Volume 28 Issue 13

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

IslandWavesNews.com

CONGRATS GRADS!

News

SGA swears in new officers Page 16

Graduation arrives, students prepare

Also

by ISLAND WAVES STAFF • Page 3-14

May 4, 2017 Volume 28, Issue 13

Opinions Page 2 News Page 15

2 Opinion

STI

STUDENT PUBLICATION OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-CORPUS CHRISTI

05.04.2017

Island Waves seniors say so long

ISLAND WAVES

| ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM | VOLUME 26 ISSUE 20 | 08.27.15

IslandWavesNews.com Editor-in-chief KACI ALVAREZ Web

MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL, editor JEFFREY THOMAS, on-air talent MITCHELL JACKSON, vid. editor ERIN NASH, podcast host

Copy Editor KATIE MEZA

Visuals IZZY SNEED, editor ZACH ALDRIDGE, photographer

Layout KARA HERRERA, editor VINCENT VERDUZCO, assistant

KACI ALVAREZ editor-in-chief

Being a senior is definitely bittersweet. I have so many amazing memories here, like meeting my freshmen roommate who is now going to be a bridesmaid of mine to becoming a sweetheart for Phi Delta Theta. Even though I’m so excited to graduate, there’s so many things I’m going to miss, especially Island Waves.

It welcomed me with open arms

as a nervous and inexperienced reporter and continuously encouraged me to strive for success. The newspaper has given me the opportunity to not only grow as a person and journalist, but it gave me life-long friends that I know will always be there for me. I will never forget my time at Island Waves and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

The Island University will hold a special place in my heart forever. It was the best four years of my life (so far)! I can't wait to be a proud alumna.

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Reporters GERI LEMMONS, features JONATHAN FORNEY, sports MELISSA RODRIGUEZ, news SARAH REEVES, news AMERICA SEGURA, sports

Graduate Assistant BRADY BURNS, advertising

Faculty Adviser WENDY MOORE

ABOUT ISLAND WAVES Island Waves is a student-produced publication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The newspaper is printed weekly, except during summer sessions.

Any student or University employee may submit material and opinions for publication consideration. To become a contributor, e-mail or call the Island Waves editor.

CONTACT US 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5783 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 825-5862 editor@tamucc.edu ads@tamucc.edu

MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL web editor

Working at Island Waves for a year and a half has been one insane trip. Through being on staff, I have been exposed to more parts of the University that I definitely would not

KATIE MEZA copy editor

VINCENT VERDUZCO layout assistant

Texas A&M University has been such an amazing experience for me. I couldn’t be happier with where I chose to earn my undergraduate degree from. The thing I will miss the most about TAMUCC is definitely the sense of community I have been a part of. The fact that we’re both on an Island, as well as a smaller sized universi-

ty definitely plays in to this feeling. Everyone has the ability to know and meet everyone else; and there are countless opportunities for students in every discipline. What’s more, is the amount and intensity of the spirit that comes with being in the kind of community we have here on the Island. The passion our students have and the pride we all have as Islanders, is truly something I will never see anywhere else. I am happy to say that I will be an Islander Forever!

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The Island University has been my home for the past four years... Literally, I sleep here y'all. It has everything that a home needs: raviolis, water, shelter from the real world and most importantly a family that loves you through all of the ridiculous stress that classes and life bring. I’ll miss the beautiful campus, the palm trees and sunny days and yeah I’ll even miss the parking lots. But what

KARA HERRERA

ZACH ALDRIDGE photographer

There is a lot I’m going to miss about TAMUCC. The countless hours spent making films, pulling all-nighters to finish edits, taking photos

of basketball games for the newspaper and so much more.

I have learned so much about not only about what I want to do in life but also who I am as a person. Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi is a special place to me and I am thankful for all my professors that taught and helped me along the way.

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layout editor

What I will miss about my undergrad here at the Island University is all the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of going through this four year roller-coaster called college together. Also, to my Sigma Alpha Pi family that I’ve learned so much from and have shaped me into

have explored if I was not on staff, alongside creating and developing friendships that have benefited me for the rest of my college career. I was also able to gain experience that I doubt I would have gotten through just classes and figured out what I actually wanted to do once I graduated. So, here's to you Island Waves.

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I’ll miss most is the newsroom “conversations”, free stuff from all the events, hanging out in the Student Engagement Center annoying people, Spring Break adventures, 3 a.m. trips to WalMart and sitting on the beach looking at the stars after the longest days of my life. It’s hard to believe that it’s over, especially when I tried to stay as long as I could. Thank you to friends old and new, far and close, professors and family. This has been my greatest adventure yet!

P.s. Don’t underestimate all of the discounts you get as a student! Now I have to pay full price for everything!

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being a better leader, I will always be grateful for them. Lastly, I will always cherish early mornings coming to campus when the sun is still rising, the palm trees swaying (because it’s always windy here in Corpus), the salty smell of the ocean for which I’ve become accustomed to and enjoying a tall chai latte before the campus Starbucks gets crowded by the caffeine hungry students rushing in before their 8 a.m.

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#Adulting 3

05.04.2017

Congrats Grads from the Island Waves Staff!

