Search Results

With headliners like The Strokes, Sabrina Carpenter, John Summit, and Luke Combs, there’s no question why Austin City Limits brought a crowd of 75,000 people per day, according to Texas Lifestyle Magazine.   Despite temperatures reaching the 90s, crowds stampeded in early to rush to the barricade, not wanting to risk missing out on  viewing their favorite artist without obstructions.   The festival boomed with energy and didn’t shy away from welcoming people of all ages and music tastes. There were even special appearances from local Texans like Matthew McConaughey to surprise appearance guests like Lizzy McAlpine during Role Model’s set.   Regardless of whatever plans attendees made in order to see multiple sets, crowds still made it particularly difficult to maneuver through the park, and it was not uncommon to get stuck by stages.   With the lineup that big, fans had to make a very big decision: Which artist were they going to see?   Here is what this WIM reporter observed during weekend two:   Day 1 To see Hozier’s set, which this WIM reporter was dedicated to, I sat barricade at the T-Mobile stage for about eight hours and watched King Princess and Role Model in order to watch Hozier’s last performance in the United States for his “Unreal Unearth” tour. Photos by Annabella Mireles   Although the T-Mobile stage did not face the Texas sun, fans in the crowd unfortunately did. While getting “toasty,” King Princess delivered great stage presence while fashioning black leather chaps and a white tank top, a staple of hers. Her setlist included new hits like “Fantastic” from the popular Netflix series,  “Arcane,” “Pain” which was featured in the 2023 film, “Bottoms,” “1950” her first release and “Pussy is God,” just to name a few. This was done in front of a huge screen displaying graphics like a woman wearing a shirt that says, “your girlfriend loves King Princess.”   Role Model also knew how to excite his fans and drew a large crowd of people that reached far past the front of house. In true Texas spirit, he danced around with fellow singer Lizzy McAlpine during “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” which I have to say, wasn’t as iconic as weekend one’s Hilary Duff cameo. His set was lively, fun and got the crowd pumped before Hozier’s emotional ride.   During Hozier’s performance, the Irish singer graced the stage with graphics like a large skull that loomed and followed him as he walked along the stage. Later, he displayed statistics such as the net worth of the world’s five richest people and the homeless population in the UK while he sang “Eat Your Young.” Before he sang “Cherry Wine” and “Unknown,” he went down into the audience to the “B” stage for a more intimate performance with his crowd of thousands. His most memorable performance though, had to be “Nina Cried Power” who he did a duet with alongside Amanda Brown.   Day 2 My second day consisted of roaming the American Express stage in preparation for Carpenter’s performance. In doing this, I also witnessed Marina’s set and Doechii’s set.   Considering the Amex stage is facing the sun, Marina played it smart and brought out a white and black Parasol and sunglasses. Her set started strong with “PRINCESS OF POWER” followed by “Are You Satisfied?” The Welsh singer carried the umbrella for most of the set while singing by her mic wrapped in pink ribbon. Fans tossed up their fans and sang a lot to hits like “Primadonna” and “How to be a Heartbreaker” as they warmed up their voices for Sabrina. Doechii followed and did not disappoint. Although her set seemed to get the worst of the heat since she went on at 6:30 P.M. and her jewelry occasionally fell off, her energy was unmatched along with DJ Miss Milan who kept the crowd jumping to songs like “Alter Ego” and her version of “America Has a Problem” by Beyonce. Photos by Annabella Mireles     As soon as Doechii’s set ended, the crowd packed like sardines and gave no space to move. Oddly enough, it was Carpenter’s set where I witnessed the most chaos. A few men started fighting, women were crying as they desperately tried to make their way to the front, and people fainted left and right. The stage held a double staircase where backup dancers paraded before Carpenter finally came out and gave the crowd what they were waiting for. The stage illuminated blues, pinks and greens as she sang her best hits and a few tunes from her fifth studio album, “Emails I Can’t Send.” Between songs, the screens displayed vintage style commercials teasing her next song which seemed to rile up the crowd. She ended her set by surprising everyone and sang from a crane that hovered her above the audience as she waved goodbye. Day 3 I started my day at The Dare’s set which grew quite a crowd as the singer had several sound systems displayed behind him and wore his suit and sunglasses.  “This is probably the first time I’ve worn sunglasses for their actual purpose,” he said as he performed in the heat.  He was a solo performance and played his Korg MS-20 synth that went along with his early 2000s NYC dance-punk style that gave new fans more than a taste of indie-sleaze.   After his set, I made my way over to T-Pain who seemed to be a crowd favorite.  He joked about his age and said, “I’m a week older than that last time…I mean my knees have been much worse. I ain’t tripping.”  Despite him saying this, it didn’t seem to deter him from giving the crowd a great performance. The audience did not seem too tightly packed for this set, not because there was not a lot of people, but because they needed space to dance, and that is exactly what everyone did.   Finally, for me, was The Killers who claimed their weekend one performance was just their rehearsal. Lead singer Brandon Flowers sported a teal suit that was as electric as his energy. They surprisingly opened with their biggest hit, “Mr. Brightside,” which almost seemed to be a diss at the grand crowd at John Summit’s stage. They followed with “Spaceman” and “Jenny was a Friend of Mine” and later ended with “All These Things That I’ve Done.”   Their set was a great way to end the three-day festival, and although my feet and back were in immense pain, it somehow went away when I was listening to my favorite artists. Austin City Limits did it again and didn’t hold back. Even when fans were not at the stage, they could choose between the 50 local food vendors at the “ACL Eats & Sweets” areas, take a break at the Tito’s air conditioned lounge, and visit the artisan vendors who sold items like custom bandanas, jewelry, and hats to name a few.   One of my biggest observations of Austin City Limits is this: This festival is for EVERYBODY! “Austin Kiddie Limits” provides an area for younger audiences and offered family-friendly music and a “Tag-Your-Kid” which is a great way to keep families together through the crowds. The “Big Tent” provided a cool-down spot as well as large TVs for those who don’t want to miss the weekend football games as well as plenty of areas for people to camp out and drink in between sets.   From music genres like EDM, rock, hip-hop, folk and country to food from global cuisine for the foodies to shopping areas for the merch hunters, this festival truly has no limits. Annabella Mireles is a creative writing MFA student at UTEP with her bachelor’s in digital media production. She is a freelance photographer and writer with works published in The Prospector Newspaper, Minero Magazine and The City Magazine.

