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Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

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Paulina Astrid Spencer

Paulina Astrid Spencer is a multimedia journalism student at the University of Texas at El Paso. She works as a reporter at the University’s newspaper, the Prospector, where she writes weekly stories.  This semester she started an internship at Channel 9, where she publishes bylines and stories daily for the web. She is a proud Chicana and has interests in Mexican- American activism and feminism. She is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and hopes to incorporate her love of news-reporting and her minor in Chicano Studies in the future. She enjoys spending time with her family, her three mischievous cats and two adorable dogs.

All content by Paulina Astrid Spencer
Graduation, seven years in the making

Graduation, seven years in the making

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Guest Contributor May 4, 2021

Graduating during a pandemic is something I never imagined would happen to me. But here we are, one year and a half into a pandemic that shook the entire world, achieving a goal I didn’t always believe I could achieve. It somehow feels like a year...

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Photo courtesy of Manny Jorquera.
The brand was founded by three artists Lise Bjorne from Norway and Jane Terrazas and Veronica Corchado from Juarez.

Ciudad Juarez sustainable clothing brand strives to empower women

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor October 13, 2020
Ni En More is a blend of Norwegian and Spanish, meaning “not one more.” The words are inspired by Susana Chavez Castillo, a human rights activist and poet from Juarez who was murdered in 2011 and has been credited with the authorship of the phrase, “Ni una Mas” or “Not one More.” 
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Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging is a 2008 teen romantic comedy film co-written and directed by Gurinder Chadha, based on the young adult novels Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging (1999) and It's OK, I'm Wearing Really Big Knickers (2000) by Louise Rennison. Photo courtesy of Tunefind.

In Review: Watching ‘Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging’ 12 years later

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor September 22, 2020
I would like to say I have left “Angus, thongs and perfect snogging” in my teenage past, but I quote the movie daily. I cannot be the only American girl who pretended to be British and had the biggest crush on Aaron Johnson.
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The dashboard reveals that 19 people tested positive for the virus and 6 people reported their positive status to the university between Sept. 28 and Oct. 4.

‘It’s very dead now:’ UTEP empty on first day of semester

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor August 26, 2020

24-year-old Maximiliano Sarmiento is a nursing student who’s worked at the information desk in UTEP’s Union East building for a while. He said the Union looks "very dead now." “We used to have around 150 students on the second floor at the dining...

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The UTEP Dinner Theatre is open to all students and members of the community wishing to participate in any production.

UTEP Dinner Theatre will perform and stream live “UTEP Dinner Theatre Broadway in Concert”

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor August 16, 2020

Editor's note: A previous version of this article was edited on Aug. 19, 2020 to add the time of the virtual show and to clarify that the UTEP Dinner Theatre only hosts one, all-student produced show every year. UTEP’s Dinner Theatre has been a...

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Minerpalooza celebrates 30 years with first-ever virtual show

Minerpalooza celebrates 30 years with first-ever virtual show

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor August 9, 2020

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and social-distancing orders, Minerpalooza coordinators are determined to keep the tradition alive by hosting the first-ever, live-streamed show in the history of UTEP in celebration of the event’s 30th anniversary.  Due...

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Michelle Marrone and Anna Marie Sieklucka star in  the polish erotic romance drama "365 Days" directed by Barbara Bialowas and Tomasz Mandes.

In Review: ‘365 Days’ a headache inducing mess of a film

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor July 16, 2020

*Includes spoilers*  “365 Days,” an erotic Polish film initially released in its home country in February, arrived on Netflix June 7, breaking records and becoming one of the top-viewed movies in the history of the streaming platform.  From...

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Federal Grand Jury returns with additional charges against Walmart shooter

Federal Grand Jury returns with additional charges against Walmart shooter

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor July 9, 2020

Today, a federal grand jury in El Paso returned with additional charges against the Cielo Vista Walmart shooter, Patrick Wood Crusius, 21, to include new charges related to the death of a 23rd  victim.  According to a media release by the...

