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Students earn degrees in native countries

As countries worldwide look south to Latin America after the appointment of the region’s first pope, the University has already embarked on a unique program, offering a complete master’s degree program in Mexico and Nicaragua.

“For this (past) fall and for the (current) spring semester, our Latin American program’s cohort from the counseling department is graduating.

That’s about 40 or 50 people more that we are now expecting, which is actually taking the number (of graduate students graduating) higher than the undergraduates,” Registrar Christina Villanueva said.

The master’s program in clinical mental health counseling, run by the department of counseling and human services, was born out of a commitment made by former President Charles Cotrell that would advance the mission of St. Mary’s. In Cotrell’s commitment

to reach out beyond the geographic boundaries, he considered it important to have a presence in Latin America.

“We had made some efforts to respond to (former president) Dr. Cotrell’s Vision 2012, and part of the vision was to make some efforts to spread St. Mary’s globally,” Dana Domstock, department chair for counseling and human services, said.

Early in 2007, former Vice President of Academic Affairs David Manuel Professors Edixon Chacon (left) and Esteban Montilla

(right) enjoy fall commencement with graduate student Gilberto Reyes. Photo courtesy of Esteban Montilla

Nick CanedoEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

see COUNSELING page 4

POPPIN,

TAGS

pg. 11

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GRADUATING

pg. 8

The chief of the University Police Department helped form an unofficial committee for the

improving of campus security through surveillance, despite

uncertainty of the availability of funding.

UPD has used footage from its surveillance cameras to solve hit and runs, wrecks, burglaries and other

crimes, according to UPD Chief David Ott. For that reason, Ott explained

that UPD would like to come up with a more comprehensive plan to improve campus security at optimal cost, but the

plan is only in the talking stages.“We’re always looking at ways to

improve our camera system. I think right now we have over a hundred cameras on campus,” Ott said.

Some of the cameras have pan-tilt-zoom capabilities, which means the cameras can

be turned and zoomed remotely. The zoom is powerful enough to read the numbers on a license plate, according to Ott.

These cameras solve even trivial crimes, crimes that didn’t happen at all or “he-said-she-said crimes,” Ott said. Sometimes, a student will report a crime and Ott will offer to review the surveillance cameras.

“They’ll say: ‘well, never mind. I guess it didn’t happen after all.’ So, they lie to us,” Ott said.

Although UPD often reviews surveillance footage to solve crimes, it does not yet have officers to watch the surveillance cameras 24 hours a day.

In October, The Rattler published an article that detailed security upgrades in the Louis J. Blume Library after the renovation of the first floor, resulting in the present commons area. Caroline Byrd, interim director of the Louis J. Blume Library, spoke about the security upgrades there.

“Since the learning commons is the most popular area of the library building, and since it has the newest resources, it

Alex EakinsNEWS EDITOR

LEFT: Father Franz Schrop walks through Pecan Grove; TOP RIGHT:

Senior Amber Anderson (left) and alumna Amanda Mendez converse

at the bell tower; BOTTOM LEFT: Freshman Rosie Talamantes studeis

outside the Louis J. Blume Library. Photos by Adriana Avila see SECURITY page 3

Plan to improve campus security at reasonable cost is in preliminary stage.

2«news www.stmurattlernews.com

Contact UsThe RattlerSt. Mary’s UniversityOne Camino Santa Maria Box 83San Antonio, TX 78228Office: (210) 436-3401Visit Us: University Center Room 258Email: rattlernews@gmail.comWebsite: www.stmurattlernews.com

News in BriefSupport veterans and the countryDirecotor of Judicial Affairs John Wickline is helping spearhead an organization which will support student veterans on campus. Stop by the UC tomorrow between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in support of the St. Mary’s Veteran Association.

Crack the shell earlyOn April 6 at 6 p.m., enjoy the preliminary Oyster Bake event, the Homecoming Oyster Bake, otherwise known as “Baby Bake.” There will be a reunion of St. Mary’s alumni, faculty, staff, students and even their families at “Baby Bake.” Enjoy games, food, drinks, music, dancing and the company of a vibrant community.

Watch history unfoldJoin the history department as its students present on varying topics such as Mexican immigration, post-War Japan and Superman and the American psych. The conference takes place in the AT&T Center room 106, between 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Police Blotter

3.04.13RA reported smell of marijuana coming from student dorm; student issued county citations; evidence collected; referred to Judicial Affairs.

3.06.13Citizen became belligerent and refused to leave Raba Law Library at closing; criminal trespass warning issued and escorted off campus.

3.06.13Citizen blacked out while driving; struck street sign on Camino Santa Maria; EMS contacted for treatment and transport; transport refused.

3.22.13Employee found unconscious at Chiller Plant; EMS contacted for treatment and transport; Employee awoke; transport refused; supervisor transported employee home.

President Thomas Mengler (left) gives the Art of Peace Award to Interim President and CEO of the San Antonio Symphony David Filner (right), who accepted the award on behalf of its recipient, Music Director of the San Antonio SymphonySebastian Lang-Lessing (seen conducting on award plaque). Photo by Dale Fastle

Due to high production costs, members of the St. Mary’s University community are permitted one copy per issue. Where available, additional copies may be purchased (for 50 cents each) by contacting The Rattler newsroom. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and/or subject to university discipline.

Policy on Newspaper Theft

Find extended blotter at:

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The music director of the San Antonio symphony was awarded this year’s President’s Peace Commission annual Art of Peace Award despite the fact he could not receive the award in person due to professional commitments.

Interim President and CEO of the San Antonio Symphony David Filner accepted the award on behalf of Sebastian Lang-Lessing, who was in Europe at the time. Lang-Lessing sent a video wherein he spoke about the award and his musical mission.

“Music unifies the world in a way that no other language can,” Lang-Lessing said.

In 1999, the PPC endeavored to reward women poets for their work, but did not have the funds to do so, according to Richard Pressman, principle founder of the PPC and professor of English and communication studies.

Local San Antonio poet and 2012 Art of Peace recipient Bryce Milligan, was the one who suggested the PPC present an award, rather than monetary payment. A member of what was then campus ministry suggested the namesake “art of peace,” and the award

blossomed into its present state — an award for reputable, usually local, artists who promote peace and understanding through their work.

This year, Brian St. John, associate professor of art and faculty member of the PPC, mentioned Lang-Lessing, and the suggestion met with such enthusiasm the decision was made immediately.

“My wife and I are regular symphony-goers,” St. John said. “We saw a wonderful difference in the performance (when Lang-Lessing became music director)…Then, I realized that one of his missions was to bring together people from all over the world.”

