Do the Turkey Trot
University hosts benefit run for local food bank
Tuition increases for 2015-2016
Participants of the 2013 Turkey Trot Fun Run take off at the starting line.
by STERLEN KEMP news reporter
H
ard to believe Thanksgiving is just happened. Since students already know they’re going to eat tons of stuffing and pumpkin pie over the break, why not burn a few calories before the holidays come and benefit a great cause in the process? The Texas A&M University– Corpus Christi’s Department of Recreational Sports hosted their annual 2014 Turkey Trot Fun Run on Monday, Nov.
24 at 5 p.m. The event was held on the Island University’s Hike and Bike Trail. “You can do a one-mile run or a three-mile run all on the hike and bike trail,” said Josh Boeman, one of the organizers of the Turkey Trot Fun Run. “This event is for students, faculty and anyone in the community who would like to participate.” The Turkey Trot Fun Run happens every year in preparation for the season of Thanksgiving. Community members flock from all over Corpus
PAGE 3
photo courtesy of TAMUCC.EDU
Christi to stretch their muscles and burn off a few extra pounds before the big holiday feast. “I think it’s a very beneficial way to get the community together,”said Cody Lange, a personal trainer for Dugan Wellness Center. “It keeps members of the community focused on being active during the holidays when most people are focused on the food and kicking back, relaxing.”
Christmas shopping on a budget
PAGE 5
see TURKEY TROT on page 3
Tips for surviving finals How to make it through the end of the semester by DANIELA CAMPOS contributing writer
F
or everybody else out in the world, December is a time where Christmas is just around the corner. But for college students, it means drinking their weight in caffeine and energy drinks, living in the library and debating whether college is really that important. Finals week is upon Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, so here are a few tips to make the week
a little more bearable. GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP. Students have this idea that maybe if they stayed up studying the entire night before an exam, they’ll be able to retain the information a lot better. A study at St. Lawrence University found that students who never pull an all-nighter have average GPAs of 3.2, compared to 2.95 for those who do. Meaning, information isn’t retained as well as it would be during the day when the brain is awake and
alert and students actually get lower grades than those who sleep. In fact, sleep deprivation causes memory loss. So while students think they are getting a good study session on at 4 a.m. they are actually forgetting the things they just learned. Pulling all-nighters may seem like a good idea to cram last minute formation into one’s noggin before a big exam, but it doesn’t do anyone any good. see SURVIVING FINALS on page 5
INDEX EDITORIAL 2 | NEWS 3-4 | FEATURES 5-6 | ENTERTAINMENT 8-9 | SPORTS 10-11 | VISUALS 12
Look inside Rec Sports
PAGE 11
VOLUME 25, ISSUE 33
editorial 2 ISLAND WAVES
a student publication of
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
island waves staff CONNER TICHOTA editor-in-chief
12.04.2014
The Reading Corner The fall finale of the college reading secrets series
MARIAM AMAYA
advertising manager
JUSTIN VU NGUYEN
advertising assistant
AUBREY DANCER layout editor
THI NGUYEN
layout assistant
KELSEY FLORES Copy Editor
JAMIE FINK news editor
STERLEN KEMP news reporter
NATALLY ECHEVERRIA news reporter
TREY SEAL
entertainment reporter
JEREMY PAPE
sports reporter
MARK MARTINEZ
distribution manager
JESSE DELEON
graduate adviser
WENDY MOORE faculty adviser
AMY KOTULSKI staff adviser
contact us 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5783 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 825-5862 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, e-mail or call the Island Waves editor.
by Dr. DEBORAH CULBERTSON reading specialist
R
ead with a pencil in hand…a way into comprehending text. Writing in the textbook will help with comprehension. Most reading comprehension coaches talk about using a pencil to annotate text while reading, because the act of writing while reading is beneficial for both visual and active learners. Interaction with the text is the goal. Readers are thinking as they read, processing the information, connecting the new to old and asking questions that are later answered in the reading. When readers actively read, the words begin to make sense. Some of the beneficial marks in text can be simple indicators of the readers attitude of the content of the text, i.e., check
marks for agreement, “X” for disagreement, and “?” for what does this mean? Readers can use personal markings that are only meaningful to them. It really doesn’t matter that much. That is the beauty of this particular strategy. The freedom to make notes and to make sense of the material on the individual’s own terms. Some readers make comments as they read such as, “That’s what the professor said” or “That is different from what the professor said.” The whole reason people annotate is to keep from re-reading the entire text. Side annotations create markers for the concepts in text, so when studying for a test, it is easy to slide down the side markers to find information for the study guides. Commentary on the
Reading Tip Read with a pencil in hand.
