LEAP Ambassadors Gain Insight As They Embark on Professional Journey

The unoccupied parking lots and placid hallways of Sam Houston State University connote that winter break has come for the majority of its students and faculty. After tirelessly battling the busy semester, most Bearkats fled for their the month-long escape from school to enjoy time back at their hometowns and until the next semester arrives. However, this was not the case for LEAP Ambassadors, who eagerly stayed on campus for the opportunity for professional development.  The development came from Ms. Julie Schwab, Assistant to the Provost, who discussed how to represent yourself and your organization while at work.

Julie Schwab, SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors

Ms. Schwab has a strong reputation, particularly in the areas of multi-tasking, communicating division goals, troubleshooting, and organizational skills.  With her wide-ranging experience in administration, it was fitting for the LEAP Ambassadors to hear tips and guidance from her as most of them will be using similar skills (albeit at a much lower level) as legislative interns in Austin.

In the meeting, Mrs. Schwab discussed tips on various topics including dealing with intra-organizational politics, handling peer/staff/supervisor pressures, representing the organization at meetings, being assertive and deferential when appropriate, and maintaining appropriate behavior in any workplace situation. She also made sure to keep the students engaged by asking them to share predicaments that they’ve had at work or at an internship that they were not sure how to approach, and gave counsel based on that.

Here are some of the most notable advice and reminders that she shared with the LEAP Ambassadors:

  • Work Ethic: Your work should speak for yourself. Whether you are diligent or idle, the fruits (or lack thereof) of your labor will show what kind of employee/intern you are.
  • Attitude: Always remember that you are representing something or someone. Be professional. Be personable. Don’t give people room to assume what type of person you are.
  • Body Language: Be mindful of people’s non-verbal communication. Be purposeful of your non-verbal communication.
  • Humility: Always be appreciative of people who have helped you. If they know you were grateful for their assistance, they will be more willing to do it again for you next time–besides, and most importantly, it’s the right thing to do.
  • Task-Management: Know your priorities. Be organized. And learn how to shift gears instantly and appropriately.
  • Confidence: When you have made the effort to make the process right, be confident in knowing that you are right. In doing so, people are more likely to listen and believe the words you give them.

Julie Schwab, SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors

With these tips in mind, the LEAP Ambassadors left encouraged, grateful, and more prepared as they head on after the break to their respective internships and responsibilities, hoping to apply all that what they have learned from Mrs. Schwab’s visit.

The LEAP Center would like to thank Mrs. Schwab and the Provost’s Office for taking the time to visit and share these lessons with the students!  We are genuinely appreciative that we attend a University that receives assistance from staff, faculty, and administrative offices.

A New Legislative Session: A New Day for SHSU Students

A group of a dozen SHSU interns spent the day in Austin in preparation for their internships.  The students, 10 of whom will be stationed in Austin and two of whom will be in DC, posed for professional photos, explored international food, and enjoyed the rush of simulated skydiving.

Photography

The morning temperatures hovered in the mid-20s for much of the photo-shoot.  Although this didn’t stop the photo-shoot, it did lead to much self-pity.

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Nonetheless, much progress was made, with Paul Olle in charge of photographs (His photographs, which are much better than those here, will be posted later).

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The students were in the pleasant situation of knowing their way around the capitol, and all areas were explored and photographed, from the Rotunda (above), to the outdoor rotunda…

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…the statue of Sam Houston at the south entrance…

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…to the Senate floor…

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…to the capitol steps…

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Food

For lunch, the students opted for Serbian fare offered at the wonderful Balkans Cafe and Grill.  The staff at the restaurant are professional, and the food is great.

More important, lunch was a chance for former Austin interns to join the current Austin interns for lunch and networking.  Of the eight SHSU students who interned at the Capittol building last session, five have been hired full-time for this session, and many of them joined this year’s group.  It was also a great and rare opportunity for Professor Yawn to enjoy the company of multiple cohorts of students simultaneously.

iFLY

Of course, the most fun activity of the day was at iFLY, where students had the chance to “skydive” without any real chance of dying.  Some took to it quicker than others (Spencer Copeland was an expert), but all did well.

Karla Rosales Enjoying iFLY
Karla Rosales Enjoying iFLY

All of the students ended up signing on for the “High  Fly,” which is when the instructor flies with the student flyer 20-30 feet into the tunnel.  It is the most exciting part of the flight and also, interestingly, the easiest.  The instructor does all the work!

