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Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

  • Graduation issue is out now!
  • Enjoy the summer Miners!
  • Graduation issue is out now!
  • Enjoy the summer Miners!
  • Graduation issue is out now!
  • Enjoy the summer Miners!
  • Graduation issue is out now!
  • Enjoy the summer Miners!
Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Sofia Sierra

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor

Sofia is a senior studying multimedia journalism with a minor in creative writing. She is the sports editor at The Prospector. This summer, she completed her first internship with El Paso Matters, a nonprofit newsroom in the city. After graduation, she hopes to work outside of El Paso to continue to grow as a writer.

All content by Sofia Sierra
Keep dabbing even when I leave

Keep dabbing even when I leave

Sofia Sierra, Minero Magazine EIC May 5, 2026

Weirdly enough, I currently have the crown for “Student Media and Publications student veteran.” A title given to me because I’ve been with the department since summer 2023. With an accolade like “office unc,” I’ve read my fair share...

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Alec McGee focuses on Precision Training practicing with a tennis ball.

Blood, glory and love: El Paso’s boxing scene

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor February 13, 2025
Several local fighters are preparing to enter the ring on Feb. 15 to fight in the Chuco Classic. Fighters Alex McGee and Dewayne “DJ” Bonds both say that home and origin help seal the victory.
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According to data collected through a study led by UTEP Ph.D. student, Precious Mathis, Hispanic college students used social media an average of 20 hours a week in 2021.
Graphic by Gael Araiza/Layout Editor

“Brain rot” and the many psychological effects of doom scrolling

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor January 24, 2025
Miguel Garcia, a Ph.D. student in the health psychology program, led a study in 2022 that explored the relationship between Hispanic emerging adults’ use of social media and mental and sleep health. His data supports the theories of the negative tie between social media affecting sleep and mental health.
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Photo courtesy of Flickr Images.

Amid winless football record, UTEP makes the move to Mountain West

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor October 21, 2024
In a sudden turn of events, UTEP accepted Mountain West Conference’s invitation to join, a conference realignment that will impact UTEP athletics for years to come. On Oct. 1, the university announced they will be exiting Conference USA (C-USA), one they had been a part of for nearly 20 years.
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Sofia Sierra is the sports editor for The Prospector.

In the middle of my journalism metamorphosis

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor September 11, 2024
Being young and having little experience, the concept of what a journalist really is still new to me. Although one thing I know for certain is that I enjoy telling other people’s stories.
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As a part of the NSO tour, new students can discover the different student-led organizations on campus.

Incoming Miners have futures as bright as gold

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor July 5, 2024

New faces are strolling the campus as New Student Orientation (NSO) is underway in the summer months at UTEP. New students are getting a slice of what it’s like to be a Miner by doing tours, learning about student organizations, and registering for...

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Photo courtesy of Flickr. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump went head to head on June 27, 2024.

Presidential Debate Roundup: Will there be another debate?

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor June 28, 2024

As the 2024 presidential election nears, former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden stood on their podiums to address questions that all United States voters are asking. From internal and external affairs, to speaking about the faults...

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Display in the San Jacinto Plaza, celebrating the month of June which is recognized as pride month.

El Paso is shining with the colors of the rainbow

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor June 17, 2024

Nationally, June is the month to celebrate love, and the many different forms it comes in. With the Franklin Mountain star gleaming with the colors of the rainbow, pride month in the borderland celebrates the LGTBQ+ community in El Paso. Throughout...

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Meet the newly student-elected SGA members

Meet the newly student-elected SGA members

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor May 14, 2024

As the spring semester comes to a close, UTEP’s Student Government Association (SGA) announced their new representatives for the upcoming school year. Students cast their ballots on April 17 and 18 to help decide who will be the new team of student...

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Contributing authors to “Migrant 915,” senior students Diego Trujillo, Kacie Lino and Briana Lopez.

Students eyes, students lives: Life on the border

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor April 30, 2024

Although El Paso has been making national headlines about “continuous border problems,” the people in the city can agree it has many aspects that go unnoticed. Frequently labelled as a ‘migrant city,’ El Paso’s proximity to Ciudad Juárez allows...