side makes looking back to the textbook easier. Annotation works. This is a researched based strategy that works with the brain functions. Really? Well part of the reason is that the process is flexible; it works well for people. The brain is able to (1) isolate information, (2) monitor the learning, (3) use paraphrasing (which means the reader is using their own words to explain what they just read),
and (4) elaborate (which is what the reader can do with their side notes to add on information from class). So, studying for finals is coming up. Believe it or not, the end of the semester is soon. Read the text, writing all over the pages and, hey, next semester when looking for books students may be surprised to know that the books with writing in them are some of the most valuable books to buy.
Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have an Issue?Have an Opinion? Have a Concern? Have a Question? Have an Idea? Have
Write to us. Send letters to Editor@tamucc.edu
3
news
12.04.2014
ISLAND WAVES
A&M Board of Regents approves tuition increase for 2015- 2016 academic year by CONNER TICHOTA editor in chief
R
ecently, the Texas A&M Board of Regents approved a tuition increase for all newly enrolled students within the A&M system during the upcoming 2015-2016 academic year. For students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the total cost of tuition was raised by 1.93 percent. This means there is an $80 increase in cost for the average resident (in-state), undergraduate student. However, this tuition increase was factored into the Guaranteed Tuition Plan that was instated at the Island University during the Fall 2014 semester. “For all resident undergraduate students, this [rate] will not increase for 12 consecutive semesters,” Vice President of Finance Kathryn FunkBaxter said. The Guaranteed Tuition Plan
TURKEY TROT
Runners will get the opportunity to run around the island as well as partake in the spirit of giving. The entry fee into the event of one nonperishable canned good item will be given to the local Corpus Christi Area Food Bank. The Food Bank of Corpus Christi is one of the major food banks in the area and is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1982. They provide food and personal care items to an estimated 19,000 people on any given week to 11 counties throughout South Texas. Currently the Food Bank of Corpus Christi is collecting and distributing turkeys to give to families who might go without this holiday season. Any donations may help provide a less fortunate family with a meal during the holidays. “This is the time of year that we are the busiest,” Executive Director of
ensures that currently enrolled, resident students pay a set tuition amount throughout their studies. Currently enrolled Islanders who registered prior to Fall 2014 will not be impacted by the 1.93 percent increase in tuition fees. They will continue to pay the 2014-2015 academic year’s rate. Graduate and non-resident (out of state) students do not have a Guaranteed Tuition Plan. Funk-Baxter said in years past, a similar spike in tuition had also occurred, particularly when the Guaranteed Tuition Plan was initiated this past semester. “On average, for students taking 15 hours as a freshman, the tuition and fees were 7.2 percent higher than those of a freshman student in Fall 2013,” Funk-Baxter said. “A senior only saw a 3.8 percent increase.” Funk-Baxter also said that the Board of Regents did their research before deciding on the exact fee
continued from page 1
the Food Bank of Corpus Christi, Bea Hanson said to a local news station. “Around this time, we all feel the strain to just make ends meet and on top of that everyone needs to have a little holiday meal and a time to celebrate.” Registration for the Turkey Trot Fun Run will begin the same day at 4 p.m. at the Hammerhead parking lot. Make sure to wear appropriate attire. The Weather Channel forecasts that the high for that day to be 73 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 49 degrees Fahrenheit with full sunshine. If interested in donating or volunteering this holiday season please visit www.foodbankcc.com. Interested readers can also visit one of the local HEB stores in the area and donate to the Share Your Christmas Food Drive, which will take place on Dec. 5. Happy Holidays and have a great Thanksgiving. Gobble. Gobble.
increase. “A review of the Higher Education Consumer Index was used for the past year to arrive at the increase to be applied to the plans that go into effect in Fall 2015,” Funk-Baxter said. Along with the approved increase in tuition, the Island University also sought and received permission to increase three other fees for the upcoming academic year including athletic, health and advising fees. “No other mandatory fee increases were approved,” Funk-Baxter said. “But the board [of Regents] allowed the university to conduct a student referendum to increase the recreational sports fee.” Currently, the recreational sports fee is $10. The new fee will be $18 per credit hour with a cap of $175 for the academic year. As with the tuition increases, currently enrolled students will not be required to pay these increased fees.
