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Digital Commons at St. Mary's University The Rattler Student Scholarship Spring 2024 The Rattler (Volume 112, Issue 3) St. Mary's University Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.stmarytx.edu/rattler  Part of the Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Journalism Studies Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Organizational Communication Commons, and the Social Influence and Political Communication Commons Recommended Citation St. Mary's University, "The Rattler (Volume 112, Issue 3)" (2024). The Rattler. 3. https://commons.stmarytx.edu/rattler/3 This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Scholarship at Digital Commons at St. Mary's University. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Rattler by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons at St. Mary's University. For more information, please contact sfowler@stmarytx.edu, egoode@stmarytx.edu. Vol 112  |  Issue 3  |  Oct. 25, 2023  | San Antonio, TexasSPORTSAs the weather cools down and we transition to another season, rattlers look to explore the city and its extensive fall attractions. Looking into all of the crevices in and around the San Antonio area, The Rattler compiled a list of trending pumpkin patches and haunted houses for students to visit this autumn.Starting off in the heart of downtown, the San Antonio Pumpkin festival at Town Square, adjacent to the historic Pearl, is one of the best autumn attractions near campus. With admission starting at $12, visitors to the attraction can choose from over 50 varieties of pumpkins for all fall decorating needs. Including a corn maze, modern pumpkin art exhibit, b o u n c y pumpkin, a n d instagram photo-ops galore, the San Antonio Pumpkin Festival will be open until October 29th. Another local pumpkin patch is located a few miles south, further into downtown San Antonio. Here, the Tower of Americas is hosting their annual pumpkin patch at the base of the iconic skyscraper. Featuring photo-ops with pumpkins and other beautiful fall displays, their fall pumpkin patch is free to the public and open daily from 7 PM to 11 PM until November 19th. Though 30 minutes east of San Antonio and in La Vernia, the Circle N Corn Maze is a San Antonio adjacent fall favorite from locals. Featuring a wide selection of pumpkins perfect for carving and decorating, their main attraction is their annual corn maze. This year, organizers at the Circle N Corn Maze selected their theme carefully to fit the occasion and made a “Hocus Pocus”-t h e m e d c o r n m a z e JORGE GUERREROARTS & CULTURE EDITORPORTSStMU athletes describe sports in one word PG.14CENTER New Student Wellness food pantry PG.8OPINIONStudent thoughts on challenged literaturePG.6 NEWSPG. 2Tensions strip in  Gaza (Israel and Hamas)Spooky outings in S.A. Graphic by: Victoria Olguinst.mary’s Rattlers should know aboutCONTINUED ON PG. 12The content published in the Rattler is the responsibility of each respective writer. The views expressed in the staff editorial reflect the views of the majority of the editorial staff.EDITORIAL STATEMENTGrounded partially in the Marianist values of family and community, we maintain an open forum for discussion. We strive to produce quality content that informs, not inflames; encourages, not discourages. We must be sensitive, not sensationalistic; reasonable, not ridiculous; balanced, not bitter.MISSIONSThe Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy. The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the College Media Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. STANDARDSDue 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   NEWS EDITOR: ASHTON JEFFERS | @STMURATTLERNEWS | OCT. 25, 20232THE RATTLERCHECK US OUT ONLINE!www.stmurattlernews.comOn Oct. 7, attention focused on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas (a militant and political Islamist organization that governs the Gaza Strip of the Palestinian territories) when an onslaught of surprise attacks by Hamas killed at least 1,400 individuals in Israel and injured over 4,12 according to the Washington Post. In response, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu formally declared war on Hamas. In turn, Israel launched further attacks on Gaza over the weekend of Oct. 7 and 8. Palestinian officials report 2,778 people in Gaza have been killed in these attacks and 9,938 people injured. An estimated 600,000 people have been displaced north of the Gaza area according to international aid agencies, which leaves fleeing individuals with limited and depleting supplies of food, water, shelter and medical services.At the time of writing, the most recent attack was a deadly attack on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, which left hundreds killed, according to Palestinian officials and National Public Radio (NPR). This only added to the destruction of the densely populated area. The hospital was used as a shelter for civilians and patients alike who hoped to hide from airstrikes, which included families and children. Civilians believed the hospital to be one of the few safe locations in the area to turn to. According to sources at NPR, civilians seeking refuge at the hospital thought it would be safe because the hospital is led by a Christian group and is known as the oldest hospital in Gaza. Claims and counterclaims on social media have left the situation unclear as to which forces were specifically behind these attacks, for the influx of footage and eyewitness reports have given multiple interpretations on how the attack occurred. Before the incident, conflict had risen between Israeli and Palestinian groups, one that is steeped in complexities and claims that generated nearly a century, and the other with sources of historical, political and religious debate spanning at least two centuries. Social media and news outlets provided different responses and perspectives to the conflict and consistently updated civilians on the leadership’s responses to the international stage in response to the outbreak of conflict. It’s difficult to engage with this situation through news sources because the situation  asks the question of who is responsible for the increase in violent responses. Ian Smith, Ph.D., Program Director for International Relations and Visiting Assistant Professor, shared how this moment in time is a turning point for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The constant attacks between the two groups have mostly been contained in years past. Hamas has become an interesting case due to its unique formation as a militant organization rather than a post-rebel party. “There’s a lot we’re going to learn in the next couple weeks,” stated Smith, Ph.D.,  on the development of the situation in Gaza. “It’s also hard to avoid mass casualties in Gaza, and there aren’t many options for Palestinians in this area.” Since Gaza is a densely populated area, individuals fleeing the area don’t have much support from the surrounding nations. The nations surrounding Gaza such as Egypt and Jordan have leaders who are worried that the influx of Palestinian refugees could destabilize the political environment resulting in unclear humanitarian outreach. According to Smith, Ph.D., when asked about understanding the origins and transitioning of this conflict, the historical pattern of state formation is visible in this case, though the process has not often been met with peace, but rather steeped in violence and obtained through force. Since World War II, the ambition to resolve international conflicts through negotiation and diplomacy has been a tough goal when dealing with so many nations involved on the global stage.During this time, it is important when dealing with a troubling conflict that has existed and continued for decades to recognize the human toll and trauma that civilians and individuals involved are experiencing in Gaza and the surrounding areas. Social media is infamous for leaving out context while providing easy access to a multitude of opinions and voices. “Our own identity does guide what side has a more valid position,” stated Smith when asked how and why individuals on social media form such quick responses to the developing situation. “Few are undecided on the issue.” It’s important to educate oneself on the complexities of this topic and it is crucial to have compassion for the human lives at stake in this conflict.Consuming media with a critical eye, encouraging the use of educational resources and having empathy is part of what we can do as witnesses as these events continue to unfold.On Sept. 28th, Irma Herrera came back to her St. Mary’s University roots to showcase her one-woman play, “Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name?” in which she shares her journey of coming to own her name and how important it is that we stay proud of our own names, especially as they connect us to our own cultural backgrounds. Irma, pronounced “Ear-ma,” opens up the play by sharing her “Starbucks name” - a common phenomenon that anyone with a cultural name knows. A Starbucks name is a name that one uses at Starbucks when they know their real name would be mispronounced. This shared experience of mispronunciation that happens in many Brown, Black, and Indigenous communities, is what Irma Herrera deep-dives into in her play “Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name?” With the many titles that Irma proudly wears like social justice activist, playwright, performer, lawyer, and Chicana, she uses the skills of all those titles to blend the most captivating and informational body of theatrical Latinx work.  The entrance of this relatable Starbucks experience, along with light-hearted jokes, introduces audiences to the harsh realities of these encounters that the Latinx community and other communities face. Irma creates a layered discussion by explaining how people have to change their names to conform to corporate spaces – even in day-to-day situations like ordering a coffee. Maria Aurora Smith, a fellow Latina and member of the St. Mary’s community, explains how the title alone spoke to her as she recalled her name being mispronounced as early as first grade stating, “My first-grade teacher refused to say my name Aurora...my teacher said we’re not going to use that name because it can’t be pronounced,” and that she was so drawn to Irma’s story because “I know what that feels like literally to be called by the name that doesn’t identify me.”The meaning behind Irma’s play was one felt by all members of the audience. Irma also reveals a story of how she even mispronounced her own name once when she was introducing herself in elementary school but since then, has taken full ownership of her name and heritage. She shared other personal stories surrounding her name like how she corrected her law professor while she was in law school. Through her natural storytelling, one minute the audience is laughing with her as she shares her childhood stories, and then the next, the audience is learning about colorism and how it affects the Latinx community. In her play, she incorporates history lessons on the topics of racism as she discusses Jim Crow laws, the origin of the phrase “right to remain silent” through the Escobedo v. Illinois (1964) case, Martin Luther King, the Giant’s baseball player Sergio Romo calling out racists with his, “I just look illegal,” t-shirt and so much more. There is a word used in the cinema and film industry when education meets entertaining – edutainment. And if one could capture edutainment in the medium of theater, it would take the embodiment of Irma Herrera’s “Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name?”As she formerly attended St. Mary’s University as a student, we were so glad to have her back on our campus as she shares her story with our Hispanic Serving Institution. Irma stated that she “loved being at my alma mater and I am so proud to have attended a university that has such a high percentage of Latino enrollment.”To catch the next performance of Irma’s play, those interested can find her upcoming performances through her LinkTree in her Instagram which is @irmadherrera where people can follow her for any updates and for more edutainment.ANNA OVALLESTAFF WRITERThank you for your support this semester. Be on the lookout for our next issue in the spring!ASHTON JEFFERSNEWS EDITORTensions escalate in Gaza strip between Israel and Hamas   Irma Herrera presents one-woman act of Latina identityGraphic by Ashton Jeffers Irma Herrera’s one-woman-act play.