After the proposed TikTok ban was to take effect on Jan. 19 users were taken by surprise on the night of Jan. 18 to a farewell message from TikTok, dark buffer screens with a promise to be reinstated. The fear of many Americans over TikTok’s demise seems to have come to fruition, though, only for a few hours. As of Jan. 19, TikTok has been reinstated as a fully functioning app, with many Americans able to access their accounts and use the platform.
For the past few months, TikTok has been uncertain about what is to become of the app. Concerns over TikTok’s fate initially began when then-president Trump spearheaded the effort to ban TikTok in 2020, citing national security concerns. Since then, TikTok has been in a years cycle with Congress and the Biden administration.
last-ditch effort, requested that the Supreme Court pause its decision until his administration could seek “political resolution” as reported by AP News and Axios.
Starting on Dec. 6, 2024, the Justice Department and TikTok sought out the court for an early December ruling to seek SCOTUS review to remain in compliance with the still impending deadline in January, when the ruling was set to be finalized. The federal appeals panel unanimously upheld that the law banning TikTok is indeed constitutional.
On Dec. 27, 2024, Trump, in a
As Jan. 17 approached, the Supreme Court stood firm in their decision to uphold the banning of TikTok, as it was still rendered a risk to national security unless it was sold by China’s parent company, ByteDance, to an American company.
The ban was set to take effect on Jan. 19, 2025, but left users scrambling as its servers went dark sooner than anticipated. Many reported inaccessibility to the app– a pop-up reading, “Sorry,
TikTok isn’t available right now,” populated across many American users’ devices on Jan.18, as early as 10:30 p.m. EST, as reported by Today News.
As of Jan. 19, TikTok was pulled out of limbo and services have been restored. President-elect Donald Trump has announced on his Truth Social account he intends to resolve this conflict by granting TikTok an extension to find an approved buyer for the platform.
“I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark!” Donald Trump said via Truth Social. “I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibition takes effect, so
‘Brain rot’ and the many psychological effects of doom scrolling
With the long-winded debate on whether social media hinders emerging adults, UTEP researchers shed light on the discussion.
Miguel Garcia, a Ph.D. student in the health psychology program, led a study in 2022 collecting data on the relationship between Hispanic emerging adults’ use of social media and mental and sleep health.
“Recent research is finding that Hispanic adolescents are using social media at greater rates than other racial ethnic groups, and I think that there’s something there worth investigating,” Garcia said. “Not only that, but Hispanics also report sleep disparities; they’ve reported higher rates of poor sleep quality, short sleep durations, and long[er] sleep duration than nonHispanic whites.”
According to data collected through a study led by UTEP Ph.D. student, Precious Mathis, Hispanic college students used social media an average of 20 hours a week in 2021.
that we can make a deal to protect our national security.”
Despite TikTok’s return, its stay seems to be contingent on whether or not an agreement between Trump and TikTok’s parent company can be achieved as the president expresses an idealistic business venture for the app to remain accessible to Americans.
“I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up,” Trump said via Truth Social. “Without U.S. approval, there is no TikTok.”
Jazmine Gracia is a writing contributor for the Prospector and can be reached at jigracia@miners. utep.edu
Garcia’s study found that Hispanic students at UTEP in the 18-25 age group used social media 27 hours per week. With the increase in social media use, Garcia sought to support the theories that tie online social support and negativity with sleep and mental health.
“We looked at how online social support, feeling supported by others in one’s social network, is associated with depression, depressive anxiety, stress and sleep quality,” Garcia said. “Along with online social negativity, which is when one feels embarrassed or rejected by social networks like Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.”
SPORTS EDITOR THE PROSPECTOR SOFIA SIERRA B Y
Social media and technology is an important tool in today’s world, although it can have its positive and negative effects on society and individual personal health. Photos by Diego Cruz-Castruita/The Prospector
Opinion
Avery Escamilla-Wendell, editor-in-chief
Finally stepping into the world of my dreams
Finally, my last introduction piece, my time is coming to an end at UTEP. I write this with great love and excitement as I am now the editor-in-chief (EIC) at The Prospector. I never thought this dream would come true. I remember before I started at Student Media, I would look at The Prospectors Instagram, looking at all the great work and trying to keep up with the team and learn more about who they are. Once I came across the words ‘editor-in-chief’, I felt the power of what that position held and never once thought that one day, that would be me. First, I want to thank The University of Texas at El Paso Professor Kate Gannon and journalist Alfredo Corchado for their unlimited support and trust in me as a journalist. I started my journalism classes worried about not finding a mentor, but now I have two incredible mentors who took me under their wing and pushed me to accept this position when I was not confident in myself. Seeing the team grow and change every semester, it made me think of what I could
Jumping into the unknown, learning one story at a time
I walked into The Prospector office a year ago knowing nothing about journalism. I wasn’t even sure if journalism was what I wanted
possibly teach or achieve as EIC.
