The Prospector 01 16 2024 by UTEP Prospector

OPINION Page 2

NEWS Page 4

ARTS & CULTURE Page 5

SPORTS Page 7

In my EIC era

DUI incidents

MLK Jr. Day

Men’s basketball conference game

VOL. 109, NO. 8 JANUARY 16, 2024

Assayer of Student Opinion

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO

theprospectordaily.com

Reminiscing on Fall 2023

August

WILL UTEP KEEP ITS ACCREDITATION? UTEP students were taken aback as news broke that the university was at risk of losing its accreditation in early August. Throughout the semester, UTEP sat in a warning status with documents pending. The university submitted appropriate documentation to keep its accreditation and had its warning status officially removed in December.

NEO-NAZIS DISTURB THE SUN CITY MUSIC SCENE The Dungeon, a local music venue stirred up controversy and shock within the El Paso music scene in September 2023, after announcing an upcoming music festival “Autumn Equinox Celebration” featuring apparent neo-Nazi and fascist-filled bands.

September

October

November

UTEP DINNER THEATRE FAREWELL After a 40-year run, the UTEP Dinner Theater (UDT) announced that the 2023-24 season will be its farewell season, with its final show at the end of spring 2024. Former director, Greg Taylor, retired after 40 years with the Dinner Theater. UTEP plans to prepare for the future of musical productions in the coming years.

PRESIDENT DR. HEATHER WILSON UTEP President Dr. Heather Wilson sat down with The Prospector in November 2023. Wilson detailed different aspects of her life in the interview, from her childhood days of seeing her dad fly planes to her career with the Air Force, politics and becoming UTEP’s 11th president.

NEW YEAR, NEW COACH As the 2023 football season wrapped up, UTEP released former head coach, Dana Dimel. UTEP will start its 2024 season with new head coach, Scotty Walden, who came from Austin Peay University. He will be UTEP’s 27th football coach.

December

Iziah Moreno is a contributor and may be reached at iamorenogavald@miners.utep.edu

French Olympians train in El Paso, Texas under Coach Hanany as they prepare for upcoming qualifiers and the 2024 Summer Olympics. Photo by Ginaluca Cuevas/The Prospector

Olympians in the Sun City BY XIMENA CORDERO The Prospector

El Paso is no stranger to great athletics, from professional teams like the Chihuahuas, the Locomotives, to UTEP sports teams. Added to that list are fourteen athletes currently training in the Sun City through the Hanany Olympic Project. The Hanany Olympic Project team was founded by Olympian and UTEP Alumni Mickaël Hanany, who specialized in the high jump event. His personal best high jump was set in El Paso, Texas in 2014 at 2.34 meters. While being well decorated at the Olympics in 2012 and 2009 World Championships he is also a D1 NCAA Champion. Hanany never left the athletic field and turned his focus towards the direction of mentorship and coaching future Olympians through his project. The team includes Adrien (France), Sean ( Jamaica), Loic (France), Christopher (France), and Fanny (France), who compete

in the 400m. Guy (France) and Floraine (France), who compete in the 100m. Ryan (France), Mouhamadou (France), and Pablo (France), who compete in the 100m and 200m. Shakeem (Bahamas) and Malek (Algeria) who compete in the 400m Hurdles, Carlos (USA) who competes in long jump, and Nawal (France) who competes in high jump. Nawal Meniker, high jumper for the team, was born in Perpignan, France. Meniker says she started training at the age of twelve and specialized in high jump as a teenager, turning her passion to her profession. “It is a passion for me, and my childhood dream was always to take part in the Olympic Games,” Meniker said. “I always thought that it was a beautiful and elegant sport and wanted to be a part of something so feminine.” She has accumulated a range of accolades during her time training and competing, including Youth Olympic vice-champion, European vice-championand French champi-

on, as well as finishing 12th in the world championships in 2023. Meniker shares that the team’s training has benefited from being in El Paso for several reasons, one of them being El Paso’s weather, “The weather is always fine, and the infrastructure is perfect,” Meniker said. Meniker says the weather is especially important as they are mostly training at outdoor fields at El Paso local high schools including Franklin, Chapin, and Andress High Schools, but they also have access to the Rise Performance weight room and hope to be able to train at the Sun Bowl in the future. Pablo Mateo, a short sprinter for the team, was born in Evry, the suburbs of Paris. Mateo says he started training at the age of thirteen, specialized in sprinting at fifteen, and has been a part of the French team since he was eighteen. Mateo holds titles such as Vice European champion of the 4x100m, bronze medal European Championship, medalist in the see OLYMPIANS on page 7

