Volume 25 Issue 15 by Island Waves

HAPPY HOUR

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The Flickering Light shines bright at Texas A&M-University Corpus Christi Students create a production company to share their vision with the campus and community

First cohort of the TESOL program graduates

PAGE 4

photo courtesy of CONNER TICHOTA

photo courtsey of FLICKERING LIGHTS PRODUCTION

The cast of 15,000 Times, a Flickering Lights production, poses in the Wilson Theater

by STEPHANIE WALLACE managing editor

round the Island University, there are a lot of student organizations, but one that is little known, yet stands out among them is a production company created by two of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s own: Austin Halter and Kevin Johnson. Flickering Light Production, LLC was created as a way for Halter and Johnson to have an outlet for their creativity as well as share what

they have a passion for with the community. “Our professor [Allison Frost] once told us that after a recital, pianists do not stop practicing, dancers do not stop dancing, why should actors stop acting when there is not a show?” said Halter. “We are dormant, so we wanted to take the opportunity to put our work up and create the opportunity to show our work and practice.” Their next show, Moonchildren, will be their third main stage show and will be performed in the Fall on August 22. “We have had a lot of support from the professors, they are helping us out a lot as

much as they can,” said Johnson. Moonchildren is set in the 1960s, but Halter and Johnson wanted to create a relevance to the University through stuff students go through. “The department has been very, very helpful,” said Johnson. “It is the oligarchy that is Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi where we run into restrictions. There is a liability concern for those who are not affiliated with TAMUCC. For these productions only theatre majors are allowed.”

Seniors give their advice to underclassmen PAGE 6

see Flickering Lights on page 5

Commencement costs cabbage The true cost of graduating from college by CONNER TICHOTA news editor

s Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi graduating seniors walk the stage, they will most likely be looking forward to what bright possibilities the future has in store. Many graduates do not consider, or do not want to even begin to consider, the impending student loans that will be due in a very short time. The rising cost of college, even within the Texas A&M System, is an issue that not only effects incoming students, but will continue to effect graduates as well. The cost of one year of college can be expensive. The cost of all four years is astronomi-

cal. According to College for all Texans, an information website sponsored by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the cumulative cost to attend any university within the A&M System, for one year, is relatively similar. For instance, taking into account the cost of tuition, books, transportation, room and board, and other miscellaneous fees, the cost of A&M-College Station is approximately $22,470 for one year. In comparison, A&MCorpus Christi costs about $21,421 and A&MGalveston costs $23,334. According to the research, the most inexpensive university in the system was A&M- Central Texas which cost approximately $19,317. On average then, the cost of a traditional four year degree would ap-

proximate to $80,000. These figures only represent the A&M System. They do not take into account other larger public school systems or even the private universities scattered throughout Texas. Nor have factors such as scholarships and financial aid been factored in yet. According to U.S. News and World Report, 51.5 percent of students at A&M-Corpus Christi receive need-based scholarships and grants. This is a vast increase in funding in comparison to other universities such as A&M-College Station, which provides 36.4 percent of students with need-based scholarships and grants.

Remembering our atheletes PAGE 11

see Commencement cost cabbage on page 4

VOLUME 25, ISSUE 15

editorial

05.08.2014

ISLAND WAVES

Letter from the editor

a student publication of

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

island waves staﬀ ALEXIS DE LEON editor-in-chief

STEPHANIE WALLACE managing editor

MARIAM AMAYA

advertising manager

AUBREY DANCER layout editor

KATHLEEN RAMIREZ features editor

CONNER TICHOTA news editor

JUSTIN VU NGUYEN

advertising assistant

CHRISTINA BOOTHE TREY SEAL staﬀ reporters

NICK THOMPSON

distribution manager

RUTH AIPPERSPACH

Dear Island University,

ere we are at the end of an amazing semester. There have been spirit crushing lows and beautiful highs. There were times when I didn’t think I could go on and dropping out seemed the more viable option. However hard it was, we made it. I’ll take this time to say thank you to all the friends I made along the journey. Thank you for supporting my work with Island Waves. Thank you for reminding me where to go and when, those days I was running on zero sleep and a ton of caffeine. Thank you for putting up with my hobo chic look, my grumpy demeanor and my many inappropriate jokes. Even though there have been many things to keep me thoroughly pissed off at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, I persevered and finished strong. I learned that if you really want something there is always a way around the “rules.” Never settle for the first answer you are given, especially if it is one you don’t like. When I started my college career I thought I would never make it to graduation day. As time went on, and classes got pushed to only spring or fall semester restrictions it seemed even less likely that I would ever graduate. Sometime during junior year I became so discouraged I told my mom I was going to drop out and become a nomad. Going to school become overwhelmingly hard to do. My advisor suggested changing my major so as to graduate sooner. That was my final straw. There is no greater motivation than being told you cannot, will not or should not. So I took my anger and frustration and turned it into fuel to finish my college career. Thankfully my friends and family were a solid support system. I also found support in my team at Island Waves. I finally got the call, email and Sail notification that I would be graduating May 2014. No words can describe the sheer ecstasy that fell over me. Here I was, a student who struggled majorly with chemistry, taking any tutoring possible when it came to anatomy and microbiology and pulling all nighters for the sake of the newspaper. I had reached rock bottom and some how found inspiration to keep going. I say this now to inspire others that graduation can come true and it can happen to you. I’m thankful that today I write this knowing my position here at Island Waves will be passed on to a bright young woman with the skills to carry the paper. The intelligent young man taking my position with the Marine Technology Society has stepped up and taken the club under his wing. My position as Coordinator of Breakers will be taken by a young man who has faced similar difficulties and has come out stronger than ever. I am thankful and optimistic to see what great things come from my protégés. I guess all there is left to say is good-bye and good luck. I’m honored to call myself an Islander and bleed blue and green with my fellow Islanders. Even though the journey is long and the waters are rocky know there is always the path less traveled to get you where you want to go. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “ speak softly, and carry a big stick.” Sincerely, Alexis De Leon Editor in Chief Island Waves

faculty adviser

AMY KOTULSKI staﬀ adviser

Graduate goodbyes

A letter from the Managing Editor Dear Island University,

write us a letter The Island Waves accepts letters no longer than 250 words. Letters are subject to editing. Send letters to the editor via email at editor@tamucc.edu.

