SHSU Career Services was able to bring etiquette expert Diane Gottsman to campus this past Thursday, and we were excited to join the process.
We were served a three-course meal while being taught corporate and social etiquette. As Ms. Gottsman stated, we have the opportunity to shape how we present ourselves.
Being confident, prepared, and knowledgeable is the key to success in etiquette, and with this in mind, we gathered together for a nice meal and a lot of learning.
The LEAP Members were intrigued by all the rules that apply to something as normal as a nice meal. As we were first seated at a round dinner table, we were ready to learn why there were so many utensils and what they were used for. We began with the B and D rule where bread is placed on the left and drinks are placed on the right.
Then you are to use the utensils from the farthest one out and work your way inwards.
Once everyone knew the placement of the utensils, we were able to have more confidence by having proper posture and our hands above the table at all times. We were ready to place our napkins properly on our lap and take on our meal!
With three different eating styles of etiquette to choose from, European, American, and Barbarian, we learned the European style. It entails, for example, eating your soup with the motion of your spoon facing away from you. Once you have finished, you would put both the fork and knife parallel from one another at 10 and 2. We were able to practice this ourselves with our tomato bisque soup…
…and our main entrée, chicken, broccoli, and mash potatoes.
While overcoming the challenges that came with a new style of eating, it was safe to say each LEAP member enjoyed learning every bit of it!
Topping off our dinner with a chocolate cake dessert, we were able to practice additionally while Mrs. Gottsman watched and critiqued.
We greatly appreciated Mrs. Diane Gottsman and the SHSU Career Services for hosting an etiquette dinner to prepare us for any social or corporate event. For we learned a lot about having etiquette!
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.
On a chilly Saturday afternoon, the LEAP Ambassadors went out to Josey Scout Lodge for a Chili Cook-Off. This was a bona fide International Chili Society competition with more than 2 dozen contestants grouped into two categories: professional and community. Many of these competitors drove in from out of state, some as far as Arizona and Nebraska, just to be in this competition! The winner of this chili cook-off is moving on to the national competition.
Before we leaped into sampling chili, we explored the Scout Lodge where we learned about former members and what boy and girl scouts do. As we wandered around the grounds of the lodge, we saw community leaders such as former Mayor Mac Woodward, Economic Development Coordinator Tammy Gann, City Manager Aron Kulhavy, as well as Mrs. Leanne Woodward and Mr. Gene Roberts, both of whom serve on the board at the Josey Scout Lodge.
Tammy Gann & Aron Kulhavy
The Josey Lodge wasn’t only filled with “celebrity chili judges,” but it was also provisioned with games set up by the scouts, along with items for sale, such as embroidered coin bags, hats, and ponchos.
The overall atmosphere was one of community involvement, with much to do for everyone. There was even live country music being played by Kate Watson and Drew Fish, along with our friends from KSAM doing live broadcasts in the middle of the Josey grounds.
Our director, Professor Yawn, was asked to be a judge and was able to test quite a variety of salsas and chili. He judged five separate contests, and participated alongside other judges such as SHSU President Dr. Alisa White, Mac Woodward, Will Durham (DA), Judge David Moorman, Mayor Andy Brauninger, HISD Superintendent Scott Sheppard, HISD Principal Paul Trevino, SHSU Associate VP Kristy Vienne, HISD School Board Trustee Trey Wharton, Josey Scout Lodge Board Member Gene Roberts, and many others.
Mayor Andy Brauninger
As customers (six tickets for $5), we were able to sample up to six different types of chili, most of which tasted better than any chili we ever had before. The savory flavors and consistency varied: from spicy to sweet, to green salsa, white chili, and even chili with crawfish!. Every single one that we sampled had us in astonishment and it was hard to choose the best one. It was a close call between many but ultimately Morgan and Mario really enjoyed a crawfish white chili, while Yvette and I preferred a mild homestyle chili.
Before we headed back home, we each acted as “judges” by filling out the slip we were given upon entry and voted for our favorite chili.
The community voted, too, and the “People’s Choice Chili” was won by Scott Williams and his team: Come bust a Bowl! And as the winner of the Community Choice award, he was invited to compete against the “professionals” the next day, and he placed! Congratulations to Scott and to all the contestants and winners, the latter of which you can find here.
Despite the cold weather, it was nice to see how community members came out to support each other at the wonderful Josey Lodge “Chilly” Cook-Off.
As the Lone Star State increases its share in the Electoral College to 40 votes, such gains also bring redistricting, with the government attempting to redraw districts so that they have equal populations. With new lines drawn, Walker County will be split into two districts: rt of Walker County will continue to be represented by the Texas’s 8th Congressional District (currently help by Congressman Kevin Brady) and the northern part will be represented by TX Congressional District 17 (Congressman Pete Sessions).
At the Texas Prison Museum, we had the opportunity to meet our current (Brady) and (likely) new (Sessions) Congressman! Some local and state candidates were also in attendance, and some even took the opportunity to ask Congressman Pete Sessions questions. The LEAP Ambassadors, almost front and center, listened attentively.
