Volunteer – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Rewiring Our Brains with David Eagleman

Saara Maknojia

With 86 billion neurons and 500 trillion connections passing through our brain, it is the most complex organ in our body! Dr. David Eagleman is a renowned Neuroscientist who teaches at Stanford University, author, and CEO of Neosensory, so he was the perfect person to help us learn more about the brain. Thus, we travelled to Congregation Emanu El, a Synagogue in Houston, which was a new setting and experience for all of us.

Entering the beautiful synagogue, the LEAP Ambassadors were introduced to Randall Morton, the President and founder of The Progressive Forum, who then began the introduction of Dr. Aziz Shabani, a Clinical Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Shabani provided the program attendees with medical sciences and its revolutionary take on modern-day society.

Aziz Shabani energetically and proudly introduced the man of the evening, Dr. David Eagleman! In his presentation, Eagleman explained the functions of a normal brain and gave us a short lesson on each part of the brain cortexes. In addition, he explained that, “brain plasticity” is a term used to describe the expansion of the cortexes, although he prefers the term “liveware.”

The LEAP Ambassadors were fascinated by the study and research conducted by Dr. Eagleman and his team. Their studies specifically focused on people who have sensory loss, such as loss of hearing, blindness, and people with underdeveloped limbs. As a result, Dr. Eagleman expanded greatly on his brand Neosensory, promoting an affordable replacement of cochlear ear plants and a wristband that provides senses to those who have difficulty hearing, seeing, and even touching.

After Dr. Eagleman shared his insight on the human brain and its wonders, Randall Morton, Dr. Aziz Shabani, and Dr. Eagleman gathered for a short Q&A session. The questions exchanged between the three were, “What advice do you have for self-discovery?” Dr. Eagleman answered beautifully and said, “Always go with your gut feeling, and whatever makes you get up in the morning filled with excitement, do it.” Dr. Shabani corresponded with another question asking about how our own brains expand. He answered with, “to serve your brain, we must change our routine,” implying that daily challenges will only make our brain smarter and help our longevity. He began with simple suggestions, such as changing the hand you wear your watch on, and moved to more complex routine alterations.

After the event, the LEAP Ambassadors were able to meet Dr. Eagleman. He even signed our copies of his book, Livewire! Dr. Eagleman then spent a few moments with us, asking where we are in our story. We were also able to take a picture with Eagleman after our conversation!

Star Pizza

Yvette Mendoza

We grew our neural plasticity by seeking new settings such as a synagogue and afterwards, an excellent restaurant called Star Pizza; a pizzeria in the heart of Houston that serves both Chicago deep-pan pizza and New York-style pizza.

Before we dove into the delicious assortments of pizzas, we had to start off with shareable appetizers. As we dug into the baked goat cheese served with olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, and French bread, we kept wanting more. The appetizers kept coming, and our eyes widened as the waiter brought garlic bread with cheese. Everything was perfectly cooked. Even the cheese had a golden-brown tint that you could feel oozing in your mouth.

At last, we ordered the Cowbell deep dish with slow-smoked BBQ beef brisket, topped with BBQ Sauce and cheddar, provolone, and mozzarella cheese. As well as the New York-style Margherita with pineapple. Having both pizzas to try provided the perfect combination of sweet and savory. The crust was toasty, and the heart of the pizza was warm with all the BBQ flavors coming together with the cheese and the Roma tomatoes, creating an excellent combination.

We not only left with a full stomach but were also able to develop our minds by trying new things and not consuming the chain food every college student eats.

Serving with the Lions Club

By Morgan Robertson

Our in-class assignments often include researching a new topic, writing an essay, or possibly presenting our findings. However, on April 28^th we made an out-of-class presentation to the Huntsville Chapter of the Lions Club. Heather, Jessica, Saara, and I were excited to share information about the organization that we love.

The Lions Club is an organization committed to the service of the community in which they reside. One of the service projects of the local chapter is the flag postings: for various days of remembrance or holidays, the Lions Club will line the streets with American and Texan flags, and this is something we have assisted with in the past.

Every Thursday at noon, the Lions meet at Grand Buffet for a hot meal, good company, and, of course, to take care of organizational business. We were able to enjoy nice conversations while we ate lunch with the Lions because of our past volunteerism and other connections. I learned more about the logistics behind the Flag project from Glen Schumacher. Glen has taken on the responsibility of driving the truck and trailer for those posting the flags.

