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DT ReunitedStudents discuss life since receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. VOLUME 121, ISSUE 2 FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 PAGE 7

destiny alexander / the daily texan staff 2

Contents: CONTACT US MAIN TELEPHONE (512) 471-4591 News Opinion Life&Arts Sports EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The university UT must cancel After receiving Amid coach Emily Caldwell is launching a all in-person the COVID-19 and roster (512) 232-2212

DT page page page page pilot textbook campus vaccine, stu- turnover, soph- [email protected] 03 program for 04 walking tours 07 dents discuss 10 omore guard MANAGING EDITOR students through the Co--op. this spring and encourage how their lives have been Celeste Taylor has thrived Trinady Joslin PERMANENT STAFF virtual tours instead. impacted. in a new role. (512) 232-2217 Editor-in-Chief Senior Sports Writers [email protected] Emily Caldwell Matthew Boncosky, Taylor Hawthorne Managing Editor NEWS OFFICE Trinady Joslin Newsletters Editor Assoc. Managing Editors Maia Borchardt (512) 232-2207 Emily Hernandez, Ariana Copy Desk Chiefs CAMPUS Arredondo Phoebe Hayes, Lawson [email protected] Director of Digital Strategy Freeman Hal Riley Assoc. Copy Desk Chiefs The Texan strives to present all Director of Diversity & Irissa Omandam, Megan information fairly, accurately and Shankle, Chloe Roman Inclusion completely. If we have made an Areeba Amer Design Editor error, let us know about it. E-mail Internal Relations Director Christina Peebles Over 700 students move into residence halls Sanika Nayak Assoc. Design Editor [email protected]. External Relations Director Megan Fletcher Abhirupa Dasgupta Senior Designers By Samantha Greyson Assoc. Opinion Editors Eunice Bao, Juleanna Culilap @GreysonSamantha BUSINESS & ADVERTISING Isabelle Costello, Hannah Video Editor Lopez, Julia Zaksek Brendan Long (512) 471-8590 Forum Editors Assoc. Video Editor [email protected] Daisy Kielty, Maria Sailale Jackson Barton Illustration Coordinator Sr. Videographers Director Abriella Corker Hannah Ortega, Matthew Residence halls are operating at Gerald Johnson Editorial Illustrator Posey a 50% capacity this semester after Business/ Charlie Hyman Photo Editor Operations Manager News Editor Jack Myer many students canceled their hous- Frank Serpas III Lauren Girgis Assoc. Photo Editors ing contracts in the fall. Advertising Manager Assoc. News Editors Kirsten Hahn, Jamie Hwang Emily Cohen Hannah Williford, Brooke Senior Photographer University Housing and Dining Ontiveros Connor Downs Assistant Advertising Manager News Desk Editors Comics Editors was able to offer spring housing Grant Daniels Anna Canizales, Amanda Barbra Daly, Rocky Higine Account Executives Figueroa-Nieves, Andrew to students who wished to live on Assoc. Comics Editor Diane Byram, Pam Garner, Julianne Zhang Destiny Alexander campus without requiring room- Phillipp Beat Reporters Sr. Comics Illustrators Design Skye Seipp, Samantha Cynthia Trevino, Sylvia mates, said Justin Jaskowiak, UHD Greyson, Tori Duff, Kevin Tillie Policastro Asuncion-Crabb Vu, Sheryl Lawrence, Lauren director for apartments, occupancy Abel, Lauren Goodman, Social Media Editor Laurie Grobe Katya Bandouil and conferences. Life&Arts Editor Assoc. Social Media Editor Aisling Ayers Nuzha Zuberi Students who signed a housing Assoc. Life&Arts Editor Senior Digital Staffers contract in the fall could be let out Lauren Castro Benjamin Cohen, Chloe Young of the contract penalty-free if their THE DAILY TEXAN MAIL Life&Arts Desk Editors Audio Editor SUBSCRIPTION RATES Grace Barnes, Jennifer Errico Aurora Berry course schedule was fully remote, Sr. Life&Arts Reporters Assoc. Audio Editor One Semester (Fall/Spring) Fiza Kuzhiyil, Morgan-Taylor Addie Costello Jaskowiak said. $60.00 Thomas Senior Audio Producers Sports Editor Carly Rose, Jackie Ibarra “In a normal year, we typically Two Semesters (Fall & Spring) $120.00 Carter Yates Editorial Adviser only have maybe 100, 150 spac- Assoc. Sports Editors Peter Chen Summer Session Stephen Wagner, Nathan Han es available for students to move $40.00 destiny alexander / the daily texan staff into (during the spring semes- One Year (Fall, Spring and Summer) $150.00 ter), because the halls are typi- cally full,” Jaskowiak said. “Due To charge by VISA or MasterCard, call 471-5083. Send orders and address ISSUE STAFF to us having space, including changes to , P.O. Box D, , TX 78713-8904. Designer full empty rooms, we could of- Minka Atkinson fer more contracts to students Opinion Illustrator Carlyssa Phoon needing housing.” ADVERTISING DEADLINES