My biggest goal this semester was to hire people to my team who had ambitions and passions whether they were journalism majors or not. I have always strongly believed that anyone can learn and have the talents to be a journalist. I have completed that goal with ease.
My other goals are to make sure that my team learns and grows as journalists and storytellers while having fun and not feeling that this industry is dreadful or a chore.
With the variety of stories I have written and the voices I have shared throughout my time at The Prospector, I know that my hard work and drive have led me to finally be a leader of a
to do with my future. I jumped straight into the unknown.
I was full of anxiety and doubt, wondering if I would even be able to handle this job. The one thing I knew was that I loved writing. Since I was a kid, the rush of finishing a story, an essay or even filling up a diary was one of the best feelings in the world.
Even after being a staff reporter for the past two semesters and now moving up to an editor position, I get flashbacks to the same feelings I felt when I first started, only this time it feels like it is a different
Leah
ADMINISTRATION
Veronica Gonzalez, Director
Hinga, Assistant Director Isabel Castillo, Accounting Specialist
Amy Ontiveros-Bocanegra, Administrative Assistant
team, specifically my own team. With the ups and downs and confidence that I have lost and gained throughout these last few semesters, I know this is where I am meant to be.
Throughout this semester, I will also be the first intern at Puente News Collaborative with Alfredo Corchado. These opportunities have been unlimited, but I am very blessed for all of them.
I also want to thank Emmanuel Rivas for believing in me and letting me take over his reign. Thank you to my parents, my assistant director, Crystal Hinga, my right-hand man Marco Hinojosa, director Veronica Gonzalez, Alyson Rodriguez, my friends and team for their constant support. I know this semester will create the change Student Media and Publications has needed. I hope I make all the students at UTEP proud. I lastly want to thank you, the reader. Whether you are a student at UTEP or just wanted to stop by for a quick read. Thank you for being the reason why us journalists continue to create.
Avery Escamilla-Wendell is the editor-in-chief and may be reached at @amescamilla@miners.utep.edu
ADVERTISING STAFF
Adrienne Garcia, Account Executive
Ana Flores, Advertising Coordinator
Ryan Leblanc, Advertising Coordinator
Elias Segura, Advertising Videographer
CONTRIBUTORS
Jazmine Gracia
Kristian Hernandez
H. Catching Marginot
Cameron Mason
Daniela Ordaz
Athan Sano
Victoria Valdez
Vianah Vasquez
Making the most out of everything in life and rolling with it
For the first seven years of my life, I only knew El Paso through the lens of a visitor, coming every summer to visit my grandparents.
Then came the summer of 2013, which I was not as excited about because I was moving.
The thought of my parents being split between two states and my friends, who before were two houses away, now being almost 2,000 miles away, were all thoughts that I was mad about and didn’t want to become reality.
Well, maybe mad isn’t the right word. People I went to elementary school with would better describe me as a crybaby -and they aren’t half wrong.
By the way, to both my parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins who are reading this, I’m really sorry for being such a stubborn kid. I love you guys.
The fact that I’m even writing this article at my age, 18, for a university publication, is a testament to the love you have shown me.
Maybe hindsight is 20/20 in this instance, but I am so glad to have moved to El Paso. This city has brought me so many experiences, opportunities and love that are entirely unmatchable.
Whether it was anchoring my old high school’s announcements,
person experiencing them.
I became confident in my capabilities. I faced new challenges and I learned something new from each one. While that anxiety creeps up, my work at The Prospector taught me I can do more than I could have ever imagined.
Most importantly, it showed me my passion lied in journalism. Even when I struggle to finish a story or I get overwhelmed, at the end of the day I can look back and say I completely love what I do, and I am looking forward to doing it for the rest of my life.
making zany history videos and broadcasting games at such a young age, the support shown to me throughout my time at Eastwood, through family, friends and teachers, has resulted in the growth you see today.
I’d be remiss to not mention the importance that Speech and Debate has had in my life. It’s the reason why I’m comfortable when doing standups, calling games, hosting podcasts, etc. But the most important lessons I’ve taken away from the activity are first, do things because you love them and second, put energy into what matters.
With my new position as the audience and engagement editor, I am excited to face new challenges and learn new lessons. Everything I have done could not have been possible without my family, friends, mentors, and staff at The Prospector and for that I thank them endlessly.
For the future me: keep going one story at a time, one day at a time.
Ximena Cordero is the audience and engagement editor and may be reached at xcordero@miners.utep.edu
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR THE PROSPECTOR
In Speech and Debate, it is easy to compare yourself to others or look at other teams and be intimidated. For a long time, my head was stuck putting energy into those intangible feelings.
Luckily, I had one final chance to refocus, and I made the most out of it, not because I achieved a certain result, but because I genuinely enjoyed what I was doing.
It’s easy to dig ourselves into a hole of comparison, especially right now when friends are scattered all over the world. I get that, yet I’m a firm believer that a person has no limits despite their circumstance.
