The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views
The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views
The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views
Sammy Jo Cienfuegos

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor

Hey ya’ll! My name is Sammy Jo Cienfuegos and I’m one of the two Viewpoints editors. I’m a senior Writing and Rhetoric major, with an emphasis in Creative Writing. I’m currently working as It’s On Us’ At-Large Advisor for Latinx Students, Workshops Coordinator for SEU’s It’s On Us chapter, and as a volunteer instructor at Austin Bat Cave. In my free time, I enjoy exploring East Austin and eating hot chips.

All content by Sammy Jo Cienfuegos
After a year of remote learning, seniors bid farewell to Hilltop Views

After a year of remote learning, seniors bid farewell to Hilltop Views

Christine Sanchez, George Murray, Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, and Ben Cardillo
April 30, 2021
Before Covid-19, students gathered at the It’s On Us Take Back the Night event to show support for victims and survivors of sexual assault. The student organization works closely with Title IX coordinators.

Universities await Title IX changes under new Biden administration, LGBTQ+ students, survivors to be affected

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
February 4, 2021
If you are registered to vote in Travis County, you may cast your ballot on campus at the UFCU Alumni Gym on election day, Nov, 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

OurView: St. Edward’s must make Election Day holiday to improve voter turnout

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos and Ben Cardillo
October 28, 2020
'Hubie Halloween' was released on Oct. 7 by Netflix. The film was dedicated to Cameron Boyce, who was originally supposed to star in it before his passing.

New Adam Sandler Halloween flick provides comfort, nostalgia in trying times

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
October 21, 2020
Protestors, like these in Austin, have shown the power of direct action over the past five months. In order to create a better society, people have to get out and ask for it.

OurView: Voting only piece of puzzle in reclaiming country

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos and Ben Cardillo
September 9, 2020
Editors' Choice: Quarantunes

Editors’ Choice: Quarantunes

Adrian Gonzalez, Nina Martinez, John Walker, Jacob Bryce, Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Sierra Rozen, George Murray, Gianni Zorrilla, Christine Sanchez, and Kelly Salinas
April 24, 2020
Hyde Park Theatre is a local arts center that was founded in 1992. They have produced over 50 different premieres.

Hyde Park Theatre brings magic of the stage to viewer’s living rooms

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
April 22, 2020
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, SGA decided to stream the 2020 presidential debate for the student body via Zoom. The debate lasted approximately two hours and candidates were able to elaborate on their respective platforms and answer student questions.

Candidates talk platforms, goals at annual SGA presidential debate

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos and Christine Sanchez
April 20, 2020

LatinXpo brings Latinx vendors to campus

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
March 26, 2020
Payton Russell (left) and Bianca Ibarra perform a scene in ‘good friday.’ The production featured an all-female cast and crew.

The Vortex debuts play grappling with issues of gun violence, sexual assault

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
March 2, 2020
The Health and Counseling Center is located near Johnson Hall. It is not clear whether they offer STD treatment or sexual health information.

High STD rates in Austin raise concerns over sex education at university health centers

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
January 28, 2020
Many of these trends came and went so fast in the 2010s.

Survival of the Stylish: A decade of trends courtesy of the 2010’s

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
December 3, 2019
Albums of the Decade

Albums of the Decade

John Walker, Jacob Bryce, Sierra Rozen, Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Kelly Salinas, Adrian Gonzalez, Christine Sanchez, George Murray, Gianni Zorrilla, Matthew San Martin, and Myrka Moreno
December 2, 2019
Abigail Cortinas (left) as Marisol and Sierra Sterling as her guardian Angel. "You know, after Marisol has her interaction with the angel, she clearly says, “A beautiful black angel!” [Jose Rivera] could’ve not said that; he could’ve [just] said a beautiful angel," Sterling says.

Mary Moody Northen production of ‘Marisol’ wows audience with magical realism

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
November 24, 2019
The interview rooms are located in APDs headquarters in downtown Austin. The rooms are now furnished with soft-seating instead of the previous hard seating.

APD unveils soft interview rooms to ensure trauma-informed approach

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
November 18, 2019
Vanessa del Fierro leads the Las Coronelas in song and dance. Del Fierro founded the band back in 2010.

Culture, music, empowerment: All-women mariachi band takes the Hilltop

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
November 11, 2019

Cherry-picking Mexican holiday proves to be culturally insensitive

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
November 6, 2019

OurView: Undocumented Student Action Week urges campus-wide advocacy, support

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos and Jacob Bryce
October 30, 2019
Carving pumpkins for Halloween is a historic tradition passed down from Celtic immigrants. It is one of the many activities people enjoy during the fall season.

FACEOFF: Warm weather’s uplifting qualities encourage productivity, better mood

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
October 30, 2019
With a fourth-place in the NCAA Division II South Central Region Preview, freshman Faith Brothers is already making noticeable contributions to program and plans on improving every race.

Women’s cross-country freshman sees bright future after fourth-place finish

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
October 30, 2019
Sloan has taught the Social Justice LLC at St. Edwards for five years. He is also the author of the book “Holding Schools Accountable: A Handbook for Educators and Parents.”

Freshman seminars beneficial in transition between high school, college

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
October 22, 2019
In Planned Parenthood’s annual report from 2018, the organization provided STI testing and treatment for about 4,723,985 people. Abortions only made up 3.4% of the organization’s services.

Pro-fetus doesn’t equal pro-life: Supporters need to reevaluate their morals

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
October 22, 2019

OurView: Privilege speaks louder than words; DeGeneres’ philosophy doesn’t apply

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos and Jacob Bryce
October 15, 2019
The estimated total population of Hispanics and Latinxs in the U.S. is 58,846,134.

