Sept. 1, 2020

TheSouthTexan!"#$ Texas A &M University-Kingsville Award-Winning Student Publication Tuesday, September 1, 2020

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As the first week of the fall semester came to a close, faculty and students said it was a hectic, but safe week.

school 316 tests were ad-

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@thesouthtexan

ministered. For the week of Aug. 23, there are 10 active student cases, seven of which are on campus; !"##$%!&'#( | !"#$%&'()*+

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four of which are on campus; and three third-party contractors all of whom were on campus.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville started its classes Monday, Aug. 24.

Precautions were set in place to protect students, Before students started class, TAMUK required COVID-19 training to be complete. Student training included practices of wearing masks, social distancing and hygiene care. pleted the training.

“It was a little, you know,chaotic,” UNIV and

Vol. 95 Issue 1

French instructor Svetlana week, “but I think it went ple of days were hard but I think, you know, we will get it eventually.”

Students and faculty are encouraged to take precautions to lower the risk and spread of COVID-19. and faculty.

“I do feel safe being back on campus,” Singer said. “I eat outside, I don’t

dents including online,

to drink outside. I wear

students who do not feel safe returning to campus a viable option to educa-

masks in my classes and I also make sure students do. I ask them to wear it properly and you still need to be careful, but I feel ok; I don’t feel too scared.”

TAMUK offered different class types for stu-

help prevent the spread

in person and online class days so students can experience both education practices while following !""#45.67*&+,&-

Marching to their beats

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On Aug. 7, students reof Lucio Hall received an email about maintenance issues regarding the updating and installation of The scheduled system update called for work to

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Aryssa Enriquez

Melissa Perales leading the color guard during rehearsal outside of the Health and Recreation building Wednesday afternoon.

The clicking and intense sound of the drumline echoes down Engineering Avenue as the Javelina Marching Band prepares

to COVID- 19 and Hurricane Hannah, shipments including equipment and materials were delayed over the summer.

Floors one to three were ready for move in before the start of the semester, mains incomplete for stu!""#!"#$%&'())*&+,&-

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

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

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

Aryssa Enriquez

Pictured (l-r) are Meaghan Trevino and Eli De La Rosa, front ensemble practicing their marimbas outside Sam Fore Hall.

for its annual show. Meticulously studying the beat rhythms, the drumline sets the tempo for the rest of the band.

Many students were disappointed their marching season was shut down abruptly in the Spring because of COVID-19, so they now are eager for the opportunity to perform as a group with precautions in place.

“As a student, it is comforting knowing we can come together to make a sound again. In the Spring a lot of our shows got cut that we are able to produce an ensemble sound. Even if we are six feet apart, it is still better than nothing,” Drum Major Carlos Navarro said.

The Javelina Marching Band and Color Guard are stepping outside their norm as they embrace a new approach to marching season.

With a hold on sports, the Javelina Marching Band decided to showcase their pride by creating a virtual show, focusing on the basics of marching band and collaborating with MJM Works.

The collaboration between the Javelina Marching Band and MJM Works consists of a variety of musical movements ranging from The Greatest Showman to classical music to be featured on the MJM Works website, https://www.mjmworks.com.

“One of our main focuses is to teach students ‘how to do’ marching band as opposed to doing marching band. We are working a lot on teaching techniques in conjunction with MJM Works. MJM enables us to connect with a larger audience and reach new people who may not be familiar with The Javelina Marching Band. Instead of hearing a computerized sound, people will be able to listen to us, and that’s very exciting,” Associate Director of Bands Dr. George Schrader said.

The visuals and creativity found every Saturday night at the football stadium resonates within the spirit of Javelina Nation.

But, the famous Jalisco will continue to be played all over campus by a PEP band to restore some normalcy and encourage students to keep striving !""#.$/0"()&12%3*&+,&-

Kingsville Record, SouthTexan declare historic partnership Escaping reality for a little while during this strange time just got a whole lot easier. The Book Nook is the latest addition to the SUB and makes grabbing a good story quick and easy for all on campus.

The idea was introduced

by Student Activities Assistant Director Loreal Robertson.

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The Kingsville Record and the Texas A&M-Kingsville South Texan student newspaper are making news of their own as the two have launched an historic collaboration.

The two newspapers have tentatively agreed to share relevant stories and work on joint projects that ty.