This is the beginning of our 2017 Graduation special section within this issue of Island Waves.

This section will include profiles on seniors who will be graduating, highlighting their accomplishments, as well as generic features all about “adulting” and going off into the real world.

We decided to name the each page within this section “#adulting” because it seems to be the most used hashtag on social media coming from those who are about to head out and start a career.

The articles will range from how to dress professionally to easy steps for paying off the debt accumulated throughout the years spent in college.

They will showcase the best ways on how to “adult.”

So here’s to you class of 2017. May your future be bright and successful.

Congratulations!

ON THE COVER: Photo by IZZY SNEED IZZY SNEED/Island Waves

4 #Adulting GIS senior reflects on studies, strives toward master’s

05.04.2017

KACI ALVAREZ @earthtokace

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fter conquering the complex world of the Geospatial Information Science and Survey Engineering (GIS) undergraduate program, Daniel Martinez plans to venture off to work towards a new chapter in his life.

The senior GIS major is gearing up for graduation on May 13 by reflecting on his accomplishments within the College of Science and Engineering community.

Following graduation, Martinez will be attending Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Geospatial Surveying Engineering graduate program.

“I’m hopefully paving the way for minorities, Hispanics, other ethnicities to pursue degrees of higher education,” Martinez said. “I want to provide the same opportunities that were shown to me for the next generation.”

After transferring from Del Mar College, Martinez joined freshmen learning communities to get acquainted with the university. Before becoming a GIS major, Martinez was studying mechanical en-

SENIOR PROFILE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & ENGINEERING gineering, but was drawn into GIS after seeing a video at Island Days showcasing the major.

“It’s a degree that ties back to wanting to assist the public,” Martinez said. “A surveyor’s role is the pinnacle of modern society because without surveying we wouldn’t have society as we know it.”

Martinez said he believes TAMUCC’s GIS program has prepared him for the future, since it has molded him into the person and student he is today. Martinez is a member of the Geospatial Information Science Student Organization (GISSO), which has opened doors to scholarships, internships and friends for life.

During the 2017 Spring Break, Martinez and five other students competed and presented their survey and research at the National Society of Professional Surveyors Student Competition in Maryland and took first place.

“Over the course of 200 plus hours dur-

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$8.50 LUNCH $9.50 DINNER

ing the Fall, Spring and winter break, we collected data,” Martinez said. “TAMUCC hasn’t competed in this competition in like the last ten years, so it was kind of a momentous occasion for us to come in there and blow everyone’s socks off.”

When Martinez first entered the research environment, he came under the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP), which strives to get minorities into science and research scenarios so they can pursue graduate degrees down the line. Through that, he began working under Dr. Richard Smith, geographic information science program coordinator and assistant professor.

“Daniel’s enthusiasm for GIS is great,” Smith said. “He always wants to learn more. He’s one of those students where he comes to office hours because he has something interesting to share. He really stood out because he engaged not only with professors but also with content and students.”

Smith said Martinez has embrace the culture of the program. He has put his

best foot forward in everything he has done, making him well respected within the community.

However, Martinez said he doesn’t owe his success to only his passion for the department but to Smith. He said Smith has given him the keys he has needed to succeed in his undergraduate career.

“I always made time to speak with him and shared his enthusiasm with him,” Smith said. “Also, I hired him onto my lab through the LSAMP program and I got to mentor him and give him opportunities, but when he says keys to success, I’m sure he’s talking about all of the professors in the program. It’s a team effort.”

Martinez said he is excited for his opportunity to continue his education at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and will continue to inspire minorities to dream towards a career in science and engineering.

For more information on the Geospatial Information Science and Survey Engineering program, visit sci.tamucc.edu/ CSCI/GISC.

Photos courtesy of DANIEL MARTINEZ

Martinez presents the QGIS Open Source work he completed with the help of Dr. Richard Smith.

Martinez and five other students competed in the National Society of Professional Surveyors Student Competition in Maryland, taking first place.

#Adulting 5

05.04.2017

A look at the pros and cons of graduate school GERI LEMMONS @GeriLemmons

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eciding what one wants to do after graduating from an undergraduate program is a big deal, one has many options including graduate school.

For some, this decision is easy because it is required in order to get the job they want in the future. For others, getting a master’s degree is an unclear decision, and some may wonder if it is even necessary to look into after graduation.

One of the great things about graduate school is being able to hold the graduate degree over just having a bachelor’s degree. According to topuniversities.com, graduate school can be what gets one noticed in today’s job market. The degree can show the person has great dedication to what they are studying and they are willing to put in the extra work in order to get what they want.

But of course, what comes with extra school, comes extra money one will have to pay to get through school. Grad school is notorious for being very expensive and costing students even more money by the end of the process. Scholarships can help in this.

Some jobs even pay for employers to go to grad school while working for them. It is important for one to think about the actual cost of going to grad school and if they can afford, right now, to even decide to go.

Programs like the Peace Corps offer help in paying for graduate school after you have completed a short time commitment with them. The U.S. Army may also be a program to look into for assistance.

