The South Texan Vol 95. Issue11

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Texas A &M University-Kingsville Award-Winning Student Publication Tuesday, November 10, 2020

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@thesouthtexan

Vol. 95 Issue 11

The Blessing of Adoption

A new low for enrollment University sees some positives

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Adoption Experience more by following completes Garza family

Texas A&M University-Kingsville has seen a 23 percent drop in overall enrollment since Fall 2018.

With an ongoing pandemic, and U.S embassies closing, enrollment numbers have decreased significantly.

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The Garzas were a match made in heaven, meeting in their Sociology class in 2002 while undergrads at A&M-Kingsville, four years later they decided to tie the knot. The obvious next step after marriage was to start a family.

Both South Texas natives and TAMUK Alumni, Dr. Rolando Garza and Dr. Araceli Garza both currently work for TAMUK. natural childbearing and considering fertility medications, which Rolando said, “are very expensive,” the Garzas decided to look into adoption.

It was in November 2011 that the Garzas began considering adoption, which

is coincidently National Adoption Month. During the month of November adoption information sessions are held. In these sesagencies meet at a location and give information to anyone considering adoption.

According to adoptionnetwork.com, there are currently 428,00 children in United States’ foster homes.

It was in 2011 when the Garzas attended their meeting, but it was not un-

til 2016 that the Garzas became serious about starting the adoption process.

Of all the adoption agencies the Garzas decided to go with Spalding Adoption Agency, which has since changed its name to Arms Wide Adoption Services. This company primarily serves South Texas. The choice to pick this agency came from meeting one of their case workers, Michelle Lopez.

Lopez was the one the Garzas met in 2011, so the fact the she was still there experience and thoughtadoption. Once the mountain of paperwork was

Submitted Photo

The Garzas turned from duo to sextet on March 29, 2018.

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Sapphires hold tryout The Javelina Sapphires Dance Team hosted a threeday tryout at the Student Recreation Center on Nov. 9-12.

Submitted Photo

Rolando and Araceli Garza turned to adoption to build their family.

complete, which Rolando said is the most stressful part, it was time to attend an adoption picnic. At this event, all children who are up for adoption meet at a designated location with all the families who are looking into adoption.

Having all the children around and being able to decide which ones you are interested in, as if at a car dealership, was “a bit awkward,” Araceli said. there was no luck for the Garzas. It was not until they received a phone call about a group of four siblings from Bastrop, Texas, that the ball really got moving. Initially, the Garzas only considered adopting two children, but they did not hesitate to look into this group of four. The case worker let the Garzas know that this group of siblings were “well rounded.”

Although from Bastrop, Texas, the children were actually in Gregory-Portland with their foster parents, only an hour from where the Garzas lived.

With most of the paperwork completed, it was time to meet the children.

The Garzas and their adoption case worker, Lopez, loaded up and headed

towards Gregory Portland.

Prior to meeting the

According to adoptionnetwork.com, there are 135,00 children adopted in the United States every year. children, the Garzas sent each of the four children a photo album of pictures that included the Garzas and their families, their this helped the children get mentally prepared to meet their potential mom and dad. Once the children were picked up, the Garzas gave them a funWhataburger by the bay, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and lastly, some ice cream at the La Palmera mall. It of parenthood and oh was it sweet. After only a couple of more visits it was moving in day. The whole “We were lucky, our adoption process was fast paced due to Hurricane Harvey. They wanted the children to be with their forever home as quick as possible,” Araceli said. !""#!"#$%&#'()*+),

of Institutional Research & Assessment (OIRA), as of Fall 2020 there is only 6,915 students enrolled in Javelina Nation. There are 5,674 undergraduate students and 1,241 students working towards a graduate degree. TAMUK has seen a loss of 1,626 enrolled students since Fall 2016.

“Our primary goal for Fall 2021 is to avoid any further declines in enrollment. We are predicting that we will see a modest increase from this Fall 2020. While national trends point to declines in enrollment across the country, our overall Fall 2020 numbers reveal a few promising trends that we are working to build upon,” TAMUK President Dr. Mark Hussey said. freshmen enrollment in Fall 2020 increased by approximately 7 percent over 2019. Nationally, freshmen enrollment in public colleges has declined by nearly 14 percent. Additionally, we have seen an increase in domestic graduate students.”