The new partnership between the storied Kingsville Record and the award-winning South Texan promises to incorporate more university events

and news in The Kingsville Record and in turn, more community events and meeting coverage will appear in The South Texan.

In addition, the two newspaper entities have reached a pending joint selling agreement allowing The Record to sell advertising into The South Texan and vice versa, proving additional exposure to local and area businesses.

“The world of journalism is constantly changing, but the importance of the role journalists play in their communities has not.

To maximize our resources and to provide more real-world experience for our students, this groundbreaking collaboration between our student newspaper, The South Texan, and The Kingsville Record

versity, but the community as well. The community will now have access to print news twice a week,” Nicole Perez Morris, lecturer and faculty adviser of The South Texan, said.

Students gaining more hands-on experience is an “I look forward to the development of a unique relationship between The Kingsville Record and The South Texan our students more opportunities to gain experience outside of the classroom,” said Chair of the Art, Communication & Theatre Department Todd Lucas. The collaboration is truly groundbreaking.

“This is a major agreement and accomplishment,’’ said Kingsville Re-

cord Editor and Publisher Terry Fitzwater. “I have checked with a couple of statewide newspaper associations and discovered this type of joint selling and news sharing arrangement with a local newspaper and student newspaper has never happened before.

“There have been elements, but nothing of this magnitude. I am excited to be a part of making Texas newspaper publishing history. Furthermore, it is time for the community to fully embrace the University, its resources and its talents in order for our community to evolve and prosper.”

Student journalists appreciate the opportunity to have their articles published in The Record.

“The South Texan editors, reporters and I are looking forward to this collaboration,” The South Texan Editor-in-Chief Aryssa Enriquez said.

“Reporting on the university and now the community allows journalism majors and student interested in journalism to expand their portfolios and experience.” of this groundbreaking collaboration can be found in last week’s edition of The South Texan and Kingsville Record as both papers participated in selling a Welcome Javelinas! edition.

The welcome back edition was distributed campus-wide and throughout Kingsville at many local retail outlets and eateries.

Campus

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September 1, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

Now is the time to consider study abroad Trips to resume when travel OK’ed !"#$%&"'()*)%'|Campus Edito! !"#$%&'()*+,-.+/(&,%+/+(0"1'2,#

The study abroad program came to a screeching halt when the COVID-19 pandemic initially broke out.

Many students who had planned trips for a very long time saw their plans disappear as travel was cancelled.

However, the study abroad program is still very much up and running even though travel cannot happen just yet.

University leaders hope that by Fall 2021 travel restrictions will have eased. for the future of study abroad programming as there is still a strong interest from both students and faculty wanting to include a study abroad experience during their time at Texas A&M

Kingsville,” Associate Vice President for AcGoswami said.

“Though there are limitations due to the pandemic for the immediate continued working on providing opportunities through our faculty-led, student exchange and independent study abroad programs starting Fall 2021 and beyond.”

When traveling will be safe again is still a big question as it does not just depend of the mandates on TAMUK, but that of the foreign countries to which students will be traveling.

“While there are multiple factors that will be taken into consideration prior to resuming international travel for study abroad programming, that by summer 2021 current travel restrictions in-place due to the pandemic will be lifted,” Goswami said.

Students that had

planned to take a trip were given an option to reschedule or cancel.

“Some countries, including our own, were not allowing international travel, so the university had to comply with the mandates. We were bummed,understood, but we had the choice to push our trip to next year, or cancel completely. What was really nice, is any money we put in could get refunded or kept for a trip next year,” student Erica Ginnett said.

Goswami encourages students to look into the program during this pause.

“Right now is actually the best time for students to reach out to our interest in attending a future program. It is always recommended to start the planning stage as early as possible and by doing so, that allows plenty of time for a student to complete the required procedures relat-

Graphic by Ronni Reyna

ed to the study abroad program option they are interested in attending.

“Students are encouraged to set-up a virtual advising appointment with our Program Coordinator, Nicolette Dacke, account to initiate this step,” Goswami said.

After students make arrangements and schedule a trip, it becomes a waiting game

until travel restrictions are lifted.

“No travel is 100 percent safe from illnesses.

My husband was also going to go to Paris with me, and we have already told Study Abroad we would be going May 2021…Our faculty leader worked really hard to make things as seamless as possible.

