Careerealism is a fine site suggested by Nancy Bocskor, and it has relevant information for many of SHSU’s students. This offers a good for start for students hoping to wrap their mind around an upcoming interview: Five Tips to Ace the Interview
Tag: SHSU
Let’s Talk–And Have Some Fun
After an eventful afternoon with Ms. Nancy Bocskor, LEAP Students headed to the Elliot T. Bowers Honors College Let’s Talk event for an evening of informative conversation with some of the state’s most esteemed professionals. LEAP students enjoyed diverse speakers ranging from FBI Special Agent and SHSU Alum Daniel Fuentes to Honorable Robert Eckels, President of the Texas Central High-Speed Railway.
Kicking off the event, President Hoyt was in attendance to speak briefly about the growth of Sam Houston State University and a few of its accomplishments. LEAP students received the privilege of enjoying dinner and conversation with a variety of speakers. Ariel Traub enjoyed dinner with Mrs. Barbara Cargill, Texas State Board of Education District 8 Member and Chair of the Board. She was impressed with the conversation and indicated the discussion offered “valuable insight to problems with our education system along with some possible solutions.” Kaitlyn Tyra, who also sat at Cargill’s table, echoed Traub’s sentiments, enjoying the opportunity to “ask questions concerning our schools and learn about changes underway.”
Karla Rosales and Megan Chapa dined with SHSU Alumni Ms. Patti Foster, a traumatic brain injury survivor. Megan Chapa found Foster “extremely inspirational!” and Karla Rosales found both the human story and the science behind it to be fascinating and encouraging.
Alex Galvan had the pleasure of having dinner and conversation with Dr. Carl Rollyson, Editor of the Hollywood Legend Series, and author of some 40 books—including two on Marilyn Monroe. According to Galvan, “it was wonderful to learn more about this icon, and get the back story on one of the 20th Century’s most intriguing legends.”
After dinner, co-chair of the Let’s Talk Advisory Board and Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Michael Lacourse helped close the evening with remarks. But the end of the event wasn’t the end of the evening. The LEAP Center students had an opportunity to meet with local officials attending the events…
…speakers from other tables, and revisit with Nancy Bocskor, who stayed late to visit with the honors students.
Overall, Let’s Talk gave students the opportunity to converse with professionals whom they normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to interact with and gave them the opportunity to learn about topics personally interesting to each student. Many thanks to all the speakers, Ms. Jacel Angel, and the Elliot T. Bowers Honors College for a wonderful evening.
LEAP Center Hosts Second Bocskor Workshop: “Paths to Public Service”
By Kaitlin Tyra: Paths to Public Service
The LEAP Center has enjoyed having Ms. Nancy Bocksor in Huntsville for the week to encourage students to become engaged in politics and take action to make a change. During her Paths to Public Service lecture, Ms. Bocksor stressed the importance of gaining a sphere of influence before deciding to run for office. For students, this tip prompted many to think about their current sphere of influence, and what steps they could take to help position themselves for a career in public service.
Ms. Bocksor also discussed the importance of brand management when pursuing a path to public service. She defined brand management by calling on a definition offered by the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos: “Your brand is what people say about you when you leave the room.” To underscore this point, Ms. Bocskor encouraged students to act professional, be engaged, and clean up social media accounts–all of which can constitute a personal brand. Generously, Ms. Bocksor was extremely helpful to students by giving ample advice on a variety of topics ranging from thank you notes to tips for internships.
To the students’ delight, Ms. Bocksor discussed some of her successes and her many experiences traveling the world to help women become engaged in politics. Students were amazed by the amount of traveling Ms. Bocksor gets to do and how unique her career is. However, the majority of the lecture Ms. Bocksor opened up for questions, giving students the opportunity to interact directly. Ms. Bocksor’s energy appeared contagious to the students and many thought her stories were inspirational, driving them to pursue a career in public service.
