Chancellor Hears Awaiting Probation Students’ Concerns Decision Zugay Treviño Men’S Soccer Advances in the RIDER WAC After Defeating UNLV Page 9 on CAMPUS

THE STUDENT VOICE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018 WWW.UTRGVRIDER.COM VOL. 4, ISSUE 12 /UTRGVRIDER @UTRGV_THERIDER SPORTS UTRGV Chancellor hears awaiting probation students’ concerns decision Zugay Treviño Men’s soccer advances in THE RIDER WAC after defeating UNLV Page 9 ON CAMPUS

UTRGV will receive further news on the status of its accreditation probation during the second week of December after a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges committee makes a UTRGV to request $70M in decision. state funding for building A SACSCOC committee Page 3 visited the campus Oct. 9-11 to make a final determination on Victor G. Ramirez/The Rider reaffirmation of accreditation. University of Texas System Chancellor James Milliken and his wife, Nana Smith, listen to criminal justice senior The university addressed A & E Alondra Galvan talk about her experiences at UTRGV. The chancellor visited the Brownsville campus last Wednesday issues regarding cash and met with students on the Edinburg campus last Thursday. management process, return of Title IV funds, enrollment reporting and student loan here,” he said. “So, when I go Victor G. Ramirez I’m meeting the leadership repayment. back to Austin, I carry a piece EDITOR-IN-CHIEF in the Legislature from UTRGV President Guy of the [Rio Grande] Valley here,” Milliken said in an Bailey sent a university email with me and have a real sense Last Wednesday, University interview after the meeting last Tuesday stating the from my own experience of of Texas System Chancellor with students, which was not institution remains accredited what the needs are and the James Milliken visited the open to the news media. “I’m and is awaiting a decision expectations and the dreams UTRGV Brownsville campus meeting faculty and students from the SACSCOC board. are of the people who live here, and met with university both in Edinburg and in “We feel very confident Brownsville natives cast in work here and go to school officials and student leaders to Brownsville.” about a positive decision “Fear the Walking Dead” here. It’s a great opportunity discuss the opportunities and “What I’m trying to get out because they issued a very challenges of the university. of this is to learn as much as for me early on to just learn.” Page 5 “I’m meeting mayors, possible during the time I’m See CHANCELLOR, Page 11 See PROBATION, Page 11 A journey full of dreams Young immigrant shares his experiences Eric Montoya The 19-year-old crossed the SPANISH EDITOR U.S.-Mexico border 27 days ago and is working in mainly More than 6,000 Central temporary construction jobs. American immigrants have “I work mostly in concrete,” embarked on caravans with he said. “That’s the job I know the purpose of getting to the how to do best. But since United States-Mexico border I haven’t found a concrete and achieving the American company, I work in ceramics. Dream. I’ve been doing sheetrock, the Despite many migrants insulation I do everything.” joining the caravans, many Like many Central others opted to do the same, Americans, the young only in fewer numbers and Salvadoran said one of the before the caravans started main reasons he decided to their journey. emigrate from his country One of them is a teenager was the current economic from El Salvador who told situation of El Salvador. The Rider he entered the “One thing is the economic country illegally, after leaving situation …” he said. “The his home country in early other are the gangs. You October. can’t live in a neighborhood “I came from El Salvador … because in one neighborhood in kind of a caravan, but just … [there] is the “18” and in paying buses, paying trailers, the other one is the MS[-13], paying all that,” the teenager Eric Montoya/The Rider said in Spanish. See DREAMS, Page 10 November 12, 2018 2 ON CAMPUS THE RIDER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Monday take place from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. in the Free food will be provided. For more Time Student Union Loft on the Edinburg information, call 665-7890. The Rider is the official, award- management campus and in the Student Union’s Presentation strategies winning student newspaper of the The UTRGV El Comedor on the Brownsville The Learning Center will host University of Texas Rio Grande Counseling campus. Coffee will be provided. For a workshop on presentation Center will host a time management more information, call 665-7989. strategies from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Valley. The newspaper is widely workshop, titled “Ain’t Nobody Skill Builders Series Liberal Arts Building South 181 on the distributed on and off campus in Got Time for That,” from 12:30 The Office of Leadership and Edinburg campus. On the Brownsville Brownsville and Edinburg, Texas. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Union’s Social Change will present a free campus, the event will take place at Views presented are those of the Palmetto Room on the Edinburg workshop on how to create SMART the same time in Music and Science campus. The workshop focuses on how goals from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Music Learning Center Building 2.123. writers and do not reflect those to prioritize activities and balance it and Science Learning Center Building The workshop is part of the study of the newspaper or university. all. For more information, call 665- 2.130 on the Brownsville campus. For strategies workshops series. For more EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 2574 or email [email protected]. more information, email leadership@ information, call 665-2585. Billiards Tournament utrgv.edu. ‘I Love to Write’ Day Victor G. Ramirez The Student Union will host World Kindness Day The Student Union will host ONLINE EDITOR a billiards tournament at noon Celebrate World Kindness Day at 11 “I Love to Write” Day, where Leslie Medrano in the game room on the Brownsville a.m. in the Student Union Commons students can share their own work, campus. Students can play for free and on the Edinburg campus. On the such as poems and stories in an open SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR get a chance to earn V-Bucks. For more Brownsville campus, the event will take mic at 4:30 p.m. in El Comedor on Sergio Garcia information, call 665-7890. place at the same time in El Comedor. the Brownsville campus. For more SPANISH EDITOR Meditation and prayer Students will decorate a heart-shaped information, call 665-7890. Eric Montoya The Center for Diversity and cookie and challenge themselves to be Friday Inclusion will offer meditation kind. For more information, call 665- Student Ensemble Series A&E EDITOR and prayer hours Monday through 7890. The first UTRGV Masterworks Britney Valdez Friday from 8 to 10 a.m. Concert will take place at 7 and from noon to 2 p.m. in p.m. in the Performing Arts COPY EDITORS Have an announcement? Student Union 1.20A on the Complex on the Edinburg Lindsey Villalpando Brownsville campus. On campus. This concert will Karla Garcia the Edinburg campus, the Email us at feature Mozart’s Requiem, CARTOONIST sessions will be at the same sung by the University Laia Vite time in University Center [email protected] Choir with orchestra 306A. For more information, conducted by music Assistant SPORTS EDITOR call 882-5141 or 665-2260. Professor David Means. Juanita Maldonado Tuesday Thursday The guest soloists for the masterwork SPORTS REPORTER Community Service Fair Love your #selfie will be Associate Professor Rebecca The Office of Leadership An interactive workshop on self- Coberly, soprano; Maria Avalos, Ramiro Barrera and Social Change will host a love and self-compassion, hosted by mezzo-soprano; Associate Professor REPORTERS Community Service Fair from the UTRGV Counseling Center, David Sadlier, tenor; and Timothy Jessica Mendez 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on the Main Building will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Watkins, bass-baritone. Admission Zugay Treviño lawn on the Brownsville campus. On in the Student Union’s Palmetto Room is $5. For more information, call 665- Maleny Ortega the Edinburg campus, the event will on the Edinburg campus. For more 3881. Ana Trujillo take place at the same time on the information, call 665-2574 or email Super Smash Bros. Fridays Chapel lawn. Students can learn how [email protected]. Students can play “Super Smash PHOTOGRAPHERS to get involved in their communities Strength competition Bros.” for free and enjoy snacks from Robert Benavidez Jr. and learn about nonprofit agencies. University Recreation will host 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the game room Aaliyah Garza For more information, call 882-5937 a strength competition at 6 on the Edinburg campus. For more Jorge Abundiz or 665-2660. p.m. in the UREC on the Edinburg information, call 665-7890. Fernando Ramirez Wednesday campus. Participants will perform one Saturday Jazz concert repetition maximum of both deadlift UTRGV #Subculture: The Future ADVERTISING SALES The UTRGV Jazz Combo will and squat. For more information, call Is Now REPRESENTATIVE perform at 7 p.m. in the Performing 665-7808. UTRGV artists, musicians and more Annet Del Toro Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus. Vaqueros on The Mic will come together for #Subculture: The concert is part of the Patron of The Campus Programming Board The Future Is Now from 2 to DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS the Arts Student Ensemble Series. will present “Vaqueros on The Mic” 6 p.m. Saturday in downtown Cristian Cervantes Admission is $5. For more information, at noon in the Student Union on the Brownsville (Adams Street, between Mariana Gomez call 665-3881. Brownsville campus. On the Edinburg 11th and 12th streets). The event will InqSpot Book Club campus, the event will take place at feature workshops on printmaking, Students may pick up a copy of Erika the same time in the Student Union. demystifying robotics, gaming, FACULTY ADVISER L. Sanchez’s book, “I Am Not Your Students will be able to win V-Bucks. drumming, virtual reality and Perfect Mexican Daughter,” while For more information, call 882-5111. cultural digital photography and Michell Godinez supplies last, at the Student Union Info Lotería Night more. Admission is free. For more STUDENT MEDIA DIRECTOR Desk on the Edinburg campus and in The Student Union will host a information, email [email protected]. Azenett Cornejo the game room on the Brownsville Lotería Night at 4:30 p.m. in La --Compiled by Jessica Mendez campus. A discussion of the book will Sala on the Brownsville campus. