Calling All Writers: TAMUT’s Creative Writing Club is Back

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Have you ever had that one idea for a story that just keeps popping in your head? Do you have poetry that you’ve written that sits in the backlog of your brain? Maybe you just like to write, or are searching for a new community. Look no further, because Texas A&M University – Texarkana (TAMUT) just launched their new Creative Writing Club.

In years past, the Creative Writing club thrived, but it dissolved due to lack of interest. Now, the club is starting back up and is already backed by a great community of leaders and writers. The club officially launches this spring semester, and they are looking for members who will enjoy sharing their work and providing feedback for others. Furthermore, the Creative Writing Club places emphasis on community. Each member places a large amount of trust in one another so that criticism remains judgment-free and polite.

The Creative Writing Club allows writers from all sorts of writing backgrounds, whether that be poetry, general fiction, drama, and more. It welcomes a variety of topics and aims for students to be confident in what they write. One of the main goals for the Creative Writing Club is to provide a welcoming, safe environment for students looking to share their stories with others.

When asked about the vision for the club, President William Rembowski says, “I want this club to be a place for writers to sharpen their craft and find community. But, more importantly, I want this club to be a place for everyone to build lasting friendships. Making friends can be difficult, especially for introverts on a small campus. I want to provide more opportunities for structured social engagement; all are welcome to our club.”

As a member, one can expect weekly meetings that allow students to share their work with each other and provide feedback. Also, fun introductory and writing activities will get students creative juices flowing. In the future, one can be on the lookout for events hosted by the club such as open mic poetry readings. Meetings are scheduled for Fridays at 5 p.m. in UC241, and all questions should be directed to william.rembowski@ace.tamut.edu.

All in all, the Creative Writing Club at TAMUT is passionate about giving students an opportunity to learn to love writing, as most students struggle with enjoyment due to only writing for academic purposes. Even if a student lacks knowledge in the techniques of creative writing, the club still encourages students to join in order to learn and have community.

Finding a Place to Belong  

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One aspect of humanity is the desire to find themselves and their place in life. This is a desire that’s aged and developed as much as humanity itself. After all, it’s a concept unique to humanity alone, attached to questions such as “Who am I?” and “What’s the meaning of life—what’s the meaning of my life?”

 Some people find themselves in faith, concluding that they are found in Jesus Christ alone. Still, they seek to find a place to belong, a place full of like-minded individuals who are pursuing the meaning of life with Jesus, just as they are. But another question looms before them: how do they find a place of like-minded believers in a world that’s primarily secular? 

Just like Christians, modern day humans are constantly asking questions, experimenting, adapting, and seeking answers to understand where they fit in, and who they fit in with. Students at Texas A&M-Texarkana are no different.  

Many students, of all ages, are interested in trying as many things as they can, all to satisfy a yearning that’s been passed down from generation to generation. However, many students, much like their ancestors, are nomadic in the sense that they never stay in one place for too long. They lack the right factors to truly belong– community, diversity, and purpose.  

How can a student belong, when they don’t have a place to belong to or people to belong with? 

The answer is located on the “TAMUT Clubs & Organizations” bulletin board at the University Center. On this bulletin board are various clubs and organizations, many of which are student-led, student-centered, and student-based.  

From Phi Lambda Chi and Omega Delta Chi to G2:20 and Cru—each organization is unique and gives every student the liberty to explore themselves. These organizations give students the opportunity, not only to explore their identities, but also the chance to find a community and create long-lasting friendships.  

So, for any students who find themselves asking similar questions about identity and the meaning of life, find your way to the University Center and check out that bulletin board. It could be a doorway to memories, experiences, and adventures you never imagined would lead you to discovering who you really are.  

OUR CAMPUS GEESE

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Let’s Talk Geese Y’all…

Being a country girl my whole life, I have been around and taken care of every animal you can have on a farm. So, when I finally had the chance to see the geese that also enjoy our campus, I never thought of how they could be a problem for anyone, because who doesn’t know how to act around geese? I discovered last semester that some do not.

A classmate recounted a story of a run-in they had with one of our school geese. By the end of the hilarious retelling of their encounter, I had counted three things they had done wrong: they hollered at them, then raised their arms to scare the geese, but rushed at them instead of backing away, and then, in their panic, they did a 180 and ran. When I managed to stop laughing, I told my classmate that they would not be making friends anytime soon, like that. They informed me, “I wasn’t trying to make friends then, I was just trying to get away!”