about island waves The Island Waves is a student-produced publication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The newspaper is printed weekly, except during summer sessions. Since A&M-Corpus Christi has no journalism department, Island Waves is supported by student fees and advertising sales. Any student or University employee may submit material for publication consideration. To become a contributor, email or call the Island Waves editor.

fter six years, and a lot of mistakes and successes later, I am finally graduating. It is not an easy feat living life as a college student trying to finish two degrees, work three jobs, and maintain a house and personal sanity. With graduating, I will no longer be managing editor of your Island Waves. We really worked hard to bring a new light to the paper, one that is for students, by students. I am sad to go as I have been on staff for a year, but I am also hopeful to begin a new journey- one outside of TAMUCC. With this I want to make something clear to the student body. You are only here once. You only get to live this life once, and these college years once. You will make mistakes. You will regret things. You will hurt people and you will get hurt. But, in it all, you will grow up. You will learn. You will fail, but you will also succeed and achieve more then you ever thought you could. Up until about two days ago, I was not excited to walk the stage. I did not want to. What’s the point? The person to my left and the person to my right do not know who I am. Plus, walking the stage was the dream of my late grandma, who passed this last June. That was when I realized what walking that stage means: by the time I walk from one end to the other I will have officially closed one chapter of my life and opened another. That, right there, is why I am doing it. I have hurt people, I have hurt my family, friends, and have lived life not to the best of my ability at times. I am not proud of those moments, but as I have grown up I realized that each thing I have gone through has made me who I am, this person walking the stage in front of all my friends and family. I am lucky, I have a father and step mother who mean the world to me because they support me endlessly, no matter how much of a pain in the ass I have been. My mom, grandpa and uncle Bub and Aunt Nora have never ceased to amaze me. Most importantly, I know I have to do this for my grandma who I think would be damn proud to see me strut across that stage and get my diploma. I also know I have to do it for my daughter, Ava. The person who I want to make proud more than anything, and the one I wake up everyday for. The moral of my message is this: be here now. Live in your moment. Enjoy your life. You will struggle, but that is part of the journey. No one else can live your life but you, so do it. Stop wasting time worrying about what everyone else thinks or does, and do what you feel will make you happy. It is ok to say no and it is ok to not go with the crowd. Most importantly, it is ok to speak up and have a voice, even if it is against a force you think is way beyond your control. When I walk that stage, I will do it with a few of my best friends by my side and my family sincerely cheering me on and being the proudest they have ever been of me. That is a priceless feeling. It is bittersweet having to retire my career as a professional student, but it is also something I am ready to face head on. So, fellow Islanders, do not be afraid when your time comes to move on. There will come a time when you will see that everything happens for a reason, the way it is supposed to, and absolutely nothing is random. Enjoy your time and live your life. Sincerely, Stephanie Wallace Managing Editor Island Waves

editorial

05.08.2014

The Reading Corner

ISLAND WAVES

The fifth installment of college reading secrets

Dr. B. McDowell and Dr. D. Culbertson reading coaches

re you keeping up with your life reading? After graduation the life-long skills in literacy (reading, writing, speaking, presenting, listening and skills for remembering information) play a big role in the success of a career. Whether working for others or self-employed, the world is accessible through literacy…and good communication, which involves reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It may be a strange turn when a former student, wants others to read what that former student wrote, or searches for someone to listen to the meaning of what is said. Learning continues after graduation as a variety of subjects are encountered in career, business interaction, and social life. The skills will be used in graduate school, keeping up with business changes, advancing in career and professional tests. Remember, many careers require continuing education. All the academic skills learned at the University become expected skills to people who surround the new college graduate. A few types of materials are necessary to read and

understand – including the “fine print”…such as, rental/lease agreements, purchase contracts, agreements with workers, work manuals, directions for technology, and/or professional development sessions. Who really reads the agreements before the “check agree” button on the tablet? All these documents and agreements should be read and understood! Surprisingly, graduates may find themselves in a book club discussing a book as a way to connect to people becoming part of a social circle. Graduates might be amazed when it is discovered that college graduates are expected to have an academic background and skills, it was earned and these skills leads to good employment and connections. TAMU-CC has many resources available to graduating students so don’t forget that wherever life leads, this University and the people met and studied with are still a part of every graduates life. The Alumni Association and Career Services are two examples of how the university tries to stay in touch with their alumni. Past professors and fellow graduates add to the network of resources and can be wonderful job references. These important connections and networks will be forever on your side….the side of success! Congratulations to this year’s TAMU-CC graduates!

READING TIP: There are a few reading tips that we can suggest to graduates. First, keep reading. Read for the same reasons in college – learn new information and expand your vocabulary, this reading practice will help in career and life. Second, remember there are specialists in legal, business, or real estate that can help read the basic to complicated contracts or documents that are necessary in life. A dollar investment in their time to ensure a complete understanding may save many dollars and headaches. And finally, READ FOR FUN AND RELAXATION – Reading is a great way to get away from it all!

Check it or wreck it Check this list before checking out for summer vacation by GREG SMITH president and CEO, Privus Moble

ummer vacation is officially on the horizon! One of the best parts of summer vacation is taking a road trip with friends or family. Road trips can be full of memories that will last a lifetime, but they can also be full of problems on the road that stem from distracted driving. Distractions can take several forms, such as searching for gas stations on a phone or changing the music. Both of which can lead to not focusing on the road ahead. This summer, prepare by using this helpful checklist to ensure a fun, yet safe, road trip: Before the Trip ü

Is there an itinerary for stops? Trying to figure out where to take breaks for gas and food on a long road trip can lead to being distracted by searching on a phone or map. Plan ahead by mapping out the stopping points to avoid trying to figure out where to fuel up and eat while driving.

What about a list of emergency numbers? Just in case something does happen, such as getting a flat tire, have the number of a tow truck or AAA on hand to save time and frustration. Also, don’t forget about your proof of car insurance. If you have to deal with car trouble, it can be very costly and a headache if you don’t have it!

Is the car packed too full? Not being able to see out all windows can be a huge distraction. Trying to stretch to see around the pillows and suitcases instead of quickly looking back could lead to an accident. Rule of thumb: avoid stacking any higher than the top of the seat backs.