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Ana Sanchez Maggie Castillo POLICE REPORTS CONTACT: The following are among the incidents reported to University Police between Oct. 29 and Nov. 4. EDINBURG CAMPUS 1201 West University Dr. Oct. 29 Oct. 31 Department of Public Safety trooper ELABS 170 10:40 a.m.: A 9:45 a.m.: A student reported being with a traffic stop at a Stripes Phone: (956) 665-2541 student reported harassed via text messages by her convenience store on the corner Fax: (956) 665-7122 being concerned non-affiliated ex-boyfriend while off of University Boulevard and Tyler BROWNSVILLE CAMPUS about his friend, who campus. She filed a report with the Street in Brownsville. The vehicle was 1 West University Blvd. was having problems Edinburg Police Department. registered as stolen from the City of Student Union 2.16 with her ex-boyfriend off campus in 10:27 a.m.: A student reported that San Benito. The driver was arrested Phone: (956) 882-5143 Brownsville. his laptop and electronic equipment on site by DPS and taken into custody. Fax: (956) 882-5176 9:59 p.m.: Officers were dispatched were stolen from his backpack, 7:39 p.m.: An officer stopped a Email: [email protected] to a disturbance in the UREC on the which was left unattended in the vehicle for a defective headlamp in © 2018 The Rider Edinburg campus. Upon arrival, a Academic Services Building on the the 1700 block of East Taylor Street in staff member reported that a student Edinburg campus. The case is under Brownsville. The non-affiliated driver threatened him when he was denied investigation. intentionally provided a false name MORE THAN A entrance. The student’s privileges had Nov. 1 and date of birth to the officer. He been suspended by UREC staff. The 10:10 a.m.: An officer responded to a was placed under arrest on a charge of NEWSPAPER case is under investigation. minor two-vehicle collision involving failure to identify. Oct. 30 a UTRGV shuttle and a stationary Nov. 5 12:09 p.m.: The UTRGV Police vehicle at the Main Building U Circle 1:46 a.m.: An officer stopped a Department was alerted about two on the Brownsville campus. No injuries vehicle for driving without lights at suspicious packages scheduled to were reported. 200 N. Jackson Road in Edinburg. A be delivered to the Community 1:35 p.m.: An officer was dispatched name check on the driver, who is a Engagement & Student Success in reference to a Facilities employee current student, revealed that he had Building in Edinburg and the damaging a window of a parked vehicle active traffic warrants totaling $440 Biomedical Research & Health while trimming grass in Lot E10 on the in the Edinburg Municipal Court. Building in Brownsville. The packages Edinburg campus. The vehicle’s owner He was placed under arrest and were intercepted and isolated before was contacted and arrangements were transported to the Edinburg City Jail reaching their destinations. It was made for the repair. for booking. determined the packages posed no Nov. 4 --Compiled by Ana Trujillo threat to the campus community. 2 a.m.: An officer assisted a Texas November 12, 2018 THE RIDER ON CAMPUS 3 Focusing on Health Affairs UTRGV to request $70M for building Regular Legislative Session. Coordinating Board website. Sofia Hernandez, chief of staff for UTRGV will also ask Texas the UTRGV Office of Health Affairs Legislature to approve funding for the and School of Medicine, said health School of Medicine. profession degrees are in demand. During the last legislative session, “It’s reflective on what is happening The School of Medicine received $42 in the community, in the region,” million and hopes to receive the same Hernandez said. “The health care amount this year, plus an additional industry is a rapidly growing sector. $10 million in exceptional item There is a lot of demand for nurses, funding, Gonzales said. physician assistants, social workers, “We need an additional $10 [million] rehab specialists, occupational ’cause those were monies that we had and physical therapists and speech had in the past,” she said. “It was cut pathologists. when they had a tough session. We’re “I think it’s appropriate that as we hoping to get it restored.” grow enrollment and we grow our A request will also be made for $4.4 graduate and professional degrees, million in new money for women’s that we have additional space to cancer initiatives--a cervical cancer accommodate faculty and students.” research and a clinic, Gonzales said. Hernandez said the building, if Of the $4.4 million, $2.4 million funded, will most likely be located would be for cervical cancer research Mariana Gomez/The Rider north of the existing Health Affairs and other related cancers that affect UTRGV will request permission from the Texas Legislature to issue $70 million in tuition Buildings on the Edinburg campus. Hispanic women and $2 million to revenue bonds to construct a Health Affairs building on the Edinburg campus. Veronica Gonzales, vice president operate and expand services at an for Governmental and Community existing clinic. Jessica Mendez when the lawmakers convene on Jan. Relations, said the building would The University of Texas Medical THE RIDER 8. also serve to accommodate proposed Branch at Galveston has agreed Tuition revenue bonds are used to UTRGV programs, such as a doctorate to transfer its Cervical Dysplasia UTRGV will ask the Texas “acquire, purchase, construct, improve, in pharmacy and a doctorate in and Cancer Stop Clinic in McAllen Legislature to approve the issuance of renovate, enlarge, or equip property, physical therapy. to UTRGV’s School of Medicine, $70 million in tuition revenue bonds buildings, structures, facilities, roads Tuition revenue bond debt is Gonzales said. (TRBs) to construct a Health Affairs or related infrastructure on or for serviced by “the revenue of the project “It’s something that we think is very building on the Edinburg campus. the campus,” according to the Texas for which it was issued and pledge a relevant to the Valley and, of course, we On Sept. 6, the University of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board revenue stream provided by income are all united in trying to fight cancer, System board of regents approved website. from tuition charges levied against so this would be well-spent money to UTRGV’s request to seek the A response to the request is expected, students or institutions specified in tackle cancer in women,” she said. Legislature’s approval for the project possibly by April 2019, from the 86th the bond covenants,” according to the Professors’ insight on the midterm elections Maleny Ortega said the voter turnout was far THE RIDER superior than what it had been in past midterm elections. The voter turnout in the “Midterm elections are Nov. 6 election shows Texas typically much lower than is looking more like a swing presidential elections and, state than a deep red state, in fact, Cameron County a UTRGV political science came close to ... its all-time assistant professor says. record, including presidential The contest that drew elections, which is pretty the most attention was the remarkable,” Kaswan said. U.S. Senate race between “Both Cameron and Hidalgo Republican incumbent counties were, I mean, they Ted Cruz and Democratic were within a few points of challenger Beto O’Rourke. each other--Cameron County Cruz won re-election in the with about 38 percent, Hidalgo tight race. The total number County with 42 percent. And, of votes cast in that race we can celebrate the progress. was 8,326,216, according to “... It still means that six out the Texas State of Secretary of every 10 voters, six out of 10 website. Also running in that registered voters in Cameron race was Libertarian Neal and Hidalgo Counties did not Dikeman. vote.” Natasha Altema-McNeely, The Texas Tribune a UTRGV political science (texastribune.org) reported a assistant professor, said 53 percent voter turnout for Fernando Ramirez/The Rider O’Rourke’s grassroots Texas. University officials say 5,906 voters cast ballots during early voting for the Nov. 6 general election at the Student campaign made him known Compared with previous Union on the Edinburg campus. On the Brownsville campus, 1,255 people voted during the first week of early to the public, not only in elections, there was an voting. Texas, but outside. And, increase in young and although Cruz won, the Hispanic voters, but there is Texas being a red state. chairs of any committees in science senior, said this results of the race were not still room for improvement, “If you look at the the U.S. House,” Kaswan said. was the first major election what was expected. according to Altema-McNeely. percentage of people who He said the Democrats she voted in and conducted “That’s one of the biggest Asked why Texas remains are likely voters ... the likely will be in a much stronger her own research on the lasting impacts for a state like a red state, Altema-McNeely voters screening includes position to effect any kind of candidates. Texas, where Republicans replied Republicans have a lot of people that are sort legislation that comes out of “Since I turned 18, I have have been in control of the steadily been in control for the of traditional, conservative Congress and the Republicans been voting in, like, you know, state politics for the last 15 last 20 years. Republican-leaning voters,” in the Senate will have to work all the local elections, but this to 20 years and a little bit “I think a lot of it is that Olney said. “That’s been a with them. is, like, the biggest one that longer,” Altema-McNeely they are, a lot of voters are dominant force in Texas.” Altema-McNeely said I’ve participated in so far,” said. “When you look at the conservative in their outlooks After the elections, the regardless of how people Longoria said. “It was pretty margin of victory, it was and, especially, outside of the Democrats are now the might feel about the results, exciting.” smaller than anyone ever [Rio Grande] Valley, but also majority in the U.S. House of the election produced She said that the voting anticipated.” within the Valley as well,” Representatives. Kaswan said historical firsts. stations at UTRGV were Charles Olney, a UTRGV she said. “I think this part is Texas played a part in that. “For instance, I believe convenient for students and political science assistant important, that the future of “One thing that it means is the first openly gay governor encouraged them to vote. professor, said these results Texas politics is up in the air that Texas will have less power was elected [in] Colorado,” “I know that a bunch of mean that people who did not because you have a growing because a lot of very powerful Altema-McNeely said, adding people don’t think that their vote before, turned out and and changing demographic Texas Republicans were chairs that two Muslim women were vote matters, but it really suggest that Texas is looking and that’s the Hispanic of important committees in elected to the U.S. House of does matter, especially in more like a swing state than a population and, of course, the the House of Representatives Representatives, along with small communities like in deep red state. young.” and one of them lost [his] two Latinas from Texas, for Brownsville,” Longoria said. Mark Kaswan, a political Olney said that voter seat, Pete Sessions, but the the first time ever. “Your vote, I mean, it’s your science associate professor, turnout may be a reason for Republicans will no longer be Tamara Longoria, a political voice, like, it’s going to count.” November 12, 2018 4 OPINION THE RIDER

