September, 2011 - University of the Incarnate Word

ORGANIZATIONSpage 11September 2011SGA leader stays busy tackling campus issuesBy Bianca GuzmanLOGOS STAFF WRITERparticipate and let their ideas be knownto the SGA.the situation. It is crucial that they understandwhat students are experiencing“I sawthis poster forStudent Government Association“I’m for supporting any organization and what needs to be done on campus in SGA and I noticedthat thePresident Johnny Guajardo is taking lessonshe learned in middle school to keepthat wants to have an event on campus. I order to make UIW grow and be in stepam willing to work with them on getting with its students.”deadline forhim motivated as he tries to achieve manyit done ASAP.”Before coming to UIW, Guajardo applicationsgoals for the student body.Guajardo, who represents the students attended Central Catholic High School. was within the“When I was in middle school I triedon the university’s Board of Trustees, said The Department of Communication hour. I appliedplaying football, but I got hit severalhe’s been hearing about shuttle, parking Arts at UIW caught his eye by his senior right away andtimes,” said Guajardo, now 20. “But I’dand residential issues.year.lost, but I didalways get back up. It actually has taughtStudent want the shuttles to run longerdays and they want to see improved munication arts department,” he said. tern with SGA.“UIW has a recognizable com-begin as an in-SGA President Jonathan Guajardome something about life.”EMILIA SILVA/LOGOS STAFFGuajardo, junior communicationparking. Guajardo said the SGA had “Not only that but it is very affordable This providedarts major concentrating in production,taken a poll of the students riding the through the many scholarships offered. me great experience and when electionssaid he learned motivation is the key toshuttles and found students were still Not to mention, my family attended this came around again, I applied to be thesuccess. And that’s what keeps him goingwaiting at shuttle stops in the evening university as well.”vice president.”as a student leader, one who is focused onwhen the shuttles already had stopped When as a freshman, Guajardo soon Although he lost that election, Guajardobecame parliamentarian, gainedtackling some major issues, including therunning.realized he was not really taking fulllevel of student spirit and involvement.“I think about the commuter students advantage of what the university had more experience, and kept his sights on“I’ve seen other universities and Ias well as residents on campus,” he said. to offer.becoming president.think we can be more supportive of our“We’re trying our best to get more shuttle “In high school I was involved “I am very passionate about the schoolteams as well as all other parts of thehours extended for those who park their in everything. The golf team, student and student body, especially the growthuniversity,” said Guajardo, who is activevehicles at the garage or on the hill. council, ambassador, everything. I loved of the university in general.”with the Red C spirit group and can beSafety is a must at night and we are makingthat a priority.”whole aspect of helping out the entire out to students and give them the op-doing student council speeches and the Guajardo plans to continue to reachseen running a celebratory flag at footballgames whenever the Cardinals score.As for housing, Guajardo said: “Honestlyit is just a matter of time before After that first year, he quickly realized their ideas or opinions out, and be able tostudent body.”portunity and the outlets to speak, get“Why would you attend here if you don’tcare about the school?”the administration board and board of how much he missed being involved with get things done as quickly and efficientlyGuajardo said he thinks studentsdirectors will resolve this. We are doing school activities. It was then he came as possible.sometimes lose interest because they lackour best and as a member of the board of across the one poster which brought “Remember, I am here for you. I wantinformation. He wants all students totrustees with the alumni, I am currently back that drive to participate in the to hear what you have to say.”helping them understand the urgency of forefront.Study Abroad Fair brings in studentsBy Joe ConcepcionLOGOS STAFF WRITERThe Study Abroad Office and its sister schools werethe main attractions at the annual Study Abroad Fairin Marian Hall Thursday, Sept. 15.The fair was designed to raise awareness and encourageUniversity of the Incarnate Word students to expandtheir horizons including the newest opportunity to studyabroad in Germany, an administrator said.Beginning in 2012, students will have the opportunityto spend a semester in Germany at the UIWStudy Abroad Center in Heidelberg, said Alanna Taylor,coordinator for the UIW office.Currently, UIW partners with more than 90 sisterschools in more than 30 countries, she added.Representatives from each school and returningstudy abroad students set up various tables with informationpamphlets, photos and artifacts of each country.Students shared their experience and informed peers ofthe many benefits in studying abroad, both personallyand academically.A student from UIW’s Mexico City campus wasamong those sharing opportunities for study abroad.“I am here for one semester then I will return toMexico again,” said sophomore Ana Paulina Alvarez, aninternational student from Centro Universitario IncarnateWord. She is studying psychology. “It's importantthat I am here because not many students know thatthere is a UIW campus in Mexico.”Senior Serena Elizondo, a communication artsmajor, spent the last year studying in Spain.“I really wanted to learn Spanish,” Elizondo said.“I improved my Spanish tremendously when I studiedabroad. But I also made so many friends. The people youmeet, that's the experience you bring home with you. Istill have my friends from France, Italy, Germany andSpain. That will always stay with you.“You're just in this huge adventure and everything islike a fairy tale and you come back and you're like, ‘OK,I have to work now and I have to graduate.’ It really isawesome, it brings a new perspective on cultures andideas you would have never thought about."Elizondo also was a recipient of the 2010-2011Gilman International Scholarship. The scholarship isawarded to students studying abroad for a minimumof four weeks in one country. The deadline for studentsapplying to study abroad in the spring is Oct. 4.Exposing students to new ideas and unique experiences,studying abroad helps students to grow academicallyas they gain different views of international affairs.Having spent months interacting with various cultures,students return to the United States with different perspectivesand approaches to their lives at home.“From my point-of-view, having seen a lot of studentscome and go, it's knowing that there's somethingelse,” said Basia Szkutnicka, study abroad director at theLondon College of Fashion. “People tell you about it.Unless you go and see it yourself, you think your worldis where you are, in the town that you live in, and it'snot. The world is huge. The more exposure you have itmakes you a much rounder person and also makes youmore employable. The people in our program don't doit for fun. They do it to enhance their employability inthe industry that they want to enter.”Emphasizing the opportunity in gaining exposure tothe world personally, the fair also encouraged studentsto take an exciting leap academically as well. Returningstudents spoke about the benefits including their experienceon their resume, and the internships available bothduring and after their trip. Studying in a different part ofthe world allows students to broaden their appreciationfor different cultures while advancing in their career aswell, they said.IF YOU WANT TO STUDY ABROADThe Study Abroad Office encourages students to begin their applicationprocess at least a semester before they plan on leaving.Those applying may choose to study for a full academic year, a semester,or part of the summer. Eligible students must have a minimum 2.4 GPAand are advised to meet with their major adviser and dean to gainapproval.Although the Study Abroad Office and its counselors guide prospectivestudents in the application process, it is critical for students to researchthe schools and curriculums offered. Students also are responsible forairfare and other travel expenses so it's important to plan ahead financiallyas wellFor more information about studying abroad, contact Alanna Taylor inthe Study Abroad Office located in Dr. Burton E. Grossman InternationalConference Center. Students also may e-mail her at studyabroad@uiwtx.edu, visit the office's Facebook page (UIW StudyAbroad) or call her 8a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at (210) 805-5709.