texas A&M University- Kingsville’s Javelina Homecoming Week is from Oct. 16 to 21, and this year’s theme is “Under the Big Top.” With many events and activities planned, students are encouraged to participate in the circus of entertainment of TAMUK’s homecoming week. “I enjoy this week because it shows the university wants to be involved in the student’s lives to keep them entertained and interested, especially the ones away from home who don’t have much to do,” said Aaron Monrreal, a senior at TAMUK about his thoughts on homecoming week. The week of excitement begins on Monday, opening with the polls for students to vote on who their next homecoming king and queen will be. Later that night, early Midnight Madness takes
Homecoming Queen & King voting begins Oct. 16-18th at the MSUB and in CollegiateLink place at 7 p.m. to introduce the men’s and women’s basketball teams to TAMUK in the Steinke Physical Education Center. The next day a spotlight will shine bright on the Blue, Gold & Fame Talent Show being held at 7 p.m. in the Jones auditorium. Students show off their skills and talents from singing, dancing, stand-up comedy and much more. “I’m looking forward to the talent show. Last year’s show was great, the comedian they had hosting it was really funny. It’s interesting to see what different talents people have,” said Adrian Silguero, a TAMUK senior. On Wednesday, arguably the most attended event of the week takes place, the fall carnival. Located on
University Boulevard, the street is closed to traffic so students, faculty and family can walk around and enjoy the many booths run by various student clubs and organizations. The carnival is from 5 to 10 p.m. with the top three homecoming King and Queen nominees being announced at 8 p.m. The annual Homecoming Parade in downtown Kingsville takes place the next day on Thursday at 6 p.m. Students are invited to go watch the floats parade down historic downtown Kingsville. But don’t lose your voice at the parade because it will be needed later that night for the homecoming hog call, bonfire and fireworks. The hog call will be held at the northwest end of the campus on Corral Avenue.
This year’s homecoming concert performer is Cory Morrow. Morrow is a Texas Country singer and songwriter. Morrow will be performing at 8 p.m., Friday at Mesquite Grove. The fun and excitement of homecoming week comes to an end on Saturday, Oct. 21. Women’s volleyball has a game at 2 p.m. in the Steinke Physical Education Center. Later that night at 7 p.m. is the homecoming football game at Javelina Stadium. During halftime, the new homecoming king and queen will be announced. “I think events like this are important because it gives students an opportunity to grow closer together, and it provides an open opportunity for people to meet other people.” Demetro Chapa, a freshman at TAMUK said about the importance he sees in events. For a full schedule of every event taking place during homecoming week visit the TAMUK website or contact Student Activities at 361-5932760.
Double play
Theater prepares two plays for contest; opens season Alex Guerra and Jackson Lewis Contributing writers
Students and families participate in the Autumn Moon Festival
Photo by Joshua Lin
Autumn Moon Festival
TAMUK hosts Chinese event Joshua Lin Reporter
Wednesday night was an ordinary night for many in Kingsville, although some may have birthdays, anniversaries or something special. The Chinese Student and Scholar Association and the International Student Organization at Texas A&M - Kingsville sponsored and hosted the Chinese community and others here in Kingsville for a special Autumn Moon Festival at the Javelina Student Engagement Center. The tradition of this festival dates back to the Shang Dynasty around 1600-1046 BCE. Professor Ming Tu is knowledgeable about the tradition. “The festival is celebrated for unity and peace. The moon represents a perfect cir-
cle and in China it represents a peaceful well rounded life,” Tu said. The night was full of food, people and musical performances in celebration of this Chinese tradition. There was Chinese food, provided by the local Asian buffet and lots of apples. “Apples are considered peaceful fruit and is eaten during the festival,” Tu explained. “The translation of ‘apples’ in Chinese is peaceful fruit and since the festival is about peace and unity, we eat it.” One of the first items at the event was a music performance on the recorder, which was performed by some Chinese students and Professor Ming Tu. The music ranges from Chinese music to classical music. A calligraphy station was set up at the event as
well and was popular among the many of the attendees. The night culminated in the performance of a Chinese instrument called the zheng. The zheng is a string instrument made from bamboo. A young Chinese girl played it and she performed a traditional Chinese musical piece. The festival was coming to a close and one couldn’t go home without the traditional Chinese moon cake. Chinese moon cake is eaten on the day of the festival and is only made and sold around the time of the festival. The moon cake is filled with different paste fillings, some with red bean, yams, peanuts or lotus seed. “I think people really enjoyed it; it was one the best meetings we have ever for the Chinese,” Tu said of the event.