PAGE 2 · JANUARY 16, 2024· THE PROSPECTOR

Opinion

Erik Acosta, editor-in-chief

In my Editor-in-Chief era BY ERIK ACOSTA The Prospector

One year ago, I walked into the Student Media and Publications office for the first time as a staff reporter for The Prospector. I remember feeling nervous, overwhelmed and excited about what was to come in this new journalistic experience. Before then, I never had my work published and had no experience working in a newsroom or writing for a newspaper. However, today, I walk into the newsroom as a better journalist, writer, and individual and as the new Editor-in-Chief of The Prospector. In January 2023, I joined the award-winning newsroom as a staff reporter, and then swiftly moved up to the web and copy editor position. Throughout my time at The Prospector, I have written many stories, some of which I hold dear to my heart, including my memorable one-on-one interview with President Heather Wilson, Ph.D. Since high school, I have dreamt of being editor-in-chief for a newspaper and leading a newsroom, but I never thought it

would happen so soon. So, when I found out I was the new editorin-chief, I was ecstatic and grateful that my hard work and dedication to the publication had paid off. Despite writing for The Prospector, my experiences and the skills I learned at The Texas Standard, Borderzine, and our sister publication, Minero Magazine, have allowed me to grow as a journalist and learn the necessary skills and strengths to excel more in this position. My time here at The Prospector has been the best ride I have been on, and I am not ready to get off yet. I promise and hope to bring groundbreaking journalism stories that matter and engage with our local community. I want to connect more with the student body, departments and organizations across campus. In my time in this position, I want to build a stronger relationship with the El Paso community and spread our stories and voices across the region. Along with leading my staff, I aim to help them progress as journalists and leaders and inspire

the next generation of writers who will come after me. I will strive to make sure our publication is the number one news source for UTEP students and the community. I encourage and invite everyone to send their ideas, opinions and suggestions our way and support the publications talented writers and photographers. With a long line of predecessors that come before me, I hope to make every single one of them proud and continue the publication’s legacy. As I embark on this new journey and my last semester in college, I could not be prouder of the person I have become. I can’t thank Director Veronica Gonzalez enough for the endless support and guidance you have given me over the past months. I hope to be a reliable have done for me and the publication. I and dependable ‘chief ’. To our hope to make you and Veronica proud, Assistant Director, Crystal Hinga, thank you for being the and I promise to not write like a ‘reporter.’ best mentor and shaping me Erik Acosta is the editor-in-chief and may be reached at into the journalist I am today. I emacosta6@miners.utep.edu truly appreciate everything you

Honey, he’s a multimedia editor

always one thing that I loved more editor, this is the start of not only and that was writing. Stories about having my voice heard but also being adventure, love, dystopian worlds able to be a voice for those who feel and poems of teenage angst. I was they do not have a voice, and be the interested in writing a little bit of voice for those reading this right now. everything. However, as we grow Majoring in multimedia journalism up and become different people, has not only grown my love for so do the things we love. Our journalistic writing, but as well as interests morph, and so did my editing and producing videos. relationship with writing. As the newest multimedia editor I became entranced with for The Prospector, I hope to create a the news space, and I became space that establishes accountability interested with everything as well as engagement for the campus. going on in our world. From I hope that with my goals set in place watching the news on my screen, for this semester, the student body can to watching reporters out in the immerse themselves into the campus world keeping us informed. I have and our community. I also hope to always wanted to be on TV and be show the student body what the the one my family is getting their campus has to offer and to make their news from. UTEP experience a memorable one. Joining The Prospector has been I hope to achieve this by making this something I have wanted to do semester’s podcasts more engaging since coming into college and I feel with the students and showcase privileged to finally be a part of it. what students are experiencing As the new multimedia editor, this from the perspectives of those who VOL. 109, No. 8 January 16, 2024