Sure, its tougher to get what we want, and our goals might be further away than we would like them to be.
However, they are not unreachable. One of my uncles, Jose Torre, put it to me simply this past December, “The more obstacles that are in your way, the better.”
I personally believe the students at UTEP hold a strength like no other. Not only do we have to work harder to achieve what we want, we have to think more critically about what we have and demonstrate our passion all the more.
Personally, I love to tell stories, and as the multimedia editor I can’t wait to tell the stories behind the people on our campus, who hold the biggest hearts in America.
UTEP launches degree plan in AI
A large bright screen displaying vibrant colors with an abstract technology design begins to illuminate the dark room filled with an audience taking one step closer to the commencement of a rapidly innovative future. On Dec. 10, 2024, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) announced the launch of their newest degree plan specializing in artificial intelligence under the College of Engineering, offering options for both a master’s and bachelor’s concentration, beginning spring of 2025.
Salamah Salamah, Ph.D, associate vice president for scientific computing and AI, states that the initiation of the artificial intelligence degree was in the talks since the summer of 2023, but started being planned out in the fall of 2024.
“The Computer Science department at UTEP has been doing artificial intelligence for a long time through our undergraduate program and graduate degree in computer science, software engineering, and all of that,” Salamah said. “But over the last two years, AI just became predominant in the news.”
UTEP is one of a handful of universities in the nation to launch an AI degree plan in one of three
Texas institutions.
Salamah says this degree plan equips students with skills such as machine learning, deep learning and data-driven decision making at the bachelor’s level. However, both levels of study focus on developing algorithms and models that enable machines to learn, reason and make decisions, which is essential for hard wiring AI systems to combat challenges among industries.
“Two summers ago, we decided that this is something that we
probably should formalize instead of just doing it as part of another degree,” Salamah said. “And go for a dedicated degree in artificial intelligence because it gives you more flexibility to do more things.”
Salamah explains that one challenge AI could help combat is the tracking of cyber criminals and their path to track and use your data for malicious reasons.
“We as humans are not good at processing large amounts of data,” Salamah said. “That’s what AI can
do. “Everything that I’m doing on my computer is actually also being logged and being recorded, whether it’s a mouse click, a button click, and so on.”
Bianca Alvarez, student engagement Ph.D. assistant in computer science, states the department also hopes to combine the AI degree plan with other areas of discipline to give students more opportunities for career growth.
CONTRIBUTOR THE PROSPECTOR
DANIELA ORDAZ B Y
UTEP welcomed students at their presentation of the new artificial intelligence (AI) degree, a part of the College of Engineering on Dec. 10. Photo courtesy of UTEP Student Engagement Leadership Center
Unveiling gentrification in the Sun City
Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny recently released his seventh studio album entitled, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” accompanied by an emotional short film that goes by the same title. His projects aim to shine light on Puerto Rican culture, while also bringing awareness to the island’s ongoing struggle with the idea of statehood and their battle with gentrification.
Gentrification, a phenomenon in which poor urban areas are changed by wealthier residents and corporations moving into the community and displacing current residents in the process. Similarly to Puerto Rican residents, El Pasoans who inhabit neighborhoods like Durangito and Segundo Barrio have wrestled with gentrification as well.
A 2017 article, “The Battle for El Paso’s South Side,” written by Christopher Rooks, describes how the neighborhoods that form El Paso’s southern edge also shape most of the city’s identity.
“Many of the city’s political and business classes are convinced that South
El Paso must undergo sweeping changes to fit their version of a modern city,” Rooks writes. But what do “sweeping changes” look like to our city’s most vital local businesses?
Bowie Bakery, a family owned and operated pastry shop in the heart of Segundo Barrio, has withstood many changes in the city.
The business sits at the corner of Seventh and Park Street, and has done so since 1951. Sold by the original owners to Angel Marquez in 1971, the business has attracted the likes of President George W. Bush, who is proudly pictured on the wall inside the bakery.
Current owner Juan Marquez inherited the business after his father’s passing in 2005 and has continued the family’s practice since then.
“There’s a history here,” Juan Marquez said. “I’d like to think of this place as continuing a legacy from my parents, from my father especially. Whenever I think of this business, I think of my parents and all the struggle that they went through, so that’s very important to me.”
The sentimental value that the bakery holds for Marquez and other
Segundo Barrio residents is undeniable. However, many city politicians and developers feel that the potential for commercial opportunities in these areas outweighs any emotional connection locals may have.
One major effect gentrification often has is the increase in living costs for the area, which often means that current citizens can no longer afford rent and other necessary expenses. If residents are having difficulties in affording the bare essentials, their budgets for things that are non essential - like pastries - dwindle.
“I guess what people are more interested in is lower priced items. That’s practically impossible for us because all our materials right now are going up and up,” Marquez said. “We don’t have the same number of customers as the big locations, [and] we can’t afford to lower our prices very much.”