Trails of sawdust lead to the set, which consists of freshly cut lumber with its unique scent still intact. In the background, one will find the amber hues contrasting against the burgundy drapes as actors scurry to their places. Wearing his signature black golfer’s cap, theatre director at Texas A&M University – Kingsville Corey Ranson strokes his wiry, salt-and-pepper beard and is transported back to when he directed his first show. Now, years later, Ranson is prepping his crew and actors for not one, but two plays for contest. “It’s insane. Taking two shows means double the initiative and dedication. It’s an opportunity to not only learn from other institutions, but showcase our talent. We get so many talented actors, which makes each show so versatile. There are plays that challenge audiences and there are plays that sell seats,” Ranson said as he laughed enough to make his eyes visibly squint. The public will get its first chance to see one of the two productions Thursday and Friday. The Typists, written by Ranson, will be performed at 8 p.m. both days in the university’s Little Theatre. The Typists is set in the midst of World War II and
the women whose job it is to inform the country about the status of its sons. The second production is The Nether, written by Jen-
Performances will be held at The Little Theater: The Typist: Thursday & Friday, Oct. 12 & 13 at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 and is free for students with a valid school I.D. nifer Haley and directed by Ranson. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 19 to 21, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee Sunday, Oct. 22. It is also being performed in The Little Theatre. Admission is $5 and is free for students with a valid school I.D. Both plays will be performed at the Kennedy Center American College State Festival at Angelo State University Oct. 26-29. Lino “The Twerk God” Placencio joined the theatre program in 2010. With a backdrop of vintage costumes dating back to the 1940s and prior, the hallway resembles a fashion house full of bold colors and off-the-wall textile patterns. Sporting a black
backwards baseball cap he stares off to the right. His almond-shaped eyes grow intense. Lino chuckles and half smirks to himself as he reminisces of his earlier days. The only member of TAMUK Theatre and Alpha Psi Omega (the theatrical honor society) to attend the annual Kennedy Center American Collegiate Theatre Festival four times. “We’ve been [to KCACTF] many times. We’re more experienced and know what to expect now. Corey really challenges the way you think. You may think you know the ins and out of your role and then he’ll challenge you with inquisitive questions and you find yourself speechless,” said Placencio as he fidgeted with the brim of his cap. Long tresses of blonde hair beneath a black derby hat reveal the round, youthful face of the newest theatre member, Payton Howell. She shyly hides behind the sleeve cuff of her oversized, navy sweatshirt. Her blue eyes widen and apples of her cheeks grow rosy as she recounts her experience at another university prior to transferring down South. “It puts a lot of pressure on me! It’s my first time participating in collegiate theatre, but I’m having an amazing time. I’ve stage managed before, but this is trial by fire. I auditioned and now here I am traveling to San Angelo to compete,” Howell said.
Campus
3
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM
Pamela Wright An Everyday Hero English professor battles rare genetic disorder
C.R. Neal Contributing Writer Two percent. As a fetus Dr. Pamela Wright’s odds for survival were two percent. She beat those odds and continues to face mountainous obstacles to this day. From fighting societal standards to simply trying to stay alive, this woman is truly an inspiration and the perfect definition of an everyday hero. Wright suffers from a genetic disorder known as Turner Syndrome. Women suffering from this disorder are missing the second X chromosome. This results in short stature, early loss of ovarian functions, and a high potential for defects in vital organs. Luckily most
women with T.S. have normal intelligence. According to the United States National Library of Medicine, most females with T.S. do not go through puberty unless they receive hormone therapy at a young age. Approximately one-third to one-half of individuals with T.S. is born with a heart defect, and complications associated with these heart defects can be life-threatening. Researchers have not determined which genes on the X chromosome correspond with the features of T.S. Living with T.S. can complicate a daily schedule as it means seeing a variety of doctors and specialists on a regular basis and taking many medications, some-
times even multiple times a day “It means I’m a fighter and a survivor,” Wright said of living with the disorder. Today, Wright is a successful professor at Texas A&M – Kingsville, but growing up with T.S. proved difficult when it came to being accepted in school. “Since I don’t fit the traditional understanding of physical beauty, other children always found me an easy target for bullying,” Wright said. This can be damaging to the self-esteem of a child and affect their focus on their schoolwork. By the third grade, Wright was having trouble in school and getting into scuffles because of
National research from the U.S. Department of Education shows foster care children are at a high-risk of dropping out of school
Wright went 30 years of her life before meeting another woman with T.S. and has since become a part of a support group. “This small group of women have had a huge impact on my life because they help me understand that I am not alone,” Wright said. Wright currently serves as Assistant Professor of English at TAMUK teaching 19th and 20th century British literature. “I definitely love working with the students,” Wright said of her profession. “I get paid to talk about great literature all day. Who wouldn’t love that?” Other professors on campus enjoy working with Wright.
Fostering Student Conference
TAMUK offers support, guidance to foster care students America Quintero Reporter
bullying. Her teacher, Mrs. Mendoza, took her aside and explained that she could continue on the destructive path she was on, or she could focus on her schoolwork and try to make something of herself. “That piece of advice seemed to reach me,” Wright said. “I began to work really hard and that helped me gain a bit more confidence in myself.” Since T.S. is a particularly rare defect it was hard for Wright to find someone who understands what she goes through. “Because there are so few women with T.S. in the population you feel isolated and alone in your battles,” Wright said.
and are unlikely to attend or graduate from college. This almost became a reality for Elaina Bauman, a former foster care student who graduated high school in 2006. She tried to attend college after high school, but found it hard to obtain the financial means to live on her own at the time.
However, her life turned around when she obtained her associate’s degree in 2014. Bauman is now a student at Texas A&M University-Kingsville who will graduate next year with a bachelor’s degree in history. Bauman shared her story at the 2nd Annual Fostering Student Conference on Oct.