| Photo by Anna OvalleOn Sept. 29, the St Mary’s University Center for Catholic Studies presented the lecture, “Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Art of Solidarity,” in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and as part of the Lin Great Speakers Series. The lecture was given by Dr. Nichole M. Flores, Ph.D. Dr. Flores is the Associate Professor of Religious Studies and the Director of the Health, Ethics and Society program at the University of Virginia. Dr. Flores researches the contributions of Catholic and Latin theologies with the notions of justice and aesthetics in pluralistic and democratic political contexts. Her research in practical ethics addresses the issues of politics, migration, labor, family, gender, bioethics, race, ethnicity and ecology. She teaches several courses on Catholic theology and ethics, religion and democracy, bioethics, and Latin theology. Individuals who entered the Sarita Kenedy East Law Library were greeted by the President’s Ambassadors and led to a table filled with items of Our Lady of Guadalupe, gifted by the St. Mary’s University Center of Catholic Studies. The items included study sheets, postcards and various prayer cards. as After visitors collected their gifts, they were escorted to their seats. Kicking the event off after a prayer, Dr. Flores was introduced by Dr. Jason King, Ph.D., currently the Beirne Director for the St. Mary’s University Center for Catholic Studies and the Theology Department. Dr. Flores began her presentation with different images of Our Lady of Guadalupe, including the famous “Veladora” of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a ceramic mural including a 3D votive candle, or veladora, with an eternal flame facing Guadalupe Street in San Antonio. Its purpose was to show that “Guadalupe is everywhere,” stated Flores, Ph.D. During the lecture, she spoke about the many roles of Guadalupe that represented her people. These roles include her as an icon for the farm worker movement that was used for marketing purposes like Banamex, a Mexican banking company, and even as a feminist and pro-life model. Many wonder how this is possible. Dr. Flores explains that Guadalupe brings comfort in recognizing our humanity and dignity.The story of Guadalupe goes back to Dec. 9, 1531, when the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego, an Aztec peasant, on the hill of Tepeyac. She asked him to build her a church on that exact spot to share her love for fellow believers. Juan Diego made his way to visit Juan de Zumárraga, the Archbishop, of modern-day Mexico City. Zumárraga denied his request but after constant pressure from Juan Diego, he finally asked for a sign to prove the Lady’s identity. Juan Diego returned to the hill where Our Lady of Guadalupe waited for him. She told him to climb to the top of the hill and pick some flowers to present to the Archbishop. Juan Diego found beautiful roses on top of the hill, even though it was the middle of winter. Juan Diego placed the flowers on his tilma, a cloak, and returned to the Archbishop’s headquarters. On Dec. 12, 1531, after waiting for hours, he presented himself in front of the Archbishop and revealed the flowers to him. They discovered the rare flowers and noticed that the Virgin’s image was imprinted on the tilma. The tilma is preserved to this day and showcased at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. It remains one of the most sacred images in all of Mexico.  Although Our Lady of Guadalupe plays a role in representation, Dr. Flores focused on the effect she has on the Latino community in the U.S. She highlights that the reason why Our Lady of Guadalupe is important to many people, especially to many Latinos because Juan Diego’s story is relevant to their own. From Juan Diego’s people being under Spanish rule, to the Chicano community taking action in the Farmers Movement, Our Lady of Guadalupe serves as a symbol of power and solidarity. Although Our Lady of Guadalupe is known under different names such as Tonantzin, “mother goddess,” she is still venerated by many. Her image is a message to her people that they are never alone in their suffering, no matter how grave their situation. Interested in lectures offered by the Lin Speaker Series? Visit www.stmarytx.edu for more information and event news. NEWS 3MARIANA MATAWEB EDITOR OCT. 25, 2023 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM  cbouro f  Pete  Aquado   The United States Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown on Oct. 1, passing a stopgap spending bill, also known as a continuing resolution, that is meant to fund federal agencies through a 45-day length, ending on Nov. 17, 2023. When one hears of a government shutdown occurring, concern shines through due to the very nature of the words used to describe this type of event. Some think it indicates treating a certain amount of time like a federal holiday, where one takes a day off from work or school. That understanding is somewhat true, but the results are a lot less exciting compared to holidays.  At its core, a government shutdown happens when Congress fails to enact 12 appropriations bills annually, which determine the amount of funding different government agencies are allotted. These agencies include Defense, Homeland Security, Energy and Water Development, Labor, Health, Human Services, Education and other related agencies. When a government shutdown occurs, many federal employees are asked not to report to work, except in the case of government employees who are deemed essential service employees, which include law enforcement and air traffic control. These workers who have essential service roles do not receive compensation until Congress takes action and ends the shutdown. Only agencies without appropriations enacted have to shut down, which is known as a partial shutdown.  Shutdowns disrupt daily life, work and other services given through federal agencies like obtaining a passport or visiting and upkeeping national parks across the United States. While a few days of the government shutdown is a hassle, it can turn into a major problem for the overall economy when it becomes weeks. It impacts resources and benefits provided to individuals through government agencies and services.   The effect of a shutdown and the anxieties it brings can be difficult for the average civilian to understand. Roy Estala, member of the Department of the Air Force civilian workforce, shared his thoughts on the government shutdown being avoided at the start of October. To note, Estala’s statements as a government civilian employee are his own personal comments and are not on behalf of the Department of the Air Force civilian workforce.  “The potential government shutdown has not affected the IT field in any way, and will not,” Estala stated when asked if this moment at the beginning of October influenced or changed operations for his department in any way. “Either the work is done by other employees in my section, who were not affected by the shutdown. What I mean by other employees is there are different pots of money being paid to government employees. There are contractor employees, who get paid through a government contract, Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) employees, paid through a separate pot of money allocated by the government and are not affected by a government shutdown and General Schedule (GS), like me, who depend on the annual funding of the government,” Estala continued. Often government agencies are a complex mixture of contracted project employees and employees who work for the agency specifically.” Challenges might be larger for some, but Estala’s perspective shows that many individuals are affected even in small ways that influence jobs.  Estala has been working for the federal government for 32 years now in San Antonio, Texas along with his family and two daughters: one is a sophomore at Young Women’s Leadership Academy and the oldest is a freshman at St. Mary’s University.   “Unfortunately, my family and I are not prepared to handle a long-term government shutdown this November,” Estala shared when asked if he and his family would be prepared for a potential shutdown if Congress could not reach decisions on appropriations bills. “When I say long term, I mean 2-4 months. If I am furloughed for that long of a time, I will have to apply for unemployment benefits, but that also means that I must pay back any money I am given during my furlough. I was employed with Via Transit several years ago and would rather seek employment there again. I enjoyed working as a bus operator.”  Estala stated that he was provided information on the ongoing situation of a potential shutdown in September, which he explained from his past experiences of living and working through g o v e r n m e n t shutdowns. “There have been government shutdowns in prior years, and have not affected the positions I have held,” Estala stated. “Prior to any government shutdown, we receive notifications continuously before; months, weeks [and] days leading up to the last day of a government shutdown. We are provided with information about other resources and agencies that may help.”  