Happenings: Cat Camp

Cat Camp gives new students an inside track to Texas State life

By Mindy Green

2013 Cat Camp Counselors

Instead of fearing the unknown about coming to college, freshmen can become acquainted with their peers and get ahead of the game when it comes to learning about being a Bobcat. Cat Camp, a two-day retreat offered every year, is Texas State University’s only spirit, pride and traditions summer camp. 

Alumni: Krystle Moore

Fearless learner: Asking questions opened doors to scholarships, mentors, career path for biology grad

Krystle Moore ’13

By Billi London-Gray

It’s hard to believe brilliant people who tell you, “Don’t be afraid to feel dumb.” But these words are the motto of Krystle Moore, who recently completed her bachelor’s degree in biology at Texas State University. Her brave, inquisitive attitude has led her to one great opportunity after another.

Students: Andrew Osegi

Keeping it real: Balancing family and fantasy gives student firm footing

By Audrey Webb

Among the many family members who will be cheering when Andrew Osegi accepts his diploma is his proud mother (right).

Journalism major Andrew Osegi has had a remarkable year. Not only is he graduating this week after just three years at Texas State — taking courses during both summer sessions each year put him on the fast track to earning his diploma — but his contributions to the social media efforts of Texas State University’s Office of University Marketing resulted in his being named “Student Employee of the Year” — a fine feather to stick in his graduation cap.

Osegi, 21, believes much of his success is due to his ability to set and keep priorities. For example, regardless of what has gone on in his academic life — no matter how many papers there were to write or how many finals there were to study for — one of Osegi’s top priorities has been watching “Game of Thrones” with his sister every Sunday night.

Texas State Voices: Andrew Osegi

Looking back: Three unforgettable years at Texas State University

Andrew Osegi, Class of 2013

By Andrew Osegi

As I look back on my three years at Texas State University — I’m about to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in journalism on May 11 — an eruption of mixed feelings floods my memory.

I feel excitement when I recall my first day on campus as a freshman. Fresh out of high school from McAllen, Texas, attending Texas State was the next big step in my life. While traversing the steps of the beautiful, foreign campus, the promise of adventure kept me eager for new experiences. As I became a seasoned Bobcat, my expectations to meet new people, explore new ideas and grow as a person were consistently met.

Study Tips: Your Financial Future

As semester closes, consider how finances affect academic success

Plan now for success down the road.

By Texas State SLAC

Preparing for finals is probably the biggest thing weighing on your mind this time of year. But whether you’re continuing at Texas State University in the summer or completing your degree and moving forward with graduate studies in the fall, now is a good time to think about your financial plan for future semesters. As this semester’s end draws near, consider the following:

Student Spotlight: Kolten Parker

Journalism senior gains experience at university newspaper, reports at State Capitol

By Andrew Osegi

Kolten Parker, senior at Texas State University, has worked hard to get where he is today.

Kolten Parker came to Texas State in 2010 ready for opportunity.

Parker, 23, was born and raised in Stephenville, Texas, a city where dairy rules yet high school football is king. After graduating high school, Parker decided to stay close to home and pursue his first two years of higher education at Tarleton State University; however, he soon discovered a change of scenery was overdue.

Happenings: Peace Paper Project

Artists to bring transformative papermaking process to campus

Detail of a print on handmade paper by participants in the Peace Paper Project

By Billi London-Gray

As an artistic activity, papermaking dates back nearly 2,000 years to ancient China. The process of creating paper by hand — pulping fibers into a watery slurry, then straining the slurry with a screen to form the sheet of paper — has not changed much in the intervening millennia.

As part of the 2012-13 Common Experience theme, “A Global Odyssey: Exploring Our Connections to the Changing World,” Texas State University will help students and the community explore the art of papermaking by welcoming the Peace Paper Project to campus April 11-16.

Study Tips: Mapping an Essay

Use a Google Maps approach to find your way through essay tests

By Texas State SLAC

Map your way through composing an essay.

When you read an essay question, do you get a headache? Does your brain go blank? Try comparing taking essay tests to using Google Maps. Principles that achieve good map search results also work for answering essay questions.

Around Campus: Nature Activities and Conservation Efforts in San Marcos

Many local groups focus on enjoying, protecting the Jewel of Central Texas

By Andrew Osegi 

The natural beauty of San Marcos, Texas is one of the most compelling reasons why so many people love to visit and live here. Located on the Balcones Fault, where the Texas hill country meets the coastal plains, San Marcos is geographically primed for its natural springs and abundance of wildlife.

The San Marcos salamander’s only habitat is the San Marcos River. It is considered a threatened species.

The San Marcos River, what many residents consider to be the life source of the city, starts its journey at Spring Lake, bubbling up from the underground Edwards Aquifer. The aquifer is home to many endangered and threatened species; those found in the San Marcos area include the Texas blind salamander, Texas wild rice, the fountain darter, the San Marcos gambusia, the Comal Springs riffle beetle, the Comal Springs dryopid beetle, the Peck’s cave amphipod and the San Marcos salamander.

Happenings: Women and Gender Research Collaborative Symposium

Gender issues highlighted during National Women’s National History Month

By Audrey Webb

Political, social and environmental issues, such as climate change, have an impact on gender equality.
(Photo: Duda Arraes / flickr.com)

On March 3, 1913 — just 100 years ago — 5,000 women marched to the White House to demand their right to vote. In the U.S., women have won many fundamental rights since then, but both here and around the world, gender inequality remains an issue to be addressed.

The third annual Women and Gender Research Collaborative Symposium, which will take place in the LBJ Student Center Multipurpose Room this Friday, March 29, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., draws international scholars to present their research on a variety of topics that have an impact on gender equality, such as food security, climate change, domestic violence and women in sports.