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Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Sasha Minjarez

All content by Sasha Minjarez
Graduating students prepare to celebrate amid COVID-19

Graduating students prepare to celebrate amid COVID-19

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor November 28, 2020

After what was deemed a “disappointing” virtual graduation ceremony in September due to necessary restrictions brought on by the pandemic, a survey was sent out to Spring and Summer 2020 UTEP graduates as well as eligible Fall 2020 aspirant...

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CAPS to Go is a relatively new assistance resource presented as a series of workshops being offered on the department’s website to promote mental health and self-care during the pandemic. Illustration by Salette Ontiveros.

UTEP’s Counseling and Psychological Services helps students cope with stress amid pandemic

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor November 13, 2020

The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at UTEP has adapted and expanded its services to include CAPS to Go, a virtual resource aimed to better help students cope in these tumultuous times.   Since the early emergence of the pandemic, CAPS...

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The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated in Mexico and elsewhere associated with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
Photo by Salette Ontiveros.

El Paso Museum of Art hosts virtual activities for Day of the Dead

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor November 2, 2020

Día de los Muertos or “Day of the Dead” is an indigenous Aztec derived tradition that dates back 3,000 years, originating in honor of the dearly departed. It was believed the departure of this realm was merely a relinquishment of mortal coil and...

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El Paso has seen record-high novel coronavirus infections over the last few days.

My mother almost died of COVID-19. El Paso needs to do better.

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor October 21, 2020

The numbers show that El Paso has one of the highest rates of new COVID-19 infections in the country and that makes me feel so disappointed and angry, but it doesn't surprise me at all. My mom got COVID-19 after a coworker of hers went to work knowing...

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The Hill reports record-breaking early voter turnout

Quick facts about the 2020 election in El Paso

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor October 16, 2020

With less than a month away from Election Day Nov. 3, Texas’ early voting period kicked off Oct. 13, and is set to last until Friday, Oct. 30. According to The Hill, a record number of Americans have partaken in early voting this year, with an estimate...

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 Titled “The Sources and Consequences of Prison Violence,” this multi-strategy study spanning three years will delve into the drives and ramifications of violence within correctional institutions in hopes that its finding will help curtail it.

UTEP professor takes part in massive study on prison violence

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor October 6, 2020

Dr. Melinda Tasca, associate professor of criminal justice at UTEP, is taking part in one of the most comprehensive studies yet on prison violence. Titled “The Sources and Consequences of Prison Violence,” this multi-strategy study spanning three...

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Senior Destiny Rodriguez, an accounting and finance double major, earned a Gilman Scholarship that funded a Fall 2019 study abroad in France, as well as awards from the Houston Endowment Scholarship program. She is glad to learn that there is an office that creates a more convenient experience for students chasing after these opportunities.

New UTEP fellowships office geared to help students succeed

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor September 28, 2020

For the first time in its history, UTEP has established an office solely dedicated to helping students with fellowship opportunities. The Office of Student Fellowships and Awards, part of the Division of Student Affairs, launched this academic year...

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The food pantry was established in 2014 and it operated out a modest closet in the Union. Now, it’s located at UTEP’s Memorial Gym which has been a more accessible location for students, increasing traffic.

UTEP’s food pantry is running out of food

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor September 22, 2020

When UTEP shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic, the university’s food pantry was one of the few sites that remained operational due to the essential service it provides to students. However, although the UTEP Food Pantry has remained open,...

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The Student Recreation Center has opened after months of being shuttered. Many safety protocols will be put in place.

UTEP reopens Student Recreation Center, reservations required

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor September 7, 2020

UTEP officially reopened its Student Recreation Center on Sept. 1 after it was shuttered for months because of the coronavirus pandemic and many modifications have been put in place to ensure safety. The Recreation Center will only be operating at...

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Bell Hall houses the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

‘An emerging discipline:’ UTEP unveils new data science degree

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor September 2, 2020

UTEP’s new data science doctoral degree program is expected to be in full swing by the fall 2021 semester, opening up a slew of opportunities for students and the El Paso community. “This is so important for UTEP,” said Dr. Amy Wagler, the program’s...

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Artwork by Claudia Hernandez.

Greek life hosts ‘Rush Week’ with virtual events during COVID-19 pandemic

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor August 27, 2020
Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) is a community established on comradery with a heavy concentration on communal outreach that prides itself on fortified bonds and philanthropic acts. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the way these acts are conducted is shifting causing students to acclimate accordingly while preserving their longstanding, valued traditions.  
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To adapt to COVID-19, UTEP has implemented testing and educational resources about staying safe.