During this time, updates of Congress’ decisions will continue to arise, especially regarding the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy and who plans to run for the position of House speaker.Dr. Nichole M. Flores delivers “Our Lady of Guadalupe” in Lin Speaker SeriesASHTON JEFFERSNEWS EDITORDuring a government shutdown, federal employees are asked not to report to work, including public spaces often used. | Photo by Ashton JeffersPrior to any government shut-down, we receive notifications continuously before...We are provided with information about other resources and agencies that may help.”Roy EstalaInformation Technology Specialist“U.S. Government shutdown narrowly avoided with a continuing resolutionDr. Flores courtesy of St. Mary’s University Behind the bargains: the Shein - Forever 21 collaboration Challenged literature: the disadvantage of challenged books Books offer readers the possibility to travel to a million places at once, allow readers to feel represented, and invite readers to identify themselves within the pages. The covers and chapters allow readers to access a world of infinite possibilities. However, over time, society attempts to prohibit the public from accessing certain texts, resulting in isolated readers. The government continues to prevent schools from teaching about certain types of novels. “Challenging” is a term to describe texts that are in the process of being removed in social and academic settings. The act of challenging books is ongoing. Over time, more books have been frequently under the radar. According to The Library Association,   the   number of challenged books significantly increased last year. There was a “record-breaking number of attempts to ban books in 2022 – up 38 percent from the previous year” (Blakemore 2023). Although these bans are done to protect the well-being of developing generations, this censorship discourages students from learning about subjects that are critical. These motives are bred from good intentions but they prevent students from feeling represented, seen and conscious as members of society. “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison is a challenging book that is in the process of being banned in America. According to ABC NEWS, “the novel is being challenged for including ‘explicit content.’ This novel has been influential for being “a coming-of-age book [that] explores themes of racism, class, gender, sexual violence, and how these themes intersect” (Alfonseca 2023). Senior English major, Kassandra Cantú expressed her first-hand reaction to the book stating, “When I first read the book, I was taken aback because of the realities this book shares with readers, but at the end, when you look at the book as a whole it pacts more of a punch when you talk about these realities without a filter. It’s raw and real instead of sugarcoating it to please every audience.” “The Bluest Eye” provides readers with the reality of topics that are not often discussed in society. Readers who feel alone in these conversations can turn to these novels and feel represented. After discussing this with Cantú, she responded with her point of view: “Although novels like ‘The Bluest Eye’ have themes that may be triggering for some people, and I would understand why people would be hesitant about exposing people to it, we shouldn’t shelter people from these things because ignoring a problem is only going to make it worse.” “And Tango Makes Three” by Justin Richardson is a notable children’s picture book that was recently banned. Despite the novel’s overarching theme of familial love, the book was challenged in states like Florida for its representation of same-sex parenting. According to an article from NBC, in Florida “the school board…barred students who are in kindergarten through third grade from accessing [this book] about two male penguins at New York City’s Central Park Zoo who adopted and raised an orphaned penguin chick named Tango. The district decided to implement rules banning their educational systems from speaking about ‘sexual orientation or gender identity” (Yurcaba 2023). Senior english major, Marisabel Jimenez, who participated in the annual research week in 2022, focused her research on the effects of book banning. Through her research, she realized that many of the targeted books came from minority authors or groups. Jimenez stated: “It’s really important to have books surrounding minority groups and different cultures in the classroom so these children are able to grow up knowing that they have representation and that they are not alone in their experiences. The rapid rise of fast fashion has taken the world by storm. In an effort to further infiltrate American wardrobes, two of today’s most prominent fashion brands, Shein and Forever 21, have decided to join forces with the parent company of Forever 21. This collaboration will unite two of the biggest companies in fast fashion across the nation. Under the terms of the agreement, there is potential for Shein to establish dedicated sections within Forever 21 stores, and vice-versa. Additionally, both partners will make mutual investments in each other’s shares.Junior business major, Ana Gabriela Acosta expressed her opinions regarding this partnership from a business perspective. “From an economic standpoint, I see this as a mutually beneficial opportunity. It allows Shein to diversify their sales beyond online stores to include physical locations. This, in turn, offers customers a more engaging experience where they can try on clothes before making a purchase.”To provide some background, Shein is set to procure approximately one-third of Sparc Group’s shares, the entity that has held ownership of Forever 21 since its emergence from bankruptcy in the year 2020. Sparc Group is a collaborative endeavor between the conglomerates Authentic Brands Group and Simon Property Group, a major mall operator. Acosta went on to discuss how Forever 21 has faced challenges in maintaining their business, leading to numerous store closures in the United States. She speculated, “I believe this partnership could be a significant step towards revitalizing Forever 21’s presence back in business.” As a component of this arrangement, Sparc Group will transition into a minority stakeholder in Shein.Professor of marketing, Dr. Nicole Kirpalani expressed her opinions on this new partnership: “The Forever 21/Shein joint venture provides growth opportunities for both brands. Forever 21 will be able to significantly boost its online presence, while Shein will have closer access to its younger target markets by selling its products in brick-and-mortar stores. However, the fast-fashion business model that both brands employ leads to a negative impact on the environment. Steps towards more sustainable manufacturing, distribution, and products need to be taken.” In the early 2000s, Forever 21 played a pivotal role in popularizing the fast fashion concept among American shoppers. The company distinguished itself in malls by selling tops for as low as $5 and adopted a production schedule that outpaced traditional department stores. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Shein has risen to prominence among American consumers in recent times by elevating the fast-fashion experience. The company leveraged its advanced technology and efficient supply chain to produce hundreds of new styles within weeks. This dynamic approach provides a diverse array of options to customers and caters to the evolving tastes of teenagers. The Shein website had become notorious for their extremely low prices resulting in various temporary pop-up stores in the United States. Shein has encountered scrutiny regarding the production methods and locations of its inventory, with allegations of forced labor and plagiarizing independent designers’ creations. Acosta voiced her reservations about this partnership: “Partnerships can   be   tricky  if not properly structured. I trust that both parties have a solid agreement in place that paves the way for success for both entitles.” The U.S. government has banned imports from regions of concern, due to concerns about human rights violations against the Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group.  Shein vehemently denies engaging in forced labor practices. To address these accusations, Shein did also institute a program for independent designers, compensating them for crafting apparel and goods for the company, however this may be to little too late.Forever 21 encountered significant hurdles of its own. In 2019, the company filed for bankruptcy and shut down over 30% of its U.S. stores due to a shift in consumer behavior against purchasing in physical stores and mounting competition from similar stores such as Shein, H&M and Zara. VALERIA CANTUCONTRIBUTING WRITERNATALIA BUSTAMANTECONTRIBUTING WRITERGraphic by Rena EstalaOPINION EDITOR: MARIANA CHAMORRO | @STMURATTLERNEWS | OCT 25, 20236Fair game: the debate over trans athletes in female sportsMARIANA CHAMORROOPINION EDITORThe participation of transwomen in female sporting events has generated a lot of heated discussions. While critics point out potential injustice and disadvantages for cisgender female athletes, supporters advocate for equality and inclusion. The issue of fairness is at the center of these discussions. Excluding trans women from female athletics, according to supporters of trans inclusion, is discriminatory and violates their basic human rights. They favor a more open-minded strategy that values diversity and encourages athletes of all genders.The possibility that trans women possess natural physical advantages from male puberty, like enhanced muscle mass and bone density, is one of the main arguments against letting them participate in female sports. These benefits provide transwomen an advantage over cisgender women in the workplace. Even after transitioning, trans women tend to have higher levels of testosterone, a hormone that aids the development of bones and muscles. Given the hormone’s link to enhanced performance, many contend that permitting trans women with testosterone levels higher than cisgender women to compete against them may put women at a competitive disadvantage. Men often have larger muscle mass due to a higher level of testosterone which can result in superior muscle strength, endurance, and general physical performance. This advantage is usually the same for trans women– even after transitioning. Another important element in determining athletic performance is bone density. Male puberty encourages the growth of denser bones, which can provide stability. The risk of injuries during high-impact sports is higher in cisgender women because of their lower bone density. Males often have higher hemoglobin levels than females, which improves oxygen delivery and performance. The male cardiovascular system is also different from the female circulatory system in several ways, including the size of the heart and the effectiveness of pumping blood and oxygen around the body. These variations affect an athlete’s cardiovascular endurance and general performance.The issue focuses on finding a balance between inclusivity and fairness, even though scientific evidence points to inherent advantages for transwomen in female sports. Sporting organizations can create customized rules that consider the physical advantages of transgender athletes. Establishing evidence-based, inclusive and fair policies is done by promoting additional studies into the physiological impacts of transitioning and how it affects athletic performance. Many say that transgender athletes should be put into their own categories or that performance standards should be used instead of classifying by gender. This strategy tries to maintain fair competition while enabling participation for transwomen. The discussion surrounding trans women competing in female sporting activities is complex and involves both ethical and scientific issues. This