TheSouthTexan.com
Texas A &M University-Kingsville Award-Winning Student Publication Tuesday, November 17, 2020
VETERAN’ S DAY CEREMONY
CAMPUS PG.2
@thesouthtexan
Vol. 95 Issue 12
Storybook ending to a timeless romance
Half-century love endures despite death Gabriella Mastroianni | Reporter
The wheels squeak as Norma is rolled down the hall and into her husband’s room. The two joined hands as they did the day of their wedding, vowing till death do them part. Two elongated beeps seared the room as Norma and Louis departed together. Complications due to COVID-19 had stripped their lives. Norma L. Barrera Adrian was born on Oct. 3, 1949 in Falfurrias, Texas. Her husband Louis was born a year earlier on Oct. 18, 1948 in Premont, Texas. Young love found its way into the hearts of Norma and Louis in 1964 at a carnival in Falfurrias, Texas. Since then, the duo had been inseparable. “She and my dad were just so close, they wanted to do everything together. Even when the three of us [their kids] were around, they still wanted to be together... They [doctors
and nurses] were asking us questions like ‘Did they have wheelchairs?’ My brother was like ‘Oh hell no.’ They were oldest teenagers that I know. They NormaAdrian were teen- Director of Talent agers their Search whole life,” Giovanni Adrian, eldest son, said. The relationship between Louis and Norma was something out of a movie. A clash in taste of music, style and views the duo was a perfect match. Meeting at every carnival they could during their early years, their lives held a promising future. Shortly after their wedding, the Adrians gave birth to Giovanni, the eldest, and years later to Veronica and Luis Jr. The family of five was heavily musically inclined. At any time of year, the Adrians could bust out into a performance. Norma and Louis in particular loved to sing mariachi duets together. “There’s nothing more powerful than a mother’s love…My mom, she was a foundation. She made
sure that everybody was taken care of. She prayed the rosary for us every day on the road. And every night my dad would do it,” Giovanni Adrian said. The tunes of the once lively and melodic Adrians were slowly put to rest. “The doctors and nurses called, and they were like ‘hey your mom and dad are mimicking each other’s illness. Your mom does one thing, and your dad does it, too. Your dad does it and your mom does it, too. “It’s like they’re trying to die together.’ So, we came to an agreement that we would just go ahead and unplug the machines. So, they were going to put them in an ocean view room and unplug the machines. But unfortunately, there was no way my dad could’ve lasted long enough. There was no way they could transport him from one room to that room without him dying on the way there. So, they went ahead and brought my mom to my dad, and they put their hands together,” Giovanni Adrian recalled. The passing of Norma and Louis Adrian was tragic for not only the
Submitted Photo
The love shared by the Adrians impacted everyone they met.
Online
Submitted Photo
Norma and Louis’ storybook romanace began in 1964.
whole family, but their friends and Norma’s colleagues and students. Norma had worked at Texas A&M University Kingsville for 20 years and was a proud alumnus. She began working with the Talent Search department in 2000. Education was very important to her, especially the academic success of the students she worked with. During her time working at Talent Search, she aided students from West Oso and San Diego high schools in finishing their secondary level of education and going to college. Norma made sure the students knew that she cared about their success and wellbeing, and in return, the students showed her respect and love. Norma not only had a connection with her students, but with her colleagues as well. Norma brought eminent joy, positivity and enthusiasm in the workplace. She took the time to have meaningful conversations with her coworkers and connect with them on a deeper level.