Lang-Lessing has performed all over the world, having presided as chief conductor and artistic director of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra from 2004 to 2011. In fact, his world report prevented him from being present at the award ceremony, a circumstance that would disqualify most candidates for the award.

“Normally, the rule is that you have to be present, but, under the circumstances, we decided we’d make an exception,” Pressman said.

Lang-Lessing tried to rearrange his schedule, but was unable to do so.

“I think Sebastian is honored and

thrilled,” Filner said. “This is a great representation of what art can do to bring peace and change to the world.”

Symphony director secures peace awardAlex EakinsNEWS EDITOR

Past recipients2012: Bryce Milligan

2011: Brother Michael Sullivan

2010: Terri Hendrix

2009: Bana Shastri Ramanath

2008: H. Palmer Hall

2007: Trinidad Sanchez, Jr.

2006: Sister Barbara Paleczny

2005: Paul Bonin-Rodriguez

2004: Naomi Shihab Nye

2003: Sister Martha Ann Kirk

2002: John Branch

2001: Brother Cletus Behlmann

2000: John Phillip Santos

1999: Carmen Tafolla, Paulette

Jiles and Angela De Hoyos

Source: www.stmarytx.edu

news»3www.stmurattlernews.com

it makes sense that the bulk of the security, fire and electrical upgrades went into that space,” Byrd said

The Park at St. Mary’s, like the Charles E. Cotrell Learning Commons, will be amply secured after construction, according to Ott.

“The sports complex is going to have some cameras in it,” Ott said. “If you have a multimillion-dollar project like that, it will be shared and needs to be taken care of. And if something does happen, we’d come back and look at it. Like I said, we would be able to solve hit-and-runs.”

UPD is also looking to upgrade cameras that are outdated or inadequate such as those in the bookstore and those by Clayton Gate, the entrance point by the AT&T Center.

“We’re trying to upgrade, add and replace (cameras). It’s a dollar-cents issue trying to get the most bang for the buck,” Ott said.

Despite motions to improve campus security, the University is a relatively crime-free campus, according to Ott.

“You know, we don’t have a lot of crime on campus. We really don’t, and it is a good thing, but sometimes it gives people a false sense of security,” Ott said. “They leave their (car) windows down (with) valuables on the seats.”

Nonetheless, there are students such as Brittany Horak and Mary Cardenas, both senior marketing majors, who do not always feel safe at night.

“It’s creepy at night,” Cardenas said.Horak said that she once thought she heard gunshots

while living in Leies Hall. Horak and Cardenas admitted

that they would not necessarily feel safer knowing that there are security cameras around campus.

“Living in Chaminade (Hall) this semester, I still hear pops. I don’t know what they are,” Horak said.

SECURITYfrom cover

Freshman Lupe Cordoba and sophomore Cassie Lozano found under surveillance at Starbucks. Photo courtesy of Chief of the University Police Department David Ott.

Past recipientsJennifer Nunez contributed to this report.

BiologyEnglish

MathBusiness

History

MAJORS

“The history major is not in any danger of discontinuing; in fact, it has recently been added to the Core Curriculum in 2010. I am not sure if there are any rumors but it is here to stay.”

Gerald PoyoChair of the History Department

B U R N I N G

Is the history degree program in danger?

Q U E S T I O N

Dean’s List: Fall 2012Visit our website at:

www.stmurattlernews.com to view the Dean’s List.

4«news www.stmurattlernews.com

The University’s celebration of Women’s History Month will conclude tomorrow after a series of successful events in celebration of womanhood and the pursuit of universal gender equality.

According to Diane Duesterhoeft, reference librarian and faculty coordinator of the WHM committee, this year’s theme follows the national Women’s History Month theme.

“Our theme this year, ‘Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination,’ focuses on women working in the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Duesterhoeft said. “Hearing and reading the stories of the obstacles that many women in these fields, and on our campus, have experienced is heart breaking. There are many capable human beings whose skills and talents aren’t being fully realized or utilized.”

Duesterhoeft is motivated to coordinate WHM events because it is clear to her there are still inequities despite the progress women have made in society.

“Although great strides have been made toward gender

equality in our society, there are still many obstacles that prevent women from realizing full equality,” Duesterhoeft said.

Of the many events the WHM committee coordinated, one notable event invited women of San Antonio City Council to speak at St. Mary’s. Two of the city council members were among the first in their respective capacities, Maria Berriozabal, the first Latina elected to the San Antonio City Council, and Helen Dutmer, the first woman to serve on the Bexar County Commissioners Court. The other two speakers, Ivy Taylor and Leticia Ozuna, are current district representatives, according to Arturo Vega, associate professor of political science.

“So it was an interesting generational contrast to being elected to city council, historically and contemporarily—how things have changed and how things have remained the same,” Vega said.

The WHM committee also coordinated the Alice Wright Franzke Feminist Award Luncheon on March 5. The award is given in commemoration of Alice Franzke, a professor in the sociology department between 1982 and 1989.

Associate Provost for Faculty Leona Pollansch spoke at the luncheon to welcome and introduce the award recipients: Tanairi Ochoa (student), Jenee Gonzales (alumna), Sister Grace Walle (staff member) and Rosemarie Wahl (faculty member).

“This year, there were a record number of nominations that came in. There were 36 nominations that were received,” Pollansch said. “The competition was tough and this years awardees are well-deserved.”

Jenee Margo Gonzales, alumna and director of government relations, could not help but cry when she accepted her award.

“I’ve been blessed along my life’s journey to meet so many extraordinary women,” Gonzales said.

Alex EakinsNEWS EDITOR

and Dean of the Graduate School Henry Flores commissioned Esteban Montilla to establish a graduate program in Mexico, Central America and South America. Montilla began contacting respectable social scientists and reputable institution of higher education institutions of the region to explore ways to equip local leaders with the academic and professional tools and be the face of the University in those Latino communities.

“There was an expressed interest in the profession of counseling in Latin America, but it’s a relatively new field down there,” Domstock said. “I think people are most familiar with psychology and psychologists. So, for marketing, it really did take some efforts to talk about what the discipline of counseling was.”

Once the University approved the program, Montilla, the director of the program, started recruiting students.

“I contacted professors in Mexico and Nicaragua and asked that they share the (program’s) information with alumni,” Montilla explained. “Those professors used their database to contact the alumni who graduated from the fields of education, medicine and psychology. I also put some ads on the radio and through email.”

