The South Texan Vol. 94 Issue 8

The South Texan The Award-Winning Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Publication

Thursday, October 24, 2019 Volume 94, Issue 8 TheSouthTexan.com

TAMUK Choir

Movie Review

Page 2

Page 7

Highly anticipated Joker wows audiences with its depiction of mental illness.

The choir performed songs from popular movies in final performance of semester

The South Texan

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The South Texan

Standing on their own four paws Students seek to better the lives of animals in the community ILIANA FLORES Managing Editor To help better the lives of pet owners and their pets, students Sidney Lopez and Ariel Perez are working to bring the community together through the Akela Project.

The Akela Project, named after Lopez’s dog, started after Lopez decided he wanted to encourage community members to spend time with their dogs outdoors. He then began posting on social media pictures of himself and Akela having fun outside.

“The Akela Project is all about getting the community together, and we want to encourage pet owners to go out and be more active with their pets.

We want them to go outside [so] their pets will have a better life and just be happy,” Lopez said After a trip to the dog park located in Dick Kleberg Park, Lopez and Perez noticed that there was not a sufficient source of water for dogs. At the time, the park director would provide gallons of water in jugs. Once the water ran out, those who visited the dog park were expected to change the water and refill the jugs. However, as the clear containers would sit out in the sun, there was an increased risk of bacteria growing in the water. Lopez and Perez then decided that it would be beneficial to provide a

Photo By Iliana Flores

Dr. Elda Sanchez and Daniel Guerra are honored for their contributions to the community.

Photo Courtesy of Instagram @akela.project

Akela Lopez, who the project is named after, poses with donated items for animals in the foster care system. safe, clean and shaded water source for animals so that pet owners would be encouraged to take their pets outdoors.

“We made it a lot easier in hopes that more people would go to the dog park because they don’t have to worry about bringing their own water,” Lopez said.

Through this water source project, Lopez and Perez were able to con-

nect with other animal lovers in the community who donated money. This money helped the Akela Project pay for the supplies needed to build the water source which can now be used at Dick Kleberg Park.

Now, the Akela Project has part-

Foster Animals continued on Page 9

Alumni honored at Tejano Banquet ILIANA FLORES Managing Editor

As the drop in international enrollment continues, administrators and educational researchers at the Institute of International Education (IIE) are still unsure exactly how to make sense of the amalgam of factors that are perpetuating this trend.

Between the Spring 2016 and Spring 2019 semesters, there has been a 46 percent decrease for students enrolled in master’s programs at TAMUK. This decline accounts for the majority of TAMUK’s enrollment loss, as undergraduate numbers have stayed fairly steady.

The College of Engineering has seen a 63 percent loss in enrollment for their master’s program in the same time period, which is a direct result of the de-

Fourteen years ago, the Tejano Banquet was created to honor Texas A&I and Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) alumni as well as others who have positively impacted South Texas. This year, guests gathered for a dinner to celebrate the 2019 awardees Dr. Elda E. Sánchez and Daniel Guerra on Oct. 20 in the Ben Bailey Art Gallery.

Every year the Tejano Banquet awards two recipients with either the Tejano Service Award or the Tejano Heritage Award.

“There are two awards. One is the Tejano Service Award. That award goes to Texas A&M University-Kingsville alumni, professors, staff members or a contributor...who has represented the Tejano culture in America in a positive and honorable matter through education, music, art, theater or literature,” Dr. Manuel Flores, TAMUK professor and member of Tejano Banquet Committee, said. “The Tejano Heritage Award is presented to an A&M University-Kingsville alumni, professor, staff member or contributor who has represented the Tejano culture inherited in a positive manner while not forgetting his or her roots and making a difference in the lives of South Texans and Tejanos.”

International Students continued on Page 9

Tejano Banquet continued on Page 9

International enrollment nosedives C.R. NEAL Editor-in-Chief

Thursday, October 24, 2019

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Campus

Have an upcoming event for us to cover? Email us at: thesouthtexan@tamuk.edu

Songs‘In the Movies’ captivate the audience

Upbeat melodies create a unique performance ARYSSA ENRIQUEZ Campus Editor

The crowd hummed and harmonies echoed as the night dived into eccentric beats. The voices of the university’s Concert Choir and the Chamber Singers echoed through the Bellaham Recital Hall with perfect harmonies as they performed their last oral concert of the semester on Thursday Oct. 17.

Each year a theme is chosen to be showcased during the concert.This year’s theme “In the Movies” emphasized diversity through varied selections of music. Students performed songs from movies such as Shrek, Sister Act 2 and Lady bird.

Each song strung a different emotion, creating vibrant energy. Upbeat melodies bounced off the walls as the audience began to head bop and sing along to songs.

“The idea [In the Movies] just sort of came to me as I was going through music. I like to pick themes. This is the last oral concert of the semester. I really enjoyed the music, there was a lot of variety. I like them all,” Director of Choral Activities Dr. Kenneth Williams said.