Despite pressure to conform
to the urbanization happening in the rest of the city, residents of Segundo Barrio remain connected to one another through organization. The South Side Neighborhood Association has frequent meetings and events at Guillen Middle School and other locations throughout the area.
“One of the topics that they’ve talked about is how the Segundo Barrio is dying,” Marquez said. “People are moving out and the people that do live here are mainly elderly people. It’s something very concerning for us because if [Segundo Barrio dies], who knows what will happen to us?”
Marquez and The South Side Neighborhood Association have genuine concerns regarding the future of the Segundo community.
“If we move from here and if we close down, I don’t know how it’ll affect this whole area. This is kind of a focal point for this whole area so I don’t know what would happen, but it’s a
concerning issue.” Marquez said. Though the fight against gentrification in El Paso’s south and many other cities in the country is far from over, business owners like Marquez say they will continue working to preserve the history and culture of these neighborhoods.
Leah Austin is staff reporter at The Prospector and may be reached at lsaustin@miners.utep.edu
Trump cements his place in American history
For the second time in seven years, Donald J. Trump took the oath of office and became president of the United States. His most recent election victory is labeled by his campaign and many media outlets as the “greatest political comeback in history.”
President Trump defeated former Vice President Kamala Harris to become the 47th president in American History. This time he enters the white house with a new vice president, J.D. Vance, a former republican senator from Ohio, who years ago was an outspoken critic of President Trump. In his 2024 campaign Trump promised mass deportations, pro tax changes for the working and middle class such as no tax on tips and to achieve retribution on his political enemies. His choices to fill
out his cabinet have come under fire and are in the process of being confirmed by the senate.
One of the Trump’s campaign pillars was inflation. Since February of 2020, consumer prices have increased by 22.5%. Trump used the issue to strengthen his platform, promising that he’d decrease prices.
“Prices will come down, you just watch, they’ll come down fast,”
Trump said in an August rally.
The day after Trump’s win, the stock market soared. Dow surged up 3.5%, the S&P went over 2.5%, and Nasdaq’s high reached nearly 3%. A week before his inauguration, shares for the Trump Media & Technology group increased by more than 20%.
Trump has been an outspoken critic of former President Biden’s unprecedented climate change agenda and has verbalized his want to get rid of Biden’s regulations on fossil fuel use, and repeal parts
of the Inflation Reduction Act, which promised to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
On Jan. 6, Biden passed an executive action banning offshore drilling in 625 million acres of land across the U.S. Atlantic and Pacific coasts, along with some parts of the Northern Bering Sea in Alaska. Trump’s desire to drill for more oil is his way of carving a path to curbing inflation.
“We will drill baby drill, and by doing that we will lead to a largescale decline in prices,” Trump said at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Trump has promised to raise tariffs on China and place them on his North American Free Trade Agreement partners, Canada and Mexico. He announced a 25% tariff on U.S. partners, regarding their role in stopping drugs and migrants from entering the country.
SEBASTIAN PEREZ-NAVARRO
Downtown El Paso is changing fast as gentrification brings new buildings and businesses. Photo by SalmaPaola Baca/ The Prospector
President Donald Trump was sworn in Jan.
Mayor Renard Johnson and his plan to reshape El Paso
Renard Johnson was elected as the first Black mayor of El Paso on Jan. 7. Born in the Southside of Chicago, Johnson’s family relocated to El Paso when he was just seven months old. His path winds from the Northeast attending Terrace Hills Elementary then Andress High School to West Central graduating from The University of Texas at El Paso with a Bacehlor’s degree in Business Administration and now occupying an office in City Hall.
“That journey and that foundation is what led me to eventually want to start my own company as a student, get that going, and then ultimately give back to the community whether through charity, philanthropy,”
Johnson said. “I got to a point where I wanted to give back to the city, so I decided to run for mayor.”
Johnson’s election is a monumental occasion for the city of El Paso.
Being the first Black person in any position can be difficult. Especially in a city with such a small Back community, but it illustrates progress and a change in perspective.
“I know I’m Black. Make no mistake that I don’t know that I’m Black, and I’m very proud to carry that that with me,” Johnson said. “I feel that pressure, but I am also very proud of this community that has allowed me to be who I am. It gave me my education, all my memories, and my deep friendships. And that’s
what El Paso is.”
Despite any pressure he feels, Johnson doesn’t let his differences deter him.
“I’m super proud of El Paso because El Paso, primarily 82-83% Hispanic, has elected their first Black mayor, and that shows you the city that we have: that you can be of any color, any nationality, any gender, it doesn’t matter. This city embraces you.” Johnson said.
Johnson plans to embrace the city just as it did with him, with plans to increase the city’s safety ranking, graduate retention, officer recruitment, job opportunity and investments in tourism and recreation throughout the city.
“If there’s areas for improvement, we certainly have to look at that.
We can come to some common ground as a community that will allow us to do expansion and also preservation of areas that are important to El Paso,” Johnson said.