The program is historical, as it is the first time St. Mary’s offered a complete program in Spanish and the first time that a complete graduate or undergraduate program from the University was offered outside the country, according to Montilla.

The program, started in 2010, is modeled after an existing program utilized for a joint counseling master’s degree offered at the Universidad Nicaraguense Martin Luther King in Nicaragua and the Universidad Nacional Rafael Maria Baralt in Venezuela. Montilla ensured these students would be receiving an American education while staying true to their Latin American culture.

“The program was developed to meet the accreditation requirement and licensing requirement of this country (the United States),” Montilla explained. “But also, the program, because of the consultation of the local professors, respected the indigenous culture and their views. So we contextualized the program and consulted the scholars and experts from Mexico and Nicaragua and wrote the syllabus of the program with their help so that we would respect the culture. We used our resources to join their effort.”

The program consists of five 16-week semesters, totaling 60 credit hours, and the curriculum included two required internships and either a master’s thesis, applied research or a statistical assessment.

According to Montilla, each semester

has three components. The first is a five-day colloquium to begin each semester with face-to-face classes offered in Monterrey, Mexico, and Managua, Nicaragua. After the colloquium, the students would communicate with assigned mentors through Blackboard to complete their courses while attending weekly clinical supervision.

“We had a clinical supervisor in Mexico and Nicaragua and the students would meet weekly with the clinical supervisor for about an hour and a half or two hours,” Montilla explained.

The semester ended with a second five-day colloquium, and, there, professors held intense discussions of the concepts and their practical application.

With the support and assistance of Provost Andre Hampton, Business Office Director Dora Ybarra and Assistant Registrar Elvira Smolik, 42 students graduated in December, while 16 others are still completing their degree. At the December commencement, many of the graduating students stepped foot on the University for the first time.

“Some of them have come to visit (the University), but the majority has never come to the University and some have never come to the U.S.,” Montilla said. “They are very excited. They are coming with their families and it really will be a big event.”

Though it is wrapping up, the counseling department would like to continue the program, depending on a number of factors.

“Sadly enough, the violence kind of picked up in Mexico. So I don’t know if we’re going to do it again because of the climate there,” Domstock said. “It will probably happen again in Nicaragua, but what’s sad is that the economy there is so bad.”

Montilla notes the University’s plan as the deciding factor on whether or not this program will start up again.

“It will depend on President Thomas Mengler’s plan, but at least the idea was to equip these students to be the face of St. Mary’s in those countries so they can represent us,” Montilla said. “Now we can actually, through those students, continue with other programs if President Mengler and the University decide to do so.”

Despite the setbacks mentioned by Domstock about Mexico and Nicaragua, Montilla thinks those countries are the ideal locations for the program to continue because a connection has already been established.

“I would like to continue in Mexico and Nicaragua because we already have a face there,” Domstock said. “We have well-respected leaders in the community, because of those students we have physicians, administrators, educators and psychologists.”

University celebrates women, pursues total gender equality

COUNSELINGfrom cover

To read about yesterday’s WHM event, a Poetry Slam visit:stmurattlernews.com

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Almost 30 percent of Americans with an associate degree earn more money than those with bachelor’s degrees, according to a 2012 report by Georgetown

University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.

These kinds of staggering statistics are what leave university students wondering if they’re on the right track. Especially when considering that an average associate degree costs about $6,000 compared to a four-year private university like St. Mary’s, which costs close to $150,000 for a bachelor’s degree. In a time of economic difficulty, it is important for students to take a close look at the facts.

The report looks at “middle jobs,” which require some postsecondary education and training but not a bachelor’s degree. Two out of five “middle jobs” are reported to pay $50,000 or more per year. According to a different report, also by Georgetown University, experienced college graduates in nearly every major make $50,000 per year.

Time is one of the major

differentiating factors between the two degrees. The report found that three out of five workers in “middle jobs” require three months or less of formal training. Compare this to a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years to earn and greatly delays a student’s transition into the workforce.

The other difference is the type of job these degrees will lead to. According to the Georgetown University report, nearly half of the 29 million “middle jobs” are in office occupations, while another third are in traditional blue-collar occupations. For example, in a field like computer and information services, an associate degree holder will earn up to $40,000 a year while a

bachelor’s degree holder will earn over $60,000 per year. Many career paths offered by bachelor’s degrees, however, do not have associate degree equivalents.

In today’s economy, pursuing a higher education is always a better route.Bachelor’s degrees provide the only venue for post-graduate education, raising the value beyond what an associate can offer. Master’s degree holders earn between $50,000 to $100,000 a year, for instance. In understanding a bachelor’s degree as a stepping-stone toward more specialized professional endeavors, an associate degree seems an immediate yet shortsighted solution to a goal, which can be more effectively achieved as a long-term pursuit.

W h e n the Harlem Globetrotters and Dennis R o d m a n visited North Korea earlier

this month, they became the first Americans to meet the country’s new dictator, Kim Jong Un.

Rodman said he’s made a “friend for life” in Kim, with whom Rodman watched a match between the Globetrotters and North Korean players, according to a CNN report. Over 200,000 people are held in prison camps in North Korea, which, according to ABC

News, breed inmates to create slave labor for the camps. While Rodman claimed to not condone Kim’s actions, he said he loves him and “the guy is awesome. He was so honest.”

In a country where over 3.5 million people starved to death in the past 18 years, and which frequently threatens the United States with nuclear war, it is no surprise the U.S. has had no success in making direct contact with the new leader, who refuses to even allow a United Nations civil rights council to assess the country’s internal conditions. This is when Kim is not marching

among troops on the border of North and South Korea, making threats of war.

Just days after Rodman’s visit, Kim said he “just wants Obama to call him.” The same dictator confidently bragged about how easily he could send a nuclear missile to any major metropolis in the U.S. Until Kim is ready to negotiate and not just threaten the U.S., Rodman will remain one of his only supporters in the country.

The question now lies in whether Rodman has fallen for the same tricks other celebrities have in regard to infamous political personas.

Charles Lindbergh vouched for Hitler’s character before the end of World War II, and famous author Gabriel Garcia Marquez was openly on friendly terms with Cuba’s communist dictator Fidel Castro, who is an open and avowed enemy of the U.S. During the Vietnam War, Jane Fonda toured the war torn country and denounced the United States, its troops and leaders as war criminals.

“There is nobody at the CIA who could tell you more personally about Kim Jong Un than Dennis Rodman,” remarked Stephen Ganyard, assistant secretary of state. “And that in itself is scary.”

