Show Me the Money
by Shana Chaleff news editor
Applying to college can be a confusing feat in itself without throwing the towering question of how to pay for school into the mix. Financial issues can be sticky ones, but once a student subtracts the mystery from the subject they will find that help is out there and all that worrying and stress can be avoided.
Jeannie Gage, Director of the Office of Student Financial Assistance, says that everyone should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), even if a student thinks they will not qualify based on the income their family makes. Gage explained that income is not the only deciding factor of whether a student will receive funding. FAFSA also evaluates a student’s grades, how many people are supported by that income, and other factors. “There are a lot of people who qualify and just don’t know,” said Gage. Megan Thompson, a graduate student, offers the following advice: “do it early and follow up, most people assume that once you complete your FAFSA you are done, but if you do not follow up you can face delays.”
Putting the Friend in Feral
Campus Feral Cats Become Community Pets
by Michelle Rocha features editor
Everyone has seen them. There are signs coming on campus warning of them, there are rules against feeding them. They are the evil, vicious, crazed killers that slink through the bushes in the day and stalk the campus for prey at night. They are the feral cats.
The policies of both Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi and Camden Miramar forbid students and faculty from caring for the cats or adopting them. In order to protect themselves from association with the cats or breaching policy, several people interviewed chose to remain anonymous.
Bilingual Education
Necessary For Success
ECDC Students are Learning English and Spanish
by Christina Vourcos News Editor
In today’s society we are trying to figure out what America really is. When this country was born, it was a melting pot for immigrants in search of a better life. Slowly it evolved to the idea or belief that everyone needed to be the same. Immigrants becoming citizens are taught English to be able to survive and thrive in our country.
While some choose to go that route, others try to stay with their native languages, which creates a language barrier. Because of this, students and teachers alike are encouraged to learn not only English, but Spanish as well.
The Early Childhood Development Center, on Ward Island and part of the Corpus Christi Independent School District, is the only school that teaches dual languages to their students. The teachers there instruct their classes in both English and Spanish.
Greek Idol
by Susan Harr Entertainment Editor
It’s that time of year, when Greek Week (not be confused with Rush Week) brings a last jolt of energy to a campus bogged down with final papers, tests, and projects. The event offers, as expressed on the Greek Life Web site, “a break from the demands of the classroom.” Greek Week is conveniently sandwiched between spring break and finals, to give students that last chance to let loose and socialize before the end of the semester. According to Megan Thompson, Greek Week chair, the festivities are meant to “bring the Greek community together to have fun, showcase Greek spirit and help out the community.”
This year’s Greek Week festivities were kicked off in a most philanthropic manner; with a graffiti clean-up event in cooperation with the Corpus Christi Police Department graffiti task force. A great way to kick off the annual event, the service project exemplifies the Greek value of giving back to the local community. The Greek community received recognition for the event by the mayor and got news coverage for their efforts.
All Work & All Play
by Rob Boscamp sports editor
As the saying goes, “the writing’s on the wall.” In last week’s issue of Island Waves, you may have noticed a small advertisement with about fifty Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi students listed in it. This ad was to commemorate the University Center student employees for their hard work throughout the semester.
However, in my mind, this ad served up more than merely a free soft drink. It sparked a question, “What about other student-employed areas throughout the campus?”
Therefore, in light of last week’s UC Student Employee week, I decided to go out and shine some light on other student-employed businesses at the Island University.
Needless to say, what I turned up with might be not only one of the more exciting jobs on campus, but it’s one of those jobs that is all work and all play. The Recreational Sports program is one of the largest areas of student employment at A&M—Corpus Christi, hiring about 130 students over the course of the year.
Remember!
UNIVERSITY POOL OPENS
Monday, April 28, 6am, Field House Pool
60TH ANNIVERSARY SPEAKER’S SERIES
Monday, April 28, 6:30pm, PAC
UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA CONCERT
Tuesday, April 29, 7:30pm, PAC
UNIVERSITY PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
Wednesday, April 30, 7:30pm, PAC
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM UNIVERSITY
Monday, May 5
LAST DAY OF CLASSES, APPLY FOR GRADUATION
Tuesday, May 6
LICHTENSTEIN STRING QUARTET CONCERT
Tuesday, May 6, 7:30pm, PAC
LATE NIGHT BREAKFAST
Tuesday, May 6, 9pm, UC Commons
READING DAY-NO CLASSES
Wednesday, May 7
FINAL EXAMS
Thursday, May 8-Friday, May 9
Monday, May 12-Wednesday, May 14
