People - Spinning Grooves

In the age of digital streaming, the number of people buying physical copies of albums is declining. However, Fernanda Larrazabal is old school — she buys her music on vinyl or CD, defying the trend. The Groves senior received a record player when she was 15. “I really liked having physical copies of the music,” Fernanda says. The business major puts thought into the next vinyl or CD she will purchase. “I usually will listen to the album first and decide if I like the majority of the songs on it,” she says. If she had to pick her favorites, Fernanda chooses “It’s going to be ‘Solar Power’ by Lorde, ‘When the Pawn...’ by Fiona Apple, and ‘NFR’ by Lana Del Rey,” she says. Fernanda does not just collect the albums, but she tries to play all of them, although some of the ones she bought when she was 15 or 16 years old may not be so frequent in the rotation. Collecting albums is more than just supporting the musicians, Fernanda says. “To me it’s like a collection of my youth,” she says. Fernanda’s tastes may change, but the memories stay. “It ‘s just kind of like the trademark at this point in my life — I really enjoyed this kind of music,” she says.

If You Ask Her

Many students listen to podcasts on their way to class or while they do their homework, but Briley O’Conner takes it a step up. The Humble freshman hosts her own podcast, “If You Ask Me,” on the Apple Podcast app. “I really wanted to have an outlet to be able to share my experiences with so many people that will be able to relate,” the political science major says. “It is just really a weekly source of wisdom. You tune in and you hear some uplifting and positive affirmations.” All of Briley’s posts incorporate the color pink. “Pink is associated with femininity, and although anyone can benefit from my messages, I often have women in mind when I’m planning what to share,” Briley says. “Pink is also often associated with love, and I share all of my messages to promote a love of self.” However, Briley’s favorite part of hosting is receiving feedback and hearing how it encourages other people. “I think the growth, encouragement, and love of self and others is a huge cause,” she says. If you’re looking for some uplifting advice, just ask Briley. You may find just what you need.

Picturing Feelings

Kaitlynn Elette utilizes her hobby, art, to help others using art therapy. The Buna senior has a dream to open an art therapy clinic after graduating Lamar University. “Art therapy is not just painting your feelings away. It is more in-depth research that there is not a lot of,” the university studies with multi-disciplinary studies says. Kaitlynn says she is eager to conduct research into what type of traumas create certain subjects of artwork. “I think that over time, (art therapy) is going to get more accreditation for it, and that there will be more coming out on the benefits of it,” the self-taught artist says. “There was a case where they found out who sexually abused the child through his art. I believe more cases like this can happen.” Kaitlynn hopes to work with children who have been abused, those with autism and veterans with and without post-traumatic stress disorder. Kaitlynn uses symbolism with her artwork. “I use reference pieces when I am working because my dad told me to draw what I have seen.” Kaitlynn comes from generations of artists, but she is the first to use art therapy.

Pez=Lamar+

From Chicago’s Frosty Faustings tournament to Boomtown Beatdowns in LU’s Maes Building, Damian “PEZ” Perez is a strong “Guilty Gear XX Accent Core +R” player, currently ranked No. 240 in the world. “Here, locally, in Beaumont, I pretty consistently rank first” he says. The Nederland MBA student has won all of the Boomtown Fighting Game Community’s tournaments this semester without losing a single set. Pez gained control of the Beaumont scene with the aid of his main character, Testament. “My primary motive whenever I’m playing is to limit options,” he says. “Testament really excels in controlling space and cutting off movement.” Beaumont is not the only scene where Pez has a presence. “There’s going to be Texas Showdown, which I’m going to at the end of March,” he says. “Because the game is older, the entrants are notably lower than most games, but we’re looking to still hit roughly 30-40 people.” The Texas Showdown takes place in Houston and is the largest fighting game tournament in Texas and last year, he placed fifth. Pez is always trying to get people to try the game, most often by advertising its price tag. “I put 600 hours into it off of a $3 purchase. To me, that’s worthwhile” Pez says.

Hooked on Rugs

It’s hard to imagine a living space or comfortable bedroom without a colorful plush rug. Maiya Bowden knows that all too well and has made creating custom carpets her business venture. “I really wanted to find another form of income, so I decided to do something that I can use for my creativity and artistic vision,” she says. The Port Arthur junior started her business, Kali Rugz, in the middle of 2024. “I was always interested in custom rugs,” she says. “I said, ‘Let me try to learn this myself, and let’s try to profit off of this creative mission.’ So, I started looking up YouTube tutorials, and of course, TikToks and Instagram reels.” Since Kali Rugz was established, Maiya has sold roughly around 730-750 custom rugs. Each rug ranges from two to five feet and is commissioned to the customer’s request. The communication major projects the desired rug onto a material fabric and draws it out. Then, she uses a tufting gun, an automatic device which threads yarn through fabric, and glues down the backing. The base price for a rug is $150, but Maiya says she is offering a discount of $100 for LU students. For more, visit @kalirugz on Instagram and TikTok.

Elly Loves Eilish

There are fans and then there are superfans — and then there’s Eleana Campos. She is obsessed with Billie Eilish. “I became a fan when I was 13 because she seemed like someone I could relate to,” the Freer sophomore says. “The first song I ever heard was ‘Watch,’ which was on her first EP,” Eleana, whose nickname is Elly, says. “I loved her voice and the music video.” Eleana has seen the singer several times. “I saw her at Austin City Limits,” Eleana says. “There were a lot of people performing but I only went to see her. It was a great experience, and I just felt so happy.” Eleana surrounds herself with Eilish memorabilia. “For a long time, I didn’t have much merch,” she says. “Then I started to make my own money, and I bought everything that had Billie Eilish’s name or face on it. My favorite thing in my collection is the Billie Converse, because it was inspired by her last album, which is my favorite. They’re also stylish.” The singer is now part of the nursing major’s daily routine. “I can’t go a day without listening to her music, and if you see me walking around, odds are I am wearing something Billie themed.”