Students enjoyed getting to learn from Ms. Bocksor this week. For many, she helped instill a zealous attitude and helped give students a sense of direction in pursuing a career in public service. After enjoying some refreshments, Ms. Bocksor hurried over to the Wynne Home (with students in tow) to co-host a Film Festival with Dr. Carl Rollyson, a continuation of the learning process for students of the LEAP Center.
LEAP Center Hosts Nancy Bocskor Workshop: “Women in Politics”
By Constance Gabel:
“Listen, learn, help, lead.” No better words could stir a group of young ladies interested in the political realm than those spoken by Nancy Bocskor, “democracy coach” and mentor, at the LEAP Center’s Women in Politics Workshop held Thursday afternoon. One of many events attended by Ms. Bocskor during her time in Huntsville, the informal workshop focused on (1) Bocskor’s experience on the Hill–and her path to getting there–(2) her accomplishments of helping international women “and a few good men” become more politically active, and (3) how this generation of women really has the chance of being the change they wish to see in their communities by running for public office.
Ms. Bocskor began the discussion with her worldview that “If you don’t have a place at the table, you’ll end up on the menu.” After spending her entire career walking the walk of what she believes, Ms. Bocskor now strives to inspire young women by putting the world into perspective. Women have the capability and empathy to run for office and change the world, but too few women, according to Bocskor, have the confidence to do so. Ms. Bocskor, impassioned by the global war on women, reaches out to women everywhere by speaking and teaching the skills it takes to achieve public office. She has done extensive research on and experienced firsthand the injustices suffered by women in places like Moldova and Jordan, where women in the past could not even run for public office, but with the help of Ms. Bocskor can now run and even win. LEAP students learned of the differences between how men and women see public office, from egos to empathy and everything in-between.
Nancy Bocskor, who worked with Newt Gingrich at the ripe age of twenty-one, has proven her idea that “in politics, you aren’t measured by your age, but instead by your capabilities.” Ms. Bocskor made the point that women have not stepped out to lead because “you can’t be what you can’t see.” Without visible role models, young women struggle finding appropriate aspirations for leadership positions.
But anyone that has had the chance of being in her presence and hearing of her impressive accomplishments, cannot help but agree that Nancy Bocskor makes one incredible role model to young political activists everywhere. All it takes is a conversation with Ms. Bocskor to completely change one’s path for good. With such a remarkable resume, Nancy Bocskor inspires young women because she has truly made a difference in the world and now she has changed lives here in Huntsville just as she has across the world. From simply listening and learning about our stories, Ms. Bocskor taught LEAP students the steps necessary to become successful in the ever-changing political spectrum, such as simple steps of doing research and asking questions. Armed with the idea that they could conquer the world by simply caring, the young ladies of LEAP left the workshop prepared and motivated to explore the political journey that lay before them.
Today@Sam Covers LEAP Center’s Mock Law Class
Today@Sam provided in-depth coverage of the LEAP Center and its pre-law programming, offering a special emphasis on the LEAP Center’s recent Mock Law class.
________________________________________________________________________
Program Gives Students Law School Experience
At first glance, it looked much like any other class at Sam Houston State University. A distinguished professor led an in-depth classroom discussion, facilitating comments among the 35 or so students assembled for a typical 75 minute class session. A keen observer, however, might have noted that the students were dressed in business attire, that the teaching style was exclusively the Socratic Method, and that all the students had read. What was going on?
What was going on was a “Mock Law Class,” a unique partnership between the Center For Law, Engagement, And Politics (LEAP) and the South Texas College of Law, in which pre-law students had the opportunity to participate in a simulated law class. The class was taught by Professor Val Ricks, whose qualifications include a JD from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark’s Law School, time as an Associate Attorney with Kirton & McConkie, and 18 years teaching at South Texas College of Law, including five years as the Vinson & Elkins Research Professor of Law. The preparation for the class involved in-depth readings of three legal cases and the knowledge that the class would be fully participatory—there were no “passes” given when called upon.
To participate, students were required to sign up for the class in advance and agree to read the original court opinions issued by the courts. The result was some dense reading, the expectation of being called upon and pressed for answers, and a bit of trepidation heading into the classroom. “It was a little more intense than a regular class,” observed pre-law student Kaitlyn Tyra, “but it was good to get that experience.”