The great thing about graduate school is being able to get a deeper understanding and better study in the student’s interest. It gives students the opportunity to develop knowledge and a different take on the work they have been doing throughout their college career. If someone really loves knowledge and is able to focus in on a certain interest, graduate school is the place for them.

Graduate school is a huge time commitment as well. It is not a place for someone to go just because they don’t know what they want to do when they graduate. When someone goes to grad school they are deciding to focus and get more knowledge about the work they are interested in. This requires tons of time and tons of studying. It is a total commitment and it is something not to take

lightly. It can be a challenge for one that does not have the heart to keep going with their studies.

Making connections can be a good thing for students who want to go to grad school. It can be a way to network and work on different projects

they might not had the chance to do in undergrad. It is a chance to get to know professors and colleagues more personally. A chance to become more knowledgeable about the people around them and the advice they have for their future.

photo courtesy of GOOGLE.COM

Seniors share advice to fellow underclassmen JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay

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or many, college is a period of evolution, personal growth and change.

By their senior year, students have experienced and learned many life lessons that they wish they’d known sooner.

From academics to personal relationships, in their time as students, seniors were given the chance to offer advice to their younger selves. They shared ways they learned to be better students and people through the course of their college careers. The adage goes: “hindsight is 20/20” and that certainly holds true for the seniors mentioned for this piece.

“Time management is vital,” said Mike Marinaro, senior environmental science major. “Input all of your due dates and exams into a planner at the beginning of each semester and keep it maintained throughout.”

Academic tips are often learned

through trial and error. As students go through school, they learn more about their own unique study habits and what works for them, specifically. This sort of insight often requires mistakes and improvement from those mistakes.

It is all cumulative, however. Students build habits as they learn more about themselves that will stay with them after their collegiate careers come to an end.

Organization and accountability are pillars of any successful student. Seniors have been there, done that, so to speak, by the time graduation is around the corner. As such, they know the importance of building good habits.

“Keep up with your studies,” said Victoria Jenkins, senior marine biology major. “Everything you do in the beginning affects the rest of your college career, so if you put in the effort in the beginning, you’ll thank yourself later.”

Academics aside, seniors have learned valuable life lessons in their

VINCENT VERDUZCO./Island Waves

Islander Victoria Gonzalez getting her photos taken in preparation for spring 2017 commencement.

time on a college campus. For most, they have been away from home, made new friends and colleagues, fallen into/ out of love, discovered new passions or anything in between.

College is a time of self-discovery and reinvention. Students may graduate as completely different people than when they first enrolled. Hopefully that change is for the better. These lessons learn away from the classroom can be just as long-lasting and significant as those that they learn in them.

“Don’t give so much importance to relationships,” Said Elisa Silva, senior sociology major.

As graduation day approaches, many seniors will mark the end of their academic careers while others are taking a step towards further education. Regardless of their next step in life, the lessons they learned to get this point, particularly those in college, will have a lasting impact on the rest of their lives.

6 #Adulting

05.04.2017

Tips on how to dress to impress AMERICA SEGURA @americabatel

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fter graduating college, it can be tough to find a use for your new degree. You are expected to “adult” automatically, from your behavior up to the way you dress and present yourself in a work environment.

These are a few helpful tips that you may want to consider before choosing out an outfit for your work day: Keep it classy.

Of course, everyone wants to look good. However, your new job right out of college is not the place to pull out that tight black skirt you might see someone wearing at the club.

Find out if your work setting has a dress code and follow it. More often than not, you may find they don’t, but still be very conscious of what appropriate. You need to be able to give a professional appearance in order to get others to take you serious despite the fact that you are young.

To add color or to not?

Adding color to your wardrobe is essential. However, you must abide by what is appropriate in you industry.

Most times you can’t go wrong with neutrals (black, white, beige and gray). However also take your position into consideration. If that’s the style that fits best for what you are doing or what you are applying for. If you’re applying for a job in the fashion industry, make sure to make your outfit creative while still keeping in mind that you must maintain the professionalism. Or, for example, if you’re working in a law firm, then I suggest it’s best to keep bold vibrant colors to the very minimum or not wear them at all, stick to conservative colors that appeal to the seriousness of your job.

Have the right fit One of the things that can make or break an outfit would be the way the clothes fit you. While having large cloth-

ing results in a baggy looking mess, having overwhelmingly tight clothing can have just as bad of an impression. Make sure that when picking out a pair of slacks or any type of bottom your tummy doesn’t go out and that the length of it doesn’t cover your shoes to the point where there might be the possibility of you tripping over your own attire.

In addition, a huge no is also wearing overly tight clothing even despite your body type.

Tailoring to a right fit that accommodates both professionally and flatters your body is important.

Fix your hair Possibly one of the most essential professional attire tips you may ever get is how to fix your hair for work. While luxurious and voluminous hair may look great for a night out on the town, most times it’s best to keep the volume to a minimum and simply have a more polished look. If you’re going to wear your hair up, stay clear of fly aways by using some product to keep your hair in place. If you wear it down make sure it is clean and in place and looks healthy as well. One of the biggest nono’s is wet right-out-of-theshower hair.

Make it up, but not too much For girls, make up is often essential. In the workplace, it is recommended to skip the black and gold smokey eyeshadow and go for a subtle natrual brown and bronze tones.