5. Hosted by TAMUK’s Center for Student Success, the conference gave current foster care students a tour of the university. Students were introduced to various resources and faculty members. Tymothy Belseth, TAMUK Alumnus and activist for legislative change in the foster care system, gave a special presentation to the students. A foster care alumni panel, composed of members of the Foster Towards Success (FTS) organization, were available to answer questions. Before giving closing remarks, four senior high school students were given $1,000 scholarships. The scholarships were courtesy of Steven G. Tallant, President of TAMUK. Faculty and members of the FTS summarized the event as a success. The conference received support from different TAMUK organizations and Child Protective Services, and outreached 100 foster care students. Bauman said the students seemed more engaged that the previous year. She hopes these students can be inspired to continue their education and attend college. Bauman admits that some of the students were dismissive, but she doesn’t hold that against them, and understands it can be difficult for them to trust anyone.
N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
She sees dismissiveness as survival tactic for foster care children. “They’ve been told multiple things in their life, that they are not worth much, that they aren’t going to succeed. It’s a wall. In foster care, we put up a wall because we don’t want to let people in, because when we do let people in, we are usually taken away. It’s a way that we protect ourselves,” Bauman said. The conference brought back memories for the foster care alumni panel. Caitlin Bolton, an English major, and John Herschberger, Range and Wildlife major, admit their pasts were a source of motivation to attend college. “I wanted to be the kid that makes it. I wanted to rise above my situation and everything that happened and want to actually become something,” Bolton said. Herschberger attended the 1st Fostering Student Conference, where he won a scholarship that ultimately convinced him to attend TAMUK. He is determined to set a new bar for his future generation, and feels right at home at TAMUK. Bauman said being a former foster care student has its setbacks in college. Such students don’t have the emotional support of a family and have a hard time developing
Courtesy photo
Dr. Pamela Wright
“[Wright] is an absolute pleasure to work with,” said Dr. Aniruddha Mukhopadhyay, also an assistant professor of English. Throughout her life Wright has had innumerable obstacles to overcome and has bested them at every turn with the ferocity of a survivor.
relationships with people. They were all initially outreached to join the organization by Ashley Ochoa, a TAMUK Academic Advisor. Since joining, they have gained social skills they believed they lacked because of their foster care background. However, they wouldn’t change their past for anything. “Going through that [foster care] builds up character, so we have the will and dedication,” Herschberger said. Bauman is grateful for all the support the university has given to former foster care students. She thanks Jaya Goswami, associate vice president for the Center for Student Success; Jennifer Alaniz, academic advisor; and Ochoa for making the event possible. She feels comfortable going to them in her times of need. Bolton said the support doesn’t stop with staff and administration. She feels her family with FTS is a constant source of encouragement. “Just knowing that we’re not going to lose each other, that kind of makes us feel this can be permanent. Things can actually exist, you know?” Bolton said. “The world is real; it isn’t just this imaginary thing that can be ripped away from us at any moment in time.”
4
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017
Opinion
SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM
Legacy of a Mass Shooter Does the Media go too far with their coverage?
Staff Editorial October is known for the scary, the eerie, the hair-raising spectacles of monsters and things that go bump in the night. All month, we watch the leaves change, the neighbors decorate, the Halloween spirit rise. This year, to all our surprise, October did something different, it began with a real nightmare, it began in Las Vegas. To some, the last few moments must have been like a dream: scenes of haziness played out one after the other. Imagine the stage, a crowd spreads out across the lot. The Vegas Strip stretches out across the landscape, the sheer size overshadows the performer’s perch. Malformed, eccentric buildings tower over you as well; you can make out a castle, a pyramid, giant blocks of gold. It almost doesn’t seem real, like an imperfect memory. At the lightning rate of nine rounds per second, the dream falls apart. The taste of revelry of the concert sours as the shots ring out. You can see people falling but they’re falling so fast. This scene is unique, but the
nightmare has played out across many venues: a nightclub, a school, a church. Every time the nation is confronted with these images, we find hope within a brief sense of unity, but are left to return to the scene time and time again. Make no mistake, this will happen again. For decades, the United States has braced through a shooting, each time there is a cry for change. Each time, we go through a process of grieving, we debate over the causes, we watch as the story plays out over the media. We never quite come up with an answer, experts still search through patterns and details in hopes of finding a more straightforward cause. Is it guns? Is it mental health? Is it our connection to violence? Is it just something that happens in a more advanced, modern world? The truth of the matter is that all of these more than likely has an impact on why someone would choose to do such a horrible thing. The question is, do we react to it in a manner that harms or helps the process, specifically in how we portray this story in the media. Like modern day serial killers, mass shooters come with them a few assumptions. We expect to have
Modern Bullying Darcy Ramirez Columnist Everyone has been bullied at least once in their life. It’s a cruel pastime most kids suffer through as they grow up. But sometimes it goes too far and the consequences are tragic. Psychologists today define bullying as, “unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves some kind of power imbalance. Bullying isn’t limited to physical abuse – verbal, emotional, and cyberbullying are also common in many schools.” In 2013 in Indiana a 14-year-old girl hung herself from a tree in front of her school bus stop so that, “her tormentors would see her lifeless swinging corpse.” The girl had allegedly been bullied at school for her family situation while also being called a, “Shit, and whore,” on a regular basis. She left a suicide note that her mother later found, “Why did I deserve this pain?…Have you ever thought about what you said to me? huh… maybe not! Because you killed me every day…. You told me so much that I started believing it. And I was stupid for doing that. Every morning, day, night I look in the mirror and cry, and replay the harmful words in my head. P.S. it’s bullying The South Texan is a student publication
produced by Texas A&M UniversityKingsville 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:
Crystal Zamarron - Editor-in-Chief Darcy Ramirez - Managing Editor Bobby Puentes - Entertainment Editor Travis Demas - Sports Editor Dakota Roberts - Editorial Editor Alex Guerra - JBN Reporter Josue Villarreal - JBN Reporter America Quintero - Reporter Kevin Hooks - Reporter Frankie Cardenas - Reporter Nicole Morris - Adviser Dr. Manuel Flores - Content Supervisor
Have an opinion? Contact the South Texan at thesouthtexan@yahoo.com or message us on our Facebook fan page.