An audience member pressed Congressman Pete Sessions on his stance on a bill filed by Congressman Kevin Brady. The bill, also known as the “High-Speed Rail Land Acquisition Assurance Act,” was filed on January 10, 2022. This bill ensures that Texas Central’s high-speed rail and other high-speed rail projects cannot seize taxpayer land for projects that will never be started.
As filed, the High-Speed Rail Land Acquisition Assurance Act will require companies to acquire all the land needed to finish a high-speed rail project before construction can begin.
In his response, Congressman Pete Sessions reassured the citizens that he opposed private interest corporations using eminent domain to take someone’s private property. He plans to work diligently with Congressman Kevin Brady in protecting Texas citizens’ rights.
With the transition of redistricting and his retirement announcement, Congressman Kevin Brady reminded Walker County’s people of his commitment to finish the job until the very end. After serving for over two decades, Congressman Kevin Brady’s absence will be felt in Walker County. To offer just a small example, the LEAP Center has placed more than 20 interns in Congressman Brady’s office, and he has hired eight of them as staff.
With this history in mind, the LEAP Ambassadors are looking forward to similar opportunities in both CD 17 and 8.
To kick off this semester, the LEAP Center and Pre-Law Society hosted the biannual ice cream social, followed by a panel of experts discussing one of the world’s hottest topics: human trafficking. With more than 120 people attending the combined events, we were able, we hope, to kick off the semester on a fun, educational note.
The ice-cream social offered great finger foods, the chance to learn more about LEAP’s many upcoming events, and also the opportunity to win some back-to-school prizes.
We hope the students had a good time, even when they had to address head-palm moments….
Mostly, though, we hope they learned about our upcoming events, such as our workshops with Nancy Bocskor, our planned small-group meeting with former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, our hosting the 10th Court of Appeals on campus, the Citizenship Preparatory Course we offer to local immigrants, our volunteerism at the Wynne Home for the annual Empty Bowls program, and our participation in the upcoming “College Bowl” competition hosted at the Texas City Managers Association Conference.
At the meeting, Heather touched on some housekeeping like the upcoming events, the next meeting, and the last day to pay dues which will be February 16th.
In addition to the panelists, we were honored to have a guests from off campus. Dr. Manis from the College of Osteopathic Medicine in The Woodlands joined us, as did Mr. Ken Holland, a member of the Huntsville ISD School board.
For the main event, Professor Yawn introduced our guest speakers: Dennis Mark, who is a Task Force Coordinator at Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance; Daniella Perez an Outreach Coordinator with Love146; and Sergeant Robert Medel with the Houston Police Department (Vice and Human Trafficking Unit).
L-R: Dennis Mark, Daniella Perez, and Sergeant Robert Medel
Professor Yawn began the session asking where Houston ranks in the nation in terms of trafficking. The answer, sadly, is first–Houston’s access to the border, its transportation accessibility, as well as the number of entertainment options, special events, and its remarkably diverse population, all contribute to its potential for trafficking.
Mr. Mark added that Houston has one of the oldest and most experienced forces investigating trafficking, allowing it to also be one of the most successful agencies at combating trafficking.
Because of the proliferation of trafficking, it is happening everywhere. “Anywhere there are people,” Sergeant Medel noted, “there are people being taken advantage of.” And this, continued Medel, is at the heart of trafficking, which is defined as “the exploitation of someone by means of coercion.”
There is no one definitive type of human trafficking victim, but most victims have had early trauma or “adverse childhood experiences” (ACEs). Many of these women (and it is mostly women) may enter trafficking through drugs, prostitution, or online pornography, but there are many victims outside of the stereotype. Mr. Mark,. for example, shared the story he helped recover: she was a University of Texas student by day, passing her classes and seemingly doing well, but in the evenings and night, she was engaging in online pornography at the behest of a “handler.”
The victims, according to the panel and Professor Yawn, often suffer from either Stockholm Syndrome (when the victim bonds with her captor) or cognitive dissonance (when the victim believes two contradictory elements simultaneously), and this makes it difficult for them to find the strength to leave. Sergeant Medel stated that “It takes a victim seven times to realize they are victims and to leave permanently.”
Ms. Perez highlighted the many problems (“co-morbidities”), physical and mental, associated with trafficking. These include sexually transmitted diseases, broken bones, addiction, depression, even tuberculosis. These problems are cumulative, in part because handlers don’t want the victims going to the doctor’s, which may raise red flags.
The panelists closed–prompted by a question from Ken Holland–with a discussion of how we may be able to identify victims of human trafficking. There are numerous such indicators, but some common ones include malnourishment, avoiding eye contact, allowing others to answer or speak for them, and tattoos.
Possibly the most inspiration words were those Mr. Mark made in closing. “To the ladies, know your self-worth and value, do not let anyone else determine that. And to the men, do not believe the culture of women being objects. Be careful, guard your mind and heart. Be honorable in all you do and how you treat women.”
