The Student Corner

The Student Corner Zack Frankowiak,Senior, International Business

I transferred schools because I wanted to start a non-profit. The city that I previously attended university did not have the infrastructure to support my idea, so I moved back to San Antonio. As my Spring semester progressed, I used many resources provided by the university to give me direction. One of those resources was a week-long event called Money Smart Week. At the time, this event was hosted by a Professor at TAMU-SA, Dr. Carter, and the event included a panel of entrepreneurs from San Antonio. At the end of the panel discussion, I approached one of the entrepreneurs who happened to be most close to Dr. Carter. Dr. Carter approached us as the entrepreneur, and I conversed, and I introduced myself to him. This interaction would prove to be the most pivotal for my engagement on campus. Dr. Carter saw my vision and was willing to mentor me and provide any help when needed. Unfortunately, the idea failed, but from that journey, I realized an important lesson- I hadn’t prepared myself with the knowledge, skills, habits, and perspectives in order to see an idea to creation. From there I started shifting my perspectives, improving my habits and advancing my skills. I kept in touch with Dr. Carter. Later, I would study abroad with him, and through him would be introduced to the individual who recruited me to be a Founding Father of the Delta Chi Fraternity. I assure you, campus faculty and staff want to mentor you, seek the discomfort of approaching them.

In my college career, the most meaningful awards and achievements have been significant and shared with a team simultaneously focusing on one overarching mission. Some individual and team victories of mine include earning a scholarship to study abroad, winning an award with the team that I studied abroad with, earning an internship for my junior summer, becoming President of the Delta Chi Fraternity and getting elected again, winning Mr. A&M- SA, winning the Ring Scholarship award, winning new student organization of the year award, and winning Regents Cup w/ my brothers in Delta Chi.

The path to be a successful student takes the willingness to accept responsibility and overcome stressful situations. Stress is often seen as bad, but I employ a different perspective; stress happens for me not to me. Changing that one word redefines the meaning entirely. Stress shows me what I am currently incapable of, where my focus should appropriately be, and how my focus might’ve been misdirected. It guides me towards what needs improvement. I’ve overcome a business idea failing, my mother overcoming cancer, a lack of family supporting me in transferring universities, and the struggle of locating the direction towards where I belong.

I think it would additionally be helpful to list what I’ve done in times when I feel overwhelmed or in doubt. In these times, I usually resort to my journal to allow my thoughts to paint a piece of paper; at times I’d have pages filled. When my mind races with thoughts of confusion, disappointment, fear, etc. this tactic has helped me to express my emotions in a way that collects and reframes them within myself. Another tactic I have learned is that when you have bad days, practice labeling that day as either a “behind day” or a “character-building day.” Labeling days of struggle as “bad” get you thinking that the hardships you go through aren’t helping you become a better person. Everyone will have hurdles, and in my opinion, it’s the only thing life guarantees in the pursuit of realizing one’s goals or dreams.

“This interaction would prove to be the most pivotal for my engagement on campus. Dr. Carter saw my vision and was willing to mentor me and provide any help when needed.

The Student Corner Lauren Mayes, Sophomore, Communications Major

“When I first started working, I was so nervous that none of my coworkers would like me. However, the bookstore opened their arms wide towards me and I have never felt so fortunate to work somewhere before.

The transition from high school to college was a roller coaster, to say the least. I found myself feeling more anxious and worried than excited. I was going into Texas A&M - San Antonio without any friends or without anyone to text in the morning to meet up before class. However, I decided to change my whole attitude - I didn’t want this to affect my first year at college. In high school, I was extremely involved with my school and I knew that I wanted to be just as involved at Texas A&M-SA, maybe even more.

When I moved into Esperanza Hall, I was so excited to live with my roommate. We clicked almost instantly and we shared mostly all of the same interests. I was so relieved to have someone to eat with and talk to. Moving into the dorms wasn’t enough for me, so I ventured out and applied at the bookstore on campus for a job. I applied for two reasons: I didn’t want to be a broke college student and I knew it would be an easy way to make friends. When I first started working, I was so nervous that none of my coworkers would like me. However, the bookstore opened their arms wide towards me and I have never felt so fortunate to work somewhere before. I was truly excited to go to work. My manager knew I had a passion for social media and public relations, so she offered to let me run the bookstore’s Instagram. I was appreciative to have the opportunity to showcase my passion for public relations and communications.

While I was juggling being a full-time student and having a part-time job, I didn’t want the “Freshman 15” to impact my life. So, my cousin and I started to attend some of the yoga sessions and the work out lessons that the campus offered. The classes helped me get into shape and it also helped rekindle our relationship. My cousin and I were actually hanging out like old times. Plus, the classes were showing results, especially yoga. I even started to notice I wasn’t so anxious all the time and my jeans fit better.

If being a student, working at the bookstore, and participating in campus workout classes wasn’t enough, I wanted to get more involved with the campus, so I applied to be an orientation leader because I knew it would be a good way to give back to my school. I was given the opportunity to work on Mission Magazine and work with the marketing team in the office. They have given me the chance to display my communication skills and also help me improve on myself in many different ways.

Because of being so involved with the campus, I started to make new connections and friends on campus. After a while, it felt like home. I never understood when people said that college felt like home. How can school bring you that sense of belonging? Now, I can say I am one of those people. The campus has played an integral part in me growing into the young woman that I am now. This campus has shaped me into the best student I can be, the best co-worker I can be, and the best me I can be. I have many moments of failure, but the good moments outweigh the bad ones. I landed myself on the Dean’s list with a 3.76 GPA, developed a better relationship with my cousin, and made friends that will last a lifetime. Texas A&MSan Antonio will forever hold a special place in my heart. I cannot wait for what the future holds for me here.