TAMUK hopes to maintain the increase in graducompetitive scholarships for recent graduates and more opportunities.

Because of the declining trend in enrollment over the past couple of years, a plan has been mapped

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Marching Band hosts fall concert Thousands of fans tune in for a virtual performance !"#$%&"'()'&*+,-| !"#$%&'($&#)* +%&$,%

The pride of South Texas belted upbeat tunes as tual performance of the semester on Wednesday, Nov. 4, in front of Jones Auditorium.

“Putting out a concert during this pandemic was was a good experience.

Compared to a traditional performance that we would normally have with the marching band, this last performance felt very limited crowd response, but it still felt good for us

to put out a performance for our loved ones,” James Segovia, music education major, said.

On-campus personnel attended, while it was encouraged that anyone to comply with the CDC guidelines for COVID-19.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville School of Music live-streamed the Fall concert on Facebook so family members could watch in the comfort of their own home.

The live stream recording currently has more than 8,000 views.

The virtual event allowed for audience mem-

bers to be interactive on Facebook, pointing out their love for the Javelina marching band.

TAMUK alumni attended the live stream and commended the marching band on their performance and shared some of their experiences in the comments.

“The band’s fall concert was melodious and quite enjoyable. They could have simply not had the concert due to the coronavirus, but they pushed through and gave an excellent performance,” Nathalia Casanova, attendee of the event, said.

The concert featured

many of TAMUK’s school songs and some music from the marching band’s recording project with MJM music.

“We were extremely happy to perform for our university community last week. As a marching band, we generally enjoy this connection at all of our home football games, so we created an opportunity for ourselves. We are extremely grateful for the support shown

by President [Dr. Mark] Provost Dr. Lou Reinisch, Dr. Jaya Goswami, Julie Navejar, our Director of the School of Music, Dr.

Paul Hageman, our Director of Bands, Dr. Scott Jones, and all of the faculty

Music. Our students have worked so hard through this semester, and deserved an opportunity to perform for an audience.

We are also thankful to the hundreds of alumni, family and friends that tuned into our performance virtually,” Director of Marching Band George Schrader said.

Numerous ensembles and recitals are scheduled for the month of November. For more on band events, visit http://www.tamukbands.com.

Campus

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November 10, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

Campus election watch party hosted

University departments, organizations played host .,--%((.&/-"|(")*'+,-&$% (")*'.",-&$%/&0"*$1&0&"234.",1'

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Student Activities, University Housing and the Student Health and Wellness hosted an election watch party in the MSUB ballrooms.

Each student who attended the event was the chance of winning a vote T-shirt or swag basket.

“The goal of tonight was to just educate everybody on how the election turns out and hope

that we can create a really safe environment for everyone to participate in a historical moment,” CAB President Lizzetty Lara said.

Students attending the event sat at spaced-out tables with word searches, coloring sheets and wearable decorations to choose from on each table for a chance to show their support during the election.

“We have two news channels casting, CNN and Fox Network, so that we are impartial, that’s all we really can do,” Lara said.

To keep the event non-partisan, no parwas represented or displayed.

“We’re not advertis-

party, we’re not advocandidate, it’s just a safe environment. Anybody is welcome to come and participate, it’s just an educational moment,” she continued.

No club or student who hosted and worked the event showed endorsement for a single candidate.

“They didn’t really show who they were going for, it was a good thing,” Loren Mcghee, a student who attended the event, said.

Throughout the night students played cornhole, giant Jenga and giant Connect Four.

Students were also given the option to decorate tote bags to take home with them, and were provided with a

Students watch election results roll in.

photo

opportunity

in

with props.

“The event itself was

cute, but you know the election was a lot of anxiety, a lot of panic and worry for the United

Ronni Reyna

States and its people,” Yezenia Martinez, a student attending the event, said.

UNIV to host poster symposium Nov. 23 event centers around a novel 0$/**"(1-$%23&4| +,-&$%5-4'560"-7 80-"7.",-&$%/&0"*$1&0&"234.6$9

The Center for Student Success UNIV courses are wrapping up the semester with their second annual poster symposium featuring the novel We’ll Fly Away by Bryan Bliss.

The virtual event will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23 via Black-

board Collaborate. Students seeking to join the event can visit https:// us.bbcollab.com/guest/f8d3b92cd9ef407aa440d98b6f21670c.