Unlike previous semesters, Ad space is reserved by noon at least two UHD made no roommate assign- business days before regular publications. For special editions and other advertising ments for the spring, Jaskowi- opportunities please speak with a TSM account executive for deadlines and additional ak said. If a student did not put details. The Spring 2021 publication schedule down a preferred roommate in is Tuesday and Friday. their housing portal, they were Contact [email protected]. assigned to a room alone. COPYRIGHT “Students who are coming for Copyright 2021 Texas Student Media. All the spring, if they have a pre- articles, photographs and graphics, both in AUSTIN WEATHER the print and online editions, are the ferred roommate, can match with property of Texas Student Media and may not be reproduced or republished in part or that roommate,” Jaskowiak said. in whole without written permission. TODAY TOMORROW Jan. 22 Jan. 23 “We just need to hear that both The Daily Texan, a student newspaper at The people have chosen to … live to- University of Texas at Austin, is published by gether. For all other students, Texas Student Media, 2500 Whitis Ave., Austin, TX 78712. Our work is made possible by support due to the space that is available, from our advertising partners and donors. To provide individual support, please visit The Daily HI 70º HI 64º we didn’t assign any students to Texan page at supportstudentvoices.org. To highlight your business, please email LO 54º LO 61º a roommate unless it was a pre- [email protected]. The Daily ferred roommate.” Texan does not publish during academic breaks, im so cold help most Federal Holidays and exam periods. News Jaskowiak said UHD was at contributions will be accepted by telephone (471-4591), or at the editorial office (HSM 2.120). Entire contents copyright 2021 Texas Student Media. DORMS PAGE 5 3

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NEWS 3

UNIVERSITY

UT implements pilot Become a lawyer. textbook access program Join the champions.

through Co-op Winner of more: By Sheryl Lawrence @sheryl_adelle ADVOCACY CHAMPIONSHIPS; BEST BRIEF LEGAL WRITING AWARDS; UT is implementing a pilot program that offers inclusive ABA NATIONAL APPELLATE access to digital course con- tent through the University ADVOCACY CHAMPIONSHIPS Co-op this spring, but some students are confused by its rollout. ... than ANY U.S. law school. The Longhorn Textbook Access program provides students access to all the materials for one course on nquire today! Canvas and allows students to pay for all the materials to- stcl.edu/champion gether. Students are charged the cost of the course materi- als through their What I Owe accounts unless they opt out, which must be done by the 12th class day. If the student does not pay by the 20th class rocky higine / the daily texan staff day, access to course materi- als will be canceled and the is being used, there’s a cost to Platt said the Univer- charge will be removed from ship that book to the Co-op, sity chose to have faculty What I Owe. there’s a cost to unbox it, to members and the Co-op There are 11 classes using get it ready to put on the shelf communicate with students the program this spring. (and) to get it on the shelf,” about the program to Dave Platt, vice provost Phifer said. avoid confusion. for undergraduate academ- As the program grows, “We made the judgment ic affairs, said the program Phifer said the Co-op will like- that if we send something out uses the University’s and the ly not carry physical textbooks to all these students and most Co-op’s negotiating powers to for classes in the program. of them aren’t in a course that get students the best possible Neuroscience freshman has this kind of book, there’s textbook prices. Platt said the Sneha Kamal is taking two going to be mass confusion,” program will have a full roll- classes using the program: Platt said. out in the fall if the pilot goes Genetics and Organic Chem- Accounting lecturer John well, and instructors will be istry 1. She said she only re- McGuire, who is using the able to choose if they want to ceived one email regarding program for his Managerial participate in the program. the program from the Co-op, Accounting class, said the “Any faculty member who not from the University or program benefits professors wants to adopt a Longhorn her professors, and opted who use outside homework Textbook Access textbook for out. Kamal said she thinks managers because students their classes will be able to do the program should be on an do not have to purchase so,” Platt said. opt-in basis. course materials through an Cheryl Phifer, president “It’s more of a hassle for outside link. and CEO of the University Co- students to actually opt out, “I’ve been teaching this op, said the program focuses and some may forget to do course for four years,” Mc- on digital textbooks, which it,” Kamal said. “They have to Guire said. “Every semester, I are less expensive to distrib- pay even if they didn’t want have students have challeng- ute than physical textbooks. to, but if it’s an opt-in thing, es trying to get their access, She said these savings are people who actually want to and they end up waiting and 1303 SAN JACINTO • HOUSTON, TEXAS • 713-659-8040 passed onto the students. be a part of the program are trying to call the help desk “When a physical textbook part of it.” and waiting and waiting.” EMILY CALDWELL Editor-In-Chief | @TEXANOPINION 4 FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 OPINION COLUMN Cancel campus walking tours

