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THURSDAY, DEC. 7, 2023 VOLUME 98 ISSUE 5

Wrapping up Centennial year

Page 2 thursday, dec. 7, 2023

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NEWS

SEASONAL

Festive options offered in Lubbock

By KAYLA STONE Staff Writer

As the holiday season begins to take form, Lubbock offers many festive opportunities for students staying in town over the winter break.

“I would say Lubbock is a great place to call home for holidays,” said Maggi Gallaspy, Visit Lubbock’s marketing and communications coordinator. “I think there’s a sense of warmth in the community and a desire to just come together.”

Adventure Park’s Christmas in the Park event is available to the community, Gallaspy said. Christmas in the Park features light displays, s’mores, hot chocolate and an ice skating rink, along with the park’s typical list of attractions.

Christmas in the Park will be hosted every Friday and Saturday from Dec. 8-23.

“I think that’s an event a lot of people don’t really know that we have in Lub-

bock,” Gallaspy said. “So that’s cool.”

A local tradition students must not miss, Gallaspy said, is the 45th annual Candlelight at the Ranch at Texas Tech’s National Ranching Heritage Center on both Dec. 8 and 9 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

The event is free and does not require a ticket.

“There’s Christmas carols, demonstrations of what life was really like back in the Old West, family friendly activities, Christmas lights, all kinds of stuff,” Gallaspy said. “That’s something kind of unique to Lubbock and the Old West heritage that we have here.”

For those looking for a traditional Christmas meal, Gallaspy said Overton Hotel & Conference Center will host a Christmas brunch Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This meal requires a reservation, which can be made by calling 806-7767010, and costs $55 per adult.

FILE PHOTO/The Daily Toreador

Kicking off Texas Tech’s Centennial year, the Will Rodgers and Soapsuds statue sports a Santa hat during the 64th Annual Carol of Lights Celebration Dec. 5, 2022.

“It’ll feature a classic holiday menu,” Gallaspy said. “So I think that’s a great option for those looking for a comforting meal away from home.”

Featured on the Lubbock in the Loop website is a Christmas light map showcasing the best light displays throughout Lubbock, with the Rush, Preston Manor and The Trails

at Regal Park among the neighborhoods listed.

The map also includes drink stops for the drive, including The Soda Shack, Summer Moon Cafe and Caffeination Station. The light map and Christmas playlist compiled by Lubbock in the Loop can be found at christmasinlubbock.com.

“We’d suggest following

[the map],” Gallaspy said, “and maybe grabbing a sweet treat from one of our local bakeries for the drive around town.”

Before attending college, Angelina Goedert, a first-year human sciences and pre-nursing major from Lubbock, performed in Ballet Lubbock’s “The Nutcracker.” Now a Tech student, Goedert said she looks forward to watching the production from the audience.

Ballet Lubbock’s “The Nutcracker” will be hosted at the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts & Sciences Dec. 8-10, according to the Ballet Lubbock website.

Tickets can be purchased at buddyhollyhall.com.

“I used to perform in ‘The Nutcracker’ when I did ballet, and it was always fun performing in it,” Goedert said. “Now that I don’t do ballet, I get to watch it, and it’s so cool because they always tweak it a little bit each year so it’s not like

you’re watching the same thing over and over.”

Jarah Eaton, a first-year general studies major from Lubbock, said during the holiday season it is always important to give back to the community, and she believes donating or taking part in an Angel Tree is the perfect way to do that.

Lubbock offers several Angel Tree participation options through the Volunteer Center of Lubbock and The Salvation Army, according to their respective websites.

“There’s Angel Tree, which is where you go and buy gifts for kids that don’t really have money,” Eaton said. “So you can just provide for them, and it’s really fun and sweet and cute to do.”

For more events and ideas regarding how to give back to the community this holiday season, students can visit christmasinlubbock.com. @KaylaStoneDT

COMMUNITY

Local nonprofits seek volunteer assistance

By TY KAPLAN Staff Writer

While the brisk air of winter blows through Lubbock, The Salvation Army and Grace Campus are bringing warmth to in-

dividuals and families in need throughout the South Plains.

