WARNING: FRIENDZONE AHEAD Fernando Ramirez/THE RIDER PHOTOS Paulina Longoria Suddenly, he stopped talking to me, A&E REPORTER which left me wondering if I had done something wrong. He wanted to ignore very February, people begin his feelings, but he eventually reached to plan what they will do on out to me and confessed them. I was EValentine’s Day. Out of nowhere, already in a relationship by then. they start seeing others entering into A similar experience happened to new relationships. But you? You’re computer engineering senior Julio stuck in the friendzone. Cantu. You’re not alone. The Rider surveyed “Some girl that I work with, I didn’t 248 UTRGV students in a Facebook have feelings for her, but she did for poll about being friendzoned. The me, and it was just really awkward,” results showed: Cantu said. --102 victims have Like Cantu, been friendzoned; English senior Vivianna Puentes, freshman --101 have not, but ASK THE EXPERT: HOW TO Alejandra Hernandez Julio Cantu, computer engineering senior friendzoned someone has not been a victim else; DEAL WITH A HEARTBREAK of the friendzone. --36 have been victims, She has, however, but also friendzoned Page 6 friendzoned many somebody; others. --And nine have never “I have no been in the friendzone. experience with, like, romantic “The friend zone is a figure of speech relationships, so I’m quite afraid for what happens when one person of that,” Hernandez said. “And so, wants to take things to the next level whenever someone approaches me romantically but the other person with that intention, I make it clear just wants to be friends,” according to right away that I have no intention of Dictionary.com. having, like, any sort of boyfriend or Personally, I can tell you that anything right now.” I friendzoned someone recently. For those who have been, or are in Everyone knew that my best friend was in love with me and I never accepted it. See FRIENDZONE, Page 7 Jorge Ascencio, mechanical engineering junior Alejandra Hernandez, English senior

Un HOCO loco Annual Homecoming celebration kicks off today

Roxanna Miranda/THE RIDER Biology junior Leslie Juarez files her tax return last Tuesday in U Central on the Brownsville campus. MyFreeTaxes is a software powered by H&R block in partnership with United Way. The MyFreeTaxes stations are open to the public.