“Nicolette was also accommodating, which

is always nice. We expect the trip to go smoothly next spring,” Ginnett said.

Students can follow @TAMUKStudyAbroad on Facebook, @TAMUKAbroad on Instagram and @TAMUKAbroad on Twitter or visit the webpage at www.tamuk.edu/ studyabroad for the latest updates regarding the study abroad program.

Miller named Piper Professor TAMUK psycology professor one of 10 in Texas to recieve award +,)-."'($/0"%| "#$%!$&'#(%#$)"*'$+!

QUOTABLE

‘This award is particularly special in that it is all about teaching, which is my enduring passion,’

– Dr. Richard Miller

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Psychology professor Dr. Richard Miller is one of 10 professors in the state this year to be named a Piper Professor.

The Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation selects 10 professors and awards them with the recognition of Piper Professors.

Their focus is to recognize primarily postsecondary educators in Texas. Each college may submit up to two candidates to be selected.

The foundation selects 10 Piper Professors each year for their superior teaching at a college, according to the University of Texas at Austin.

Miller has received countless awards in the past for his work in education, but this one is special.

“In the past, I have earned awards for scholarship and service as well as teaching. This award is particularly special in that it is all about teaching, which is my enduring passion,” Miller said.

Miller is the sixth professor at Texas A&I/ Texas A&M University-Kingsville to earn the award in university history.

“To be TAMUK’s nominee for this award was an honor itself and to actually receive the award is both thrilling and humbling, especially since it is for teaching.

“I am proud to have been recognized for the services provided to this state, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, my discipline and more im-

portantly, my students past, present and future.

They are the reason that we do what we do and they remain our greatest asset,” Miller said.

Miller has been head of the psychology department and teaching at Texas A&M University-Kingsville since 2014.

He’s been a professor since 1972 and says he regularly attends teaching conferences to improve his pedagogical skills.

“My teaching philosophy is really well captured in this quote

by Charlene Szumilas [Principal, Holy Trinity High School, Chicago] who said: ‘We hope that during their time with us, our students gain an understanding of what it takes to live a worthy life.

‘That they understand what injustice is and will work to correct it. That when they see those less fortunate, they assist them. That they reach out to others in need even when they them-

selves are struggling.

That they give generously of themselves and their talents.

‘Above all, we hope that they help those with whom they come into contact to see the value

of an educated heart,’” Miller said.

Miller’s enduring passion is teaching and he hopes his students come to wonder about the “why” behind what we know.

EntErtainmEnt

September 1, 2020 thesouthtexan.com

3

CAB event held in SUB !"##$%!&'#(%| !"#$%&'()*+ !"#$%"&'()*+(,"$)-(,("./!%0)1

Students lined up with masks and socks, strapped on their skates, danced and often times fell to the music as the Campus Activities major event of the semester.

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, the CAB hosted a Roller Derby event in the MSUB Ballrooms their roller-skating skills, have a snack and enjoy being back on campus.

“Roller Derby was actually an event that we had planned for a while,” President of CAB Lizzetty Lara said.

“We’ve done this event before in the past, so we’ve already had experience with running this kind of event I think it was about two years ago.

“At the beginning of each semester we like to host a bigger evening

event,” Lara continued.

“Last semester we held the Glowcade event; the semester before we held the foam party so this semester was roller derby.

We got the idea from the National Association of Campus Activities.”

Cytlaly Reyes was a student who attended the Roller Derby event.

“Yes, I’m super excited” she said about being back on campus and attending events.

The CAB took measures to help prevent the

spread of COVID-19 by requiring all students to wear masks, having sanitary measures in place and limiting the number of entrances and exits to the event.

“We have been through COVID trainings and protocols to ensure our events are as safe as possible,” PR Coordinator for CAB Erin Landin said. is stressful during any year, but the outcomes of

Ronni Reyna

Left, students were wearing masks as they set up the roller derby event sponsored by CAB last week and held in the Student Union Building. Above, students skated to music during the event.

all the stress.

“I trust that the university is doing everything [it] can in these times to ensure we stay safe,” she continued.

While taking measures to protect students the CAB is also prepared to continue hosting events if campus were to close for remote learning.

“It takes a lot more planning and consideration when coming up with these events to make sure everyone that participates is safe and is healthy and can fully participate,” Lara said.

