Author: Lola Ponce

Column, Opinions

Learning how to reclaim identity all over again at college

Lola Ponce

It was always me and my child for what felt like decades. Just the two of us. He was my first real lesson in life. No math or grammar, but this: no one teaches you what happens when your life eventually outgrows you. School doesn’t teach you that part. I gave up my college education to be a full-time single parent. Not in a dramatic, cinematic way – just real life. Bills, schedules, responsibilities. Survival mode. For years, my entire identity fit neatly into one role. It was always me and my child. Until one day … it wasn’t. One…

Column

Indigenous roots illuminate Mexico’s December traditions — and old Texas’, too

Lola Ponce

December in Mexico is filled with color, faith and celebration. From the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe to Las Posadas and Christmas Eve, these beloved holidays appear deeply Catholic – yet their origins reach far back into the Indigenous and early colonial past, including the lands that would one day become Texas. Long before the Spanish missions and presidios appeared north of the Rio Grande, Indigenous peoples such as the Coahuiltecan, Caddo and Karankawa held midwinter ceremonies that honored the turning of the seasons and the renewal of life. These gatherings often included feasting, music and offerings to the…

Entertainment

Across genres and languages, music connects us to our deepest emotions

Lola Ponce

The same way a jacket on a cold day wraps you in comforting warmth, Tejano music has a way of bringing me back to a place that feels like a safe and welcoming home. No matter where I am in the world, when those familiar sounds begin to play — the bright accordion melodies, the steady rhythm of the drums, the soulful voices that tell stories of love, heartbreak, and hope — I feel grounded. Tejano music is more than just a genre to me; it’s a part of my identity. It reminds me of who I am and where…

Column, Opinions

Opinion: Honoring Native American heritage in South Texas and Mexico

Lola Ponce

November, traditionally recognized as Native American Heritage Month, is a time to reflect on the rich, complex, and often painful history of the indigenous peoples of North America. While many may associate this rite with regions like the Midwest or the Pacific Northwest, it’s equally important to acknowledge the deep, enduring cultural ties that Native American communities have to the land of South Texas and northern Mexico. The legacy of indigenous peoples in this borderland region is not only historically significant, but also continues to shape local identities, communities, and struggles today. A Brief History: The Indigenous Foundations of South…

Featured

Del Mar College TACHE Chapter Gears Up for Fall —  Volunteers, Events, and a Call to Community

Lola Ponce

Del Mar College’s student chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education is back in action this fall hosting a booth at the Fall Carnival, preparing for Viking Fest and Turkey Fest in November, partnering with the Red Cross for Thanksgiving meal service, and recruiting students who want to lead, serve, and learn. The chapter, free to Del Mar students and staff (professional membership: $25/year) is also honoring the legacy of late Professor Mike M. Anzaldúa Jr., Professor Emeritus of English, whose decades of service shaped Del Mar’s writing centers, learning communities, Mexican American Studies program and cultural…

Campus

Del Mar College’s Veterans honored with 2025 Gold Veterans Education Excellence Award

Lola Ponce

Del Mar College has been recognized by the Texas Veterans Commission with the 2025 Gold Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award, the highest level of distinction granted by the state for institutions demonstrating exceptional support for military-connected students. At the heart of this achievement is Jennifer Armentrout, director of the Veteran Services Office and retired sergeant major in the Marine Corps, whose leadership has driven Del Mar College’s mission to serve those who have served. “We are one of 33 two- and four-year colleges and universities in the state of Texas to receive this award and only one of 16 community…

Campus

Practice Spanish at Café Gijón this fall

Lola Ponce

Del Mar College’s Language Department will host Café Gijón, a weekly Spanish conversation table designed to help learners at all levels practice and enjoy the language in a relaxed, social setting. The first event was held Tuesday, Sept. 30 and continues every Tuesday through Oct. 28. Participants will meet from 12:30-12:55 p.m. in room 108 of the Coles Building (CB108). Café Gijón started at DMC in the Fall of 2006.  Professor of Spanish Javier Morin leads discussions based on the group’s interests. Topics could be anywhere from art and music to sports, history, or current events. “It started as a…

Campus

Del Mar barista debuts self published fantasy novel 

Lola Ponce

Del Mar College barista Samantha Wilhite, a full-time barista at Café Del Mar is celebrating a personal milestone: the recent self-publication of her debut fantasy novel, “Hidden within the Ritarikari.”  After years of writing and editing, Wilhite’s book is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. “I’ve been working on my book since the pandemic started,” Wilhite said, “Back in July of this year, I finished it and sent it off for publishing.” Her novel is a love story set in a richly imagined world of vampire royalty and magical kingdoms, weaving themes of choice, power, and destiny. The…

Campus

Del Mar College expands support for student-parents

Lola Ponce

DMC is reinforcing its commitment to student success by providing a broad range of resources and services for pregnant and parenting students. Through support initiatives, advocacy, and legal protections, the college aims to help student-parents balance academics and family responsibilities. Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Retention Sara J. King said DMC offers access to a variety of financial support. “There are several financial resources and support programs that are especially relevant for students who are parents, including grants & scholarships, on-campus childcare scholarships, payment plans, and emergency aid support,” said King. Del Mar offers on-campus childcare and scholarships, basic…

Art, Campus

CAIN show seeks submissions

Lola Ponce

Del Mar College invites contemporary artists nationwide to submit original 2D and 3D artwork for the 60th Annual CAIN National, formerly the Annual Drawing and Small Sculpture Show.  Artists may submit two to eight pieces, all eligible for purchase. Juried by nationally acclaimed Tabitha Whitley, the exhibit will award three purchase prizes totaling $7,500. Selected works will join the prestigious DMC campus collection. The exhibition is open to the public. Full-time DMC art faculty are not eligible. Entry procedure for online only: Submissions accepted exclusively via Callforentry.org at https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15435 by Nov 30. Late entries will not be accepted.  Fee: $20…