Understaffed and underfunded, these nonprofit organizations are asking for the helping hands of Texas Tech students to vol-

LAYNE RICHARDS/The Daily Toreador

The Salvation Army offers services to families in need during the holiday season, including an Angel Tree gift and distribution program.

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unteer their time throughout the holiday season.

Although many students travel home for the holidays, volunteer opportunities with The Salvation Army and Grace Campus are in full swing and accepting applicants.

Starting Dec. 8, The Salvation Army and eight to 12 volunteers will begin preparing for the nonprofits’ annual Angel Tree program. Since 1979, the Angel Tree program, a Christmas wish list fulfillment initiative, has served as a source of joy for the less-fortunate children and senior adults of America in need who don’t find gifts under a tree on Christmas morning.

Events and volunteer coordinator for The Salvation Army of Lubbock County Albert Zapata said the volunteer experience is one that evokes the best emotions. For families receiving gifts and the community members who gave their time to help, Zapata said tears are a common sight.

“Everybody’s helping, and everybody is in the Christmas mood,” Zapata said. “We know we’re here to do great stuff in the community and then you see the people that you’re actually helping and they’re so grateful and thankful. It’s a lot of good energy.”

On Dec. 14 and 15, Zapata and The Salvation Army will host the distribution days for the Angel Tree program where volunteers will work to transport

gifts from storage to each recipient family’s car.

“Students would be really helpful,” Zapata said.

“They can come and grab bags for our distribution days. It’s two days, and we’re looking for people to come carry a bike outside or carry a bunch of bags and take them to the families as they come and pick up their stuff.”

For those who are not in Lubbock for the holiday season, The Salvation Army can still volunteer at Grace Campus when they return to the Hub City.

Jerri Ann, programs director at Grace Campus, said her organization could use the most help in the new year when the Christmas cheer fades and people tend to stop volunteering.

“We definitely need people during the holidays, but the truth is we probably get more volunteers during the holidays than any other time,” Ann said. “It’s right after the holidays, when crickets are chirping, you know. We don’t have enough groups coming in to serve and that type of thing. We’re probably more in need of volunteers after Christmas.”

Grace Campus, a sixmonth transitional homeless shelter, offers volunteers the chance to come in for an assortment of service opportunities throughout the year. From serving dinners to painting homes, Ann said volunteers are welcomed with open arms.

“They can always come in and help out,” Ann

said. “They can serve on campus, whether it’s the clothing closet, sorting through donations, painting homes, organizing and so on. There’s tons of different ways that they can get involved. We always need people to help prepare and serve meals.”

Additionally, Ann said those who can’t donate their time still can donate disposable items such as dishes, paper products and batteries. Donations can be dropped off at 1301 Avenue A from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

“We probably have enough toothbrushes for the entire city of Lubbock,” Ann joked. “It’s not hygiene that we need, it’s more disposables and things we go through quickly. I know right now we really need some bowls for cereal in the morning. We need toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, large baggies to store food, things like

that.”

For many during the giving season, it’s easy to fall into the generalization that one person cannot make an impact; Ann said she believes otherwise.

“Every one of us makes a difference in some way, and we all have a different part to play,” Ann said. “We all meet needs with our different gifts and abilities, but it takes us all working together to truly make a difference and to affect the people that are experiencing homelessness in our community.”

Both Zapata at Salvation Army and Ann at Grace Campus are willing to answer any questions about volunteering and purpose for serving. Zapata can be contacted at albert. zapata@uss.salvationarmy.org or (806) 438-7041.

Ann can be contacted at jerriann@paulsprojectlubbock.org or (806) 632-7709. @TyKaplanDT

FILE PHOTO/The Daily Toreador

Grace Campus is a transitional homeless shelter that provides its residents access to basic necessities to help them get back on their feet.

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Page 3 Thursday, dec. 7, 2023

NEWS

END OF SEMESTER

Students make winter break plans

By MARESA SISK Staff Writer

Some Texas Tech students are preparing to head back home for the monthlong winter intersession following the semester’s end.

Finley Shanley, a firstyear journalism major from Boerne, will return to the Hill Country after the semester ends.