the campus community at any with anyone outside of their UT should cancel one time” to reduce the spread household, dining and shopping all spring se- of COVID-19. In the announce- should be limited to essential ment, students were asked to trips only and all nonessential mester in-person reconsider returning to campus. travel should be avoided. However, despite students The walking tours, which walking tours and being urged to spend their are 90 minutes and can hold semester at home and Austin up to nine people, violate all carlyssa phoon / the daily texan staff encourage virtual Public Health increasing the of these recommendations. COVID-19 community risk Kathleen Harrison, the attend these on-campus tours, Diana Ginther, a junior at tours instead. level to Stage 5, UT is still al- communications manager for tour slots are already booked Champion High School in Bo- lowing admitted students to the Office of the Executive up until April. This indicates erne, Texas, stated that while By Hannah Lopez schedule in-person campus Vice President and Provost, a large population of visitors she hopes she will be able to Associate Editor walking tours. said in an email that each will still be on our campus tour the UT campus during In-person campus tours are student registrant may reg- this spring. her senior year, virtual tours Additionally, due to the are a service she would use if aniel Jaffe, not worth compromising the ister two guests — meaning existence of virtual tours, the COVID-19 is still an issue. interim ex- health of the student body — multiple households could be on-campus walking tours are “Hopefully once the vaccine ecutive vice especially when there are other interacting within the same completely unnecessary. comes in, everything will be president virtual routes to consider. spaces while on the tour. Har- Not only does UT offer a a little bit better, but I’m just and provost, These tours pose a seri- rison said guides are trained 360° virtual tour of some concerned for my safety,” Gin- released a ous health risk to students in proper safety protocols, of the most famous campus ther said. “So I wouldn’t do statement recently declaring taking in-person classes or but accepted students and spots, but the University also in-person tours.” that UT wants to “minimize the living on campus who will their guests still interact with provides sessions where pro- Instead of risking both the number of people returning to be in spaces visited by the spaces on campus, potential- tour participants. ly contributing to the spread spective students can sign up health of students and the vis- In order to de- of COVID-19. for a live virtual tour or an on- itors themselves by providing GALLERY crease the spread of Additionally, visitors often line information session about in-person campus walking COVID-19 at UT, the eat at restaurants on Guada- admissions or academic pro- tours to admitted students, University needs to lupe Street or take breaks in grams. Furthermore, virtual UT should completely transi- cancel all campus student rest areas. These spac- tours offer a larger number of tion to an online tour format walking tours for the es, where students study and tour guides. this spring. If UT truly wants spring semester and take online classes, are already “In-person tours are led by to claim that its mission is to instead switch to a limited due to COVID-19 clo- one Texas Guide while there “Protect Texas Together,” it virtual format. sures — and unlike visitors, are between two and five Tex- should start prioritizing the In accordance with students don’t have the choice as Guides on each live virtual safety of its student body. Austin Public Health to move elsewhere. tour, which allows for multi- Lopez is a rhetoric guidelines, residents Even though UT is only ple student perspectives to be and writing junior from should not gather allowing admitted students to shared,” Harrison said. Nederland, Texas.

charlie hyman / the daily texan staff

LEGALESE | Opinions expressed in The Daily Texan SUBMIT A FIRING LINE | Email your Firing Lines to RECYCLE | Please recycle this copy of The Daily EDITORIAL TWITTER | Follow The Daily Texan are those of the editor, the Editorial Board or the [email protected]. Letters must be more Texan. Place the paper in one of the recycling Editorial Board on Twitter (@TexanOpinion) and writer of the article. They are not necessarily those than 100 and fewer than 300 words. The Texan bins on campus or back in the burnt-orange receive updates on our latest editorials and of the UT administration, the Board of Regents or the reserves the right to edit all submissions for brevity, newsstand where you found it. columns. Texas Student Media Board of Operating Trustees. clarity and liability. NEWS FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 5 CAMPUS COVID-19 pods allow for social interaction with risks