“I think we’re going to find that balance, but I think it’s going to take the entire El Paso community to make that happen.”
Immigration was an important aspect of this past election, as President Donald Trump made it clear that immigration raids and mass deportations would be a cardinal policy throughout his presidential administration.
For a city whose economy and culture thats is largely based on movement over the southern border, mention of possible federal
restrictions can be frightening.
“We don’t see the border like other parts of the country. It’s one where we flow freely back and forth,” Johnson said. “There’s people that work for me that go back and forth across the border on a daily basis, two or three times. And a lot of us have family members over there and they have family members here.”
But what can El Paso do to make sure this aspect of our community, one that embraces immigration, remains this way? Johnson believes it’s all in how the picture is painted.
“We can dispel any myths or any falsehoods about El Paso and tell the truth. It’s safe, it’s a beautiful community, and we’ve got to invite people to El Paso. We’ve got to shine that light on El Paso. We’ve got to let them know that the narrative that they painted about our community - it’s just not true,” Johnson said. “Come down and see us. Let us show you how beautiful we are.” Johnson encourages students to take part in shining this light across the city.
“If you get outside of your comfort zone, you’re going to be surprised at what can happen,” Johnson said. “I encourage you guys to get involved. I encourage you guys to be vocal. I encourage you guys to be a part of your community.
I encourage you guys to get out there and make a change. This is your community.”
CASS IS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS WITH
AIM
Leah Austin is staff reporter at The Prospector and may be reached at lsaustin@miners.utep.edu
STAFF REPORTER THE PROSPECTOR
LEAH AUSTIN B Y
Renard Johnson was elected as the first Black mayor of El Paso Jan. 7.
Photo courtesy of City of El Paso
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Arts & Culture
Alyda Muela,
Creative Kids cultivates youth expression and artistic vision
Every piece of artwork tells a story, and for 25 years El Paso’s Creative Kids, a local non-profit, has provided El Paso youth with an artistic outlet through collaborative and individual art projects over the past two and a half decades.
From the very first program, founded in 1998, Project Arts-inMotion (AIM) for patients at The Children’s Hospital at Providence, to the Resiliency Art Program (RAP) for those affected by the Aug. 3 tragedy–fostering creativity, confidence, and critical thinking among El Paso youth, is the focus of this organization.
Founders Andrea Gates-Ingle and Stephen Ingle were both two ambitious college students at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) who had an idea of creating a space that could connect the community with art. GatesIngle studied special education and fine arts, and Ingle studied graphic design and printmaking. The two quickly learned they’d have to carve their own path to create the Creative Kids program. They both explain how risks need
to be taken to become comfortable with rejection and be successful.
“If [Andrea Gates-Ingle] and I can stay in El Paso [while doing] something purposeful, I am hopeful that kids at UTEP can also follow suit and say ‘I want to do something for my community’… its possible you can do this starting at UTEP, but you have to have your heart in it,” Ingle said.
As the years went by, the organization grown and touched the lives of its participants and employees. Creative director, Oscar Camargo has been with Creative Kids for 15 years. Camargo oversees the six public art displays around the city displaying real collaborative artwork from the children in these programs. Recognizably, the ‘Points of Light’ sculptures underneath the Durango St. Bridge, or the bright mural on the Missouri Avenue side of the El Paso Museum of History. He expresses his gratitude to the program and says seeing the work from the participants truly “reenergizes the purpose” of himself and fellow employees.
They celebrated their 25th anniversary in November by reuniting participants from their
early days and honoring them with their own testimonies in a short documentary that can be found on the Creative Kids’ website.
The program is introducing a collaboration with the El Paso Juvenile Detention Center for a program working with incarcerated youth growing outreach not only in El Paso, but nationally, with plans to spread the curriculum throughout 22,000 schools across the country.
Twenty-five years in, Creative Kids continues to reflect the hope and dedication of its creators. This organization is not only the abstract art seen throughout El Paso, but the stories of hope behind the hands that crafted it.
vcvasquez2@miners.utep.edu.
El Paso’s escape into a new reality, Hotel Delirium
Hotel Delirium, a locally owned escape room run by Rachel and John Deslongchamps, gives El Pasoans an immersive experience unlike any other. Those in the Sun City who believe there is “nothing to do in El Paso,” might want to take a second look.
Opened in September of 2021 by the Deslongchamps couple, Hotel Delirium began as an ambitious passion project for multiple pop-up escape rooms to open all throughout the city. Originally, the Deslongchamps
were both in the medical profession. The couple felt there was no creative outlet in their field that allowed them to express themselves. They say their enjoyment of escape rooms was the
driving factor in the creation of their business, Hotel Delirium.
The business was made with El Pasoans in mind, to give locals a unique experience that could only be found in the Sun City.
“Every time a generation comes up, you always see the exact same thing. ‘There’s nothing to do here [El Paso].’ So, we really wanted to change that narrative and provide something that El Paso can enjoy,” Rachel said.