Hispanic vs Latinx: Why being culturally conscious is important

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
October 8, 2019

OurView: Stigma around veganism outdated with rise of impossible foods

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos and Jacob Bryce
October 1, 2019
“I shouldn’t be up here. I should be back at school on the other side of the ocean. Yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you,” Thunberg said at the United Nations Climate Action Summit.

Young climate activist proves to be important voice amidst crisis

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
October 1, 2019
The 71st Primetime Emmy Awards were on Sept. 22. The broadcast garnered 6.9 million viewers.

Night of historic wins deems 71st Emmy Awards one to remember

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
September 24, 2019

Love astrology but struggle with its vocab? This app might be for you

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, View Points Editor
September 23, 2019
Trump's chances of being reelected are going down as we learn more about the Democratic candidates. Top contenders in the Democratic primaries appear to be Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders.

OurView: Democratic candidate ideas enough to trump current administration

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos and Jacob Bryce
September 18, 2019
Pennywise the Clown is portrayed by Bill Skarsgård in both "IT" movies. "IT Chapter Two" premiered in theaters on Sept. 6

“IT” sequel leaves much to be desired; Bill Hader’s performance only saving grace

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
September 17, 2019
Titouan Grebot (left) and Alice Turelli, two foriegn exchage students from Europe, sit outside the village preparing for their first week of classes on the Hilltop.

Need help getting off on the right hoof?: 10 tips for acing back to school

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, View Points Editor
September 11, 2019
The amount of fires in the Amazon has gone up 85% since last year according to NASA. The Amazon Rainforest provides the world with 25% of its oxygen so these fires should be causing global concern.

FACEOFF: Consumers provoke change, individuals must take responsibility

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
September 9, 2019
June was chosen for Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. This June served as Pride Month's 50th Anniversary.

Reflecting back on Pride Month: Why it should be celebrated all year

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
June 29, 2019
Students for Sustainability put on many events throughout the semester. Leaders of the organization put in many hours to make these events possible.

OurView: Why we should appreciate, recognize student leaders on campus

Sierra Rozen and Sammy Jo Cienfuegos
April 29, 2019
Participants of the tours were able to view model rooms like the one pictured above. Food was provided following the tour.

University offers tour of renovated pavilions residence hall

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
April 29, 2019
Derek Hunter congratulates presidential candidate Leslie Rios on her victory. Hunter managed the campaign of Oscar Parra and Jessica Riley.

Rios, Castañon win 2019 Student Government Association election following competitive race

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
April 29, 2019
Transfer students find their herd on the hilltop

Transfer students find their herd on the hilltop

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
April 9, 2019
According to the EPA, 67.8 million tons of waste were recycled in 2015, with paper making up more than half of that amount.

Students share ways to shrink carbon footprint

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
April 8, 2019
OurView: Sexual assault awareness month necessary to combat rape culture

OurView: Sexual assault awareness month necessary to combat rape culture

Sierra Rozen and Sammy Jo Cienfuegos
April 1, 2019
In Austin, there are 16 neighborhoods that are actively gentrifying and 23 others that are at risk. East Austin is considered to be the most impacted by gentrification.

Gentrification pushes low-income people of color out of homes

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
March 25, 2019
1,300 allegations were reported to the Department of Justice, but there were 4,550 allegations in total.

OurView: Abuse of migrant children at the border reveals administration’s carelessness

Sierra Rozen and Sammy Jo Cienfuegos
March 4, 2019
Charro Days celebrated its 82nd anniversary this year.

Charro Days celebrates unity that border wall threatens to divide

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
March 4, 2019
Sexual violence is more prevalent in South Asia because of Asian women's inclination to endure abuse according to South Asian Women's Centre.

Viral video exposes forced marriage serving as vehicle for sex trafficking

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
February 25, 2019
Brother Muller taught at St. Edward's for thirty-five years.

OurView: Accusation against former brother makes students weary of trusting SEU

Sierra Rozen and Sammy Jo Cienfuegos
February 18, 2019
According to NRF, total spending this Valentine's Day is expected to be $20.7 billion.

FACEOFF: Capitalist holiday pushes gender norms onto unknowing consumers

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
February 11, 2019
SGA hosts formal senate meetings every Wednesday at 7 p.m in the Maloney room.

SGA debates senatorial efficiency, approves ‘Business Closet’ bill

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
February 6, 2019
Smollett received a threatening letter one week before attack. "MAGA" was written as the return address.

OurView: Racial, LGBTQ+ hate crime draws attention to rhetoric of hostility

Sierra Rozen and Sammy Jo Cienfuegos
February 4, 2019
The LGBTQ+ community was outraged by the new transgender military ban implemented last Tuesday.

New military policy proves to be harmful to transgender community

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Viewpoints Editor
January 28, 2019
The SEU cheer squad during their National’s performance.

SEU cheer competes nationally for third consecutive year

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Staff Writer
January 28, 2019
According to Politifact, tear gas is considered a chemical weapon when used as a non-domestic method of warfare.

Mistreatment of asylum seekers is part of a long history of anti-Honduran sentiments

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos
December 3, 2018
The incident of abuse between Chris Brown and Rihanna occurred back in 2009.

Abuse is no accident: abusers need more than time to be accepted

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos
December 3, 2018
The Munday Library will have extended hours during finals week.

It’s The Final Countdown: A Topper’s guide to conquering fall semester

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos, Writer
November 26, 2018
Rapid effects of climate change include rising temperatures and warming oceans.

Humans can no longer shake responsibility of climate change effects

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos
November 12, 2018
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act was established in 1978 and has not been updated since.

Miscarriages in the workplace call pregnancy safety laws into question

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos
October 29, 2018
BØRNS performed at Weekend One but was pulled from Weekend Two

BØRNS ACL removal following sexual misconduct allegations justified

Sammy Jo Cienfuegos
October 22, 2018
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