Category Archives: Lifestyle

Axel Diaz: Fight for Life

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Axel Diaz

Axel Armando Diaz Juarez was born in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico on March 6th, 2002. The same year, his father left the country and entered the United States for work. In his father’s absence, Axel grew up with his Grandfather. Around age 10, Axel’s grandfather passed away, and the patriarchal duty fell upon his uncle. During this time, Axel found himself at the end of some disciplinary troubles. “I’m ashamed to say it…but I was the bully, always picking on other people, really bad grades, all that stuff.” His uncle, in looking after Axel, took him to his first Taekwondo class, “He was like,You wanna hit someone? Okay let’s go [To Taekwondo].-At least here, you’re not gonna get in trouble”. Influenced by his admiration for action heroes like Jean-Claude Van Damme and Jackie Chan, Axel discovered his fondness for martial arts. “Once I started training in Taekwondo, I was like, I can do that! I can do this! And I like it.” From then on, his training in the martial arts began to feel like home. 

In 2015, Axel joined his father in America, he referred to this as a “Complete culture shock.” He said, “I got here on a Saturday, then Sunday we went shopping for clothes because I didn’t bring anything, and then Monday I was in school.” Axel spent time with his father’s wife, Katy Diaz, who taught at Redwater Middle school where Axel attended. Being new to the country, Axel didn’t speak fluent English so he received help from two elementary teachers. “I feel like I learned more in those 6 months at Redwater because I didn’t have an option.” He continued, “Whenever I moved to Texas High and I had a lot more people to speak Spanish to, then it became a little more challenging to learn English.” It was here however where Axel met two inspiring teachers that introduced him to his favorite subject; History. “Its funny, whenever I was younger I used to hate history… Like, what’s the point? I don’t care what a person did back in the 1800’s.” He attributes his fondness to his teacher’s teaching styles, citing their passion for the subject and that, “They didn’t make it boring.”  

In his junior year of highschool, Axel was reintroduced to a local Taekwondo class. “The first time that I walked through those doors, it felt good, it felt like home.” Axel split his time between school, training, and working, eventually taking on a new position as an assistant instructor at his gym. “I went to work and it’d just tear my soul out, whenever I went to Taekwondo I realized I was really happy there.” Early on, he found it difficult to explain concepts like self defense to kids after seeing how different life was for them compared to his hometown. “How do you justify standing there getting hit, so that you can hit someone back?” He continued, “As much as I hate to say it I kind of grew up in a hostile environment… I kind of grew up knowing what it was like to get hit.” As he gained more experience, his love for teaching was truly realized. “Whenever I was helping the kids..teaching on my own, whole classes full of kids and I was like, you know what? I think I *can* convey my messages.” He continued,”If I wouldn’t have been in Taekwondo, I wouldn’t have come to the realization that I could teach.”

Now a second degree black belt, Axel has invested several years into his training and has garnered numerous awards and trophies, going so far as to win consecutive national titles for 2020 and 2021. Axel is currently working towards completing his education degree and teacher’s certification. He plans on becoming a social studies teacher, eventually moving into history and hopes to teach at the collegiate level. He continues to teach alongside Gary Jones at the East Texas Martial Arts in Wake Village.      

100 days until Graduation: Money Management post-graduation

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Graduation 2022 is coming upon us this winter as our seniors get prepared with caps, gowns, and more. I am one of the several students that will graduate this year. Many seniors will have a lot of plans. However, they may not know the importance of keeping finances in check. Otherwise, the future will likely promise slim chances of sustaining aspiring careers besides the increases of life’s calamities. That is why this ongoing event will provide insight and support towards life after graduation.

The 100 days until graduation event involves a social meeting between graduates of two semesters and the host, Dr. Juan R. Castro. Dr. Castro is the executive director of the CBET. The meeting shows us how to correctly manage money after graduation along with supporting details to aid us with this new pursuit.

Here are the 4 main tactics for currency management in the most secure and beneficial ways:

  1. Building a Positive Net Worth
  2. Emergency Fund
  3. Control and save the expenses
  4. Learn to Invest’

Net worth is the total amount for an individual and such, with reporting of assets and liabilities included. Liabilities are what you owe from your properties or assets. In turn, the knowledge of what you have and owe makes out the budget, describing the possible net worth. One aid to prevent any disastrous outcomes is too not buy expensive goods like glamorous cars. Having this kind of luxury will guarantee in owing much more than its base price. We would not go far with other financial goals if buying an expensive car is a part of the plan. It may sound depressing, but it is much better to be stable than regretful with that irresistible mistake.

If any disasters occur even if the finances are efficiently managed, be prepared with emergency funds. With those funds, there is coverage for any damages such as job loss, sudden health expenditures, and replacing household necessities. Plus, it further supports financial security and stability.