“I’m really hopefully we are able to have more events in the coming se-

mester,” Lara continued,

that the university does decide to go completely online and continue with remote learning the CAB is for sure coming up with ideas to make sure we are still able to reach out to students and get them involved virtually.”

OSA makes plans with safety in mind )(*$+,(%!&'&+%| ,-./0$%&'()*+ 0/12-$%"&'()*+(,"$)-(,("./!%0)1

With COVID-19 cases still rising, the university’s Student Activities is working to create fun, yet safe events for students this semester.

“In these uncertain times the TAMUK Campus Activities Board (CAB) is still dedicatengaging activities and events that allow them to have the full Javelina experience while also being able to connect with students from all around campus,” CAB Secretary Eve Schrader said.

There was only one

in-person event scheduled for August as they have to be carefully planned around social distancing rules. Some events that have been hosted so far are Javelina luncheon, virtual trivia nights, Jav-A-Question, Welcome Back Bash, roller derby and a virtual concert.

Some of the safety precautions being taken are holding events in larger spaces, outdoors and having QR codes that students can scan.

Events are currently being planned bi-weekly for the semester.

Some upcoming events include: 8:30 p.m., Sept.

3, Javelina Dining Hall,

Late Night Breakfast; 4 to 7 p.m., Sept. 9, virtual Student Organization fair (www.tamuk.edu/osa/ s t u d e n t o rg a n i z a t i o n s ) ; and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 15, Pavilion, His“We take safety as our priority for all our events and as such we are trying to host events in larger indoor spaces as well as outdoor spaces as possible,” Schrader said. “For indoor events we have individuals scanning QR codes for contact tracing as exhibited with all in-person classes on campus, ensuring masks are worn at all times, providing sanitation supplies and

hand sanitizer, as well as social distancing practices are enforced.”

Although there are many virtual events to participate in it is only natural for students to prefer in person events as they are a huge part of the college experience.

“I prefer in person much better than virtual because I am not good with technology and in person makes me feel more involved,” freshman Isabella Perego said.

Student Activities is open to hearing ideas students have regarding safe activities.

“I encourage students

to do what they feel is best for their own safety. Student Activities invites students to share any ideas they may have or would like to see in regards to their engagement during this unprecedented time,” Student Activities Director Loreal Robertson said.

Perego said she appremade to keep students safe.

“I feel safe and I understand that the restrictions are for our safety, and I’m just glad I get to experience some of the college life and get to be on campus,” Perego said.

Members of CAB also

understand that while there are some students who feel comfortable attending in-person events there may be some who are reluctant.

“We all understand our students may have concerns or be reluctant in attending our in-person events which we want to convey are valid, but we want students to know that we are taking their safety as our top priority and taking all safety measures available,” Schrader said.

To keep with up with events that are being scheduled, follow @tamukcab on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

SportS

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September 1, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

LSC cancels Fall 2020 competition Certain sports permitted to continue their fall season !"#$%&'()&*+",,&,"*| !"#$%&'()*%#$ !"#$%!&'()*%#$+%,(!#-%,%(./0&1#2

Fall competition for 2020 will be postponed due to the challenges of COVID-19.

The Lone Star Conference Council of Presidents made the decision as of Aug. 7 and followed with the cancelation of the NCAA Division II Fall 2020 Championships.

Javelina cross country, golf and tennis teams were given permission to continue with their seasons, but they must follow extensive pro-

tocols, as each team is viewed as low contact risk sports.

Steve Roach, executive director of athletics and campus recreation, speaks openly about the challenges COVID-19 has brought.

“As with everything else this pandemic has created, it has been a real challenge,” Roach said.

“We are currently work-

ing as a conference to develop spring competition schedules for these sport programs.”

Coaches do not feel the decision to postpone fall competition was ideal, but understand everyone’s health is the main priority.

Mike Salinas, head football coach, weighed in on the conference’s decision.

“This decision to cancel fall competition for football was not ideal and was disappointing to share with our players,” Salinas told Javelina Athletics.

Tanya Allen, head women’s volleyball Coach, feels similar about the decision.

“We are trying to remain positive and focus on using this time to

grow our team,” Allen said. “The unknown, the lack of control, and the disruption to daily roueveryone on campus.”

