Monique Bird, Staff Writer

On Friday, Oct. 5, 2007, the Office of Intercultural Services (OIS) hosted the 5th Latina Student Leadership Conference, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The conference, a part of the Cultural Connections Conference Series, encouraged participants to debate and to engage in dialogue through its varying workshops, presentations, and networking sessions. The theme of the conference was “Pathways to Latina Leadership and Excellence” brought together people from the surrounding community, university, and area high schools. The conference focused on topics such as economic empowerment, career advancement, cross cultural gender gap, preparing for college, and physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. But don’t let the mission fool you, men were more than welcome – and there were plenty in attendance.

The conference opened with Master of Ceremonies, Will Richey, an author, spoken-word artist, and community activist. During the opening and throughout the conference, Richey elaborated on the importance of connecting to one’s roots and combating racism throughout the world.

Following the opening ceremony, conference participants selected from among varying concurrent sessions. These sessions allowed the opportunity for leaders in the Latino community to present workshops regarding topics important to the conference series’ mission of being “a catalyst for the personal and professional growth of high school and collegiate women in pursuit of higher education so that they can become strong individuals and productive members of society.”

The luncheon, in the southeast dining room of Hubbard Hall, featured cultural performances by the TWU International Dance Company and a keynote address from author, attorney, and professor, Dr. Jose Angel Gutierrez. Gutierrez discussed the gender gap occurring in higher education and the powerful role women have and will have in educating future generations.

The conference concluded with a session by Macarena Hernandez, writer for the Dallas Morning News. During her session, Hernandez spoke of the value of an education and study abroad, the struggles she experienced as a youth and how she overcame those adversities, and the responsibility to “help someone else along the way once you climb up.” She wrapped up her session with open discussion of contentious topics important to the Latino community including the criminalization of loved ones in Irving as the city cracks down on illegal immigration, the reintroduction of the DREAM Act in the United States Congress, negative stereotypes given to persons of Hispanic descent who cannot speak Spanish, and the need for cultural groups to work together to increase their political clout.

Although the conference was designed with the Latina in mind, anyone could have attended. Conference speakers and presenters spoke in both English and Spanish to accommodate the diverse audience. Despite those of us with limited Spanish proficiencies, much of the dialogue did not need translation (although, I have to admit a few things did). According to OIS, the conference was designed for “anyone interested in breaking communication barriers and nurturing future leaders, should participate in this powerful event.”

Conference volunteer, Paloma Rizo, a junior majoring in Speech Pathology, states that she has attended the conference previously and enjoys the “networking opportunities and the ability to meet Latinas and other people who are interested in dialogue regarding these important topics.”

The conference was a collaboration effort of many TWU individuals, including the OIS staff and the Cultural Connections Conference Series planning committee, sponsoring organizations including the Multicultural Student Network, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority, the NAACP, the Asian Student Association, and the TWU G-Force, and numerous TWU departments.

The second portion of the Cultural Connections Conference Series, the Black Student Leadership Conference will occur on Friday, March 7, 2008. For more information on the upcoming event, please contact OIS.

Monique Bird, News Editor

On Monday, Oct. 8, 2007, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. the Graduate School, Office of Admissions, and the Student Union, hosted the 5th Annual TWU Graduate and Professional School Fair. The annual event, located on the second floor of the Student Union provided attendees the opportunity to collect information on graduate and professional programs available on-campus and off-campus.

Seventy-seven total recruiting booths were available for students to view including 21 TWU departments, 32 Texas institutions, 17 out-of-state schools, and three international schools, with some schools offering multiple booths for their various programs. Schools that sent representatives included Texas Wesleyan University, St. Mary’s University, Oklahoma State University, and New Mexico State University.

Members of the TWU and Denton community were able to speak with recruiters from colleges and universities throughout the state and nation and TWU departments about their respective programs. At the free fair, participants collected information about available programs, individual school requirements, applicable exams needed, and financial aid and scholarships. In addition, students could leave their contact information, so that the school could continue to send information regarding its programs.

Dr. Jennifer Martin, Dean of the Graduate School, states that the goal of the fair is to encourage students to attend graduate school. “We hope (students) receive a very realistic view of the many opportunities open to them through visiting with recruiters from a large number of TWU departments and other universities.” She adds that, “Students make the best decisions when they have information. (The fair) is an opportunity for them to collect information about many graduate options available to them all in one location.”

TWU’s own graduate departments offer a lot to its candidates. According to Martin, “TWU offers students an opportunity for a quality graduate education that is affordable and accessible.  TWU is a national leader in many of the fields in which we offer graduate degrees.  Students will experience a supportive environment for learning with professors who are committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service.”

When asked why undergraduate students should consider furthering their education, Martin noted that, “a graduate degree prepares students for leadership roles in their fields as students are encouraged to develop both their knowledge/skill base and their critical thinking skills. Those with graduate degrees have higher lifetime earnings than those with only baccalaureate degrees or less education.”

Numerous data supports Martin’s statement. According to a statement made Jennifer Day, Chief of the Education and Social Stratification Branch at the U.S. Census Bureau, and listed on its Web site, “At most ages, more education equates with higher earnings, and the payoff is most notable at the highest educational levels. People with doctoral degrees earn $3.4 million over the course of their professional lifetime, and those with professional degrees do even better, earning on average $4.4 million.” A professional school offers academic degrees that prepare its candidates for a particular career or profession, such as law, medicine, or accounting.

