The Collegian Special Collections and Archives

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ScholarWorks @ UTRGV

2-23-2015

The Collegian (2015-02-23)

Jesus Sanchez

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Recommended Citation The Collegian (BLIBR-0075). UTRGV Digital Library, The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley

This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections and Archives at ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Collegian by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Monday, February 23, 2015 The Collegian VOL.67, ISSUE 21| THE STUDENT VOICE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT BROWNSVILLE | UTBCOLLEGIAN.COM Con los brazos abiertos, Speed dating at Cupid’s Corner Mr. Amigo Michelle N. García THE COLLEGIAN UT Brownsville will welcome Juan Osorio, an award- winning producer of two dozen telenovelas and the 2014 Mr. Amigo honoree, at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in the Texas Southmost College Arts Center. The event is part of Brownsville’s 78th annual Charro Days Fiesta, which began Sunday and will continue through March 1. Charro Days began in 1937 and celebrates the binational friendship and respect between Brownsville and its neighbor across the Rio Grande, Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The Mr. Amigo Celebration is open to the community and admission is free. “During this event we like to showcase the talent on our campus,” Dean of Students Doug Stoves said. “So our folklórico group will be performing, our mariachi will be performing. For the Karina Aguirre/Collegian first time, we are working with a local elementary school, Victoria Heights; Biology freshman Natalie Jaramillo (clockwise, from left), communication freshman Amanda Castillo, accounting sophomore Andrea Montenegro, the rhythm and dance team will be computer science freshman Arturo Lopez, freshman Jesus Quijano and engineering physics-mechanical engineering freshman Sasha Krauss participate in a game of Speed Dating hosted by UTB Radio during Cupid’s Corner. Each student received Valentine’s candy treats for participating. Story, Page 5. See AMIGO, Page 9 UTB receives NAIA award Bright future for Brownsville

Jesus Sanchez/Collegian Kaila Contreras/Collegian UT Brownsville Women’s Soccer Team defender Fernanda Baena (kneeling, from left) and fellow Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez talks about how the city’s unemployment rate dipped to 9.03 defender Sarah Regalado hold the 2013-2014 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics percent and sales tax receipts are up nearly 7 percent over last fiscal year during his State of the City Champions of Character Five Star Institution Bronze Award Thursday. Also shown (standing, from address Wednesday. left) are Cross-Country Head Coach Sam Buchanan, senior cross-country runner Hector Becerra, Women’s Soccer Head Coach Helen Wagstaff, Student Affairs Vice President Hilda Silva, UTRio 26 percent in the first quarter over the Grande Valley Women’s Head Volleyball Coach and former UTB Athletics Director Todd Lowery, SpaceX is launch pad same time last fiscal year. volleyball middle blocker Valquiria Caboclo, Men’s Soccer Head Coach Dan Balaguero and Golf Head “Today, SpaceX has broken ground and Coach Daniel Hayden. for city, Martinez says they’re hiring people just as they said,” Oscar Castillo he said, adding that the company, which designs, builds and launches rockets and previous four years as well. THE COLLEGIAN Jesus Sanchez spacecraft, would bring 300 permanent COLLEGIAN EDITOR “It’s a wonderful way for us to exit the jobs to Brownsville. NAIA,” Hilda Silva, vice president for In his State of the City address, The company is building a rocket UT Brownsville’s athletics program Student Affairs, said. “This is our last Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez said launch pad near Boca Chica Beach in has received the National Association of year in this program. Not only did we “the opportunities before us have never Cameron County. Intercollegiate Athletics Champions of do well with having the success we’ve looked brighter.” In an interview with The Collegian Character Five Star Institution Bronze had with the sports, now we have this Martinez, who delivered the speech before the address, Martinez was asked Award for the 2013-2014 academic year. recognition by NAIA at the bronze level Wednesday at the Brownsville Events what awaits Brownsville in 2015. Institutions earn the award based once again. I’m very proud of them.” Center before hundreds of people, said “I think you’re going to see a whole lot on exceptional student-athlete grade- The UTB athletics program and the the unemployment rate is down to 9.03 of interest in manufacturing,” he said. “I point averages and by having minimal UT Pan American athletics programs percent; sales tax receipts are up nearly 7 think you’re going to see a whole lot of to no ejections during competition will become a single NCAA Division 1 percent over the last fiscal year; building interest in different types of jobs as to the throughout the course of the academic program as the two schools prepare to permit values increased by 14 percent ability to come in here and get started.” year, according to the NAIA website. consolidate in Fall 2015 to become the over Fiscal Year 2014; and revenue for UTB has received the Champions of Cameron County’s Veterans Memorial Martinez announced that SpaceX Character Five Star Institution in the See ATHLETICS, Page 10 Bridge at Los Tomates is up more than See ADDRESS, Page 10 2 Monday, February 23, 2015 on campus The Collegian The collegian ANNOUNCEMENTS Alternative Charro Days its HIV/STDs and Substance Abuse Life improvement The Collegian is the Brownsville Artists and Musicians, Education Series. “Drugs, Alcohol Student Health Services will provide multimedia student located at 1045 E. Washington St., will and Partying,” is set for March 3; free confidential peer support, cooking newspaper serving the present Blackheart Records Group’s Fea and “HIV and STIs 101,” April 1. The demonstrations, tips and best practices University of Texas at at 8 p.m. Saturday. Also performing will lectures are scheduled from noon to 1:30 for exercising, healthy living and Brownsville. The newspaper is widely be Cutters, Fantástico and Arnold Vom. p.m. in the Main Building’s Salón Cassia. nutritional eating. The sessions are open distributed on For more information, go to facebook. For more information, call Student to UT Brownsville students, faculty and staff and are scheduled from noon to 1 campus and is an award-winning com/BAMTEXAS. Health Services at 882-3896. p.m. Wednesday and March 11 and 25, member of the Texas Intercollegiate Juried student art show Integrity Week seminars April 8 and 22 and May 13 and 27 in the The UTB Dean of Students Office The UT Brownsville Visual Arts Press Association. Main Building’s Salón Cassia. For more and the Office of Student Rights and Department and the Historic information, call 882-3896. Responsibilities will sponsor a series Brownsville Museum will sponsor Collegian Editor of seminars in observance of Integrity “Pigmented III,” an all-star juried ‘The Last Hurrah’ exhibit Jesus Sanchez Week: “Integrity in the Job student art exhibition scheduled May “The Last Hurrah,” dual exhibits by Search,” today; “The Consequences 22-July 10. UTB and UT Pan American UT Brownsville and UT Pan American of Academic Dishonesty,” Tuesday; art majors are invited to take part in visual arts faculty, continues. The Collegian Webcast Editor and “The Choices that We Make: celebration of the new University of UTPA faculty show is at the Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Oscar Castillo What Would You Do?” which is set Texas Rio Grande Valley’s School of for Wednesday. All seminars will be Visual Arts. Students should submit their St., until Saturday. Hours of operation are conducted from 12:15 to 1 p.m. in the artwork via a CD or DVD with detailed 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Admission Social Media Editor Main Building’s Patio Paraiso. For more specifications, including artist name, size, information, call 882-5034. materials, indoor/outdoor and special is $4 for adults, $2 for children under 12, Kaila Contreras accommodations such as a pedestal or senior citizens and veterans. The UTB Alternative Spring Break faculty show at the UTPA art annex, 2412 The Center for Civic Engagement and weight. DVDs must be submitted by May S. Closner in Edinburg, ends March 12. the Office of Student Engagement 8. For more information, call Visual Arts Spanish Editor Admission is free. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 will conduct an Alternative Spring Chair Carlos G. Gómez at 882.8805. p.m. Monday through Friday. For more Michelle N. Garcia Break for children ages 6 to 15 March MCAT Preparation Scholarship information, call 882-7097. 9-13. Activities will be based on the The Office of Health Professions following themes: Young Scientists, Careers will award two MCAT Medical school at Houston Ad Sales Manager Healthy Habits, Environmental Day Preparation Scholarships from The Office of Health Professions Maria Fernanda Rincon and Sports and Recreation Day. A field Kaplan Preparation and Princeton Careers is accepting applications for trip also is planned. To register, visit Review. Both MCAT preparation the Houston Assured Admission http://asb2015.eventbrite.com. The courses include the 2015 material. Program. The program allows Staff Writers registration deadline is March 2. For Access the application at http://www. undergraduate sophomores to interview Monica Gudiño more information, call the center at 882- utb.edu/vpaa/csmt/ohp/documents/ and gain admission to the University 4300. MCATScholarship.docx. For more of Texas Health Science Center at Andrea Torres information, visit the Office of Health Houston Medical School. Students Title IX seminars accepted for an interview will be invited Informational seminars about sexual Professions Careers in Life and Health to Houston to tour the medical school, discrimination, harassment and Sciences Building Room 2.822. For more meet with first-year medical students and Copy Editor misconduct will be conducted from information, call 882-5059. interview with admissions committee 12:15 to 1 p.m. on March 17 and April UTB Food Pantry Clarissa Martinez members. Students may download the 21 in the Main Building’s Patio Paraiso. The UT Brownsville Food Pantry is application at http://www.utb.edu/ For more information, call the Office of accepting donations of non-perishable vpaa/csmt/ohp/Pages/UTBHouston. Student Rights and Responsibilities food items and hygiene products from 8 Photographers aspx. For more information, contact at 882-5034. a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in Michelle Espinoza Program Coordinator Cherie Gallardo Cortez Hall 140. Monetary donations also Substance abuse education series at 882-5059 or email cherie.gallardo@ Héctor Aguilar are welcomed. For more information, Student Health Services continues utb.edu. Karina Aguirre call the ASPIRE office at 882-8250. --Compiled by Monica Gudiño