By Amanda Figueroa-Nieves who might be hanging out,” Hines health, so being part of the pod @amandafn02 said. “And it’s because of that close serves as motivation to stay safe. contact, because of the duration of Max Grimes, a Plan II and bi- contact and then the fact that most ology sophomore, said he is part Some students have created pods, people are probably … not wearing a of a pod with his neighbors. He closed groups of people who inter- mask (that these interactions carry said they mostly socialize at their act with one another but not with a risk of transmitting COVID-19).” apartments, communicate about those outside of the group, to main- Hines said students should con- potential risks and regularly par- tain social interaction during the sider potential members’ risk of ticipate in Proactive Community COVID-19 pandemic. infection before creating a pod. Testing to stay safe. Terrance Hines, executive director “You probably wouldn’t want to “Having people to socialize with and chief medical officer for Univer- form a pod with someone who you is so much better than just sitting sity Health Services, said students don’t trust … or maybe someone in your room alone,” Grimes said. in pods should continue to social who would be at greater risk of se- “When you’re on Zoom for a super distance from those outside of their rious effects if they were to become long time, you just get fatigued. pod, wear facial coverings, wash their infected,” Hines said. It’s a lot more draining than hands and routinely participate in Brandon Curl, a physics and in-person interactions.” Proactive Community Testing to pro- biochemistry sophomore, said be- Hines said if someone in a pod tect their pod. Hines said students ing part of a pod has benefited him tests positive for COVID-19, they should also get a vaccine once they during the pandemic. Curl, who is should cooperate with contact are eligible. a resident assistant, said he has tracers and provide the names Hines said limited social inter- seen the negative effects of social and contact information of those actions due to the pandemic can isolation among students. in their pod. have negative mental health effects. “I think there is a mental health “It’s really important to not be “Pods are a way to be able to en- crisis, especially among college peo- lulled into a false sense of security gage with other people, to alleviate ple, as a result of the pandemic,” that you think you’ve created a safe that stress and to have meaningful Curl said. “Having that social pod, space,” Hines said. “The pod is only interactions,” Hines said. it really helps mitigate a lot of those as strong as its weakest link.” destiny alexander / the daily texan staff Hines said it is important to keep adverse effects that come when you in mind that interactions between don’t really see people in person.” pod members can still be risky. Curl said his pod participates “We’ve actually seen through our in Proactive Community Testing contact tracing that a lot … of the weekly, and they have an under- transmission that we’ve seen has standing to be aware of who they come from household members, see outside the group. He said people who live in the same dorm members of a pod have a shared or private residence (or) friends responsibility for the group’s A Student’s Right To Privacy TheThe information information below below is considered is considered directory directory information. information. Under federal Under law, directoryfederal law,information directory caninformation be made can available be made to the available public. You to maythe public. restrict Youaccess may to restrictthis information access toby thisvisiting information by http://utx.as/personal-infovisiting http://registrar.utexas.edu/restrictmyinfo.. Please be aware that if youPlease request be ALLaware your that directory if you information would like to to berestrict restricted information NO information from appearing about you in will the be printed given todirectory, anyone, includingyou must your make family your members, changes at this the number of students that might leave me feeling a except as required by law. Any restriction you make will remain in effect until you revoke it. d o r m s are looking for housing.” bit secluded.” web page by the twelfth class day of the fall semester. If you request that ALL your directory CONTINUES FROM PAGE 2 Biochemistry freshman Biochemistry freshman information be restricted NO information about you will be given to anyone, including your Megan Frank moved on Lauryn Brown lived at home •family Name members, except as required• Classification by law. Any restriction you •make Student will parkingremain permit in effect until 100% residence hall campus this semester to at- for the fall semester, but •you Local revoke and permanentit. • Major field(s) of study information occupancy in the fall when it tend an in-person lab for a moved on campus and found addresses • Expected date of graduation • Most recent previous educa- •• Phonename number • classification• Degrees, awards, and honors • weighttional andinstitution height attended if member of was announced that classes Freshman Research Initia- a roommate for the spring. •• Emaillocal addressand permanent received (including selection • an Job athletic title and team dates of employ- would be remote. The now tive program. Frank will be Brown and her roommate • major field(s) of study • Publicaddresses user name (UT EID) criteria) • studentment when parking employed permit by the 50% occupancy reflects the living without a roommate. met on Instagram and de- • expected date of graduation • Place of birth • Participation in officially informationuniversity in a position that “Having a roommate cided to live together for the • phone number students who have chosen to • Dates of attendance • degrees,recognized awards, activities and and honors sports requires student status forgo their housing contract and learning how to com- spring semester. • e-mail address received (including selection • the most recent previous • Enrollment status • Weight and height if member of educational institution attended for the spring. promise and communicate “Being alone, I can’t do • public user name (UT EID) criteria)an athletic team “It’s not coincidental that is a key feature of the typ- that. I came from a large • place of birth • participation in officially • job title and dates of employ- (the occupancy is) about ical college dorm experi- family so I didn’t want to be recognized activities and ment when employed by the DIRECTORY• dates of attendance INFORMATION SHOULD BE KEPT CURRENT. Official correspondence is sent 50%, but it has also matched ence,” Frank said. “Wheth- silent in my room,” Brown sports University in a position that to• theenrollment postal or status email address last given to the registrar. If the student has failed to correct this what our students are look- er you’re best friends or said. “I feel like I will have requires student status address, they will not be relieved of responsibility on the grounds that the correspondence was ing for,” Jaskowiak said. not, having a roommate a (different freshman ex- not delivered. For details about educational records and official communications with the university “We haven’t turned folks forces you to interact with perience), but it won’t be DIRECTORY INFORMATION SHOULD BE KEPT CURRENT. Official correspondence is sent see , catalog. away, we haven’t told stu- another person on a daily as bad as staying home. At to theGeneral postal Information or e-mail address2020-2021 last given to the registrar; if the student has failed to correct dents no because we have basis, so I think living in least I’m seeing people, I’m this address, he or she will not be relieved of responsibility on the grounds that the the space to accommodate a single-occupancy room on campus.” correspondence was not delivered. For details about educational records and official communications with the University see General Information, 2011–2012. 6 FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NEWS LEGISLATURE 87th legislative session prompts redistricting