After most of the Club had finished their meals and visited with fellow members, the meeting was called to order. We were introduced by Brian Blalock, who is a photographer for the university and who invited us to speak at this week’s meeting.

Because LEAP is an organization that reaches all different disciplines, we thought it best to walk the Lions through an actual week of a LEAP Ambassador.

This adventurous yet busy week began on Global Health Day, Thursday, April 7^th, with our attendance at the World Affairs Council event: Global Health with Dr. Deborah Birx. Of which I elaborated on what I learned during our presentation to the Lions.

The following day, on Friday, April 8, Jessica, Saara, and I along with a few other students got to test out our modeling skills with Brian who was shooting fundraising photos for university advancement. It was an interesting experience for us since we are typically the ones taking the pictures. We even shared how most of us walked away knowing that we would not be successful in a modeling career.

Perhaps my favorite day in our week, Saturday, April 9th, was when we volunteered at the Annual Wynne Home Easter Egg Hunt. For Saara, this was her first time celebrating the Easter Holiday and she shared her experience with the Lions Club. We of course could not wait to mention our professor’s tactics for winning the Sack Races (which he denied of course), one of the many recreational activities there was for the children.

Jessica’s favorite day of this busy week was Sunday, April 10th. As we told the Lions more about LEAP, we let our personalities show as well. After we all identified Jessica as our shyest member (pre-Elvis) she told us more about her first time experiencing an Elvis impersonator. Jessica claims and defends (post-Elvis) her famous picture was just a high-five, but we are all convinced it is a hand-hug.

For Monday, April 11^th, we all shared a bit about our experiences with the citizenship course. We were intrigued to learn that some of the Lions Club members had firsthand experience with the naturalization exam or knew someone who took our course.

Nearing the end of our busy week, Heather told everyone about our biweekly LEAP meetings and the office hours we are responsible for. Much like professional organizations like the Lions Club, we practice Robert’s Rules of Order and learn more about professionalism.

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On the last day of the preview of a typical week for a LEAP Ambassador, Wednesday, April 13th, Heather shared more about the 10^th Court of Appeals that heard three cases at the University. She even mentioned that we, SHSU, are one of only two colleges that the Court travels to and how the Court allows for student interaction.

We then took questions, as we approached the end of the meeting and were even able to give interviews for the Huntsville item!

On behalf of the LEAP Center, thank you to the Huntsville Lions Club for hosting our group. We hope that we can honor your Club motto, “We Serve” as your members do!

Elvis Livens up Huntsvegas

The Old Town Theatre brings numerous acts to town, but few stir as much excitement as, “The King.” Of course, Elvis Presley passed away more than 40 years ago, but there are numerous “Elvis Tribute Artists” around to keep him fresh in audience’s minds, and Travis Powell is one of the best, offering a full command of the Elvis songbook, uncanny mannerisms reminiscent of “The King,” and a genuine enthusiasm for fan interaction.

And so the LEAP Ambassadors spent a Sunday afternoon assisting the Old Town Theatre with a matinee performance. With a surfeit of volunteers, we helped early on with seating the balcony section, but once the full-house was seated, we moved quickly to photography.

With low lighting and an energetic performer, photography can be a challenge. But with three photographers, multiple lenses, and a curious group of photographers-volunteers, we were able to get some good shots–and it helped that Elvis himself not only yielded to photos, but occasionally even posed!

The evening began with “Shake, Rattle, and Roll,” a wonderful quartet of four women, whose jokes, music, and personalities–not to mention bling–set the tone for the rest of the evening.

But it was Elvis who took the audience to another level, beginning with a medley of some familiar hits, followed by more than two hours of favorites.

Jessica, our shyest member, began by photographing near the stage, but that changed when “Elvis” approached her and offered her his hand. Quaking, she extended it, and also managed to get a great shot of the performer, who certainly looked the part.

But this was a bit much attention for Jessica, so she retreated to the back of the auditorium to work the stationary camera. Heather took her place on the side of the stage, where she also received attention, and also got great shots of Elvis.

He began in black leather, evoking his 1968 comeback tour.