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President Andrea Núñez, Senator-at-large Isabella Molina, and Collegiate Senator of Liberal Arts Regina Reza want you to vote in the SGA elections.

SGA needs your vote

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor April 16, 2024

One of the core attributes of a college’s success is the students’ input. However, with thousands of students enrolled, some students can feel like their views and voices get lost. That is where UTEP’s Student Government Association (SGA) steps...

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Marta Romeu Chen, balances her time between the classroom and the golf course.

From heels to a helmet: The female engineer

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor March 20, 2024

From unwanted judgment to discrimination, women scientists in STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are becoming the leading domination. Eight years ago, the odds of seeing a woman in a STEM workforce was 21 percent according to STEM...

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The first-ever photograph of the Yellow-crested Helmetshrike, or Prionops alberti, was taken during a recent expedition led by UTEP scientists. Photo courtesy of Matty Brady/The University of Texas at El Paso.

The not-so-lost Yellow-crested Helmetshrike

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor March 14, 2024

Through the dense, foggy forests of Itombwe, Massif, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, two UTEP scientists traversed the mountain ranges to find different species.   Scientists Michael Harvey, Ph.D., and Eli Greenbaum, Ph.D., told The Prospector...

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Jonathan Vasquez is a junior at UTEP.

Students with disabilities continue to defy the odds at UTEP

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor March 13, 2024

At first, a study abroad trip to Spain seemed unlikely to graduate student Mikaela Reyes as she was diagnosed with Lupus at 16-years-old. Lupus is a disease where her immune system attacks organs and tissue causing inflammation. Because of this, Reyes...

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Students are met with long lines at the border after a long day of classes.

Life in between two countries

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor March 11, 2024

Itzel Ayala crosses the bridge to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico every Friday to visit family. She says traveling by car can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours. To Ayala, crossing can sometimes be exhausting because of how travel times fluctuate. This...

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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.

Is that clouds or smog?

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor March 1, 2024

There is one thing many residents have in common, seeing El Paso’s sky slowly becoming a bit foggier. In 2022, the American Lung Association reported 40 days of unsafe levels of ozone in the city, making the greenhouse gas emission problem persistent....

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Candidates display signs as part of their election run.

El Paso needs your vote for the primary election

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 28, 2024

Campaign signs have popped up around El Paso neighborhoods indicating primary election season is here. Primary elections are popular for some El Pasoans. In the November 2020 federal election, 267,215 ballots were cast. Three years later, in the November...

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Miguel Romero's sisters making a memorial to their brother.

Remembering Miguel Romero

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 27, 2024

White balloons flew high above Horizon High School to commemorate the life of Miguel Romero on Feb. 13 as the community gathered in HHS’s gym to celebrate Romero’s life. The 17-year-old passed away earlier in the month after being hit by a drunk driver...

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

Black Student Union makes UTEP feel like home

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 22, 2024

Moving to El Paso to attend UTEP can be a culture shock to many students. With a majority Hispanic population, some students of different ethnicities can have trouble settling in. However, there are many organizations that can help them feel at home,...

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A ring held with a promise.

Impress your boo with something to do for Valentines

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 15, 2024

Struggling to find a place to take a date on this Valentine’s Day? UTEP students shared where their go-to spots are. From restaurants to horse-back riding, there are plenty of different options that accomplish having a fun time with a significant other.  Getting...

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

Running towards a healthy heart

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 13, 2024

While the heart may be filled with love, it can also be filled with cholesterol. The El Paso County Public Health reported in 2021, heart diseases were the leading cause of death, with 1,372 lives lost. Not only are heart diseases a prominent issue in...

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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.

When football teams crash, jerseys are trashed

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 2, 2024

A team loss is always disheartening for football fans. As the 2023-24 NFL season will soon come to an end, many teams took tough losses that prevented them from reaching Super Bowl LVIII. Although fans of the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit...

