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Volume 60 Issue 3
Thursday, September 29, 2022
THE USD VISTA
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Diego since 1968
Students question dining service efficiency Long lines at Pavilion Dining break records ABIGAIL CAVIZO NEWS EDITOR USD is known for having some of the best on-campus meal options for university dining. According to Niche, USD is ranked ninth in the country for food in America. However, for the food this year, USD students are unsure if it’s worth the wait. This year’s class of 2026 is the largest first-year class in USD history, with approximately 100 more students than the university usually expects. Because firstyear students living on campus are required to have meal plans, some students are wondering if USD’s dining services accounted for the increase in students visiting dining locations. USD sophomore Alexander Rusli frequently eats at Pavilion Dining and noticed a change between this year and last year’s lines. “I know that we have a lot more kids coming to school here who are freshmen and transfers, so maybe that’s what is causing the long lines,” Rusli said. “I use my meal plan a lot
Pavilion dining lines recently hit record numbers for how many students dined in. Karisa Kampbell /The USD Vista
for my older friends, who don’t have meal plans or don’t want to pay the price and wait in line.” Loryn Johnson, Director of Marketing and Licensing Director at Auxiliary Services, explained why the lines are longer. “Coming out of COVID, a lot of people want to be around others, so there are a lot more people coming out to Pavilion than ever before. Last night, we hit record numbers [for students dining in at Pavilion],” Johnson said. “In September, we’re always the busiest, because a lot of first-years tend to go there since it’s what’s most familiar to them after having meals there during their orientation.” Charles Ramos, the Dining Services Director, added that the time of day contributes to the large crowds at Pavilion dining. “Usually it was really busy at 7:00 p.m., but now it’s really busy from 6:00 p.m. up until 8:00 p.m., so it’s a larger window of business,” Ramos said. “We take an inventory of what we have at the beginning and what we have at the end of the night and get feedback from our chefs if things are running low or if we
Orgullosamente Latinx Students speak about their cultural pride
See Dining Services, Page 1
MORE STORIES USD tribal liaison
SARAH FAHEY ASST. A&C EDITOR Latinx Heritage Month, celebrated each year from midSeptember to mid-October, is a commemoration of the unique culture, identities and contributions of LatinxAmericans in the U.S. This month is packed full of pride and celebration for being unapologetically Latinx. Though the month is popularly known as “Hispanic Heritage Month,” many prefer to use “Latinx” because “Hispanic” refers to Spanish-speakers only and excludes countries where Spanish is not the primary language, such as Brazil. This is problematic because of Brazil’s sizable influence, and “Latinx” refers to all of Latin America.
See News, page 3
Zooming in sick See Opinion, page 5
Latinx heritage See Feature, page 6 Huipiles, a traditional garment worn by Indigenous women, feature bright colors and fabrics.
In a capitalist society built on appropriation and profit, it is difficult for many minorities to honor their cultures authentically, such as the popularized and
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should up production on food.” To get ready for the next day, a majority of the food is largely prepared the night before, with the exception of food cooked on the grill, such as burgers. By considering the data from previous days, Auxiliary Services adjust to what students want nightly. USD junior Natalie Wright abstains from eating meat as much as she can, but sometimes the lack of vegetarian options make it difficult to avoid. “I understand that a lot of people eat meat, but I wish there were more options for those who don’t,” Wright said. “Since I live off campus, I bought the smallest meal plan, so I only have 30 swipes, and I really wish there were more plantbased proteins to sustain myself. I end up just eating meat.” Students with dietary restrictions have options at every station, but the variety does not change often. Ramos made clear that Dining Services tracks the numbers, and if more students ate a certain food, they would increase this option in their meal preparation.
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commercialized Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo was a battle won by Mexico against the French, but it is used primarily by Americans as an excuse to party. USD sophomore Jonnie Robles appreciates the whole heritage month to recognize her identity. “This month is a time for a lot of Latinos to feel represented, without it being an Americanized holiday where the true
Photo courtesy of @Srz/Unsplash
significance of it is overshadowed by commercialization and capitalism,” Robles said. For many, this month is a time to celebrate Latinx culture and reflect on why they are proud of their individual identities. USD senior Alessandra Olmedo Robles shares why she is passionate about her Latina heritage. “I’m really grateful for my
See Latinx, Page 9
Let’s ‘worry darling’ See A&C, page 10
Volleyball wins See Sports, page 12