Cartoonist/Graphic Artist Clarissa Martinez POLICE REPORTS The following are among the incidents on patrol noticed a suspicious man border fence area on previous occasions. reported to University Police between Feb. 7 looking inside a parked vehicle in Lot The man was issued a criminal trespass and 13. Student Media Director A1. The man, who had no affiliation with warning and was advised of the the university, told the officer he was consequences if he returned. The man Azenett Cornejo Feb. 7 1:42 a.m.: A driver who was pulled over waiting for his friend who was attending was escorted off campus without further Secretary II on International Boulevard was cited for class, but he couldn’t provide a full name incident. speeding, having no driver’s license and for his friend. U.S. Border Patrol was 4:38 p.m.: A University Police officer Ana Sanchez no insurance. The passenger, who had contacted because the man only had a was dispatched to the Casa Bella student a valid driver’s license, took custody of foreign passport and no other form of housing complex regarding a minor the vehicle. Later, a University Police identification. Border Patrol confirmed traffic incident. The drivers, both of Contact: officer conducted a second traffic stop the man was in the United States legally. whom are students, said they were not The Collegian on the same vehicle on another speeding The man was issued a criminal trespass injured and declined to be evaluated Student Union 1.10 violation. The officer impounded the warning for the university. by emergency medical services. Once 1 West University Blvd. vehicle and the driver was cited again. Feb. 10 the investigation was complete, both Brownsville, TX 78520 Both the driver and passenger were 2:52 p.m.: University Police officers students drove away safely. released. responded to the Casa Bella student Feb. 12 Phone: (956) 882-5143 Feb. 9 housing complex to serve a former 5:38 p.m.: University Police officers Fax: (956) 882-5176 12:05 p.m.: A student reported his ex- student with an active arrest warrant were dispatched to the Casa Bella student e-mail: [email protected] wife damaged his vehicle while he was for misdemeanor theft charges. Officers housing complex in regard to a former arrested the student and transported her student whose entry into Casa Bella was © 2015 The Collegian trying to exit the Casa Bella student housing complex parking lot. The student to the University Police Department. She prohibited by university staff. An officer and his ex-wife were arguing and as he was later taken to the Carrizales-Rucker issued the former student a criminal The University of Texas at Brownsville tried to leave, she began pounding on the Detention Center. trespass warning for the entire university rear passenger side door. The student Feb. 11 and advised her of the consequences if YOUR NEWS IN ONE PLACE noticed scratches on his vehicle. He 4:29 p.m.: A staff member reported she returned. The former student said WWW.UTBCOLLEGIAN.COM said he did not want to file any charges a suspicious man walking behind the she understood and left the area. @UTBCOLLEGIAN against his ex-wife. Facilities Department near the border Feb. 13 3:45 p.m.: University Police officers fence. The officer contacted the man, who 2:07 p.m.: A University Police officer ------FOLLOW US------were dispatched to Lot B1 in regard to a had no affiliation with the university. was dispatched to Lot A1, Section C3, in booted vehicle. A student who said she Texas Southmost College’s security said regard to a vehicle collision. The officers was the driver of the vehicle told officers they had previously warned the man not contacted both drivers, who are students. her boyfriend had used her vehicle and to return the TSC area due to suspicions Both students declined to be evaluated later returned it with what she believed that he was taking photographs of by emergency medical services. One was a UTB parking permit. The officer students’ personal information. U.S. driver was cited for following distance confiscated the fictitious parking permit Border Patrol agents in the area said the and imposition of special restriction and and advised the student the incident man was not an illegal immigrant and endorsement. would be referred to the Judicial Affairs they could not find any prior contact --Compiled by Kaila Contreras Office. with him. Border Patrol agents also said 6:04 p.m.: A University Police officer they have seen him walking around the The Collegian local/on campus Monday, February 23, 2015 3 City commission backs plan for affordable housing communities follows: Rejects proposition that --Solana at the Sports Park, located at the northwest corner of Sports Park would set term limits Boulevard and Old Alice Road, where 100 of 111 residential units will be housing tax Oscar Castillo credit or affordable housing units and THE COLLEGIAN cost $1.5 million; --The Villas of Leon Gardens, located The Brownsville City Commission has between Castellano Way and FM 802, voted to support a plan to build 615 units where 74 public housing agency (PHA) in five affordable housing communities units will be demolished and in their at a cost of nearly $8.3 million. place will be constructed 199 units. The The builders of the five housing mixed-income development will have 74 communities have submitted pre- PHA units, 20 market rate units and 105 applications for financing, including affordable housing units. The cost will be 9 percent competitive low housing tax $2,865,000; credits, from the 2015 Texas Department --Casitas Lantana, located on Arrowwood of Housing and Community Affairs. In Avenue in the Olmito Estates Subdivision, the resolutions approved Tuesday night will have 40 single-family rental units, of by the commission, the city: which four will be available for tenants --confirms it has no objection to the assisted under U.S. Housing and Urban construction; Development Section 811, and cost --has no objection to the applicants’ $540,000, and; applications for tax credits; Héctor Aguilar/Collegian --At Casa Toscana, located on the 3400 --commits to financing $15,000 per unit block of West Alton Gloor Blvd. near La through an in-kind contribution such as Assistant City Manager Ruth Osuna presents the recommendations for affordable housing units Salida Drive, 131 residential units will a fee waiver, property tax abatement or to the Brownsville City Commission during Tuesday’s meeting. The commission voted to support be built, of which 125 will be affordable 3 percent loan through the Municipal all units: Solana at the Sports Park, Villas at Leon Gardens, Casa Toscana, Casitas Lantana and housing, at a cost of $1.8 million, and; House Finance Corp. of Brownsville; Sundance Meadows. --Sundance Meadows, located at Tonys --will not first receive the funds from the Road North and Dr. Hugh Emerson applicant. Department and then it will go through a Developers will oversee their individual Road, will have 134 residential units, of The contract for construction has not process of evaluating all the projects, and projects. which 106 will be affordable housing, at a yet been awarded to the developers, it’ll probably get funded sometime in the “After [the contract] gets awarded, cost of $1.6 million. Assistant City Manager Ruth Osuna said. summer. Then, it’ll go through financing the city and the [Texas Housing and Construction of the 615 residential “It’s a long process, this is just the first and the following year they finally start Community Affairs Department] are units will cost $8,295,000. step,” Osuna said in an interview with The construction. Construction usually takes out of it,” Osuna said. “It’s between the Asked who would be eligible to apply Collegian after Tuesday’s commission anywhere from 12 to 18 months, so you’re contractor and the developer. We don’t for affordable housing, Osuna replied, meeting. “What’s going to happen next talking about sometime in late 2016, have any responsibility to the actual “The housing tax credit program is is our recommendations will go to the 2017 that you’ll actually see the units on development.” designed to meet the needs of people Texas Housing and Community Affairs the ground.” The five housing communities are as See CITY, Page 10 TSC receives $150,000 grant Funding will help integrate basic education and workforce training programs Andrea Torres equipment and motors that many never THE COLLEGIAN do. … I’m currently doing my internship at Chevrolet Tipotex and already I Texas Southmost College has received implement the skills I have learned in a $150,000 state grant to implement class at the shop. … By the end I should basic education and workforce training be ready to get my certification and it’s all programs. because of … this program.” In last Thursday’s board of trustees Future plans for the program include: meeting, TSC President Lily Tercero --implementing “My Automotive Lab” said there is a large demand to provide through Pearson in the fall. This program educational services to adults in the state will help students with the eight stages of and locally. Automotive Services Excellence (ASE) “It is critical that we, TSC, implement Certification. strategies to align adult education with --achieving National Automotive Michelle Espinoza/Collegian college training so that we can prepare Technicians Education Foundation many, many more Texans for a path to Board of trustees Vice Chair Trey Mendez (from left), Texas Southmost College President Lily F. (NATEF) accreditation. Only 21 of 35 careers in high demand,” Tercero said. Tercero, Chair Francisco “Kiko” Rendon and Secretary Ed Rivera discuss a grant from the Texas colleges in Texas are NATEF accredited. TSC will receive $150,000 over the next Higher Education Coordinating Board during Thursday’s meeting. TSC was awarded $150,000. --partnering with the Mopar Career two years. The funding comes from the Automotive Program (CAP). It first Texas Higher Education Coordinating associate of business management and “This is a kind of grant that allows us as must be accredited by NATEF before the Board’s “Accelerate Texas” initiative, in technology an institution to get it going and then we program is launched. collaboration with Jobs for the Future “We will be providing opportunity, will sustain it as we progress,” Tercero The board of trustees approved (JFF). again, for adult students and they will replied. the Klement Agency to provide risk The main goal of the program is to be enrolled in career and technical In other matters, Health Care, Career management consulting services for “design and implement what is known as training courses concurrently with adult and Technical Education Dean Jeffrey excess windstorm and hail insurance at integrated basic education and workforce basic education support courses,” Vice Gregor gave a presentation on the TSC a cost of $750 on the recommendation training programs to assist adult students President of Instruction Marti Flores told automotive technology program, which of Vice President of Finance and in pursuing career programs,” Tercero the board. offers a four-semester associate degree Administration Chet Lewis. said. Once students complete the program, and a three-semester certificate. The Klement Agency has represented Steven Sanchez, director of workforce they will receive a GED and a work Students receive hands-on and field TSC since 2012 for basic windstorm and training and continuing education, training certificate. training for entry-level positions in the hailstorm protection. conducted surveys in the community to The goal for the first year of the automotive industry. Lewis also gave an update on the determine which career pathways are program is to enroll 16 students in each Luke Fruia Motors, Tipotex Chevrolet campus master plan. He said TSC most needed. of the pathway opportunities. and Tipton Ford are current partners is finalizing a price with Muñoz and There are three pathway opportunities Board Secretary Ed Rivera asked what that allow students to do field rotations. Co. “that is pretty close to our budget from which students may choose: the grant will pay for. Automotive technology students expectations and they are going to utilize --certified nurse assistant certificate, “Hiring of faculty to teach,” Tercero Emmanuel Cantu and Alonzo Najera some of the work that we have done when which leads to an associate of applied replied. “We are in the process of addressed the board. we were analyzing some of our buildings science in nursing; finalizing the hires. So, yes, it’ll be “It is the opportunities that this here and incorporating some of our prior --medical office specialist, which leads to primarily people support, support to program offers that attracted me the work concerning our master plan.” an associate of applied science in medical develop a curriculum.” most,” Cantu said. “… Some of the great Lewis said he hopes to negotiate the office management; Rivera asked if the grant would be assets of this program is the exposure to price for services to under $100,000 --and office specialist, which leads to an renewed for years to come. advanced technology. I get to work with “when we finish.” 4 Monday, February 23, 2015 opinion The Collegian Looking back as I move forward Michelle N. García THE COLLEGIAN