“I first met Norma in September, two years ago. That’s when I came on board with Student Access. My first memory of meeting Norma was during our first meeting, and Norma was just joyful, as she always was, and very welcoming. It was clear to me that Norma cared deeply about the students and the students’ success,” Associate Vice President of Student Access Maria Martinez said as she recounted stories and memories she created with Norma and the accomplishments she made. “She had this amazing way with people in terms of letting them know that she cared about them in ways that were unique to that person. She was always interested in what was going on in people’s lives and she was a very supportive colleague,” Martinez said. The passing of Norma impacted many: her family, friends, colleagues, students and the university. “That healing process is going to take a long, long time. She left a huge heart shaped giant whole in Stu-
dent Access. When you walk down the hall and ask people ‘how’re you doing,’ often times they’ll share a story,” Martinez said. Stacy Scarborough, an academic success coach in Student Access, worked alongside Norma and worked with students from H.M. King and Robstown high schools, Scarborough witnessed firsthand the impact Norma had on her students. The students adored her, and Norma knew them all by name. Students who had graduated would run up to her and embrace her. “Professionally she was amazing. Personally, she was better,” Scarborough said. “She made me, not just as an employee feel valued but as a person feel valued. I knew that I could go to her for absolutely anything.” Beloved by family, friends, students and colleagues, Norma and Louis Adrian are survived by many and will live on in the memories and hearts of everyone they had an impact on.
Four years of creative energy on display
Beat Senior art students show off collections in Ben Bailey Art Gallery Do you not subscribe the show was new artwork edge,” Rubie Contreras, rest of my career in grad to thesouthtexan.com? | that no one had seen be- Turn to art major, said. school,” Mabel Garza, art Catch up on exclusive fore. It’s a culmination The Art Gallery was student, said. stories about our campus of their whole four years Page 6 to filled with a diversity of Students expressed and community when you Colorful, storytelling here into this one show,” art pieces, ranging from some of the lessons sign up for our newsletter. pieces from senior art Department Chair of Art ceramic pieces to photog- learned from being part view students filled the walls Communication Theater raphy and acrylic paint- of the art program. Virtual Turkey Trot of the Ben Bailey Art Gal- Todd Lucas said. ings. Their journey as art stulery on Friday, Nov. 13. For Senior students gained selected The art program is dents came full circle as TAMUK Rec Sports host- art students, this marks a the opportunity to disdedicated to creating they gather all the skills ed a Virtual 5K run from milestone in their art ca- play their artwork and pieces real-world experiences and put it on display for a Nov. 14-15. reer as it inches them clos- introduce the inspiration for the aspiring artist. final show. er to graduation. for each of their pieces. Throughout their artistic “I’ve learned a lot, espefrom “The senior art is ex- Most students had at least careers, students are en- cially because we have so hibit or the BFA show is five pieces on display that couraged to join different many talented professors the culmination of their showcased their passion Friday’s shows and display their here. Each of them bring whole four years here and stories. work in the community. a different set of skills, into this one show. Our “The concept behind exhibit “I was never exposed to and each have taught me students are put together my piece is that I wanted a community like this in something very differAryssa Enriquez Editor-in-Chief
chief.editor@thesouthtexan.com
into a group show, just like you would in a professional environment, and they set up the entire exhibition based on their last semester’s work. Everything in
to transition death to life. I manipulated clay into different shapes and had each slab curve. These are 10 pieces that I’ve made over the past two semes-
ters…All the professors have something to offer, they are all very knowledgeable. It is pretty much our fault if we don’t take advantage of the knowl-
Falfurrias, because it is not much of an art town. This has all been very different for me, and it has been a really great experience and I plan to further the
ent…Each class I’ve taken here has prepared me in getting my pieces ready for a show. This was my end goal,” Bianca Perez, art student, said.
Campus
2
November 17, 2020
thesouthtexan.com
The ROTC gathered in celebration of Veterans Day ROTC honors veterans with flag ceremony Ronni Reyna| News Editor
News.editor@thesouthtexan.edu
Three loud bangs rang throughout campus on Wednesday Nov. 11. Ol’
ROTC cadets stand and salute.
Smokey, the cannon, was fired in honor of the ROTC’s celebration of the 101st Veterans Day. ROTC cadets marched and could be heard chanting the cadence “come on over” as they joined the ceremony in front of College Hall. “It was just a fun little thing we decided to put in place,” Ahern Trevino, cadet company commander, said.