Now I know I can’t possibly be the only country person at our school, and hopefully, they are helping others. However, just in case, I thought it would be nice to give all my classmates and our instructors a fighting chance if confronted by our eagle mascot’s feathered cousins. So, without further ado…

Let’s Learn Something About Our Feathered Friends

I bet y’all did not know that geese are monogamous. They mate for life, unlike some other critters. It means they will defend their mate and family to the death, if need be. That is an ingrained, animal instinct for most. Many homo sapiens will not go that far. Like most wildlife, if cornered or threatened, geese will also stand and fight. That said, breeding and nesting season is probably their worst aggressive time, March through June. If we can survive those few months, the rest of the year is a piece of cake. Another thing you might enjoy knowing is that if one gets sick or injured and has to stay behind, or drop out of formation, two healthy ones will stay to help protect their family member; that is loyalty, my classmates. Now, how do you…

Survive a Goose Attack, You Will Not Win?

According to Biology Insights, geese generally start by hissing. It is a low hiss and hard to hear unless you get fairly close; in this day and age, with everyone using earbuds, it would really make it hard for a person to hear. So, stay aware of your surroundings. Their next course of action against intruders is honking loudly. Y’all should be able to hear this over your earbuds. Biology Insights’ tips are spot on; however, I noticed there is no mention of neck vibrations in the attack warnings. No, head bobbing is not the vibration I am speaking of. Their heads may be up or lowered, but if they are vibrating from their heads to the base of their necks, it is not from the love they feel for you. Also, if you feel the need to speak to them, do so calmly as you back away; no matter how crazy it sounds, it will help calm you both. Those wings are big when they spread open, and they hurt. Which leads us to…

Will It Hurt When I Get Hit by Those Big Ole’ Wings?

Have y’all ever been hit with a baseball? I do not mean a baseball thrown at you. I am talking about being hit by a baseball struck with a bat by a batter looking to make a home run, and he connects; a line drive. That is the kind of pain you could feel; it depends on how far your fight for survival is taken. And if contact is made, there will be bruising with an awesome welt, yes, everywhere you are hit. In Popular Science, we discover that biting from a goose is not the norm. If you are bitten, the skin is usually broken because their bills are serrated like a steak knife, top and bottom, and the geese use them like little saws. The pinching they can do with their bill is a fun experience, too. In fact, either of those things is preferable to being beaten with those big, bad wings. Finally…

To Wrap This Up

I have liked the line in the movie Rampage that Dwayne Johnson’s character says, ever since I heard him say it, “If animals like you, they lick you; if they don’t, they eat you.” That is not necessarily how it happens, but close enough. Unlike humans, animals never have unnecessary drama; all we have to do is pay attention. Additionally, we need to show not just our school geese, but all animals, a little respect. Many wildlife species have embedded migration routes, not just birds. Just because we clear and build does not change their routes.

One more beneficial thing that geese bring to the table, y’all might like to know: many breeds make awesome guard dogs. In Yard Life, Canada geese, like the ones I often see in the yard, happen to be one of those breeds. With our school in a secluded, wooded area, it is a good idea to see what they might be barking at if y’all hear them sounding off. Coyotes do not have to be rabid to come out in the daylight. Now, once more…

How You Will Survive a Goose Attack

  1. Pay attention to your surroundings. If you miss the hissing, hear the honking.
  2. If you get to the part where the goose advances, keep eye contact, back away as quickly as is safely possible, and talk to them calmly.
  3. If you choose to make yourself bigger by opening your jacket or throwing your hands over your head, do not rush at them; continue backwards.
  4. NEVER turn your back and run, unless you are looking for an adventure, and possible rear-end damage.
  5. Carry something that can be used as a block between you and the goose, if the confrontation gets that far. Backpack, notebook, umbrella, and if needed, throw your jacket over their head, then turn and run.

Groundbreaking for New TAMUT Building

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Texarkana is set to witness a significant leap in higher education as Texas A&M University-Texarkana prepares to construct the new Business, Engineering, and Technology Building. This state-of-the-art facility, named in honor of James C. Morriss, founder of JCM Industries, promises to transform the university and the surrounding community. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on May 30, 2024, marked the beginning of a project that will provide a hub for innovation and academic excellence for generations to come.

A Transformative Facility for East Texas

The James C. Morris Business, Engineering, and Technology Building, a $45 million project funded by the Texas Legislature, will be a three-story, 50,000-square-foot facility located on the southwest side of the university campus. Scheduled for completion in the spring of 2026, the building will house the Center for Financial Literacy and Investment, numerous laboratories for mechanical engineering and design, and a 225-seat lecture hall/auditorium. What makes this building unique is how it is going to impact the local area and the students that are going to be attending the facility.

Honoring a Legacy of Innovation

The naming of the building and the Division of Engineering after James C. Morris is a testament to his legacy of innovation and commitment to excellence. Morris, a former president of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, founded JCM Industries in 1976 with his wife, Gladys. The company has been a leading provider of supplies for the water and wastewater industries nationwide for over 40 years.