Some say the best years of your life will be high school; others say it’s college, but for me the best years were my childhood, so far. Like many little girls, I couldn’t wait to grow up and be an adult. I don’t understand what my hurry was. In December, I hope to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in Spanish translation and sometimes I find myself thinking, “Why can’t I be a little kid again?” The closer I get to my degree, the more I wish I could go back to being 5 years old again, back to a much simpler time where my biggest worry was missing Saturday morning cartoons and had no responsibilities. When I was younger, I had this amazing view of adulthood--being able to take control of your life: sleep, eat and do whatever I want whenever I wanted. Yeah, that was the view I had of adulthood. I knew that adults had jobs and responsibilities with family, but to 5-year-old me, it seemed better than being a child who was never taken seriously and could never do whatever she wanted. Adults seemed to have it all put together, but I know better now. LETTER: These lawyers and the judge are a shadows. It wasn’t until my high school years selfish side of history, no matter how Seven people took the table in front of that I realized what adulthood was really Reflections on the hard they try to justify their actions on me, six men and one woman. All but one like; and I wasn’t too crazy about the constitutional grounds. rumpled man had sleek suits, perfectly idea any more. It turns out, adults don’t Once more, those in the shadows will styled haircuts, elegant watches and have it all figured out, myself included. immigration case work and wait and worry. highly efficient cell and iPhones. Trying to get your first job is definitely The below was written a month ago, --- I stopped at the table and asked, “Are no walk in the park. Every employer after U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen The arguments had been made: you in town for the court hearing about expects you to have work experience in Brownsville heard the arguments, for Lawyers for 25 or more states claiming immigration?” but no one is willing to give it. It made and against, concerning the president’s President Barack Obama’s proclamation “Yes,” the youngest man said. no sense. How was I supposed to get a immigration action to remove millions to help 5 million or so “illegals” emerge “What side, federal government or the job? That might have been the first time from the shadows. from the shadows and legally remain in suing states?” I wished to be a kid again. A month later Judge Hanen ruled the United States was unjustified, and the “We’re with the states,” he said. When I was 5, I didn’t have to work. against the president, a ruling likely to federal government’s lawyers asserting it I should have guessed, but likely the My mom paid for everything, she drove be overturned; yet, it serves to keep those was wise, necessary and prudent. federal lawyers would have exuded the me everywhere I needed to go and she millions in shadows. I was in a Brownsville restaurant. I same style though with the opposite scheduled everything, from school To be certain, I was angry at the states’ had attended earlier a rally in support of position. I had hoped that maybe the events to doctor appointments and even lawyers when this was written, and I still the president, and there read my poem, rumpled lawyer wasn’t with them. Alas, time to hang out with my friends. Now am. “Shadows,” about “illegals” living in he was. it’s all up to me to do everything. I have I went to the restroom, came back, to work, pay for my own things, cook or passed their martini-ordering table and buy my own meals, be responsible for 15 Seconds: What are your plans took my seat. My mind jumped, from my my own errands and even manage my salad, fries and flatbread to the seven: own time to hang out with friends. I for Charro Days? Why, back in the 1840s they would don’t understand why I was so eager to have argued for slavery. Then, at the turn grow up; things were simply easier back Ruth Escalera of that century they would have defended then. Biomedical sciences freshman Jim Crow laws, and continued that Of course, being an adult has its “I think I might go to the Sombrero into as late as the 1950s. advantages. My voice is heard in my Fest. Go to the parade, see who’s going Mining and manufacturing interests community. If I don’t want to go with to be Mr. Amigo. The horses, too, in would attract them, too, all to rip the my mom to run her errands, I don’t have the parade.” earth and restrict workers’ rights. to, and I can make decisions about my Along the way, they would have life without my mom’s permission, most opposed women’s right to vote, and into of the time. Like many, I still live with the present, women’s reproductive rights my mom, which means I tend to hear the Andre Muñoz and gay rights. In short, they are part of phrase, “Mientras vivas bajo mi techo, Environmental the reactionary, and often racist, side of sigues mis reglas” (“While you live sciences junior the United States. “I’m going to go volunteer under my roof, you follow my rules”), And here they were, in Brownsville, with the Brownsville every now and then. Texas, offering lame reasons why the Marathoners. They’re I can stay up as late as I want, just “illegals,” (almost all Mexicans) must doing our Charro Days run, like I thought I would be able to. What I remain in the shadows. so that’s going to be pretty didn’t realize is that as a college student, Yanely Jimenez Edson Almaguer Jump to Europe in the 1930s, and they interesting helping them you stay up doing homework wishing Estudiante de último Psychology senior would be backing anti-Jewish legislation. organize it and be a spotter to finish quickly so you can go to bed año de educación Wherever on the planet there are “What I’m planning to for the runners. I’m also instead of watching late-night movies. I courts, lawyers can be found who seek to “Bueno, pues mis planes do is what I always do going to be participating can drive my own car but it turns out, limit human rights rather than enhance para este mes es pasarla every year. And that’s in the [Grupo] Folklórico driving isn’t all that fun. them. con mi familia, con mi do a barbecue with my [Tizatlán] here at UTB. Remembering my childhood makes “Just doing their job, hired they are,” novio y más que nada ir family and watch the We’re going to be doing one might say. al festival de Sombrero parade with my friends multiple dances for See COLUMN, Page 10 “Heck, they might not even believe in Festival. Más que nada, and with my girlfriend. private parties and for the what they’re arguing,” the person could viernes y sábado porque So, yeah, that’s my plan community as well.” Mystery Word add. va a venir Duelo y La for this Charro Days.” But I would say they do not have to c _ _ r _ _ t _ _ Leyenda y son una de --Compiled and photos mis bandas favoritas”. by Michelle Espinoza See LETTER, Page 10 The Collegian On Campus Monday, February 23, 2015 5 Love--and candy--was all around Monica Gudiño THE COLLEGIAN