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Puff, puff, pass...on vaping

Puff, puff, pass…on vaping

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 1, 2024

It may be hard to believe that root-beer, bubble gum, banana, etc. are harming people under 21. At first it may seem harmless, but these are the most common vape flavors that are being sold to minors.    Nicotine is a stimulant that triggers adrenaline,...

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Aneley Queen, a book full of heads; a necessity when you’re an English major.

Whether near or far, writers adore El Paso

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter January 23, 2024

Talent continues to flow from El Paso, allowing people to become as big of a star as the one on Franklin Mountains. From this collection of stars are several writers. Whether they were born here, or recently moved to El Paso, the city has had a tremendous...

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Filling his basket, Nicholas Sanchez preps for the big Super Bowl weekend with eagerness and excitement.  

Unpredictable as El Paso weather: The NFL Playoffs

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter January 19, 2024

Beginning in September of last year, the National Football League broadcasted the fierce competition between teams trying to lock in their position for Super Bowl LVIII. The 2024 NFL season has given 32 teams a chance to either shine or wither. With the...

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Initially becoming available on Dec. 31, the 2024 FASFA form has been met with many issues.

A ‘simpler’ FAFSA

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter January 18, 2024

Families across the border are filling out their 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for their upcoming semesters of college.   Families say numerous bills accumulate quickly from school, like books, transportation, tuition,...

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Voting for El Paso mayor candidates will be Nov. 5.

District 2 Runoff Election: What you need to know

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter January 17, 2024

Citizens who live in Central El Paso known as District 2, will soon have a new representative. District 2 Rep. Alexsandra Annello resigned to run for Texas House District 77, opening the door for another hopeful candidate. Veronica Carbajal and Joshua...

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“Esfera Cuántica Tlahtolli” in front of Fox Fine Arts.

UTEP Fox Fine Arts Building woes

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter January 16, 2024

One of the most recognizable buildings on UTEP campus, the Fox Fine Arts building, home to many fine arts students. The building, famous for its frequent concerts, has been facing cosmetic problems created by a water leak. While this does not pose a health...

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Students who live on campus have all expenses from housing included in their tuition.

Where accessibility and affordability meet: UTEP housing

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter December 7, 2023

Some people say a place to call home is an essential part of pursuing an education. One’s definition of home may be a comfortable bed, a place to decompress, or a place to gather with the people closest to them. Whatever it may be, home can contribute...

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Miner Dash is one of the annual events UTEP hosts during homecoming week which wrapped up Nov. 4.

Hoco: Miss the season

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter November 9, 2023

As the weather gets colder, campus spirit warms the hearts of students. Homecoming week has brought events that gave students and alumni the opportunity to show their UTEP pride.   Celebrations were in full effect this year, to revamp the campus...

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Social media is being used as a “news station” for issues such as the Israel and Palestine conflict. Photo courtesy of Ted Eytan

Are we watching the world diminish from our phone screens?

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter November 6, 2023

Social media is often looked as the microphone to voice opinions. Currently, apps are drowning with raw footage of wars, protests, etc. exposing the harsh reality of the world. At times, the overwhelming amount of vicious news can sometimes discourage...

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The UTEP Miners won 37-34 against Sam Houston in Huntsville, Texas Wednesday, Oct. 25. Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics

Victory far from home: UTEP takes win against SHU

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter November 5, 2023

Editor’s note: This sports brief was written prior to Saturday's loss to Western Kentucky University.  The UTEP football team (3-6, 2-3 C-USA) edged out the Sam Houston University Bearkats (SHU) (0-8, 0-5 C-USA) on the road Wednesday, Oct. 25. Facing...

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UTEP’s homecoming theme will be neon which will be incorporated in their upcoming events such as the “Glow with the Flow” art contest which will be happening Oct. 9. Photo courtesy of the Prospector archive

Celebrate homecoming week with a neon-bright smile

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter October 12, 2023

As homecoming nears, UTEP finds itself preparing to illuminate the campus with glowing spirit as they prepare to welcome back alumni, Golden Graduates and kick off the celebration during the week of Oct. 29, –Nov. 4, Neon-themed traditions and events...