“Since it is a four-hour and 55-minute drive, I have to be prepared for the long, not-so-entertaining ride home,” Shanley said. “I will be transferring next semester, so preparation for leaving this semester will be more than most people. I will have to pack up everything I brought four months ago and bring it all back home.”

Shanley said she will make the trip home with one of her parents and won’t have to prepare a car for the cold weather.

Although she said her preparations may be less extensive because she does not have to consider a dorm, Shanley expressed concerns for other possible obstacles.

“The main problem that is concerning me is not being able to fit all of my things into the car,” Shanley said. “Since I have bought more things while I have lived here, I am a little worried about fitting everything in the car including my new TV, fridge and other appliances. To make sure I have room, I will pack everything as tightly as possible and organize the car properly.”

Shanley said this will

be her first time making a long-distance trip home since her arrival at Tech.

However, she still has a piece of advice for others who might be in a similar situation.

“Make sure you do not forget anything important,” Shanley said. “Only pack things necessary to prevent overpacking and bring things to keep you busy on your way back home.”

Another student preparing for a long trip back home is Kirsten Ritcheson, a third-year psychology major from Sachse.

“Since I do plan on going home for the winter, I have to make sure my water is dripping in my apartment as well as get my dogs ready for the trip home,” Ritcheson said. “Traveling with pets makes the preparation a little more chaotic since I have to not only pack for myself, but make sure I pack my dogs’ water bowls, medications and toys to make sure they are good for the trip as well.”

Ritcheson conveyed some concerns for preparing to be gone for the entire winter intersession.

“I am concerned about not bringing warm enough clothes for the entirety of the break,” Ritcheson said.

“To prevent this from happening, I will be overpacking to make extra sure that I do not forget anything. I will also be making a list and checking it twice.”

A seasoned Tech student, Ritcheson advised other students against bringing things that are unnecessary at the beginning of a semester.

“Do not bring your entire summer wardrobe,” Ritcheson said. “The weather during most of the school year is cooler, so things like this are unessential.”

Fourth-year communications major and Fort Worth native Jayden Bell will also travel home for a brief vacation during the holidays.

“Before I leave for a trip back home,” Bell said, “I like to prepare by doing all of my laundry and cleaning the house so that when I get back, I can come back to a nice clean home.”

Bell said she likes to make sure her car is in the best shape for the drive home.

“I always make sure my car is in good condition before taking a long drive, especially when Texas reaches colder temperatures,” Bell said. “As of right now, all I will need is an oil change and to put air in my tires before the five-hour drive home.”

Although she will only be gone for a short period of time, Bell expressed her worries about leaving.

“My main concern is finding someone to watch all my cats so that I do not have to take all of my pets with me,” Bell said. “I also am worried about cold fronts coming in, so I need to make sure my house is winterized before I leave so that if a cold front does come in then my pipes will not freeze.”

Because she has made the trip home and back to school so many times, Bell said she encourages firsttime long-distance travel-

ers to drive before nightfall and to pack necessary car maintenance equipment.

“I recommend driving during the day because it is much safer than at night,” Bell said. “Especially in West Texas where not much is around if you do break down. I also suggest having jumper cables, lights and an emergency kit in your car just in case you do happen to have car issues.”

Students should take the necessary precautions to have a safe and stress-free trip back home, Bell said.

Dalton Sweitzer, the district manager of Take 5 Oil Change on 19th Street, gave a list of things to make sure students’ cars were safe for long distance trips back home.

“The first thing you need to do is check your fluids,” Sweitzer said. “Engine oil is going to be number one, followed by transmission fluids. Certain vehicles have transmission fluid sticks, some do not, but definitely get one to check.

Coolant, if the antifreeze has got any sort of lower leak, then you take a chance on overheating.”

Following fluids, Sweitzer recommended that students take care of other car parts.

“Tire pressure is going to be key,” Sweitzer said.

“Making sure your tires are in good shape is very important. They can not be too bald and need some tread there. Other things you can check to be safe are your wiper blades and your lights. These will all be key components to make a safe trip.” @MaresaeDT

Page 4 Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023

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OPINIONS

COLUMN

CARTOON

Qualifying Christmas: What Raider Red’s fireplace fumble constitutes a holiday film?