“Any student that has a guaranteed tuition and fee plan in place that is not set to expire will not pay the increased recreational sports fee if approved by the student body or see any increase in tuition and fees,” Funk-Baxter said. To offset the increases, there have been also been an increase in scholarships available. “There were additional funds set aside for need-based student aid from tuition funds,” Funk-Baxter said. “There were some new financial need scholarships for students in housing to assist with meal plan costs.” Island Waves contacted the Scholarship Office for confirmation about upcoming scholarship funds and is still waiting on a response. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Business Office located in the Student Services Center (the Round Building) or go online to bussinessoffice. tamucc.edu.
news 4
12.04.2014
ISLAND WAVES
University experiences record military enrollment by JAMIE FINK news editor
T
exas A&M University Corpus Christi has announced its highest number of active duty military, veterans and their dependents currently enrolled. A total of 1,223 students, nearly 11 percent of the University’s student population, are categorized as military, which includes students who are enrolled in the ROTC Islander Battalion, active duty service members, veterans or military dependents. This year’s enrollment is a one percent increase from last year, which in turn, is a 214 student increase for the 2014-2015 academic year. In an online interview with the university, Dr. Flavius Killebrew, President and CEO of A&M- Corpus Christi said, “The Island University
has always been highly- committed to supporting student veterans and their families by providing top programs and services to help ensure their success as students and members of our community.” The Island University’s annual Veteran’s Day Observance honored those who have served, and continue to serve in the U.S. Military. This year’s program included speakers Killebrew and Christopher Herod, Student Veteran Organization President. Herod is a United States Marine Core Veteran and currently serves in the Army Reserves while also serving as an Island Ambassador. The event also included the posting of the colors by the ROTC Islander Battalion Color Guard, the laying of a wreath in the Garcia Plaza and singing the National Anthem. “The Veteran’s Day Observance is an opportunity for everyone to
celebrate our Veterans and give them a chance to socialize and build community,” Student Engagement Coordinator Elisabeth Stephens said. “Participating in Veteran’s Day events helps students and the Corpus Christi community as a whole. It helps us thank them for everything they have done.” According to G.I. Jobs magazine, A&M Corpus Christi has been designated as a “Military Friendly School” for 2015. This is the six year in a row that the Island University has been named to this list. “Colleges, universities and trade schools named as “Military Friendly” must rank in the top 15 percent of all colleges, universities, and trade schools nationwide for efforts and results in recruiting and retaining military and veteran students to increase diversity among the student body, faculty, and staff,” the article
said. “We want to honor the sacrifices they have made for our country by offering many programs and services that help ensure their success as students and members of this community,” Killebrew said. One of the top programs that the A&M- Corpus Christi is also leading the way for veterans through, is its eLine Military Nursing program (ELM). ELM is a one-of-a-kind program that gives college credit to members of the military and veterans for their medical experience in the service. The eLine Military program, which started in 2010 with a federal grant, has been recognized by the White House and the Department of Defense for its mission to fill critical needs in our nation: a shortage of nurses and civilian employment for military veterans.
Small Group Communication class gives back to the community introduction by CONNER TICHOTA editor in chief
T
his fall, the Small Group Communication class at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi participated in a variety of community outreach projects throughout Corpus Christi. Tasked by their instructor, Island
University professor Cheryl Spaniol, the students divided into six groups each responsible for creating, planning and executing an event that would benefit the community. Ideas ranged anywhere from book drives to fitness days. The following pictures are of some the groups in action.
Members of Team Save the Turtles stand with a pick-up truck full of garbage that they helped remove from the Corpus Christi National Seashore.
(Right): Kyle Philips (dressed as Buddy the Elf) discusses ABC: Read with Me ‘s mission to promote literacy among children in Corpus Christi. ABC: Read with Me was able to raise more than $1,000 to buy books for children at Smith Elementary school in Corpus Christi.