With Mr. Mark’s words reverberating through our minds, we wrapped up the formal event. But the panelists, graciously, agreed to stay and answer questions, an opportunity many students availed themselves of.
In addition, Professor Yawn and Mr. Mark discussed the possibility of internships, the LEAP Ambassadors offered gifts to the panelists as a “thank you,” and we posed for a final photograph to help us remember a wonderful and educational evening.
At the LEAP Center, we believe in collaboration, so it was a pleasure to work with the Department of Criminal Justice and ELITE to provide more information about campus-wide resources and opportunities. ELITE and the Criminal Justice Department hosted this event, with ELITE students who are Criminal Justice majors as the target audience.
The agenda was aggressive and impressive, with presentations by Dean Lyons, Dr. Greg Fremin (on Criminal Justice internships), Jamaal Payne (Sam Center), Dr. Lin Reng (CJ Graduate Director), Doris Pratt (CJ Graduate Advisor), various professors, and Chris Cruz, a special agent, who is also a CJ and ELITE alumnus. The LEAP Center entered this mix for a brief overview of who we are and what we do.
On hand to hear from these speakers were about 15 ELITE members, a mix of freshmen, sophomores and juniors, and the grizzled veterans: the seniors. Director Hernandez and Mr. Cantu did a great job with Dr. Bill Wells (CJ Chair) of facilitating discussion. Moreover, the veteran ELITE members offered advice to the younger members. The advice was good, and one piece will stick with us: “graduate with no regrets.”
Of course, when it was our turn to present we offered advice, too. Mario spoke first, discussing his time in the Marines, returning to the University, and the different experiences he has had that he finds rewarding.
Yvette, who has been an Ambassador for a longer time, relished in discussing her trips with LEAP, her academic endeavors with LEAP, and the importance of taking and cultivating opportunities–with an emphasis on thank-you notes.
Such opportunities not only (we hope) help ELITE students know of resources across campus, but also help different offices learn from each other through the process of collaboration, and lay the ground work for future partnerships. We were happy to be part of that process, and we wish the ELITE students all the best in pursuing their dreams!
The LEAP Ambassadors would like to thank Dr. Wells, Director Hernandez, and Mr. Cantu for allowing us to speak during this program.
It was an early morning for a day off. But if it’s MLK Day, you need flags on the roads! So at around 5:45am, the LEAP Ambassadors awoke to meet the Lions Club of Walker County at the Courthouse. Under the supervision of Casey Spencer, Brian Aldaco, Tom Waddill, and Gary Obannon, we learned what goes into the every-day practice of civic engagement.
Our objectives were to put flags in flag-holes and, if there weren’t flag suitable flag holes, to re-drill the holes so that they could accommodate a flag. We did this over approximately two miles worth of road.
After a while, we got a pretty good head of steam and, through team work, moved pretty quickly.
In all, it took us about an hour, including both 11th street and Sam Houston Avenue.
The Lions Club does this community service for 13 major holidays, with MLK Day being the first of the year. It was a great chance for us to learn more about the Lions Club, meet some great new people…
…and get in some team building early in the semester.
To kick off the new year some of the (Republican) LEAP Ambassadors spent the final night of winter break volunteering and attending the annual Reagan Dinner (while other LEAP Ambassadors attended a World Affairs Council event), which featured Texas Agricultural Commissioner Sid Miller. We coordinated with the College Republicans and Linda McKenzie to determine our roles, familiarized ourselves with the layout…
… and began welcoming people. With Mario, Erin, and myself signing people in, and Hunter, Jessica, and Yvette escorting, we quickly found a rhythm as the crowd steadily increased.
Everyone seemed to enjoy perusing the silent auction put on by the Walker County Republican Women and placing bids on all the delicious desserts. As people bid, socialized and enjoyed each other’s company, we were impressed by the community spirit found in Walker County.
Linda McKenzie, the County Chair, began the evening by expressing her gratitude for everyone in attendance and introducing all of the Council members and candidates.
Annel Guadalupe led everyone in prayer, and following that, I was honored to say the pledges for the night.
We were all graciously invited to sit with different table sponsors, including Judge Hal Ridley, Linda and Jim McKenzie, and Congressmen Kevin Brady. Hunter, Jessica, Yvette, and I were fortunate enough to sit with Attorney Jack and Choate and District Attorney Will Durham. We had great conversations, and we enjoyed learning from people who excel in their careers.
One of the conversation pieces was how wonderful the food was–food catered by Humphreys American Grill. After the LEAP Ambassadors and College Republicans finished eating, we made our way over to the silent auction table, and we and began distributing the desserts to the highest bidders.
Agricultural Commissioner Sid Miller was the guest speaker for the dinner.
He highlighted a few very interesting stories from his career and mentioned all that his department oversees–including, oddly enough, the weighing of ping pong balls!
Commissioner Miller also emphasized the importance of events like these and how important it is to the community. We were even fortunate enough to snap a picture with him!
As the evening ended, all of the councilmembers and candidates posed for a picture with Commissioner Miller, and several thanked him for his time and speech.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 