After intermission, he switched to his white, sequined jumpsuit. He was a hit in both outfits.

Speaking of intermission, the Old Town Theatre’s Director, Lauren Edwards, took this time announce the winners of the raffle, and she was joined by an audience member, “Kid Elvis.”

Powell performed the great Elvis tunes, “Don’t be Cruel,” “Love me Tender,” “Hound Dog…”

…”Jailhouse Rock,” and, probably the crowd favorite, “Suspicious Minds.”

What we didn’t know is that we didn’t have to go to the stage to get a great shot, because Elvis soon ventured into the audience, taking photographs, holding hands, and a bit of dancing with the audience. It was a hit, and he worked the entire lower auditorium.

When he returned to the stage, some women decided that they would approach him, leading to a protracted segment in which he sang while allowing women to take the scarf from his neck, which was then replaced by a stagehand. Our estimate is that Powell may have gone through 35-40 scarves in this manner.

We were somewhat surprised when Jessica, our formerly shyest member, sauntered to the stage to get in on the action, reaching for Elvis’s hand, grabbing a scarf, and more or less acting like a smitten fan-girl. This behavior continued for at least a day.

Powell wrapped up the extended set with requests from the audience, the American Trilogy, and closed with “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.”

But Travis Powell was not done! He moved quickly to the lobby, posed with fans and gave autographs, and then invited people to Seven Leguas to share in dinner.

Of the thirty or forty events, we’ve done this semester, we were in general agreement that this was the most entertaining. Travis Powell put on a great show as “Elvis,” the crowd was very appreciative, and we always enjoy working with the Old Town Theatre.

Hopping into Spring with the Wynne Home Annual Easter egg hunt!

Heather Barodi

On Saturday, the LEAP ambassadors and volunteers were able to participate in the Wynne Home’s annual Easter Celebration! The event is filled with many games and crafts, such as sand art, face painting, painting magnets, an egg toss, sack races, and more. The event had the added fun of a visit from the Easter Bunny!

Our day started early at 8:30 a.m., when we met with Wynne Home staff Sarah Faulkner, Angela Robinson, and Peyton Conley to assist them with preparations. We hid 1,800 eggs…

….set up the prize tables, the sack race, ring tosses, sidewalk chalk, selfie station, and crafts.

Shortly before the scheduled kickoff, we got an influx of volunteers from the Center for Community Engagement: Sara Burchett, Taylor Morrison, and Bram Sebio-Brundage…

…as well as some of our friends, Isabel Behm and Jocelyn Vazquez.

The Easter bunny made his surprise appearance around 11 a.m. ready to take pictures and even dance with a few ambassadors and volunteers.

The selfie station is always a hit…

…as was the face-painting station.

Everyone was a bit skeptical of the sack races at first, but after a demonstration/ completion between Center of Community Engagement volunteers and LEAP Ambassadors, the lines began forming! The adults might have even enjoyed the sack races more than the children.

After numerous activities, it was finally time for the Easter egg hunt. And when we “opened the gates,” the kids almost ran over us!

After the initial flurry, however, things calmed down and almost all the kids ended up with a bucketful of eggs.

Of course, the crafts table stayed busy, and…

…people also could just relax on the grounds.

Around 12:45 p.m., families were leaving, and kids were getting their last-minute face paint or coloring page. The kids were tired, worn out from their busy morning!

While we were cleaning, the ambassadors and volunteers decided to start smashing the eggs on each other’s heads with the extra ones. Needless to say, there was a lot of confetti tracked into our cars.

The ambassadors and the volunteers would like to thank the Wynne Home for having us help with this event again and we look forward to doing this again next year!

Fighting Hunger One Bowl at a Time

Erin Juarez

Every year since 2008, the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center has hosted “Empty Bowls,” a fundraiser that helps fight hunger in Walker and Madison Counties.

Supervised by Sarah Faulkner, the Cultural Services Manager for the City of Huntsville, the event promoted the arts, brought the community together, and raised more than $3,000 for Meals on Wheels.

And every year since 2008, the LEAP Ambassadors have volunteered for this event–indeed, it was a LEAP intern who was charged with creating the event!

But LEAP Ambassadors were far from the only ones to help: approximately 250 people in the community participated–working as ceramic teachers, volunteering the day of the event, sponsoring the soup, or simply by showing up and purchasing a bowl of soup.

