The Cardinals Unplugged Issue

MEET THE STAFF

Head Editor

Mackenzie Conant

Assistant Layout Designer

Aldo Palacios

Contributing Writer

Danna Ramos

Assistant Editor Aislyn Bradford

Assistant Layout Designer Angelina Rodriguez

Contributing Writer Andrea Inestroza

Assistant Editor Paige Heller

Contributing Writer Natalia Valenzuela

Head Layout Designer Klarysa Saldana

Contributing Writer McKenna Moczygemba

Social Media Manager Nydia Perez Photographer Matthew Jurenovich

Contributing Writers: Salman Ali | Giana Casso | Kelly Gonzales

HELLER PAIGE

Editor’s

Welcome back to this edition of Red! I am so excited to share with you all the hard work from our writers, photographers, layout team, and editors. With it being halfway through the semester, I just want to give some encouragement to all of you! You got this whether it be with assignments or finals you are going to do great this semester. Also remember to soak in all the time and memories during these years because the end comes faster than you know. With graduation being less than two months away, I am filled with both joy and sadness knowing that this is the last semester for me. I am extremely grateful to have been a part of RED and the other organizations I’m involved with. If I can give any reader out there a piece of advice it would be take every opportunity and live life to the fullest during your college journey.

With that being said, this edition of RED is Cardinals Unplugged. I encourage all of you to put the technology away this week and create a memory. It can be by yourself or with friends, as long as you are able to be present in that moment. I know with society today we feel the urge to post things on social media, to text people back, or to even doom scroll on TikTok but there is something special about being unplugged for a little bit. Some ideas for an unplugged event this week could be reading a book at the park, having dinner with a friend, planning an early Friendsgiving, or having a game night with friends. Thank you for your continued support and for remaining a loyal reader since we first began last year. If you’re new here, welcome! We cannot wait for you to see this latest edition and read some amazing stories. Please enjoy this edition of RED!

Feature section

by McKenna Moczygemba

EstherAlele, otherwise known by her Instagram handle @Jesusgirly, is the It-girl influencer of the UIW campus. From a variety of lifestyle content to videos focused on sharing her faith, Esther has established a name for herself. Her Christian influencer content shows how creativity and beauty stems from within, and how you don’t need to conform to social standards set by the media to make a difference.

Inspiration for her content are rooted in her day-to-day life and relationship with Jesus. She states, “When the Lord puts something on my heart to share, I share it! Also, seeing what’s trending and seeing how I can flip it to be more Christ-centered.” In her content, viewers and scrollers can see that statement in every post. On September 24, 2025, she changed a simple morning routine into a Christian girl’s morning routine. Viewers watch her combine faith combined with her daily activities, and ultimately be, as Hannah Montana once famously said, an “ordinary girl”. This video is one example of how she gives her audience

a glimpse into her authentic lifestyle. When asked about how she thinks her Instagram account has shaped her college experience, she states, “I wouldn’t say I’m a famous influencer or anything like that. I like to think of myself as an influencer for Christ. Until this day, when people come up to me and call me Jesus Girly, it feels weird, but it’s made me realize that we each have a voice, and I want to use my voice to spread the gospel and see my generation/audience come to know Jesus in the way I know Him.” Her audience can see the raw, real aspects of her life, which, in turn, inspires this generation of UIW Cardinals and maybe even future students.

Whether people respond to her content or simply keep scrolling, Esther’s strong sense of identity makes her unique on the UIW campus. Her storytelling and vulnerability help shape the narrative of her brand, marking Jesus Girly a pivotal marker of UIW students sharing themselves with others through creative connection.

and put your

Head phones On come

Hi everyone! My name is Kelly Gonzales, and I’m the designer for this spread! A little info about me is that I’m currently in my junior year studying Graphic Design with minors in Marketing and Art History. I’m the Programming Director for AIGA UIW, which consists of making events for the organization catered to Graphic Design students. My passion for design began when I was a little girl, creating collages from magazines and producing silly motion graphics. Though, doing that has led me to find my love for the creative process and making beautiful visuals, which has only grown since then. Other aspects of design that I love to make are editorials, posters, and web. Besides design, I also love fashion, movies, art and art history, music, and being with my chihuahua named Blossom!

The music/films you see here have been my current favs for October!

Musicians are the Moment – and so are the Clothes

By Mackenzie Conant

Musicians have always been a monumental part of young people’s lives. From the very first time we hear their songs, to the day we see them perform live, we are bonded by the power of music. The artist’s words resonate with us on various levels, and because of this, we want to emulate the artist’s life in any way we can. While some take on the daunting task of learning to sing or play the instrument of their favorite artist, others choose an alternative practice: fashion. For years, artists have pioneered iconic fashion moments that have stood the test of time. From Michael Jackson’s red leather jacket in the “Thriller” music video, to Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour outfits, and The Spice Girls’ looks in their “Wannabe” music video, these moments have been talked about in complete awe and wonder. As fans of artists, enamored with certain musicians, we pivot our fashion choices to match their personal style. Think about it – how many Spice Girls Halloween costumes have been worn since the video was released in 1996? The Union Jack dress will never go out of style if Gen Z has anything to say about it.