The storyline is close to home as well, as the creators wanted to weave El Paso into the narrative.
“A lot of that has to do with our
Vianah Vasquez is a writer contributor and may be reached at
Certain programs include teachers who will guide the children through various arts and crafts projects. Photo by Vianah Vasquez/The Prospector
Every corner of Hotel Delirium’s escape room is crafted with detail and thought for an unforgettable experience. Photo by SalmaPaola Baca/ The Prospector
see DELIRIUM on page 8
Hotel Delirium’s retro theme sets the stage for the storyline. Photo by SalmaPaola Baca/The Prospector
Creative Kids El Paso displays children’s artwork. Photo by Vianah Vasquez/The Prospector
storyline as well, our two main characters are from El Paso and there’s a lot of stuff that correlates with only what an El Pasoan would know,” Rachel said.
For the couple, their business branched off from the idea of an escape from life. It’s a chance for guests to come to Hotel Delirium and if only for a little, forget about the stress and hardships of daily life.
This local experience was made for this purpose, but to also allow escape room goers a chance to show off their own creative thinking.
“When you’re in there [the escape room] the only thing that you’re thinking about, is how to get out of this room. Everything within the world, your life is completely gone, and we love that because it’s nice to get an escape, but also use your mind,” Rachel said.
For El Paso, the Deslongchamps not only want to give guests a fun and unique experience, but to also inspire them to explore their own creative endeavors. Neither owner had experience in the creative industry but have learned so much through their business. Creating their own props, making their own puzzles and writing the story that makes the escape room, showing that hard work pays off.
The story for the escape room series is close to being completed, with the third and concluding chapter of Hotel Delirium, “Unseen Lab,” opening at the end of January. Once opened, El Pasoans will be able to fully experience an escape into a new reality and immerse themselves into the story of Hotel Delirium.
Venture through the technical dreamscapes of Ashton Kaleigh
Nurturing artistic passions in El Paso can be different for many artists. For local artist Ashton Kaleigh, it’s all about sharing her love for art with others and expressing symbolic messages through her creations.
Kaleigh grew up with a love for art. As a child, she says her mother would give her art supplies that kept her busy for hours. When she was ready to pursue her art career, her late mother stood by her side and together, they did markets and art shows.
“I never had a direct mentor after my mom passed away,” Kaleigh said. “She did a lot of gallery work elsewhere, so I think the biggest challenge was knowing where to start and also finding your voice.”
While Kaleigh says she aspired to continue doing art, she didn’t have confidence that she could “make it” as an artist, so she attended Texas Tech and majored in English instead. However, the pull of her passion for art was too strong.
“I saw the art department, and I loved it. I immediately changed my major,” Kaleigh said. “After school, I did nothing but retail for a few years and then I really tried to go for it [art professionally]. As I got better, I grew more confident and wanted to really pursue it.”
Being able to embrace art not only as a passion but as a profession has
been fulfilling in more ways than one. Having had many non artrelated jobs, life felt vapid for her and excelling only felt temporary.
“I can’t imagine life not creating–it’s like air [to me],” Kaleigh said. “I think we all need some kind of art in our life–music, dance any expression. For me, it’s visual art.”
Kaleigh refers to her art style as “technical dreamscapes with a lot of symbolism,” often inspired by a quote she likes or sometimes
stories. Her artwork is often vibrant and portrait-like, influenced by her photography experience.
“As artists, we think that it’s [style] is something you have to discover instead of cultivate and shape yourself, but it’s really about developing and deciding what you like and incorporating it in your work,” Kaleigh said.
Living in El Paso has influenced her thought process, through the city’s many stories and culture.
“My first [illustrated] published children’s book is about [El Paso],” Kaleigh said. “It’s about a young woman from 1917, during the bath riots who’s a local hero.”
Growing up, it has always been a bucket list item for Kaleigh to illustrate children’s books. After completing her first one, she became eager to do more in hopes of inspiring and teaching the younger generations. Kaleigh has now completed two children’s books with two more in the works.
credits the support of many in the El Paso art scene with helping her grow as an artist and reach new opportunities.
Kaleigh continues to work hard
“As a kid, I loved picture books,” Kaleigh said. “I love sharing art and reaching out to a younger audience and I think it’s a great vehicle for teaching and inspiring.”
While she hopes to teach others by sharing her art, Kaleigh has already brought this vision to life for four years now, through her guided painting classes, “Paint with Ash.” Kaleigh walks her proteges through the steps to create their art pieces and helps them take home something they are proud of.
“I really truly believe art is for everyone, even if you don’t want to pursue anything professionally. It’s so great. It just inspires me back,” Kaleigh said.
Through her painting classes, art galleries, markets and more, Kaleigh has felt the support for art in the El Paso community. Kaleigh
scene. With upcoming projects like a children’s field guide highlighting the plants and animals of our region and hosting a group art show Jan. 30 at The Falstaff. Whether it’s teaching others or participating in art shows, Kaleigh finds the most rewarding part of sharing her art with others is her ability to form connections.
