The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

Jaelyn Decena

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor

Jaelyn Decena is a transfer student from MSJC majoring in literature and writing studies with a double minor in film/TV production and film studies. She currently holds the position as the Arts & Entertainment section editor at The Cougar Chronicle. A fun fact about her is that she loves Disney and enjoys roller skating.
All content by Jaelyn Decena
Yolk is the first novel from Mary H.K. Choi.

Entertainment Rundown 11/10

Jaelyn Decena, Cassidy Lovell, and Tania Ortiz November 10, 2021

Book: Yolk by Jaelyn Decena On Mar. 1,  Mary H.K. Choi released her first novel titled Yolk. The novel follows the story of two Korean-American sisters who are nothing alike: Jayne and June Baek....

“Edith!” is available on Apple Podcasts.

Entertainment Rundown

Kinsey Canez, Cassidy Lovell, and Jaelyn Decena November 2, 2021

Podcast: “Edith!” by Kinsey Canez President Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke in 1919, leaving some to believe that his wife, Edith Wilson, took over Presidential responsibilities that once came...

Midsommar was directed by Ari Aster and released in 2019.

5 shows and films to watch this Halloween

Jaelyn Decena, Arts & Entertainment Editor November 2, 2021

October is the time for haunts and scares. From slasher films, to the paranormal, to downright unsettling, here are five films and shows to get you in the Halloween spirit: Midsommar: A film by the...

Theater Arts Club resumes in-person performances for fall 2021

Jaelyn Decena, Arts & Entertainment Editor October 26, 2021

Since the reopening of CSUSM, students and faculty have had to find ways to adapt to school while trying to resume normal life. However, the pandemic has affected all students and introduced new challenges...

Simu Liu stars as Marvel’s first Asian-American superhero in Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Marvel’s Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings kickstarts Marvel’s next phase

Jaelyn Decena, Arts & Entertainment Editor September 29, 2021

This review may contain spoilers.  Marvel kicks off the next phase of the Avengers with Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. As one of the first Marvel films to be traditionally released in theatres,...

Students greatly benefit from in-person learning and events at CSUSM.

In-person events and learning help create a sense of community at CSUSM

Jaelyn Decena, Arts & Entertainment Editor September 29, 2021

As we go further into the semester with more students, faculty and staff getting vaccinated, CSUSM’s campus is slowly  returning to a sense of normality once again. While there is much unpredictability...

Professor Skokan of CSUSM’s LTWR and AMD departments on set for short film “Sweet Potato Man”

A conversation on creativity and individuality in scriptwriting with Professor Laura Skokan

Jaelyn Decena, Arts & Entertainment Editor September 15, 2021

One thing that makes CSUSM so special is the faculty; professors are always open to helping students to the best of their ability. A professor who always goes above and beyond for students is Professor...

CSUSM’s School of Arts returns with in-person and online events

Jaelyn Decena, Arts & Entertainment Editor September 15, 2021

As CSUSM begins to transition to traditional online learning, School of Arts departments such as the Theatre Arts are slowly transitioning to in-person performances and events. In-person performances allow...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor May 10, 2021

Movie: The Mitchells vs. the Machines The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a newly-released Netflix kids’ animated film. The film follows the story of Katie Mitchell, the eldest daughter of the dysfunctional...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Jaelyn Decena and Angelica Cervantes May 3, 2021

Book: Transcendent Kingdom Yaa Gyasi released her debut novel Transcendent Kingdom in September 2020. The book does not hesitate to take on darker topics such as abuse, addiction and depression....

CSUSM is only permitting 2020-2021 graduates to bring two guests to prevent COVID cases from spreading.

Graduating students share thoughts on two-guest limit for commencement

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor April 30, 2021

CSUSM’s Office of the President sent out emails announcing that they are hosting a traditional in-person graduation ceremony on March 19. The graduation ceremonies will take place on May 22 and 23, planning...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Jaelyn Decena, Kat Parra, and Magali Castillo April 26, 2021

Book: Ripples by Wai Wai Pang Ripples by Wai Wai Pang is a unique mystery graphic novel. As Pang’s debut novel, Pang redefines the boundaries of graphic novels. The story follows two detectives...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Magali Castillo, Kat Parra, and Jaelyn Decena April 14, 2021

EP: Freedom. by Justin Bieber On Easter, Justin Bieber dropped an EP titled Freedom., just over two weeks after the release of his album Justice. The album stirred some controversy for its tracks...

Reading anti-racist books is not enough to fully understand the experiences of BIPOC.