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(From left to right) Malvina Muñoz, Alani Del La Cruz, and Victoria Muñoz dance to the song “La Llorona” at REL Washington Elementary School.

The flourishing tradition: Baile Folklórico

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter October 12, 2023

Like a butterfly in flight, the fluttering movement of a folklórico dress gives enchanting performances for one to remember. In addition to the music, folklórico performances are admired by people of all ethnicities. The fusion of both Mexican and American...

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[Video] ‘But Here We Are:’ Foo Fighters in awe of El Paso

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter October 11, 2023

The strum of a guitar can open a gate full of memories to come flooding back. To many, the Foo Fighters have brought unforgettable experiences since the ‘90s, creating a sense of nostalgia today. So when they arrived to the Suncity to play at the Don...

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Dr. El-Gendy teaching and explaining the nature of his magnetic experiment to his students.

A look inside UTEP physicists’ groundbreaking discoveries

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter September 27, 2023

Computers, magnets, and quantum physics. Some may wonder how these three topics relate. Until most recently, the three were combined by UTEP physicists who reported the creation of a new magnet that works more efficiently than quantum computing.  This...

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1.08billion monthly users open up TikTok to this screen.

Risk it or Rec it: Possible scam to millions

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter September 21, 2023

Littered on social media are a variety of different shopping apps. Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, etc. have been infiltrated by major discounted, Amazon-like apps such as Temu, Wish, Shien and now Tik Tok Shop. “30%-99% off entire store,” “Free Shipping...

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The El Paso Roller Derby comes together to pose for a photo.

El Paso Roller Derby’s fierce sport brings a community together

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter September 14, 2023

Though stress from a sport outweighs the enjoyment, players of the El Paso Roller Derby Team (EPRD) let the good times roll. Although the sport is fierce, players have found a family within the team. One of the redeeming qualities of the EPRD family is...

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UTEP’s risk of accreditation loss has been revealed to be caused by a ‘clerical’ error.

Will UTEP keep its accreditation?

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter August 29, 2023

An ominous cloud shadows the reputation of UTEP as it recently became at risk of losing its accreditation. Thousands of students await the unknown, as the degree they are working hard for could lose its validation. University officials referred to the...

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As the fall semester is nearing, students should research and take advantage of companies such as Allstate, Door Dash, Apple, Converse, Penske, and many others that can help save money.

‘Back to School’ season ending the summer with a splash

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter August 11, 2023

The summer fantasy ends for elementary students once they see the ‘Back to School’ signs. In their eyes, pool days, eating ice cream for lunch, and sleeping whenever is stripped away once these signs appear in stores.   While it fills younger...

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The new football gloves display Paydirt Pete.

Not a checkmark in sight

Sofia Sierra, Contributor July 27, 2023

Optimal gear is required for an optimal game. An athlete’s gear is arguably one deciding factor on whether they will perform well in a game. The versatility of sportswear allows different sports to indulge in the products these brands have to offer....

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Held every third Sunday of the month from April to November, is the San Elizario Art Market where many recognized painters can display their work. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

San Elizario Art Market: A deep dive into an ocean of artists

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter July 21, 2023

While it was credited as the ‘Best Historic Small Town’ by USA Today readers, many seem to overlook San Elizario, Texas. Passing Main Street, visitors can learn about history dating back to the 1500s through Los Portales Museum and the Old County...

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The El Paso Chihuahua’s scored a win against the Las Vegas Aviator’s July 5.  Photo courtesy of Ken Lund/ Wikipedia Commons

Take me out to the ball game: Chihuahuas vs Aviators

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter July 12, 2023

The atmosphere of a baseball game is desired by many in this triple-degree weather. Refreshing lemonade and popcorn can be enjoyed by families at Southwest University Park. The energetic Andy Imfeld often raises spirits throughout the innings, playing...

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