“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition would have to be spending time with my family and enjoying seeing people that I don’t often see.”

Shelby Nittler Theatre freshman

“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition would have to be the eating and the gathering of family members and friends, just the moment of being closer to each other and having a bond with each other over food and conversation.”

Aldo Nava Inspired to succeed Mass communication Aaliyah from University of Texas- projects; it’s easier said than Garza Pan American to UTRGV, done. All art classes take THE RIDER which has led some students up 2½ hours of a student’s “My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is giving to substitute classes for the schedule. This is due to thanks about what you have. It’s what it’s all courses that were pulled. assignments being done in about. It’s the most essential thing. … We I came In my animation class, the class. This can be difficult just gather together and some relatives into UTRGV instructor did not teach us because becoming a full-time come from different places in the world. during the fall how to operate the Adobe art student interferes with We just hang out and talk about everything of 2017 with programs, assigned the class a person’s work schedule. It we’ve missed.” two years’ worth of college papers as project grades, did also doesn’t help that classes credits from high school. not know what a “story board” can’t be converted into online I was excited to start learning was, in terms of animation, due to their obvious nature. more about my passion and and did not allow the class to Three classes alone will take Alfonso Mancillas build my portfolio. use the Wacom Cintiqs (digital up the entire day and that’s Biomedical sciences freshman My classes for the first monitor tablets used to draw one day of work you could be semester were great for the digitally). It left a lot of my missing out on for school. most part. classmates wondering what Some students must work The teachers are all made her qualified to “teach” full time in order to support “My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is after passionate about what they animation. The professor themselves and perhaps we’re all done eating, we’re all super full. teach and are more than finally did teach the proper others, but it can be hard Little by little, we’ve noticed that we all, willing to help their students fundamentals; however, it was when dealing with art projects like, slowly start falling asleep and we’ll out when they’re in need of not taught by her. Instead, she that require a lot of their time. just, like, by the end of the night, we’ll all help. showed us some tutorials on Art can be a lengthy process be, like, passed out in the living room or Despite there being an YouTube and expected us to for some, while others can like on the couch or in someone’s room. option to major in graphic follow along. get by easily. There have been Like, we’ll all just slowly fall asleep, all design, the department I feel as if there is a lack instances in which you may of my family, and I think that’s what I feels more geared toward of freedom in individual need to turn in a rushed job like the most ’cause we all eat so much and traditional art than digital. If creativity. A lot of classes offer due to time. then we just all fall asleep. It’s really funny you look at the degree plan for fundamentals, but there is Overall, I will continue and it’s something no one really does. I don’t all the visual art majors, you’ll not a class where you can do with my degree and try to think the whole entire family falls asleep after notice that there are more as you please. It’s important do everything that I want Thanksgiving.” traditional classes offered that after graduation, your to accomplish within that than digital. portfolio is not comprised of time frame. I look forward to Angela Vargas In fact, a lot of graphic class assignments but your learning more and networking English freshman design courses were pulled own individual work. with future clients. from the department after the The obvious solution is university changed its name --Compiled by Aaliyah Garza and Robert Benavidez Jr. to make time for individual

