Patterns, Coffee, Self-Care, & Photography
Infatuation with Film and TV
MEET THE STAFF
Head Editor
Mackenzie Conant
Assistant Layout Designer
Angelina Rodriguez
Contributing
Andrea Inestroza
Assistant Editor
Aislyn Bradford
Contributing Writer
Natalia Valenzuela
Contributing
Canseco
Head Layout Designer Klarysa Saldana
Assistant Layout Designer Aldo Palacios
Contributing Writer McKenna Moczygemba
Contributing Writer Danna Ramos
Nydia Perez
Note Editor’s
Hello RED readers and welcome back to our first issue of 2026! I am thrilled to be back with you all and cannot wait to see what you think of our first issue: OBSESSED. As I pondered what this theme meant to me, I could not escape the feeling that many of our readers might not even be on the same page. Many hear “obsession” and associate it with something negative or toxic - but it doesn’t have to be.
Obsessions are, in my opinion, just another way of saying “I love you” to something - or someone. For instance, I have TV shows I cycle through every year because I am completely in love with the characters and their storylines. I also am completely blessed to say that I am obsessed with my family because I have so much love in my heart for them. Have you ever felt that way? To be so wrapped up in something that it feels impossible not to care deeply? That, my dear reader, is what I call obsession; and lucky for you, there is no shortage of people or places to attribute the feeling to.
So as you read this special edition, flip through its pages, and gaze I hope you see pieces of your own obsessions reflected back at you.
My hope is that you not only close the final page having decided you like it; I hope you are completely and unashamedly OBSESSED.
Much love, Mac k
is the Moment KASE VICTORIA
Kase Victoria is a Communication Ar ts student at the University of the Incarnate Word with a proficiency in film and news. His love for cinematography is evident to ever yone around him and can be seen through his Instagram @rennoceur. The first thing you will notice when you explore his Instagram page is his iconic Kase look. He uses mediums such as the DJI Pocket 3 Camera, Blackmagic Camera Lumix and Sony Cameras to capture a mix of moody a
by McKenna Moczygemba
On Instagram, viewers can find a vast majority of his filming experiences, includ promotions, movie trailers, news stories, and car meets. His car videos in par tic where he shows he can pay attention to ever y detail of a subject or angle From bumper to the fender, Kase Victoria captures it all.
His Love for cinematography often goes hand in hand with his love for friends and lif Kase can often be found playing games like Sims or For tnite with his friends or e seen rock climbing at local gyms around San Antonio And yes, he always makes sure to bring his camera.
Ever y aspect of his life is a cinematic moment. He believes he can capture the beauty of ever ything; that is what makes Kase so unique He is not afraid but rather faces the challenge head on.
Kase Victoria captures the moment, but if we’re really honest...
He IS the moment.
DO YOU SEE THE VISION?
#OBESSESED
design by Klarysa Saldana
FOR
CINEPHILIES ONLY
BY: Danna Ramos
The cinema experience is one that I would not trade for anything in the world. The smell of the butter on the popcorn, the warm and smooth texture of the ticket, and the butterflies in my stomach once the lights of the theater begin to dim truly makes my heart happy and full. As I’m watching the film, I analyze the most details I can, making notes of each and every one of them in my head just to find myself doing one single thing as the end credits begin to roll: writing a review on Letterboxd.
Soaring during the COVID-19 pandemic, Letterboxd has become a staple for all those who love films. From “film bros” to celebrities to Gen Z users, the app has gained popularity across the globe for its unique formatting and its help to the industry. It’s become so successful that entertainers now look forward to being asked what their top 4 movies on Letterboxd are on red carpets.