Austin City Limits featured many talented artists this year, and the BMI stage hosted Ally Salort, who ended her set with swaying crowds, raised hands and her music added to new fans’ playlists.   Salort, a New Jersey-based alt-pop singer, brought her vocals to Austin after being invited by BMI to perform on Sunday of weekend two.   “I actually don’t think I’ve performed on a stage that big,” Salort told Women in Media during an exclusive interview. “I got to dance around, have a good time and see girls in the front who knew my words. It means a lot professionally because I’ve been to music festivals all my life and it’s kind of like a bucket list thing.”   Salort started singing covers on social media and has been releasing singles since 2022. This eventually led to the creation of her first EP in July of this year, “Change of Plans.”   “Through doing covers, I realized that by singing other people’s songs, you sort of take a lot with you,” Salort said. “I’ve done a bunch of different genres of covers, so finding which one I want to write in has been a fun process."    Salort’s melodic and deep lyrics resonate with audiences as she sings about heartbreak and growth. Songs like “Horror Movie,” which relates being the first character to die in a Horror Movie” with going back to the person you know will hurt you. “Tattoo (Selective Memory)” is about making excuses and trying to forget the bad things someone has done to you. With songs like these, it’s easy to understand why she should be on your radar.  “I didn’t start out thinking I was going to write an EP, I was just kind of writing about a bunch of different things,” Salort said. “A bunch of songs ended up being about this one situation that threw me for a loop with this person, and that’s kind of how it came to be.”  Although the city’s heat was no joke, that didn’t stop Salort from giving her all in Austin.  Photos by Annabella Mireles “I’ve heard about this festival forever,” she said. “BMI invited me, and it was at a moment when I was planning my headline shows, so it all just happened at once, which was really cool. And apparently, I got lucky with the shaded stage.”  Fans who attended her set were blessed with coverage from the unforgiving Texas temperatures as the BMI stage faced away from the sun. “I hope people feel comforted in me being vulnerable and saying things that I wouldn’t normally say in real life,” Salort said about her song lyrics. “It’s always so funny when I have to introduce a song and say what it’s like when the reason I wrote the song is because I don’t want to have to explain what I feel.”   Salort played with bandmates Gabe and Tyler who were on drums and guitar. During their set, Salort performed two unreleased songs, “Housekeeping” and “We’re Not Friends” the latter of which had never been rehearsed before.   “We had not practiced at all, and I had messed up because I didn’t know I came in right away, but when you mess up, it’s not the end of the world,” she said. “'We're not friends’ will come out soon, I haven’t released the date yet, but it’ll be soon, and ‘Housekeeping’ will come out sometime next year.”   Salort grew nostalgic during the interview and shared what her early beginnings looked like. “I had performed at this hotel cafe years ago and it was such a different time for me because I was singing songs that I wasn’t necessarily resonating with, and I was still getting used to everything,” she said as she reflected on the start of her career. “The thought of performing used to make me sick and now I’m just excited to sing songs that I love and resonate with. It’s great!”   When asked to tell the audience what she wants people to know about her, she replied “I’m a singer-songwriter from New Jersey. I love songwriting. I love lyrics, I love performing and I love connecting with people through music.”   As she sang up on stage, audience members sang along, waved at her and she waved back. New fans walked away saying things like, “I can totally relate to those lyrics,” and “I’ll definitely have to check her music out.”   Salort’s performance at ACL was just a sneak peak of the stardom that’s to come, and Women in Media will be keeping an eye out!  You can check out more of Ally Salort on her website . Annabella Mireles is a creative writing MFA student at UTEP with her bachelor’s in digital media production. She is a freelance photographer and writer with works published in The Prospector Newspaper, Minero Magazine and The City Magazine.