Free tax return filing services on campus File Photo UTRGV students receive free tacos last year during the Tip-Off Party to Homecoming at the Victor G. Ramirez that allows individuals to self-prepare Music, Science & Learning Center courtyard on the Brownsville campus. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF their own tax returns and if help is Alejandra Yañez out,” Student Activities Director needed, stations are accessible at U THE RIDER Cindy Mata-Vasquez said. “Whether UTRGV students, faculty, staff Central sites on the Edinburg and you live in Los Fresnos, Brownsville, and the surrounding community Brownsville campuses, according Starting today, students can vote for Rio Hondo, Mercedes, wherever you can file their taxes for free using the to Jael Perez, associate director the new Homecoming Royals while live, definitely come out, support the MyFreeTaxes software sponsored by of Financial Aid Operations and enjoying this week’s celebration, which Vaqueros, be proud of the university United Way and powered by H&R Community Liaison at UTRGV. will feature the mascot for the first that you’re attending and just show Block. Stations are open from 9 a.m. to time and bring back an old tradition. your pride.” MyFreeTaxes is an online software See TAXES, Page 10 “I really want students to come See HOMECOMING, Page 10 February 10, 2020 2 ON CAMPUS THE RIDER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tuesday wristband from the information desk Edinburg campus. Brownies with in the Student Union on the Edinburg Thursday The Rider is the official, award- Becky campus or the Office of Student Men’s Basketball winning student newspaper of the Students can visit Involvement on the Brownsville The UTRGV Men’s Basketball University of Texas Rio Grande Rebecca Gadson, campus. Team will face off against Utah dean of students, to Love Your Selfie Valley University at 7 p.m. in the Valley. The newspaper is widely talk about what matters to them from The Counseling Center will host Fieldhouse on the Edinburg campus. distributed on and off campus in 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in La Sala on the a self-love session from 10 a.m. to Faculty and staff will receive two free Brownsville and Edinburg, Texas. Brownsville campus. noon on the Main Courtyard on the general admission tickets with a valid Views presented are those of the V-My Valentine Brownsville campus and from 11 a.m. UTRGV ID. Students can enjoy a murder to 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Student Phil and Sophie’s Coffee House writers and do not reflect those mystery dinner and dance starting Union Commons on the Edinburg The Philosophy Department will of the newspaper or university. at 6:30 p.m. in PlainsCapital Bank El campus. host a philosophical discussion Gran Salón on the Brownsville campus Involvement Fair every Thursday from 5:15 to 7 p.m. on EDITOR-IN-CHIEF and at the same time Wednesday Students can talk to organizations the Jazzman’s patio on the Edinburg Victor G. Ramirez in the Ballroom on the Edinburg and departments from noon to campus. ONLINE EDITOR campus. To reserve a seat, pick up a 1 p.m. on the Chapel lawn on the --Compiled by Brigitte Ortiz Leslie Medrano SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Danielle Perez COPY EDITORS POLICE REPORTS Jacqueline Peraza Arisbeth Rodriguez The following are among the incidents reported to University Police between Jan. 27 and Feb. 3. CARTOONIST Elizabeth Mendoza Jan. 27 Jan. 29 1:40 p.m.: A student lost her wallet REPORTERS 8:19 a.m.: A 8:40 a.m.: A staff member operating on Jan. 15. in Lot E-25 on the Edinburg student reported a university vehicle struck a metal campus. The wallet had contained U.S. Maleny Ortega seeing a vehicle trash can in the loading dock area of currency and personal documents. Sol Garcia back into a parked, the Student Union on the Brownsville 3:51 p.m.: A student’s vehicle was Omar E. Zapata unattended vehicle campus. No injuries were reported. struck while it was parked in Lot Hania Rocio and then drive 11:30 a.m.: A student reported that E-16 on the Edinburg campus. The Brigitte Ortiz away in Lot E-16 on the his home in Edcouch was shot at. He vehicle’s rear right corner sustained Alejandra Yañez Edinburg campus. The also reported receiving threatening minor damage. The case is under A&E REPORTER operator of the unattended vehicle was messages on his cell phone while investigation. Paulina Longoria notified of the accident. The case is off campus. The Edcouch Police 3:56 p.m.: A student injured her hand SPORTS REPORTERS under investigation. Department is investigating the with a nail protruding from a couch in the Aldo Nava 8:32 a.m.: A student’s vehicle was incident. He requested the incident be Student Union on the Edinburg campus. Angel De La Cruz struck while it was parked in Lot E-9 documented with University Police. She did not require medical assistance. on the Edinburg campus. Her vehicle 1:39 p.m.: A staff member reported Building staff removed the couch. PHOTOGRAPHERS sustained visible damage to the left seeing a message on a private social Jan. 31 Aaliyah Garza back quarter panel. The case is under media page using profane language. 1:26 p.m.: A student noticed her Fernando Ramirez investigation. The message showed discontent with earbuds had been stolen from her Amanda Vela 10:29 a.m.: A contractor employee an employee from UTRGV Parking backpack after retrieving it from Eduardo Galindo reported a student had been suspected Services over a parking issue. It was the University Police lost and found Roxanna Miranda of stealing food from the C Store in unknown which UTRGV campus was section. The case is under investigation. DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS the Student Union on the Edinburg being referenced. 4:11 p.m.: Officers were dispatched Cristian A. Cervantes campus on prior occasions. When the 5:57 p.m.: Two non-affiliated to the Education Complex-Hidalgo Mariana Gomez student was identified by an officer, individuals were issued criminal County Head Start building, where she admitted to taking food items in trespass warnings after doing stunts a woman was upset at the staff. She the past. She said she had been hungry on their skateboards on the stairway of aggressively asked if the staff had been FACULTY ADVISER but did not have the money talking about her and left Michell Godinez to pay for the items. She said before the officers arrived. A STUDENT MEDIA DIRECTOR she also visited and utilizing University Police staff member requested the Azenett Cornejo the UTRGV Student Food incident be documented. Pantry. Student Rights and Email: [email protected] 5:20 p.m.: Officers were STUDENT MEDIA PROGRAM Responsibilities will review Campus Emergency: 882-4911 dispatched to Lot E-39 on the ADVISER the incident. Edinburg campus in regard to Jesus Sanchez 1:06 p.m.: A staff member a student possibly urinating ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS reported the rear left in public. After interviewing window of his vehicle had the student, officers placed Ana Sanchez been shattered by a Facilities employee the Student Union on the Brownsville him under arrest on charges of public Maggie Castillo using a grass trimmer in the area. campus. intoxication. He was transported to the Arrangements are being made to have 6:08 p.m.: An officer responded to an Edinburg City Jail. CONTACT: the window repaired. active fire alarm in the Performing Arts Feb. 2 EDINBURG CAMPUS 6:21 p.m.: A student fainted and felt Complex B Building. The Edinburg 12:05 a.m.: A University Police 1201 West University Dr. ill in Liberal Arts Building South on Fire Department arrived on the scene, officer arrested a non-affiliated driver ELABS 170 the Edinburg campus. The student was and it was later determined the alarm on charges of driving while intoxicated Phone: (956) 665-2541 transported by emergency medical had been triggered by a faulty power after stopping him for a traffic violation Fax: (956) 665-7122 services to a local hospital for further generator. Firefighters cleared the on the 2300 block of West Schunior BROWNSVILLE CAMPUS evaluation. building for re-entry. Street. The officer observed signs of 1 West University Blvd. 6:36 p.m.: An officer was waved down Jan. 30: intoxication by alcoholic beverage. He Student Union 2.16 by a person reporting a major accident 4:34 a.m.: A UTRGV public safety conducted field sobriety tests, which Phone: (956) 882-5143 at Schunior and Fourth streets in officer saw an out-of-control fire in the driver performed poorly. Fax: (956) 882-5176 Edinburg. One person involved an alley between East Jackson and Feb. 3 Email: [email protected] in the accident said she felt chest East Van Buren streets in Brownsville. 7:08 a.m.: A UTRGV communications © 2020 The Rider pain. Emergency medical services UTRGV police officers notified the operator watching border cameras saw transported her to a local hospital. Brownsville Fire Department. The two people from Mexico jumping the The Edinburg Police Department is officers saw a pile of trash on fire, and U.S. border fence in Lot B-1 on the conducting the accident investigation. the fire had spread to a residential Brownsville campus. The individuals Jan. 28 wooden fence and nearby shrubs. then ran into the brush area between MORE THAN A 8:45 a.m.: A contractor employee Officers contacted and advised the the lot and Levee Road. The U.S. reported that a man stole four bags local residents of the fire. Officers Border Patrol was notified and agents NEWSPAPER of chips from the Library Café on the put out most of the blaze using fire apprehended them without incident. Brownsville campus. The man left the extinguishers and garden water hoses 11:26 a.m.: A staff member lost four area before an officer arrived. The case from the homes. Upon arrival, the fire university keys off campus. is under investigation. department was able to fully extinguish 12:36 p.m.: A staff member observed 12:20 p.m.: Two students were the fire. a scratch on the right rear quarter involved in a minor traffic collision in 9:58 a.m.: A faculty member lost her panel of his vehicle on Jan. 29. It is Lot B-1 on the Brownsville campus. No UTRGV ID/access card. The card has unknown where the damage occurred. injuries were reported. been deactivated. 2:23 p.m.: Two students did not 3:37 p.m.: A student reported that 10:33 a.m.: A student received several return two university iPads they the left rear window of her vehicle was disturbing images on his cellphone borrowed as per their signed contract. damaged while it was parked in Lot while off campus. It is unknown who The report, made by a faculty member, E-25 on the Edinburg campus. It was sent the images. The student was will be referred to Student Rights and undetermined how the window was referred to the Brownsville Police Responsibilities. damaged. Department. --Compiled by Sol Garcia February 10, 2020 THE RIDER ON CAMPUS 3 Travel to China suspended Victor G. Ramirez there was no money to be refunded.” EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The U.S. State Department has a Level 4 do not travel advisory to China UTRGV has suspended all university and the Centers for Disease Control related travels to China as of Jan. 31 and Prevention (CDC) has a Level 3 due to the novel coronavirus outbreak avoid nonessential travel, according to being declared a Public Health the email. Emergency of International Concern “Our main concern is the health, by the World Health Organization safety, and security of our UTRGV (WHO), according to an email sent to community,” the email states. “We will the university community. continue to monitor the situation and As reported by The Rider newspaper are hopeful conditions will improve so on Feb. 3, Dr. Emilie Prot, regional we can resume travel to China.” medical director for the Texas Emergency Preparedness Department of State Health Services, Coordinator Pablo Mendez said as the explained the novel coronavirus (2019- situation improves, UTRGV will be nCoV) is part of a larger family that able to reassess the travel suspension usually originates from animals. to China to make sure it is safe for the The novel coronavirus was first campus community to travel again. detected Dec. 31, 2019, in Wuhan City, “We don’t want to send someone out Hubei Province, China and there have there and then have someone stuck, been more than 28,000 confirmed you know. At first it was the province cases as of last Thursday, according to of Wuhan that was under a strict WHO. quarantine,” Mendez said. “So, what do we do if we have, let’s say, a UTRGV Alan Earhart, director of Eduardo Galindo/THE RIDER GRAPHIC International Programs and student that was out during the study Partnership at UTRGV, said visits cases right now,” Earhart said. “So, it it’s not going to affect any study abroad abroad or a professor, you know, and to China were planned for two study really hasn’t affected Taiwan. And you students unless they really had their they got stuck behind the quarantine. … abroad trips during the summer. Now, can get direct flights to Taiwan, so they hearts set on going to China.” We don’t want our campus community those trips will not include China. don’t need to fly through China. And Earhart said there are about 15 to 20 to fall to that kind of situation.” Instead they are going to South Korea then the other professor is going to go students, as of now, who are planning For more information on how travel and Taiwan. to South Korea and Japan. So, we’ve to attend the study abroad trips. restrictions work, visit www.utrgv.edu/ “Taiwan has, I think, 10 reported figured that out. So, really at this point, Students have not been billed yet, “so oge/explore-the-world/i-o-c/index.htm. Congressional candidate visits UTRGV about this campaign is Monica Garcia, awards such as the that I’m able to bring in Political Science Texas Law Fellowship my personal experience Association vice Excellence in Public of being born and raised president and political Interest Award and the in this district and use science senior, said she Pro Bono Award. that for the betterment hopes that by bringing Her background has of our people,” Cisneros Cisneros to UTRGV, piqued the interest of said. students will become UTRGV students. She is fighting to more politically involved. Tyler Smith, a political lower prescription drug “We wanted her to science graduate prices and make health come and speak to the student, said that he is care a right through students, to help them interested in Cisneros’ Medicare for All. She is become engaged in campaign and is also against the building politics,” Garcia said. encouraging university of the border wall, and “We think that with students to vote and get for a $15 minimum her speaking directly involved in politics. wage and tuition-free to the students, she can “It’s great to see a public colleges and empower them to ... candidate that’s very trade schools. have civic engagement young and from the Asked what changes and just empower area,” Smith said. she would make if them to be politically “They are deciding and Mariana Gomez/THE RIDER elected, she replied, active within their changing policies on the “I think one of the community.” student loan process. Jessica Cisneros, a Democrat running to represent Texas’ 28th District in Congress, speaks to students biggest [changes] that Cisneros comes from Students here have a lot during a meet and greet hosted by the Political Science Association last Tuesday in Edinburg. I am fighting for is an immigrant Mexican of opportunities to make making sure that we’re family. She obtained her an impact but if they Hania Rocio Center in Edinburg. Congressman Henry taking money out of undergraduate degree are not heard or if they THE RIDER Cisneros, a 26-year- Cuellar. politics … because from the University don’t participate, their a lot of the issues … of Texas at Austin, ideas may get lost.” The Political Science old Democrat, is She spoke about whether it be health and a law degree with To learn more about Association hosted a running to represent her early beginnings care, immigration, a specialization in Jessica Cisneros meet and greet with Texas’ 28th district and how coming from education, jobs, right, immigration law from and her campaign, Jessica Cisneros last in Congress. She is a an immigrant family all of those come back the University of Texas visit https://www. Tuesday at the water human rights lawyer affected her. to that one issue of School of Law. She sicacisnerosforcongress. fountain in front of who is competing “I think that the most money in politics.” has received multiple com. the Student Academic against the Democrat revolutionary part Chancellor, UT System officials visit UTRGV