By Lauren Abel and Hyde Park are all represented @laurena0324 through different districts. “This student population, this young body has their political power divided The start of Texas’ 87th legislative into all of these different districts,” Ri- session on Jan. 12 marked the begin- vera said. “They can’t unitedly petition ning of legislators’ redistricting pro- for needs that are pretty similar across cess, when legislative and congressional the board when you’re a student at UT.” boundaries will be redrawn. Joseph Fishkin, the Marrs McClean The drawing of district boundaries in Texas influences individual representa- Professor in Law, said Austin, which is tion on both a state and national level politically liberal, has been effectively as it determines representatives from divided into multiple districts so there Congress, the Texas Legislature, the is no district representing the majority State Board of Education and Texas’ 481 of Austin. district courts. Throughout the first reg- Drawing district boundaries to fa- ular session, which lasts through April vor a political party or reduce the vot- 1, legislators will propose district maps ing power of a certain demographic using 2020 U.S. Census data to appor- is known as “gerrymandering.” Texas tion 261,180 square miles of land among has a history of issues with gerryman- barbra daly / the daily texan staff approximately 29 million people. dering, according to the Princeton Miguel Rivera, the redistricting out- Gerrymandering Project. Fishkin said in 2011, accusations of intentionally reach fellow for the Texas Civil Rights Texas has been an outlier in how often used an improper standard or Project, said the redistricting process the state has been found by courts to underrepresenting minorities were methodology to determine which dis- is particularly important for students have discriminated against Black and brought to the United States District tricts afford minority voters the abil- at UT because those living in West Hispanic citizens when redistricting. Court for the District of Columbia, ity to elect their preferred candidates of choice.” Campus, North Campus, Riverside During the last redistricting cycle which ruled that “the State of Texas “This problem that has long existed will become more acute because the laws and the Supreme Court have made it clear to legislators that partisan ger- rymandering is not going to result in li- ability, whereas racial gerrymandering still can,” Fishkin said. Texas’ constant intrastate migration and substantial changes over the last 10 years need to be taken into consideration throughout the redistricting process, said Grant Rommel, president of The University of Texas College Republicans. “You could see people from West Texas move out to Central Texas and if those constituents are being repre- sented in a certain way, they need to be properly represented and not in an outdated fashion,” Rommel said. University Democrats President Bran- don Bradley said the way the state is ap- portioned can make it more difficult for individuals to identify or contact their representatives. Government senior Bradley said as the redistricting process continues throughout this legislative ses- sion, Texas residents can advocate for accurate and fair representation. “You have all sorts of confusing sit- uations where it’s not clear who your representative is and it’s difficult for you to organize and get your representatives’ christina peebles / the daily texan staff attention,” Bradley said. AISLING AYERS Life&Arts Editor | @TEXANARTS CONTACT US FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 MAIN TELEPHONE 7 (512) 471-4591 LIFE&ARTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF STUDENT LIFE Emily Caldwell (512) 232-2212 [email protected] MANAGING EDITOR Trinady Joslin (512) 232-2217 [email protected] Vaccine leaves students hopeful NEWS OFFICE (512) 232-2207 can still contribute to the spread Hardam said. “It’s just nice know- “It’s a weird feeling, though, according to the CDC. [email protected] Students talk of COVID-19. ing I can help others while protect- knowing technically I have this im- “Literally any weird thing (I felt), In Texas, two groups of people ing myself and those close to me.” munity, but I don’t feel like I do,” I would go straight to (Espinosa),” about what life are currently eligible to receive Hardham said after he received Vaske said. “I look around, and it’s a Vaske said. “After the first dose, my has been like the COVID-19 vaccine. Phase 1A the first dose, he started to feel sea of masks. We’re still very much arm was so sore I couldn’t sleep, so includes frontline workers and more comfortable doing more or- in a COVID world.” I called her and was like, ‘Your arm since receiving volunteers while Phase 1B in- dinary activities in public. He said As one of the first people to re- is sore right?’ and she would always BUSINESS & ADVERTISING cludes those who are 65 and older he will continue to wear a mask ceive the vaccine, Vaske said she felt reassure me. Even when we had dif- (512) 471-8590 the COVID-19 as well as residents with chronic and socially distance until most of like a guinea pig. ferent symptoms and reactions, it [email protected] medical conditions that put them the population has been vaccinat- “My roommates constantly were was just nice knowing we were both Director Gerald Johnson vaccine. at increased risk who are 16 years ed because he may still be able to asking, ‘How are you feeling? Is going through it at the same time.” Business/ or older. spread COVID-19. everything okay?’ And every day at Vaske, Espinosa and Hardham Operations Manager Frank Serpas III By Jennifer Errico Last semester, Espinosa said she “I felt like I could take more work, like 15 people would swarm each said they hope everyone has Advertising Manager @errico_jenny felt apprehensive about working in risks, like go to the gym more fre- me as I walked in asking about my the opportunity to receive the vac- Emily Cohen different hospital sectors. Now, she quently and eat indoors at restau- symptoms,” Vaske said. “Everyone cine as soon as possible. Assistant Advertising Manager Grant Daniels said she feels reassured knowing rants again, but I still won’t feel is so curious to know what it’s like.” “I felt like this whole past year, Account Executives It had been it’s less likely she will contract the completely safe until I receive the Vaske and Espinosa, who are there was no light at the end of Diane Byram, Pam Garner, Julianne Phillipp over four virus, especially since she’s work- second dose,” Hardham said. friends and classmates, compared the tunnel, but finally with the Design months since ing at Ascension Seton Medical Jennifer Vaske, a nursing se- their symptoms and experiences vaccine there is hope,” Vaske Tillie Policastro Olivia Espino- Center and Rock Springs Hospital nior, has received both doses of throughout the vaccination process. said. “We’re still very much sa saw her im- this semester. the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Like A common symptom after the first in a waiting game, but we got munocompro- Chemical engineering sopho- Hardham, she said she still abides dose is arm soreness. After the sec- through 2020 together, we can mised friend. After each receiving more Nathan Hardham received by Centers for Disease Control and ond dose, it’s normal to experience make it a little further. We’re THE DAILY TEXAN MAIL two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Prevention guidelines. symptoms such as fever or chills, almost there.” SUBSCRIPTION RATES COVID-19 vaccine, they reunited in vaccine on Jan. 4 and is scheduled One Semester (Fall/Spring) an embrace. to receive his second dose Jan. 22. $60.00 Two Semesters (Fall & Spring) “I didn’t feel scared or guilty see- Hardham has been a volunteer at $120.00 ing her,” nursing junior Espinosa the Health Transformation Build- Summer Session $40.00 said. “And more importantly, she ing at since One Year (Fall, Spring and Summer) felt safe around me. I realized then September, assisting in screening $150.00 and there I could finally interact and symptom monitoring. To charge by VISA or MasterCard, call with my friends and family without As his responsibilities and con- 471-5083. Send orders and address putting them at risk.” tact with patients increases, he said changes to Texas Student Media, P.O. Box D, Austin, TX 78713-8904. Espinosa is one of the 9,641 he is relieved to be vaccinated. people who have been fully vacci- “The constant possibility of con- nated in Travis county. According tracting COVID-19, which I know ADVERTISING DEADLINES to the New York Times, experts everyone has experienced, was a Ad space is reserved by noon at least two business days before regular publications. For aren’t sure if vaccinated people huge weight on my shoulders,” special editions and other advertising opportunities please speak with a TSM account executive for deadlines and additional details. The Spring 2021 publication schedule is Tuesday and Friday.

Contact [email protected].

