Category: Volunteer

Practicing the LSAT

The first breeze of fall signaled the beginning of an awaited event by many pre-law students. 72 hopeful individuals voluntarily woke up early on a Saturday morning and made their way to campus to take the dreaded Mock LSAT.

Each semester, the LEAP Center hosts a Mock LSAT for students interested in applying to law school.

Princeton Review, Mock LSAT, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Pre-Law Studies, SHSU

The LSAT, an acronym for Law School Admissions Test, is a challenging exam that tests students reading comprehension, logical thinking, and critical thinking skills. This semester, Princeton Review proctored the exam for the LEAP Center’s record breaking number of attendees. Our hope is to provide the means for students to get a realistic viewpoint on how they can expect to perform during the real LSAT and then plan accordingly.

Additionally, students learned about Princeton’s LSAT Prep Course and the services they offer to help prepare for the rigorous exam. Although taking a test on a breezy Saturday morning may not be the most fun, it proved to be helpful for many students! Many thanks to Ms. Michelle Bell, for being a wonderful proctor!

 

“Safety Last,” but Laughter First!

Safety Last, By Brian Aldaco

In the cinematic world, many have heard of famous silent film comedians such as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. A less-well known comedian–but equally great–is Harold Lloyd. The LEAP Ambassadors got their first exposure to this comedian’s works before hitting the road to Austin’s Texas Tribune Festival.

We had this wonderful opportunity thanks to Professor Grant Weidenfeld, who teaches in the Mass Communications department and also shows classic films in the Old Town Theater  a couple of times a semester.

We started the evening by joining Professor Weidenfeld in welcoming guests…

…and directing them to their seats. Once everyone was seated, we sat in anticipation while Professor Yawn offered an introduction to the film. Soon after, the projector started rolling, the screen glimmered with black and white, and an hour of continuous laughter roared through the theatre.

The scenes of great comedic accomplishment were appreciated by all guests.  Whether it was his double-punch gags (a gag, followed quickly by an extension of that gag), or the amazing stunts, Lloyd showed comedic brilliance.

Some of the stunts were truly dangerous.  Without the strict safety codes in today’s film making, the actors were doing things that put themselves in great jeopardy.  And, of course, no CGI was available at that time.  In other words, when you see Harold Lloyd hanging from a clock, that’s really Harold Lloyd hanging from a clock.

 

LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Safety Last, Harold Lloyd

After the last scene ended, we all had a chance to share our thoughts on the great comedy.

LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Safety Last, Grant Weidenfeld

For some of the guests, this was their first time viewing a silent film.  And even though we could have stayed in the theatre all night long talking about films, we decide to sadly take our leave and hit the road to Austin.

Downtown Beautification: A Partnership with Huntsville Main Street

On a glorious Saturday morning, the LEAP Ambassadors gladly spent their day at the John Henry Rather Park in Huntsville, helping to beautify their community. It all began with the Main Street Director, Ms. Debbie Charbonneau who, as part of the Main Street program, helps restore and promote downtown Huntsville.

Main Street hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as Fair on the Square, Scare on the Square, Downtown Farmers Market and more, all to attract tourists to historic downtown.

With all hands on deck, the LEAP Ambassadors assisted in the maintenance needed to be done to preserve and improve these areas. With a few materials–buckets, rags, spray paint, and eight Ambassadors–the park’s dusty and worn planters were given a new life.

Main Street Huntsville, LEAP Center, SHSU, Rather Park

Undoubtedly, the team work and the lovely temperature in the low 80 degrees expedited the process;

Main Street Huntsville, LEAP Center, SHSU, Rather Park

while some Ambassadors wiped clean the dusty and flaky surfaces, others tackled the painting process.

Main Street Huntsville, LEAP Center, SHSU, Rather Park

Not to mention that with the help and support of both Ms. Debbie Charbonneau and Mrs. Linda McKenzie, our team were able to help the planters turn over a new leaf.

Although the project was small, it certainly created a big impact and the downtown streets never looked better with their new additions.

Main Street Huntsville, LEAP Center, SHSU, Rather Park

After our work was completed, we stopped by the local restaurant, Farm House Sweets & Eats. There, we chit-chatted and enjoyed our delicious handcrafted meals and, of course, ordered some mouthwatering fried pie for dessert!