Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Joel Molina

Joel Molina, Photo Editor

Joel is a graduate creative writing student at the University of Texas at El Paso. He is the photo editor who began his career at The Prospector in 2022. He hopes to continue providing the world and its people with different forms of storytelling that will hopefully make their day to day lives better.

All content by Joel Molina
Minne Burke, owner of Honeycomb Pottery, a one-woman business that offers pottery classes to the public.

[Photo] Transforming clay art for the modern era

Marco Hinojosa, Audience & Engagement Editor April 19, 2024

Minnie Burke poses with some of her personal favorite pieces that she has created.

Zeta Tau Alpa, a sorority at UTEP, hosted Hoops for a Cure, a fundraiser basketball tournament held on April 6 to help raise funds for Breast Cancer Education and Awareness.

[Photo] Zeta Tau Alpha helps fight cancer with basketball

Jorge Guajardo, Staff Reporter April 19, 2024

Zeta Tau Alpa, a sorority at UTEP, hosted Hoops for a Cure, a fundraiser basketball tournament held on April 6 to help raise funds for Breast Cancer Education and Awareness.

Competitors pose for a photo as they program a game on their computer.

[Photo] Level up with Bandit Game Studio

Alyda Muela, Contributor/Writer April 18, 2024

Competitors pose for a photo as they program a game on their computer.

John Hadjimarcou, Ph.D., first came to UTEP in 1994, starting as a professor and eventually being appointed interim dean in 2023. On Mar. 25, 2024, Hadjimarcou was named the permanent dean of the Woody L. Hunt College of Business.

[Photo] College of Business welcomes Hadjimarcou

Esteban Corona, Staff Reporter April 17, 2024

John Hadjimarcou, Ph.D., first came to UTEP in 1994, starting as a professor and eventually being appointed interim dean in 2023. On Mar. 25, 2024, Hadjimarcou was named the permanent dean of the Woody L. Hunt College of Business.

The immensely popular social media app, TikTok, faces a ban in the U.S by the Supreme Court whose main concern is China accessing citizens private data.

[Photo] TikTok bill faces uncertainty as it heads to the Senate

Jorge Guajardo, Staff Reporter April 10, 2024

The immensely popular social media app, TikTok, faces a ban in the U.S by the Supreme Court whose main concern is China accessing citizens private data.

Outfielder Idalis Mendez looks to hit the ball during a game, Mar. 30.

[Photo] UTEP softball plays hard against Jax State in Easter weekend games

Nicholas Maes, Sports Editor April 2, 2024

Outfielder Idalis Mendez looks to hit the ball during a game, Mar. 30.

Alexa Gonzalez, biological science major and the Vice President of External Affairs for UTEP’s Student Government Association (SGA).

[Photo] The women of SGA

Esteban Corona, Staff Reporter March 27, 2024

Alexa Gonzalez, biological science major and the Vice President of External Affairs for UTEP’s Student Government Association (SGA).

Principal Cynthia Ontiveros started the academy to allow young women’s voices and ideas to be heard.

[Photo] All-girls schools are forming the leaders of tomorrow

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter March 22, 2024

Principal Cynthia Ontiveros started the academy to allow young women’s voices and ideas to be heard.

Freshman Adriana Oporto jumps high in the air and attempts to hit the ball.

UTEP beach volleyball shines in historical first home match

Joel Molina, Photo Editor March 20, 2024

The cheers of fans, the sound of volleyballs being spiked, and the smooth movement of sand were heard at the sand volleyball courts behind the student recreation center March 9. A monumental day for UTEP and its beach volleyball team as they hosted the...

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Jaden Soto is a 23-year-old mother who raises her three-year-old daughter by relying on what’s she’s learned from her past experiences.

[Photo] Mother: She believed she could, so she did

Alyda Muela, Contributor/Writer March 19, 2024

Jaden Soto is a 23-year-old mother who raises her three-year-old daughter by relying on what’s she’s learned from her past experiences.

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Blue towers around campus mark the emergency call boxes which is a direct line to the campus police, if needed.

[Photo] Should college students fear for their safety on campus?

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter March 18, 2024

Blue towers around campus mark the emergency call boxes which is a direct line to the campus police, if needed.

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The run consisted of two events, a 5K run or a 1-mile walk.

[Photo] Corazón De Niños: Saving children’s lives one race at a time

Alyda Muela, Contributor/Writer March 14, 2024

The run consisted of two events, a 5K run or a 1-mile walk.

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Judy Moore, Associate Director of the Office of International Programs and Study Abroad, believes that international experience can help you stand out in graduate programs and future jobs.

[Photo] UTEP study abroad program offers students a new cultural mindset

Erik Acosta, Editor-In-Chief March 12, 2024

Judy Moore, Associate Director of the Office of International Programs and Study Abroad, believes that international experience can help you stand out in graduate programs and future jobs.