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The Daily Texan, a student newspaper at The University of Texas at Austin, is published by Texas Student Media, 2500 Whitis Ave., Austin, TX 78712. Our work is made possible by support from our advertising partners and donors. To christina peebles / the daily texan staff provide individual support, please visit The Daily Texan page at supportstudentvoices.org. To highlight your business, please email [email protected]. The Daily Texan does not publish during academic breaks, most Federal Holidays and exam periods. News contributions will be accepted by telephone (471-4591), or at the editorial office (HSM 2.120). Entire contents copyright 2021 Texas Student Media. 8 FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 LIFE&ARTS THEATER & DANCE

UT student writes, stars in ‘Trash! The Musical’ By Grace Robertson Govea said. music in “Trash! The Musi- @gracearobertson The story follows a wom- cal.” The band contributed an of color who lives in a two of their original songs to trash heap and interns at a the production, Govea said. TW: Relationship abuse publication company. When “We attempt to write APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR and violence an opportunity arises to songs to make people laugh The first time Guinevere compete for a promotion, and also think,” said Mau- Govea saw the sheet music she is tokenized by a senior rine McLean, bassist for the for her original, self-written writer who uses her as a band. “And I think that’s EDITOR-IN-CHIEF musical, she cried. co-author to add diversity to what (Govea) also does in “It’s like my baby!” said his book pitch. her playwriting.” Govea, a theatre and dance As an undergraduate stu- Govea’s journey to share OF THE DAILY TEXAN and journalism senior. dent, Govea said she didn’t her musical wasn’t the tra- “Trash! The Musical,” a think she could create such a ditional process. The cast project that took two years, substantial project. performed a staged read- 11 songs and 21 people to “She didn’t feel comfort- ing of the show in February TEXAS STUDENT MEDIA produce, began after Govea able writing at all (because) 2020, but they weren’t able wrote a song that describes she’d never written songs be- to do a full production due the experience of an abusive fore,” said Nicholas Saldivar, to the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDENT BOARD relationship — and feeling a theatre and dance senior. Instead, Govea created a cast like trash in the process. “She taps into her feelings album that will be released “‘(He’s Not a Bad Guy)’ and these big problems, in early February — nearly MEMBERS was the first song I wrote and she succinctly writes it a year later. The collection for the show and then it just into music.” will be available soon on grew from there,” Govea Govea cast her best friend, iTunes, Spotify and other said. “I started thinking of Saldivar, as an actor in the streaming services. little characters.” eight-person cast. One day, “It was so different, but at Govea said the musical the pair was walking be- the same time so rewarding,” also draws from feeling frus- hind the William C. Powers, Govea said. “Seeing all of us Your application and supporting materials must be trated with the performative Jr. Student Activity Center undergrads come together and superficial way that peo- when they saw The Thera- to form this cool project has submitted online at texasstudentmedia.com by ple of color are represented py Sisters, an Austin-based been really great.” in the media, which is por- jazz and neofolk trio, To Saldivar, Govea’s Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 12 PM trayed in the plot of the main singing about frogs, dogs skill as a playwright is what character, Hannah Sadman. and therapy. makes the project special. “I wanted to cover dif- Saldivar, who has worked “‘Trash!’ is a lot of things,” These positions are due to be certified ferent topics like abusive with Govea on eight pro- Saldivar said. “It tackles race relationships and being ductions in the past three discrimination, gender dy- for the campus-wide elections at the taken advantage of (and) years, encouraged Govea to namics in the workforce and covering this whole theme reach out to The Therapy the power of honesty and TSM Board meeting scheduled for of being treated like trash,” Sisters about featuring their standing up for yourself.” Friday, February 5, 2021 at 1 PM