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Las Cruces kicks off ‘Music in the Park’ series virtually on Fourth of July weekend

Las Cruces kicks off ‘Music in the Park’ series virtually on Fourth of July weekend

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor July 3, 2020

The City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department is kicking off the popular “Music at the Park” concert series virtually starting this Fourth of July weekend.  Since its start in 1994, “Music in the Park” has become a Las Cruces tradition...

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Police standby ready with full riot gear in Downtown El Paso in response to protest June 2, 2020.

UTEP Criminal Justice professor speaks on police brutality, defunding the police

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor June 29, 2020

In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, an African American man killed by ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, streets across the country and around the world have flooded with protesters demanding justice and denouncing police brutality.   Floyd...

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UT System Board of Regents discuss plans for the fall semester

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor June 28, 2020

On Monday morning, the University of Texas (UT) System Board of Regents discussed plans for the fall semester across UT institutions amid the ongoing pandemic, ultimately giving autonomy to presidents across the state.  James B. Milliken, UT Chancellor,...

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Katie Titan address protest crowd in San Jacinto Plaza during Defund the Police rally in downtown El Paso June 2010.

Protest to defund police department and denounce systemic racism carries through downtown El Paso

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor June 11, 2020

El Pasoans held a third peaceful protest Wednesday, June 10 in the aftermath of George Floyd, whose death under police custody in Minneapolis has ignited a series of protests around the world denouncing police brutality.  Wednesday’s protest in...

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The Jazz Exchange to host 'Virtual Jazz Sessions' featuring local artists

The Jazz Exchange to host ‘Virtual Jazz Sessions’ featuring local artists

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor June 10, 2020

The Jazz Exchange and TFCU have partnered up to support local artists along the border through the project “Virtual Jazz Sessions.” Amid the pandemic, local artists are finding it difficult to showcase their talent but the “Virtual Jazz Sessions”...

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El Paso citizens gather at El Paso Police Station at 911 Raynor to protest  the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police May 31.

‘I can’t breathe’: Protest for justice in George Floyd killing and police accountability ensues in El Paso

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor June 1, 2020

Hundreds of protesters flooded the streets near Memorial Park in Central El Paso Sunday before marching to the El Paso Police Department (EPPD) headquarters on Montana Avenue and Raynor Street. Protestors gathered to demand justice for the death...

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Matthew Gardea it one of the winners of the Terry Scholarship.

Photo courtesy of Mathew Gardea

Terry Scholar: Matthew Gardea

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Entertainment Editor May 29, 2020

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is welcoming nine incoming freshmen that will receive the Terry Scholarship this upcoming fall. Terry Scholars represent the brightest students, academically, as well as the most promising and community-involved...

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The change will give instructors the option to grade in a S/U manner instead of the standard grading scale.

UTEP students weigh in on ‘satisfactory / unsatisfactory’ grading scale

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter April 14, 2020

As classes throughout the country switch to online platforms due to the coronavirus pandemic, the list of colleges and universities adopting a pass or fail grading scale continues to grow and this list now includes UTEP. Last week, UTEP announced via...

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El Paso/Ciudad Juárez border fence.

International students adapt to non-essential travel at the border

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter April 8, 2020

With the everchanging restrictions taking place in the world, the U.S., and the border amid the COVID-19 outbreak, international UTEP students who cross — or used to cross — the border regularly are facing the hardships of the non-essential...

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Persia Campbell, 27, es una diseñadora gráfica enfocada en la fotografía, el cine, y la producción.

Artista visual Juarense produce ‘Itinerario de una mujer en la frontera’

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter March 9, 2020

El cine y la producción siempre fueron una meta inalcanzable para la artista visual de 27 años Persia Campbell. Sin embargo, dejó atrás sus miedos de fracasar en un medio normalmente dominado por el hombre, empacó sus maletas y se fue a estudiar...

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The 2020 United States presidential election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

Study: Nearly half of adults don’t discuss politics

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter February 24, 2020

With the current political climate and the 2020 election just around the corner, many have turned away from having political conversations with someone, according to an analysis of data from the Pew Research Center’s Election News Pathways (PRCENP)...