In moving forward, the Lone Star Conference and NCAA Board of Governors will continue to determine what is best for the safety of their student-athletes, coaches

Scholarships remain in place despite pandemic Javelina athletes continue to overcome viral challenges !"#$%&'()&*+",,&,"*| !"#$%&'()*%#$ !"#$%!&'()*%#$+%,(!#-%,%(./0&1#2

Javelina Athletics Football and Volleyball play have been moved to the Spring semester.

TAMUK Athletes React to COVID-19 pandemic Javelinas put their best foot forward as they face virus !"#$%&'()&*+",,&,"*| !"#$%&'()*%#$ !"#$%!&'()*%#$+%,(!#-%,%(./0&1#2

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lone Star Conference has decided fall competition.

Javelina football, basketball and volleyball will begin their seasons in Spring 2021. As the remaining athletes in cross country, golf and tennis will likely begin competing this fall.

Lauren Kadilis, a returning setter for the women’s volleyball team, remains hopeful for the months to come.

“It is disappointing to not be allowed to do something that you have done your entire life,” Kadilis said. “It is never easy to hear that our

team may never practice, let alone play again.

We will take this time to connect and become stronger as one team, one family.”

As many athletes are left to deal with the unknown, several will continue to practice and compete at the collegiate level this fall. Katie Habib, a Corpus Christi native, will return to Javelina Nation and compete as a sophomore for the women’s golf team.

As the Lone Star Conference has allowed golf to remain in season, Habib is very excited to get back in action.

“The Conference has allowed golf to continue due to it being a low risk contact sport. As a team, we are excited to get the new year started,” Habib said.

“If this golf season goes as planned, it will be very interesting. The only form of contact will happen as we exchange scorecards. There are

going to be changes in sports for quite a while, but we will get through it as a team.”

Athletic teams that were granted permission to compete this fall are grateful for the decision made by the LSC. Mikel Escobar, an athlete on the men’s cross country team, feels that COVID-19 may only affect the experience and not the conditioning.

“As a cross country athlete, I believe many of us understand that our training may have to be done alone,” Escobar said. “I will continue to be mindful and cautious of my surroundings, but I am glad our season is up and running.

Our team bonding may not seem so strong, as

As the Lone Star Conponed fall competition for football and volleyball teams, athletic scholarships were sorted in a new manner.

Steve Roach, executive director of athletics and campus recreation, ensures that athletic scholarships will stand for any student-athlete who had an athletic aid agreement.

“Student athletes will continue to receive their scholarships, along with

new signees who have made an athletic aid agreement,” Roach said.

“As challenging as times have been, we are fortunate to have strong leadership in our coachour student-athlete population; they have responded very well to all issues.”

All student athletes will have the option to participate in workouts and practices.

Tanya Allen, head women’s volleyball coach, spoke on behalf of all student athletes who will have the right to choose whether they would like to attend conditioning.

“Athletes will not lose their scholarship for any COVID related reasons,” Allen said. “Athletes will have the option to

opt out of practices and workouts, if they are afraid of catching the virus, while still having their scholarship protected.”

Although athletic scholarships will remain in place, all coaches feel that the safety of their student-athletes should be their number one concern.

Mike Salinas, head football coach, feels heartbroken knowing this season would have been his debut as head coach for the Javelinas.

“Our priority is to take great care of our student athletes,” Salinas told Javelina Athletics.

“The health and safety of our players, coachalways be our utmost concern.”

ACT RESPONSIBLY SOCIAL DISTANCING

experience for new athletes.”

All athletic teams will continue to persevere through these trying times and prepare for competition.

SELF MONITOR

AVOID PARTIES

AVOID LARGE GATHERINGS

MASK UP

FOR MORE INFO VISIT HTTPS://WWW.TAMUK.EDU/RETURN/STUDENT.HTML

Forum

September 1, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

5

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.”

Our Opinion

Do your part Javelinas

Stream of consciousness That’s what I want to

This is an incredible, and frightening, time in which we are living.

As the number of people who have fallen victim and succumbed to COVID-19 continues to rise, it is up to us to ensure there is not an outbreak on the Texas A&M University-Kingsville campus.

College is a time to express yourself, to try new things, challenge norms, make new friends and discover who you are. Under normal circumstances, we would be joining clubs, meeting in all classes face-to-face, gofootball game, cheering on the marching band and so much more.

COVID-19 has stolen that from the class of despair. Your time will come.Only if we are mature and smart with our actions today can we ensure we have a normal tomorrow.