Scan code for information & application or visit texasstudentmedia.com copyright jacob eaker, and reproduced with permission Guinevere Govea (center) and the cast of “Trash! The Musical” stand together on stage. 8 FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 LIFE&ARTS LIFE&ARTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 9 THEATER & DANCE STUDENT LIFE UT student writes, stars in ‘Trash! The Musical’ UT content creators find By Grace Robertson Govea said. music in “Trash! The Musi- @gracearobertson The story follows a wom- cal.” The band contributed new creative pursuits an of color who lives in a two of their original songs to trash heap and interns at a the production, Govea said. TW: Relationship abuse publication company. When “We attempt to write amid pandemic APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR and violence an opportunity arises to songs to make people laugh The first time Guinevere compete for a promotion, and also think,” said Mau- By Fiza Kuzhiyil time. Now, she focuses on showing her Govea saw the sheet music she is tokenized by a senior rine McLean, bassist for the @fiza11k 400,000 followers what life is like as a for her original, self-written writer who uses her as a band. “And I think that’s college student during the pandemic. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF musical, she cried. co-author to add diversity to what (Govea) also does in In November, Chipotle and YouTu- “It’s like my baby!” said his book pitch. her playwriting.” “Welcome back to my channel, ev- ber David Dobrik teamed up to give Govea, a theatre and dance As an undergraduate stu- Govea’s journey to share eryone,” Amanda Saunders said to OF THE DAILY TEXAN away $10,000 to someone who shared and journalism senior. dent, Govea said she didn’t her musical wasn’t the tra- the camera. “Trash! The Musical,” a their Chipotle order in a TikTok. Bang think she could create such a ditional process. The cast Saunders sat in front of her grand- project that took two years, substantial project. performed a staged read- mother’s china cabinet, filming a video said she immediately headed to the 11 songs and 21 people to “She didn’t feel comfort- ing of the show in February for her 7,000 subscribers on her col- Chipotle on Guadalupe Street with the TEXAS STUDENT MEDIA produce, began after Govea able writing at all (because) 2020, but they weren’t able last $12 in her bank account. wrote a song that describes lege and lifestyle YouTube channel. she’d never written songs be- to do a full production due “For the Chipotle TikTok, I was like, the experience of an abusive “It’s not all glamorous right now,” fore,” said Nicholas Saldivar, to the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Okay, I’m going to talk about being relationship — and feeling a theatre and dance senior. Instead, Govea created a cast advertising senior Saunders said. “I STUDENT BOARD broke and I’m going to go to Chipo- like trash in the process. “She taps into her feelings album that will be released live at home. I’m taking care of my copyright amanda saunders, and reproduced with permission “‘(He’s Not a Bad Guy)’ in early February — nearly (grandparents), which I love doing. … tle and show my order,’” Bang said. and these big problems, Due to COVID-19 restrictions, senior Amanda Saunders focused her YouTube content on academ- was the first song I wrote “There’s a good amount of people on MEMBERS and she succinctly writes it a year later. The collection So it’s been different.” ics instead of campus life. for the show and then it just into music.” will be available soon on With most of campus life inacces- the internet who like to watch people grew from there,” Govea Govea cast her best friend, iTunes, Spotify and other sible due to the COVID-19 pandemic, eat, so I was like, ‘Okay, I’m just (going said. “I started thinking of Saldivar, as an actor in the streaming services. college-based content creators on plat- to) eat.’” little characters.” eight-person cast. One day, “It was so different, but at forms such as YouTube and TikTok are After the video gained over 13 mil- Govea said the musical the pair was walking be- the same time so rewarding,” lion views, Dobrik chose her as one of also draws from feeling frus- hind the William C. Powers, Govea said. “Seeing all of us shifting their videos from Speedway to the winners of the $10,000. Bang said Your application and supporting materials must be trated with the performative Jr. Student Activity Center undergrads come together inside their homes. the majority of the money will help pay and superficial way that peo- when they saw The Thera- to form this cool project has “It went from all of the action-packed submitted online at texasstudentmedia.com by ple of color are represented py Sisters, an Austin-based been really great.” content to now focusing on journaling for her tuition. in the media, which is por- jazz and neofolk trio, To Saldivar, Govea’s prompts … and just being more in- Realizing that high school seniors Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 12 PM trayed in the plot of the main singing about frogs, dogs skill as a playwright is what formative instead of entertainment,” were beginning their college applica- character, Hannah Sadman. and therapy. makes the project special. Saunders said. tion process, business freshman Lind- “I wanted to cover dif- Saldivar, who has worked “‘Trash!’ is a lot of things,” After seeing a lack of videos about say Choi said she began creating longer ferent topics like abusive with Govea on eight pro- Saldivar said. “It tackles race These positions are due to be certified the UT transfer process, Saunders said videos on YouTube about her student relationships and being ductions in the past three discrimination, gender dy- she began making videos about her experience to target that audience. for the campus-wide elections at the taken advantage of (and) years, encouraged Govea to namics in the workforce and “I thought, ‘Why not make my own covering this whole theme reach out to The Therapy the power of honesty and own transfer student experience in the TSM Board meeting scheduled for of being treated like trash,” Sisters about featuring their standing up for yourself.” fall of 2018. statistics video?’” Choi said. “I felt like With more time on her hands during I had a lot of things to say because I re- Friday, February 5, 2021 at 1 PM the pandemic, Saunders said she can ally struggled with my college applica- edit videos more thoroughly and add tion a lot.” relatable jokes, which she said requires After arriving at UT, Choi hoped an understanding of pop culture and to film dorm tours and day-in-the- current events. life vlogs but said she now focuses “If you were making content that on offering advice and tips to future didn’t change … like, you’re still jump- college students. ing out of airplanes and you’re still For content creators such as Saun- vlogging at parties in these huge con- ders, pandemic restrictions have led to tent houses, you really are on the brink more purposeful content. of tone deaf,” Saunders said. “College influencers were able to At the beginning of the pandem- … use their platform in a positive ic, Faith Bang, a communication and light by showing things that you can leadership freshman, said she stepped do at home,” Saunders said. “It real- back from creating videos on TikTok ly did shift a lot of content from just Scan code for information & application or visit because of the influx of content at the being oblivious.” texasstudentmedia.com copyright jacob eaker, and reproduced with permission Guinevere Govea (center) and the cast of “Trash! The Musical” stand together on stage. 4 CARTER YATES Sports Editor | @TEXANSPORTS 10 FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 SPORTS WOMEN’S Taylor thrives through turnover years older than she. tremendously, especially with get- decision-making and control this “(With) Celeste, including all of preseason teleconference. “Her Celeste Taylor is Now, the Texas women’s ting older,” Taylor said during a season when she has the ball in her our players on this team, our chem- and Charli (Collier), their motor basketball team’s success in the Nov. 24 teleconference. “I definitely hands, something she attributes to istry has grown,” Collier said in a runs how I like it. They don’t have ready to secure 2020 season rests on the shoulders need to be a more vocal leader, and I Schaefer’s offensive philosophy. Nov. 29 teleconference. “I feel like a governor on their motor, they of an athlete who has proven she definitely need to play hard and just “We have to take care of the ball, she distributes well, and so do our are rolling.” her role as can handle the pressure of leading a show the freshmen and my other and that’s the end of the discussion,” other guards. With the offense that Taylor has more responsibilities team at a young age. teammates that we can get through Taylor said. “We can’t turn over the we run, we just get to the paint as in year two of her Texas basketball team leader. The Longhorns lost three this together.” ball, we can’t throw it away and we much as possible, so that helps our career, but despite her high-profile starters and four total seniors from Head coach Vic Schaefer’s can’t waste valuable possessions. chemistry a lot.” role on the team, she knows she By Carter Yates last year’s squad, which finished up-tempo coaching style and full- He’s definitely emphasized taking While Taylor picked up new must continue to do what got her to @Carter_Yates16 with a disappointing 19–11 record. court press defense schemes have care of the ball.” leadership responsibilities and this point: hustle hard and play lock- Moreover, the program embraced highlighted Taylor’s best attributes Better ball management has led worked to improve her offensive down defense. change by employing an almost en- on the court. The sophomore has to increased scoring opportunities game one thing hasn’t changed “For me, it’s showing how hard I n the eighth tirely new coaching staff and adding racked up 28 steals in the ten games for Texas. While Taylor serves as since her freshman year — her work,” Taylor said during a Nov. 28 grade, Celeste five freshman players. she’s played. Schaefer’s core princi- a leader and defensive stalwart, unwavering effort. teleconference. “Before being vocal, Taylor suit- This influx of inexperience has ples of on-ball pressure and press junior center Charli Collier is the Her work ethic in practice caught I think you need to show the young- ed up for the forced the 19-year-old to develop defense are a perfect match for Tay- offensive focal point for the Long- his eye from the moment he came to er kids how hard you have to work Long Island into an offensive focal point and vo- lor’s preferred style of play, she said. horns, averaging 21.5 points and Texas, Schaefer said. and what needs to be done in order Lutheran girl’s cal leader quicker than she expected The new staff’s emphasis 11.4 rebounds per game. It’s Tay- “She’s certainly probably one to win some games. I don’t like to be varsity basketball team, taking a when she committed to the team in on controlling unforced errors lor’s passing, however, that fu- of our top two fastest kids when a hypocrite, so I’m not going to tell commanding presence on the court December 2017. has resonated with Taylor. The els Texas’s offensive chemistry, you just talk about pure speed,” somebody to do something if I’m not with girls who were as much as five “My role has changed sophomore has developed better Collier said. Schaefer said during a Nov. 18 doing it.” 5