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"After Parkland” is a bold and touching documentary that captures the painful aftermath of the Parkland, Florida high school shooting that killed 17 students and injured several others two years ago in 2018.

IN REVIEW: ‘After Parkland’ hits painfully close to home

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter February 17, 2020

Two years after a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida left 17 students dead, 17 others injured and an entire nation mourning, a new tear-jerking documentary follows the lives of the surviving victims...

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El Paso-based defense attorney Joe Spencer speaks with reporters outside U.S. District Court following a hearing for Patrick Wood Crusius, who is accused of killing 22 people and injuring 23 more in a mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart on Aug. 3, 2019. The 90-count indictment charges Crusius with hate crimes.

Walmart shooter has first court appearance after federal indictment

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter February 12, 2020

Today, Patrick Wood Crusius, 21, the man accused of killing 22 and injuring 23 more in a mass shooting at the Cielo Vista Walmart in El Paso Aug. 3, 2019, appeared at the U.S. District Court for the first time since his federal indictment.   With...

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However you decide to spend your Valentine’s Day, make it a memorable and fun day by attending one of the many events happening in the city.

No broken heart? Here’s how you can celebrate this weekend of romance

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter February 10, 2020

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you might be in a panic trying to decide how to spend the day with your special someone or your best friends. The good news is that there are plenty of things to do on this romantic day throughout the city....

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U.S. Attorney John F. Bash announced to the public on Feb. 6 that a federal grand jury indicted Patrick Wood Crusius on 90 counts of hate crime and firearm charges in relation to the Aug. 3 shooting that left 22 dead and several others injured.

Federal grand jury indicts El Paso shooter on 90 counts

Paulina Astrid Spencer and Bryan Mena February 7, 2020

U.S. Attorney John F. Bash, Assistant Attorney of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband and FBI Special Agent Luis M. Quesada held a news conference Thursday to inform the public on the indictment of Patrick Wood Crusius,...

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Federal authorities to update public on El Paso shooter’s case

Bryan Mena and Paulina Astrid Spencer February 6, 2020

U.S. Attorney John F. Bash along with other federal law enforcement personnel will host a news conference to brief the public on the latest information regarding the El Paso mass shooting case, where 22 died and several others were injured.   21-year-old...

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The red ribbon for the inauguration of the exhibit was cut by museum officials at the El Paso Museum of History on Jan. 23.

The El Paso Museum of History inaugurated its first exhibit of the year

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter January 27, 2020

The El Paso Museum of History (EPMH) held a ribbon cutting ceremony as part of the inauguration of its first exhibit of the year, “Tracks Across the Desert: More Than 100 Years of Railroad in El Paso.”    The theme of this exhibit focuses...

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The main entrance to Interdisciplinary Research Building will include a lounge room that will include tables, chairs, sofas and more. The lighting in various rooms, such as this one, are intentional and set to represent molecules of gold, silver and copper.

Interdisciplinary Research Building expected to open its doors by the summer

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter January 21, 2020

The wait for the University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) anticipated Interdisciplinary Research Building (IDRB) is almost over. After nearly five years of planning and construction, the IDRB is beginning to come together and is nearly ready to...

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Canabidiol-based products for sale at El Paso, Tx.

El Paso sees rise of CBD stores

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter November 19, 2019

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis genus of flowering plants that has grown a notable presence in areas throughout the country, including El Paso.    According to The Motley Fool, CBD sales...

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Activists marched from Mundy Park to San Jacinto Plaza on Earth Day,  for the National March for Science.

Indigenous protesters advocate for clean water

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter November 19, 2019

Climate change is a topic of discussion for many across the world, giving birth to high profile activists like Greta Thunberg and local groups like Frontera Water Protectors Alliance (FWPA).    “There is so much evidence of the harm that we are...

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Courtesy of @KylieJenner

OPINION: October’s memes in brief

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter October 29, 2019

During the month of October, the internet supplied many hilarious and entertaining memes. From memes about the new Joker movie, to reality star Kylie Jenner, the internet did its thing and circulated many memes across different social media platforms...