EDITORS & STAFF Erik Acosta, Editor in Chief Gael Araiza, Designer Meagan Elizabeth Garcia, Arts & Culture Editor Avery Escamilla, Web Editor/Copy Editor Joel Molina, Photo Editor Adam Regalado, Multimedia Editor Nicholas Maes, Sports Editor Marco Hinojosa, Audience & Engagement Editor

Henry Catching Marginot, Staff Reporter Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter Soﬁa Sierra, Staff Reporter

ADMINISTRATION Veronica Gonzalez, Director Crystal Hinga, Assistant Director Amy Ontiveros, Administrative Assistant Isabel Castillo, Accounting Specialist Vacant, Account Executive Vacant, Advertising Coordinator

SalmaPaola Baca, Photographer Gianluca Cuevas, Photographer

VIDEOGRAPHER Elias Segura

CONTRIBUTORS Daniella Gonzalez Eduardo Ibarra Dominique Macias Iziah Moreno Emmanuel Rivas Alyson Rodriguez Faith Torres

Capricorn

Relax, time isn’t going anywhere. Enjoy the world around you.

Aquarius Look back at your accomplishments and recognize your success.

Pisces

Though there is discomfort, don’t let it stir you away from what you enjoy.

Aries

Continue to work hard with the passion and love you have.

Taurus

The world may feel hectic, but continue to strive toward the life you want.

Gemini

Continue to learn from every decision you make.

Cancer

BY ADAM REGALADO The Prospector

A boy joins his elementary school morning announcements in hopes of becoming an announcer just to know what it feels like to be on TV. The little boy sounds a little annoying and being him I will admit, he very much was. Though I grew up attempting to not be seen by everyone, as I grew up, that completely changed. Entering middle school, I became expressive, loud and was determined to have my opinion and voice heard. I joined school programs and organizations like student council and was a part of the band. As I anticipated graduating high school, I wanted to attend college and be a music major and musician. I even thought of pursuing education as a teacher. Although I was in love with music and still am, there was

Look to the stars

Calm down, you have the whole world cheering for you.

Leo

Don’t be afraid to make amends, it may help you in the future.

Virgo Continue being a light of joy.

Libra

may not be heard or seen. So, I hope you listen and watch our podcast and multimedia packages. Get used to my voice, I like to have it heard and am ready to never hold back to have yours heard as well, see you soon, UTEP. Adam Regalado is the multimedia editor and may be reached at anregalado@miners.utep.edu

Take the time to live the life you want right now.

Scorpio

You’ve got this, believe in yourself.

Sagittarius Accept the love others have for you.

SP E A K YO U R M IND! …and submit a letter for publication. Please include your full name, street address, telephone number and e-mail address, as well as your student major, classification and/or titile if applicable. Write to us at 105 E. Union, 500 W. University Ave. El Paso, TX 79968; email us at prospector@utep.edu, or call us to 747-5161. Personal information (phone numbers and address) will be used for identification only. Letters are subject to editing to fit available space, clarity and brevity. The Prospector is published by Student Media and Publications, 105 Union East, 500 W. University Ave. El Paso, Texas, 79968. The Prospector appears in print biweekly on Tuesdays during the fall and spring semesters. The newspaper is not printed during holidays and when classes are not in session. The Prospector provides news online at www.theprospectordaily.com. The Prospector is provided to students through student fees. First copy is free. Any additional copies, if available, must be purchased for $1 through the Department of Student Media and Publications. The Prospector is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. Additional policy information may be obtained by calling The Prospector at 915-747-5161. Opinions expressed in The Prospector are not necessarily those of the university.

THE PROSPECTOR · JANUARY 16, 2024

NEWS Page 3

UTEP’s Fox Fine Arts Building woes BY SOFIA SIERRA The Prospector

One of the most recognizable buildings on UTEP campus is the Fox Fine Arts building, home to many fine arts students. The building, famous for its frequent concerts, has been facing cosmetic problems created by a water leak. While this does not pose a health and safety concern, this news appeared on FitFam, an account on Instagram relaying to the city about the current state of the building. For students who often reside in this building, the issue of the building is a repeated sight. With the news reaching people outside of UTEP, there is a commotion amongst the community to fix these issues. Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Mark McGurk, mentions how the facilities management and environmental health and safety management is comprised of approximately 100 workers. These workers tend to the university, ranging from cutting the grass to fixing an HVAC system. Tending issues around campus, they respond to work orders given by the UTEP community. Issues that have health life/safety consequences take priority over reported cosmetic issues. “Cosmetics basically just make our campus better, but they don’t necessarily affect the operation (of the building),” McGurk said.