6«commentary www.stmurattlernews.com

StandardsThe Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Assosiated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy.The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Assoiation, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

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Faculty AdviserBrother Dennis Bautista,S.M., Ph.D.

Editorial Staff

TravisBowles

JessicaValles

On both the secondary and higher education level, Texas curriculums are facing fire.

The State Board of Education is slated to review the curriculum used by 70 percent of Texas school districts, according to the San Antonio Express-News. The new curriculum’s social studies portion is under scrutiny and is being called anti-American.

One of the choice exercises provided in the new curriculum surrounds the study of the Boston Tea Party, which, according to the report, “invites students to include the British perspective, which might have considered it an ‘act of terrorism.’” Many have claimed that this, and inclusions to the religious-studies portions of the curriculum, promote the ideals of Islam over Christianity.

On the higher education front, a bill has been presented to the state legislature that may endanger minority history studies in Texas universities. Following in the footsteps of a similar Arizona bill, this proposed bill could, under the pretense of freeing history courses from race, class and gender discriminations, misrepresent U.S. history.

It is unimaginable that exposing students to different perspectives could be considered harmful to their education. Texas students are in serious danger of being fed an education that is so sanitized, it loses its credibility and real-world value.

Rodman forges questionable friendship

Accept diversitySTAFF EDITORIAL Universities alone offer long-term merit

Cartoon by Jasmaine Aquino

W i t h the election of every new pope comes an opportunity for change

and reform. The Catholic Church discovered its new leader in Pope Francis, formerly Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who is already under scrutiny after inheriting a congregation of 1.2 billion Catholics at a time marred by controversy.

The choice of an Argentine for the papacy is a sign of solidarity to the Latino world. According to a CNN article, nearly half of global Catholics either live in Latin America or have Latino roots. It is about time the Vaticans focused on a newly influential part of the world.

Pope Francis’ name choice speaks to his focus on being a servant of the people. He made history as being the

first pope to take on the name of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most revered figures in church history. Francis spent most of his life serving the sick and the impoverished.

This focus on a compassion for the poor is a positive sign. A CNN report detailed that during Pope Francis’ time as cardinal, he often reached out to the poor and sufferers of HIV.

However, the pope abides by reportedly conservative social views. The same article stated most do not believe his election will result in any doctrinal change on the issues of contraception, priestly celibacy, same-sex marriage or the ordination of women. For many, the disparity between their secular political beliefs and the orthodox teachings of the church are growing too great to reconcile.

However, Pope Francis’ legacy will be defined by how he chooses to deal

with the global sex abuse by Catholic priests scandal. The reported cases of sex abuse of minors by priests have left the Church shrouded in shameful mystery, leaving many believers disheartened. Countless stories have come forward of Catholic hierarchy covering up the offenses of pedophile priests

instead of seeking criminal action. Pope Francis’ first and most important task should be to enact a zero-tolerance policy for priests engaged in any illicit sexual activity. This way, victims can heal, perpetrators can be punished and believers can come back to their congregations in good conscience.

The March 5 death of Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela, greatly impacted the Western hemisphere. There are currently many political and economic forces teetering on the edge, but only time will tell how major

issues will play out under the new Venezuelan rule.Chavez’s 14-year rule was riddled with skewed

visions of modern socialism – a practice with a foundation built solely upon opposition to the United States and disastrous economic endeavors.

On a different front, one of Chavez’s most notorious ventures was the introduction of the Islamic Republic of Iran into the Western world. Thanks to the strong bond between Chavez and the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran’s entry into the region has been of considerable success. This has not only opened diplomatic doors, but also facilitated economic contacts between Tehran and various South American entities.

Chavez’s assistance in this diplomatic mergence has been influential for the Iranian regime, by helping it to procure support for its nuclear endeavors and preserve international trade, although Europe and the United States have continued to intensify sanctions in opposition to it. But now, Chavez’s death may cause a political earthquake.

According to The New York Times, since Chavez’s election in 1999, Venezuela’s annual oil production has dropped by nearly a quarter and exports have declined by almost half.

Now that there has been a geopolitical twist, Venezuela may have to rely heavily on the U.S. The Gulf of Mexico refineries are designed to process low-quality Venezuelan and Mexican oils that the majority of refineries around the world can’t. The New York Times also reported Venezuela depends on the U.S. to buy 40 percent of those exports. However, because Canadian crude is similarly heavy to that of the Venezuelan crude, the United States has been recently importing oil from Canada.

Houston energy lawyer Jose Valera said the current situation is not sustainable, emphasizing the need for considerable changes in the future.

commentary»7www.stmurattlernews.com

DanaTraugott

Chavez’s death may soon cause political waves

Newly elected pope faces critical issues

BrianaPerez

The 15th amendment, ratified in 1870, offers a right to vote free from discrimination. As one of the reconstruction amendments, it is

historically important in its intent to improve and reconstruct America after the Civil War. The amendment was vital for African Americans because it assured them the right to vote.

Today, the amendment offers voting equality to many minority groups. The amendment combats inequality and assures minorities the right to have their voice heard in the voting process. The Hispanic population played a large part in president Obama’s reelection, a clear

indication of the growing importance and influence of minorities participating in the democratic process.

The Voting Rights Act was ratified in 1965 with the intention of giving the federal government power to enforce the rights detailed in the 15th amendment. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court is reviewing a case that challenges the Voting Rights Act. Opposition to the act runs along the lines of stating a lot has changed since the 1960s and there should be no problems enforcing voting equality without the need for legislation. The argument is that there simply isn’t a need for the Voting Rights Act, and so removing it should create no problems.

Many still believe the Voting Rights Act is essential in helping people

from being discriminated against. The New York Times reported that the 2012 election demonstrated that the Voting Rights Act is still the nation’s defense against discrimination toward American voters. According to The New York Times, “in the run-up to the 2012 election, state and local officials attempted to put in place restrictive voter ID laws, shorten early voting hours and make it more difficult to register to vote.” The efforts made were understood as preventing minorities from voting, thus salvaging the rights of many voters.

Sadly, discrimination is still alive. If there are no official legal barriers to protect and enforce individual rights, then it is guaranteed that many will be neglected.

Voting act remains crucial for minorities

Voice your opinion. Visit the Commentary section at:www.stmurattlernews.com

Illustration by Angela Engle

JocelynGarcia

The University Police Department undeniably serves an important role in maintaining the structure of a community, as well as safeguarding the rights of individuals. Nevertheless, there are faculty members and students who think UPD might be going too far, as their methods have grown too stringent.