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Concluding Thoughts

Of course, the real exhilaration will be the students’ experiences in Austin and Washington, DC this semester.  Full of long days, interesting sites, and, we hope, bright futures.

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Moot Court Competition–2016

By: Kaitlyn Tyra

With nearly six months of preparation and almost as many months of anxiety, the SHSU Mooters were ready to compete in the final moot court competition of the season. Hosted at Texas A&M Law School in Fort Worth, 31 teams from across the state and the southern United States competed for spots at the National Competition.

Moot Court, TUMCA, TAMU Law Moot Court Regional, LEAP Center, SHSU

After waking up, we faced a morning of studying and non-stop practicing in anticipation to our afternoon’s competition.

Moot Court, SHSU, LEAP Center, TAMU Moot Court Regional

Once we were given our room assignments, pairings, and rules, each team departed for their first round. The competition consisted of three back-to-back rounds that would determine the day’s rankings according to mastery of material, presentation, response to questions, and courtroom demeanor. Throughout the day, it was slightly intimidating how we would be contending spots against students from such universities as University of North Texas, The Air Force Academy, Texas A&M, and Baylor.

Moot Court, TUMCA, TAMU Law Moot Court Regional, LEAP Center, SHSU

As each round progressed, our nerves slowly diminished and we felt more confident that our studying was paying off. After the third round, we regrouped for a much needed dinner catered by Texas A&M Law School.

Moot Court, TUMCA, TAMU Law Moot Court Regional, LEAP Center, SHSU

As we enjoyed our meal and waited for results, we conversed with a couple Texas A&M Law School students to know more about life in law school. We also shared opinions among ourselves regarding our the day’s competition. Reminiscing on the day’s toils, we reflected on what we could have done better and what we did well.

After what seemed like hours of waiting, the tournament director announced the advancements and speaker awards. Unfortunately, SHSU did not advance to the second day of competition. Regardless, we noticed how each SHSU team had improved from the scrimmage and earned higher scores, with four of the SHSU students finishing in the top half of orators.

The outcome reminded us that sometimes winning or losing is not what matters. What really matters is that we learn and whether we are more prepared for our future careers. For each member, we thought we achieved this goal throughout the season.

Moot Court, TUMCA, TAMU Law Moot Court Regional, LEAP Center, SHSU

We ended the day on a positive note taking our group pictures in the courtroom!

After working hard and competing in the Moot Court Regional Tournament, on Saturday the team set out for sightseeing across Fort Worth. We visited the Amon G. Carter Art Museum, the Fort Worth Water Gardens, and the famous Sundance Square.

The Amon G. Carter Art Museum is a free art museum dedicated to 19th and 20th Century American Art.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Moot Court, Amon Carter Art Museum

Opening its doors in 1961, the businessman and philanthropist Amon Carter’s goal in erecting the museum was to educate Fort Worthians in American Art. With Carter’s personal collection comprising the early galleries of the museum, the establishment has now grown to include a diverse collection of art. From artists such as Fredric Remington to Georgia O’Keefe…

SHSU, LEAP Center, Moot Court, Amon Carter, Georgia O'Keefe

…the museum leads visitors through various decades in American art history. Among the halls was a more contemporary exhibition titled “Border Cantos.” In the exhibit, Photographer Richard Misrach and Composer Guillermo Galindo, depict the US/Mexican border through impactful photographs and music that reflect immigrant life along the borders.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Moot Court, Amon Carter Museum of Art

As the photographs depict a solitary and barren border, visitors felt a deep emotional connection to the people affected everyday by the walls, fences, and wire the divide the American and Mexican territory. This exhibit proved to be the team’s favorite in the end.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Moot Court, Amon Carter Museum of Art

After exploring the museum and learning about American Art, we were excited to move on to our next stop: the Fort Worth Water Gardens.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Moot Court, Fort Worth Water Park

Designed by Philip Johnson, the urban park provides a soothing atmosphere to escape from the mundane city life (and moot court). The park is composed of adjoining water gardens which visitors can explore.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Moot Court, Fort Worth Water Park

True to our millennial drives, we enjoyed taking selfies and pictures of the garden. The Water Garden was an unexpected treat that everyone enjoyed!