Stop the Trump bashing For close to three years, you have made I do like your police [blotter]. I think you political comments about President Trump do a fair job in covering that. that border on threatening. You have called Open your eyes and realize people do the president racist, sexist and an idiot in support the president and the United your section of political cartoons. States of America. Not everyone on campus Before you say different people write those possesses the hate, fear and cynical edition to edition, it’s still up to the editor- paranoia that grips the cartoon section of in-chief to give it a green light. Publication The Rider. Not everyone supports illegal after publication, The Rider targets the immigration, open borders and feminism. president with your attempt at humor, That’s OK and that’s what makes this which you failed at miserably, because you country great. have oversaturated the paper with anti- Three years of the same political cartoon: Trump rhetoric. If you don’t believe me, read your archive. I believe the way you make fun of white Three years of the same show. Change the people is racist and sexist, with emphasis channel, already. Hillary and Bernie lost; on President Trump. It would be nice to it’s over. have a political cartoon making fun of other Charles Dayton political figures for a change. Political science sophomore November 12, 2018 THE RIDER OPINION 5 Thankful for the guidance of a teacher essays were perfect. works. When I was leaving, Throughout college, I kept he told me, “Thank you for in touch with Mr. Flores visiting me, Ricky. It made through e-mail and phone my day. It really did.” Two calls. During my last two years weeks later, Mr. Flores died as an undergraduate, I began of a massive heart attack. visiting him frequently. Mr. In the subsequent days, I Flores and I would sit on his ran across several of the porch and discuss literature first emails he sent me. One and all aspects of life while was regarding the loss of he would smoke a cigarette. my grandparents and read, It was then that I discovered “Think of how much better who he truly was. In high they are now instead of living school, he portrayed himself in this lousy world of ours. as a godless existentialist to Dwell on the good memories his students, never defining and the happy times you had just who he truly was because with them and the comfort he believed impartiality was they provided instead.” important as a teacher. As Our culture focuses so a friend, I knew he was a much on that end goal--that Catholic man who loved the job we want, the degrees and world more than he cared to titles we feel we deserve and admit. the happiness we want--so Following in Mr. Flores’ much that we become numb footsteps, I became an English to the scars we get along teacher at 22. A year before the way. We live our lives I became a teacher, he gave me a Our culture focuses so much maroon ribbon on that end goal--that job we bookmark want, the degrees and titles we with a small feel we deserve and the happiness we charm that want--so much that we become read “teacher.” numb to the scars we get along Whenever the way. I would complain about something going on in looking forward to the next my life, in or out of teaching, best thing, and oftentimes, Mr. Flores would remind me we find that we’ve forgotten about how people complain, to live aesthetically. This “Why did this have to happen Thanksgiving, I choose to be to me of all people?” His thankful for living the life I response was, “Why not you? create blink by blink and the What makes you so special scars that I earn along the that you don’t have to suffer way because they are all part like the rest of us?” After that, of the human experience. I decided it was absurd to complain. Instead of focusing Rick Saldivar is an English Rey Flores on the negative, he taught language arts teacher at me to acknowledge those Rio Hondo High School Rick Saldivar own mortality when someone remember how Mr. Flores situations, let them go and and an adjunct lecturer close to us dies. It is then that would return my essays use them to become a better at Texas A&M University- t the core of many we think of the joy we shared “bleeding,” drenched in person--a better teacher. Kingsville. He received a philosophies is with them and compare it to red ink after he was done In late September, I visited Bachelor of Arts in English Athe principle of the sorrow we feel with their with them. Yes, Mr. Flores Mr. Flores, sat on his porch from the University of Texas dualities. How does one absence. would make my essays bleed, with him, talked about life at Brownsville and a Master describe darkness but as Mr. Rey Flores was one of but he served the English and shared how I was reading of Arts in English from the the absence of light? How the most difficult teachers language arts and his students Albert Camus’ “The Stranger” University of Texas Rio does one define ignorance from the time Simón Rivera religiously. He had no with my seniors. We spent Grande Valley. without a demonstration of High School opened its doors problem staying after school some time discussing the knowledge? Perhaps this is in 1988 to his retirement with me for two hours a day novel he assigned to me in why we are reminded of our in 2012. He was a legend. I until my college application 2010 and talked about other Letter to the Editor Students to UTRGV: Pay us on time! Pay delays commonly afflict departments. As students, we should which includes why the delay occurred, problems; the status quo is graduate and undergraduate student not have to pressure staff or faculty what is being done to remedy the delay unacceptable. employees at UTRGV. We have to process our wages. The university and how future delays will be avoided. experienced delays as long as 46 days does not live up to its obligation as an --Require UTRGV to pay late fees for Student Workers for Labor and arbitrary pay cuts without notice employer and disrespects the rights of wages that are withheld for longer Rights or explanation. This violates our rights its student workers. than five business days at a weekly as state employees and discredits Earned wages should never be compounded rate of 5 percent of the Editor’s Note: The Rider emailed UTRGV’s mission to encourage an withheld from student employees, original payout amount. Students Michael James, chief Human innovative and accessible educational but if it happens, the employer needs accrue late fees for unpaid expenses; Resources officer, on Oct. 30 in environment. We depend on timely to provide a valid explanation and UTRGV should be held to those same regard to the students’ complaints stipends and wages to pay for a timely resolution. Below are a few standards. and requested an interview. James --Include student representation on did not reply. On Oct. 31, Patrick necessities, and we expect and deserve suggestions the university should any and all committees and efforts to Gonzales, associate vice president to be paid for our labor on time, every implement to remedy these issues: --Create a streamlined, up-to-date improve student wage processes. for University Marketing & time. informational packet for students We are open to discussions with Communication, called The Rider and Timely payment of wages is a addressing software training, pay relevant university officials. Please said he would get “the right person” fundamental responsibility of any dates, available health care services, contact us at [email protected]. for the newspaper to interview. The employer. When pay day arrives, we grievance procedures and other We strongly encourage administrators Rider is still awaiting a response on regularly do not receive our scheduled common onboarding issues. to work with us to resolve these its interview request. deposits, and are left in the dark --Formally notify employees when pay regarding the status of our wages is to be rendered, e.g., an electronic until we eventually receive a payout notification that includes a detailed less than promised, if at all. We are upcoming pay stub at least one week then forced to seek answers through prior to pay. This would enable more repeated emails, phone calls and office timely resolution of any concerns. visits, most of which are disregarded --Give clear and detailed notice and passed along laterally to different regarding delayed wage disbursement, November 12, 2018 6 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THE RIDER Brownsville natives cast in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ Britney Valdez “We had to pass an exam to make sure A&E EDITOR we were doing it right. Some of the Father and son Gilberto and things they’d say is no Frankenstein Daniel Salinas starred as zombies on arms, no fish arms, which means you AMC’s “Fear the Walking Dead” last can’t be waving them. You have to arch November. They have also worked your back a certain way, the taller [you together on the horror movie, “Blood are] the better. If you’re shorter, then Fest.” you walk another way.” Daniel Salinas is a junior radio- Daniel said one of his favorite parts television-film major at the University of the filming experience was seeing of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of director Lou Diamond Phillips. Communication. Gilberto’s favorite part was seeing Growing up, he watched a lot of the makeup and special effects movies with his family, which impacted transformation. He also liked the his career path. experience of getting the makeup done “I watched a lot of films with my by the makeup artists the way he’d family, mostly with my father [Gilberto seen on TV as a kid. Salinas],” he said. “He’s a big film buff “My favorite was sitting in the chair and naturally it grew on me as well. As for two hours and having this army I got older, I gained a growing interest of makeup artists working on you,” in wanting to create my own stories he said. “[It’s] just like when I was a and bring them to life through film.” kid, remembering seeing how movies Gilberto Salinas, chief strategist for were made and [seeing] the behind Ecodevo Concepts, got interested in the scenes [segments] and you’d have movies in a similar way. makeup artists working to make the “I have been interested in TV and people look a certain way. Well, with film since I was a kid,” he said. “Being us, they were making us look like we a film buff at an early age, just enjoying were dead.” sitting down and watching the movies Daniel detailed their work on “Blood from beginning to end and just being Fest.” curious as how the movies are made “For this one, my father [played] a [really got me intrigued].” party bouncer and I was a Halloween Daniel has worked on projects such Courtesy Photo party member,” Daniel said. “I was as “Jeff Ross Roasts the Border: Live Brownsville natives Gilberto and Daniel Salinas were cast as zombies on AMC’s “Fear the dressed up in a Halloween costume from Brownsville, Texas” and “The Walking Dead” in November 2017. Their love of film and TV started early in childhood and led and we roamed around this big set and Daily Show with Trevor Noah.” them to also work together on the horror movie, “Blood Fest.” I got to act alongside Jacob Batalon, “Jeff Ross Roasts the Border: Live who [starred as Peter Parker’s friend from Brownsville, Texas” is a stand- industry,” he said. “At the same time, like convincing zombies. in] “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” up comedy special that premiered I was extremely nervous, since I was “The first thing that my fellow For students who aspire to make on Comedy Central last year. In this working under Comedy Central, which ‘walkers,’ my father and I had to go a name for themselves in the film special, Ross traveled to Brownsville is huge.” through, was walker-training school,” industry, or who want to participate as and held a comedy show by the border Gilberto has appeared in such Daniel said. “They taught us the basic extras on a set, Gilberto recommends wall, where he roasted American productions as “A Night in Old principles of walking like a walker, approaching the field like you would immigration policies. Mexico,” “From Dusk Till Dawn: The which included no dragging the leg, no any other job--with diligence and The producers were looking for Series” and the ABC show, “American Frankenstein arms and to walk like you humility. Brownsville natives to help with Crime.” just got out of the bar drunk at 4 a.m.” “You have to be tenacious,” he said. production and Daniel took advantage On “Fear the Walking Dead,” Daniel The trainings were about 30 “It’s tough to get into it. It takes a while of the opportunity, under Gilberto’s and Gilberto played “walkers” in the minutes to an hour long and although to get onto people’s radars and to make recommendation. Season 4 episode titled, “Another Day he struggled a bit initially, Gilberto a name for yourself. So, no different “[Working on the Jeff Ross show] in the Diamond.” enjoyed the surreal experience of it all than any career, it takes a while and a was really exciting as it was my first To prepare for their roles, Gilberto and mastered the walk. lot of work, dedication and a little bit professional job in the entertainment and Daniel attended trainings to act “It was a lot of fun,” Gilberto said. of luck.” CROSSWORD PUZZLE Scribbles & Thoughts By Laia Vite