When on the Road ü Who’s in control of the wheel? Little tasks, like changing the station to find another tune or eating a burger in the car,

can lead to attention being focused elsewhere instead of what’s ahead. In fact, nine people are killed every day due to distracted driving, according to Distraction.gov. Let someone else be in charge of the music and eat while at a rest stop. This way, the driver can focus on the road ahead and not on the other distractions happening inside the car. ü Is it illegal to text and drive in Texas? While it isn’t illegal everywhere in the Lone Star State, it is still extremely dangerous and illegal in school zones. Also, several of the surrounding states, such as New Mexico and Louisiana have laws against texting and driving for all drivers. To be safe in every state, avoid texting while driving altogether by using an app that disables a phone while in motion or uses voice commands. For example, Privus Mobile’s Caller ID app audibly announces who is calling or texting a driver the moment the call or text arrives, regardless of whether or not the name is in the contact list. By using this app, you can decide whether to ignore it until reaching the destination or pull over to answer it safely. ü What’s going on in the mirrors? Drivers focused on putting on makeup or fixing their hair while driving are three times more likely to crash, according to GuideOne Insurance. Save the grooming for the hotel room at the destination! If it must be done while on the trip, pull over to the side of the road or into a rest stop to do so safely. When preparing for some fun in the sun and a few months off from school, remember to keep these tips in mind. Don’t take the chance of dealing with the consequences of one of these distractions and having to put the brakes on your road trip. This article was contributed by Greg Smith, president and CEO of Privus Mobile, a wholly owned subsidiary of Accudata Technologies. Privus Mobile, which is focused on providing the most comprehensive Caller ID service available, is headquartered in Allen, Texas. For more information, visit www.privusmobile.com.

news 4

05.08.2014

ISLAND WAVES

Regents approve plan to lock in tuition rates Guaranteed Tuition and Fee Plan ensures costs for students, Tenure Approved contributed by TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-CORPUS CHRISTI

ORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Texas A&M System Board of Regents has approved a guaranteed tuition and fee plan for all Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi undergraduate students starting next fall. “We’ve worked hard over the past few months to develop a plan that makes the costs associated with obtaining a degree clearer,” said Dr. Flavius Killebrew, President/CEO of A&M-Corpus Christi. “This plan ensures that our students and their parents can project their costs more accurately over four years. It’s also a great incentive for our students to finish their degrees on time.” A&M-Corpus Christi undergraduate students will pay the same tuition and fees for up to four years. Currently enrolled students will have a plan guaranteed for one, two or three years based on their classification as sophomores, junior or seniors. The plan comes in response to a state law enacted by the 83rd Texas Legislature in 2013 requiring institutions to offer a guaranteed tuition and fee plan and a requirement from the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents that the plans be mandatory for undergraduate students. “This shows the commitment of the Board of Regents to keeping a university education affordable,” said Killebrew. “It demonstrates their leadership and concern for students.” The Island University has received various awards for its affordability and return on investment, including the Top 100 Universities by College Atlas ‘A-List’ and the Affordable, and Return on Investment recognitions by Affordable Colleges Online. A&M-Corpus Christi’s tuition and fee rates are consistently below the national average as reported by CollegeMeasures.org.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Student Services Center

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved the granting of tenure to 14 A&M-Corpus Christi faculty. Below are the names and current positions. COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Dr. Monica del Carmen Hernandez, Assistant Professor of Marketing Dr. Anita Reed, Assistant Professor of Accounting

Dr. Rabih Zeidan, Assistant Professor Accounting COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Dr. Cilla Faye Bruun, Assistant Professor Curriculum and Instruction *Dr. Joshua C. Watson, Professor Counseling and Educational Psychology COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS Dr. Lisa Comparini, Assistant Professor

photo by ISLAND WAVES

of of of of

Psychology Dr. Amy Houlihan, Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Michael Ramirez, Assistant Professor of Sociology Dr. Dan Sipes, Assistant Professor of Music COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING *Dr. Richard Banks Coffin, Professor of Marine Biology

Dr. Yuxia (Lucy) Huang, Assistant Professor of Geographic Information Science Dr. Magesh Thiyagarajan, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology Dr. Dugan Um, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Technology Dr. Michael Wetz, Assistant Professor of Marine Biology

TESOL Graduates First cohort in new certification program gets ready to graduate by CONNER TICHOTA news editor

n May 17, seven graduating students from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will walk the stage not only having completed their undergraduate degrees, but a second certification as well. This spring, the first cohort of student who has completed the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, TESOL, certification program will be graduating from the Island University. According to the TESOL international association website, TESOL ‘s overall mission is to create and advance the professional field in teaching English to non-English speakers worldwide. The brand new program at A&M-Corpus

Christi was instated last semester, Fall 2013. According to Shannon Fitzsimmons-Doolan, a professional assistant professor for the English department and TESOL program affiliate, the program had been in development since the spring of 2012. Currently, there are 50 students enrolled in the program including the seven graduates. “ It’s really good cross cultural experience,” said Fitzsimmons-Doolan, “So regardless of your major, we have a lot of non-English majors who do it, and it’s [good] for a lot of business and engineering [majors] getting cross cultural experience and fluency in crosscultural concepts.” The certification program is open to all students in all major fields of study. In order to receive the certificate, students must complete

12 credit hours of study or four courses in: Grammar, Introduction to Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, and a TESOL Seminar. For English majors, this program only requires two extra courses as two are already required courses. Non-majors will be adding the extra four. The benefits of the program are rewarding to all students as graduating senior, Kathleen Carter, found it to be useful towards her own goals. “ I’m a Biology [and] English double major,” said Carter, “So I do get some of the perks of doing the certificate as an English major, but my main motivation for getting the certificate is the ability to teach overseas and travel. I’d like to do a lot of traveling in the future and being able to find jobs overseas teaching, because I have the certificate, would be nice.”

Commencement costs cabbage As the cost of college increases, many students are forced to take out loans. This becomes problematic when many students struggle to find work after college, or, continue on to graduate school and professional programs where they will accumulate more student loans. “ I actually do have student loans,” said Ariel Hernandez, a student at A&M-Corpus Christi, “I have $10,000 in loans and I will be pulling out more for my last semesters.” Hernandez has plans to apply for a Physicians’ Assistant Program after graduating.