problem continues to find a balance between fairness and inclusivity. It’s critical to address the concerns of cisgender female athletes while simultaneously protecting the rights of transgender people. To ensure the world of sports stays egalitarian and diverse for all athletes, regardless of their gender identification, clear guidelines, research and creative solutions are required. It’s important to have open communication and compassion as a top priority when looking for answers that will benefit the entire sports community.DANIEL MATHEUSTAFF EDITORHalloween traditions and their oppositionThe Rattler welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should not exceed 500 words and must include writer’s name, classification, major and telephone number. Editors reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar, spelling, and content. For more information, call the newsroom at (210) 436-3401 or email rattlernews@gmail.Editor-in-ChiefVictoria OlguinManaging EditorSophia KusselCopy EditorTheresa Muller News EditorAshton JeffersOpinion EditorMariana ChamorroArts & Culture EditorJorge GuerreroAdvertising ManagerLuna RodriguezLayout & Design EditorVictoria Van WinkleWeb EditorMariana MataMultimedia EditorRena EstalaSpanish EditorGuadalupe ArevaloSports EditorNicole EstradaFaculty AdvisorKatherine Lehman-MeyerEDITORIAL STAFFLETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICYHalloween is a time to enjoy the thrill of fright and horror. It’s a festival known for whimsical but spine-tingling celebrations. Halloween’s variety of spooky activities, which send chills down spines and cause screams of excitement, is one of its most fascinating features. Who doesn’t like a scary tale or a tense game of hide and seek in the dark? Not everyone, as some religious organizations are extremely against the activities and holidays.  The “Ouija Board,” a Halloween game that lets players try to talk with ghosts, is a favorite. It’s frequently viewed as an eerie and intriguing activity, but has had the most resistance from the religious community. The individuals use the Ouija Board as a straight route to the demonic world. They consider contacting or conjuring spirits, whether benign or malicious, to be an insult to the divine. Another popular game is “Bloody Mary.” To play the game, one must recite “Bloody Mary” three times into a mirror, and the supposed ghost of Mary Queen of Scots will appear. Some religions, like the Catholic church truly think that interfering with supernatural powers is a risky activity, whereas other skeptics view it as nothing more than superstition. Engaging in such games is the same as dabbling in paranormal rituals and may have serious spiritual effects according to some faiths like the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Religious resistance to Halloween activities is motivated by their views on the paranormal and the potential risks of summoning ghosts. According to some religious traditions, these behaviors may let evil spirits in, bringing unrest and negativity into the conjurer’s life.According to Sara Ronis, an Associate Professor in the Department of Theology says that: “Sometimes the resistance is related to associations with dark forces (like the Devil), sometimes it’s a rejection of a religious practice developed more recently, associated with young people, or women, or outside the structure of a specific religion, and sometimes it’s just a belief that they are meaningless and are a waste of time.” Supporters of Halloween games contend that these events are merely for fun and should not be taken seriously, in contrast to their religious opponents. They stress that playing these games is akin to viewing scary movies or reading horror stories, and believe that keeping harmony between enjoyment and respect for different religions is essential to enjoying Halloween.  While playing spooky Halloween games may be exciting and entertaining, it’s important to note the safety concerns of certain religions about these activities. Avoiding these practices is not only based on superstition but reflects a strong belief that interfering with the paranormal is dangerous. It is important to have a balance between eerie fun and dangerous activities. According to Ronis, “Understanding each of these traditions as emerging in a really specific context can help us think about the world in different times and places, and how traditions get invented and then repackaged as things change.” Halloween is a time for fun but serves as a reminder to take care of the mysteries of the unknown. Graphic by Rena EstalaOPINION 7OCT 25,  2023 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM THANKS - GIVING Thanksgiving is a time to gath-er with friends and family to give thanks for each other. We express our gratitude for all of the blessings in our life. How-ever, Thanksgiving is also a time to be a blessing for some-one in need. On Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, about 8 Rattlers spent the day volunteering in the Wellness Center at St. Mary’s University to help set-up the Rattler Den Food Pantry. Entry to the Rattler Den Food Pantry. | Photo by Victoria Van WinkleCOMING SOONTHANKS - GIVING St. Mary’s University will be opening their Rattler Den Food Pantry sometime in    November. This food pantry is meant to provide the Rattler communi-ty that’s struggling with food insecurity a place on campus where they have access to free food. The Rattler Den Food Pantry is only one of the many ways St. Mary’s University demonstrates its Marianist spirit. Rattler Den Food Pantry shelves built by Rattlers. | Photo by Victoria Van WinkleGraphics by Victoria Van WinkleLayout & Design Editor: Victoria Van Winkle COMING SOON SPANISH EDITORA: GUADALUPE AREVALO | @STMURATTLERNEWS | OCT. 25, 202310 Rattler Cine: Gem Mint, un cortometraje hecho por un alumno de St. Mary’s JORGE GUERREROEDITOR DE ARTE Y CULTURADra. Nichole M. Flores presenta la charla: Nuestra Señora de GuadalupeEn Sept. 29, el Centro de Estudios Católicos de St. Mary’s University presentó la conferencia “Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y el Arte de la Solidaridad,” en honor del Mes de la Herencia Hispana y como parte de la serie Lin Great Speakers.  La charla fue dada por la Dra. Nicole M. Flores, Ph.D. La Dra. Flores es una profesora asociada de Estudios Religiosos y la directora de Salud, Ética y Sociedad de la Universidad de Virginia. La Dra. Flores investiga las contribuciones de las teologías católica y latina junto con las nociones de justicia y estética en contextos políticos pluralistas y democráticos. Su investigación en ética práctica aborda temas de política, migración, trabajo, familia, género, bioética, raza, etnicidad y ecología. Ella enseña cursos sobre teología católica y ética, religión y democracia, bioética y teología latina.Quienes ingresaron a la biblioteca de derecho Sarita Kennedy East fueron recibidos por los embajadores del presidente y conducidos a una mesa llena de artículos de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, provistos por el Centro de Estudios Católicos de St. Mary’s. Los objetos incluían hojas de estudio, postales, y varias cartas de oraciones. Una vez los visitantes recogieron sus regalos, fueron acompañados a sus asientos. Al iniciar el evento luego de una oración, la Dra. Flores fue presentada por Dr. Jason King, Ph.D., Beirne director para el Centro de Estudios Católicos y el departamento de teología de St. Mary’s.Dr. Flores comenzó su presentación con diferentes imágenes de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, incluida la famosa “Veladora” de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, un mural de cerámica que incluye una vela votiva en 3D, o veladora, con una llama eterna de cara a la calle Guadalupe en San Antonio. Su propósito era mostrar que “Guadalupe está en todas partes”. Durante la conferencia, habló sobre los muchos roles de Guadalupe que representaban a su gente. Estos roles incluyen: ella como un ícono para el movimiento de trabajadores agrícolas que fue utilizado con fines de marketing como Banamex, una empresa bancaria mexicana, e incluso como modelo feminista y provida. Muchos se preguntan cómo es esto posible. La Dr. Flores explica que Guadalupe “trae consuelo al reconocer nuestra gghumanidad y dignidad”. La historia de Guadalupe se remonta al 9 de diciembre de 1531, cuando la Virgen María se apareció a Juan Diego, un campesino azteca, en el cerro del Tepeyac. Ella le pidió que le construyera una iglesia en ese lugar exacto para compartir su amor por todos los creyentes. Juan Diego se dirigió a visitar a Juan de Zumárraga, el Arzobispo de la actual Ciudad de México. Zumárraga negó su pedido, pero luego de constantes presiones por parte de Juan Diego, finalmente pidió una señal para acreditar la identidad de la Señora. Juan Diego regresó al cerro donde lo esperaba Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Ella le dijo que subiera a la cima de la colina y recogiera algunas flores para presentárselas al Arzobispo. Juan Diego encontró hermosas rosas en la cima del cerro, a pesar de que era pleno invierno. Juan Diego colocó las flores en su tilma, un manto, y regresó a la sede del Arzobispo. El 12 de diciembre de 1531, después de esperar horas, se presentó ante el arzobispo y le reveló las flores. Descubrieron las raras flores y notaron que la imagen de la Virgen estaba impresa en la tilma. La tilma se conserva hasta el día de hoy y se exhibe en la Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en la Ciudad de México. Sigue siendo una de las imágenes más sagradas de todo México.Aunque Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe desempeña un papel en la representación, Dr. Flores se centró en el efecto que tiene en la comunidad latina en los EE. UU. Ella resalta que la razón por que Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe es importante para muchas personas, especialmente Chicanos, es porque la historia de Juan Diego es relevante para la suya. Desde el pueblo de Juan Diego bajo el dominio español hasta la comunidad chicana que actúa en el Movimiento de Agricultores, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe sirve como símbolo de poder y solidaridad. Aunque Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe es conocida con diferentes nombres como Tonantzin, “diosa madre”, muchos todavía la veneran. Su imagen es un mensaje a su pueblo de que nunca está solo en su sufrimiento, por grave que sea.