“We are beyond proud to have this state-of-the-art academic facility named for Mr. Morris and are profoundly grateful to his family for the contributions they have made to honor his legacy,” said Texas A&M University-Texarkana President Dr. Ross Alexander. He would continue by saying, “This showcase academic building will help attract, educate, and train talented students and graduates for generations to come”. Jim Morris, son of James C. Morris, expressed his gratitude, stating, “When I look at this picture (the photo of what the new building will look like), it gives me goosebumps, because I don’t think he could’ve ever imagined it, but I just know how proud and excited he would be if he could see it, so I have that same kind of feeling”.

Enhancing Academic Opportunities

The new building will not only provide updated facilities but also expand academic opportunities for students. The university plans to launch approximately 15 new degree programs at the baccalaureate and master’s levels in business, engineering, and technology within the next few years. The facility will also allow the recently established College of Business, Engineering, and Technology to explore new academic programs, such as computer science, with a focus on machine learning and cybersecurity.

A Hub for Community Engagement

The James C. Morriss Business, Engineering, and Technology Building is more than just a building; it’s an investment in the future of Texarkana. With a 225-seat auditorium and modern laboratories, the facility will serve as a venue for large lectures, community events, and collaborative research projects. It’s kind of like a community center where everyone comes together to exchange ideas and experiences.

Construction on the new academic building began in July 2024, with substantial completion expected in February 2026. As the building takes shape, it symbolizes the growth and momentum of Texas A&M University-Texarkana, which will soon attract, educate, and train talented students and graduates for generations to come.

Event Details:

  • What: Construction of the James C. Morriss Business, Engineering, and Technology Building
  • When: Construction began July 2024; Completion expected Spring 2026
  • Where: Texas A&M University-Texarkana, Southwest side of the campus
  • Cost: $45 million
Tomorrow we break ground on this amazing new facility! Join us on campus… | Texas A&M University-Texarkana

TAMUT Soccer Spring Combine

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On April 25 and 26, 2025, Texas A&M University-Texarkana will host the Spring Combine. The goal of this event is to find future Eagles to join the university’s women’s and men’s soccer teams for the 2025-26 season.

The event will begin on Friday, April 25 at 4 p.m. when participants will take a campus tour led by Coach Don Koontz. Starting at 5 p.m., there will be one-hour kicking and dribbling sessions, starting with the women’s Eagles.

On Saturday, the event will resume in the morning when the athletes will play for an hour on a reduced-size field, followed by lunch. And in the afternoon, there will be a regular 11-on-11 match between new players and current student-athletes.

All interested in participating in the event are invited. High school seniors, junior college students, and transfer students are also welcome. The event is free and those interested should bring materials to play such as shin guards, socks and soccer shoes. Uniforms will be provided each day. Registration is open and can be accessed through the link located on the Eagles’ Instagram profile: @tamut_msoc or @tamut_wsoc.

TAMUT’s Big Event

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On April 12, 2025, Texas A&M University-Texarkana hosts The Big Event. This annual tradition brings students, staff, alumni, and community members together to give back to Texarkana in a big way.

In 1982, this event began at Texas A&M University in College Station. The Big Event has become a local tradition since its debut at Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 2017. This event has made an impact on our community, with hundreds of volunteers dedicating thousands of service hours.

For the ones who like to do outside work, there are projects like cleaning up yards, detrashing the streets, and restoring parks that are right up your alley. For ones who want to be inside, nursing home visits and reading to the children are for you. It is an event for everyone.

All University students, staff, and alumni are encouraged to participate in this event. On the big day, volunteers will receive a Big Event t-shirt to wear. To participate, individuals and groups must register in advance. To form a group, please share your name with others for correct assignments. For more information and to register, visit the Texas A&M University website or click here for the form.

80th Annual Four States Fair & Rodeo Coming to Texarkana

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Texarkana, AR – The 80th Annual Four States Fair & Rodeo is set to take place April 4 through April 13, 2025, at the Four States Fairgrounds, featuring rides, live music, competitions, and family attractions.

The fair opens April 4 with the Monster Truck Mash, featuring massive trucks racing, jumping, and performing gravity-defying stunts. On April 5, the Demolition Derby will bring thrilling collisions as drivers compete to be the last vehicle running. The Four States Rodeo, scheduled for April 10–12, will feature bull riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing, drawing top rodeo competitors from across the region.

In addition to major attractions, the fair will offer carnival rides, interactive games, live music, and exhibits highlighting farm animals, crafts, and local vendors. Fairgoers can also enjoy a wide selection of food, such as corn dogs, funnel cakes, and other treats.

For 80 years, the Four States Fair & Rodeo has been a Texarkana tradition, bringing together communities from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma for entertainment, competition, and cultural celebration. This year’s event is expected to draw thousands of visitors.