Ronni Reyna
Experience more by following
“I think back in the ’50s or ’60s this had been done before and we just haven’t done it since then so one of our cadets had the idea let’s revive it and have a little celebration in honor of all the veterans and those who are serving.” During the ceremony the ROTC Color Guard lowered and retired the flag for the evening. As the flag was lowered the ROTC cadets and several others in attendance saluted and put their hands over their hearts, out of honor and respect for the flag and for those who have served and are currently serving. “Veterans Day is a really important day
because it remembers those who have served the country, those who give all that they have and that’s one reason why I joined ROTC and the Army to give back to the country,” Squad Leader and Cannon Team Commander Luke Haydon said. Throughout the ceremony the cannon was fired three times, a common military salute. “Three volley salute is your standard military salute,” Cadet Daniel Duque said. “It’s typically done at military funerals and you have the twenty-one-gun salute and that’s going to be with seven members shooting their guns three times.”
tice times so they would be able to follow CDC guidelines. He was satisfied with the students’ performance and how well they handled having to play in smaller groups instead of the usual 40. “I was very pleased with the way all the groups performed because this has been a very strange year, the students had to tweak a lot of what they were doing,” Diaz said.
“I was very proud; it was very difficult circumstances of what we were doing and we are just trying to keep moving forward.” Although this year was difficult for the students who performed in the concert, they tried to focus on the positives and make the best out of the situation. Friends and family who were not able to attend the concert in-person, were able to attend the concert through a
“You have pride in it, a lot of veterans will go to the game just to see Ol’ Smokey fire off a few rounds when the Javelina score; it’s what they look forward to that’s what I used to go to the games for - just to see the cannon so it’s more
of a pride thing for the program and for the students as well,” Duque said of the cannon. The ceremony ended with the ROTC cadets marching back and continuing their chant, “Come On Over.”
Ronni Reyna ROTC cadets load canon Ol’ Smokey to be fired in honor the 101st Veterans Day.
TAMUK Trombone Studio hosts fall concert VictoriaMarquez| Contributing Writer
Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s Trombone Studio performed at Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the new performance hall, following the CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Dr. Oscar Diaz assured that students and faculty were safe every step of the way to ensure everyone felt comfortable during practices and when performing.
“I wanted everyone to feel safe and comfortable when they performed,” Diaz said. “In the School of Music everyone has been really careful about how they do certain things.” Diaz commended the students’ persistence to perform even when so many changes were made. Diaz had an estimated 40 students which he then broke up into groups of 12 or 16 and assigned different prac-
Student Activities to host holiday event Gabriella Mastroianni| Reporter
Student Activities will be hosting a DIY Ugly Sweater Holiday Event before students depart for Thanksgiving break. The event is 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, on the second floor of the Memorial Student Union Building (MSUB). It will consist of an ugly sweater contest (students must make their own ugly sweater to participate) beginning at 6:30 p.m., canvas painting and ornament and stocking decorating. A community service holiday card crafting station will also be set up for students to make holiday cards which will be donated to local nursing homes. A holiday movie will
also be playing in the background while students craft, eat holiday snacks and play bingo. Prizes will be given out to bingo and ugly sweater contest winners. “We just want to have a holiday event for the students before they leave for Thanksgiving break,” senior and student worker at the Student Activities office Julianne Gomez said. “We are offering that last opportunity [for students] to be with [their] friends before they go home.” The Students Activities’ goal is to help students relax, destress and have fun with friends amid finishing midterms, entering finals week, packing and moving out of the dorms and dealing with the rising
Covid-19 cases. To ensure social distancing guidelines, each event will be divided up into five different tables, each with four chairs spaced out, according to information publicizing the event. There is no limit on how many students can attend this event, however, students must RSVP to participate in the canvas painting event. The first 60 students to RSVP will be given a canvas. Students can RSVP by going online to https:// bit.ly/3n5jzpA and clicking submit to reserve a canvas. The event will begin at 7 p.m. For more information contact the Student Activities office or the Student Activities twitter page.
live stream. The live stream is still available to watch and has collected more than 1,000 views. “Having all of my friends and family tune in at home was another pro, I never thought that a virtual concert would have such a huge turnout,” Daniel Heredia, a freshman majoring in music education and performance, said. Alfredo Olvera, a freshman majoring in music education and
performance, agreed with Heredia’s positive attitude toward the concert being live streamed. “Being able to reach a wider audience and provide many family members and friends the ability to listen in was definitely a pro,” Olvera said. “For most freshmen, it was a chance to show their family what they had been doing, and for seniors it provided a memory of what may be their last choir concert.”