Balleilakka was a big hit amongst the audience. The performance featured

Photo by Aryssa Enriquez

Dr. Kenneth Williams and Concert Choir giving their final bow after “In the Movies” performance.

percussionists and a group dancers.

The upbeat and rhythmic melody created a storyline and showcased the talent of the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers.

The diverse music selection highlighted the strengths of the choir and the work invested to put the the show together.

“My favorite song was ‘Making Christmas’ and it was acapella, it was nice to have all our voices mix…coordinating and keeping it [the music] energized was a challenge but it paid off at the end,” Sabrina Del-Angel, music

education major, said.

“In the Movies” had the crowd commenting “Ooo, that’s cool” in between songs and anticipating the next song.

The fast-paced songs had the audience captivated.

“It’s so hard to choose my favorite song because they were all so fun.

I enjoyed Besame Mucho and All Star the most…a challenge for the choir as a whole was the fast tongue twister in Tamil during Balleilakka.

I loved the music selection, it was so diverse… this music was selected to perform on tour to high schoolers, it

was very well received and entertaining for the kids,” Erika Lopez, vocal music education major, said.

The night was filled with a unique ensemble of music pieces that offered the community and students a special performance.

“Oh Happy Day, Down to the River to Pray all had neat things. He [Kenneth Williams] always picks great music and does amazing. He does a great job in selecting music and putting a program together. It was all so good,” said Darlene Scott, attendee of “In the Movies.”

Graduate and Professional Fair RONNI REYNA Contributing Writer The Graduate and Professional School Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, at the Memorial Student Union Building Ballrooms.

Students will be given the opportunity to meet with multiple schools during the fair, with free pizza and popcorn being provided at the event.

This event is held for “students or alums interested in pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree or attending a professional school including: Dental, Law, Medical, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Chiropractic, Veterinary, etc.,” Associate Director of Career Services Lori Urbanovsky said.

“Students will have the opportunity to explore and discuss graduate (master’s and doctoral) programs from several schools, including our own programs at Texas A&M University-Kingsville,” Director of Career Services Cassandra Wheeler said. “Graduate admission representatives will be there to answer questions about admission exams, GPA requirements, prerequisites, internships, and employment after graduation.”

There are no dress requirements

for students, business attire is not required.

“There will be no interviews scheduled at this event,” Wheeler said, “just information for you to review. You can dress casually and come visit between classes.

“Before you attend, go into Handshake to see the list of attendees and click on their website to read the description of their programs that interest you,” Wheeler suggested.

She also recommends getting business cards from recruiters to ask any additional follow up questions or schedule a visit to their campus if needed.

“Besides Texas A&M University-Kingsville, there are currently 41 schools registered representing law school, dental school, pharmacy, medical school, seminary, chiropractic, engineering, allied health and more,” Wheeler said.

A list of all schools can be found on Handshake.

“It is highly recommended that you get there early since the free pizza, popcorn and drinks provided for students will be provided on a first come, first serve basis,” Wheeler said.

Career Services provides this program once during every school year.

Join us every Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Manning Hall Rm. 165

Want to know about what’s happening on campus? Visit: thesouthtexan.com

Campus

Thursday, October 24, 2019

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Walk/run for a cure

Health and Wellness, ASA host fundraiser 5K for breast cancer

ARYSSA ENRIQUEZ Campus Editor Students and the community armor up as the university’s pink warriors showcase their support in finding a cure for breast cancer. The university will be hosting its 19th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Run Saturday, Oct. 26, sponsored by the Student Health and Wellness and Alpha Sigma Alpha (ASA).

Breast cancer impacts and influences the life of many men and women. Although there’s no definite cure for breast cancer there are numerous

ways to take precautions. The Student Health and Wellness encourages students to go to routine check-ups and do self-examination.

“Cancer does not discriminate in age.

It’s important for all students to get exposed and informed because it is never too soon to be cautious about your health. Now there is more information, there’s more we can do. There’s a lot of small things we can do to improve our health,” said Jo Elda Castillo-Alaniz, Health and Wellness director.

Students will get the opportunity to honor and remember their loved ones by attending the 19th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Run. The three mile walk/run will begin in the front courtyard of the Memorial Student Union Building at 9 a.m. People wishing to participate in the 5K are only required to register. On-site registration will begin from 8:15 to 8:40 a.m.

“I personally believe it’s important for everyone to do it because even though they [cancer survivors] may not participate, I think they appreciate we recognize their battle and have awareness. This might help them push

through, a little bit,” said Gina Merzbacher, co-coordinator of 5K walk/run.

There is no fee to join the cause and make a difference, organizations and individuals who contribute $25 will receive an event t-shirt. The organization that raises the most funds will receive a special gift on behalf of Student Health and Wellness and Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Throughout the event, donations will be accepted to support The Susan G. Komen foundation. The Susan G. Komen Foundation’s goal is to significantly reduce the amount of deaths and help find a cure and educate others about this chronic disease.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the community unite for a good cause.