that killed me. Please get justice.” The Bullying Statistics website alleges that “Bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims. Nearly 70 percent of students are either bullies or victims of bullying, and 160,000 kids stay home from school every day because of fear of bullying.” These statistics make the problem even more real, but nothing seems to change. Some adults see bullying as “a rite of passage every child must go through.” Adults claim that kids just want attention and these domineering actions make kids stronger. And, the real world is unfair, and sometimes harsh, so I do understand that as a parent you want your child to be strong. But, when does it go too far? When the bullied child suffers from depression, when they have no friends and are socially isolated, when they can’t hold a job? Society needs to educate kids and adults about the severity and the effects that bullying can cause. People should no longer shrug it off as something that “always happens,” and when you see bullying firsthand you need to take action. If we actually pay attention and listen to those around us we can potentially save lives. Advertising For advertising inquiries, e-mail the South Texan at thesouthtexan@yahoo.com, or call (361) 593-4371 and ask for a consultation. Letters to the Editor
Letters must be typed, signed, and include a phone number. Letters will be edited for grammar, punctuation, libel, and profanity. Letters considered for publication must be 300 words or fewer. Letters may be hand delivered or emailed to thesouthtexan@yahoo.com Please send letters or inquiries to The South Texan at Manning Hall 165, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas 78363 (361) 593-4370
First Amendment Right
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.
a reason for the act. It is more likely demented and morally depraved, yet, we seek out that reasoning. We need a reason to stand back and say, “I would never fall to such debasement, there must be something wrong with him instead of me.” Plenty of shooters, do come with that answer. Dylan Roof had a racist manifesto. Omar Mateen claimed he killed in revenge for the killing of ISIS soldier Abu Waheeb. Some events do not come with that clear-cut intention, plenty of school shootings end the narrative with no real closure. In a 24/7 news cycle, the story is analyzed, retold, and debated over perhaps months of coverage. Our relationship with the story becomes more fixated upon the narrative of the killer. We hear details of his life, searching for that reasoning behind why did he snap. Our attention moves away from the event even, the story becomes about one man, and his commitment to some idea outside of the context we have been given. Like serial killers we become fascinated with their thinking, their movements, who they were before the shots rang out. The victims, while honored, fade
into the background within the media’s narrative. On the surface, we think they are just giving details, the more information the better. What may be the harm in this thinking is that we do promote a mythologized infamy. How many serial killer movies based on real people have been through theatres? Is it right to put these people in a sympathetic light or even a light that gives them a legacy? Is that not what we do when the story goes on too long? The copycat theory for shooters is fairly old now, but still holds a lot of value in context with these sorts of stories. Attacks by car increased after the van attack in Barcelona. The coverage and the scene breed imitators. Someone who feels isolated, who has and is willing to break our social code upon murder, can achieve a moment in his community, possibly even in history, all that us left to do is accomplish the gruesome deed. What may scare people the most is that we are not ordained with a perfect sense of unity to humanity. At its most basic, we are more just socialized to the idea that people deserve to live and we should not
cause harm. Once that image is ruined, anyone can seek a legacy of infamy. Anyone can have their name heard by everyone. The story isn’t to tell people, “don’t listen to the media.” Instead, think about our process after these events; is what we are doing meaningful or is it giving attention to a man and not the victims. Is the event important or the events leading up to it? The pictures of the night after Las Vegas, they were made of nightmares. The lighting, the crowd, the scenery, spoke to that aesthetic. However, one picture remains alluding. The final picture of Stephen Paddock lying dead. There is no real color. The body, the ground is gray. Bullets cover the floor. Only the blood reflects any color. The picture is stark, undignified. It doesn’t ring with the emotion of a lost life; it doesn’t match the nightmare that waits outside that room. The picture focuses on him but leaves nothing behind. Wouldn’t the greatest thing we could do is leave him with that legacy, and not the narrative we create for entertainment’s sake? Leave him not with a legacy of plans and infamy, just the gray.
TWITTER POLL THIS WEEK:
In light of the Vegas shooting, do you believe the nation needs to commit to strong gun control policies?
NEXT WEEK:
Do people like Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby still deserve to keep their legacies?