Fitzsimmons-Doolan also confirmed that this program provides its students unique opportunities to study and travel abroad. “It’s a nice way to, especially if they have an interest in an area internationally, it’s a good way to get there,” said Fitzsimmons-Doolan, “There are lots of jobs. It’s a really good [post] graduation job. Say you’re interested in India, you get to teach in India. While you’re there you learn [how] to build connections [etc].” For more information regarding the TESOL program, contact the English department at the Island University.

continued from page 1 “ I am probably going to… hope that I can pay for as much as I can as quickly as I can,” said Hernandez, “It shouldn’t be too tough to pay back.” Hernandez is entering into a field where jobs are readily available. However, for students graduating and entering into sparser job fields, the struggle will be greater. Even before crossing the stage, graduating students at A&M-Corpus Christi will be facing more fees. In just the narrow scope of graduation from the Island University there are several fees involved. According the Office of the

Registrar, the basic application to apply to graduate costs $40. This basic fee covers for the commencement ceremony and the diploma. Other miscellaneous fees include the cost of the cap and gown, decorative lea, videos and so for. For those who are graduating, this is not surprising. For those who are looking towards graduating, be prepared. The Island University does provide a special tuition rebate program for graduating students. As listed by the Registrar, students who apply, and qualify, may receive a rebate up to $1,000 of their tuition for the work done

during the completion of their undergraduate degree. Students who apply are required to have completed no more than three credit hours above their required degree plan, within a four or five year period of time. If the student has an active student loan, then the rebate will be utilized towards the remaining balance of the loan. For more information regarding graduation for this semester, please visit tamucc.edu/ registrar.

features

05.08.2014

ISLAND WAVES

Flickering Lights A major issue that Flickering Lights has run into is that if is a non-Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi student on stage, they have to pay for them. “If you are going to make any sort of money on campus, you will share it with the University,” said Johnson. Their last production, a fully original show with told through the use of original stories and poems, ran into a lot of restrictions to bring it to the community. “Faculty decided it could only be held at a certain time during a department meeting,” said Halter. “Only people who were part of the theatre department were able to be a part of it, everyone else was completely denied.” Another major issue is the lack of space for

continued from page 1 the performers to practice. “Because we are University affiliated, we have to accommodate around what the department is working on,” said Halter. “We have to work really closely together with the professors.” If there is anything that they want to do to expand their fan base and get their work out there, they have to ask permission to do outside work. “They are excluding other people because it is on their stage, we are trying to make it a community type thing,” said Johnson. “My justification is that we pay tuition here, and everyone in the company is from TAMUCC, we represent the department and want to do that in the right way. If this is where we are

supposed to learn to get our livings and stuff, how can we with restrictions we see?” Long term plans for Flickering Light are to expand around the country. Moonchildren will be a production that speaks greatly into the issues they have faced getting their company off the ground, and as a student. “The students in the play are set around graduation at a major University, and dealing with the issues of the 1960s, like the war,” said Johnson. “Just like today, there is a lot of public unrest because of Edward Snowden, the war over seas and that is similar to the Vietnam War. I think a lot of the moods and flows of this generation can be found in the 1960’s. I think it is a really relatable play, and that’s my plug.”

Auditions for Moonchildren will be held Friday, May 9 at two in the afternoon in the Warren Theatre inside the Center for the Arts. All students are welcome to stop by and audition. Rehearsals begin mid-July. Their last piece of advice to fellow aspiring actors and Islanders, “Tread lightly, but do what you have to do. If it is what you want to do, and if that’s the only thing you see yourself doing for the rest of your life, not the Universities goals, and it is what you want to do, do it,” said Halter. “Do not shrink from your rights of being a student. You pay tuition here and have certain control. This institution was created for you, not for them. Keep that in mind,” said Johnson.

Islander seniors share fond memories of life on campus by KATHLEEN RAMIREZ features editor

Sarah Molik Pre-Dental “My most memorable would be when I took histology with Dr. Moury. There were only 10 of us in the class, and it was fun getting to know everyone and having a good time while learning.”

Luis Lugo Geology “Going on weekend field trips for my geology classes.”

Alex Draper Marine Biology “My most memorable moment was attending a research conference in Hawaii with funding from the SOAR Program.”

Fernando Albarran Theatre “Being a part of the theatre department’s production of Urinetown the Musical during my freshman year. It was a great introduction to the department and college. I not only learned so much in such a short time from Alison Frost and Jilissa Cotton, but I met friends that would later become family to me.”

Casey Holloway Interdisciplinary Studies “My most memorable memory from TAMUCC was participating in my Ring Ceremony. It was an amazing experience.”

Rochelle Rhyne Pre-Physical Therapy “Getting on the Dean’s List as a freshman after having a really difficult semester.”

Valerie Cantu Early Childhood Education “Competing in Daytona, Florida with the Islanders Dance Team.”

Marisa Rodriguez Communication “My most memorable moment as TAMUCC was probably last Christmas season when I got to see all the beautiful lights and decorations outside the O’Connor Building with my friends. I also have good memories of one of my favorite classes, Creative Writing Workshop, where I got to write anything I wanted and I got to bond with awesome people.”

Tiffany Miller Environmental Science “When I first arrived on campus. I was completely overwhelmed and I didn’t know anyone. The first person to sit down with me in the UC and talk to me ended up plugging me in on campus, and introduced me to the best friends I’ve ever had.”

photo by KATHLEEN RAMIREZ

n May 17, hundreds of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi seniors will be trading in their textbooks for a college degree at the Spring 2014 Islander Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will take place at the American Bank Center, with the five colleges being divided between two ceremonies. Students from the College of Liberal Arts and College of Science and Engineering will be graduating at 10 a.m., while students from the College of Business, College of Education and College of Nursing and Health Sciences will be graduating at 2 p.m. On behalf of Island Waves, I would like to congratulate the class of 2014. In honor of their accomplishment, here is a look into some of their most memorable moments from their time here at the Island University.

Liuji “Cecilia” Chen Finance “My most memorable moment was when I was doing my First-Year Conference. It was fun and exciting.”