These types of events not only display unity in the community, but also raise money for important causes. The fight to stop cancer is a pressing cause that requires a lot of funds. It’s important to show survivors our support, some of us will never understand the hardships of cancer survivors. Because of this, we must show our support and care for them,” said Natalia Flores, co-coordinator of 5K walk/run.

Meet the Mentors

Claire Benavides is a peer mentor at the Center for Student Success. Benavides is a sophomore studying Communications Sciences and Disorders, and is from Harlingen, Texas. Here is more about her.

What are your hobbies?

I like to take naps whenever I can, watch movies, go fishing and spending time with my sorority sisters.

What do you look forward to as a student mentor?

I look forward to helping my students have a smoother transition into college life. I am looking forward to seeing them grow as individuals as the school year continues.

What are your goals?

Some goals of mine are to make my family proud, be a positive role model to students and be more involved on campus.

If you could pick an actor to play you in a movie who would it be? Why? I would pick Alexis Bledel. One of my favorite movies is The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and I love her character Rory Gilmore in Gilmore Girls.

What is the best part of being a TAMUK student?

The small campus has its perks. I love that my professors know me by name.

I am not just a number on this campus. Everyone is so friendly, willing to help you and wants you to be successful.

Contributed photo

ASA members at past 5K walk/ run to raise money for breast cancer awareness month.

Expires 10-17-19 Expires 10-31-19

What song best describes your life?

Definitely “A Safe Place to Land” by Sara Bareilles.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

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Opinion

Want to join the conversation?

Visit us at: thesouthtexan.com

Disabilities don’t deter success The South Texan The First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.”

The South Texan is a student publication produced by Texas A&M University- Kingsville students. The views, opinions and commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas A&M University system. The South Texan uses student fees in part to publish. The South Texan is part of the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT), The Javelina Broadcast Network (JBN), and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).

STAFF C.R. Neal Editor-in-Chief Iliana Flores Managing Editor Aryssa Enriquez Campus Editor

SARAH REYNA Reporter Transitioning into college can be tough for anyone, especially if you have a disability.

Having my disability is an obstacle because it prevents me from doing multiple everyday tasks, one of which limits me from walking long distances.

Because of this, I’ve resorted to being pushed in a wheelchair around campus to get to my classes.

Throughout my previous 12 years of school, I was provided a paraprofessional to assist me with any help I needed.

For college, I was told I would need to provide one on my own to help me, since I cannot push, feed or assist myself on my own.

As a result, my mother offered to take time out of her day to help me further my education. I am extremely grateful to have such a supportive family.

Attending college with a disability can be hard at times, especially when the handicap accessible parking spots are taken or when the handicap button-activated doors do not work. It is extremely difficult to access some

Photo courtesy of istockphoto.com

buildings; but it is worth it if I am able to continue my education and get a degree to be able to accomplish all of my goals.

After college, it will not be much different; I will still need assistance at my future job.

I plan to be a journalist, so I would need to be accompanied when I do research.

Despite the fact that I have this disability, I will not let it interfere with accomplishing my goal to get the job I want.

Even though having a disability is tough, it has not stopped me from doing the things I want to do in life, and what I want to accomplish.

Sure, my disability has made it difficult at times, but I worked hard to prove that there is more to me than just having a disability.

This has not restricted me from wanting to achieve my goals, and I will keep striving to be the best person I can be and make sure my future is bright.

I want my paperback, paperback books

Dylan Dozier Sports Editor Jaylin Morales Advertising Manager Kelby Sprinkles Online Editor Reporters Adam Pena Brenda Riojas Sarah Reyna Gabriella Mastroianni Mark Gutierrez Sabrina Gonzalez Podcast Host Tom Miller Nicole Morris Adviser Advertising For advertising inquiries, e-mail The South Texan at thesouthtexan@tamuk.edu or call (361) 593-4370.

Letters to the Editor Letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number. Letters considered for publication must be 300 words or fewer. Letters may be emailed to thesouthtexan@tamuk.edu The South Texan, Manning Hall 165, Texas A&M University-Kingsville

BRENDA RIOJAS Reporter In recent years, book lovers have been faced with the choice of purchasing an e-book or a paperback book.

Each book form has its own pros and cons.

However, I believe that with our world becoming more technologically advanced paperback books will still lead for years to come.

Personally, I prefer paperback books and probably always will.

The smell, and the ability to search for a book in a bookstore and run my fingers through the pages is my favorite part of purchasing a book.

While reading a book and seeing a relatable quote or great piece of advice, I like to underline, highlight or stick a post-it note right next to it.

With e-books you can do something very similar, but for those who like to make asterix marks or doodles on pages, you can’t exactly do that with an e-book.

For those who favor e-books or elec-

Photo courtesy of wordpress.com

Paperback books push through technology advancements. tronic forms of reading, books also have many advantages.

The biggest advantage is probably the storage space you’re going to save yourself.

Although you might save physical space, you have to constantly keep charging the device and make sure it lasts throughout your day.

A regular book doesn’t need to be electronically charged, therefore it’s accessible to you at any time.

Luckily, I have friends who enjoy reading books and we casually exchange books to save each other from having to purchase it.