During the symposium, students will have the opportunity to share their college experience and talk about went through the use of the novel’s themes. The selected novel explores themes including friendship, loyalty, coming of age and domestic abuse.

Throughout the semester, students have been working on small assignments about the

novel and will have a chance to share what they’ve gained throughout the semester.

“This was one of our possible selections from the year prior as well.

Not only was it a story with a good message, but we also thought the characters’ struggles may resonate with our students. ulation here at TAMUK. students, commuters and other non-traditional students,” First Year Coordinator Laura Gonzalez said. “And now, with the pandemic, we had more students stay

home with their families this semester. Like Toby and Luke, the main characters, many of our students are not just dealing new relationships and friendships, but they’re also balancing pressures tion, working hard to achieve their goals, and balancing their time, all amidst their own family dynamics. We thought it was a good book many students could relate to somehow.”

Although each UNIV student will present their project in groups, only one poster from each class can move on and participate in the sympo-

sium.“I have never been good at presenting but I feel great about presenting for my UNIV class because I will be presenting how college has been for me. The book was interesting and eye-opening to read,” Milka Mora, education major, said.

Prizes for the best poster will be awardthird place teams. The $100 per member, second place earns $75 each and third will receive $50 each.

Although Fall 2020 has circumstances, UNIV instructors are excited to see the hard work of

their students on display and can’t wait to hear the presentations.

“The symposium marks the culmination of the UNIV course. Students make brief presentations on how the

their thoughts on being a college student. It also provides students an exciting and safe opportunity to engage in a conference experience as

Interim AVP of Student Success Dr. Shannon Baker said. “We hope this will encourage them to pursue undergraduate research opportunities in ress through college.”

Submitted Photo

TAMUK Sapphires performing.

Sapphire dance team tryouts underway !"#$%&''"()"*+$,"--%(|!"#$%&"%' '

The Javelina Sapphires are holding tryouts for the Spring 2021 team through Thursday, Nov. 12.

Tryouts are being held in the Recreational Center from 6 to 8 a.m.

Each day will focus on routines, dances and traditions that the candidates must learn and perform during tryouts. didates learned the tryout dance and kick routine, the second day they learned sideline and game day routines such as the Jalisco choreography, the third day will focus on dance technique and practice routines, and the fourth day will be tryouts.

Each candidate will

try out in a group of three, the tryout routine will be six to seven minutes long. cers and advisor Serena Reopelle will be judging the candidates. The judges will be looking for potential members who show commitment, positive attitude and effort.

“We are looking for candidates who have had previous dance experience or know at least the basics of dance, and candidates who are willing to put in the work to grow and learn,” Colonel of the Javelina Sapphires Lidia Morales said.

“Potential members need to be practicing their dance technique, stretching and going over everything that they learn at our practic-

es. Candidates can also ask for any additional help they believe they

will help. We’ll be making sure to make this an easy process and a great experience for everyone wanting to try out.”

COVID-19 precautions will be taken, social distancing and face masks will be enforced

spread of COVID-19.

“All our previous members will be trying out alongside everyone else. As we are only allowed to have 10 people in the dance space to adhere to the social distancing policy; if we have more than 10 candidates sign up, we’ll extend the tryout process to the week of the 16th for tryouts on the 19th,” Morales said.

EntErtainmEnt

November 10, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

3

Holidate, a new holiday romantic comedy !"#$%&''"()"*+$,%"--%(|Reporter

With Christmas fast has been popping up on all sorts of streaming mark Christmas movies – consist of celebrating Those

movies

mistakenly took it as before watching it.

Holidate is about two -

movie – which is what I

took a whole year of getting to know each other

The whole movie is with having a simple no-

The

The two agree to be

two

characters -

-

Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey featured in “Holidate” Steve Dietl/Netflix

The beginning of the

also

whole family can enjoy watching together.

Holidate -

-

ting. uncomfortable (as I was watching with my mom

if their relationship was There was no cliché Christmas magic - which has gotten increasingly the years - between the two characters.

that (make me want to gag) fall in love withor less. After watching ies in which the two main characters fall in

mark movie).

But after watching Holidate with that question bethe

progression

of

Holidate is a pretty -

the span of a year. I was movie overall; the story

were a completely nor-

acters were thoroughly

movies.