What is art? For what feels like my whole life I have struggled to solve this puzzle of a question. I know what art can be: beautiful, meaningful, revolutionary, important. However, I can not seem to come up with a good enough definition for what art is .  Fortunately, a new piece was added to this puzzle Sept. 20.  The grand opening of Art Soup Collective’s month long fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation was held at the International Museum of Art.  Photos by Daniela F é lix For the next month, the museum’s walls will showcase a vibrant mix of artworks. Some pieces were created by local artists, others were born from collaborative painting sessions with patients, families and students across El Paso from Placita Santa Fe to St. Pius Catholic School.  The assortment of art beautifully displayed in the museum was a show stopping sight and showcased the immense talent of the community.  This gallery was not only about admiring talent, though, it was about transforming lives. Each brushstroke on every canvas carried a purpose to turn art into wishes. The inspiring, community made artworks hope to find new homes through a silent auction, with 100 percent  of proceeds dedicated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which will change the lives of kids by granting them life changing opportunities and experiences.   As I moved from canvas to canvas, every single piece felt like a needle of joy threaded deeply into my heart. I could not help but wonder if this is what art is all about. Perhaps, art resists definition because it changes the fiber of your being with every glimpse. That afternoon, I found a puzzle piece reminding me that art shifts depending on who holds the brush, who stands in front of the canvas, and what their heart is overwhelmed with.  The artists of these pieces themselves echoed this truth in their own ways. Pam Schuster, artist and Cofounder of Art Soup Collective, did not hesitate to share what art means to her.  According to Schuster, art is about, “Being inspired to create, being inspired to help others, [and] being available for other people because everybody has stuff going on and it’s important to be there.”  Schuster words mirrored the very spirit of the afternoon, a reminder that art is not just creation, but connection.  For Gina Michelle Lochausen, another local artist, art was a gentle encouragement. Lochausen described it as, “A reminder of how easy it is to lift each other up.”  This was a sentiment reflected in the collaborative paintings made side by side with patients, families and friends.  Meanwhile, artist Scott Hovis hoped his work carried a lesson in boldness.  “It’s okay to break all the rules and still be successful,” Hovis said.  His words felt like a brushstroke of permission to those who fear coloring outside the lines.  Finally, artist Susan Ryde left me with a thought I carried home.  “We can coexist with others and make a beautiful picture rather than being separate in everything we do,” Ryde said.  Her belief was painted across the gallery walls, each canvas proving that collaboration creates beauty far greater than isolation ever could.  Together, these voices painted a portrait of art not as a strict definition, but as a practice of generosity, resilience and hope. This was more than a gallery opening, it was a movement of community spirit.  I walked out of the International Museum of Art that afternoon with no concrete definition of art, but with something far better, an understanding. Art is the brushstroke that connects us, the canvas that holds our shared stories, the quiet reminder that beauty and kindness are never separate. If art cannot be defined, perhaps that is because it was never meant to be. It was meant to be lived.   Karen Hernandez is a member of Women In Media and may be reached at karen33hdz@gmail.com

Most recently, I began my pilgrimage to shop more sustainably, locally and ethically. Upon jumping onto this conscientious journey, I began to transition from shopping from big corporations to shopping from small businesses. Throughout this transition, I have found the immense benefits of shopping small. Upon this very rewarding personal change, I received rewarding gifts such as finding community, helping strengthen the local economy, personalized shopping experiences and practicing sustainable consumption.   As a lover of books, I recognize that having printed copies of books is very fulfilling; however, millions of books end up in landfills annually according to an article by Nordsense . Therefore, thrifting books became an urgent matter for me. Then I found Cactus Flower Bookery, a family and woman-owned bookshop located on the westside of El Paso, TX. This hidden gem is packed with thousands of books from different genres for all ages. Its shopping selection ranges but is not limited to new and used books. Unique paper made gifts and other handmade crafts, candles, jewelry and more are available for customers. Upon speaking with one of the owners, Stephanie Roberts, I was shocked to learn that since opening the bookshop, Cactus Flower Bookery has sold over 20,000 books.  This means thousands of books have been saved from ending up in landfills. Stephanie Roberts and her mother Sheryl Roberts are not only mother and daughter but business partners. With both being book enthusiasts, the pair opened the establishment wanting to create an environment that is welcoming to all and encourages the El Paso community to read more. Keeping accessibility in mind, finding a balance between valuing the worth of a book as well as identifying a fair price for customers has been a priority of theirs which has helped keep the establishment remain successful and attainable. Photos by Sol Dueñez   A struggle the business has overcome was the COVID-19 pandemic.  “Traffic was slow, and I wasn’t able to do one of my favorite things to do, which is book hunting,” Stephanie Roberts said. “It was a very isolating time. It felt like many had forgotten about us. What helped get us through (the pandemic) was making handmade face masks when there was a huge need for them.”  After the pandemic had simmered, the shop seemed to slowly rebuild its clientele and had to find a new set of customers.  “Seeing new and familiar faces was very refreshing but having to jumpstart the business was difficult,” Stephanie Roberts explained. “However, support from the local community helped the business overcome and grow.”   One of the most rewarding experiences Stephanie mentioned throughout her literary business venture has been flourishing community connections.  “Meeting so many people, getting close to customers, and having those people come to our book clubs and other events has been very special,” Stephanie Roberts said.  Upon growing friendships with customers, they also have collaborated with local authors, jewelers, candle makers and other local entrepreneurs.    Cactus Flower Bookery stands as a great example of how shopping small helps build connections, overcome difficulties through mutual support and helps the local populace develop resiliency. We can also observe how prioritizing sustainability and ethical consumption is an attainable goal. So next time you think about buying a book, a gift for yourself or a special someone, keep Cactus Flower Bookery on your radar. Sol Dueñez is a member of Women In Media and may be reached at thewomeninmedia@gmail.com