Graphic by Pablo Villanueva
Reflecting on Las Vegas Frankie Cardenas Columnist Fifty-eight killed. Fifty-eight lives lost. Fifty-eight more reasons we need to take a good look in the mirror and realize that a change in perspective is long overdue. It’s been nearly two weeks since the fatal shooting took place in Las Vegas, Nev., and the narrative has shifted from one thing to another in the blink of an eye. The ongoing back-and-forth battle for the right to bear arms continually crawls out of the woodwork as people on both sides continue to use the demise of others to promote an agenda all their own. People are waging a war with words over the hashtags #ThoughtsAndPrayers and #GunControl simply linking one to the other and begging people to stop praying and start acting. Then you add in the fact that some media outlets are hesitant in naming the shooter a domestic ter-
rorist; even though an act of terrorism in Nevada state law is defined as: “Any act that involves the use or attempted use of sabotage, coercion or violence which is intended to: (a) Cause great bodily harm or death to the general population.” I am angered over the nonsense I’ve read over the last couple of days, and it just confirms my fears for the future of this country. It seems everyone is too busy trying to argue their own side that they forget people are actually that - PEOPLE. And the sad truth is this debate over gun control will continually plague our society, making it increasingly divided as time goes on. Regardless, I feel the need to shed some light on an observation we can learn from considering all that has transpired. In every video circulating throughout the web, I find comfort in the persons who were willing to act now and ask questions later. Amidst the arguing between the people who were not even remotely involved in this tragedy, it was
amazing to learn about the people who were helping victims, even as the rounds continued to make their way from the 32nd floor to the crowd. Seeing civilians helping victims get to safety and quickly reacting to getting all the wounded to the hospital actually gives me a glimmer of hope that we may not all be at a loss as people. The death toll was limited to only 58 people and a total of more than 500 injured, according to multiple news outlets. If it had not been for these other folks reacting quickly enough, it would have been a lot worse. We need to stop making every tragic act of lost lives about politics and arguments and make it about people. Stop the arguments and allow people to grieve and recover. Most importantly, take a good look at what humanity should aspire to be like – those people who risked their lives to save others. Don’t play the politician, play the person who helped a human being live another day of life.
Sports
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM
Javelina Madness is Here
5
Basketball teams getting ready for season scrimmage, dunk contest, Oct. 16 Hector Landin Sports Reporter
The 2017-2018 Javelina men’s and women’s basketball season is upon us. Both programs are coming off two successful seasons, which included never-before wins at the national tournament and wins at the Lone Star Conference tournament. At 7 p.m., Oct. 16, at the Steinke Physical Education Center (SPEC), the season will begin in an event-filled night, including introductions of the teams As for the Javelina Nation, it is recommended that you are within the first 50 students to arrive to receive a free t-shirt along with pizza. Other prizes will be included in the action-packed night such as cash prizes, giveaways, competitions, and an ultimate grand prize that will be awarded later on in the event. Also, the men and women’s basketball team will be introduced to the crowd by a surround system with a DJ. A few players of the men’s basketball team will participate in a high-flying dunk contest that will have fans in shock from beginning to end. Along with the dunk contest, some of the men’s and
women’s basketball team will show off their range from behind the arc by participating in a three-point contest. After coming off a successful season in 2016-2017, which included a trip to the NCAA Division II tournament in Golden, Colo., under head coach Johnny Estelle, assistant coach Mark Mathew and graduate assistant Omar Gonzalez, the Javelina men’s basketball team is poised to make a deep run again. Mathew, who was named the TABC small college assistant coach of the year, said Javelina Madness is not an event to miss “There is going to be a ton of gifts, prizes, giveaways, cash giveaways, and give them an opportunity to be hands on with the team and be able to experience some games,” he said. “And be able to witness the dunk contest that we haven’t had in a few years, but this year we are going to have some guys open up some eyes.” Senior forward from Birmingham, Ala., Trey Sumpter also has a message for Javelina Nation. “I want you all to come see a high flying act, and there is going to a lot of fun. We are going to have some nice games and scrimmages,” said Sumpter, who was awarded
Javelinas in Odessa for key LSC contest Travis Demas Sports Editor
The Javelinas are on the road again as they try to pick up their second conference win against the Falcons of University of Texas of the Permain Basin (1-5, 1-3 LSC) in Odessa, this Saturday. After dominating West Texas A&M University last Saturday at Javelina Stadium, 37-9, the Hogs are hoping to move up in the Lone Star Conference standings in what appears to be a very evenly-matched game. In the matchup last week the Javelina offense put up 420 yards offensively to the Buffaloes 187. On defense, the Javelinas collected eight sacks and scored a touchdown on a scoop fumble recovery by sophomore Caleb Valentine. Freshman quarterback Cade Dyal continued to look impressive, throwing for three touchdowns on the night as he went 23 of 29 on his passing attempts for 79 percent completion rating while earning a quarterback rating of 185.6. Last week, the Falcons lost a nail-bitter to Eastern New Mexico, 20-17, on the road.
The Falcons would only put up 224 yards of offense with only 11 of those yards being on the ground. Eastern New Mexico dominated the time of possession category 38 minutes to the Falcons’ 21 minutes. Eastern New Mexico led at halftime, 17-0, but the Falcons came out with a vengeance in the second half, scoring 17 straight unanswered points in the third quarter to tie the game, 7-7. UTPB could not complete the comeback and fell on a late field goal in the closing seconds of the third period by Eastern New Mexico. Last year’s matchup between the Javelinas put ona dominant performance agasint the Falcons, winning, 56-7, at Javelina Stadium. In that game the Hogs would have 490 total yards of offense to the Falcons 208 yards, and defensively the Javelinas would account for 4 turnovers three fumbles, and an interception. Tune in to listen for full coverage of the game as always on Kingsville’s only radio station 91.1 the one this Saturday night at 6.