Keeping a natural look is important with your appearance overall. So, don’t overdo it.

For men, it is important to not make up your beard too much. Keep it trimmed and clean. A goatee is hardly ever a good idea. Moreover, maintain a clean cut look that you are comfortable with and that allows others to take you seriously.

Getting the perfect professional look is essential. By following these simple guidelines, employers will know you mean business.

IZZY SNEED/ Island Waves

#Adulting 7

05.04.2017

Theatre student receives SAMC award SARAH REEVES @SreevesR

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enior theatre student Frank Garcia Jr. is gearing up for graduation this Spring 2017.

Garcia receives recognition as the Outstanding Theatre Student at the fifth annual School of Arts, Media and Communication Awards and has received a nomination for the Emerging Leader Award at the 2016 Division of Student Engagement and Success celebration.

“If you had asked me four years ago why I love being an actor so much, I would’ve said being on stage and getting to be somebody you’re not,” Garcia said. “But now, I love using theatre as a tool to reach other people.”

Garcia said one thing close to his heart is children’s theatre. Last summer, after working with a company called Missoula Children’s Theatre, which travels all over the United States, Garcia said the experience made him decide what he wanted to do after graduation.

“I want to have fun and show kids that you can never be too old to have fun. Theatre can do so much for someone,” Garcia said. “I want people to leave working with me feeling that no dream is too big, that they can do whatever they want because no goal is unreachable if you set your mind to it.”

Garcia said he wants to give theatre back to people and inspire people of

SENIOR PROFILE SCHOOL OF ARTS, MEDIA & COMMUNICATION all ages to understand that their imagination doesn’t have to die as they get older.

“I remember being in a production my freshmen year with Frank,” said Jasmine DeLeon, junior philosophy ma-jor. “It was one of my favorite productions.”

After spending a year working after high school to think about what he wanted to study, Garcia said his decision to go to Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi completely changed his life.

“I’ve gained a better understanding of who I am as a person,” Garcia said.

“I’ve come to love myself more than I ever have before, which is thanks to the kind of people here on campus and the friends I’ve made and the experiences we’ve shared.”

Garcia said after graduation, he will take these experiences, as well as the understanding that the only way you can love anybody else is if you love yourself first.

“I remember one year, we performed the musical Rent, and I played Tom Collins,” Garcia said. “The thing I’ll always hold dear was all the love put into that theatre for that show...I’ve never cried so much until that performance. It was all about liv-

ing in the moment.”

DeLeon said she and other students who’ve worked with Frank all feel the same after being in a production with him.

“Nothing but positive vibes,” said DeLeon. “Wherever he goes after graduation, I know he’ll do great things!”

Garcia said he didn’t get where he is now by doing nothing. Being an actor and college student came with its challenges--ones he had to work to overcome.

“My freshmen year I was shy and didn’t really throw myself out there.

My sophomore year, I had so much energy and was getting involved with

anything I could get my hands on,” Garcia said. “My junior year, the pressure of what I was going to do after college was taking a toll on me, and by my senior fall semester, I was exhausted.”

Garcia said his dancing instructor had told him that he needed to stop trying to be good at everything and that it was okay to be great at a few things. His final semester, he learned to take one day at a time, to slow down and breathe again.

“If I could go back in time and give my freshmen-year-self advice, I’d tell him to not be afraid of getting out there and to love himself,” Garcia said.

photo courtesy of FRANK GARCIA

Senior Frank Garcia rehearses for one of the many productions he has been a part of at the Island University.

8 #Adulting

05.04.2017

Senior survival guide: College debt adds up

MELISSA RODRIGUEZ

@__melisssaaaa

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or most college students, debt is an inevitable reality. For those who are fortunate enough this debt may not be as high, but for those who rely primarily on federal assistance, this debt can quickly begin to accumulate into a frightening sum.

In recent years, college debt has started to rise due to actions taken by state government to pull funding from higher education. By doing so, they force universities to make up the money lost by raising tuition and other university fees leading students to either drop out or take out loans, more than likely putting them in debt by graduation time.

Here are some steps to follow if debt is a current reality for those both in and out of college.

1. Start saving money.

If you are like me, then you know how hard it is to keep from buying food or unnecessary items. Make a budget list to refrain from making those purchases that negatively accumulate in

IZZY SNEED/Island Waves

the long run. Take it month by month.

Plan out how much income you will be generating for the month and set aside specific amounts of money for immediate expenditures such as bills, gas, groceries and any other necessary bills. This way the remaining money can be focused to paying off any pending debt you may have.

2. Analyze your debt.

Take a moment to sit down and calmly analyze the amount of debt you need to pay off. Most of thetime people worry and panic at the mere thought of debt which leads their judgment

to become clouded. Be clear-minded when you sit down to analyze the debt. It’s all about strategy. Look at how much you have to pay off and the interest it has added to it. By doing so, you will be able to realize which debt needs the most focus. The larger ones with higher interest should be taken care of first. Those are the ones that may be dragged on longer if not taken care of fast enough. Interest can be the most dangerous part of debt because, depending on the rate, it can make even more difficult to pay off all that is owed since money just keeps adding as

time keeps passing.