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Jesse, Kimberly, Daniela, Emiliano, Sebastian, and Mariano are an example of a friend group who found each other by being themselves.

[Photo] The Prospector’s ultimate guide to making friends on campus

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter March 11, 2024

Jesse, Kimberly, Daniela, Emiliano, Sebastian, and Mariano are an example of a friend group who found each other by being themselves.

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Terrance Lamont Kinard Jr., was shot and killed Jan. 26, 2019, near a house party on Mount Whitney Dr, in Northeast El Paso.

[Photo] Remembering Terrance Lamont Kinard Jr.

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter March 1, 2024

Terrance Lamont Kinard Jr., was shot and killed Jan. 26, 2019, near a house party on Mount Whitney Dr, in Northeast El Paso.

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Some say that refineries such as the Marathon refinery on 212 N Clark Dr, can have a negative effect on air quality.

[Photo] Is that clouds or smog?

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor March 1, 2024

Some say that refineries such as the Marathon refinery on 212 N Clark Dr, can have a negative effect on air quality.

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Guard Corey Camper Jr. dribbles the ball while being closely defended by a Sam Houston player, Feb. 24.

[Photo] UTEP men’s basketball gets scratched by Sam Houston Bearkats

H. Catching Marginot, Contributor February 27, 2024

Guard Corey Camper Jr. dribbles the ball while being closely defended by a Sam Houston player, Feb. 24.

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The sheet is removed to unveil the newly installed Don Haskins statue in front of the Don Haskins Center, Feb. 23.

[Photo] “The Bear” stands in bronze glory at the Don Haskins Center 

Nicholas Maes, Sports Editor February 27, 2024

Don Haskins “The Bear” was honored Feb. 23 with a 7-foot-tall bronze statue, placed in front of the arena that bears his name.

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UTEP’s Black Student Union, goal is to educate and celebrate African American culture.

[Photo] Black Student Union makes UTEP feel like home

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 22, 2024

UTEP’s Black Student Union, goal is to educate and celebrate African American culture.

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Forward Jane Asinde takes a jump-shot over the defense of a Middle Tennessee State player, Feb. 17.

UTEP Women’s basketball tightens up their defense over Conference-USA leader

Joel Molina, Photo Editor February 19, 2024

Coming off a triumphant victory over Western Kentucky University, the UTEP Women’s basketball team (9-15, C-USA 4-7) looked to once again protect their home court against C-USA leader Middle Tennessee State University (21-4, C-USA 11-0).  This would...

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Infielder Amaya Lee hits the ball during a game on Feb. 10.

[Photo] UTEP Softball hits hard in spring opener

H. Catching Marginot, Contributor February 15, 2024

Infielder Amaya Lee hits the ball during a game on Feb. 10.

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Cynthia Aguilar, born and raised in El Paso, Texas, received her master’s at UTEP and was named the new dean of students, beginning her duties Jan. 2.

[Photo] The Prospector sits down with Cynthia Aguilar

Alyson Rodriguez, Contributor/Writer February 14, 2024

Cynthia Aguilar, born and raised in El Paso, Texas, received her master’s at UTEP and was named the new dean of students, beginning her duties Jan. 2.

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Along with cardio, eating fruits such as blueberries, cranberries and strawberries can help promote heart health and help with cholesterol.

[Photo] Running towards a healthy heart

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 13, 2024

Along with cardio, eating fruits such as blueberries, cranberries and strawberries can help promote heart health and help with cholesterol.

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A dream of becoming a spider to becoming a photo editor

A dream of becoming a spider to becoming a photo editor

Joel Molina, Photo Editor February 3, 2024

A spider crawling up my hand bit me and now I have radioactive spider powers. I’m swinging across the buildings of New York City. I’m saving people’s lives and I have a job working as a photographer for the biggest newspaper in the city. Is this...

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The UTEP men’s basketball team lost their second conference game in a row against Sam Houston on Jan. 27.

UTEP men’s basketball loses a close one to conference rival Sam Houston

Joel Molina, Photo Editor February 2, 2024

Coming off a lopsided loss to the number one team in the conference, Louisiana Tech, the UTEP men’s basketball team (11-10, 2-4 CUSA) traveled to Huntsville, Texas, to take on the current second place team in the conference, Sam Houston (12-9, 5-1 CUSA)....

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Dallas Cowboys fans are one of the many sports teams fans that experience the disappointment of their team going home after a playoff loss.

[Photo] When football teams crash, jerseys are trashed

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 2, 2024

Dallas Cowboys fans are one of the many sports team's fans that experience the disappointment of their team going home after a playoff loss.

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The UTEP Dinner Theatre presents “We Will Rock You” which will begin it’s run on Feb. 2. and will conclude with a final performance on Feb. 17.