As universities across the country contin-

that I’m fast enough and versatile and I can fluctuate within the conany situation !"#$%&!'()*+ thrown at !"#"$%#$& '(%)*+ me. It’s the little thoughts of not knowing that keep us from reaching our full potential.

Everyone wants to slow down and think but there’s no need for that.

Our brain is so powerful and so adaptable and crammed with information that we will never know what is in there collecting dust. I’m doing better about trusting that instinct and locking in. I perform better that way. Everyone performs better that way. I have to realize my full potential so that others will be inspired to do the same.

If you want to be an inspiration then you have

to live a life that inspires others to do the same. and get into the game.

Everyone is waiting for an invitation or motivation and the truth is they have all the tools and inspiration to get after it. If they would trust their own ambition a rocket. I’m honestly kind of amazed at how clear these thoughts are.

They may not melt perfectly together but they are much clearer and still as rapid as the ones I had yesterday when I got after those three-thousand words.

It was a nice exercise but at the end of the day it was pure word vomit.

This is a little more cohesive and it feels better doing it this way. Maybe it’s the keyboard. I feel more at home typing on my personal computer than the one on the work desk. I doubt it.

I think over the past week I’ve been collecting my thoughts better than

before and channeling things in a positive way.

I know the reason but for now I’ll keep it to myself.

I hate to admit that I’m playing a game. I don’t want to play a game. I want things to be real and authentic.

Authenticity seems like an inauthentic ideal that I’ve latched on to.

But I do think it is a vital part of being happy.

You can’t act upon the opinions of others unless they are directly in line with your truth. Not everyone is going to agree with your decisions but you are the one that will have to live with them.

And you have to keep reminding yourself of this.

Every day. If she likes you then so be it, if she hates you then so be it.

If they want to be your friend and give you business or give you love then yay. Be happy about it but if they don’t, be happy about it, too.

You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life anyways. Being real is

accepting that things are not always great and sometimes you’re going to feel like a piece of crap but you have to get a hold of those feel-

way to put a positive spin on them. I’m doing better about that. I honestly laugh at myself when this happens.

Because I realize that I’m on my way to being overwhelmed and then it clicks that life is still going to go on and more opportunities are going to rise and I’m going to be happy very soon.

Keep doing the work.

Get after it and give this thing everything you have.

Set the bar high and keep doing what it takes to get up there, and when you get there, keep pushing it higher.

The work is never done.

When the work dies, so do you.

There is always a bigger reason to keep pushing forward.

ue to close because of COVID-19 outbreaks, let’s show the state, nation and world the teLet’s not become another story of a university that had to shutter and go solely online. tion – united, strong, intelligent, caring. Now is the time to step outside our comfort zone Taking advantage of the ability to virtually connect with others will help create a long-lasting college experience. We need to check in on one another. This is the time to in life before they are gone. Yes, we all want to attend events normally or go to a party; we all want normalcy. But, let’s be patient.

Online classes best choice for some students Being a physically disabled individual during a global pandemic is not easy.

Along with many others, we are at a higher risk for developing ,$+$-&&.*"%$ COVID-19 ,-.*+)-+ due to the underlying medical conditions we have.

While I have opted out of face-to-face classes and decided to take my classes online, other students are continuing to study in person.

Physically disabled students continuing

their face-to-face classes are having to make abrupt changes. Student Leslie Cariaga is having to make adjustments for her classes. “I already knew where my classes were, along with knowing they all had easy access for me to enter them,” she said. “Some of them have been moved due to COVID, so now I have to make sure these buildings are accessible for me.”

While this may not be the case for everyone else, it is still challenging having to make rapid adjustments in order to make sure the buildings our classes are being

held in are accommodated for us.

However, deciding to take my classes fully online was an easy choice.

Due to medical conditions I have, I am at a high risk for developing the virus, so logically it is best if I stay away from people. Taking my classes online will give me the opportunity to stay home and social distance.

Because I am doing my classes online, it prevents me from having to travel as much as I would for face-to-face classes, which results in less possible exposure to COVID. Taking online

classes will also ensure that I will not need to make sure the buildings are accessible for me, though most here on campus are; everything will be virtual.