Martin also mentions several things that students need to consider as they research various graduate programs including the following: their desired major; career and research goals; the quality of the program; location; financial assistance through mechanisms such as scholarships and graduate assistantships; cost; and faculty qualifications, accomplishments, and interests.

Monique Bird, News Editor

It’s known as allergies, hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis. For those of us who suffer from its effects, it does not matter what its called. Allergies can be a real pain in the – well, let’s just say nose.

The allergic reaction is a response to pollen or other microscopic substances present in the air; these substances are known as allergens and include culprits such as pollen, mold, and dander. When the body’s immune system comes in contact with the culprit, the system incorrectly interprets the allergen as an “invader” and responds to the danger by releasing the chemical histamine into the body’s bloodstream.

That’s where the real trouble begins. The histamine released causes swelling of the sinuses, nose, and mucus membranes. This inflammation is intended to block the allergen from entering the body. Whether you are a sufferer, or just unfortunate enough to be stuck around its victims, most people are familiar with its symptoms – sneezing, running nose, itching, watery eyes, puffy eyes, fatigue, congestion, etc. Sneezing is the body’s attempt to rid the body of the allergen; and the fluids that enter the nasal tissue cause the runny nose, itching, and congestion.

The season in which allergy problems exist depends on the particular allergen and weather patterns. As the allergen increases, its sufferers will concurrently experience an increase in adverse reactions. This season, all of the culprits seem to have joined forces to harm its poor victims as weather patterns have gone berserk.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel – or at least a tissue. There are a number of measures that people can take to relieve their allergy problems. People can combat their allergies by being aware of what they are allergic to. Health care providers can perform skin tests and blood tests to determine a person’s list of allergens. Of course, avoiding exposure works best and include remaining inside in the morning and evening when the allergen levels are highest, keeping windows closed during peek allergy seasons, and avoid mowing the lawn or doing other yard work (finally, a silver lining in my allergy cloud!).

However, if you do not want to stay stuck in the house, other things can be done to relieve symptoms. Wash your hands and face when you come from outdoors or try wearing sunglasses to reduce the pollen around the eyes. Another helpful tool is a nose neti or nose bidet, found at many health food and drug stores, which allows the user to essentially rinse out their nose (be sure to mix warm water with a quarter teaspoon of salt). Medications also provide relief. The best allergy medications depend on the type and severity of the symptoms. Allergy sufferers should speak with their health care provider, or a specialist known as an immunologist or an allergist, or pharmacist to determine what medications to use; he or she may recommend over-the-counter medications or prescribe an appropriate prescription. The health care provider may also recommend allergy shots to relieve their symptoms.

Lacey Shields, Managing Editor

Looking for a place to live off campus? With Web sites like Apartment Ratings and Apartment Finder, you can easily refine your search according to location, price, and other features, and amenities.

As a resident of Oak Meadows Apartments, junior English major Caitlyn Cain discussed her rent.

“I like my apartment because it is cheap and open,” Cain said. “I also love not living at home or on campus. I pay $630 a month for a two bedroom/one bathroom and I get free water, but I have to pay for utilities like electricity, cable, and Internet.”

Cain described the overall atmosphere of Oak Meadows.

“I have been living at Oak Meadows for two years,” Cain said. “A lot of college students live there and it is close to school. There is a grocery store nearby, a gas station around the corner, and traffic is not too bad. If I am lucky, it takes me five minutes to get to TWU and 15 minutes if there is traffic.”

For Cain, Oak Meadows responded almost immediately to work orders she put in.

“As far as maintenance goes, they are quick,” Cain said. “I put a request in on Monday and they had it taken care of by Wednesday. Plus, they are really nice.”

Forty-five percent of 33 reviews from users on www.apartmentratings.com recommended Oak Meadows Apartments. The average monthly rent for a two bedroom/two bathroom apartment is $648. The application fee is $35 with a deposit fee of $200. Oak Meadows is located at 1810 Teasley Lane, Denton, TX, 76205. It is approximately an eight-minute drive and about 2.76 miles away from the TWU campus. Call (940) 382-4007 for more information.

Of course, Oak meadows is only one apartment complex in the area. Two apartment complexes with the most positive feedback from Apartment Ratings users included Oaklawn Gardens Apartments, with a recommendation of 70 percent of 47 reviews from users. The average monthly rent for a two bedroom/two bathroom apartment is $511. Oaklawn Gardens is located at N. Bell Avenue #112, Denton, TX 76201. It is a three-minute drive and approximately 0.97 miles away from campus. Call (940) 382-1541 for more information.

In addition, 79 percent of 42 reviews from users recommended Loma Del Rey Apartments. The average monthly rent for a one bedroom/one bathroom apartment is $440. Loma Del Rey is located at 517 N. Loop 288, Denton, TX 76201. It is a seven-minute drive and approximately 3.91 miles away from campus. Call (940) 484-5360 for more information.

Other highly rated apartment complexes included Windsor Village Apartments and La Colina Apartments, which are both less than ten minutes away from campus. Keep in mind what you are looking for in an apartment to help narrow down your search.