This year, donors could try soups from Carbonero, City Hall Cafe, 5 Loaves Deli, Floyd’s on 14th, and Huntsville High School Culinary class, and we also had some finger foods on hand to supplement the soups.

Compared to the ceramicists and soupmakers, our tasks were simple: greet people…

…serve soup…

…help clean, and take photos–all while enjoying the art, the Wynne Home, and the company of the fine people who attended.

It was a great learning experience, and it was a bonus to see the beautiful bowls created by talented others…

including those created for silent auction (which our professor won!)…

… as well as the current exhibit, which are all pieces from the Wynne Home’s archives–ranging from works by Samuella Wynne to Richard Haas. And, of course, whenever we are there, we take additional looks at the Wynne Home’s permanent collection, such as works by Pebworth and Surls.

Many thanks to the sponsors, the ceramics teachers, and the many people who came out and helped make the event a success.

Celebrating TX Independence Day with the Lion’s Club

Morgan Robertson

How does the Lion’s Club start their holidays off? By awaking at 6am and putting out flags, to beautify the community and promote gratitude for the freedoms and liberties others have helped secure. So, this morning a few of the LEAP Ambassadors awoke and joined the Lion’s Club in this worthy cause.

We have previously volunteered with the Flag Project, and we remember the process well: alternating the flags (US Flag; Texas Flag; US Flag; Texas Flag) along a half mile stretch of 11th street and about a mile stretch of Sam Houston Avenue. Holes exist along these streets, just for this purpose, and it’s just a matter of grabbing the flags (ably provided to us by Sheryl and Dottie) and placing the flags. With a group of eight people, we found a rhythm of two volunteers handing out flags in the trailer, a person driving, and the rest receiving, running, and placing the flags.

The morning was made all the better with a few laughs shared among volunteers. Jessica proved to be rather good at re-drilling the flag-holes that weren’t completely hollow, I eventually learned what side of the trailer to stand on to avoid traffic, and we think Yvette eventually awoke fully.

As we were wrapping, up where were able to snap a few pictures with the flags.

After about an hour the end was in sight, and we were in fact running out of flags!

The volunteerism was enjoyable, made all the more so by the buoyant personalities of Tom Waddill, Sheryl Miller, Dottie Fulton, and Glen Schumacher. What better way to kick of Texas Independence Day than with volunteering with great people for a great project?

Thank you to the Walker County Lions Club for the opportunity to display the visual reminders of Texas Independence Day and of course Sam Houston’s Birthday!

Wall of Honor–CHSS Style

The LEAP Ambassadors have assisted the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at nine separate Wall-of-Honor celebrations. This one, honoring two fine men, was our favorite.

The honorees were Mac Woodward and Dan Beto, and their speeches, as well as the remarks by President White, Dean Li, and CHSS Advisory Board Chair Ron Gay were gracious and appropriate.

Our role was minimal: we assisted with the pre-dinner photos.

And we greeted people and helped direct guests to the staff or their tables. It was great to see many of the University and community VIPS: Judge Danny Pierce was there; as were Mayor Brauninger…

…Dean Shields, Provost Stephenson, Assistant Provost Galliard, Chris Tritico, Aron Kulhavy, Councilmember Russell Humphrey, and, as noted, President White. Indeed, the event had record attendance, a testament to the men being honored.

We sat with a great group: Aron Kulhavy, Blake Roach (a former LEAP Ambassador)…

…Cheryl Spencer and Joe Kirkland, Trent Shotwell, Karen and Wes Altom, and Gene, Celeste, and Jack Roberts.

One of the benefits of being a LEAP Ambassador is seeing friends at events, meeting new people, and getting to use recently learned etiquette tips (thank you Career Success Center!).

Following a cocktail hour–in which we did not participate–Chairman Gay introduced the event…

…turning the floor to President White.

As always, her remarks were brief and perfect for the occasion.

We enjoyed the fact that she highlighted the importance of these two gentlemen, making it clear this wasn’t just any Wall of Honor.

Following the President, Dean Li made a few remarks as well.

For many of us, this was our first time meeting Dean Li, and he was as we heard: friendly, supportive, and gracious.

All the remarks this evening fit the occasion.