SHSU Senior Daylene Moreno agreed: “The way Professor Ricks engaged the students kept the class actively involved, and the experience solidified my plan to attend law school. I cannot wait to get an acceptance letter!”
“The idea of the class,” noted LEAP Center Director Mike Yawn, “is to help prepare our students for law school or for making the decision about law school. There are so many uncertainties about post-graduate education, particularly law school, it’s important to give students a realistic view of what the experience is and allow them to use that information to make good decisions.”
In recent years, many SHSU students have made the decision to apply to law school. In fact, the Law School Admissions Council now ranks SHSU as a top “law-school feeder,” meaning that it is among the top six percent of the nation’s Universities at producing law-school applicants. Last year, for example, 97 SHSU students applied to law school, with 60 being accepted to one or more law schools, including Baylor, University of Colorado, University of Houston, Indiana University, Loyola, Penn State, University of Minnesota, Syracuse, SMU, University of Texas and South Texas College of Law.
In all, SHSU students applied to 92 different law schools last year, and South Texas College of Law was the one most applied to—45 different SHSU students applied there. “We’ve been pleasantly surprised at the number of SHSU students applying here,” noted Denee Page, the Associated Director of Admissions. “This is the third year we’ve done the Mock Law Class at SHSU, and we’ve been impressed by how prepared and interested the students are in the class.”
The Mock Law Class is one of several activities that the LEAP Center offers to help pre-law students. This spring alone, the LEAP Center has partnered with Kaplan to offer a Mock LSAT, worked with other law schools to provide informational sessions, and brought in several practicing attorneys to meet with students. In addition, on April 1st the LEAP Center is hosting the 10th Court of Appeals, which will hear Oral Arguments in four separate cases. On April 14th the LEAP Center will host a presentation by Michael Morton, whose wrongful conviction in 1987 and subsequent 25 year imprisonment resulted in the Texas Legislature’s Michael Morton Act, which changed the rules of the discovery process.
The LEAP Center’s programs go beyond law-related programs and extend to all academic disciplines. “Our goal,” noted Yawn, “is to expose students to diverse learning opportunities across all fields.” To that end, earlier this semester LEAP Center students lunched with Assistant Secretary of State Roberta Jacobson, attended the Governor’s Inauguration in Austin, and have worked regularly with local non-profits. Later this semester, the LEAP Center will host a non-profit roundtable, a student workshop on “Paths to Public Service,” and will partner with the Huntsville Public Library to offer a “Citizenship Preparatory Course” to local immigrants who wish to earn their citizenship.
For more information about the LEAP Center, contact Professor Mike Yawn at mike.yawn@shsu.edu or 936-294-1456.
Mock Law Class Comes to SHSU
The LEAP center partnered with South Texas College of Law from Houston to offer a Mock Law Class for SHSU students. Prior to the class, students were sent the case reading and expected to be ready to analyze the cases in class just as actual law students at South Texas College of Law (STCL) would do.
In fact, Professor Val Ricks–who taught the class–teaches at STCL. He began class with open-ended questions to lead the discussion toward the rules of each case. He then let students guide themselves through their answers, although he was quick to question–and correct them–when needed.
The Mock Law Class gave students a clear idea on the structure and expectations of law school. Additionally, students realized the importance of reading prior to class and being prepared for discussion. Professor Val Ricks and STCL Admissions Coordinator, Ms. Denee Page, were also available to answer student’s questions after the class. Students took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the law school admissions process and the philosophies of South Texas’s College of Law.
This event helped students gain a greater understanding of the reality and rigor of law school. For many, the Mock Law Class helped give a sense of direction for students on how to begin their law school journey. Many thanks to Professor Val Ricks and Ms. Denee Page for helping SHSU students learn and helping them prepare for their next steps toward a career in law.