[Photo] The UTEP Dinner Theatre presents a post-apocalyptic rock extravaganza

Alyson Rodriguez, Contributor February 2, 2024

The UTEP Dinner Theatre presents “We Will Rock You” which will begin it’s run on Feb. 2. and will conclude with a final performance on Feb. 17.

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Xavier Butler races against the competition at a track meet on Jan 26.

[Photo] UTEP track breaks records at Albuquerque Invitational

Gianluca Cuevas, Phtographer February 1, 2024

Loubna Benhadja attempts to catch up with the competition during the relay event on Jan. 27.

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Residents at the El Paso State Supported Living Center pose for a photo at the newly introduced sports complex.

[Photo] A short story of hope

Avery Escamilla-Wendell, Web/Copy Editor January 30, 2024

Residents at the El Paso State Supported Living Center pose for a photo at the newly introduced sports complex.

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The “Grand Candela” was unveiled in 2019 at the Walmart on 7101 Gateway West Blvd. It serves as a memorial to the 22 lives lost as result of the mass shooting on Aug. 3, 2022.

[Photo] El Paso stays strong

Adam Regalado, Multimedia Editor January 30, 2024

The “Grand Candela” was unveiled in 2019 at the Walmart on 7101 Gateway West Blvd. It serves as a memorial to the 22 lives lost as result of the mass shooting on Aug. 3, 2022.

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Foward Jane Asinde attempts to shoot the ball during a game on Jan. 25.

[Photo] UTEP women’s basketball takes a win over LA Tech

Nicholas Maes, Sports Editor January 27, 2024

The UTEP women’s basketball team celebrates a score against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 25.

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Guard Tae Hardy jumps into the air in attempt to dunk the ball during a game against Middle Tennessee on Jan. 18.

[Photo] UTEP men’s basketball dominate Middle Tennessee

Nicholas Maes, Sports Editor January 20, 2024

Guard Tae Hardy jumps into the air in attempt to dunk the ball during a game against Middle Tennessee on Jan. 18.

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Junior Isaí Morga holds a sign that reads “2024” a year for them where 12 resolutions have been set.

[Photo] New year, new mindset: Setting realistic resolutions

Avery Escamilla-Wendell, Web/Copy Editor January 19, 2024

Junior Isaí Morga holds a sign that reads “2024” a year for them where 12 resolutions have been set.

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Wintertime blues can be the feeling of unhappiness and depression often related to the winter season and cold climates brought on by it.

[Photo] Lecture halls to winter stalls: How UTEP students beat winter blues

Alyson Rodriguez, Contributor January 18, 2024

Wintertime blues can be the feeling of unhappiness and depression often related to the winter season and cold climates brought on by it.

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A new representative for District 2 in El Paso will be selected on Jan. 20.

[Photo] District 2 Runoff Election: What you need to know

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter January 17, 2024

A new representative for District 2 in El Paso will be selected on Jan. 20.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983 by Ronald Reagen, officially observed in 1986 and ever since.

[Photo] MLK Day’s everlasting importance

H. Catching Marginot, Staff Reporter January 15, 2024

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983 by Ronald Reagen, officially observed in 1986 and ever since.

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Fireworks erupt after Norte Dame routes Oregon State 40-8.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish earn themselves a big bowl of Frosted Flakes

Joel Molina, Staff Photographer December 30, 2023

The Sun Bowl stadium roared with excitement, packed from top to bottom, leaving no seat unoccupied. In the 90th Sun Bowl game, El Paso and Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl hosted the 19th ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-3) and 21st ranked Oregon State Beavers...

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Guard Tae Hardy attempts to dribble around the defender during a game against Texas A&M-CC on Nov. 29.

[Photo] Texas A&M Islanders leave UTEP basketball stranded in Tuesday night loss

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor December 1, 2023

Guard Corey Camper Jr. Attempts to shoot the ball over the defense of Texas A&M-CC.

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The Miners finished its regular season with 21 wins and a winning percentage of .700, the second highest percentage in the Ben Wallis era.

[Photo] UTEP volleyball receives coveted NIVC postseason invitation

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor November 28, 2023

The Miners finished its regular season with 21 wins and a winning percentage of .700, the second highest percentage in the Ben Wallis era.

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Music education major Jonathan Melendez receives a standing ovation at the end of his recital, Nov. 25.

The sound of a college career coming to a close

Joel Molina, Photographer November 28, 2023

The illustrious moment of crossing the stage is something many college students strive for. A place that requires hard work and dedication to reach. Each degree path has different requirements in order to obtain a bachelor’s degree. For senior music...

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Outside hitter/middle blocker Alianza Darley celebrates a score with her teammates.