And, of course, this included Chairman Gay, who was very nice to us, kept the evening moving, and is friends with the honorees–as are many! Mr. Beto was honored first, and his video–put together by Michael Foster–highlighted the many accomplishments in his career, including remarks by the Dean of College of Criminal Justice, Phillip Lyons.

While many know George Beto, Director of TDCJ during a formative period–the younger Beto has also accomplished much. He has been the Director of three state agencies, consults extensively across the globe, and has mentored many.

Beto’s remarks were short: he noted he was “honored,” complimented Mac on his accomplishment, and thanked many of the people he has worked with–including President Templeton.

It was a nice speech by a nice man.

Speaking of which, Mac Woodward’s video was also inspirational, with speakers including Judge Danny Pierce, former Council member Lydia Montgomery, and our advisor, Mike Yawn.

Recurring themes were leadership, duty, and community–themes Mr. Woodward echoed during his speech.

He thanked his family, “especially my wife, Leanne;” recognized the Museum staff, with whom he worked for many years and mentored; and thanked “Sam Houston,” without which, Texas would be a different place–and, of course, SHSU would, at the very least, be another institution entirely.

After the enjoyable evening, which included a very nice meal…

…we spoke to friends, chatted with the President…

…and congratulated the honorees.

Actually, we were the last ones to leave, but we left with full stomachs, warm hearts, and, thanks to Deanna Briones, some nice floral centerpieces!

The LEAP Ambassadors would like to thank Dean Li, Ms. Briones, Mr. Gay, and Chris Tritico for allowing us to participate in a very nice evening.

Meet the Candidates in Walker County

Morgan Robertson

On Tuesday, February 8, 2022, the Walker County Republican Party hosted a Meet and Greet for the upcoming March 1 primary election. Members from the community were able to hear from most of the Candidates who are running.

Along with a few other college students, the LEAP Ambassadors assisted with check in and set up.

And Morgan led with the invocation.

Richard Yawn moderated, and a very large crowd showed up for the event.

Those who are running unopposed gave 1-minute speeches: Criminal District Attorney, Will Durham, County Court-at-law, Tracey Sorensen, County Clerk, Kari Ann French, County Treasurer Amy Klawinsky, County Commissioner Precinct 3, Steve Fisher, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Marcus Payne, and Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Steven Cole.

Criminal DA, Will Durham observed that his goals for his office are to “Seek truth, Pursue Justice, and always be prepared.”

Kari French, County Clerk explained the importance of maintaining the history of the county, and Steve Fisher, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 expressed his desire to never slow down and to ensure hears everyone. Each candidate made the best use of their time by outlining their time in their current positions, and why they serve Walker County.

Running for County Judge of Walker county are 6 eligible Candidates. Lee Killingsworth, Andy Isbell, Shannon “Shadrack” Riley, Frank Olivares, Colt M. Christian, and Clyde Loll. Each one spoke for the allotted 5 minutes, and briefly explained who they are and what they plan on doing as County Judge. In one capacity or another all the Candidates pledged to keep and or lower taxes (which members of the crowed definitely appreciated).

Leslie Woolley, April Farquhar, and Madeline Loosier are running for District Clerk. The candidates talked a bit about their backgrounds and why they are best suited for the job. Leslie shared more about her background in the Criminal Justice system, April explained more about her job and the drug testing process, and Madeline spoke more about her time as a business owner and her personal experiences.

Three people are running for County Commissioner Precinct 4, Frank Novark, Craig Wieghat, and Branden Decker. Unfortunately, Frank Novark was unable to attend due to a accident in which he broke his hand. Wieghat and Decker both spoke on their passion for the position and why they would be best suited to represent their precinct.

Running for Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 are Mark Holt and Randy Jeffcoat. Holt, the current Justice of the Peace, talked discussed his experiences in the position and his vision of the future. Jeffcoat expressed his desire to approach the position with fresh eyes, and indicated he is excited to run.

Running unopposed for her current position is County Chair Linda McKenzie. Mrs. McKenzie expressed her gratitude for Walker county and its citizens for creating a wonderful community and her desire to continue serving that community.

For us as students, the whole experience was a wonderful foray into civic engagement and what it means to run for local office. The evening offered many memorable scenes and moments…

…and we are grateful for the community members who showed up and those who desire to serve their community.

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