Now, how does it work? Well, after creating an account, one must choose their top four movies of all time. Being completely honest, I have changed mine quite a few times, and I’m sure they’ll keep on changing but for now The Iron Claw, Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Meet the Robinsons, and F1 are at the top of my list Next up, time to review. To do that, you just need to search for the movie by name, scroll down to click review, and give it a rating out of five stars and give commentary. The decision one must have to take now is do you want to make an indepth review, or do you want to make it
short and silly just in case your review goes viral? I love going back and forth between those two options and keeping my eight followers on their toes. Letterboxd has many other features like lists, watchlists, and the diary which are great for everyone to explore and have fun playing around with.
Letterboxd has become an essential part of my movie-watching experience and now I can’t imagine not logging my movies in it. I love seeing people’s reviews and Top 4 all over social media and being able to obtain a different impression or point of view because of those things. Whether you are a film enthusiast or a mere enjoyer of fun, Letterboxd has created a community that is a safe space for anyone who wishes to feel included in the amazing world of film!
It would only be appropriate for me to end this with a shameless self-plug. So go ahead and follow me on Letterboxd at dannavramos. I’ll be reading your reviews, stalking your top 4, and writing up some new critiques for you to read through!
THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING
by Mackenzie Conant
As a self-proclaimed fashion guru, I would have to say that there is only one obsession worthy of my time, and that is my boot collection. Over years of scouring the thrift stores, watching for sales at Zara, and having hope that a pair would fall in my lap, I have curated my dream boot collection, knee length of course, and they are my current obsession.
You might ask, “Why are you so obsessed with your boots Mack?” Well I am so glad you asked...
Firstly, I am always in a hurry to find an outfit to wear in the morning. So of course, I am constantly searching for an outfit that can be easily thrown on but still look chic. 90% of the time, I am reaching for a dress because hello, a dress is the WHOLE outfit, and what better way to top it off than with a pair of knee length boots. My preference is usually my camel-colored pair that I scored during a Goodwill trip. Throw a coat on top and boom, I have created a look that is chic yet comfortable, and I am ready for the day!
length boots is that they double as the star of the outfit but also have no trouble being the supporting character. In other words, while I am always intrigued by a Rachel Green moment of a mini dress and boots –Hello New York – I can just as easily zip up my tall black boots under my favorite pair of wide leg jeans and I have instantly given my outfit some dimension. The versatility truly knows no bounds!
Finally, there is no better cure to a fashion crisis than throwing on pair of boots. Seriously, if you truly want to escape the throes of indecision, grab those boots, your favorite pair of jeans, and a statement jacket, and you have cured the seemingly incurable question “What am I going to wear today?” Trust me, they will never let you down (literally and figuratively).
Secondly, the best part about owning a pair of knee
I hope by sharing my own obsession, fixation, whatever you want to call it, that you are inspired to share in the magic that a knee length boot will do for you. If you are hesitant to buy them, this is your sign to click “add to cart”, change your wardrobe, and dare I say your life, forever.
Obssesed With: #9 TYLER COKER
“UIW became my home”
Athlete’s Spotlight
by Andrea Inestroza Rodriguez
Tyler Coker’s journey to the University of the Incarnate Word is defined by courage, creativity, and a determination to find the right place to grow A Communications Multimedia and Journalism major and forward for the Cardinals soccer team, Coker transferred to UIW in Spring 2025 after spending a year and a half at UTSA searching for an environment where she could succeed both academically and athletically That search led her to a campus she now proudly calls home.
“My time at UIW has been such an eye-opening journey,” Coker says. “The support surrounding student athletes is phenomenal, and I am confident that I always have someone to go to when I’m in need of help or guidance. I have truly been able to thrive as myself at UIW.”
On the field, wearing jersey number nine, Coker brings intensity and leadership to every match Off the field, she has made an equally strong impact within the Communications department One of her favorite memories so far came earlier this year when she helped host a welcomeback mixer for COMM students, an event that blended her two worlds of athletics and academics
“Some of my teammates and many other athletes were there,” she recalls “It made he experience super fun ” Creativity fuels much of Coker’s life outside of class and competition.