Kaleigh can be found at ashtonkaleigh.com or at the El Paso Art Association in studio three by appointment only. To view information about her guided painting classes visit her on Instagram @paintalongwithash.
Evelyn
Joseph Montero is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at jemontero@miners.utep.edu
WEB/COPY EDITOR THE PROSPECTOR EVELYN PALMA B Y and vibrant artworks in her studio.
Photo by SalmaPaola Baca/The Prospector
Kaleigh proudly stands outside her studio at the El Paso Art Association, surrounded by her bold and colorful artwork that showcases her unique style. Photo by SalmaPaola Baca/The Prospector
Sports
Sofia Sierra, editor
UTEP women’s basketball fights fiercely against the FIU Panthers
In a late game comeback, UTEP women’s basketball was able to run away with the victory against the Florida International University Panthers (FIU) this past Saturday.
This match-up was an improvement from the Miners’ previous game against Liberty University, coming back from a 15-point deficit versus FIU Panthers.
Head Coach Keitha Adams emphasized the goal of working and communicating as a team.
“We made adjustments throughout the game, I think our defensive change and execution on offense were the things that made the difference tonight,” Adams said.
“All of our players are a part of this, and I think it’s important for the girls to know that we are a team, and we have to do this as a team.”
One of the many highlights of the match was the performance of
senior guard Ivane Tensaie, who led the Miners with 20 points. Not only was it her third 20-point game, but her second time scoring the game winning shot, her first being against Sam Houston. The Miners’ overall game shooting was 48.1% from the field, 81.3% from the charity stripe and 36.8% from downtown. In the first two quarters, the Miners shot just above 30% but were later able to adjust that number up to 69.5% in the final two periods, outsourcing FIU for a two-point victory.
Other highlights from the team include freshman guard Irene Asensio who dropped nine points, all 3-pointers, which would match her career-best. Sophomore forward Luisa Vydrova, junior forward Ndack Mbengue, and senior guard Delma Zita all scored double digits for the team. Vydrova made her second straight ninerebound performance with three
key offensive boards and made three assists with a career-high two blocks. Mbengue made her fourth double this season, leading the team with 10 rebounds. Zita and junior guard Portia Adams both shared a team-high of four assists each. Even with six points from Vydrova, UTEP struggled in the start of the match, letting the Panthers gain speed with an eight-point lead by the end of the first period. With quick work from Mbengue and Vydrova, the players helped to pace the team with four rebounds each. Despite this, the Panthers were still able to be in the lead by 11 as the teams ended the second period. By the third period, the Miners were able to make three shots from beyond the arc but still were far behind with a score 57-48 end of By quarter lit for the Miners, starting a true fight to the finish. With back-and-forth shots from both teams, 22 points were sparred between the teams overall. The game would be tied at 68, until a floater from Tensaie would call a time-out from the Panthers. Ultimately giving the Miners enough wiggle room to win the match at a score of 70-68.
The Miners’ next conference game will be against Jax State on Jan. 23 in Alabama.
Catching Marginot is a contributor and can be reached at hcmarginot@miners.utep.ed
Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez pays a visit to UTEP
Commissioner of the Mountain West Conference Gloria Nevarez recently paid a visit to the home of one of the conference’s newest additions, UTEP. Nevarez took an extensive campus tour and met with the university’s top donors and major media outlets on Jan. 10 at the Larry K. Durham Center.
“Y’all belong with us, you look like us, you fit with us,” Nevarez said. “When we launch our strategic plans, we survey all the fans, the media, [and] thousands of focus groups. But the special sauce that is the Mountain West is who we are as institutions. We are very
community-based.”
Before speaking at Friday’s press conference, Nevarez spoke highly of the Miner faithful and recognized the historical significance of UTEP’s transition to the Mountain West.
“I love how passionate the El Paso community is about UTEP athletics,” Nevarez said. “We look forward to revitalizing old rivalries and creating new ones.”
Once Nevarez took the stage, UTEP President Heather Wilson warmly welcomed her with a dark blue hat featuring a bright orange Miner pick on the front and a blueand-orange Mountain West logo on the right.
“So, I’ve got something that’s so
hot off the press it feels like it’s still a little bit warm,” Wilson said.
“It’s not quite official yet, but we thought it was time to put the Miner pick where it belonged.” Nevarez’s visit coincides with the launch of UTEP’s “Climb Higher” initiative. After donations from UTEP athletics’ two largest donors, the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation, and the Paul L. Foster Family Foundation, who each donated $2.5 million, the university reached 70% of their $10 million dollar donation goal.
The Climb Higher initiative is focused on growing three areas: capital improvements, such as locker rooms and practice facilities; sports operating budgets; and
bolstering NIL opportunities for UTEP athletes.