With free hugs, a photo booth, marriage booth, speed dating and free food, the pre-Valentine’s Day celebration “Cupids Corner” drew around 200 people to the Main Building’s Gran Patio on Feb. 13. About 21 organizations and departments hosted fun activities at the event hosted by the Campus Activities Board. Student Health Services gave out free candy and condoms and conducted the “Do You Know Your Partner?” game; Academic Advising gave out decorated foam hearts; and the Center for Civic Engagement sold cupcakes and jewelry and hosted a Valentine’s lotería. Criminal justice senior Andrea Aleman helped with the lotería. “It’s a lot of fun,” Aleman said. “I think it’s a great way to fundraise. It’s a lot of activities, so it’s a great way to meet new people.” UTB Radio hosted a speed-dating game that had 10 participants. Each participant had a partner of the opposite gender and they answered such questions as “What’s your ideal date?” “What’s your pet peeve?” and “What do you look for in a significant other?” After answering a few questions, partners were switched. Each participant received a bag packed with Valentine’s candy treats. The radio Oscar Castillo/Collegian station also conducted a drawing for About 200 UT Brownsville students participate in the Cupid’s Corner event hosted Feb. 13 by the Campus Activity Board, in the Main Building’s Gran Peter Piper Pizza and Johnny Carino’s Patio. gift certificates. Itzayana Martinez won the Carino’s gift card and Brandon Muñiz organizations. “[Students] get to also Living in Freedom Today, Uteach Ministry. won the pizza gift card. interact and network with other clubs New Generation Educators, Career “I think the event is super fun right “We invited the clubs to come out and and departments that are out here.” Ambassadors Team, Rotaract Club, now,” Education senior Juan Villela said. sell and the departments to hold activities Many clubs took the opportunity Circle K International, Brownsville “Everyone is having a blast. There are a and just a big event for everyone to to promote their organizations: the Border Bookworms, Student Media, Civic lot of organizations that are giving food, enjoy,” said Vanessa Sandoval, Student Biomedical Student Association, Engagement Club, Sigma Psi Delta, Beta so I like it.” Engagement’s coordinator for student American Medical Student Association, Rho Omicron and the Baptist Student ‘Remember that you are dust …’ Musically inclined