Nyle DiMarco visited the University Feb. 28 and was the featured keynote speaker for the Miners Leadership Summit, hosted by the Student Engagement and Leadership Center at the Undergraduate Learning Center. Photo courtesy of Nyle DiMarco and his team. Nyle DiMarco has never been one to wait for doors to open. He builds them himself.     Since his breakthrough as the first Deaf contestant and winner on “America’s Next Top Model” in 2014, DiMarco has captivated audiences across multiple industries. He went on to win “Dancing with the Stars” in 2016 and has since built an impressive acting career with roles in “Difficult People,” “Switched at Birth,” “This Close” and “Station 19.” As an executive producer, he has championed projects like the award-winning docuseries “DEAF U" and the Oscar-nominated short documentary “Audible.”     Beyond entertainment, his work through the Nyle DiMarco Foundation promotes bilingual education and improves access to resources for early language acquisition.    On Friday, February 28th, DiMarco visited campus as the featured keynote speaker for the Miners Leadership Summit  hosted by the Student Engagement and Leadership Center at the Undergraduate Learning Center.     As a leader in the Deaf community and beyond, DiMarco defines leadership as a commitment to uplifting and empowering Deaf creatives.     "True leadership is about spotlighting the Deaf community and ensuring that Deaf creatives have a seat at the table in all of my projects," DiMarco writes WIM over email.     His philosophy is simple but powerful: true change happens when Deaf individuals have a seat at the table, not just as subjects of stories but as the storytellers themselves. His projects, such as “DEAF U” and “Deaf President Now,” exemplify this mission, employing historic numbers of Deaf crew members to ensure authentic representation.     "Leadership, to me, is about being an open door; one that allows more Deaf creatives to enter and thrive in the industry. It’s about making sure our stories are told authentically, by us and for us,” he explains.     Breaking barriers is nothing new to DiMarco.     His journey in the modeling and entertainment industries was met with resistance; not because of his talent but because the industry lacked the infrastructure to tell Deaf stories authentically.     "Ten years ago, I was meeting with writers, directors and producers, people who loved me, were fans of my work and wanted to write me into their projects,” he recalls. “But they didn’t know how. It was because the industry lacked Deaf creatives."       Meeting with industry professionals who admired his work but didn’t know how to integrate Deaf characters made it clear that the industry did not just need Deaf actors, it needed Deaf creatives behind the camera as well. That realization led him to found Clerc Studios, where he is creating stories, as well as an entire ecosystem of Deaf professionals who can shape the narrative from the inside out.     "Real change doesn’t happen in front of the screen, it happens in the decision-making rooms," he asserts. His dream is that, in a decade, Deaf creatives won’t have to fight for representation but will have built their own thriving industry.    Shifting perceptions of Deaf individuals in media and professional spaces is another fight DiMarco has taken on.     He challenges stigmas not only through words but also through action, ensuring that Deaf talent is central in his projects, both on-screen and behind the scenes.     "I’ve always believed in showing, not just telling. That’s why I make sure Deaf talent is front and center in my work, both in front of and behind the camera," he writes.     Whether it’s co-directing or producing films that elevate Deaf voices, he insists on authentic, not performative, representation. His social media platforms also serve as an educational space where he breaks down stereotypes, highlights Deaf culture and moves the conversation from inspiration to normalization.     "The goal is to shift the narrative from ‘inspiration’ to normalization," DiMarco asserts.     However, navigating industries that were not initially designed to be accessible has required a strategic mindset.     DiMarco doesn’t wait for permission, he influences industries to evolve.     "The biggest strategy is not waiting for permission. I don’t wait for industries to ‘catch up’ to accessibility, inclusion, and so on. I push them forward," he explains.     Inclusion and accessibility are not optional for him, they are non-negotiable. He collaborates with people who share his vision for an inclusive future and refuses to accept anything less than meaningful representation, explaining he only works with people who genuinely believe in inclusivity.     Despite his success in multiple fields -- modeling, acting, advocacy and business -- DiMarco maintains balance by staying true to himself.     "Honestly, if I started treating this like some impossible balancing act, I’d lose sight of why I do it in the first place. I make sure I set time to date myself, go to the gym, go out on my bike, or spend time with my Deaf friends and Deaf community. Those things re-energize me and keep me inspired,” he adds.     To young leaders, especially those from marginalized communities, DiMarco offers this advice: "First, know your worth. Don’t let industries, employers, or gatekeepers make you feel like you should be grateful just to be included. You belong. Keep in mind that change is slow but every barrier you break down makes it easier for the next person. Always stay true to your identity!"    Looking ahead, he envisions a future where Deaf talent is no longer considered groundbreaking -- it’s simply the norm.     He remains dedicated to developing projects that center Deaf stories and hiring Deaf creatives, ensuring that their visibility isn’t just a moment but a movement.     "I want to see a future where Deaf talent is no longer groundbreaking,” DiMarco states. “I want it to just be normal." Erin Coulehan is the advisor for Women In Media and may be reached at elcoulehan@utep.edu  or @erin_coulehan on Instagram.