Across 3. “The Diary of _____ Frank” 7. “Harry Potter and the ______Stone” 10. “The ____ Gatsby” 11. “A Tale of Two ____” 12. “Gone with the ____” 13. “The _____ in Our Stars”

Down 1. “The Catcher in the ____” 2. “The Hunger ____” 4. “The Lion, the Witch and the ______” 5. “______: Night of the Living Dummy” by R.L. Stine 6. “The Girl with the ______Tattoo” 8. “The Cat in the _____” 9. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog _____” 11. “The Da Vinci _____” By Britney Valdez 12. “Charlotte’s ____” 12 de noviembre de 2018 THE RIDER NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL 7 El camino de los sueños Joven inmigrante comparte experiencia Eric Montoya de la Oficina de Aduanas EDITOR DE ESPAÑOL y Protección Fronteriza de EE. UU., incluyendo documentos y papeles que Más de 6,000 migrantes contenían direcciones para centroamericanos se han saber a donde dirigirse embarcado en las caravanas después de haber cruzado. para poder llegar a la frontera Se le preguntó sobre de México y Estados Unidos y su opinión acerca de las así alcanzar el famoso sueño caravanas de migrantes que americano. se encuentran atravesando A pesar de que muchos México, él respondió, “Que centroamericanos primero Dios tengan cuidado recientemente se y que todo va a salir bien. Que aventuraron en forma de le echen ganas y que primero caravanas, muchos de ellos lo Dios lleguen a donde quieran hicieron de la misma forma, llegar”. pero en menor cantidad, También dijo que no es tiempo antes de que estas bueno que las personas usen emprendieran su camino. la violencia para entrar a un Uno de ellos es un joven país. inmigrante indocumentado, “Está mal eso porque quien The Rider entrevistó. El no deberían de ser así”, el joven salió de su tierra natal, joven salvadoreño dijo. “Si El Salvador, a principios del México les permite, pues mes de octubre. Eric Montoya/The Rider pueden pasar, pero también “Me vine de El Salvador no [deben] venir golpeando así aventurando, como tipo Todos los hermanos del viene de allá”. deambular la ciudad y cruzar a las demás personas. … Los caravana, pero pagando mexicanos no tienen culpa … buses, pagando “tráilers”, joven residen en EE. UU. En El joven explicó a The Rider el Rio Bravo para así llegar a cuanto a sus padres, ellos aún que, estando en el Distrito Brownsville. de la delincuencia que pasa pagando todo eso”, dijo el en nuestros países. Es como si joven salvadoreño. residen en El Salvador debido Federal, un grupo de hombres “A ellos, uno les tiene que a que ellos ya no corren tanto quisieron secuestrarlo. Sin pagar solo para pedir permiso los mexicanos [se quisieran] El joven de 19 años de meter así a la brava a nuestros edad tiene 27 días de haber peligro como el joven. embargo, fue capaz de huir para cruzar el pueblo”, dijo “Ellos no corren peligro”, gracias a que encontró a él. “Ya estando pagando países. No nos va a gustar”. cruzado la frontera de Él aconseja a los México con Estados Unidos dijo él. “Como ya tienen una otro grupo de migrantes nosotros, digamos la cuota, edad avanzada, no corren hondureños donde se pudo que le dicen, ya uno puede centroamericanos a no y actualmente se dedica a recurrir a la violencia al llegar diferentes oficios. peligro. Ellos pueden ir a mezclar. atravesar para acá y ya no hay donde ellos quieran. Solo es Después de montarse en problema”. a la frontera. “Yo trabajo más en “Les aconsejo a mis cemento”, dijo él. “Es el uno de joven, como de 15 a 35, “La Bestia”, abordar camiones Las personas que no pagan que uno corre peligro allá”. de pasajeros, caminar y la “cuota”, usualmente hermanos centroamericanos trabajo que puedo más. Pero que no [vengan] con como no he hallado una Al preguntarle si es conseguir “aventones”, el son secuestradas para así verdad que las pandillas joven fue capaz de llegar a extorsionar a sus familiares, violencia”, dijo él. “Si Estados compañía de concrete pues Unidos les quiere ayudar, ando en cerámica, ando en El Salvador obligan a Matamoros, Tamaulipas, de acuerdo con el joven. las personas a unirse a las México, donde se quedó varios “Cuando uno quiere pasar pues gracias a Dios, pero si no, haciendo el “sheetrock”, la pues tampoco que recurran a “insulación”, ando de todo”. pandillas, él contestó, “Sí, eso días en casas abandonadas o así normalmente, sin pagarles, cualquier lo golpean a uno con una tabla la violencia porque, como tú lugar donde que le dicen el ‘entablillado’”, sabes, Estados Unidos es un pudiera dijo el joven. “Pero como yo país que, si atacan a su gente, pasar la pagué y todo … gracias a Dios, ellos atacan también”. Les aconsejo a mis hermanos noche. ya estoy aquí”. Respecto a las caravanas “Llegué Él explicó que cruzó la de miles de migrantes que centroamericanos que no [vengan] a la frontera entre Matamoros y salieron hace dos semanas de frontera de Brownsville por la zona cerca El Salvador, el dijo que “Dios con violencia. Si Estados Matamoros del Brownsville & Matamoros los bendiga en el camino, Unidos les quiere ayudar, pues gracias y estando International Bridge, porque la verdad está un poco en la popularmente conocido como duro; más si vienen niños. A a Dios, pero si no, pues tampoco que frontera de el “puente viejo”. veces uno aguanta hambre Matamoros “Cerca de ahí crucé, por la hasta un día completo, o día recurran a la violencia... tuve que puerta de migración”, dijo él. y medio, ya hasta que pare el pagarle a “Estaba abierta y me alcancé a tren ya uno puede comer”. --Joven inmigrante de El Salvador la “maña”, cruzar, pero de todas maneras, A pesar de todo lo que tuvo como le estando ya de este lado, me que pasar, él describe el viaje dicen, persiguieron, pero pues no me que hizo, desde El Salvador hasta EE. UU., como una Como muchos es cierto. Si tú no quieres como el cártel, para que me alcanzaron porque me metí meterte a la pandilla, ellos dejaran cruzar para acá. Ya abajo de un carro y ya no me “una aventura porque uno centroamericanos, el joven viene conociendo personas y salvadoreño dijo que una te dejan como si nada, pero estando ahí en Matamoros, pudieron hallar, la migración como al mes, ellos mismos Tamaulipas, pagué los $300 … . Me ayudó un mexicano y lugares”. de las razones principales El joven se quedará en por la cual decidió emigrar te matan. Ellos solo lo que dólares y ya me pude cruzar el ya el mexicano me trajo para quieren es que, como que, tu río nadando”. acá porque me había quedado Brownsville por un par de de su país fue la situación semanas hasta que pueda económica en que se salgas libremente y cuando El explicó que tuvo que perdido porque no sabía pa’ salgas … ellos mismos te pagar al Cártel del Golfo, el donde agarrar”. conseguir dinero para encuentra El Salvador. migrar al norte de EE. “Una parte es el estado secuestran y te matan”. grupo dedicado al crimen El joven dijo que perdió Al igual que cientos, sino organizado que controla varias cosas mientras trataba UU. y encontrarse con sus económico …”, dijo él. “La hermanos. otra son las pandillas. Tu no miles, de migrantes que Matamoros, solo para poder de escapar de los agentes puedes vivir en una colonia atraviesan México para llegar porque en una … [está] la a EE. UU., el joven de El “18” y en la otra colonia está Salvador tuvo que subirse a la MS[-13], reconocida como “La Bestia” cerca del estado de la “Mara Salvatrucha”. … Si Puebla, México. “La Bestia” es tú sales de tu colonia y te vas un tren de carga que atraviesa al pueblo, te puede matar la México desde la frontera sur pandilla contraria. Entonces, hasta la frontera con EE. UU. no hay seguridad en el país”. “Está un poco arriesgado, El joven explicó que, pero igual, como uno quiere debido a su edad, él corre estar aquí, tiene que echarle más peligro en su país. ganas y echarle pa’ delante, “Allá, entre la policía y los no voltear a ver para atrás”, delincuentes, entre ellos se dijo el joven. “Uno viene de su agarran y … como yo tengo país para una vida mejor aquí 19 años, si ellos me hallan en porque en nuestros países, no la calle, ellos piensan que yo se si tú te puedes dar cuenta, soy pandillero y me golpean, está un poco más peligroso y hasta se lo llevan a uno pa’l allá por las pandillas y por río pa’ quererlo matar y ya”. todo eso. Por eso uno se November 12, 2018 8 ON CAMPUS THE RIDER Looking ahead #Subculture to provide tech, music, art workshops Maleny Ortega THE RIDER computer science exhibition, presented by Professors A drumming exhibit, a Mahmoud Quweider and virtual reality experience and Mounir Ben Ghalia, that will a printmaking workshop are include robotics, gaming and some of the activities of the technology. upcoming #Subculture event “That fits in with The happening on Saturday. Future Is Now,” McGehee- #Subculture will take place Valdez said. “Every year, we from 2 to 6 p.m. in downtown have a different theme and we Brownsville (Adams Street, try to add more interesting between 11th and 12th interactive experiences that streets) and is open to the add that theme.” public. Admission is free. This will be the seventh The event’s theme is The #Subculture hosted by Future Is Now and the the University Marketing interactive activities aim to and Communications represent how things are department. always evolving, according McGehee-Valdez to UTRGV Director of Public encourages the public to Relations Jennifer McGehee- attend. There will be food Valdez. trucks and other vendors. “The event itself was The first 200 people to arrive inspired by highlighting at the event will be given UTRGV’s students, artists, File Photo The Rider postcards, and if they attend unifying campuses,” Jessica Esperanza (from left), Priscila Garcia and Victoria Vital participate in last year’s #Subculture. all five workshops, attendees McGehee-Valdez said. will have the chance to receive “We have professors and Reynaldo Santiago and Kristina Weimer will set up Analytics Director Alex a #Subculture T-shirt. students, staff from each Lecturer Noel Palmenez, buckets and play beats. The Garrido and Nate Garcia, “The big overarching goal campus working together in which attendees can drumming workshop was in which videos will play is to really just highlight at the event, providing watch, learn and participate. introduced at the Festival of on headsets provided to UTRGV and provide a free workshops, activities for the Paper will be available to International Books & Arts participants. event ... where community community.” practice printing designs or last year and will now be a --a cultural digital members can come in and #Subculture: The Future Is participants can bring extra part of this event. photography workshop just, you know, learn a little Now will include: shirts. -- a 3-D virtual-reality presented by Instructor bit more about what our --a printmaking workshop, --a drumming exhibit, in experience, presented by Carlos Bortoni. students do,” she said. presented by Professor which Assistant Professor Digital Marketing and --an engineering and Texas Capitol internship 11 students to be selected for program which begins Jan. 8, Candidates should fill an according to a UTRGV news application form that can be release. Interns will receive found at https://www.utrgv. six upper-level political edu/careercenter/. science credit hours. The requirements for This is the second legislative undergraduate students are session in which UTRGV will a completion of 60 credit send interns to the Capitol. hours, 12 of which need to be Legacy institution University in political science courses of Texas-Pan American had a with a 3.0-minimum GPA in similar program with five to these. They are also required six students. to have a 2.5 cumulative Texas legislative sessions GPA. Graduate students are held every other year must have a 3.0 GPA and be for 140 days. Students are enrolled in the appropriate required to stay until the courses in the academic end of the session to aid departments. legislators. All majors are welcome to Some of the interns’ duties apply. include conducting research “[Students] are for legislation, monitoring interviewed by a committee committee hearings and of people from the meeting with constituents, Governmental Relations according to the UTRGV Office,” Ragland said. “... news release. Then we evaluate them, we Funds for the internships select 11 students, and then are approved by the Office … we assign them to various of the President and selected legislators … to work in Photo Courtesy Alondra Galvan candidates are awarded an Austin, and then they attend $8,000 stipend to cover their an orientation here before Criminal justice senior Alondra Galvan served as an intern at the Texas Capitol. expenses while in Austin. they go.” “Students who are selected Students will be required Ana Trujillo Capitol offices of a Rio Richard Sanchez, UTRGV for the Austin legislative to work 40 hours while THE RIDER Grande Valley legislator. associate vice president internships, they gain the taking two online political Students seeking to gain Interns will have to move to for Governmental and kind of experience that science courses. experience at the state capitol Austin if they are selected. Community Relations. a staffer for a legislator The deadline to apply can apply for the Rio Grande “We have to express our “Our Valley legislators are would have,” said Ruth Ann is Thursday. For more Valley Legislative Internship. deep appreciation to our always excellent hosts to our Ragland, a political science information, contact Eleven internships are open legislators because without students.” senior lecturer. “… They do Ragland at ruth.ragland@ for the Spring 2019 semester. them, we wouldn’t have Internships will all the various jobs that are utrgv.edu or Sanchez at The selected candidates these offices for students to correspond with the 86th available in a very busy Texas [email protected]. will work for the Austin go and do their thing,” said Texas Legislative Session, Capitol office.” November 12, 2018 THE RIDER SPORTS 9 Kruger inducted into Athletics Hall of Fame