Members of the group Wake up Corpus Christi pose with Corpus Christi Mayor Nelda Martinez during their event, Wake Up Corpus Christi Day. The group petitioned that Corpus Christi officials dedicate a day to fitness and health.
5
features
12.04.2014
‘Tis the season to be online by TREY SEAL entertainment editor
I
t’s that time of year again. Yes the holiday season here once again. In addition to the infectious holiday cheer that surrounds everyone is the stress of buying gifts for loved ones. Thankfully, saving money doesn’t require camping outside favorite retail stores on Thanksgiving night any more. A combination of the Internet and a smartphone will ensure that the customers get the most bang for their buck. In the past finding good deals on America’s most desired items required scouring through the ads section of the Sunday newspaper weekly. With most retailers posting those same ads online there are now various sites that look through those same deals and list the best ones. KINJA DEALS (DEALS.KINJA.COM) Kinja Deals is the sister site of a wide array of cultural news hubs that focus on everything from geek and gaming culture to self-improvement. Every weekday around noon each site releases a list of the best deals on the Internet for products related to that market sector. Kinja Deals tracks all those links in a post that shows the Best Deals for any given day. The wide range of products being covered include such necessities as shaving razors and jumper cables to frivolous items such as Starbucks gift cards and video game bundles. The site is great at updating its information throughout the day in addition to informing viewers about
products having record low price drops. It couldn’t be more perfect when it come to looking for those special holiday gifts. SLICK DEALS (SLICKDEALS.NET) Slick Deals sacrifices the list form layout of Kinja for a grid-based selection of the best deals on the Internet. Even though it doesn’t live up to the slick part of its name, there are plenty of good deals to be found starting on the front page. From there customers can see a selection of the best savings on a variety of items or use various tabs near the top of the screen to focus on a single category. In addition to showing deals from online outlets, the site even posts deals in local areas from sites like Groupon, Living Social and Amazon local for discounted services. FATWALLET (FATWALLET.COM) FatWallet is a veteran in the world of online deal sites at surface value it doesn’t appear to look much different than Slick Deals, but in some aspects its more broad than the former. The sheer amount of categories that FatWallet divides into is unbelievable. If jewelry is on the list then Fat Wallet has it covered. If its groceries FatWallet has everything covered there, too. In addition to their front-page listings, FatWallet has a forum section where users post questions about products or inform others about hidden deals such as misprint pricing. GOOGLE SHOPPING (GOOGLE.COM/SHOPPING)
ISLAND WAVES
Sh
op tip pin s g
Sifting through the wide array of items on the previously listed deal sites doesn’t appeal to most people, which makes Google Shopping the way to go. Google Shopping is a search engine focused purely on listing online pricing. After typing in an item name Google pulls up a list of similarly named products. After clicking on the product it displays a list of prices from various vendors across the web from independent sellers on eBay and other sites to the big name retailers. In addition it lists shipping costs right on the product information page. Make sure to research the rapport of a site before anything is purchased. Sometimes a deal really is too good to be true. Bonus: MISPRINT PRICING Occasionally stores will list a product at the wrong price a recent example was Sears listing the Wii U home video game system for an astounding $59.99. That’s the price of a single piece of software for the system. Some eagle-eyed shoppers took advantage of the misprint by driving straight to their local price-matching retailer before the price was reverted to the correct $299.99. Don’t bother with trying to place an order online when these deals pop up, because the retailers more often than not cancel the order and explain that it was a mistake. For the trouble of a misprint price, the customer may get lucky and get a coupon of a paltry sum for their troubles.
SURVIVING FINALS So, get a good night’s sleep. Take a hot shower, relax and go to bed no later than 10 p.m. Getting at least eight hours of sleep will significantly improve chances of getting a better grade on that college algebra exam. EAT BRAINFOOD FOR BREAKFAST. Some people are just not breakfast people. Most students don’t wake up in time for breakfast. But, it really is the most important meal of the day. Studies show breakfast helps students concentrate and pay better attention to their studies. Students who eat breakfast are also less likely to be overweight and they get sick less often than those who don’t eat breakfast. The body knows when it’s hungry before the person does and that can really affect the performance and level of attention on an exam.