“We put our efforts into (fixing) the operations, and when we have the time, we do the cosmetic things.” McGurk describes the current state of the building with water dripping down ceiling tiles, which is an unpleasant site for students and faculty. “Underneath the ramp (of the Fox Fine Arts Building), the water is dripping through, and then that hits the ceiling tiles, and the tiles look like they are falling,” McGurk said. “If the tile is falling that is a health/safety issue, if it’s just the water there is staining the tiles, that’s a cosmetic issue.” Regardless of whether the issue is cosmetic, much of the UTEP community does not place work orders or report issues delaying the process for them to get fixed. “The problem is that people see something every day and ‘Oh they haven’t fixed it’ and never report it, we may not know about it and that’s really been the issue,” McGurk said. “It’s really helpful when people report the problems.” Theatre, dance and music majors share the Fox Fine Arts building to practice, perform, etc. The age of the building is acknowledgeable to UTEP student Gustavo Garcia Jr. as the building was finished in April 1974, making the building 49 years old.

DREAM BIG AND THEN...

DREAM BIGGER!

“First of all, it’s old,” Garica Jr. said. “I’m sure like a decade or two ago, it was like the newest building, like the hottest building out here but it’s not that anymore.” Garcia Jr. mentions problems throughout the building that he encounters every day as a commercial music major. “There’s no water. The only way you can get water is literally through the recital hall, which is closed half of the time, or like the second floor they just fixed not too long ago,” Garcia Jr. said. “There’s no sink, there’s no water fountain on the fourth floor, (water fountain) doesn’t work on the third floor. On the first floor there is a broken pipe right there, so like no water whatsoever. It smells like sewage there too sometimes.” Ahleah Davis-Wilson, who is a musical theatre major at UTEP, was in shock finding the Fox Fine Arts building on social media. Getting used to the scenery in the Fox Fine Arts building, when Davis-Wilson found that the building was receiving attention from those who do not attend UTEP, she was in a state of contention. “I remember seeing that and I was like ‘Woah’,” Davis-Wilson said. “Like it’s one thing when you see it every day, but then for someone who’s not there every day to talk about ‘Oh this is what this looks like’, it’s like ‘Oh, well

Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall hosts students participating in the Department of Art. Photo by SalmaPaola Baca/The Prospector

we know that, but it’s good that everybody knows that now.” The problems found within the Fox Fine Arts building do not pose an immediate risk for students. However, fine arts students would like to see these issues fixed soon. “I hope it gets fixed, just because we are there all the time and there’s so many things in the Fox Fine Arts, it’s not just theatre,” Davis-Wilson said. “There’s theatre, dance, music, everything is in there, so I do hope that one day somebody fixes it and not just so it looks pretty but just so that it is workable and usable.” Cosmetic problems within a building are common for many schools and businesses. UTEP will hopefully address these issues within a timely manner because the issues are not life threatening. But students who interact daily with the Fox Fine Arts Building would like to see their building more inviting.

“Esfera Cuántica Tlahtolli” in front of Fox Fine Arts. Photo by SalmPaola Baca/The Prospector

The Fox Fine Arts building is 49 years old. Photo by SalmPaola Baca/The Prospector

Sofia Sierra is a staff reporter and may be reached at sdsierra2@miners.utep.edu

The Oﬃce of Student Fellowships and Awards

supports UTEP students who are applying for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships to fund graduate school and overseas experiential learning (research, teaching assistantships, etc.). What is an external fellowship? Nationally competitive funding opportunities that are: • Based on academic merit as opposed to ﬁnancial need • Open to students from a variety of majors • Eligibility, application materials, and deadlines vary depending on the award • Involve a substantial amount of time commitment and careful planning

What do these awards provide? Depends on the award, includes but is not limited to: • Funding for overseas experiential learning: research, intensive language study, teaching assistantships, etc., both during undergrad and beyond • Funding for graduate school either domestically or abroad

Why should I apply? The application process is a form of professional development in and of itself: • Become a more conﬁdent writer • Sharpen interviewing skills • Think critically about future goals

Is my ﬁrst or second year too early to start thinking about these opportunities? Absolutely not! Most applications are due junior or senior year, but joining our Undergraduate Fellows Program as a ﬁrst-year student or sophomore will help you prepare.