Fernando Ramirez/The Rider Photos UTRGV President Guy Bailey speaks about former legacy institution University of Texas-Pan Coach Lew Hill (left) hands the UTRGV Hall of Fame award to Lon Kruger, former basketball American Coach Lon Kruger’s impact on the university and why he is an outstanding coach. coach at legacy institution University of Texas-Pan American.

a 2-year-old daughter, Angie, at that come the first, and now only one of two coach for the Atlanta Hawks and went Juanita Maldonado time and our son Kevin was born in the coaches, to lead five programs to the SPORTS EDITOR on to become assistant coach from Weslaco Regional Hospital in 1983, so NCAA Tournament: Kansas State Uni- 2003-04 for the New York Knicks. Lon Kruger was inducted into the it’s great memories. I appreciate them versity, the University of Florida, the Kruger is currently the head coach at Athletics Hall of Fame by the Univer- taking a chance on a young guy.” University of Illinois, the University of University of Oklahoma and remains sity of Texas Rio Grande Valley De- Kruger received his first head-coach- Nevada, Las Vegas and University of active in the Athletics Department at partment of Intercollegiate Athletics ing job at legacy institution Univer- Oklahoma. UTRGV, along with his wife. last Thursday at the Valencia Event sity of Texas-Pan American and served Kruger’s teams have participated in UTRGV Men’s Basketball Head Center in McAllen. from 1982 to 1989. He received a team 17 NCAA tournaments and two Final Coach Lew Hill said he is happy with Kruger is excited to be back in that went 5-20 before his arrival. Four games. He currently has a 619- having Coach Kruger back and having the Valley and is even more excited During the 1985-86 season, Kruger 395 record. the Sooners play against the Vaqueros. about receiving such an honor. coached his team to a 20-8 record. In 1998, he was the assistant coach “It feels great, you know,” Hill said. “Tremendous honor, again Barba- After four seasons, Kruger left UTPA for Team USA at the FIBA World “He’s done a favor for me personally, ra and I loved our time here,” Kruger to become head coach at Kansas State Championship, where the team won a and the university, and the Valley by said, referring to his wife. “We were University. bronze medal. bringing the University of Oklahoma 29 when we came and we brought His success at UTPA led him to be- From 2000-03, he was the head down here to play.” Men’s soccer advances after defeating UNLV

