TAMIU Annual Report 2020

OUTREACH For many, the warmth emanated from a hand-written (or typed) letter still casts a glowunrivalledby any desktop, laptopor smartphone screen. It’s a reminder that someone has invested time in creating a special, tangible moment that can be treasured again and again. Creating those moments and reminding recipients of their im- portance and relevance was the foundation for TAMIU’s 2020 Make a Difference Day, hosted by the Office of Student Conduct and Com- munity Engagement, togetherwith the Student Government Associa- tion’s LeadersOrganizingVolunteering Events (L.O.V.E.) Committee. TAMIU students gathered to create letters of encouragement for Hamilton Senior Community Apartment residents in downtown Laredo. Their hope was to build a bridge between students and residents and encourage connection, said Bianay Ramírez , L.O.V.E Committee president. “It is through events like these that students and the community have the opportunity to connect and build a stronger bond. Further- more, TAMIUstudents have the opportunity to experiencefirst-hand the difficulties that our community faces and partake in initiatives to help solve those difficulties,” Ramírez explained. Respectful of social distancing andmasking, the students delivered their letters to the residents, whowere clearly delightedwith the special initiative, immediately opening the colorful letters and reading them. This initiative marks the 11th observance of Make A Difference Day at TAMIU. STUDENT LETTERS CAST GLOW FOR HAMILTON SENIOR RESIDENTS Knowing that another cares and cares for you can help sustain a person in the most challenging times. Thirty-one TAMIUCommunicationSciences andDisorders (CSDO) programstudents have decided they’ll be that person andhave helped create literacy and sensory-based activities for local childrenbattling cancer. Dr. Melissa García , TAMIU clinical associate professional in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and initiative organizer, shared the importance of these activities for the 31 CSDO students who participated. “It is important for CSDO students to participate in community- based events as they promote academic growth, civic engagement, and personal enrichment. The donations were directly related to clinical academic learning experiences and therefore, enhance the quality of the students’ learning,” explained García. The activities were distributed and appreciated by local children diagnosedwith cancer and those undergoing treatment. A total of 14 children benefited from these literacy activities, and children could use themduring out-of-town hospital and clinical visits while receiv- ing medical care. García said such community-oriented opportunities allow CSDO students todeepen their understanding of what they know, who they are, and their role in making their community a better place. The activity was inspired and helps support the efforts of Smiles from Heaven, a local nonprofit organization that supports children fighting childhood cancer and their families. COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS STUDENTS HELP CHILDREN BATTLING CANCER Dr. MelissaGarcía MPAalumRiazulMia, AssistantCityManagerfromCityofLaredoand Mariana Rodríguez, TAMIU SGA President participated. 31