Javelina Volleyball returns home Staff Reports
The Texas A&M Kingsville volleyball team remained in contention for Lone Star Conference honors and post-season play as it split a weekend series last Friday and Saturday. The Javelinas – 11-8 overall and 4-4 in conference play - return to action this Friday and Saturday at the Steinke Physical Education Center. TAMUK takes on Cameron Friday and 7 p.m. and hosts Midwestern State Saturday at 2 p.m. Fans can follow the action at Javelin Athletics YouTube channel Last Saturday in Canyon the Javelinas fell to West Texas A&M University (10-8, 4-4 LSC) in five sets – 21-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-22. Last Friday TAMUK defeated UT-Permian Basin in five sets – 25-13, 19-25, 21-25, 25-19, 15-11. Against West Texas, although winning the battle at the net with eight blocks, the Javelinas were outhit .250-.230 and surrendered four aces in the loss. After a strong outing against UT Permian Basin, Madison Brabham proceeded to torch the Lady Buffs, matching her career-high of 19 kills and recorded six blocks for a total of 22 points. Krystal Faison concluded the match with ten kills, followed by Lexi Wick and Kelby Sprinkles with six
and five kills, respectively. Haley Hutchinson registered a matchhigh of seven blocks and setter Casey Klobedans ended the match with 35 assists. Both Hutchinson and Klobedans had two kills. Erin Clark and Crystal Thomas led the Lady Buffs, finishing with 18 and 14 kills, respectively. Clark led the team with two service aces while Thomas set the pace defensively with five blocks. Against UT-Permian Basin (412, 1-7) the Javelinas that went the distance for the third consecutive time. However, this time they were victorious, outscoring the Falcons 15-11, in the final set. Although UTPB served well - acing the opposition 8-5 - they could not contain TAMUK for the entire match who outhit them .208-.117 and registered 12 blocks. Junior Brabham anchored the offense with a match-high 20 points with 18 kills and three total blocks. Faison was the other Javelina to finish in double figures with 12 kills and logged 17 digs for another double-double this season. Also recorded a double-double with 42 assists and 13 digs and finished with a team-high two aces. Hutchinson concluded the match with seven kills and three blocks, while Lexi Wick chipped in five kills and a match-high of seven blocks.
Photo by: Javelina Athletics
Senior forward Trey Sumpter driving to the basketball in a conference matchup against Angelo State on Jan. 24 at the SPEC.
South Central all tournament team honors. The women’s basketball team is coming off their first win at the LSC tournament against Eastern New Mexico under head coach Wade Scott and assistant coach DJ Slifer. Scott also encourages fans to attend the Madness event.
“It is a great time to get out and enjoy your school,” Scott said. “As college kids, anything you can get for free, you need to come and get it going.” Scott and his team are ready for the new season and are excited to “get out there and play again.
Kaina Martinez sprinting as she pulls away from the rest of her heat.
Courtesy photo Javelina Athletics
Track Star continued from Page 1 She began running through the streets of Belize at an early age to find relief from a crowded home and the frustration of monetary constraints. Once her hidden talent of running became realized, she began running professionally in her home country. She became the fastest woman in Belize, and earned a wild card entry into the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England. The opportunity to become a student-athlete is what brought her to America, and now she’s on the verge of another great achievement. On Oct. 22, Kaina will attend the NCAA Woman of the Year Award ceremony in Indianapolis, Ind. She was nominated along with eight other finalists for this coveted award. What makes this nomination even more remarkable is that Kaina got the nod as a student-athlete for a Division II conference, one in which she has dominated. Kaina, currently a graduate student in counseling and guidance, has earned two NCAA Division II national championships in outdoor track and field. She took the 4X400 meter relay in 2015 and the 4X100 in 2016. She also dominated in the
Lone Star Conference, bringing home 12 championship titles in various events to include the 100, 200 and 400 individuals, along with the 4X100 and 4X400 relays. She has been recognized as a United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-American. Certainly not the least of all, Kaina is an Olympian. While climbing the ladder to athletic dominance, she was able to not only meet, but train with her idol, 8-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt. “I had an opportunity to train with the famous Usain Bolt (three months prior to leaving for London),” she said. Her teammates at TAMUK have nothing but the highest respect for Kaina. “She is extremely determined when it comes to track. That’s what has made her so successful,” said teammate Plaserae ‘Plazz’ Johnson. “It’s definitely a different experience (running with an Olympian). It’s different because she is my teammate and made me a better runner. She’s always there to give her ‘before the race’ speeches that
ignite you enough to go out and do your best.” James Passey, another TAMUK track and field athlete, agrees Kaina is inspirational. “I am from Jamaica. I was bred with Olympians, so it is something I am quite used to. I know she is very dedicated to track. It’s her whole world,” he said. Kaina is the epitome of humble. When asked about the nomination for Woman of the Year she replied, “For me, it’s an honor to be one of the selected few. I have gone over the obstacles and I am still here achieving the goals that I wanted to.” Despite growing up impoverished, becoming recognized as a national figure, training with the fastest person on the planet, and running in the Olympics, Kaina still feels her biggest accomplishment so far is becoming a student-athlete. “If you want something, you just always have to remember that you have to sacrifice something to get something,” Kaina advises athletes. “You’re never too old; you’re never too young to achieve the goals you set for yourself. You just have to be willing to go over all the obstacles.”