Entertainment
November 17, 2020
thesouthtexan.com
3
My Romwe Haul, was it worth it? Great prices, high-quality threads
GabriellaMastroianni| Reporter
Since quarantine began my daily wardrobe gradually started to change. My jeans disappeared and were replaced with leggings, tights and random pajama shorts. My blouses were exchanged with souvenir T-shirts I’ve collected from places I’ve traveled to. Not to mention Quarantine-15 followed after Freshmen-15. It was time to buy new clothes, but a few problems arose: I hate paying for shipping, I needed to find a new style that
didn’t consist of leggings and T-shirts, I’m on a budget and what size am I now? I searched countless sites from Amazon to Walmart, from Marshalls to Dillard’s and so on. While searching up the site for Ross’s Dress for Less I miss clicked and landed on a shopping site called Romwe. I had never heard of it before and was weary on the legitimacy of this site. However, after doing some research I found that Romwe was a legit shopping site and produces Walmart quality clothes at a cheaper price. The site itself is appealing to look at, although slightly messy, and fairly easy to navigate through. Romwe has all sorts of styles and
looks from chill, to girly, to edgy and more. This shopping site aims more towards female fashion, but there’s also a guy’s section, too. When looking at the clothes I liked I was worried I would be confused as to which size I should buy. Luckily that wasn’t the case. All the clothes have size charts, exact measurements for each size and include the stretchability. The description also mentions if the clothes run small or big. Ratings and comments of the clothes are also available, something I use often to guide me through my decision making. The best part about Romwe, besides the variety of styles and very cheap prices, are the
Photo coutesy of @romwe_fun Instagram
constant coupon deals and free shipping with a purchase over $9.90. Every day I receive new coupons and deals, and now that it’s November, the sales are incredible. After purchasing two sweaters, a plaid jacket, plaid pants and white sneakers with cute rain-
bows on them, I’ve concluded that the quality is indeed on a Walmart level. However, the fabric of the clothes has a breathable and soft texture and ranges from regular to light weight. The shoes run small though, I recommend
sizing up, but are nonetheless cute. Overall, the quality ranges from decent to pretty good, the site is easy on the eyes, the prices are great, and the clothes are stylish. I’m happy with my haul and I’d recommend giving Romwe a try.
Audacious grifters put on display in The Con ABC debuts new docuseries BrendaRiojas| Entertainment Editor
Photo coutesy of @abc2020 Instagram
ABC News recently debuted a new Primetime series, The Con. It’s narrated by The View moderator, Whoopi Goldberg. The series documents the stories of people who have committed the most unexpected cons. From people who have promised to re-
ACT RESPONSIBLY SOCIAL DISTANCING
SELF MONITOR
AVOID PARTIES
AVOID LARGE GATHERINGS
MASK UP
FOR MORE INFO VISIT HTTPS://WWW.TAMUK.EDU/RETURN/STUDENT.HTML
turn unmeasurable favors, identity fraud in the high-profile college admissions scandal to a Saudi Prince and the Fyre Festival. The series interviews the victims who give their sides of the stories, even the law enforcement are interviewed. The victims tell all and admit to being scammed. Each week a new con is featured. The stories each week are not breaking news stories, but stories that have been told before. One episode featured
an award-winning television producer and single mother, Benita Alexander, who was conned of her own wedding from a surgeon Paolo Macchiarini. This story was the topic in, He Lied About Everything, on ID Network in 2018. The episode that will discuss the Fyre Festival is also no secret to the world. Netflix features a documentary, FYRE: The Greatest Party That ever Happened, and shares real footage of the festival which ultimately
doesn’t happen. The stories in, The Con, are not essentially new but give more detail than recent shows or features on these stories. ABC features the victims and gives different perspectives on the stories. The cons themselves don’t get tell their side firsthand, but it’s the victims who tell the con’s side up until the moment they felt that they were actually being conned. The Con is aired every Wednesday night on ABC.