How to Adult: Avoiding Fake News as a source.

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Though the DailyMail is convenient to

Fake news is a term that got its start in the ly become a part of our vocabulary.

news?”

always rely on the news

to follow for any news

they just exploit celebri-

if you are going to rely on it.

If you must get your news from Snapchat try subscribing to the Washington Post

story but know not all of

Instagram is big for

political news.

Their news can be mis-

scroll.

Facebook also hosts news pages like CNN reports on major events happening in the country. Facebook can be a

majority of your news

These are the more

The New Girl’s gang is better than the Friends’ gang, convince me otherwise !"#$%&''"()"*+$,%"--%(|Reporter

At the beginning of the

the transition between music with a mix of

was one of my favorite shows to watch.

-

perfectly.

But what

show to binge.

The Of-

-

really namic between the charship.

-

tation was unrealistic -

history. acters are loft-mates in Los Angeles who try to get through their lives while seeking a purpose

watch son. not like trying out new shows that I have never ing before.

able.

Watching aware of the fact that I watching me when we interact to-

these

group

of

loft-

The

gang will

throne them from the for each other.

The

on as the best show the

gang.

false. from jumping to concluity of your news from

trust what Aunt Karen very quickly so know the news channels you fol-

always trust the things news with a grain of salt

searching it yourself.

In the more recent

SPORTS

4

November 10, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

Athletes return after COVID-19 setback

Javelinas resume normal practice schedules !"#$%&'()&*+",,&,"*| !"#$%&'()*%#$ !"#$%!&'()%#$*%+'!#,%+%'-./&0#1

The Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) student athletes are set to make their rein the upcoming week. head coaches and athletes are anxious to begin practice and resume their regular schedules.

This being true for many volleyball.

Larissa Sanchez-Gonhope for the best but prepare for the worst.

“This season is my last year to compete for chez-Gonzalez said. “I am fortunate that I was

given the opportunity to compete with cross country this fall. My excitement is now focused indoor and outdoor.

COVID-19 has brought many uncertainties this see the light of a track The Javelina basketball program continues to take the necessary precautions to remain COVID free. Both men and women will resume their conditioning after testing has taken place. year has been tossed back and forth.

“It is hard to face the reality of the world these

athlete I am clearly very anxious and prepared to return back to the court.

Our team has done an excellent job of bouncing back. It is hard to accept the truth of not knowing when everything will return to normal. We could begin practice this week and get cancelled the next. It is a risky deci-

also tackle this upcoming week as they prepare their own two-week setback.

-

-

said the past few weeks have been bland with no football action.

“The past few weeks have given us all a chance to work on our own bodies. Staying in

tough year all around.

“It’s like we are at step

preparing for the day we get to return back to the

this is what happened

is important our team

Robertson said. “I’m just happy it’s happening now instead of the season. Although we had

the season is approachand coaches understand with the return of prac-

our team is still in really Tschritter said. “As an

Football players will

social distancing and CDC guidelines will be strongly enforced. in the training room will remain as normal but will hold athletes to a higher standard.

“All we can do is practice proper safety guide“Athletes understand that as they return to to place an appointment to be allowed inside the training room.

We will do our best to the same respect from

Coach Ryan Dall gives a handshake to heptahlon athlete John Harper.

Javelina Athletics

Practicing schedules will resume this up-

Javelina Athletics

John Mouton going up for the open shot.

of remaining consistent throughout the months leading to spring competition.

Athletes will be expected to resume following CDC guidelines

with daily temperature and oxygen level checks every morning before all practices or conditioning sessions. As well as wearing masks at all times during practice.

Javelina football back in action Blue and gold given permission to take the field in regular practice schedule -.'")*/")#0&1*| +,"#$%,$

Javelina football has been given the green light to resume football practice and conditioning after being delayed for two consecutive weeks. Head Coach Michael Salinas and the Javelina football team are ready to get back to work. practice on a Thursday was cancelled abruptly due to a spike in COVID-19 cases across the campus. This resulted in Salinas sending his players home just as practice was about to begin. process to get back on

cases amongst players and the student body as a whole has brought cause for concern to university leaders. said they will take the weeks as they come.