Bonus:PRICE MATCHING Price matching is a valuable tool in a customer’s arsenal when it comes to getting great deals fast. In an effort to compete against online superstores like Amazon, stores like Walmart and Toys-R-Us have declared that they will price match any official deal from any other competing store. The official terms of the deal mean that an individual can’t sell it through methods such as Amazon’s third party merchant program or eBay. The four listed sites are just a small portion of what can be found on the Internet. Google is a consumer’s best friend when it comes to finding information and remember to search before giving up. In addition, make sure to check these sites on Thanksgiving Day as well as the following Sunday for a massive list of sales. Be smart about holiday shopping this year. Avoid the long lines and freezing cold weather and do it all from home. Just about any listed deal for a big box retailer will also be available on their website that same day. Paying the occasional shipping cost may cause the loss of instant gratification when buying an item in person but it will lower customers’ stress. When it comes to Black Friday stores only have a limited number of these fantastic deals in house but their online warehouses will likely contain far beyond that.
continued from page 1 Eggs are a good source of protein, bananas are filled with potassium and a cup of coffee will provide students with just the right amount of caffeine to wake them up just in time for that exam. STUDY SMART. It goes back to pulling all-nighters. Don’t do that. Or burrowing in the library for hours on end, reviewing that textbook. Don’t do that either. Do study in small sessions. Test Taking Central says, “Studies have shown that students remember more of what they study at the beginning and end of a study session, and less of what they review in the middle.” Pulling all-nighters cause memory loss and studying for an extended period of time can cause fatigue, boredom and restlessness.
So while trying to memorize every word of that textbook, a student is actually just skimming through it and the brain does not retain the information. A short break, between five to 10 minutes, can reduce the possibility of that and make the student refreshed and ready to study. DON’T OVER THINK IT. Stress is probably what students think of most when they think of final exams, which is an unnecessary weight to put on their shoulders. They over think it, they are negative and they stress about whether they are going to pass college or not. Just remember, a test grade doesn’t define a person. And stressing about it isn’t going to help anyone. Taking a moment to relax and realize that a student, is just a human
being, and one little grade won’t ruin their lives forever. That doesn’t mean the student shouldn’t take it seriously, because the grade is important, it just isn’t worth having a meltdown over. DON’T PROCRASTINATE. Now, just because one shouldn’t stress about it, doesn’t mean the student should forget about it. Don’t procrastinate. Studying is important and if it’s done the right way, then studying won’t be as dreadful as one may think. Studying a week before the test, in small increments will really help someone out more than studying the night before a big exam. Taking 30 minutes out of one’s day to study will highly increase chances of a better grade. One less worry, more sleep and a better attitude about that big upcoming final exam.
features 6
12.04.2014
ISLAND WAVES
Ballerinas from the “Nut Cracker” pose on stage.
C
ulture Fest is an annual Islander tradition hosted by the International Cultural Alliance. This year’s event took place in the Island Hall Gym on Nov. 15. 2014. More than 200 students were in attendance for the event.
Audience members are invited to dance on stage.
The Vietnamese student association performs the bamboo dances on stage with audience members. ICA volunteers serve food during Culture Fest.
A participating group does a ritual Hawaiian dance for the audience.
A diagram of the four circuits interactions within the Memristive system.
photos by Eli T. BERKE
7
ads
12.04.2014
ISLAND WAVES
LUXURY
STUDENT HOUSING OPENING FALL 2015
GREAT ON-CAMPUS LOCATION + ON THE TAMU-CC SHUTTLE ROUTE + PRIVATE BEDS & BATHS AVAILABLE FULLY FURNISHED + STATE-OF-THE-ART FITNESS CENTER + COMPUTER CENTER WITH IMACS + STUDY LOUNGES RESORT-STYLE SWIMMING POOL + CABLE & INTERNET INCLUDED + GATED COMMUNITY + INDIVIDUAL LEASES
LIVEMOMENTUMVILLAGE.COM amenities & utilities included subject to change
entertainment 8
12.04.2014
ISLAND WAVES
Cowboy C hristmas:
an Islander Tradition
A previous performance of the Cowboy Christmas Concert at the PAC.