Classrooms filled to capacity, restless students and overworked educators are on the horizon for the Socorro Independent School District (SISD) as the decision to place a reduction in force (RIF) of up to 300 staff members was approved at a board meeting on the evening of Feb. 19. News of this proposal was shared with SISD employees this past Valentine’s Day, claiming that the reason these cuts are necessary is because the 2025-2026 school year needs to see a reduced budget by $38 million.  Trustee members Marivel N. Macias, Cynthia Ann Najera, Michael A. Najera, James P. Vasquez, and Alice Gardea were in attendance.  Photo by Annabella Mireles. These financial discrepancies did not occur overnight, though. SISD has had a string of funding mismanagements that led it to this point. To recap, in March of 2024, SISD was found to have graduated at least 276 students who did not meet their requirements in 2019, paid $283,000 in unauthorized stipends and failed to disclose Trustee Paul Guerra’s connections to one of the district’s vendors. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) reported  these findings following an investigation they did on the matter. As a corrective measure, two new conservators were brought on by the TEA but these actions had already sown a thread of distrust into the community and employees alike causing low enrollment numbers as well. When a RIF was proposed as a solution to this new financial obstacle it begged the question: Is laying off 300 staff members, with elementary fine arts educators at the front of the chopping block, the only solution to this problem? Many attendees said no.  Before the meeting even began, plenty of people expressed their concerns on the matter. Yvonne Salazar, a teacher with SISD, attended to speak to the board regarding the jobs at risk of being lost and students at risk of losing their creative outlets.  “In the past, there have been some poor decisions (made) by past board members that are no longer sitting; they were replaced and two have not shown up,” Salazar said. “That has added to the deficit but also the lack of funding from the Texas legislation. I’ve come to talk about that and see if they can readjust and cut spending at higher levels that don't affect children directly.” Some speakers brought up these possible areas of readjustment by challenging questionable financial investments and the salaries of those higher up. For example, the Student Activities Complex (SAC) II cost nearly $60 million  to make, but individuals argued that this money could have prevented the need for such large-scale layoffs if allocated elsewhere. Others called for board members to decrease their own salaries and that of administrators as they reach upwards of $100,000 a year  compared to educators and various staff members. While this probing was common for those addressing the board, some people attended to show their support for the educators that they advocate for on a day to day basis. “We are here to support our educators,” said Sandra Salazar, who is with the Teacher’s Union and Socorro Education Association. “We’re hoping that the district thinks more about cutting teachers because they are the most important tool that our students need.” Sandra Salazar worries for the state of public education as a mother to students in that system and thinks that this issue goes beyond SISD. This is not an uncommon sentiment as many others in attendance brought up how current Texas legislation is creating shockwaves across the state. Meanwhile, students who approached the podium seemed to have the most impact on the crowd as they would be the ones to deal with the consequences of this proposal. Women in Media (WIM) was able to speak with the relative of one such student who went viral on social media for speaking at the meeting.  Photos by Annabella Mireles. Julia Vera, sister of David Serrano and admin assistant with the City of El Paso in District 3, prepared a speech for the board, wherein she pleaded for them to reconsider these layoffs as they will directly impact students like her brother.  “We ask the board to not fire these teachers,” Vera said. “(David’s) teacher is affected by it, he’s one of the 300 (teachers) that are going to lose a job and without the teachers how are the kids going to learn?” Despite the cases presented, the livelihoods at stake and the quality of students’ education on the line, the proposal of the RIF was approved. Those affected will be informed by April 1 according to multiple educators who wish to remain anonymous. While a decision has been reached on the matter, the story is ongoing as the community has yet to see the full impact of these changes. More information on SISD can be found on its website  and a recording  of the Feb. 19 board meeting can be found on the Socorro ISD Board of Trustees YouTube channel. A full photo gallery from the event will be available soon. Meagan Garcia is the copy and web editor for WIM and may be reached at gmeagan19@yahoo.com  or @bymeagangarcia on Instagram.