From graffiti-style art and tattoo designs to bouquets, scrapbooks, YouTube videos, and Bible studies, she is constantly crafting projects that allow her to express herself and connect with others
That balance between discipline and self-expression is what defines Coker’s presence at UIW She speaks openly about growth, faith, and finding confidence in her individuality, qualities that resonate with teammates, classmates, and fellow students navigating similar transitions. Her transfer story, she believes, is central to her success. Leaving UTSA was not easy, but it was necessary. “I was looking for a place where I could thrive and be successful both on the field and in the classroom,” she explains. “UIW became my home, and I couldn’t be more blessed with the opportunity to grow and graduate as a student athlete here ”
As her college life continues, Tyler Coker stands as an example of what it means to trust the process, embrace change, build community, and show up fully in every space she enters
Whether leading an attack on the pitch, creating behind the scenes, or hosting events for her department, she brings heart, creativity, and Cardinal pride to everything she does
I Am Obsessed
Patterns, Coffee, Self-Care, & Photography
Trends come and go. While some are short-lived, others catch attention like wildf ire. And to me, some of these things aren’t really “trends” at all. So here are some I am unapologetically obsessed with:
“I am obsessed with patterns, and I don’t care. ”
From cheetah print and zebra stripes to polka dots and tortoiseshell, I am obsessed with patterns. They’re fun, expressive, and interesting. Personally, I think patterns are perfect when it comes to curating an outf it and elevating basics. A plain white shirt and jeans? Cute, but plain. What about a white shirt with black polka dots instead? Now it’s more fun. Play around with patterns, and if you ’ re bold, mix and match them.
“I am obsessed with coffee and matcha, and I don’t care. ”
As a senior in college with a full course load, I need an extra boost of energ y from time to time (and by that, I mean every day). Naturally, I am obsessed with coffee and matcha, both of which give me extra energ y without the heart palpitations or shaky hands. When it comes to coffee, I have perfected my at-home recipe: a honey-cinnamon iced latte. As for matcha? My go-to order at any cafe or coffee shop is an iced matcha with either vanilla or strawberry syrup. Yum!
“I am obsessed with self-care, and I do(n’t) care. ”
Between work and school, I am always exhausted when I come back home from a long day. When I’m free from my class assignments, I can f inally unwind. Recently, I have really been trying to prioritize self-care during this time, which I would usually spend scrolling on my phone. And let me tell you I’m hooked. It feels good to feel good. By spending time on things that actually improve my life, I’m less stressed and more fulf illed.
“I am obsessed with taking pictures, and I don’t care. ”
Yes, my phone does eat f irst. I like to take pictures of what I’m doing, where I visit, and the people I’m with. Just enjoy the moment, people say. But why choose when I can do both? I can still be present while capturing the important parts of my life and the precious moments. I like to think of photography as a visual journal or diary. Of course, there is a f ine line between documenting life and living for content. But there’s nothing wrong with simply keeping a record of your life. There are so many stories and memories that can be held in a single photo.
CLOSING REMARKS
If there’s one thing this issue proves, it’s that obsession doesn’t always have to look dramatic. Sometimes it’s lowkey and layback. It’s the playlist you keep on repeat, the outf it you build your whole personality around for a few months, or the random interest you fall into at 2 a.m. It’s the things that linger longer than we expect.
This issue explores what we f ixate on. The passions we nurture, the trends we fall into, the creative outlets we lean on, and the people we admire. From athletes, to students, to pop culture moments, our feeds are taken over by our interests. Obsession becomes a ref lection of what excites us.
Obsession isn’t always unhealthy. Sometimes, it is actually a good thing. An exciting thing. It’s what pushes us to keep creating and questioning who we are becoming. Obsession shows up in vision boards, style phases, and late-night convos.
As you f lipped through these pages, maybe you’ll recognize a piece of yourself in someone else’s f ixation. What are you obsessed with?
Xoxo - Nat