With an e-book you can’t exactly loan someone your device for days or weeks on end. In forms of trading with

an e-book, that is also impossible when it comes to donating.

When I didn’t find a book to be interesting or as meaningful to me, I like to donate it.

If you have an e-book you can’t donate it and ultimately, you’re stuck with it. So why do people still prefer e-books or reading devices? Is it the embarrassment of showing off that you’re actually reading, or to be trendy with a technology device?

Personally, after I finish a book I like to store it on my shelf and show off the collection of books at the front of my room. I treasure the books I have and genuinely enjoy reading them and putting them up as if they’re trophies on a shelf.

Opinion

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Thursday, October 24, 2019

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SpaceX rekindles Space Race ADAM PENA Reporter The Space Race that cemented itself as a definitive feature of the latter half of the 20th century is long over. With the success of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon and the capitulation of the Soviet Union leaving no primary competitor to the American space program, it appears as if much of the interest in space and the fervor of developing new spacefaring technologies is a thing of the past.

However, a recent public resurgence of interest has rekindled the Space Race, albeit in a more minor fashion, and this time, in the private sector.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk created SpaceX in 2002, the first private company to launch a spacecraft into orbit and successfully recover it back on Earth. Elon Musk’s vision for SpaceX is to “[enable] people to live on other planets,” according to the SpaceX official website. In order to accomplish this far-reaching and hopeful vision, development must first occur of technology and the acquisition of land for their facilities.

One such facility, the SpaceX South

Photo courtesy of Digitalrends.com

The goal of SpaceX is to make it possible for mankind to live in other planets.

Texas Launch Site was first announced in August 2014, with the first launches performed there in April of this year.

“SpaceX is excited to expand our work in Texas with the world’s first commercial launch complex,” said Musk in a written statement that year.“In addition to creating hundreds of high-tech jobs for the Texas workforce, this site will inspire students, expand the supplier base, and attract tourists to the South Texas area.”

However, the establishment of the South Texas Launch Site is not without its problems. Despite clearing Federal Aviation Administration inspections, the launch site has come into contention with the local residents of Boca Chica Village. As operations ramp up,

it became clear to SpaceX that the existence of the launch site can pose a threat to Boca Chica Village.

“I think the actual danger to Boca Chica Village is low, it’s not tiny,” Musk said in September, quoted by the Los Angeles Times. “Probably over time, [it’s] better to buy out the villagers. And we’ve made an offer to that respect.”

According to the same Los Angeles Times article, SpaceX is offering residents of the village three times the market value for their property. Some residents, however, expected to continue negotiating with the company after the deadline for their offer had expired. Some homeowners even refused to accept the offer from SpaceX.

It is entirely possible that instead of a more generous offer, SpaceX can subject the residents of Boca Chica to a declaration of eminent domain, and with the approval of Cameron County, essentially forcibly vacating the village.

“It’s a tough situation,” says Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. in the Brownsville Herald. “I certainly understand the homeowner’s frustration with the current and recent development, but when you’ve got the possibility of a new space industry being developed in your region, one that is sorely lacking in good paying, technological, modern-type jobs, I think as a county judge, I have to look at the big picture.”

Man on the Street This Week’s Question:

“What is your favorite Homecoming tradition at TAMUK?”

Name: Melody Alfaro Major: College of Engineering Alumnus “Fall carnival, because of the diveristy and the unity it brings and all the organizations get together. It’s always a celebration and a joy and all the dogs are super cute.”

Name: AliciaVillalta Major: Social Work “I’ve only ever expereinced homecoming, once but so far I would have to say the bonfire. Everybody just gathered around watching the fire and hearing music, its all so exciting.

Compiled by: Aryssa Enriquez

Name: Esmeralda Gutierrez Major: Animal Science “Everybody is just so spirited during homecoming week,but I like Sober Spirits the most. It’s good for students to participate and get eduacted on how to be safe especially during the tailgate and the parade.

Name: Shianne Hill Major: Mental Health Counseling “I like the king and queen tradition, they hand out a lot of things and we get to meet different people. Also the bonfire, we get to meet people. The Fall Carnival is fun, too. It has a lot of food and the community gets involved.”

Thursday, October 24, 2019

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Entertainment

Have you seen the Mosaic exhibit?

Let us know your thoughts on Twitter: @thesouthtexan

Fall into a seat for theater show Gravity

ERICA GARCIA GINNETT Contributing Writer

Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s theater group is working on a new play you will just fall for - Gravity. An original work by TAMUK’s own Theater Director Corey Ranson, Gravity is set to pull at your heartstrings and fill your mind with questions of life, loss and a single word which haunts - why.

Zoe Collins, played by Lexi LaCour, is a young girl who just saw her boyfriend fall to his death through a sink hole. Distraught and with a lack of understanding as to why someone so great can be taken, Zoe goes on a search to understand. Playwriter Ranson focuses on this.