Ronni Reyna| News Editor news.editor@thesouthtexan.com
your Thanksgiving meal while knowing your exposure to COVID-19 is minimal. But as college students a two-week quarantine may not work as classes continue until Wednesday Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving. If you’d like to make your family’s celebration make sure you are social distancing, washing your hands and sanitizing often and continue to wear your mask in public spaces. The best way to spend Thanksgiving in the wake of COVID-19 would be with your immediate family only, your parents and siblings. Keep it small so that you know you are safe and protecting any older members of your family like grandparents and great aunts and uncles. It’s also been recommended that you dine outside. You obviously cannot wear a mask while eating your turkey
day meal, so preparing a table outside where there is constant air flow isn’t such a bad idea. Even if it’s just your aunt’s and uncle’s house, you need to take COVID-19 precautions and wear your mask and wash your hands while inside if you must be at a relative’s house. The same thing goes for Christmas - practice social distancing, avoid large family gatherings and wear your mask. Give the gift of safety and be thankful for health. We have a long way to go until COVID-19 becomes a thing of the past, so if you want to see Grandma and Grandpa next year for the holidays keep them safe this year, give them a call or just drive by their house and wave. Let’s stay safe this holiday season and celebrate at a distance. Stay safe and have a great holiday season.
How to adult: COVID and holidays Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays are just around the corner and as the temperature drops everyone gets excited to spend time with their loved ones, but this year, things will be a bit different. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic certain precautions are still set in place to slow the spread of the deadly virus. As cases in America start to increase, holiday plans need to be thought out and maybe even postponed this year. If you must celebrate with your extended family, here are a few things you need to consider. The CDC recommended a two-week quarantine starting Thursday, Nov. 12, in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday. This will help ensure that you and your family can enjoy
SPORTS
4
November 17, 2020
thesouthtexan.com
Javelina softball in five-game scrimmage series Blue and gold takes on intrasquad competition JacquelineBarrera| Sports Editor sports.editor@thesouthtexan.com
The Texas A&M University-Kingsville softball program began a five-game intrasquad scrimmage Monday, Nov. 9, at Vernie and Blanche Hubert Field. The scrimmage series was streamed live on the Javelina Sports Network presented by Mendoza’s Pharmacy and showed competitive action between both sides of the blue and gold. Pitcher Saidi Castillo
said intrasquad scrimmages are similar to gamedays. “As a team, we play scrimmages at a very competitive level, basically the same as an actual game. I think the only difference would be that we all know each other and how each one of us plays, which makes it harder to beat one another,” Castillo said. “I think this helps prepare us as a team for the season by seeing some live pitching and facing live batters. We try to run it and play like it’s a real game which benefits us since we didn’t get to have any fall games this year due to the global pandemic.” As the fall practice schedule is only weeks
away from ending, the Javelina softball program has high hopes for a successful season. Sophomore Jackie De Los Santos said the blue and gold aims to re-visit the World Series. “Our number one goal is to go to the World Series again. Since our season got canceled last year, we are even more hungry to re-visit that stage again. COVID-19 has prevented some of the team activities that we had in the past, so we have to make the extra effort to be welcoming and show our newcomers what it means to be a Javelina softball player,” De Los Santos said. “I want our newcomers to know that we are all in this together and if we
work hard, we can accomplish our team goal (World Series). Lastly, just like any player, I want to get better, be consistent, and help my team win. COVID-19 or no COVID-19 Javelina softball is out to win this season.” The blue and gold continues to practice with high levels of intensity. Catcher Matisen Onofrei said their team is anxious for spring. “I would absolutely love if as a team we didn’t lose a single game in the upcoming season but that is unrealistic. So, the next best thing is to go all the way and prove we are an amazing team by winning the women’s college World Series,” Onofrei said.
Javelina Athletics
Saidi Castillo throwing a fast ball.