A long-standing professor, who wishes to remain anonymous, feels that a change needs to be made in regard to the sternness of the operations of the campus police.

“I have received two tickets in the last four or five months. The first ticket I got was when I parked on a ‘student only’ lot. The second ticket I received was when I parked near Rosary Lane,” the professor said.

Although this professor agrees University community members should abide by the rules, he feels it is unfair to receive a ticket without having received a warning first.

“I had previously parked there, and I had never received a warning before. There was no red line and no sign was up to indicate that parking was prohibited. I did not receive a call from the police asking me not to park there,” the professor said.

According to the professor, this is not the only example of the austerity that characterizes the stern police proceedings. One of his students was given a ticket when she parked in a faculty staff lot, two minutes before it became available for the use of students who attend evening classes like her.

“This does not sound

reasonable to me,” the professor said. “Are officers not allowed to use their common sense? I do think UPD Chief David Ott wants to work with people, but something is breaking off.”

The professor believes that in order to prevent the creation of a hostile environment between UPD and University members, police officers should give warnings, clearly mark the locations where parking is and is not allowed and lower the fee.

“To me, it is cruel that the parking ticket fee is 50 dollars. You have people who are getting through school paying with minimum wage jobs and they have to spend six hours working to pay one ticket,” the professor said.

UPD Chief of Police David Ott believes the dep ar tment is doing everything it can to help s t u d e n t s and faculty members.

“We don’t make the rules. We just enforce them,” Ott said. “We’re here to promote a safe environment.”

Ott references the UPD’s website on the University’s home page as a good source of information. Everything, ranging from driving and traffic regulations to parking lot speed limits, can be found on the site. Additionally, there are sign posts located at every parking lot indicating who can park there.

“We have equal representation for everyone whether you’re a student, faculty member or

staff,” Ott said in regard to the appeals process.

Once an individual receives a parking ticket, he or she has ten days to appeal the citation. The appeals process is composed of two steps. First, a patrol sergeant looks over and reads the appeal. If the sergeant decides against it, the appeal goes on to the Parking Appeals Committee, which is composed of a Student Government Association member, a Student Bar Association member, a representative from Residence Life, a faculty senate member and a police captain.

“We try our best to work with students, faculty and staff. We listen to reason,” said Ott.

UPD has worked with students in the past, particularly

when it was agreed students who attend evening classes could park in the faculty staff lots after 5 p.m. O r i g i n a l l y , c o m m u t e r students had to park on lots that were miles away

from campus. Now they are able to park closer and not walk long distances at night.

Additionally, UPD conducts an annual parking lot audit that is presented to a parking committee to see if a change has to be made to accommodate more people with cars.

“St. Mary’s actually has some of the least harsh parking penalties out of the colleges in San Antonio,” Ott said. “The parking ticket costs about 100 dollars at UTSA. That is twice the amount charged here.”

While most university students look for part-time jobs in retail or as servers, junior Robert Garibay found his perfect job in professional wrestling.

Garibay, a criminology major, is a full-time student who has a plateful of classes, extracurricular activities and two jobs, the second one being with Allstate Insurance, which he began in 2011. Garibay debuted as a professional wrestler in 2012 at River City Wrestling.

“Wrestling for me is more than just a hobby, I look at it as a second career,” Garibay said. “I’ve treated it like a job ever since I started training in 2011.”

Wrestling professionally is not at all like working as a server, and it can be just as tough and physically demanding as it seems.

“Wrestling can be painful. I’ve had two concussions (in which) I have forgotten things,” Garibay said. “When trying to recover from a concussion, memory loss is common so it can definitely be a struggle. Thankfully, it has not affected my grades.”

Garibay’s decision to explore every aspect of his spectrum of abilities has led to moments that hugely impacted the person he is today.

“Making my debut was definitely one of the greatest moments. Going in front of the fans, and being admired has been amazing,” Garibay said. “(It has been a) humbling

(experience) to have little kids asking for my autograph because of who I am. I’m just a student at St. Mary’s. I’m just the guy who works at Allstate Insurance. (Yet), they want my autograph, so it’s humbling and I think that really has helped me appreciate things.”

Garibay takes his “good people skills” everywhere he goes. Along with fine tuned time management skills and perseverance, Garibay has managed to maintain a balanced routine.

Garibay’s hectic life denies him a fixed schedule, with every day being drastically different from the next.

“Monday and Wednesdays are for school. Tuesdays and Thursdays I work full-time. Fridays I come to school then go to work. At some point I may have a promotional appearance to do after work or school. On Saturdays I train in the ring to keep my in ring skills up to par. (Also), the first Saturday of every month I have a show in which I wrestle and just hope to win,” Garibay said.

Garibay admits that at times activities interfere with each other.

“There are times when I’m trying to study

for something and I have a p r o m o t i o n a l event (in which)

I spend more time than I expect and have less time to study as I would have wanted to,”

Garibay said. “I actually don’t

know how I manage, but I can say that my life is fun and interesting.”

Jocelyn GarciaSTAFF WRITER

UPD ticket policy ignites discussionLiliana EspinozaFEATURES EDITOR

Graphic by Juan Casas

10«features www.stmurattlernews.com

close upStudent finds fulfillment in professional wrestling

“We don’t make the rules. We just enforce them. We’re here to promote a safe environment.”

David OttChief of University Police

Department

Photo by Felix Arroyo

features»11www.stmurattlernews.com

The growing popularity of the song “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis has sparked a new trend among students, as they revived the idea of going to their local thrift shop to test their luck.

Looking around in a room in which every wall is filled with a plethora of clothes can get overwhelming, so it’s helpful to keep certain tips handy to walk out feeling like a thrift shop king or queen.

A student’s first impression of walking into a thrift shop might be that it smells a bit different—that’s fine! The nose will quickly grow accustomed to it as soon as the mind realizes it’s about to go on a shopping spree.

Shoppers should start in the area of clothes that first catches their eye. Walking into a thrift shop with intentions to buy a too specific item is not recommended, for it is easy to end up disappointed.

Shopping at a thrift shop is all about the surprise of finding something unexpected, like a T-shirt with Jesus rollerblading, “Titanic” on a two-tape VHS or a vintage Dooney and Burke purse.

It is recommended to look at every inch of the store before deciding on something worth buying. A great majority of clothes found in thrift shops range from $1 to $5. It may be hard to refrain from buying something

based on the fact that one article is inexpensive, but, in the end, it all adds up.