Here’s how UTEP is adapting to the pandemic this fall

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor August 24, 2020

UTEP President Heather Wilson and other university officials held a virtual town hall meeting on Aug. 11 to discuss the institution’s reopening plans, implemented strategies to maintain its safety, and upcoming events. Here are some basic things you...

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Courtesy of Plaza Film Festival

The Plaza Classic Film Festival returns with a new format amid COVID-19 concerns

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor July 30, 2020

Returning for its 13th year amid a global pandemic, the Plaza Classic Film Festival starts today with a hybrid drive-in and streaming format to accommodate film lovers across the Sun City amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  Despite the unprecedented...

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Coffee House of Hel is a newly established  horror themed  coffee shop in East El  Paso.

Coffee House of Hel ready to scare up business in El Paso

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor June 30, 2020

Coffee House of Hel is serving up frighteningly frothy concoctions in an atmosphere bone chilling enough to make any day of the year feel like Halloween. Owners Helen and Robert Hinojos have conjured up a one-of-a-kind local spot in East El Paso where...

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UTEP Connect, UTEP’s accessible online learning degree program, has achieved its five-year anniversary milestone. 

Photo courtesy of UTEP

UTEP Connect celebrates five years

Sasha Minjarez, Contributer June 20, 2020

UTEP Connect, UTEP’s accessible online learning degree program, has achieved its five-year anniversary milestone. However, due to the pandemic, a celebration was not practical, but the program’s accomplishments and future continue to be celebrated. “We...

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Las Cruces, New Mexico residents Karla Martinez and daughter  Lesley Campa  sit behind their home work area to produce masks for the hearing impaired June 3.

Masks for the deaf community

Sasha Minjarez, Contributer June 6, 2020

In the wake of COVID-19, people are highly encouraged to use face masks, with many establishments making masks mandatory for patrons. For the deaf community, however, this has posed an unforeseen disadvantage considering they are reliant on reading lips...

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The Student Emergency Fund is meant to help students not veer off the path of their academic achievement due to these unprecedented circumstances.

UTEP Student Emergency Fund has helped nearly 20 students

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor May 4, 2020

UTEP established a Student Emergency Fund to provide students with financial relief during this unprecedented time of coping with the impacts of COVID-19. While it currently focuses on the effects of the pandemic, the fund is permanent and...

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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. #SAAM2020 UTEP will offer virtual events and activities.

UTEP to host virtual events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor April 6, 2020

This month of April marks the 19th anniversary of the observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and UTEP will be hosting a series of virtual events intended to promote the advocacy, awareness and prevention of sexual assault.   Historically,...

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The following games will keep you safe at home while also allowing for social interaction.

Videogames to keep you connected in the era of social distancing

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor April 1, 2020

COVID-19 ushered in the era of social distancing which means that a lot of us will be staying at home in the coming weeks but that still doesn’t mean we can’t stay social through other avenues — like videogaming.  Here are...

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Local and online resources during time of unease

Local and online resources during time of unease

Sasha Minjarez and Sven Kline March 30, 2020

In the wake of COVID-19, the community is banding together to cope with the necessary transitions everyone is suddenly facing. All over El Paso, individuals, community organizations and local government programs have begun to do their part in aiding the...

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Students push for participation in 2020 Census

Students push for participation in 2020 Census

Marisol Chávez and Sasha Minjarez February 17, 2020

Every 10 years since 1790, people residing in the U.S. have participated in the census. In order to understand its importance, one must understand the importance of representation in Congress.    In Article 1, Section 2, the Constitution states,...

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The Tamarin monkeys at the El Paso Zoo will be fed cockroaches on Valentine's Day, as a part of their "Quit Bugging Me" event.

Broken heart? Here’s how you can get over your ex this Valentine’s Day weekend

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor February 10, 2020

Valentine’s Day may be a day to celebrate all things love, but for those who just went through a breakup, the thought of anything lovey dovey feels like a stab in the heart by cupid’s arrow. Here are a few things you can do this weekend to mend...

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Death Stranding promotional poster.

IN REVIEW: ‘Death Stranding’ addresses the need for human connection

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor February 3, 2020

Japanese video game mogul Hideo Kojima’s PlayStation exclusive “Death Stranding” received the most nominations at The Game Awards 2019 for a total of 10 categories, winning three of them – meriting every bit of recognition it deserved. Death...

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Vaporwave is an Internet-based microgenre that was built upon the experimental and ironic tendencies of genres such as chillwave and hypnagogic pop.