Victoria Hernandez Marketing “My most memorable moment at TAMUCC would be when I received my ring at the Ring Ceremony this past semester. It was a beautiful ceremony, and I was so proud to walk up the stage in front of my family.”

features 6 ISLAND WAVES

by KATHLEEN RAMIREZ features editor

pril Castillo, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi freshman, dreams of one day becoming a surgeon, a passion she’s had since she was 12. “I chose to become a surgeon because I have seen my dad go through so many surgeries after his years in the military, and it amazed me how a surgery operation could save a life or make a person feel better. It made me want to do the same,” the biology major said. A native of San Antonio, Castillo decided on the Island University as her choice for secondary education. After graduation, she

05.08.2014

FRESHMAN SPOTLIGHT

plans on applying to medical school, and ultimately hopes to fulfill her dream. “I chose TAMUCC because I heard it was the best in biology. Also, I like it because it’s by the beach of course,” Castillo said. “With my major, I hope to become a general surgeon working in an emergency room.” Castillo is currently an interested lady of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Incorporated, and is planning on pledging to become a sister sometime in the future. “I chose Lambda Theta Alpha Latin because it is a Latin sorority that has very high standards, they have the highest GPA. I also chose it because of their morals and what they stand for, which is love, unity and respect, Castillo said.” The transition from high school to college

hasn’t been easy for Castillo. Aside from having to care for herself and do things on her own, Castillo has also had to learn how to balance class and homework in between her personal life. “My biggest challenge throughout the year has been time management, I have put off so many assignments, and I find myself doing them late at night the day before it is due,” Castillo said. In her free time, Castillo likes to go shopping, hang out with friends and find new things to do in Corpus. Castillo also volunteers at the Oso Bay Apartments, and has volunteered with LTA on occasions. When she’s not out and about, she can typically be found on campus hanging out at Starbucks. “My favorite hangout spot on campus

would be Starbucks because the lights are dim, and it lets me do my homework and drink coffee,” Castillo said. With the end of the semester right around the corner, Castillo says she is most excited about being one year closer to graduating. She encourages future students to stay on track, and advises them to learn from her mistakes. “The biggest difference from high school and college is that you’re completely on your own. You do not have your parents to cook you dinner, clean your house or wake you up. Everything is completely on you,” Castillo said. “To the incoming freshman, I would just like to say that procrastination is not key, and coffee is your best friend.”

Words of WISDOM

Graduating Islanders give advice to current students “Besides taking your core classes, take an extra class or two. You’ll learn something you never thought you would, and you’ll make friends you might have stayed away from beforehand. Classes like ceramics, philosophy, geology, chemistry, sculpting and archeology, something you like, and won’t forget.”

“Don’t wait until your senior year to start trying to make good grades, it’s impossible.”

“My advice to underclassmen would be not to worry too much about trying to figure out what major to pick. Relax, learn new things, try new activities and do things your own way.”

-Casey Holloway, Interdisciplinary Studies

-Marisa Rodriguez, Communication

-Luis Lugo, Geology

“Join organizations that benefit your academic and personal goals.” “Wok hard, but play hard. Learn while you’re at the University, and find out what you need to do.”

-Alex Draper, Marine Biology

-Liuju “Cecilia” Chen, Finance

“Make friends, have fun and don’t let school slip through your fingers. College years fly by, and before you know it, it’ll be your turn to walk across that stage.” -Valerie Cantu, Early Childhood Education

“Enjoy the time that you have in college, but stay focused with your studies. Also, if you want to attend graduate school, make sure you know what classes you need and what it takes to attend that school so that you can continue right after graduating.” -Rochelle Rhyne, Pre-Physical Therapy

“Use the services available to you here. Believe it or not, Career Services actually did help me find a job in and after college. The gym actually did help me get fit, when I wanted it to. And the library actually did provide resources I couldn’t get on my own.” -Tiffany Miller, Environmental Science

“My advice to underclassmen would be to not be afraid to network with everyone, your professors, graduate students and classmates. Networking truly does help with your future.” -Sarah Molik, Pre-Dental

“Advice I would give underclassmen would be for them to enjoy their college years while they still can because once they’re gone, you can’t go back and try to relive them. Make the most out of your time at TAMUCC, and study hard but still play.” -Victoria Hernandez, Marketing

“Advice I would give to an underclassman would be to wake up. Go to class, and soak up as much as you can from the professors in your major so you’re more than ready for the professional world. Then, show them what you’ve got.” -Fernando Albarran, Theatre

05.08.2014

entertainment ISLAND WAVES

The benefits of Grad School by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter

ollege is coming to an end for some of us. What once seemed like four long, daunting years is just days, weeks or months away. As we work towards moving into the professional world, the inevitable question arises. What’s next? Some already have jobs lined up that were the result of internships and some are compiling their résumé to start passing out applications to a variety of companies to check their options. Some, myself included, are contemplating the idea of graduate school. The prospect of enduring another two to three years, of academic pursuits can appear downright daunting. Especially when combined with the realization that many of us have been going to school our entire lives. Our goals have been primarily constrained to our educational pursuits while employment has been a secondary focus. There are a multitude of reasons to attend graduate school such as professional development, learning more about your primary skill, and opportunities for a better lifestyle. However, the primary difference between graduate school and undergraduate school is being able to have a single educational focus. Graduate studies are confined to a specific area of an academic discipline be it art, science, or engineering which allows you to hone your skills in your field of choice. A graduate education isn’t for everyone. For some, a thirst for knowledge is quenched with the completion of college. For others, the pursuit of knowledge is a never-ending pursuit and graduate studies are the ideal vehicle to further one’s development. A decision to go to graduate school should not be taken lightly. It’s a significant financial investment that demands a great deal of time and energy, a far greater commitment than the standard college curriculum. The objective of labor is productivity, the production of goods and services. Education is the elemental ingredient which fuses the information to its ultimate productivity. Graduate courses are intended to replicate professional world expectations. As a result, profitable employment may be prevented until studies are completed. On the positive side, a graduate degree can often facilitate opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t be available. Interestingly enough, many students who didn’t excel in college often have greater success with graduate studies. They find their niche, or as some say, their calling. Graduate studies are quite often collegial efforts, a by-product which appears as a social relationship that develops among fellow scholars who possess common interests and aspirations. Often, for the first time, scholars address subjects which hold their interests as opposed to prerequisite requirements. The results are intellectually satisfying answers which spurts the development of new questions. A required class may be an agonizing effort but when confronted with classes that fall only into your academic interests, it can become a more satisfying experience. Graduate school is an area that attempts to reconcile problems unsolved and systematically address issues in a disciplined and coherent manner. Higher education formulates, challenges, and resolves questions as old as Aristotle with answers that are as new as theories of sub-atomic particles. If you still have that thirst for knowledge, let your reach exceed your grasp. You must visualize the achievement and then work toward that goal. Fulfillment of a dream can never be achieved without a dream of achievement. image courtesy of SHUTTERSTOCK