While these past six months have been rough on everybody, we have all been doing our best to stay safe and cope with the pandemic. Practicing social distancing along with proper sanitation and hygiene will aid in lessening your chance of developing COVID. With this being said, I hope everyone stays safe, healthy, and has a great semester at TAMUK!

The time will come for a traditional college experience. But now is the time to be safe. Wear your mask, follow guidelines on campus and in the dorms, stay six feet apart and if you feel sick, quarantine and schedule a test. The only way we can beat this is by Nation. Together we are Strong. Together we can beat COVID-19 at TAMUK.

Letter to the editor: Music for wealthy elites Here is a list of four songs that the wealthy elites and corporations need to listen to and connect with in order to help them become more humane.

Hopefully they will be able to see hear and feel what most of us see hear and feel when we hear

these songs: 1. 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton 2. Busted by John Conlee.

3. Another day in paradise by Phil Collins.

4. Man in the mirror by Michael Jackson.

I hope everyone will listen to the songs on youtube.com and become

Twitter Poll of the Week

more compassionate and understanding about life. We don’t need the lie, cheat, rig, steal and trick systems of the U. S. Corporation Kings to push the rest of us around. If they don’t change their bad habits dictions, then songs like

Dylan Dozier Managing Editor

Ronni Reyna News Editor

The South Texan is a student

SOS by The Glorious Sons will become very popular.

I encourage everyone to question everything every day and never stop learning.

Tomas Cantu, an economic researcher

Reporters Sarah Reyna Gabriella Mastroianni Nicole Perez Morris Adviser

Calista Reyes

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September 1, 2020

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Aryssa Enriquez

Students conduct their studies behind protective masks.

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safety guidelines.

There were some technology difficulties for some at the start of the semester.

Geoscience professor Richard Parker started nical complications and internet problems.

“I’ve been locked out of the system because of the wrong password trying to log in too many times incorrectly and it locked me out of the system,” he said. “It’s just been a nightmare all week. The best thing about it is the students; they understand what’s going on.”

Parker went on to say that students are following protocols.

“I don’t have any proband taking all the protec-

tions. You’ve got hand sanitizers everywhere and the students are doing what they need to be doing,” Parker said.

Marianna Trevino, a kinesiology pre-physical therapy student, said her and better that she had expected.

“I feel like they have put in the necessary precautions and it is just really a matter of if the students do what they’re told, but personally I do feel safe,” Trevino said.

Masks and social distancing are required inside all buildings on TAMUK. “I’m only here two days a week and when I do it’s ing and masks and general protocol, so it’s not too bad,” Zach Mayo, a School of Pharmacy student, said.

Ronni Reyna

Parts of Lucio Hall are yet to open due to an out-of-date fire system.

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dent habitation, leaving some students in a temporary living situation.

“We’re not charging any student until they move, so there is a chance they will get a refund or credit,” Executive Director of Housing Thomas Martin said.

Housing provided three options for students rewith the estimated completion date of Sept. 13 Students could stay home until their rooms were ready to be occupied with no room charge and an adjustment to their account, they could accept temporary housing in Turner-Bishop Hall with private rooms and no extra charge or they could seek housing accommodations of their own and be released from their housing contract.

“I’m upset about Lucio

not being ready and having to live in Bishop, but I understand that it’s not ready and will be soon,” one student said*.

Martin is understanding about the students’ situation.

“I’ve got my own estimate, and I walk the halls every day with my facility guy to get an idea of when it will be done,” Martin said.

“We’re going to try and provide students help and spread out move-in over several days to space it out and make it easy and safe.”

Some students were initially disappointed about having to reside in Turner-Bishop. it, but I’m okay with it now that I’ve settled in and gotten used to it,” a second student said. * Editor’s Note: In order to protect student privacy names are omitted.

Aryssa Enriquez

Javelina Marching Band drumline practicing Wednesday afternoon in front of the tennis courts. !"#$%&'()*+,-(.#+/(0&12(3

The marching band takes this opportunity as a learning experience and a chance to expand their -

ent demographics through their collaboration.

“This year is a great opportunity for us to grow as musicians. We are working on a project with MJM ent schools to hear our

band. I think that gives year as a great moment to get our name out there as an organization,” Kevin Perez, drum major, said.

As the sun sets down

and the night’s fresh air mingles with the sound of music, The Javelina Marching Band reminds its members of the opportunities they’ve gained due to COVID-19 and the opportunity for growth.