photo courtesy of PAC.TAMUCC.EDU
by JESSE DELEON graduate adviser
H
earing Christmas music around this time of year is nothing new. While familiar melodies about the rocking around the Christmas tree and chestnuts roasting on an open fire are seemingly everywhere, music lovers of all ages always look forward to Michael Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas Concert. This year, the show, which is part of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi’s Best of Bravo Series, will take place at the Performing Arts Center on Dec. 7. This is the 21st year that Murphey presents this very special show that was originally inspired by the Cowboy Christmas Ball held in Anson, Texas. Of those twenty one years of taking this very special show on the road, the last ten of them have included some very well-received performances at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. While Dr. Lari Young, director of the Preforming Arts Center, has seen the show several times she still looks forward to enjoying its rich tradition of music and storytelling every December. “Murphey’s show is so different than most holiday concerts so it holds a special place in people’s hearts for its uniqueness and the style of music and poetry that he performs,” Young said. Murphey’s scope of tradition is another reason why his show appeals to audience members of all ages. He
shows off his versatility as he takes on old spirituals like “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” seasonal favorites like “Joy to the World,” and of course, he includes his own hits like “What’s Forever For.” But it is when Murphey sings his signature hit that the show takes on a rather unexpected warmth. “My favorite part of the show is when he sings his big hit “Wildfire,” Young said. “When he sits by the campfire and recites some very unique cowboy poetry…yes, there is actually a campfire on stage.” In addition to the Christmas favorites, big country and pop hits and cowboy poetry, the Cowboy Christmas Concert also features some of the most talented musicians backing Murphey during this very special holiday celebration. In fact, these players, known as the Rio Grande Band, take time out from their busy schedules as performers and session musicians to hit the road with Murphey to bring the show to countless fans across the country. The music, the stories and yes, the actual campfire, have all made the Cowboy Christmas Concert a highlyanticipated Islander tradition. The unique connection that Michael Murphey and his musicians make with the audience continues to bring fans back year after year. Everyone sings along, listens to the stories and enjoys the chance to escape the daily hustle and bustle to experience Christmas out on the prairie by a crackling campfire.
9
entertainment
12.04.2014
ISLAND WAVES
Switching on the lights:
Islander Lights celebration
Attendees crowd around the tree for pictures after the lighting ceremony at the Woo Sung Lee Plaza.
by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter
T
he Christmas season has many memorable facets to it. The music, the food and the cold weather immediately come to mind. In order to ring in the Holiday spirit at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the university began the tradition of Islander Lights. Islander Lights is a way for students to come together and celebrate the holiday season on campus. Various buildings across the campus have lights strung upon them. When the
event first debuted, only four buildings were utilized for Islander Lights. This year, nine buildings across campus participated, ensuring a spectacle to the eyes of all in attendance. In addition to the lighting, all of the major campus organizations set up booths in the Island Hall gym. Nearly every organization had representation and promoted themselves to the large group of attendees strolling through. In addition to being a University event, Island Lights had plenty for the local community as well. Upon entering the gym, attendees were
Photos courtesy of @ISLANDCAMPUS
greeted by a group of volunteers from the Toys for Tots foundation who had large masses of toys packed into their donation boxes. There was even a large moon jump for the kids in attendance to enjoy. Tuey Espinoza of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity was an organizer of the event. This was Espinoza’s fourth and final year of attending Island Lights and he felt it was just as good if not better than ever. “I love being able to interact with the younger attendees, it feels good to bring a smile to their face,” Espinoza said. Espinoza’s booth had a mini game for the children in attendance which featured a fishing pole and a large bin with stuffed bags of candy. A student on the other side of the bin gave the pole a light tug after attaching a bag filled with assorted candies, which was then reeled in. “At the beginning of the night, we started with 60 bags and now we’re down to two,” Espinoza said. “I’d definitely call it a success.” At 6:30 p.m. President Flavius Kil-
lebrew arrived at the gym to lead everybody to Lee plaza in order to turn on the large mass of Christmas lights. In Lee Plaza, a large makeshift Christmas tree with an overly sized on/off switch stood as the centerpiece for the large crowd to gather around. Amy Kotulski, assistant director of student activities, arrived to address the crowd that the lighting was about to begin. The large audience counted to three in unison which prompted the switch to be pulled resulting in the campus lit with beautiful hues of green and blue. So what does the future hold for this festive event? Kotulski said growth and expansion are the primary goals. “This year, we had 32 student organizations participate. Before that, the most we had was 14,” Kotulski said. “So we’ve more than doubled participation in a single year.” In addition, Kotulski said last year’s event brought in more than $600 in charitable donations in addition to 500 toys: numbers that should easily be surpassed this year.