“We clearly want to begin practice as normal but we cannot place blame on one certain per-

presses the importance of safety towards his safety measures that need to be taken to make sure everyone remains in good health and so that they Javelinas can before the Thanksgiving weeks.

Perez said. “As a team we must prepare for the weeks that lie ahead. Always one step ahead of

is unsure what will come of this season.

“One week you think everything is running

As of the end of last

yourself and teammates being told we are not allowed to resume prac-

update on what’s to practice means no play is imminent for Javelinas.

Salinas has expressed to his players the importance of staying ready because they will never know when the green light will be given and that day could be any day of the week.

Along with this -

“I think as a team we can only do so much. It is important for our engrams to practice guideThe loss of two weeks of practice has been cause for concern leaving only two more weeks to get anything worked out.

“We have no control over the events that will and we won’t directly control the outcome at times. But we always have control over how we choose to respond to adversity. How we respond to this setback is what is important as we move forward as a

Javelina Athletics

Javelina teammates looking down field to score.

The Javelinas have a four-game schedule this year coming back after this Christmas break.

The games will be streamed and available to view on social media platforms.

Javelina Athletics

Coach Mike Salinas on the first day of fall practice.

Forum

November 10, 2020 thesouthtexan.com

5

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.”

Let’s move forward together

Our Opinion

No, Kamala, you will not be the last Eleven years ago, a 233-year precedent was eradicated when Barack Hussein Obama II be-

The tension and stress hausting. It was nerve wracking not knowing who was going to lead our c o u n t r y. !"#$%&"'()*)% This is the !"#$%&'()*+,-

in history that we

Free World.

The 2020 election expanded upon the diversi-

voted Kamala Harris to become the new Vice

woman Vice President elect and not only will

color.

and she will be the highest-ranking woman in

I will not be the last,” Harris said in her victory

dent elect, which is awesome!

However, there is no

question that no matter

the path to peace.

We wouldn’t be where

election was there was had decided to go to war chaos.

It’s important to remember that not one single person is ever go-

be people rejoicing and there will be people upset. It is inevitable. I hope people will remember that violence, bullying, rioting and destruction is not the answer and not

that now that we know who our leader is, it’s

up to vote this election because they knew how important it was and knew how important it was to use their voice, so let’s not waste these

This is the opportu-

getting nothing done.

start actually working together to make positive changes that are go-

our representatives in Congress will also put es aside and help build a

us upset. The important thing that I hope all

It’s time to listen to each

Unexpected encounters during college Grieving is a witch… see what I did there. We all know that college can be hard, but some-

good ol’ 2020, can be very complicated.

I had initially taken

can throw unexpected things in the way that just make it all too

plan arrangements. The

One

+,,"#$%"'-)."#)% !,.+-*/%+*.0' 1-*++2-

cer-

and work to be with

that although I wanted

or “I’m trying.” It’s also or maybe even a month, there was a possibili-

as arrangements and plans had been looked over and eventually

decided to come back to school and begin work

contacting everyone to

toughest as it took time cus on school work and

took place, the tough de-

all ages around the country in clearing a path

Harris’ position will allow her to reach women all over the world. Her historic achievement

unexpectedly drop in your lap is losing a loved one. When losing a loved one - especially someone who was very close to you - during a semester

did not exactly have time to process everything throughout the beginning.

Throughout my secstill seemed surreal and

can work her way to the top, so can they.

The Vice President ranks below the serving President and presides over the Executive Branch.

-

to women’s rights and other pressing manners.

-

strive to create unity among women in Con-

amply represented.

other, with open hearts and be willing to see a

out what to say to people who were asking how I was. answer the simple queswhen you don’t really know the answer your-

get back into a “normal” ing an experience such as this; one moment you can be okay and the next

are there physically but completely somewhere else mentally.

that I have concluded is that just like college, the only thing that can be done is to take it one step at a time and reach out

wise advisor once said, sues and water can go a long way.

Fall is the best season

Orange, brown, red and yellow scatter the ground; the crisp leaves crunch underneath our newly dawned boots and tennis shoes. The weather cooler than the s u m mer rays whisps our hair, m a k /"0.$)##" ing the 1"%&.2$",,$ 32$,-+2strands dance like liquid ballerinas. The

ies. It’s Fall y’all - the

Now that it is Novem-

go out and do traditional

replacing the swelter-

Visiting

pumpkin

-

holiday to another – Halloween to Thanksgiving.