A quote to recall from the event: “Remember, the poor is not the one who has little, but the one who needs a lot.” Regarding sustainability of money, poor is the one who spends more of their income. If anyone is not in control of their debt or their spending, this error will run your life. It is best to focus on the expenditures while overseeing how much is spent.

It is important to build an investment. There are four common misconceptions and mistakes that will trample stability if a young graduate is careless.

  1. It is easy for a prime adult to ponder about retirement near the end of their careers. But withholding the idea for that long period is likely to stop the contentment of maintaining the lifestyle when reaching senior age. Instead, they need to think about retirement while they are still working, even if it sounds too early. 2. There should be a plan for investment. Otherwise investing is just a fleeting thought. 3.When a graduate begins the plan, start gradually to attain knowledge so the process is proper. It is advised not to jump into the plan without learning anything. 4. Lastly, pay attention to retirement accounts while working your career. Ignoring them is another determent in the retirement plan.

Those are the most integral points that I wanted to discuss from the lecture. All of this may seem a lot to take in yet learning how to use your money along with managing it is more than helpful when going out into the world after graduation.

Veterans Service Center wins Education Excellence Award in 2022

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Recently, Texas A & M University-Texarkana has received the Education Excellence Award granted by the Texas Veterans Commission. For this university, the award is for outstanding services provided by the Veterans Services Center. State Governor Greg Abbott selected 17 institutions to obtain the achievement. The award is based on the extent of the providing aids and services while also assorted on three rankings. The University managed to receive the silver rank of the award in 2022.

The Texas Veterans Commission has provided service and advocation to the veterans of the state to improve their lives. It also performs as the State Approving Authority under the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ jurisdiction. SSA verifies that educational foundations and its employers agree with federal guidelines and are certified for teaching through a process.

Robert Hernandez oversees the Veterans Center at the University. He is a veteran from the United States Air Force for 30 years. Like his fellow employees, Hernandez strives to make sure a veteran and their peers get the best support for their education.

Young militants struggle to get themselves into a normal stature after serving their time supporting the country. Even veterans’ families had to contribute to the military efforts. Therefore, the transition from the military and into education can be difficult.

            The Center’s jobs range from assisting the veterans to transition from the military and into the campus. Robert Hernandez has said “In the Veteran Services Center, we try our best to give back to those that gave so much for our nation”. Even if these students do not come daily all the time, the service job is always on the watch for them. From admissions to graduation, the Veteran’s center will make sure that militant students are able to get the best experience while acquiring education.

             The Veteran Service Center motto, “Let us serve you” shows appreciation to the students along with perseverance to aid them. Plus, it adds to the willingness of using the most needed resources for the student’s guidance through university livelihood. The Silver Award in Education Excellence is undeniable proof that the Center and its people do their jobs at their very best.

Minding Mental Health in May

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It has been about two years since the Covid-19 breakout began and since then mental health and mindset awareness has gained more public attention than ever before. The CDC said, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.” And while the term mental health has been in common use, its importance nowadays seems to be highlighted by Covid-19. 

Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives, and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Unfortunately, back then there were no guidelines for how to live in a pandemic-driven world other than trying to hold on to faith and finding someone to talk to. Because almost everything we are experiencing is unscripted and uncertain, leading to more anxiety, fear, and depression. Since COVID-19, millions have fallen victim by being taken away from their loved ones causing mental and emotional damage.

Mental Health and Awareness month is hosted every year in May. And with it fast approaching it can give people a sigh of relief and help them acknowledge their weakness and fears. The National Alliance on Mental Illness said, “Now more than ever before, it is important for the mental health community to come together and show the world that no one should ever feel alone.”

From Grounds to Leaves

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There is nothing better than a fresh, hot cup of joe… Or is there?

Have you ever found yourself wanting more from your average cup of coffee? Do you love coffee but get tired of the same thing every day? Sure, you can try different creamers, syrups, and add-ins, but it’s still just coffee… Again.

I urge you to step out of your daily coffee routine and give hot tea a try. Coffee is surely a staple, but the versatility of hot tea is astounding. Hot tea can be found in an impressive variety of flavors to suit any mood or situation. Need a boost in the morning to start your day? Try a bright and citrus-y lemon ginger tea. Need help winding down at the end of a stressful day? Try a soothing vanilla chamomile tea. Feeling festive around the holidays? Try pumpkin spice in October or spiced apple cider in November. No matter the reason for drinking hot tea, there is surely a flavor to suit your taste.

For new tea drinkers, I recommend purchasing a sampler pack. This provides the opportunity to try various flavors without committing to a whole box of tea that might not suit your taste buds. Once you find a tea you like, try amping it up even more by customizing it to your preference. Try adding things like lemon, honey, or cream.

