Written by Mike Yawn
With the fall semester just around the corner, Sam Houston State University welcomed incoming students to campus with Bearkat Kickoff, a multi-day series of informational sessions, activities, and opportunities designed to help new Bearkats learn more about SHSU—and find their place within the university community.
On Sunday, August 16, students had the opportunity to attend “interest sessions” hosted by various campus organizations and programs. The LEAP Ambassadors were pleased to be among those participating, offering sessions at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for students interested in pre-law, government, civic engagement, and volunteerism.
For LEAP Ambassadors Olivia McCaughan, Isis Hollis, and Kayla Fleming, the sessions offered a chance to introduce incoming students to the Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics (LEAP) and the many opportunities available through the organization.
The Ambassadors used a slideshow to highlight LEAP’s activities and programs while also fielding questions from the audience. They discussed ways students can become involved on campus and in the community, particularly through volunteer activities, pre-law programs, and opportunities to learn more about government and public service.
The 11:00 a.m. presentation attracted 24 students, while another 19 attended the afternoon session. With 43 students participating across the two sessions, the Ambassadors were excited by the turnout—and even more encouraged by the students themselves.
Although it was the first time McCaughan, Hollis, and Fleming had presented this particular program, they came away impressed by how attentive the incoming students were and by the thoughtful questions they asked. The strong attendance and engagement made the presentations an encouraging way to begin a new academic year.
Of course, Bearkat Kickoff is all about helping new students make connections, and the LEAP Ambassadors hope Sunday’s sessions represented the first of many such connections during the coming year.
The LEAP Ambassadors extend their thanks to Tiffany Driver and Joellen Tipton for inviting them to participate in Bearkat Kickoff and, most importantly, to the incoming Bearkats who spent part of their Sunday learning about LEAP. We hope to see many of them again soon—at a LEAP event, a volunteer activity, or perhaps even as future LEAP Ambassadors!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 