¿Está interesado en las conferencias ofrecidas por la serie de Lin Speaker? Visite www.stmarytx.edu para más información y noticias sobre eventos.MARIANA MATAEDITORA WEBHobbies tales como coleccionar cartas pueden ser vistos como una inocente o aburrida actividad de la que nadie conoce. Sin embargo, Joshua Collins, Rattler y nativo de san Antonio, recientemente estrenó el cortometraje: “Gem Mint” que se centra en un sórdido coleccionista de cartas deportivas quien comete un crucial error. Él arruinó su oportunidad de ganar treinta millones de dólares y la situación se salió de control. Collins es un director, escritor y productor de cine autodidacta que cerrará el telón de su segunda producción cinematográfica, Gem Mint, este invierno con la ayuda de The Sauce producciones. Filmada enteramente en un día y en una habitación sin aire acondicionado, “Gem Mint” es un cortometraje de nueve minutos. La película sigue a Johnny, un coleccionista que dirige su propio negocio de consignación que depende del porcentaje de ventas que hace cuando la gente le trae sus cartas para que las venda. Joven y exitoso con una colección de elementos altamente cotizados, Johnny vive con su cabeza en las nubes y sin preocuparse por las consecuencias de sus actos. Un día, toma todo el dinero de sus clientes para comprar una carta de basquetbol, 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, en la búsqueda de revender este santo grial de las cartas a un mayor precio. Cuando la carta resulta ser una falsificación, es muy tarde para que Johnny pueda recuperar su dinero, y las paredes se cierran sobre él más rápido de lo que se da cuenta, dejándolo en el ojo de la tormenta. “Gem Mint” fue una cultivación de técnicas de cine favoritas. Collins dijo a The Rattler, “‘Gem Mint’ es una combinación de cinematografía poco ortodoxa, narración Safdie-esca, y una ansiedad creciente que deja al espectador sin aliento”. Inspirandose en películas como “Uncut Gems,” “The Bear,” and “Good Time,” este maravillosamente grabado cortometraje deja a la audiencia al borde de su asiento con una infecciosa ansiedad sobre siguiente peor escenario.Cuando se le pregunto sobre que le inspiro a tomar esta dirección con su segundo cortometraje, Collins declaró: “Por un lado, no puedo evitar ser influenciado por Martin Scorsese y su trabajo. Las películas de Scorsese se enfocan en representaciones de lo profano, o más específicamente, los comportamientos de humanos que típicamente consideramos van en contra de las virtudes y valores enseñados por la religión. Sus personajes son personas imperfectas y pecadoras, y me parece muy interesante que él raramente se concentre en los que son morales o justos”. El añadió, “Por otro lado, tengo un profundo respeto y admiración por los hermanos Safdie y sus películas. Los hermanos Safdie tienen un entendimiento del suspenso y los riesgos que en mi opinión es de lo mejor que hay actualmente. Ellos frecuentemente utilizan actores sin experiencia previa en sus proyectos, y terminan con una película mucho más autentica como resultado”.En su segundo cortometraje, luego de su debut a la pantalla grande, “Master Sommelier,” Collins explicó lo que disfruto durante la creación del proyecto y lo que aprendió con la experiencia: “Mi parte favorita acerca de hacer ‘Gem Mint’ fue poder ver de primera mano cómo estaba mejorando en mi narración y habilidades cinematográficas - ver que estaba avanzando en la dirección correcta”. Collins ganó mucha experiencia de sus películas previas, el mencionó, “Master Sommelier” fue grabada con un equipo de cerca de seis personas. “Gem Mint” por otra parte, aumento a casi treinta, incluyendo un equipo de diseño de producción, múltiples camarógrafos, y un pequeño batallón de asistentes de producción. “Fuimos de grabar con una cámara Sony 4k en ‘Master Sommelier’ a cámaras RED y Blackmagic para ‘Gem Mint’, y la diferencia en calidad es asombrosa.”Collins revelo a The Rattler como casi subestimo cuanto tiempo le tomaría grabar este proyecto, y como todo pudo echarse a perder: “Como sentí que ‘Gem Mint’ podría ser filmado en doce horas, solo alquile nuestras cámaras y pague nuestro técnico del sonido por un día. Conforme nos acercábamos lentamente a la treceava hora de trabajo, admito que un pánico silencioso empezó a invadirme. Estoy muy, muy agradecido de que nuestro técnico del sonido decidiera quedarse con nosotros todo la noche y terminar la grabación. Tenía toda razón para irse luego de que la doceava hora hubo pasado, pero nosotros seguíamos dándole comida y cigarros, así que no parecía importarle mucho”. El estrés de las altas expectativas para terminar en un día se traduce perfectamente en la película de Collins y añade al creciente suspenso de la producción de nueve minutos. Collins presentó su producción previa en festivales de cine en el Reino Unido y Moldavia, “Gem Mint” se proyectará internacionalmente en el festival de cine internacional de Toronto y en el South by Southwest en Austin en marzo del 2024. La película esta disponible online y los televidentes pueden ver la película de Joshua Collins, “Gem Mint,” en su sitio web: joshcollinsfilm.com.  La Dra. Nichole M. Flores posa para una foto. | Obtenido de St. Mary’s University WebsiteSPANISH 11Cuestión de Equilibrio: Ser un Estudiante-Atleta en St. Mary’s UniversitySOPHIA KUSSELEDITORA GERENTEHalloween y su Oposición Religiosa: ¿Es Celebrarlo un Sacrilegio? MARIANA CHAMORROEDITORA DE OPINIÓNHalloween es el tiempo para disfrutar del miedo y el horror. Es una festividad conocida por sus mágicas, pero escalofriantes celebraciones. La variedad de tenebrosas actividades de Halloween, que causan escalofríos y provocan gritos de emoción, es una de sus más fascinantes características. Estas actividades temáticas de Halloween varían desde recoger manzanas flotando en aguas oscuras a leer historias de miedo en la oscuridad ominosamente alumbrada por velas parpadeantes. ¿A quién no le gusta una historia de terror o un tenso juego a las escondidas en la oscuridad? No a todos, dado que algunas organizaciones religiosas están extremadamente en contra de estas actividades y festividades.La Ouija, un juego de Halloween que permite a los jugadores intentar comunicarse con fantasmas, es un favorito. Es frecuentemente visto como una misteriosa e intrigante actividad, pero ha enfrentado la mayor resistencia por parte de la comunidad religiosa. Individuos usan el tablero de la ouija como una ruta directa al mundo demoniaco, mientras que diversas religiones consideran que contactar o conjurar espíritus, ya sean benignos o malignos, es un insulto a lo divino. Otro juego popular es “Bloody Mary” (María la Sanguinaria). Para jugar uno debe recitar “Bloody Mary” tres veces frente a un espejo, y el supuesto fantasma de María Reina de Escocia aparecerá. Algunas religiones, como la Iglesia Católica, realmente piensan que interferir con fuerzas sobrenaturales es una actividad peligrosa, mientras que otros escépticos ven esto como nada más que superstición. Participar en este tipo de juegos es lo mismo que tomar parte en rituales paranormales y pueden tener efectos espirituales serios de acuerdo con algunas religiones como los testigos de Jehová. La resistencia religiosa a las actividades de Halloween parte de sus creencias acerca de lo paranormal y los posibles riesgos de invocar fantasmas. Según algunas tradiciones religiosas, esos comportamientos podrían dar entrada a malos espíritus, provocando disturbios y negatividad en la vida del conjurador.Sara Ronis, una profesora asociada en el departamento de teología dice que: “A veces la resistencia está relacionada con asociaciones a fuerzas oscuras (como el demonio), a veces es un rechazo a una práctica religiosa desarrollada más recientemente asociada a gente joven o mujeres, o fuera de la estructura de una especifica religión, y a veces es solo una creencia de que carecen de sentido o son una pérdida de tiempo.”Los defensores de estos juegos de Halloween contienden que estos eventos son meramente por diversión y no deben tomarse en serio, en contraste con sus oponentes religiosos. Ellos resaltan que participar en estos juegos es como ver películas de miedo o leer historias de terror y creen que mantener armonía entre el disfrute y el respeto por diferentes religiones es esencial para disfrutar de Halloween.Mientras jugar juegos de terror puede ser emocionante y entretenido, es importante considerar las preocupaciones sobre seguridad por parte de ciertas organizaciones religiosas acerca de estas actividades. El evitar estas prácticas no está solamente basado en superstición, pero refleja una fuerte creencia en que interferir con lo paranormal es peligroso. Según Ronis, “Entender cada una de estas tradiciones como surgidas en un contexto muy específico puede ayudarnos a pensar acerca del mundo en diferentes tiempos y lugares, y como tradiciones son inventadas y luego modificadas conforme cambian las cosas.” Halloween es el tiempo para el recreo y el disfrute, pero sirve como recordatorio para cuidarse de los misterios de lo desconocido.OCT. 25, 2023 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COMSt. Mary’s University, conocida por sus rigurosos programas académicos y competitivos equipos deportivos, ofrece a los estudiantes una oportunidad única para sobresalir en el aula y en el campo. Sin embargo, la vida de un estudiante-atleta no es nada fácil. Los atletas de St. Mary’s navegan un cronograma exigente que incluye estudios académicos y entrenamiento atlético riguroso. Equilibrar largas horas de práctica, sesiones de entrenamiento y una carga académica completa puede ser complicado, dado que hay poco espacio para la relajación.“Hacer todo esto no es fácil,” dice Rebecca Reed, estudiante de derecho en el equipo de golf femenino. “Te estaría mintiendo si dijera que lo es. Requiere mucha planificación y disciplina para apegarse al plan y luego también de cierto modo ser paciente contigo misma cuando las cosas se descarrilan un poco porque así es la vida”. No hay duda de que los atletas requieren la habilidad de soportar las presiones de equilibrar lo académico, los deportes y su vida personal, lo que añade una presión sustancial que es difícil de manejar.A pesar de los desafíos, existen estudiantes-atletas como Rebecca Reed quien logra prosperar en estos entornos de alta presión. Reed, que se describe a sí misma como una persona muy esforzada, ha logrado más que la mayoría, ser nombrada Estudiante de Marketing del Año de St. Mary’s en 2022, Golfista Académica del Año de la Conferencia Lone Star y actualmente está en la facultad de derecho. Está en su quinto año jugando golf para St. Mary’s y se sentó con the Rattler para brindarle información sobre el atletismo de St. Mary’s.“Soy muy diligente. Soy como una devota planificadora. Siempre sé lo que debo estar haciendo y trabajé muy duro para tratar de cumplir con ese cronograma”, explicó Reed. “Porque eso es lo más importante. Todo el mundo tiene un plan, pero ¿puedes realmente ejercitar la disciplina para poder cumplirlo, pero también para darte suficiente tiempo para simplemente existir y disfrutar de estar en la universidad y disfrutar de estar con tus compañeros de equipo y estar con tus amigos?”St. Mary’s University reconoce las luchas de los estudiantes-atletas y esta comprometida a brindarles los recursos que necesitan para triunfar. La universidad ofrece ajustes académicos y se esfuerza para brindar apoyo educativo a todos sus estudiantes, incluidos a los atletas.Reed continuó explicando sus logros en St. Mary’s: “Realmente se lo debo todo a mis profesores porque construí excelentes relaciones con ellos durante mi tiempo en pregrado y ellos me han brindado excelentes oportunidades para expandir mi carrera académica. “ Reed continuó: “Y todos mis profesores en general me han apoyado mucho como estudiante-atleta. Han sido de gran ayuda. Si necesita horario de oficina o necesita que le expliquen algo, o simplemente necesita información adicional o necesita aproximadamente un día adicional en una tarea. Siempre están muy dispuestos a trabajar contigo si estás dispuesto a comunicarte con ellos”.Los atletas universitarios no son inmunes a los problemas de salud mental. Cuidar la salud mental de un deportista es una necesidad para mantener una vida estudiantil equilibrada. Las presiones de los deportes pueden parecer inmanejables sin ayuda, incluso para los estudiantes más dedicados. El Colegio Americano de Medicina Deportiva informó que el 25% de los atletas experimentan trastornos alimentarios, agotamiento, depresión o ansiedad. Aún más preocupante es que el mismo informe mostró que sólo el 10% de todos los estudiantes-atletas con problemas de salud mental conocidos buscan ayuda de un profesional de la salud mental. Reed comentó sobre la importancia de buscar tratamiento para la salud mental.