entertainment 8

05.08.2014

by STEPHANIE WALLACE managing editor

think every single person has some sort of dream or aspiration that they want to achieve, especially here at the Island University. Some are big, like finding the cure for cancer, and some are smaller but equally as important to the person, like owning a house in five years. In Someday, Someday, Maybe, Franny, the main character, has a three-year deadline to achieve her dream: to become an actress in New York City. I will admit, when I first got this novel, I did not know what to think as the author is Lauren Graham, actress in the series Gilmore Girls. But, as the old adage goes, you cannot judge a book by its cover. Now, with graduation looming and most of us unsure of where we will be going even with our degrees, this novel spoke to me. I read it in two days flat. The novel follows a 26 year old Franny Banks in 1990’s New York City. She has given herself a three-year deadline to accomplish her dream of becoming a theatre actress, or go back home to New Jersey and get a teaching certificate like her father. The book really is a coming of age novel, as you follow Franny through a lot of events that are eerily relatable. She wins some, she loses a lot and she learns a lesson that those of us graduating may

be able to understand just as well: sometimes the dreams you set out to achieve in the first place change, as you do, and that is perfectly OK because if you give it time and keep believing, it will happen. It may not happen in the way you set out to have it happen, but however it ends up will end up being the way it is supposed to be. Not to sound like a Journey song, but one thing I have learned is that every obstacle has truly made me who I am today, a member of the graduating class of 2014. Check out Someday, Someday, Maybe for a little laughter, a little frustration and a little bit of hindsight into what the world beyond Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is like. And, when it comes to dreams, a favorite quote comes to mind from a book my dad used to read to me titled Le Petit Prince, or the Little Prince, “ On ne voit bien qu’avec le cœuer.” In other words, “One thinks clearly only with the heart.” So, don’t give up and believe in yourself Islanders, because it may be a tale as old as time, but it is your tale to tell and no matter what the obstacles you may face to get there, when you can say you did it, or at least gave it hell trying, well no one can take that away from you. That’s what college and life is all about. Hang in there. And if your dream is to be an actress, a scientist, or engineer, give it all you’ve got.

She’s All That

Say Anything

Dazed and Confused

The Girl Next Door

The Faculty

The Graduate

Get Over It

Fast Times at Ridgemont High

10 Things I Hate About You

Can’t Hardly Wait

images courtesy of HOLLYWOOD.COM

image courtesy of BERMUDAONION.NET

ISLAND WAVES

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05.08.2014

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Island Waves

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sports 10

05.08.2014

ISLAND WAVES

photos by CHRISTINA BOOTHE

Graduating athletes of the Island University

by CHRISTINA BOOTHE sports reporter

thletes Jonathan Gonzales, Franco Pace, and Bradley Porras are the graduates for the baseball team. Though each completed their NCAA eligibility with the 2012-2013 baseball season, they have stayed at the university for an extra year to complete their degrees and graduate. Quincy Obeng and Roger De La Cruz complete the graduating class for the Islanders Track and Field team. Obeng and De La Cruz both completed their last season with the Islanders during the 2012-2013 season and have since been at work to achieve academic success. In addition Jamise Jackson and Meagan McKinney, representing the Islanders women’s softball graduating class of 2014. For Islanders women’s tennis, Mia Matuszak, Ashley Garza, and Cassie Shaw will be graduating. Krista Fenniak, part of the Islanders women’s golf team, will be graduating as well. Basketball has a particularly large graduating class. While Taryn Gregory is the only athlete representing Islanders women’s basketball, Zane Knowles, Kevin Lynch, Joy Williamson, and James King make up the Islanders men’s basketball graduating class of 2014. Each of these athletes has been a powerful contributor on the field, track, court, and green. Three of the graduating athletes, James King, Logen Bourque, and Jamise Jackson, took the time to sit down and discuss their careers at the Island University, reminisce on their favorite moments with the teams, and fill their alma mater in on their plans following graduation. When asked to share about their time as a student athlete for TAMUCC, each athlete had different memories. Setter for the Islanders women’s volleyball team, Bourque talked about where her program was in the past versus now. “These past four years have been challenging, stressful, frustrating, but extremely rewarding,” Bourque said. “When I entered the program, it was not well established. The seniors, Renee Ramirez, Sarah Sanchez and myself had to work every day to do everything we could to get better from day one. We overcame obstacles and gave everything we had to help get the program to where it is today. Going through the tough times with them are the memories that I love and that make me so proud to be an Islander.” Jackson, the first baseman for the Islanders women’s softball team, had a similar recollection. “I have so many memories here. I’ve been here for four years, and with different girls and different personalities coming in and out and playing, it’s always a blessing,” Jackson said. “But my favorite memory was definitely my freshman year when we won Southland Conference regular season. That was definitely one of the best teams that ever came through this program and all those girls I loved all of them all the way down the roster, they were all

something special and that year was definitely a year that I will always cherish.” King, a guard for the Islanders men’s basketball team, focused on the relationships he has established over the years. “Overall, I had a great experience here. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” King said. “But I think the best things that I’m going to walk away with are the relationships that I’ve made with some of the people and the coaches. They’re great mentors and they’ve taught me a lot. Those relationships are something special – some of the guys I know are going to be groomsmen and best men in my wedding.” The athletes also discussed their most memorable games. “Two matches at the end of this season will always be something I cherish,” Bourque said. “The first one was senior day for Renee Ramirez, Sarah Sanchez, and myself. The match was against long time rival Sam Houston State, and the team rose to the occasion on a different level than ever before to get us a win on our day. That following week, we faced Sam Houston again in the first round of the Southland Conference Tournament and beat them again, for the first tournament win in school history. The feeling was indescribable.” Jackson said, “I would say the game that we won in the regular season freshman year against UTA. We’d already lost two games and our coach came in and said, ‘All we need to do is win one game,’ and it came down to the very last game. That game was special – we became the conference champions.” King recalls his best memory being when Hameed Ali hit the game winning shot against Utah State his freshman year. “It was our first win of the season against a major Division I school so it energized everybody for the rest of the season, and even though we didn’t finish well I think that was an important moment,” King said. “Also, my freshman year, I got my first game with major playing time – 30 minutes, and I got around twelve points, which was my only double digit scoring game here at TAMUCC. That was amazing, too.” The outgoing athletes also shared some golden advice with incoming freshman. “Don›t take any opportunities to get better for granted, and don›t do anything halfheartedly,” Bourque said. “This applies to your sport and to classes. Whatever you do, give it more than a hundred percent. Chances are, as a freshman, when you think you are working hard, you are probably not. College athletics is unlike anything you have done thus far, requiring all of your focus and effort, everyday.” Jackson urged that students enjoy their time at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi as it goes by quickly. “Just the other day I was moving in and didn’t know anybody and now I’m graduating in May with a degree. I would just say enjoy the time here, because these years are the best years of your life,” Jackson said. Utilizing the resources and staff available on campus was King’s main message.