General admission is $5 to $10, with separate tickets required for the rodeo, Monster Truck Mash, and Demolition Derby. Tickets can be purchased online at fourstatesfair.com or at the fairgrounds.

From AAA to D1: New Boston Running Back Ashton Rowden 

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The path from a small-town high school to the grand stage of Division I athletics is paved with dedication, resilience, and undeniable talent. Ashton Rowden, a standout running back for the New Boston Lions in New Boston, Texas, exemplifies this trajectory, rising from the competitive ranks of a AAA high school to earning a coveted scholarship at Texas Tech University. 

In reality AAA high schools around the country produce many D1 athletes in many sports. Rare, in the instance of Ashton Rowden, is a player in the local area making it to a D1 college. Tony Basso, Texarkana Gameday consultant, had this to say when asked about the rarity of the Ashton Rowden situation. “I would estimate that of all the football players in the last ten years, around one percent have had the opportunity to play D1 football.”

To reach D1 in any sport the players must be talented both on and off the field. Many high school athletes wish to play D1, but that it requires a certain kind of mentality. Tony Basso explains, “Playing division 1 football requires an athlete to be accountable, determined, coachable and self-aware, on top of possessing immense talent. High school athletes that reach division 1 level hold these qualities and a parallel mindset.” 

Ashton Rowden’s journey to Division I football is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and unwavering determination. While AAA schools regularly produce D1 athletes, his achievement stands out in his local area, where such opportunities are rare. Reaching this level demands more than just skill—it requires accountability, determination, and a disciplined mindset. Rowden’s success shows what it takes to compete at the highest collegiate level. 

Billie Eilish: A Journey Through Her Music and Style

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Billie Eilish: Tiny Desk Concert

Image: Billie Eilish: Tiny Desk Concert

Let’s be honest for a second. Billie Eilish has a whole vibe, and we can’t get enough of listening to her music repeatedly! If it’s the otherworldly beautiful “Happier Than Ever” or the raw, real “Everything I Wanted,” Billie’s songs hit us right in the feels.

But it’s not just the lyrics or the melodies that make her special, it’s the way she connects with us on a deeply personal level. Billie’s music feels like a soundtrack to our lives, whether we’re celebrating, grieving, or just existing. She gives us the space to feel everything, and let’s face it, we’re here for it!

So step back in time with us, Billie enthusiasts! When did you first hear Billie’s music, and what was it that made you feel? Was it “Bad Guy” blasting through your headphones and getting you addicted the second you heard it, or when you fell head over heels for her mellow tracks like “I Love You“? Tell us the moment you were a full-on Billie enthusiast in the comments below!

Can we discuss the visuals for a moment? Billie’s music videos are works of art! From the eerie, supernatural atmosphere of “Bury a Friend” to the otherworldly, minimalist beauty of “When The Party’s Over,” her videos transport us into her universe. The creativity and narrative in every video are unparalleled. And don’t even mention the fashion! Who else has tried to recreate her iconic looks? Because yes, we’re all trying to channel our inner Billie.

What stands out is her authenticity. Billie has always been unapologetically herself, embracing who she is without worrying about expectations. Whether it’s her unique fashion, her message of body positivity, or her raw honesty about mental health, she’s showing us that it’s okay to be real.

Now, who is looking forward to what’s next? Billie’s imagination has no limits, and we can only anticipate what she has in store for us next! Are you ready for some new music? What do you imagine she will venture into next with her career? Leave your speculations and get everyone hyped up about the next phase of Billie — we know it will be epic!

Embracing Local Art Through A Galaxy Far, Far Away

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For one night only, a galaxy far, far away wasn’t actually so far away. On November 23rd, 2024, the historic Perot Theatre hosted the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra for its live performance of composer John Williams’ iconic Star Wars: A New Hope soundtrack alongside a full screening of the film. The audience ranged from seasoned concert patrons to young children experiencing the magic of their first symphony performance. 

Once the audience members were seated, the theatre lights dimmed and the film’s initial scrolling text began on screen. Audiences were treated to a jaw-dropping display of musical prowess as the orchestra seamlessly brought John Williams’ renowned score to life, syncing every note with on-screen action.

If audiences hadn’t arrived at the show as fans of Star Wars or live music, the performers’ sweeping strings and all-encompassing brass ensembles certainly converted them by the end. The credits rolled on the two hour experience and the musicians performed their final piece for the night. The audience gave a well-deserved standing ovation, and as the event ended, it was clear that the show had succeeded in bringing a once-in-a-lifetime experience to its patrons.

The Perot Theatre hosts a variety of live performances for audiences of all ages. From musicals and game shows, to ballets and symphonies. If immersive experiences are something you’re interested in, you don’t have to travel far. Try supporting local artists and performers by attending one of the Perot’s upcoming events.