Brigitte Ortiz UT presidents and faculty really show off our campus, Mexican cuisine. and Riding the Wave: UTRGV THE RIDER regarding special initiatives our faculty, our staff and The meeting included Scientists Collaborate on and issues of importance to our students and really Groundbreaking Discovery. During its Jan. 31 visit six simultaneous breakout higher education in Texas, provide this council with a During the Confronting a to the Brownsville campus, sessions in which professors the UT System Chancellor’s according to the University of better understanding of what spoke about research or Community Health Care Crisis Council Executive Committee Texas System website. UTRGV is doing to transform projects they are undertaking. session, John Blangero, a (CCEC) learned more about Patrick Gonzales, associate higher education and to help The sessions included School of Medicine professor, UTRGV, including its vice president for Marketing improve the entire Rio Grande Business on the Border, spoke about how UTRGV’s research on diabetes, border & Communications, said the Valley community,” Gonzales Confronting a Community South Texas Diabetes and business, Gulf of Mexico and biggest takeaway from the said. Health Care Crisis, When Obesity Institute is working gravitational waves. meeting was that it was a great While they checked in, Your Classroom Is in the to advance the health of The CCEC convenes several opportunity for the university members of the committee Gulf of Mexico, The Potential the region with research on times annually and engages in to host the chancellor’s were treated to music by of the UTRGV School of diabetes, obesity and other dialogue with the chancellor, executive council. UTRGV’s Mariachi Aztlán Medicine, The Rio Grande UT System executive officers, “We had the opportunity to and later ate lunch featuring Valley’s Role in the Civil War, See VISIT, Page 10 February 10, 2020 4 OPINION THE RIDER

“Yes, actually, I have been friendzoned quite a bit but how I got out of that recently is I kind of ignored her for a little bit, instead of always text messaging her and stuff like that. I just kind of gave her some space and then after that she started texting me back and was like, ‘Oh, I miss you,’ as kind of playing hard to get but not really. I don’t know how to explain it. I’m just bad at dating.”

Angie Gonzalez Mass communication freshman

“I’ve been friendzoned, though the tips I would give to get out of [it] is persistence. ... Keep pursuing it and, like, if she keeps, like, dodging you then, like, let it go but I mean being persistent. Doing little What you wear matters things that you know that can make a difference, but nothing crazy. Like I said, Hania silver necklace or bracelet. any dark denim pants and a don’t keep pursuing if she is obviously Rocio If you are one of those who belt. The dress shirt has to be not interested. But I actually have a the rider doesn’t like to wear jeans, like tucked in to complement the girlfriend now, so just keep, you know, With me, then you might want to physique of the body. being persistent.” Valentine’s look for a nice, light-colored If the place you are going to Day coming skirt. Wear a pleated or round is really fancy, then you might up, people skirt with a plain halter neck want to take a look at some Jay Turano blouse. Since your chest will fitted blazers or jackets. If you are excited Kinesiology freshman be covered with the blouse, are new to fashion and don’t to go on don’t use necklaces. Instead, know much about matching romantic use small earrings to enhance textures and patterns, then go dates. However, we always your facial features. for something simple. A solid have the dilemma on what “I have not. … Honestly, don’t think about it Men also like to dress up, monochromatic dress shirt to wear for such occasions. too much and I think what guys should do even more, when it’s a special and tight blazer. It can be as Always keep in mind that more is stop focusing on love and start occasion. If this is your first simple as a white dress shirt focusing on yourself. … I feel like guys the time and place of your time going on a date and you and navy blue blazer. Restrain always act like love is your only purpose date should affect the way don’t know what to wear, don’t yourself from wearing a white in life and they are always like, you you dress. You don’t want to worry! Here are some tips. blazer if you are going out at know, hitting up the girls in the DMs. wear a bright yellow dress night. Use some nice derby or And they are always … being persistent for a dinner date at a fancy loafer shoes to complete the like, ‘Oh, can we go out?’ and this and restaurant. Instead, go for “First impressions look. that and, you know, when girls reject something simple, a little Use denim if your date them, they act like it’s the end of the world black dress with d’Orsay black matter. Clothes have is casual. However, don’t and get all sad and it makes me feel bad. heels should do the trick. If you a strong impact on overuse it. If you are wearing … What I suggest is if you’re going through that, going want to stand out, consider a denim jacket, don’t use through the friendzone, start thinking about something adding red accessories to your people and they let denim pants. Use different else. Start focusing on yourself, get a hobby, play video outfit. It can be your purse, you know a lot about colors and textures. If you are games, focus on school or something like that.” earrings, bracelets, necklaces wearing denim jeans use a or even just your lipstick. a person. It helps leather jacket. Research shows that you boost your If you want to add a little Angelica Gallegos women wearing red look more Computer science freshman bit more thought, then a attractive to men, according to confidence when simple bomber jacket and a the Journal of Experimental you know you are solid color shirt with black Social Psychology. However, pants should be perfect. Don’t “Bueno, la verdad no he tenido ese problema don’t overdo it. You want the dressing right.” overuse patterns. If your yo personalmente, pero si he tenido varios attention to go to you, not the bomber jacket has a pattern amigos que han tenido [ese problema]. accessories. Let’s start with the basics. then don’t use a shirt that has Pero casi todos [mis amigos] siempre Something easier to do is to If this is a fancy dinner one, too. One of them has to se tardan un rato pero al último, wear a dress that shows off your date, remember to put aside be a solid color or texture. salen con la chava. Entonces, yo digo shoulders. It’s simple but works triadic colors (Ex. red, yellow, For pants, wear dark colors. que nadamas que todo a su tiempo the same way as wearing red. blue) and complementary No yellow, red, green or pink y si es, es y si no, no. … Nadamas Now, if you are not going colors if you don’t know and absolutely no khaki pants! tener paciencia ... porque al final si te anywhere fancy, you might how to match them. Stick Besides, dark color pants lets desesperas mucho a lo mejor se te va la want to go for something more with monochromatic colors. you wear whatever sneakers muchacha, ¿verdad?” casual. You can’t go wrong These are colors that are the you have in your closet. with a simple white blouse same color but with different First impressions matter. Andrés Mendoza and black leather jacket with variants and shades. Clothes have a strong impact Estudiante de último año en biología boyfriend jeans. If you want You can’t go wrong with a on people and they let you to add a little bit more class, solid dress shirt. If you want know a lot about a person. It just wear a simple sling-back to add a little bit more detail, helps you boost your or chunky heel. you can throw in a skinny confidence when you know --Compiled by Eduardo Galindo and Aaliyah Garza Avoid using jewelry and silk or knit tie. Make sure it you are dressing right. With if you definitely want to use is not too long nor too short. these tips, I am sure you will something, then use a small You can match your shirt with be having a second date! 10 de febrero de 2020 THE RIDER NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL 5 ‘Obten tu dinero más rápido’ Servicio de preparación de impuestos gratuitos en campus