Photo by Annabella Mireles Picture this: It is an early morning, you missed your alarm clock and you have an exam in thirty minutes. Normally this would not be an issue if it were not for the University of Texas at El Paso's (UTEP's) parking situation. I have been late to multiple classes because it can take up to 15 minutes trying to find a spot that's close to campus and will not get me ticketed or towed. Unfortunately, most UTEP students share this fate. For students who cannot afford a parking permit, running late to class is only one possible worst nightmare. They are left debating if they should risk parking at McDonald’s and getting towed just for one class. According to UTEP’s website , parking permit prices range from $150 to $400 for students and $300 to $930 for faculty, forcing individuals to decide between a convenient parking space or other financial needs.  Clearly, parking is overpriced and an issue at UTEP if students would rather struggle and try to find parking in nearby neighborhoods or businesses. For students like myself, it is not as simple as “just buy a permit.” As a broke college student, the last thing on my mind is paying hundreds of dollars for parking. I have gone two years strong without a parking permit and no parking ticket, which does not come easy. I have no choice but to leave my house at least an hour before class because of both traffic and parking. Everyone has their own method to the madness, but even then, individuals struggle finding somewhere close by without facing the wrath of UTEP’s or the city’s parking police. After eventually finding a parking spot one must still walk all the way to campus and to their class. I have even skipped class a few times because of how long it took me to find a parking spot.  Many students resort to bicycling, skateboarding and even electric scooters because of how far campus is from free parking spaces. This is why free parking should be provided for students and faculty. According to an article by El Paso Times from 2018, there are 7,329 parking spaces available for students, faculty and staff, leaving roughly 70 percent of the student body without adequate parking. As a university that claims to have multiple resources available, it should help its student body with this issue. Since space is so limited it is unfair to overcharge students for horrid parking. UTEP shuttle buses that are meant to take students from far parking lots to campus fill up fast, which sometimes causes students to miss a spot and end up late.  Even though the neighborhoods I park in are far from campus, I still find it more convenient than paying $400 a year for filled parking garages. As a UTEP student I already pay so much in fees and taxes for resources I barely use, I would rather pay fees towards something that benefits me. UTEP could allocate funds from student tuition towards free parking for students and staff. Charging faculty for parking is outrageous. I cannot fathom the idea of giving so much commitment to a career and being forced to pay for parking. UTEP has failed its community by not dealing with the ongoing parking issue.   Moon Phases is the treasurer for Women In Media and may be reached at 114mchavez@gmail.com  or @beyondthestarsintothemoon on Instagram.

Photo by M. Paula Barquero I have worked at a museum for some time now, and from my experience these places are often seen as vaults of the past. However, museums are far more than just containers of old objects. They are places that constantly help us understand the past, they make us feel present and even imagine the future. In a museum time blends together, it is a place where ancient meets modern, from a fossil from thousands of years ago to a digital exhibit. These objects do not just show us what happened millions of years ago, they ask us to connect them to our lives today. They make us reflect on the objects on display, where they come from, what they mean and at least for me, how they shape our understanding of the world.   Museums are also spaces of inspiration. When we step inside one, we are not just seeing artifacts of the past, we are connecting with new thoughts and ideas while exploring history, art and creativity. They are a constant reminder that history is not just something behind us, it is something we carry with us. As my literature teacher Luz Ortega said, “People that don’t know their history tend to repeat it.” To get more insight on this topic, I reached out to Director Daniel Carey-Whalen of the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, who shared his opinion on the importance of museums.  “The role of museums in society is becoming more important, especially in an age of divisiveness, fragmentation and digital inundation,” Carey Whalen said. “Traditionally, museums have been a trusted institution, praised for conveying the truth and displaying real, tangible objects. As museums transition to become more accessible to a larger number of people, this integrity will enable us to include more people's histories and their relationships with the environment into our collective stories. That's what it is all about,sharing a wider variety of stories and healing the divisiveness of our current situation.”   Carey-Whalen’s perspective captures perfectly the importance of museums. They are no longer just preserving ancient artifacts, they are  places where people can come together and share stories. They remind us that history is alive and crucial for understanding who we are and where we came from. In this world where so much feels uncertain, museums help us ground ourselves. So, are museums really just vaults of the past? No, It is in these spaces that we learn not only from our ancestors, but about ourselves. M. Paula Barquero is a contributor at Women In Media and may be reached at mpbarquero@miners.utep.edu

Photo by Annabella Mireles To the average reader, romance novels appear as stories exclusively with happy endings and weddings. As the genre has risen in popularity amongst young women, romance has been reduced to its most basic form. Although happy endings are what many people look for in these novels, romance explores the many nuances of relationships and ways they impact our perspectives. One of my favorite books, “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry, serves as an example of the complex themes found in romance novels. In “Book Lovers,” Henry writes a classic enemies to lovers, small town romance following literary agent Nora Stephens and her sister Libby Stephens on an unexpected trip with an even more unexpected nemesis, Charlie Lastra. Beyond its tropes, “Book Lovers” is an exploration of grief and familial connections. Throughout the book,the Stephens sisters, come to terms with their mother’s death and its impacts on their relationship.  “Book Lovers” is one of the few examples of how romance novels are far deeper than one might expect. Even common tropes in these books reflect real life issues that exist within relationships. One common trope is miscommunication, where one character misunderstands the other, possibly jeopardizing the relationship the characters have. This trope is something that almost everyone has experienced in a relationship, romantic or otherwise. The combination of tropes and explorations into deeper topics allows the audience to connect on a deeper level with the characters. Romance novels offer this connection in a way that other genres may not be able to achieve.  The stigma around romance novels and their superficial themes can be seen as a reflection of their audience. Romance is a genre that predominantly appeals to women. Being a genre directly tied to women, the similarities in societal views of women and the romance genre are striking. Women’s interests are seemingly devalued simply due to their association with women. As a result, romance novels are not seen as worthy enough to read by wider audiences solely because women enjoy them. The idea that such books are lesser detracts others from reading them, causing unnecessary conflicts in book related communities.  The pattern of devaluing the things that women enjoy is unfortunately common in the media. Books are no exception to this rule. As book related communities continue to grow, so does the exclusion of women in these spaces. Rather than encouraging reading in all genres, certain communities see romance as unworthy of reading and criticize those who continue to read the genre. Reading, regardless of genre, should be uplifted by all communities.  As popular as romance is, the genre is still scrutinized because of its content and those who enjoy it. Reading is not a hobby to be valued by what others think of it, rather it is an uniquely individual experience. I have read many genres throughout my life and at one point I was apprehensive of reading romance because of the stigma surrounding the novels. Breaking down the common misconceptions of romance has allowed myself and many other readers the joy of reading romance and finding a new form of love. Kate Sierra is a contributor at Women In Media and may be reached at ksierra1@miners.utep.edu

Photo by Annabella Mireles Every story has its own unique beginning, but ours has four. Women in Media, more lovingly known as WIM, was initially born from the want to create a journalism space that was kinder than the ones we were brought up in. However, as the organization has grown, so have we. This story could never be told from one point of view, though, when the minds of four hopeful women are what brought this dream together. Hear about the beautiful mesh of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets from our four founders below. Meagan Garcia Believe it or not, when I first started my journey in the journalism industry, it was not because I had a particularly strong connection to the field. I am actually a mechanical engineering major, curious at heart and hoping to change the world for the better through my studies.  However, I love writing, I have always loved writing. There was nothing more fun to me than coming up with stories in my head and being able to bring them to life on paper. I lived in books, got lost in the fantasy worlds and the lives of beloved characters. I wanted to create that for other kids like me.  When I first got to college, it was hard to find a balance between my academic career and my passions. I got involved and eventually became a leader in the Creative Writing Society at UTEP, but the community I garnered there only made me want to expand that. Then I met my three lovely co-founders.  I found immense inspiration in my companions’ talents and work drive. Annabella completely reshaped the way I viewed photography as an art form. Fatima opened my eyes to new creative opportunities. Itzel fed my passion for making a change with my words. Coming together to make this was the breath of fresh air that we needed in a field that did not always feel welcoming to young women.  Our goal is to cultivate a safe environment that encourages women to use their voices and tell stories through any medium of media that they would like. Above all, I want little girls to see my work and know that no matter who you are, you can do anything you set your mind to.   Annabella Mireles Photography was a passion of mine that started in high school and blossomed into a freelancing career that I am currently learning to grow. Ever since I had initially picked up a camera for yearbook in high school, I felt an instant connection and knew that my future was going to change.  From always wanting to be a teacher, to wanting to become a photographer in a matter of a year, I had no idea where to start. I had joined different organizations, but none of them had felt right. I knew I needed a space to learn, grow and feel accepted.  Wanting to break into the media field is a hard feat, especially if you are a woman and a minority. One of the few factors that kept me going was the friendships I created in the field with these three amazing women. Together we wanted to create a safe space for women wanting to succeed in the field of media by hosting workshops, social events and providing a mentorship that we did not experience when we started.  With WIM, we hope to introduce women who are at different stages of their career to one another while teaching them everything we know. Personally, I hope to inspire up and coming photographers and show them what being in a community is like rather than seeing others as competition. We have worked tirelessly to put together an organization we wish we had when we started. We cannot wait to grow this organization, and induct new WIMsies!  Fatima Alvarado  Coming into college, I was filled with uncertainty that I would ever be able to enjoy the future in journalism I had been working towards since high school. So, I did what any other student would do. I changed my major to my biggest passion, graphic design.  My love for journalism began when I joined yearbook in high school as a small helper, where I was able to watch others do what they did best and ended up growing fond of the busy environment. Throughout the years I had always been most connected with making creative and colorful pages that others would be able to enjoy. Since graduating high school, creating has always been my biggest passion. When I decided to change my major from communications to graphic design, I realized how sure I was of my future.  Thankfully I had amazing friends and family who supported all my endeavors, including my three honorary sisters, Meagan, Annabella and Itzel, whom I have been able to share my journey with towards a successful future. Now I am working towards a career in print design, where I hope to continue being in the journalism field.  When creating the idea of Women in Media, we all knew it was to support women in the field, and be able to share our knowledge and experience with other students. Going through this semester as a junior, I am more than certain that what we have created will be able to live on after graduating. I cannot wait to see the growth of our members and organization, and am beyond grateful to be able to do this.  