Javelina2 was an evening of music, socializing, prizes and opportunities to win scholarships and a parking permit. The event was open to Javelinas returning to their second year at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Javelina2 aimed to provide incoming sophomores with a warm welcome back by providing a social catered by several of Kingsville’s favorite restaurants.
Friends gathered on Sept. 6 at the Javelina Engagement Center for a night featuring karaoke and a symbolic bubble release.
“This is our first occurrence of Javelina2. [This event] has been planned since the late spring semester. I think the freshmen get all sorts of activities organized for them, and then you come back for your sophomore year and all of a sudden there’s not many activities left for you.
“So, we wanted to design something specifically for the second-year students and show that we’re still really excited to have them as part of Javelina Nation,” Interim Associate Vice President for Student Success Dr. Shannon Baker said.
Students were able to learn about the different resources on campus to help them further their a college experience.
Several people representing different organizations such as Study Abroad, Career Services, McNair Scholars and undergraduate research programs attended the event to educate students about the opportunities found at TAMUK.
“I think it’s a great event. It encourages a lot of sophomore students to come out and get involved. It teaches them a lot about the programs offered on campus and the different avenues of paying for college,” said Dante Soria, a biomedical science student.
“TAMUK has made me feel welcomed by all the events that it hosts. Last year I attended Javelina Night Out and Hoggie Days, and this year they have Javelina2. Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if they continue the trend.”
Freshmen year was full of support and information, and making a smooth transition between high school and college.
Javelina2 emphasized this continued support and exposed different avenues for students to explore.
In addition to insightful information, students were able to jam out to some crowd favorite tunes such as “You are the one that I want” from Grease among others.
“It was really fun for me and my friends. We all had a good time, food was amazing and the bubble release was my favorite part. We blew away the negativity through bubbles,” Jocelinne Benavidez an animal science major said.
The highlight of the evening was a bubble release at the Javelina statues, with a countdown from emcees Etta Enow and Troy Sanchez.
It was an opportunity for second-year students to release their fears from freshman year.
The restaurants included Spice Station, Bray’s Smokehouse, Ol’ Girls Kitchen and El Tapatio.
The event was sponsored by the Center for Student Success, Title V I-Care Grant and Student Activities.