Christian Jeter is a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Longview.

When it comes to deciphering between what is and what isn’t a Christmas movie, sometimes the question can become bloated with personal preference.

Whether it be the simpler family flicks or the more mature classics, there is a wide variety in the Christmas genre.

However, how can we decide what officially counts as a Christmas film?

For this investigation, we will use three criteria to determine what does and does not count as a Christmas movie: · The Theme – Whether the movie has a Christmas theme · The References – How often Christmas is referenced · The Holiday Watch Time – How often the movie is watched during the holiday season There are quite a number of films that easily meet the given requirements. One such movie is “Elf,” in which Christmas serves a crucial role in the story and is referenced heavily throughout the runtime. Additionally, the movie recieves a large number of watches around Christmas Day. A movie that toes the line on being a Christ-

mas movie, given the criteria, is “Home Alone.”

Although it may be controversial, “Home Alone” only barely fits the requirements; Christmas serves as the main reason for the events that take place, but not as the central theme. Although Christmas is referenced multiple times, it still serves as only a secondary plot device to the overall driving narrative (until the end, of course).

... there is one movie that stands out from the rest as the most controversial Christmas film of them all: “Die Hard.”

However, “Home Alone’s” saving grace is its holiday watch time, in which it takes the top spot, according to most major film outlets, such as Statista, for having the highest number of reruns during the holiday season.

Even with “Home Alone” being debatably on the fence, there is one movie that stands out from the rest as the most controversial Christmas film of them all: “Die Hard.”

“Die Hard” covers a much darker subject, being one of the rare, arguably Christmas-themed movies with an ‘R’ rat-

ing. The movie features murders, explosions and terroristic themes; however, does this disqualify it given the criteria?

Christmas is a strong central theme as the story takes place during the holiday season, serving as not only comedic relief but also a strong driving force of many of the characters’ actions, specifically John McClane, played by Bruce Willis.

Furthermore, Christmas is referenced heavily in “Die Hard” given that decorations, songs, imagery and the word Christmas are seen and mentioned all throughout the film, even up until the final scene. Not only this, but “Die Hard’s” watch time skyrockets around the holiday season, with specific peak views during the period between November and Christmas Eve, such as in 2016 when around 1 million Americans watched the film according to The Gazette’s “7 reasons why ‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas movie.”

With themes such as violence and destruction, it can become difficult to consider this supposed holiday classic as a movie appropriate for the family on Christmas morning.

However, given the criteria presented, “Die Hard” meets the requirements of a Christmas movie, allowing it to join the ranks of “Elf,” “Home Alone” and many more. @CJeter_DT

ADAM SIERRA/The Daily Toreador

The real truth about Santa Claus Nathan Kenison is a sophomore psychology major from Houston.

I have four younger siblings. One year, I decided to tell them I was Santa Claus.

Every Christmas Eve from that day on, we delivered candy and gifts to the doorsteps of our neighbors. Then, when my siblings went to sleep, I would be off to deliver to the rest of the world.

They’re much older now, but they never realized I was lying. I think that’s because they realized I was telling the truth.

Any time you choose to put special thought into a present or show a little extra kindness, you personify the spirit of Christmas. Your actions have an effect, and they become as real as if the jolly old elf had done them himself.

It doesn’t matter if the gifts were delivered by reindeer or crafted by pointyeared toymakers. If a symbol of selfless giving inspires millions to make the world better for each other, the net result is the same, red suit or no.

So yes, Santa Claus is real.

Only he’s not someone you choose to believe in: He’s something you choose to be.

Santa Claus is all of us, so let’s not take the responsibility lightly. Go out of your way to make the holiday season a little brighter for someone this year, whether through a thoughtful gift, a kind word or a simple act of random kindness.

My siblings and I still hang candy canes on my neighbors’ door knobs every Christmas Eve. I don’t think we’ll ever stop. It’s our job, after all.

I am Santa Claus. My siblings are, and so are you.

