Second year student success matters

Javelina Squared focused on sophomore class inclusion

Second-year Javelinas

recently gathered at the Javelina Student Engage- ment Center for an eve- ning filled with knowl- edge, food, games and giveaways. The Javelina squared event had booths representing a variety of on-campus resources to inform students about who they can turn to in times of need while at Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK).

“I think as a freshman you get overwhelmed with just adjusting to col- lege and learning your way around campus and knowing where things are, and so as you’re in your sophomore year, it’s a great time to actually speed up to learn about the exciting opportuni- ties that await you for the

rest of your college career like study abroad, in- ternships or undergrad- uate research,” Former Associate Vice President for Student Success Dr. Shannon Baker said.

This event, held Feb. 23, was hosted by the Center for Student Success, the goal being to target sec- ond year students who are completing their col- lege careers. As students entered, they signed in to be entered into a raffle for three giveaway priz- es (Air pods, Bose head- phones or iPad). Free dinner was catered by local restaurants (Brays, El Tapatio and Spice Sta- tion) for students to grab a bite to eat.

“I like the abundance of resources that the campus offers. I’m going to try out the massage chairs in Student Health and Wellness now that I know about them,” soph- omore Justin Cappadona said.

Javelina squared had more than 10 different campus resources, such

as TRIO Student Sup- port Services, Career En- gagement, D.E.C. Mak- ers Space and Student Health and Wellness, in attendance. All repre- sentatives came out to educate the members of the student body. Many booths gave out informa- tional pamphlets, flyers and items to ensure that students remember what their program brings to the table and how to con- tact them.

“My program in par- ticular is looking for stu- dents who have over 60 hours so sophomores can come out and find pro- grams that are looking for them specifically to help them out in what- ever they can,” McNair Scholars Program Coor- dinator Veronica Arella- no said. “It’s important for students to know that we’re on campus and that our facilities or programs can provide all these op- portunities. If they don’t know then they can’t take advantage of all that we have to offer.”