“It is her angle and her story and her frustration of the fact that the one beautiful person in her life out of the entire universe, the entire galaxy, the entire everything, on this day, in this moment, in this little bitty six-foot area, my perfect person, gets sucked away,” Ranson said.

LaCour leans on her imagination to fulfill this role.

“I’ve never had a significant other die, especially that suddenly and in such an odd way, so that is a very challenging thing to evoke on stage,” LaCour said.

In opposite life experience, Laurie Guajardo Hoefelmeyer has experienced that loss of a loved one in her real life - the death of her husband.

Guajardo Hoefelmeyer plays Moon Light, the woman who owns the land where Zoe Collins loses her boyfriend.

Moon Light is a widow. Being a widow herself, Guajardo Hoefelmeyer is able to draw on her own life experience to understand the character she plays.

Guajardo Hoefelmeyer feels that when she first lost her husband, at 27, she was much like the character Zoe Collins, but now, Guajardo Hoefelmeyer feels she is more in the position of Moon Light. Opposite of Guajardo Hoefelmeyer’s “natural instincts,” Moon Light is a hippie with a toned down and ethereal calmness.

The cast of the TAMUK theater departments upcoming show Gravity.

“That’s a calmness I don’t think I quite have in real life…that is a level of Zen I hope I’ll get to at some point in my life…so I do find myself battling against my natural reactions,” Guajardo Hoefelmeyer said.

A strange twist occurs when Robin Machuca who plays Brian, Zoe’s boyfriend whom falls to his death through a sink hole, then appears again as a completely different character; Sunny Light, Moon Light’s son.

“Playing two different characters, with completely two different personalities…it’s a really challenging two roles to play,” Machuca said.

Gravity is laden with other talented actors including Alessandra Ramirez as Star Light, daughter to Moon Light, Ashley Salinas as Cally, best friend to Zoe, as well as Edgar Manuel Vazquez Jr., Etta Enow, Caroline Dietz and Nathan Soord as rescue crew and callers to a radio show.

Jackson Lewis performs as a cop and an unexpected character which is to remain secret for now. Gage Rob-

erts, most recently known for his part as The Guy in The Flick, enters Gravity as Dr. Ron Universe.

Backstage performances include lights by Diana Ibarra, props by Katie Spencer and costumes by Caroline Dietz. All performers and stagehands are guided and controlled by the stage manager Kassandra “Chachi” Escobar.

“The most important character backstage and on stage; I have to control all these people,” Escobar said. With much of Escobar’s crew agreeing with her being the most important role, they also do not hold back what they have when rehearsing and performing.

After opening at TAMUK, Gravity will then be performed by the TAMUK theater group at The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for Region 6 which includes Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.

Once Gravity has toured by the current TAMUK company, it can then be submitted for publication. If Gravity were to become published, TAMUK

Photo by Erica Garcia Ginnett

students will forever have the rights to be listed as the first cast in the script since they are the premiere actors. LaCour, playing the protagonist, understands what this means.

“You can never pull from another performance, you’re the first one, so you kind of have to go through all that on your own,” LaCour said.

Machuca, being greatly challenged with his roles, knows what is to come.

“How we portray these specific characters is how it should be portrayed from then forth,” Machuca said.

Because Ranson is the writer of this play, a lot of the changes he made in the script are based upon the TAMUK theater students themselves; therefore these characters are molded by them and have stayed that way.

“I think it’s great to be in a play where you can actually speak to the author of the play,” Dietz said.

Gravity performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 and 2 at The Little Theater and at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 at The Little Theater.

Mosaic exhibit at Conner Musuem CALISTA REYES Contributing Writer A new and exciting exhibit by Corpus Christi artist and Texas A&M Kingsville alumnus Elsie Reichenbacher is now on display at John E.Conner Museum.

A Journey to Elsieland: Mosaic Art of Elsie Reichenbacher consists of 40 pieces of mosaic art of Catholic icons, guitars, sugar skulls and more.

According to the Conner Museum website, the collection “features something of interest to everyone with an eye for something beautiful, dimension and design.”

Although this exhibit has just opened it has already attracted quite a few visitors.

“The collection opened on Oct. 16 and will be on display until Dec. 14.

Most of the pieces are for sale. Quite a few people have already stopped by to take a look,” Esteban Villalon, studentemployee at the museum, said.

Among those visitors is TAMUK stu-

dent Stephanie Einkauf Walker.

“The art is very beautiful and intricate. You can’t help but keep looking at all of the individual color tiles and how they are placed to create one big artwork. There is a very wide range in the collection, there are a lot of religious figures but there are also guitars and sugar skulls, which I’m particularly fond of,” Walker said.

Viewers who are extremely captivated by the collection will be happy to know that 37 of the pieces are up for sale.

You can find a list of prices and the artist’s information for inquiries in the showroom. Whether you are interested in art or are looking to buy, this exhibit is definitely one to visit and experience yourself.

It is free admission and open to the general public. The Conner Museum is located at 905 W Santa Gertrudis Ave. across the street from Manning Hall.

The Museum is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Photo by Calista Reyes

Reichenbacher’s exhibit features guitars with mosaic designs.