Itzel Giron For so many people, finding their passion in life isn’t easy. Some struggle for months and sometimes even years to find their calling; luckily for me, I knew mine since I was six. Rather than worrying about the cartoon lineup after school, I eagerly awaited for it to be 5 p.m. every day in order to watch my favorite news channel, KVIA.  It was there, watching all of those journalists, that inspired me to become the journalist I’m flourishing into. While working in different types of newsrooms and being in different roles, the best part of those experiences was finding women who help other women become the best that they can be. When finding my three new honorary sisters as Fatima mentioned, it felt like I had surrounded myself with the best support system any woman could have. I know so many people dream of finding something like this and I’m so honored to have found something so unique. When creating Women in Media our goal was to create a safe space for women just like the one we found amongst ourselves. WIM has now become our token to the world to not only showcase the talents of other women, but also act as an opportunity to inspire anyone who has felt less than in any work environment. We stand together to remind you, our readers, that feeling less than in any workplace is not right and sometimes those heartbreaking moments can end up leading you to your soulmate of a workplace even if it is a student organization. We cannot wait to see all of your WIMsical selves!  The point of this piece is not only to introduce ourselves and our organization. We want people to understand that even when life feels stifling, you have to dream and find the people you can share them with. WIM is a testament to our  dreams. When there is not a seat at the table for you, do not just pull up a chair, make your own table. Be loud, be brave, and dream big. The founders of Women In Media may be reached at thewomeninmedia@gmail.com

I find myself questioning what the meaning of love is during this romantic month. I have been in a few relationships, yet none have led me closer to defining that word. Is it the pain in heartbreak or the beauty in yearning? Whatever it may be, I am constantly left begging for more.  Valentine’s day, the “day of love,” and the perfect day to berate partners for not getting you the chocolates you like. It is supposed to be a day full of love and passion, unless you are anything like me and still miss that one boy from sixth grade. Then the holiday can be an endless misery, leaving you to question if you will ever get over this unbearable feeling. Still, I go about my day, walking around campus and going to work, surrounded by love. The birds that sing to each other across the sky, the friends that laugh unabashedly together, the person at the Union who plays for the lunch-rush crowd. So much love and I still want more. I have come to the conclusion that because I do not have a definition for love I am left wanting more. That cannot be true, though.   I used to tell myself I was put on this earth to show others love, so why do I crave it the most? Stephen Chbosky, author of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” states in the book, “We accept the love we think we deserve.” This made me realize the battle I was fighting was always in my head. I am a person who wears my heart on my sleeve, but simultaneously has many walls built. Of course I could not feel loved. I am worthy of giving others honest love, so, I too, am worthy of receiving pure love. If I believe that I am surrounded by love then I am abundant in it. I do not need more, I am more.  Learning that love comes from within is something I am still learning. My human desires tend to overcome my subconscious mind. Self-love is the one kind of love that I have always had. After losing someone or something I loved,  it still comes back to me. Love is always around me. I am still learning how to let go, maybe that is a part of love too. I never got over how my grandma got rid of a toy microphone of mine that I loved. The day I could not find it was the first time I experienced heartbreak. The memory of it lives on, and there is a picture of me holding it with my grandma that I cherish. The love I have for it has not gone away and I yearn for it.  Maybe I will always miss that boy from sixth grade, the cute guy from the bakery, the one from class and maybe even the asshole who broke my heart. I will always love. I will love loudly and unapologetically because in a world so seemingly hateful, love is a powerful feeling. Love can change someone and love can grow. I still do not have a definition of love, but I know that I am in love - with myself and with my beautiful surroundings. Love is everywhere.  Moon Phases is the treasurer for Women In Media and may be reached at 114mchavez@gmail.com  or @beyondthestarsintothemoon on Instagram.

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons. As cyber attacks have become more prominent, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) reached out to its community regarding phishing and scam attacks sent to its students, faculty and staff through email. Jeopardizing several accounts, these phishing and cyber-attacks seem to continue to circulate throughout university emails. Local news station, KFOX-14 , reported that, "A ccording to UTEP, cybercriminals sent fraudulent emails to deceive students into revealing their login credentials, which were then used to alter bank deposit details and redirect funds to the criminals' accounts.”  The university’s Career Center later addressed other phishing emails scamming and targeting students by advertising false job openings asking students for incredibly personal information such as bank account information. UTEP’s Career Center sent an email advising job seekers to not share personal information without verifying a company’s identity and encouraged people to research the legitimacy of companies through trusted sources before responding. While the university has taken measures to investigate the phishing attacks, its Information Security Office provided students, faculty and staff with adequate measures  to avoid falling for these  phishing attacks. If individuals are  unsure about a suspicious email, UTEP’s Information Security Office advises to report and forward the original email to its office at security@utep.edu .  The Information Security Office advises people to follow these steps to help reduce the chances of falling for fraudulent scams: “Do not click on any links listed within the email message. Do not open any attachments included in the email. Forward the email message to The Information Security Office. Review your credit card and bank statements, and your bills, for unauthorized charges or withdrawals. Never enter personal information using a pop-up screen. Legitimate companies will provide secure web forms for you to fill out.” For more information visit the link for UTEP’s Information Security office here. Sol Dueñez is a contributor at Women In Media and may be reached at thewomeninmedia@gmail.com