Information doesn’t equal experience: Reading anti-racist books is not enough

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor April 11, 2021

At the height of the George Floyd protests last summer, many people turned to a plethora of books by BIPOC authors.  From You Can’t Touch My Hair by Phoebe Robinson to So You Want to Talk About Race...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Movie: Coming 2 America Nearly 30 years after the original Coming To America film, its sequel Coming 2 America brings old-school nostalgia and New Age representation to the forefront. With the combination...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Documentary: Audrey Behind closed doors, despite the fame, Audrey Hepburn’s desire to be loved is something we learn in the new Netflix documentary Audrey. There has been no other like Audrey...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Jaelyn Decena, Natalie Navarro, and Magali Castillo March 15, 2021

TV Show: Ginny and Georgia Netflix released the first season of its newest comedy-drama Ginny and Georgia on Feb. 24. The show follows the story of a young mom, Georgia, and her two kids, Ginny...

With the unpredictable nature of life, graduating college in four years is an almost impossible feat.

Finding a balance: Why it’s perfectly okay for college students to take more than four years to graduate

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor March 7, 2021

The college experience has steadily changed over time.  Many factors have played into this change: the pricing, the students’ quality of life and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Magali Castillo and Jaelyn Decena March 6, 2021

Documentary: Biggie: I Got A Story To Tell Since a video is worth a thousand words, this rare archival footage featuring rapper Christopher Wallace, known as The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie, tells...

CSUSM hosted Mayfield Brooks in the Arts & Lectures series on Feb. 18.

CSUSM Arts & Lectures Series hosts dancer, activist Mayfield Brooks

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor March 1, 2021

CSUSM‘s Arts & Lectures series hosted their second event of the semester,“DE-Composing Dance: A Discourse for Dance Decomposition and Choreographies of Breath,” featuring Mayfield Brooks on Feb....

Lara Amin: CSUSM graduate Lara Amin (‘20) tells her story of graduating in the midst of a pandemic.

Life after college: CSUSM graduate shares her experience

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor February 21, 2021

As we head into the spring 2021 semester, many soon-to-be graduates may find themselves in a panic. For the past 16 or so years, school is everything we have known. We’ve stayed up countless hours, made...

Sia’s first film Music creates a mockery of those with autism.

Sia’s new film Music faces backlash from the autism community

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor February 21, 2021

Sia’s new film Music quickly had people talking for the wrong reasons after its release on Feb. 10.  The film quickly faced backlash as the film stars Maddie Ziegler as a young girl named Music,...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor February 21, 2021

Book: Untamed by Glennon Doyle Glennon Doyle’s third book Untamed is nothing like her previous books. This self-help memoir shares Doyle’s experience of coming to terms with her sexuality and...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Kristie Castillo and Jaelyn Decena February 15, 2021

Song: “Good Days” by SZA SZA took social media and the world by storm when she released a “Good Days,” a calming, uplifting single. The song is focused on letting go of occupations and stress...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Jaelyn Decena and Kristie Castillo February 7, 2021

Movie: Soul Christmas Day is a time for giving, with Pixar’s newest film Soul being one of the best gifts. Soul follows the story of Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), a middle school band teacher and...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor December 14, 2020

Movie: Hillbilly Elegy Netflix’s recent release of Hillbilly Elegy is a drama film that follows the story of JD Vance, played by Gabriel Basso, a Yale student who comes back to his hometown after...

CSUSM theatre hosted their final performance of the fall semester, Solos.

Theatre department hosts performance

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor December 6, 2020

CSUSM’s theatre department hosted their third and final performance of the fall 2020 semester, Solos, on Dec. 4. The performance was a compilation of solo performances by various CSUSM theatre students.  Directed...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Jaelyn Decena, Kristie Castillo, and Yanely Gonzalez December 6, 2020

Podcast: “Just a Tip” YouTuber Megan Batoon’s self-help and advice-based podcast “Just a Tip” focuses on helping listeners with their problems. Featuring a new guest each episode, Batoon...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Kristie Castillo and Jaelyn Decena November 21, 2020

  Song: “Therefore I Am” Up-and-coming pop artist Billie Eilish released a new song called “Therefore I Am,” a tune of caution to those who try and use her name for fame or clout,...

CSUSM’s theatre department put on a virtual performance called “A Zoom of One’s Own” live from Nov. 19-21 and now available on their YouTube channel.

CSUSM theatre empowers women through “A Zoom of One’s Own” performance

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor November 21, 2020

The CSUSM Theatre Department livestreamed their second performance of the fall 2020 semester via YouTube, “A Zoom of One’s Own,” on Nov. 19-21.  Written by Maria Patrice Amon and Sonia Desai,...