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The senators listen to District Attorney Jaime Esparza as he speaks at the Senate Select Committee on Mass Violence Prevention and Community Safety at the Natural Gas Building on Mon. Oct. 21, 2019.

On-campus hearing addresses mass violence prevention and safety

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter October 24, 2019

The Senate Select Committee on Mass Violence Prevention and Community Safety held a hearing at UTEP’s Natural Gas Conference Center to address mass violence prevention and the safety of the community Monday Oct. 21.   The hearing comes nearly...

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El Paso/Ciudad Juárez border fence.

El Paso Matters: Michigan-native journalist starts digital platform

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter October 15, 2019

Editor’s note: This article was updated 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, to correct factual errors printed in the originally published story.  After Robert Moore began his journalistic career in 1983 at a local, weekly newspaper in Colorado, he quickly...

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Emily Davis of Emily Davis and The Murder Police performs at the El Paso Forever concert on Oct. 12, 2019 at the Union Plaza.

Cold War Kids headlines El Paso Forever

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter October 15, 2019

The indie rock band, Cold War Kids, headlined the second annual “El Paso Forever” benefit concert Oct. 12 at the downtown Union Plaza.   The Because of You Fund and the El Paso Forever benefit concert were founded by El Paso native,...

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Congress representative of District 16 Veronica Escobar was invited by SGA to talk about the community and education on Oct, 7.

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar visits UTEP for a conversation with students

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter October 8, 2019

The UTEP Student Government Association (SGA) held an on-campus conversation about education and the border with U.S. Rep. for Texas's 16th congressional district Veronica Escobar Monday, Oct. 7 at the university’s Geology Building.   The event featured a...

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Prospector File Photo

UTEP goes global: International student program looks to expand its reach

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter October 1, 2019

Just like this year’s Homecoming theme, “UTEP Goes Global,” the university’s Office of International Programs and Study Abroad (OIPSA) made it its mission to diversify the campus and recruit students from other countries to share their knowledge...

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The winners of the 2019 SGA Pageant show.

SGA Homecoming pageant continues as a tradition

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter October 1, 2019

The Student Government Association (SGA) kicked off this year’s Homecoming festivities with its annual homecoming pageant show Friday, Sept. 27 at the Magoffin Auditorium.   SGA has been hosting the pageant show for over 25 years and Natalia Dueñas,...

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UTEP students continue to struggle finding parking on campus.

Claudia Hernandez

UTEP study focuses on parking solutions

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter September 17, 2019

A new research tool developed by a UTEP student and faculty might be the solution universities need to alleviate its parking problems.  After about two years of conducting research aimed at helping parking offices at universities across the...

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El Paso-Ciudad Juárez commuters stress about road closures

El Paso-Ciudad Juárez commuters stress about road closures

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Staff Reporter September 10, 2019

Commuters driving into Ciudad Juárez stress as the next phase of the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) I-10 Connect Project begins closing off the exit on I-10 East and Westbound near the Americas Bridge.  The Connect Project’s...

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Students climb a rock wall at the 4th annual Miner Melt

Incoming UTEP Freshmen attend Miner Melt

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Contributor July 15, 2019

On Sunday, July 13, the Office of Admissions & Recruitment at UTEP held the event Miner Melt for incoming freshmen. The event took place at the Student Recreation Center and was open to all incoming freshmen admitted for Summer or Fall 2019. The...

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Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke advocates for immigrants at the Clint Border Patrol Station on Sunday June 30, 2019.

Beto O’Rourke visits the Clint Border Patrol Facility in Clint, Texas

Paulina Astrid Spencer, Contributor June 30, 2019

On Sunday, June 30, dozens of people joined Democratic Presidential Candidate Beto O’Rourke and other local leaders at his rally at the Clint Border Patrol facility in Clint, Texas. O’ Rourke called this rally to “demand an immediate end to Trump’s...

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