Have you seen Joker? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter: @thesouthtexan

Entertainment

Thursday, October 24, 2019

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Joaquin Phoenix kills it in Joker

Photo courtesy of IMDb

MARK GUTIERREZ Contributing Writer The new film Joker is out now, and it can be named one of the best films of 2019. Each scene is well-done and Joaquin Phoenix’s acting brings the film together, but the message isn’t so visible.

First, the interesting feature that Joker possesses is the way each scene is so amazingly done. The chilling atmosphere that is presented can leave an uncomfortable feeling for the viewer.

Also, the ominous ambience that presents itself throughout the film assists in giving the scenes more life and

flare.

One thing the audience should be warry about is the way violence is used in certain scenes. It’s a shock to witness how realistic these scenes can become.

The lighting and color of the film is depressing. The film does this as an attempt to keep the audience aware that the situations around the film aren’t all “jokes” and joy.

Phoenix ties this film all together.

The way he brings life to his character is magnificent.

Many who know about Joker, know that he isn’t a person one would like to be around, and that eerie laugh makes for more reason to be afraid. However, Phoenix’s voice doesn’t match the tone

one would expect Joker to have.

However, his flamboyant movements in the film are well done and the facial expressions Phoenix does perfectly give off the emotion of the situation.

Many were upset with Jared Leto’s depiction of Joker, but Phoenix’s depiction gives the audience that flare that previously Heath Ledger offered as Joker.

Finally, the film is supposed to have a message, but it’s hard to put a finger on it. There is a lot of jabs it takes at society.

Society isn’t all that great, the rich matter but the poor don’t, and mental illness is not taken care of in the way it should be. All these general topics have been said and used before.

It becomes difficult to really pinpoint what the film wants us to take away. Are we to revolt or are we to do better? It’s entirely up to the viewer to decide what type of message they take away but despite this flaw the movie still is a work of art.

In short, the Joker film is amazing, Phoenix does a magnificent job bringing Joker to life, and the message may be out of hand, but it’s still a very good movie that deserves its place.

It’s entirely up to the viewer on the emotion that the film evokes but it’s for certain that the film is a shock and will leave the viewer’s jaw dropped.

The viewer should also keep in mind “That’s Life...”

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MARK’S RATING

Adulting 101: How to schedule doctor’s visit

C.R. NEAL Editor-in-Chief You notice your palms are sweating, knees weak and arms heavy.

Gazing down into the abyss of a toilet bowl you see the vomited remains of the leftover spaghetti your mother was kind enough to send with you after your visit home. Deep down you know what this means, and the dread begins to set in. You require medical

attention, and have to make a doctor’s appointment.

The anxiety creeps from your heart to your thumbs as you pick up the phone. You realize you have no idea where to begin, but you want to maintain your independence, so instead of calling your parents you decide you are going to do this on your own.

Before you even think about Google-ing your symptoms, realize that WebMD is going to say that you have cancer regardless of what you search.

Searching for what is ailing you is es-

sentially useless. Instead, focus on making and preparing for a doctor’s appointment.

Making a doctor’s appointment can be different when you are in college, because you have access to the Health Care Clinic provided by Student Health and Wellness.

Students can make appointments easily by calling the clinic at 361-593-2904. All the information you need to give them is your reason for making the appointment and what time you are available.

With this clinic, the paperwork you need to fill out is substantially less than that of a primary care doctor, but you still need to get there 10 minutes early to complete it.

Students will also need their student ID to be seen by the doctor.

For a primary care doctor, the process of making appointments is the same, but you will need to get there at least 15 minutes early to complete all of the paperwork and you will need proof of insurance.

Doctor’s appointments often feel a

lot shorter than you think they should be (unless you count the time spent waiting to actually see the doctor), so it is important to ensure that what you want to be addressed is addressed.

Before you actually show up for an appointment, it is prudent to think about what you are going to say and what concerns you may have. Key points to lock down are the symptoms or side effects you are experiencing, how they are affecting your daily life, how you have already tried to cope with these problems and what you would like to accomplish with this appointment.

That last point is especially important, because it is not always clear to the doctor what you are hoping for.

Brainstorm potential questions you may have for a doctor, especially if they suggest medication. You will want to know what you should expect to feel on the medicine, what the potential side effects are and how long it takes to start working.

If the doctor makes a referral to another provider, which is likely to happen if you visit the Health Care Clinic on campus, make sure to ask if you should call them or if they will call you.

Knowing all of these things will make your experience at the doctor much more positive than if you go in blind, and your doctor will appreciate your preparedness.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

8

Sports

For live game updates Follow us on Twitter: @thesouthtexan

Fall season for TAMUK golf is a wrap Golf teams ends season at Oklahoma Intercollegiate tournament CONTRIBUTED BY JAVELINA ATHLETICS The end of the fall season for Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s (TAMUK) women’s golf team came to an end on Oct. 15 in Lawton, Okla.

The team went and competed in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate where they placed third as a team tying with Cameron University.

