Crystal Robert        

 It’s been a great three semesters!  As my time as editor-in-chief of Minero Magazine draws to a close, I remember all the rewarding experiences I have had throughout my time at this publication.

It has been my pleasure to rattle cages, arouse interest and address the issues that have been important to the UTEP community.  I have been very impressed and pleased with the way the writers and designers have delivered their story ideas, and the impact that they had on our community.

It has been extremely exciting to see the magazine come about–from concept to final glossy product.  I have loved brainstorming story ideas and topics and their importance to the UTEP and El Paso community.  

Some of the topics we have covered over the last three semesters have been controversial, such as Armando Segovia’s story on Lomas del Poleo (concerning a land dispute in Ciudad Juárez).  Armando’s story was not just a point of interest as a final product, but the adventure behind gathering the details for the piece was an amazing thriller all on its own.

 Justin Monarez’ tattoo piece also proved to be a bit scandalous.  Feedback of any sort on an issue of Minero Magazine is very exciting. Although the comments we received were not all positive, it’s great to know that a story not only catches your eye, but also inspires you to think.  This is one of the many stories that would never have been as dynamic without the amazing work of the designer, Yasmin Marquez.   

Some of the topics have been entertaining and insightful; such as Perla Chaparro’s profile on Rodolfo García.  Not only did Perla’s words bring attention to a very dedicated and hardworking man, but Melody Parra’s photos helped humanize a man whose work has been usually overlooked.   

This issue offers a fresh approach in the history of Minero Magazine.  Justin Luera’s interview of author and professor Ben Saenz is a question-and-answer format that allows the dynamic interaction between student and professor, young writer and mentor to shine through.  I hope you enjoy this latest issue.  It’s difficult to say goodbye, but now it’s time for me to move on.

It has been my unique privilege to work with an amazing team of writers and designers; especially a truly amazing art director, whose creativity and insight is what has made Minero Magazine a success over the past two semesters.  

Miriam “Mitzi” Rosas, is an award-winning designer who has worked for Minero Magazine for several years now.  In fact, on Oct. 31 she was awarded a national Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker award for her design work on the layout of the “Bloody Battles Batter Business” story. Her dedication to the magazine is displayed in her excellent balancing of the writers’ message with images devised by designers who provide their visual interpretation of this message.  Mitzi will graduate at the end of this semester, and she will without a doubt succeed in everything that she does.

I have learned a great deal from my colleagues and superiors, and consider myself very fortunate to have worked with everyone from the advertising representatives to the designers and the writers. Although I will not be continuing with the publication, I am very hopeful for the future of Minero Magazine and wish all those who continue on the very best.

Thank you for reading,

Crystal Robert