HEARTS Veterans Valentines Day Celebration
Part of the LEAP Center’s mission is to assist non-profits, government agencies, and other public-minded organizations serve the community. One of the LEAP Center’s regular partners is the HEARTS Museum, which recently hosted a Valentine’s Day “Volunteer Appreciation” dinner. More than 130 people showed up, and it was a perfect event for a Museum named “HEARTS.”
It was a wonderful event, with most of the Museum’s regular volunteers on hand (many will recognize Tom Oleinik and Citizen of the Year Bette Nelson in the picture above).
The HEARTS Museum preserves artifacts related to those who have served their country in the armed services, and the Museum is host to more than 13,000 visitors each year. In addition, the Museum hosts many community-themed events–including the Valentines Day Appreciation Dinner–educational events, and other service activities.
The LEAP Center is hosting a non-profit roundtable on March 20, with Nancy Bocskor as a featured guest. Ms. Bocskor is an expert in fundraising, and representatives from a dozen or so local non-profits will be on hand to share experiences with the challenges of fundraising in a small community. Among those attending are Letty Clark and Carolyn Wells from the HEARTS Museum.
Students Explore Reagan Legacy
By Kaitlyn Tyra,
Although only an emerging Republican myself, I know that when Republicans have a chance to celebrate the legacy of Ronald Reagan, they will gather and celebrate. Not surprisingly, almost 200 students, local Republicans, and elected officials gathered last week for the annual Walker County Republican Party’s “Reagan Dinner,” to celebrate the legacy of the nation’s 40th president.
The event, held at the Lowman Student Center Ballroom on SHSU’s campus, featured a three-course meal, posting of the colors by the Cadet Color Guard from the Civil Air Patrol Sam Houston Composite Squadron, fine fellowship, lively entertainment from SHSU’s Jazz Band, and speeches by Congressman Kevin Brady and Dr. Jon Taylor, Chair of the St. Thomas University Political Science Department.
It was perhaps appropriate that Dr. Taylor was the keynote speaker, inasmuch as the event provided a political and community education for the SHSU students on hand, including myself and other members of SHSU’s Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics. With our seats sponsored by Representative John Otto and Senator Charles Schwertner, we were able to converse with and learn from legislative staff.
We also received a crash-course lesson on local community leaders. Republican County Chair Linda McKenzie welcomed us and the many elected officials that were on hand. District Judge Don Kraemer gave the invocation. Justice of the Peace Mark Holt (Pct. 3) led the US and Texas pledges. County Court At Law Judge Tracy Sorensen sat with students, and provided insight on the duties of a newly-elected judge. Other local elected officials on hand included: 10th Court of Appeals Justice Al Scoggins, District Judge Hal Ridley, County Judge Danny Pierce, District Attorney David Weeks, Sheriff Clint McRae, Tax-Assessor Collector Diana McRae, County Clerk Kari French, Justice of the Peace Janie Farris (Pct. 1), Justice of the Peace Mike Countz (Pct. 2), Justice of the Peace Stephen Cole (Pct. 4), and Constable Steve Hill (Pct. 3). For a group of students transplanted to SHSU, it was a welcome introduction to Walker County.
Congressman Kevin Brady provided a thorough update on the US Legislature, particularizing on the push to create middle-class jobs in the US and on Congress’s recently-passed legislation to allow for construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline.
Dr. Taylor, while keeping with the national theme, focused on Reagan’s Republican legacy and, especially, “his optimism, his utter faith in this nation and her people, and his belief that our best days…are always ahead of us.”
For students in their late teens and early 20s, it was an appealing message and an appealing evening. It was an evening filled with lessons on President Reagan, the responsibilities of elected officials, and enjoyable conversations.
The LEAP Center at SHSU is a bipartisan organization offering unique learning opportunities related to fine arts, history, civil rights, literature and, in particular, law, engagement, and politics. The students recently attended an event sponsored by the Harris County Democratic Party featuring Sissy Farenthold and former Governor Mark White, and will be touring Little Rock, Arkansas this week, with stops at Little Rock Central High, the Douglas MacArthur Museum of Military History, the Clinton Presidential Library and The Old Mill, the last surviving set of Gone With the Wind.