Until Taylor Swift came along, Michael Jackson was the man of the hour—or century, really. If his dance moves or high notes didn’t captivate you, then his fashion choices did. Sequined gloves, bedazzled military jackets, and bright colors were his signature look and only made his fans love him more for it. We can only imagine the surge in leather jackets the more popular he became.

And then there is Taylor Swift, who has rightfully earned her place among the greats for more reasons beyond just her voice: it is also because of her peak as an artist in the form of the 2-year long “Eras Tour.” The unspoken rule among those attending a show was that you chose one of her “eras,” or albums, to dress up in. Whether it was gold sequins for “Fearless” or pink hearts for “Lover,” her fans delivered, wearing iconic looks that worn anywhere else would be concerning. She started a movement, whether she knew it or not, that made her fans feel close to her. And let’s face it –who wouldn’t want to feel close to Taylor Swift?

Fashion is more than just clothes; it’s a way of expressing oneself. Musicians like the ones listed above understood that and still do and will forever take advantage of the opportunity to use it for connection with their fans. So, the next time you make a fashion choice, remember the person who inspired you and thank them from afar.

Fashion Fashion Fashion

Thomas ThomasKade

by Andrea Inestroza

Kade Thomas arrived at UIW in Fall of 2022 as a freshman, and since then she has been building her legacy. Now a senior and middle blocker for the Cardinals volleyball team, Kade wears the number 19 jersey with pride and determination.

“As a UIW student-athlete, I’ve grown not only in my sport but also as a leader and a student. I’ve learned the value of discipline, perseverance, and community,” Kade says.

As a communications major with a minor in business marketing, Kade's pursuit of excellence shines not only on the volleyball court but in the classroom as well.

“My experience as a communications major has been amazing. The professors and people I’ve met have given me the space to be creative and confident,” she shares.

Her journey reflects the harmony UIW fosters: a place where students can pursue both athletic greatness and academic passion.

“In the summer, you’ll probably find me on a boat or jet ski. I love all things girly, like going shopping, t aking digit al camera pictures, and enjoying beautiful scenery.”

Beyond volleyball and academics, Kade’s personality shines through her love of Houston life and her adventurous summers on the water. Before volleyball, she was a cheerleader and once imagined continuing that path through high school and college. Instead, she took a leap of faith and discovered her true calling on the court.

And what a calling that was, because just this past month, Kade broke a school record of 300 career blocks, marking a milestone that symbolizes the effort, joy, and relentless drive she has poured into her years as a Cardinal.

Her legacy at UIW isn’t just about records or wins; it’s about the inspiration she leaves behind for teammates, classmates, and future Cardinals. We’re cheering for you Kade, always!

#19

trust the...

When I first arrived at the University of the Incarnate Word in 2014, I was a nervous freshman from Waco, Texas. I already knew I wanted to study graphic design. What I didn’t know was how deeply those four years would shape not only my career but also the way I see the world

I moved into the four-male dorms of Agnese Sosa Hall, sharing a space with two baseball players and a 3D animation student who later switched to mathematics That odd mix somehow worked because we were all figuring out who we were meant to be My best friend from Waco came with me to San Antonio, and together we stumbled into adulthood I was terrified to leave my small hometown for a big city, but UIW quickly became a second family

Cardinal Camp, the orient ation retreat for new students, was where it all st arted I met people there who remain my closest friends today In fact, our Cardinal Camp crew still hosts an annual Friendsgiving every year, a tradition that has lasted since graduation. Those early bonds carried me through some of the most challenging and transformative years of my life.

The graphic design program was rigorous, inspiring, and overwhelming at times. The freshman foundation courses tested not just our creativity but also our resilience. I was passionate and often pushed myself to impress professors and peers. Within our small graduating cohort of fewer than fifteen students, however, I learned something invaluable: critique is not cruelty; it is collaboration. We were friends, but we were also each other’s toughest critics. That kind of creative friction built lasting respect and account ability.

One of the defining moments of my journey came during my junior year when I spent a semester in Heidelberg, Germany Thanks to UIW’s network of sister schools, I was able to study abroad and meet so many incredible people, many of whom were also pursuing marketing minors That experience expanded my worldview immensely It t aught me that design thinking and creativity are universal languages that connect people across cultures

Even though I no longer work in design directly, I will never forget the grit and hard work that went into everything we did The friendships we formed were forged in that shared struggle to become better designers We poured our blood, sweat, and tears into those projects, and I respect every single one of my classmates for the dedication they showed

After earning my MBA in 2019, I was freelancing as a designer and marketing consult ant I thought I had my path mapped out Then, just as I completed my degree, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Work dried up, hiring froze, and like so many of us, I had to pause and reimagine what came next.

What came next, unexpectedly, was gardening.