[Photo] UTEP puts out the fire with two wins against Liberty University ahead of final matchup

H. Catching Marginot, Staff Reporter November 17, 2023

Seniors, Marion Ovalle, Hande Yetis, Alyssa Sianez and graduate students, Alianza Darley and Sakira LaCour, pose for a photo during senior day, Nov. 11.

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The Bad Santas compete against the Naughty Elves, Nov. 11.

[Photo] Rolling for Tots: Skating into the spirit of giving

Alyson Rodriguez, Contributor/Reporter November 16, 2023

Children take part in a snowball fight held during an intermission of the Roller Derby Winter Wonderland, Nov. 11.

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Senior Derick Hamilton, majoring in multidisciplinary studies, has found a new home in El Paso, moving from his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

[Photo] UTEP’s Adhel Tac and Derick Hamilton on breaking barriers and scoring dreams

Elisha Nuñez, Staff Reporter November 10, 2023

Senior Derick Hamilton, majoring in multidisciplinary studies, has found a new home in El Paso, moving from his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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Forward Calvin Solomon prepares to dunk during a game against McMurry.

[Photo] UTEP men’s basketball ‘defeathered’ McMurry Warhawks in season opener

H. Catching Marginot, Staff Reporter November 7, 2023

Guard David Terrell Jr dribbles the ball downcourt during a game against McMurry.

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UTEP volleyball will play their first game on Halloween since 2014 and will be held at Memorial Gym at 6pm. Photo courtesy of UTEP athletics/The Prospector

Volleyball brings fright during upcoming Homecoming game

Joel Molina, Photographer October 27, 2023

Halloween brings the joys of trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving, many of which take place on Oct. 31. While those things on that day are fairly common, a volleyball game that looks to be full of spikes and kills is an added twist to an already spooky...

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Attendees embrace at the All Out For Garza rally held on Oct. 21.

[Photo] El Pasoans voicing their pains amid conflict in Israel and Gaza

Erik Acosta, Web Editor October 24, 2023

Attendee holds a sign up in support of Palestine at the All Out For Gaza rally on Oct. 21.

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Quarterback Cade McConnell signals the offense prior to the snap, during a game against NMSU.

[Photo] NMSU Aggies defeat UTEP football in 100th Battle of I-10 rivalry game

H. Catching Marginot, Staff Reporter October 23, 2023

Quarterback Cade McConnell signals the offense prior to the snap, during a game against NMSU.

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The UTEP Marching Miners are lead on the field by this year’s Drum Majors Ramsey Perez (left), Cassandra Gil (center) and Alexa Andrade Fuentes (right).

[Photo] Behind the beat of the Marching Miners’ success

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor October 12, 2023

The UTEP Marching Miners are lead on the field by this year’s Drum Majors Ramsey Perez (left), Cassandra Gil (center) and Alexa Andrade Fuentes (right).

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Ana Gomez of La Mujer Obrera believes in the importance of cultural inspiration.

[Photo] Café Mayapan feeds the community

Nicholas Maes, Staff Reporter October 12, 2023

Café Mayapan hosts multiple cultural events such as one for Day of the Dead.

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Attendee looks upon the art on display at the Queer History Month Gallery.

[Photo] Remembering queer voices and history through art

Erik Acosta, Web Editor October 10, 2023

Trixie Mattel, an art piece by Alexis Chàvez Lòpez, on display at the Queer History Month Gallery.

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Outside hitter/middle blocker Alianza Darley jumps into the air to hit the ball during a set against FIU Oct. 7.

[Photo] Volleyball busts out the brooms in series sweep against Florida International

Gianluca Cuevas, Photographer October 9, 2023

Setter Mattie Gantt fights for the ball during a set against FIU.

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Ecology student, Karen Stopani suggests doing things that make you happy to avoid burnout.

[Photo] Different ways to deal with student burnout

Elisha Nuñez, Staff Reporter October 9, 2023

Ecology student, Karen Stopani suggests doing things that make you happy to avoid burnout.

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Middle blocker Danika Washington jumps up in the air to hit the ball during a set against Jacksonville State.

[Photo] UTEP Volleyball defeats Jax State in exciting two home games

H. Catching Marginot, Staff Reporter September 30, 2023

Libero Alyssa Sianez bumps the ball during a set against Jacksonville State.

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UTEP football head coach Dana Dimel looks down at his play sheet during a game against UNLV Sept. 23.

[Photo] Paving a path to gridiron greatness in the Dimel era

Katrina Villarreal, Guest Contributor September 27, 2023

UTEP football head coach Dana Dimel looks down at his play sheet during a game against UNLV Sept. 23.

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Forward Jayde Gone kicks the ball in the air while being closely defended by an NMSU player on Sept. 21.

[Photo] UTEP soccer battles to the end in tough loss against NMSU

H. Catching Marginot, Staff Reporter September 25, 2023

Defender Ashley Padilla kicks the ball in the air while being closely defended during a match.

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Joel Molina