Microgenres: Vaporwave

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor February 3, 2020

Editor’s note: A microgenre is defined as a subgenre of music characterized by its specificity and niche nature. “Microgenres” is a special seven-week series by The Prospector that will showcase a different microgenre each week, publishing every...

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Bhutan s aa Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge.

Natalicio and dean of students strengthen UTEP’s ties with Bhutan during visit

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor December 23, 2019

In an expedition halfway across the globe, UTEP President Emerita Diana Natalicio and Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Dean of Students Catie McCorry-Andalis embarked on a trip to continue their dedicated efforts in cultivating the...

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SGA in brief: Nov. 21 meeting

SGA in brief: Nov. 21 meeting

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor November 26, 2019

The UTEP Student Government Association’s Nov. 21 meeting featured a number of bill reports, greenlit special projects and an unforeseen announcement for senate members, most of who were dealing with something like this for the very first...

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SGA in brief: Nov. 14 meeting

SGA in brief: Nov. 14 meeting

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor November 19, 2019

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Catie McCorry-Andalis had a special announcement to make during UTEP’s Student Government Association meeting Thursday, Nov. 14.   During her advisor’s report, McCorry-Andalis made an announcement of...

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SGA in brief: Nov. 7 meeting

SGA in brief: Nov. 7 meeting

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor November 11, 2019

UTEP’s Student Government Association talked about its event for first responders, possible changes in the College of Business Administration and a new campaign Thursday, Nov. 7.  SGA will host an appreciation event for public safety...

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Partial Solar Eclipse 2014

50-year-old planetarium finds a new home

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor October 8, 2019

The El Paso Independent School District will relocate its Gene Roddenberry Planetarium, currently located at its Education Center on Boeing Drive, to Northeast El Paso’s Crosby Elementary School.    The forthcoming campus closing is...

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NAMI El Paso presents Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Vigil Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 at San Jacinto Plaza, El Paso, TX. 

Photo courtesy of Evenbrite

NAMI to host suicide prevention awareness vigil

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor September 24, 2019

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of El Paso will hold a vigil to raise awareness, as well as pay respects, to victims of suicide from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at San Jacinto Plaza in Downtown El Paso. September is National Suicide...

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File Photo

Students highlight the benefits of an internship

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor September 17, 2019

Internships are meant to prime students before entering the labor force and prepare them for what is a competitive job market.   Director of the UTEP Career Center, Betsabe Castro-Duarte, believes internships are a crucial part...

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Dr. Jeffrey Shepherd from the Department of History talks about “A History of Racial Violence and White Supremacist Movements.”

Conversation Series: UTEP community learns how to cope after tragedy

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor September 3, 2019

Guillermina Gina Núñez-Mchiri organized “Trauma, Resilience & Resistance,” an event Aug. 27-28 in which people came together to learn about working through trauma and discuss the ways that they can help make a change in their community at...

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Food pantry offers helping hand to students

Food pantry offers helping hand to students

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor August 27, 2019

UTEP welcomes students in need to stop by for non-perishable foods free of charge.   The university’s food pantry, which assists an abundance of students, originated in a humble closet in UTEP’s student union in 2014. At the...

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Families come together at vigil outside of Cielo Vista Walmart, Monday August 6th.

In aftermath of tragedy, support is available at UTEP, throughout El Paso

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor August 12, 2019

In the aftermath of tragedy, such as the mass shooting in El Paso that left 22 dead and dozens injured, an entire community can be grief-stricken. Processing and coping with the emotional distress that comes with such a traumatic event can be difficult,...

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Several events have been postponed or cancelled due to Saturday's tragedy at Cielo Vista Wal-Mart

Events postponed or cancelled across El Paso due to tragedy at Wal-Mart

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor August 4, 2019

Several events have been postponed or cancelled in the El Paso area due to the recent tragedy that befell the city when a Walmart shooting resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries.  Blink-182 tweeted that “in solidarity with the community”...

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Children learn about different skills necessary for space exploration through the Inights Science Museum's at the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing celebration at UTEP.

50th Anniversary Apollo Moon Landing Celebration at UTEP

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor July 22, 2019

The Insights Museum’s 50th Anniversary Apollo Moon Landing Celebration was a stellar event commemorating one of the single most astronomical achievements in human history. The evening launched with a screening of the Apollo 11 film in the UTEP Union...

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There are many 4th of July events going on in the city tomorrow.

Fourth of July events going on in El Paso

Sasha Minjarez, Contributor July 3, 2019

From the  illuminations of fireworks to the pride and patriotism for America’s Independence Day, there is something for everyone to enjoy. There are  events happening in El Paso and surrounding areas this holiday and here’s how to join the festivities...

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Sasha Minjarez