Author: Lola Ponce

Opinions

A personal perspective on disability rights

Lola Ponce

On Jan. 31, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a controversial executive order that directs state agencies to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This follows the passing of Senate Bill 17 in 2023, which eliminated DEI programs in public higher education institutions. DEI, in simple terms, refers to initiatives aimed to promote diversity, ensuring fair treatment for all, and creating inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of background, has equal access and opportunity. This decision has sparked a debate about whether it will protect or harm marginalized groups, especially those with disabilities. For me, the signing of this law hits…

Campus, Column

Law professor visists DMC to discus students rights

Lola Ponce

On Jan 30 Texas State University professor of Journalism and Mass Communication, Gilbert D. Martinez spoke on Free Speech rights and First Amendment rights to DMC journalism and media students prior to giving a speech at the Heritage campus Retama room. Martinez discussed the challenges facing free expression in today’s digital age and emphasized the need for protecting constitutional rights. He urged students and faculty that attended to remain vigilant in defending press freedom and the public’s rights to access information.  

Campus

People’s Assembly discuss major local issues at meeting

Lola Ponce

The People’s Assembly convened on Jan. 24-25 at All Saints Episcopal Church for its bi-annual, two-day event, bringing together activists, community leaders, and environmental advocates. The gathering aimed to discuss issues of corporate greed, water rights, and labor organization, while strengthening solidarity for environmental justice. Chloe Torres, Coastal Bend Regional coordinator, led the event. Torres continues the work of the late local labor and immigrant rights advocate Eddie Canales who organized the first People’s Assembly with a focus on uniting sectors of the community. “It started with Eddie. He knew people in the teacher’s union, environmental justice … he created…

Opinions

The unexpected journey of online dating: A personal experience with harassment and how I found strength

Lola Ponce

As we step into 2025, I know I’m not alone in being single. For some, it’s a conscious decision – a time to focus on personal growth, education, or career. For others, it’s a consequence of a painful breakup, leading to a mixture of loneliness, random encounters, or simply trying to move on. For me, it all started with a simple message. Online dating: A new world of possibilities Dating apps aren’t for everyone. Some use them because they don’t have the time or energy to meet new people in their everyday lives. Others are curious, wanting to find someone…

Column

College life-hacks to get the most out of your semester.

Lola Ponce

Beginning of each semester, whether it’s your first time at college or returning student, we get this brand-new feeling. We tend to tell ourselves of the things we want to accomplish or the things we know we “should” be doing for this semester. Somewhere between the second and sixth week, our brains are scattered along with our notes for class and our social life may feel chaotic. I’ve learned a few things – from my own experiences, from morning inspirational audios, podcasts and just listening to other students’ conversations – and compiled a list that could help you this semester.…

Community, Featured

Desal plant faces challenges from detractors

Lola Ponce

On March 28, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved a water rights permit for a desalination plant in Corpus Christi. This will provide the city with an extra 40 million gallons of water a day that, unlike reservoirs, is resistant to drought. However, there are still challenges before construction can start. As the city moves forward, many residents and environmental groups continue to voice their concerns. This debate highlights the challenge of balancing development with protecting the environment in a growing coastal community. With opposition to this plan, climate change mitigation advocate and co-founder of Gulf of Mexico (GOM)…

Campus

New authentication rolled our for DMC staff and students

Lola Ponce

Del Mar College students are currently getting enrolled in Multifactor Authentication, or MFA, for all college IT systems off campus. MFA is a Multifactor Authentication initiative aimed at helping secure DMC students, faculty and staff data, and college systems. This was implemented by the college’s internal auditors, and an independent external ID and cybersecurity audit firm. The initiative was planned in multiple phases, beginning with faculty and staff, followed by students, and is an extra layer of protection for students, faculty and staff user accounts preventing compromised users from their information being leaked. On Oct. 25, students received an email…

Campus

Del Mar College Professor Reflects on 37 Years of Teaching as He Nears Retirement

Lola Ponce

Kim Frederick, drama professor at Del Mar College, is wrapping up his final semester after 37 years of service. As the end of his career approaches, Frederick looks back on the changes and constants he’s witnessed in both the college and in his own life. “Most students go to a university and realize they had it better at Del Mar,” Frederick said, noting the personalized attention students receive at the college. “The classes are more personal here.” Frederick, with nearly four decades of teaching experience, sees the core challenges students face today as similar to those he encountered when he…

Campus

Veterans Day bell ceremony

Lola Ponce

Del Mar College hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, to honor and recognize the service of student, staff, and faculty veterans. The ceremony led by Christopher Arcega, veterans affairs specialist with Del Mar, included the Two Bell Ceremony, a Navy tradition that honors fallen shipmates. Following the ceremony, attendees gathered in the Harvin Center Veterans Lounge (for refreshments and a Marine Corps birthday cake-cutting ceremony. The event aimed to show appreciation for the contributions of veterans within the college community. For more information about Veterans Services available at Del Mar College, contact Dr. Jennifer Armentrout, Director of…