servicios en la universidad desde la electrónico. “Sin embargo, el software apertura de UTRGV, según Pérez. no es compatible con la declaración Pérez dijo que el proceso puede de impuestos 1040NR (generalmente tardar entre 15 minutos y una hora se requiere para estudiantes en completarse, dependiendo de los internacionales F-1)”. diferentes tipos de formularios que Después de completar el formulario, las personas necesitan ingresar en el el reembolso demora entre tres y cuatro sistema. semanas, según Pérez. “Por lo general, cuando se tarda una La fecha límite para presentar los hora, es principalmente porque a veces impuestos es el 15 de abril y Pérez las personas no tienen todo y, por lo recomienda presentar una declaración tanto, están buscando cosas”, dijo anticipada para recibir el reembolso Pérez. “A veces, algunos de nuestros antes. estudiantes, no han descargado su “Entonces, sí, todavía hay un poco 1098-T y, por lo tanto, inician sesión en de tiempo, pero, ya sabes, es una de ASSIST al mismo tiempo, descargan ese esas cosas que hay que hacer”, dijo formulario, etc. Pero es relativamente Pérez. “Y si se requiere que usted rápido”. lo presente, porque no es necesario Los documentos necesarios al que todos lo hagan, cuanto antes se completar la declaración de impuestos, haga, especialmente si va a recibir un según el correo electrónico, son: reembolso ... obtendrá su dinero más -- Identificación válida; rápido”. Roxanna Miranda/THE RIDER --Número de seguro social o La estudiante de segundo año en Las estaciones MyFreeTaxes están abiertas de 9 a.m. a 4 p.m. de lunes a viernes hasta el 6 de identificación de contribuyente comunicación masiva, Leslie Resendez, marzo en U Central en ambos campus. Un asistente voluntario de impuestos, o VITA, asesor individual (ITIN) y una dirección de dijo que no estaba al tanto del servicio. fiscal certificado de United Way estará presente para ayudar a los miembros de la comunidad. correo electrónico válida; “Acabo de usar TurboTax porque mi --W2s, 1099s y otras formas de ingresos; mejor amiga hace sus impuestos en Victor G. Ramirez necesitan ayuda, pueden acceder a las --Forma 1098-T; TurboTax”, dijo Resendez. “Así que, EDITOR-EN-JEFE estaciones en los sitios de U Central en --Declaración de impuestos de 2018 o simplemente imité eso, pero creo que los campus de Edinburg y Brownsville, declaración de impuestos de 2018 de los es una gran oportunidad para que los según Jael Pérez, director asociado de padres, si se declara como dependiente; estudiantes aprendan más sobre como Estudiantes de UTRGV, el Operaciones de Ayuda Financiera y --Enrutamiento bancario y números de hacer sus impuestos, especialmente profesorado, el personal y la comunidad Enlace Comunitario en UTRGV. cuenta; porque, ya sabes, tenemos todas estas pueden presentar sus impuestos de Las estaciones están abiertas de 9 --Si presenta una declaración de cosas por las que tenemos que pagar”. forma gratuita utilizando el software a.m. a 4 p.m. de lunes a viernes hasta el impuestos conjunta, ambas personas MyFreeTaxes.com tiene una línea MyFreeTaxes patrocinado por United 6 de marzo, según un correo electrónico deben estar presentes. de ayuda para aquellos que tienen Way y alimentado por H&R Block. enviado a la comunidad universitaria el “MyFreeTaxes se puede usar problemas al completar el formulario. MyFreeTaxes es un software en 31 de enero. para presentar sus declaraciones de Para obtener ayuda, llame al (855) línea que le permite a las personas MyFreeTaxes ha estado brindando impuestos federales y de otros estados 698-9435 o visite las estaciones preparar sus propios impuestos y, si (si corresponde)”, indica el correo MyFreeTaxes en la universidad. La celebración anual de bienvenida comienza hoy Alejandra Yañez También el miércoles tomará lugar la envoltura de las letras THE RIDER de UTRGV, que se llevará a A partir de hoy, los cabo de 8:30 a.m. a 7:30 p.m. estudiantes pueden votar por la detrás de la estación de policía nueva realeza de Homecoming en el campus de Edinburg. mientras disfrutan de la “Todo el día, los estudiantes celebración de esta semana, que que forman parte de presentará a la mascota y traerá fraternidades y diferentes de vuelta una vieja tradición. organizaciones, así como “Realmente quiero que los residentes, y creo que los estudiantes salgan”, dijo los estudiantes de UREC, la directora de Actividades ayudarán a envolver las letras”, Estudiantiles, Cindy Mata- dijo Mata-Vásquez. “Así que, Vásquez. “Ya sea que vivan si alguien quiere ir y ofrecerse en Los Fresnos, Brownsville, como voluntario o ayudar, Río Hondo, Mercedes, definitivamente pueden donde quiera que vivan, llamar a nuestra oficina para definitivamente vengan, informarnos que quieren apoyen a los Vaqueros, estén ayudar y ser parte de esta orgullosos de la universidad a tradición”. la que asisten y simplemente Vivian López, estudiante demuestren su orgullo”. de segundo año en biología FOTO DE ARCHIVO Al preguntarle que del campus de Edinburg, dijo que está interesada en asistir Estudiantes participan en una clase de Zumba al aire libre el año pasado durante la fiesta de Homecoming en el novedades habrá este año, jardín de la capilla en el campus de Edinburg. Esta semana se celebra la quinta semana anual de Homecoming en y quiere participar más en las Mata-Vásquez respondió que UTRGV, que proporcionará diversas actividades para los estudiantes. la adición de la mascota en actividades del campus. diferentes eventos es algo que “Suena divertido”, dijo a las 6 p.m. el jueves. El a las 6 p.m., caminar hacia del Fieldhouse. Música en los estudiantes pueden esperar. López. “Ni siquiera lo sabía, desfile comenzará en el Unity Fieldhouse y recorrer todo el vivo, juegos y pintura de caras Hoy, la fiesta de inicio tendrá pero ahora que me dijiste estoy Residence Hall y finalizará campus, asistir al juego, animar estarán disponibles para los lugar de 12:30 a 2:30 p.m. en más interesada en asistir”. en el Fieldhouse, donde la a nuestra decana de estudiantes asistentes. el césped de la biblioteca de Otros estudiantes, como Batalla de los Colegios tendrá o su propio decano y luego “Realmente queremos que Brownsville y de 4:30 a 6:30 Julissa Mejía, de tercer año en lugar durante el partido de terminar con la iluminación de sea un lugar donde puedas venir p.m. en el patio de Edinburg. ingeniería civil del campus de baloncesto de los Vaqueros a las letras justo después”, dijo con tus amigos, familiares, tus El martes y miércoles, Brownsville, dijo que no había las 7 p.m. Mata-Vasquez. amigos que se han graduado”, Campus Activities Board junto escuchado sobre Homecoming, Después del juego, será el En el juego de béisbol del dijo Mata-Vásquez. “Queremos con Student Union organizarán pero que cree que es bueno tradicional Burning of the viernes por la noche, los que los antiguos alumnos UTRGV Groove, donde los para la escuela. Letters en el estacionamiento miembros de la comunidad regresen y luego, desde allí, estudiantes pueden crear “Realmente no le presto de Health and Physical del campus pueden asistir a un vamos al juego, celebramos a la camisetas tie-dye. Al mediodía atención ... pero, como que, Education 1 de Edinburg. Se Homecoming Alumni Mixer realeza de UTRGV y podemos del martes, el evento tendrá estoy feliz por todos los demás proporcionará comida y música a las 7 p.m. en el estadio de ver quién ha sido seleccionado lugar en el patio de la Unión al respecto”, dijo Mejía. gratis. béisbol de UTRGV. por el alumnado”. de Estudiantes en el campus La directora de Actividades “Este año, creo que será El sábado concluye las La celebración concluirá con de Edinburg y al mismo tiempo Estudiantiles dijo que Housing agradable ver a todos los festividades de esta semana los Vaqueros enfrentando a la el miércoles en el jardín de la and Residence Life organizará residentes y a cualquiera que con un tailgate and cook-off de Universidad de Seattle en su biblioteca de Brownsville. un desfile de carritos de golf quiera participar en este desfile 5 a 7 p.m. en el estacionamiento juego de bienvenida. por primera vez desde 2015 February 10, 2020 6 ON CAMPUS THE RIDER HOW TO SHAKE A HEARTBREAK Alejandra Yañez go outside, I don’t know, THE RIDER exercise.” She said she would like While Valentine’s Day advice from experts on how is traditionally a time to to handle a long-distance celebrate love and friendship, relationship and tips on better not everyone is seeing red. date ideas since she is in a new Some are down with a case of relationship. the blues. “I would want more advice This week’s Ask the Expert on, like, how to cope on a questions come from Lilian relationship, just in case this Sanchez, a nursing freshman, one doesn’t work out,” Sanchez and Nicholas Hernandez, a said. “Because, like, I don’t sociology junior, who asked know, for me it’s kind of hard how to cope with a heartbreak. to forget somebody.” Sanchez said her last Hernandez said the reason relationship ended because for his last breakup was that she and her partner were the timing was not right. unable to maintain a long- “We were both busy people distance relationship. and I guess time didn’t really, “We couldn’t