Monica Gudiño/Collegian Bishop Daniel E. Flores, of the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, places ashes on Miriam de Leon, a biomedical sciences senior, during the celebration of Ash Wednesday Mass that took place last week in the Student Union’s Gran Salón.

Héctor Aguilar/Collegian

Singer Mitch Clark performs various covers and some of his work during Student Engagement’s Mic Night held Wednesday in Salón Cassia. About two dozen people attended. 6 Monday, February 23, 2015 The Collegian The Collegian Monday, February 23, 2015 7 8 Monday, February 23, 2015 The Collegian The Collegian Noticias en espanol 23 de febrero de -2015 9 Listos para recibir a Mr. Amigo El campus honrará al productor de telenovelas, Juan Osorio Michelle N. García personas interesados en participar deben THE COLLEGIAN inscribirse antes de las 5 de la tarde el martes en la oficina de compromiso estudiantil. Autitos de golf no son UT Brownsville le dará la bienvenida necesarios para la participación y todos a Juan Osorio, un productor premiado son invitados a vestirse con ropa de de dos docenas de telenovelas y el Mr. Charro. Todos los participantes deben Amigo 2014, a las 11:30 de la mañana formar fila en el jardín del edificio Cavalry el jueves en el Centro de Artes de Texas antes de las 10:15 de la mañana el martes. Southmost College. El desfile comenzará a las 10:30 de la El evento es parte de la septuagésima mañana e irá por Gorgas Drive hacia el octava Fiesta de Charros, que empezó el Centro de Artes de TSC donde se le dará domingo y continuará hasta el primero la bienvenida a Mr. Amigo. de marzo. Los días de Charro se fundó Se darán premios a los tres grupos que en 1937 y celebra la amistad y el respeto demuestren el mayor espíritu de días binacional entre Brownsville y su vecino de Charros. El año pasado, 28 grupos al otro lado del Rio Grande, Matamoros, participaron y la oficina de compromiso Tamaulipas, México. estudiantil aspiran tener más grupos La Celebración de Mr. Amigo está Collegian File Photo participando este año. abierta a la comunidad y la entrada es Niños participan en el intercambio de regalos entre las ciudades de Brownsville y Matamoros, La oficina de vida residencial acogerá gratis. México, durante la ceremonia de Hands Across the Border el año pasado. Al fondo está la presidenta “Botas y Sombreros”, incluyendo al “Durante este evento nos gusta municipal de Matamoros, Leticia Salazar Vásquez. segundo anual Juego de Charro, de 7 a mostrar el talento que tenemos en 10 de la noche el jueves en el conjunto nuestro campus”, decano estudiantil “Cantinflas”; Vicente Fernández; Juan Banquet, fijada para las 8 de la noche el residencial de Casa Bella. Los estudiantes Doug Stoves dijo. “Así que nuestro grupo Gabriel; Lucero; y Eduardo Yáñez. viernes. Ambos se llevarán a cabo en el podrán bailar, cantar y participar en folklórico hará una presentación, nuestro La asociación eligió a Osorio, un Events Center de Brownsville. concurso de aventar tortillas, concurso Tres miembros de su telenovela actual mariachi dará una presentación. Por productor de telenovelas, como Mr. de comer jalapeños o un concurso de acompañarán a Osorio a varios eventos primera vez, estamos trabajando con una Amigo 2014. El titulo lleva el año anterior grito. de días de Charro: Pablo Montero, escuela primaria local, Victoria Heights; porque muy temprano en su historia, Fuera del campus, el desfile de niños el equipo de ritmo y danza dará una la asociación reconocía al premiado en Mayrín Villanueva y el hijo de Osorio, Emilio Osorio Marcos. del Brownsville Independent School presentación”. octubre, antes de los días de Charro. Montero, 40 y nacido en Torreon, District se llevará a cabo a las 2:30 de Stoves dijo que UTB está orgulloso “Mr. Osorio fue elegido a base de Coahuila, México, es un músico y actor. la tarde el jueves, el desfile iluminado a de ser parte de esta celebración “por la su ética laboral, el tipo de telenovelas Él interpreta el papel de Diego Lascuráin las 7 de la noche el viernes, el desfile de tradición que ha existido aquí en esta que hace y en el hecho que él ha estado en “Mi Corazón es Tuyo”. Villanueva, ROTC a las 12:30 de la tarde el sábado, comunidad de acoger a Mr. Amigo”. haciendo esto por casi 28 años”, Avitia 44 y nacida en la Ciudad de México, seguido por el gran desfile internacional Antes de venir al campus, Osorio dijo durante una entrevista telefónica interpreta el papel de Isabela Vázquez a la 1 de la tarde. Todos los desfiles participará en el Saludo Binacional a las con el Collegian el miércoles pasado. de Castro. Marcos interpreta el papel de serán en Elizabeth Street en el centro de 10 de la mañana el jueves en el Puente “Él ha tenido un impacto en la área de Sebastián Lascuráin Diez. Brownsville. Internacional Gateway. Durante esta entretenimiento y gente en hogares tanto UTB empezó a celebrar los días de En el parque Washington en el centro ceremonia el alcalde de Brownsville mexicanas como estadounidenses han Charro el viernes pasado, con una de Brownsville, Sombrero Fest durará Tony Martínez y la presidenta municipal visto sus novelas”. presentación de parte del Grupo tres días empezando a la 1 de la tarde el de Matamoros, Leticia Salazar Vásquez, Osorio, 57 y nacido en Mérida, Yucatán, Folklórico Tizatlán, en el Centro de Artes jueves. Las puertas abrirán a las 11 de la intercambiarán banderas y regalos, de ha producido muchas telenovelas de TSC, y las actividades continuarán mañana el viernes y a las 7 de la mañana acuerdo a brownsville.org. incluyendo “La Gloria y El Infierno” hasta la noche del jueves. el sábado. La entrada y los juegos de La Asociación de Mr. Amigo fue (1986); “Una Familia con Suerte” (2011); La oficina de compromiso estudiantil niños serán gratis las primeras tres horas fundada en 1964 y forma parte de los días “Porque el Amor Manda” (2013), cual patrocinará una Lotería desde el mediodía de cada día. La entrada general es de $10 de Charro. El presidente de la asociación ganó el premio Telenovela del Año de hasta las 2 de la tarde el miércoles en el y gratis para niños menores de 12 años. Robert Avitia dijo que su propósito es People en Español; y su producción jardín de la unión estudiantil. Habrá música en vivo y algunos de los “reconocer a un ciudadano mexicano que actual, “Mi Corazón es Tuyo”. El departamento también acogerá eventos incluyen concursos de cocinar, promueve la bondad entre los Estados Él está programado a asistir a varias un desfile en el campus, antes conocido concurso de disfraz para niños y adultos, Unidos y México”. celebraciones de los días de Charro esta como el Golf Cart Parade, a las 10:30 concursos de comer tacos y concursos de Entre aquellos que han sido semana, incluyendo President’s Costume de la mañana el jueves afuera del grito. reconocidos como Mr. Amigo son Fiesta, que está programada para las edificio Cavalry. Cualquier organización Mario Moreno, también conocido como 7:30 de la noche el jueves, y Gala Award estudiantil, departamento o grupo de AMIGO “Mr. Osorio was selected based on his Corazón es Tuyo.” Villanueva, 44 and participate this year. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 work ethic, the type of novelas that he native of Mexico City, plays the role of The Office of Residential Life will host performing.” makes and the fact that he’s been doing Isabela Vázquez De Castro. Marcos, plays Botas y Sombreros, featuring the second Stoves said UTB is proud to be a part of this for almost 28 years,” Avitia said the role of Sebastián Lascuráin Diez. annual Charro Games, from 7 to 10 this celebration “because of the tradition during a telephone interview with The UTB began celebrating Charro Days p.m. Thursday at the Casa Bella student that has existed here in this community Collegian on Wednesday. “So, he’s been last Friday, with a performance by Grupo housing complex. Students may dance, to host Mr. Amigo.” an impact in the entertainment area, and Folklórico Tizatlán, in the TSC Arts sing and participate in a tortilla throwing Before coming to campus, Osorio his novelas are seen by folks in homes in Center, and activities continue through contest, a jalapeño eating contest or a will participate in Hands Across the Mexico and also in the United States.” Thursday night. grito contest. Border at 10 a.m. Thursday on the Osorio, 57 and a native of Mérida, The Office of Student Engagement will Off campus, the Brownsville Gateway International Bridge. During Yucatán, has produced many telenovelas, sponsor a Lotería from noon to 2 p.m. Independent School District Children’s this ceremony, Brownsville Mayor or soap operas, including “La Gloria y Wednesday on the Student Union lawn. Parade will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tony Martinez and his counterpart in El Infierno” (1986); “Una Familia con The department will also host the Thursday, the Illuminated Parade at 7 Matamoros, Leticia Salazar Vásquez, will Suerte” (2011); “Porque el Amor Manda” Campus Parade, previously known as the p.m. Friday, the ROTC Parade at 12:30 exchange flags and gifts, according to (2013), which won the Telenovela of the Golf Cart Parade, at 10:30 a.m. Thursday p.m. Saturday, followed by the Grand brownsville.org. Year award from People en Español; and at the Cavalry lawn. Any student International Parade at 1 p.m. All of the The Mr. Amigo Association was his current production, “Mi Corazón es organization, department or group of parades will be on Elizabeth Street in established in 1964 and is part of Charro Tuyo.” people interested in participating must downtown Brownsville. Days. Association President Robert He is scheduled to attend several sign up by 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Office of At Washington Park in downtown Avitia said its purpose is “to recognize a Charro Days celebrations this week, Student Engagement. Golf carts are not Brownsville, Sombrero Fest will last Mexican citizen who promotes goodwill including the President’s Costume required for participation and everyone three days beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday. between the United States and Mexico.” Fiesta, scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, is encouraged to dress in Charro Days- Gates will open at 11 a.m. Friday and at 7 Among those who have been recognized and the Gala Awards Banquet, set for 8 themed attire. All participants should a.m. Saturday. Admission and children’s as Mr. Amigo are Mario Moreno, p.m. Friday. Both will take place in the line up on the Cavalry lawn by 10:15 a.m. rides will be free during the first three also known as “Cantinflas”; Vicente Brownsville Events Center. Thursday. The parade will begin at 10:30 hours of each day. General admission is Fernandez; Juan Gabriel; Lucero; and Joining Osorio in several Charro Days a.m. and proceed down Gorgas Drive to $10 and free for children under age 12. Eduardo Yañez. events are three cast members from the TSC Arts Center, where Mr. Amigo Live music will be played and events The association selected Osorio, a his current telenovela: Pablo Montero, will be welcomed. include cook-offs, costume contests for telenovela producer, as Mr. Amigo 2014. Mayrín Villanueva and Osorio’s son, Prizes will be awarded to the three children and adults, taco eating contests The title carries the previous year because Emilio Osorio Marcos. groups that show the greatest Charro and grito contests. early in its history, the association used Montero, 40 and native of Torreon, Days spirit. Last year, 28 groups to recognize the honoree in October, Coahuila, Mexico, is a musician and participated and the Office of Student before Charro Days. actor. He plays Diego Lascuráin in “Mi Engagement hopes to have more groups 10 Monday, February 23, 2015 Sports The Collegian ADDRESS Men’s golf team to compete in S.A. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 will have vendor fair on Tuesday at the Jesus Sanchez Events Center. COLLEGIAN EDITOR In his speech, the mayor said he went along with representatives of STARGATE The UT Brownsville Men’s Golf Team to ask for $500,000 in seed money from will take a trip north to compete in its the Brownsville Economic Development second conference match of the season, Council. The Spacecraft Tracking and the San Antonio Shootout Tournament, Astronomical Research into Gigahertz scheduled Sunday at the TPC San Antonio Astrophysical Transient Emission, or Golf Facility. STARGATE, research center will be a Both the men’s and women’s golf public-private partnership between the programs finished in 11th place out of 14 Center for Advanced Radio Astronomy at teams in the Claude Jacobs Invitational, UT Brownsville and SpaceX, according to which was held Feb. 14 in Victoria. the UTB website. The men’s team finished with an “Thank God for SpaceX,” Martinez overall score of 943. Senior Saad Milan said. “SpaceX came and with it a whole lot led the Ocelots with an overall score of other opportunities because out of that of 228; freshman Angel Aguirre, 234; first half-million dollars the Brownsville freshman Steven Hinojosa, 243; senior Economic Development [Council] Gage Murphy, 245; and junior Michael invested in us, they have now pole- Fasci, 246. vaulted that into over $8 million, and “We struggled a little bit but the good Irv Downing can attest to that. A payoff thing now is that we know what we need of over 15 times the original investment, to work on for the next tournament,” and that to me is what it means to believe in Brownsville.” Head Coach Daniel Hayden said Tuesday. Photo Courtesy UTB Athletics Downing is UTB’s vice president for “We talked about everything. It’s just Senior Saad Milan swings during the Claude Jacobs Invitational tournament Feb. 14 in Victoria. The economic development and community a matter of getting back to the grind. … UT Brownsville Men’s Golf Team finished in 11th place at the tournament. We’re going to work to get better for the service. Martinez said that without STARGATE tournament in the next two weeks.” “[The women] played awesome,” the week of Feb. 9-15, the first award of The women’s team ended the and the university, there might not have Hayden said. “They had a heck of a the 2015 golf season. been a SpaceX in Brownsville. tournament with an overall score of tournament. They improved dramatically The women’s team will return to action 1,008. Senior Veronika Vasquez led After Martinez’s speech, master of this tournament compared to last week, March 15 in the Sugar Tree Invitational, ceremonies Ron Oliveira interviewed the Ocelots with an overall score of so that’s always a good thing.” which will be held in the North Texas city 234; freshman Deanna Portillo, 243; three UTB physics students associated In other women’s golf news, freshman of Lipan. with the STARGATE program: Aldo freshman Leanna Saenz, 264; and junior Deanna Portillo was named the Red River Angela Zepeda, 267. Fonrouge, Keith Böehler and James Athletic Conference Women’s Golfer for Murray. Oliveira asked what prompted them to Hector Becerra and Vanessa Garcia There are three levels of recognition: gold ATHLETICS get into the field of physics. represented UTB at the NAIA National (90-100 points), silver (75-89 points) Fonrouge, who grew up in Matamoros CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Cross-Country Meet late last year. and bronze (60-74 