Together, we are the living, breathing, collective embodiment of Kris Kringle, so let’s act like it. Merry Christmas! @NathanKenisonDT

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1 2 . Marshmallow sandwich 14. Could follow “carpenter” or “fire” 15. Stumble 16. “Since You Been Gone,” song by Rainbow 17. Mend 21. Beach souvenir 22. Could get on your hands when reading a freshly printed newspaper 23. Swindling 24. Can be inflated or bruised 26. Org. for LeBron 27. “I make ___ until someone dies,” (Joker quote) 28. Big bird 2 9 . Calendar ap pointment

31. Burn 32. “And the rest,” literally 33. “___ the season to be jolly” 35. Vote of dissent 3 7. Could follow “first” or “hearing” 41. Recline *When read left to right, the circled squares will spell out an apropos Christmas decoration* A playable online version of this crossword and its solution are available at dailytoreador.com/ puzzles @NathanKenisonDT

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Marianna Souriall (806) 742-3395 editor@dailytoreador.com News, La Vida Editor Aynsley Larsen news@dailytoreador.com Sports Editor Marianna Souriall sports@dailytoreador.com Multimedia Editor Jacob Lujan photo@dailytoreador.com Copy Editor Nathan Kenison online@dailytoreador.com

BREAKING NEWS

GUEST COLUMN

Tech graduates invited to join Alumni Association Dear Graduates, On behalf of the Texas Tech Alumni Association, I want to extend a personal congratulations to all of our December graduates. You represent the last graduating class of the first century of this great university, giving you even more reason to be proud.

Think about that. You are the final class of alumni from our first 100 years, on the hinge of history as we enter into the next century.

I graduated in 1990

and still remember the excitement of that day.

Commencement was in the Lubbock Memorial Coliseum, well before the United Supermarkets Arena was constructed.

In fact, so much of our beautiful campus today reflects all of those who have come before, giving back, to help make Texas Tech even more impressive with each graduating class.

We have so much to be proud of with loyal alumni who take great pride in their alma mater.

LETTERS The Daily Toreador welcomes letters from readers. Letters must be no longer than 300 words and must include the author’s name,

To help keep you connected and engaged with TTU after graduation, you will receive a one-year complimentary membership in the Texas Tech Alumni Association, courtesy of President Lawrence Schovanec, who has so greatly invested in keeping alumni connected to the university.

We encourage you to download the TTAA mobile app to learn more about our association, the Techsan Connection networking platform

signature, phone number, student ID number and a description of university affiliation. Students should include year in school, major and hometown. We reserve the right to edit letters. Anonymous letters will not be accepted for publication. All letters will be verified before they are published. Letters can be emailed to dailytoreador@ ttu.edu or brought to 180 Media and Communication. Letters should be sent in before 3 p.m. to ensure the editors have enough time to verify and edit the submission.

and our alumni chapters coast-to-coast. We encourage you to get involved and stay connected via the association.

If you’re wearing the Texas Tech ring, wear it proudly! We’re all part of a special family that bear our banners for life.

You’re one of us! We wish each of you the very best of success in whatever you do and wherever you go. Stop by the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center anytime or by the Frazier Alumni Pavilion on game days. We’re your

home away from home!

Congrats again to this semester’s graduates.

And to everyone, good luck on your finals!

Curt Langford, ’90, ’97 President and CEO Texas Tech Alumni Association

GUEST COLUMNS The Daily Toreador accepts submissions of unsolicited guest columns. While we cannot acknowledge receipt of all columns, the authors of those selected for publication will be notified. Guest columns should be no longer than 650 words in length and on a topic of relevance to the university community. Guest columns are also edited and follow the same guidelines for letters as far as identification and submittal.

Email dailytoreador@ttu.edu, call (806) 742-3393 or tweet information to @DailyToreador.

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION © Copyright 2023 Texas Tech University Student Media/The Daily Toreador. All DT articles, photographs and artwork are the property of The DT and Student Media and may not be reproduced or published without permission. The Daily Toreador is a designated public forum. Student editors have the authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval.