Hot tea also comes in a variety of caffeine levels ranging from maximum caffeine, for those difficult Monday mornings, to having no caffeine at all. This allows anyone to enjoy tea at any time of day (or night… I won’t judge).

In short, hot tea is easy to enjoy in any situation. Of course, it might never fill that special place in your heart that’s reserved just for coffee. However, it can be a delightful supplement for those days when you just want something different.

Your Brain on Mindfulness

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When stress hits, how do you relieve it? If you’re a college student, you might say you play video games, binge your favorite TV show, or sleep. These are all excellent ideas when you’re bored, but they don’t necessarily resolve the issue, which is stress.

Stress is defined as “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.” The word itself evokes feelings of anxiety and causes you to sweat. So why do we stress? According to the Mental Health Foundation of the United Kingdom, stress is often caused by new experiences, unexpected events, and even when we feel like we don’t have control over a situation.

While a healthy diet and exercise have been the fundamental ways to fight stress for years, mindfulness meditation is another way to achieve peace of mind. Psychologists J. Creswell and Bassam Khoury think of meditation as a way of training your attention to attain a mental state of calm concentration and positive emotions.

Mindfulness meditation can be broken up into two phases: attention and acceptance. The attention phase is about tuning into your surroundings and focusing on what is happening in the present moment. The acceptance phase involves monitoring your feelings and sensations without judgment. Instead of reacting to your thoughts or feelings, you accept them and let them go.

You can begin mindfulness meditation anywhere and anytime, whether through meditations or mindful moment practices like taking time to pause and breathe before replying to that text from your boss. Take your time, find a safe space, and breathe. Notice the breathes as you inhale and exhale. As thoughts come and go, recognize them and bring your attention back to your breath. You are now mindfully meditating and one step closer to a stress-free lifestyle.

COVID-19 Testing Troubles

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Let’s pretend you woke up this morning with a sore throat, a headache, and body aches. You are needed at work, but you work at a nursing home. Sure, it may just be allergies, but it could also be COVID-19. Since you work in close quarters with at-risk elderly patients, you decide to be cautious and get tested for COVID-19, just to be safe. However, all medical offices near you are booked until the end of the week, and at-home tests are sold out everywhere. Do you risk it and go to work anyway? This is a scenario people are faced with regularly right now.

As infection rates rise and fall, the chaos continues. Controversy arises from conflicting opinions regarding all things COVID-19. Should we get vaccinated? Should we wear masks? Does social distancing actually work? The opinions and ideas vary across the nation. Amongst the confusion, one thing remains true: people are still contracting COVID-19 everywhere. The demand for COVID-19 tests is at an all time high. We test when we feel symptoms. We test when we are exposed. We test before traveling. We even test when we are in recovery and need to know if it is safe to return to normal life. In short, massive quantities of COVID-19 tests are needed every day.

During a time of such increased demand for COVID-19 tests, the citizens of the United States have received some good news. According to VOA News, “The Biden administration will soon require health care insurers to cover the costs of up to eight home test kits per person per month.” Under normal circumstances, this would be greatly beneficial to the United States.

However, it is incredibly difficult to get an at-home test right now. Jennifer Avegno, New Orleans Health Department Director, says, “We placed an order for tens of thousands of tests almost a month ago, but have yet to receive it.” The national shortage of tests is causing an abundance of setbacks, and unfortunately, it is unknown when the issue will be resolved.

For the time being, there is an official U.S. Government website that offers four free at-home COVID-19 tests to be shipped to you. While waiting on the shortage to resolve, be sure to visit COVIDtests.gov – Free at-home COVID-19 tests to order your free tests. Fingers crossed you don’t need more than four before they are replenished!

The Patterson Center and Starbucks

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 You do not need to go far to enjoy a delicious seasonal Fall drink and a pizza or a sub sandwich. The Patterson Center at TAMUT inside has a Starbucks and a place to get food called Ace’s Place. With finals approaching, a cup of joe and some food makes for the perfect brain fuel needed to finish the semester. Starbucks on campus offers the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Maple Pecan, which can be customized as a hot or cold beverage and with dairy or non-dairy milk options. While Ace’s Place offers pizzas and sandwiches. Barista and senior student who works in Starbucks and Ace’s Place, Malik Tucker says, “Students’ favorites are the Cajun turkey and classic Italian sub sandwiches.”

Now that students have been back on campus, Tucker says, “I feel bad for students who can’t get their usual drinks due to supply shortages.” The Starbucks on campus mainly offers the regular drink menu items and Fall specialty drinks. The difference between the Starbucks on campus and the ones off-campus are the cake pops, winter holiday drinks, and merchandise not available at this location. But if a student prefers a winter holiday drink, the closest would be a peppermint-flavored coffee.