During that uncert ain time, I st arted landscaping as a way to clear my mind and discovered an entirely new outlet for design. The same principles I had learned in UIW’s design classes of balance, proportion, texture, and color harmony guided me

Over time, that gardening hobby evolved into a side business designing landscapes throughout Central Texas. By 2023, another door opened: I was offered a position with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, reviewing federal laws and disability regulations for veterans. It might sound completely different from graphic design, but every skill transferred seamlessly: organization, problem-solving, and creative communication. UIW t aught me how to think visually, strategically, and compassionately, and those lessons continue to influence everything I do.

Looking back, I no longer see my path as a departure from design but an evolution of it. Whether I am cultivating a garden or analyzing policy, I am still designing, just in new forms.

To today’s Cardinals, my advice is simple: trust the detours The direction you st art in may not be where you end up, but every turn connects UIW gave me more than a degree; it gave me the discipline, community, and confidence to keep creating, no matter the medium

S WAG Still Got That

A B li

ber’s Look at J stin Bieber’s Double Drop

I’ll be the firs

blasting “O y g y

YouTube. My first Justin Bieber concert was right here in San Antonio in November 2010 for his My World Tour, and it was a birthday gift I still consider unbeatable. Since then, I’ve seen him live three more times: once in 2016 for the Purpose tour, and twice in 2022 during the Justice world tour, both in Austin and Houston.

So when Justin returned with not one but two new albums in 2025, Swag and Swag II, I was already sold. But here’s the thing, I can also admit it’s not all perfect.

After a four-year break from music, Justin came back with a combined 44 tracks across the two albums, and I get why some people think it’s a lot to take in. Critics have pointed out that the lyrics don’t always feel as strong or intentional as his earlier work, and that parts of both albums start to blend together

Tracks like “Too Long” and “Poppin’ My S***” have been labeled repetitive or uninspired. Even “Petting Zoo,” one of my personal favorites, has sparked mixed reactions for its raw, but sometimes questionable, lyricism

But as a lifelong Belieber, I think you have to listen with the understanding that Justin isn’t trying to make the same music he did when he was 16. He’s a father, a husband, grown, and clearly experimenting. Both Swag and Swag II lean more into R&B and indie vibes, moving away from the ultra polished pop we ’ re used to.

The production is what really shines here Swag gave us “Daisies,” which completely took off on TikTok and Instagram Reels and racked up massive numbers It helped push the album past one billion streams, making it his seventh album to reach that milestone The song’s chorus and chill acoustic sound made it the perfect background track for summer drives and late-night mood boards

And Swag II has its own gems too “Moving Fast” might be one of his best storytelling moments on either album It’s slower, deeper, and gives insight into how fame and growing up have changed him He sings about rolling the windows down, trying to slow life down for love, and it feels real You also can’t talk about Swag without mentioning what it stands for: Son, Wife, and God. Most people don’t even realize it’s an acronym, but once you know, it makes total sense. These albums aren’t just about flexing or catchy hooks. In fact, they’re about the things that matter most to him. You can hear him tap into his faith, his marriage, and his values throughout, and whether you connect with every song, that vulnerability is something I’ll always admire.

For me personally, “Petting Zoo” stands out. Sure, the lyrics aren’t winning any poetry awards, but the vocals are so smooth and emotional. It’s a song I can feel. And that’s always been one of Justin’s strengths, making his listeners feel something, even when it’s messy or a little offbeat. of people are calling these albums “feel good walking music,” and honestly… I kind of love that. Not every song has to be groundbreaking. Sometimes you just want something that makes you feel nostalgic, chill, and connected to an artist you ’ ve grown up with.

So, while Swag and Swag II might not win over every critic, they represent something deeper for longtime fans They prove that Justin isn’t done experimenting, evolving, or finding new ways to connect with his audience He’s growing, he’s grounded in his faith, and he’s creating music that reflects where he is in life, even if it’s not for everyone

For those of us who’ve been here since My World, that’s more than enough. Whether you loved all 44 tracks or just a handful, one thing’s for sure, Justin is doing what he wants, on his own terms, in his own way.

And if that’s not clocking to you, just know he’s standing on business. -Giana Casso

Closing Remarks

As we wrap up this issue of Cardinals Unplugged, let’s take a moment to appreciate the creative energy that keeps this campus going! From music and media to everyday moments of content creation, this edition is all about tuning into what makes each of us unique.

College life moves fast, but there’s something special about finding your rhythm throughout. Whether it’s through art, playlists, late-night convos, or just doing what you love, you are practicing self-expression.

Don’t forget to pause and notice the ways you’re already creating: laughing with your friends on the way to class, taking OOTD mirror selfies for Instagram, doing your homework, and even simply being

yourself. Keep exploring, keep expressing, and most importantly, keep showing up as you.

After flipping through these pages, ask yourself, what do I love to do? What do I like to create? Don’t forget that we’re still finding ourselves as college students. Take one step, one idea, and one day at a time.

Here’s to the dreamers, the makers, the storytellers, and everyone discovering their voice. Keep unplugging, keep creating, and never stop finding your rhythm.

Thanks for reading RED and being a part of the creative pulse that makes the heart of our community beat!

-Natalia V.