“The Climb Higher campaign is going to address things like transition costs. Things like enhancing the student-athlete experience while they’re here,” UTEP Athletic Director and Vice President Jim Senter said.
UTEP’s departure from Conference USA, and move to the Mountain West was announced in October 2024, yet Senter said he had been dealing with demands to make the move since the day he took the job.
“Since the day I showed up here, the No. 1 question I [had] been asked by fans: ‘When are you going to get us in the Mountain West
Conference?’” Senter said the day he announced the move. “If I had $100 for every time I was asked that, we would have been in a new league a long time ago.”
The dreams of Miner fans alike have finally been answered. After years apart, UTEP will finally face off against foes from the old Western Athletic Conference, such as Hawai’i, Air Force, University of Nevada, Las Vegas and more. The only patience the Miner faithful must carry at this moment is the wait until 2026.
Senior guard Delma Zita, along with junior guard Portia Adams, led the team with four assists. Photo by Kristian Hernandez/The Prospector
To steal the win against FIU, senior guard Ivane Tensaie scored the winning bucket, 70-68. Photo by Kristian Hernandez/The Prospector
UTEP women’s basketball falls to the Liberty Flames in fiery battle
XIMENA CORDERO B Y
A&E EDITOR THE PROSPECTOR
UTEP women’s basketball (8-7, 1-3 Conference USA) faced off against Liberty University Flames (11-5, 4-1 C-USA) for their C-USA home opener.
The Miners fell to Liberty 75-64, facing a tough first half, trailing by 14 at halftime. UTEP was able to push back in the second half, outscoring Liberty 35-32 but it was not enough to recover. In the first quarter, Liberty
opened a five-point lead, 21-16.
Junior forward Ndack Mbengue led UTEP with six points. The Flames were able to dominate outside the arc in the second
third quarters, the Miners managed to outscore the Flames, but even with Mbengue and senior guard Ivane Tensaie scoring 10 points each, the comeback was not enough
they struggled with their shooting. UTEP shot 34.4% from the field and 26.3% from beyond the arc, compared to Liberty’s 43.1% from the field and 30% beyond the arc.
Liberty also dominated with 17 assists and six blocks compared to UTEP’s 13 assists and two blocks.
Mbengue led the Miners with 15 points, Tensaie followed with 13, senior guard Delma Zita
contributed 11 and sophomore forward Luisa Vydrova added 10. Freshman guard Irene Asensio had a career-high six rebounds.
The Miners will have another chance for a comeback as they face off against Jax State on Jan. 23 in Jacksonville, Alabama.
Ximena
Senior guard Delma Zita posted double digits scoring efforts (11) on Jan. 16 against Liberty. Photo by Kristian Hernandez/The Prospector
UTEP senior guard Ivane Tensaie posted a total of 13 scoring efforts against Liberty University. Tensaie trailed behind junior forward Ndack Mbengue who had 15. Photo by Kristian Hernandez/The Prospector
Tennis home opener sets stage for optimistic season
Wang gave her an easy cruise to a win, 6-1, 6-1 in the No.1 match.
The UTEP tennis team (1-0) took home a close to perfect match, 6-1, against Western New Mexico University (WNMU) on Jan. 18. The home opener gave the Miners a dominant win against WNMU, showing its strength in the doubles matches, going undefeated.
The Miners claimed all three doubles matches; senior Zuzanna Szczepanska and junior Candice Bernier claimed the No.1 match against WNMU’S senior Caini Wang and sophomore Gabriella Blumberg, 6-2.
Miner duo senior Carlotta Mencaglia and sophomore Hanna Telzynska took the No. 3 match against senior Ana Sofia Montero and freshman Emma Lootens-Stael, 6-3.
Junior Wendy Zhang and sophomore DeCora Antoine gave trouble to freshmen duo Jenna Kastell and Manon Baudet in the No. 3 match with a score of 6-2, gave the Miners the doubles point of the day.
To round off the doubles point, the Miners won five out of six singles matches.
Mencagila’s matchup against
Bernier’s No. 2 match was with senior Andreea Arnautu, scoring 6-0, 6-4.
Junior Paloma Hennicaux served Blumberg a loss, 6-2, 6-0 in the No. 3 singles. Antoine gave Baudet a 6-2, 6-4 No. 6 game. With a back-and-forth matchup, Zhang ultimately claimed the win against Kastell 6-0, 4-6, 1-0 in the No. 5 singles. The team’s only loss was Szczepanska’s No. 4 singles matchup with Lootens-Stael, 6-4, 4-6, 1-0.
Starting the season with a win, UTEP tennis looks to continue this momentum
with the rest of the five back-toback home games. With the Miners’ revved up, the El Paso Tennis Club will welcome Weber State on Feb. 6.
Sofia Sierra is the sports editor and may be reached at sdsierra2@miners.utep.edu
Senior Zuzanna Szczepanska keeps her form as she delivers a powerful forehand on Jan. 18. Photo by Diego Cruz-Castruita/The Prospector