The best thing about tions. Houses and buildings are dawned with decorations that make

burn or heat strokes, and ping sweat through our clothes.

-

cool temperature while

Fall is absolutely the us to wear nice clothes ing them. We now can

It is not too hot or too -

sweaters, jeans, autumn

and cinnamon trail in the ple’s noses and leading -

pie, turkey, tamales and anything with apple and The best part about

weather clothes than to Dylan Dozier Managing Editor

44 more days, let’s enjoy it while it lasts.

Reporters Sarah Reyna Gabriella Mastroianni Dylan Sanchez

Ronni Reyna News Editor

Nicole Perez Morris Adviser

Calista Reyes The South Texan is a student

Campus Editor

publication produced by Texas A&M University- Kingsville students. The views, opinions and commentary do Texas A&M University system. The

Brenda Riojas

Advertising For advertising inquiries, e-mail The South Texan at advertising.manager

Entertainment Editor

or call (361) 593-4370.

Jakki Barrera

Letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number. Letters

Letters to the Editor the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT) and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).

Sports Editor emailed to

STAFF Aryssa Enriquez

Jaylin Morales Advertising Manager

The South Texan, Manning Hall 165, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas 78363

News

6

November 10, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

!"#$%!"#$%&#'()*+),

When asked how long it took the children to call the Garzas “mom and dad” Araceli said, “immediately.”

The children quickly assigned Araceli and Rolando as mom and dad.

Six months had passed and although the Garza family had quickly adjusted to their new lives as a yet.

The adoption agency gives six months for both parents and agency to make sure the decision of adoption is a good one.

The day was March 29, 2018 it was time to go be-

Submitted Photo

Zach, Zoey, Zayn and Zayde have found a forever home with Rolando and Araceli. !"#$%-'.#//01'%()*+),

negative slope.

TAMUK plans to improve enrollment by increasing efforts on reaching out to students at two-year institutions, needs of non-traditional students.

The university encourages faculty and students to be part of the recruitment process to more effectively share the Javelina experience. TAMUK has created a new website that is user friendly for future students. The website highlights the opportunities found at Javelina Nation.

TAMUK is currently hosting virtual events and is planning on bringing small groups of prospective students and their parents to Javelina Preview Day later this month while abiding by COVID-19 protocols.

“There is no doubt that the ongoing pandemic is impacting enrollment at universities across the nation, including Texas A&M-Kingsville.

COVID-19 impacted our ability to recruit at high schools and two-year institutions this spring. The pandemic closed U.S. embassies across the globe, limiting international students’ ability to acquire visas.

“Many students chose

to defer fall enrollment as a result of the uncertain public health conditions in South Texas,” Hussey said.

COVID-19 and recent political changes have put a dent in past semesters’ enrollment numbers.

However, Texas A&M University-Kingsville is hoping to grow from this temporary setback and improve enrollment numbers in the Spring.

“Our primary goal is to avoid any further declines in our enrollment and to capitalize on the positive gains we experienced with men and domestic graduate students,” Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Darin Hoskisson said.

make the children Garzas.

Such a joyous occasion with family and friends, this milestone in the Garzas life was almost com-

plete.

Finally, after the long Garzas were parents and place to call home. Today, more than two years later, the family is as happy as ever.

More than 60% of children in foster care stay 2-5 years before being adopted. Some never get adopted.

Zach, the oldest, is in seventh grade and loves reading and writing, he is the smartie of the bunch.

Zoey the second oldest, is in fourth grade, and is quit the chatter box, she also enjoys make up and baking. Zayn the third oldest is in second grade, and as

his mom describes him, “the typical macho man; he is adventurous and stubborn.”

The baby of the family is little Zayde, who is going to kindergarten; she’s a mix of both girly girl and a tomboy. She loves to play pretend and has a big imagination.

When asked about the possibility of adopting more children, Araceli says she thinks they’re done, but Rolando may have other plans….

Their advice to anyone who wants or is thinking about adoption is to do your research, and as Rolando said, “Pray. Everyone needs a little bit of faith.”

For more infomation about adoption please visit,www.armswideadoption. org.

Staff Content

Student enrollment totals have experienced a downward trend since 2016.