For women, don’t be afraid to walk into the men’s area of the store to look for clothes. During winter it’s easy to find a man’s sweater that can easily be converted into an oversized woman’s sweater, which looks great paired with tights. When considering an item of clothing at hand, look beyond the clothing article and imagine what the piece can become once it is paired with other essential clothing items. Unfortunately for men, it is not as easy of a job to look for clothes in the other gender’s section.

“Thrifting” requires an open mind and a lot of creativity. The good news is a lot of thrift store clothes are in style, partly thanks to Macklemore’s famous music video, including ironic T-shirts and baggy cardigans.

It is best to veer away from bathing suits and undergarments due to the fact that they may not be as hygienic. Some thrift stores wash the clothes before putting them on display, but, to be safe, shoppers should wash their clothing purchases a couple times before officially calling the item their own.

Finally, it is a good idea to try on clothes that seem unique and tempting, but which may not fit as well.

“The worst thing that can happen is it (will) not work,” Elisha Bryant, a senior vocal performance major said, “and you save some extra money.”

Carla RodriguezLAYOUT/DESIGN EDITOR

Useful tips when going thrift store shopping.

Junior Emma Felicia (left) and senior Elisha Bryant (right) go to the thrift shop once a week to find deals on cheap yet stylish clothing items. Photo by Dale Fastle

To watch a video of two expert thrift

shopper students sharing their

thrifting tricks, visit

POPPIN’ SOMEPOPPIN’ SOME

stmurattlernews.com

12«entertainment www.stmurattlernews.com

Rachel GrahmannENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Local musician supports Open Mic Night

Wednesday, April 3 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Chaminade Field

Bands featuring students, alumni compete for headline spot on Mix 96.1 at Fiesta Oyster Bake

Free admission

Variety of food and drinks for sale, only cash accepted

Freebies given out throughout the event, including t-shirts

Contact University Programming Council for more information

Jealously may have a negative connotation, but for former St. Mary’s student Ponciano “Ponci” Seoane, it gave him a direction for his future career. When Seoane watched his friends play guitar and perform their favorite songs, he would often wish that he could do the same.

So, in 2009, he decided to learn. As an experienced saxophone player, Seoane already knew how to read music and picked up guitar easily. Little did he know that he would enjoy it so much — or that he had a great voice.

Seoane first attended St. Mary’s in 2009, and during his first few years at school, he would play in his room when he had free time. When he moved to Treadaway Hall in fall 2010, Seoane and his friends would often gather to play music in the courtyard.

“We would literally play for hours,” he said. “That’s when I really came out of my shell.”

Seoane started performing at the Black Student Union’s “Open Mic Nights” and soon became a crowd favorite. He enjoys playing a variety of artists in the form of cover songs — from Usher to Justin Nozuka.

Even though Seoane doesn’t attend St. Mary’s anymore, he still returns to be a part of Open Mic Night. As far as what he plans to do with his future music-wise, Seoane is still weighing different options.

“I want to learn more about music production. I really enjoy hearing other people,” Seoane said. “I like to listen to others and I’m just like, ‘Wow, you’re really awesome.’”

Above all, he is dedicated to chasing his passion. “I’m leaving it open for now. I

could teach the saxophone,” Seoane said, “but I would rather pursue guitar and singing than anything else.”

Seoane plans to perform at the Open Mic Night from 7 – 11 p.m. on March 27 in the outdoor Amphitheater.

Ponciano Seoane enjoys coming back to St. Mary’s to play for the Open Mic Night crowds. Photo by Rachel Grahmann

Best Breakfast in San AntonioMagnolia Pancake Haus10333 Huebner Road 210.496.0828Wake up to: pecan pancakes

Grumpy’s Mexican Cafe18816 FM 2252 210.651.3444Wake up to: steak and eggs

Pancake Joes1011 Donaldson Ave.210.785.9007Wake up to: fajita omelet

Thousand Oaks Cafe4344 Thousand Oaks Drive 210.653.8058Wake up to: huevos rancheros

Snowflake Donuts5802 Babcock Road210.561.8863Wake up to: apple fritters

Guenther House Restaurant205 E. Guenther210.227.1061Wake up to: sweet cream waffles

New release “Olympus has Fallen” disappoints despite its star studded cast and director. The movie, directed by Antoine Fuqua of “Training Day” fame, tells the story of a disgraced Secret Service agent who must single-handedly save the president of the United States after terrorists kidnap him and take over the White House.

The movie takes “Die Hard” qualities, the villains having completely taken over the White House with the protagonist, played by Gerard Butler, being the only person who can, conveniently, do anything about it. Butler’s character falls heavily into the rogue cop cliché. In turn, the president, played by Aaron Eckhart, is as all-American as can be.

“Olympus has Fallen” relies heavily on patriotic imagery, almost to the point of over-saturation. Overall, the film displays good cinematography, some well thought out fight scenes and precisely edited action sequences. That’s where the few good qualities of “Olympus has Fallen” end. The entire story and the characters are overplayed tropes, while the only real developments to plot or character happen within the first 15 minutes.

Travis BowlesSTAFF WRITER

‘Olympus’ falls

Graphic by Juan Casas

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Compiled by Stacey Mazuca

HHIII

entertainment»13www.stmurattlernews.com

Entertainment EssentialsShakespeare on the RiverwalkArneson River TheatreMarch 30, 6:30 p.m.

San Antonio Fine Art FestivalVillage at Stone OakApril 13, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.April 14, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Good TimesThe HostMarch 29

Tyler Perry’s TemptationMarch 29

Jurassic Park 3DApril 5

Scary Movie 5April 12

Rilo KileyRkivesApril 2

The Band PerryPioneerApril 2

ParamoreParamoreApril 9

Fresh TunesNew Flicks

Bubblehead Tea is one of the only places that has the ability to serve made-to-order bubble tea, keep each hookah well-stocked with charcoal, host a miniature a n i m e c o n v e n t i o n and still manage to be incredibly mellow. Located right off of the First Friday art show route, Bubblehead is well-known by local students. This makes it a perfect place to meet people from all walks of life, from students to off-duty military personnel and business executives.

The eclectic décor includes an immense amount of art, ranging from retro to modern, incorporating many Eastern pieces. Many of these are for sale and serve as a good way for artists to make themselves known. The interior of the lounge itself presents a calm and cool atmosphere, with every light fixture and piece of furniture unique in itself.

There is plentiful seating and the waiting areas have activities to do while waiting for drinks or a hookah, proving useful due in part to the lounge’s massive popularity. On crowded nights, particularly First Fridays, there is usually some form of attraction attending the show, such as performers or movies.