Our mini Fort Worth tour sadly ended with lunch at Bird Café in Sundance Square.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Moot Court, Bird Cafe

Revived with the help of Richard Haas’s Chisholm Trail mural, the Square is now the center of shopping and entertainment in downtown Fort Worth.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Moot Court, Sundance Square

In the midst of the cultural hive, The Bird Cafe as a very popular brunch joint, offered many unique dishes. We each tried something different (for different was the only thing the Cafe offered) such as Carne Asada Waffles, an Avocado Omelet, and the Hickory Smoked Chuck Burger. After our delicious platters, we decided to finish our meals with a sweet closing. So being, we chose to visit a nearby chocolate factory!

SHSU, Moot Court, LEAP Center, The Chocalate Factory

The Chocolate Factory was a fun and tasty last stop on our trip. We immensely enjoyed sampling numerous sweet treats. With full stomachs and a nap waiting for us in our van seats, we departed Worth Wort to make our way back to Huntsville.

Many thanks to Texas A&M Law School for hosting the TUMCA Moot Court Competition and to Ms. Loveall for all her hard work and dedication to our teams success!

 

Pre-Law Society

In addition to the 120 or so events the LEAP Center participates in every year, the Center also oversees three distinct student organizations: the LEAP Ambassadors, the Moot Court Team, and the Pre-Law Society.

The Pre-Law Society is the largest of such groups on campus.  With 45 members–despite only being in its first year–the organization hosts speakers, puts on workshops, and participates in many pre-law activities across the campus and beyond.

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This past semester, our speakers included: Rhonda Beassie, Attorney for the Texas State University System and former Associate Dean of Career Development at UH Law School;

Rhonda Beassie, Pre-Law Society, LEAP Center, SHSU

…David Weeks, District Attorney for Walker County;

David Weeks, Pre-Law Society, SHSU, LEAP Center

…and Nicole Tarrence, Associate Dean of Recruitment at South Texas College of Law Houston.

The dues for the Pre-Law Society are $20 a semester, plus a $35 initiation fee for the student’s first semester (this fee pays for t-shirt and cords).  For more information, contact the Pre-Law Society’s advisor Mike Yawn at mike.yawn@shsu.edu.

 

Surls’ Swirls Come to the Wynne Home

By Megan Chapa

James Surls, the American Modern artist and SHSU alum, opened a show at the Wynne Home Arts Center on Saturday, November 5, 2016.  The event attracted more than 100 visitors, with the opening reception sponsored by the Friends of the Wynne and staffed by the LEAP Ambassadors.

Wynne Home Arts Center, Karla Rosales, Kaitlyn Tyra

“Wynne Home exhibit openings are always fun,” noted LEAP President Alejandra Galvan, “but this one, involving James Surls, was a special honor.”

It was a sentiment shared by many of those who attended the opening reception.

Wynne Home Arts Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU

James Surls graduated from SHSU in 1965 with his Bachelors in Arts, and from Cranbrook Academy of Art with his MFA in 1968.  His distinctive style, often marked by wooden or bronze flower petals, is often described as “organic.”

James Surls, Wynne Home Arts Center, LEAP Center, SHSU

Included in the Wynne Home exhibit was a combination of Surls’ sculptures and sketches, both of which elicited praise from the opening night’s visitors.

“We have seen Surls’ work at many museums,” noted LEAP Ambassador Megan Chapa, “but we haven’t seen his smaller pieces, and we have never had the chance to meet him, so this was nice!”

Surls was personable, speaking for about 15 minutes and explaining some of the pieces in the show.  He divided them into feminine and masculine pieces, with the feminine pieces being more curved; the masculine pieces being more angular.  He also spoke of his love for his wife, and how it has impacted his art.

James Surls, Wynne Home Arts Center, LEAP Center, SHSU

Following his discussion, Mr. Surls was nice enough to sign some photos of his work that we brought to the show.  He graciously did so, while chatting comfortably with us.

James Surls, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Wynne Home Arts Center

The exhibit will stay up for six months, twice the usual length of a show.  In the past, the Wynne Home has had exhibits featuring David Adickes, Jesus Moroles, Ken Zonker, and Stanley Lea.

The Wynne Home also offers art classes to the public in the Fall, Spring, and Summer.  The classes include topics as diverse as classic film, salsa dancing, oil painting, and cooking.  The Wynne Home is open Tuesday through Saturday, and admission is free.

The LEAP Ambassadors would like to thank Wynne Home Director Linda Pease, Friends of the Wynne President Nancy Gaertner,  Friends of the Wynne Vice President Genevive Brown, and the entire Friends of the Wynne board for the opportunity to assist.  And, of course, we’d like to thank Mr. James Surls for his art and for his appearance in Huntsville, Texas.