Simon Tam is an activist, author, and musician.

Artist and activist converses about struggles of Asian American identity

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor November 10, 2020

CSUSM’s Arts & Lectures Series hosted “Slanted: How an Asian American Troublemaker Took on the Supreme Court,” a webinar with Simon Tam, an Asian American author, musician and activist, on Oct....

CSUSM alumnus Jake Northington’s exhibition “Chasing Andromeda” is now on display on the library’s website.

Alumnus’ photo exhibit emphasizes and celebrates Black beauty

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor October 25, 2020

Although access to campus is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, local artists such as CSUSM alumnus Jake Northington are able to display their work virtually.  Northington’s latest work, a photo...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Book: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe dives into existential crises, friendship,...

CSUSM Arts & Lectures hosted an event featuring dancer, director and choreographer Raja Feather Kelly on Oct. 1.

Arts & Lectures hosts dancer and creator who brings intersectional identity to life

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor October 11, 2020

The Arts & Lectures series hosted an event with dancer, director and choreographer Raja Feather Kelly titled “Honest Reactions to Imaginary Situations” on Oct. 1.  Kelly uses creative expression...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Kat Parra, Jaelyn Decena, and Maria Jungers September 29, 2020

Movie - The Frozen Ground Director Scott Walker delivers a suspense-drenched film that manifests fear and urgency as an escapee becomes a breakthrough in a detective’s cold case. Jack Halcombe...

CHABSS announced the September winners for their monthly contest.

CHABSS hosts monthly creative contest, announces September winners

Jaelyn Decena, A&E Editor September 26, 2020

The College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences (CHABSS) is hosting a monthly creative works contest called CHABSS Voices. The intent behind these monthly competitions is to not only...

Musical duo Nathan & Jessie recently released a new upbeat folk-jazz album called Rarities and Oddities.

Community Spotlight: Nathan & Jessie

Jaelyn Decena, Arts and Entertainment Editor September 15, 2020

Musical duo Nathan & Jessie create a unique listening experience with trilingual lyrics and a blend of blues, folk and jazz.  Consisting of Nathan Rivera and Jessie Andra Smith, Nathan & Jessie’s...

In Pixar’s Onward, brothers Barley (left) and Ian (right) go on an adventurous journey to bring back their father.

Onward shines with fresh, coming-of-age story

Jaelyn Decena, Staff Writer April 17, 2020

Pixar’s new movie, Onward, follows the adventure of two brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, who go on a quest to find a stone that will cast a spell to bring back their deceased father for a day. The...

Watching YouTube is fun way to pass the time while you’re social distancing.

Eight YouTube channels to watch while you’re social distancing

Jaelyn Decena, Staff Writer April 5, 2020

This social distancing has tested us in many ways. Trying to find things to do to pass the time is quite draining. In all honesty, you’ve probably spent a little more time than you would have liked to...

Podcasts are a perfect way to pass the time on your daily commute.

Four podcasts to make your commute more enjoyable

Jaelyn Decena, Staff Writer March 8, 2020

The majority of the students here at CSUSM are commuter students. Whether your commute is twenty minutes or over an hour, sitting in morning traffic, only to sit in more in evening traffic, becomes draining...

The centerpiece of the Reuse Project is a large tree.

CSUSM’s Staircase Exhibition partnership brings awareness to environmental issues on campus

Jaelyn Decena, Staff Writer February 7, 2020

The Reuse Project Art Exhibition began its display on Jan. 21 on the first floor of the Arts building. Created by the student club Staircase Exhibition in partnership with the Environmental Stewards...

Stormtroopers guarding a First Order hangar at Disneyland’s Rise of
the Resistance.

[Photo] Disneyland opens long-awaited Rise of the Resistance

Jaelyn Decena, Staff Writer February 6, 2020

Stormtroopers guarding a First Order hangar at Disneyland’s Rise of the Resistance.

Listening to music is one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit.

Christmas albums to get you in the holiday spirit this winter break

Jaelyn Decena December 7, 2019

As finals season wraps up, either with a nice little bow or the complete opposite, the holidays are getting closer and closer. The transition from the high-stress fi nals season to the holiday sea-son...

THE CHRONICLE ENTERTAINMENT RUNDOWN

Sydney Bayaca, Anneliese Esparza, and Jaelyn Decena November 22, 2019

 TV Show: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series breathes new life into the original High School Musical movies. The show is not...

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