Throughout the two-day tournament multiple TAMUK golfers left the tournament with career highs as well as the team putting up some great numbers. It was a satisfying weekend for the Javelinas and their Coach Stefanie Gray.

“I’m very proud of the girls for hanging in there,” Gray said to Javelina Athletics.

Junior Madison Lake left Oklahoma with a new career high, a second-place individual award and a smile on her face.

Lake’s 146 tops her previous career-best by four strokes and her second-place finish is three spots better than her fifth-place showing at the West Texas A&M Fall Invitational earlier this season, previously her highest finish.

After shooting a 72 on Monday, Lake

closed out her time in Lawton with a three-over 74 on Tuesday. The junior from Victoria piled up a team-high 13 pars in the final round to go with a birdie on the 12th.

Lake has started her junior campaign with two top-five finishes through four tournaments.

Trailing Lake by only two strokes was senior Rachelle Nielsen, who matched her career-best with a six-over 148, while also registering her highest finish as a Javelina.

Nielsen shot a five-over 76 in round two, which she finished by shooting one-over on the back nine.

According to Javelina Athletics, Gray and her team tied for third place, putting up a 28-over 312 on Tuesday. The team’s overall score of 611 is the program’s third-best behind only their 610 at the Tarleton State Invitational and a 601 at the 2014 UH-Victoria Fall Classic.

“We’re looking forward to the offseason,” Gray said to Javelina Athletics, “to put in a lot of hard work and be ready for the spring semester.”

After completing their fall schedule, the Javelinas are reflecting on not only their positives but their negatives as well, and seeing where they can get better for the spring season.

Photo courtesy of Javelina Athletics

Junior Madison Lake ended tournament with new career high with second place individual award.

Prepare for Javelina Madness REYGAN ALFARO Contributing Writer University basketball fans will get a sneak peek at the men’s and women’s basketball teams at this year’s Javelina Madness, set for Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Steinke Physical Education Center.

The event includes prizes, free t-shirts and pizza for the first 200 fans in attendance. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Both men’s and women’s basketball programs have been promoting this event all month long in hopes of a great turn out.

“We expect to gain more support and fans all over this area, and not just Kingsville. That’s why we are trying to promote it everywhere we can. We also expect for fans to want to keep coming back to support the Javelinas,” Graduate Assistant Coach Deandre Miller said.

The players seem just as excited to show Javelina Nation what they have got in store for this upcoming season as they would be for any regular sea-

son game. Attending Javelina Madness will definitely set the tone.

“Fans can definitely expect to see a show not only during Javelina Madness but throughout the whole season for sure,” junior transfer Dayante McCllelan said.

Players will also be interacting with some fans. Javelina Madness will be a good chance to meet some of the Javelinas, get to know some of the players and take pictures with them as well.

“It is a chance for the community to come out and meet and connect with the basketball team. I expect to meet some new people and hopefully be able to encourage them to come to our games,” junior transfer Tre Flowers said.

The Javelina basketball season is soon to start after Javelina Madness.

The men’s basketball team will be on the road for their first game of the season to compete in College Station, Texas, on Nov. 1. The women’s basketball team will be starting their season at Prairie View A&M on Nov. 5.

Photo courtesy of Amanda DeFrees

What events are happening on campus? Let us know at: thesouthtexan@tamuk.edu

Tejano Banquet continued from Page 1

Sánchez was the first to receive an award on the night; she received the Tejano Heritage Award. Sánchez is the Director of the National Natural Toxins Research Center (NNTRC) and an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at TAMUK. Sanchez graduated from Texas A&I in 1993 with a bachelor’s in biology. She then went on to get her master’s in biology from TAMUK in 1999 and her Ph.D in toxicology from the Central University of Venezuela.

When she heard she would be receiving the award, Sánchez was shocked but was also honored and humbled.

“I think it means that as a Hispanic woman I am being recognized for the work that I am doing, and it means a lot to me because it...also belongs to everybody that has supported me as well because generally we don’t get awards and we don’t achieve the places we achieve without the help and support of your family and your colleagues and your friends,” Sanchez said.

For most of her life, Sánchez has had a love for snakes. This inspired her to spend time in the NNTRC researching snakes during her time as an undergraduate. Now, 29 years later she is the Director of the NNTRC. The NNTRC houses more than 450 venomous snakes. The staff work with these snakes to isolate important toxins in their venom for global research, training and resources. During her time as the Director of NNTRC, Sánchez has procured more than $6 million for the viper resource center and as a professor she has continued to mentor STEM students who have gone on to do important work in research and

News and Jumps education. In her career, Sánchez also has also written more than 90 research publications.

The second award was given to Guerra, who received the Tejano Service award. Guerra is a two-time graduate of Texas A&I in 1970 for his bachelor’s and in 1977 for his master’s. Guerra was introduced by his daughter who told her father’s story. She told of his time growing up as a migrant worker and how his drive for a better life inspired him to complete his education.