CONTACT US Newsroom: 806-742-3393 Advertising: 806-742-3384 Business: 806-742-3388 Circulation: 806-742-3388 Fax: 806-742-2434 Email: dailytoreador@ttu.edu

CORRECTIONS The Daily Toreador strives for accuracy and fairness in the reporting of news. If a report is wrong or misleading, a request for a correction or clarification may be made by calling (806) 742-3393 or emailing dailytoreador@ttu.edu.

EDITORIALS Unsigned editorials appearing on this page represent the opinion of The DailyToreador. All other columns, letters and artwork represent the opinions of their authors and are not necessarily representative of the editorial board, Texas Tech University, its employees, its student body or the Board of Regents. The DailyToreador is independent of the College of Media and Communication. Responsibility for the editorial content of the newspaper lies with the student editors.

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Page 5 thursday, dec. 7, 2023

LA VIDA

INTERNATIONAL

Students share holiday cultures

By ELENE KHAJISHVILI Staff Writer

During the holiday season, many international students at Texas Tech find themselves navigating the cultural differences surrounding Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Two students, Aisha Aliyeva from Azerbaijan and Sophia Mykhaylova from Ukraine, share their perspectives on adapting to American holiday traditions and the challenges they face being away from home.

Aliyeva, a freshman majoring in architecture, comes from Baku, Azerbaijan. In her country, where the majority of the population is Muslim, Christmas isn’t a widely celebrated holiday. However, due to Azerbaijan’s history as part of the Soviet Union, the tradition of celebrating New Year’s remains significant.

“Families come together, cook a mix of Slavic and national Azerbaijani dishes, and celebrate on the morning of Jan. 1 rather than on Christmas night,” Ailyeva said.

The enthusiasm with which Americans embrace Christmas, with decorations and festivities starting as early as October, is something Ailyeva said she finds different from her culture.

“When I came to the United States, I realized how seriously they take Christmas,” Aliyeva said.

“People are really excited.

It really does bring people together everywhere you go. You hear Christmas music in a lot of households. They decorate their houses a lot, as well.”

In Azerbaijan, Aliyeva said, the exchange of presents and the importance of family gatherings during New Year’s is ingrained in the culture.

“One thing they find a bit odd is the whole present thing for New Year’s,” Aliyeva said. “Because we take New Year’s much more seriously than they take New Year’s here in America. I feel like here in America they take Christmas as the main winter holiday.”

Mykhaylova, a secondyear psychology major,

was born in Ukraine and became a United States citizen almost 10 years ago. Mykhaylova mentioned the significance of families coming together in Ukrainian Christmas traditions and enjoying homemade food and fireworks.

“I just remember the Christmas Eve, not doing anything, not preparing or any of that,” Mykhaylova said. “And then I remember waking up in the morning and then being told that it’s just time to open presents.”

Remembering her Ukrainian Christmas experience, Mykhaylova notes the importance of fruits like pomegranates and mandarins accompanying the traditional Ukrainian dishes, as well as incorporating the same concept in Dallas, where her family lives.

“There is a Ukrainian goods store back in Dallas, where me and my family usually get some Ukrainian foods like Hren, Salo, and string cheese,” Mykhaylova said.

Mykhaylova said the commercialized nature of Christmas in the U.S. compared to the more traditional and familyoriented celebrations she experienced in Ukraine is a noticeable shift.

“Christmas is more, I guess, advertised in America,” Mykhaylova said. “It’s more about, I don’t know, like, profit almost. You see Christmas decorations and just all Christmas items being put out months in advance, before even other major holidays.”

Both Aliyeva and Mykhaylova expressed their views on gift-giving.

Aliyeva noted the American emphasis on gifts and Mykhaylova shared that, while gifts are exchanged in her family, they are not as central to the celebration as in the U.S. As they prepare for the upcoming holidays, Aliyeva said she plans to return home to Azerbaijan. Mykhaylova said she will spend time with her family in Dallas.