First Lady Kathy Killebrew and SGA President Angel Monjarraz flip the switch to illuminate the plaza.
sports 10
12.04.2014
ISLANDERS come up short PLAY vs. Houston HARD
ISLAND WAVES
by JEREMY PAPE sports reporter he Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders lost to University of Houston Cougars on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Dugan. Both squads looked energetic and ready for action in the early going. The Cougars hit four of their first five attempted shots, en route to an early 8-3 lead that forced Islanders head coach Royce Chadwick to call a timeout. That timeout proved effective, as the Islanders were able to use some great offensive and defensive plays to take the lead in the contest at 13-11. In the early going, Houston was able to block 3 shots, while the Islanders had yet to put a block on the stat sheet. That tenacious Cougars defense helped the Cougars to go on a 9-0 run. Chadwick had to call another timeout to stop the Cougars’ momentum. Coming out of the timeout, junior forward Gee Lawler got to the bucket ferociously and got the Islanders back into the contest. The score stood 2519 with under eight minutes in the first half. A miniature run by the Islanders, led by some great effort on the boards, got the score to within 3 at 27-24 with just under four minutes left in the half. Junior guard Shay Weaver hit a three pointer that got the crowd going and gave the Islanders the lead at 28-27. Another Weaver three shortly after got the Islanders lead up to 4 at 33-29. However, the Cougars hit a buzzer-beating shot to make the score at the half 33-32. Weaver led the game in scoring at the half with 11. Senior forward Olivia Fouty had 6 at the break, to go along with a team-leading 8 rebounds. Junior guard Jennifer Ramirez helped the Islanders space the floor, collecting three assists in the half. The Islanders shot nearly 45 percent in the half, while holding the Cougars to just under 40 percent. The Islanders had their troubles at the foul line, shooting 36 percent in the half. The
photo by JEREMY PAPE
T
Senior Forward Olivia Fouty (33) hits a free throw late in the game.
Islanders bench held the advantage maining in the contest. After more Davis hit a nice shot with 9 seconds in scoring at the half, outscoring the than two minutes of scoreless action, remaining to keep the Cougar lead Cougars 9-5. the Islanders got two quick buckets to one with the score 67-66. The IsWeaver hit a shot to open the sec- from Davis and Ramirez to take the landers were unable to overtake the ond half that got the Islanders’ lead lead. The Cougars regrouped and Cougars, losing by the final score of up to 3. Fouty followed that up with a scored four points in a row to make 68-66. shot of her own that gave the Island- the score 65-62. With 37 seconds left The team will next take on Kent ers their largest lead of the contest in the contest, Fouty hit two crucial State in San Luis Obispo, Friday, Nov. at 37-32. The Cougars were rattled free throws to cut the lead to 65-64. 29. enough to use their first timeout of the half. The Islanders were able to keep their momentum going, thanks in part to Fouty’s scoring and rebounding prowess. The score was 43-39 with under 16 minutes to play. The second half was a back-to-back affair, neither team wanting to give up. Only r o F The Cougars started to pull away Call Now: 361-232-9050 with just under 11 minutes left in the $110 game, as they got out to a 7-0 run to nab a 54-48 advantage. Some sharp You will receive a month of Unlimited Classes w/ Foundation shooting by sophomore forward Foundation is a 2 week training program to get you ready for CrossFit Camesha Davis helped the Islanders cut the lead in half at 57-54. Fouty We’ll teach you the 9 fundamental movements of CrossFit collected a rebound and put the shot For example - Air Squat, Shoulder Press and Deadlift back, which gave her a double-double We will also introduce the Kipping movement that CrossFit is known for... on the night. Neither team got out on a big run over the next few minutes. The Is- www.CrossFitIronAddicts.com 5801 Patton St #107 landers trailed 61-58 with 4:40 re- Facebook.com/CrossFitIronAddicts Corpus Christi Texas 78414
Th n o M This al!!! i spec
11
sports
12.04.2014
REC SPORTS Has Much to Offer Students climb the rock wall located in the Dugan Wellness Center.