“No habría llegado tan lejos sin ayuda”, dijo Reed. “Sé que el departamento de atletismo ha contratado al entrenador Mac. Él es un gran recurso para nosotros. Es psicólogo deportivo y ha trabajado un poco con nosotros por un tiempo. Y luego tengo mi propio psicólogo deportivo con el que he trabajado desde que estaba en la escuela secundaria, y definitivamente es la mejor decisión que he tomado.”Además del apoyo de la universidad, la relación de un estudiante-atleta con su equipo es una fuente importante de ánimo. Los jugadores suelen encontrar apoyo y motivación en las relaciones que establecen con sus compañeros de equipo a lo largo de la temporada.“Hacemos prácticamente todo juntos”, dice Reed. “Y tener eso es como tu columna vertebral para poder tomar esos descansos de todo y tienes como que hacer tiempo para ti mismo. Pero tenerlos allí y ser capaz de simplemente confiar en ellos en el sentido de como que tener a alguien con quien hablar, tener a alguien con quien pues, simplemente tomar un descanso es genial”.Los deportes no siempre son el único objetivo de un estudiante-atleta. Necesitan encontrar tiempo para buscar una salida fuera de los deportes, una pasión fuera de los deportes escolares, algo que puedan tener para sí mismos. Sin una salida, los estudiantes-atletas experimentan un agotamiento sustancial.“Encuentra algo que te haga realmente feliz y tómate el tiempo para ello”, enfatizó Reed. “No tiene por qué ser todos los días o todas las semanas, pero asegúrese de planificar el tiempo para hacerlo. Yo tomaba una caminar, iba a la piscina [o] leía un libro. Cualquier cosa que te haga sentir lleno por dentro porque mi psicólogo habla de como llenar tu taza. Necesitas hacer algo porque cada día, todo el estrés, toda la ansiedad [y] todo el trabajo, drena lentamente esa taza y por eso necesitas hacer algo para volver a llenarla”.La vida de un estudiante-atleta en la Universidad de St. Mary está llena de rigor. El constante malabarismo entre los deportes, lo académico, la salud mental y la gestión del tiempo no es nada de lo que burlarse. Con el apoyo de la universidad y la comunidad, y la determinación de los propios estudiantes-atletas, los atletas de St. Mary’s seguirán logrando el éxito, tanto dentro como fuera del campo.Graphic by Victoria OlguinHobbies like card collecting can be seen as an innocent or boring activity nobody knows exists. Fellow Rattler and San Antonio native, Joshua Collins recently released the short film, “Gem Mint” centered on a sleazy sports card collector who makes a crucial mistake. He blew his shot at earning $30 million and it backfired tremendously. Collins is a self-taught film director, screenwriter and producer who will draw the curtain on his 2nd short film production, “Gem Mint” this winter with help from The Sauce Productions. Shot entirely in one day and in one room with no air conditioning, “Gem Mint” is a nine-minute short film. The film follows Johnny, a collector who runs his own consignment business that relies on the percentage of sales he makes when people bring their cards in for him to sell. Young and successful with a collection of highly coveted items, Johnny lives with his head in the clouds and with no regard for the consequences of his actions. One day, he takes all his client’s money to purchase a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card in search of flipping this holy grail of trading cards for a higher price. When the card returns as a fake, it’s too late for Johnny to get the money back, and the walls close in on him quicker than he realizes, leaving him in the eye of a storm.“Gem Mint” was a cultivation of favorite filmmaking techniques. Collins tells The Rattler, “‘Gem Mint’ is a combination of unorthodox cinematography, Safdie-esque storytelling, and a building anxiety that puts the viewer in a chokehold and refuses to let go.” Pulling from tones like “Uncut Gems,” “The Bear” and “Good Time,” Collins’ wonderfully shot short film leaves the audience on the edge of their seat with an infectious anxiety for the next worst-case scenario. When asked what inspired him to take this direction with his second short film, Collins stated: “On one hand I can’t help but be influenced by Martin Scorsese and his work. Scorsese’s films focus on depictions of the profane, or more specifically, the behaviors of humans that we typically consider to run counter to the virtues and values taught by religion. Scorsese’s characters are flawed, sinful people, and I find it really interesting that he rarely focuses on the morally righteous or just.” He added, “On the other hand, I have a deep respect and admiration for the Safdie brothers and their films. The Safdie brothers have an understanding of suspense and stakes that, in my opinion, is currently second to none. They often employ first-time actors in their projects, and they end up with a much more authentic film as a result.” In his second short film following his debut on the big screen, “Master Sommelier,” Collins explained what he enjoyed during the project’s creation and what he learned from the experience: “My favorite part about making ‘Gem Mint’ was being able to see firsthand that I was improving in my storytelling and filmmaking skills—that I am taking steps in the right direction.” Collins gained much experience from his past films, he mentioned, “Master Sommelier” was filmed with a crew of about six. “Gem Mint,” on the other hand, upgraded to almost thirty, including a production design team, multiple camera operators, and a small army of production assistants. We went from shooting on a Sony 4k camera in ‘Master Sommelier’ to RED and Blackmagic cameras for ‘Gem Mint,’ and the difference in quality is staggering.” Collins revealed to The Rattler how he almost underestimated how long this project would take to film, and how it could have gone wrong: “Because I felt that ‘Gem Mint’ could be filmed in 12 hours, I only rented our lenses and paid our sound technician for one day. As we slowly pushed into the 13th hour, I will admit that a quiet panic did start to sink in. I am so, so grateful that our sound technician decided to stay with us throughout the night and finish the shoot. He had every reason to leave after the 12th hour had passed, but we kept feeding him and giving him cigarettes, so he didn’t seem to mind as much.” The stress from the high stakes of having to wrap up in one day translates perfectly into Collins’ film and further adds to the growing suspense of the nine-minute production.Collins showcased his prior production at film festivals in the United Kingdom and Moldova, “Gem Mint,” will feature internationally at the Toronto International Film Festival and at Austin’s South by Southwest in March 2024. The film is available to watch online and viewers can see Joshua Collins’ film, “” on his website Joshcollinsfilms.comafter the memorable Disney movie. Open Fridays through Sundays from October 6th through the 29th, admission is $12 for anyone ages 3 and up.Closing our list of pumpkin patch attractions. Another one that is a 30-minute drive from campus is the Jenschke Orchards. This farm in Fredericksburg has an extensive pumpkin patch full of autumnal vegetation worthy of multiple photo-ops, a Texas sized jumpy pillow, pony rides, and their main attraction this year, A corn maze paying homage to the Queen of Country - Reba McEntire. Graduate student Scout Mcann told The Rattler, “I’m an annual visitor to the Jenschke Orchards. Their corn maze theme has never been closer to my heart than this one. Even though I will probably get lost like last year, I will venture through the corn for Queen Reba”. Visitors can get in on the agritainment at Jenschke Orchards until the 29th of October and admission is $14 per person for anyone ages 3 and older.Jumping into the spooky side of autumnal activities, the popular 13th Floor Haunted House is coming back for what they are saying is “their most terrifying season yet”, according to an announcement from their organizers. The 13th floor is introducing new areas to the multilevel haunted house called The Deadlands and The Rot Shop. Previews for the new areas on social media show the new rooms will include fungus monsters similar to this year’s popular HBO show and video game, The Last of Us. Open until October 31st and then opening briefly again November 3rd, 4th, and 11th, admission starts at $19. Closing out our list of spooky attractions, Fright Fest at Six Flags Fiesta Texas is one of San Antonio’s most popular haunted experiences. Six Flags’ annual Fright Fest sees the theme park get taken over by ghosts, ghouls, and zombies. The anticipated attraction returns with haunted houses inside the park like RockKill High School, SlaughterHouse 6 Xtreme, Buried Alive, as well as their newest haunted house Twisted Theatre of Torment. The new attraction takes place in the Twisted Twine Puppet Theater, where Mr. Tangles and his Puppets are dying to put on a show for visitors and thrill seekers. Open until October 31st, prices and hours for Fright Fest vary starting at $49 for daily passes.These fall attractions range from different pockets of the city but are all worthy of a visit. From aesthetically pleasing pumpkin patches and beautifully grown corn mazes to the screams and horrors of late October nights, all the autumn attractions listed are worthy of a visit no matter the distance or price. ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: JORGE GUERRERO | @STMURATTLERNEWS | OCT 25, 2023 12Rattler Films: student Joshua Collins unveils new short, Gem MintFilm poster for Gem Mint  | Poster courtesy of Joshua CollinsJORGE GUERREROARTS & CULTURE EDITORJosh Collins pictured with a crew member on the set of Gem Mint | Photo courtesy of Josh CollinsFROM  “CORN MAZE”Josh Collins huddled with his production crew on set of Gem Mint | Photo courtesy of Josh CollinsOne of the many photo-ops at the San Antonio Pumpkin Festival| Photo by Nate RodriguezDeep in the heart of North Saint Mary’s Street, surrounded by the prominent clubs of the San Antonio nightlife scene, Paper Tiger eagerly awaited the night to roar with the sounds of High Sunn and local supporting acts Inoha and Jakob Lui. Both the main and side rooms of the venue were crowded, with an air of anticipation for the night’s main act.Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, 23-year-old Justin Cheromiah, High Sunn, and his band arrived in San Antonio for their first U.S. national tour, supporting the project’s summer release “Fabric,” a 6 song EP. Counting 11 dates starting in Brooklyn, New York, and finishing at the infamous Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles, California, Cheromiah has anticipated performing outside of California since 2015. Beginning his project at 14 in his bedroom, Cheromiah combined influential sounds from the past, such as those of the New Order and The Jesus and Mary Chain, with contemporary sounds like Beach Fossils and Japandroids, to create a unique genre of music he calls “Dreamo Pop.” The genre is a combination of scratchy guitar riffs and heavy drums, paired with dream-like chords and catchy vocals all enveloped with classic California sleaze. In 2017, his EP, “Hopeless Romantic,” gained millions of streams, thanks to his popular teenage love ballads, “Holding Hands,” and “Ramen Waitress.” This release was met with praise from publications like Stereogum, Consequence of Sound and BrooklynVegan. Now age 23, with over 245.3 thousand listeners globally, Chermoiah told The Rattler before the concert, “This is my most proudest work to date,” referring to his newest EP. Due to last-minute emergencies, High Sunn’s opening bands were unable to attend and had to be replaced with local acts– Inoha and Jakob Lui. San Antonio band Inoha broke the ice with their driven, high-paced alternative rock as they performed on their home stage for the first time. Before the main act, Jakob Lui relaxed the anxious crows with his smooth, melancholic music, showering the crowd with his wavy Shoegaze-like chords and laid-back vocals. Powering into the main event, Cheromiah and his Bay Area counterparts made their way to the stage where dozens of people huddled around in anticipation. breaking the silence, High Sunn set the night off with their surf rock hit “Those Last Words” from their 2018 album “Missed Connections.” This sent the crowd into a daze. The lo-fi sound took control, and concertgoers bumped their heads up and down along with the high-valence drums as Cheromiah and his shaggy-haired entourage enlightened the audience. Pulling from their extensive discography, High Sunn enthusiastically performed fan-favorite tracks “Tears” and “Joy of Romance,” as well as recent hits from their latest EP like “You = Youth,” and title track “Fabric,” which takes a more mature and developed direction while still maintaining their classic lo-fi sound. The crowd shook the ground throughout the night and was still eager to hear the two songs they had been waiting for all night, cheering and chanting for the band to meet their request. The band happily obliged as Cheromiah whispered into the microphone, “You think we would leave without playing your favorites? We love you, San Antonio, we would never do that.” As the opening arpeggios of “Holding Hands” echoed through the room, the audience cheered and set forth a wave-like movement through the crowd sending everyone from the left to the right as shoulders bumped and people sang along. Finally, Cheromiah and his band thanked attendees for coming out and dancing along before performing the song that took the indie world by storm in 2017, “Ramen Waitress.” With the immediately recognizable high-driven guitar tone, the opening riff put the room into a frenzy, and the crowd jumped around with excitement. A delightfully simple track about Cheromiah’s intense infatuation with a waitress serving him ramen, this song perfectly encapsulates the California band’s defining sound with its prominent surf and garage rock elements paired with his roaring, youthful voice behind dreamy lo-fi chords.Bowing before the crowd and blowing kisses to their fans, the Bay Area outfit filled the tiny room of the Paper Tiger with their upbeat and blissful California sound. Exiting the venue after jumping all night, freshman engineering student Eve Huerta commented: “This type of music isn’t common around here. This night made me feel like I was in a California town with waves whooshing not far away.” High Sunn wrapped up their nationwide tour on October 15th with their newest release “Fabric” available on all music streaming sites. Follow them on Instagram @highsunnband to catch their next show in San Antonio.CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT 13OCT 25, 2023 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COMAs the leaves turn to shades of orange and the air grows crisp, Halloween season emerges with a ghoulish grin. While the semester enters its final stretch, students look to cozy up with a movie fit for the season. From classic frights to family-friendly fun, the world of cinema offers a plethora of options to cater to every taste. Beginning with an all time classic, John Carpenter’s 1978 masterpiece “Halloween” is an iconic slasher film that laid the foundation for countless horror movies to come. This movie introduced the world to Michael Myers, the silent, masked killer who haunts the streets of Haddonfield. The eerie soundtrack, the suspenseful build-up, and the terrifying inevitability of Myers’ pursuit make this film a must-watch for any Halloween enthusiast. This movie can be streamed for free on Crackle, as well as on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.Though the public teeters from calling this a Halloween and Christmas movie, Tim Burton’s, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a darkly whimsical stop-motion animation. The perfectly crafted film brings us the tale of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, who stumbles upon Christmastown and decides to take over Christmas. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a unique blend of Halloween and Christmas, making it an ideal film to bridge the gap between the two holidays. Currently, this movie can be streamed on Disney+ with a valid subscription and can be rented on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV for $3.99On a similar note but with much more suspense than horror, Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, The Shining, is a psychological horror masterpiece. Jack Nicholson’s chilling performance as Jack Torrance, a writer turned madman, is unforgettable. The isolated, haunted Overlook Hotel becomes a character in itself, adding to the film’s eerie atmosphere. Leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, this cult classic film is regarded as one of Stanley Kubrick’s most intense works. A perfect movie to watch with snacks to munch on as the suspense peaks, this movie can be seen on Amazon Prime Video or Max.Finishing out the “scary” movie section of the Halloween Movie list, Wes Craven’s “Scream” is a self-aware slasher film that cleverly plays with horror tropes while delivering genuine scares. The story of a killer who taunts his victims with horror movie trivia has become a seasonal classic. This movie guaranteed to spook viewers’ socks off is streaming on Paramount Plus, as well as available for digital rental through Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.Diving into the family friendly movies, “Hocus Pocus” is a Halloween film that has become a beloved tradition for many. This Disney classic follows the adventures of Max, Dani, and Allison as they try to stop a coven of witches, the Sanderson sisters, from wreaking havoc on Salem. This movie perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday with its humor, magic, and a catchy musical number from Bette Midler. This humorous Halloween classic is available to watch in theaters as well as on streaming platforms through Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.Another all time Halloween fan favorite is “Beetlejuice”, the darkly comic fantasy film directed by Tim Burton. This film tells the story of a recently deceased couple, Barbara and Adam Maitland, who enlist the help of a mischievous spirit, Beetlejuice, to scare away the new residents of their home. The film’s unique blend of humor and the supernatural makes it a Halloween favorite as well as being known for one of the projects that gave stand out roles to eventual hollywood stars Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton. This movie can be watched in theaters until the end of October and is currently streaming on Hulu and Amazon Prime VideoFinally, Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, “Coraline” is a visually stunning stop-motion film that tells the story of a young girl who discovers a secret, magical world that seems perfect at first but hides a dark secret. With its eerie button-eyed characters and a sense of creeping dread, “Coraline” is an excellent choice for Halloween viewing. Full of eye-catching filmmaking and comical jabs from the abundance of characters, this 2009 film directed by Henry Selick can be streamed on Hulu and Amazon Prime VideoThe world of cinema offers a diverse array of Halloween movies to suit all tastes and age groups. Whether in the mood for classic horror, family-friendly fun, or a bit of both, these films are sure to get rattlers in the Halloween spirit. Halloween movie list for Rattlers to watch this spooky seasonJORGE GUERREROARTS & CULTURESan Francisco band High Sunn unleash surf rock roar at the Paper TigerJORGE GUERREROARTS & CULTURE EDITORJustin Cheromiah and his band High Sunn performing at the Paper Tiger | Photo by Jorge GuerreroJakob Lui intently singing into the microphone| Photo by Jorge GuerreroPromotional Poster for Coraline | Poster courtesy of LAIKA studios14 EDITOR: NICOLE ESTRADA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | OCT. 25, 2023SPORTSStudents at St.Mary’s describe sports in one wordA Review of St.Mary’s Women’s Golf this monthThe fall semester is nearly over, and the St. Mary’s Women’s Golf team is shifting its focus to prepare for the spring season. Last month the team had many exciting developments including this year’s inaugural MSU Women’s Fall Invitational, the opening of a new Golf Performance Center in the Alumni Athletics and Convocation Center, and the naming of the Lone Star Conference Co-Golfer of the week.The golf team concluded their fall season on a triumphant note at the inaugural MSU Women’s Fall Invitational, where they wrapped-up the game with a three-round total score of 879. The team has much to celebrate as they prepare for the upcoming season.They are looking forward to exciting developments next season as the athletics department continues to grow. The golf team marked a significant milestone with the unveiling of the new Golf Performance Center in the Alumni Athletics and Convocation Center. The center is an 800-square-foot space, which features a cutting-edge golf simulator called a Foresight Sim-in-a-Box. It simulates range practice and course gameplay under almost any type of imaginable variables. The room includes improved lighting, new security and safety features. The room was formerly used for racquetball but has been transformed all because of a two-plus-year project  for the golf athletics team. This development was possible due to the contributions from St. Mary’s alumni. Rich Dupre, a long-time supporter of St. Mary’s athletics, helped immensely in securing the necessary funding for this project according to St. Mary’s Athletics. The implementation of this center will positively impact the golf team’s future performance for next season.The team had an outstanding individual achievement with Savannah Dupre being named the Lone Star Conference Co-Golfer of the week. In the MSU Women’s Fall Invitational, Dupre matched the St. Mary’s freshman record for the lowest round shot, contributing significantly to the team’s overall performance. These accomplishments signify the team’s dedication and hard work, setting the stage for an even more promising future.Reflecting on the season, Law student Rebecca Reed shared her thoughts, saying, “I mean, I feel like I’ve had some highs and I’ve had some lows, but every fall season is like that, I’m pretty happy with how it’s gone because in the past, I felt like the lows were really low. And so, I feel like I’ve been a little bit more consistent this season, which I appreciate.”With this landmark game so close to the season, many wonder what’s next for Women’s Golf this semester. Reed expressed her thoughts on what’s in store for the team, and stated: “I think our ultimate goal is to make it to the national tournament and everybody wants to win a national title.” Reed continued, “But the first goal is getting to the national tournament and then just kind of testing our luck from there.”It’s clear to see that the St. Mary’s University Women’s Golf team is heading into the spring season with the determination and foresight to continue their journey toward the national tournament and beyond while encouraging one another on their journey. SOPHIA KUSSELMANAGING EDITORS t .  