Guerra enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school in order to qualify for the GI Bill. After being honorably discharged, he attended Texas A&I and studied elementary education. Guerra went on to become a coach at Premont High School. He began coaching the boys’ cross country team, which went on to win five consecutive state championships, making the Premont ISD boys cross country program one of the top 10 best programs of all time, according to TxRuning.

In spring 2020, the new track in Premont ISD will be named the Daniel Guerra Track, and will honor the five championships the school received under his direction.

Guerra said when he first heard he was receiving the award he was humbled. He also hopes the award will serve as inspiration to his family.

“When Manuel [Dr. Flores] told me about Dr. Sánchez, I said ‘Gosh, that woman is way up there, and I’m just teaching at a country school.’ But no, I wanted to come for the kids. It’s not only me being honored it’s the kids that ran for me because without them I would not be here today,” Guerra said. “It makes me feel good that I can pass this on to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren one day. In other words, set an example.”

Thursday, October 24, 2019

9

Photo Courtesy of Instagram @akela.project

The Akela Project seeks donations for animals in fostor care.

Foster Animals continued from Page 1 nered with the Animal Rescue Kleberg (ARK) to raise supplies for those who foster animals in Kingsville. ARK is a volunteer organization that rescues animals from the Kingsville Animal Shelter.

“Our purpose is to place homeless and neglected cats and dogs into permanent homes. Our long-term goal is to reduce the number of stray animals in our community. In addition, we promote public awareness regarding the welfare of animals, and the prevention of over population by spaying and neutering,” the ARK Facebook page said.

Lopez and Perez were inspired to collect donations to support the work of ARK and those who foster dogs and cats.

“We talked to ARK here in Kingsville and we saw that there are a lot of dogs and cats that are in foster homes. We wanted to help them...but I wanted them to know that us as a community in Kingsville we support them. We can’t foster ourselves, but we support those that can, and we want to show them by giving them whatever we

can,” Lopez said.

Along with raising supplies, Perez hopes people will be inspired to foster animals as there are very few people who foster the animals rescued from the animal shelter in Kingsville.

“I’ve walked into ARK before and there is just a lot of dogs in cages. It would be better if we had more people to foster and take care of those pets, take them out of there so they can have better living conditions, and maybe by them realizing ‘Hey, you can donate’ or just making resources more available to fosters hopefully that can encourage people to foster,” Perez said.

For those interested in donating to the Foster Care Project, you can donate dry or canned foods, clean blankets, toys, kitty litter, treats, bowls, peepads, collars and cleaning supplies in the designated bins located at the Memorial Student Union Building, Engineering Complex, Library and Biology Building on campus. Supplies can also be donated at PenSense and Tractor Supply Co. The Akela Project will be collecting donations until Nov. 18.

To keep up with the Akela Project and their projects to help better the lives of pets in Kingsville, follow them at @akela.project on Instagram and Facebook.

Photo by Iliana Flores

Homero Vera (Left), Dave Guerra (middle), and Ana Guerra (right) at the Tejano Banquet.

International Students continued from Page 1

cline in international students.

“The decline in international student enrollment in the College of Engineering is occurring primarily at the graduate level. Other institutions are also seeing decline in international student enrollment,” said Mohammed Alam Ph D, dean of the College of Engineering. “It is hard to predict actual factors.

For example, some students have mentioned that there appears to be less job opportunities in the USA while other countries (such as Canada, Australia, China, etc.) are encouraging and providing incentives to attract international students for their universities.”

The international loss is not isolated to TAMUK. Universities across the nation are experiencing this trend.

For instance, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi saw a 35 percent drop in international enrollment between the Fall 2014 and Fall 2018 semesters. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley saw an initial drop of 19 percent in international enrollment from Fall 2015 to Fall 2016, but has remained steady through Fall 2018.

An increasingly competitive global marketplace seems to be one of the

leading factors in the decline of international enrollment in higher education.

President of the IIE Allan Goodman echoed a similar sentiment regarding the overall decline in international students across the nation.

“It’ll always be a very, very mixed picture, and the international education consumer is always concerned about access, diversity, quality, cost, safety, but in the past couple of years for me the biggest new development is that there are real competitor countries out there that we’ve never had before,” Goodman said in a joint press call with the State Department and IIE. With international students going to competitors, TAMUK is forced to recruit students from local and regional areas.

The College of Engineering is now looking to build their enrollment back up by targeting domestic students.

“We continue to intensify recruitment efforts at all levels. Currently, we are focusing more towards recruiting domestic students from the local and regional areas. We are also implementing a five-year BS+MS program as well as online courses/programs in order to attract more domestic students in the graduate programs,” Alam said.

Photo Courtesy of Instagram @akela.project

Akela goes on a journey with her owner Sydney.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

10

News

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Visit us at: TheSouthTexan.com

Geology celebrates Earth Science Week The Geosciences department held an open house where students learned about rocks, minerals and meteorite fragments. After the open house, Guest Speaker John Baskin talked about the last 20,000 years in South Texas, and looked to the future of the region.

Photos by Kelby Sprinkles