Men’s basketball opens play early December Blue and gold set to begin games on Dec. 11 TyreseRoss| Reporter
From the beginning of the semester, nobody knew if college sports were going to be played. New rules were set, and requirements were given for everyone to follow. The A&M Kingsville men’s basketball team has been working nonstop to be prepared for when the time comes to play. The past two weeks have been tough on the athletes because they have had to quarantine due to COVID-19 positive test results. Monday, Nov. 9, was the first practice back, and athletes were told how this year’s schedule would look. A few teams in the Lone Star Conference opted out of the year. Teams will play each other back-to-back in the same week, instead of having teams play in different weeks. This will shorten the time period of the season, being that COVID-19 is still likely to end many seasons. The first official game
of the season is at home, on Dec. 11. “It is kind of unreal that we are playing because things will still be subject to change,” player Ellis Jones said. It didn’t take the Javelinas long to get back in rhythm from having two weeks off. “No excuses, just commitment” is the team’s motto and members have been showing what that means through all the adversity they have encountered. As for making sure the athletes are safe, there will be testing three times a week for COVID-19, ensuring players are eligible to play. “We are treating this year’s season like the NBA bubble,” player Ja Robertson said. “It is important all teams and staff stays safe.” Everything done off the floor will affect their season so they will be making the right choices, many of the team’s players said.“I can’t wait to just get the first game going regardless of the circumstances,’’ Derek Luna said. “We have overcome so much this season I know many programs are anxious to begin their season.” The wait is finally over. This year’s season will soon officially start. The women’s program will begin shortly following the men’s first home game of the season.
Javelina Athletics
Steven Bonuz making a run to third base.
Javelina baseball takes on Blue & Gold series Intrasquad games streamed live on Javelina Sports Network JacquelineBarrera| Sports Editor sports.editor@thesouthtexan.com
The Texas A&M University- Kingsville baseball program began intrasquad scrimmages Monday, Nov. 9, at Nolan Ryan Field and were streamed live on the Javelina Sports Network presented by Mendoza’s Pharmacy. With fall practice coming to an end, the Javelinas baseball team has continued to bring the
same energy to scrimmages as they would during an actual game. Senior outfielder Austin De Leon said it is important to remember there is always something on the line. “We do a great job as a team by bringing the same energy and momentum to a scrimmage as we would during an actual game. There is always something on the line during these scrimmages and it is important to remember and carry that mentality. I think that prepares us well enough for the spring season because we have already been in tough game-like situations,” De Leon said. Carrying a determined mindset is crucial going into spring play and allows newcomers this season to take ownership in their roles representing the blue and gold. Recruit Cole Williams said it did not take long to gather the right mentality this season. “If you take these scrimmages seriously and compete every chance you get, great things can and will translate directly to game days. The more ‘game like’ practice we get the better,” Williams said. “Intrasquads are a great way to prepare for the spring. I believe that all our guys are on the same page with the goals we have as a team. In the short time I have been here this fall I have been shown the pack
mentality and what it takes to win! Our ultimate goal as a team is to win.” As the Javelinas continue to prepare for spring season, the baseball program has set in place some outcome goals they hope to accomplish this year. Catcher Caleb Nash said success comes with competing in every game as if it was your last. “Our goals this year are the same as any other year: win a championship. To do this you have to compete every game and approach every series like it’s your last. Our goals this year are to win every series we play and win 25 of the 35 games we play,” Nash said. “We want to win the Conference tournament and then go on to Regionals so that we can take care of business
there before heading off to Cary, North Carolina, for the National Championship. We have an outstanding team this year and we expect big things from each one of our players in this program.” Many returning athletes hope to see the light of a national title. Junior Steven Bonuz said the end goal is to win as a team. “As a returning player, we ultimately want to win. Our goal is to play together and to play good clean baseball to give us a shot to win,” Bonuz said. “We have two seniors who were part of the 2018 World Series team and I think it would be cool to get them back there one more time.” The Javelinas will continue to prepare and look forward to the upcoming season this spring.
Seth Spinn rounding the bases on the field.