Photo Courtesy Western Athletic Conference FACEBOOK Photo Courtesy Western Athletic Conference FACEBOOK University of Nevada, Las Vegas junior goalkeeper Enrique Adame comes out of the box to UTRGV senior defender Antone Jarvis attempts to clear the ball before UNLV can gain possession try to stop UTRGV senior forward Rooby Dalusma (No. 16) in last Wednesday’s quarterfinal last Wednesday at Championship Field in Seattle, Wash. The Vaqueros defeated the Rebels 4-1 match at Championship Field in Seattle, Wash. Dalusma took a shot on goal to give the and advanced to the WAC semifinals. Vaqueros a 4-1 victory. midfielder Bay Kurtz received the re- a shot on goal and gave UTRGV a 3-1 very good rhythm,” Leese said. “It’s Ramiro Barrera bound, giving UNLV a 1-0 lead. lead. taken a long time to build in that style THE RIDER UTRGV tied the game 1-1 at 24:50. Dalusma dribbled ahead and beat of play and all credit to them. They Junior forward Kyle Edwards scored a UNLV junior goalkeeper Enrique understand what it is they need to do The UTRGV Men’s Soccer Team goal after dribbling the ball around the Adame on the left side, scoring the and their individual roles. And, it’s re- defeated the University of Nevada, UNLV defense. fourth and final goal for the Vaqueros. ally magical to see when they play that Las Vegas 4-1 during the quarterfinal Vaquero senior forward Rooby Da- The victory over UNLV is a first for way.” round of the Western Athletic Con- lusma scored a goal with less than the Vaqueros in a WAC tournament. With the victory over UNLV, the Va- ference Tournament last Wednesday three minutes remaining on the clock, In an interview with a WAC reporter queros qualified to the WAC Tourna- at Championship Field in Seattle, resulting in a 2-1 lead in favor of after the game, which was posted on ment semifinal match. UTRGV played Wash. UTRGV to end the first half. the conference website, Head Coach San José State University last Friday at At the 11:36 mark, UNLV fresh- In the second half, junior forward Paul Leese said he was pleased with Championship Field. Results were not man midfielder Nico Clasen hit the William Akio received an assist from the team’s performance. available at press time. ball on the crossbar. Rebels senior Edwards at the 57:37 mark. Akio took “The boys now, I think they’re in a This week’s home game schedule Women’s Basketball ●7 tonight vs. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi at UTRGV Fieldhouse

Men’s Basketball ●7 p.m. Wednesday vs. Prairie View A&M University at UTRGV Fieldhouse

Volleyball ●7 p.m. Thursday vs. Chicago State University at UTRGV Fieldhouse ●Noon Saturday vs. University of Missouri-Kansas City at UTRGV Fieldhouse

Upcoming

Men’s Basketball ●7 p.m. Nov. 23 vs. Lamar University at UTRGV Fieldhouse

Women’s Basketball ●2 p.m. Nov. 25 vs. University of St. Thomas at UTRGV Fieldhouse November 12, 2018 10 THE RIDER Club Spotlight American Medical Student Association Throughout this academic year, The Rider will explore the student organizations at UTRGV. This is the 11th in our series. The Rider interviewed Felipe Diaz, president of the American Medical Student Association, for information. President: Felipe Diaz Vice President: Alondra Ledezma Secretary: Tabitha Abraham Treasurer: Alessa Ramirez Fundraising Coordinator: Karla Petrovich-Mar National Liaison: Pavani Manam Public Relations Officer: Anais Mendiola Adviser: Lecturer II Marguerite Dewitt and Dr. Gustavo Stern, director of Office of Health Professions Careers What does your organization do? “It’s a national organization and the chapter here is a pre-med one. … [It’s] more geared towards providing volunteer opportunities for the students. And, we’re trying to get them scholarships through Kaplan so that they can have better test prep materials, but for the most part we’re all really big about community. … Two of the bigger events we do that we’re trying to do again this semester is the Autism Awareness Day and the health fair. Courtesy Photo … We also help out with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. We help out with nursing Members of UTRGV’s American Medical Student Association include President Felipe Diaz homes. … We also bring in guest speakers … to speak about their medical practice (seated); Sharnitha Arulselvam (standing, front row, from left), Odalys Romero, Jasmin experience.” Santibanez, Oscar Cazares, Treasurer Alessa Ramirez, Jacqueline Cantu, Public Relations What are the requirements? “It’s a pre-med chapter, I would say it’s more Officer Anais Mendiola and Secretary Tabitha Abraham. Back row: Maria Rosa Gonzalez, Vice geared to health care professions, not exactly pre-med. … To be a national member, President Alondra Ledezma, Sheila Aviles, Fundraising Coordinator Karla Petrovich-Mar, Luis you have to pay a $75 fee to be registered with AMSA National. To participate Leija, Johana Castro, Ivan Aguilar, Richard Almeida, Dominic Solis, Deborah Jones, National here in UTRGV, we don’t really make them pay, but we won’t keep track of their Liaison Pavani Manam and Silverio Lopez. volunteer hours at all. … And, you can’t say you’re part of AMSA on your résumé or medical school application, unless you pay that fee.” Want your club featured? Email us Meetings: Biweekly, 2 to 3 p.m. Fridays in BMSLC 1.111 at [email protected] or call Email: [email protected] --Compiled by Jorge Abundiz us at 882-5143 in Brownsville and 665-2541 in Edinburg!