see each other like, work out for the both of often and, like, one person us,” Hernandez said. was getting, like, annoyed and, He said although his yeah, it just ended,” Sanchez relationship ended on good said. terms, it was difficult to get Asked what helped her get over it. Asked how he managed, through the breakup, she Roxanna Miranda/THE RIDER PHOTO ILLUSTRATION replied that her ex blocking Hernandez replied, “Lots and lots of crying. ... I mean, we her on social media helped her advice.” yourself.” Valentine’s Day it’s really been talked about things but, like, it forget about him. Asked what advice he would The clinical therapist said about Ok, Cupid and finding, was just my first heartbreak, so “Definitely, not go through want from experts, Hernandez students need to acknowledge like, your other half, but if we it was hard on me. But things my phone, like, pictures and replied he would like advice on their feelings and understand don’t have a good relationship are good now.” stuff,” Sanchez said. “Delete how to cope with heartbreak that it is OK to be upset, sad with ourselves, we’re bound Hernandez said some advice pictures if you have [any] with while not stopping his daily and even cry. to not have healthy and long- he wished he would have the person and if it helped, I life. “You can sit with your lasting relationships with listened to in the past was to mean, I didn’t really wanna Expert emotions, but you don’t have others. So, know, ‘Hey, if I’m let it be and trust that things block him. … That was not in Maria Alejandra Mazariegos, to act on them,” Mazariegos single on Valentine’s Day or I a clinical therapist for the said. “A lot of times people just went through a breakup, Counseling Center, shared think, ‘Oh, no, I miss, like, my that’s really an opportunity, some of her expert love and ex. I’m gonna go, like, call them too.’ My message here is self- Ask the Expert: dating advice with students or, like, stalk them on social love and to focus on self-love Seventh in a series to help them get over their media,’ and we’re just really and reflect on, well, what do I heartbreaks. prolonging our heartbreak by want from a relationship.” She said the best way to get doing that.” For students in long-distance over a breakup is to indulge in She said if it is really an ex, relationships, Mazariegos would get better if he just my intention, but if the person self-love. then students need to make advises couples to invest some focused on himself. blocks you that kind of does “When we break up, we are sure to cut contact with that time in face-to-face or video- “People would tell me just help to forget about him. And, focused so much on our former person to begin healing. call conversations that are to move on but you can’t really yeah, just, like, start getting partner, our ex and so, really, Asked what advice she has for meaningful. move on if you’re not ready yourself involved in stuff so we’re not letting the breakup students who are undergoing “You know, a really, really to move on,” Hernandez said. you forget about the topic. I happen,” Mazariegos said. “So, a breakup during Valentine’s “So, I guess that’s the bad don’t know, listen to music, one way is to really focus on Day, Mazariegos replied, “So, See HEARTBREAK, Page 7 Chess team sweeps tournament Team fell short of qualifying for Brigitte Ortiz the Final Four in the Pan American THE RIDER Intercollegiate Chess Tournament. Several UTRGV Chess Team Macieja said the Pan American members competed in the Texas Championship last year was the Individual Collegiate Chess strongest ever. Championship Feb. 1 in Richardson, “There [were] new colleges with a Dallas suburb, and brought home very, very strong teams and out of first-second-and third-place medals. top six programs, there is no place for Grandmasters Andrey Stukopin, a two of them,” he said. “[Last] year, mathematics graduate student, placed unfortunately, we were the unlucky first, and Vladimir Belous and Kamil ones. I would say the level of, among, Dragun, both accounting juniors, top six colleges is comparable. So look placed second and third, respectively. at it rather as an amazing result for us Chess Coach Bartek Macieja last year and two years ago when, not said this championship is the most only we qualified to the Final Four, prestigious individual event in Texas. but also won the tournament.” “We [opponents and Chess Team] Asked what the main takeaway from knew each other very well because we this tournament was Macieja replied, competed throughout the year with “We were winning so many events them,” Macieja said. “But typically, that somehow everybody thought we compete with them in team events we’d keep winning forever, which of and that was [an] individual event.” Eduardo Galindo/The Rider course is not true. So, probably that He said he was glad to see three of one event which didn’t go well for us UTRGV graduate student Andrey Stukopin won first place at the Texas Individual Collegiate was a good sign that everybody can be his students take the top-three places. Chess Championship Feb. 1 in Richardson. “That’s an amazing result,” Macieja defeated and we need to take it really said. “Really unexpected because seriously and prepare well and do our other colleges also have very good tournament for him. the first-place spot. best in every event in order to be able players and grandmasters.” “I scored five out of six [points],” he Asked what his thoughts were when to keep being successful in further He said his students were high in said. “So, I didn’t get clear first [place] he found out he won the tournament, events.” standings throughout the tournament. but, nonetheless, I showed decent he replied, “My thoughts were, The Chess Team’s next tournament “They kept that very high position,” play and I managed to come out on ‘Finally, I beat this guy,’ because he is the Southwest Collegiate Macieja said. “It’s a fully deserved top.” typically is much better than me in Team Championship Feb. 29 in success.” Stukopin said he tied with chess blitz.” Lubbock on the Texas Tech University Stukopin said it was a strong teammate Belous and competed for In December 2019, the Chess campus campus. February 10, 2020 THE RIDER 7 FRIENDZONE secret answer to actually get out of Continued from Page 1 the friendzone.” UTRGV faculty had different The Doodler opinions about the friendzone. Writing and Language Studies Lecturer I Jeffrey Doyle said he does not believe in the idea of friendzone. By Elizabeth Mendoza To the best of his knowledge, he has never been friendzoned and has not friendzoned someone. “I don’t like the idea of the friendzone, like, if someone doesn’t like you, then, like, that’s OK,” Doyle said. “I feel like you should, like, be open and honest and communicate with people from the beginning.” The lecturer said he advises people who Jeffrey Doyle, Writing & Language are stuck in the friendzone to move on. Studies lecturer “Get over yourself ’cause you don’t have any rights to another person, so the friendzone, it is a different story. learn to appreciate them for who they Freshman Vivianna Puentes was are and not what you want them to not lucky when shooting her shot. be,” Doyle said. “I liked a guy and then he was just Anthropology Assistant Professor like, ‘Well, I don’t like anybody at the Sarah Rowe did not share any related moment,’ and then he ended [up] in stories because she rejects the idea of a relationship 10 days after,” Puentes the friendzone. said. She believes that the friendzone The bright side? She eventually is problematic and enforces false moved on and has friendzoned others romantic expectations in society. herself. Puentes said she works at “For Valentine’s Day, make sure a gym and always ignores the guys you are appreciating and enjoying the that throw out their masculinity company of all of the people around everywhere. you, whether they’re significant Mechanical engineering junior others, friends, family; it doesn’t Jorge Ascencio told The Rider he has just have to be about romantic love,” his own definition of the term. Rowe said. “Someone who you see as a friend,” The experts have spoken. If you Ascencio said. “Someone who you do not have a date this Valentine’s don’t see attractive to go out with. I Day, do not be discouraged. You are mean, they may be attractive, but you not the only one. If you shot your … don’t have that chemistry.” shot and got shot down, do not feel Unlike other testimonies, he sad. Numerous people have been assured that he has never been victims of the friendzone and are still friendzoned and he has never standing. friendzoned anyone either. “Whenever I ask a girl out or something, I’ve never actually had, like, [her] tell me like, ‘Oh, I see you as a friend,’” Ascencio said. He believes that getting out of the friendzone is possible. Ascencio said that fictional character Ronald Weasley from the “Harry Potter” series is the best role model of someone who escaped from it and actually ended up dating the girl. “It helps if your last name is Ronald Weasley,” Ascencio said. “I mean, I’m pretty sure that’s part of the … Sarah Rowe, anthropology assistant professor