3. Think of the future.

Sometimes the overwhelming feeling of impending debt can stray focus from future debts. Although it is important to take care of existing debts, one should also keep in mind that debt can be a reoccurring cycle. If possible, try to limit the amount of debt you put yourself in. Meaning, if you can stay away from having to take out loans or borrow any sort of money then do it.

Give yourself time to pay off existing debts before embarking on any additional debt.

TAMUCC senior discovers the art of psychology MELISSA RODRIGUEZ @__melisssaaaa

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he month of May marks the end of another semester and the start of a new summer, but for some, this month represents graduation and the start of a new stage in life.

Amber Bachner, a senior at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, is among the wave of students who will be graduating with the Islander Class of 2017 on May 13.

Her journey at the Island University began at 23 years old, a married young adult unsure of what path she wanted to take in higher education. She opted for a route relating most to her passions towards psychology and the arts.

“Amber is without question a delightful individual, easy to work with, so conscientious and the kind of serious student any faculty mentor would value working with,” said Lisa Comparini, assistant professor for the College of Liberal Arts.

Currently, Bachner is on track to graduate with a Bachelors in psychology and a minor in studio art. She has

SENIOR PROFILE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS worked hard to be in the place she is right now, taking up to 19 hours a semester while being married and interning at a private practice.

“The most challenging part of college, for me, was balancing my core classes with the extra Honors Program classes I’ve had to take in addition to courses for my major and my minor,” Bachner said.

Along with being a member of the Honors Program at TAMUCC, Bachner involved herself in as many extra-curricular activities as she could, which exposed her to many opportunities. However, the more involved she became, the more complex her college life became as well.

“I have had to really utilize and hone time management skills, embrace sacrifices of varying degrees and learn to take self-care seriously,” Bachner said.

“Most importantly though, I had to push past my comfort zones.”

In her years at the Island University, Bachner has been recognized for her

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMBER BACHNER

Amber poses for her senior photo

efforts. Some of her biggest accomplishments include making the Dean’s List twice, earning the Who’s Who Among

American Colleges and Universities award and earning membership for: Psi Chi, Golden Key and Student Veterans Organization.

“Amber is a very hard worker, she takes on so much because she has so many different strengths,” Comparini said.

Upon completion of her graduation this semester, Bachner plans to continue her studies to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in order to work with Veterans and study creativity, cognition and behavior. She also plans to continuing her work as an artist.

Overall, Amber recalls her experience at the Island University as a positive one.

“My time at TAMUCC has seen me through incredible growth, both as a student and personally where I have developed many excellent relationships and have enjoyed my classes helping me realize what I want to do with my life,” Bachner said.

Amber’s words of encouragement to first year students would be to do their homework, show up to class and make an effort because she believes college is where you make yourself.

#Adulting 9

05.04.2017

Major change helps senior discover his true career path GERI LEMMONS @GeriLemmons

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oming from New York City after an audition for Juilliard and changing majors gave Richard Schreiber an opportunity to discover other more about himself.

Schreiber came to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi as a theater major, which soon changed to business management.

“As a theater major I realized after a while that it was a little bit more of a hobby and passion than a career path,” Schreiber said.

Schreiber said he did some soul searching in order to find what else he could be good at. He realized he was good at things like public speaking, directing and writing; he felt like his skills pulled him toward more of a business route.

“I had had some experience in small business and I had some experience working in many different sectors,” Schreiber said. “I took general business first to take some classes then found out management was the way I wanted to go.”

Benjamin Blanco, management and marketing professor, said Schreiber is always looking to do better.

Blanco said he is always one who thinks about the next couple of steps to take after he graduates. This forward thinking has helped him get to where he is today.

“He is not just thinking about graduating he is thinking about ‘what I’m going to do after graduation,’” Blanco said. “He is thinking about, ‘what are my options, what are my opportunities?’”

Schreiber said he plans to go for his MBA. Right now he is working on the campaign for Nelda Martinez.

He said he has also been interesting in hospital administration and utilizing the connections he has made over the past five years and looking for an opening in some lower level management positions.

The Island University’s MBA program was recently ranked among the top 25 in the nation for its online MBA programs. Schreiber is already in one the best places to pursue his business education.

“He is always inquiring about what he can do and how he can apply his talents into those fields, and that, I like a lot about him,” Blanco said.

Schreiber has been involved on

Schreiber poses on the second floor of the O’Connor building where the majority of business courses are held.

PHOTOS BY GERI LEMMONS

SENIOR PROFILE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS campus during his time here. He has Recreational Sports in many different positions for the past five years.

He is involved in a variety of clubs including: Delta Sigma Pi as the public relations chair, president of the Islanders fencing league, Islander Swim club treasure, and he is also a member of CEO and Student Government Association.

“There has been a lot that I have been interested in for the past few years,” Schreiber said. “I am a huge advocate for Islanders so I try to get into as many things as possible.”

According to Schreiber when he graduates from the undergraduate program he is going to miss the ignorance he had at the very beginning of his college career. He said undergrad studies is a time to learn about the world and the work starts really when one graduates.