the teenager said. “One comes here for from their families, according to the they work hard and that, God willing, DREAMS a better life because in our countries, teenager. they get to wherever they want to get.” Continued from Page 1 I don’t know if you realize, it is more “When one wants to cross He also said that it is not correct dangerous over there because of the normally, without paying, they beat for people to use violence to enter a known as the “Mara Salvatrucha.” … If gangs and all that. That is why people you with a wood plank that they call country. you get out of your neighborhood and come from over there.” ‘entablillado,’” the teenager said. “But “That’s wrong because they go to the city, the enemy gang can kill The young Salvadoran explained to since I paid and everything … thank shouldn’t be like that,” the teenager you. Therefore, there is no security in The Rider that, while he was in Mexico God, I am here.” said. “If Mexico allows them, then the country.” City, a group of men tried to kidnap He explained he crossed the border they can enter, but they shouldn’t be The teenager explained that, due to him. However, he was able to escape between Matamoros and Brownsville hitting others. … Mexicans are not to his age, he faces more danger in his by blending in with another group of near the area of the Brownsville & blame … for the crime that happens country. Honduran migrants that was passing Matamoros International Bridge, in our countries. It’s like if Mexicans “Over there, between the police and by. colloquially known as the “old bridge,” would want to enter our countries just the criminals, they fight each other After boarding “La Bestia,” riding or “puente viejo.” like that. We are not going to like it.” and … since I am 19 years old, if they passenger buses, walking and asking “I crossed near that area, through an He advises Central Americans to see me in the street, they think I am a for rides, the teenager made it to open gate [in the fence],” he said. “It not use violence when they arrive at gang member and they beat me, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, was open and I was able to get in but … the border. they even take you to the river to kill where he stayed for several days in once I was on this side, they chased me, “I advise my Central American you.” but they didn’t catch me brothers to not use violence,” he said. All of the because I hid under a car “If the United States wants to help teenager’s siblings I advise my Central American and they were not able them, then thank God, but if not, they reside in the U.S. to find me, [the Border should not use violence since, as you Regarding his brothers to not use violence. If the Patrol]. … A Mexican know, the United States is a country parents, they still United States wants to help them, guy helped … and that, if you attack its people, they live in El Salvador brought me here since I attack you back.” since they are then thank God, but if not, they should was lost and didn’t know Regarding the caravans of not in as much not use violence since, as you know, the United where to go to.” thousands of migrants that left El danger. The young Salvadoran Salvador two weeks ago, he said, “God “They are not in States is a country that, if you attack said he lost several of his bless them in their journey, because, danger,” he said. its people, they attack you back. belongings when trying to be honest, it is somewhat hard, “Since they are to escape from the U.S. even more if children are coming. old, they are not Customs and Border Sometimes one has to bear hunger for at risk. They can --Teenager from El Salvador Protection agents, a whole day, or day and a half. It is not go wherever they including personal until the train stops that you can eat.” want to. It’s just documents and papers Despite everything he had to go us young people, that contained directions through, he describes his journey from 15 to 35, who are in danger over abandoned houses or any place where and coordinates that were supposed to from El Salvador to the U.S. as “an there.” he could to stay for the night. help him find his way after he crossed adventure because one goes places Asked if it is true that gangs in “I arrived to the Matamoros border the border. and meets people. El Salvador force people to join the and while being in the Matamoros Asked about the migrant caravans The Salvadoran teenager will be gangs, he replied, “Yes, that is true. If border, I had to pay the “maña,” which that are traveling through Mexico, he in Brownsville for a couple of weeks you don’t want to join the gang, they is how they call it, like the cartel, so replied, “To be careful and everything until he gets enough money to migrate don’t tell you anything. However, that they would let me cross to this will be all right, God willing. I hope to the north of the U.S. and meet his after a month or so, they kill you. They side. Once in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, siblings. just want you to freely go out and then I paid the $300 and then I was able to when you go out … they kidnap you swim across the river.” and then they kill you.” He explained he had to pay the Like hundreds, if not thousands, of Cártel del Golfo, the organized crime migrants who travel through Mexico group that controls Matamoros, just to to get to the U.S., the teenager from be allowed to move around the city and El Salvador had to hop aboard “La to cross the Rio Grande and then get to Bestia” or “The Beast” when he was Brownsville. in Puebla, Mexico. “La Bestia” is a “You have to pay them just to ask for cargo train that travels across Mexico permission to cross the city,” he said. from the southern border to the U.S. “Once we pay them, let’s say the ‘fee’ border. … then you can cross to come here and “It is a little bit risky, but anyways, there is no problem.” one wants to be here, one has to work The people who do not pay the “fee” hard, look forward and not look back,” are usually kidnapped to extort money November 12, 2018 THE RIDER ON CAMPUS 11 Puppies and awareness Club to host event on student mental health Jessica Mendez Brownsville Animal Defense, carry a lot of stigma. THE RIDER will bring its puppies to the “You don’t realize what event for animal therapy. people are really going The UTRGV Rehab South “They will be here on through and I think this is a Club will host an event to campus bringing their puppies way to educate people to see create awareness of and and they will have a chance to beyond what may be physical provide information about pass out flyers and sort of, like, and see what may not be student mental health. promote their agency and have there,” she said. The event will take place from people adopt,” Limas said. Throughout the semester, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday on Nora Rodriguez, secretary the club has participated the Student Union lawn on the of the club, said the event will in such events as the Brownsville Accessibility campus. Student Mental Health Awareness Ceremony on Juliett Oct. 19 and Montoya, in the Suicide a biology Vigil on Oct. junior, When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wed. 24. said she “A lot of will attend Where: Student Union lawn what we do is events that advocacy and promote awareness on mental campus and health awareness. give students insight on mental in the community,” Limas “Many people struggle with health and ways to cope with said. this and a lot of people don’t anxiety and depression. “The main point of the know, so it’s good for other “We are getting close to event is to help people relieve people to find out what it’s finals and this is a great some of the stress, some about,” Montoya said. opportunity for them to not of the anxiety, play with Free food, games, prizes, only find coping mechanisms, puppies, have some food and information, resources on but as well to just have a day to have some fun,” said Joel mental health and play with be free and have a little bit of Rojas, the club’s historian. puppies will be available at the fun,” Rodriguez said. For more information, event. Rodriguez said mental email rehabsouthclub01@ Josue Limas, Rehab South health issues are invisible to gmail.com. Club president, said the other people and particularly Courtesy Photo local nonprofit organization, in our culture, these issues

CHANCELLOR Milliken also said the students will work with UTRGV administration probation, it remains accredited. Continued from Page 1 expressed the need of transportation to resolve the university’s accreditation The email also contains a and technology to be proportional to probation under the Southern preliminary assessment of the Oct. student needs. Association of Colleges and Schools 9-12 visit of the SACSCOC Special The chancellor’s goal is to visit “Overall, the students were, I Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Committee. all 14 institutions before the end of thought, enormously positive about “Well, fortunately, you have a very The report states there is no November. the experience they’re getting, the experienced administrative leadership evidence that the university does not Milliken met with 10 students on education they’re getting and the here,” he said. “The president has had operate with integrity. the Brownsville campus. increased opportunities that are a wealth of experience at really fine It also states that, “the institution He became chancellor on Sept. 17, provided,” he said. universities. We will work to support (a) is in compliance with its program succeeding William McRaven, who Nursing senior David Sujo, who President Bailey and his colleagues responsibilities under Title IV of the stepped down on May 31. was among the students who met with in any way possible, but I have great most recent Higher Education Act as The Rider asked Milliken what Milliken, said he voiced his concerns confidence in them.” amended and (b) audits financial aid issues or concerns the student body about the nursing school. In 2016, the Southern Association of program as required by federal and brought up during his visit. “It was really helpful, he really heard Colleges and Schools Commission on state regulations. “Well, the kinds of things you our complaints [and] benefits of this Colleges (SACSCOC) placed UTRGV Bailey’s email states that “final would expect, about the challenges school,” he said. “About the nursing under a yearlong probation for failure action on the report rests with the of a new institution, newly merged school, I’m a nursing student. So, to demonstrate compliance with Commission on Colleges.” institution and the challenges you Edinburg took everything from us, so several accreditation standards. Last Thursday morning, Milliken might expect with the distance of a we need to travel every day and I told In an email to the campus met with students on the Edinburg university that’s spread over a number him that.” community last Tuesday, Bailey wrote campus. of communities,” he replied. The Rider also asked Milliken how he that although the university is still in

PROBATION The report states the state auditor determined UTRGV “implemented Continued from Page 1 appropriate corrective action for the five findings identified in the August Thank you, veterans! good report on the basis of their site 31, 2017, report.” visit,” Bailey said. It also said the university He said the state auditor came back implemented “all identified this summer. opportunities for improvement,” and “We had addressed everything and UTRGV’s Special Committee’s ability resolved everything,” Bailey said. to work efficiently “contributed to an “And, the SACSCOC committee came all-around enjoyable visit.” in October.” After UTRGV is no longer under He said the committee told him probation, Bailey said the university everything had been resolved. The will focus on expanding courses and changes have been ready since May. services offered to students. A working committee from UTRGV “We are building a number of new oversaw the changes the university programs,” he said. “…We have a made. doctoral program in clinical psychology “We had our own internal audits that begins next September. So, we are and our SACSCOC liaison, our expanding our course offerings. financial aid people and our finance “We are trying to improve our and administration people,” Bailey transportation system and make sure said. “It was a team effort of all those that we have that worked out and to people working together.” meet the needs of our students. … Janna Arney, UTRGV’s deputy There are a number of things we are president, oversaw the working group. trying to do like that.” “And then there were smaller The latest report is available at working groups who worked on https://www.utrgv.edu/_files/ Aaliyah Garza/The Rider particular issues,” Bailey said. documents/president/sacscoc/2018- Irving Rodriguez, U.S. Marine Corps veteran (from left); Ivan Rodriguez, U.S. Army veteran; Roy As cited in the SACSCOC Report 10-24-sacscoc-final-report.pdf. Champion, U.S. Army veteran; Jacqueline Lopez, veteran family member; Gabriel Carrizales, of the Special Committee (2018), the U.S. Navy veteran; Elda Arriaga, assistant director of the Military and Veteran Success Center; university also received help from Javier Badillo, academic adviser for MVSC; Edgar Vasquez, U.S. Air Force veteran; William ProEducation Solutions, a company Pabon, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Student Veterans of America president; and, Raymundo that provides financial aid consulting. Solis, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and SVA sergeant-at-arms, attend the UTRGV Veterans Day ceremony in the University Ballroom on the Edinburg campus. November 12, 2018 12 THE RIDER