points). and came to Brownsville to attend University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. “[The athletics program] was a really UTB tallied 63 points to earn the Saint Joseph’s Academy, said it was In the 2014-15 academic year, UTB successful one and a testament to the bronze level recognition. his father’s dream that he become a Athletics found success in its fall sports talent that we’ve got here, both from the “For us being our last year, I think we medical doctor. During his senior year, a with its volleyball and men’s soccer staff and from the players,” Women’s did very well,” senior women’s soccer professor invited him to the graduation programs being runner-ups at the Head Coach Helen Wagstaff said. “I’m defender Sarah Regalado said. “Some of of the Arecibo Remote Command Center national championship matches in just proud of all of [the sports programs] our [programs] did represent our teams Scholars, and “I said, ‘This is incredible; their respective divisions. The women’s with all things considered. Great and went all the way to nationals and I have to be a part of this.’” soccer team was the second-place winner success.” showed that UTB did have a very great Fonrouge said his dad was fine with in the Red River Athletic Conference The university was among 168 athletics program.” him pursuing something that he was Tournament. institutions that received a Champions passionate about. Junior David Guillen and seniors of Character Five Star Institution award. Böehler said STARGATE will give them COLUMN me every night and I wish I could stay just my nervousness about finishing hands-on experience other universities home Saturday mornings to watch some school. cannot offer. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 TV, but there’re plenty of things to look In reality, no, I don’t want to be 5 “Many of my colleagues that were me want to go back to those simple times forward to as an adult. again but I do want to bring my inner seniors with me went off to other universities,” he said. “While they where summer was actually a break and I’ve spent a great part of my life in child out to enjoy adulthood. I don’t may have all these wonderful, little have things figured out, not even a little not just another season. school and studying that finishing distractions that they can attend, I get to I miss my childhood with all the happy seemed more like a myth, but it’s bit, but looking back relieves my nerves have something on my résumé that will memories but I’m also excited, and happening and for now, looking back at as I realize how far I’ve come and the make me much more marketable.” scared, but mostly excited, about the my childhood comforts me. So, yeah, I memories give me strength to take on the The State of the City address was open next chapter in my life. may get frustrated with my life at times, next challenge: starting a career. to the public at $50 per seat. H-E-B Food I miss my mom cooking dinner for complain and wish to be 5 again but it’s Stores, Brownsville Public Utilities Board and the University of Texas Rio Grande LETTER thousands within miles of their table? returned to their table to berate their Valley were among the companies and --Healthcare workers, especially for the work. I wondered why I had not tipped entities that purchased a sponsorship for CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 elderly. their food and drinks into their laps. the event. lawyer on the racist side they touted on --Roofers. Yes, I thought about both actions--again, Asked how the proceeds will be used, the border yesterday. --Mechanics. when home. Martinez replied: “Well, you know, nobody has ever really done a state of I progressed with my meal. They did, --Medical assistants. So, so polite I am, so, so polite the the city for Brownsville in my lifetime. too. --Gardeners. “illegals,” and so, so cruel and detached the lawyers and their clients scattered … What we do is we have sponsors that I got up to leave, and they did, too. --Workers of many other jobs, and often help pay, so we don’t take any money out among the suing states. They went into the winter sun, got into going to school. of the general fund. It doesn’t belong to their rental vehicles and drove off. --Food service workers. A universal, a global issue, haves the taxpayers, it’s private donations, and Had they ever given a moment’s Likely not. Fat checks and expense wishing to keep it all, those under them, whatever it costs us to put on the event is thought to the hundreds of thousands of accounts they had gained--all in an effort wanting a fair share. taken out of those proceeds. South Texans, yes, “illegals,” who were to keep the faceless “illegals” in shadows. Eugene “Gene” Novogrodsky The rest of the money is placed in a hard at work from San Antonio south, Home, later, I wondered why I had not Brownsville resident special account and the mayor has the discretion to contribute it to a nonprofit operators of houses of prostitution be CITY spent on other things,” District 3 organization. repealed because they duplicate state Commissioner Debra Portillo said. “We Asked for a response to recent CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 law?” allow our constituents more ease of statements made by mayoral candidate making 30 percent of the area median Garza said, “The repeal of these access to voting sites and we don’t take Erasmo Castro, who said Martinez will income, 50 and 60 percent of the area paragraphs will not affect any current away a voting site from the university.” use the proceeds to fund his campaign, median income.” law enforcement activities such as --approved the closing of West Elizabeth Martinez said: “That’s very irresponsible In other business, the commission: behaviors and institutions discussed in Street from its intersection with Central to be able to do that and, again, it only --approved Propositions Nos. 1 and 2, these paragraphs.” Boulevard to Palm Boulevard two hours goes to show that when some of the social as recommended by the Charter Review Proposition No. 2, Article II, Section before the start of the Brownsville media has no filter, then you are able to Committee, and rejected Proposition No. 23, states: “Shall that portion of the Independent School District Children’s say things that are untrue. No, we don’t 3, which would have set term limits for City Charter authorizing the purchase Parade, which is scheduled at 2 p.m. use that; I mean I got my own. I don’t city commissioners and the mayor. of certain real property for a city at a Thursday; the Illuminated Parade, 6 know if he knows it or not, but there is “It’s a good thing they accepted a few stipulated maximum price be repealed as p.m. Friday; and the Grand International a lot of campaign laws that we have to of our propositions. I’m kind of happy obsolete because the City of Brownsville Parade, 12:30 p.m. Saturday. The abide by, and we always have.” about that,” Charter Review Committee already has a city hall?” parades are part of the city’s 78th annual Chairman Myles Garza said in an --approved a fifth early voting site--the Charro Days Fiesta celebration. interview with The Collegian. Brownsville Community Health Center- Proposition No. 1, Article II, Section New Horizon Medical Center—for the 2, states: “Shall those portions of the May 9 city election at a cost of $4,000. Visit us online at City Charter giving the City the power “I think $4,000 is a small amount to punish vagrants, prostitutes and compared to all the money that we www.utbcollegian.com The Collegian Arts & Entertainment Monday, February 23, 2015 11 iPoems, shuffling points of view Héctor Aguilar THE COLLEGIAN