Beverages range from oriental tea to alcoholic drinks. The main attraction, however, is the lounge’s popular bubble tea. Bubble tea is a Taiwanese drink consisting of black or green tea mixed with condensed milk and a multitude of different syrups. The tea is then blended with ice and tapioca beads or “pearls” are often added. Bubblehead takes it a step further with a menu spanning from basic fruit flavors to hundreds of “suicides,” or combinations.

The Bubblehead lounge also serves as a hookah bar, where groups of people can smoke relaxing blends of flavored tobacco, or “shisha.” This is a popular pastime in many college communities and Bubblehead’s service for the charcoals is consistent.

“I like to keep a nice, chill environment here. You meet a lot of

new people; it’s really a disparate crowd,” Gino Davis, an employee

at Bubblehead, revealed. He recommends the

mango, raspberry or peach flavors because of the frozen fruit used in the preparation. Concerning

the hookahs, Davis recommends safari melon

with blue mist.Bubblehead Tea is a well-known

location in San Antonio, making it a great place to meet up with friends. The staff spends time crafting each tea uniquely and is dedicated to the customers. If one ever needs to show a taste of San Antonio to an out-of-towner, Bubblehead is an essential example. Both the tea and hookahs are sure to ensue in a fun, relaxed time.

Busy boba spot keeps cool

Trevor JonesSTAFF WRITER

Quick FactsLocation:

1035 S. Presa St. Hours of operation:

Mon-Thu: 2 p.m. - midnightFri-Sat: 2 p.m. - 2 a.m.

The classic genetic engineering mayhem tale “Jurassic Park” celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, but fans, old and new, will be the ones getting a present in the chance to enjoy the movie on the big screen starting April 5.

For old fans watching Steven Spielberg’s adventurous film once again, the 3D showing will still be an amazing experience. The phenomenal movie feels even more genuine than remembered with the new visual features. It is bound to revive old memories, bringing a sense of nostalgia for viewers who saw “Jurassic Park” at an early age. The quality of the film is improved, but the content remains untouched in its entirety, unlike other late rereleases, such as the “Star Wars” trilogy.

New viewers ought to have an enjoyable experience as well. “Jurassic Park” is the kind of movie that aged well. The fear of being so exposed to fast-paced modern movies that one would not be able to

appreciate a good ‘90s film is unfounded in the case of “Jurassic Park.” The movie proved to be extraordinary to any audience and hardly falls short in comparison to present-day movies. The mood sets in fast and, as the movie progresses, the growing sense of adventure made it so viewers couldn’t take their eyes off the screen. The still-current main theme of “Jurassic Park” also adds to the experience. Genetic engineering continues today to make headlines as geneticists attempt to bring back extinct species.

The graphics seemed improved, and the difference between watching the movie on the small screen and seeing it in 3D features is worth paying for. The sound q u a l i t y a l s o

improved, especially on the dinosaurs’ sound effects.

It may come as a surprise “Jurassic Park” would return to theaters after 20 years, but there are a few reasons that may simply explain it. Primarily, it should come as no surprise a matter of profits prompted the rerelease. There has been talk about a “Jurassic Park IV” for some time now. However, it probably would not so easily attract new viewers who have never been exposed to the original adventure. Also, for those loyal fans who have seen and loved the movie for years, the event of the return of “Jurassic Park” would definitely renew the old excitement for the franchise. Toymaker Hasbro has reportedly shown great interest in the movie because

the company plans on producing a new line of toys for the “Jurassic

Park” franchise, just in time for a new

generation of kids exposed to the

3D rerelease of the original

film.

Jocelyn GarciaSTAFF WRITER

Eye-popping dinos celebrate ‘Jurassic Park’ anniversary

Despite Bubblehead Tea’s growing clientle, its distinct ambiance is nurtured with care.

From reaching the Sweet Sixteen to numerous Heartland Conference Player of the Week awards, the Rattlers executed their skills in every field of play to produce a historic season.

In advancing to the South Central Regional Semifinals, the Rattlers crossed into new territory for St. Mary’s men’s basketball in the NCAA. After making school history, the Rattlers went further to advance into the regional championship game and find their spot in the top sixteen NCAA Division II teams of the nation.

Every member of the team was excited to be a part of creating such a great legacy, especially those playing their final year on the team.

“It was amazing for me because I’m one of the five-year players,” forward Brad Hubenak, a redshirt-senior business major, said. “This is something that we’ve been wanting to do every year; we’ve been here and we haven’t been able to. We got the right guys and the right year and we just did it this year. It was definitely a blast, definitely an experience.”

The Rattler’s huge and exciting success is, in no doubt, thanks to the team’s dedication, unselfish leadership and fighting spirit.

Every member of the team dedicated themselves to practice in such a manner that they would be ready to take on whatever role was required of them at any given time.

“Everybody on the bench, everybody from the guys who only played one minute to the guys who played 30 minutes,” Hubenak said, “everyone gave a good contribution.“

Along with Hubenak, a total of six seniors helped lead and guild the team toward success. Most impressively, though, was the way in which they did so.

When questioned on how high scoring player and recently named All-American Kevin Kotzur scored only five points in the regional quarterfinal game, Head Coach Jim Zeleznak was quick to respond.

“I think Kevin’s attitude epitomizes how this team, when we were playing well, was,” Zeleznak said. “You know, we were a pretty unselfish group. I think that a lot of that has to do with our seniors. They just kept working it and plugging away to work ourselves back out of a little funk that we were in (toward the middle of the season).”

Even with a “funk” in their season, the Rattlers came back to claim the national spotlight thanks to their unrelenting fighting spirit.

“There’s so much diversity within every game,” Hubenak said. “Every game, there was a point where we could have just like given up and just folded. A few times we were down by like 20, ten (points) and we always came back.”

Even with the loss of six crucial seniors, the team has no expectation of lowering its standards.

“It’s a big turn over,” Zeleznak said, “but that’s what college athletics is all about. You have turnover every year and some years are bigger than others. That’s just part of the recruiting process. Our expectations certainly won’t go down. You just got to work hard and get these guys to buy into what you’re doing and get them to play the way you want them to play and defend as hard as you want them to defend and

rebound, and play the system that you feel like is the best thing for us to have a chance to win. Maybe it won’t come together as early just because the guys will not have

played together a whole lot, but it doesn’t mean that, when it really is time for them to be needing to play better, that we won’t get that done.”