6
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017
SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM
Festejando el Mes de la Herencia Hispana Musica de marichi, comida Hispana parte de las festividades Camila Pena Reportera
El 18 de Septiembre la universidad de Texas A&M Kingsville se unió para participar en la bienvenida del Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Este evento fueorganizado por diferentes organizaciones como el Mariachi Javelina, El Cisneros Centro de Nniños y Jóvenes, la fraternidad Sigma Lambda Beta, la oficina de ayuda para estudiantes internacionales y servicios escolares, y el instituto de Ingenieros Electricos y Electronicos. La celebración inició a las 6 p.m. Los estudiantes fueron deleitados por un trío del Mariachi Javelina mientras disfrutaban de tacos de fajita y raspas. El trío tocó piezas musicales como “Las Mañanitas”, “La ley del monte” y “Porque me haces llorar?” Roel Salinas, miembro del Mariachi Javelina dijo “El mariachi es
música hermosa, tiene mucha historia, y mucha emoción. Amo alegrarle la noche a alguien solo con tocar la canción que quieren escuchar. Amo cantar y dar lo mejor de mi en el escenario, es asombroso.” La coordinadora de eventos multiculturales e internacionales, Elizabeth Laurence, dijo “Tener eventos culturales aquí en la universidad despierta el espíritu de los estudiantes y los hace sentir sus raíces.” Mrs. Laurence fue una de las organizadoras del evento y quien dio el discurso de bienvenida. Después de eso, la señorita TAMUK, Elyssa Benavides dio su biografía y agradeció al público por asistir al evento. “Nosotros los Hispanos tuvimos la oportunidad de compartir nuestra cultura y herencia, y muchos celebraron con nosotros… todos nos apoyamos y nos quere-
mos, y los que están planeando a venir a esta escuela ven esto y piensan ‘En Kingsville es diferente’ y es lo que queremos que la gente vea” agregó Benavides. Los estudiantes internacionales también participaron en el evento. El estudiante Indraneel Goldhi “es bonito tener la oportunidad de aprender sobre otras culturas, su comida y tradiciones.” Las 21 banderas que representan los países que tienen el Español como el idioma oficial estuvieron presente en el evento. Estas banderas se encuentran en el primer piso del Student Union Building para aquellos que gusten pasar a verlas. Las festividades continuan todo el mes de octubre y incluyen festividades de la Semana Tejana. El 19 de Octubre se llavar a cabo el banquete de Herencia Tejana.
Taco Taco: la nueva opción en comida en el MSUB El Sushic será reemplazado por un restaurante de comida Mexicana
Estudiantes con su instrumentos en frente de los FLAGS
Noche de loteria: todo un éxito Camila Peña Reportera
La Universidad de Texas A&M-Kingsville sigue celebrando el mes de la Herencia Hispana a lo grande. El pasado 4 de Octubre, administradores de habitaciones de Lucio Hall organizaron una pequeña lotería para todos los que gustaran participar. Los participantes se reunieron en el primer piso del edificio a las 7 p.m. Cada quien escogió una carta de la lotería tradicional. hubo pizza y refresco para todos los participantes. La estudiante de psi-
cología Yahaira Suarez y la estudiante Cecilia López estudiante de Justicia Penal fueron las organizadoras del evento. “Escogimos esto porque queríamos hacer sentir a los estudiantes si estuvieran en casa. Sabemos que muchos de ellos vienen del valle o de otras partes en donde juegan lotería con sus familias y a veces se sienten nostálgicos por estar lejos de casa así que esto quizás los hizo sentir como si estuvieran en casa” dijo Cecilia Lopez. Alexia Lucero Salinas, estudiante de Criminología y participante del evento dijo
Wednesday, Thursday, Thursday, October 11 October 12 October 19 Latin Dance Dia de la Raza Tejano Heritage Night Banquet Declamaciones JSEC Social Hall MSUB Pavilion JSEC Social Hall 7 PM 10 AM noon
“es bueno tener esta especie de eventos que fomentan la cultura Mexicana e Hispana”. Hubo premios de todo tipo, desde detergentes, hasta película y cosas de higiene. “Este fue un evento creado por nosotros los administradores, hicimos la lotería para que vinieran a jugar y divertirse un rato” dijo Yahaira Suarez. Los participantes tuvieron mucha diversión y las administradoras dieron aviso sobre estar al pendiente de avisos para otros eventos a futuro en Lucio Hall.