“The reason why I say ignorance is because now I am not very igno-

Schreiber takes in the view while jotting down some notes for class.

rant about the world and I understand how hard it is to live on your own, get a job and climb the ladder,” Schreiber said.

As the saying goes, ignorance is bliss. The real world comes quick-

ly after graduation, but Screiber seems up to the task. He’s been trying to think a few steps ahead his whole collegiate career and hopefully that continues into the professional world.

10 #Adulting

05.04.2017

Nursing looks forward to ICU, helping others JONATHAN FORNEY

SENIOR PROFILE

@jb4nay

COLLEGE OF NURSING & HEALTH SCIENCE

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enior nursing major, Brent Sherman, is nearing the culmination of his hard work and that much closer to his dream of helping others.

Prior to arriving at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Sherman completed his prerequisite courses while attending community college in his hometown, Dallas. Based on his interest in taking care of others, nursing seemed like a hand in glove fit for Sherman.

“I just like caring for and helping people,” said Sherman.

Sometime down the road, the Dallas native would like the opportunity to form more personal relationships with his patients.

“Eventually, I’d like to work in the ICU [intensive care unit], but generally they want us to start off on the medical surgical floor,” Sherman said. “With medical surgical, there’s not a lot of time to spend with patients, whereas with ICU, you only have two patients, so there’s more of that one on one with your patient that I enjoy.”

Coming from Dallas to Corpus took

Sherman has a laugh while conversing with some friends.

some getting used to for Sherman, but he made the adjustments to continue his studies. That isn’t to say he hasn’t found things to enjoy about the city. When he isn’t studying, Sherman keeps himself entertained.

“I like going to the beach, hanging out with friends or occasionally go to bars.”

JONATHAN FORNEY/Island Waves

Sherman said.

Graduation is just over the horizon for Sherman and his fellow seniors. The culmination of their hard work and beginning of their careers is cause for celebration.

“It feels amazing being so close to graduation and to finally be done with school,”

said Sherman. “I’ll probably celebrate by partying with some friends.”

In his time at school, Sherman learned many lessons about himself during the long nights that come with chasing a degree. He learned just what he’s capable of and surprised himself along the way.

“I’m stronger than I thought I would be.

I’m more patient and more caring than I thought I would be.” Sherman said.

The nursing scene is competitive for Islanders and its students have cutting edge tools to ensure they’re ready when they began their professional careers. The field has increased dramatically and students will have to make themselves stand out from the crowd.

“Nursing education has grown so much,” said Julie Fomenko, MSN, RN and Clinical Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing and Health Science.

In his time in colege Sherman studied hard and now he’s that much closer to his dream.

Five methods to alleviate graduation anxiety MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL @mikaylaMOG

D

ealing with anxiety is never a fun experience. Add in a full class load, working two jobs, trying to find a job right out of college and it just equals a big mess. If you have never experienced a full-blown anxiety attack, chances are there have been a few occasions when you have something coming up that makes your hands sweaty or breathing labored.

But if you have had anxiety attacks, the moments leading up to them are scary. Here are five ways to help relieve some of your anxiety.

1. Get out and get moving One of the biggest releases for me is being able to go for a quick jog or walk with my roommate. It gets you out of the house and into the fresh air, which is a big help on your brain. If you do not like going out and exercising, another tip is to put on some of your favorite music and dance around your house.

Exude some of the nervous energy by dancing like no one’s watching.

2. Take a warm shower Being in the shower is also a good

tool to help relieve anxiety. Especially if you have some lavender shampoo or body wash or even a candle you can light. Picture the warm water cleansing you. Or if that does not work-try a sauna. Sometimes sweating out impurities is a huge help.

3. Chug some H2O There are many benefits to water, one being that you do not get dehydrated which can lead to people being shaky and anxious.

4. Clean I know, I know. Why would I want to clean if I was feeling anxious and all I want to do is curl up in a ball and cry?

Because cleaning is a way to get rid of clutter, both mentally and physically.

Being able to clean your room and even rearrange it in a different way gives you a new outlook.

5. Talk to someone This might seem scary, especially in the world we live in where mental illnesses are sort of a taboo subject, but one of the best things in the world is knowing you are not facing this alone.

I have a couple of friends who are amazing when I need to be reminded that I am loved or I am not alone in

MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL/ISLAND WAVES

Stretch it out. Yoga is a great way to relieve stress as graduation day approaches.

this battle. Talking is sometimes hard when it comes to talking about our weaknesses but it is also one of the best ways to feel better.

None of these are sure fire ways to relieve anxiety, you have to learn what works best for you, but these can give you a starting point if anything. Remember, it is okay to talk to a professional if you feel like none of these are working

Everyone is different so to find what truly works for you, experiment. Try things you know you enjoy, as well as new things to manage your stress and anxiety Try and get out there, take care of yourself, drink plenty of water, maybe clean a little and, if need be, talk to someone. Hopefully this helps keep the anxiety to a minimum and the enjoyment of graduation to a maximum.

12 #Adulting

05.04.2017

Graduating seniors stepping into job market MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL @mikaylaMOG

G

raduation is the final moment of the college career and once you walk the stage, you are officially in the “adult” world.