ER MINE TRACK

Stay connected! Log in to view upcoming

p.e .ute

(915) 747-5648 studentfellowships@utep.edu @utepfellowships

information sessions.

utep.edu/studentfellowships

THE PROSPECTOR · JANUARY 16, 2024

Page 4 NEWS

In 2021, 1/5 of crashes in El Paso were caused by intoxicated drivers, resulting in at least one injury or fatality. Photo by SalmaPaola Baca/ The Prospector

DUI incidents:

How much more can El Paso take? BY MARCO HINOJOSA The Prospector

As cities and states are ranked from safest to the most dangerous every year, El Paso remains at the top for being one of the safest. However, when it comes to the daily commute of citizens, there has been an upward spiral of collisions, drunk drivers and an increase in DUI incidents that have grown concerns across the community. According to TXDOT, 680 DUI (alcohol) crashes and injuries were recorded around the entire El Paso County in 2022. According to Elpasotx.gov, 73 fatalities were recorded in drunk driving crashes in 2022.

People in El Paso say it’s inevitable to miss the news of all the crashes because of the constant posts on social media, the seemingly constant news coverage, and continuous state of worry of those who fear losing their loved ones due to a crash. As of Dec. 22, 2023, El Paso experienced its 81st fatality and that number has seemingly increased over the years according to state data. As we are only a couple of weeks into the new year, the county has endured its share of devastating incidents across the city, including the death of Anahi Karla Leanos. Leanos’death was shared across social media platforms after she was killed the day before her 18th birthday While her family copes with her death, they also have to cope with the fact that they will continue to live in a city where DUI incidents are not decreasing, and the perpetrators are not facing consequences that are harsh enough. Students at UTEP say it seems as if it is every day that ‘Therealfitfamelpaso’ posts about another horrific DUI crash in our local area. UTEP student Evelyn Peon says seeing all the posts on Instagram makes her uneasy, when she should not have to fear her daily commute. “Personally, they make me feel

A ‘simpler’ FAFSA BY SOFIA SIERRA The Prospector

Families across the border are filling out their 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for their upcoming semesters of college. Families say numerous bills accumulate quickly from school, like books, transportation, tuition, etc., so filling out FAFSA is essential for several low-income college students. The U.S Department of Education advertised ‘A Better 24-25 FAFSA form’, yet there is still

very concerned as how the drunk driving situation has gotten out of hand in El Paso,” Peon said. “I feel like it’s an issue and I don’t really see something done about it.” Witnessing or experiencing an accident on the road may instill fear in drivers who are used to driving their occasional route. UTEP student Emily Blanco recounts the time she witnessed a driver driving recklessly on her commute to school. “There have been multiple times where I’m driving and you can obviously tell they’re drunk,” Blanco said. “I was scared for my life.” During the New Year’s holiday, the district attorney’s office and Sun Bowl Association collaborated to form the “Pick your Ride Campaign,” in hopes of buckling down on the multitude of drunk driving incidents around the city. “There is a choice people make when they have been drinking and get behind the wheel and these accidents where people lose their lives,” said El Paso’s District Attorney, Bill D. Hicks. The “Pick your Ride Campaign” offered anyone who was drinking a $20 Uber voucher to ensure people gott home safely in hopes of reducing the number of crashes. Even with this initiative, there were still numerous collisions that took place on the first day of the new year. El Paso local, Ricardo Villegas, says everyone in the city who gets behind the wheel can drive safely every time they crank their cars. “It’s a matter of everyone in the community doing their part to keep themselves safe, their loved ones and being courteous to people who are on the commute amongst you,” Villegas said. Some warning signs of a drunk driver could entail aggressive acceleration or breaking, swerving into other lanes or moving inappropriately through traffic. To report a possible drunk driver, call The Motorists Helpline at1-800525-5555 or dial 911 and report the incident.