HEARTBREAK this relationship? What did I give? How Continued from Page 6 did I evolve? Or did I not evolve in this relationship?’ and that way you learn,” good healthy couple, whether it’s long- Mazariegos said. distance or in person, is when two This week on both campuses, the people have their own interests and Counseling Center will host Love Your have their own lives and, then, they Selfie from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday have a life together as a couple,” the in the Bookstore and Main Courtyard clinical therapist said. in Brownsville, and from 11 a.m. to 1 Students who want more date ideas p.m. Wednesday in the Student Union should consider Mazariegos’ tips, which Commons in Edinburg. describe a good date as one in which Love Your Selfie is a celebration of the people can connect with all their senses. greatest love story of all, and that is self- She suggests a walk or a nice dinner that love, Mazariegos said. The Counseling involves conversation and interaction. Center will provide tips and tricks on Mazariegos said everyone, at some how to start a self-love relationship and point, will go through a breakup and how to date yourself. it is important to know that you don’t “Know that there’s always hope for have to go through it by yourself. love, but it’s going to be challenging to “I think after every breakup, it’s find that real, real amazing love if you important to know, ‘What did I learn don’t love yourself,” she said. “So, it from this relationship? What did I lose really does all start with the love that in this relationship? What did I gain in you have for yourself.” February 10, 2020 8 ON CAMPUS THE RIDER Study abroad funding opportunities Omar E. Zapata best thing to improve your chances at The Rider the scholarship. “It was good for me to see someone The Benjamin A. Gilman else tell me, like, ‘Oh, this is good. … International Scholarship is available This is something that will set you for students who are looking to study apart,”’ he said. abroad. Zapata said Leal can inform The Gilman Scholarship is a students about what they are looking program of the U.S. State Department. for in the application essays. To apply for the scholarship, “[Scholarship officials] tell her undergraduate students must be U.S. pretty much what we’re looking citizens in good academic standing, for this year,” he said. “And, you Federal Pell Grant recipients and know, things may change. They may participating in a program that is at see trends, like, in the … national least three weeks in length. culture.” “It was created to diversify the Another resource that is available student body that studies abroad,” for students is the Writing Center said Lizette Leal, an international on the Edinburg and Brownsville programs specialist for International campuses. Programs & Partnerships at UTRGV. Magdalena Flores, a student “So, it’s really targeting our student support and tutoring specialist for population. So, first-generation the Writing Center in Edinburg, said college students, Hispanic students, PHOTO COURTESY INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS & PARTNERSHIP they have helped students before STEM students, veterans are highly with this type of writing. UTRGV students travel abroad to the French Riviera in Nice, France, last summer. Shown are “We can help with organization,” preferred and have priority.” (front row, from left) Jaquelin Duenez, Amairany Solis and Erik Torres. Back row: Armando The Gilman Scholarship awards up Flores said. “We can even help with Ibarra, Karolyn Valdez, Felipe Karr, Writing & Language Studies Lecturer Margarita Isbell, Ingrid development. They don’t even have to $5,000, while the Gilman Critical Aleman, Jessica Santana and Fedra Hinojosa. Need Language Award is a maximum to have anything written when they $8,000 if the program is language- come in. If they just want to go “I shared my experience that I had UTRGV’s history, according to a June through the brainstorming stage based. with a Chinese woman, and I kind 13 news release from The Newsroom Isidro Zapata, a computer with us, we can also help them sort of wrote it and formalized [it] in a at UTRGV. of outline their ideas, you know, and engineering junior, president of the way that made me want to fight the The application deadline is March Study Abroad Club and a student so on.” xenophobic culture, especially in our 3, and Leal suggests students not Students do not need appointments assistant for International Programs community,” Zapata said. wait until the last minute to turn in & Partnerships, is the first UTRGV for the Writing Center, and can spend Leal said she noticed an upsurge in the application. 30 minutes getting feedback on their student to be awarded the Gilman student interest for the South Korean “The main thing is that you do have Critical Need Language Award. paper. Flores said they even have study abroad programs. to invest time in essays and revise online services if students cannot Zapata, who has taken Chinese “I don’t know if it has to do with the them,” she said. and Korean language classes, was physically go to the center. K-pop movement, or just the general Leal said International Programs “We have a send-your-assignment planning to study abroad in China, but Asian studies minor kicking off for & Partnerships is available as a due to the travel advisories regarding service,” Flores said. “[Students] the last three years, but the South resource to give feedback on the basically will upload their essay, and the novel coronavirus outbreak, is Korea programs, short term and long application essays. hoping to study in South Korea now. a tutor will look at their essay and term, are very popular right now,” “Most of our work-studies have give them feedback.” The Gilman Scholarship requires two she said. received Gilman, so they’re available essays, a transcript and an optional The Writing Center also offers Eighteen UTRGV students received as well to give feedback,” she said. tutoring through Skype or Zoom. third essay if it is a language course The Gilman Scholarship last year, Zapata also believes giving time to such as the one Zapata hopes to take. the highest number of recipients in your application essay would be the See STUDY, Page 11 SFAC holds first meeting for FY21 requests Maleny Ortega Treviño said it is important The Rider to have a Student Fee Advisory Committee in order The Student Fee Advisory to hear the point of view of Committee met Jan. 31 to students. discuss its Fiscal Year 2021 “The students get to have timeline and review budget an opinion on how their fees requests. are being utilized,” Treviño The total funding requested said. for FY2021 is $14,796,393.64 She said the faculty and and consists of the Fiscal staff can give insight that Year 2021 requests totaling students don’t have and vice $14,287,017.02, FY2021 versa. one-time requests totaling During the meeting, the $158,065 and FY2020 committee reviewed the one-time requests totaling timeline for future meetings $351,311.62. and overall request amounts, The Student Fee Advisory and discussed the one-time Committee, or SFAC, exists requests for FY2020 and to “advise the university FY2021 and questions they president on the allocation had for the departments of the student services fee,” requesting money. according to its website Treviño wrote down the Student services refers to questions. Roxanna Miranda/THE RIDER Among the requests for the activities “separate and apart The Student Fee Advisory Committee discusses funding requests and timelines during a meeting Jan. 31 in the next fiscal year, the Athletics from the regularly scheduled Life and Health Sciences Building on the Brownsville campus. Shown (from left) are Student Representative academic functions of the department is asking for Maria Ramirez Montoya, University Representative Claudia Dole, Committee Chair Emilia Treviño, University institution and directly $8,713,193, Leadership Representative Art Brownlow, Student Representative Roy Cantu, Support Staff Debbie Abrego-Medina and involve or benefit students,” & Mentoring is asking Student Representative Raul Ordoñez. according to Section 54.503 for $705,607.38 and the of the Texas Education Code. Chess program is asking for $527,452. going to be great.” make sure we meet deadlines Sciences Building 2.604 on Members of the committee For future meetings, for them,” she said. “Overall, the Brownsville campus and include Chair Emilia Treviño; Asked what she thought of the first meeting, Treviño Treviño expects to remain on to just accomplish a fair according to the timeline, the Student Representatives track and keep up with the committee and make sure that committee will deliberate all Raul Ordoñez, Roy Cantu, replied it was great. “I like the mix of students, schedule. everybody feels comfortable one-time funding requests Alejandro Mendivil Alcalde, “My goal for now is to get with how the requests were and select departmental Maria Ramirez Montoya and I like the mix of faculty and staff,” she said. “I think it’s through with the FY20 one- approved or denied.” presentations. It is open to Alexandra Smith-Macias; and time requests. That way ... The next meeting is the public; however, if the University Representatives going to go very well. I love to have opinions and that’s what if the request is, you know, scheduled from 1 to 4:30 p.m. committee starts deliberating Claudia Dole, Marcela De coming up, that way we can Friday in Life and Health then attendees must step out. León and Art Brownlow. came out of it, so I think it’s February 10, 2020 THE RIDER SPORTS 9 Preparing for success Men’s soccer club recruiting players