Part of the adult world is applying for numerous jobs. Another part of that world is learning to deal with the inevitable-rejection letters that come with it.

Getting an email that states, “Thank you for the interest you have expressed in the ‘whatever job you applied for.’

We have reviewed your resume and have carefully considered your qualifications. At this time, we have decided to concentrate our attention on other candidates who we believe best meet the current needs of our organization,” is probably one of the worst feelings in your senior year of college. That feeling is made even worse when it is a job that you really wanted. Or when you really need to have an after-graduation plan but nothing seems to be adding up.

For people who have been applying for jobs since the beginning of their spring semester of their senior year, every time they get one of those letters, their hopes start to get smaller and smaller. The want to apply for jobs in locations where they really want to go diminishes. So how do you deal with them?

One of the first things a graduating student has to realize is that those rejection letters will come in surplus over the time you are applying for “grown-up” jobs. Everyone tends to get more rejection than acceptance letters.

It is a fact of life. The sooner you realize that, the sooner applying for jobs gets easier. Do not let it get you down.

That is the second thing. When your inbox is flooded with rejection emails or in some cases, no emails with anything on them, do not let it get to you.

At the time it may seem like you have no idea what to do and you want to pull your hair out because graduation is just around the corner and you have no safety net. Take a moment to step back and breathe.

Thirdly, if you have come to the point when you feel like every rejection letter you get is weighing you down, because it might feel like that, grab a friend and go see a movie. Or go for a walk or hit the beach. Do something that will take your mind off of job applications and reject letters.

Lastly, have patience. That might be hard to do especially if you are stressing about finding a job to start paying off debts or just trying to afford to live, but it will happen. The moment you get an email or a phone call telling you that you got a second interview or you got the job will make all those rejection letters seem pointless.

Not everyone gets a job straight out

Newspaper job market advertisements.

of college. According to The Daily Caller back in 2015 just 14 percent of college graduates are hired right after they walk the stage. That number has gone up a couple of points but the majority is still unemployed. To not try because you think you’re not qualified for the job or because it looks like the company is looking for someone else is another story.

Apply to whatever job is in your heart’s content. Sometimes the qualifications or recommendations are optional. Rejection letters should not scare you out of applying for jobs. They are part of a package deal that comes with that fancy new diploma and student debts.

Photo courtesy of STATICFLICKR.COM

14 #Adulting

05.04.2017

College students find right job

SARAH REEVES @SreevesR

W

ith this Spring semester coming to an end and graduation approaching, some graduating students are excited for what is to come. But others are realizing they will soon graduate without a job.

With little time left, students are scrambling to find “the job” they were hoping to find their freshman year.

Finding the right job isn’t always easy.

Luckily, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has resources such as Career Services that can help a student not only develop a plan, but develop their future career.

“We hold all kinds of career fairs throughout the year,” said Nancy Salinas, senior career counselor of the College of Liberal Arts and College of Education. “A lot of graduating students find their employers by going to those and meeting the recruiters.”

Salinas said students should go to career fairs even as freshmen. She said meeting the recruiters, seeing local employment opportunities and developing

their resume gives them helpful experience for their junior and senior year, when they are looking for the right job.

“We even have on-campus Recruiting,” Salinas said. “Which is when recruiters come to campus to interview our students.”

Located in the University Center, Room 304, Career Services offers many resources to students of all classifications such as mock interviews, Izzy’s Suit Lending Closet where you can visit professional attire for an interview, resume reviews and career counseling.

“If students are interested in a certain field, we can sit down and look at a program called ‘Choices’, which gives students an idea of what jobs can come from certain degrees,” Salinas said.

Salinas said career counseling will help students conduct a career assessment that evaluates a student’s interests, abilities, values and personalities which ultimately gives students an idea of what fields they may be interested in.

“It was my junior year when I decided I didn’t want to become an educator and dropped my teaching certifica-

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tion,” said Sasha Mendez, senior English major. “I went to career counseling because I had no idea what I wanted to do, and it seriously changed my life.”

Mendez said she was able to find an internship through one of the career fairs and now has a job after graduation through the same company.

“I cannot stress to people how helpful those career fairs are,” she said.

“They’re nerve-wracking, sure, but they give you hands-on experience to what comes after you graduate.”

Mendez said for freshmen and sophomore students, graduation seems so far away that it doesn’t even cross their mind.

“But graduation is coming,” she said.

“So it’s always good to expose yourself early on...there’s nothing more terrifying than realizing your junior year that you have no idea what you want to do.

So don’t procrastinate.”

For more information about Career Services, visit their website at careerservices.tamucc.edu/index.html.

News 15

05.04.2017

Orchestra students perform string extravaganza KRISTEN VEIT Contributing writer

T

exas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s University Orchestra took over the Performing Arts Center stage with their instruments on April 13, for their String Chamber Orchestra Extravaganza.

The concert was free and open to the public and TAMUCC students. Associate professor of music Dr. Jose Flores conducted the orchestra. Solo violinist and concertmaster Austin Gabrillo and solo violinist Anthony Salazar started the performance with Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Double Violin Concerto.”