680

DUI incidents in 2022

fatalities in 2022

fatalities as of December 2023

fatality in 2024

Marco Hinojosa is the audience and engagement editor and may be reached at mhinojosa4@miners.utep. edu

unclear information surrounding this year’s FAFSA. For example, there was no clear date for when the new form would open. While students usually have their schedule cleared for the original date Oct. 1, 2023, Fobres said the U.S. Department of Education would open FAFSA “sometime during December 2023”. The website gave a ‘soft launch’ of the improved form, Dec. 30, opening for only thirty minutes, allowing a limited amount of students to complete the form. Currently, the FAFSA form is still not completely available with the form opening for only a period of time. Another notable change is the

questions being cut from 118 to 36. With only a few students being able to fill it out, there is still little information on what these changes entail. Several news stations such as CNBC and Valley Central are headlining these changes with comments about how FAFSA is straining and frustrating families and colleges. UTEP’s Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Amanda Vasquez-Vicario mentions how the 2024-2025 FAFSA was intended to do the opposite. “The changes to 2024-2025 FAFSA are the culmination of several years of planning,” Dr. Vasquez-Vicario said. “That resulted from a legislative mandate at the federal

level that was supposed to simplify the application.” Dr. Vasquez-Vicario says she has heard anecdotes from families reporting both positive and negative things about FAFSA. “We’ve heard various feedback from families. Some families had difficulty just getting into the application because when it opened, there were so many families trying to access the application,” Dr. Vasquez-Vicario said. “The Federal Government was trying to address any issues found with the new application, so they would bring down the site (as well).” Read MORE at theprospectordaily.com

UTEP faculty ranked amongst top researchers worldwide BY GIANLUCA CUEVAS The Prospector

As research is a growing industry worldwide, researchers at UTEP are far from falling short of the top researchers in the world. UTEP was recognized among the top 2% of the most cited researchers worldwide in a distinguished list known as the Standford-Elsevier. Among the list are 20 UTEP researchers, 11 being from the college of science and eight from the college of engineering. Professor Josiah Heyman, Ph.D., is the only researcher from the college of liberal arts. UTEP Vice President Ahmad Itani, Ph.D., discussed the importance of this list in a report from KVIA and what it means for the UTEP community. “UTEP’s standing as a top-tier research institution – both national and internationally – is now well cemented, thanks in large part to the work of these dedicated researchers,” Itani said. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those who earned a place in this prominent ranking.” Professor Mark R. Pederson, Ph.D., and chair of the Physics department in the college of science had the highest number of citations amongst his colleagues, with a total of 27,528. Fellow Professor Jorge Gardea-Torresdey, Ph.D., was named one of the highest researchers by Web of Science and Clarivate. “We are bringing in a lot of research dollars for the university that transfers to work opportunities for students that come to the university,” Pederson said. “As I stated, we have some of the best, strongest scientists in the areas of magnetism, condensed matter physics.” As research continues to grow, UTEP does not plan on falling behind any time soon on being one of the top research institutions in the world. Gianluca Cuevas is a photographer and may be reached at Gcuevas7@miners.utep.edu

THE PROSPECTOR · JANUARY 16, 2024 · PAGE 5

Arts & Culture

Meagan Garcia, editor

Cutting out COVID-19 in 2024 BY MEAGAN GARCIA The Prospector

December is a highly anticipated month in many communities as it allows people to gather with friends and family to maintain cultural traditions, recount the year and partake in seasonal festivities. With the holidays ending and the warmth of celebration wearing off, though, the country is noticing a significant spike in COVID-19 cases following the week of Christmas alone. To help keep the public informed, here are some statistics and advice from medical professionals as well as best practices to keep individuals safe and healthy. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), hospitalizations in the U.S. spiked 20.4 percent within the last week of December. These numbers are combined with a 12.5 percent increase in deaths throughout the country, with COVID-19 deaths making up 3.6 percent of the total deaths. This is the largest wave of the virus to hit the population since omicron, the dominant variant now being JN.1. “The original omicron variant is gone now,” said infectious disease expert, Dr. Mark Rupp in a Nebraska Medicine article. The U.S. is also facing what some would call a “tripledemic.” Alongside JN. 1, healthcare providers are warning people of other respiratory illnesses like the flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as the country has seen an increase in these cases as well. Some doctors are directly advising the public to maintain vaccination status to prevent any risks or symptoms. “It’s going to be a severe respiratory virus season,” said infectious disease specialist and associate director of Hospital Epidemiol-