But you can go to any off-campus Starbucks locations, which recently released its new holiday drink and brought back some old favorites. Although some may have supply shortages on some menu items and merchandise, the new variety of holiday cups, mugs, and tumblers are out now. Sweet treats and winter holiday drinks are great for this season. Starbucks this year has introduced their newest holiday drink, which is a combination of a sweet treat flavor called, Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte. Starbucks has also brought back their holiday favorites and classics such as the Peppermint Mocha, Chestnut Praline Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, Caramel Brulée, and Irish Cream Cold Brew. Which all can be customized to your liking. Some options are iced, blended, or hot, with a variety of milk options and non-dairy. But you can always ask a barista what all the drink consists of when creating it to your preference. 

The Patterson Center at TAMUT makes it a more convenient way to grab food and drink. But if you are looking for the newer holiday drinks, a 5-minute drive to the closest off-campus Starbucks would be your best bet. Either way, you can enjoy a nice cup of cheer either on campus or off to get through the rest of the semester.

Elder Isolation During Covid

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It has been almost a year since seeing my mother. The reality of it boggles my mind at times. She is a darling, vivacious, outgoing, eighty-three-year-old lady. She and her friends keep the phone lines busy either calling, texting or checking on each other on Facebook. Social distancing has had an interesting effect on the elderly and how they live life. 

            My mom’s daily routine before the pandemic was to go to the gym, swing by on the way home to visit with friends, pick up her granddaughter from school, and go to church activities. Nowadays, she goes downstairs to walk her daily mile around the dining and living room, checks on her friends thru social media, waits for family to come by and goes to church online. 

            Elderly people in our community have experienced some of the same issues as so many others have nationwide. The full impact of isolation is not fully understood by science, but it is evident that it is affecting so many elderly citizens. Everyday situations that normally would not cause emotional distress in times past can quickly become a major issue for those that have stayed in isolation. 

            How can we, as compassionate community, help combat this phenomena? Emily Rind writes a handwritten note such as this quote on care packages. “I know it must be hard not seeing your family and loved ones, so I hope this will brighten your day and put a smile on your face.” Emily is a sixteen-year-old who has taken upon herself to make care packages to those in her local area nursing home. She fills the care packages with puzzles, word search books, activities, and other items. 

            There are so many other ways to reach out to elderly who are staying home during the pandemic. Entrepreneurs are creating innovative ways to touch those we cannot reach out to physically hug. I recently purchased a pillow online for my own mother. It was a picture of the state of Texas with an arrow connecting the state of California. It was customized with our names and hers so anytime she felt like a hug from us she could squeeze the pillow. There are also lamps you can touch in your home, and it changes the color of the lamp your loved one has in their home to indicate you just thought of them. Sending cards in the mail is another way to reach out, even if your loved ones are close-by. 

            Studies are showing that those over 65 years of age, older women, and those living alone tend to have a higher ratio of depression, anxiety and even linked to strokes and dementia. Even mental health care is difficult to access for those who are on a limited income, even those with some medical insurance. 

            As the pandemic is on the downslope perhaps, we could continue to reach out to those who are elderly as one day we will be in that life cycle as well. Hopefully there will be those who reach out to us at that point to brighten our day and put a smile on our wrinkled face.

Advice from an Average Student

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As the winter break approaches many people have their sights set on Christmas but I decided to get a head start on  New Years’ Eve and try to figure out what my resolution would be. During this time of year it is hard not to think about classes, finals and, honestly, what I could have done better as a student so I decided to run with that. 

Here are some tips I found on how to be a better and more successful student.

Set Realistic and Achievable Goals 

  • Set both short-term and long-term goals
  • Set goals from the very beginning will help keep you motivated and focused
  • Make sure that your goals are realistic is important in ensuring that you do not set yourself up for unnecessary frustrations 

Focus on Time Management 

  • Procrastination is many people’s worst enemy so staying on top of due dates is a great way to keep yourself from slipping into that habit
  • Stick to a schedule. If you want to make sure you have time for your social life as well as your studies, try and spread out your workload so you don’t feel overwhelmed with trying to do all your homework in one night
  • Remember that you don’t have to wait until the due date to submit your assignments, you can work on them ahead of time and get them out of the way so you don’t have to worry about them later

Take Care of Yourself

  • Make sure you get an adequate amount of sleep is important to make sure your brain can take in all of the new information you will be learning in class
  • When you are well rested you can pay attention in class more easily than when you can hardly keep your eyes open
  • Going to class sometimes feels like the most laborious task of all time; if you are well rested it’s less likely to seem that way 

Although these are just a few tips on being a better student, I’m sure that once you apply them, you will definitely see a difference. If you would like to see more ideas on how to be a better student, click here.