M a r y ’s  Wo m e n’s  G o l f  Wi n s  M S U  F a l l  I n v i t a t i o n a l  |  C o u r t e s y  o f  R a t t l e r  A t h l e t i c s Graphic by Rena EstalaSPORTSOCT. 25, 2023 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM 15Balancing act: being a student-athlete at St.Mary’s UniversitySt. Mary’s University, known for its rigorous academic programs and competitive sports teams, offers students a unique opportunity to excel in the classroom and on the field. However, the life of a student-athlete is far from easy. St. Mary’s athletes navigate a demanding schedule that includes academics and rigorous athletic training. Balancing long hours of practice, training sessions and a full academic course load can be challenging as there is little room for relaxation.“Doing it all is not easy,” says Rebecca Reed, a law student on the women’s golf team. “I would be lying to you if I said that it was. It takes a lot of planning and discipline to stick to the plan and then also kind of giving yourself grace when things fall off the rails a little bit because that is life.” There is no question that athletes require the ability to withstand the pressures of balancing academics, sports and their personal life, which adds substantial pressure that is difficult to manage.Despite the challenges, there are student-athletes like Rebecca Reed who manage to thrive in these high-pressure environments. Reed, a self-described over-achiever, has accomplished more than most, being named the St. Mary’s Marketing Student of the Year in 2022, the Lone Star Conference Academic Women’s Golfer of the Year, and is currently in law school. She is in her fifth year golfing for St. Mary’s and sat down with the Rattler to provide insight into St. Mary’s athletics.  “I’m very diligent. I’m like a religious planner. I always know what I should be doing, and I worked really hard to try to stick to that schedule,” Reed explained. “Because that is the biggest thing. Everybody has a plan, but can you actually exercise the discipline to be able to stick to it, but then also to give yourself enough time to just exist and enjoy being in college and enjoy being with your teammates and being with your friends?”St. Mary’s University recognizes the struggles of student-athletes and is committed to providing them with the resources they need to succeed. The university offers academic accommodations and strives to provide educational support for all its students, including athletes.Reed went on to explain her achievements at St. Mary’s: “I really owe that all to my professors because I built some really great relationships with them through my time in undergrad and they’ve given me some really great opportunities to expand my academic career.” Reed continued, “And then of all of my professors as a whole have been super supportive of me being a student-athlete. They’ve been super helpful. If you need office hours or you need something explained, or you need just additional information or you need an extra day or so on an assignment. They’re always super willing to work with you if you’re willing to communicate with them.”College athletes are not immune to mental health challenges. Taking care of an athlete’s mental health is a necessity to maintain a balanced student life. The pressures of sports can feel unmanageable without help, even for the most dedicated students. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) reported that 25% of athletes experience disordered eating, burnout, depression or anxiety. Even more concerning, the same report showed that only 10% of all student-athletes with known mental health conditions seek help from a mental health professional. Reed commented on the importance of seeking mental health treatment.“I would not have made it this far without help,” said Reed. “I know the athletics department has contracted Coach Mac. He is a great resource for us. He’s a sports psychologist and he’s worked with us a bit. And then I have my own sports psychologist that I’ve worked with since I was in high school, and it’s definitely the best decision that I’ve ever made.”Besides the university’s support, a student-athlete’s relationship with their team is a significant source of encouragement. Players are often able to find support and motivation in the relationships they build with their teammates throughout the season.“We do pretty much everything together,” says Reed. “And so having that is kind of like your backbone of you get to take those breaks from everything and you have to kind of like make that time for yourself. But having them there and being able to just like rely on them in that sense of just kind of having someone to talk to, having someone to like, just take a break with is, that’s great.”Sports aren’t always a student-athlete’s sole focus. They need to find time to pursue an outlet outside of sports, a passion outside of school sports, something they can have to themselves. Without an outlet, student-athletes experience substantial burnout.“Find something that makes you genuinely happy and make time for that,” Reed emphasized. “It doesn’t have to be like every day or every week but make sure that you’re planning time to do that. I’d be going for a hike, going to the pool [or] reading a book. Anything that just makes you feel kind of full inside because my psychologist talks about like filling up your cup. You need to do something because every day, all the stress, all the anxiety [and] all of the work, slowly drains that cup and so you need to do something to fill it back up.”The life of a student-athlete at St. Mary’s University is filled with rigor. The constant juggling of sports, academics, mental health and time management is nothing to scoff at. With the university and community’s support, and the determination of the student-athletes themselves, St. Mary’s athletes will continue to achieve success, both on and off the field.SOPHIA KUSSELMANAGING EDITORSelina Wu dominates with some stellar performances at the ITA CupSOPHIA KUSSELMANAGING EDITORLast week, it was announced that Selina Wu is the only freshman in the country at Division II to qualify for the ITA Cup this season. Wu opened up about her feelings and her accomplishments at St. Mary’s. This freshman’s journey to this is nothing short of inspiring.Selina Wu, a student and a player in Women’s tennis, has made a name for herself in Division II tennis. Her talent and hard work have earned her a qualification in this upcoming season at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Cup championships. When asked about how she felt, Wu had this to say:“Being the only freshman in the country at Division II to qualify for the ITA cup is really shocking for me,” Wu said. “I didn’t know, as a freshman, I could do that as well. There’s so many good players out there and there’s so many upperclassmen, such as sophomores, juniors, seniors, and just being the only freshman is just something that I didn’t think could happen to me as well.”Wu started her tennis career at an early age and quickly established herself as a formidable player during high school. Her talent quickly caught the attention of St. Mary’s athletics, which led her to join the St. Mary’s tennis team in Aug. 2023.“Well, my journey started off when I was younger, “ Wu stated. “ My dad introduced me to tennis actually and it runs in the family, but at the age of, I believe 12, I started playing more competitively and I just wanted to train more and become better,” Wu continued.Throughout the years, Wu has been able to excel in the sport and grow from any losses. Her recent accomplishments let her know that her performance is only getting better.“Reaching the finals of the South Central Regional gave me a huge confidence boost and also helped me mentally a lot since the previous last two matches I lost in a very tight set. My performance…I just thought was going down completely. I didn’t have any confidence hitting my shots. I just got really frustrated really easily, but with being able to reach the finals of the South Central draw, I was able to get fired up again and become really confident in what I was doing.”Like any competition, ITA is an accomplishment that can cause feelings of nervousness and stress, especially when faced with having to represent your school. However, Wu has found ways to prepare herself when those feelings arise.“Some of my preparations and training routines leading up to this event is basically an hour before the match. I would listen to some hype and some calming music because usually before match, I feel really tense and need to calm myself down. I also do my dynamic warm up stretches so I don’t get injured and just talking to my coach, visualizing what I need to do on the court and how I’m supposed to play, and just tell myself to just go out there and have fun.”With ITA nearing, Wu is already preparing her mindset and technique. Each athlete has their own process, but Wu emphasized that her main goal for the conference is to not only use her skillset and learn but also to have fun.“I just go out there and play, but I do want to play against the top players, of course, to try my best and win. They all have a really good set of skills that I can learn from and just want to improve.”As Selina Wu continues her journey in the world of collegiate tennis, her story serves as an inspiration to future St. Mary’s athletes and a testament to the rewards of hard work and dedication. The student body eagerly awaits her performance at the ITA Cup, where she aims to leave a memorable mark on St. Mary’s athletics. Athlete Rebecca Reed | Photo by Antonio Morano Photography Tennis Athlete Selina Wu Competeing | Photo by Danny Torres

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