ogy at Cedars Sinai, Dr. Michael A. Ben-Aderet in an informational video. “Getting your flu shot, getting your bivalent COVID-19 vaccine—these things will help prevent infection, reduce transmission and potentially save lives.” With the spring semester starting, students are at a high risk of contracting these diseases as classrooms will be full of students who are coming back from breaks spent with loved ones. This means that as Miners, to lower the risk of infection and keep the on-campus community safe, certain precautions and guidelines can be followed. One of the biggest health resources at UTEP is the Student Health and Wellness Center. Located in Union East, the Student Health and Wellness Center offers many free services to its students, including things like COVID-19 testing. According to its website, “UTEP student COVID-19 testing is voluntary, and it allows current UTEP students to identify if they have contracted the virus even if they are not experiencing symptoms. If a student tests positive, they will be asked to return home to avoid spreading the virus to others. Testing is free and available to all UTEP students who are currently enrolled. No appointments are necessary.” For more information on scheduling appointments or tests, available services, location and hours of availability, visit the Student Health and Wellness Center’s website or call its facilities at (915) 747-5624.

UTEP also has its own set of advised precautions to take when dealing with face-to-face programming as set by the Professional and Public Programs. This includes things like masking when appropriate, consistently washing and sanitizing hands, getting vaccinated and staying home when sick. There are more tips, answers to frequently asked questions and valuable information available at the extended university’s website. When asked about how this wave could impact students during the new semester, an educator at Capt. Walter E. Clarke Middle shared his concern about the quality of learning people can achieve while sick. “More absences means less time in the classroom, learning gaps, playing more catchup,” said 7th grade math teacher Eduardo Farias. “We (also) spend more time reteaching because of the absences.” Altogether, while celebration and gathering is important to help keep people’s beliefs and cultural practices alive, it is also important to look out for the health of those being celebrated with. This semester, Miners should be able to have fun, be happy and most importantly stay safe as they bring in the new year and spring semester. Meagan Garcia is the arts & culture editor and may be reached at megarcia19@miners.utep.edu.

Benjamin Reyes practices COVID safety during his lunch break. Photo by Faith Torres/The Prospector

The indescribable impact of MLK Jr. Day

Photo by Joel Molina/The Prospector BY H. CATCHING MARGINOT The Prospector

Father, husband, minister, philosopher, activist, leader; these and many more were the roles Martin Luther King Jr. was able to accomplish with the time he had. Our nation celebrates the holiday Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on the third Monday of January each year, which was established in November of 1983 by President Ronald Reagan. The day celebrates the life and legacy of King Jr. and the goals he had to see the fruition of a better and more equal America. MLK Jr.’s goals would be made possible through practicing peaceful protesting. With the numerous efforts of courage and determination practiced by MLK Jr. and other activists he inspired, he helped foster a vision and culture of a better America. As we enter the new year of 2024, the world is challenging the purpose and meaning of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at every opportunity in many ways. Tawanda Chabikwa, Ph.D., is a UTEP professor in the Theatre and Dance and African American Studies program. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa, Chabikwa has had a storied academic career. Chabikwa speaks to the common goal of MLK Day and what it means in today’s heated political climate. “Being from Zimbabwe and being familiar with civil rights and liberation movements from Africa and the Caribbean and the world in general, I see a lot of resonance with other movements, so Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an amazing thing,” Chabikwa said. “When we think of people named as legacy humans, we have to remember there was a whole mountain of people that were with them, that helped them get there.”