Javelina Athletics
November 17, 2020 thesouthtexan.com
Forum
5
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.” Our Opinion
Students’ COVID-19 battle Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges across the country have moved to online learning in order to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19. Students everywhere have had to adjust to the new method of learning, and for some the journey has been easier for others. There are many benefits to online learning, students can do their work at their own pace, it is convenient and there is no need for exposure to COVID-19. While many benefits present themselves in online learning, there are some down sides to it. Everyone has a different way of learning; some people can manage online and others cannot. Hands-on learners and combination students have and will have a harder time during the transition. Access to resources such as one-on-one time with professors or in-class examples and labs are difficult and at times not possible through the online format. Some universities are continuing to offer co-flex and in-person classes for the students who need to be in the classroom in order to fully comprehend and navigate course material giving them the opportunity to do so in a safe space while limiting the risk of COVID-19. For co-flex and in-person classes there are a limited number of students allowed to be in one classroom and COVID precautions such as social distancing and masks are a requirement for each room. For the students within the co-flex and in-person classes the real adjustment comes after the Thanksgiving break when all classes will be held online until the end of the semester. The battle of online learning may continue for students throughout the spring semester as COVID-19 cases continue to rise throughout the U.S. Students will need to learn how to properly use all the resources available online in order to use class information to its fullest extent. The continuing journey of online studies won’t be easy for some students but in order to get back in the classroom we need to follow COVID-19 precautions to keep our community safe. If life in a classroom exists, we must fight for the chance to get back in it. It’s up to students to take on that fight and surpass the battle of COVID-19 and take our classrooms back.
How to break procrastination
Procrastination is an art – the ability to tackle meaningless tasks over a more important task is truly an unremarkable gift just about evGabriella eryone Mastroianni holds. Reporter And with finals approaching, this ability to put off studying and homework intensifies. However, in order to complete our homework in time and with good quality, lower our stress levels and fully prepare ourselves for exams, how do we break our
procrastination streak? According to Mindtools.com, a website aimed to inform people on essential skills, there are three steps to stop procrastination. First, recognize that you’re procrastinating and why. You may be putting off the most important tasks by doing small, insignificant jobs like adjusting the A/C, making coffee, swearing that it’ll help you concentrate and finding other things to do to distract yourself. Second, ask yourself why are you doing this? It may be because the most important job feels daunting and may be causing you stress, and by putting it
off you’re avoiding the overwhelming feeling. Another possibility is that the task may not be interesting to you, so you distract yourself with something more enjoyable. Organizing, planning and prioritizing out deadlines can help ease the overwhelming feeling. Third, try different strategies to break this bad habit. Like most bad habits, you won’t be able to break it overnight. In order to stop procrastinating, you will have to practice these strategies: forgiveness, rewards, commitment, eliminate distractions and tackle tasks as soon as they appear. Forgive yourself for procrastinating, doing so
can help you feel positive and optimistic about doing the tasks. Make sure to reward yourself after finishing the task and recognize how good it feels to finish things on time. Commit to the task, hype yourself up and write down what exactly you need to do. Turn off your social media notifications or let your friends know that you’ll be busy, this will help eliminate distractions. And finally, do the tasks as soon as you received them that way they don’t build up. It’ll take time and effort to break the habit of procrastination, but the results will be rewarding.
Black Friday and counting packages With Black Friday approaching, some stores have alr e a d y started marking d o w n items. Black Friday is usuBrenda ally the Riojas Entertainment day after Editor Thanksgiving, but with more online deals some stores have already gotten a head start. Having a head start only leaves curios-
ity of what to expect for Christmas from my parents. My parents have already started their online shopping and with most of my classes being virtual, it means I get to be home more often. I’ve already been home when a few packages have arrived, I even had to sign for one package. I carefully shake the boxes to try to guess what’s been ordered. Until Black Friday and especially Christmas I will be guessing what’s in each package and counting how many get delivered.