When offering advice to other international students celebrating Christmas away from home, Aliyeva empha-

MAKAYLA PEREZ/The Daily Toreador

Sophia Mykhaylova (left), Emil Risteski (center) and Aisha Aliyeva are members of Texas Tech’s Ukranian Club. Each shares their cultural holiday traditions and the differences between these and the traditions they see in the United States and at Tech.

sized staying connected holiday season, bringing with family through video different traditions and calls and encouraged stu- perspectives to the unidents to spend time with versity community. friends and experience Emil Risteski, a firstAmerican holiday tradi- year majoring in mathtions. ematics, finds himself “Stay in touch with navigating a unique holiyour family. FaceTime day experience at Tech. them as much as you can,” Risteski comes from Aliyeva said. “Try not to be the capital city of Skoalone for too long. Try to pje, Macedonia, where spend time he said the with your main celfriends and ebrations with other In Macedonia, revolve i n t e r n a - celebrations may around the tional stu- involve gatherings, N e w Ye a r, dents that with Christparties, fireworks are staying mas being o n c a m - and diverse marked by pus during traditions. The pleasant Christmas.” Carol of Lights was dinners and Similar- beautiful. I have traditional ly, Mykhay- never seen anything foods. l o v a e m - like that in my life. “ To b e phasized honest, EMIL RISTESKI in the bestaying in FIRST-YEAR FROM g i n n i n g , touch with SKOPJE, MACEDONIA I w a s n ’ t friends on campus and aware of keeping an eye on the cel- many traditions apart ebrations hosted by Tech. from the decorations,” “Find a group of friends Risteski said. “In Maceon campus to share the donia, festivities are more holiday spirit and events about family gatherings organized by the univer- and traditional practices.” sity,” Mykhaylova said.

Additionally, Risteski Aliyeva and Mykhay- introduced the unique lova said there are diverse tradition of Koliada on ways by which interna- Jan. 6, where children tional students at Tech go from house to house navigate and embrace the singing specific songs to

receive candies.

“You get up at 5 in the morning, wait until the sun rises and light a fire.

Afterwards, I see kids from neighboring households coming by to sing and get some sweets,” Risteski said.

Discussing the influence of his mixed religious family background, Risteski said inclusivity is important in his family. They celebrate both Christianity and Islam during the holidays.

“The early holiday preparation in the United States, starting as early as September or October, is quite different from Macedonia,” Risteski said.

“While there’s decoration, it doesn’t have the same grandeur. It is more of a quieter affair.”

As a member of the chess team, Risteski said he plans to celebrate the holidays with friends and teammates since he is coming back to Tech before New Year’s.

Risteski said he looks forward to returning to Macedonia, expressing his intent to celebrate Christmas in the traditional Macedonian way.

“We typically start celebrating on the 31st of December in the morning

until like 5 o’clock. And then, sober up and resume celebrating at 7-ish until midnight,” Risteski said.

Having attended the Carol of Lights, Risteski shared his experience with the mixture of cultures, traditions and festive spirits, bridging the gap between his Macedonian roots and the celebrations like Carol of Lights at Tech.

“In Macedonia, celebrations may involve gatherings, parties, fireworks and diverse traditions,” Risteski said.

“The Carol of Lights was beautiful. I have never seen anything like that in my life.”

Although specific timings and customs can vary between individuals and communities, the main practice is to engage in the primary celebration at midnight, signifying the onset of the new year.

Uniting the celebratory customs of the Azerbaijanian, Ukrainian and Macedonian cultures, Aliyeva said, “I love it when people commonly exchange wishes, raise toasts and partake in various activities to warmly embrace the arrival of the new year.” @EleneKDT

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Page 6 Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023

SPORTS

@DailyToreador www.dailytoreador.com

BASKETBALL

Odiase reflects on Tech’s impact on, off court

By JAMAR BROOKS

“It meant everything. It’s surreal to look back but, in it, I didn’t understand On April 8, 2019, the what it was. We were just Texas Tech men’s basketball like ‘Here’s the intention. team made its first appear- Here’s the goal. Here’s our ance in the NCAA National focus. Next opponent, next Championship game where opponent.’”

Odiase, who played for over 72,000 people gathered in a frenzied crowd at U.S. Tech from 2014-2019, said Bank Stadium in Minne- he still maintains relationapolis, Minnesota. The Red ships with many prominent Raiders ultimately fell short figures on the Tech campus in an overtime loss to Vir- including athletic director ginia, and center Norense Kirby Hocutt, head football Odiase walked off the court coach Joey McGuire and for the final time in his Tech head men’s basketball coach career, departing as the pro- Grant McCasland.