Chabikwa speaks to the shared commonality of standing up to adversity peacefully and how the spark of a burning desire for change brewing deep in people never really goes away. “I think it’s kind of underestimated how important that (peaceful protesting) is because in doing so, it showed America a side of itself that it didn’t know how to handle in a big way,” Chabikwa said. Chabikwa gave further insight into the significance of this day and how it evolved throughout history. “Nobody is directly responsible for the sins of their forefathers, as it were, but at every point, we get to choose generation by generation how we want to do things,” Chabikwa said. “I think MLK Day is a reminder to let go of ego and come together because the more you create fear and violence, the more fear and violence there is.” Native of Columbus, Ohio, and academic Rabbi Ben Zeidman speaks to MLK’s universal message of peaceful change. “Dr. King’s message has never been more relevant or urgent,” Zeidman said. “Dr. King taught us how to ensure our change is constructive rather than destructive. He taught us how to confront injustice with love and hope, not fear and anger, through leading with our hearts and not our fists.” In 2024, it has been easier to see hate in its many ugliest forms take shape and ravage people’s daily lives as there is clear footage and documentation of ongoing war, police brutality, harassment and other forms of injustice on phone screens. The DNA strand that MLK and others like him undoubtedly shared is one of love and how the bright light of peace can shine through the shadows of violence. H. Catching Marginot is a staff reporter and may be reached at hcmarginot@miner.utep.edu

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THE PROSPECTOR · JANUARY 16, 2024

Page 6 ARTS & CULTURE

From businesses to brands and bars

Foul or fun: A closer look at fireworks Pop, boom, sparkle, flash. That is what many think of when they think of fireworks. They are the traditional holiday staple and a prevalent form of entertainment shared all around the world. From festive holidays to culture traditions people anticipate the vivid colors and loud bangs as they shoot in the sky.

BY MARCO HINOJOSA The Prospector

The new year calls for new adventures and new memories to be created. Since the borderland is composed of many unique and eclectic environments, from coffee shops to new wave fashion stores, the community can indulge in intimate hangouts with friends or loved ones with a trip to new businesses and restaurants around the Sun City. For those who are coffee-lovers, 787coffee is an immaculate destination for college students and the community to enjoy coffee imported from Puerto Rico. With their second location opening near campus, it makes a great pit-stop for delicious coffee as the spring semester rolls in. El Paso local Ivana Durancou shares how she loves visiting 787coffee located at 2149 N Stanton St., or its sister location on 5038 Alameda Ave. “Not only is there coffee unique and locally flavored, as well as the environment, it is always so welcoming,” Durancou said. “787coffee pays attention to detail and puts love into their craft.” El Paso also has a lot to offer to people of all ages as downtown is beginning to spruce up with more gems for the public. The Reagan, a local bar located at 313 E. Mills Ave., comprises of beverages for individuals 21 and older and a unique

787coffee has two locations and imports its beans from Puerto Rico. Photo by Gianluca Cuevas/The Prospector

food menu served at varying hours. With a blossoming atmosphere, the venue brings more nightlife to the city. Taconeta, located at 311 Montana Ave., Ste. A-1, is a great place for locals to grab a savory bite. The restaurant intertwines the flavors of El Paso with the perfect seating scenery. Surrounded by neon lights, greenery and a spectacular view of the downtown skyline, Taconeta feeds the borderland with delicious tacos and beverages. The entire community is expanding from the west side to the far east. Adding to the east side are new locations from big-brand businesses that the Sun City loves. Off Zaragoza and Pebble Hills are brand-new Albertsons and chain restaurants like Whataburger, Peter Piper Pizza and Dunkin Donuts. Los Angeles based chain restaurant ‘Dave’s Hot Chicken’ is also set to open its first location in the borderland. Although there is no

exact location determined yet, locals express their excitement for the business making its way to town. “I visited California awhile back and tried (Dave’s Hot Chicken) and thought it was the best chicken sandwich I ever had,” said El Paso resident Jacob Herrera. “I am super excited to have it again and it is nice to hear about all these places that are finally coming to the city.” Last but not least, the very first Panera made its way to El Paso and is located at 6470 N. Desert Blvd. The franchise is something locals have been waiting for, a long time. Another Panera is set to open on campus in Union East. With endless options to discover, El Paso’s expansion brings opportunities for everyone in the community to try out different flavors of food and shopping experiences. Take advantage of gratifying destinations across the county, get a taste of what El Paso entails.

Around 40% of dogs suffer from noise-related phobias. Fireworks trigger stress responses that can affect their overall health. Photo by SalmaPaola Baca/The Prospector