BARB DALY & ROCKY HIGINE Comics Editors | @TEXANCOMICS COMICS FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 11 66 12 FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 SPORTS MEN’S BASKETBALL Kai Jones ascends Texas rotation, NBA draft boards By Nathan Han @NathanHan13

Heading into the season, there was a clear narrative for Texas: the Longhorns were returning ev- ery single player on last year’s squad and adding five-star recruit and freshman forward Greg Brown. What preseason polls didn’t account for, however, is Kai Jones. Or, more accurately, they weren’t accounting for the sophomore big man’s massive improvement from his fresh- man year. Head coach said Jones has grown as much as any player he’s seen over the last calendar year. “Last year, at the beginning of the year, he was literal- ly our last man,” Smart said. “On this year’s team, he’s a guy who plays starter min- utes and is in there when it really matters.” Jones hasn’t just moved up Texas’s rotation. The sopho- more has also vaulted up NBA draft boards due to his im- proved play in his sophomore jack myer / the daily texan file season. Most recently, Jones Sophomore Kai Jones hustles for a loose ball. Head coach Shaka Smart said Jones has one of the best work ethics for somebody his size that he’s was ranked as high as No. 10 ever seen. in a mock draft from Bleach- er Report’s Jonathan Wasser- shooting 7-of-16 from 3-point When he’s drafted, Jones will draft prospect. man. It’s a dramatic rise for range, an impressive 43%, as join that illustrious list. And just a few days ago, the big man from the Bahamas, well as 62% from the field and But right now, despite his on Jan. 19, Jones turned who started playing organized 70% from the line. impressive offensive statistics, 20 years old, marking just basketball at the age of 15. That shooting ability, com- His best basketball is the sophomore still has room his fifth year of playing bined with highlight dunks, to grow on the court. He wants organized basketball. Jones spent the previous so far ahead of him … offseason in Orlando, Florida, an intriguing mix of athleti- to improve his rebounding, de- “His best basketball is so where he played high school cism and a lengthy 6-feet-11- He just has the ability fense and develop better deci- far ahead of him,” Smart said. ball. During the elongat- inch, 218-pound frame, helped to move his body a lit- sion-making in the flow of the “He’s one of those guys — we ed break, he said he worked him become the most efficient half-court offense. kind of felt this way about on his game with offensive offensive player for Texas tle differently than 99% The good thing is that Jaxson (Hayes) when he was efficiency in mind. this season. of basketball players.” Jones has shown the ability here — we’re going to look up “Everyday in my mind I was “One thing about Kai to add to his game in a short and he’s 25, 26, doing some amount of time. He did it his things that are just ridicu- working on catch-and-shoot (Jones), he has the best work SHAKA SMART threes, playing with confi- ethic of any 6’11” player I head coach freshman year, going from lous. His ceiling is so high as dence, finishing with people have ever coached,” Smart the “last player” to earning a player. … He just has the and just playing in transition,” said in 2019, during Jones’ list of NBA big men, including significant minutes. He did ability to move his body a lit- Jones said. freshman year. Jaxson Hayes, Jarrett Allen it again during the offseason tle differently than 99% of The work paid off. Jones is Smart has coached a prolific and Mohamed (Mo) Bamba. to become a lottery-projected basketball players.”