AUBREY DANCER layout editor “They’re here to help you and they’ll do whatever it takes. Things can get rough, especially when you first get here, because you’re playing a sport and going to school,” King said. It’s tough coping with all the responsibilities you have and still trying to enjoy yourself and be a college student. But, there are people who are here to help you adjust and if you could just buy into what they’re saying and listen to it, then they help a lot.” When evaluating her career and the things she wishes she could re-do, Bourque said, “Honestly, I just wish I could go back and do it all over again. Being part of something this special is something that will be impossible to replace after college. I wish I realized this earlier in my time here.” On giving guidance to athletes on how to be a positive affect on their teams and be in good standing with their coaches, Bourque recommended confidence. “If you can learn early to fully commit yourself to your team and your school above anything else, you will be successful,” Bourque said. “Take pride in the decisions you make everyday, because they don›t only impact you, but also your team and the university. If caught in a moral dilemma, always ask yourself what the leader of your team would do or how your coaches would feel about it.” A member of one of the more popular Islander sports, King warned against the temptations that come with the freedom of being in college. “Especially as a basketball player, being a part of the flagship sport of the campus, a lot of people will do things to try to throw you off focus. If you just stay on task with what the coaches are trying to tell you, they’ll all love you and take care of you,” King said. Each of the athletes shared quotes that had

an impact on their senior year. “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say,” by Ralph Waldo Emerson, was Bourque’s selection. “This quote has stuck with me ever since I was chosen to be a leader of my team,” Bourque said. “Some people can say the right things, but if you don›t follow through, words mean nothing. I tried to be the best version of myself everyday to lead by example for my teammates.” Jackson recalled advice she gained from her time at the Island University. “Our coaches always told us not to take anything for granted,” Jackson said. “That memory always stayed close to me.” “Do what you need to do first, before you do what you want to do,” King said. “Coach Wilson said that, and it’s really inspired me. I just take that and apply it to my life.” The athletes also discussed their postgraduate plans. “After graduating, I am moving back to my hometown of Clear Lake in Houston, Texas,” Bourque said. “I am not sure of where I will be working yet, but I will be teaching secondary math and coaching high school volleyball.” “I graduate in May with a communications degree, hopefully getting a job in sports broadcasting,” Jackson said. “I am hoping to be able to commentate and be an analyst for sports, so that’s the plan. I don’t plan on pursuing professional softball, but hopefully I can keep that sport close to me by being an analyst.” “I get married in August, and I’m enrolled in a graduate school in New Jersey,” King said. “I want to take criminal justice into the air force and do special investigations, maybe some FBI and homeland security work in the future.”

sports

05.08.2014

ISLAND WAVES

Baseball sweeps ACU, takes sole Morse’s three-run homer lifts Islandpossesion of ﬁrst in Southland ers over HBU in season ﬁnale 5-2

photo by GoIslanders

GoIslanders

ORPUS CHRISTI – The Texas A&M – Corpus Christi baseball team was able to pick up its third Southland Conference road sweep of the season, as it held off Abilene Christian 11-10 in a wild series finale on Sunday. With the victory, paired with a loss by Nicholls, the Islanders (28-21, 17-7 Southland) are now in sole possession of first place in the conference. The team has also dominated league opponents on the road, with an 11-1 record away from home in four conference series. The Islanders took advantage of several Wildcat (16-28, 5-13) mistakes, as ACU committed six errors, allowing A&M – Corpus Christi to score 11 runs on just seven hits. Kyle Danford was the only Islander to notch a multihit game, going 2-for-5 with two RBIs to give him five in the series. Despite each picking up one hit apiece, both Russell Vaughan and Zack Gibson were able to drive in runs in other ways, accounting for five RBIs together. Vaughan led the team with three, while Gibson tallied two. Josh Garza added two as well without a hit in the game. For the second straight game, the Islanders jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, this time in the top of the second. An error to lead off

the inning put Cody Stephens on second, before back-to-back singles put the visitors on top 1-0. With the bases loaded, a sacrifice fly by Gibson that advanced all the runners, while plating the second run, before a fielder’s choice by Garza put the Islanders up by three. However, the Islanders were unable to get a shut-down inning in the bottom of the second, as three errors and three hits as well as a hit batter and walk brought five runs in to score for ACU to put the Wildcats up by two. A&M – Corpus Christi was able to bring the momentum back to its side the next half inning, though, as the Islanders were able to hang three runs in its second straight inning. Brandon Tierney started the inning by getting plunked to become the career leader in school history with 27 hit by pitches. The Islanders followed that up with four hits throughout the rest of the inning, with RBI singles from Stephens and Danford, as well as a sacrifice fly by Vaughan put the Islanders back up by one. With the score remaining at 6-5 going into the fifth, A&M – Corpus Christi looked like it might have put the game away by hanging five runs in the top of the inning. The Islanders mostly took advantage of some poor defensive play by the Wildcats, as ACU committed three errors in the half inning, as well as hitting a batter and issuing a walk. In fact, the only hit of the inning came on a double by Vaughan that brought in two runs. The Wildcats would not go down without a fight though, as they cut the gap from six to two by scoring four runs in the bottom half of the fifth. Four straight hits with one out, followed by an error with two outs led to the runs, cutting the Islanders’ lead to 11-9. ACU was able to trim the lead to one in the next inning, as another two-out error allowed a run to come in. However, Kevin Landgrebe was able to pick up a strikeout to strand the tying run on third. Landgrebe came back out and threw a scoreless seventh, before Jacob Dorris came on and allowed just one hit in the final two innings to pick up his sixth save of the season, while giving Landgrebe his sixth victory of the year. The team will now have the rest of the week off, before returning to Southland play next weekend with a three-game set against Lamar starting on Friday May 9. The series will mark the final three home games of the season for the Islanders.