by JEREMY PAPE sports reporter
T
he life of a college student gets very stressful at times. Sometimes, all a student wants and needs to do is to unwind and hang out with friends or meet new people. There are many different types of activities that students around campus can take part in. The recreational sports department at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi offers students many different ways to have fun and gain a sense of community with their fellow Islanders. There are various sports clubs that are offered each semester. “The student leaders of those clubs drive how many are offered, and whether or not they are active,” Jacque Hamilton, director of the recreational sports department, said. A few clubs that Hamilton mentioned that are currently active include rugby and scuba clubs, among many others. The student leaders in the various clubs play a huge part in determining
whether or not a club will be able to gain recognition. “[The clubs vary] from semester to semester based on whether [the club] has completed their paperwork. That has to do with the student leadership,” Hamilton said. An important factor in starting a new sport club is the interest level of prospective members. “Students can start a new club at any time if they have 10 people who are interested and available,” Hamilton said. For these clubs to be successful, supervision by a full-time employee is key. “We have a full-time person that part of their responsibility is to help students with the paperwork process, and also to help them if they need facility reservations,” Hamilton said. The department also takes on some other on-campus responsibilities in activities that many students take part in. “One of our most popular [events] is open recreation. That’s when [a person] can come into the gym on
St. PAUL THE APOSTLE Catholic Church 2233 Waldron Rd. 361~937~3864 MASSES SATURDAY 5 p.m. SUNDAY 8:30 a.m. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
stpaultheapostlecc.com
CONFESSIONS MONDAY
7:30 p.m.
(with adoration & music)
WEDNESDAY 6 p.m. SATURDAY 3:30 p.m.
“Faith and Reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.” St. John Paul II
[their] own time and lift weights, shoot baskets, do a pick-up basketball game, etc.” Hamilton said. Starting up a new sports club can prove to have its challenges. “One [challenge] is that it does require quite a bit of paperwork. A lot of that is involved in risk management and record keeping,” Hamilton said. The department offers intramural sports, meaning that students who want to play sports such as volleyball or basketball, among others, can play in a more leisurely way than if they were members of the University’s official teams. “[A person} can get a group of [their] friends [together]. Depending on the sport, it will vary on how many people are needed to make a team,” Hamilton said. Hamilton mentioned an easy way for students who are interested in giving intramurals sports a shot is to join a team. “Online, we have what is called IM leagues, which makes it very easy for students to register and get their teams signed up,” Hamilton said.
photo courtesy of RECSPORTS.TAMUCC.EDU
ISLAND WAVES
There is no need for a person to worry if they don’t have the amount of people together to make a team. “We have something called Free Agent, so if [someone] doesn’t have a team, we will help put together a team with other folks who are free agents,” Hamilton said. Each sport has its own deadline to set up intramural teams. For information regarding those deadlines, consult recsports.tamucc. edu./intramurals. It is important even for those people that may not really feel like they want to exercise to note the many benefits that exercise, and as such, joining one of the department’s many facilities, brings. “We have a lot of research studies that we can call upon that have verified the benefits of exercise,” Hamilton said. With exercise as their main focus, the recreational sports department has been and will continue to be a vital part of the campus community.
features 12 Islander students are ready to rock
12.04.2014
ISLAND WAVES
Island Dance Demo
Jilissa Cotton (left) dances with her students.
Jilissa Cotton gives notes to her dancers.
Jilissa Cotton demonstrates a move for her students.
Students rehearse their dance piece during class.
Jilissa Cotton instructs her class on a speciďŹ c movement.
“
Move your Mass� is the main theme of the Islander Dance Demo Fall 2015, demonstrating on historical events and natural phenomenons that have great impact on humanity. Tamucc dance students and choregraphers put on stage their great work of the entire semester. The event will take place at the Performing Art Center on Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for guestes, $5 for students with Sandollar.
photos by Eli T. BERKE
Students rehearse their pieces.