Aaliyah Garza/THE RIDER PHOTOS Business freshman Antonio Alanis (right) leads his teammates during the speed agility hurdle Biology junior Erick Rodriguez receives the ball on the field behind the UREC Jan. 30 as part of training during their Jan. 30 practice. the recruitment practice for the UTRGV soccer club.

Angel De who wants to join,” at the highest level. Ever since the club heard about the club the team to have a more soccer club President They now play against began in 2017, the team soccer team and a chance complete group.” La Cruz Alejandro Garcia said. top schools such as the has only kept advancing to continue playing Practice is from 7 SPORTS REPORTER “Once you’ve joined University of Texas at in conference, ascending competitive soccer,” Hill to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, the team, you need to Austin, whose soccer to the second division Wednesdays and The UTRGV Men’s said. “So, we’re hoping show the coaches that club qualified for The in 2018 and reaching Thursdays at the field Soccer Club is reaching to make people aware you do have the skills to National Intramural- the Premier League behind the UREC. out to students who of our team so that we compete because there Recreational Sports Conference Fall 2019. “The team is currently are interested in can have [a] competitive are other students who Association men’s soccer Maxwell Hill, a getting back to work,” continuing to play team and do well in the also want to compete championships in 2015, graduate medical soccer at a competitive league this year.” Garcia said. “We just and also want to play, according to The Daily student and defender, level by inviting them to Head Coach Hugo started practicing last but that happens in Texan, the newspaper at hopes that this step up practices. Zuñiga invites everyone week and we are focusing every team. You go there the University of Texas in the league encourages Anyone is welcome to keep growing as on getting the team ready to compete.” at Austin. more students to join to join the team, the people and players. for our first game.” There are currently Also competing in the team. only requirement “We hope to keep The UTRGV Men’s five conferences in the the Premier League “We know that is to be either a getting more and Soccer Club’s first game Texas Collegiate Soccer Conference is Baylor UTRGV is full of good UTRGV graduate or more players,” Zuñiga against the University of League and the men’s University’s Men’s soccer players who’ve undergraduate student. said. “This is a new the Incarnate Word will soccer club plays under Soccer Club, which grown up playing soccer “As long as they are a tournament, and, be at 3 p.m. Saturday the Premier League defeated UTRGV 3-2 their whole lives but UTRGV student, the club therefore, we expect to at the field behind the Conference, which is last season. maybe just haven’t is open to every student have new members on UREC. Avenging the loss

Aldo Nava push in transition.” SPORTS REPORTER Junior guard Chris Freeman said the previous game against Utah Valley was The UTRGV Men’s Basketball Team still ingrained in the team’s mind. will have a chance at redemption when “Definitely, that’s the one we’re looking it faces the Utah Valley University to get back ’cause we lost on a buzzer beater Wolverines at 7 p.m. Thursday in the and it was a pretty good game up [until] Fieldhouse for a rematch from last then, but we felt like we [should have] came month. out with that win,” Freeman said. Utah Valley attained the 72-70 Senior forward Lesley Varner II victory on Jan. 18 with a layup in the talked strategy about close games such last two seconds of the second half, as the one against Utah Valley. ending UTRGV’s chances of picking up “Just stay composed and continue, the win. just not to get out of character and “Well, we played hard,” Head Coach everybody play their role and it all Lew Hill said. “They made some runs, comes together,” Varner said. we made runs, it was a game of runs. UTRGV will come into this game They won because they got the ball last. having played two games the previous Whoever got the ball last, we weren’t week, which could either prepare or stopping each other.” weaken the men’s team going into the The close game against the game against UVU. Wolverines put things into perspective During halftime, Battle of the for the rematch. Colleges will take place in which FILE PHOTO “I think we fouled it too much that the deans of different colleges and Utah Valley shooting guard Ben Nakwaasah keeps the ball away from UTRGV guard Greg Bowie game,” Hill said. “So, we gotta not foul students are competing in a free throw them as much and keep them in front II during last year’s Homecoming game. The UTRGV Men’s Basketball Team will play against the shooting competition as a part of Wolverines after losing by two points during their last match Jan. 18 at Orem, Utah. The match and just give them one shot and really Homecoming week. will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Fieldhouse on the Edinburg campus. February 10, 2020 10 THE RIDER TAXES students, they haven’t downloaded individuals must be present. to file, and the earlier that is done, Continued from Page 1 their 1098-T and so, they’re logging “My Free Taxes can be used to especially if you are going to receive a in at the ASSIST at the same time, file your federal and out of state tax refund … you get your money faster.” 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until downloading that form and so on. But returns (if applicable),” the email Mass communication sophomore March 6, according to an email sent to it is relatively fast.” states. “However, the software does Leslie Resendez said she was not aware the university community on Jan. 31. Documents needed when completing not support the 1040NR Tax return of the service. MyFreeTaxes has been providing the tax return, according to the email, (usually required for F-1 international “I just used TurboTax ’cause my services at the university since the are students).” best friend would do her taxes on opening of UTRGV, according to Perez. --Valid identification; After completing the form, TurboTax,” Resendez said. “So, I just Perez said the process can take about --Social Security or Individual it takes about three to four weeks for kind of imitated that but I think that’s 15 minutes to an hour to complete, Taxpayer Identification Number the refund, according to Perez. a great opportunity for students to depending on the different types of (ITIN) and a valid e-mail address; The deadline to file taxes is April 15 learn more about doing their taxes, forms people need to enter in the --W2s, 1099s, and other income forms; and Perez recommends filing early to especially because, you know, we have system. --1098-T forms; receive the refund early. all these things we have to pay for.” “Usually when it takes an hour, it’s --2018 tax return or parent’s 2018 tax “So, yes, there’s still a little bit of time, MyFreeTaxes.com has a helpline mostly because sometimes people, return, if claimed as a dependent; but, you know, pretty much it’s one of for those who have trouble while they don’t have everything and so --Bank routing and account numbers those things that, it has to be done,” completing the form. For help, they’re looking for things, you know,” and; Perez said. “And if you are required to call (855) 698-9435 or visit the Perez said. “Sometimes some of our --If filing a joint tax return, both file it, right, not everybody’s required MyFreeTaxes stations in the university.

