TAMIU Grad and Dad Spread Message of Higher Ed in A&M System Video

A Texas A&M International University graduate and her father's message of succeeding through higher education is part of a new video being distributed across the state and around the world.

Christina Arellano, who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at graduation ceremonies last Saturday at TAMIU, is featured in an interview segment that showcases TAMIU in "Serving Texans, Shaping the World."

The 12-minute video introduces the viewer to the heart and soul of The Texas A&M University System, one of the largest and most renowned systems of higher education in the nation.

The A&M System has a presence in every county in the State of Texas and the video shows how the System touches the lives of Texans across the state in ways they might not expect, including the work of specialized agencies like the Texas Transportation Institute and County Extension Services.

Kathy L. Harris, Communications Specialist with the Office of the Chancellor and a project coordinator, said producers were impressed with the way Arellano and her father articulated the importance of higher education and Texas A&M International University in their lives.

"The Texas A&M University System is proud of its South Texas members. In representing the student voice of South Texas and Texas A&M International University, Christina's message is very powerful and very uplifting. Her father Luis is also included in the segment and his pride and love of his daughter is very evident. We believe viewers of `Serving Texans, Shaping the World,' will be undeniably touched by the messages shared by Christina and her father," Harris explained.

For her part, Christina said she was proud to raise her voice in support of higher education and TAMIU.

"I believe in Texas A&M International University and I know that it is making a difference in many lives, including my own. For so long, this part of South Texas was overlooked. Now we have the access to higher education resources that we need...right here in our own backyard. I know that the lives of many students like myself will be profoundly impacted by TAMIU," she said.

Arellano said participating in the video taping was a fun experience.

"The crew came over to my parent's house and we just sat down and talked. My dad got home from work and he joined in the conversation. If it wouldn't have been for the lights and equipment, you wouldn't have known the crew was even there," she recalled.

Arellano, who is working part-time in the University's Office of Enrollment Management, plans to continue working at the University for the upcoming fall semester and will join the staff of State Representative Henry Cuellar in Austin for the start of the 75th Legislature. She hopes to begin law school next fall.

Prior to returning to school full time to complete her undergraduate degree she worked in Representative Cuellar's Laredo office.

Arellano's face and sage advice to future students will have wide distribution. The copyrighted video is being distributed throughout the State of Texas and beyond, said Harris.

"Our goal is to distribute the video and the A&M System message of service to the entire state, with emphasis on areas that feel a strong A&M System presence," she said.

In Laredo, copies will be provided to all TAMUS agencies, school district administrative offices, public and private high school counseling offices and the Chamber of Commerce and public libraries, to name a few.

The video is currently airing on the Public Access Channel (PAC) at various times.

Late Registration for Fall 1996 at TAMIU is underway from Aug. 26- 30. Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 26. Late fees apply.

For additional information, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 326 - 2250.

Information can also be secured from the University's Home Page at http://www.tamiu.edu