Students: Kendra Marsteller

Criminal justice major explores her passion in classroom and beyond

By Audrey Webb

Kendra Marsteller outside Jowers Center, where she has worked part-time as an administrative assistant while completing her degree

Some students come to Texas State to explore a range of subject areas before settling on one that interests them enough to pursue as a career. Kendra Marsteller came here to immerse herself in an interest she began displaying at an early age.

“My mom said that when I was a kid, I would always play with toy cop cars,” she laughs.

Marsteller graduated on December 15 with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice.

Students: Craig Aamot

Graduating music student balances diverse interests

Graduating master’s student
Craig Aamot in action during a
VocaLibre concert

By Audrey Webb

Craig Aamot’s story is a rather typical one – just that of another student-athlete on a full basketball and football scholarship who earned his undergraduate degree in choral conducting.

Okay, perhaps that’s not a typical path for most people, but it seems to be a pattern for men in the Aamot family. Both his father and his older brother are also former student-athletes who have enjoyed lengthy careers in choral conducting.

Holidays: Winter Break

Make the most of opportunities during the winter break

By Andrew Osegi (@AEOsegi)

Spend time with family and friends over the winter break! Share your plans and ask them for ideas.

Once students turn in that final project or test, feelings of freedom can be exhilarating until school starts again in January. It’s tempting to coast through the time off, but the winter break is an ideal time for students not only to recharge, but also to look for opportunities to advance themselves academically and professionally.

First and foremost, if you have a chance to visit family and friends during the holiday season, do it. Spending time with people you care about is beneficial to the weary mind of a busy student. Friends and family are powerful generators of happiness.

While you’re visiting, sit down with your family and have a serious conversation about what you plan for your future. No matter what your standing — entering freshman or graduating senior — it never hurts to examine your ambitions and share your plans with those who know you best. Your family may have ideas or advice that can help you reach your goals or find new opportunities.

Study Tips: Finals Prep 2012

Finals: How to prepare
without going to extremes

By Andrew Osegi (@AEOsegi)

Alkek Library: Your home away from home.

It’s that special time of year again! As the 2012 fall semester winds down, Texas State students are gearing up for their biggest academic challenge: finals week.

Indeed, the quest for a stellar final grade will push many students to extremes, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If students take advantage of their time and resources, finals can be one of the smoothest weeks of the year.

The following tips were collected to help Texas State students shine light into the looming shadow of finals week so they can finish the semester strong.