Thursday, October 24 Loteria MSUB Pavilion 7:30 PM
Thursday, November 2 Dia de los Muertos MSUB Pavilion
¿Para que recordar? Consuelo Donato-Molina
Opinion
Josue Villarreal Reportero
Aquellos estudiantes recién ingresados a la universidad de Texas A&M Kingsville habrán notado una cortina blanca gigante en el área de comida en el Main Student Union Building. Estudiantes que han estado aquí antes lo recuerdan como un espacio vacío bastante grande - el restaurante de Sushi que ya no está más ahí. Sin embargo, esa cortina también representa la venida de otro restaurante culinario. “Sushic no tenía las ventas que nosotros esperábamos que tuviera” comentó el Decano Estudiantil Kristen Compary sobre el repentino cierre del local. Despues de varias encuestas a los estudiantes, y de hablar con Aramark, Compary determinó que el mejor reemplazo para este restaurante sería el restaurante Mexicano Taco Taco. Taco Taco, el cual tiene un sucursal ubicado en la Universidad Trinity en San Antonio, viene a TAMUK después de hacer su debut en la pantalla grande. El restaurante fue de-
Photo by: Camila Peña
Taco Taco Cafe logo
stacado en programas de la televisora Estadounidense Food Network como Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives conducido por Guy Fieri. “Es un tipo de comida totalmente diferente al que ofrecemos. No hay otro tipo de comida Mexicana en el campus, y hasta habrá menú de desayuno” dijo el Director de Servicios Culinarios Jackie Flores. Su emoción es compartida por muchos estudiantes quienes han expresado satisfacción al enterarse de esta añadidura al SUB. “Siento que es una decisión bastante inteligente, necesitamos más diversidad” dijo el estudiante de Finanzas, Terry Parrimore. Otros concuerdan con el, diciendo que la introducción de esta cadena de comida al SUB provee una gran variedad de comidas de donde escoger en el campus. Sin embargo, otros han
opinado que Taco Taco es un restaurante mas de comida Mexicana, de esos que son abundantes aquí en Kingsville y mucho menos diversa que un local de sushi. “Probablemente cobrarán el doble aquí en el campus. Prefiero ir al Tapatío, ni siquiera valdrá la pena probarlo,” dijo Luis Escobar, estudiante de Ingeniería Química. Independientemente de esto, está confirmada el reemplazo de Sushic con Taco Taco. La fecha de apertura aún no es anunciada y esto se debe a cuestiones de fabricación. “Una de las piezas que necesitamos para el local de Taco Taco está siendo fabricada en Houston, y con el Huracán Harvey, todo se retraso un poco,” dijo Compary. En cuanto el equipo llegue, el nuevo restaurante del SUB se pondrá en marcha, concediendoles a los estudiantes la habilidad de decidir si valió la pena la espera.
Recientemente asistí al “Bracero History Summit” realizado en la University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) como parte de las conmemoraciones del 75 aniversario del inicio del Programa Bracero (Mexican Emergency Farm Labor Program), firmado entre los gobiernos de México y Estados Unidos en 1942. Este programa, de permisos temporarios para no-inmigrantes, fue creado durante la segunda guerra mundial para responder a la, aparente, escasez de mano de obra en la agricultura y los ferrocarriles, como resultado del desplazamiento de trabajadores hacia la industria bélica y el alistamiento en la guerra. A través del acuerdo, los 4.6 millones de trabajadores mexicanos que ingresaron al país se desplazaron por casi toda la geografía nacional pero un gran número de ellos ingresó a los circuitos de las cosechas del suroeste, incluyendo Texas. En 1964, una vez terminado el programa, considerado por muchos como de esclavitud moderna, cientos de trabajadores regresaron a México, otros continuaron viniendo
solo en épocas de cosechas pero miles se establecieron definitivamente en Estados Unidos. Pero, ¿para que recordar esta historia? Concientización y reciprocidad seria mi primera respuesta. Es necesario que seamos conscientes de los sacrificios y contribuciones de quienes, por 22 años, ayudaron a construir esta nación produciendo la comida para millones de americanos y mejorando la infraestructura ferroviaria, aun después del fin de la guerra. Sorprende como se reconocen los soldados que se fueron, pero no los braceros que se quedaron. Cientos regresaron de la guerra como héroes nacionales y numerosos monumentos han sido erigidos. Muchos braceros murieron por las inclementes condiciones de trabajo y sus familias nunca recibieron compensación y solo el 3% de los lugares históricos nacionales in U.S. son sobre gente de color. La historia de los braceros continua viva en miles de familias en este país, en las familias de cientos de estudiantes de TAMUK quienes tuvieron un abuelo, padre o algún familiar, hombre o mujer, envuelto en el Programa. La historia
oral está en nuestras casas, es nuestra historia y necesitamos ser conscientes y orgullosos de ella. Dignidad y respeto serían mi segunda respuesta. En la agenda política de los últimos tres presidentes, Bush, Obama y Trump, ha estado la renovación de un programa tipo Bracero al mismo tiempo que las deportaciones no han parado. El actual congreso está revisando, con lavenia del presidente y del multimillonario sector Agro- industrial, un nuevo programa (Guest Workers Program) de permisos temporales para mexicanos, no-inmigrantes, baratos, que no representan mayor competencia para los trabajadores locales y que puedan ser enviados a casa una vez realicen su trabajo. Sorprende, de nuevo, que en vez de aprobar DACA y definir una política migratoria que resuelva la situación de miles de jóvenes universitarios que contribuyen con el desarrollo del país, se esté buscando renovar este programa de explotación de mano de obra campesina. Recordar es necesario, además, para cultivar el orgullo de nuestra herencia Latina e impedir que las injusticias se repitan.