HOMECOMING Brownsville library lawn. wants to be more involved in Battle of the Colleges will take Homecoming Alumni Mixer Continued from Page 1 Also taking place campus activities. place during the Vaqueros at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Wednesday is the Wrapping “It sounds fun,” Lopez said. basketball game at 7 p.m. Baseball Stadium. Asked what is new this of the Letters, which will be “I didn’t even know about it After the game, the Saturday wraps up this year, Mata-Vasquez replied held from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 but now that you told us I am traditional Burning of the week’s festivities with a the addition of the mascot at p.m. behind the police station more interested in attending.” Letters will take place at the tailgate and cook-off from 5 different events is something on the Edinburg campus. Other students such Edinburg Health and Physical to 7 p.m. at the Fieldhouse students can expect. “All day, students from as Julissa Mejia, a civil Education 1 Complex parking parking lot. Live music, Today, the Tip-off Party fraternity and sorority life engineering junior from lot. Free food and music will games and face painting will will take place from 12:30 to and different organizations, the Brownsville campus, be provided. be available for attendees. 2:30 p.m. on the Brownsville as well as housing and I said she hadn’t heard about “This year, I think it’ll be “We really want it to be a library lawn and from 4:30 believe students from the Homecoming but thinks it’s nice to see all the residents place where you can come to 6:30 p.m. on the Edinburg University Recreation, will good for the school. and anyone who wants to with your friends, family, your Quad. be helping wrap the letters,” “I don’t really pay attention jump in that parade at 6 p.m. friends that have graduated,” On Tuesday and Mata-Vasquez said. “And so, to it … but, like, I’m happy walk over to the Fieldhouse Mata-Vasquez said. “We Wednesday, the Campus if anyone wants to go and for everybody else about it,” and go all across campus, want alumni to come back Activities Board along with volunteer or help out, they Mejia said. watch the game, cheer on and then from there we go the Student Union will can definitely call our office The Student Activities our dean of students or your to the game, we celebrate the host UTRGV Groove where to let us know that they want director said Housing and college dean and then end it UTRGV royals and we get to student can create tie-dye to help out and be part of this Residence Life will host a golf with the lighting of the letters see who’s been selected by the shirts. At noon Tuesday, the tradition.” cart parade for the first time right after,” Mata-Vasquez student body.” event will take place on the Vivian Lopez, a biology since 2015 at 6 p.m. Thursday. said. The celebration will Student Union Patio on the sophomore from the The parade will start at the At Friday night’s baseball conclude with the Vaqueros Edinburg campus and at the Edinburg campus said she is Unity Residence Hall and end game, campus community taking on Seattle University same time Wednesday on the interested in attending and at the Fieldhouse, where the members can attend a in their homecoming game.

VISIT the state,” Bailey said. “And being Continued from Page 3 able to do that helps our students achieve dramatic social mobility. Our related disorders. $75,000-tuition guarantee was a big “About 60% of the variation is due part of that and again, we don’t have to genetics in terms of diabetes,” these resources these other schools Blangero said. “But that leaves 40% have so we have to manage and work due to the environment, so what we’ve very carefully.” been doing is trying to turn the whole Last September, Bailey announced problem on its head and focus on the the UTRGV Tuition Advantage environment instead of genetics.” program, which offers free tuition to Chancellor James B. Milliken said students with a household income every time he visits the Rio Grande of $75,000 or less. Additionally, Valley he is reminded that UTRGV is a about half the students with adjusted model of what higher education could gross incomes between $75,000 and be about. “In an era where many universities don’t do nearly enough, as [Robert W. Shepard, Chancellor’s Council “In the Rio Grande Valley chairman] mentioned, to drive social you could always get a good and economic mobility, RGV ranks undergraduate education. near the top nationally when it comes What you couldn’t do is get that to turning low-income students into high-income adults,” Milliken said. professional degree. Our goal “And in just four years, [UTRGV was to provide opportunities to President] Guy [Bailey] and his team keep students here. You build are getting started and it’s really your workforce by keeping exciting.” Bailey said the UT System, since students here. That’s what we 2014, has invested almost $400 million aim to do.” in the institution. “That’s why we have our medical Guy Bailey school,” he said. “That’s why things, UTRGV President in part, are going so well and we appreciate that.” Bailey said the institution also $100,000 will have reduced tuition wanted to create additional educational and fees as well. The program will take opportunities for students. effect in Fall 2020. “In the Rio Grande Valley you could Gonzales said the UT System always get a good undergraduate approved a pharmacy program in May education,” Bailey said. “What you 2018 and a podiatry program February couldn’t do is get that professional 2019 for the university. degree. Our goal was to provide The programs have received opportunities to keep students here. preliminary planning authority by the You build your workforce by keeping University System board of regents students here. That’s what we aim to and the Texas Higher Education do.” Coordinating Board. He said they made conscious efforts “There are a whole range of things to ensure that students graduate with that have been approved for us that minimum debt. would really create opportunities for “We’re one of the poorest areas in our students here,” Bailey said. February 10, 2020 THE RIDER 11

Photos Courtesy International Programs & Partnerships UTRGV students are shown during the Study Abroad in Asia program with art Assistant Professor Ping Xu. Shown are (from left) Cal Ramos, Ann Jocobo, Ashley Garcia, Jorge Sanchez, UTRGV students attend the Study in Edinburgh, Scotland, program with UTRGV Rehabilitation Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and UTRGV Study Abroad Asia Faculty Leader Ping Xu and Services & Counseling Professor Bruce Reed in summer 2018. Bernadette Briedenbach.

STUDY scholarship prompts are asking you Leal said that studying abroad is International Programs & Continued from Page 8 to address,” Flores said. not cheap but that there is funding Partnerships has a scholarship that The office of International for it and that many UTRGV students awards $500 to $1,000, depending “They’re [students] pretty much Programs & Partnerships will host are capable of obtaining these funds on funding. The deadline for the trying to persuade their audience Gilman workshops on the Edinburg through scholarships. application is April 1. that they are the candidates … to win and Brownsville campuses. The “The beauty of The Gilman Zapata said he wants to counter the scholarships,” Flores said. workshops will be held at 12:15 p.m. Scholarship is that they can apply for She said it is important to look at on Wednesday and Feb. 20 in the Gilman … without any type of financial the stigma that only rich people can what the scholarship is asking for Student Academic Center 2.130 on commitment, and then if they get the study abroad and encourages UTRGV specifically. the Edinburg campus and from noon funding, then they can apply for the students to visit the International “Make sure that … you are to 1 p.m. on Feb. 18 in Library 3.206 program and commit to the program,” Programs & Partnerships office to addressing everything that the on the Brownsville campus. Leal said. learn about the opportunities. February 10, 2020 12 THE RIDER