The past few years on Thanksgiving Day my family usually brings all of their Black Friday newspaper advertisements and we tell each other what we’re buying and what stores we plan on going to that night or the next day. As I reminisce on the anticipated Black Friday deals, I don’t feel the same excitement buying items online. Securing deals online, which I’ve already started doing isn’t the same as unexpectedly running into your friend at the store trying
to buy the same item. You both feel relieved that you got the item and hold it so tightly until you’re at the checkout line. The morning after Christmas I usually receive a present from my parents because they were trying to hide it from me after Black Friday. This year, that won’t be the case. I’m going to make sure the number of packages that get delivered add up to how many end up under the tree. I guess online Black Friday deals are really a deal breaker for me.
As I scratch fresh ink across the lines of this paper, a live oak older than the r a n c h i t s e l f drums one of its newest members across the rivets DylanDozier and tin Managing Editor overhead, screeching out the soundtrack to an indifferent sort of melancholy. A stag roars lonely in a midnight sendero and the nopalito wind laments through the screen door, but a welltrained ear could no better hear the sound of silence droning off the walls of this empty ranch house. If I were luckless,
I might succumb to feelings of loneliness, but I am fortunate to be tuned into the songs and stories imprinted in the walls and counters and mattresses and floors of this house. The trophy-laden walls sing the songs of three generations of hunters. Men who turned to the land when the freezer was barren. Flushed coveys in mesquite-lined drainages and long, sepia draws beat their wings until the ensemble of shotguns cease their songs. Brush breaks behind a blood trail through the black of night towards a warm heap of future meals. Lessons passed from man to man about how to hone a blade and tote a gun, how to kill and how to care.If I listen closer,
atop the counter cries a young, brown-eyed boy bloodied by blue brush and prickly-pear cactus. A motherly voice whispers, “Wipe away the tears. Thorns only kill ya’ if ya’ don’t take ’em out, but once they’re out, you’re stronger.” Coffee drips before the rooster crows. A wooden pin rolls out tortillas. The sizzle of venison frying in the skillet. The crackle of an FM station. A husband and wife kick across the kitchen to some old country song. Mothers, brothers, lovers, friends and kin hoot, holler, cackle and cry in the spirit of love and good fellowship.They’re beautiful tunes. I know I’m not the only one that can hear them because when I brought her here,
she could hear them, too. And it’s too bad I have to hear the bittersweet songs she left behind. Ruby Woo lips whisper, “Yes.” The faintest patter of clothes hitting the floor. Syncopated sighs and breaths and the creaks of old mattress springs. The whispering of secret dreams and the sounds of two asleep, waking as one. All of her songs repeat until the following fall. Just some weeks ago, the rooster crows. Hardwood creaks across the room and down the hall. The screen door slams and an engine starts. That’s the last I hear of her. I lie on my back and listen to these things as my day on the ranch fades to black.
Triple-E Ranch Journal number 17
Dylan Dozier Managing Editor managing.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Reporters Sarah Reyna Gabriella Mastroianni Dylan Sanchez
Ronni Reyna News Editor news.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Nicole Perez Morris Adviser nicole.morris@thesouthtexan.com
Calista Reyes The South Texan is a student
Campus Editor
publication produced by Texas A&M
Advertising
campus.editor@thesouthtexan.com
For advertising inquiries, e-mail The South Texan at advertising.manager @thesouthtexan.com or call (361) 593-4370.
University- Kingsville students. The views, opinions and commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the
Brenda Riojas
Texas A&M University system. The
Entertainment Editor
South Texan uses student fees in part
entertainment.editor@thesouthtexan.com
to publish. The South Texan is part of the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT) and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).
STAFF Aryssa Enriquez Editor-in-Chief chief.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Jakki Barrera Sports Editor sports.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Jaylin Morales Advertising Manager advertising.manager@thesouthtexan.com
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 chief.editor@thesouthtexan.com The South Texan, Manning Hall 165, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas 78363
News
6
November 17, 2020
thesouthtexan.com
Untitled I-Dakota Unterbrink
Give Life-Erica Lin Vargas
Flower-Julia R. Velasco
Lilly-Mabel Garza
The Silent Collapse-Victoria Cavazos
Lophiiformes; Evolution-Marlin Anderson