“There’s so much more to music than what is printed on a piece of paper, all of the emotions that go into a piece, sadness, anger, happiness,” Gabrillo said. “I want people to experience their entire emotional pallet throughout a performance and be able to walk away feeling sort of renewed and refreshed.”

Gabrillo lead the orchestra into the next work, Bach’s “Violin Concerto in A Minor.” For Gabrillo, working with the orchestra and Flores has been something he said he has enjoyed for the past three years.

“I’m super honored to be apart of this orchestra and it’s really great to be asked to perform a solo like this in front of anyone, even if there was just one audience member, like that is a dream fulfilled because I’m making a difference in somebody else’s life at that moment,” Gabrillo said.

Dr. George Amorim , associate profes-

sor of double bass at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edingburg, accompanied Flores for the final performance of Giovanni Bottesini’s “Gran Duo Concertante” for Double Bass and Violin. Flores played vigorously during the last measures of his solo with Amorim and even when he broke multiple bow-

strings, Flores continued to play with the same energy until the end of the performance.

“This is actually my second time seeing him, and he’s doing a good job, I rather enjoy how he does things, he did try to spice things up with the final piece,” sophomore marine biology major Collin

Austin Gabrillo playing his solo with the orchestra.

Martin said. “I’m looking forward to the next orchestra performance and I hope that I’ll be able to attend more in the future.”

For more information on the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi University Orchestra or to purchase tickets to the next concert, visit ccsymphony.org.

Photo courtesy of KRISTEN VEIT

Island University promotes wellness at Expo JOSLYN DOIRON contributing writer

O

n April 19, Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi held its Wellness Expo in the gymnasium of the Dugan Wellness Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Wellness Expo invited all students and staff to visit with several community vendors to learn about wellness related incentives for Wellness Week, which serves to help individuals establish healthier lifestyles. The objective of this event was to create a culture of wellness on campus for all Islanders.

“The school is trying to go smoke-free by the year of 2020, so I am educating the campus on health risks associated

with tobacco,” said Kayla Stovall, student project coordinator for Smoke-Free 2020. “I am really passionate about this because I see a lot of people smoking on campus and I can see how it not only affects their health but also their pockets.”

Stovall is a health science student at TAMUCC, and organized the Smoke-Free 2020 vendor with her student internship.

“It is also noticed that there are cigarettes that are littered on campus and how it affects the environment, so Smoke-Free 2020 is a great initiative and I hope the school progresses to be smoke-free in the future,” Stovall said.

The event not only raised awareness to encourage health objectives, but also

gave vendors an opportunity to help individuals with dealing with addiction.

“S.T.A.R.S stands for South Texas Substance Abuse Recovery Services,” said Paul Showery, S.T.S.T.A.R.S representative.

Showery represented and discussed the many risks that students may encounter while in college and being involved with substance abuse. He also shared his testimony of a struggle that he overcame in his lifetime.

“We have a facility that helps people with drug addiction problems, alcohol and more,” Showery said. “We also help people with co-occurring disorders and bring awareness to individuals suffering from AIDS, HIV, and Hepatitis C for

their mindfulness. We [here] are to assist anyone if they may think they have an issue with alcohol to come see us and we will help them with counseling.”

The Wellness Expo held an activity for all participants, which involved adding stickers on a handout to all visitors when entering the gymnasium. The handout incorporated a color of sticker that corresponded to the vendor that was visited, and when completed, a lucky member of the event had a chance to win a prize.

This event brought various facets of wellness to all Islanders and faculty of TAMUCC, aiming to bring wellness in a rounded perspective to change lives one vendor at a time.

16 News

05.04.2017

SGA swears in new officers at annual election QUENTIN ESQUIVEL contributing writer

O

n April 19-20, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Student Government Association held their annual election, which led way to several new elected officials and said goodbye to some graduating Islander officials.

The positions up for grabs were president, vice president and three seats for science and engineering senators. The position of president went uncontested while vice president and the senator positons had competition.

“The presidential election went uncontested to Justin Bastos while Friederike Davis took the VP election,” said outgoing SGA president Garret Ransom.

Bastos will take Ransom’s place as president Davis won with nearly double the votes of her opponent. She will replace outgoing vice president Andrea Gilson. The newly elected Science and Engineering senators will be Kelly Rojas, Alexandra Phongsavone and Richard Torres.The change in power will not happen all at once. SGA holds elections

in the spring unlike national, state and local political elections. This is done to give the current officers time to train and pass on their knowledge to the newly elected officers before the start of the new academic school year.

The total overall ballots cast for the election was 469. In order to vote, students had to be aware of the election dates, and be able to sign in to the TAMUCC SGA orgsync page to cast their votes.

“I think the SGA could have a much higher voter turnout and active participation by the student body if they appealed more to students and kept them informed of elections,” said Luis Castro, senior business major. “It is good that they managed to get roughly a 5 percent student turnout to vote.” Expect to see the newly elected SGA officials in their respected chairs at weekly meetings come Fall 2017.

To get involved with SGA or to voice concern about any student issue, students are encouraged to attend weekly meetings in the UC Legacy Room every Wednesday at noon, or students may go to the SGA UC office 218L.