Guests got a taste of writer Erika Said’s rebellious poetry during Writers Live Thursday, where she explained the background of her book “iPoems, Poemas en Shuffle.” “When I see young people I get excited because I used to be a young writer,” Said said. “Back then, I had people that told me that it could be done. It doesn’t matter that you’re young. It doesn’t matter that you’re doing things that are not traditional because I’ve always broken the rules. I was a rule breaker.” In compliance with her rebellious nature, Said said her advice to aspiring writers is to “try to say the things you want to say but in a way nobody has said it before.” A native of Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Said read her poems in English and Spanish and said poetry is her way of fixing an identity problem of not being Mexican or American. “I consider myself a border poet; that means I’m not from Mexico and I’m not from the United States,” she said. “I have this identity problem I try to fix with poetry.” “iPoems, Poemas En Shuffle,” which consists of 37 poems, features two images Héctor Aguilar/Collegian of the 29-year-old on the screen of an iPod connected to each other through the Writer Erika Said signs a copy of her book “iPoems, Poemas en Shuffle” for exercise science junior Ricardo Parra during Writers Live, held Thursday in cord of one’s headphones much in the the Main Building’s Salón Cassia. way of Frida Kahlo’s “The Two Fridas.” She said this cover image was a point of view. favorite because he could relate to Said’s in both ways so that the writers can reflection of the first poem in the book, In “The Girl Who Sells Coconuts,” work. work with the community as well as the “Escribir es un Acto Esquisofrénico” Said writes through the point of view of “The poem I liked was ‘Losing Games’ community can get exposed to them in (Writing is a Schizophrenic Act), which a coconut seller who sees crazy antics of from the bilingual version,” Parra said. person,” Carmona said. she read to an audience of about 30 a wave of tourists who visit the beach in “What it’s about is just trial and error in Writers Live will feature author Dan attendees. the city she lives. relationships and life and I thought that Vera on March 26. “This is a way of looking at myself as The bilingual version of Said’s iPoems was really neat. The song she picked out if I was another person and that is what is expected to be launched in May 2015. was a song I guess I was listening to 10 this poem is about,” Said said. In it Said changed several things which years ago, so I really enjoyed it. It’s called Among the other poems she read rendered the book quite different. ‘Bombay’ by El Guincho. He’s an artist FOLLOW US were “Genealogía Femenina” (Feminine “For the bilingual version of the book from Spain. ... That is the one that stood Genealogy), “Nocturno de una Aventura I changed a lot of things,” Said said. “I out to me out of all of them.” TWITTER Frustrada” (Nocturne of an Unfulfilled took poems that are in this book but not Christopher Carmona, an assistant FACEBOOK Adventure), “Notícias de Última Hora” in the other one and also I added new professor in the English Department and INSTAGRAM (Breaking News), “La Vendedora de poems that are not in the [Spanish] to the one of the event’s organizers, said Writers GOOGLE + Cocos” (The Girl Who Sells Coconuts) [English one] and I changed the order. Live is a good way for the community to and “Sagitario” (Sagittarius). The playlists are different. meet writers and learn about their work. Said said one method she likes to use to Junior exercise science major Ricardo “We started it as a way to get the @UTBCOLLEGIAN write poems is to embody the characters Parra, who has attended Writers Live community involved ... and to really WWW.UTBCOLLEGIAN.COM in her poems in order to write from their three times, said this edition has been his expose [the writers] to the community

Los C’lotes By Clarissa Martinez 12 Monday, February 23, 2015 The Collegian