GoIslanders

OUSTON – The Texas A&M - Corpus Christi softball team put together a four-run top of the sixth to rally past Houston Baptist, 5-2, today in the season finale at Husky Field. Senior J.J. Jackson went 2-for-3 and Valerie Perez went 2-for-4 in their final game of their career to power the Islanders’ bats. Freshman Liz Carter picked up her 13th win in the Islanders’ (16-36, 11-15 SLC) circle and collected her 21st complete game of the season over the Huskies (21-26, 14-13 SLC). HBU jumped on board first in the opening frame with a pair of runs on two hits. After Carter opened the game with her first punchout of the game, Shay Orsak hit a double to left field. Kirsten Schwirtlich followed with a RBI triple off the left field wall to plate Orsak before scoring on a throwing error by the Islanders. A&M - Corpus Christi answered with a run in the top of the second with two outs. After Laura Phillips reached on a walk, she landed on second after an illegal pitch and scored after Kirsten Schwirtlich dropped a pop fly off a Mackinzee Griebel at bat at shortstop. After consecutive singles in the third by the Huskies, Carter settled in and was solid in the Islanders’ circle, retiring five straight Huskies. Jackson registered the Islanders’ first hit of the game in the top of the fourth with her eighth double of the season with a shot to left center. Griebel followed with a single to left field in the fifth for her 30th hit this season. The Islanders kept grinding away and rallied back in the top of the sixth with four runs on four hits to take a 5-2 lead. With one out, Perez and Jackson hit consecutive singles through the middle before Carter hit a pop fly to shortstop. With two outs, Phillips stepped to the plate and nailed a RBI single to right center to score Perez and knot the game at 2-2. After Cassidy Ivy came in to pinch run for Jackson and Michelle Sorenson came in to pinch run for Phillips, Brittney Morse came to the plate to pinch hit for Griebel. In her first at bat today and runners on the corners, the freshman cranked her eighth

home run of the season with a three-run shot over the left center wall to push the Islanders in front, 5-2. A&M - Corpus Christi kept the bats going in the top of the sixth with two hits. Hayley Galloway and Perez both tacked on base hits and Jackson reached on a walk. However, the Huskies pulled out of the frame leaving three Islanders on after a fly out to left field. Carter (13-18) secured the win in the circle for the Islanders. The freshman allowed nine hits, two runs, one of them earned, while striking out four Huskies in seven innings. Kendall Stiefel (5-10) took the loss for the Huskies. She allowed five hits and four runs, three of them earned, while walking one and striking out two in 5.2 innings. The Islanders close their season with an overall record of 16-36 and 11-15 in Southland play, and played their best softball at the end of the season, securing eight of their last 12 conference games.

photo by GoIslanders

Selﬁes with student athletes sports reporter

To close out this semester’s edition of Selfies with Students athletes, the Island Waves welcomes soccer star Yvette Franco to the column. Yvette is one of the only starting freshmen on the Islanders Women’s Soccer team and is as kind and sweet as she is talented. Take a moment to get to know her as she answers some fun questions for the press. Name: Yvette Franco Age/Year: 19/Freshman Sport/Position/Number: Soccer/ Forward/#11 Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX Major: Kinesiology Favorite song: It’s My Time – Jeremin Favorite movie: Pearl Harbor Favorite book: The Bible Favorite hobby (aside from the sport

you play): Dancing If I’m not on the field or at class, I’m usually . . . : In my bed, or at the table eating. If you sit next to me in class and want to strike up a conversation, a sure bet is to talk to me about . . . : Dancing or my family. Favorite quote: “I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 The person I look up to most is: My Mom My athletic inspiration is: Alex Morgan My celebrity crush is: William Levy My favorite food is: Anything my Momma cooks.

photo by CHRISTINA BOOTHE

by CHRISTINA BOOTHE

Yvette Franco posing with sports reporter Chrissy Boothe

Ads 12

05.08.2014

ISLAND WAVES

Controversial minister start leading others. comes back START ABOVE THE REST.

START FEELING INSPIRED. by ANDREW LIGUEZ features repoter

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Islanders watch Brother Matt preach on campus.

n Wednesday April 16, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, campus was once again visited by an old acquaintence. A man from Missouri known to the public as traveling minister Brother Matt. Kiii-TV reported that the traveling minister had this to say, “Campuses are inundated with sin.” The traveling minister was in the Coastal area over the past few weeks preaching to local college students his contrived message. His message sent the students into a frenzy. Groups of students gathered around, noticeably frustrated, as the preacher spread his, somewhat hurtful, messages. Though students

countered every sentence from Brother Matt’s mouth, he hardly seemed to notice. According to Brother Matt, college students live a life of sin. The minister took time to emphasize that a woman’s role is in the kitchen, homosexuals are wrong and don’t deserve rights and short shorts are a form of sin. Eye witnesses of the event stated that some students were forced to find a calm area, after the controversial statements were made, to cry. Perhaps most shocking, the minister brought children to hold his signs. Students repeatedly asked the children if they felt safe and were acting of their own free will. Shortly after 2 p.m. the preacher was escorted off campus.

start deFining YoUrselF.

start MaKing a diFFerenCe.

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There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Enroll in Army ROTC at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi to complement your education with the training, experience and skills needed to make you a leader. Army ROTC also offers full-tuition scholarships and a monthly stipend to help pay for your education. And when you graduate, you will have an edge in life as an Army Officer and a leader. All it takes is enrolling in MSL101. To get started, visit goarmy.com/rotc/corpuschristi

For more information about ROTC and scholarships at TAMU Corpus Christi, email rotc@tamucc.edu or call 361-825-5841.

Surf’s up with Rec Sports Students of the Island University were taken to Padre Island Friday, May 2, and taught the basics of surfing. Rec Sports coordinator Josh Bowman lead the spring time surf clinic with the help of two associate professors. Seven students from all majors and grade levels learned the etiquette of the ocean and their conditions.

above: A participant shows oﬀ a basic skill, paddling out.

above: Other skills learned also included droping in, looking for a wave to ride and standing up.