As a result of his forgram’s winningest player.

Although his playing mer status at Tech and the days in scarlet and black relationships he upholds, came to an end that night, Odiase said he receives the Odiase’s love for his team, opportunity to speak to alma mater and gratitude various athletic programs for Lubbock largely contrib- at Tech, where in these proute to the reason he remains grams he offers motivation intricately involved with the and advice derived from the Tech community, as these success he’s experienced at values are all woven into the the highest levels.

“This year, I talked to fabric of his daily life.

When reminiscing about the guys (men’s basketball his life at Tech and the team) as well and got to talk t o J o e y ’s team’s inguys, and augural apso it’s good pearance in to have the champ i o n s h i p I grew up there. I that,” Odiase said. game, Odiase said the experienced a lot “ B e c a u s e magnitude t h e r e , a n d I a m I care, and of what his f o r e v e r i n d e b t e d I b e l i e v e from our team accomplished to that city and the s t o r y a s a team, was some- people of the city. there’s so thing he NORENSE ODIASE many gems didn’t fully to be taken compreTECH BASKETBALL 2014-19 not only hend at the from what time.

“The fans really expe- we did, but our process and rienced it. I feel like me, I how we went about it. And wish I could rewind because so it’s like if I’m a young I didn’t. I was so locked player hungry to do the in. Tunnel vision on what same, I would want to have was at hand,” Odiase said. that person come and speak SportS Writer

FILE PHOTO/The Daily Toreador

Norense Odiase cuts his piece of the net during the Texas Tech men’s basketball team’s Welcome Home celebration on Saturday, March 9, 2019, in the United Supermarkets Arena. After defeating Iowa State, the Red Raiders won their first Big 12 title in program history.

to me too.”

Odiase said the triumphs and the feats the basketball team achieved during his playing career can serve as a beacon of inspiration for generations of Red Raiders.

“I really care about not only the school, the city, but the young ones coming up,” Odiase said. “Just for them to see a championship. You have them see something they can strive to. It’s always good to have that evidence. It’s big. You can go to the national championship game from Texas Tech, from Lubbock. Like you can do more, and so that’s what it’s all about.”

However, the impact Tech had on Odiase’s life is one he said goes beyond not only the player he transformed into, but the person

he came to be.

“It was everything. I always say that I grew up at Tech,” Odiase said. “And now that I think of it, it’s not a slight to my high school or middle school, but man, I’m a twin child, immigrant parents, youngest of the siblings. It’s like I always want to break the mold of who people thought I was. So when you go to college, you become all that you are.”

While at Tech, Odiase encountered numerous tribulations, some of them life-altering.

Odiase missed large stretches of games early in his Tech career due to foot injuries and more pronouncedly, the loss of two cousins who died in a car crash after being struck by an 18-wheeler in February

of 2019, Odiase’s senior season.

Through the hardships he’s endured, Odiase said the Lubbock and the collective Tech community uplifted him during the difficult periods of his life.

“The challenges that I faced in college from on the court, breaking my foot, to off the court, and I lost family members there,” Odiase said. “I have faced tragedy, a bunch of trauma. Those types of things. It’s like you get a full depth, kind of weighty life, for lack of better words. You get a full range of emotions, perspective, you get to meet a lot of people, and you get to see a city kind of hold you up in your lowest time and your lowest moments.”

Looking back on his time

as a Red Raider, Odiase said the journey from start to finish is one that was unfathomable, for which he is forever grateful.

“From the high times, to winning the Big 12 and not being able to get into a bar because it’s like ‘Bro, we don’t even know you guys’ freshman year. From that, to like we can’t walk anywhere without shining flashlights in our face, pictures, autographs, those types of things our senior year,” Odiase said. “It was nuts.

From that, to the highs, the lows, to the family stuff, to the wins. I grew up there.

I experienced a lot there, and I am forever indebted to that city and the people of the city.” @JamarBrooksDT

All front page photos were taken

by The Daily Toreador multimedia staff during Texas Tech’s C e n t e n n i a l y e a r.