14«sports www.stmurattlernews.com

Mario Maldonado

Brandon Bates

Derek Moczygemba

Kyle Bumpas

Al Gonzalez

Derek Hamilton

Ivan Sigala

Weston Heiligman

.408

.347

.289

.286

.284

.260

.244

.242

Player Batting Average

98

95

90

42

74

50

90

33

40

33

26

12

21

13

22

8

RunsAt-bats Runs Batted InHits Classification

14

16

16

5

9

6

14

4

14

22

10

5

9

5

11

5

Sophomore

Senior

Senior

Junior

Redshirt-freshman

Junior

Senior

Redshirt-sophomore

Photo by Lauren Lundy Illustration by Feliz ArroyoCompiled by Christina Faseler

Batting statistics current as of Monday, March 25

Senior John Roberts sucessfully goes up for a jump shot against three defenders. Roberts is one of the six players completing their final season as a Rattler this year. Photo by Christina Faseler

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Rattlers rewrite history, mark presence on national stageChristina FaselerSPORTS EDITOR

BASEBALL SPOTLIGHT

sports»15www.stmurattlernews.com

This year’s team hopes to build upon their past season, going beyond the Heartland Conference, into regional play and perhaps even into the NCAA tournament for St. Mary’s fourth national softball appearance.

As of Monday, the Rattlers had a record of 28-10, with an undefeated record in Heartland Conference play. Last season, the Rattlers took the Heartland Conference regular-season championship for the third consecutive year only to lose the tournament championship and fall short of a regional bid. However, the Rattlers have a different plan this year.

“Our hope is not only to be strong throughout our conference,” Head Coach Donna Fields said, “but to be strong throughout the entire season.”

Coach Fields is in her 16th season as head coach and has mastered the design of her practices. Each team practice covers all facets of the game, focusing primarily on defense, which is, according to Coach Fields, the team’s weakest point.

In their relentless pursuit to cover every element of the game, the softball team has gained a quality valuable not only to defense, but also to every part of the game—tenacity.

“During the middle of the season, we weren’t playing as well as we had been initially,” Coach Fields said, “but now, if teams get runs on us, we are able to come back. We play from the first inning all the way to the seventh, no matter what the score is.”

Throughout their offseason and pre-season, the team has grown together and now stands ready to take on the Heartland Conference as one unified body.

“We consider ourselves a family,” pitcher and utility player Emily Brittan, a junior exercise and sport science major, said. “We’re like brothers and sisters.”

Coach Fields describes the team as having come together on the field as well as off.

“We look out for each other, keep each other in check and make sure that none of us are ever giving less than 100 percent,” Coach Fields said.

The team has an excellent chance of improving their record to four consecutive conference regular-season championships this year. The Rattlers have their eyes set on a third national championship to tack onto the banner of St. Mary’s softball.

“We’ve been run-ruling teams,” Brittan said. “If we keep it up, I think we’ll go really far.”

Sophomore Haley Ritcher looks to steal third base. Ritcher recently hit a grand slam in contributing five points to St. Mary’s 8-0 victory over Trinity University. Photo by Lauren Lundy

Dale FastleSTAFF WRITER

Rattlers off to strong startSOFTBALL

Quick facts:Van Winkle was named Heartland Conference Men’s Golfer of the Week for the second consecutive week after bringing home the individual title for the Texoma Chevy Dealers Crawford Wade Invitational meet last month.

How do you prepare for games?I focus primarily on the mental aspect of the game. The physical will follow, but the most important (aspect) is the mental. I try to clear my mind and focus on the task at hand.

How do you manage practice time and your class schedule?It is extremely difficult, but luckily I get a lot of help from my professors. They are willing to work with me.

When did you first start playing golf?I first started to play golf my freshman year in high school. I happened to pick up pretty quickly and have stuck with it ever since.

Why did you choose to play at St. Mary’s?I met Coach Skidmore at a junior tournament one summer and kept in contact with him while I was looking at other schools. My family was a big influence with the decisions because both of my parents graduated from (St. Mary’s).

How do you like playing for St. Mary’s?My teammates make playing here very enjoyable. I couldn’t ask for better teammates.

Do you plan on having a golf career after college?I do plan on having a career after college. I still have quite a way to go, but the plan is to turn pro shortly after I graduate.

Compiled by Sara E. Flores

Matthew Van WinkleSophomoreMarketing

THE HOT

16«sports www.stmurattlernews.com

In her first year at St. Mary’s, Mariana Rong has reached an undefeated record of 15-0, four Heartland Conference Player of the Week awards in this season alone and several other distinctions for her intense and unrelenting style of play.

Rong, a sophomore biology major and Chinese native, has gone through numerous adaptations to play as a Rattler. Rong originally came to San Antonio from China at the age of 16 to attend O’Connor High School.

“When I first came here,” Rong said, “I knew that it was going to be different, but it is so (much) different.”

After graduating from O’Connor High School with a Texas 5A state championship, Rong began her college career playing Division I level tennis at Arkansas State University. Rong’s compelling desire for even greater academic success led her to St. Mary’s.

“It was fun playing at a D-I,” Rong said. “It’s a really competitive high level, but I just felt like academics were more important. (Your career) is what you’re going to do for the

rest of your life, not just play tennis forever. I feel like St. Mary’s is a better fit for me and I think that I made a good decision coming here.”

Rong could have selected from a number of academically outstanding schools, but St. Mary’s stood out to Rong for a personal reason.

“I knew Coach Dausin when I was in high school,” Rong said. “She took the job after I got into college. If I had known that she was going to be here, I would have played for her starting from the beginning.”

As a new Rattler, Rong couldn’t be happier with the group that she has found herself in.

“I really like the team here,” Rong said. “Everyone is really close to each other. We’re like a family. We even spent our spring break with each other. It’s awesome (to be here).”

Rong attributes her success to a

positive, controlled attitude.“(I try to remain) positive and be

happy,” Rong said. “I know people may be like ‘you’re not positive; you complain a lot.’ It’s true that I complain all the time, but I’m just kidding around. When serious things come, though, I can face it. I’m always responsible for what I do. I don’t stress about it until it comes up. I don’t stress things that are 30 weeks down the road. I just deal with what I have right now and just look at my plate, not into the pan. I just do what I have and be positive and just think ‘it could be worse.’ It’s always better.”

Christina FaselerSPORTS EDITOR

Sophomore Mariana Rong is ranked 28th in the nation for women’s tennis singles. Photo by Clarissa Gonzalez

Acing the competition

Transfer student has found success through her positive attitude and relentless determination.

“I feel like St. Mary’s is a better fit for me and I think that I made a good decision coming here.”

Mariana RongSingles tennis player